HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • The Grapefruit Effect

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of pill bottle with warning about grapefruit.

    Grapefruit can interact with your drugs. And your doctor may not be aware of it. An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal points out that drug interactions with grapefruit were noted more than 20 years ago.

    Recently, more and more commonly prescribed newer drugs are found to interact with grapefruit (the fruit and the juice) and can cause serious side effects. Problems can occur even if the grapefruit is eaten hours before taking certain medications.

    Adverse effects include sudden death, acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression in ill people, and other serious side effects.

    There are more than 85 drugs that may interact with grapefruit, and 43 can have serious side effects. Other citrus fruits such as Seville oranges, often used in marmalade, limes and pomelos also contain the active ingredients (furanocoumarins) that interact with grapefruit.

    The best advice is to discuss all your medications with your doctor and pharmacist and ask about interactions with grapefruit.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Greatest Gift

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of multi-generation family about to have dinner.

    Forget that fancy wrapped gift box. The chance to spend time with loved ones can be more valuable than the most expensive gift, says Sheri Bridges, professor of marketing at Wake Forest University.

    Memories of the occasion will live on long after the contents of a ribbon-wrapped box have been forgotten or discarded.

    How to give the gift of memories this holiday? Bridges offers a few ideas.

    *Take a day trip.Go to the zoo, a favorite restaurant in a nearby city or visit a town with quaint shops. Follow-up by giving the gift of a photo book of the trip, and as the years pass, the pictures become reminders of the feelings and fun of time spent together.

    *Offer tickets to a football or basketball game, a play or a musical performance– anything that isn’t part of the recipient’s normal routine.

    *Do chores.Baking cookies, wrapping gifts, taking down decorations, straightening up the garage, cleaning out closets-any task that seems hard when performed alone can become fun when shared.

    *Relax and recharge.Take a relative or friend to get a massage, pedicure or facial. Spend time together while getting pampered.

    *Time alone, together.Unless you make a special effort, it can be hard to find time to spend with family and friends. Watching a favorite movie, sipping hot chocolate in front of a fire, playing Scrabble-these are things that require a real time commitment and focus, and say, “I am putting you first now.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Grill Is For More Than Meat

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of a grilled corn on the cob.

    If you love getting out the grill for summer meals, don’t stop at burgers and chicken. The grill is an excellent way to prepare some of summer’s most delicious fresh produce. The Produce for Better Health Foundation says you can use the grill to turn many familiar fruits and veggies into healthy and delicious treats. Try these suggestions:

    *  Fresh pineapple chunks can be grilled on skewers for a sweet twist for kabobs and salads.

    *  Cut peaches in half and remove pit. Grill on low, cut side down, for a few minutes.

    *  Corn can be soaked in water, husks on, and grilled. Once they’re cooked, the husks will slide right off, and you’ll have hassle-free corn!

    *  Toss summer squash or zucchini with a little olive oil and fresh herbs before grilling for a nutritious and tasty side dish.

    If you’ve never grilled these items before, don’t be afraid to give them a try. Test them out when you’ve got extra time and no guests coming over. Then you can perfect your method before you serve it to others.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • This Home Fix Can Save Your Life

    WELL-BEING

    Illustration of a house.

    It’s odorless, colorless, and causes lung cancer. You could be breathing it every day and not know it. It’s radon, and it’s a major health threat in nearly all areas of the country.

    What is radon?

    Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found in soil. It makes its way into buildings through cracks, joints, and gaps in the basement or foundation. Once inside, it can build up and result in dangerously high levels. High levels of radon can cause lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Only smoking causes more deaths from lung cancer.

    The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people die every year from lung cancer caused by radon. Even people who have never smoked can get lung cancer from radon. But, if you smoke, your chance of lung cancer is even higher.

    How do I know if my house has radon?

    The only way to detect radon in your house is through a radon test. Many hardware stores carry these tests, or you can get a test through your state’s radon office. Follow the instructions exactly as listed on the test. The tests are not expensive and are easy to use. Usually you need to leave the test in your house for a set amount of time. Then, you’ll follow instructions to mail it to a lab to get your results.

    No level of radon is safe. But, if your test shows a level of 4 or higher, you need to fix your house.

    How do I get rid of radon?

    There is an effective way to get radon out of your house and keep it from coming back. A radon mitigation system involves putting a special pipe device in your basement. The pipe has a fan inside that blows the radon back outside.

    Every state has radon removal companies who can install these systems. The Environmental Protection Agency says you should use a company that is accredited by the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program.

    Radon is one health problem no one should live with. Get a radon testing kit today. Your health and life are worth it.

    Take action against radon

    To order a radon test kit, call: 1-800-SOS-RADON

    (1-800-767-7236)

    For answers to radon questions, call: 1-800-55-RADON (557-2366)

    For questions about fixing radon levels in your house, call: 1-800-644-6999.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Importance Of Proper Eye Care

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of older women getting her eyes check by an eye doctor.

    Many people don’t think about their eyes until they start to hurt or develop a problem. But even if your eyes feel fine, they need proper care to keep them healthy. Follow the advice of the National Eye Institute:

    Get regular eye exams.

    Your doctor can recommend a schedule for you, depending on your age and other health factors. Many common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, don’t have obvious symptoms. An eye exam can find these problems early, when they’re most treatable.

    Eat a healthy diet.

    Your eyes benefit from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. Talk with your doctor about the right diet for you.

    Keep them shaded.

    Wear sunglasses that have at least 99 percent UVA and UVB protection when you’re outside.

    Don’t smoke.

    Smoking hurts your health in many ways, including your sight. It increases your risk of eye problems that can lead to blindness. It’s never too late to quit. For free resources to help you quit, visitsmokefree.gov.

    Protect your eyes.

    Cover your face and eyes with goggles or a full-face mask when playing sports or doing work. Wear safety goggles when working with power tools and sharp objects. Follow your employer’s guidelines for wearing eye protection. Encourage your coworkers to do the same.

    Know your family history.

    If there are eye problems in your family, tell your doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Line On Fallen Power Lines

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a telephone poll and power lines.

    High winds and storms can cause power lines to fall. Be alert and always assume all fallen lines are energized, says MidAmerican Energy. Stay away from anything that is touching the line, such as a tree, fence, or vehicle.

    *  Do not touch someone who is being shocked by a fallen power line.

    *  Report the downed line to 911.

    *  Shuffle, don’t run, from a fallen line. Shuffle with your feet together and on the ground. Warn others not to run. When a live wire touches the ground, electricity travels through the ground in all directions. If you run or take large steps, you increase the chance you could be shocked.

    *  Stay safe inside your car if a line comes down on or near your vehicle. Don’t touch metal parts of the car such as the radio. Wait until electrical workers turn off the power and tell you it’s safe to leave the vehicle.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Link Betweenstress & High Blood Pressure

    SUCCESS OVER STRESS

    Image of business man thinking.

    It’s a common belief that stress causes high blood pressure. Have you ever heard someone say, “My blood pressure went through the roof!” when referring to a stressful event? Indeed, stress can cause a temporary spike in your blood pressure. You may notice symptoms like a pounding heart or sweaty palms as stress hormones flood your system.

    But, the American Heart Association says these effects are only temporary. Fortunately, stress has not been shown to raise your blood pressure permanently. But, this doesn’t mean you should ignore high stress levels. Chronic stress isn’t good for you emotionally, and may be linked to a higher risk for heart disease, obesity, depression and other health conditions.

    Although more research needs to be done on this topic, experts know that the “fight or flight” response we feel when we are faced with stress does have an effect on our bodies. It’s normal to deal with this once in a while, but when it happens often, it can take a toll on you physically and emotionally. In addition, many people turn to unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking or overeating to help cope with stress.

    If you’re dealing with high stress levels from work, personal matters, or other issues, don’t try to tough it out. Talk with your doctor or a mental health care provider about ways you can get the help and support you need.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Lowdown On High Blood Pressure

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women having her blood pressure checked.

    Because 1 in 3 American adults suffers from high blood pressure, regular and accurate blood pressure checks are important for correctly diagnosing and treating hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure).

    Dr. Robert Zelis, a cardiologist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, says there are three groups of people who may want to consider checking blood pressure on their own, in addition to having it measured at their annual physical exam.

    *  The first is those with so-called “white-coat hypertension.” These are patients who get so worked up about being in a doctor’s office that their readings will always be high there.

    *  The second is those who already take medication to control their blood pressure and need to monitor how it’s working.

    *  The third is those who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol or who have risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or a strong family history of hypertension.

    Whether a blood pressure check is done at the doctor’s office or at home, it’s important to follow the same procedure:

    *  Make sure the blood pressure cuff is large enough and easy to use.

    *  Sit in a chair with a straight back, with both feet flat on the floor. Your legs should not be crossed.

    *  Make sure your arm is supported on something such as a table or armrest.

    *  Don’t take a measurement with the cuff placed on top of clothing. Bare skin is best.

    *  Wait 30 seconds after sitting down before you take your measurement.

    *  Take a second reading 30 seconds after you have finished the first to confirm your initial results.

    *  Take the measurements at the same time of day.

    *  Record your results to spot patterns.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Oldest-Old Americans- A Growing Group

    WELL-BEING

    Image of doctor and patient.

    Is 90 the new 85? In 1980, there were 720,000 people aged 90 and older in the United States. In 2010, there were 1.9 million people aged 90 and older. By 2050, the ranks of people 90 and older may reach 9 million, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, commissioned by the National Institute on Aging.

    An average person who has lived to 90 years of age has a life expectancy today of 4.6 more years (versus 3.2 years in 1929-1931), while those who pass the century mark are projected to live another 2.3 years.

    The majority of those 90 years and older reported having one or more limitations in physical function. Two-thirds had difficulty with activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

    Women aged 90 years and older outnumber men nearly 3 to 1.

    What does this mean for you? Will Grandma find a place to live with you? Will you even want to retire early if you’re healthy and intending to live another third of your life? Have you saved for retirement and beyond? What can you do now to keep from having disabilities when you are older?

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The One Question Parents Need To Ask

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of gun and bullets.

    Before you let your child play at another person’s house, you may ask some safety questions. For instance, you’ll probably want to know if adults are there, when they will be home, and what they will be doing.

    There’s another question that may be harder to ask, but your child’s life may depend on it: “Is there an unlocked gun in your house?”

    The American Academy of Pediatrics says half of all U.S. homes contain firearms. More than a third of all accidental shootings of children happen in the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives.

    Follow these gun safety tips to help keep loved ones safe:

    *  Never keep a loaded gun in the house or in a car.

    *  Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Lock ammunition up in a separate location. Be sure your kids can’t get the keys.

    *  Put trigger locks on all guns.

    *  Know how to operate a gun before you load it.

    *  Don’t point a gun at another person.

    *  Unload the gun before setting it down.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine