HealthyLife Articles

Tag: prevention

Fire & Burn Awareness

First Aid

Fires & burns are a leading cause of unintended home injuries & related deaths.

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher mounted securely and in plain sight.

Install smoke detectors. If you use space heaters, keep them 3 feet away from items that can catch fire. Never smoke in bed.

Loose-fitting clothing can easily catch on fire if it gets too close to burning candles or hot burners.

If your clothes catch on fire, don’t run. Motion fans the flames. STOP where you are. DROP to the ground. ROLL back and forth, again and again, until the flames go out.

To use a fire extinguisher, think of the acronym PASS:

Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle or barrel at the base of the fire, not at the flames. Squeeze the handle. Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eat Up To Boost Immunity

HEALTHY EATING

The cold and flu season can take its toll on even the healthiest person. With people coughing and sneezing seemingly everywhere, it can be hard to avoid the many illnesses that make their rounds this time of year.

The good news is, there are some foods that may help you stave off colds and flu. These foods can boost the immune system, helping it fight off bad viruses that could make you sick. A healthy diet is a key part of a healthy immune system.

Perhaps these foods don’t have superhero powers, but they act like protectors and guardians for our health. For a super-charged immune system, eat foods that contain these nutrients:

Vitamin A

This vitamin regulates the immune system. It keeps skin and tissues in the mouth and stomach healthy, which helps keep out unwanted invaders. Good sources of this vitamin include sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, red bell peppers, spinach, kale and eggs.

Vitamin C

Perhaps the most famous of the immunity vitamins, vitamin C is well known for a reason. It tells your immune system to make antibodies to fight off infections. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are great sources, as well as red bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli and tomato juice.

NOTE:grapefruit can interact with medicines. If you take any medicines, ask your doctor before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.

Vitamin E

This vitamin fights off free radicals, which cause damage to the body’s cells and may harm the immune system. Vitamin E is found in wheat germ, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, almonds, avocado, peanuts, red bell peppers and eggs.

Zinc

This mineral is found in many cold remedies and “immune boosting” vitamins. But, getting it from whole foods is usually better than taking a pill. Find immune-boosting zinc in lean meat, poultry and seafood, as well as cooked beans and lentils, cashews, pumpkin seeds, cottage cheese and fortified breakfast cereals.

A well-rounded diet is very important to overall health. But, don’t rely on foods alone to keep you healthy this cold and flu season. Eat right, get exercise, get plenty of sleep and wash hands frequently for a healthier winter – and a healthier life. Finally, if you do get sick, these same healthy habits will help you feel better sooner.

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Food and Drug Administration

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Top Ten Recommendations For Cancer Prevention

MEDICAL NEWS

1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.

3. Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods.

4. Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.

5. Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.

6. If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.

7. Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).

8. Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer.

9. It is best for mothers to breastfeed only for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.

10. After treatment, cancer survivors should follow these recommendations for cancer prevention.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Heat Illnesses

First Aid

Most heat-related deaths occur in the hot summer months. Elderly and very young persons and people with chronic health problems are most at risk.

Sweating normally cools the body. During hot weather, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness. This includes heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Heat exhaustion, if not treated, can turn into heat stroke.

A less serious heat illness is a heat rash. Signs include small red pimples, pink, blotchy skin, and itching. To treat a heat rash, bathe in cool water every couple of hours. Let your skin air dry. Put cornstarch or calamine lotion on itchy areas.

When the heat starts to rise, slow down. Drink plenty of fluids (ones without alcohol or caffeine). Stay in the shade or indoors. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide brimmed hat. Do not stay in or leave anyone in a closed, parked car during hot weather.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Not To Get Sick When Traveling

SELF-CARE CORNER

Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than someone getting sick. Whether you’re planning a trip just an hour away or across the ocean, there are many things you can do to stay healthy while away from home.

See your doctor before you go

Get a checkup before you go on vacation. Ask the doctor if you need any vaccines or preventive medicines. Some countries require vaccines that you wouldn’t normally need in the U.S. Make plans to get everyone vaccinated at least six weeks before you leave.

If you take any medicines regularly, make sure you have enough to last throughout your trip. Running out of a prescription medicine can be inconvenient – or even dangerous – if you’re not near your doctor or pharmacy. If possible, keep your medicine with you in a carry-on bag so you have it with you at all times.

Avoid traveler’s diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It can happen nearly anywhere if you eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water. Lower your risk of getting it with these guidelines:

* Eat only cooked food served hot.

* Avoid eating food from street vendors, if possible.

* Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized milk or dairy products.

* Avoid eating raw seafood or undercooked meats.

* Avoid tap water and ice on airplanes and in places where water may not be safe. Drink only commercially-bottled water and beverages.

* Use bottled water to brush your teeth when traveling abroad. Don’t get shower water in your mouth.

* Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Be especially careful about washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating.

* Consider bringing some anti-diarrhea medicine with you in case you get sick. Make sure you stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, and/or sports drinks.

Tell bugs to buzz off

Mosquitoes can spread disease, both in the U.S. and abroad. Protect yourself by wearing repellents with DEET. Use bed nets for international travel in areas where bugs are a problem. If you’re traveling to a country with a higher risk of malaria, ask your doctor about preventive medicine to take before you go on your trip. Be sure to also pack lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs to keep bugs off.

A few simple precautions can ensure you have a safe and healthy summer vacation.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Lessen Environmental Connections To Cancer

Cancer

* Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

* Get your house tested for radon – the number 2 cause of lung cancer after smoking. You can buy a radon test kit from a hardware store.

* Take harmful waste products, such as empty aerosol cans; leftover paint, paint chips and thinners; and unused fertilizers and pesticides to a local hazardous waste drop-off site. Search for one near you atearth911.org.

* Restrict the use of pesticides, which are all toxic to some degree. Use nontoxic products to treat and maintain your lawn. Find ways to greenscape your lawn and yard fromepa.gov.

* Wear sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) and clothing to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

* Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Eat plenty of plant-based foods: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Avoid or limit alcohol to 1 drink a day (women and over 65) or 2 drinks a day (men).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
National Safety Month

WELL-BEING

Each June, the National Safety Council celebrates National Safety Month. This year’s theme is “Safety: It takes all of us.” Join the Council and thousands of organizations across the country to reduce the risk of these key safety issues:

Week 1: Prevent prescription drug abuse

* Ask your doctor about the risk of addiction when he or she advises prescription painkillers. Take these medicines only as prescribed.

* If you suspect a co-worker is abusing prescription drugs, contact your Employee Assistance Program or Human Resources. Signs of abusing these drugs include:

– Lack of focus or attention

– Poor judgment

– Missing work often

Week 2: Stop slips, trips and falls

* Follow your workplace’s safety guidelines.

* Keep walkways and stairs free from clutter, water and other falling hazards.

* At home, use grab bars and safety mats in your tub and shower and next to the toilet.

Week 3: Be aware of your surroundings

* Scan your area for potential hazards.

* Follow workplace safety rules for storing objects securely and safe use of machines.

* Pay attention at all times. Do not get distracted when working or when you walk, especially when using your cell phone.

Week 4: Put an end to distracted driving

When you are driving, focus on the road. Do not use your smartphone or cell phone for texting or talking. Hands-free talking does not make driving safer. Your mind is still sidetracked.

* The National Safety Council suggests that you change your voicemail greeting to something like: “Hi, you’ve reached (insert your name). I’m either away from my phone or I’m driving. Please leave a message.”

* Avoid other distractions, too. Examples are eating, talking to passengers, grooming, reading (including maps) and adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player.

Bonus week: Summer safety

* Limit exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, as directed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays.

* Follow directions to use outdoor tools and the lawn mower safely.

* Drink plenty of water to help prevent heat-related problems.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get Vaccines To Prevent Measles

Skin Conditions

In January 2015, CDC issued a health advisory to notify public health departments and healthcare facilities about a multi-state outbreak of measles. The outbreak started at Disneyland in Dec., 2014. During that entire year, the CDC reported a record number of measles in the U.S. with 644 cases from 27 states. This is the greatest number of cases since measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Why the rise in measles?

* The majority of the people who got measles did not receive vaccines.

* Measles is still common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa.

* Travelers with measles continue to bring the disease into the U.S.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Coughs and sneezes spread the virus through the air. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. A rash that spreads all over the body follows. About three out of 10 people who get measles will develop one or more serious problems including pneumonia, ear infections, or diarrhea. These problems are more common in adults and young children.

Guidelines for measles vaccines

Children should get 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine:

* First Dose: 12-15 months of age. Some infants younger than 12 months should get a dose of MMR if they are traveling out of the country.

* Second Dose: 4-6 years of age

* If not given at these times, a two-dose series is needed for all school-age children and adolescents.

Adults born after 1956 should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine, unless they can show that they have either been vaccinated or had all three diseases.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
No One Deserves To Be Bullied

WELL-BEING

All children sometimes find themselves the butt of jokes or teasing by their classmates. But bullying is different. It is generally relentless and can include physical violence, coercion, name calling, social shunning, social isolation, or verbal or written threats. In extreme causes, death or sexual assaults have resulted from bullying.

Bullying can be in person or online through email or social networking sites, according to Dr. Earlene Strayhorn, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Loyola University Medical Center. “Being the target of a bully involves real suffering,” she said.

Bullying can involve one child against another or also a group of kids united against a single child or another group. Boys are more likely to be the initiators and targets of bullying. Their victims can include both boys and girls.

Bullied boys are more likely to be hit, slapped, kicked, or pushed. Girls often engage in verbal bullying. Their targets are often other girls.

“Let your child know that he or she is not alone and is not at fault. Tell your child that no one deserves to be bullied for any reason, and then take action,” Dr. Strayhorn said.

If the bullying is occurring at school, meet with a teacher, principal, sports coach or school counselor and demand someone intervene to defuse the situation. Frequently, the problem can be solved by an authority figure without the bully ever learning who reported it.

If the bullying is occurring outside of the school, tell your child to seek safety in numbers by sticking close to friends or other classmates when walking home or while in places where the bullying happens. Sometimes you’ll have to get law enforcement involved.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026