HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • So Do You Really Need That Vitamin?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Concept image of young women with cooking pan and different vitamins words above.

    Before taking a daily vitamin or dietary supplement, you might want to think about what you’re really consuming, suggests a Kansas State University human nutritionist.

    “Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration like other drugs are regulated, which is something I think a lot of people don’t realize,” said Brian Lindshield, assistant professor of human nutrition.

    Lindshield researches supplements to see if the ingredients listed on the label actually match what is found in the bottle. You don’t always get what you pay for and think you’re getting.

    If you want to get the most accurate product, look for the bottles with the more descriptive labels. Also, paying a little extra will usually get you the ingredients you are seeking.

    “You should probably avoid buying the cheapest supplement available because if the manufacturer is cutting corners to get the price really cheap, they probably are not using the same standards that the manufacturers of more expensive products are,” Lindshield said.

    Another tip: Don’t expect supplements to make up for a poor diet. “Vitamins and minerals will prevent deficiency, but it’s not going to make up for a lot of the chronic disease risks that come with an unhealthy diet,” Lindshield said.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Under Pressure: What To Know About Glaucoma

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of eldery women getting her eyes checked.

    Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60, so it’s important to know what you can do about it.

    Glaucoma happens when too much fluid builds up in the eye. This extra fluid causes pressure that damages the optic nerve. This damage cannot be undone once it happens. It can lead to loss of all or part of your vision. But, glaucoma can be managed and the damage to vision can be decreased with proper medical care.

    People at highest risk for glaucoma

    Anyone can get glaucoma. But certain groups of people may be more likely to get it, including:

    *  People with a family history of glaucoma

    *  African Americans over age 40

    *  Anyone over age 60, but Mexican Americans are especially at risk

    *  People who have high eye pressure, thin corneas or optic nerve problems

    *  People with high blood pressure that’s not well controlled

    Signs and symptoms

    Glaucoma often doesn’t have early signs and symptoms until damage has already been done. That’s why getting regular eye exams is so important. For many people, the first sign of glaucoma is loss of their peripheral (side) vision.

    Don’t assume you don’t have glaucoma because your eyes “feel fine.” Many people develop glaucoma without any symptoms.

    Illustration of eye with excessive pressure which can lead to glaucoma.

    What can you do about glaucoma?

    Glaucoma has no cure, but there are things you can do to slow it down and save your vision:

    *  If you have glaucoma, take your medicines every day. Ask your eye doctor how often you need to be seen, and stick to your appointments.

    *  Get a complete eye exam at least every 2 years or as often as recommended. This includes a dilated eye exam.

    *  Even if you don’t have glaucoma, ask your eye doctor about your risk. This includes telling your doctor about any family history of glaucoma.

    People with certain risk factors for glaucoma may be given special eye drops. These drops can lower the risk of getting glaucoma but they must be used regularly to be effective.

    If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you and your doctor will discuss what treatment is best for you. It may depend on what type of glaucoma you have and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

    *  Eye drops that lower pressure in the eye

    *  Surgery done with a laser that helps the eye drain fluid better

    *  Traditional surgery that may include placing a new drainage tube in the eye

    Save your sight – see your eye doctor to get checked for glaucoma!

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Alcohol And Meds Don’T Mix

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of alcohol and pills.

    You may have heard that you shouldn’t drink alcohol and take medicines together. This combination is very dangerous because:

    1.  If you take aspirin and drink alcohol, this raises the chances of bleeding in your stomach.

    2.  Drinking alcohol with cold or allergy medicines can make you very sleepy.

    3.  Even small amounts of alcohol taken with sleeping pills can cause dizziness or fainting.

    4.  Alcohol combined with some pain relievers can cause liver damage.

    5.  Taking alcohol with certain blood thinners can cause bleeding.

    If you take any medicines and drink alcohol, even occasionally, talk to your doctor.

    Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Institute on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beware Of Hidden Weight-Loss Ingredients

    WELL-BEING

    Image of different supplements.

    Many so-called miracle supplements and foods (including teas and coffees)-often touted for weight loss-don’t live up to their claims, says the FDA. Worse, they can cause serious harm.

    Hundreds of products are marketed as dietary supplements but actually have hidden active ingredients contained in prescription drugs, unsafe ingredients that were in drugs that have been removed from the market, or compounds that have not been adequately studied in humans.

    Many of these tainted products are imported, sold online, and heavily promoted on social media sites. Some can also be found on store shelves.

    And if you’re about to take what you think of as “natural” dietary supplements, such as bee pollen or Garcinia cambogia, you should be aware that the FDA has found some of these products also have hidden active ingredients contained in prescription drugs.

    The only natural way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in by combining healthy eating with physical activity.

    Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (as amended by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994), dietary supplement firms do not need FDA approval before marketing their products. It is the company’s responsibility to make sure its products are safe and that any claims made about such products are true.

    Bottom line:

    Just because you see a supplement product on a store shelf does not mean it is safe.

    Look for these potential warning signs of tainted products:

    *  Promise of a quick fix, for example, “lose 10 pounds in one week”

    *  Use of the words guaranteed or scientific breakthrough

    *  Marketed in a foreign language or through mass emails

    *  Touted as herbal alternatives to an FDA-approved drug or as having effects similar to prescription drugs

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Foot Health Tips For Summer

    WELL-BEING

    Image of bare feet on grass.

    When warm weather arrives, many people break out the flip-flops, sandals or forego shoes altogether. But the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says this can be harmful to your feet if you’re not careful.

    Many flip-flops and summer shoes contain little to no support or protection. This increases your chances for foot injuries. They can also aggravate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and other painful foot problems.

    You can still enjoy summer and keep your hard-working feet healthy by following these tips:

    *  Don’t go barefoot in public bathrooms. If you have a cut on your foot, it can get infected. You could also get a foot fungus or plantar wart. Use flip-flops in these cases to protect your feet.

    *  If you have diabetes or neuropathy, never go barefoot – even indoors.

    *  Don’t rely on flip-flops for daily wear. Use them in place of going barefoot around the pool, or in public bathrooms. Instead, choose sandals or lightweight shoes that have good arch support and are designed for comfort.

    *  Use sunscreen on the tops and bottoms of your feet any time they are exposed.

    *  Wear closed-toed shoes to mow the lawn or do yard work.

    *  If sandals are rubbing or causing blisters, don’t wear them. Don’t pop blisters. This leaves the foot open to an infection.

    *  Wear proper walking shoes and socks to the airport when traveling for summer vacation. Never try out new shoes on vacation. Pack shoes that you know are comfortable and won’t rub or cause blisters or pain.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • I Love My Cellphone

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a smart phone on a bench.

    You’ve done it: driven back home to search for your forgotten phone. Dug under the car seats. Called yourself to find a lost phone. Or, worse, watched your phone ring silently when you were in a situation where you couldn’t answer it.

    Cellphone use has become a common part of life as mobile devices have become one of the most popular ways to communicate. Research from the University of Missouri has found that cellphone separation can have serious psychological and physiological effects on iPhone users, including poor performance on mental tests.

    The researchers say these findings suggest that iPhone users should avoid parting with their phones during daily situations that involve a great deal of attention, such as taking tests, sitting in conferences or meetings, or completing important work assignments, as it could result in poorer mental performance on those tasks. But use common sense and proper business etiquette about texting, talking, and checking emails in those venues.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Making Your Health Care Wishes Known

    WELL-BEING

    Image of doctor talking to patient.

    It’s a tough topic to think about, but also a necessary one. What are your wishes for your own health care if you were unable to communicate?

    Most people don’t think about this kind of scenario, especially if they are healthy. But if you are in a serious accident or become severely ill, you may not be able to tell your family what you want. This is when an “advance directive” can be very useful for you and your family.

    Advance directives: what are they?

    An advance directive is a document that states your desires about your care when you cannot speak for yourself. If you are admitted to the hospital, the doctor may ask if you have an advance directive. It may describe:

    *  Care you want if you have an illness that won’t get better.

    *  What you want if you are permanently in a coma or unconscious.

    *  Treatment that you don’t want to receive.

    *  Treatment you do want, regardless of how sick you are.

    Advance directives can have different parts that help in different ways. You may have one or more of these:

    *A living will.This is a written, legal document. It covers what treatment you want if you were terminally ill or would not wake up from a coma. It can list specific things you would like done depending on how sick you are.

    *Durable power of attorney (DPA).It names a person to make health care decisions for you. A DPA becomes active any time you cannot make medical decisions for yourself. Sometimes it is called a Medical Power of Attorney or health care proxy. Only use a DPA if you have someone you trust to make these decisions. Talk to your DPA about their role and your health care wishes.

    *Do not resuscitate order (DNR).If a person’s heart stops or they stop breathing, hospital staff will give CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If you have a DNR, you are telling hospital staff that you do not want CPR given to you. You do not have to have a living will or DPA to have a DNR.

    Some states do not consider living wills or DPAs to be official legal documents. Even if it’s not legal, an advance directive or DPA can be very helpful. It can help your family and/or doctor make decisions you want so you get the care you desire. Your doctor or an attorney can tell you about your state’s laws. All states recognize and honor DNR orders that are in a patient’s medical record. An attorney does not have to do a DPA or living will. Many people fill them out themselves.

    What do I put in an advance directive?

    If you’re thinking about getting an advance directive, you may be wondering what it should say. Your doctor or an attorney can help you, and you may want to think about it for a while.

    Health care items that are often listed in a living will include:

    *  Ventilation (artificial breathing machines)

    *  Dialysis (machines that work for kidneys that are failing)

    *  Tube feeding (used when a person  cannot eat or drink)

    *  Palliative care (care that keeps you comfortable, such as pain relief measures)

    *  Organ donation or donating organs to be used for research

    Why do I need an advance directive?

    Most medical experts agree that an advance directive is helpful. It makes your preferences about medical care known before you become sick or injured. It means your loved ones will not have to make hard decisions about your care while you are sick.

    An advance directive can give you peace of mind. If you feel strongly about receiving certain treatments, an advance directive helps ensure that your wishes will be honored. It gives you more control over your own health care.

    Where do I start?

    An advance directive doesn’t have to be hard. It can be short and simple. You can:

    *  Get a form from your doctor.

    *  Write down your own wishes yourself.

    *  Discuss your wishes with your DPA.

    *  Meet with an attorney to write an advance directive.

    *  Get a form from your local health department or Area Agency on Aging in your area.

    It’s a good idea to have your doctor or an attorney look at your advance directive. This ensures your wishes are in line with state laws. It also gives you a chance to answer questions and make sure your wishes are understood. When you are done, have your advance directive notarized. Give copies to your family and your doctor.

    You can change or cancel your advance directive. This can be done when you are of “sound mind,” which means you are able to think and communicate clearly. Any changes you make must be signed and notarized according to the laws in your state. Make sure that your doctor and family members know about the changes.

    Sources: Medicare.gov, American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ragweed

    WELL-BEING

    Image of ragweed.

    Maybe you’ve never been allergic to ragweed. You may not be miserable at the end of summer during ragweed season like a lot of other people.

    But even if you’ve never had a problem with seasonal hay fever caused by ragweed, don’t assume that runny nose and itchy eyes are caused by a cold.

    The truth, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, is that anyone can develop an allergy-including an allergy to ragweed-later in life.

    Scientists think it may be you’ve always had the allergy, but it might have taken exposure to another allergen to trigger your symptoms. If symptoms won’t go away, lasting more than 2 weeks, you probably have allergies.

    Common allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and nose, as well as sneezing, but the mucus is typically clear.

    You’ll want to talk with your doctor first about over-the-counter medications to try to relieve those annoying symptoms.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stranded In A Storm?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of young women looking out the car window.

    Whether you’re stuck in your car or at home or elsewhere, know how to extend your cell phone’s battery life, advises the Auto Club Group.

    In an emergency, do this:

    *  Turn the phone off. Only turn it on when you are expecting or making a call.

    *  If you’re in an area with no reception, turn off the phone to prevent it from constantly searching for service. Even with automatic power-save features, this function can take up to 30 minutes and it is depleting your battery.

    *  Limit use of the vibrate function on your phone. Use a ring tone because it uses less of the battery’s power.

    *  Don’t use extra features such as the Internet, WiFi, GPS, a camera, and a hands-free device.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Use Spirituality To Boost Wellness

    WELL-BEING

    Image of women sitting in open field reading a book.

    Good physical health involves eating right, exercise and getting enough sleep. But many medical experts believe good health goes beyond physical things. There is some evidence to suggest that healthy spirituality can be linked to overall well-being.

    First, think about what spirituality is to you. It is something that connects your mind and spirit to something bigger than yourself. It can be your religion, morals, or something you’re passionate about, such as music, art or nature. Spirituality differs for everyone.

    An important part of overall health

    The American Academy of Family Physicians says a person’s spirituality can play a role in how they feel physically. Things like positive thinking, religious beliefs, prayer, meditation and other mindful activities can help you feel better and even help prevent some health problems.

    Spirituality may also help you cope better with stressful events and illnesses. While spirituality alone cannot heal illnesses or injuries, it may help in supporting a person’s overall health.

    How to improve spiritual health

    Anyone can work to improve their spiritual health. Think about things in your life that help you feel peaceful, comforted, joyful or connected. Make time regularly to do the things that fulfill you spiritually:

    *  Go to a religious meeting or service

    *  Take a meditation or yoga class

    *  Play your favorite sport

    *  Read a book

    *  Take a walk in a peaceful place

    *  Listen to relaxing or inspiring music

    Good spiritual health can help you live a healthier life. When you have a healthy spirit, you may be able to deal with challenges, such as a chronic illness or stressful events. Though it can’t solve all of life’s problems, spiritual practices can help you feel better and manage some of life’s struggles.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine