HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • Q&A: Diversity In The Workplace

    WORK LIFE

    A diverse group of co-workers sitting around at the office.

    Every workplace is part of a broader community of people. As such, it should reflect the diversity around it. A more diverse workplace benefits both the company and its employees.

    What is diversity?

    The practice of involving people from a variety of backgrounds, including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and disability.

    Why does it matter?

    To be effective, a workplace should reflect the diversity of its clients, local community, and broader society. When people from different backgrounds work together, they are ideally placed to provide efficient and equitable service.

    How does it benefit a company?

    Establishing policies that value diversity creates a corporate environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and new perspectives.

    How does it help employees?

    Working in a diverse, inclusive environment allows each employee to rise to their full potential and maximize their skills. Diverse companies build on the unique strengths of each individual.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevention Is Key: Hpv & Cervical Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of 4 female doctors.

    Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by a virus known as HPV. More than 79 million people in the U.S. have HPV.

    Screening tests can detect HPV and cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine can prevent it. Still, the American Cancer society says more than 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2018. Plus, more than 4,000 women died from this cancer.

    It’s time to learn more about treating, preventing and screening for this cancer so more lives can be saved.

    What is HPV?

    Human papilloma virus, or HPV, is a common virus. It is spread through sexual contact.

    There are different types of HPV. Sometimes, the body is able to get rid of the HPV infection on its own. But, this doesn’t always happen.

    Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Others cause changes in the cervix that can turn into cancer if not treated early.

    Get tested, get treated

    At one time, cervical cancer was a leading cause of cancer deaths for American women. But, when the Pap test was developed, cervical cancer deaths dropped significantly.

    A Pap screening test can find changes in the cervix before they become cancer. It can also find cervical cancer early. This means the cancer can be treated when it’s easier to cure. Ask your doctor about how often you should get a Pap test. Sometimes, the cells from a Pap test are also tested for HPV.

    A Pap test is usually done during a pelvic exam. The doctor uses a swab to get some cells from the cervix. The cells are sent to a lab and tested for cancer and/or HPV.

    A shot for cancer

    Today, there is a vaccine that may prevent cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent infection and provide immunity against many types of HPV.

    Clinical trials show the HPV vaccine provides almost  100 percent protection against cervical changes that can lead to cancer and genital warts.

    Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your kids. The vaccines can be given to kids as young as 9. Both boys and girls can benefit from the HPV vaccine because HPV can also cause cancers of the penis, anus and throat.

    Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cervical Cancer Coalition

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Positive Parenting Hacks

    FAMILY LIFE

    Parents with son, smile.

    Don’t focus on mistakes or bad behavior. Catch your child doing good things and point them out.

    Chores don’t have to be a punishment. Chores at home can help children learn life skills and independence.

    Spend a little time connecting each day. Take a few minutes to talk to your child without phones or screens.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Plant-Forward Eating

    HEALTHY EATING

    Variety of plant based foods.

    A plant-forward style of eating is one that features plant foods as the star of most meals. Animal foods such as meat and dairy may be included but are not the main focus. There are many ways to be plant-forward and improve the health of your diet.

    How it works

    Plant-forward eating is less of a diet prescription and more of a healthy food mindset.

    Each meal begins with the question: “what plants can I add to my plate?” Animal products should be a secondary consideration and eaten in small amounts.

    A plant-forward diet focuses on:

    *  Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, bulger, whole wheat, millet, and oatmeal

    *  Plant proteins such as nuts, nut butter, seeds, soy, beans, peas, and lentils

    *  A variety of vegetables of every color

    *  Whole fruits

    *  Quality plant fats such as olive oil, avocados, canola oil, and nuts

    Benefits

    Plant-forward eating has many benefits to physical health. Diets high in plant foods are linked to improved health and a lower risk of disease. Eating less meat reduces your risk of:

    *  Obesity

    *  Heart disease

    *  Stroke

    *  Type 2 diabetes

    *  High blood pressure

    *  High blood lipids

    *  Certain cancers

    In addition, a plant-focused diet benefits the environment. Fewer animal products may translate to lower greenhouse gas emissions and more responsible land, energy, and water usage.

    Getting started

    Gradual change over time is the best way to create healthy habits. It also helps to get family members on board with “plant forward.” Here’s how to get started:

    *  Take it one meal at a time. Start with just breakfast or lunch being meat-free.

    *  Find a few simple, meatless recipes to try. Look for those big on flavor.

    *  Add more of the plant foods you already love to your plate and shopping cart. Gradually branch out for more variety.

    *  Swap out the meat in a recipe for a plant protein like beans or tofu.

    *  Aim to make three-fourths of your plate plant foods.

    *  Reduce your meat portions by half.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Parents Guide To Gaming

    FAMILY LIFE

    Father and son playing virtual games.

    Gaming is a popular past-time among this generation of kids. As a parent, here are some things to know to keep gaming safe.

    *  Moderation is key. Set healthy limits on how much video game time you allow your kids.

    *  Know what they’re playing. Some games are better than others. If your kid struggles with mental health, help them find better games.

    *  Prioritize sleep. It’s common for gaming to interfere with healthy sleep habits. Set boundaries that prioritize sleep.

    *  Take breaks. Teach your kids to schedule regular breaks into their gaming time. Stepping away is good for mental health.

    *  Stay connected off-line. Keep your kids grounded in the real world by engaging in screen-free activities together.

    *  Game with your kids. Get involved with your kids’ interests by gaming with them (in moderation!).

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Nuts & Allergies

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of hands holding sign that says "Nut Free".

    Food allergies affect millions of people. With a food allergy, the immune system reacts to the food like it’s an invader. It may cause swelling, trouble breathing, hives and itching.

    Nut allergy dangers

    Nut allergies can be life-threatening.

    A person who is allergic to nuts could have a reaction from being near someone eating nuts. Even a tiny crumb of nuts left on a table could be life-threatening. This is why many schools do not allow nuts in classrooms or lunchrooms.

    If you or your family member has a nut allergy, you can still enjoy some nut alternatives. They can be just as delicious – and nutritious – as nuts.

    Nut alternatives

    Nuts contain plant-based protein, healthy fats and some vitamins and minerals. If you can’t eat nuts, don’t worry. There are other foods with these benefits!

    *Legumes:Soybeans, peas, lentils and chickpeas are legumes. They can be roasted as a snack or in salads. Some people are allergic to some types of legumes, however. Be sure to ask about legume allergies before using them for passing dishes or at school.

    *Seeds:There are so many kinds to choose from, like sunflower, pumpkin, chia, flax and hemp. They go well with salads, in smoothies or as a snack.

    *Avocadoes:Although not a significant source of protein, avocadoes are rich in healthy fats, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium. Avocadoes can go on many foods, from toast to salads to  stir-frys.

    Nut-Free butter Options

    Many nut-free butters make a great sandwich or spread for fruit. They taste a lot like peanut butter but without the peanuts.

    Today’s nut-free butters may contain soybeans, sunflower seeds, chickpeas or peas. These can all be healthy alternatives to nuts. Most contain some healthy fats and protein. Check the label for added salt or sugar.

    The Bottom Line

    Nuts are a healthy choice – and there are allergy-free options available. If you have an allergy to nuts, read all food labels. Look at allergen information and ingredients to stay safe.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • You’re Never Too Old To Exercise

    BE FIT

    Older man smiling while holding out a basketball.

    Older adults might find it hard to exercise. But exercise is great for older adults and may even help relieve joint pain and increase energy. It can help you sleep better, maintain a healthy weight and  relieve stress.

    See your doctor first.

    Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise plan if you have any health conditions or take medications.

    Stay hydrated.

    Drink water before, during and after your workout.

    Perform all types of exercise.

    This includes flexibility (stretching), strength (weights or resistance) and endurance (walking, biking or other activities).

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Mood & Food: The Close Link

    HEALTHY EATING

    A bite out of a green apple and in a chocolate bar.

    You may already know that your diet can change how you feel mentally. If you’ve ever been really hungry, you may notice that you start to feel upset or angry. And, some high-calorie junk foods are called “comfort foods” for a reason. They make you feel better mentally, but only for a little while.

    The link between the mind and what a person eats is complex. That’s why it can be so hard to make good choices when you have a bad day or feel depressed. But there are ways to fight this habit and start to make better choices, even when your mood is down or you feel stressed.

    Why we want comfort food

    Stress can make you want to eat unhealthy foods. This is your body’s way of trying to get fuel when it thinks you are in trouble. Although this is normal, you have the power to overcome it.

    Take a moment to think about a food you are craving. Then think about your current emotions. If you’re feeling sad, angry or stressed, this could be why you want that pizza or ice cream.

    If you eat the food, you may feel good for a few minutes. But unhealthy foods with lots of fat and sugar can actually increase the risk of depression or anxiety. This creates an unhealthy cycle that will continue as you eat those comfort foods.

    The cycle of mood & food

    If you use food to cope with stress or depression for too long, your body will get used to it. Then, when you do try to make a healthy choice, your body and mind may be confused. This could lead to an even stronger craving for those comfort foods. This cycle makes it very hard to make changes to your diet.

    You can win!

    You’re not stuck in this cycle. Eating fruits and vegetables can make you feel happy. When you’re happy, you’re more likely to reach for healthy foods again. This can start a positive cycle!

    Source: American Heart Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine