HealthyLife Articles

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Save Now For Holiday Gift-Giving

FINANCIAL HEALTH

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Before you know it, the stores will be full of holiday cheer, enticing you to begin what is often a season of overspending.

Now is the ideal time to start saving so you won’t be caught unprepared. If you enter the holidays with a plan, you will be less likely to impulse-purchase or rack up unwanted credit card debt.

Three easy steps to make your holidays debt-free

1.Set a gift-buying budget.Decide in advance how much you can reasonably spend. For some people, setting a dollar amount per person works well. Or you can set a total amount that feels comfortable for you.

2.Use your budget to determine how much you need to save each month.Take a hard look at your income versus your bills and see how much money you can set aside. If your gift-buying budget is more than you can save, it’s time to reevaluate. Remember, the goal is to get through the holiday season without racking up debt.

3.Put the money out of reach.Open a separate savings account so you won’t be tempted to spend your holiday money. When you’re ready to begin buying gifts, using cash can help keep you on budget. Another option is to purchase gift cards you can use for holiday purchases.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Financial Wellness

Financial Health

Having financial security to meet your needs and enjoy your life is, well, priceless. But if you’re struggling and juggling bills, the stress can make you sick. Your financial well-being is an important part of your overall well-being. Money-related stress can trickle down to affect every area of your life, including your health.

Making wise financial choices can help you take control of your money, so it doesn’t control you. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get To Know An Aed

MEDICAL NEWS

Automated external defibrillators help a person who is in cardiac arrest. They can deliver an electric shock to help get the heart beating normally again.

You may have seen AEDs at places like stores, malls, hotels or gyms. Many public places have them and they are usually mounted on a wall.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are not the same thing.

In a heart attack, a blockage stops blood flow to the heart. But with cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical rhythm isn’t working properly. The heart stops pumping, or is “arrested.” A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest.

Why should I learn to use an AED?

Sudden cardiac arrest is a major cause of death. An AED is the only way to restore a person’s heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. Knowing how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is also helpful.

You still need to call 911 if someone is in cardiac arrest. But it takes a few minutes for an ambulance to arrive. In those minutes, an AED could be life-saving.

When to use one

If a person has cardiac arrest, they will be completely unresponsive. If the person cannot talk or wake up, check to see if they are breathing. If they aren’t breathing and don’t have a pulse, start CPR and ask someone else to get the AED, if possible.

What to do

Even if you’re not trained, you can use an AED on someone in cardiac arrest. The machine helps guide you along. Here’s what to do:

* Call 911 or have someone else call.

* If possible, have someone do chest compressions or CPR while someone else gets the AED ready.

* Turn on the AED.

* Remove clothes from the person’s chest. Dry their skin with a cloth if needed.

* Put the pads on the chest as pictured on the pads.

* Do not place AED pads on top of a pace maker.

* First, the AED will measure the person’s heart rhythm. Don’t touch the person while this happens.

* If the person needs a shock, the AED will tell you.

* The AED will tell you when it gives a shock and what to do next. Stand back while it gives a shock through the pads.

Together, CPR and an AED can save lives.

Sources: American Heart Association, American Red Cross

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sepsis: Spot It, Save A Life

MEDICAL NEWS

Sepsis can happen when a person has an infection like pneumonia, an infected cut in the skin or a urinary tract infection. Then, the body’s immune system releases a strong response that can get out of control. This immune response is so powerful that it can damage the body’s organs and cause blood clots.

Sepsis can cause blood pressure to get extremely low and heart rate to get faster. This can trigger septic shock. With septic shock, the body becomes starved for blood and oxygen. It is a life-threatening emergency.

Most who get an infection will not get sepsis. But experts don’t know why some people get it and others don’t. It seems to affect older adults, babies and young children the most. People who have a weakened immune system or a long-term illness like diabetes, liver disease or cancer are also more likely to get it.

Spot sepsis signs

Sepsis can be hard to spot. At first, symptoms may look like a mild illness. Sometimes a person has an infection and doesn’t know it. Signs include:

* Fever or a low body temperature

* Chills

* Fast heartbeat

* Trouble breathing or fast breathing

* Blotchy skin or rash

* Being confused

* Feeling faint or lightheaded

Even if you don’t have an infection, or don’t think you have one, ask yourself:

* Was I recently around someone who was ill?

* Did I recently have surgery or a medical procedure?

* Do I have any cuts or breaks in the skin?

Getting treatment

If you think a person might have sepsis, it’s important to get them medical care right away. Doctors will look at symptoms and may order blood tests. Sometimes other tests, like an x-ray or CT scan, may be needed.

Sepsis is serious, so doctors often treat it in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and getting fluids.

Fortunately, most people who recover from sepsis often contine to have a normal, healthy life.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Sepsis Alliance

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What You Need To Know About Measles

MEDICAL NEWS

In 2019, the U.S. has seen the biggest measles outbreak since 1994. Measles was declared eliminated in the year 2000, but in recent years measles has come back.

This outbreak is due to two main factors:

1. Many people travel abroad. They may travel to a place where measles is common. They catch measles there and bring it back to the U.S. with them. They may not even know they have measles until several days after they return.

2. Some people in the U.S. do not get the measles vaccine. If they are exposed, they get sick and can spread measles to others.

Dangerously easy to catch

Measles is highly contagious. It spreads through the air. An infected person can simply breathe and spread measles. It can also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

You don’t even have to be near a person with measles to catch it from them. Measles stays in the air for a long time. In fact, you could go into a room two hours after an infected person has left and still catch measles.

Many times, people spread measles before they even know they have it.

Almost everyone who hasn’t gotten the measles vaccine will catch measles if they are exposed.

Know the signs

* Very high fever (this usually comes first)

* Cough, runny nose and red eyes

* Diarrhea

* Ear infection

* Rash of tiny red spots, usually starting at the head and spreading all over

Serious complications

Serious problems can happen to a person who catches measles, especially babies and young children. This includes:

* Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)

* Brain swelling (encephalitis)

* Permanent brain damage

* Deafness

* Death

Get the shot

The best way to avoid getting measles is to get the measles vaccine. This can also keep you from spreading it to babies who are too young to get the shot.

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot are 97 percent effective in preventing measles. Children should get the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age. They get the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

Some adults have not received the MMR shot. Even adults who have received it may need a booster shot. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to see if you are immune to measles.

Ask your doctor if you need the measles vaccine or if you should have the blood test done. The MMR vaccine is very safe and it works. Most health insurance covers the cost of the vaccine. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Sources: American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Your Surroundings Affect Your Health

WELL-BEING

Most people spend a lot of time in their home or their workplace. And the things around you can affect how you feel. Your surroundings can affect your:

* Breathing

* Heart rate

* Blood pressure

* Stress levels

* Brain chemicals

You may not notice these changes. They often happen without you realizing it. But these changes can affect your health.

Are your surroundings healthy?

To find out whether your surroundings are good for you, trust your feelings. If you’re not sure, ask yourself:

* Does this room make me feel relaxed or tense?

* Do I feel happy or sad when I walk in?

* When I look at an item, how does it make me feel?

* Do certain sounds or smells make me cringe or feel on edge? Or do sounds and smells make me feel relaxed or peaceful?

Some people find that just thinking about certain places make them feel stressed. For instance, you may feel anxious about going to the hospital or the doctor’s office.

Why your surroundings matter

If you have past experiences with a place or thing, this will shape how you feel about them now. For instance, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), surroundings can trigger bad memories.

PTSD can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells or places. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor. You can get help working through these emotions and any bad memories that harm your mental well-being.

Make your surroundings good for you

Find ways to change your surroundings so they remind you of good things. Try these tips:

* Get plenty of daylight during the day.

* Add artwork, items or photos that make you feel happy. Nature paintings and photos are helpful for many people.

* Add a flower or plant to your space to help you think about nature.

* Listen to nature sounds on your phone or a CD.

Get help from your doctor

A mental health provider can help you break connections that are causing bad memories or negative feelings. Work with your doctor to find resources that can help you balance your health and happiness.

Source: Veterans Health Administration

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Tips To Quit Smoking

WELL-BEING

If you’re ready to quit, here are some ways to take the first steps.

Make a plan

Going cold turkey is rarely successful. Instead, put together a plan that anticipates obstacles and brainstorm solutions.

Practice quitting

Go longer between smokes and try techniques to get through cravings. Find what works and what doesn’t.

Talk to a healthcare professional

They may have resources such as helpful tips, referrals, and medications. Working with a counselor increases your chance of success.

Find a safe substitute

Keep your mouth and hands busy with something else. Toothpicks, straws, or cinnamon sticks are safe substitutes.

Be active

Quitting smoking can leave you feeling jittery and irritable. Plan activities that get your body moving to release your jitters.

Stay busy

Plan activities or gatherings with non-smoking friends to keep you distracted in the early days of quitting.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be On The Outside

Stress Management

Add more “outdoors” to your life to reduce stress, improve mood and restore attention levels by giving your brain a break.

Exercise outdoors:Instead of only exercising at the gym or other indoor space, include activities you can do on a nature or fitness trail. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, cycling or roller-blading.

Spend quality time:Visit a park or go for a social walk with friends and family.

Get quiet in nature:Find a place to sit quietly to relax or meditate to help connect with your mind, body and spirit.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keep Cool In A Crisis

Stress Management

If you’re going through a crisis, your view of the world probably isn’t too rosy. Sudden, sometimes unexplainable events, like loss of a job, death of a loved one, or illness or injury, throw people into an emotional abyss. It’s a crowded abyss, too: The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that in any six-month period, nearly 30 million Americans face some kind of crisis. Much of the stress triggered by a crisis arises from our perception of the event-whether we view a crisis as a challenge or a threat, an opportunity or a ticket to doom. Here are some skills that are useful for putting crises into perspective and surviving with minimal damage to emotional health.

* Visualize the future in positive, healing ways. Imagine yourself feeling good again and being happy. When people imagine themselves behaving in a particular way, the likelihood that things will turn out as expected increases.

* Learn to physically relax. It’s hard to feel tense when your body is completely relaxed.

* Be realistic when you describe your situation to yourself and others. Avoid exaggerating or using emotionally charged words like “never,” “always,” or “hate.”

* Take one day at a time. Set goals you can measure and achieve, and don’t demand too much of yourself.

* Don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in self-pity, but be willing to accept help from others. Love, friendship, and social support are powerful coping tools for managing stress.

* Remember, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, others have experienced and survived. You will, too.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stress & Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Stress Management

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe stress reaction from living through or seeing an event that threatens life. With PTSD, symptoms usually begin within 6 weeks to 3 months of the event. Symptoms of PTSD can begin years later, though. When symptoms do occur, they must last for at least one month for a diagnosis of PTSD to be made. PTSD is a medical diagnosis made by a mental health professional.

Signs & Symptoms

Physical symptoms of stress are: Increased heart rate and blood pressure; rapid breathing; and tense muscles.

Emotional reactions include being angry and having a lack of concentration.

Other symptoms of PTSD are intense fear or horror and feeling helpless, in a “daze,” detached, etc.

Causes

Marriage or divorce, job loss or the threat of being fired, all create stress. So do countless other things.

Living through or seeing an event that threatens life can cause PTSD. Events include combat exposure, sexual or physical assault, and a serious accident. A past unhealed trauma increases the risk for PTSD. People with depression or other mental health conditions are also at greater risk.

Treatment

Self-care measures deal with most cases of stress. When these are not enough, counseling and/or medical care may be needed.

Professional treatment is needed for PTSD. Left untreated, PTSD will not go away and can greatly affect a person’s life.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Maintain good health habits. Eat healthy foods. Get enough sleep.

* Limit caffeine. It causes anxiety and increases the stress response.

* If you drink alcohol, do so wisely.

* Get regular exercise.

* Check with your doctor about taking vitamins and minerals. This is especially true for ones labeled “stress tablets” or “stress formulas.”

* Don’t let your emotions get “bottled up inside.” Share your feelings with others.

* Do a “stress rehearsal.” Imagine yourself feeling calm and handling the stressful situation.

* Balance work and personal life. Do things you enjoy and look forward to. Escape for a little while. See a movie, visit a friend, etc.

* Be with cheerful people. Help others.

* Reduce or manage exposure to things that cause stress.

* Rank order daily tasks. Don’t commit to doing too much.

* Studies show that having a pet, such as a dog or cat, appears to buffer the effects of stress on health.

* View changes as positive challenges.

* Laugh a lot. Keep a sense of humor.

* Take a bath or shower with warm water. Listen to music that is calming.

* Reward yourself with little things that make you feel good. Give yourself some “me” time.

* Count to 10 when you’re so upset you want to scream. This helps to calm you down. Avoid unnecessary arguments.

* Have a warm cup of herbal tea.

* Do relaxation exercises daily. Imagine a soothing, restful scene. Do deep muscle relaxation. (Tense and relax muscle fibers.) Meditate. Do deep breathing.

* Remember that it is not an event that causes stress, but how you react to it. Change your thoughts about an event to help manage stress.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026