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  • Bites On The Hand That Feeds It

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of different pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters.

    More than 4 million people are bitten by dogs and cats each year. And orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Kennedy said all bites to the hand should receive medical care, although he says most people are reluctant to see a doctor.

    Animal saliva contains a broad range of bacteria. Adult dog jaws, especially among larger breeds, can bite with a force of more than 300 pounds, and when combined with the variety and sharpness of their teeth can cause significant injuries to hand and finger ligaments, tendons, and bones.

    Cats do not have the jaw strength of dogs, but their sharp, narrow teeth also can cause serious injury. Up to half of cat bites get infected.

    Signs of infection:

    *  Redness

    *  Swelling

    *  Pain that worsens

    *  Fever

    If a bite occurs:

    *  Inspect the hand carefully for any puncture wounds. Even a small wound can inject lethal bacteria under the skin.

    *  If there is a puncture wound of any size, wash it as soon as possible with soap and water. Then seek medical advice.

    *  Get immediate medical attention if you see redness, feel increasing pain over time, or see red streaking up the hand or arm (or along a tendon). These are signs of a serious infection.

    Antibiotics are often given to reduce the chance of infection. More serious bites may need surgery to clean the wound.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beware Of Hidden Weight-Loss Ingredients

    WELL-BEING

    Image of different supplements.

    Many so-called miracle supplements and foods (including teas and coffees)-often touted for weight loss-don’t live up to their claims, says the FDA. Worse, they can cause serious harm.

    Hundreds of products are marketed as dietary supplements but actually have hidden active ingredients contained in prescription drugs, unsafe ingredients that were in drugs that have been removed from the market, or compounds that have not been adequately studied in humans.

    Many of these tainted products are imported, sold online, and heavily promoted on social media sites. Some can also be found on store shelves.

    And if you’re about to take what you think of as “natural” dietary supplements, such as bee pollen or Garcinia cambogia, you should be aware that the FDA has found some of these products also have hidden active ingredients contained in prescription drugs.

    The only natural way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in by combining healthy eating with physical activity.

    Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (as amended by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994), dietary supplement firms do not need FDA approval before marketing their products. It is the company’s responsibility to make sure its products are safe and that any claims made about such products are true.

    Bottom line:

    Just because you see a supplement product on a store shelf does not mean it is safe.

    Look for these potential warning signs of tainted products:

    *  Promise of a quick fix, for example, “lose 10 pounds in one week”

    *  Use of the words guaranteed or scientific breakthrough

    *  Marketed in a foreign language or through mass emails

    *  Touted as herbal alternatives to an FDA-approved drug or as having effects similar to prescription drugs

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beware Of “Free” Trials

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of the words "Scam Alert"

    We’ve all seen offers for “free trials” of products or services. It seems like a good idea because if you don’t like it, you can just end the trial and pay nothing, right?

    Not necessarily. Here are some of the ways dishonest companies may use these trial offers:

    *  They make it hard for the consumer (you) to cancel. Perhaps you need to call a phone number, but you can’t get anyone to answer or they put you on hold for long periods.

    *  They hide the terms and conditions in tiny type that’s hard to read.

    *  They use pre-checked boxes as the “default” setting online.

    *  They have extremely strict rules about returning and canceling something.

    *  They charge you for shipping and handling. This means they now have your credit card number, making it easy for them to charge you for something later.

    *  They automatically enroll you in a club or subscription that sends you things each month. Or, the subscription automatically renews without your consent.

    Even with honest and good business practices, you’ll still need to cancel or take some other action before the trial ends. If you don’t, the company may take this as a go-ahead to charge you for something you may not want.

    Avoiding Scams

    Not all free trials are scams. But, before you sign up for one, take these steps:

    *Research the company online.Look for customer complaints about their service or trial offers.

    *Read the terms and conditions.If you can’t find them, don’t sign up.

    *Beware of pop-ups.A pop-up on a website may be from a different company. Be sure you deal with the company you really want.

    *Watch out for pre-checked boxes.A little checkmark may give your consent to continue the offer past the free trial or to sign up for more products.

    *Mark your calendar.Be sure you are ready to cancel your trial before it expires. Plan to do this at least a couple of days in advance so you are well within the time limit.

    *Check your credit and debit card statements.If you see unknown charges, contact the company. If that doesn’t work, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.

    If you’ve been wrongly charged for a free trial offer, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. You also can contact your local consumer protection agency, and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

    Source: Federal Trade Commission

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beware Of Exercise Gimmicks

    BE FIT

    Image of man running outside.

    Let’s face it: working out is, well, work. It takes time and commitment to exercise regularly, and sticking to it can be tough.

    Exercise gimmicks and fads target the millions of people who want the benefits of exercise but may be looking for a quicker solution. Some products may claim to “spot reduce,” or slim one area of the body, such as the tummy or legs. Others may claim to give you the benefits of a long workout in just a few minutes.

    Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether something is an effective piece of equipment or a scam. Before purchasing, ask yourself if the product:

    *  Promises amazing results without any work or “sweat”

    *  Focuses on just one area of the body, saying you can trim this problem area

    *  Advertises that you can lose many inches or pounds in just a few days or weeks

    *  Doesn’t provide a clear cost for the equipment or only offers monthly payment plans

    Unfortunately, many of these products don’t do what they claim, and some may not work at all. But, you don’t need a device or special equipment to reap the benefits of exercise. You can lose weight and get healthier with just 30 minutes a day of activity. Walking, gardening, dancing and biking are possible options. Pick something you enjoy so you’ll stick with it. If you don’t have 30 minutes in your day, break it up into three 10-minute chunks.

    Instead of worrying about the latest fitness gimmick, stick to the activities listed above. Your health and fitness level will improve, and you can save your money for fitness rewards, such as a new pair of walking shoes or exercise clothes.

    Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Better Health Is In Your Pocket

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of doctor holding up a smart phone.

    Most people spend time every day on their smartphone or tablet. Why not put that time to good use by downloading an app that can help you improve your health? There are thousands of health apps available to suit many different health goals and personality types. Check out some of these health apps you can start using today:

    Relax Melodies by Ipnos Software(for iPhone and Android)

    Quality sleep and stress management are an important part of good health. This app lets you choose your favorite sounds to create a personalized relaxing song that helps you relieve stress and sleep better.

    Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal(for Android)

    For those trying to make better food choices or lose weight, sometimes knowing how much you eat can make a big difference. This app allows you to track food intake and exercise with a large food database. Connect with other users for encouragement and support.

    Diet Controller by Margaret Dangerfield(for iPhone)

    This app can help you view your eating and fitness activities on your devices. Log and track your daily food intake with a USDA-based food database. Users also can create charts and reports while tracking nutrients, calories and exercise.

    Hydro Coach by Codium App Ideas(for Android) orWater App by Inspiring Life Technologies(for iPhone)

    Drinking water is an easy, healthy way to fight fatigue and may help you consume fewer calories. These apps are designed to help you track how much you’re drinking and to offer reminders when it’s time for another glass.

    Quitter’s Circle by Pfizer Inc. and the American Lung Association(for iPhone and Android)

    For those trying to quit smoking, this app allows you to create a personalized quit plan, connect with others for support, get quitting tips, and celebrate milestones.

    Hundreds of health-related apps are available today – and many of them cost less than $10. Try an app that suits your life for a high-tech way to be healthier!

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Best Snacks To Eat Before And After Exercise

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of a whole grain bagel with a peanut butter spread.

    Pick the right foods that give the most energy regardless of your activity level. Carbohydrates are the first responders to the body’s need for energy during exercise. Protein and fat are not nearly as efficient.

    Hit the trail or the gym with the following healthy food ideas before and after your workout, suggests Anita Kobuszewski, RD, author of Food: Field to Fork, How to Grow Sustainably, Shop Wisely, Cook Nutritiously, and Eat Deliciously:

    *  Whole-grain bagel with peanut butter and yogurt

    *  Thin-crust pizza with green peppers

    *  Granola with low-fat milk and banana

    *  Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit (see Walk the Trail Mix recipe)

    *  Instant oatmeal made with low-fat milk

    *  Bran or corn muffin with egg whites and salsa

    *  Fig bars with peanut butter and juice

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Best Prep For Your Kid’s Doc Appointment

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of parent holding baby on doctor's table.

    When somebody needs to see the doctor, it’s best to make the most of your visit, said Dr. Hannah Chow, Loyola University Health System pediatrician, who shares this advice:

    *  Ask your most important questions first. Bring a list of questions. Keep it short.

    *  Make good use of the office nurse. Sometimes the nurse can answer your questions by phone right away. A doctor may not be able to call you back until the end of the day.

    *  Make sure your phone number and address are correct in your chart.

    *  Never assume no news is good news regarding tests, labs, X-rays and other similar results. Always contact your doctor’s office if you do not receive a test result in the expected time frame.

    *  Fill out papers to the best of your ability. If the doctor needs to sign a release to the school to give your child medication, fill out which drug and which child.

    *  Don’t bring too many other children to the appointments.

    *  Schedule annual physicals early. Doctors’ offices get very busy for back-to-school and sports appointments.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Best Exercise For People With Diabetes

    BE FIT

    Image of middle-aged Hispanic man playing with a soccer ball.

    The best exercise for anyone with diabetes may be a notch above a casual walk, according to Jamie Cooper, assistant professor of nutritional sciences at Texas Tech University.

    “A person should exercise to the point when they’re breathing a little bit harder and sweating a little bit-then they know they’re working more intensely,” Cooper said.

    The type of exercise really doesn’t matter as long as you’re moving and getting some exercise on a regular basis. Finding something you enjoy and are motivated to do is probably more important than a specific type of exercise to treat diabetes.

    “It’s not something you just do once a month or for a couple of weeks and quit. It has to be something you adapt into your new, healthier lifestyle and do on a regular basis,” Cooper said.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beating Exercise Barriers

    BE FIT

    Image of older couple jogging with their dog.

    Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. It reduces your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. It can also improve your mental well-being and increase your energy. So why don’t more people do it? A variety of things can come between you and your fitness goals. Here are some ways to overcome them:

    Problem: You find exercise boring.

    Solution:Invite a friend to walk with you or attend an exercise class together. Having a fitness buddy gives you more to look forward to, and helps you stick with your commitment.

    Problem: You’re too tired.

    Solution:Identify a time of day when you feel more energetic. Even a short walk during your lunch hour has health benefits. Remind yourself that once you get started, you may find that your energy levels increase and it gets easier.

    Problem: You think you’re out of shape.

    Solution:You don’t have to do exercises that are too challenging for you. Start with walking, biking, or something else you enjoy. Go at your own pace and build up to longer, harder workouts as your fitness level improves.

    Problem: You’re just too busy.

    Solution:Find small amounts of time to fit in a walk or class. If you have children at home, take them with you for walks and make it a family activity. You can add activity into your daily life. Park farther from your destination and walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. March in place or use a treadmill while you watch TV.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine