HealthyLife Articles

Category: Self-Care Corner

Look Cool & Protect Your Eyes

SELF-CARE CORNER

Sunglasses are a great fashion item, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage the surface tissues, cornea, and lens of the eye. It has also been linked to cataract, macular degeneration, and temporary vision loss.

Through its EyeSmart® UV Safety campaign, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers tips to keep your eyes safe:

Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays.

* When you purchase sunglasses, look for either UV400 or 100% UV protection on the label. Frames with a close-fitting wraparound style give the best protection.

* Wear sunglasses even if you wear UV-blocking contact lenses. Contacts do not cover enough eye area.

* Wear sunglasses on cloudy days, too. The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds.

Wear a hatalong with your sunglasses. Hats with a wide brim are best.

Protect your children’s eyes.

* Keep children out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day.

* Have them wear sunglasses and hats whenever they are in the sun.

Be extra careful in UV-intense conditions:

* Mid-day to early afternoon, when sunlight is strongest

* At higher altitudes

* Places where the sun is reflected off of water, ice or snow

Learn more about UV eye safety and tips to protect the eyes from the sun atwww.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/sun.cfm

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Refocus Your Pain

SELF-CARE CORNER

Sometimes people in pain start to focus their entire lives around their pain, says a pain specialist.

“I find the people who feel better about their situation are the ones who can focus their lives around their activities instead. They gauge how they are by what they can do,” observes Dr. Heather Tick, professor of integrative pain medicine at the University of Washington.

“We reinforce the nerve connections of the things we focus on. If we focus on pain, we make those connections stronger. If we can shift the focus, we can distract ourselves and reinforce other nerve connections instead,” said Dr. Tick.

In her book, Holistic Pain Relief, she offers some strategies to refocus:

* Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, which means eating low-glycemic foods and good-quality proteins, avoiding foods with added chemicals, and drinking plenty of fresh water.

* Talk to your doctor about taking anti-inflammatory supplements. Examples are omega-3s, vitamin D, and magnesium.

* Exercise regularly to the best of your current ability and expect to improve.

* Identify your sources of stress and try to spend some time de-stressing. For example, meditate or do breathing exercises.

* Take responsibility for getting well.

* Find joy and meaning in your life.

* Find a primary practitioner and a treatment team you like working with.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Aches Of Arthritis

SELF-CARE CORNER

Feeling pain and stiffness in your joints? Wonder if it’s because you’re aging? Many people experience joint pain when they’re 45 to 50. It’s generally from arthritis-one of the most common diseases. “Arthr” means joint, and “itis” means inflammation.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis (wear and tear on joints in the fingers, knees, and hips). And, yes, osteoarthritis can develop years after an injury to a joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your whole body. It arises when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own joints bringing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function.

Arthritis can damage not only your joints but also internal organs and skin. Talk with your doctor about what you can do. Here are some ideas from the NIH News in Health:

* Try to stay at a healthy weight that’s normal for your height.

* Exercise. A trained health professional can show you how to move more easily if you have arthritis. Going for a walk every day will help, too.

* If you had a severe joint injury to a joint, protect it from getting injuried again.

* Don’t smoke. People who smoke are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis, and their symptoms tend to be worse.

* Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.

* Try taking a warm shower in the morning.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When Petting Pets Causes Disease

SELF-CARE CORNER

Salmonella, E. coli, and roundworms are among the nearly 20 different diseases that people most commonly get from their pets, said Jason Stull, assistant professor of veterinary preventive medicine at Ohio State. Infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with limited immune function are most at risk for animal-borne, or zoonotic, diseases.

Since different species of pets-dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians-carry different types of diseases and at different stages of life, Stull and his colleagues suggest that families talk to both their doctor and veterinarian about what pet is the safest choice for their family.

Here are some safe tips for pet ownership:

* Wear protective gloves to clean aquariums and cages and to remove feces.

* Wash hands after pet contact.

* Don’t let your pets lick your face.

* Cover playground sandboxes when not in use (cats love them).

* Avoid contact with higher risk animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals.

* Regularly clean and disinfect animal cages, feeding areas, and bedding.

* Put litter boxes away from areas where food is eaten and prepared.

* Schedule regular veterinary visits.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
10 Dental Problems And What To Do About Them

SELF-CARE CORNER

1.Bad breath:For fresh breath, brush twice a day, floss daily, drink plenty of water, see your dentist regularly, and don’t smoke. If bad breath persists, talk to your dentist or doctor.

2.Tooth decay:When cavities are left untreated, they can get worse and lead to infections and loss of teeth. Get cavities filled quickly to prevent more extensive dental work and serious health problems.

3.Gum disease:Without treatment, gum disease gets worse and can lead to tooth loss. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen, tender, and red gums, but it often has no signs in the early stages.

4.Stained teeth:Some medications, foods, and drinks can yellow or discolor teeth. Many dentists offer whitening treatments that can help.

5.Mouth sores:A salt water rinse can help with canker sores or irritation from braces or other dental appliances. But, if sores last a week or more, your dentist should take a look.

6.Tooth sensitivity:Special toothpaste or dental procedures, such as crowns, can help relieve sensitivity to hot or cold. Look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of acceptance on products before buying.

7.Enamel erosion:Acidic foods and drinks can wear away at the tooth’s protective enamel over time. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and discoloration. Drinking water and milk instead of soda can help avoid this problem.

8.Wisdom teeth:Third molars, or wisdom teeth, often need to be removed during the teen or young adult years. If the jaw doesn’t have enough space for them, they can crowd or damage the other teeth.

9.Oral cancer:Cancer of the mouth, lips or gums affects about 50,000 Americans every year. Symptoms may include sores, patches, lumps, or pain in the mouth. If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist or doctor.

10.Teeth grinding:Teeth grinding can lead to cracks and damage to the teeth enamel. A special guard made by your dentist can help protect your teeth. Beware of mouth guards sold over the counter as they can fit improperly and become a choking hazard when you sleep.

Even if you don’t have any tooth pain or other symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist every six months. Regular checkups with your dentist can prevent or treat these problems so you can keep a healthy, bright smile for life.

Sources: American Dental Association, Oral Health Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Antibiotic Misuse -You Could Be Doing It

SELF-CARE CORNER

Antibiotics that are overused or misused can lead to “superbugs.” These are bacteria that can’t be killed by antibiotics. Some of these bacteria can be deadly if they get in your body. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says this is one of the top health threats in our world today.

What can you do to prevent antibiotic misuse?

* Antibiotics do not treat viruses. Do not ask your doctor for an antibiotic for a viral illness.

* Do not take antibiotics unless your doctor prescribes them – and don’t save old antibiotics.

* Take your antibiotics exactly as your doctor tells you.

* Finish your entire course of antibiotics – even if you feel better.

* Do not take someone else’s antibiotics.

* Don’t share your antibiotics with others.

Antibiotics DO NOT cure viruses such as:

* Colds

* The flu

* Most sore throats

* Many sinus infections

* Many eat infections

* Ear infections

Taking an antibiotic for a virus:

* DOES NOT PREVENT spreading the virus to others

* DOES NOT HELP you feel better

Illnesses that should be treated with antibiotics include:

* Whooping cough (pertussis)

* Strep throat

* Urinary tract infections

If we only use antibiotics when needed, we can help stop more superbugs from spreading.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Carbon Monoxide – A Serious, Silent Danger

SELF-CARE CORNER

You may already know the importance of having a smoke detector in your home. But another hazard can be just as dangerous as a fire, and you can’t see it or smell it: carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a deadly gas that comes from combustion fumes. These fumes are given off by cars and trucks, gas stoves and furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, and generators, to name a few. Hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Keep CO out of your home

Fortunately, you can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning with a few precautions:

* Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. This purchase is an investment in your family’s safety. Replace the detector every five years.

* Have your furnace and any other gas, oil or coal-burning appliances serviced by a professional every year.

* Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage. Keep it more than 20 feet from windows, doors or vents.

* Make sure all gas appliances are vented to the outside.

* Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year.

* Don’t burn charcoal indoors.

* Never use a portable gas camp stove or flameless chemical heaters indoors.

* Don’t run cars or trucks in a garage that’s attached to your house. If your garage is not attached to the house, be sure the garage door is open any time a car or truck is running inside.

Signs of CO poisoning

Because you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), it’s important to be aware of possible warning signs. A working CO detector will alert you to dangerous levels of CO. But, if you notice these signs, get everyone outside right away and seek emergency medical care:

* Headache

* Dizziness

* Weakness

* Upset stomach and/or vomiting

* Chest pain

* Confusion

People who are sleeping or who have had too much alcohol to drink may not notice the signs of CO poisoning. They may be killed by CO without ever feeling any signs. This is why it’s crucial to have a working CO detector in your home. Change the batteries in your detector at least twice a year.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Give Cold Sores The Cold Shoulder

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
Make The Most Of Your Health Care Dollars

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
Ringing In The Ears

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026