HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • Simple Ways To Get Better Sleep

    WELL-BEING

    Image of man sleeping.

    Lack of sleep can affect the body in many ways. Beyond just feeling tired, long-term sleep deprivation may be linked to health problems such as heart disease, obesity and depression. Try these tips to get better sleep each night:

    *Have a consistent schedule.Get up at the same time each morning and go to bed at the same time each night. This will help to set your body’s internal clock. Over time, you’ll fall asleep quicker and may sleep better throughout the night.

    *Skip screens.The light given off by smartphones, tablets and computers can actually keep you awake. Avoid electronics in the evening, at least 2 hours before bedtime.

    *Think about skipping naps.Although a nap may feel great when you’re tired, it could be causing more sleep problems. Napping can interfere with your sleep schedule and make you too alert at bedtime. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, skip the nap and get to bed a little sooner.

    *Get moving.Exercise during the day has been shown to improve sleep quality. Walking, jogging, or any activity you enjoy can be helpful. Don’t exercise within 2 hours of bedtime, though, if you have trouble falling asleep.

    *Be careful about caffeine.That afternoon cup of coffee could still be in your system at bedtime, making it difficult to fall asleep. Try to avoid soda, tea and coffee after lunch.

    *Don’t smoke.Nicotine interferes with sleep and harms your health in many other ways. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor or visitsmokefree.govfor free help with quitting. It’s never too late to quit.

    *Don’t eat a big meal before bed.Heavy meals can interfere with sleep and make you restless. Eat dinner about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. If you need a snack, make it small and light, such as yogurt and fruit or a handful of nuts.

    Source: National Sleep Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Line On Fallen Power Lines

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a telephone poll and power lines.

    High winds and storms can cause power lines to fall. Be alert and always assume all fallen lines are energized, says MidAmerican Energy. Stay away from anything that is touching the line, such as a tree, fence, or vehicle.

    *  Do not touch someone who is being shocked by a fallen power line.

    *  Report the downed line to 911.

    *  Shuffle, don’t run, from a fallen line. Shuffle with your feet together and on the ground. Warn others not to run. When a live wire touches the ground, electricity travels through the ground in all directions. If you run or take large steps, you increase the chance you could be shocked.

    *  Stay safe inside your car if a line comes down on or near your vehicle. Don’t touch metal parts of the car such as the radio. Wait until electrical workers turn off the power and tell you it’s safe to leave the vehicle.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What’s Waking You Up?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of older man sitting up in bed.

    Dr. Michael Huckabee, professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, offers 3 not-so-well-known possible causes:

    Night cramps

    A sudden, intense pain in the calf from a muscle spasm can awake you from a dead sleep. Night cramps may occur once a year or less often, but some people have several a night.

    Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, nerve or muscle disorders and medication side effects can cause night cramps. So can working the muscles hard earlier in the day. If you can find out the cause, treatment might be as simple as drinking plenty of water or stretching your legs before you go to bed. If leg cramps disturb your sleep often, visit your doctor for help.

    Restless legs

    Do you get a powerful urge to move your legs? Do they feel uncomfortable when you sit or lie down? They may also have a creeping, crawling, tingling, or burning sensation. These can be symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS).

    Sometimes, RLS is due to a health condition, such as anemia or to a side effect of some medications. In most cases, though, there is no known cause and it tends to run in families. Daytime exercise, relaxation techniques and other lifestyle changes can help. See your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

    Sleep paralysis

    While fading off to sleep or waking up, you may experience a complete paralysis, unable to move or speak. You could also have a vivid nightmare or hallucination when your consciousness is drifting  between sleep and waking.

    The exact cause of sleep paralysis is unknown but it may be related to an imbalance or overlapping of the stages of sleep. Stress, erratic sleep schedules and some medications may also be factors, and there is likely a genetic component. Despite how frightening it is, there are no serious health problems with sleep paralysis. A variety of treatments, from simple home exercises to prescription medications, have been shown to be effective.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Make The Most Of Mealtime

    Mature Health: Over Age 50

    Image of a man pan stirring vegetables.

    Mealtime is something to look forward to. But for some older adults, especially men living alone, preparing meals can be both awkward and troublesome. This can lead to the “tea and toast” syndrome of skipped or unbalanced meals. Hit-or-miss eating habits can, in turn, lead to loss of energy and malnutrition. Coupled with the fact that older adults often need more calcium than other folks (for strong bones), more fiber (to prevent constipation), and adequate supplies of other important dietary components, poor meal habits can directly affect your health.

    Here are a few hints to make preparing meals and eating meals more pleasant and convenient.

    *  Make a list before you shop for food. Include fish, poultry, lean meats, nonfat dairy products, whole-grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables.

    *  When you shop for meat or produce, ask a store clerk to cut or repackage large quantities into smaller single- or double-serving portions.

    *  Take advantage of salad bars in supermarkets. They’re a convenient way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet.

    *  Buy some back-up supplies of nutritious foods-like tuna canned in water or low-salt soups-for days when you don’t have the time or inclination to cook a full meal from scratch.

    *  Read labels. Avoid foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. These ingredients contribute to many of the chronic health problems that affect people after age 40.

    *  Prepare double portions of main dishes, so you can reheat leftovers a day or two later.

    *  Share shopping, meal preparation, and meals with a friend or neighbor.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Burning Issue: How To Handle Household Burns

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of a mother helping daughter with a burn on the arm.

    Accidental burns can happen just about anywhere in your home, and they’re not always caused by fire. Hot objects or liquids, friction, the sun, electricity, or certain chemicals can also cause burns.

    Each year, about a half-million people nationwide seek medical attention for burns. Household burns lead to nearly 7 of 10 admissions to burn centers. The good news is that the number of deaths from severe burns has dropped by more than half over the past 4 decades, in large part because of treatments developed through NIH-funded research.

    Burns result in skin or tissue damage. The severity of a burn depends on the area it covers and how deep the damage goes. First-degree burns affect only the thin top layer of skin. Second-degree burns include the thick lower layer of skin. A third-degree burn is the most serious; it penetrates the entire thickness of the skin, permanently destroying it and the tissue that’s underneath.

    You can care for most minor burns at home. If the burn is red and painful with mild swelling or little blistering, then it’s a first-degree or minor second-degree burn.

    See a doctor if the burn is dark red and looks glossy with a lot of blistering. These are signs of a deep second-degree burn. Get immediate treatment if the burned skin is dry and leathery, perhaps with white, brown, or black patches. These are signs of a third-degree burn.

    Burns can become infected with bacteria or other germs if protective layers of skin are lost. Burns can also lead to painful inflammation, as your immune system shifts into gear.

    First aid for burns

    For minor burns:

    *  Immerse in fresh, cool water or apply cool compresses for 10 to 15 minutes.

    *  Dry the area with a clean cloth. Cover with sterile gauze or a non-adhesive bandage.

    *  Don’t apply ointments or butter; these may cause infection.

    *  Don’t break blisters.

    *  Over-the-counter pain medications may help reduce inflammation and pain.

    Call emergency services (911) if:

    *  Burns cover a large area of the body

    *  Burns affect the entire thickness of skin

    *  The victim is an infant or elderly

    *  The burn was caused by electricity, which can lead to “invisible” burns

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Bites On The Hand That Feeds It

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of different pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters.

    More than 4 million people are bitten by dogs and cats each year. And orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Kennedy said all bites to the hand should receive medical care, although he says most people are reluctant to see a doctor.

    Animal saliva contains a broad range of bacteria. Adult dog jaws, especially among larger breeds, can bite with a force of more than 300 pounds, and when combined with the variety and sharpness of their teeth can cause significant injuries to hand and finger ligaments, tendons, and bones.

    Cats do not have the jaw strength of dogs, but their sharp, narrow teeth also can cause serious injury. Up to half of cat bites get infected.

    Signs of infection:

    *  Redness

    *  Swelling

    *  Pain that worsens

    *  Fever

    If a bite occurs:

    *  Inspect the hand carefully for any puncture wounds. Even a small wound can inject lethal bacteria under the skin.

    *  If there is a puncture wound of any size, wash it as soon as possible with soap and water. Then seek medical advice.

    *  Get immediate medical attention if you see redness, feel increasing pain over time, or see red streaking up the hand or arm (or along a tendon). These are signs of a serious infection.

    Antibiotics are often given to reduce the chance of infection. More serious bites may need surgery to clean the wound.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of women making bed.

    Bed bugs have become more common in the U.S. in recent years. Common pesticides used to kill bed bugs may not work as well as they once did. The bugs may be getting “resistant,” which means they can survive pesticides used on them. This resistance, along with increased travel by people and lack of knowledge about how to get rid of them, are likely to blame for the rise in these pests.

    Bed bugs feed on blood so they are attracted to people and animals. They also come out at night, so the bed is the best place for them to find their meal.

    Check for bed bugs

    If you want to keep bed bugs out, you’ll need to check your home, as well as hotels while traveling. Look for small, reddish brown bugs about the size of an apple seed. Use a flashlight to get a good look. Check:

    *  Under and all around the mattress, box spring and bed frame

    *  Seams and small crevices where they like to hide –  bed bugs can get into cracks as thin as a credit card

    *  Nightstands and other furniture near beds

    Do I have bed bugs?

    Even if you don’t see any bugs, watch for signs that they are hiding in your home and biting people. The most common signs of bed bugs include:

    *  Small, reddish spots on bed sheets or mattresses

    *  Small round, dark spots on the bed  (may look like ink spots)

    *  Tiny eggs, egg shells or light yellow skins

    How to prevent them

    Bed bugs have been found in clean homes that are well cared for. They can be hard to keep out. These tips can help you keep them away:

    *  Check for bed bugs when you travel and don’t put your suitcase on the bed.

    *  When you get home from a trip, immediately wash your travel clothes in hot water.

    *  Keep luggage outside when you get home and vacuum it thoroughly. Empty the vacuum contents into a plastic bag, seal it and throw it in the garbage outside.

    If you find a bug that might be a bed bug, tape it to a piece of paper so you can show it to a pest control expert. Call a pest control company right away. If you live in an apartment or rental home, contact your landlord about what to do.

    The Environmental Protection Agency has information about getting rid of them on their website. Visitwww.epa.gov/bedbugs.

    Sources: National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is Your Desk Dining Making You Sick?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of business man eating lunch at his desk.

    A whopping 83% of Americans typically eat in their office or cubicle in an effort to save time and money. But you’re “out to lunch” if you don’t practice safe food handling.

    According to a new survey by the American Dietetic Association* and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program, many working Americans eat breakfast and lunch and snack throughout the day at their desks. Best defense:

    *  Wash your hands and clean the desktop. Only half of all Americans say they always wash their hands before eating lunch. In order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling food and keep your desk stocked with moist towelettes or a hand sanitizer for those times you can’t get to the sink. A University of Arizona study found that the average desktop has 100 times more bacteria than a kitchen table and 400 times more than the average toilet seat.

    *  Clean the office fridge. Even though virtually all workplaces now have a refrigerator, is it ever cleaned? Take turns and have a sign-up sheet. And stick a refrigerator thermometer in it to ensure food is safely stored below 40ºF. (Don’t let perishable foods sit out for more than 2 hours.)

    *  And that office microwave? Leftovers and frozen meals are easy, quick, and inexpensive lunch options. But make sure you zap them long enough to kill harmful bacteria. Reheat leftovers to 165ºF.

    *The American Dietetic Association* is now known as the National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Vision Loss

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of older man getting an eye exam.

    Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. When glaucoma is treated in its early stages, vision loss can be prevented. Yet studies show that more than half of people with glaucoma don’t use their medications properly.

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this advice:

    *Be honest with your eye doctor about your medication difficulties.Missed a dose? It may not seem to matter much, but research shows that skipping doses can cause your glaucoma to become more severe. Ask about the best way to make up for a missed dose and how to manage your medications.

    *Use memory aids.The most common reason for not taking eye drops is forgetfulness. Try simple memory aids like linking your eye drop schedule to other things you do routinely such as brushing your teeth. Mark times you take your medication on a calendar. Set an alarm on your smartphone.

    *Perfect the “pocket.”Giving yourself eye drops can be challenging. In fact, research has shown that nearly 30% of people taking glaucoma medication are not properly applying their eye drops. Gently pull and pinch the lower lid to make a pocket to catch your drops. Once the drops are in, close your eyes (do not blink) and apply pressure to the point where the lids meet the nose for 2 to 3 minutes. Maybe a loved one can help you apply the drops at home.

    Who’s at risk for developing glaucoma?

    Risk factors include age, family history of glaucoma, African-American and Hispanic-American ancestry, diabetes, and past eye injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all people get an eye exam by age 40, especially those who have a higher risk of glaucoma.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine