HealthyLife Articles

Category: Well-Being

  • Health News: Sorting Fact From Fiction

    WELL-BEING

    Older man on reading on a tablet.

    Misinformation is rampant in the internet age. While technology allows us to stay up to date and connected, it can also amplify false information and spread confusion.

    Finding reliable health information is especially important as you want to make good choices for your long-term health. But, it is all too easy to get tripped up by pseudo-science and unqualified individuals who present themselves as experts.

    So, how do you sort fact from fiction?

    Know how to spot reliable sources

    *  Look for .gov, .org, and .edu websites as most reliable.

    *  Check the authors’ credentials.

    *  Compare suspicious information to the information onmedlineplus.gov.

    *  Be skeptical of information on social media or .com sites that you can’t verify from a more reliable source.

    Ask good questions

    *  Does it sound too good to be true?

    *  Is the source linked to a reputable national or global health institution?

    *  What is your emotional reaction?

    *  Are the headline and content straightforward or sensationalized?

    *  Can the information be verified by other trusted sources?

    Dig a little deeper

    A quick internet search can tell you know the kinds of websites that are sharing the information. Check for .gov, .org, or .edu sites on the first page of results. You can also go to a fact-checking website such as:

    *Snopes.com

    *Factcheck.org

    *Quackwatch.org

    *Healthnewsreview.org

    Keep an open mind

    We all have a health philosophy that guides our choices. This can be useful, but it becomes a problem when we only believe information that aligns with our bias. This prevents us from learning and growing, and from changing our minds if our bias turns out to be incorrect.

    Instead of immediately accepting or rejecting new information, stay curious. Be open to the possibility there is more to learn.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Step Up To A Longer Life

    WELL-BEING

    Elderly couple walking.

    Could something as simple as walking help you live longer? Some recent research says it’s possible. Here’s what to know:

    1.  Researchers had 17,000 older women wear a device each day to count their steps.

    2.  They tracked the women for four years.

    3.  Those who took between 4,400 and 7,500 steps each day were less likely to die during those four years.

    4.  Walking more than 7,500 steps is also good for your health!

    Researchers said this is helpful for people who may think that 10,000 steps is overwhelming. Try to walk 4,400 steps or more each day, and you could see some important health benefits.

    Sources: Journal of the American Medical Association, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How Caffeine Affects Your Brain

    WELL-BEING

    Two people walking and talking.

    Every day, millions of people wake up with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Caffeine in these products helps you feel alert. But how does caffeine work – and what does it do to your brain?

    Adenosine and sleepiness

    Your body naturally makes a chemical called adenosine. It builds up in your body during the day. As levels get higher, you start to feel tired.

    Caffeine blocks adenosine from working on brain cells. This prevents you from feeling sleepy. But it can’t fool your body forever. Over time, your body makes more adenosine. Then you need more caffeine to get the same “perk-up” effects.

    Adenosine is one of the reasons it’s hard to quit caffeine. When you suddenly stop, your body must start making lower levels of adenosine again. This takes time. You might feel more tired or get headaches while your body adjusts.

    Sensitivity varies

    Have you ever had too much caffeine? You might feel sick to your stomach or like your heart is racing. You may also feel anxious or nervous.

    But not everyone has this reaction. Some people break down caffeine faster than other people. How fast you process caffeine depends on your genes.

    Who should skip caffeine?

    Avoid caffeine if you have:

    *  Acid reflux or other digestive problems

    *  Trouble sleeping or sleep disorders

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Heart conditions

    Children, teens and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are often advised to stay away from caffeine, too.

    Is caffeine safe?

    For most healthy adults, a little caffeine each day is OK. But choose sources without lots of added sugar, such as overly sweetened coffee drinks and sweet teas. And if you’re tired all the time, make sure you’re:

    *  Getting enough sleep

    *  Eating a healthy diet

    *  Drinking enough water each day

    *  Getting regular exercise, which can boost your energy levels

    Talk to your doctor if you have questions about caffeine and your health.

    Source: National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How Your Surroundings Affect Your Health

    WELL-BEING

    Clean organzied room.

    Most people spend a lot of time in their home or their workplace. And the things around you can affect how you feel. Your surroundings can affect your:

    *  Breathing

    *  Heart rate

    *  Blood pressure

    *  Stress levels

    *  Brain chemicals

    You may not notice these changes. They often happen without you realizing it. But these changes can affect your health.

    Are your surroundings healthy?

    To find out whether your surroundings are good for you, trust your feelings. If you’re not sure, ask yourself:

    *  Does this room make me feel relaxed or tense?

    *  Do I feel happy or sad when I walk in?

    *  When I look at an item, how does it make me feel?

    *  Do certain sounds or smells make me cringe or feel on edge? Or do sounds and smells make me feel relaxed or peaceful?

    Some people find that just thinking about certain places make them feel stressed. For instance, you may feel anxious about going to the hospital or the doctor’s office.

    Why your surroundings matter

    If you have past experiences with a place or thing, this will shape how you feel about them now. For instance, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), surroundings can trigger bad memories.

    PTSD can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells or places. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor. You can get help working through these emotions and any bad memories that harm your mental well-being.

    Make your surroundings good for you

    Find ways to change your surroundings so they remind you of good things. Try these tips:

    *  Get plenty of daylight during the day.

    *  Add artwork, items or photos that make you feel happy. Nature paintings and photos are helpful for many people.

    *  Add a flower or plant to your space to help you think about nature.

    *  Listen to nature sounds on your phone or a CD.

    Get help from your doctor

    A mental health provider can help you break connections that are causing bad memories or negative feelings. Work with your doctor to find resources that can help you balance your health and happiness.

    Source: Veterans Health Administration

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Tips To Quit Smoking

    WELL-BEING

    Cigarette broken in half.

    If you’re ready to quit, here are some ways to take the first steps.

    Make a plan

    Going cold turkey is rarely successful. Instead, put together a plan that anticipates obstacles and brainstorm solutions.

    Practice quitting

    Go longer between smokes and try techniques to get through cravings. Find what works and what doesn’t.

    Talk to a healthcare professional

    They may have resources such as helpful tips, referrals, and medications. Working with a counselor increases your chance of success.

    Find a safe substitute

    Keep your mouth and hands busy with something else. Toothpicks, straws, or cinnamon sticks are safe substitutes.

    Be active

    Quitting smoking can leave you feeling jittery and irritable. Plan activities that get your body moving to release your jitters.

    Stay busy

    Plan activities or gatherings with non-smoking friends to keep you distracted in the early days of quitting.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Keeping Your Brain Healthy

    WELL-BEING

    Elderly female painting.

    Brain health is your ability to learn, remember, plan and concentrate on things. Exercise is good for your brain – but it’s a different type of workout. Here are some things to know about boosting your own brain health.

    Puzzles are great – but they don’t fight dementia.

    There is no evidence that crosswords and sudoku puzzles can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. But they’re still great brain exercise, so keep doing them!

    Bring out your creative side.

    Recent studies show that doing a creative art can help improve memory, comprehension and problem-solving abilities as you age. So pick up that musical instrument, paintbrush or whatever is fun and creative for you to do.

    Talk to your doctor.

    If you’re worried about memory loss or brain changes, talk to your doctor. They can help you find out the cause of any brain changes and work toward a solution. For instance, lack of sleep and certain medications can cause changes in mood or memory.

    Source: National Institute on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Tooth-Brushing Truth

    WELL-BEING

    Toothburshs, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash.

    Clean teeth are healthy teeth.

    Change your toothbrush with the seasons.

    Don’t wait until your 6-month dentist visit to get a new toothbrush. You should change your brush every 3 months, or sooner if it starts to fray.

    You’re probably using too much toothpaste.

    Adults and children over 3 years of age only need a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. For children younger than 3, the toothpaste should be the size of a grain of rice.

    Don’t scrub so hard.

    Choose a soft-bristled brush and don’t overdo it. Brush hard enough to clean the film off your teeth, but be gentle.

    Power brushes can give you a hand.

    Manual brushes clean well, but power brushes have their place, too. If you have trouble brushing on your own or tend to have a lot of plaque, try a power brush.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine