HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

  • Sepsis: Spot It, Save A Life

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women leaning on wall with chest pain and man helping her.

    Sepsis can happen when a person has an infection like pneumonia, an infected cut in the skin or a urinary tract infection. Then, the body’s immune system releases a strong response that can get out of control. This immune response is so powerful that it can damage the body’s organs and cause blood clots.

    Sepsis can cause blood pressure to get extremely low and heart rate to get faster. This can trigger septic shock. With septic shock, the body becomes starved for blood and oxygen. It is a life-threatening emergency.

    Most who get an infection will not get sepsis. But experts don’t know why some people get it and others don’t. It seems to affect older adults, babies and young children the most. People who have a weakened immune system or a long-term illness like diabetes, liver disease or cancer are also more likely to get it.

    Spot sepsis signs

    Sepsis can be hard to spot. At first, symptoms may look like a mild illness. Sometimes a person has an infection and doesn’t know it. Signs include:

    *  Fever or a low body temperature

    *  Chills

    *  Fast heartbeat

    *  Trouble breathing or  fast breathing

    *  Blotchy skin or rash

    *  Being confused

    *  Feeling faint or lightheaded

    Even if you don’t have an infection, or don’t think you have one, ask yourself:

    *  Was I recently around someone who was ill?

    *  Did I recently have surgery or a medical procedure?

    *  Do I have any cuts or breaks in the skin?

    Getting treatment

    If you think a person might have sepsis, it’s important to get them medical care right away. Doctors will look at symptoms and may order blood tests. Sometimes other tests, like an x-ray or CT scan, may be needed.

    Sepsis is serious, so doctors often treat it in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and getting fluids.

    Fortunately, most people who recover from sepsis often contine to have a normal, healthy life.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Sepsis Alliance

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Get Your Recommended Daily Calcium

    Nutrition

    Recommended amounts for some nutrients, such as calcium, are called adequate intakes (AIs). These are the amounts that appear to provide what is needed for good health.

    Note: Ask your doctor how much calcium you should get each day. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, ask, too, if you might benefit from medications to prevent further bone loss. Examples are estrogen from hormone therapy (HT), if you are female; alendronate; raloxifene; and risedronate.

    What Does Calcium Do in the Body?

    Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. It is also needed for your:

    *  Heart to beat

    *  Nerves to react

    *  Blood to clot

    *  Muscles to flex

    *  Body cells to stick together

    Milk, yogurt, cheese, soy milk, tofu, collard greens, and broccoli are good sources of calcium. (See “Calcium Content in Foods” chart.) If you don’t drink milk because you can’t digest the sugar in milk (lactose intolerance), do the following:

    *  Have milk products that already have lactase added to them.

    *  Drink milk fermented by certain bacteria (acidophilus milk), if tolerated.

    *  Take commercial preparations of lactase (which can be added as drops or taken as pills) when you have lactose-containing foods.

    *  Have soy milk and other food products with added calcium.

    Some persons who can’t digest milk sugar (lactose) can tolerate aged cheeses, yogurt with active cultures, and possibly small amounts of dairy foods if eaten with meals and snacks.

    If you can’t tolerate milk products at all, eat nondairy food sources of calcium (soymilk, beans, tofu, broccoli, kale, collard greens, spinach, fish with small bones). Have food items that are fortified with calcium, such as some orange and apple juices and calcium fortified cereal products. (See “Calcium Content in Foods” chart and check food labels.)

    Labels do not list calcium in milligrams (mg), but as a percentage of the daily value (DV). The DV for calcium is based on 1,000 mg of calcium per day. It’s easy to figure out calcium in mg. Just add zero to the % DV. Examples are given in the chart below.

    Calcium Content in Foods

    Calcium Supplements

    (Check with your doctor or dietitian about taking calcium supplements.)

    Calcium supplements should not be used in persons with a history of calcium-containing kidney stones. Supplemental calcium may also worsen chronic constipation and interfere with iron absorption.

    If you do take calcium supplements:

    *  Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.

    *  Avoid taking more than 500 to 600 mg at one time. Take calcium with meals.

    *  Avoid bone meal or dolomite. These could contain lead or other toxic metals.

    *  Avoid taking calcium supplements with iron supplements and laxatives. These can reduce calcium absorption.

    There are many forms of calcium supplements. Look for the amount in milligrams of elemental calcium that a source provides. Choose calcium supplements that have calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and/or calcium gluconate.

    {Note: Beware of marketing claims for “coral calcium” products which promote them to prevent or treat cancer, heart disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged some marketers of this with making false and unsubstantiated claims about the product’s health benefits.}

    Should I Take a Vitamin D Supplement If I Take a Calcium Supplement?

    Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium. You can get vitamin D, daily, from vitamin D fortified dairy products. Other food sources are salt-water fish, egg yolks, and liver. You can also get vitamin D from direct exposure to sunlight on your skin. In general, about 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day gives you the amount of vitamin D needed for a day. Persons who are elderly or homebound often do not get adequate sun exposure to get enough vitamin D. Also, during winter, sunlight in the Northern U.S. is not intense enough to let the body build up enough vitamin D. Check with your doctor or health care provider about the need for a vitamin D supplement. Some calcium supplements also contain vitamin D.

    On the average, American women are getting about half the amount of calcium that’s recommended. Also, surveys show 65% of adult men, 90% of teenage girls, and 50% of children fall short on calcium intake.

    How Do I Get My Adequate Intake for Calcium?

    You can get your Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium by having good food sources of calcium and by taking calcium supplements, if necessary.

    Can I Get Too Much Calcium?

    Whether or not you tolerate milk products, if you use calcium supplements, do so wisely. You can easily consume too much calcium with the use of calcium-fortified foods, calcium supplements, and antacids. Long term excessive intakes of calcium might decrease the absorption of other minerals and promote kidney stone formation. Your goal should be to get adequate, rather than, excessive amounts of calcium. Aim to get your Adequate Intake (AI) amount or the amount recommended by your doctor.

    Page from HealthyLife Weigh book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Build Strong, Healthy Nails

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Close up of hands clipping nails.

    Taking proper care of your nails is more than a matter of looks. Clear, strong nails are a marker of good physical health. They reflect everything from your level of stress to the quality of your diet.

    It may seem like a simple thing, but caring for your nails is an essential part of a comprehensive self-care routine. Healthy nails don’t happen by chance. Here is what you need to know to keep your nails in excellent condition.

    Keep nails trimmed and shaped

    Don’t wait for nails to break or become jagged before giving them a good trim. Fingernails, in particular, need frequent grooming to maintain a healthy shape.

    For best health, cut nails straight across. Then, use an emery board to give them a rounded shape at the tips. This will prevent breakage and minimize the risk of ingrown nails.

    The nails on your fingers grow three times faster than the nails on your toes. Plan to trim and shape them more often than your toenails.

    Care for your cuticles

    The cuticle seals the skin of your finger around the nail. Never trim or move the cuticles as this disrupts the seal and increases your risk of a nail infection. If you go for a manicure, let the technician know to leave the cuticles alone.

    Cuticles benefit from extra moisture, especially in the winter months. You can use a special cuticle moisturizer. Or, even simple hand lotion massaged into the nail area will improve cuticle health.

    Limit manicures and pedicures

    Harsh nail products and regular use of polish weaken your nails. Wearing artificial nails can make your nails thin and brittle, as well as increase the risk of infection.

    Enjoy manicures and pedicures on occasion, but make sure to give your nails a break in between. Letting your nails enjoy time without polish or products will keep them healthy and less prone to breakage.

    If you really love artificial nails, save them for special occasions and opt for a simple french manicure whenever possible.

    Don’t forget your toenails

    Because toenails do not grow as fast, they often don’t get as much care and attention. But don’t fall into the habit of ignoring them.

    Inspect toenails regularly and watch for sharp edges or ingrown nails. Also, keep a close eye out for changes in nail color which could signal a nail problem or even an infection.

    Wear comfortable shoes that don’t pinch the toes and use flip-flops at public showers or pools. These steps will keep the toenails clean and healthy.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Shopping Around For Contact Lenses

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Contact case holder.

    Many people wear contact lenses. But you don’t have to buy your contacts from your eye care provider. You can choose to get your contacts prescription from your provider and then shop around for lenses.

    Get an eye exam

    Before you go shopping for lenses, make sure your eyes are healthy. See your eye care provider regularly. Your provider might be an optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on your needs.

    During your visit, your provider will check your eyes and determine your contact lens prescription.

    Getting your prescription

    Your eye care prescriber can give you your prescription after your exam. Your provider cannot charge you for your prescription. You may have to pay for the eye exam and contact lens fitting.

    What should my prescription include?

    Your contact lens prescription must include:

    *  Your name

    *  Date of your eye exam

    *  Date of prescription

    *  Doctor’s name, mailing address, phone number and fax number

    *  Power, material, and/or manufacturer of the prescribed lens

    *  Base curve of the lens

    *  Diameter of the lens, when needed

    Source: Federal Trade Commission

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Insomnia 3

    SleepWell® Program

    Week 1

    Image of male in bed awake.

    Insomnia includes problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. It is normal to have a bad night of sleep every now and then. Occasional poor sleep becomes insomnia when this pattern continues for several weeks AND fatigue or feeling drowsy during the day occurs due to lack of sleep.

    There are many causes of insomnia. Too much caffeine, travel, taking care of an ill loved one, or stress can affect your sleep. Quite often, insomnia is a result of conditioning your body to be awake in bed, even if you feel tired or know you need sleep. Having trouble sleeping over several nights may lead to worrying about being able to fall asleep or expecting to lie awake for hours.

    Whether your sleep issues are transient (come and go) or chronic (occur all the time), this guide can help to improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

    Sleep Problems & Health Conditions

    If you have trouble sleeping or have daytime sleepiness for longer than three weeks, consult your doctor.

    Any condition, illness, injury, or surgery that interrupts sleep due to pain, discomfort, or waking to urinate can cause sleep problems. Health conditions that affect sleep include: arthritis, asthma, COPD, fibromyalgia, narcolepsy, and thyroid disorders. Sleep problems are also linked to many mental illnesses. These include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance abuse. Over-the-counter medicines, such as decongestants and diet pills can affect sleep, too.

    Sleep Apnea Signs:

    *  Loud snorting sounds while sleeping on the back

    *  Repeated periods when breathing stops for 10 or more seconds during sleep

    *  Waking up many times during the night and excessive daytime sleepiness

    *  Exhaustion and having a hard time concentrating during the day

    Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS) and Restless Leg Syndrome Signs:

    *  Creeping, crawling, pulling and/or painful feelings in one or both legs

    *  Jerking or bending leg movements that you can’t control during sleep

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Treat Cat & Dog Bites

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Aggrestive dog barking while owner is holding it back.

    Family pets, stray dogs and cats or neighborhood animals can all bite. Do you know what to do if you or your child gets a bite?

    What to do now

    Right away, you should:

    *  Wash the skin wound with soap and water.

    *  If it’s bleeding, use a clean towel to gently press down on the area.

    *  Once bleeding has stopped, apply a sterile bandage.

    Should I call a doctor?

    Some bites may need medical care. Call your doctor if:

    *  You think it might be infected. Look for fever, redness, swelling, warmth and drainage.

    *  You can’t get the bleeding to stop after pressing on it for 15 minutes.

    *  You think the injury is serious or it looks deep.

    *  You think there might be a broken bone.

    *  You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

    *  Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. Or, you don’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot.

    *  You were bit by a wild or stray animal.

    *  The bite was on the face.

    *  The bite happened to a child.

    *  You don’t know if the animal is up to date on all its vaccines (shots).

    Do I need a rabies shot?

    Most cats and dogs in the U.S. don’t have rabies. So most people who get bit by a cat or dog don’t need to get a rabies shot. Many wild animals can have rabies, though. Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats and coyotes may have it.

    If you know the owner of the cat or dog that bit you, ask for their health records. Sometimes the pet needs to be isolated so they can look for signs of rabies. If any signs show up, they will test the animal for rabies. If the animal tests positive, then you need a rabies shot.

    If you were bit by a stray animal, call animal control. They will try to find the animal so they can test it for rabies. You may need to report the bite to animal control or your local health department too. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © 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

  • Insomnia 4

    Sleep Well

    Image of woman in bed awake at 2:40am.

    Do You Have Insomnia?

    Answer these questions:

    1. Do you have trouble falling asleep?

    2. Do you have problems staying asleep?

    3. Do you wake up too early and can’t get back to sleep?

    4. Do any of these problems last at least 3 weeks?

    If you answered yes to number 4, answer these questions about problems that occur when you are awake:

    5. Do you feel like you do not get enough refreshing sleep?

    6. Do you yawn and feel tired?

    7. Do you lack energy or have fatigue?

    8. Do you have a hard time concentrating?

    9. Do you feel depressed and/or cranky?

    If you answered yes to question number 4 and yes to any question from number 5 through 9, you could have insomnia.

    Why You Need Sleep

    Getting enough sleep and good quality sleep helps you maintain good health and function your best during the day. You need sleep to:

    *  Have energy.

    *  Think clearly.

    *  React quickly.

    *  Be productive.

    *  Learn and remember things.

    *  Help your immune system fight infections.

    According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 50% of adults in the U.S. have problems with sleep at least a few nights a week. And recent studies find that the average person gets less than 6 hours of sleep per night. (On average, adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.)

    A lack of sleep or getting poor quality sleep can lead to a wide range of health problems.

    Health Problems from a Lack of Sleep

    *  Anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.

    *  Obesity.

    *  Heart disease.

    *  High blood pressure.

    *  Diabetes.

    *  Stroke.

    *  Gum disease.

    *  Accidents and an increased risk for injury and death. About 20% of all serious car crashes are linked to driver sleepiness. Also, workers with severe insomnia make 2½ times more serious work errors than persons who get proper sleep.

    Getting enough, quality sleep is as vital to good heath and long life as are healthy eating and regular exercise.

    Do’s & Don’ts for Insomnia

    Do’s

    *  Do regular exercise daily. Physical activity releases muscle tension, relieves anger, and improves mood.

    *  Do mild exercises four or more hours before bedtime.

    *  Do relaxation exercises as needed throughout the day and before you go to bed.

    *  Follow a regular daily schedule for meals and snacks.

    *  Choose larger meals at breakfast and lunch than at dinner. At each meal, have complex carbohydrate foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables.

    *  Limit caffeine to 300 milligrams (mgs.) a day. More than 500 to 600 mgs. a day may cause you to be anxious, nervous, and makes it harder to sleep well.

    *  Cut down on caffeine gradually. Daily usage of caffeine can result in physical dependence. If caffeine is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These include headache, feeling down, having a hard time concentrating, and fatigue.

    Don’ts

    *  Don’t do vigorous exercise within six hours of going to bed.

    *  Don’t have large meals near bedtime. These may keep you awake, especially if you have heartburn or a similar problem.

    *  Don’t have caffeine for 6 hours before bedtime.

    HealthyLife SleepWell by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Irritated Eyelids And Blepharitis

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Grandfather and grandson flexing arms.

    You might not think about your eyelids very much. That is, until there’s a problem with them. Blepharitis, a common eyelid condition, can cause irritated, red, itchy eyelids. It can also cause flaking on the eyelids.

    What causes blepharitis?

    Blepharitis usually happens when bacteria on the skin become unbalanced. Certain things can trigger this bacteria growth, including:

    *  Allergies

    *  Mites

    *  Dandruff

    *  Oily skin

    *  Rosacea

    Signs and symptoms

    Blepharitis can feel different to different people. Blepharitis symptoms include:

    *  Watery eyes or extra tearing

    *  Red and swollen eyelids

    *  Dry eyes

    *  Crusting of the eyelids

    *  Itching

    *  Blurry vision

    Self-care

    Most people can manage blepharitis with self-care at home. Here’s how:

    *  Wash your hands. Then apply a warm, moist compress to each eyelid twice a day. Use a clean cloth for each eye.

    *  Gently scrub the eyelids with water and baby shampoo or a gentle eyelid cleanser.

    *  Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water and dry with a clean towel.

    *  If you have dandruff, wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis.

    *  Avoid using eye makeup or wearing contact lenses until blepharitis symptoms are gone.

    Is blepharitis dangerous?

    Blepharitis isn’t usually dangerous. But its symptoms can be painful or bothersome. Sometimes blepharitis can cause other eye problems, such as:

    *Stye:A red, painful bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland.

    *Chalazion:A red bump on the eyelid that doesn’t hurt.

    *Cornea damage:The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye.

    If blepharitis doesn’t get better with self-care measures, contact your doctor. In some cases, you may need special eye drops or antibiotic ointment. Always ask your doctor before using any drops or other products in your eyes.

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Autism

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Blue teddy bear holding heart with autism puzzle icon.

    Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders that impacts how a person learns, communicates, behaves, and interacts socially. While boys are more likely to be affected, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can develop in people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

    Health professionals believe ASD is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Autism presents differently in each individual and ranges from very mild to requiring extensive support.

    Signs of ASD

    Screening is a routine part of well-child visits during the first few years of life. However, those with only mild impairments from ASD may remain undiagnosed until later in life. Signs include:

    *  Poor eye contact

    *  No babbling or pointing before age 1

    *  Not responding appropriately to name

    *  Poor social responsiveness

    *  Preferring to play alone

    *  Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping

    *  Delays in skill development

    *  Loss of previously acquired skills

    *  Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects

    *  Inflexible adherence to routine

    Diagnosing ASD

    There is no blood test or other medical diagnostic test. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on observation of the child’s behavior and developmental history. Screening tools a physician may use include:

    *  Developmental screening

    *  Developmental monitoring

    *  Comprehensive developmental evaluations

    If a child has additional risk factors for autism, your doctor may recommend additional screenings. Risk factors include:

    *  Preterm delivery

    *  Low birth weight

    *  Lead exposure

    *  Sibling with ASD

    *  Other factors

    Treatment for ASD

    There is no cure for ASD. However, treatment can significantly improve symptoms. Many people with autism benefit from a combination of therapies that help them develop language and social skills and encourage positive behaviors. Common treatment includes:

    *  Speech therapy

    *  Occupational therapy

    *  Educational interventions

    *  Intensive behavioral interventions

    *  Family counseling

    *  Skill-oriented training

    *  Medication

    *  Physical therapy

    *  Cognitive behavior therapy

    *  Nutritional therapy

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine