HealthyLife Articles

Category: Well-Being

  • Be Ready To Donate Blood

    WELL-BEING

    Arm with bandaid and heart where he gave blood.

    When you donate blood, you are potentially saving a life. The American Red Cross estimates that someone needs blood every two seconds. Your donation makes that possible. The donation process is pretty simple, but there are a few things you should know in advance to prepare.

    Donation eligibility

    To donate blood, you must meet specific criteria. These include:

    *  Being healthy and not currently ill

    *  Over the age of 16 (in most states)

    *  Weigh at least 110 pounds

    *  Have not given blood in the past 56 days

    When you go to donate

    It can help relieve any nervousness if you know what to expect before you go. Most donation centers follow a standard process.

    *Registration:verification of eligibility, checking your driver’s license, and providing your address.

    *Health history:information on health conditions, medications, and recent travel.

    *Health screening:checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

    *The donation:takes about 8-10 minutes, during which time you will sit or lay comfortably.

    *Recovery:takes 10-15 minutes, during which time you’ll receive a snack and drink and make sure you feel ready to go.

    When You Should Not Donate

    In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, there may be other things that could temporarily disqualify you from donating.

    *  You are not feeling 100%. Only donate blood if you are feeling your best. If you are sick, you should wait until 24 hours after your symptoms pass.

    *  Certain kinds of medications and vaccinations may require a waiting period before giving blood. Check with the American Red Cross before you go.

    *  Low iron may cause anemia or a low blood count, making you ineligible to donate blood that day. Once your iron levels have improved, you may be able to donate.

    *  If you have traveled to certain countries outside the U.S., you may need to wait to donate blood.

    Source: The American Red Cross

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Weighted Blankets – A Sleep Saver?

    WELL-BEING

    Bed with weighted blankets.

    Weighted blankets have become popular – but do you need one?

    Weighted blankets are designed to feel very heavy. They are usually filled with glass or plastic pellets that add weight. Some people believe the extra weight can feel like a hug. This may have a calming effect.

    Before you invest in a weighted blanket, here’s what to know:

    *  No large studies say that weighted blankets have proven health benefits. But some smaller studies have found that they can help a person calm down when stressed. They may also help some people with insomnia and anxiety, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

    *  Weighted blankets come in different sizes and weights. You may wish to use one that weighs around 10 percent of your body weight.

    *  Never use a weighted blanket on a baby or toddler.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Breaking Bad Habits Now

    WELL-BEING

    Doctor holding an apple in hand wrap with a tape measure.

    If you’re hoping to make a change, these tips may help:

    Avoid.If certain places or people make you want to engage in unhealthy habits, try your best to stay away.

    Replace.Focus on what you can do instead of the bad habit. For instance, take a walk or drink a glass of water.

    Plan.If you know you’ll be tempted with a bad habit, practice what you can do. Picture yourself not giving in. Have a plan for yourself.

    Buddy up.Ask a friend or family member to support you. They can cheer you on and encourage you when you need it.

    Source: National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Poison Prevention Starts At Home

    WELL-BEING

    Image of posion cans with warning labels.

    Did you know more than 90 percent of all poisonings happen at home? While children are affected the most, people of all ages can be harmed by poisoning. Here’s what to know to make your home safe.

    Caring for cleaners

    Do not mix household cleaners or other products. The chemicals in these products can create a toxic gas when mixed. Never mix bleach with ammonia products or other cleaners. Use only one product at a time.

    Keep cleaners, chemicals, medicines, and anything that could be poisonous locked up and put away.

    Mindful of medicines

    Never share prescription medicines with anyone. The other person may not be able to safely take your medicine. Or, they could be taking another medicine that isn’t safe when mixed with yours. Make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows about all medicines you are taking.

    Keep all medicines clearly labeled with the type of medicine and dosage. If you don’t understand your medicine or how much to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    Don’t try to take medicines in the dark, because you could accidentally take the wrong one. Keep all medicines, even over-the-counter ones, put away and out of reach of children.

    Battery safety

    Treat batteries like poison. Keep them away from children.

    The small, round “button” batteries are especially dangerous because they are easy for children to swallow. A swallowed battery can cause permanent damage to the throat and even death within just a couple of hours.

    Beware of e-cigarettes

    E-Cigarettes are shaped like cigarettes but they contain a small heater and battery. The “juice” used inside these devices contains high levels of nicotine. Even a tiny amount of the juice from e-cigarettes can cause poisoning in a child. It can cause seizures and even death.

    Keep e-cigarettes away from children at all times. If you throw used e-cigarette juice in the trash, wrap it up and take it outside or someplace where a child cannot get to it.

    Know the number

    If you think you or someone else has been exposed to poison, call (800) 222-1222. This connects you to your local poison center. The call is free and confidential. They can tell you what to do next. Do not try to treat poisoning yourself with home remedies.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Is Cbd?

    WELL-BEING

    CBD oil in small glass jar.

    CBD (or cannabidiol) oil may be purchased in many pharmacies and other stores. It is claimed to treat more than 50 health conditions like sleep problems, anxiety and pain. But, experts say there’s little evidence that it works for most of them.

    What is CBD?

    CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant. Cannabis plants can be marijuana or hemp.

    A chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes the mental changes that make a person “high” when they use marijuana. CBD oil should contain little to no THC so it can’t make a person high. However, there is no way to know for sure that the CBD product is THC-free.

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested CBD products. Some products were found to contain THC, even though CBD should not contain it. Other products had a different amount of CBD than what the label stated.

    What does CBD do?

    Experts don’t know exactly how CBD works in the body. There is solid evidence that it can help control seizure disorders in children. But, evidence that it helps treat other conditions is lacking. In fact, the FDA has warned several companies about selling CBD with untested health claims.

    Does CBD have side effects?

    In studies, people didn’t report serious side effects when taking CBD. There were some reports of diarrhea. Also, CBD may interact with a person’s other medications. People who take other medicines or have health conditions should ask a doctor before using CBD.

    Should I use CBD?

    There isn’t enough evidence to recommend CBD for health problems other than seizures. Experts say you should stick with proven treatments for health problems. Always talk with a doctor before using any natural treatment, including CBD.

    Source: National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Create Your Ethical Will

    WELL-BEING

    Image of older man sitting at desk.

    You may not be able to take it with you, but you can let the generations to come know what you valued if you create an ethical will.

    An ethical will can be a vital component of an estate plan because it reflects your concerns and hopes for the next generation. Most wills mainly focus on distributing assets and deciding who gets what. An ethical will provides families with the chance to know their loved ones better and for the writer to express what often goes unsaid.

    1. What values or beliefs are of special significance to you? Why?

    2. What are your wishes and hopes for the generations that follow you?

    3. What are your greatest life lessons? How have they influenced you?

    4. Do you have any regrets?

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Go Dark For Better Sleep – And Better Mornings

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a young female using a tablet in the dark.

    Your nighttime habits may be hurting your morning routine. Many electronic devices, such as smartphones, computers and tablets, give off blue light. This type of light boosts energy – and can interfere with sleep.

    If you wake up feeling groggy in the morning, try shutting off the electronics two to three hours before bedtime. And, make sure you get out and see some daylight and other bright lights during your waking hours. This can help set your body’s internal clock, telling you when to wind down at bedtime and then rise the next day.

    Source: Harvard Medical School

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is 3D As Dangerous As The Warnings?

    WELL-BEING

    Illustration of a TV with wild animlas appearing to come out of the television set.

    Have you read the warnings on a 3D TV or gaming system? Can 3D actually cause altered vision, lightheadedness, twitching, nausea, disorientation, especially for children and the elderly?

    Through these disclaimers, companies may have been scaring away the customers they seek, but medical evidence does not back up the claims.

    Professional eye photographer Timothy Bennett of Penn State Hershey Eye Center said there are no health issues associated with 3D imaging. Some people experience headaches or dizziness, but these are temporary. The images may be disorienting, but as soon as you stop looking at 3D, the feelings clear up.

    He recommends sitting far from the screen, especially if you are sensitive, and take breaks from gaming or watching 3D TV.

    Some people experience headaches or dizziness, but these are temporary.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Dealing With Nausea & Vomiting In Pregnancy

    WELL-BEING

    Image of pregnant women feeling nausea.

    Pregnancy is a time of big changes in a woman’s body. As hormones shift and the body works to nourish the baby, a number of uncomfortable symptoms can arise. One of the most common is nausea and vomiting, commonly called morning sickness.

    Fortunately, many women find some relief with some diet and lifestyle changes. They include:

    *Start taking a prenatal vitamin while trying to get pregnant.Your body may get used to taking it before you have to deal with morning sickness. Plus, some nutrients are important to have in the early stages of pregnancy.

    *Take your prenatal multivitamin with food.Some nutrients, such as iron, can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach.

    *Eat dry toast or crackers in the morning before you get out of bed.This helps settle your stomach.

    *Drink plenty of fluids.Dehydration isn’t good for you, and can lead to more nausea and fatigue. It may be helpful to drink fluids separately from eating foods.

    *Eat small,frequent meals instead of three large meals throughout the day.

    *Use ginger.This spice has been used for hundreds of years to help with nausea. Ginger capsules or tea made with real ginger are good choices.

    *Avoid smellsthat bother you.

    Talk to your doctor

    Be sure to tell your doctor you have nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will want to monitor you and your baby, and may offer medical treatment if the problem is severe. Some medications that may help include:

    *Vitamin B6 and doxylamine.Vitamin B6 alone may help with nausea. It may be combined with doxylamine, which is found in some sleep aids. Be sure to check the label and ask your doctor before taking any medicines during pregnancy.

    *Prescription drugs.Some drugs, known as antiemetics, prevent vomiting. Some are considered safe during pregnancy. You and your doctor can decide what is best.

    Severe nausea & vomiting

    In some women, nausea and vomiting can become severe, leading to lack of nutrition and dehydration. This is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), and it happens in about three percent of all pregnancies.

    A woman with HG who cannot keep food or liquids down may need hospital care. Often, getting rehydrated with IV fluids and vitamins will help.

    Though it can be miserable, most women get through morning sickness without serious complications. In most cases, nausea and vomiting that isn’t severe will not harm you or your baby. But, controlling symptoms with safe and effective home remedies can make pregnancy much more enjoyable.

    Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine