HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • Cataracts Can Be Treated

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Elderly women getting her eyes checked by a doctor.

    The eye has a clear lens inside that allows you to focus on things. But, as we get older, the lens may not be clear anymore. Proteins inside the lens stick together, causing a cloudy spot. This is a cataract.

    Cataracts are common. More than half of people age 80 and over have cataracts or had cataract surgery.

    What causes cataracts?

    Cataracts cannot always be prevented. Many people get them simply from getting older. This is because proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down with time.

    But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cataracts:

    *  Get regular eye exams.

    *  Don’t smoke – or quit if you do smoke.

    *  Limit or avoid alcohol.

    *  Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and hats that shield the sun.

    *  Eat a healthy diet and get exercise. This can help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, which may cause cataracts.

    Do I have cataracts?

    Many people don’t realize they have cataracts. This is because changes in vision happen very slowly over time.

    People who have cataracts may notice:

    *  Colors look faded or yellowed; things look blurry or cloudy

    *  Seeing a “halo” around lights

    *  It’s harder to read without a very bright light

    *  Trouble with night vision

    *  Double vision in one eye

    What can I do about cataracts?

    While cataracts may take away your clear vision, there is good news. Many cataracts can be corrected with surgery.

    The operation usually takes less than an hour. The doctor will replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. Usually, no stitches are needed. You may also have the surgery without general anesthesia, or being put to sleep. The doctor will numb the eye area so you won’t feel anything.

    People usually have only minor pain afterward. You may need to use eye drops after surgery to help the eye heal, or wear a protective eye shield when you sleep. Your doctor can let you know when it is safe for you to drive and do other activities.

    In most cases, the eye is totally healed within a few weeks and vision is much better.

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Collecting Unclaimed Funds

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Young couple holding a jar with money in it.

    Could you have money waiting for you? Learn about unclaimed money or property from bank accounts, tax refunds, insurance policies or wages and pensions.

    You can find your unclaimed money for free. Here’s how:

    *  Search in every state where you have lived. Look up each state’s unclaimed property office. You can also try contacting the state treasurer’s office.

    *  Search the FDIC database. If your bank or credit union closed, you could have unclaimed deposits. You can also check out the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) atwww.ncua.gov/support-services.

    *  Current or former VA life insurance holders can check for unclaimed life insurance funds. Go toinsurance.va.gov/UnclaimedFunds.

    *  Look for tax refunds from an FHA-insured mortgage. If you earned income but your wages were below the tax filing requirement, you might have a refund waiting. Go toirs.gov/refunds to check. If you bought mortgage insurance from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you might have a refund. Go toentp.hud.gov/dsrs/refunds.

    *  Do you have unclaimed back wages or pension money from a past employer? Go to the Workers Owed Wages (WOW) website atwebapps.dol.gov/wow. You can also check the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation atpbgc.gov.

    Notice that these websites include “gov.” They don’t have a “com” or “org.” The “gov” means it’s an official U.S. Government website. You should never have to pay any money to find or claim your unclaimed money. It’s FREE. Watch out for scammers and people who want to charge you for this service.

    Source: usa.gov

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Conquer Job Stress

    SUCCESS OVER STRESS

    Happy man with arms up while setting at work desk.

    Burnout: When stress goes too far

    When stress goes on for too long, a person may feel “burned out.” This usually means they become exhausted and unable to do their job well anymore. They may also become negative or feel angry toward others at work.

    Burnout can seriously affect your health. It can lead to depression and possibly other problems, like heart disease and stroke.

    Stop the cycle

    It’s not too late to manage your work stress. Even if you feel your stress is high, there are ways to make things better. Here’s how:

    *Take breaks – even short ones.Just 10 minutes of downtime during the day can make a big difference in your stress levels. Don’t work through lunch and break times.

    *Practice the art of waiting and walking away.If you feel angry or stressed about something, don’t respond right away. Say something like, “let me think about that and get back to you.” Avoid sending angry emails when you feel stressed.

    *Go easy on yourself.Are you expecting perfection from yourself? No one is perfect. Learn from mistakes and move on.

    *Discuss your concerns.If you’re having trouble with something at work, talk to your supervisor about solutions. Don’t keep it bottled inside and assume it will work itself out.

    Source: American Psychological Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Cracking The Benefits Of Eggs

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of an egg in a frying pan.

    Very low sugar

    For people who need to watch their sugar or carbohydrate intake, eggs can be a good option. A large egg contains less than a fifth of a gram of natural sugar.

    Protein

    A large egg contains about 6 grams of high-quality protein. Protein can help you feel fuller, longer. This is because it’s slower to digest than carbohydrates.

    Protein is the building block for many important functions in the body. It helps build new skin, bones, muscles and blood.

    Protein may also help you keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

    Healthy fats

    Eggs contain omega-3 fats. These fats help with brain function. Experts think omega-3 fats may also help improve heart health.

    Eggs are low in saturated fat. Saturated fat is the type of fat linked to heart disease and other health problems. Most of the fat in eggs is found in the yolk.

    Vitamins and minerals

    Eggs contain a number of vitamins, including:

    *  Vitamin A, which is important for eye health

    *  Vitamin B12, which helps make red blood cells

    *  Folate, which can help prevent certain birth defects in pregnant women and is needed to make DNA in the body

    *  Vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune system function

    Eggs also contain minerals that the body needs, such as iron, selenium and iodine.

    Enjoy eggs safely

    Eggs should be cooked thoroughly before eating. Raw or undercooked eggs can have dangerous bacteria like salmonella. This can make a person very sick. But, cooking eggs until the yolks are firm helps avoid this risk. Eggs should also be kept in the refrigerator. Don’t use any eggs that are past the expiration date.

    If you have any health conditions, ask your doctor before making changes to your diet.

    Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Agriculture

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Create A Family Mission Statement

    FAMILY LIFE

    Family sitting together talking.

    A family mission statement defines your core values & priorities. It’s a useful tool to bind your family together for a common purpose.

    Gather as a family to talk about what you value most. Brainstorm words that best describe your family dynamics and priorities.

    Ask good questions

    *  What is our family’s purpose?

    *  What do we love to do together?

    *  What makes our family unique?

    *  What legacy do we hope to leave?

    Create a draft

    Identify themes from your conversations together and write a mission statement. The statement can be a paragraph, bullet points, or phrases that capture your family.

    Reflect & refine

    Take time to reflect on your first draft and see if it fits your family. Talk about what you’ve put together and get feedback. Adjust and refine as needed.

    Finalize & display

    Your mission statement doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should accurately reflect your family’s core values and goals. Display it somewhere visible.

    Update

    As your family grows and changes, your mission statement should change, too. Your values and goals will naturally evolve over time.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Daily Habits For A Restful Sleep

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Clock sitting on night stand.

    Your habits during the day have a significant influence on how well you sleep. From the moment you open your eyes in the morning, the choices you make determine whether your body will be ready to rest at bedtime.

    Creating a sleep-minded daily routine will set the stage for a good night’s rest. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, it’s time to reset your daily rhythm so you wake up refreshed and ready to go.

    Get up at the same time each day

    A consistent sleep schedule lets your body know when to be alert and when to settle down for bed. Getting up at the same time each day is essential to establish a sleep rhythm.

    Think of getting up in the morning as step one of your sleep schedule. If step one is consistent, then all the other steps can fall into place. If you’re tired, it’s better to go to bed early than sleep in late.

    Spend time outside

    Natural light is a signal to the body that it’s time to be awake and alert. Being outdoors stimulates hormones related to your circadian rhythm. These hormones help determine how energetic you feel during the day and how well you sleep at night.

    Exposure to early morning sunlight is ideal for regulating your sleep/wake pattern. If you are unable to get outside, use bright lights early in the day to simulate sunlight.

    Exercise in the morning

    Being physically active first thing in the morning can give you a boost of energy. The more active and energetic you feel during the day, the more likely you will wind down at night.

    If exercising first thing isn’t possible, make sure to get your exercise in as early in the day as you can. Avoid exercising within a few hours of bedtime as it may make you too energized to fall asleep.

    Eat consistent meals

    The timing of your meals is an important part of your sleep cycle. When you eat, you are communicating the time of day to your body. Consistent meals also provide energy so you can be alert and productive during your waking hours.

    Avoid skipping meals or snacking late at night. Eating or drinking close to bedtime sends the wrong signal. At night, you want your energy levels to drop and your body to focus on repair and rest.

    Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Dealing With Family Arguments

    FAMILY LIFE

    Mother comforting her young son who's upset.

    It’s normal to have arguments with your children and spouse. Children learn to voice their opinions through their family first. And all close relationships have disagreements sometimes.

    But arguments don’t have to be hurtful.

    Handle disagreements in a positive way:

    *Pick your battles:Don’t fight over every disagreement. Decide if small things are worth an argument. Walk away from an argument when it’s not an important matter.

    *Be open.Try to see others’ point of view. Stop and listen to what they’re saying and really consider it before responding.

    *Set boundaries.Arguments should not include name calling, insults or disrespect. Try to avoid shouting, too. If things get heated, take a break and say you’ll discuss it later when everyone feels calmer.

    *Look at root causes.Are you arguing with the same person all the time? Or are you having the same argument with multiple people? Think about why this is happening, and what you can do to stop having these conflicts. Consider this preventive care for your relationships.

    *Remember that you’re an example.Children see how parents argue. Think about how you would want them to handle a disagreement, and try to model that behavior.

    Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Diet & Fertility

    HEALTHY EATING

    Couple in kitchen cooking together.

    While many factors that affect fertility are beyond your control, lifestyle habits are something you can change for the better when trying to conceive.

    Eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight put your body in the right condition for reproduction. Choosing a quality diet is an essential part of the process.

    What to eat

    There are still gaps in our understanding of the best diet to promote fertility. However, we do know a healthy diet is beneficial in all stages of life. Here are some general guidelines that have been shown to support fertility:

    *Choose healthy fats.These include monounsaturated and omega 3 fats. Olive oil, avocados, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds are good sources of these fats.

    *Up your plant intake.Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, and nuts and seeds should feature heavily in your diet.

    *Women should consume foods high in iron.Plant sources of iron include beans, lentils, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and whole grains. For better absorption, include vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus, berries, and peppers.

    *Women should take a daily prenatal multivitamin.It should include 400 micrograms of folic acid.

    What to avoid

    The eating pattern considered beneficial for fertility also includes foods to limit when trying to conceive.

    *Trans fats.These less healthy fats are found in some processed foods. Choosing a whole food diet will naturally eliminate many unhealthy trans fats.

    *Less animal protein.Small quantities of beef, chicken, pork, and fish are OK, but most people benefit from cutting back, especially red meat.

    *Junk food.Processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat don’t support reproductive health.

    *Overeating.Men or women who are overweight or obese may benefit from gradual, healthy weight loss to boost fertility.

    *Fad diets.Avoid following fads as these diets are often imbalanced or can lead to rapid, unhealthy weight loss which may interfere with fertility.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Digging Into Detox Diets

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of different berries.

    The word “detox” is a popular term in diets today. Many detox diets and plans promise to help your body flush out toxins and get you healthier.

    Some detox diets follow extreme guidelines like:

    *  Fasting (not eating) for long periods

    *  Drinking only special detox drinks or juices

    *  Using supplements or products that claim to detox your body

    *  Using laxatives, enemas or other products to empty the colon

    Safety concerns

    Many detox plans haven’t been proven to be safe. Supplements and extreme diets can cause health problems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against detox products that are dangerous or contain illegal ingredients.

    Don’t assume that a “natural” detox plan is safe. It may be risky because:

    *  Drinking large quantities of juice can be dangerous for people with kidney disease.

    *  Drinking juices that are “raw” or unpasteurized can cause serious illnesses from bacteria.

    *  People with diabetes often need to eat a healthy diet and need to eat at regular times. Fasting or drinking juice instead of meals can cause dangerous blood sugar levels.

    *  Using too many laxatives can cause dehydration, severe diarrhea and an imbalance in minerals and vitamins.

    *  Fasting for long periods can cause headaches, dehydration and fainting.

    Your body’s own detox

    The human body is already designed to get rid of toxins. Most of this is done by the liver, which processes and removes chemicals, toxins and other unwanted things.

    Supporting your liver is a healthy and safe way to “detox” without extreme or dangerous diets. You can support your liver by:

    *  Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains

    *  Working toward a healthy weight if you’re overweight

    *  Avoiding or limiting processed foods

    *  Drinking plenty of water

    *  Avoiding or limiting alcoholic drinks

    *  Getting exercise regularly

    *  Following directions on medicines and take medicines as your doctor prescribes

    *  Getting vaccines for hepatitis A and B, which are diseases that affect the liver

    Not all diets are safe. Before you start any detox or diet plan, ask your doctor.

    Sources: American Liver Foundation, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Does Tea Make You Healthier?

    HEALTHY EATING

    A cup of tea.

    There are many claims about the health benefits of tea. Here are the facts we know:

    *  Tea contains small amounts of minerals. But it’s not enough to meet your needs. Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

    *  There is no solid evidence that tea can help with weight loss. Be wary of “weight loss teas,” as some may contain harmful ingredients.

    *  Tea contains antioxidants. They may help lower the risk of some health problems. Green tea and matcha tea may contain more polyphenols than other types of tea. Experts don’t know for sure that tea will prevent or cure any diseases, though.

    *  Processed teas and tea powders don’t contain as many antioxidants as fresh tea. Use tea leaves and tea bags for the most antioxidants.

    Tea can be part of a healthy eating plan. Steep your own tea and skip the added sugar.

    Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine