HealthyLife Articles

Tag: prevention

  • Stop The Spread Of Respiratory Infections

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women sitting with a portable oxygen mask.

    The winter months are a peak time for the spread of infectious respiratory diseases. Cold weather often keeps people indoors, where it is easier for infections to spread.

    Infectious respiratory diseases include the common cold, as well as other respiratory illnesses that can be more serious. Some people may be at increased risk of severe side effects from respiratory disease, including the elderly, children, and the immunocompromised.

    Preventing the spread of respiratory disease helps keep everyone in your family and community safe. A few simple precautions can make all the difference. Once you know how these diseases are spread, you can take steps to contain them and make this winter a healthy one.

    Airborne transmission

    The most common way infectious respiratory diseases spread is by small aerosols that become airborne when an ill person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. These tiny aerosols can hang in the air for hours and easily travel to the lungs when inhaled.

    Surface transmission

    Contact with a surface that is contaminated with droplets from an infected person is another route of transmission. If you touch something that has saliva or mucus on it and then later touch your mouth or face, you can become infected with the virus.

    Close contact transmission

    Being in close contact with someone infected with a virus can result in exposure to large virus-laden respiratory droplets. In contrast to the tiny aerosols that can hang in the air for an extended period, larger droplets fall quickly and most likely to spread when people are less than 3 feet apart.

    Types of infectious respiratory viruses

    *  Chickenpox

    *  Coronavirus infections (including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV)

    *  Diphtheria

    *  Influenza (flu)

    *  Legionnaires’ disease

    *  Measles

    *  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

    *  Mumps

    *  Pneumonia

    *  Pneumococcal meningitis

    *  Rubella (German measles)

    *  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

    *  Tuberculosis

    *  Whooping cough

    Prevent the spread

    *  Minimize close contact with ill people.

    *  Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

    *  Don’t share personal items such as food and utensils.

    *  Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you, including the flu and COVID vaccines.

    *  Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow and tissues (not your hands!).

    *  Stay home if you are ill.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Poison Control

    Home Safety

    Female wearing cleaning gloves, holding a cleaning bottle with the word "Toxic" on it and looking at her phone in the other hand.

    The National Poison Control Center is staffed 24 hours a day. Memorize the National Poison Control Number: 800.222.1222. Buy household products, vitamins, and medicines in child-resistant packaging. Keep items in original containers. Follow label warnings.

    Carbon monoxide (CO) has no odor or color. Symptoms of CO poisoning are like those of the flu, so you may not suspect CO poisoning. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and garage.

    Inhalants are gases or vapors from glues, paints, cooking sprays, and over 1,000 other common products that are used to get high.

    Every hour, five children are rushed to an emergency room due to a suspected medicine poisoning.

    A child can grab and swallow something that could be poisonous in the short time it takes to answer a doorbell or a phone call.

    Teach your children not to touch anything with a skull and crossbones on the label.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What You Need To Know About Measles

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Young child with measles.

    In 2019, the U.S. has seen the biggest measles outbreak since 1994. Measles was declared eliminated in the year 2000, but in recent years measles has come back.

    This outbreak is due to two main factors:

    1.  Many people travel abroad. They may travel to a place where measles is common. They catch measles there and bring it back to the U.S. with them. They may not even know they have measles until several days after they return.

    2.  Some people in the U.S. do not get the measles vaccine. If they are exposed, they get sick and can spread measles to others.

    Dangerously easy to catch

    Measles is highly contagious. It spreads through the air. An infected person can simply breathe and spread measles. It can also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

    You don’t even have to be near a person with measles to catch it from them. Measles stays in the air for a long time. In fact, you could go into a room two hours after an infected person has left and still catch measles.

    Many times, people spread measles before they even know they have it.

    Almost everyone who hasn’t gotten the measles vaccine will catch measles if they are exposed.

    Know the signs

    *  Very high fever (this usually comes first)

    *  Cough, runny nose and red eyes

    *  Diarrhea

    *  Ear infection

    *  Rash of tiny red spots, usually starting at the head and spreading all over

    Serious complications

    Serious problems can happen to a person who catches measles, especially babies and young children. This includes:

    *  Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)

    *  Brain swelling (encephalitis)

    *  Permanent brain damage

    *  Deafness

    *  Death

    Get the shot

    The best way to avoid getting measles is to get the measles vaccine. This can also keep you from spreading it to babies who are too young to get the shot.

    Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot are 97 percent effective in preventing measles. Children should get the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age. They get the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

    Some adults have not received the MMR shot. Even adults who have received it may need a booster shot. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to see if you are immune to measles.

    Ask your doctor if you need the measles vaccine or if you should have the blood test done. The MMR vaccine is very safe and it works. Most health insurance covers the cost of the vaccine. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

    Sources: American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Which Std Tests Do You Need?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Couple embracing each other.

    Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can occur when people have sexual contact with a person who also has an STD.

    People of all ages can get STDs. If you have unprotected sexual contact with someone who is infected, you risk getting an STD. This includes oral, anal and vaginal sex.

    Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask a health care provider about STDs. Getting tested is important so you can get treatment for STDs. The most common ones include:

    *  Human papilloma virus (HPV)

    *  Chlamydia

    *  Gonorrhea

    *  Syphilis

    *  Herpes

    *  Trichomoniasis

    *  HIV/AIDS

    Why do I need tests?

    Testing is the only way to know for sure if a person has an STD. Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms. This means people could spread STDs to others without knowing. They could also have long-term health problems.

    Risks of STDs include:

    *  Spreading STDs to others

    *  Infertility (trouble getting pregnant)

    *  Long-term pain in the pelvic area

    *  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause pain and infertility

    *  Serious health and immune system problems (from HIV infection)

    Who needs to be tested?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following recommendations for testing:

    *  Everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.

    *  Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.

    *  All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

    *  Some women 25 years and older should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. This includes women at a higher risk. They may have multiple sex partners or have a partner who has a known STD.

    *  All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B. Some pregnant women may also need tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Pregnant women may need more than one test throughout pregnancy.

    *  Sexually active gay and bisexual men may need HIV tests every 3 to 6 months.

    *  All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some men may need to get tested more often if they have multiple partners.

    Many health departments offer STD testing or can help people find a testing site. To find STD testing sites near you visitgettested.cdc.gov.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Injuries

    Work Life

    Most workplace injuries can be prevented. What you need to do depends on the job you do and the hazards you are exposed to. Your place of work may have certain standards and safety measures. Some are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Know and follow your workplace’s safety rules. Ask questions if you don’t understand them.

    General Safety Tips

    *  Help prevent slip and falls.

    – Keep walk areas free from clutter. Secure telephone and electrical cords to prevent tripping.

    – Wear nonskid shoes or footwear with a tread pattern to prevent slips, if needed.

    – Keep walking surfaces dry and free of water, grease, etc.

    – Use proper lighting. Look where you are going. Don’t carry things that block your vision.

    – Don’t lean back in your chair.

    – Don’t climb on chairs or boxes. Use a ladder that lets you safely reach items.

    *  Don’t pile items on stairs or against doors.

    *  Report injuries and “near misses” of injuries to your supervisor or to security. Follow your company’s rules for this.

    Safety for High Risk Occupations

    Certain jobs may require workers to:

    *  Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). These tell you how to use chemicals safely. They can be on printed pages and in a computer. Know where this data is. Use the information given.

    *  Wear protective headgear (e.g., hard hats, hair covers, etc.).

    *  Wear safety glasses with side shields, goggles, face shields, tinted glasses to reduce glare, etc. Keep eyewear clean and in good condition. Replace it if it is broken or has a defect.

    *  Wear ear plugs or special ear muffs. These protect hearing from damage.

    *  Wear steel-toe shoes or boots.

    *  Protect your lungs from dust, fumes, gases, vapors, etc. If needed, use the right type of mask or respirator for the material you are working with. Not all masks filter all particles or gases. Have your respirator “fit tested” to assure safe use.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Drug Addiction Triggers

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Are some people more at risk than others?

    Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease. It causes compulsive drug seeking and using, despite the harm it costs. Over time, brain changes occur that destroy a person’s ability for self-control. Even if a person wants to quit, willpower is not enough to fight the urges.

    The brain on drugs

    Drugs contain chemicals that disrupt the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. Over time, changed brain cells reduce the user’s ability to enjoy the drug’s effect without higher dosages. Long-term abuse also alters other brain chemicals and circuits. This impairs areas of the brain that are critical for judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control.

    Why do people relapse?

    Addiction is a chronic disease that can be managed, but relapse is common. Treatment helps counter the addiction’s powerful effects. This includes medications and behavioral therapy. A relapse should not be viewed as failure. It is a sign that the treatment should be adjusted.

    Why me?

    The risk for drug addiction is due to a mix of:

    *  Genetics – The risk is higher if other family members have addiction issues.

    *  Environment – Finances, peer pressure, abuse, stress, and the quality of parenting play roles. Having family and friends who abuse drugs is also a factor. So is age. The younger a person is when drug use starts, the greater the risk for addiction.

    Tips to deal with triggers:

    *  Try to avoid situations that involve alcohol and/or drugs.

    *  Do things you know and do well to build confidence.

    *  Attend self-help groups for drug users. These include:

    – Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

    – Cocaine Anonymous (CA)

    – Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

    Action Step

    If you or someone you love has a problem with drugs, seek professional help.

    Page from Ways to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Save By Staying Healthy. Prevention Is Worth More Than A Pound Of Cure.

    Medical Care

    Couple play dueling in the kitchen, laughing.

    *  Choose healthy foods. Control portion sizes. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases, which can be very expensive to treat. Persons who are obese may be charged more for life and health insurance.

    *  Be fit at little or no cost. Walk with a friend.  Join a mall walkers program.

    *  If you smoke, quit! You’ll save money on cigarettes, health care, and insurance. Get free help from 800.QUIT. NOW orsmokefree.gov.

    *  Take part in health risk assessments and health and wellness offerings at work.

    *  Wash your hands often to lessen the chance of picking up germs.

    *  Brush and floss your teeth daily. Get a dental checkup once or twice a year. Doing these help prevent periodontal (gum) disease. Not only is it expensive to treat, it is associated with heart disease and pneumonia.

    *  Get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Manage stress.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Plan An Anti-Cancer Diet

    Nutrition

    The American Cancer Society estimates that one-third of cancer deaths that occur in the U.S. each year are due to dietary factors, inactivity, and being overweight. It’s hard to say exactly how much changing your diet reduces the risk of cancer, but it’s fair to say that the following steps can help.

    Eat less fat, especially from animal sources.

    These include foods such as beef, pork, butter, cream, sour cream, and cheese. Choose non-fat and low-fat dairy products and other foods low in fat. Replace fat-rich foods with fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans.

    Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products like cereal and bread.

    Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Fruits and vegetables help protect against some cancers due to the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant chemicals they contain. Vary your choices. Foods with whole grains (wheat, rice, oats, and barley) also contain vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Have six to 11 servings of whole-grain breads, cereals, etc. each day.

    Eat fewer cured, grilled, or smoked foods.

    When eaten in excess, these foods may increase the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer. This increase may be due to one or more of the following: nitrites and nitrates they contain; their high fat content; or changes that occur when they’re cooked or processed.

    Limit consumption of alcohol, if you drink at all.

    Combined with cigarette smoking, over-consumption of alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and larynx. Also, alcohol may promote breast cancer regardless of whether you smoke or not. Excessive drinking also contributes to liver cancer. Cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. The risk may start to rise having as few as two drinks per day. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of regular beer, 4 to 5 ounces of wine, or 1-1/2 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits, like vodka or whiskey.

    Be physically active and maintain a desirable weight.

    Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum, prostate, breast (for women past menopause), endometrium, and kidney. Lose weight if you are overweight. Exercise on a regular basis.

    Page from A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Youth Sports Safety

    Family Fitness

    Young child riding a bike.

    Every year, millions of children are injured while playing sports and doing physical activities. Most of these injuries could be prevented.

    Wearing a safety helmet helps prevent a closed head injury when biking, inline skating, etc.

    Some states and localities have mandatory laws for helmet usage.

    All helmets sold in the U.S. must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. There must be a sticker on the inside stating this. The fit of the helmet is not tested by the standards, so you should try the helmet on your child’s head before buying.

    Learn more about safety helmets from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute athelmets.org.

    Get youth sports safety guidelines from the National Youth Sports Health & Safety Institute atacsm.org/nyshsi/best-practices.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine