HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • The Family That Plays Together Stays Together

    FAMILY LIFE

    Family playing Jenga.

    Playing games is an easy and fun way to experience quality interactions and build family connections. The more time you spend together, the stronger your bond will be. But, finding a game that everyone will enjoy can be a challenge. Here are eight games that are fun and accessible to a wide range of ages.

    Charades

    This classic game is super easy and sure to have everyone laughing. Even better, no one is too young or too old to play.

    Pictionary

    If you can hold a pencil, you can play pictionary. Whether your family and friends can decipher your drawing is another matter, but all part of the fun.

    Minute to win it style games

    The idea is to create a challenge and compete for one minute. For example, who can stack the most cups or keep the most balloons in the air? The options are endless.

    Ninja course

    Using your home or yard as an obstacle course creates many opportunities for play. Set up a ninja course appropriate for your group and compete in teams or race your personal best.

    Dominos

    You can play the traditional game or just imagine the amazing fun you could create working together with the whole family.

    Dice games

    Rolling dice is fairly simple for any age. Simple addition or pattern matching is possible for even young kids. Look for games such as Quix™, Farkle™, and Yahtzee™.

    Jenga™

    This game will test everyone’s dexterity. The simple rules mean young and old can get in the mix.

    Card games

    A standard deck of cards contains a wealth of all-ages gameplay. Try easy games like snap, pig, or crazy eights.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Telemedicine: Pros & Cons

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Doctor smilng and waving Hi while on a telemedicine call.

    For some people, seeing their doctor from the comfort of their own home has made accessing care easier. But, for others, the lack of in-person care makes managing their health difficult.

    Telemedicine is unlikely to go away. As a patient, you need to know how to get the most out of virtual visits and when an in-person visit might be the way to go.

    Pros of telemedicine

    *  Fast and flexible access to care

    *  Decreased exposure to other ill patients

    *  No need to leave home when dealing with a minor illness or concern

    *  Less time spent driving

    *  Ease of follow-up for existing health issues

    *  Less time lost at work

    Cons of telemedicine

    *  Insurance may not cover video visits; check your plan carefully

    *  Not everyone has access to technology

    *  Diagnosing a new condition may not be possible over video

    *  Challenges in monitoring vital signs, like blood pressure, etc.

    *  Loss of meaningful relationship with healthcare providers

    *  Important symptoms may get missed

    Get the most from telemedicine

    *  Check your technology set-up in advance.

    *  Keep your doctor’s phone number handy in case you get disconnected.

    *  Write down a list of symptoms and questions.

    *  Write down measurements your doctor may need (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.).

    *  Have your medication list on-hand.

    *  Choose a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted.

    *  Be on time.

    *  If your doctor recommends any tests or follow-ups, make those appointments right away.

    When in-person is best

    Not every situation is right for a telemedicine visit. Here are times when in-person may be recommended:

    *  Pediatric visits

    *  Emergency situations

    *  Yearly physicals

    *  Situations where a physical exam is needed

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sepsis: Spot It, Save A Life

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women leaning on wall with chest pain and man helping her.

    Sepsis can happen when a person has an infection like pneumonia, an infected cut in the skin or a urinary tract infection. Then, the body’s immune system releases a strong response that can get out of control. This immune response is so powerful that it can damage the body’s organs and cause blood clots.

    Sepsis can cause blood pressure to get extremely low and heart rate to get faster. This can trigger septic shock. With septic shock, the body becomes starved for blood and oxygen. It is a life-threatening emergency.

    Most who get an infection will not get sepsis. But experts don’t know why some people get it and others don’t. It seems to affect older adults, babies and young children the most. People who have a weakened immune system or a long-term illness like diabetes, liver disease or cancer are also more likely to get it.

    Spot sepsis signs

    Sepsis can be hard to spot. At first, symptoms may look like a mild illness. Sometimes a person has an infection and doesn’t know it. Signs include:

    *  Fever or a low body temperature

    *  Chills

    *  Fast heartbeat

    *  Trouble breathing or  fast breathing

    *  Blotchy skin or rash

    *  Being confused

    *  Feeling faint or lightheaded

    Even if you don’t have an infection, or don’t think you have one, ask yourself:

    *  Was I recently around someone who was ill?

    *  Did I recently have surgery or a medical procedure?

    *  Do I have any cuts or breaks in the skin?

    Getting treatment

    If you think a person might have sepsis, it’s important to get them medical care right away. Doctors will look at symptoms and may order blood tests. Sometimes other tests, like an x-ray or CT scan, may be needed.

    Sepsis is serious, so doctors often treat it in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and getting fluids.

    Fortunately, most people who recover from sepsis often contine to have a normal, healthy life.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Sepsis Alliance

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Should You Be Taking Daily Aspirin?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    An open pill bottle with aspirin spilled out.

    Taking a low dose aspirin every day can lower the chance of a heart attack. But that doesn’t mean that a daily aspirin is right for everyone. The National Institutes of Health says some people take aspirin each day – but they shouldn’t. The NIH has new guidelines about who should or should not take it.

    What does aspirin do?

    Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a pain reliever for headaches and other aches and pains.

    Aspirin also thins the blood. This can prevent clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Taking a low-dose aspirin every day can be life-saving for many people. However, aspirin also has risks. It can cause bleeding in the stomach and brain bleeding in rare cases.

    New guidelines to follow

    Researchers think many people are taking aspirin without their doctor’s approval. This can mean they could put themselves in danger of bleeding or stomach problems. Aspirin can also interact with other medications or supplements.

    Experts no longer think everyone over age 70 should take daily aspirin. People who have a low risk of heart attack or stroke may not need it. Also, people who have a higher risk of bleeding – no matter what age – should not take it.

    People who benefit from daily aspirin have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. They may have already had a heart attack or stroke in the past. They may have a family history of heart problems or other risk factors.

    The best protection

    If you don’t need daily aspirin, you can help prevent heart disease with simple healthy habits.

    *  Get more exercise.

    *  Eat a heart-healthy diet.

    *  Don’t smoke.

    *  Get regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks.

    What’s the bottom line?Don’t start taking daily aspirin unless your doctor says you should. And, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take.

    Sources: American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Signs Of Childhood Anxiety

    FAMILY LIFE

    Young boy laying on floor with hands on top of head.

    It’s normal for kids to experience short-lived fears, such as fear of storms, the dark, animals, or strangers. But, for some kids, fear and worry become excessive and may impact their well-being.

    Being alert for signs of anxiety in your child can help you identify it early and provide immediate support.

    What is childhood anxiety?

    When a child does not outgrow normal childhood fears, or those fears begin to interfere with daily life, they may have an anxiety disorder.

    *  Separation anxiety: fear of being apart from parents

    *  Phobias: extreme fear of a specific situation or thing, such as an animal or activity

    *  Social anxiety: fear of situations surrounded by other people, such as at school

    *  General anxiety: fear of the future and general worry about what might happen

    *  Panic disorder: recurrent attacks of intense fear combined with sweating, dizziness, increased heart rate, and shaking

    Symptoms

    Anxiety can show up in many different ways and often starts with subtle behaviors you may not identify as fear.

    Knowing when something is a problem and not just a childhood “phase” can be challenging. Watch for these common symptoms:

    *  Trouble sleeping

    *  Recurrent tummy aches or other physical complaints

    *  Becoming clingy towards parents or caregivers

    *  Avoidance of specific situations

    *  Difficulty focusing

    *  Trouble sitting still/being fidgety

    *  Emotional outbursts

    *  Mood swings

    When to seek help

    Anxiety is unlikely to go away on its own. If you notice any of the symptoms or have concerns about your child’s mental health, talk to your doctor right away.

    Common treatments include:

    *  Behavior therapy that may include both child and family therapy

    *  Extra support at school

    *  Training for parents to aid their child in managing anxiety

    *  Lifestyle supports such as a healthy diet, adequate sleep, physical activity, and social support

    *  Medication in some cases

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Sitting Doesn’t Mean Not Moving

    WELL-BEING

    Female sitting at table with laptop, stretching arms up.

    A certain amount of time sitting is unavoidable, especially if your job requires it. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be still. With a bit of creativity, you can add bursts of movement even when you’re sitting down.

    Try these four movements throughout the day to keep your body moving in your seat.

    Reach your arms overhead

    Add a side-to-side bend or a big arch to your back to stretch into areas of stiffness.

    Do a chair twist

    Reach one hand to the opposite armrest and pull yourself into a gentle twist. Turn your head to look over one shoulder and then the other.

    Stretch your outer hip

    Cross one ankle over the opposite thigh and bend forward slightly for added stretch. Be sure to do both sides.

    Leg lifts

    Sit at the edge of the seat and straighten one leg. Lift it as high as is comfortable without rounding the low back. Alternate back and forth slowly 5-10 times.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Start Running

    BE FIT

    Middle aged women jogging on beach.

    Running is a great form of exercise. It gets your heart rate up, builds endurance, and releases stress. But, running is also high-impact and should be approached with caution. Here’s how to get started safely:

    1. Check with your doctor to make sure running is right for you.

    2. Invest in comfortable footwear that provides cushion and support.

    3. Stretch and strengthen your feet to prepare them for impact.

    4. Begin with a walk-run program that gradually builds endurance.

    5. Take it slow! If you haven’t run in a while, assume your body needs time to adapt.

    6. Don’t push through pain. A little twinge may become an injury if you run through it.

    7. Cross-train with exercises that build strength and flexibility like weight training, yoga, and stretching.

    8. Hydrate and fuel well before, during, and after you run.

    9. Give your body plenty of rest between runs to avoid overtraining.

    10. Listen to music or find a running partner to make your runs more enjoyable.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stay Healthy With Shift Work

    WORK LIFE

    Doctor on phone working the night shift.

    For many people, shift work is a great way to get in hours around family commitments. For some people, shift work is simply part of their profession. Nurses, doctors, first responders and many others work shifts because it’s necessary.

    When you don’t work a 9 to 5 shift, it can be harder to find time to eat well and exercise. In the middle of the night, most restaurants and stores are closed. You may also feel tired and less motivated to exercise and eat well. But there are some ways to get around these obstacles.

    Try these healthy tips if you work a shift schedule:

    1.  Stock up on healthy food. When you’re tired, it’s easy to simply reach for convenience foods. Instead, keep your favorite fresh foods on hand at home or work and make them convenient. Washed and cut fruits and vegetables are a great snack anytime. You may also try nuts or seeds, oatmeal and hummus.

    2.  Make meals before your shift. Many times, the only choice during shift work is a vending machine. Try cooking large meals in a crock pot and freezing individual portions.

    3.  Avoid large portions. Many people feel tired and sluggish after a large meal. Pack portions that will fill you up without making you feel stuffed. Between meals, choose pre-packed, healthy snacks.

    4.  Take a break to eat. Sit down at a table, if possible. Enjoy your food and eat slowly. This can help you avoid overeating or mindless snacking.

    5.  Watch the caffeine.  Many people need at least six hours or more to process caffeine so they can sleep. If you’re feeling sluggish, try drinking plenty of water instead of coffee or tea.

    6.  Move your body when you can. Walk up and down stairs or hallways on breaks. Try stretching at your desk. You can even do some jumping jacks if you don’t have time for anything else. Any kind of physical activity can give you more energy and lift your mood.

    7.  Remember that sleep is important. Even if you don’t have a typical work schedule, you can still make sleep a priority. Aim for seven to nine hours per 24-hour period. If you can’t get that much at once, see if you can still get that much by using naps.

    Source: National Sleep Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Take Care Of  Bleeding Gums

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man smiling at dentist office with dentist about to start exam.

    Bleeding gums are never a good thing. If you notice small amounts of blood when you brush or floss, it’s a signal there’s a problem. Thankfully, there are effective treatments for many common triggers of gum bleeding.

    The two most common causes are plaque buildup and gum disease. But, whatever the cause, you should address the underlying issue right away to protect the health of your gums and teeth.

    Causes of gum bleeding

    In many cases, gums bleed when there is underlying inflammation of the gum tissue. Inflammation can happen for a variety of reasons.

    *  Plaque buildup

    *  Brushing too hard

    *  Poor flossing

    *  Tooth or gum infection

    *  Pregnancy hormone changes

    *  Gum disease

    *  Ill-fitting dental appliances

    *  Vitamins K or C deficiency

    *  Certain medications

    Occasionally, bleeding gums may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, such as a bleeding disorder. Visit your primary care doctor for follow-up if your dentist is unable to find a cause for the bleeding.

    What to do

    Visit the dentist. Regular dentist visits and professional cleanings are key to preventing gum disease and plaque buildup. Talk to your dentist about gum bleeding and always follow their recommendations for oral hygiene.

    Brush twice daily. There is no substitute for routine brushing to rid your teeth of plaque. Plaque is made up of sticky bacteria that irritate the gums. If your gums bleed when you brush, be gentle but thorough.

    Floss every day. Floss gets into the tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. Lack of flossing or poor technique could result in plaque buildup around the gum line and gingivitis, a major culprit of gum bleeding.

    Healthy habits, healthy gums

    Many daily habits impact the overall health of your gums. For good long-term oral health, follow these healthy lifestyle habits.

    *  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

    *  Limit added sugar in your diet

    *  Avoid tobacco and drug use

    *  Drink water instead of sugary beverages

    *  Ask your dentist if a mouthwash is right for you

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine