HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • Using This Credit Card May Be Bad For Your Health

    WELL-BEING

    Image of young women cutting up a credit card.

    High levels of credit card debt and the stress of having debt may be bad for your health, a study in Social Science & Medicine suggests. People who reported higher levels of stress about their debt showed higher levels of physical impairment and reported worse health than those with lower levels of debt.

    In the study, researchers asked people to rate their own health on a scale of very poor to very good. They rated how much they worried about their total debt. Researchers also asked how difficult it was for survey participants to do everyday activities such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. Participants also reported how many credit cards they have and whether they carry a balance from month to month.

    But it didn’t matter how many credit cards a person had, the big stress factor related to health was the ratio of credit card debt to their total family income-in other words, how much you owe compared with what you earn.

    “The stress of owing money, and knowledge that we’re paying high interest rates, may lead to increased stress resulting in worsening health,” said the director of Ohio State’s Center for Survey Research. Credit counseling is one way to reverse debt-stress.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Housing Options

    Mature Health: Over Age 50

    Some people find the upkeep for a house too demanding. Health concerns may not allow some people to meet these demands. Consider other housing options:

    *  Condominium. This is a townhouse or apartment that is privately owned. A fee is charged to cover maintenance of items like the lawn, swimming pool, etc.

    *  Co-Operative. This is a housing facility where everyone owns a share. People live in unit apartments and vote on key issues.

    *  Rental. A landlord takes care of maintenance. Residents pay a monthly rental fee plus a security deposit.

    *  Retirement Community/Assisted Living Facility. Residents live independently, but have services available to them. These include recreation activities, meals served in a common area, transportation. Often a social worker or counselor is on site. There may be age restrictions.

    *  Federal Housing. This is independent living for those over 62 years old with low to moderate incomes.

    *  Group Housing/Adult Custodial Care Homes. These provide room and board for those in need of nonmedical care. Help with daily living makes this option well suited for Alzheimer’s patients.

    *  Life Care at Home (LCAH). Services are given in one’s own home. Start up and monthly fees apply. A manager personalizes a program of care to meet the client’s needs.

    *  Intermediate Care. This is a residence for those who should not live alone, but can manage simple personal care, like dressing. Meals are provided. Cleaning services and nursing care are offered on site.

    *  Nursing Homes. These are designed for people who require care 24 hours a day. These are medically supervised. Find and compare nursing homes in your area atwww.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Next Checkup

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of doctor and patient with thumbs up.

    Got a checkup coming up? Don’t let your doctor do all the talking. Speak up – and ask these important questions to get the most out of your visit. If you don’t understand an answer, always ask him or her to clarify. Your doctor wants to be sure you leave the office knowing how to get – or stay – healthy.

    Are there any vaccines I should get?

    Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Many important vaccines are

    given in the adult years, including:

    *  Influenza (flu)

    *  Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)

    *  Shingles

    *  Pneumococcal (Pneumovax or Prevnar 13)

    *  Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

    The vaccines you need will depend on your age and health status. Your doctor is the best person to help you get fully protected from many diseases.

    Do you have my most recent family history?

    Tell your doctor if you have a family member with health conditions. This history helps you and your doctor think about what health conditions could affect you in the future. Catching problems early boosts your chances of successful treatment.

    Am I due for any cancer or health screenings?

    Your age, gender, family history, and current health all play a role in what tests you may need. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, certain cancers, and diabetes are just a few of the conditions that can be found through preventive care.

    What can I do to feel my best?

    Whether it’s quitting smoking, weight loss, stress management, or other health tips, ask your doctor about your health concerns. Even if you’ve tried in the past to manage these issues, your doctor may have some fresh ideas or tips that could help. Or, if you’re feeling great and in excellent health, talk about ways you can maintain healthy habits in the months and years ahead.

    When should I have my next doctor’s visit?

    Follow-up visits may be needed if you’re managing certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. Even if you don’t have health issues, regular checkups are important. Your doctor can tell you when you should come back for your next visit based on your age and any health concerns.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Bad Medicine:The Problem With Expired Medications

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man going through the medicine cabinet.

    It’s 10 pm, you’ve got a horrible headache, and the only pain reliever you’ve found expired a year ago. Can you use it just this once?

    No, you shouldn’t, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once medicines have expired, there’s no guarantee that they’re safe – or that they’ll work.

    Using an expired medicine puts you at risk of having a bad reaction or having the medication not work at all. If it’s past the expiration date, discard it safely. Make sure kids and pets cannot get to it.

    Tips to avoid medication mishaps

    *  Go through your medicine cabinet every six months. Discard expired medications or anything that has an unusual odor or appearance.

    *  Don’t keep medicines in your bathroom. The steam from your bath or shower can make them go bad even before they’ve expired. Instead, keep them out of reach of children in a bedroom, linen closet, or kitchen cabinet.

    *  If you have children in the house, consider a locked cabinet for medicines. Some pills look like “candy” to kids, and many children have been poisoned by ingesting medicines and vitamins.

    How to discard unused medicines

    Some medicines come with disposal instructions. If not, the FDA recommends most medicines be safely placed in your regular trash. Here’s how to do it:

    *  Put the pills in a sealed plastic bag with other trash like kitty litter, used coffee grounds, or even dirt. This helps prevent others from trying to take the medicine.

    *  If you’re throwing out prescription bottles, scratch out all the information on the label. This includes your name and the name of the medication.

    *  Check with your city or town about an authorized drug take-back program. These programs allow you to get rid of old medicines safely.

    *  A few medicines should be flushed down the sink or toilet because they can be dangerous to others if found in the garbage. Check the FDA website (www.fda.gov) for a list of these medicines.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Dementia – What Is It?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of older man looking confused.

    Dementia isn’t a disease. It’s a group of symptoms. It’s a brain disorder that often affects the elderly and is caused by the failure or death of nerve cells in the brain. Other than aging, other factors can raise your risk for developing dementia: smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, drinking too much alcohol, and a family history of dementia.

    Most forms of dementia worsen gradually over time and can’t be corrected. The NIH lists these symptoms that may interfere with everyday life.

    *  Repeating the same story or question over and over

    *  Getting lost in familiar places

    *  Delusions or agitated behavior

    *  Problems with language, movements, or recognizing objects

    *  Memory or concentration problems

    *  Difficulty following directions

    *  Getting disoriented about time, people, and places

    *  Neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition

    For some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, a definite diagnosis cannot be made (at least while the person is living). Although testing is being developed along with some types of medications, dementia is often recognized by others first and told to doctors when reviewing a physical  and mental health history.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How Not To Get Sick When Traveling

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Illustration of different city landmarks.

    Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than someone getting sick. Whether you’re planning a trip just an hour away or across the ocean, there are many things you can do to stay healthy while away from home.

    See your doctor before you go

    Get a checkup before you go on vacation. Ask the doctor if you need any vaccines or preventive medicines. Some countries require vaccines that you wouldn’t normally need in the U.S. Make plans to get everyone vaccinated at least six weeks before you leave.

    If you take any medicines regularly, make sure you have enough to last throughout your trip. Running out of a prescription medicine can be inconvenient – or even dangerous –  if you’re not near your doctor or pharmacy. If possible, keep your medicine with you in a carry-on bag so you have it with you at all times.

    Avoid traveler’s diarrhea

    Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It can happen nearly anywhere if you eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water. Lower your risk of getting it with these guidelines:

    *  Eat only cooked food served hot.

    *  Avoid eating food from street vendors, if possible.

    *  Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products.

    *  Avoid eating raw seafood or undercooked meats.

    *  Avoid tap water and ice on airplanes and in places where water may not be safe. Drink only commercially-bottled water and beverages.

    *  Use bottled water to brush your teeth when traveling abroad. Don’t get shower water in your mouth.

    *  Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Be especially careful about washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating.

    *  Consider bringing some anti-diarrhea medicine with you in case you get sick. Make sure you stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, and/or sports drinks.

    Tell bugs to buzz off

    Mosquitoes can spread disease, both in the U.S. and abroad. Protect yourself by wearing repellents with DEET. Use bed nets for international travel in areas where bugs are a problem. If you’re traveling to a country with a higher risk of malaria, ask your doctor about preventive medicine to take before you go on your trip. Be sure to also pack lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs to keep bugs off.

    A few simple precautions can ensure you have a safe and healthy summer vacation.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Osteoporosis Begins In The Teen Years

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of teen holding a glass of milk in one hand and thumbs up with the other hand.

    Girls achieve 42% of their total body bone mass between the ages of 12 and 18, yet 90% of girls do not get enough calcium. Beginning at age 9, children (particularly girls) should include 1,300 mg of calcium in their diet by drinking milk and eating calcium-fortified foods, according to the Office on Women’s Health.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Skin Check

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Close-up image of a person checking to see if they have any skin moles on their hand.

    It is important to understand what will help prevent skin cancer and what might actually increase your risk, according to Caliber I.D., a company that makes diagnostic lab instruments.

    Fact: All skin types and ethnic groups can develop skin cancer. While it is true that Caucasians have a greater risk of skin-related cancer, everyone should protect their skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

    Although fair-skinned people can often easily see stage 1 melanoma (dark spots, changing or new moles) and other cancers, darker skin makes catching it in the early stages more unlikely. Also, darker-skinned people tend to develop a more lethal type of melanoma that develops on the soles of the feet, between the toes, and on the palms of the hands.

    Let your health care provider know if you have any of these signs.

    Chart showing the different types of skin cancers.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Too Sick For School?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of sick boy in bed.

    Colds? Flu? What to do? Sending a sick child to school can make matters worse and spread the illness to others. Follow these guidelines from pediatrician Dr. Jacqueline Kaari, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, who said, “Parents need to be able to quickly assess their child and determine if he or she is well enough to go to school or needs to stay home, or if it’s time to call the pediatrician. Sometimes, parents will guess wrong, but if there’s one rule of thumb, it should be to always err on the side of caution.”

    Colds.What to do: Use over-the-counter saline nose drops or spray and a cool mist humidifier to relieve symptoms. Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective. Instead, the cold just needs to run its course until the child recovers. Contact your child’s doctor if a cough suddenly worsens or a fever develops.

    Fever.What to do: Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fevers. Encourage the child to drink lots of fluids and avoid fatty or fried foods that are hard to digest because fevers decrease stomach activity. Keep children at home if their fever is above 100.4ºF. Call a doctor if a high fever lasts more than 24 hours or does not respond to medication, or if the child’s condition worsens.

    Flu.Striking more suddenly and more intensely than a cold, the flu causes a sudden, high fever with body aches. What to do: Have your child vaccinated early in the flu season to protect against this illness. A child who comes down with the flu should stay home for several days, rest, and drink lots of fluids.

    Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”).A red, weeping eye(s) with a thick discharge that could become crusty when sleeping. What to do: Contact your child’s doctor for treatment, which may include antibiotic eye drops. Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Follow the doctor’s advice. Children can usually return to school 24 to 48 hours after treatment begins. Check with the school’s policy.

    Head lice.Tiny, crawling bugs that live on the scalp and feed on blood. Itching and sores on the scalp can be signs of head lice. The insects cannot jump or fly and are spread by human contact. What to do. Under bright light, check the entire scalp closely for lice or tiny white eggs (called nits), starting at the upper neck and behind the ears. Lotions and shampoos that can kill the lice are available at the drug store. Keep the child home from school until the lice have completely gone away.

    Sore throat.What to do: Have the child drink a few sips of water. If that relieves the symptoms, you are likely dealing with, at worst, a viral infection that will go away with a few days of rest, plenty of liquids, and pain relievers. If you suspect strep throat, follow the fever guidelines and contact your child’s doctor.

    Stomach ache.What to do: Keep children who have been vomiting home from school. Wait an hour after the child vomits and encourage small drinks of water. Gradually introduce clear liquids and bland foods throughout the day. Contact your doctor if vomiting lasts beyond 24 hours, occurs with worsening pain at the belly button or lower right abdomen, or if the child vomits blood or green or yellow matter.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine