HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • Give Cold Sores The Cold Shoulder

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Close up image of cold sore.

    Cold sores – those bothersome blisters that appear around the mouth – can be painful and embarrassing. Cold sores are spread by a virus, but not the cold virus.

    Cold sores happen when a person gets infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This is why cold sores may also be called “oral herpes.” HSV is very contagious. It can be easily spread person to person by:

    *  Sharing drinks or utensils

    *  Kissing

    *  Touching a cold sore or infected person’s face, and then touching your face

    *  Touching an infected person’s face and then touching someone else (this is how many babies get HSV)

    *  Sharing personal items like razors or towels

    *  Intimate or sexual contact

    *  Touching the same object that was touched by a person with a cold sore.

    The type of HSV that causes cold sores is usually HSV  type 1. Another type of HSV,  known as HSV type 2, is most often spread through sexual contact. HSV type 2 is the virus that usually causes genital herpes. But, either type of  HSV can cause cold sores or genital herpes.

    What triggers cold sores?

    Once you get HSV, there is no cure. It stays in the body forever and it may cause repeated outbreaks of cold sores. Certain things may trigger a cold sore outbreak. Things that bring down the body’s defenses may allow the virus to become active and produce a cold sore again. Many people get cold sores due to:

    *  Stress

    *  Hormone changes such as menstruation or pregnancy

    *  Illnesses, like the flu or a cold

    *  Sun exposure

    *  Certain foods

    Don’t spread cold sores!

    Even if you stay healthy and avoid stress, there is no way to prevent all cold sore outbreaks. So, it’s best to try and avoid spreading cold sores and HSV to others.

    The best way to avoid spreading cold sores is to wash your hands frequently and avoid contact that could spread the sore. If you feel a cold sore coming on, don’t share drinks and other items listed in this article. Avoid touching your mouth and don’t touch people’s faces or kiss people, especially babies, children and people with weakened immune systems.

    Treating cold sores

    If you get cold sores frequently, ask your doctor about medicines that can help. Some antiviral medicines can reduce the number of outbreaks. They also help lower the chance of spreading HSV to others.

    Some over-the-counter medicines can also help speed up the healing time of a sore, but they won’t prevent outbreaks or stop the spread of HSV. Ask your doctor if one of these treatments might work for you.

    Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Make The Most Of Your Health Care Dollars

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of doctor taking a patient's blood pressure reading.

    So you’ve got that high deductible health plan or flexible spending account. How can you save money-and spend your dollars wisely? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware offers these suggestions:

    *Stay in-network.Make sure your doctors, laboratory, and hospital are a part of your health plan’s provider network so you save on copays and coinsurance amounts.

    *Use alternatives to emergency services.A visit to the hospital ER is generally unnecessary for issues such as the flu, minor cuts and sprains, or urinary tract infections. Overall costs are usually lower at walk-in clinics and urgent care centers. Check your health plan’s provider directory for nearby centers.

    *Take the tests.Receive the screenings, tests, vaccines, and other care that your plan covers, as recommended by your doctor. When you and your family stay healthy, you can avoid doctor visits and time off from work.

    *Take your medicine.To receive the full benefit of your medicine, remember to take the recommended dosage for as long as your doctor prescribes it. People who take their medicine as prescribed need less health care-and less expensive care. If you don’t understand how to take your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    *Find the best price for the medication you need.Always ask if a generic prescription drug or an over-the-counter (OTC) drug would be best for you. For any brand-name drug, research the manufacturer before you fill the prescription. Then check its website for any discount coupons or free copay programs that may be available for that drug.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ringing In The Ears

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man holding a magnifying glass next to his ear.

    Developing tinnitus or ringing in the ears can be annoying at best. At worse, the condition can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other serious medical issues. Tinnitus is often described as buzzing, ringing, hissing, humming, roaring, or whistling that someone hears. Imagine hearing something that seems to come from inside your head. More than 50 million people in the United States have the condition, according to the American Tinnitus Association.

    If you struggle with tinnitus, you may find help with these tips from Neuromonics:

    *Be good to yourself.Tinnitus can affect many areas of life.

    *Educate yourself.Tinnitus has several causes and affects each person differently. The more a tinnitus sufferer understands, the greater the chances of making the tinnitus less bothersome.

    *Educate others.Family members, friends, coworkers, and associates can benefit from understanding tinnitus and its effects. They can be more supportive if they understand the conditions that are difficult for a tinnitus sufferer.

    *Seek out support.A few individuals who understand the daily trials of tinnitus can be invaluable. Consider a formal support group-in-person or online-to find out about coping strategies.

    *Contact the ATA’s Support Networkatwww.ata.org/support.

    *Obtain counseling.For some people, a licensed therapist or counselor can help with techniques to make tinnitus symptoms less bothersome and with effects of tinnitus such as anxiety and depression.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Tiny Blood Suckers

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of a person using a lice comb.

    Lice aren’t vampires, but they hold onto hair and bite into your scalp (or more likely into your children’s scalps) and feed on blood, according to Dr. Andrew Bonwit, a pediatric infectious disease expert at Loyola University. Usually, bites aren’t painful, he says, but they may itch.

    According to the CDC, an estimated 6 to 12 million lice cases occur each year among children 3 to 11 years old.

    “Parents and school staff may become understandably upset by outbreaks of head lice, but it is important to remember that if the problem occurs, it is treatable, although repeat applications of medicine are usually needed,” said Dr. Bonwit.

    Contrary to what you may think: Anyone can get head lice. It’s not a sign of uncleanliness. Pets don’t carry lice or spread them to you. And although you don’t want to use anyone else’s hairbrush, lice seem to be transmitted from head-to-head contact from one person to another. Lice don’t carry serious diseases, and kids with lice at school should see a doctor for treatment with shampoos.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Winter Itch

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of a snowman.

    All winter flakes are not made of snow. Cold weather, with its low relative humidity, wreaks havoc on your skin, making it dry and flaky. Skin dries out if it’s deprived of moisture, and this dryness often aggravates itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as “winter itch.” During the winter the air is drier, and indoor heating further robs your skin of moisture. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can replenish the water content of your skin.

    Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a dermatologist and director of the Skin and Laser Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, suggests the following skin advice:

    *Moisturize daily.Petrolatum or cream-based moisturizers are far better than lotions for normal to dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. After bathing, apply moisturizer directly to your wet skin to ensure that the moisturizer can help to trap surface moisture.

    *Limit the use of hot water and soap.If you have “winter itch,” take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser. Immediately afterward, apply a thick cream or a petroleum-jelly-type moisturizer. Gently pat skin dry.

    *Humidify.Dry air can pull the moisture from your skin. Room humidifiers can be very helpful. However, be sure to clean the unit and change the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce mold and fungi.

    *Protect yourself from the wind.Cover your face and use a petrolatum-based balm for your lips.

    *Protect your skin from the sun.Remember that winter sun can also be dangerous to the skin. Even in the winter months you should use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater if you will be outdoors for prolonged periods.

    *Avoid winter tanning.Tanning beds and artificial sunlamps are always damaging to your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

    *Take vitamin D supplements.During the summer months your natural vitamin D production increases due to daily sun exposure, but when winter rolls around that exposure decreases. Taking vitamin supplements can ensure that you are getting the recommended amounts of vitamin D all year.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beware Of Exercise Gimmicks

    BE FIT

    Image of man running outside.

    Let’s face it: working out is, well, work. It takes time and commitment to exercise regularly, and sticking to it can be tough.

    Exercise gimmicks and fads target the millions of people who want the benefits of exercise but may be looking for a quicker solution. Some products may claim to “spot reduce,” or slim one area of the body, such as the tummy or legs. Others may claim to give you the benefits of a long workout in just a few minutes.

    Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether something is an effective piece of equipment or a scam. Before purchasing, ask yourself if the product:

    *  Promises amazing results without any work or “sweat”

    *  Focuses on just one area of the body, saying you can trim this problem area

    *  Advertises that you can lose many inches or pounds in just a few days or weeks

    *  Doesn’t provide a clear cost for the equipment or only offers monthly payment plans

    Unfortunately, many of these products don’t do what they claim, and some may not work at all. But, you don’t need a device or special equipment to reap the benefits of exercise. You can lose weight and get healthier with just 30 minutes a day of activity. Walking, gardening, dancing and biking are possible options. Pick something you enjoy so you’ll stick with it. If you don’t have 30 minutes in your day, break it up into three 10-minute chunks.

    Instead of worrying about the latest fitness gimmick, stick to the activities listed above. Your health and fitness level will improve, and you can save your money for fitness rewards, such as a new pair of walking shoes or exercise clothes.

    Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Exercise Is Healthy For Your Mind

    BE FIT

    Image of older Asian couple brisk walking.

    Regular exercise offers many health benefits. You may already know it helps you stay strong and healthy, and can help you lose weight. It can also help prevent heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other diseases. But exercise is doing good for another vital organ in your body: your brain.

    Studies are now showing that regular aerobic exercise can help your brain work better. This includes:

    * Better memory

    * Ability to switch tasks

    * Ability to plan activities and stay organized

    * Possible reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

    Although researchers don’t know exactly why exercise helps the mind, there are some possibilities. It increases blood supply to the brain, and helps it form connections. These connections are responsible for forming memories and thinking about future activities. Exercise also improves an area of the brain that remembers and learns.

    Source: National Institute on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Stretch The Right Way

    BE FIT

    Image of an older Asian couple stretching.

    Do you skip stretching after your workout because you don’t have time? This may be a mistake: stretching can have benefits for flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow to the muscles, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. But to reap these rewards, stretching needs to be done correctly. Be sure you follow these tips:

    *Never stretch cold muscles.If you haven’t been moving, it’s not a good time to stretch. The best time is right after your workout, or at least after a 5-10 minute warm-up.

    *Don’t bounce.Use smooth, slow, controlled movements. Bouncing can actually harm muscles.

    *Breathe.Be sure you’re breathing in and out, and not holding your breath.

    *Hold it.A good stretch should last at least 30 seconds, and you may want to hold some for up to 60 seconds.

    *Stretch until you feel it, but don’t go too far.Stretching should feel good, not painful. If it hurts, back off the stretch until it’s comfortable, then hold.

    If you have a strained muscle, sprain, or other injury, talk with your doctor before stretching or starting any exercise. People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, should also seek their doctor’s advice on the safest exercises for them.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Safe On 2 Wheels

    BE FIT

    Image of women on bike.

    Cycling is a good form of exercise. But with more than 1.4 million injuries reported in 2012 according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, riders need to be safety conscious before hitting the pavement (literally).

    The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers cycling safety rules:

    *  Use a bicycle that is the proper size.

    *  Make sure you are fit enough to ride before you  start pedaling.

    *  Change riding positions to reduce stress on pressure points on your body and avoid overstressing muscles.

    *  Always wear a helmet approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It should fit  snugly but comfortably and not obstruct vision.

    *  Check your bicycle’s mechanical components regularly (brakes, tires, gears).

    *  Follow traffic signs and lights. Signal your turns   so drivers can anticipate your actions.

    *  Ride in the direction of traffic. Be aware of all surroundings.

    *  Use caution on uneven or slippery surfaces.

    *  Do not listen to music with head phones, talk on  your phone, text or do anything else that can   obstruct your hearing and vision.

    *  Avoid loose clothing. Wear padded gloves and appropriate footwear. Never wear flip flops. Use padded cycling shorts for longer rides.

    *  At night, wear bright fluorescent colors; make sure to have rear reflectors. Both a working tail light and headlight should be visible from 500 feet away.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Train Like An Olympian

    BE FIT

    Image of women running.

    Olympic athletes inspire us with their fierce discipline and natural talent as they smash records, going higher, farther and faster. Their can-do   spirit motivates us all to take on  new challenges.

    Whether your goal is to complete your first marathon or improve your golf game, there are lessons to be learned from the best of the best.

    Saint Louis University assistant professor of physical therapy, Chris Sebelski, gives this guidance on how to train like a champion:

    *Set a goal and break it down.For instance, if you’re training to get in shape for a cross-country hiking trip, you might aim to walk 3 miles a day for the first 2 weeks and build up to 10 miles a day by the end of 10 weeks.

    *Cross-train.Cross-training reduces risks of overtraining and helps avoid injury. It also enhances muscle performance and stimulates the mind so you don’t become bored by too much repetition.

    *Work out with others.Olympic athletes don’t train alone and they don’t train only with those at the same skill level. Run with different people. On one day, partner with someone slower than your normal pace. You’ll stay out longer and practice endurance. Another day, run with someone faster than your average pace. You’ll do a more intense cardio workout.

    *Create a team.Olympic athletes know that they cannot do it on their own. You shouldn’t expect to either. Seek people and methods that can help you accomplish your goal. It could be a face-to-face session with a trainer, a nutrition class, or an online chat room of like-minded people.

    *Find your motivation.Olympians use lots of techniques to manage their emotions. This year, for example, athletes reported using yoga, meditation, and even watching their favorite TV shows to calm themselves before an event.

    *Put on an Olympic attitude.For most of us, our jobs, families and personal commitments mean we can’t spend as much time training as a world champion might. But  you can adopt the mentality of  an Olympian during the time you  do train.

    *Enjoy.Regardless of the scale of your goal, train for and accomplish a physical goal you set for yourself. Crossing that finish line is a feeling unlike any other.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine