HealthyLife Articles

Category: Self-Care Corner

  • Cautions About Sinus Rinsing

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of blue neti pot used to rinse nasal passages.

    Little teapots with long spouts have become a fixture in many homes for reasons that have nothing to do with tea.

    Called neti pots, they are used to rinse the nasal passages with a saline (salt-based) solution and have become a popular treatment for congested sinuses, colds and allergies, and for moistening nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air.

    The FDA has concerns about the risk of infection tied to the improper use of neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices. The agency is promoting safe practices for using all nasal rinsing devices, which include bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices.

    These devices are generally safe and useful products, but they must be used and cleaned properly.

    Most important is the source of water that is used with nasal rinsing devices. Tap water that is not filtered, treated, or processed in specific ways is not safe for use as a nasal rinse.

    Some tap water contains low levels of organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa. These include amoebas, which may be safe to swallow because stomach acid kills them. But these “bugs” can stay alive in nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections, according to the CDC.

    The procedure for nasal rinsing may vary slightly by device, but generally involves these steps:

    *  Wash and dry hands. Check that the device is clean and completely dry. Wash the device with distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled tap water. Then dry the inside with a paper towel or let it air dry between uses.

    *  Use the appropriate water to prepare the saline rinse, either with the prepared mixture supplied with the device, or one you make yourself with distilled or sterile water, which you can buy in stores. The label will state “distilled” or “sterile.” Boiled and cooled tap water-boiled for 3 to 5 minutes, then cooled until it is lukewarm may be used. Previously boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container for use within 24 hours. Or use water passed through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller, which traps potentially infectious organisms. CDC has information on selecting these filters, which you can buy online or from some hardware and discount stores.

    *  Lean over a sink, tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin roughly level to avoid liquid flowing into your mouth.

    *  Breathe through your open mouth.  Insert the spout of the saline-filled container into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril.

    *  Clear your nostrils, and then repeat the procedure, tilting your head sideways, on the other side. Some people like to do this procedure in the shower.

    Nasal rinsing can remove dirt, dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of allergies, colds and flu.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Hard To Pronounce, Painful Foot Pain

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Illustration of an inflammed plantar fascia.

    Ouch! That heel pain you feel when you first get up in the morning has a name.

    Plantar fasciitis(PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus). An inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes along the bottom of your foot. The condition usually starts with pain the morning after a day of increased physical activity. You may not remember a specific injury.

    Ice the sore area for 20 minutes two times a day, after dinner and before bedtime, to relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor about taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, suggest experts at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

    Stretching the plantar fascia with these exercises (www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-heel/Pages/Plantar-Fasciitis.aspx) is the best treatment after the initial inflammation has gone down.

    For longer-term problems and pain that won’t go away, some injections are available, and shock wave therapy is an option. Surgery may be a final solution.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Move In Minutes

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of business man walking while talking on the phone.

    Sitting for extended periods can raise the chances of developing cancer even for people who exercise regularly, says recent research. In response to these findings, fitness experts at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center share advice on how to get moving in minutes.

    “Taking just one- to two-minute breaks from sitting may help lower your cancer risk,” said Dr. Karen Basen-Engquist, professor in the Department of Behavioral Science. “That’s because even short spurts of movement can help minimize inflammation, insulin resistance, and long-term weight gain-all factors that make it harder for the body to fight off cancer.”

    Basen-Engquist, who uses a pedometer and tries to get at least 500 steps an hour, offers these tips to get moving-no matter how many minutes you can grab each day.

    Have 5 minutes? Stretch.

    Take breaks from sitting at work or home by standing up and stretching your back, forearms, wrists, legs, and hamstrings. Among the benefits: more energy, better circulation, and less muscle tension and stress.

    Have 10-15 minutes? Take a brisk walk.

    Head out during your lunchtime. Take walking meetings with coworkers. Plan a quick trip around the neighborhood. Walking helps maintain a healthier blood pressure, boosts metabolism, curbs stress, and possibly reduces breast and colorectal cancer risk.

    Just keep in mind that brisk walking yields more benefits than a casual stroll. So you should feel a little out of breath and feel your heart beating a little faster.

    Have 20-30 minutes? Tidy the house.

    Tidying up does more than limit couch time. It can also qualify as aerobic activity. To get your heart rate up, focus on repetitive activities that use large muscle groups, like the legs and back. This includes vacuuming, mopping, scrubbing, gardening, and even taking multiple trips upstairs to put away laundry.

    Have just 1-2 minutes? Take the stairs.

    Skip the elevator or escalator and take the stairs at work and when doing errands. Stairs get your heart pumping, build muscle, strengthen bones, and burn calories. The more often you take one step at a time, the bigger the payoff.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Shingles (And We’re Not Talking About Your Roof)

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of shingles the rash on a person's back.

    Shingles is a painful viral infection that affects 30% of Americans every year. It is caused by Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox.

    The outbreak occurs mostly in people 50 years of age and older. The virus can lie dormant in the nerve tissue of the body for many years, then becomes activated and causes shingles later in life.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shingles is not passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles can spread from a person with active shingles to another person who has never had chicken pox. In such cases, the person exposed to the virus might develop chickenpox, not shingles.

    “If you are diagnosed with shingles, you are contagious as long as you have blisters and ulcers. It is important to cover your rash and wash your hands frequently. It also is important to avoid people who have not received the chicken pox vaccine, pregnant women and anyone with a weak immune system,” said Dr. Khalilah Babino, physician at Loyola University Health System and assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

    A shingles outbreak can last several weeks. Before the rash appears, the following symptoms may occur:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Headache

    *  Tingling

    *  Itching

    *  Burning Pain

    After a few days, a blistering rash in clusters appears. The shingles rash is always located along the involved nerve pattern called a dermatome, typically in a band on one side of the body. Most often, the rash is on the chest and/or back, but can occur on other body parts.

    “If you develop shingles on your face, especially near your eye, you should seek immediate medical care as this type may result in loss of vision,” Dr. Babino said. The blisters that form will pop in a few days and become open sores, which are contagious. Usually, these ulcers scab over within 7 to 10 days and the rash goes away within 4 weeks.

    “Fortunately, there is antiviral medication to help slow the virus and speed recovery. The earlier the medication is started, the more effective it is against the virus. I recommend starting these medications within 72 hours of the onset of rash. Since shingles can be very painful, you might also need prescription pain medication,” Dr. Babino said.

    Most people with shingles do not suffer any complications. Still, there is a 10% chance of developing a painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia after the rash has gone away. The pain can last from a few months to a year.

    You can decrease your risk of developing shingles and its complications by getting the shingles vaccine. One dose of shingles vaccine is advised for adults age 60 years and older, but can be given between the ages of 50 and 59.

    “People who have had shingles previously can still receive the vaccine. If you are above the age of 50 years old, you should talk to your health care provider about the shingles vaccine,” Dr. Babino said.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Tips To Prevent Trips & Falls

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of doctor holding up an eye chart.

    It’s one thing to lose your balance and fall. But it’s especially important to keep elderly people from the hazards of a trip and fall.

    The causes of balance issues could come from a number of different sources-many that don’t have a seemingly direct connection to balance or falls. Dr. Jason Rice, a primary care internist at Loyola University Health System, tells about some surprising reasons you may lose your balance and fall.

    Blood pressure medication.

    Some of these drugs can lead to side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when changing positions such as standing up from a seated position. The same mechanism that allows our body to quickly adjust our blood flow after moving to a standing position from a seated or flat position can lead to a change in blood pressure, and several medications actively work to hinder this mechanism, which can lead to unsteadiness or falls when changing positions. Solution: Stand up slowly and get your bearings before walking. Staying hydrated also helps to prevent drops in blood pressure.

    Blood vessel changes.

    Over time the elasticity of blood vessels starts to decline and this can affect blood flow. Similar to blood pressure medication, this can cause you to become dizzy or lightheaded when changing positions, which can lead to falls. Solution: Stand up slowly and hold on to a stable surface before walking.

    Low blood sugar.

    Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, falls, and even loss of consciousness. This is especially true for people with diabetes. If you are taking medication to lower your blood sugar, make sure you take it with an adequate meal so your sugar doesn’t drop too low.

    Declining vision.

    Visual clues are an extremely important part of balance. As we age, our eyesight declines, which can lead to issues with balance. Regular visits to your primary care physician, which includes a vision assessment, is the best way to avoid this problem.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 5 Things About Natural Anxiety Remedies

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man getting a chair massage.

    Nearly everyone has anxiety at times. Stressful situations and important events can make you feel edgy or anxious.

    Sometimes, however, anxiety becomes a health problem. It happens frequently and it interferes with your life. This is called an anxiety disorder. If this happens to you, see your doctor. Treatments can help, including therapy and medications. Don’t try natural remedies for an anxiety disorder unless your doctor recommends it.

    People who have mild anxiety or occasional stress may look for “natural” or complementary health remedies.

    1.  Acupuncture is a popular natural anxiety treatment. It involves placing thin needles into the top layer of skin in certain points on the body. If you decide to try acupuncture, see a licensed practitioner who uses sterile, single-use needles.

    2.  Massage therapy can be relaxing and can feel good on tight, tense muscles. It may help some people with mild stress or occasional anxiety.

    3.  Mindfulness meditation is a practice of focusing on the present moment. It involves breathing, guided imagery and other methods. It may benefit people who have occasional stress or anxious feelings.

    4.  Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or relaxing music can lower anxiety before stressful events like medical procedures.

    5.  Don’t try herbs or dietary supplements without talking to your doctor first. Most of them haven’t been proven to help with stress or anxiety. And some can cause health problems or have dangerous interactions with medications.

    If you have anxiety or stress, talk with your health care provider. Together, you can find treatments or options that will help you live a healthy life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Avoid Summer Headaches

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of women sitting at the beach talking on the phone.

    The sun can be especially bothersome if you suffer from migraine. Looking directly or indirectly at the sun can trigger a migraine attack for some people.

    Don’t forget your shades-sunglasses, visors, or sun hat when you are out and enjoying the sunshine at the beach, tennis court, golf course, or a baseball game, advises the National Headache Foundation.

    Other summer headache triggers include changes in barometric pressure. Watch out for those sudden thunderstorms and windy days.

    Drink plenty of water, not soft drinks, to help prevent those “dehydration” headaches. You don’t want to drink too many soft drinks containing caffeine, which can also contribute to your headaches.

    At backyard barbecues and picnics, you may encounter food items that you wouldn’t normally eat. The sauces and dry rubs on those tasty ribs may contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) to which many headache sufferers are sensitive. The spread at a picnic may include aged cheeses, hot dogs, and other meats with nitrates, and pickles-all possible triggers. Also watch your intake of beer and cocktails.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Clean Contacts Matter

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of contact solution, case and eye drops.

    If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to keep them clean and care for them properly. Not taking care of your contact lens could cause an eye infection known as keratitis, which can cause serious eye problems. The CDC says 988,000 people had keratitis in 2010. The biggest risk factor was improper care of contact lenses.

    You can greatly reduce your risk of this infection by doing the following things each day:

    *  Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing your lenses.

    *  Use only sterile contact lens solution and disinfectant. Don’t use water, saliva, or other liquids to store or rinse your lenses.

    *  Gently rub your lenses with disinfectant daily.

    *  Remove your lenses before showering, swimming and sleeping.

    *  Use fresh solution every day. Dump out all the old solution.

    *  Don’t wear lenses longer than directed. For instance, some disposable contacts are designed to be worn for one day. Some can be worn for several weeks or longer. Ask your eye care professional if you’re not sure.

    *  Don’t use expired solution or contacts.

    *  Replace your contact lens case every three to six months.

    Source: The American Academy of Ophthalmology

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Help For The Indoor Sneezing Season

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of a person cleaning the bathroom sink.

    Sometimes indoor winter air brings a whole new set of allergy and asthma triggers including dust, pet dander, and mold.

    Doctors from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offer advice on how to stay sneeze-free and sniffle-free while indoors this winter.

    *  Reduce moisture in your home to keep dust mites in check. Maintain humidity below 55%, and don’t use a humidifier or a vaporizer.

    *  Filter out dust and other allergens by installing a high efficiency furnace filter with a MERV rating of 11 or 12, and be sure to change it every 3 months.

    *  Banish allergens from the bedroom (where you spend a third of your life). Keep pets and their dander out, and encase mattresses and pillows with dust-mite-proof covers. Use blinds instead of curtains.

    *  Allergy sufferers should wear a NIOSH-rated N95 mask while dusting-a chore that should be done regularly. Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water every 14 days and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

    *  Turn on the fan or open the window to reduce mold growth in bathrooms (while bathing) and kitchens (while cooking). Wear latex-free gloves and clean visible mold with a 5% bleach solution and detergent.

    *  Box up books and knick-knacks and limit the number of indoor plants. When you are buying new furniture, like chairs or sofas, opt for leather or other nonporous surfaces to make cleaning easier.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine