HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • This Home Fix Can Save Your Life

    WELL-BEING

    Illustration of a house.

    It’s odorless, colorless, and causes lung cancer. You could be breathing it every day and not know it. It’s radon, and it’s a major health threat in nearly all areas of the country.

    What is radon?

    Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found in soil. It makes its way into buildings through cracks, joints, and gaps in the basement or foundation. Once inside, it can build up and result in dangerously high levels. High levels of radon can cause lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Only smoking causes more deaths from lung cancer.

    The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people die every year from lung cancer caused by radon. Even people who have never smoked can get lung cancer from radon. But, if you smoke, your chance of lung cancer is even higher.

    How do I know if my house has radon?

    The only way to detect radon in your house is through a radon test. Many hardware stores carry these tests, or you can get a test through your state’s radon office. Follow the instructions exactly as listed on the test. The tests are not expensive and are easy to use. Usually you need to leave the test in your house for a set amount of time. Then, you’ll follow instructions to mail it to a lab to get your results.

    No level of radon is safe. But, if your test shows a level of 4 or higher, you need to fix your house.

    How do I get rid of radon?

    There is an effective way to get radon out of your house and keep it from coming back. A radon mitigation system involves putting a special pipe device in your basement. The pipe has a fan inside that blows the radon back outside.

    Every state has radon removal companies who can install these systems. The Environmental Protection Agency says you should use a company that is accredited by the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program.

    Radon is one health problem no one should live with. Get a radon testing kit today. Your health and life are worth it.

    Take action against radon

    To order a radon test kit, call: 1-800-SOS-RADON

    (1-800-767-7236)

    For answers to radon questions, call: 1-800-55-RADON (557-2366)

    For questions about fixing radon levels in your house, call: 1-800-644-6999.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What’s Parked In Your Garage?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of items stored in a garage, such as a ladder.

    Gasoline and other poison hazards may be stored unsafely in your garage. The Home Safety Council and the American Association of Poison Control Centers promote safe practices around hazardous products in the garage and storage areas:

    *  In homes with young children, see that child-resistant caps are on all dangerous products. These include charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, antifreeze, and turpentine. Store the products out of sight and reach-or better yet, locked up.

    *  Store only a small amount of gasoline and always in an approved container designed and labeled for gasoline. Never bring gasoline indoors.

    *  Keep all products in original containers with original labels.

    *  Never transfer dangerous products to glass jars, soft drink bottles, or other containers.  Harmful products could look like common drinks and be taken by mistake. Also, containers may leak or break. It is easy to forget what product was placed in which container.

    *  Use a siphon hose if you must transfer gasoline. Never try to siphon gasoline or other fuels by mouth.

    Every Poison Control Center in the country can be reached by calling the nationwide hotline at (800) 222-1222. Post the hotline near home phones and on your cell phone.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What To Do About Liver Spots

    Mature Health: Over Age 50

    Image of women looking in a mirror examing her face.

    Years spent soaking up the sun can result in circular patches of light brown pigmentation, called liver spots or age spots, on your face, arms, neck, and the back of your hands. Liver spots have nothing to do with the liver, though; they’re “superfreckles”-areas of dark pigment triggered by overexposure to the sun. Here’s what you can do to minimize liver spots.

    *  Apply a concealer (cover-up cream) that matches your skin tone.

    *  Always apply a sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher 30 to 45 minutes before you go outdoors.

    *  Apply an over-the-counter bleaching cream to the discolored areas. (These products can take months to work and lighten spots only slightly.)

    If these tactics don’t help, consult a dermatologist. He or she may recommend one of the following medical treatments for liver spots.

    *  A prescription bleaching cream.

    *  A prescription peeling cream, like Retin-A.

    *  Chemical peels (a mild acid is applied with a cotton swab to each patch of pigment).

    *  Dermabrasion (the skin is numbed, then rubbed with a high-speed electrical device).

    These treatments all produce some discomfort and sometimes leave a permanent white spot where the skin has been treated, however.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 6 Things To Know Before Taking Any Medicines

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of women reading medication information.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that adverse drug events (ADEs) are a serious public health problem. An ADE is when an injury occurs after taking medicine. With 82 percent of Americans taking at least one medication, ADEs could happen to almost anyone.

    ADEs can be serious, and even deadly. They may include:

    *  Side effects from a medicine

    *  Interactions with other medicines or supplements

    *  Allergic reactions to a medicine

    *  Overdoses

    *  Taking the wrong dose or type of medicine

    You can avoid ADEs with a few simple steps. Do these things today to keep yourself and loved ones safe:

    1.Be aware of any interactions before you take a medicine.Some medicines should not be taken with certain foods, such as grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Others can cause side effects if taken with certain herbs and supplements. Because of possible interactions, be sure your doctor knows everything you take, including natural supplements, vitamins and herbs. If you’re caring for an aging family member, keep track of all their medications and show the list to their doctors during appointments. If you see more than one doctor, make sure all your doctors know which medications you take.

    2.Keep them secure, out of reach from others.Something that’s safe for you to take could be dangerous – or even deadly – to a child or pet. Keep all medicines out of reach of kids and pets, preferably with child-proof packaging.

    3.Take only the dose you are prescribed.If you feel your medication isn’t working, talk to your doctor about options. Taking a higher dose than what’s prescribed or mixing it with other medications can lead to serious side effects or overdoses.

    4.Don’t share your medicines.It can be dangerous to give someone a prescription drug that wasn’t prescribed to them. Even over-the-counter medicines should be used with caution, especially if a person has health conditions or is taking other medicines.

    5.Keep medicines in their original bottles.Putting medicines in other containers could lead to someone accidentally taking the wrong medicine. It also makes it more difficult to keep track of what you’re taking.

    6.Dispose of expired or unneeded medicines correctly.Using a drug “take-back” program is a safe option. If you must throw them away, don’t flush them. Put them in the household trash with kitty litter or coffee grounds. For complete information on medicine disposal, visit the FDA website atwww.fda.gov.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Better Health Is In Your Pocket

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of doctor holding up a smart phone.

    Most people spend time every day on their smartphone or tablet. Why not put that time to good use by downloading an app that can help you improve your health? There are thousands of health apps available to suit many different health goals and personality types. Check out some of these health apps you can start using today:

    Relax Melodies by Ipnos Software(for iPhone and Android)

    Quality sleep and stress management are an important part of good health. This app lets you choose your favorite sounds to create a personalized relaxing song that helps you relieve stress and sleep better.

    Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal(for Android)

    For those trying to make better food choices or lose weight, sometimes knowing how much you eat can make a big difference. This app allows you to track food intake and exercise with a large food database. Connect with other users for encouragement and support.

    Diet Controller by Margaret Dangerfield(for iPhone)

    This app can help you view your eating and fitness activities on your devices. Log and track your daily food intake with a USDA-based food database. Users also can create charts and reports while tracking nutrients, calories and exercise.

    Hydro Coach by Codium App Ideas(for Android) orWater App by Inspiring Life Technologies(for iPhone)

    Drinking water is an easy, healthy way to fight fatigue and may help you consume fewer calories. These apps are designed to help you track how much you’re drinking and to offer reminders when it’s time for another glass.

    Quitter’s Circle by Pfizer Inc. and the American Lung Association(for iPhone and Android)

    For those trying to quit smoking, this app allows you to create a personalized quit plan, connect with others for support, get quitting tips, and celebrate milestones.

    Hundreds of health-related apps are available today – and many of them cost less than $10. Try an app that suits your life for a high-tech way to be healthier!

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Don’t Be Rash

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of rash on a person's arm.

    It’s itchy and red. Maybe painful. A rash is your immune system’s way of saying, “I’m protecting you.”

    When skin cells detect something suspicious (such as poison ivy or chickenpox), they begin a chain reaction that leads to inflammation or swelling. Doctors call it dermatitis. But you might think of it as a rash.

    Rashes can be caused by bacteria, viruses, drugs, allergies, genetic disorders, and even light. So it’s important to find out what is causing the rash. Most rashes clear up and go away quickly. Others may need care over a long time.

    Call your doctor if any of these are true, advises the NIH News in Health:

    *  Your rash is so uncomfortable or painful it interferes with daily activities or sleep.

    *  The rash is on your face.

    *  Your rash looks worrisome or seems infected.

    *  You break out in a rash after taking a new medication.

    *  Your rash lasts for several days.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of young women crushing a cigarette in her hand.

    According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 51 million Americans have had success at quitting smoking. Many smokers did not quit on their first try and needed several attempts to have success to quit for good. If you smoke, keep trying to quit.

    “Quitting smoking is one of the single most effective things someone can do to improve their health,” said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association.

    It may not be easy to, but the benefits are well worth it:

    *  Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.

    *  Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood stream drops to normal.

    *  Within 3 days, the nicotine leaves your body.

    *  Within 3 months, your circulation and lung function improves.

    *  After 9 months, you will cough less and breathe easier.

    *  After 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

    *  After 5 years, your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half.

    *  After 10 years, you are one-half as likely to die from lung cancer, and your risk of larynx or pancreatic cancer decreases.

    *  After 15 years, your coronary heart disease risk is the same as a non-smoker’s.

    Get help to quit smoking

    *  Talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend counseling or coaching plus over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges or FDA-approved medications. If you are a Veteran, talk to your health care team about VA tobacco cessation programs and services that are available to you.

    *  Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This is the national number to access state-based quitline services.

    *  Smokefree.gov atwww.smokefree.govor text QUIT to 47848, answer a few questions, and you’ll start receiving messages

    *www.cdc.gov/tips

    *  Smokefree Apps: quitSTART and QuitGuide. Download these from your Smartphone’s  App Store or Google Play.

    Chart with tobacco facts from the CDC.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Diabetes

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of home testing glucose machine surrounded by vegetables.

    Diabetes may run in your family, but you can avoid or delay its development.

    You can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, and losing  excess weight, according to NIH in Health. Type 2 diabetes occurs due to problems related to a hormone called insulin. When your body digests food, it’s broken down and converted to glucose and other molecules, which then travel through the bloodstream. Insulin signals cells to let glucose in for use as an energy source.

    In a person with type 2 diabetes, either the body’s cells have trouble using insulin or the body isn’t making enough insulin. As a result, glucose can build up to harmful levels in the blood. That’s why people with diabetes often have high blood glucose levels.

    These high levels raise your risk for heart disease, kidney problems, blindness, amputations, and other serious conditions.

    Being overweight, obese, or inactive increases the risk to develop type 2 diabetes. You can change these risk factors. Losing just 5-10 percent of your weight and exercising 30 minutes a day on 5 days a week goes a long way to lower your risk.

    Steps to prevent diabetes

    *  Move more. It doesn’t matter what activity you do, as long as you enjoy it.

    *  Choose healthy foods. Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.

    *  Maintain a healthy weight. With healthy eating and physical activity, you can drop pounds and keep them off.

    *  Set reasonable goals. Start with small changes, even walking 15 minutes a day. Add 5 minutes per day next week and so on. Goal: 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

    *  Record your progress. Keep a diary of what you eat and drink and the number of minutes you exercise to stay focused on your goal.

    *  Keep at it. Making even small changes is hard in the beginning. If you get off track, start again.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Secrets For Healthier Feet

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    the word "Summer" spread across an illustration of the sun.

    Podiatrist Dr. Lauren Kishman, Akron General Orthopedics, knows the most common foot complaints and lets you in on some secrets to get your feet summer-ready.

    Sweaty, smelly feet?

    Use antiperspirant on your feet. Why? Because you have sweat glands on your feet too. Change out your socks often and try a clear roll-on antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet. Apply after showering and drying your feet. If an over-the-counter antiperspirant doesn’t work, you can try a prescription-strength antiperspirant.

    Avoid fungus.

    Wear sandals around the pool. If you have athlete’s foot, over-the-counter antifungal medications are generally successful. Nail fungus, though, is typically more difficult to treat and often will require prescription medication to recover completely.

    Don’t leave nail polish on all summer.

    The chemicals and dyes in nail polish can discolor or crack nails. Remove nail polish after about 2 weeks and give your toes a break before reapplying.

    Apply sunscreen all over your feet.

    Skin cancer can affect the feet. If you notice any suspicious or dark spots on your feet-on your skin or underneath the nails-see a doctor to get them checked out. If you have cracking or dry skin, lotions that contain urea or ammonium lactate can help.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine