HealthyLife Articles

Category: Well-Being

  • Sleep-Wake Cycle Needs To Be Consistent

    WELL-BEING

    Image of vintage yellow clock.

    Sleeping late now and then may feel like a luxury. But an inconsistent sleep schedule can throw off your body’s sleep and waking pattern, or circadian rhythm, according to sleep specialists writing in the Harvard Health Letter. Inconsistent cycles can lead to sleepless nights.

    To get sleep and waking patterns back on track, talk to a sleep expert. The first step is a physical exam to rule out underlying health conditions that may cause insomnia. If no underlying cause is found, try a sleep journal. Each morning, write down the wake time, the bedtime from the night before, how long it took to fall asleep, and whether there was any waking in the night-and if so, how many times. After two weeks, a pattern will emerge. It can help pinpoint any changes that need to be made.

    The wake time is most important to getting on a schedule again because it anchors the circadian sleep rhythm. Use an alarm clock to stick to the schedule. Make bedtime about seven or eight hours before the alarm will sound.

    It also helps to make a wind-down period part of the bedtime routine. That means stopping the use of all electronics an hour and a half before bed, keeping the lights low, and doing a relaxing activity such as reading.

    Filling the day with more structure will also reinforce the circadian rhythm. Keep a regular schedule for work, meals, exercise, and activities such as grocery shopping, socializing, or housework.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Scoop On Shoveling

    WELL-BEING

    Image of man shoveling snow.

    Push the snow, dress in layers, and warm up first are sensible rules for shoveling snow. Here are some guidelines you may not know:

    *  Avoid caffeine or nicotine before shoveling, especially if you have a history of or are at high risk for a heart attack. These stimulants may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict, which places extra stress on the heart. If you have a heart condition, respiratory issues, or back problems, check with your doctor before doing any shoveling.

    *  Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

    *  Try to shovel fresh snow, before it becomes packed or refrozen. It may be helpful to shovel a few times during a snowfall rather than waiting until the storm ends when the snow is deeper and heavier.

    *  Switch hands periodically and alternate the side to which you are throwing snow to more evenly distribute the work load and repetitive muscle use.

    *  Use a sturdy snow shovel that has open ends to allow you to easily toss the snow off to the side.

    *  Pace yourself. Be sure to take frequent breaks to rest and avoid overexertion. Exhaustion can make you more susceptible to injury, hypothermia, and frostbite.

    Most important:

    If you begin to experience any pain in your chest, arm or neck, shortness of breath or profuse sweating, stop shoveling immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

    [Source: Kessler Institute]

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Why You Should Floss

    WELL-BEING

    Image of floss.

    According to a survey by the American Dental Association, only 4 in 10 Americans floss at least once a day. And, 20 percent of Americans don’t do it at all.

    Most dentists agree that everyone should floss daily. There are places between teeth that a brush simply can’t reach. If you’re wondering if it’s worth spending the small amount of time each day, consider these benefits of flossing:

    *Less scraping at the dentist.At your next checkup, the hygienist may spend less time removing tartar between your teeth and at the gum line. Flossing removes it from these hard-to-reach areas before it hardens on your teeth.

    *A lower risk of gum disease and cavities.By removing plaque between your teeth, you remove bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

    *Fresher breath.Small particles of food between the teeth, even if you can’t see them, can make breath smell unpleasant.

    The American Dental Association says you can floss any time of day. Pick the time when you’re more likely to stick with it, whether it’s morning, after lunch or before bed.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Are You Addicted To Shopping?

    WELL-BEING

    Image of couple holding shopping bags.

    Whether you like to look at clothing, housewares, tools, or electronics, shopping is a favorite pastime for many people. As the holidays approach, shopping becomes even more popular. Big sales, special deals, and promotions all seek to get more people to buy, buy, buy.

    But for some people, shopping is more than just fun around the holidays. It can actually be an addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

    Signs of Shopping Addiction

    Many people think addiction is only for drugs and alcohol. But many behaviors including shopping can become an addiction. Access to online shopping can make the problem worse. You can buy whatever you want from the privacy of your home and just a few mouse clicks.

    It can be difficult to know if you just like to shop, or if it’s really a problem. If three or more of these statements apply to you, you may be addicted to shopping:

    *  You frequently buy things you don’t need.

    *  You have many unopened packages of items or clothing with the tags still on.

    *  You purchase things you can’t afford by using credit cards.

    *  You hide your purchases from your spouse or family.

    *  You feel a strong need to shop when you’re sad, angry, or anxious.

    *  You have secret credit cards or open new cards when others ones are maxed out.

    *  You think obsessively about shopping and money.

    *  You buy much more than planned, and feel guilty or ashamed afterward.

    *  Your relationships with family or friends have been affected by your shopping.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Don’t Play With Fire: Fireworks Safety Tips

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a group of friends with sparkler fireworks.

    The most common firework injuries involve the fingers and hands, but may also include the face, head, ears, arms and legs. Many people injure their eyes from fireworks. They may burn or scratch the eye, or could even go blind if a firework ruptures the eyeball or harms the retina.

    Firecrackers are the worst offenders, accounting for 25 percent of all fireworks injuries. Sparklers can also cause serious harm because they burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 times hotter than boiling water, while people are holding them.

    The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional show in your area. But, if you decide to use fireworks at home, here are some tips:

    *  Do not handle or buy illegal fireworks.

    *  Follow local laws and ordinances that say when and where fireworks can be used.

    *  Don’t drink alcohol before or while using fireworks.

    * Use fireworks outdoors in a cleared area, away from buildings and vehicles.

    *  Don’t use fireworks if there has been a drought or low rain in your area. Local governments often ban fireworks when this happens to reduce risk of fires.

    *  Don’t try to relight a “dud” firework. Leave it alone for at least 20 minutes, then put it in a bucket of water.

    *  Keep a bucket of water and a working water hose nearby when using fireworks.

    *  Don’t put fireworks in your pocket.

    *  Don’t shoot fireworks into metal or glass containers.

    *  Wet down any used fireworks and place in a metal trash can. Keep them away from materials that could be combustible or flammable.

    *  Do not let children handle any fireworks, including sparklers.

    *  Wear safety glasses when lighting or using fireworks.

    *  Light only one firework at a time.

    *  Once the firework is lit, quickly move a safe distance away from it.

    *  Seek emergency care for injuries caused by fireworks.

    *  Don’t have pets around fireworks or bring them to a fireworks show. Fireworks can cause fear and extreme anxiety in pets.

    *  If possible, keep your pet in a safe interior room of the house during fireworks shows.

    *  Make sure your pet has a microchip and/or ID tag on their collar. Many pets run away because of fear during fireworks shows.

    *  Use ear plugs if you will be close to fireworks, especially for children. Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss.

    Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission, American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Council on Fireworks Safety

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Listening: A Skill Well Worth Mastering

    WELL-BEING

    Image of 2 men talking and smiling.

    You’ve heard the saying, “You’re born with two ears, but only one mouth.” According to the Society for Human Resource Management, being a good listener has many advantages at work and at home. You can come up with better ideas, work with others more easily, and connect with people more deeply.

    So how is it done? Try these tips:

    *  Don’t interrupt.

    *  Don’t offer a solution or advice unless the person asks for it.

    *  Don’t think about your response while the other person is still talking. Hear them all the way through.

    *  When the other person is finished, repeat what they said in your own words. “So what I hear you saying is…”

    *  Don’t make it about you. Remember the other person wants to tell you their story first. Stop yourself from turning it into a discussion about yourself or your problem.

    Having this valuable skill can enhance all the professional and personal relationships in your life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Pop The Cork, Not Your Eye

    WELL-BEING

    Image of cork popping from a champagne bottle.

    Americans will consume more than a billion glasses of champagne during holiday and New Year celebrations. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the careless handling of champagne is one of the most common causes for holiday-related eye injuries. These injuries are often caused by improperly opening the bottle, as a champagne cork is just less than 90 pounds of pressure-3 times the pressure inside a car tire.

    The Korbel Champagne authorities offer this advice:

    *  The recommended way to properly open a bottle is to ease the cork out slowly, with the sound of a gentle sigh-not a pop, which wastes champagne.

    *  Make sure your champagne is chilled and unshaken. Chill the bottle for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator (a warm bottle is more likely to pop).

    *  Remove the foil cap covering the top of the bottle, exposing a wire hood.

    *  Undo the wire hood with 6 half-turns of the knob.

    *  Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle while holding the cork firmly with one hand and the base of the bottle with the other. Be sure to point the bottle away from your guests.

    *  Do not twist the cork. Rather, turn the bottle slowly while letting the cork glide out gently, emitting a gentle sigh.

    *  In the did-you-know department: There are more than 50 million bubbles in a standard bottle of champagne.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Smartphone Break Aids Well-Being

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a smart phone.

    Want to be more productive and happier during the workday? Try taking a short break to text a friend, play Angry Birds, or check Facebook on your smartphone, according to Kansas State University research.

    Allowing employees to take smartphone microbreaks may be a benefit-rather than a disruption-for businesses. Microbreaks are nonworking-related behaviors during working hours.

    “A smartphone microbreak can be beneficial for both the employee and the organization,” said the lead researcher. “For example, if I would play a game for an hour during my working hours, it would definitely hurt my work performance. But if I take short breaks of one or two minutes throughout the day, it could provide me with refreshment to do my job.”

    Taking a break throughout the workday is important because it is difficult, and nearly impossible, for an employee to concentrate for 8 straight hours a day without a break, was the thinking. So the smartphone microbreaks were thought to be similar to other microbreaks throughout the workday: chatting with coworkers, walking around the hallway, or getting a cup of coffee. Such breaks are important because they can help employees cope with the demands of the workplace.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Thinking About Changing

    WELL-BEING

    Image of young man working at a warehouse.

    Do you want to lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthier, get fit, manage stress, drink less alcohol? First, ask yourself:  Are you ready to change?

    Meg Baker, director of Employee Wellness at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says while the focus on self-improvement is good, you must be ready to make a change in order to actually do so. To help prepare for any lifestyle change, Baker offers some tips:

    *  Develop small, short-term goals that will fit into your schedule. Make them realistic.

    *  Consider the benefits and reasons for the change.

    *  Talk to a family member, friend, or coworker about goals. Sharing your goals with others will increase the likelihood of your staying committed to a new gym regimen or stop smoking plan, and they may want to join you.

    “If the new behavior has lost its luster, switch things up,” Baker said. “Variety is the key to life and can keep you from getting burned out. Spice things up by changing your normal exercise routine, finding new healthy recipes online, or joining a new exercise class.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine