HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • Tv & Healthy Eating Don’t Mix

    HEALTHY EATING

    Family eating around the kitchen table.

    Your TV could be changing your eating habits – and not for the better. You may not realize that this common device can change what you put on your plate.

    How does TV change our eating habits?

    Two reasons TV and screens can interfere with a healthy diet:

    *  When we watch TV, we see commercials. Many commercials advertise unhealthy, processed or high-sugar foods. Kids and adults alike can be influenced by these commercials. They can make you crave or purchase foods you would not normally eat.

    *  When you watch TV or another screen while eating, you might not realize how much you’re eating. TV takes your mind off your food so you don’t taste, smell or experience it as much. It makes food less satisfying and you can lose track of how much you are eating.

    How to start better habits

    You can avoid getting into a “TV trap” with your eating habits. Here’s how:

    *  Don’t watch TV while eating. Agree as a family not to use electronic devices during meals or snacks.

    *  Keep healthy snacks handy. Replace chips and crackers with crunchy vegetables. Or if you crave sweets, try fresh fruit instead of cookies.

    *  Keep yourself busy while watching TV. Try using therapy dough or other sensory activities during TV time. This may help you get out of the habit of using your hands to reach for snack foods.

    *  Try to eat together as a family regularly.

    *  Minimize commercials. Watch shows on platforms that have no commercials. Or skip through commercials if you can.

    *  Learn about healthy foods as a family. Try growing a garden or visiting a farmer’s market. When you see an unhealthy food advertised on TV, talk about healthier options.

    *  Be a good role model. Show your kids that you can sit and enjoy meals and snacks without screens.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Debt-To-Income Ratio: Faqs

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Young couple looking over bills together.

    A healthy debt-to-income ratio is an indicator of financial stability. Just as the term implies, this ratio compares the amount of money you pay toward debt against your income.

    A stable debt-to-income ratio is anything 43% and lower. Someone with a higher percentage may struggle to make ends meet and keep up with their payments.

    When applying for a mortgage, lenders will use this number as a determining factor, so it’s essential to know where you stand. In most cases, you must have a debt-to-income ratio under 43% to get a qualified mortgage when buying a home.

    Calculate debt-to-income ratio

    The equation looks like this: Total monthly debt payments ÷ monthly gross income (before taxes) = debt-to-income ratio

    Here’s an example: Let’s say you make $6000 each month before taxes, and you have an $1800 mortgage, $300 car payment, $150 student loans, and $50 credit card payment.

    ($1800 + $300 + $150 + $50) ÷ $6000 = debt-to-income ratio

    $2300 ÷ $6000 = 0.38

    Your debt to income ratio is 38%.

    Bills as debt

    *  Monthly rent or house payment

    *  Auto, student, or other monthly loan payments

    *  Monthly alimony or child support

    *  Monthly credit card payment

    *  Any other debt

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understand Bitcoin

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    A digital gold bitcoin.

    The recent popularity of Bitcoin may have you wondering what it’s all about. Here’s what you need to know.

    *  Digital currency. Bitcoin is not linked to any physical representation of value. It is used as a medium of exchange or a store of value.

    *  Decentralized. No bank or organization controls Bitcoin, and it is not backed by any government or economy.

    *  Mined. Bitcoins are generated through a process called “mining.” It takes massive computer systems (and a lot of electricity!) to mine Bitcoins.

    *  Blockchain. Mining uses complex math puzzles to create a new “block” that is added to the Bitcoin chain. The blockchain is recorded in a public ledger.

    *  Stored in a “wallet.” A digital wallet is required to store the encrypted key that accesses your Bitcoin. It’s like a virtual bank account.

    *  Unregulated. No government or organization has regulatory oversight of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is anonymous and there is no recourse if stolen.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Save For More Than Just A Rainy Day

    Financial Health

    Invest in your future.

    Money doesn’t grow on trees, but it can grow when you save and invest it wisely. First, identify what you want to save for:

    *  Emergency funds? (Plan for three to six months of expenses.) Holiday expenses? Vacations? A house? College for your kids? Retirement?

    *  Rank order your goals.

    Invest, but do not put all your eggs in one basket.

    Diversify with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs, real estate, and commodities, such as gold and silver. Find out more about investing fromwww.mymoney.gov. Things you can do on your own:

    *  If your employer has a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), have as much deducted from your pay as possible, especially if your employer matches some or all of the amount you contribute.

    *  Get resources on planning for retirement and long-term care fromwww.csrees.usda.gov/fsll.

    *  Check out “529” prepaid tuition and savings plans for college fromwww.collegesavings.org. These offer tax-saving advantages.

    *  Get professional investment advice from employer sponsored programs or from your financial planner. Find a certified professional from the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education atwww.afcpe.org.

    Revisit your budget:

    *  Pay off credit card or high interest debts first. Then use some or all of the payment money for your savings plan.

    *  Put aside whatever you can in savings accounts, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit.

    *  Look for additional ways to save fromhttp://investor.gov/sites/default/files/Saving-and-Investing.pdf

    *  Decide the best ways you are likely to save money.

    – Have your paycheck automatically deposited in your bank and have some go directly into one or more savings accounts.

    – Save money you get from tax refunds, work bonuses, and extra income.

    Action Step

    Beware of investments that promise high returns with little or no risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

    Ways to Well-Being. Published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Brca Gene For Breast Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women wearing pink shirts with pink ribbons.

    You may have heard of the BRCA gene for breast cancer. But many people don’t understand what this gene is, or what it really means for breast cancer risk.

    What BRCA really means

    “BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer.” There are two types: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone has both of these genes. Having them does not mean you will get breast cancer.

    In fact, BRCA genes actually help prevent breast cancer. They can stop or slow breast cancer growth.

    When BRCA genes aren’t good

    In some people however, the BRCA genes don’t work properly. This is called a BRCA gene mutation.

    When this happens, the BRCA genes can’t prevent breast cancer. This makes the person more likely to get breast cancer. They may also develop breast cancer at a younger age. Those with BRCA mutations have a higher risk of developing other cancers too, including ovarian and pancreatic.

    Up to 65 percent of women with a BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer before age 70. About 45 percent of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70. People who have a mutated BRCA gene may also pass this along to their children.

    What to do

    Women who have one of the following should talk with a doctor:

    *  A family history of breast cancer

    *  History of ovarian cancer

    *  History of two or more cancers of any type

    In some cases, you may need a test to look at the BRCA genes. If the test finds that you have a BRCA mutation, talk with your doctor about next steps. This may include:

    *  Watching closely for breast cancer signs and getting regular screenings

    *  Taking certain medicines that can reduce estrogen, which can lower breast cancer risk

    *  Having a mastectomy, which is surgical removal of the breasts

    Screening is key

    Even without a BRCA gene mutation, all women should talk with their doctors about breast cancer risk. They should get regular breast cancer screenings. Finding breast cancer early is key. It means you have the best chance for successful treatment.

    Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know The Different Heart Disease Types

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Heart on a blue background.

    You’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary heart disease. But did you know each of these terms means something different?

    Let’s learn some of these “heart” terms and what they mean for your health. If you have a type of cardiovascular disease, work with your doctor to come up with a heart health plan. Your plan might include a healthy diet, exercise and medications.

    What is cardiovascular disease?

    Cardiovascular disease is any type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. “Cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

    Types of cardiovascular disease include:

    *  Coronary heart disease

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Stroke

    *  Heart failure

    *  Peripheral artery disease

    What is heart disease?

    Heart disease is any type of condition that affects the heart’s function or structure. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Heart disease also includes:

    *  Heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmias

    *  Cardiomyopathy

    *  Congenital (present at birth) heart defects

    *  Coronary artery disease (CAD)

    *  Heart failure

    Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease.

    What is coronary heart disease?

    Coronary heart disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease happens when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Sometimes people call this clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

    The plaque reduces the amount of blood getting to the heart. This can cause angina, or chest pain. It can also cause blood clots and can lead to a heart attack.

    Sources: American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Autism

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Blue teddy bear holding heart with autism puzzle icon.

    Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders that impacts how a person learns, communicates, behaves, and interacts socially. While boys are more likely to be affected, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can develop in people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

    Health professionals believe ASD is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Autism presents differently in each individual and ranges from very mild to requiring extensive support.

    Signs of ASD

    Screening is a routine part of well-child visits during the first few years of life. However, those with only mild impairments from ASD may remain undiagnosed until later in life. Signs include:

    *  Poor eye contact

    *  No babbling or pointing before age 1

    *  Not responding appropriately to name

    *  Poor social responsiveness

    *  Preferring to play alone

    *  Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping

    *  Delays in skill development

    *  Loss of previously acquired skills

    *  Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects

    *  Inflexible adherence to routine

    Diagnosing ASD

    There is no blood test or other medical diagnostic test. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on observation of the child’s behavior and developmental history. Screening tools a physician may use include:

    *  Developmental screening

    *  Developmental monitoring

    *  Comprehensive developmental evaluations

    If a child has additional risk factors for autism, your doctor may recommend additional screenings. Risk factors include:

    *  Preterm delivery

    *  Low birth weight

    *  Lead exposure

    *  Sibling with ASD

    *  Other factors

    Treatment for ASD

    There is no cure for ASD. However, treatment can significantly improve symptoms. Many people with autism benefit from a combination of therapies that help them develop language and social skills and encourage positive behaviors. Common treatment includes:

    *  Speech therapy

    *  Occupational therapy

    *  Educational interventions

    *  Intensive behavioral interventions

    *  Family counseling

    *  Skill-oriented training

    *  Medication

    *  Physical therapy

    *  Cognitive behavior therapy

    *  Nutritional therapy

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Campfire Safety

    WELL-BEING

    Group of people sitting around a campfire and tent.

    Whether roasting marshmallows or sitting up late to tell ghost stories, a campfire is a comforting and enjoyable way to spend time together. However, a fire should always be handled with caution. It’s essential to be smart when dealing with open flames. Here are three ways to stay safe around the campfire:

    1.Choose the campfire spot wisely.If possible, always use a fire pit designed for proper fire containment. Campfires should be located at least 15 feet away from any buildings, tents, or shrubs.

    2.Keep the area clear.There should be 10 feet of cleared space around the campfire, so remove any branches or debris. Keep all clutter clear of the site. And, of course, watch the kids closely. It’s never too early to teach them how to be safe around a fire.

    3.Douse the fire correctly at the end of the evening.Pour water over the fire until all coals are extinguished. Once the fire is completely out, stir the ash and test by carefully holding your hand above the area to be sure there is no residual heat. Repeat the process if needed.

    Source: Recreation.gov

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Protect Your Pet From Toxins

    WELL-BEING

    Dog on 2 legs on the counter with food.

    Many substances that are safe for people may be toxic to pets. To care for your pet’s health, be aware of these hidden dangers.

    *  Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be highly toxic to animals. Store them in sturdy containers that cannot be chewed through.

    *  Prescription animal medications are made to be tasty. Keep them well out of reach.

    *  Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, are toxic to pets.

    *  Products intended to kill rodents are particularly dangerous to pets. Choose pet-safe traps instead of chemicals.

    *  Paint, glue and cleaning products are toxic. Curious pets may mistake them for food. Keep these products safely stored and out of their reach.

    *  Bug spray and foggers are poisonous to pets. Because they have smaller bodies, it takes less of a product to cause problems.

    *  Certain house and garden plants may be toxic or irritating when consumed, depending on your pet. Check online to find out what plants are safe.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What To Know About Rainbow Fentanyl

    WELL-BEING

    Image of rainbow fentanyl.

    Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain. However, illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

    Rainbow fentanyl is an illegally manufactured drug dyed in bright colors and shaped to mimic legitimate medication. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to overdose.

    *  It’s impossible to know how much fentanyl may be present in a rainbow fentanyl pill.

    *  Fentanyl-laced drugs are among the most common drugs implicated in overdose deaths.

    *  The bright colors of rainbow fentanyl may increase the appeal among teens and young adults.

    *  Rainbow fentanyl is extremely dangerous. All it takes is one to be at risk for overdose.

    *  Signs of an overdose include pinpoint pupils, limp body, choking or gurgling sounds, loss of consciousness, and slow or weak breathing.

    *  Call 911 at the first sign of overdose.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine