HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • 4 “S”S For Smooth Skin

    WELL-BEING

    Young female with a jar of lotion.

    Winter is hard on your skin. Dry indoor air, frequent washing and cold outside air can make skin itchy and painful. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and an important barrier. Protect it!

    1.  Stay safe with germs: Don’t skip handwashing because your hands are dry. You could end up sick or may spread germs to others. Instead, keep hand cream in your purse, pocket or desk. Apply the cream after you wash your hands.

    2.  Short showers: A long, hot shower strips skin of its protective oils. Keep showers and baths short and not too hot.

    3.  Slather moisturizer: After bathing, apply a rich cream or ointment before skin is fully dry. Petroleum jelly is a low-cost and effective choice.

    4.  Skip harsh soaps: Many products contain drying detergents. These can leave skin feeling irritated and dry. Look for products that don’t contain alcohol or fragrances.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Hospice Care

    Mature Health: Over Age 50

    Hospice care is for people with a terminal illness. To enter a hospice program (and to receive Medicare benefits), a doctor’s diagnosis is required stating that life expectancy is no more than about 6 months. No efforts are made to prolong life or to hasten death. The patient is kept comfortable and pain free. Hospice eases the process of dying. Most referrals for hospice come from doctors. Hospice care may be provided in:

    *  The home. Eighty percent of persons enrolled in hospice are cared for at home.

    *  A hospital

    *  A nursing home

    *  A hospice facility

    The bulk of care, especially with home hospice, is usually given by family members and friends. It is supported by a hospice care team which includes doctors, social workers, therapists, volunteers, clergy, nurses, and family members. The team plans care that ensures quality of life. {Note: VA offers Hospice & Palliative Care.}

    Most health insurance plans include the option of hospice care. Medicare and Medicaid cover the costs if the facility or hospice organization is certified by them. Under Medicare, the length of stay is two 90 day benefit periods. This may be followed by a 30 day period. Extensions are available. Persons must be certified to be terminally ill at the start of each period.

    Sometimes patients are charged if they do not qualify for reimbursement. Hospice care is based on need. No one is rejected for lack of finances.

    Some advantages to hospice care include:

    *  Availability of 24 hour a day, 7 day a week assistance. This is true for hospice care in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities. Find out if the home hospice program offers this service.

    *  Respite for family caretakers when care is given in the home

    *  Emotional comfort and support by trained hospice staff and volunteers

    *  Bereavement counseling

    Resources

    The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

    1-703-837-1500

    www.nhpco.org

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Warning Signs Of Teen Depression

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of teen girl depressed.

    Withdrawn. Irritable. Sleepy. This could describe almost any teenager, but these are also symptoms of teen depression.

    Teen depression sometimes gets overlooked because it doesn’t always look like depression in adults. For example, sadness is a core feature of most depression and what most people associate with depression, according to Dr. Ken Duckworth, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Many teens also experience other symptoms-parents might miss these warning signs.

    1.Sleep disturbance.“Many adolescents sleep until noon on a Saturday, but if you notice a change in their sleep or their sleep is irregular even more than before, that’s something to worry about,” Dr. Duckworth says.

    2.Social changes.“Adolescents are typically very focused on social connections,” he says. “If they’re not interested in their social network and they want to quit sports, pay attention to that.”

    3.Physical symptoms.Some teens demonstrate their emotional distress through physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, weakness, and body aches.

    4.Substance abuse.Some depressed teens use drugs and alcohol to change how they’re feeling. Abusing drugs and alcohol also increases the risk for depression or worsening depression.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Avoiding Chemicals In The Home

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of variety of cleaning supplies.

    Many common household items contain chemicals. Not all chemicals are bad for your health, but some can be harmful. To keep yourself and your family healthy, it’s best to take steps to reduce or avoid chemicals that could be unsafe.

    Did you know possible toxic substances can be found in cleaning products, furniture, carpet and shower curtains? Here’s how to avoid unsafe levels of toxins:

    *Read labels carefully.Many cleaning products have warnings and directions for how to use them. Follow these carefully. For instance, if it says, “use in a well-ventilated area,” you should be sure to open a window to the outside.

    *Be aware of odors.If something gives you a headache, sore throat or makes you cough, this may be a sign that you shouldn’t use it anymore.

    *Protect your skin.Wear gloves when using cleaning products and wash your hands after cleaning. Don’t let children use products with any chemicals in them like bleach, ammonia or strong cleaning ingredients.

    *Get checked for lead.If you live in a home built before 1980, ask your local health department how you can get your home and water checked for lead. You can’t see, smell or taste lead. Lead is harmful to the brain and affects children’s development. Find out if your home is at risk and take steps to get it removed, if needed.

    *Avoid pesticides whenever possible.Contact professional pest control companies for insect problems.

    *Choose fragrance-free products when possible.Many fragrances contain chemicals that disrupt hormone functions in the body. Also, some people are sensitive to fragrances.

    *Replace old nonstick pans that look worn or scratched.They may contain chemicals that can get into your food.

    *Look for cleaning products that have the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Safer Choice” label.For more information, visitwww.epa.gov/saferchoice/products.

    If someone in your home may have ingested a poisonous product, call The American Association of Poison Control Centers at (800) 222-1222.

    Remove dust for a healthier home

    Did you know household dust often contains chemicals and toxins from your home? A good way to reduce your exposure to them is to keep dust down. Try these tips:

    *  Choose non-toxic or “Safer Choice” cleaning products. White vinegar is an effective non-toxic cleaner for many surfaces.

    *  Use a damp rag without chemicals to dust.

    *  Clean floors with a damp mop or a steam-only mop.

    *  Vacuum floors regularly and use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

    *  Open windows to bring in fresh air whenever possible.

    *  Change furnace and air filters regularly.

    *  Wash hands often.

    Source: National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Cold Medicines For Kids: What’S Safe?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of child in bed holding a tea cup.

    Are cough and cold medicines safe for children? It depends on the child’s age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can be dangerous for kids under four years of age. These medicines have never been studied in children, so experts don’t really know if they work. They can also cause serious side effects.

    For older children, AAP recommends that cough and cold medicines only be used if a doctor says it’s okay.

    My child is sick: what can I give them?

    It’s hard to watch your child suffer with a bad cold or cough. But, if you can’t give them medicine, what else can you do to help them?

    The AAP says home remedies can make a child feel better. Try:

    *  Saline nose spray and/or a humidifier in their room. Keeping the nasal passages moist can help them breathe easier at night.

    *  Plenty of clear fluids like warm water or diluted apple juice. Keeping them hydrated helps thin out secretions in the nose and throat. This may help with a stuffy nose and coughing.

    *  For children older than 1 year, a teaspoon of honey. This can soothe an irritated throat and may be helpful for a cough. Some natural cold medicines for kids contain honey and herbs. Ask a doctor about these before giving them to your child. Do not give honey to infants under one year of age.

    *  Plenty of rest. Consider keeping your child home from school or daycare so they can get plenty of sleep. This helps their immune system fight off the illness.

    *  Mentholated rub on the throat for kids over 2 years of age. This can help with coughing and may bring some relief from a stuffy nose.

    What NOT to do

    Remember that antibiotics do not help with viruses like colds and coughs. Never give antibiotics to your child unless your doctor prescribes them.

    In addition, don’t be quick to lower a mild fever if the child feels fine. A fever helps the body fight off a virus. It’s helpful to leave it be if you can. Only give fever-reducers with single ingredients like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the child is uncomfortable or if the fever is 102 degrees F or higher. Call a doctor if your child has a high fever.

    Children ages six and up can use cough and cold medicines designed for their age. But, check with your pediatrician first. Also, be sure to read the packaging and give the correct dose. If you aren’t sure, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Hope For Migraine Headaches

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man with a migraine.

    Migraine headaches are more than an inconvenience. Migraine pain is severe and can interfere with a person’s life. Fortunately, today’s migraine treatments can help many people get the relief they need.

    There are two types of medicines for migraines: abortive and preventive.

    Abortive medicines

    Abortive medicines, also referred to as acute, are designed to stop, or abort, a migraine. They should be taken as early as possible when a person feels a migraine starting. Some of these medicines include:

    *  Pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other common pain relievers can be used to treat mild migraines. But, for many people, these aren’t enough to get rid of a migraine. Experts say people shouldn’t take these medicines more than twice a week. Overusing these medicines can lead to stomach problems and can even cause more headaches.

    *  Prescription migraine medicines. Your doctor may prescribe special medicines that are designed to relieve migraine pain and other symptoms, such as nausea. These may work well for people who don’t find relief from over-the-counter pain relievers.

    Preventing migraines

    Some of the medicines available today are used to prevent migraines before they happen. These are called preventive treatments. These types of medicines are recommended for people who:

    *  Get four or more migraines a month

    *  Have migraines that last 12 hours or longer

    *  Haven’t found relief with  abortive medicines

    *  Can’t take abortive medicines

    There are different types of preventive medicines available. Sometimes a person needs to try several different medicines before finding the one that works best for them. Keeping track of how many migraines you have and their severity can help you see how well a medicine is working.

    In addition to medicines, you and your doctor may discuss migraine triggers and how to avoid them. Certain foods, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and many other things can cause migraines. Learning your own triggers and how to avoid them is an important part of preventing migraines.

    What makes a migraine

    Migraines usually have the following symptoms:

    *  Severe pain and intense pounding in the head that makes it impossible to do daily tasks

    *  Nausea and/or vomiting

    *  Sensitivity to light or sound

    Some migraines also start with an aura. An aura may be vision changes, like seeing flashes of light or lines. Some people have trouble seeing clearly and cannot focus on objects. An aura may also cause tingling in an arm or leg. Only about 20 percent of people who get migraines will have an aura.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Open Wide

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of dentist.

    Your dentist and dental hygienist inspect your mouth for oral cancers when you show up for your regular dental cleanings. But between visits, take note of these early warning signs, and see your dental professional if they do not improve or disappear after 2 to 3 weeks:

    *  A sore, or soreness or irritation that doesn’t go away

    *  Red or white patches, or pain, tenderness, or numbness in your mouth or lips

    *  Lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas

    *  Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue

    *  A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth

    Always call your dental professional right away if you have any immediate concerns. Those at high risk of developing oral cancer have traditionally been heavy alcohol drinkers and smokers over age 50. But today, cancer is occurring in younger, nonsmokers. The sexually transmitted HPV is related to some cancers in younger people.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Simple Ways To Lower Cholesterol

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of oats shaped in a heart.

    You can’t feel or see high cholesterol, but it’s nothing to brush aside. People with high cholesterol have twice the risk of heart disease as those who have normal levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 1 out of 3 American adults has high cholesterol – and less than half of them get the treatment they need.

    A simple blood test, done at least every five years, can tell you if you have high cholesterol. If your levels are high, your doctor may put you on a cholesterol-lowering program. This may include medicine, but often includes changes you can make at home to be healthier.

    Lifestyle changes are an important way to lower high cholesterol and cut your risk of heart disease. Even if your cholesterol isn’t high, these changes can help you keep it at a healthy level. The American Academy of Family Physicians says people should:

    *Avoid smoking or quit if you do smoke.Smoking lowers your good cholesterol. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting tobacco.

    *Work toward a healthy weight.Losing just a few pounds can lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

    *Get active.Exercise can raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Try for 30 minutes of activity, 5 days per week.

    *Get more fiber in your diet.Soluble fiber, found in oats, legumes, and fruits and vegetables, may help lower cholesterol.

    *Eat healthy fats.Avoid saturated and trans fats found in many processed, fried and animal foods. Focus on healthy fats found in olive oil, fish, avocados, seeds and nuts.

    *Eat more vegetarian proteins.Beans, nuts, peas, soy and lentils are healthy proteins that don’t have the saturated fats found in most meat.

    *Limit foods with cholesterol.Healthy people should eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. People with heart disease may need to eat less than 200 milligrams a day.

    *Ask about supplements.Some natural supplements can help lower cholesterol in addition to making healthy diet and exercise changes. These include:

    – Plant sterols and stanols

    – Omega-3 fatty acids (usually found in fish oil supplements)

    – Red yeast rice

    Always ask your doctor before taking any natural supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take any medicines.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Too Loud

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of workers wearing proper safety glasses and headphones while working on machinery.

    Noise-induced hearing loss is the only type of hearing loss you can prevent. If you understand the hazards of noise and how to practice good hearing health, you can protect your hearing for life. Here’s how:

    *  Know which noises can cause damage (those at or above 85 decibels, such as a motorcycle).

    *  If you can’t reduce the noise or protect yourself from it, move away from the source.

    *  Wear earplugs or other protective devices when involved in a loud activity, even Zumba class (activity-specific earplugs and earmuffs are available at hardware and sporting goods stores).

    *  Be alert to hazardous noises in the environment.

    *  Protect the ears of children who are too young to protect their own.

    *  Have your hearing tested if you think you might have hearing loss.

    About sound

    Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. But long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for hearing loss to happen.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Allergies Annoying You?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Women outside blowing her nose.

    A runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes… allergy symptoms can be miserable and common. More than 50 million Americans have allergies.

    People can get allergies at different times of the year. This is because different allergy triggers come and go as the seasons change:

    *  If you have allergies in the spring, you may be allergic to tree pollen.

    *  People who notice allergy symptoms in the summer are usually allergic to grass or weed pollen.

    *  Those who notice their allergies getting worse in late summer to fall are probably reacting to ragweed pollen.

    *  Allergy symptoms related to wet, rainy weather are often due to mold.

    *  If you have allergies year-round, you may be allergic to something indoors like dust mites or pet dander.

    What does allergy medicine do?

    There are many medicines available today that treat allergies. Each one works in a different way and can help people with different types of allergies. With the help of your doctor, you can find a solution that helps control your allergy symptoms. This can include:

    *  Antihistamines. They stop histamine, which is a chemical that the body releases when it is exposed to an allergen. These can help tackle all types of allergy symptoms, from runny nose to itching. Some antihistamines are pills, and others are nose sprays.

    *  Nasal (nose) sprays. Some allergy nose sprays contain an antihistamine ingredient. Others may contain a steroid to help stop swelling and inflammation, which causes a runny nose and sneezing. Nose sprays can help shut down the allergic reaction that starts in the nose.

    *  Eye drops. Eye drops for allergies are helpful for people who notice itchy or watery eyes. They don’t usually help with sneezing or other allergy symptoms.

    *  Immunotherapy. Includes allergy shots or small tablets placed under the tongue. These treatments expose the body to a small amount of the allergen over time. Your healthcare provider will have to give these to you.

    With all the treatments available today, you don’t have to live with miserable allergy symptoms. But talk with your healthcare provider before you try any new medicines.

    Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine