HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • A Bucket Of Ice

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a bucket filled with ice.

    Have you taken the ice bucket challenge? What do you know about the disease you were raising funds for?

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles.

    According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ALS attacks nerve cells that control muscles in the arms, legs, and face. Eventually use of limbs and speech stop. Voluntary movement is lost. And with that comes loss of the ability to breathe.

    There is no test to diagnose it. There is no cure. And no one knows who will get it and who does not. Ongoing research is looking for answers.

    Lou Gehrig was a baseball legend, the first baseman for the New York Yankees who developed the disease that ended his incredible career and his life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Burning Issue: How To Handle Household Burns

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of a mother helping daughter with a burn on the arm.

    Accidental burns can happen just about anywhere in your home, and they’re not always caused by fire. Hot objects or liquids, friction, the sun, electricity, or certain chemicals can also cause burns.

    Each year, about a half-million people nationwide seek medical attention for burns. Household burns lead to nearly 7 of 10 admissions to burn centers. The good news is that the number of deaths from severe burns has dropped by more than half over the past 4 decades, in large part because of treatments developed through NIH-funded research.

    Burns result in skin or tissue damage. The severity of a burn depends on the area it covers and how deep the damage goes. First-degree burns affect only the thin top layer of skin. Second-degree burns include the thick lower layer of skin. A third-degree burn is the most serious; it penetrates the entire thickness of the skin, permanently destroying it and the tissue that’s underneath.

    You can care for most minor burns at home. If the burn is red and painful with mild swelling or little blistering, then it’s a first-degree or minor second-degree burn.

    See a doctor if the burn is dark red and looks glossy with a lot of blistering. These are signs of a deep second-degree burn. Get immediate treatment if the burned skin is dry and leathery, perhaps with white, brown, or black patches. These are signs of a third-degree burn.

    Burns can become infected with bacteria or other germs if protective layers of skin are lost. Burns can also lead to painful inflammation, as your immune system shifts into gear.

    First aid for burns

    For minor burns:

    *  Immerse in fresh, cool water or apply cool compresses for 10 to 15 minutes.

    *  Dry the area with a clean cloth. Cover with sterile gauze or a non-adhesive bandage.

    *  Don’t apply ointments or butter; these may cause infection.

    *  Don’t break blisters.

    *  Over-the-counter pain medications may help reduce inflammation and pain.

    Call emergency services (911) if:

    *  Burns cover a large area of the body

    *  Burns affect the entire thickness of skin

    *  The victim is an infant or elderly

    *  The burn was caused by electricity, which can lead to “invisible” burns

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Curve You Don’t Want

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a X-ray of the spine.

    Curvature of the spine (or scoliosis) may sound like a scary diagnosis, but proper treatment enables children with the condition to lead normal, active lives.

    Small curves are a normal part of the spine and not cause for concern, according to Dr. Daniel Green, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. But when the curve exceeds a certain range, children require medical help.

    Scoliosis tends to run in families, but most often the cause is not known. However, studies show that scoliosis is not caused by poor posture, the use of backpacks, or any type of exercise. It affects girls 10 times more often than boys.

    Scoliosis is often first detected during a routine visit to the child’s doctor or during a school screening. The development of scoliosis is usually gradual and painless. A curve can develop without a parent or child knowing it, until it becomes more obvious.

    Signs of scoliosis

    *  One shoulder appears higher than the other.

    *  The waist appears uneven.

    *  One hip looks higher than the other.

    *  The ribs appear to stick out on one side.

    *  The child seems to be leaning to one side when standing.

    Early diagnosis and treatment lead to a better outcome. The diagnosis is based on a physical exam and x-rays. A curve of greater than 10 degrees on an x-ray is considered to be scoliosis.

    For patients with smaller curves, the doctor may recommend just watching the condition. For bigger curves, the best treatment may be a brace to correct the condition. Sometimes surgery may be needed.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Healthy Diet Helps With Stress

    SUCCESS OVER STRESS

    Image of salmon.

    Can the foods you eat help you cope with stress? Yes, according to experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. When you can’t avoid stress completely, focus on these foods to help you through it:

    Whole grains and healthy carbohydrates

    Whole grain bread, pasta, brown rice and sweet potatoes are all complex carbohydrates, which may help boost feel-good hormones in the brain.

    Heart-healthy fats

    Foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as salmon, flax seeds and walnuts may help improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

    Soothing hot teas

    Lavender and chamomile teas are good choices to help you relax and potentially get better sleep – keys to dealing with stress.

    Dark chocolate

    The antioxidants in this treat may help reduce stress. Be sure to keep your portion to one ounce or less a day, and choose dark varieties only. Milk and white chocolates do not offer these benefits.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Jolt Of Java

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of 3 coffee cups around coffee beans.

    The addictive drug caffeine (yes, it’s a drug) is naturally found in coffee beans and is added to other drinks and foods. So how much is in your daily cup?

    Here’s what the Center for Science in the Public Interest says. (Numbers are in milligrams per 8 ounce cup, unless otherwise stated, so judge accordingly because who drinks just 8 ounces?)

    * Note: The FDA advises consumers to talk with their health care providers before using any product marketed as an “energy shot” or “energy drink.”

    *  Brewed coffee 102 to 200 (by comparison, brewed decaf 5)

    *  Instant coffee 27 to 173

    *  Starbucks brewed 160 (Starbucks vanilla latte 75 or 1 oz Espresso 75)

    *  Dunkin’ Donuts 103

    *  Starbucks Tazo Chai tea 50

    *  Brewed tea 40-120

    *  Arizona Iced Tea, black 16; green 7.5

    *  Snapple, Just Plain Unsweetened 9

    *  5-Hour Energy (1.93 oz) 207*

    *  Monster Energy 80 (but the cans are 16 oz so 160)*

    *  Coke, regular or diet 54 (12 oz); Classic 35

    *  Sprite, regular or diet 0

    *  SoBe Essential 48

    *  Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch 84

    *  Hershey’s Chocolate Bar (1.55 oz) 9

    *  Hershey’s Kisses (9 pieces) 9

    *  Excedrin (Extra Strength, 2 tablets) 130

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Matter Of Balance

    WELL-BEING

    Illustration of 3 people figures with one of them falling.

    A fall for a senior is not simply a matter of shaking it off and standing back up. A fall could mean a broken hip or a bruise, and some seniors really “can’t get up.” Falls are a major threat to the health and independence of older adults.

    The best solution is preventing falls in the first place. And a recent study in the British Medical Journal pointed to the success of exercise programs in reducing falls that cause injuries and broken bones.

    Risk factors for falls include muscle weakness, especially in the legs, and poor balance-all linked to lack of exercise or certain medical conditions. Poor vision and confusion can also lead to falls. Even some medications can cause dizziness. To lower your risk for falls, CDC recommends you do four things:

    1. Exercise to improve balance and strength.

    Walking, using a stretch band and lifting weights increase muscle strength. Yoga and tai chi improve balance. Follow your doctor’s advice for exercise.

    2. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you take.

    Some, when taken alone or with other medications or alcohol can make you dizzy or sleepy and raise your risk for falls. Also, let your doctor know if you feel lightheaded when you get up from sitting in a chair or out of bed. Before you get out of bed, sit on the edge of it for a minute or two and get up slowly.

    3. Get an eye exam from an eye doctor at least once a year.

    Follow his or her advice for wearing corrective lenses and/or using low-vision aids. Get treatment for cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye conditions as needed.

    4. Make your house safer.

    *  Keep the inside of your house well lit. Use night lights.

    *  Have secure handrails on both sides of  all stairs.

    *  Keep stairs and walk paths clear from clutter and tripping hazards.

    *  Install grab bars in the tub/shower and next to the toilet. If needed, use a shower chair that has rubber tips on the legs and a hand-held shower.

    *  If you use throw rugs, use ones with nonskid backs. Or, put nonslip rug pads or carpet tape underneath rugs.

    *  Wear sturdy shoes with thin, nonslip soles. Avoid going barefoot.

    *  Avoid using a step ladder or a chair to stand on. Keep items you use often in easy-to-reach places.

    *  Be mindful of where your pet and his or her toys are to avoid tripping over them.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Shoulder To Lean On

    BE FIT

    Image of women and trainer exercising the shoulders.

    Shoulder injuries are common. Why? Because of improper exercise technique, say exercise experts at the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and because people commonly over-train one or two deltoid muscles while neglecting others.

    Strength-training routines are typically dominated by exercises that train only the front of the shoulder, which is actually comprised of three distinct muscles. So ACE looked into the most effective exercises for strengthening the overall shoulder and preventing injury.

    The result? Researchers from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse shrugged their shoulders when asked to pick the top exercise. Results showed there is not one best exercise that completely works all muscles of the shoulders.

    Instead, for best results, exercisers should perform the dumbbell shoulder press to target the front, and either the 45-degree incline row or the seated rear lateral raise for the rear. Ask your gym’s expert to show you these techniques.

    69% of people will experience a shoulder injury at some point in their lives, according to the NIH.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Abcs Of Hepatitis

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of liver.

    Millions of Americans are living with hepatitis today, and many don’t know they have it. Hepatitis can be serious and can lead to lifelong health problems. To help fight this dangerous disease, it’s important to know how it is spread and what you can do to prevent it.

    What is hepatitis?

    Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Without the liver, the body cannot process nutrients, fight infection, or filter the blood. Hepatitis can make someone very sick. Some people with viral hepatitis can get liver cancer or severe scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.

    How does someone get hepatitis?

    The three most common types of viral hepatitis are spread in different ways:

    *  Hepatitis A can spread if a person eats or drinks something that has been contaminated with the virus. A person with hepatitis A spreads the virus through their stool.

    *  Hepatitis B can spread when blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person get into the body of another person. This can happen during childbirth, sexual contact, getting tattoos or piercings, sharing needles or medical equipment, or sharing personal items, such as razors.

    *  Hepatitis C spreads through blood. Sharing needles or personal equipment that comes into contact with blood is the main way it gets spread. It may also spread during sexual contact. Like hepatitis B, Hep C can infect a baby during childbirth if the mother has it.

    How do I prevent hepatitis?

    Many people don’t have symptoms of hepatitis and don’t know they are infected. This means they can spread it to others without knowing it.

    The best ways to help prevent the spread of hepatitis are:

    *  Getting the vaccine, if needed. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.

    *  Getting screened for hepatitis if you are at risk and getting treatment when available.

    *  Being aware of risk factors and avoiding them whenever possible. This may include not sharing needles or other personal equipment as listed on this page. Use latex condoms during sexual activity.

    Is there a cure for viral hepatitis?

    Most people who get hepatitis A will recover after a few weeks or months. People with hepatitis B may need to be checked regularly for liver damage, and the infection may be lifelong. Hepatitis C can often be cured with today’s advanced medications.

    Ask your doctor if you are at risk for hepatitis and whether you should be screened or vaccinated.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Abs: The Core Of A Healthy Body

    BE FIT

    Image of women doing abdominal exercises.

    Strong abdominal muscles can do more than just make you look slimmer. Healthy ab muscles can help you improve posture and alleviate back pain. For those who thought ab exercises were only for achieving a “six pack,” it’s time to discover all the benefits of a strong midsection.

    Your abdominal muscles are part of the body’s core muscles, which support your entire body when you sit, stand and move. For those who don’t like sit-ups or can’t get on the floor, there are other options to strengthen and tone these important muscles. In fact, “vertical” core exercises may be even more effective than sit-ups.

    Try this standing core exercise that’s suitable for beginners:

    *  Stand facing a wall. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and push your hands against the wall.

    *  Bend your knee and bring your leg toward the wall. Keep the other foot flat on the floor at all times.

    *  Step your leg across the other one in front. Then, step the same leg out to the side.

    *  Bend the knee again and open your leg to the outside, using your hip. Then, swing the leg to the inside.

    Repeat these exercises with the other leg. Concentrate on keeping your abs tight each time you lift and move your leg. Try to repeat them several times, and increase the number of reps as you get stronger.

    Source: American College of Sports Medicine

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Addressing A Work Schedule That Doesn’t Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of clock super imposed on an image of employees sitting in a circle.

    When it comes to work schedules, one thing is certain: no one schedule works for everyone. While some people might thrive on an early-morning first shift, others prefer a later work schedule or even a night shift.

    Today’s work environment has plenty of variability in work schedules. Besides different start times, there are also differences in where people work. Some people work from home and others may split their time between the home and office. And, there are full-time or part-time schedules.

    But, finding the best work schedule for you isn’t always easy. Perhaps your employer simply doesn’t offer the type of schedule you need. Or, you might want someone else’s schedule, but the “spot” is already filled.

    If you feel that your current work schedule isn’t fitting into your life, don’t let it frustrate you. You can approach the issue and have a positive outcome for both you and your employer. These steps can help you find a solution:

    1.  Think about what you want in a schedule. First, write down what works for you now and what doesn’t work. Be specific. Do you need to get out earlier? Work around school pick-up times? Do you need more predictable start and end times? This lets your employer know how they can help you.

    2.  Set up a meeting  with the right person. You may wish to talk with your direct supervisor first. They may be able to help you find something that works better, or may want to bring in human resources for some assistance. Don’t try to simply mention it in passing. A scheduled meeting will give you enough time to discuss it without being rushed or distracted.

    3.  Work with family and friends. Sometimes, some additional help is all that’s needed to make your work schedule work better for you. Can a friend pick up your kids from school while you work? Can you carpool with someone? Reach out to your community and neighbors. It never hurts to ask.

    Remember, your employer may have no idea that your work schedule doesn’t work for you. You have to tell them so the problem can be addressed. Be open and honest about your needs. Ultimately, this can lead to higher work satisfaction for you.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine