Your Best Health Care

Health Care and Food Allergies 2012

2012-02-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

Millions of Americans suffer from food allergies, and there are deaths every year associated with this life threatening health issue. Some food allergies are minimal, and some are critical. According to The Food Allergy Network, food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks a food protein. Ingestion of the offending food may trigger the sudden release of chemicals, including histamine, resulting in symptoms of an allergic reaction. The symptoms may be mild (rashes, hives, itching, swelling, etc.) or severe (trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness, etc.). A food allergy can be potentially fatal. Scientists estimate that as many as 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies.

A skin prick test or a blood test (such as the Immulite or ImmunoCap test) for IgE antibodies is commonly used to begin to determine if an allergy exists. A skin prick test is usually less expensive and can be done in the doctor’s office. Positive skin prick tests or immunoassay test results will show that IgE is present in the body, but cannot alone predict that a reaction will occur if the patient were to eat a suspected allergy-causing food. The results of the tests are combined with other information, such as a history of symptoms and the result of a food challenge to determine whether a food allergy exists.

According to the Mayo Clinic, in some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening symptoms, including:

--Constriction and tightening of airways.
--A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe.
--Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure.
--Rapid pulse.
--Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.
--Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis. Untreated, anaphylaxis can cause a coma or death.

Exercise-induced food allergy:

Some people have an allergic reaction to a food triggered by exercise. Eating certain foods may cause you to feel itchy and lightheaded soon after you start exercising. In serious cases, an exercise-induced food allergy can cause reactions such as hives or anaphylaxis. Not eating for a couple of hours before exercising and avoiding certain foods may help prevent this problem.

Pollen-food allergy syndrome:

In many people who have hay fever, fresh fruits and vegetables and certain nuts and spices can trigger an allergic reaction that causes the mouth to tingle or itch. In some people, pollen-food allergy syndrome — sometimes called oral allergy syndrome — can cause swelling of the throat or even anaphylaxis. This is an example of cross-reactivity. Proteins in fruits and vegetables cause the reaction because they're similar to those allergy-causing proteins found in certain pollens. For example, if you're allergic to ragweed, you may also react to melons; if you're allergic to birch pollen, you may also react to apples. Cooking fruits and vegetables can help you avoid this reaction. Most cooked fruits and vegetables generally don't cause cross-reactive oral allergy symptoms

Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to avoid a reaction, according to the Food Allergy Network. Reading ingredient labels for all foods is the key to avoiding a reaction. If a product doesn’t have a label, individuals with a food allergy should not eat that food. If you have any doubt whether a food is safe, call the manufacturer for more information. There is no cure for food allergies. Studies are inconclusive about whether food allergies can be prevented. Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is the medication of choice for controlling a severe reaction. It is available by prescription as a self-injectable device (EpiPen® or Twinject®). Much more info can be found on their site: http://www.foodallergy.org/.

According to the NY Times, The only proven treatment for a food allergy is to avoid the food. Other treatments, including allergy shots and probiotics, have not been clearly proven to help with food allergies. If your child has a problem with cow’s milk formula, your health care provider may suggest trying a soy-based formula or something called an elemental formula, if available. If you suspect you or your child has a food allergy, consult an allergy specialist. If you have symptoms on only one area of the body (for example, a hive on the chin after eating the specific food), you may not need any treatment. The symptoms will likely go away in a brief time. Antihistamines may relieve the discomfort. Soothing skin creams may provide some relief.

Consult your doctor if you think you have had an allergic reaction to food, even if it is only a local reaction. Anyone diagnosed with a food allergy should carry (and know how to use) injectable epinephrine at all times. If you develop any type of serious or whole-body reaction (even hives) after eating the offending food, inject the epinephrine. Then go to the nearest hospital or emergency facility, preferably by ambulance. Seek immediate medical attention after injecting epinephrine for a food reaction.

Avoiding the offending foods may be easy if the food is uncommon or easily identified. However, you may need to severely restrict your diet, carefully read all package ingredients, and ask detailed questions when eating away from home. Symptoms usually begin immediately, within 2 hours after eating. Rarely, the symptoms may begin hours after eating the offending food. If you develop symptoms shortly after eating a specific food, you may have a food allergy.

Breastfeeding new borns and infants may help prevent allergies. Otherwise, there is no known way to prevent food allergies except to delay introducing allergy-causing foods to infants until their gastrointestinal tract has had a chance to mature. The timing for this varies from food to food and from baby to baby.

If your children suffer from food allergies, a good website for info can be found here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/. And according to this website, http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-food-allergy-symptoms-and-diagnosis, anyone who has signs or symptoms of a food allergy should see their healthcare provider. Between 20 and 30 percent of people report food allergy in themselves or their children. However, only 6 to 8 percent of children under the age of five and 3 to 4 percent of adults have a true food allergy. Laboratory testing and/or skin testing is often used to confirm the food allergy and determine if avoidance of a particular food is necessary. During a medical history, the healthcare provider will ask questions about the person's past allergic reactions:

•What symptoms of food allergy did you have?
•What particular food do you think provoked the reaction? Have you eaten this food before? Have you reacted before?
•How much of this food did you eat?
•What other foods did you eat at that time? Do you know all the ingredients of the food you ate? Include all foods: appetizer, main dish, sauces, dressings, breads, beverages, and side dishes.
•How was the food prepared? As an example, could the food have been fried in oil used to prepare other foods?
•Were any of following eaten: peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, or soy?
•How much time passed between eating the food and the first symptoms?
•Did you exercise or exert yourself after eating?
•Did you take any medications, herbs, vitamins, non-prescription medications, or drink any alcohol before or after eating?
•How was the reaction treated? Did it resolve without treatment or did you take any medications? How long were the medications continued and were there any later symptoms?

Depending upon the answers to these questions and the physical examination, the healthcare provider may decide to order laboratory testing. In other cases, the provider will refer the person to a specialist (allergist or gastroenterologist) for further evaluation.

Food allergies should not be taken lightly, especially in children. One wrong bite could send you or your child to the emergency room. Be careful about ingesting items that cause physical symptoms that could lead to severe reactions or death. Make sure you educate yourself about the limits to your diet, and other food options that serve as viable substitutes when preparing meals or eating out. Always talk with the restaurant manager if you have an issue with severe food allergies. They typically are used to dealing with food allergies and will go out of their way in most cases to avoid a situation that could be potentially life threatening. For all medical or health related questions about food allergies, visit your primary care physician, or allergy specialist.

Until next time.

Health Care and Breakfast

2012-02-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard most of your life about the importance of eating a good breakfast. Most nutrition experts say that it's the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast gets your morning started on the right track. It helps you keep your energy up and make healthier eating choices throughout the day, according to EverydayHealth.com.

There’s some physiology to it; eating breakfast prevents you from bottoming out and getting too hungry. And, psychologically, you know you started the day off right. When eating breakfast becomes part of your regimen, you start having ownership of it, become more consistent, and feel that you’re making a change for the better. Nutritionally, when you have breakfast, there’s more of a guarantee that you’re getting the nutrients you need every day.

According to I Village Health, here are 15 reasons to have a good breakfast:

1.) Lose Weight: It sounds counterintuitive, but people who eat breakfast tend to weigh less than those who don’t. Many breakfast abstainers get so hungry by midmorning that they grab high-calorie quick fixes rather than the lower-calorie whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk or whole-wheat toast, fruit and yogurt that they might have eaten for breakfast, explains the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Another bonus: Whole-grain eaters have lower body weights and smaller waist measurements.

2.) Have More Energy: When you wake up, your fuel tank is empty and your blood sugar is at its lowest for the day. You need breakfast to get your engine going -- it raises your blood sugar and ramps up your metabolism to energize your body. A carb-protein combo such as a bowl of oatmeal made with milk or a slice of whole-grain toast with cheese can give you longer-lasting energy and help keep hunger at bay during the morning hours.

3.) Get the Nutrients You Need: The nutrients that we don’t get enough of -- vitamin D, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber -- are abundant in traditional breakfast foods. Instead of popping a multivitamin and calling it a morning, mix and match breakfast foods that deliver all four nutrients. Whip up a smoothie with low-fat milk (vitamin D and calcium) plus banana and berries (potassium and fiber). Or go for half a cantaloupe (potassium) topped with yogurt (vitamin D in some brands, and calcium) and fiber-rich breakfast cereal.

4.) Wake Up Your Brain: To perform at your best, you need to nourish your body from top to bottom, including your brain, with a nutritious breakfast. It’s easier to concentrate and complete tasks at work and home when you’ve eaten a balanced morning meal rather than relying on coffee alone for brainpower.

5.) Satisfy Your Hunger: What you eat in the morning can influence how hungry you feel throughout the day. A combo of lean protein and fat can keep you satisfied until midday or later. Try a couple of eggs or a carton of yogurt, along with whole-wheat toast, a whole-grain English muffin or other whole grains rich in fiber. Peanut butter on your toast or sliced almonds on your cereal also may boost satiety. Experiment to find the food combinations that work best for you.

6.) Steady Your Blood Sugar: For lasting energy, it’s best to keep your blood sugar at an even keel. Cut back on juices, sweetened drinks and sugary breakfast foods that are absorbed quickly and give your blood sugar a quick jolt up and down rather than a steady climb. A drop in blood sugar can leave you feeling tired. New research shows that eating whole grains at breakfast may even help keep your blood sugar steady through lunch and into the afternoon.

7.) Meet Your Fruit and Veggie Quota: Health officials recommend eating at least 4.5 cups of fruits and veggies daily to help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and possibly obesity. Aim for a cup at breakfast -- fruit, tomato slices and veggies in your omelet all count toward your daily total.

8.) Ward Off Disease: Antioxidants found in produce (especially blueberries and raspberries) are part of a food insurance policy that helps protect the cells in your body from damage. Bump up the antioxidant value of your breakfast even higher by topping your oatmeal with cinnamon, sprinkling walnuts in your bowl of cold cereal or stirring a bit of cocoa powder into your coffee.

9.) Make MyPlate Your Plate: The government’s new MyPlate symbol represents the ideal ratio of food groups, with 50 percent vegetables and fruits and 25 percent each protein and grain. To recreate it at home, pair a cup or so of fresh or frozen fruit with a slice or two of whole-grain toast and a hard-boiled egg, a slice of reduced fat cheese or a dollop of peanut butter. Add a serving of low-fat milk or yogurt to round out your meal.

10.) Trim Calories: Instead of reducing calories by eliminating breakfast, eat about 350 to 400 calories, and always include nutrient-dense, low-calorie, filling foods such as fruit, cereal with fat-free milk or low-fat yogurt. Not hungry for breakfast? Take a look at the size of your dinner. An overly big dinner can kill your morning appetite and add too many calories.

11.) Protect Your Heart: Studies show that people who eat breakfast generally consume less cholesterol and fat and more fiber, and this improves their heart health. Of course, if your idea of breakfast includes bacon, butter and more than an egg a day, you’re not doing your heart any favors. You can trim the fat and cholesterol from your morning omelet by using just egg whites, extra whites mixed with one whole egg or an egg substitute.

12.) Cancel Out Cancer: To reduce your risk of cancer, health organizations like the American Cancer Society recommend eating more vegetables and fruits, swapping out processed grains and sugars for whole versions and limiting processed meats. Turns out that breakfast is the perfect meal to follow those guidelines. Think grapefruit or melon chunks, veggies in your omelet, whole-grain cereal and bread and lean bacon on special occasions.

13.) Strengthen Your Immunity: Do your immune system a favor and sit down to a bowl of breakfast fruit salad with mango, papaya, pineapple and a squeeze of lime for a generous dose of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A promotes infection-fighting white blood cells and helps the skin and mucous membranes block invading bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C works hard to prevent damage to cells from free radicals. It is also needed to make collagen, a protein that helps heal skin wounds.

14.) Build Strong Bones and Muscles: The dynamic duo of calcium and vitamin D ensures that bones get what they need to stay strong, so be sure to include the most convenient source -- a cup of cow’s milk or fortified soy, almond or rice milk. Cow’s milk also is a good source of protein, the nutrient that helps you retain muscle. Compare the protein content of nondairy milks and choose those with higher amounts. Some brands have very little protein.

15.) Improve Digestion: To help keep your gut healthy, include some probiotics and prebiotics in your morning meal. The probiotic bacteria found in certain yogurt varieties are bred for their beneficial functions -- some crowd out “bad” bacteria in your intestines, and others help regulate your digestive system. Inulin, a carbohydrate added to certain yogurts and other foods, contains prebiotics that help nourish “good” bacteria so that it can flourish.

If you consider that when you wake up in the morning, for the majority of individuals, your body and brain have been without food for around 10 - 12 hours. For children it may be longer. According to HelpWithCooking.com, your body is similar to a car in the fact that it needs fuel to run, and like a car, the better you look after your body, the longer and better it will run. Bodies must be fueled several times each day so that they function efficiently and carry out daily tasks as best you can. In the morning, after many hours without food, it is essential to refuel in order to provide the necessary nutrients and energy to get you through the first part of the day.

If you deprive your body of food in the morning you may find that you feel tired, dizzy and irritable and that your concentration is poor. It may take you longer to carry out tasks or you just might not feel up to anything mentally strenuous let alone physical. You will probably find yourself snapping at people unintentionally, especially if under stress and you will no doubt soon start to feel pangs of hunger as the morning wears on. It is also possible that you may become so hungry that you grab twice as many unhealthy snacks to eat before lunch.

According to the Mayo Clinic, breakfast gives you a chance to start each day with a healthy and nutritious meal. It also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits. Breakfast is especially important for children and adolescents. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to:

--Meet daily nutrient requirements.
--Concentrate better.
--Have better problem-solving skills.
--Have better hand-eye coordination.
--Be more alert.
--Be more creative.
--Miss fewer days of school.
--Be more physically active.

If you skip breakfast because you're short on time each morning, plan ahead. Much more info can be found at this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/NU00197. Also, here are some tips to fit in breakfast on a tight schedule:

--The night before, figure out what you'll eat. Then set out dry ingredients and any bowls, blenders or pans so they're ready for use.
--Make breakfast the night before, then just heat as necessary in the morning.
--Pack a to-go breakfast the night before.

Whatever your situation, whether you are working full time, you are a student, you are a stay at home parent or work out of your home, or you are retired, always take time to grab a healthy snack for breakfast. If you have the time, treat yourself to a really good meal first thing in the morning. Be careful not to overeat, but enjoy good food to start your day out right. If all you have time for is a "grab-n-go" type of item, then eat something healthy. Take time to treat your body and your mind right before you tackle the challenges of each new day.

Until next time.

Health Care and Nutrition

2012-01-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

A poor diet can have an injurious impact on health, causing deficiency diseases such as diabetes, scurvy, obesity, heart disease, and more. Nutrition, or the nourishment to the body in the form of food, is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet. Clinical nutritionists are health professionals who focus more specifically on the role of nutrition in chronic disease, including possible prevention or remediation by addressing nutritional deficiencies before resorting to drugs.

For many people, January is a time to recommit to a healthy diet and lifestyle. And, there are so many good reasons to eat healthier: to lose weight, to have more energy, to stay healthier. Lots of tips and healthy eating information can be found on this site to help you: http://nutritiondata.self.com/. Plus, additional very good data about nutrition can be found at this site: http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=1&tax_subject=392 . Also, the Harvard School of Public Health has a library of nutrition articles on their site that provides a broad spectrum of material on this subject: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-news/.

Nutrition is about the study of food and how bodies use food as fuel for growth and daily activities. The macronutrients, or "big" nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The micronutrients, or "little" nutrients are the vitamins and minerals that you need to be healthy.

According to About.com Nutrition Guide, and expert Shereen Jegtvig, whether it's a resolution you set for January 1, or a goal you start mid-year to reach, you can make the next year of your life a healthier one. She provides 10 steps to a healthier you for this year:

1.) The first step is to take a look at what your diet and health have been like for the last 12 months. Think about questions like these and write down your answers in a notebook so that you can look back them again a year from now:

•How does your weight compare with a year ago?
•Do you feel healthy and have a lot of energy or are you tired all the time?
•Do you take vitamins or other nutritional supplements?
•Do you eat at home most of the time? If so, what types of foods? Whole fresh foods, boxed foods or TV dinners?
•If you eat in a restaurant, what types of restaurants do you go to and what types of foods do you choose?
•How physically active are you? Do you exercise regularly?
•Do you eat healthy size portions, or do you stuff yourself with every meal?
•Do you smoke?
•How much alcohol do you drink each week?

It is important to take an honest look at your health and dietary habits in order to set goals for your health and diet. The remaining Nine Steps are found on the site where Shereen regularly contributes material about nutrition and healthy living: http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutrition101/ss/healthy_new_yea.htm.

These days, a wealth of nutrition information is at your finger tips. From diet books to newspaper articles, everyone seems to have an opinion about what you should be eating. It's no secret that good nutrition plays an essential role in maintaining health, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). And, while you already know it is important to eat a healthy diet, you may find it more difficult to sort through all of the information about nutrition and food choices. The CDC has compiled a variety of resources to help you start healthier eating habits. Some very good info about the topic is found here: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/index.html. For nutritional facts especially about youth, the CDC has some very impressive data. Here is an overview:

1.) Benefits of Healthy Eating:

--Proper nutrition promotes the optimal growth and development of children.
--Healthy eating helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure and helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
--Healthy eating helps reduce one’s risk for developing obesity, osteoporosis, iron deficiency, and dental caries (cavities).

2.) Consequences of a Poor Diet:

--A poor diet can lead to energy imbalance (e.g., eating more calories than one expends through physical activity) and can increase one’s risk for overweight and obesity.
--A poor diet can increase the risk for lung, esophageal, stomach, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
--Individuals who eat fast food one or more times per week are at increased risk for weight gain, overweight, and obesity.
--Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can result in weight gain, overweight, and obesity.
--Providing access to drinking water gives students a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages.
--Hunger and food insecurity (i.e., reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns because a household lacks money and other resources for food) might increase the risk for lower dietary quality and undernutrition. In turn, undernutrition can negatively affect overall health, cognitive development, and school performance.

3.) Eating Behaviors of Young People:

--Most U.S. youth Do not meet the recommendations for eating 2½ cups to 6½ cups* of fruits and vegetables each day.
--Do not eat the minimum recommended amounts of whole grains (2–3 ounces* each day).
--Eat more than the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium (1,500–2,300 mg* each day) .
--Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for children and adolescents aged 2–18 years, affecting the overall quality of their diets. Approximately half of these empty calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk.
--Adolescents drink more full-calorie soda per day than milk. Males aged 12–19 years drink an average of 22 ounces of full-calorie soda per day, more than twice their intake of fluid milk (10 ounces), and females drink an average of 14 ounces of full-calorie soda and only 6 ounces of fluid milk.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products for persons aged 2 years and older. The guidelines also recommend that children, adolescents, and adults limit intake of solid fats (major sources of saturated and trans fatty acids), cholesterol, sodium, added sugars, and refined grains. Unfortunately, most young people are not following the recommendations set forth in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Following nutritional guidelines for your everyday health helps to keep you directed toward a healthier diet, lifestyle, and overall personal physical and mental wellbeing. Keeping your focus on ways to maintain healthy eating habits, although not 100% available at some times, should assist you in establishing a good food regimen, and help reduce the potential for most chronic diseases. For more information about nutrition for your personal health, visit your primary care doctor, and get referrals for a nutritionist or a dietician if you have special needs.

Until next time.

Health Care and Dandruff

2012-01-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

You know that flaky white stuff that shows up on your scalp or in your hair, and often on your shirt or blouse shoulder tops? It can be very embarrassing to most people, and extremely inconvenient at times. That dry skin that drifts down from your head can be very light or, in extreme cases, look like an avalanche on a snow covered mountain. Those white patches showing up on your clothes around your neck and clothing is called dandruff, which is dry, dead skin that has loosened from your scalp and is causing you to have an itchy head and an unsightly appearance.

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants. Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be due to a combination of an over production of skin oil and irritation from a yeast called malessizia. Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families. Stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, use of lotions that contain alcohol, skin disorders (such as acne), or obesity may increase the risk.

Neurologic conditions, including Parkinson's disease, head injury, and stroke may be associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has also been linked to increased cases of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on many different body areas. Usually, it forms where the skin is oily or greasy. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and middle of the chest. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants, also called cradle cap, is a harmless, temporary condition. It appears as thick, crusty, yellow or brown scales over the child's scalp. Similar scales may also be found on the eyelids, ear, around the nose, and in the groin. Cradle cap may be seen in newborns and small children up to age 3 .

Cradle cap is not contagious, nor is it caused by poor hygiene. It is not an allergy, and it is not dangerous. Cradle cap may or may not itch. If it itches, excessive scratching of the area may cause additional inflammation, and breaks in skin may cause mild infections or bleeding. In general, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

•Skin lesions
•Plaques over large area
•Greasy, oily areas of skin
•Skin scales -- white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and adherent -- "dandruff"
•Itching -- may become more itchy if infected
•Mild redness
•Hair loss

According to HeadandShoulders.com, for the majority of people, dandruff problems begin with the onset of puberty. (If there are flakes visible in a child’s hair before puberty it’s worth consulting your doctor as it may indicate a more serious condition). During puberty, our bodies start producing much more testosterone. This hormone affects more than just hair growth. Testosterone can also have a dramatic effect upon the production of sebum, an entirely natural substance. Sebum is a greasy substance that protects our scalps and makes it difficult for micro-organisms to live there. However, one organism has adapted to live off sebum. It’s entirely natural that it lives on the areas of our bodies where our skin contains more “natural oils”, like the scalp. The microorganism produces oleic acid which it deposits on our scalps. The way our bodies respond to this causes irritation of the top layer of skin and this leads to an increased turnover of skin cells. They also clump together so we see them as flakes of dandruff. So that’s basically what dandruff is: a scalp reaction that leads to a speeding up of your natural cycle of skin replenishment.

The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected, according to Home Remedies for You.com. There are two main types of dandruff, namely dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Those with an oily skin tend to suffer from oily dandruff while those with dry skin suffer from dry dandruff. The type of dandruff home remedy that one chooses must therefore be decided according to the type of dandruff. Oily dandruff can be a little tougher to treat as it tends to recur quite easily while dry dandruff can be prevented quite easily. Nevertheless, with a suitable dandruff home remedy and a regular hair care regimen, you can get obtain permanent relief from this condition. While most people see dandruff as a purely cosmetic problem that can be embarrassing at times, dandruff can have several serious repercussions.

Dandruff increases one’s risk of scalp infections, especially dry skin conditions, like psoriasis and it can also cause loss of hair which is generally temporary but which can be permanent. Dandruff can also cause itching on your forehead and face as it settles on your skin. This may explain why some people tend to confuse the itchiness and skin irritation symptoms of lice, or rather head lice with dandruff. A dandruff home remedy needs to be used for a prolonged period to ensure that the condition is successfully treated. Very often, people use home remedies for dandruff for just a week or so and as soon as the dandruff has seemed to have cleared, they stop the treatment.

However, discontinuing treatment before the condition has cleared completely will cause the problem to resurface. A dandruff home remedy is usually made up of natural ingredients and can be used for at least two weeks or so as this will ensure permanent relief. While information on home treatments and remedies may help you learn how to get rid of dandruff naturally, it’s often not easy to differentiate between dandruff vs dry scalp. You should consult a physician if you have a serious case of dry scalp or dandruff for more professional medical advice. For more home remedies and information about treatment, visit this website: http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Dandruff.html.

According to Medical News Today (MTN), most experts do agree that dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. Here are some probable causes in most individuals:

1.) Not enough hair brushing - People who do not comb/brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff - this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides.

2.) Yeast - People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part. Yeast-sensitive people who get dandruff find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter. UVA light from the sun counteracts the yeast. Some say, though, that during winter the skin is drier because of cold air and overheated rooms (exposure to extreme temperatures), making dandruff more likely. So, it is sometimes not that easy to know whether it is yeast or just dry skin.

3.) Dry skin - people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily.

4.) Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin) - People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose, not just the scalp. The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

5.) Not enough shampooing - some people say that if you don't shampoo enough there can be a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, causing dandruff. However, many experts doubt this is true.

6.) Certain skin conditions - People with psoriasis, eczema and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.

7.) Some illnesses - Adults with Parkinson's disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people.

8.) Reaction to hair/skin care products - Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Many experts say that shampooing too often may cause dandruff as it can irritate the scalp.

9.) Malassezia - Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everybody's scalp. Generally, it will cause no problems at all. However, it can grow out of control. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete. When this happens the scalp can become irritated and produces extra skin cells. These extra skin cells die and fall off; they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp, and turn into what we see as dandruff.

10.) Diet - Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.

11.) Mental stress - Experts believe there is a link between stress and many skin problems.

12.) HIV - A study found that 10.6% of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis.

Two factors should be considered when you treat dandruff, according to MTN: 1. Your age. 2. The severity of your dandruff. Shampoos and products for the scalp are available OTC (over-the-counter, no prescription needed) at most supermarkets, pharmacies and many corner shops. It is important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured with these products. Before using an antifungal shampoo see if you can remove any scaly or crusty patches on your scalp - do this with care. If you manage to remove them the shampoo will be more effective. If you have dandruff on your beard you can use dandruff shampoo on it. Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:

1.) Zinc pyrithione - an ingredient which slows down the production of yeast.

2.) Selenium sulphide - this reduces the production of natural oils your scalp glands produce.

3.) Coal tar - this has a natural anti-fungal agent. If your hair is dyed or treated remember that long-term coal tar usage can stain the hair.

4.) Ketoconazole - a very effective anti-fungal. Most people who use this are pleased with the results. Experts say shampoos with this ingredient can be used with young and elderly people.

5.) Salicylic acids - these help your scalp get rid of skin cells. It does not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. Many "scalp scrubs" contain salicylic acids. Some people find salicylic acid treatments leave their scalps dry and eventually make the flaking of the skin worse.

6.) Tea-tree oil - This oil comes from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). A growing number of shampoos now include tea-tree oil as one of its ingredients. It has been used for centuries as an antifungal, antibiotic, and an antiseptic. However, some people are allergic to it.

7.) Green Tea potential - Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia in the US found that green tea may have potential for the treatment of dandruff and psoriasis.

Ideally, select a shampoo that has one of the above ingredients and shampoo your hair with it every day until your dandruff is under control. When that happens use them less frequently. You may find a particular shampoo stops being so effective after while, if this occurs switch to one that has another ingredient. Make sure the shampoo has time to stay on your scalp before you rinse it off - perhaps about five minutes. If you rinse it off too quickly the ingredient will not have enough time to work. If after several weeks of treating yourself you still have dandruff, you should consider seeing your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist).

A person with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis will hardly every experience complications. If one were to occur, it would more likely to be caused by one of the dandruff treatments. If you find one of your dandruff shampoos, or scalp treatments is causing irritation, stop using it and ask your pharmacist to suggest another one. Bacteria can get in under your skin if there is a break on the skin of the scalp. If this happens, and you feel unwell, or that area of skin is red, tender and swollen, go and see your doctor.

Until next time.

Health Care and Posture

2012-01-20T06:40:00.000-08:00

Are you the kind of person who walks or sits with good posture, or are you guilty of slouching through life? When you sit or stand, is your back aligned with the rest of your body, so that you could support a book on the top of your head without it sliding off? Have you seen those movies that show someone trying to learn to walk with a perfect gait? Pretty comical, right? But the truth of the matter is that good posture leads to good health.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities. Proper posture:

--Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
--Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis.
--Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
--Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
--Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
--Prevents strain or overuse problems.
--Prevents backache and muscular pain.
--Contributes to a good appearance.

A good posture means maintaining the two natural curves at your back – (1) the concave curve from base of your head to your shoulders and (2) the concave curve from your upper back to the base of your spine. It’s like the shape of 2 C’s on your back, according to Personal Excellence. When you are in the right posture, it should feel almost effortless to maintain the position. When you stand, your weight of your body should be evenly distributed across the balls of feet (not the heels or the front). Take a minute out now and examine your current posture in front of a mirror (full-length if possible; otherwise get one that allows you to see at least the upper half of your body). Does it fit the description of a good posture? Much more detail can be found at their site: http://personalexcellence.co/blog/benefits-of-having-a-good-posture-and-13-tips-to-getting-one/.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are proper posture techniques for the following situations:

1.) Correct Sitting Position:
Sit up with your back straight and your shoulders back. Your buttocks should touch the back of your chair.

--All three normal back curves should be present while sitting. A small, rolled-up towel or a lumbar roll can be used to help you maintain the normal curves in your back.

Here's how to find a good sitting position when you're not using a back support or lumbar roll:
--Sit at the end of your chair and slouch completely.
--Draw yourself up and accentuate the curve of your back as far as possible. Hold for a few seconds.
--Release the position slightly (about 10 degrees). This is a good sitting posture.
--Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips.
--Bend your knees at a right angle. Keep your knees even with or slightly higher than your hips. (use a foot rest or stool if necessary). Your legs should not be crossed.
--Keep your feet flat on the floor.
--Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes.
--At work, adjust your chair height and work station so you can sit up close to your work and tilt it up at you. Rest your elbows and arms on your chair or desk, keeping your shoulders relaxed.

--When sitting in a chair that rolls and pivots, don't twist at the waist while sitting. Instead, turn your whole body.
--When standing up from the sitting position, move to the front of the seat of your chair. Stand up by straightening your legs. Avoid bending forward at your waist. Immediately stretch your back by doing 10 standing backbends.

2.) Correct Driving Position:

--Use a back support (lumbar roll) at the curve of your back. Your knees should be at the same level or higher than your hips.
--Move the seat close to the steering wheel to support the curve of your back. The seat should be close enough to allow your knees to bend and your feet to reach the pedals.

3.) Correct Lifting Position:

--If you must lift objects, do not try to lift objects that are awkward or are heavier than 30 pounds.

--Before you lift a heavy object, make sure you have firm footing.
--To pick up an object that is lower than the level of your waist, keep your back straight and bend at your knees and hips. Do not bend forward at the waist with your knees straight.
--Stand with a wide stance close to the object you are trying to pick up and keep your feet firm on the ground. Tighten your stomach muscles and lift the object using your leg muscles. Straighten your knees in a steady motion. Don't jerk the object up to your body.
--Stand completely upright without twisting. Always move your feet forward when lifting an object.
--If you are lifting an object from a table, slide it to the edge to the table so that you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so that you are close to the object. Use your legs to lift the object and come to a standing position.
--Avoid lifting heavy objects above waist level.
--Hold packages close to your body with your arms bent. Keep your stomach muscles tight. Take small steps and go slowly.
--To lower the object, place your feet as you did to lift, tighten stomach muscles and bend your hips and knees.

What is the best position for sleeping and lying down, according to the Cleveland Clinic?

--No matter what position you lie in, the pillow should be under your head, but not your shoulders, and should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position.

--Try to sleep in a position which helps you maintain the curve in your back (such as on your back with a pillow under your knees or a lumbar roll under your lower back; or on your side with your knees slightly bent). Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. You may want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, especially on a saggy mattress, since this can cause back strain and can be uncomfortable for your neck.

--Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress. You can also place the mattress on the floor temporarily if necessary. If you've always slept on a soft surface, it may be more painful to change to a hard surface. Try to do what's most comfortable for you.

--Try using a back support (lumbar support) at night to make you more comfortable. A rolled sheet or towel tied around your waist may be helpful.

--When standing up from the lying position, turn on your side, draw up both knees and swing your legs on the side of the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at your waist.

--The above advice will benefit a majority of people with back pain. If any of the above guidelines causes an increase of pain or spreading of pain to the legs, do not continue the activity and seek the advice of a physician or physical therapist.

There are many websites that provide great information about good posture. The Mayo Clinic even has a slide show with photos about what good posture is. There are illustrations of how you should properly stand and sit, with other pictures that show good posture: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/LB00002_D. Here are some more good sites for valuable material on this health care subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO0FjMyWqyQ ; http://www.advancedphysicalmedicine.org/blog/2010/07/26/benefits-of-good-posture-and-how-to-get-it/;
http://www.livestrong.com/article/338616-the-advantages-of-good-posture/;
http://www.lhj.com/health/news/health-benefits-of-good-posture/;
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/look-skinnier-and-more-4-benefits-of-good-posture.html.

One element of maintaining good posture, especially when sitting, is to have a good chair that ergonomically supports you. When you sit in a chair that is not designed well, primarily in many cases when you are doing lots of office work at your desk, or sitting in front of a computer screen all day, you can suffer from problems related to that body stress. Extremely good info about this subject can be found at this website at OnlineCollegeCourses.com. They recently published an article called "18 Important Ergonomics Tips for Online Students & Workers ". You can find the article here: (http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/01/18/18-important-ergonomics-tips-for-online-students-workers/).

Bad posture is no joke. Lots of people think it looks cool to slouch, but the reality is that you are damaging muscles and other parts of your body that suffer both short and long term. There are times that you can get away with posture that is not 100% correct, but don't make it a habit. If you have issues now from bad posture, you should see a physician or physical therapist to help you get control of properly sitting, standing, and sleeping. Good posture makes you look better and feel better.

Until next time.

Health Care and Common Colds

2012-01-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

This time of year, many people are afflicted with sore throats, runny noses and sniffles, and other symptoms that physicians refer to as the common cold. When you get one of these, you feel pretty awful for a few days. But life does go on. Dealing with the inconvenience of this malady is what everyone has done no matter whether you are male or female, adult or child, or wherever you live. Colds are common, and they are a nuisance. However, in most cases, they are not fatal. It is possible that with neglect, they could develop into something worse. But, for the most part, colds are limited in scope as to how they affect your health care.

According to the Health section in the NY Times, It is called the “common cold” for good reason. There are over one billion colds in the United States each year. You and your children will probably have more colds than any other type of illness. Colds are the most common reason that children miss school and parents miss work. Parents often get colds from their children. Children typically get up to eight colds every year. They usually get them from other children. A cold can spread quickly through schools or daycares. Colds can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common in the winter or rainy seasons. A cold virus spreads through tiny, air droplets that are released when the sick person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose. People are most contagious for the first 2 or 3 days, but not usually after the first week of the cold. You can catch a cold if:

--A person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you
--You touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after you have touched something contamined by the virus, such as a toy or doorknob.

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Cold symptoms usually occur within 2 or 3 days after you came in contact with the virus, although it could take up to a week. Symptoms mostly affect the nose. The most common cold symptoms are:

•Nasal congestion
•Runny nose
•Scratchy throat
•Sneezing

Adults and older children with colds generally have a low fever or no fever. Young children often run a fever around 100-102°F. Depending on which virus caused your cold, you may also have:

•Cough
•Decreased appetite
•Headache
•Muscle aches
•Postnasal drip
•Sore throat

There are a variety of treatments when you get a cold. According to NIH, you should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.

1.) COLD MEDICINES: Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children. They do not make your cold go away faster, but can help you feel better. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under age 6. Talk to your doctor before giving your child any type of over-the-counter or nonprescription cough medicine, even if the label says it is made for children. These medicines likely will not work for children, and may have serious side effects.

2.) ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics should not be used to treat a common cold. They will not help and may make the situation worse. Thick yellow or green nasal discharge normally occurs with a cold after a few days. If it does not get better within 10 to 14 days, then your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

3.) OTHER MEDICINES: Newer antiviral drugs used to relieve flu symptoms do not help reduce cold symptoms.

4.) ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS--Alternative treatments that have been used for colds include:
•Chicken soup--this remedy has been used for centuries, and it really helps. The heat, fluid, and salt helps to fight infection.
•Vitamin C--very popular. Research shows it does not prevent colds in many adults, but those who take it regularly seem to have slightly shorter colds and milder symptoms. Taking Vitamin C after you have the cold does not seem to be helpful.
•Zinc--Supplements taken for at least 5 days may reduce your risk of catching the common cold. Taking a zinc supplement within 24 hours of when you first feel sick may make your cold symptoms less severe and help them go away faster.
•Echinacea--this herb has been promoted as a natural way for preventing colds and the flu, and for making symptoms less severe. However, high quality studies have failed to show that echinacea helps prevent or treat colds.

Alternative treatments are safe for most people. However, some alternative treatments may cause side effects or allergic reactions. For example, some people are allergic to echinacea. Herbs and supplements may also change the way other medicines work. Talk to your doctor before trying an alternative treatment.

You may not be able to cure your common cold, but you can make yourself as comfortable as possible. According to the Mayo Clinic, these tips may help:

--Drink lots of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are all good choices. They help replace fluids lost during mucus production or fever. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration, and cigarette smoke, which can aggravate your symptoms.

--Try chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children's mouths. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does seem to help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that help the body's response to inflammation. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the time viruses are in contact with the nasal lining.

--Get some rest. If possible, stay home from work if you have a fever or a bad cough, or are drowsy after the medications. This will give you a chance to rest as well as reduce the chances that you'll infect others. Wear a mask when you have a cold if you live or work with someone with a chronic disease or compromised immune system.

--Adjust your room's temperature and humidity. Keep your room warm, but not overheated. If the air is dry, a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.

--Soothe your throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1.2 milliliters to 2.5 milliliters) salt dissolved in an 8-ounce (237 milliliters) glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Use saline nasal drops. To help relieve nasal congestion, try saline nasal drops. You can buy these drops over-the-counter, and they're effective, safe and nonirritating, even for children. In infants, experts recommend instilling several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe (push the bulb in about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, or about 6 to 12 millimeters). Doing this before feeding your baby can improve your child's ability to nurse or take a bottle, and before bedtime it may improve sleep. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.

Here are five proven ways, according to the NY Times, to help lower your chances of getting sick:

--Always wash your hands: Children and adults should wash hands after nose-wiping, diapering, and using the bathroom, and before eating and preparing food.
--Disinfect: Clean commonly touched surfaces (such as sink handles, door knobs, and sleeping mats) with an EPA-approved disinfectant.
--Choose smaller daycare classes: Attending a day care where there are six or fewer children dramatically reduces the spread of germs.
--Use instant hand sanitizers: These products use alcohol to destroy germs. They are an antiseptic, not an antibiotic, so resistance can't develop. A little dab will kill 99.99% of germs without any water or towels.
--Use paper towels instead of sharing cloth towels.

The immune system helps your body fight off infection. Here are six ways to support the immune system:
--Avoid secondhand smoke: Keep as far away from secondhand smoke as possible. It is responsible for many health problems, including colds.
--Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Using antibiotics too often leads to antibiotic resistance. The more you use antibiotics, the more likely the medicines may not work as well for you in the future. That means, you have a higher chance of getting sick with longer, more stubborn infections.
--Breastfeed: Breast milk is known to protect against respiratory tract infections in children, even years after you stop breastfeeding. Kids who are not breastfeed get about five times more ear infections than those who are.
--Drink water: Fluids help your immune system work properly.
--Eat yogurt: Certain yogurst contains "active cultures," or beneficial bacteria that helps prevent colds.
--Get enough sleep: Not getting enough sleep makes you more likely to get sick.

The common cold is going to happen to you at some point in your life, and more than likely multiple times. Following practical advice about prevention and exposure helps to keep you healthier over time, but sooner or later, you are going to get another cold. Do your best to muddle through when you have one, and be careful with your actions to not spread your cold to others. See your doctor if necessary, but know that the average cold runs about 7-10 days in length. In the mean time, stock up on tissues and cough lozenges.

Until next time.

Health Care and Athlete's Foot

2012-01-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

Ever have that itchy feeling between your toes? Have you ever been tempted to take your shoes and socks off, even in public, to scratch those tender areas between those digits at the front end of your feet? Occasionally, with the itching and burning, have you tried to medicate your feet with creams and powders to alleviate that incessant feeling? Have you even been to the doctor at some point to find relief, or just been content to try some home remedies? That constant or intermittent feeling under your footware is commonly called Athlete's Foot.

Don't let the name fool you. Athletes aren't the only ones who get the itchy condition known as athlete's foot, according to KidsHealth.org. Anyone can get athlete's foot if two things happen:

1. Their bare feet are exposed to a kind of fungus.
2. That fungus has the right environment to grow — like hot and sweaty sneakers!

A fungus is a microorganism. Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus, a plant-like microorganism too small to be seen by the naked eye. This fungus eats old skin cells. And plenty of them can be found on the feet! Although athlete's foot occurs mostly among teen and young adult men, kids and women can get it, too. People with sweaty or damp feet are at risk. Walking barefoot where others also walk barefoot is one way the fungus can get on your feet in the first place. That's why you should wear your sandals when you're showering in a public shower.

Why Is It Called Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot gets its name because athletes often get it. Why? The fungus that causes it can be found where athletes often are. The fungus grows on the warm, damp surfaces around pools, public showers, and locker rooms. People walk barefoot on these surfaces and fungus ends up on their feet. Or they might use a damp towel that has the athlete's foot fungus on it. But just having the fungus on your feet isn't enough to cause the infection. The infection happens if conditions are right for the fungus to grow. The fungus likes it wet, so:

•Dry your feet properly after swimming, showering, or bathing.
•Do not wear tight shoes when your feet are sweaty.
•Do not wear the same pair of shoes or socks day after day

The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or side of the foot, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Other symptoms can include:

•Red and itchy skin
•Burning or stinging pain
•Blisters that ooze or get crusty

If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble. Athlete's foot may occur at the same time as other fungal skin infections such as ringworm.

A simple fungal infection such as athlete's foot can become "super-infected" with bacteria, according to eMedicineHealth.com. If this should happen, the rash will become increasingly painful and red. Your foot may become swollen, and you may develop blisters and even open sores in the infected area. These are indications that you may need oral antibiotics and will need to call your doctor. It is unlikely that athlete's foot would ever become severe enough that a trip to a hospital's emergency department is required.

However, if you have diabetes or any other type of illness that will make it hard for your body to fight off an infection, athlete's foot may become an emergency. If you develop severe pain, redness, or swelling, notice a puslike drainage, see large blisters or ulcers on your foot, or if you develop a fever, you should be seen as soon as possible by your doctor, who may direct you to an emergency department.

The best treatment for athlete's foot, is prevention. If you're reading this, it is likely that this particular step of treatment has either been passed, or has not worked--keep reading! Once you do get rid of athlete's foot, you're going to want to know how to prevent it from happening again in the future.

•Wear sandals in the locker room. Make sure they have a non-stick sole so you won't have to search the Internet for information on caring for broken bones...

•Wear cotton socks, and change them often. Once you're done sweating, clean off and put on a fresh pair. If you're shoes are wet or sweaty, make sure you dry them before lacing up again.

•Wash your feet and dry them well. Fungi from athlete's foot will live in a warm, moist environment. If you keep your feet dry, they will have a hard time enjoying you. Application of a talc powder can help keep your feet dry over the course of the day.

The best treatment for a simple case of athlete's foot is an over-the-counter medication. Ask the pharmacist to direct you towards a medication for athlete's foot (not necessarily the most expensive), and be diligent about applying the medication. You'll have to do this for at least several weeks, twice a day, for athlete's foot treatment to be effective. Of course, also perform the above recommendations, in addition to applications of the medication, according to the American Family Physician.

According to the Mayo Clinic, There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications on the market. Medicated powders also will help keep your feet dry. OTC medications include:

--Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
--Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
--Miconazole (Desenex, Zeasorb, others)
--Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
--Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Ting, others)

If athlete's foot is severe or doesn't respond to over-the-counter medicine, you may need a prescription-strength topical or oral medication.

--Topical medications: These include clotrimazole and miconazole.
--Oral medications: These include itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) and terbinafine (Lamisil). Side effects from oral medications include gastrointestinal upset, rash and abnormal liver function. Taking other medications, such as antacid therapies for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may interfere with the absorption of these drugs. Oral medications for athlete's foot may alter the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant drug that decreases the clotting ability of your blood. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic if you have an accompanying bacterial infection. In addition, your doctor may recommend wet dressings, steroid ointments, compresses or vinegar soaks to help clear up blisters or soggy skin.

Consult Your Podiatrist: If an apparent fungus condition does not respond to proper foot hygiene and self care, and there is no improvement within two weeks, consult your podiatrist. The podiatrist will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, will usually be suggested.

Such a treatment appears to provide better resolution of the problem, when the patient observes the course of treatment prescribed by the podiatrist; if it's shortened, failure of the treatment is common.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), if the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics, such as penicillin, that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria may be prescribed. Your podiatric physician/surgeon has been trained specifically and extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of all manner of foot conditions. This training encompasses all of the intricately related systems and structures of the foot and lower leg including neurological, circulatory, skin, and the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

Typically, if treated properly, most cases of Athlete's Foot will go away within 2-4 weeks. If symptoms persist, it's definitely time to visit a physician. Don't wait if you are dealing with this infection and you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, as the results can be detrimental to your overall health. The need to take care of your feet is critical if you want to minimize discomfort and not suffer any more severe medical issues.

Until next time.

Health Care and Christmas

2011-12-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hustle and bustle, buying and selling, travel and crowds, rich and poor, teens giving birth to babies---not much has changed in 2,000 years, except there is more of the same, and at a faster pace. Over the last two millenia, the focus on this time of year has waxed and waned depending on how religious societies have been. Most people know the story, in America. That's because the nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles by Believers who were seeking asylum from religious persecution. Granted there were plenty of secular reasons to come to the New World--gold, freedom, land, safety, and more. But there are many parts of the world where the population does not know the story of the manger.

But the story of a baby born to a teenage virgin Jewish girl is one that has stood the test of time, and it is the Reason for the Season. When a bunch of ragged shepherds outside the ancient town of Bethlehem were startled, or practically scared to death, by a heavenly host of angels that night, it was pretty apparent that this particular birth of a newborn infant boy was no regular occasion. Admit it, how many times have you been given a personal message by celestial beings who covered the night sky? Then, when you checked out the story, it turned out to be true? So there it is--nothing short of miraculous.

In those days, the life span of most people was pretty short, and there was a lot to fear. Death was common; and for the poor, it was an everyday experience. Not a great future for most people--slavery for many, disease, bad food, and horrific living conditions. Good times it was not. Then, if that wasn't enough, you had the Roman army on your case all the time, and everyone else in the countries around wanted you dead, too. Talk about having no reason to celebrate new life!

However, when Jesus who is called the Christ, was delivered to Mary, His mother, and to His earthly father Joseph, the story only just began. Although His parents were stunned at the attention, and often confused by the meaning of it all, they knew there was something special about this child. Although there is no recording in the Bible of Joseph's thoughts or words, and very little is mentioned about him, it is recorded that Mary pondered all these things in her heart. A classic song by recording artist Mark Lowry, "Mary did you Know?" puts the birth of the Christ child into perspective. Listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0WIJw8JVeU.

Healthcare in ancient Biblical times was, at best, difficult. According to Biblical Archeology Review (BAR) Magazine, Both the Bible and archaeology indicate that numerous options were available. Generally, however, cult and healing were closely related. Of one thing we may be sure: Raging bellyaches—as well as the other infirmities that flesh is heir to—were not uncommon in ancient times. Archaeoparasitologists (archaeologists who study the remains of ancient parasites) have found evidence of intestinal diseases—both tapeworm (taenia) and whipworm (trichuris trichiura) infections—in ancient Israel. Lice infestation was doubtless a problem if we may judge from lice combs recovered at Megiddo and elsewhere (see scarred skull from Dimona). Numerous other medical problems, from infertility to epidemics, are referred to in the Bible and other ancient literature.

As in modern times, patients usually followed a hierarchy of options, beginning with simple and inexpensive ones, and, if circumstances required, moving to more complicated and expensive ones. Today, our first option for a stomachache might be an antacid from the medicine chest. If the stomachache persists, we seek help from a specialist. Much more detail about medical treatments during the ancient times in the Middle East can be found at this site: http://www.bib-arch.org/e-features/ancient-medicine.asp. Plus, much info about women, puberty, menstruation, and child birth can be found at this site: http://www.womeninthebible.net/3.2.Major_Events.htm.

Regardless of the times, what is known concerning the birth of Jesus has been repeated down through the ages by both the spoken and written word. The evidence abounds even in secular literature that He did exist, and there is plenty of evidence that His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection happened. Eye witness accounts from the 33 years of His life, career, and ministry have been substantiated, and the entire calendar of time exists as a result of His birth divided into before (B.C.) and after (A.D). The history of the world has been based on that one single fact.

Believers celebrate this time of year as one of the most days. Those who are not still celebrate the holiday because it's an excuse to party, give gifts, and spend time away from work and see family and friends. In fact, Jesus wasn't even born in December. Most scholars believe His birth occurred in the Spring during the time that shepherds would have been tending flocks of sheep outside at night. Christmas was officially recognized initially by the Church in the third century as a way to piggyback on the Roman pagan holiday of Saturnalia, which was the celebration of the winter solstice typically held on the 25th of December each year. Rather than buck the trend, the thought was, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." As a result, Christians have been worshipping the birth of the Savior, the Son of God, on December 25 since then. It is a holy day to be sure, but don't miss the purpose of His birth in the midst of all the fun, food, and fellowship.

Christ came to earth to be a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He is the perfect lamb that shed His blood over three decades after Mary delivered Him in an animal food trough, in a stable, behind a Jewish Motel 1. He is God with us--Emmanuel. His life was sinless, and He gave it up willingly so men, women, boys, and girls would have a way to escape eternal separation from the Creator. He is the Great I Am. No matter what your religious philosophy or beliefs may be--you're not gonna make it without a personal relationship with Him. That's a given.

So, it's okay to join in the celebrations, the parties, the concerts, the caroling, the food, the memories of Christmases past, the family reunions, the friends, the gifts, the movies and TV shows that Hallmark and others produce showing happy endings, Santa Claus (the Spirit of Christmas), and all the rest -- within moderation of course. And you shouldn't feel guilty about it, unless you overindulge. Then, that is a problem. But, remember, when you pause and give thanks for the gifts you have given and received this Christmas, it's not about all of these things. It's about Him, the real Reason for the Season.

Merry Christmas!

Until next time.

Health Care and Bruising

2011-12-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever bumped into furniture or some other large item and felt pain in your body where the accident happened? Do your arms or legs sometimes show up black and blue from hitting them against large objects or perhaps from other incidents? Bruising can occur with the least of bumps, to the most serious of physical trauma, and leave the victim in pain and severe skin discoloration if they are sensitive to that type of physical contact, either from inanimate or living objects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a bright or dark red, purple or black mark. Eventually your body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears over time. Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. However, if you bruise easily, a minor bump — one you might not even notice — can result in substantial discoloration. Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than are others. As you get older, several factors can contribute to easy bruising, including:

Aging capillaries. Over time, the tissues supporting these vessels weaken, and capillary walls become more fragile and prone to rupture.Thinning skin. With age, your skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury. Excessive exposure to the sun accelerates this process.

According to BetterMedicine.com, different types of bruises include contusions, hematomas and purpura:

Contusions are common types of bruises that are caused by trauma, often blunt-force injury, that damages and breaks open the tiny blood vessels in the tissues of the skin, mucus membranes or other organs. Contusions are often accompanied by pain and swelling due to the body’s inflammatory response to injury. This is why a bruise on your shin caused by bumping a table can become swollen. When a contusion develops in your skin, it turns red, then black and blue or purple, and finally a greenish-yellow shade as the blood is broken down and absorbed by the body. Bone contusions and deep muscle contusions can be very painful and take longer to heal than contusions that only affect the skin tissues. The most serious type of contusions are contusions of important organs, such as the brain, kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs and heart. These contusions can be life threatening and are generally caused by severe trauma, such as a fall from a significant height, being hit by a car, serious crush injury, or motor vehicle accident, especially without wearing a seat belt.

Hematomas are a type of bruising in which there is significant bleeding that results in a collection of blood that pools at the site of injury. Hematomas can be caused by the same forces that cause contusions but generally cause more pain, swelling and complications than contusions. Hematomas can be also be caused by surgical procedures or spontaneous rupture of a blood vessel, such as a ruptured aneurysm. Hematomas can occur in any area or organ of the body, and when they occur in certain organs, such as the brain or spleen, they can be life threatening. Common hematomas include:

• Epidural, subdural and intercerebral hematomas are collections of blood in the brain and/or under the skull, which can cause a critical increase in pressure in the skull and brain.
• Nasal septum hematoma is a collection of blood that pools in the septum that divides the nose.
• Subcutaneous hematoma is a collection of blood that pools just beneath the skin.
• Subungal hematoma is a collection of blood that pools under a fingernail or toenail.
A shearing injury can also cause a hematoma in major organs. For example, shaking a baby can cause dangerous shearing forces inside the brain, a brain hematoma, irreversible brain injury, and death.

Purpura is caused by spontaneous leaking of blood from tiny blood vessels (capillaries). It is a type of bruising that causes purple or red flat spots or patches on the skin and mucus membranes. Purpura that results in tiny spots on the skin is called petechiae. A large area of purpura is called ecchymosis, although any type of bruising of the skin is often referred to as ecchymosis. Purpura is not caused by trauma, as are contusions, but by a variety of medical diseases, disorders and conditions including:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Certain infectious diseases, such as meningitis, mononucleosis and measles.
• Certain medications, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, antihistamines, and blood thinners.
• Insect bites.
• Leukemia.
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count that causes problems with clotting).
• Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).

If you experience easy or frequent bruising, especially if it is associated with nosebleeds or bleeding gums, seek prompt medical care. If you, or someone you know, develops petechiae, which are small, flat, purple-colored spots that can indicate meningitis or other serious conditions, seek immediate medical care (call 911).

You know how a bruise changes color over time? That's your body fixing the bruise by breaking down and reabsorbing the blood, which causes the bruise to go through many colors of the rainbow before it eventually disappears. You can pretty much guess the age of a bruise, according to KidsHealth.org, just by looking at its color:

--When you first get a bruise, it's kind of reddish as the blood appears under the skin.
--Within 1 or 2 days, the hemoglobin (an iron-containing substance that carries oxygen) in the blood changes and your bruise turns bluish-purple or even blackish.
--After 5 to 10 days, the bruise turns greenish or yellowish.
--Then, after 10 or 14 days, it turns yellowish-brown or light brown.
--Finally, after about 2 weeks, your bruise fades away.

It's hard to prevent bruises, but you can help speed the healing process. When you get a bruise, you can use stuff you find right in your freezer to help the bruise go away faster. Applying cold when you first get a bruise helps reduce its size by slowing down the blood that's flowing to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues. It also keeps the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply cold to the bruise for half an hour to an hour at a time for a day or two after the bruise appears.

You don't need to buy a special cold pack, although they're great to keep on hand in the freezer. Just get some ice, put it in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a cloth or a towel and place it on the bruise (it isn't such a good idea to apply the ice directly to the skin). Another trick is to use a bag of frozen vegetables. It doesn't matter what kind — carrots, peas, lima beans, whatever — as long as they're frozen. A bag of frozen vegetables is easy to apply to the bruise because it can form to the shape of the injured area. Also, like a cold pack, it can be used and refrozen again and again (just pick your least-favorite vegetables as it's not a good idea to keep thawing and freezing veggies that you plan to eat!).

Another way to help heal your bruise is to elevate the bruised area above the level of your heart, according to KidsHealth. In other words, if the bruise is on your shin, lie down on a couch or bed and prop up your leg. This will slow the flow of the red blood cells to the bruise because more of the blood in your leg will flow back toward the rest of your body instead of leaking out into the tissues of your leg. If you keep standing, more blood will flow to your bruised shin and the bruise will grow faster.

According to MedicineNet.com, on occasion, instead of going away, the area of a bruise will become firm and may actually start increasing in size. It may also continue to be painful. There are two major causes for this. First, if a large collection of blood is formed under the skin or in the muscle, instead of trying to clean up the area, the body may wall the blood off causing what is called a hematoma. A hematoma is nothing more than a small pool of blood that is walled off. This may need to be drained by your health-care practitioner.

A second and much less common problem occurs when the body deposits calcium, the material that makes up the majority of bone, in the area of injury. The area becomes tender and firm. This process is called heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans. This condition is diagnosed by x-ray and requires a trip to your health-care practitioner.

The terminology describing different types of bruising often refers to not only their appearance but also to their cause. Petechiae refer to very small, 1- to 3-millimeter accumulations of blood beneath the skin. These can appear like multiple tiny red dots on any part of the body (most commonly the legs). Most often these are multiple, and they can suggest that there is serious health problem present. Examples of these are an infection of the valves of the heart (endocarditis) or abnormal function of the blood-clotting elements (platelets). Bruising around the navel (belly button) can be a result of bleeding within the abdomen. Bruising behind the ear (Battle's sign) can indicate that there is a skull fracture. Lastly, bruises that are raised, firm, multiple, and occur without any injury can be a sign of various types of "autoimmune" diseases (diseases in which the body attacks its own blood vessels). Each of these should be evaluated by a health-care practitioner.

Also, avoid taking the medications that can contribute to bruising, according to MedicineNet. If you have any questions about whether or not your medication can contribute to bruising, ask your health-care practitioner or pharmacist. Do not stop any prescription medications without first contacting your health-care practitioner. Finally, pressure applied to the area (by hand, not with tourniquets) can reduce bleeding. People who take medicines that reduce clotting ("blood thinners") or have clotting abnormalities should seek the advice of a physician or other health-care provider immediately, as should the elderly or those who have experienced significantly severe trauma.

Bruising can be caused by many reasons; but they are never to be taken lightly if the bruised area has been exacerbated by a serious health reason or physical issue, or if the bruising appears to be life threatening or critical. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any serious bruising issues, or if you are the caretaker of anyone who has suffered a serious trauma with bruising or from other reasons they have been bruised. Use common sense to treat bruises, and follow up with your primary care provider if there are any complications or additional problems concerning the healing process or other side effects. Use medication correctly to resolve any bruising issues. Bruises are not pretty, but they can be treated.

Until next time.

Health Care and PTSD

2011-12-16T06:50:00.000-08:00

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a symptom that develops after someone has experienced a significant life situation creating a huge amount of stress, typically from an incident that is extremely traumatic such as exposure to death or some other major reason like injury or potential loss of life.

After a traumatic experience, it’s normal to feel frightened, sad, anxious, and disconnected, according to HelpGuide.org. Usually, with time, the upset fades and you start to enjoy life again. But sometimes the trauma is so overwhelming that you find that you can’t move on. You feel stuck with a constant sense of danger and painful memories that don’t fade.

According to the US National Library of Medicine (NLM), PTSD can occur at any age. It can follow a natural disaster such as a flood or fire, or events such as:

•Assault
•Domestic abuse
•Prison stay
•Rape
•Terrorism
•War

For example, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 may have caused PTSD in some people who were involved, in people who saw the disaster, and in people who lost relatives and friends. Veterans returning home from a war often have PTSD. The cause of PTSD is unknown. Psychological, genetic, physical, and social factors are involved. PTSD changes the body's response to stress. It affects the stress hormones and chemicals that carry information between the nerves (neurotransmitters). It is not known why traumatic events cause PTSD in some people but not others. Having a history of trauma may increase your risk for getting PTSD after a recent traumatic event.

According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while. But with time and taking care of yourself, such traumatic reactions usually get better. In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. Sometimes they may completely shake up your life. In a case such as this, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. Getting treatment as soon as possible after post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms develop may prevent long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. Some factors may make you more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event, including:

--Being female.
--Experiencing intense or long-lasting trauma.
--Having experienced other trauma earlier in life.
--Having other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
--Lacking a good support system of family and friends.
--Having first-degree relatives with mental health problems, including PTSD.
--Having first-degree relatives with depression.
--Having been abused or neglected as a child.

Women may be at increased risk of PTSD because they are more likely to experience the kinds of trauma that can trigger the condition. Post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt your whole life: your job, your relationships and even your enjoyment of everyday activities, according to the Mayo Clinic, and also may place you at a higher risk of other mental health problems, including:

--Depression
--Drug abuse
--Alcohol abuse
--Eating disorders
--Suicidal thoughts and actions.

In addition, PTSD may increase your risk of certain medical illnesses, including:

--Cardiovascular disease
--Chronic pain
--Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease
--Musculoskeletal conditions.

The traumatic events that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder are usually so overwhelming and frightening that they would upset anyone, according to Help Guide. Following a traumatic event, almost everyone experiences at least some of the symptoms of PTSD. When your sense of safety and trust are shattered, it’s normal to feel crazy, disconnected, or numb. It’s very common to have bad dreams, feel fearful, and find it difficult to stop thinking about what happened. These are normal reactions to abnormal events. For most people, however, these symptoms are short-lived. They may last for several days or even weeks, but they gradually lift. But if you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the symptoms don’t decrease. You don’t feel a little better each day. In fact, you may start to feel worse.

After a traumatic experience, the mind and the body are in shock. But as you make sense of what happened and process your emotions, you come out of it. With post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, you remain in psychological shock. Your memory of what happened and your feelings about it are disconnected. In order to move on, it’s important to face and feel your memories and emotions. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise suddenly, gradually, or come and go over time. Sometimes symptoms appear seemingly out of the blue. At other times, they are triggered by something that reminds you of the original traumatic event, such as a noise, an image, certain words, or a smell. While everyone experiences PTSD differently, there are three main types of symptoms:
--Re-experiencing the traumatic event.
--Avoiding reminders of the trauma.
--Increased anxiety and emotional arousal.

1.) Symptoms of PTSD: Re-experiencing the traumatic event.
--Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event.
--Flashbacks (acting or feeling like the event is happening again).
--Nightmares (either of the event or of other frightening things).
--Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
--Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating).

2.) Symptoms of PTSD: Avoidance and numbing.
--Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind you of the trauma.
--Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma.
--Loss of interest in activities and life in general.
--Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb.
--Sense of a limited future (you don’t expect to live a normal life span, get married, have a career).

3.) Symptoms of PTSD: Increased anxiety and emotional arousal.
--Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
--Irritability or outbursts of anger.
--Difficulty concentrating.
--Hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”).
--Feeling jumpy and easily startled.

There are no tests that can be done to diagnose PTSD. According to the NLM, the diagnosis is made based on certain symptoms. Your doctor may ask for how long you have had symptoms. This will help your doctor know if you have PTSD or a similar condition called Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). In PTSD, symptoms are present for at least 30 days. In ASD, symptoms will be present for a shorter period of time. Your doctor may also do mental health exams, physical exams, and blood tests to rule out other illnesses that are similar to PTSD.

Treatment can help prevent PTSD from developing after a trauma. A good social support system may also help protect against PTSD, according to the NLM. If PTSD does occur, a form of treatment called "desensitization" may be used. This treatment helps reduce symptoms by encouraging you to remember the traumatic event and express your feelings about it. Over time, memories of the event should become less frightening. Support groups, where people who have had similar experiences share their feelings, may also be helpful. In most cases, these problems should be treated before trying desensitization therapy. Medicines that act on the nervous system can help reduce anxiety and other symptoms of PTSD. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be effective in treating PTSD. Other anti-anxiety and sleep medicines may also be helpful. You can get more information about post-traumatic stress disorder from the American Psychiatric Association -- http://www.psych.org/ .

Another great site for PTSD support services is http://www.ptsdsupport.net/. Military Ministry through Campus Crusade for Christ (http://www.militaryministry.org/) has materials available for returning veterans, and they have partnered with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) to help those military personnel dealing with stress and PTSD.

Although traumatic events can cause distress, not all feelings of distress are symptoms of PTSD. Talk about your feelings with friends and relatives. If your symptoms do not improve soon or are making you very upset, contact your doctor. Seek help right away if:
--You feel overwhelmed.
--You are thinking of hurting yourself or anybody else.
--You are unable to control your behavior.
--You have other very upsetting symptoms of PTSD.

PTSD is a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible upon diagnosis. If you or a loved one are suffering symptoms, visit a primary care physician, specialist, counselor, or psychologist to establish treatment. There are ways to treat this emotional and mental situation. Don't put it off.

Until next time.

Health Care and Hair Loss

2011-12-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

Over time, all people lose hair which is typically going to be evident on the scalp. Losing hair can be as simple as a few at a time all the way to complete baldness. According to the Mayo Clinic, Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp and can be the result of heredity, certain medications or an underlying medical condition. Anyone — men, women and children — can experience hair loss. Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the medications and surgical procedures that are available to treat hair loss. Before pursuing any treatment option, talk with your doctor about the cause of and best possible treatments for your hair loss.

According to WebMD, hair loss, or alopecia, is a concern for anyone experiencing it. The cause of hair loss varies. Treatments for hair loss include medications such as Proscar, Propecia, and Rogaine, hair replacements, and hair restoration. Hair loss can be caused by any number of conditions, reflected in a specific diagnosis. Some diagnoses have alopecia in their title, such as alopecia areata or scarring alopecia, but many do not, such as telogen effluvium. Alopecia can be caused by many factors from genetics to drugs. While androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness, AGA for short) is by far the most common form of hair loss, dermatologists also see many people with other forms of alopecia. Several hundred diseases have hair loss as a primary symptom.

Probably the most common non-AGA alopecias a dermatologist will see are telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, ringworm, scarring alopecia, and hair loss due to cosmetic overprocessing. Other, more rare forms of hair loss may be difficult to diagnose, and some patients may wait months, even years for a correct diagnosis and undergo consultation with numerous dermatologists until they find one with knowledge of their condition. Plus, with rare diseases, there is little motivation for research to be conducted and for treatments to be developed. Often, even when a correct diagnosis is made, a dermatologist can offer no known treatment for the condition.

Research into hair biology and hair diseases is a very small field, and even research on androgenetic alopecia is quite limited. Perhaps 20 years ago there were fewer than 100 people worldwide who studied hair research in a major way. In recent years, there may be five times as many. This is still a small number compared to, say, diabetes research, but the expanding numbers of researchers investigating hair biology is positive, and eventually should lead to a better understanding and more help for those with rare alopecias, according to WebMD.

According to FamilyDoctor.org, A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again. Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines. Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

Hair loss in children is more common than most people realize, according to WebMD. Currently children's hair loss is responsible for about 3% of all pediatric office visits in this country. The American Hair loss Association recognizes that children's hair loss can be an extremely devastating issue. However, you can take solace in knowing that most pediatric alopecia patients can be successfully treated with the proper diagnosis. The ALHA recommends seeking the advice of your pediatrician as soon as you notice the onset of even the smallest amount of hair loss in your child.

A complete medical history, family history and physical examination can help in a diagnosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The pattern and rate of hair loss, the appearance of nearby hairs (for example, if hairs are broken off), and accompanying symptoms are considered when making the diagnosis. Tests may be necessary if the cause isn't apparent after the examination. These include:

--Pull test: Several dozen hairs are gently pulled to see how many come out. This helps determine the stage of the shedding process and can help diagnose or rule out telogen effluvium.
--Skin scrapings: Samples taken from the skin or from a few hairs plucked from the scalp can help verify whether an infection is causing hair loss.
--Punch biopsy: When a diagnosis is difficult to confirm, especially in the case of alopecia areata or scarring alopecia, your doctor may perform a punch biopsy. During this test, the doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small section of your skin's deeper layers.
--Screening tests for related diseases: Your doctor may perform tests to determine if you have a medical condition that causes hair loss, such as thyroid disease, diabetes or lupus. Your doctor may also ask questions about the types of medications you're taking.
--Sometimes hair loss is a side effect of certain drugs, such as those that treat gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems and high blood pressure.

According to FamilyDoctor.org, Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss. Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride, is available with a prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working. If adequate treatment is not available for your type of hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles or wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves or artificial hair replacement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, The following tips can help keep your hair healthy and may minimize the appearance of hair loss:

--Eat a nutritionally balanced diet.
--Handle your hair gently. Whenever possible, allow your hair to air-dry naturally.
--Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails.
--Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair.
--Check with hair care experts about hairpieces or styling techniques that help minimize the effects of balding.
--The over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication minoxidil (Rogaine) promotes new hair growth and prevents further hair loss in a small percentage of people. Other over-the-counter hair growth products have no proven benefit.

According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), the following organizations are the only hair loss related non-profit or consumer organizations currently recognized by AHLA:
1. The American Academy of Dermatology : http://www.aad.org/
2. International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons : http://www.iahrs.org/
3. National Alopecia Areata Foundation : http://www.naaf.org/
4. Children's Alopecia Project : http://www.childrensalopeciaproject.org/
5. The Bald Truth : http://www.thebaldtruth.com/
6. The Rapunzel Project : http://www.rapunzelproject.org/

For more information about this organization, go to their site: http://www.americanhairloss.org/ .

Until next time.

Health Care and Holiday Foods

2011-12-09T06:45:00.000-08:00

During the Holiday Season--Thanksgiving through New Year's Day--there seems to be an abnormal overabundance of delicious foods available to consumers, more so than any other time of the year. With this ode to food and drink, people like to over indulge, using the excuses that it's the Holidays, "everyone is doing it", there are so many parties to attend, and they can lose it after January 1. And foodies go nuts during November and December with all the tremendous options available at specialty stores, online food merchants, department and grocery store locations, warehouse clubs, and more. So much food, and so little time!

According to WebMD, wherever you come from or wherever you're going home to this season, here's how to serve up fare that is both festive and light. Whether your table offerings lean toward Norman Rockwell-worthy all-American, Latino, Jewish, Italian, or German traditions, the time-honored dishes you love can be made with less fat and fewer calories -- without sacrificing taste. Inspired by the foods ladled up by the Pilgrims, the traditional American meal has come to mean eggnog, hot apple cider, and gingerbread cookies on Dec. 24. Christmas Day is usually spent with relatives over a big meal centered around an oven-roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, or other impressive cut of meat -- accompanied by all the fixins. Here are some options to eat more healthy fare:

Traditional treat: What's a holiday office cocktail party without savory finger foods, creamy dips, and fried canapés?

Leaner eat: Bypass the chips and other fried pound-packers and help yourself to a small handful of nuts, reduced-fat cheese and fresh fruit, or chilled shrimp, says Arthur Agatston, MD, author of The South Beach Diet Parties and Holidays Cookbook: Healthy Recipes for Entertaining Family and Friends. Or serve a hummus dip with a holiday-themed veggie platter: red or green pepper, zucchini, and jicama strips.

Traditional treat: Dark turkey meat covered in gravy -- because nobody, but nobody, wants to eat the breast meat (not till the next day, that is, when everyone wants white-meat turkey sandwiches, slathered with mayo).

Leaner eat: Choose lower-fat white meat without the skin and enjoy it with just a drizzle of gravy made with defatted pan juices, dry white wine, and low-sodium chicken broth, Agatston tells WebMD.

Traditional treat: A "must" at most Americans' holiday table is a big mound of mashed potatoes drowning in butter and salt.

Leaner eat: Enjoy vitamin-rich mashed sweet potatoes or baked sweet potato rounds or fries. Spritz the strips with cooking spray, add a dash of cinnamon, and bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes.

Traditional treat: Corn bread stuffing cooked inside a turkey is a mainstay of the meal for many and usually loaded with a variety of meats, nuts, and veggies, with plenty of butter, of course.

Leaner eat: Try wild rice as stuffing instead, and bake it separately in a covered casserole. Cooked inside the turkey, the stuffing absorbs too much fat from the meat.

Traditional treat: Sweet, rich, oh-so-fattening pecan pie is a holiday highlight. While the antioxidant-packed nuts are good for you, in moderation, the corn syrup, butter, and sugar can pad your hips with up to 800 calories per slice.

Leaner eat: Opt for a small slice of pie minus the crust, and make it pumpkin, which is lower in fat and calories and also provides a good dose of beta-carotene. Or try a couple of strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.

According to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms, which can start anywhere from hours to days after contaminated food or drinks are consumed. The symptoms usually are not long-lasting in healthy people—a few hours or a few days—and usually go away without medical treatment. But foodborne illness can be severe and even life-threatening to anyone, especially those most at risk:

--Older adults.
--Infants and young children.
--Pregnant women.
--People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or any condition that weakens their immune system.
--People who take medicines that suppress the immune system; for example, some medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.

Combating bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants in our food supply is a high priority for the Food and Drug Administration. But consumers have a role to play, too, especially when it comes to safe food-handling practices in the home. The good news is that practicing four basic food safety measures can help prevent foodborne illness.

1. Clean: The first rule of safe food preparation in the home is to keep everything clean. Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling any food. For children, this means the time it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice. Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item. Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt. Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking. Washing these foods makes it more likely for bacteria to spread to areas around the sink and countertops.

2. Separate: Don't give bacteria the opportunity to spread from one food to another (cross-contamination). Keep raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from foods that won't be cooked. Take this precaution while shopping in the store, when storing in the refrigerator at home, and while preparing meals. Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked (such as raw meat, poultry, and seafood) and another one for those that will not (such as raw fruits and vegetables). Keep fruits and vegetables that will be eaten raw separate from other foods such as raw meat, poultry or seafood—and from kitchen utensils used for those products. Do not put cooked meat or other food that is ready to eat on an unwashed plate that has held any raw eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, or their juices.

3. Cook: Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. To check a turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165ºF. If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing should be 165ºF. Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating. Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites. Don't eat uncooked cookie dough, which may contain raw eggs.

4. Chill: Refrigerate foods quickly because harmful bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature. Plus, refrigerate leftovers and takeout foods—and any type of food that should be refrigerated—within two hours. That includes pumpkin pie! Set your refrigerator at or below 40ºF and the freezer at 0ºF. Check both periodically with an appliance thermometer. Never defrost food at room temperature. Food can be defrosted safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately. Allow the correct amount of time to properly thaw food. For example, a 20-pound turkey needs four to five days to thaw completely when thawed in the refrigerator. Don't taste food that looks or smells questionable. A good rule to follow is, when in doubt, throw it out. Leftovers should be used within three to four days.

5. Use care with stuffing: Whether it is cooked inside or outside the bird, all stuffing and dressing must be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165ºF. For optimum safety, cooking your stuffing in a casserole dish is recommended. Stuffing should be prepared and stuffed into the turkey immediately before it's placed in the oven. Mix wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately and combine just before using. The turkey should be stuffed loosely, about 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey. Any extra stuffing should be baked in a greased casserole dish.

With all the fun and food you have available during the Holidays, it pays to be very careful when eating. If you overindulge, you definitely will feel the after effects. If you aren't careful in food preparation, you and your family and guests may suffer later. Regardless of the edible options you have at this time of year, make sure you make wise choices when it comes to eating and drinking. Too much fun can be too much. After the first of the year, make up for your lack of resistance now. At least pace yourself til the end of the year, then as you make your New Year's resolutions--especially about losing weight--keep in mind that consuming lots of great food means lots of exercise to shed the pounds. Enjoy the Season!

Until next time.

Health Care and the Day of Infamy

2011-12-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

Seventy years ago today, the nation was rocked with a surprise attack on American naval forces at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On an early Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the government of Japan launched a deadly raid that killed thousands of service men and women and destroyed a huge portion of the US Sixth Fleet. The next day, President Franklin Roosevelt addressed the American public by radio and announced the horrific deed as the Day that will live in infamy. Congress immediately declared war on Japan, and then Americans were thrown into the largest worldwide conflict in history. Besides the nearly 2,400 who were killed, the attack left 1,178 people wounded, sank or heavily damaged a dozen U.S. warships and destroyed 323 aircraft, badly crippling the Pacific fleet.

Today, seven decades later, there are far fewer survivors left to remember and give honor to those that were casualties on that dark day. In 1991, which marked the 50th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Congress established the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal. This is also known as the Pearl Harbor Survivor's Medal and can be awarded to any veteran of the United States military who were present in or around Pearl Harbor during the attack by the Japanese military. The medal can be awarded to civilians, who were killed or injured in the attack.

Memorials have been built to remember or to symbolize the day. For example, the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor is a marble memorial built over the sunken USS Arizona, which was dedicated in 1962. The memorial remembers all military personnel who were killed in the Pearl Harbor attack. The memorial was designed by architect Alfred Preis, an Austrian-born resident who lived in Honolulu and was placed at a detainment camp after the Pearl Harbor attack as part of the internment policy of Japanese and German Americans at the time.

Another memorial that commemorates Pearl Harbor Day is the USS Utah, a battleship that was attacked and sunk in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A memorial to honor the crew of the USS Utah was dedicated on the northwest shore of Ford Island, near the ship's wreck, in 1972. The ship was added to the National Register of Historic Places and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989. It is also Utah’s official state ship. Memorabilia, books, and movies about the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 have also been made available to the public over the years.

According to the New York Times, for more than half a century, members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association gathered here every Dec. 7 to commemorate the attack by the Japanese that drew the United States into World War II. Others stayed closer to home for more intimate regional chapter ceremonies, sharing memories of a day they still remember in searing detail. But no more. The 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack will be the last one marked by the survivors’ association. With a concession to the reality of time — of age, of deteriorating health and death — the association will disband on Dec. 31.

The fact that this moment was inevitable has made this no less a difficult year for the survivors, some of whom are concerned that the event that defined their lives will soon be just another chapter in a history book, with no one left to go to schools and Rotary Club luncheons to offer a firsthand testimony of that day. The association was founded in 1958 with a roster of 28,000, all members of the military who had been on the island of Oahu the morning of the attack. It was granted a Congressional charter in October 1985. Membership had fallen to 2,700 as of Sept. 1; given the continuing death toll and the declining health of men who are all around 90 years old or older, that figure exaggerates the actual strength of the organization, which is why the their board voted to close down. Deaths were only part of the problem. Most of the survivors are well into their 90s; and a lot are housebound and can’t travel. Plus, a lot are in rest homes, so it becomes a tremendous problem at this age.

Due to the aging of these veterans, and many in poor or declining health, Pearl Harbor Day has now started to fade in the memories of survivors from that fateful day. Although horrific in its impact, the sacrifices made by those who paid the ultimate price should never be forgotten by a nation who continues to be at the forefront of international military action. Providing for the health care of those who are still living is a way to honor those now in their late 80's and 90's. May America remember, and may it stand beside the memorials of those who kept it safe. May those who still live from that time and continue to draw breath know that their service will not be forgotten. Give thanks today for our liberty and freedom, and never forget.

Until next time.

Health Care and Dental Savings

2011-11-29T06:48:00.000-08:00

Americans love to save money, especially in a tight economy. And everyone loves a good deal when a great product or service can be purchased at little to no money. Plus, when you profit from using what you bought, you are ahead financially and have a great feeling that you saved money and got a great bargain. On top of those benefits of being fiscally conservative and being a savvy shopper, when you can come out with being healthier as a result you have won the Trifecta of Consumerism. That is really something to smile about.

Saving money is a great goal, especially with your dental health. Oral hygiene is no laughing matter, but you'll be laughing all the way to the bank when you score a deal with a dental plan that saves you a lot. Discount dental plans are a really good way to keep your costs down and receive significant value. They are typically sold as a non-insurance membership that provides consumers access to participating dental offices in a network. Most often, there is no out of network privilege, but if the dental network is sizeable, most members should not have too much difficulty finding a location near their home or office. The downside is that if you are already seeing someone who is not in the dental network, then you would need to change dentists. But when considering the fact that you may save an average of 50% on your dental work, that's a pretty good incentive to find someone else who can help you with your teeth and gums. Imagine the smile on your face when you realize that you stopped paying for another Mercedes or country club golf membership, and you can keep the savings in your pocket instead.

Keeping your teeth and gums in good shape is important. According to Consumer Guide for Dentistry, dental hygiene, also known as oral hygiene, is the process by which preventative dental care is provided to avoid dental emergencies. At the core of dental hygiene is the in-home dental care regimen you perform. Your at-home regimen is supplemented with professional preventative dental care provided by dentists and licensed dental hygienists. While you are responsible for day-to-day dental maintenance, dental hygienists, along with general dentists, family dentists and cosmetic dentists, play an integral role in preventative oral care. Tooth brushing is fundamentally important, though it alone will not remove the calculus (also called tartar or dental plaque) that builds up over time. Calculus must be removed to lower your risk of toothaches, cavities, periodontal disease or even the loss of all your teeth. By removing calculus, you can reduce your chances of needing root canals, tooth extractions, dental bridges, crowns, and more.

The Guide, found at YourDentistryGuide.com, reports that over time calculus builds up on the teeth. If calculus forms below the gum line, bacteria can invade and create a host of other dental problems. Furthermore, the surfaces and areas between the teeth and under the gum line must be maintained and treated on a regular basis in order to ensure proper dental hygiene. These areas are impossible for you to examine yourself; they require a professional touch. Regular dental visits are critical at any age for the maintenance of dental hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends that patients visit with their dentist and dental hygienist a minimum of two times each year to maintain proper dental hygiene.

According to Colgate.com, maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being. Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress. In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These include:

--Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily.

--Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals.

--Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste.

--Rinsing with a fluoride mouth, and rinse if your dentist tells you to.

--Making sure that your children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.

There are dental insurances, payment plans at dental offices and dental schools offering low cost dentistry, and discount plans. Yet statistics indicate many people are still not making the routine six month visits to their dentist. Whether it's due to lack of insurance, fear or other reasons, many individuals wait until there is pain, before making a dental appointment. Prevention is not a hard concept to understand and carry out, once you know the consequences of disease. Preventing disease in the mouth follows the same path as preventing disease in any other organ in the body. With the mouth it’s even simpler since you can see inside the mouth. It is much simpler to detect and treat illness at the early stages than waiting until it has advanced. Poor dental hygiene has been proven to lead to many more serious health problems, such as cancer, low birth weight in newborns, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Discount plans with Careington or other companies allow you to visit a dentist and receive significant savings at the time of service with participating dentists including specialists for oral surgery, periodontal work, orthodontia, and more. Payments as low as $10-$15 a month for a family can be found that provide huge savings between 20% and 60% for most all procedures. A family can save as much as $1200 a year or more using a discount dental plan. You pay a discounted rate to the dentist at the time of service, and may end up with a cleaning for a cleaning, a set of X-rays, and an exam for under $100 on your first visit. And, you have a fee schedule that tells you in advance what you pay the dentist. How about that--no surprises, and you know how much it costs before you go. There are several advantages for consumers:

1.) Nationwide access to providers with no penalty for changing dentists.

2.) No waiting. You can use your plan immediately with any participating provider.

3.) No limit on the amount of work to be done. You can use your plan as often as you need, and the membership rates will typically never increase for your plan.

4.) The entire household is often automatically included in your membership.

5.) There are no contracts, and no forms to fill out at the dentist when you use your plan.

6.) You receive immediate savings at the time of service.

7.) Low monthly membership fees.

8.) Discount plans can be used in conjunction with some insurance plans.

9.) You can use your pre-tax flex dollars (FSA/HRA/HSA) to pay for procedures.

10.) You can cancel your plan at any time with no penalties.

The company is currently offering a real deal with a new membership for only an initial payment of $.99 for the first month to get started. You and your family can see a dentist right away and have a real smile worth showing off--your teeth are better, and so is your wallet! Through a membership in a plan called Healthy Discounts North America, the company offers you significant savings on dental and vision care. With Healthy Discounts, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and receive care from qualified dentists and optometrists. For only $.99 for your first month, anyone can join this plan. Your spouse and children are eligible too. This is not an insurance plan, but a dental discount savings plan designed to fit your needs and budget. Your first month is only $.99 if you do not cancel the plan; then you will be billed monthly at $6.95 for member only, $11.95 for member plus one other family member, or $15.95 for the entire family. Now that's a deal--look good, feel good, and save money! You can find more about it at their website: http://www.healthydiscountsusa.com/co/99/.

An economic recession requires consumers to tighten their fiscal belts, but don't skimp on your health care and your dental needs. Spending money to save money to keep your teeth and gums, and your physical health, in good shape is a good idea. When you have an opportunity to find a good deal in the current financial environment, act on it to take advantage of the savings and value. After all, it's not every day that you can get access to a new smile for less than a dollar!

Until next time.

Health Care and Holiday Blues

2011-11-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard Elvis Presley's recording of "Blue Christmas", or any of the countless other songs during the Holiday Season that refer to being blue for one reason or another? Many people suffer depression and dark times during November and December, and this time frame has the highest suicide rate than any other during the year. There is something about these months that make people sad or cause them to be depressed.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the holidays are a time for festive partying with friends and family, sharing gifts and laughter -- and getting depressed. That's right. For many people, the holidays bring on feelings of sadness and anxiety that can be hard to shake. According to the National Mental Health Association, reasons for feeling blue around the holidays are numerous. They range from fatigue -- a result of all of the increased holiday activity -- to financial limitations and family tensions.

Experts say one of the fastest routes to holiday depression is unrealistic expectations. People often hold on to what they remember as an ideal holiday from years gone by, and are unable to reproduce it. There are also expectations around the holidays that 'everything must be perfect', and perfection is, of course, rarely obtainable. Other factors that can contribute to feelings of sadness around the holidays are memories of deceased loved ones and strained family dynamics. The holidays are associated with family and togetherness. In today's world of high divorce rates and fragmented family units, stress is commonly experienced as family members attempt to find some compromise in defining shared time.

According to MedicineNet.com, sadness is a truly personal feeling. What makes one person feel sad may not affect another person. Here are some examples of what may cause you to experience sadness, stress, or depression during the Holidays, and how to deal with it:

1.) A number of factors, including unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and too many commitments can cause stress at holiday time.

2.) Certain people may feel depressed around the winter holidays due to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as seasonal depression.

3.) Headaches, excessive drinking, overeating, and insomnia are some of the possible consequences of poorly managed holiday stress.

4.) Those suffering from any type of holiday depression or stress can benefit from increased social support during this time of year. Counseling or support groups can also be beneficial.

5.) In addition to being an important step in preventing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, regular exposure to light that is bright, particularly fluorescent lights, significantly improves depression in people with SAD during the fall and winter.

6.) Setting realistic goals and expectations, reaching out to friends, sharing tasks with family members, finding inexpensive ways to enjoy yourself, and helping others are all ways to help beat holiday stress.

The holidays cause many people to feel anxious and depressed in a general sense; but for some, holiday tensions can lead to full-blown clinical depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19 million American adults suffer from depressive illnesses every year. Unfortunately, many people with clinical depression don't seek help, even though depression is a treatable condition. Some people still look at mental illness as a character flaw, but the truth is that it is no different from any other kind of illness. If your body couldn't produce enough insulin, no one would tell you to 'get over it'. You'd need to go to the doctor and get treated for your insulin deficiency. It is the same with mental illness.

Below are a list of depressive symptoms compiled by the National Institute of Mental Health. NIMH experts suggest that you seek professional help if you experience five or more of these symptoms every day for two weeks. If you have recurring thoughts of death or suicide, you should get help immediately from professional sources. Depression may exhibit itself in the following ways:

•Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
•Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism.
•Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
•Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
•Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down".
•Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.
•Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
•Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
•Restlessness, or irritability.
•Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

According to MedicineNet, a simple history and physical exam may be all that is needed to diagnose a case of the holiday blues. Your health-care professional may perform lab tests or other tests to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Likewise, a full history of your symptoms is likely to provide clues that can help distinguish a mild case of the holiday blues from SAD or a more serious and chronic depressive disorder. Those suffering from any type of holiday depression or stress may benefit from increased social support during this time of year. For uncomplicated holiday blues, improvement may be found by finding ways to reduce the stresses associated with the holiday, either by limiting commitments and outside activities, making arrangements to share family responsibilities such as gift shopping and meal preparation, agreeing upon financial limits for purchases, or taking extra time to rest and rejuvenate.

Counseling or support groups are another way to relieve some of the burdens of holiday stress or sadness. Knowing that others feel the same way and sharing your thoughts and experiences can help you manage your troubling feelings. Support groups also provide a further layer of social support during this vulnerable time period.

In addition to being an important step in preventing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, regular exposure to light that is bright, particularly fluorescent lights, significantly improves depression in people with SAD during the fall and winter. Phototherapy is commercially available in the form of light boxes, which are used for approximately 30 minutes daily. The light required must be of sufficient brightness, approximately 25 times as bright as a normal living room light. The light treatment is used daily in the morning and evening for best results. Visiting other areas of the world that are characterized by more bright light (such as the Caribbean) can also improve the symptoms of SAD.

For extreme conditions, Antidepressant medications, particularly serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications, can be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa).

In addition to relationship problems, according to CBN, another source of sadness at at the holidays is the belief that happiness depends on how much money you spend. And with unemployment in double digits, there may be lots of people who feel inadequate. Here are 9 great ways to help beat the holiday blues:

--Plan ahead. Make a budget for gifts, travel, food and donations. Schedule tasks such as holiday shopping, baking, decorating so they are less stressful.

--Reach Out. Focusing on someone else tends to lift your spirit and theirs. Churches, hospitals and nursing homes all need volunteers this time of year.

--Let Go of Grievances. In other words, bury the hatchet.

--Be With People. Schedule get-togethers well in advance, attend meetings, parties, church services, etc. Don't get caught alone. Isolation can lead to depression.

--Get Creative. If you can't be with your loved ones find new ways to celebrate together such as sharing pictures, e-mails or videos.

--Exercise. It's a powerful mood booster because during exercise the body releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that have euphoric and pain-relieving properties similar to morphine.

--Eat Healthy. Overindulgence leads to feelings of guilt and lethargy.

--Get Plenty of Rest. You'll need a good night's sleep to tackle the emotional demands of the holidays and to prevent getting sick when you can least afford to be side-lined.

--Pray Daily. Prayer helps to center you--it's important to make time to get your life in focus.

By taking spiritual and practical steps, you can enjoy good emotional health throughout the holidays. Find help professionally and with family and friends you trust to help you through any challenging issues relative to depression and sadness. There are plenty of resources to help you if you are dealing with problems around the Holidays. Seek help, and then work on your mood to get back to where you belong--happy and healthy.

Until next time.

Health Care and a Day of Thanks

2011-11-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving serves as a singular American holiday, and is celebrated annually during the fourth Thursday in November. This event was set aside as a day to give thanks for the blessings of life.

The first American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. In that year Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. The colonists celebrated it as a traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians. Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All thirteen colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789.

Thanksgiving is a holiday, special and well-commemorated to express gratitude and appreciation, and as well as a sincere thanksgiving, offered to God for all His blessings, and as well as to the family, loved ones and friends for all their support. Traditionally, it has been the day to give thanks for a harvest that is bountiful and rich. Unfortunately, modern time Thanksgiving celebration is primarily identified as a secular holiday, with Thanksgiving dinner consisting of baked or roasted turkey is usually the main highlight of the holiday. Current society treats it often as the official start of the Christmas holiday season, with football games on TV, shopping til you drop, and endless relatives who don't know when to leave your house. Instead of considering the day in quiet contemplation and joyous celebration of life, Thanksgiving is considered a great day to catch up on your sleep and spend money.

The Mayflower's voyage to the new world was a "survival test" on a huge scale, according to BillyGraham.org. The passengers had sold their possessions and had to work for years to pay for their passage. The ship had no heat or plumbing. Storms raged, and a main beam cracked in mid-ocean. But after more than two months on the Atlantic Ocean, this band of 102 people arrived before Christmas, 1620. William Bradford wrote in his journal, "Being thus arrived at a good harbor, and brought safely to land, they fell on their knees and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof." But just after Christmas a serious sickness broke out, and in the next three months nearly half the Pilgrims died. Hunger and illness stalked them, but they never wavered in their purpose.

Today, Americans can learn these six lessons from the Pilgrims:

(1.) Be Strong in Your Faith--First, the Pilgrims have left us an example of their deep, unwavering religious convictions. What were these convictions? They believed in Christ and in His Kingdom. They found fulfillment in Him. They had purpose in their lives. They had encountered the living Christ and they knew it. They feared neither monarch nor people, only God. Because they belonged to God, they had a deep faith and confidence in themselves. They believed in their own dignity, were confident that their cause was just, and walked with an uprightness that only fearless and free people can display. Agnosticism, anxiety, emptiness, meaninglessness, have gripped much of the world—and even the Church. People are broad but shallow. Today's youth are desperately searching for purpose and meaning and fulfillment in their lives. By contrast, these Pilgrim forebears stand as shining examples of people who were narrow but deep, certain of what they believed, unswerving in their loyalty, and passionately dedicated to God whom they trusted and for whom they willingly would have died. A return to biblical faith and conviction would have a great impact at this hour.

(2.) Practice Discipline--Second, the Pilgrims left an example of disciplined living. They were Puritans who were ready to order everything—personal life, worship, the church, business affairs, political views, and even recreation—according to the commandments of God. The word "Puritan" itself in the contemporary mind identifies those who followed a strict and closely regulated life. The ethic of self-mastery and spiritual discipline falls strangely on the ears of today's generation.
(3.) Enjoy Freedom Under the Law--Third, the Pilgrims have left the example of freedom under law. The Mayflower Compact forged before the Pilgrims left the ship was the wedge that opened the door to a government controlled by the people, a government that has endured in the United States for centuries. Most historians agree that the Mayflower Compact was the forerunner of the Constitution of the United States. This little band of people searched for an equitable manner of earning a living and for a way of survival. They tried living a communal lifestyle, but, according to Governor Bradford: "This communal system conceived by Plato was found to breed much confusion." When communal living failed, they assigned a parcel of land to every family; with individual enterprise, prosperity came to the colony. Many rebellious young people live, enjoying what they call "absolute freedom." They are free to take narcotics, free to experiment with sex, free to go unwashed, free to dress as they please and do what they like. The freedom exercised by the Pilgrims didn't degenerate into license. Theirs was a liberty under law. The lawbreakers, malcontents, dissidents and criminals of our day would have been rejected by the Pilgrims. To them freedom under the law meant judgment for the lawless.

(4.) Care about Others--Fourth, the Pilgrims left an example of a people who had keen social concern. They believed that every person was made in the image of God, that each one was of infinite value and worth in the sight of God. They lived with Native Americans who had a different religion, a different skin color and a different culture. In March of 1621, Chief Samoset visited the Pilgrims' village and signed a peace treaty that lasted for many years. It was a treaty with high social and ethical content, showing a deep concern for the social, political and spiritual needs of neighbors. Though the Pilgrims knew that they were citizens of another world, they sought to improve the world they were passing through. The Pilgrims made their new world better, not by tearing down the old, but by constructive toil and fair dealings with their neighbors.

(5.) Share Your Faith--Fifth, the Pilgrims were evangelists who set an example in sharing their spiritual and material blessings with others. In the Mayflower Compact the Pilgrims committed themselves to the "advancement of the Christian faith." The Pilgrims at Plymouth were followed by the Puritans at Massachusetts Bay. Together they built churches and schools. In 1636 Harvard College was founded to train men for the ministry. By 1663 the first Bible was printed (the Algonquin Bible) for the Native Americans in their own tongue. These settlers came to the new world not only to find freedom for themselves but also to tell others of their faith.

(6.) Dream Great Dreams--For "where there is no vision, the people perish," says the Bible. The Pilgrims dreamed great dreams. They dreamed of a haven for themselves and for their children. They dreamed of religious freedom. They dreamed of a world where God would rule the hearts of men. They lived and died with these hopes. The Pilgrims' strength of spirit was forged by a personal faith in Christ, by tough discipline and by regular habits of devotion. Today it seems that many people have neither vision nor hope. But if you chose, you too could become like the Pilgrims. You could regain hope. You could recover the spiritual and the moral strength that you may have lost. But you would have to be willing to take up the same cross of Christ that they bore. You would have to put our faith in the same Christ that they did. Youwould have to make the same kind of lifetime commitments that they made. You would have to discipline ourselves as they did. And, like the Pilgrims, you need to dream great dreams, embrace great principles, renew your hope, and above all, believe in the Christ who alone can give total meaning and an ultimate goal to your life: "For in him we live, and move, and have our being."

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, to love, to share, to hope, to believe, and to give thanks. You likely have received many blessings in your life over time. And, even when enduring difficult days, you can have the hope that life can be better, and eternity is only awaiting for your best. Celebrating the Season of Harvest is a time to spend with family and friends, and Thanksgiving is a great time of year to show your love and thanks to all those who have been close to you. Remember that the gift of life is your first reason to be thankful, and that all the material reasons you have been given follow far after that. To be thankful can be summed up in a single phrase: "Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Happy Thanksgiving! Until next time.

Health Care and Financial Stress

2011-11-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

Going through tough economic times can cause stress, not only financially but also emotionally and physically. The physical stress on your body may even cause serious health issues and medical problems if not handled in an effective manner. When you are short on financial resources, and you have bills that are due or expenses that must be met, the toll on your physical well-being can be enormous, and painful at times.

According to Symptoms Of Stress.com, what you don’t always realize is that daily stress, including money stress, can cause a seriously negative effect on the way your body functions. Diseases including cancer, heart disease, and stroke are frequently brought on earlier and more seriously because of frequent or chronic stress. And, stress causes several physiological effects in the body. It can increase your heart rate and your blood pressure. This, of course, leads to stress on your heart – the body’s hardest working muscle. Stress can also alter hormone levels in your body.

Financial stress is linked to health problems like depression and sleep problems, according to this website: http://stress.about.com/od/financialstress/a/financialstress.htm. With the rising cost of gas and food, the mortgage crisis, and the new bank troubles we're seeing, many Americans are feeling the crunch of financial stress. Anxiety over money can negatively affect health in several ways:

• Unhealthy Coping Behaviors: People experiencing financial stress can be more likely to numb their anxiety by drinking, smoking, overeating and practicing other unhealthy coping behaviors. This in turn leads to more stress.

• Less Money For Self-Care: With less money in the budget, people who are already under financial stress tend to cut corners in areas like health care to pay for basic necessities like food. Small problems can go unchecked and turn into larger problems. This also leads to more stress.

• Lost Sleep: When under financial stress, people often experience trouble sleeping, which can add up to a sleep defecit, impairing immune functioning and cognitive abilities, causing additional moodiness, and more.

• Unhealthy Emotions: Credit card debt can cause unhealthy emotions that can take a toll on health. People can experience anxiety, frustration and a sense of hopelessness as the debt piles up and increasing amounts of money are needed just to pay the interest. This causes additional stress, which compounds with the stress from poor coping and self-neglect, to become a menacing amount of stress.

The hormone cortisol (our stress hormone) is increased when you are under stress, according to Symptoms of Stress, org. Increased levels of cortisol typically cause such problems as adrenal fatigue, increased weight gain, most often, around the midsection of the body–which puts physical stress on your heart and may cause uncomfortable joint pain. Stress can also lead to sleep deprivation. Even those who have never experienced any sort of difficulty sleeping may find themselves tossing and turning all night long due to anxiety and stress. To make matters worse, when you finally do fall asleep, you may have difficulty staying asleep. When your body is sleep deprived, you’re more like to gain weight, have difficulty concentrating, and hamper your ability to successfully complete daily tasks such as driving and performing duties at work.

And while the physical symptoms of frequent stress troubling, stress is even more noticeable when it comes to your mental and social health. Unresolved stress will almost always eventually lead to problems such as anxiety and depression which, in turn, makes it very difficult to manage the stress at hand. As you can see, unresolved stress can snowball and affect every area of our lives quite quickly.

Money stress may also interfere with your friendships and family relationships. This is usually a result of irritability that causes discord in your relationships. Unfortunately, most of us tend to take things out on those closest to us—probably because we know (or hope) they will love us through it. But stress may also cause you to withdraw to yourself and become isolated—which usually leads to anxiety and depression.

According to InsuranceQuotes.org, the state of the economy has left many people and families worried about money. From paying bills to finding a job to coping with high medical costs, it can be hard to think of anything else when financial woes come your way. It's no secret that stress from finances can play a big role in changing your mental state, causing mood swings or even depression, but many may not realize what a marked effect it can also have on your physical well-being. Stress, whether from finances or other conflicts in your life, can do a number on your overall health, often in ways that you may not even realize are related to stress. If you're going through a stressful financial situation, make sure you take good care of your body, take time to relax, and get help to make sure these harmful physical effects don't take a toll on you. They offer 15 ways on how financial stress affects your body: http://www.insurancequotes.org/15-ways-financial-stress-affects-you-physically/.

Wellness takes place when you are physically, mentally, and socially healthy. And, according to Symptoms of Stress.org, when any one of those areas is affected, your overall health decreases. Money stress is one of those problems that can affect all three types of health and really put you at risk for major problems. If money stress is affecting your health, don’t ignore it. The longer you let it go, the bigger your health problems will become.

It’s no wonder financial stress is one of the leading causes of stress in Americans, according to About.com/Stress management. Here are some resources to help you handle your financial situation and feel more in control of your life, reducing stress and helping you build toward a more secure future:

--Find Out Where You Stand: Do you have a major money problem, or is your situation relatively under control? Ask yourself these questions and find out how much help you need to get on the right track.

--Learn About Implementing Systems That Can Help: Find out why budgets are important to your financial success, and learn how to create one that will fit well with your lifestyle.

--Work Toward Getting Out of Debt: Getting out from under credit card debt is much easier with a plan. Here’s a three-step approach that can help you.

--Learn How to Save Money and Cut Costs: Keeping a budget and working toward reducing what you owe is easier if you have more money. Here are some ways to hold onto more of yours!

As you work on improving your financial situation, you can reduce stress by practicing stress-reducing techniques and making other changes to create a low-stress lifestyle. By following the advice provided in the above links and making these lifestyle changes, the burden of financial stress can soon be a thing of the past!

Finally, consider being a better steward of your resources. Spending money you don't have is a serious problem. Not managing your financial accountability well definitely gets you into hot water--not only with your creditors, but also with your family and friends. Use wisdom when you consider a purchase. If you can live without that object of desire, then don't buy it. If you are able to function financially in your current lifestyle, then don't live like you'll never run out of funds. Establish a "rainy day fund", and keep your greed in check. Remember, you can lose it often faster than you can make it.

Until next time.

Health Care and Concussions

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

A blow to the head can be a serious injury. With the advent of football season and other school sports, concussions occur with frequency during the fall season. A concussion, according to WebMD, is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. And, although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of a brain injury.

According to the Mayo Clinic, concussions are common, particularly if you play a contact sport, such as football. But every concussion injures your brain to some extent. This injury needs time and rest to heal properly. Luckily, most concussive traumatic brain injuries are mild, and people usually recover fully. The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer. The most common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, amnesia and confusion. The amnesia, which may or may not be preceded by a loss of consciousness, almost always involves the loss of memory of the impact that caused the concussion.

The brain is made of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is encased in the hard, protective skull. When a person gets a head injury, the brain can move around inside the skull and even bang against it. This can lead to bruising of the brain, tearing of blood vessels, and injury to the nerves. When this happens, a person can get a concussion — a temporary loss of normal brain function, according to KidsHealth.org. Concussions and other brain injuries are fairly common. About every 21 seconds, someone in the United States has a serious brain injury. One of the most common reasons people get concussions is through a sports injury. High-contact sports such as football, boxing, and hockey pose a higher risk of head injury, even with the use of protective headgear. People can also get concussions from falls, car accidents, bike and blading mishaps, and physical violence, such as fighting. Interestingly, boys are more likely to get concussions than girls. However, in certain sports, like soccer, girls have a higher potential for concussion.

Signs and symptoms of a concussion, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include:
--Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.
--Temporary loss of consciousness.
--Confusion or feeling as if in a fog.
--Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event.
--Dizziness or "seeing stars".
--Ringing in the ears.
--Nausea or vomiting.
--Slurred speech.
--Fatigue.

Some symptoms of concussions may be immediate or delayed in onset by hours or days after injury:
--Concentration and memory complaints.
--Irritability and other personality changes.
--Sensitivity to light and noise.
--Sleep disturbances.
--Psychological adjustment problems and depression.
--Disorders of taste and smell.
--Symptoms in children.

Head trauma is very common in young children, according to the Mayo Clinic. But concussions can be difficult to recognize in infants and toddlers because they can't readily communicate how they feel. Nonverbal clues of a concussion may include:
--Listlessness, tiring easily.
--Irritability, crankiness.
--Change in eating or sleeping patterns.
--Lack of interest in favorite toys.
--Loss of balance, unsteady walking.

You should see a doctor within one to two days if you or your child experiences a head injury, even if emergency care isn't required. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you call your child's doctor for advice if your child receives anything more than a light bump on the head. If your child remains alert, moves normally and responds to you, the injury is probably mild and usually doesn't need further testing. In this case, if your child wants to nap, it's OK to let them sleep. If worrisome signs develop later, seek emergency care. Seek emergency care for a child who experiences a head injury and:

--Vomiting.
--A headache that gets worse over time.
--Changes in his or her behavior, including irritability or fussiness.
--Changes in physical coordination, including stumbling or clumsiness.
--Confusion or disorientation.
--Slurred speech or other changes in speech.
--Vision or eye disturbances, including pupils that are bigger than normal (dilated pupils) or pupils of unequal sizes.
--Changes in breathing pattern.
--Lasting or recurrent dizziness.
--Blood or fluid discharge from the nose or ears.
--Large head bumps or bruises on areas other than the forehead, especially in infants under 12 months of age.

Seek emergency care for anyone who experiences a head injury and are suffering the following:
--A loss of consciousness lasting more than a minute.
--Repeated vomiting.
--Seizures.
--Obvious difficulty with mental function or physical coordination.
--Symptoms that worsen over time.

No one should return to play or vigorous activity while signs or symptoms of a concussion are present. Experts recommend that an athlete with a suspected concussion not return to play until he or she has been medically evaluated. Experts also recommend that child and adolescent athletes with a concussion not return to play on the same day as the injury.

The severity of concussion is determined after all of the symptoms have resolved, the neurologic exam is normal, and brain function has returned to normal, according to Kids Health. There are different types of concussion:

1.) Simple concussion. Someone with a simple concussion experiences symptoms that get better in 7-10 days.

2.) Complex concussion. Someone with a complex concussion experiences persistent symptoms that last longer than 7-10 days. Doctors also consider it a complex concussion if a person loses consciousness (passes out) for more than 1 minute or has a seizure at the time of the injury. It's also a complex concussion if someone has had a concussion before, no matter how long ago. It's important for anyone who sustains a complex concussion to see a concussion or brain injury specialist.

A player should not return to sports practice or a game on the day that they are injured and they should not return to sports activities until they are no longer experiencing symptoms. In many teens the physical symptoms get better before the symptoms related to thinking, according to Kids Health. During the first few days following a concussion, a player should rest. Both physical and cognitive rest are important. Activities that require concentration and attention may make the symptoms worse and delay recovery. After a player's symptoms have resolved, he or she may begin a supervised gradual return to play. The player should advance from one step to the next only if there are no symptoms. The steps to return to play are:

--no activity.
--light aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling (no resistance training).
--sports-specific exercise (for example, running in soccer, skating in hockey).
--non-contact training drills.
--full contact training after medical clearance.

A concussion is a serious brain injury, and if left untreated can cause more health problems or worse. It is critical that trained athletic personnel or a medical professional treat someone who has suffered a concussion as soon as possible. Concussions are not to be taken lightly, and anyone who has one should be careful on how quickly they try to recover. If you suspect you or someone in your care has had a concussion, go to your family doctor or an emergency room as soon as possible. Don't delay medical treatment as the repercussions from ignoring a concussion are significant.

Until next time.

Health Care and Medicare Advantage Plans

2011-10-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

When you turn 65, you are eligible for Medicare. There are Parts A, B, C, and D. Each part acts on its own merit, but interact with each other to help reduce the cost of health care for seniors. According to Medicare.gov, Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and home health care. Part B helps cover medically-necessary services like doctors' services, outpatient care, home health services, and other medical services. Part B also covers some preventive services. A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Part D is for prescription drug coverage. For more details about Medicare in general, run by the CMS, visit this site: https://www.cms.gov/home/medicare.asp.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?

A Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) is another Medicare health plan choice you may have as part of Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans may offer extra coverage, such as vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare. However, each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services (like whether you need a referral to see a specialist or if you have to go to only doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non‑emergency or non-urgent care). These rules can change each year. This site from Medicare.gov has more details: http://www.medicare.gov/navigation/medicare-basics/medicare-benefits/part-c.aspx.

Medicare Advantage plans are privately run versions of the government's Medicare program. They are subsidized by the government and offer basic Medicare coverage topped with extras or premiums lower than standard Medicare rates, according to the Chicago Business Journal. The Kaiser Family Foundation has a good overview at this site: http://www.kff.org/medicare/upload/2052-14.pdf .

What Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Cost?

Each month, Medicare pays your advantage plan a fixed amount of money to provide your care, according to About Health Insurance. The advantage plan is then responsible for paying your doctor, hospital, and other providers of care. Although your advantage plan must follow Medicare’s rules, it can charge you a premium and additional out-of-pocket expenses, such as a copayment for a doctor visit, coinsurance for durable medical equipment (such as a wheelchair), and an annual deductible for prescription medications. You also are responsible for your Medicare Part B monthly premium, which is taken out of your social security check.

How Do You Join a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Generally, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan if you have Medicare Part A and Part B and you live in an area where there is an advantage plan that accepts new members. Some plans only cover certain counties within a state and you must live in one of those counties where the plan is offered. Some Medicare Advantage Plans hold local seminars to introduce their plans and you can get and complete a paper application at that time. You also can enroll by calling the plan, visiting the plan’s website, or on www.medicare.gov. The Medicare site also lets you compare plans in your area. You also can join by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227.

If you are switching to a different advantage plan, all you have to do is join the new plan and you will automatically be disenrolled from your old plan. You will not have any lapse in your coverage. Medicare limits when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can join a plan when you first become eligible for Medicare. This is anytime beginning three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turned 65. For example, if you turn 65 on April 28th, your eligibility period starts on January 1st and ends on July 30th. If you are disabled and have Social Security Disability Insurance, you can join an advantage plan three months before to three months after your 25th month of disability. More details can be found at this site: http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/medicare/a/medicare_advantage_overview.htm.

When you enroll in any Medicare Advantage plan, you will still get all Original Medicare covered services, but you may also obtain extra benefits and services not offered by Original Medicare, and/or you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. The extra benefits and services you receive and/or the amount of money you save will depend on which Medicare Advantage plan you choose, according to Medicare.org.

Caution: Keep in mind, though, that because private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans, they can change the extra benefits provided by the plan and decide (on an annual basis) whether they will continue participating in Medicare. Health care providers can also join or leave the plan at any time.

Caution: Depending on the Medicare Advantage plan you choose, you may decide to cancel an existing Medigap policy because you will no longer be able to use the additional coverage the policy provides. However, you should be aware that if you do so, you may be unable to get it back except in certain situations. If you've just become eligible for Medicare or if it is the first time you've enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have special Medigap protections during your first year of coverage.

There are different types of Medicare Advantage plan, according to Medicare.org:
•Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

•Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans
•Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans
•Special Needs Plans (SNP)

Other, less common types of Medicare Advantage Plans include:
•HMO Point-of-Service (POS) Plans -- An HMO plan that may allow you to get some services out-of-network for a higher cost.
•Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans -- An MSA plan combines a high deductible health plan with a bank account.

Tip: If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plan, you don't need a Medigap policy, and it generally isn't legal for any company to sell you one. However, you can keep an existing Medigap policy if you so choose, but your Medigap policy cannot reimburse you for any out-of-pocket costs you have under your Medicare Advantage plan.

Your out-of-pocket costs depend on:

•Whether the plan charges a monthly premium in addition to your Part B premium
•Whether the plan pays any of the monthly Part B premium (some plans offer this option, usually for an additional cost)
•Whether the plan has a yearly deductible or any additional deductibles
•How much you pay for each visit or service (copayments)
•The type of health care services you need and how often you get them
•Whether you follow the plan's rules, like using network providers
•Whether you need the additional benefits and if the plan charges for it
•The plan's yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs for all medical services

There's a lot to consider when deciding which Medicare option is right for you, according to this site: http://www.medicare.org/medicare-basics/part-c.html. Here are some questions to ask during the decision-making process:

•How much is the premium?
•Will you need to satisfy a deductible or pay copayment or coinsurance costs?
•Does the plan cover the additional benefits or services you need (such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, or health and wellness programs)?
•Does the plan offer prescription drug coverage (most Medicare Advantage plans do)?
•Are you satisfied with your care? Medicare now ranks Medicare health plans from one to five stars.
•Do the healthcare providers you normally see participate in the plan?
•If your doctor leaves the plan, are you okay with changing doctors?
•Do you travel out of your service area a lot? If so, keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans are only required to cover you for emergency care and urgently needed care outside your plan's service area.
•Are you okay with the fact that the plan's benefits and costs generally change each year?

According to Medicare.com, Medicare has a number of enrollment periods, including the initial enrollment period, general enrollment period, special enrollment period, and an Annual Election Period. The Medicare Annual Election Period is from October 15 until December 7, 2011, which is a month earlier than in previous years. During this enrollment period you can enroll in Medicare, add, drop, or change coverage. You need to consider all the aspects of your plan and compare it to other plans during this period. There might be a plan that works better for your medical needs. If you have Original Medicare and Medicare Part D Drug Plan there might be a Medicare Advantage Plan that would work better for you. Likewise if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan you might find that changing to Original Medicare works best.

Another thing you should be aware of with regard to a Medicare Advantage Plan is that no one should call or come to your home to sell you a Medicare plan. If someone does, do not give them any personal information. You should only give such information to doctors, health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare. Medicare plans are not allowed to ask you for financial information like credit card numbers or bank information over the phone or via email unless you are already a plan member. You cannot be enrolled in a plan over the phone unless you contact the company to enroll. If they call you, you should be suspicious. To fight fraud be sure to ask questions, educate yourself about Medicare, and beware of providers who discuss items that are not covered, but suggest they can get coverage for those items. Much more indepth material can be found at this site: http://www.medicare.com/advantage-plans/medicare-advantage-plans.html.

Medicare Advantage plans are critical for you to save money on medical expenses not covered by Parts A and B. When you consider the plethora of plans in the market place, make sure you do a lot of homework as the choices are multiple in price, scope, and included benefits. And, look for a plan with a high STAR rating from CMS. That way, even though you may pay more for the coverage, you are assured of getting a very good plan. Don't play games with Medicare Advantage plans, as a small mistake may cost you quite a bit later on if you have health care issues that require extra attention.

Until next time.

Health Care and Snoring

2011-10-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Millions of Americans suffer from lack of sleep due to a spouse or partner who snores while sleeping. Snoring is a problem that is the cause of many couples having relationship issues especially if the guilty party does nothing to correct it. Snoring leads to other health care issues as well and can be a medical problem in extreme cases.

According to the Mayo Clinic, snoring is the hoarse or harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is obstructed in some way while you're sleeping. Sometimes snoring may indicate a serious health condition. As many as half of adults snore at least occasionally. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, which creates those irritating sounds. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime or sleeping on your side, can help stop snoring. In addition, medical devices and surgery are available that may reduce disruptive snoring. However, these aren't suitable or necessary for everyone who snores.

If snoring happens frequently it can affect the quantity and quality of your sleep and that of other family members, according to HelpGuide.org. Poor sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and increased health problems. If your snoring keeps your partner awake, it can also create major relationship problems; but thankfully, sleeping in separate bedrooms doesn’t have to be the remedy for your snoring. In fact, there are many effective solutions available. Once you find cure that works best to stop your snoring, you’ll vastly improve your health, your relationships, and, of course, your sleep.

According to Help Guide, not all snoring is the same. Everyone snores for different reasons. When you get to the bottom of why you snore, then you can find the right solutions to a quieter, deeper sleep. People who snore often have too much throat and nasal tissue, or “floppy” tissue that is more prone to vibrate. The position of your tongue can also get in the way of smooth breathing. Evaluating how and when you snore will help you pinpoint whether the cause of your snoring is within your control or not. The good news is that no matter how and when you snore, there are solutions to making your snoring better. Snoring happens when you can't move air freely through your nose and mouth during sleep. It’s caused by a narrowing of your airway, either from poor sleep posture or abnormalities of the soft tissues in your throat. A narrow airway gets in the way of smooth breathing and creates the sound of snoring.

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors that may contribute to snoring include:

--Being a man. Men are more likely to snore or have sleep apnea than are women.
--Being overweight. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.
--Having a narrow airway. Some people have large tonsils or adenoids, while others may have a long soft palate, which can narrow the airway and cause snoring.
--Drinking alcohol. Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles, increasing the risk of snoring.
--Having nasal problems. If you have a structural defect in your airway, such as a deviated septum, or your nose is chronically stuffed, your risk of snoring is greater.

According to Help Guide, snoring also could indicate sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. Sleep apnea is a breathing obstruction, causing the sleeper to keep waking up to begin breathing again. Normal snoring doesn’t interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea, so if you’re suffering from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day, your problem may be more than just snoring. Significant detailed information about snoring can be found at this site: http://www.helpguide.org/life/snoring.htm.

According to WebMD, snoring has a tendency to worsen with age. Forty-five percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25% are considered habitual snorers. Occasional snoring is usually not very serious and is mostly a nuisance for the bed partner of the person who snores. However, the habitual snorer not only disrupts the sleep patterns of those close to him, he also disturbs his own. Habitual snorers snore whenever they sleep and are often tired after a night of what seems like quality rest. Medical assistance is usually needed for habitual snorers to get a good night's sleep.

What Are the Health Risks of Snoring?

According to WebMD, habitual snorers can be at risk for serious health problems. Obstructive sleep apnea is an illness that is often associated with chronic snoring. This condition creates several problems, including:

1.) Long interruptions of breathing (more than 10 seconds) during sleep caused by partial or total obstruction or blockage of the airway. Serious cases can have total blockage episodes hundreds of times per night.

2.) Frequent waking from sleep, even though he or she may not realize it.

3.) Snorers with obstructive sleep apnea sleep lightly to try to keep their throat muscles tense enough to maintain airflow.

4.) Blood oxygen levels are often lowered, which causes the heart to pump harder and blood pressure to rise. The result is a poor night's sleep, which leads to drowsiness during the day and can interfere with the persons quality of life. Prolonged suffering from obstructed sleep apnea will result in higher blood pressure and may cause enlargement of the heart, with higher risks of heart attack and stroke.

5.) The stress of not getting enough oxygen causes the body to produce adrenalin, a chemical that helps our bodies fight and cope with stressful situations. Adrenalin also causes blood sugar to rise, which may eventually lead to diabetes.

According to WebMD, if you occasionally snore, you can try the following behavior changes to help treat the problem:

--Lose weight and improve your eating habits.
--Avoid tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before you go to bed.
--Avoid alcohol, heavy meals, or snacks at least four hours before you sleep.
--Establish regular sleeping patterns. For example, try to go to bed at the same time every night.
--Sleep on your side rather than on your back.
--Prop the head of your bed -- not just your pillows -- up four inches.

If none of the above mentioned behavioral changes help snoring, talk to your doctor. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) offer a variety of treatment options that may reduce or eliminate snoring or sleep apnea. There are more than 300 devices on the market to help prevent snoring; however, none of these devices address all of the underlying anatomical problems that cause snoring (such as nasal obstruction and being overweight). Surgery may be needed to correct physical problems.

If you or your spouse are dealing with a serious snoring problem, visit your primary care physician or a specialist who can provide professional medical advice about this health care issue. Prolonging lack of treatment may result in more serious health problems, especially when you get older. Plus, getting a great night of uninterrupted sleep is worth the money. Your partner will love you more for it.

Until next time.

Health Care and Oxygen

2011-10-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Oxygen is essential to life. It is a fundamental part of what keeps you living. This gas, when absent, extinguishes the ability for you to breath; and, according to the Jefferson Lab, the root meaning comes from the greek words oxys and genes, which together mean "acid forming." The gas Oxygen had been produced by several chemists prior to its discovery in 1774, but they failed to recognize it as a distinct or separate element. One very detailed site about oxygen can be found at http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/L-P/Oxygen.html.

Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe and makes up nearly 21% of the earth's atmosphere. Oxygen accounts for nearly half of the mass of the earth's crust, two thirds of the mass of the human body and nine tenths of the mass of water. Large amounts of oxygen can be extracted from liquefied air through a process known as fractional distillation. Oxygen can also be produced through the electrolysis of water or by heating potassium chlorate (KClO3). Oxygen is a highly reactive element and is capable of combining with most other elements. It is required by most living organisms and for most forms of combustion. Impurities in molten pig iron are burned away with streams of high pressure oxygen to produce steel. Oxygen can also be combined with acetylene (C2H2) to produce an extremely hot flame used for welding. Liquid oxygen, when combined with liquid hydrogen, makes an excellent rocket fuel. Ozone (O3) forms a thin, protective layer around the earth that shields the surface from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Oxygen is also a component of hundreds of thousands of organic compounds, according to the Jefferson Lab.

But more importantly, oxygen sustains life. Without a doubt, oxygen is the most essential element for all existence, according to the Global Healing Center. Through normal oxidation (the chemical union of an element with oxygen, such as what occurs during digestion, burning, or rusting), the universe regenerates by breaking down and reconstructing itself over and over infinitely. The life-enhancing element O2 (two atoms of oxygen joined as one molecule) is a critical component of the air you breathe. It is the element that sustains you. It is what you use to digest food and to break down toxins in your bodies so that they can be removed. Sometimes these things don't work so well.

•Pollutants in the air that you breathe, especially from your internal environments, reduce the level of oxygen available to you.
•Infirmities in our bodies can make it difficult to breathe at all, and can make it difficult to fully use the oxygen that you breathe in.

Oxygen bars have become increasingly popular among urban hipsters, and new bars keep popping up all over major cities, according to AskMen.com. Claiming to energize, relax and invigorate, these bars have fiercely loyal customers and are pulling in a fortune. But is paying for oxygen a breath of fresh air or just a load of hot air? Customers have the option of breathing unscented oxygen or choosing from a variety of fragrances. A session usually lasts from five to 20 minutes, and costs about $1 per minute. A regular user may come to a bar up to three times a week. Some oxygen bars offer other services, such as massages, health food and energy drinks. Most oxygen bars use a concentrator machine that filters out nitrogen and other atmospheric gases to produce oxygen that is about 95% pure.

Oxygen bar proponents claim that purified oxygen produces a blitz of health benefits, including:

--Reduced stress
--Increased energy
--Increased alertness
--Alleviation of the symptoms of hangovers, headaches and sinus problems.

While some people claim to feel long-term effects, others report feeling no difference. Some say it helps them sleep better and wake up with more drive. Bar owners also say their usual clientele includes marathon runners, students (before big tests) and older couples (before having sex). However, scientific data says that purified oxygen does very little, as our blood is already saturated with 99% oxygen. Any effect that may occur would dissipate within a few minutes, as the blood re-circulates. Although oxygen bars offer a respite from the many air pollutants found in large cities, many believe that it's the same as stepping into any building or car with an air filtration system.

Dr. Ron Balkissoon, a pulmonologist at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, says that excess oxygen can increase the production of free radicals, those pesky overactive molecules that can greatly damage tissue over time. If you know your nutrition, you should eat lots of antioxidants to prevent free radicals. Balkissoon also says that too much oxygen can cause pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs.

Scented oxygen can also be dangerous, especially if the fragrance is oil-based. Dr. Norman Edelman, consultant for scientific affairs with the American Lung Association, says that tiny droplets of oil can accumulate in the lungs, and result in a kind of pneumonia called lipoid pneumonia. If that's not enough, excessive oxygen can be harmful for people with respiratory problems like emphysema. Those with medical conditions requiring oxygen should have it dispensed by a doctor.

According to Discovery Fit & Health, the average adult at rest inhales and exhales something like 7 or 8 liters (about one-fourth of a cubic foot) of air per minute. That totals something like 11,000 liters of air (388 cubic feet) in a day. The air that is inhaled is about 20-percent oxygen, and the air that is exhaled is about 15-percent oxygen, so about 5-percent of the volume of air is consumed in each breath and converted to carbon dioxide. Therefore, a human being uses about 550 liters of pure oxygen (19 cubic feet) per day. A person who is exercising obviously uses a lot more oxygen than that.

Some patients under certain types of heath care regimens use oxygen therapy, which can be self administered at home, according to Health Day News. If you're using at-home oxygen therapy, remember that you'll need to be very cautious around anything that has a flame or can ignite. The ADAM Encyclopedia offers these safety suggestions:
--Make sure there are working smoke detectors throughout your home, and keep a fire extinguisher handy.
--Never smoke or allow smoking around the oxygen; stay a minimum of 6 feet from any smoker.
--Keep the oxygen at least 6 feet from any fireplace, stove or electric appliance such as a hairdryer, electric toothbrush or razor, electric blanket, electric toy, space heater or electric baseboard heater.
--Keep the oxygen as far away as possible from an oven or stove while cooking, and be very wary of grease splatters.
--Keep the oxygen away from any flammable liquid.

Oxygen is critical to sustain life. Without it, cells in the human body begin to atrophy and die. You can only survive a few minutes without oxygen, but too much of it is also dangerous. Your body was made to consume just the right amount, but sometimes that perfect level changes due to illness or other stressors in your body. If you have health care challenges that are causing difficulty in breathing or other medical problems, see your doctor to find out what is causing the problem. Oxygen is one luxury you cannot afford to lose.

Until next time.

Health Care and Sitting Too Long

2011-10-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Men and women who work in offices have long felt the effects of sitting too long at their desks. Back and neck pain are common, and stiff muscles and joints creak when you get up and walk just for even a short distance away from your desk. Chronic health issues can also result from sitting too long in one position without moving. Health care professionals warn against the lack of movement when you are sitting in one position for long stretches of time.

Do you have a pain in the rear that isn't caused by your boss? This literal pain in the buttocks could signal an inflamed piriformis muscle, which helps stabilize the hip, leg and pelvic area. The piriformis, often overlooked as a cause of sciatica, can become inflamed, usually from sitting too long or rotating the leg outward (as when driving). When inflamed, the muscle can harden and press on the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica pain in the buttocks that radiates down the leg to the ankle or middle of the foot. It may be felt in the lower back, too. Sitting usually makes it worse, while standing or walking often makes it feel better. The good news from the Arthritis Foundation is that the sciatica caused by an inflamed piriformis usually does not require surgery. It can be relieved by ice or heat; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen; physical therapy, including deep massage and range-of-motion exercises; and corticosteroid injections, according to Health Scout.

According to WebMD Health News, too much sitting isn’t ideal. Now a new study suggests it’s not just the length of time you spend sitting down, but the number of times you get up during that time that can influence your health. The study, published online in the European Heart Journal, examined the total length of time people spent sitting down and breaks taken in that time, together with various indicators of risk for heart disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and inflammatory processes that can play a role in the blocking of arteries. It suggests that plenty of breaks, even if they are as short as one minute, seem to be beneficial.

Scientists are increasingly warning that sitting for prolonged periods — even if you also exercise regularly — could be bad for your health, according to a report in USA Today online. And it doesn't matter where the sitting takes place — at the office, at school, in the car or before a computer or TV — just the overall number of hours it occurs. Research is preliminary, but several studies suggest people who spend most of their days sitting are more likely to be fat, have a heart attack or even die. In an editorial published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences suggested that authorities rethink how they define physical activity to highlight the dangers of sitting. While health officials have issued guidelines recommending minimum amounts of physical activity, they haven't suggested people try to limit how much time they spend in a seated position.

After four hours of sitting, the body starts to send harmful signals, and genes regulating the amount of glucose and fat in the body start to shut down. Even for people who exercise, spending long stretches of time sitting at a desk is still harmful. Also, according to the World Health Organization, people who exercise every day — but still spend a lot of time sitting — might get more benefit if that exercise were spread across the day, rather than in a single bout.

Australian research found that long periods of sitting down, even in people who did a lot of exercise otherwise, were associated with worse indicators of cardio-metabolic function and inflammation, such as larger waist circumferences, lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and higher levels of C-reactive protein (an important marker of inflammation) and triglycerides (blood fats). However, the study also found that even in people who spent a long time sitting down, the more breaks they took during this time, the smaller their waists and the lower the levels of C-reactive protein, according to WebMD Health News. The dangers of being too big around the middle are well-documented.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, high-risk waist circumferences are:
--Over 40 inches for men.
--Over 35 inches for women.

The potential adverse health impact of prolonged sitting (which is something that people do on average for more than half of their day), is only just being realized; and research highlights the importance of considering prolonged sedentary time as a distinct health risk behavior that warrants explicit advice in future public health guidelines. The study suggests even small changes could help, like standing up to take phone calls, walking to see a colleague rather than phoning or emailing, and centralizing trash cans and printers so you have to walk to them. If you’re sitting for long periods, it’s really important you take regular breaks by getting up on your feet. Regular physical activity is essential to protect cardiovascular health.

According to ABC News online, another study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that sitting for long stretches, more than six hours a day, can make someone at least 18 percent more likely to die from diabetes, heart disease and obesity than those sitting less than three hours a day. Doctors say the evolution of technology has impacted the way individuals use their bodies. Humans have moved from the active life of being hunter-gatherers to becoming agriculturalists. The Industrial Revolution moved people to factories and the technological revolution landed workers behind desks and into the culture of sitting too much. Sitting has become a new form of smoking. Smoking was once so common that people were reluctant to see the health hazard it posed.

The American Cancer Society is concerned that public health guidelines do not say enough about time spent sitting down. Sitting for a prolonged period of time, independent of physical activity, has been shown to have important metabolic consequences, and may influence things like triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, resting blood pressure, and leptin. Government exercise recommendations suggest at least 30 minutes on five days per week of ‘moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity’. They also say 20 minutes of ‘vigorous-intensity’ activity for at least 20 minutes on three days per week would produce similar benefits. Also, diabetes experts point out that sitting is not bad for you in moderation but can be addictive and harmful in the long-run.

A sedentary lifestyle is not just a lifestyle lacking in exercise, according to Dr. Michael Cutler, founder and editor of Easy Health Options™ newsletter—a leading health advisory service on natural healing therapies and nutrients. Rather, it is a set of behaviors that are devoid of whole-body muscle movement and promote bad health. So if you sit for hours watching TV… take long plane or car rides… work long hours sitting at your desk or a computer… or keep your legs and ankles crossed whenever you sit, you could be endangering your health. When you sit for a long period of time, your blood flow can become sluggish and pool in your larger veins. This creates a higher risk of your developing blood clots within your thigh or calf known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a condition in which there is a blood clot in a deep vein (a vein that accompanies an artery).

Close to 2 million people in the United States (U.S.) develop DVT each year, most of whom are 40 years old or older. There is the danger that a leg clot can break free and travel through the blood vessels to the lung, which can be extremely serious and even fatal. At least 200,000 people die each year from blood clots in their lungs—a condition known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). But there are natural ways you can avoid becoming a statistic…

■ Stand, stretch and bend your toes.
■ Walk around every hour or so, if possible.
■ If walking is not an option, then stretch or bounce your legs, wiggle and flex your toes and roll your ankles backward and forward.
■ Keep your weight under control.
■ Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration that causes blood vessels to become narrow and blood to thicken.
■ Take all-natural blood thinners such as Nattokinase.

The evidence certainly is stacked against all those couch potatoes and office junkies who sit and sit and sit, and never move. They are a walking health time bomb waiting to explode into an early catastrophic medical event. Don't be one of those. Get up and get out. Too much time sitting is proven to be bad for you. Take time to move, to exercise, to get a life.

Until next time.

Health Care and Autumn

2011-10-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, the fall! What a gorgeous time of year. The season is changing, leaves turn colors and start to drop off floating gently to the ground, and the air is a little cooler and crisper than those late summer days of August and September. During Autumn, school is back in session, business starts to rev up for the Holiday Season, and employers start promoting new health care choices and insurance options for their workers. During the fall, more people start to focus on making decisions on what they will do for their primary care coverage for the coming year. Since most Americans now typically are covered by their company where they work for health insurance, Autumn is when most open enrollments take place.

Also, Autumn is when many seasonal health issues appear. According to HubPages, when Autumn is here and the days of a normal and progressive transition between the seasons have long passed, these days there can be drastic weather fluctuations. Here is a list of the most common five afflictions caused by the heavy fluctuations in temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure that are ever so present in the fall:

1.) The common cold: Rain, strong wind and humidity variations are all factors that contribute to lowering your immune system, making it easier for you to catch a cold. The good thing is these autumn colds usually aren't as sever as those in the winter season, however it is still important to see a doctor and treat them to prevent the risk of a viral infection.

2.) Asthma and other allergic diseases: Autumn just like spring is a season that favors allergies, but out of all the allergies the one that manifests itself most often is asthma, specifically allergic asthma or dry asthma. Allergic asthma doesn't manifest along with bronchitis and thankfully has a seasonal character, the most common symptom being difficulty in breathing.

3.) Gastroduodenal ulcer: Another common disease during this time of year is ulcer, which can have many underlying causes like smoking, alcohol, stress, poor eating habits, chronic diseases, genetical factors or bacterial infections with Helicobacter Pylori. The most common symptoms are variations in appetite, pain and vomiting. Gastric ulcer pains are more common immediately after a meal while duodenal ulcer pains are more common a few hours after a meal. Either way if you experience pain or vomiting after meals you should see your doctor.

4.) Heart failure: Heart failure or cardiac insufficiency can be a real dangerous threat to people with heart problems during the autumn months. The body struggles to adapt to the changes in climate and that can overload the cardiorespiratory system, causing serious consequences. Caution is advised especially during this time of year, as well as strictly following any treatment prescribed.

5.) Rheumatic diseases: Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis are very common as well causing increased sensibility and joint pains due to exposure to low temperatures. Hot baths, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments and simply avoiding to go on walks in cold or rainy weather are all measures one can take to avoid suffering the symptoms of this disease.

According to Holistic Health Tools online, this Autumn season follow these tips to help you and yours stay in top health and be your best during the seasonal and all year long:

1.) Flu Shots - Check with your doctor or your local public health department to find out when the annual flu shot is available. If your doctor can give you the shot in the office combine it with a check-up. If your doctor does not give the shot check on local events for flu shot administration. You may also want to get a pneumonia shot also. Remember that the flu shot is recommended for all adults, especially those with a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease that makes them more at risk for the serious complications of the flu.

2.) Exercise - Exercise is important all through the year, but can help you get in shape for the winter months. If you exercise by walking outdoors, it may be time to locate other places you can walk that are protected from harsh winter weather. Indoor shopping malls are great places to walk and often have walkers clubs that offer discounts. With the days getting colder, take a few extra minutes to warm up your body and stretch your muscles before you exercise. Also wear a handkerchief around your nose and mouth if it's really cold to warm up the air before it enters your lungs.

3.) Diet - Add all the fall vegetables to your diet. Many of the root vegetables are in season now and are an inexpensive and nutritious way to add variety to your diet.

4.) Drink More Water – You can experience dehydration even during the winter. Dry central heat robs your body and skin of vital moisture. If you keep hydrated your mucous membranes also stay hydrated, working much more effectively to filter our disease causing organisms. It's also a great way to help prevent nose bleeds which can be common in the Fall.

5.) Sunscreen – Yes, even in the fall and winter months you should be thinking about sunscreen. If you're a skier, don't forget your sunscreen. The snow reflects the sun's rays and can quickly burn your skin. Don't let the cold temperatures fool you.

6.) Second-Hand Smoke - Watch out for the effects of second-hand smoke. During cold weather, you may find yourself behind closed doors and windows with a smoker. Avoid inhaling smoke and check your home for proper ventilation.

7.) Cold and Flu - Cover your face when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands often to help stop the spread of the season's cold and flu germs. Get a flu shot if you are 65 or older; or if you have a chronic disease of the heart, lungs or kidneys.

8.) Hats and Gloves - Wear a hat and gloves when you go outside. The hat keeps warmth from escaping through the top of your head—a major source of body heat loss. And the gloves help prevent painful frostbite.

Also, be aware of allergies that develop in Autumn. Late Summer and early Autumn bring on another season that triggers allergic reactions. Outdoor molds become plentiful in the fall in gutters, soil, vegetation, rotting wood and fallen leaves. You can reduce your exposure to Fall allergens. For example, avoid being outdoors in the morning hours between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m. when pollen dispersal is peaking; avoid lots and fields where ragweed grows; shower and wash hair immediately after coming in from outside activities, and especially before going to bed; keep the windows and doors of your home and car closed.

Here are a few more suggestions, according to Holistic Health Tools, to take into consideration so that you can enjoy what this time of year has to offer.

--Enjoy the year's most beautiful season. In many parts of the United States, Autumn is a near-sacred season, with its warm, sunny days, cool evenings and postcard perfect colors. Get outside and enjoy the season by bicycling, walking, hiking, jogging, and playing golf and tennis. In many parts of the country, Autumn is synonymous with the apple harvest. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, inhibiting the growth of dangerous plaques along blood vessel walls, and dietary fiber, apples are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Remember, it is important to do what you can to stay healthy all year long and now is the time to focus on how to stay healthy and well during the approaching Fall and Winter months.

As far as your next year's health coverage is concerned, work with your employer to choose the best plan for you and your family. Be careful not to overlook the bottom line financially of how your health insurance plan affects you for the coming year, and choose wisely when it comes to maximizing all your benefits. Remember, it's your health, and your paycheck. Often, cheaper is not always better. Make good use of the materials provided by your employer and the insurance company in order to pick the plan best suited for you. If you are buying personal health coverage, find an agent you know and can trust to guide you in the right direction. Do your homework, and don't leave the choice up to someone else.

Now, go enjoy the Autumn. Jump into the leaves, take a long drive through the country and look at God's creation. Stop at a local market and sample the Autumn produce, and maybe drink some good apple cider with a cinnamon stick. Visit a pumpkin patch with the kids, or run through a haybale maze. (Just make sure you take your allergy meds before you go). You'll thank yourself that you took time to see, smell, and taste all the good things about Autumn.

Until next time.

Health Care and FaceBook

2011-09-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

Social media is huge. Starting with MySpace, then FaceBook, and others in the mix including YouTube, LinkedIn, and others, hundreds of millions of users around the world are hooked on social media. With the advent of smart phone technology, the increase in cell phones exponentially around the globe has also driven increased socialization of media content and personal information. Some of the info is good, and some not so good. However, there is valuable material to be found on social media sites, including health care topics and how to improve your life for your own personal welfare and those around you.

Some of the material on FaceBook (FB), now with over 500 million members, is for consumers and some is designed for professionals. For example, this website is geared for helping professional health care providers by listing the Top 25 FB health care links for that group: http://onlinelpntorn.org/2011/top-25-facebook-apps-for-healthcare-professionals/ . If you are a medical professional or in the health care field, then you should be sourcing info on this page.

Patients and consumers are also getting into the act. According to the Dayton Business Journal, more users are relying on the social networking site for health information. In fact, 41 percent of people said they use social media as a health care resource, according to a National Research Corporation survey of over 23,000 people. Most of them -- 94 percent -- said they turned to Facebook for medical content such as diet and exercise tips and health education videos. And some respondents even said the information was likely to impact their future health decisions. With more citizens turning to social media for health care decisions, hospitals and other health care providers are taking steps to ramp up their social media presence. Patients are using these social media sites for multiple purposes such as:

• To view health education videos;
• Get diet and exercise tips;
• Learn about upcoming health events; and
• Study disease awareness and
• Health statistics.

Among health care providers with Facebook pages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site has more than 80,000 fans, while the American Cancer Society has over 225,000 fans. Recent posts on the CDC's page give smoking cessation tips, statistics on prescription drug-related deaths and ways to improve your diet. On WebMD's Facebook site, the latest content includes exercise tips for adult workouts and children's active video games. The site, which has over 53,000 fans, also uses health issues in the news to raise awareness among readers.

According to Social Media Today, In a new survey by the National Research Corporation, one in every five Americans use social media for healthcare information, specifically Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (in order of popularity). Hospitals in particular are getting into the social media frenzy. General ways hospitals benefit from a strategic social presence:

•To listen and monitor its brand.
•Ability to administer real-time customer service.
•Creation of brand ambassadors – people who promote the organization without an agenda.
•Creation of a community who WANTS to stay connected.
•Cost-effective method to disseminate information quickly.
•Communities ripe for qualitative research gathering (focus groups, poll, etc.).
•Additional tool in crisis situations (natural disasters such as Haiti, Japan,).
•Media relationships, alternative to news releases.

According to Social Media Today, here are industry-specific ways hospitals and health care facilities can use social media:
•Preventative healthcare – use as an educational platform.
•Way to tell inspirational stories (positive happenings) that happen every day.
•Practice interactive healthcare – which is about engaging everyone in the “process of care.” This includes empowering physicians and healthcare professionals to participate. “Interactive health is about making health knowledge, supportive care, and motivation available to us, anytime and anywhere, so that we can integrate this wisdom into our daily actions to live longer, healthier, happier lives.” – Forbes (Read the full article.)

Navigating the path to affordable health coverage can be tricky, especially for young adults. You may be in and out of school, changing jobs, or moving all around the country, according to HealthCare.gov. After the passage of PPACA, the Affordable Care Act, you may have access to consistent health insurance coverage. Before the Affordable Care Act, health plans could remove enrolled children usually at age 19, sometimes older for full-time students. Now, most health plans that cover children must make coverage available to young adults up to age 26. Parents just need to enroll their children during the appropriate open enrollment period. This gives young adults the flexibility to look for jobs and pursue the higher education of their choice. And the government has a FB page designed for this specific situation. Check out the page at: http://www.facebook.com/YoungAdultCoverage .

According to the Dayton Business Journal, The main appeal of the media for patients, is the ability to have an immediate two-way conversation with their providers. In contrast to a health organization's Web site that only states information, Facebook provides patients with the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinions. The medium acts as a forum for health care discussions among people as well as health professionals. Patients can link to others with similar illnesses, ask their health provider questions and give feedback on their health facilities. However, the concern some professionals in medicine have is to not violate any HIPAA regulations. So the need for privacy still remains a huge issue when dealing with the patient/provider relationship.

There are boundaries that cannot be crossed for both legal and for ethical reasons. Despite many benefits, gaining health information from social media also has some negatives. While the Facebook pages give patients quick, convenient access to health information from their homes, some medical professionals also worry about the release of inaccurate health information and how people will utilize it. Social media has been a great boon for health care, but there are a few drawbacks, especially when patients want immediate answers but cannot access that information because they are not permitted to view private medical info in a public forum.

However, there are many health care companies using FaceBook and other social media with great success, not only for informational purposes to consumers, but also as an avenue to increase their business and presence in the market place. For example, For example, Careington International occasionally offers special deals on discount health care (www.careington.com/co/mc) through FaceBook. CIGNA has a presence on Linked In (http://www.linkedin.com/company/cigna), and Aetna Global Benefits (AGB) members have access to an additional online resource designed to help them easily navigate their benefits and achieve their optimal health. Aetna’s international business segment launched its presence on Face Book in early 2010, specifically designed to enhance the service experience for the organization’s more than 400,000 members located worldwide.

Social media is here to stay. Health care needs to take a lesson--no more old school. New school rules!

Until next time.

Health Care and Shingles

2011-09-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

Suffering from shingles can be a painful experience. This rash is common and can cause you temporary medical problems. Although it's not life threatening, this health issue demands attention from a physician or medical office.

According to WebMD, shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection of the nerve roots. It causes pain and often causes a rash on one side of the body, the left or right. The rash appears in a band, a strip, or a small area. Shingles is most common in older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medicines, or other reasons. Most people who get shingles will get better and will not get it again.

The shingles virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox, according to the Mayo Clinic. After you've had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles. While it isn't a life-threatening condition, shingles can be very painful. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles, while early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications.

You can't catch shingles from someone else who has shingles. But a person with a shingles rash can spread chickenpox to another person who hasn't had chickenpox and who hasn't gotten the chickenpox vaccine, according to WebMD. Shingles symptoms happen in stages. At first you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu but not have a fever. Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain area. That’s where a band, strip, or small area of rash may occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may leave scars. Some people only get a mild rash, and some do not get a rash at all. It’s possible that you could also feel dizzy or weak, or you could have long-term pain or a rash on your face, changes in your vision, changes in how well you can think, or a rash that spreads. If you have any of these problems from shingles, call your doctor right away.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the first symptom is usually one-sided pain, tingling, or burning. The pain and burning may be severe and is usually present before any rash appears. Additional symptoms may include:
•Abdominal pain
•Chills
•Difficulty moving some of the muscles in the face
•Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
•Fever
•General ill-feeling
•Genital lesions
•Headache
•Hearing loss
•Joint pain
•Loss of eye motion
•Swollen glands (lymph nodes)
•Taste problems
•Vision problems
You may also have pain, muscle weakness, and a rash involving different parts of your face if shingles affects a nerve in your face.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing shingles, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

--Age. Shingles is most common in people older than 50. The risk increases with age. Some experts estimate that half the people who live to the age of 85 will experience shingles at some point in their lives.
--Diseases. Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles.
--Cancer treatments. Undergoing radiation or chemotherapy can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles.
--Medications. Drugs designed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs can increase your risk of shingles — as can prolonged use of steroids, such as prednisone.

Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that fights the virus, called an antiviral. The drug helps reduce pain and complications and shorten the course of the disease, according to the NIH. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir may be used. The medications should be started within 24 hours of feeling pain or burning, and preferably before the blisters appear. The drugs are usually given in pill form, in doses many times greater than those recommended for herpes simplex or genital herpes. Some people may need to receive the medicine through a vein (by IV). Strong anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used to reduce swelling and the risk of continued pain. These drugs do not work in all patients.

Other medicines may include:
•Antihistamines to reduce itching (taken by mouth or applied to the skin)
•Pain medicines
•Zostrix, a cream containing capsaicin (an extract of pepper) that may reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia

Cool wet compresses can be used to reduce pain, according to the NIH. Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotion, may help to relieve itching and discomfort. Resting in bed until the fever goes down is recommended. The skin should be kept clean, and contaminated items should not be reused. Nondisposable items should be washed in boiling water or otherwise disinfected before reuse. The person may need to be isolated while lesions are oozing to prevent infecting other people who have never had chickenpox -- especially pregnant women.

According to eMedicineHealth, Many cases of shingles go away by themselves, with or without treatment. The rash and pain should be gone in two to three weeks. However, shingles may last longer and be more likely to recur if the person is older, especially older than 50 years of age, or if they have a serious medical problem.

•Pain may last after the rash is gone. This is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). About 10%-15% of all shingles patients get PHN. The older the patient, the more likely they will develop PHN, and the pain that develops frequently is severe. PHN pain often lasts months and occasionally may go on for years.

•Other possible complications include a bacterial skin infection, spread of infection to internal organs of the body, or eye damage. Scarring is common.

•About 10%-25% of people with shingles develop eye involvement. This is termed herpes zoster ophthalmicus and may involve several eye structures. The disease can lead to blindness and should be considered a medical emergency. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a variation of this infection that involves the facial nerves and results in facial paralysis, usually on one side of the face.

•Unfortunately, individuals can get shingles more than once. Although multiple shingles outbreaks are seen infrequently, they are significant because they usually occur in people with multiple medical problems or increasingly weakened immune responses. This complication of shingles often indicates that the person has increasing medical problems that need to be diagnosed or aggressively treated (or both).

•Pregnant females who get shingles are not at as high a risk for viral complications as those pregnant females who become infected with chickenpox. However, if shingles develops within a few weeks of the delivery date, the infant may be at risk for viral complications, and the affected woman should notify her OB-GYN doctor immediately. In addition, shingles at any time during pregnancy may require special treatments; the OB-GYN physician needs to be contacted to help arrange individualized treatment plans.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Two vaccines may help prevent shingles — the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine and the shingles (varicella-zoster) vaccine.

1.) Chickenpox vaccine: The varicella vaccine (Varivax) has become a routine childhood immunization to prevent chickenpox. The vaccine is also recommended for adults who've never had chickenpox. Though the vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get chickenpox or shingles, it can reduce your chances of complications and reduce the severity of the disease.

2.) Shingles vaccine: The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the varicella-zoster vaccine (Zostavax) for adults age 50 and older. Like the chickenpox vaccine, the shingles vaccine doesn't guarantee you won't get shingles. But this vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease and reduce your risk of postherpetic neuralgia. The shingles vaccine is used only as a prevention strategy, however. It's not intended to treat people who currently have the disease. The vaccine contains live virus and should not be given to people who have weakened immune systems.

So, although shingles is not typically fatal, you should see a medical professional if you feel that you may be experiencing the symptoms. Left untreated, the disease could cause long term health issues in severe cases. Those who have contracted the disease should stay away from exposing others to it, and attempt to maintain a degree of personal comfort during the period of time they are going through treatment. Shingles usually are a short term medical issue, but taking care of the problem in a preventive manner is best rather than leaving it untreated.

Until next time.

Health Care and Nine Eleven

2011-09-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, on September 11, 2001, the world changed forever. A committed group of terrorists boarded four planes and committed atrocities so horrific that the American psyche was permanently altered. To remember those images that flashed across television screens that day brings back memories of innocent lives lost, landscapes scarred and blackened in New York, Washington DC, and Shanksville, PA, and the end of business as usual.

A decade has elapsed, and yet within that time frame, a new generation of children have been born who will only know about that day as a moment in time on a calendar, and framed in context to references in history books that focus primarily on the incident from a factual perspective and not address the human element so attached to what has become known as 9/11. But those Americans who were old enough to remember the events of the day know that facts only tell part of the story. Images frozen by still cameras, and video taken by unknown numbers of recorders provide a mind numbing recollection of the horrors lived on that beautiful early fall morning.

The events of that tragic day shaped the Presidency of a new administration. George W. Bush had only been in office a few months and was focused on a domestic agenda. This month, National Geographic Channel presented George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview, a world premiere documentary that reveals exclusive, first-person insight into the former president's experience following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In the most in-depth on-camera interview he has ever given on the subject, President Bush recalls what he was thinking and feeling and what drove the real-time, life-or-death decisions he faced in the first minutes, hours and days after the most lethal terrorist attacks ever on U.S. soil. Hear in unprecedented, intimate detail what he grappled with as both commander in chief, and as a man concerned for his family and fellow citizens. George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview also takes viewers behind the scenes with extensive archival footage and exclusive materials directly from his library that open a new window into his personal experiences during that historic day that changed the face of America, and the world, forever.

But as the morning broke over the East Coast, the aircraft that left with hundreds of passengers bound for planned destinations were rerouted by terrorists who murdered flight crews and took control of what would become flaming missiles of death. Who of those bleary eyed men and women, struggling to find their seats during the early morning boarding process, would have imagined that within the next few minutes that they would never see home again? Not one of them--lives lost in the human story of life and death.

Who would imagined the night before as they were going to bed on September 10th, that a few hours later the lives of over 3,000 people would be gone, a huge chunk of the Pentagon would be in flames, a smoking crater would be in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania, and the focal point of New York City's skyline, the Twin Towers, would be dust in the wind? America, and the world, was indeed changed forever. Millions of people were affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks — from physical and mental health problems to financial loss. This large and diverse population had different exposures after the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC), and health effects have varied as a result, according to the NYC Health Commissioner.

What We Know:

Recent studies suggest that post-traumatic stress symptoms are the most common health effect of 9/11. Almost one in five (19%) adults enrolled in the Health Department's WTC Health Registry reported post-traumatic stress symptoms 5 to 6 years after 9/11, roughly 4 times the rate typically found in the general population. Risk factors for probable PTSD included:

--Intense dust cloud exposure or suffering an injury on 9/11.
--Witnessing horror or knowing someone killed or injured on 9/11.
--Little or no social support after 9/11.

Rescue and recovery workers who started rescue work on or soon after 9/11 or who worked at the WTC site for a long time were also more likely to develop PTSD. Workers from non-emergency occupations also suffered high rates of PTSD. People who experienced trauma before or after 9/11, such as losing a job after the attacks, were at increased risk for developing PTSD. Despite widespread evidence of PTSD among all exposed groups, studies have not shown an increase in suicide in the four years after 9/11.

Those exposed to WTC-related dust were more likely to develop respiratory symptoms, sinus problems, asthma or lung problems. One in 10 (10%) Registry enrollees developed new-onset asthma within 6 years of 9/11, 3 times the national rate. New cases were highest during the first 16 months after 9/11. Intense dust cloud exposure on 9/11 increased everyone's risk for developing asthma. The risk was also increased among: rescue, recovery and clean-up workers who arrived early at the WTC site or worked at the WTC site for long periods of time; Lower Manhattan residents who didn't evacuate their homes, and Lower Manhattan residents and office workers who returned to homes or workplaces covered with a thick coating of dust; people who both lived and worked in lower Manhattan after 9/11.

Recent studies show that the steep declines in pulmonary function first detected among firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) workers within a year of 9/11 have largely persisted even among those who never smoked. It is estimated that four times as many firefighters and twice as many EMS workers had below-normal lung function for their ages six to seven years after 9/11 as they did before the attacks. Among the few active smokers, pulmonary function declines were even greater than for non-smokers. Many WTC-exposed people report heartburn, acid reflux or other gastroesophageal reflux sypmtoms, often with respiratory or mental health symptoms. Since these symptoms are common among the general population, more research is needed to determine if there is a connection between them and WTC exposure.

Several studies have suggested that WTC exposure is associated with sarcoidosis (an inflammation that can affect any organ, but typically affects the lungs) among rescue, recovery and clean-up workers who worked on the debris pile. However, these studies cannot rule out the possibility that increased medical attention and testing may be responsible for the detected increases in sarcoidosis rates among WTC workers. WTC-related mental and physical health conditions often co-exist.

Few studies have addressed the impact of WTC exposure on child and adolescent health, especially physical health, although data from the WTC Health Registry's baseline survey of 3,000 children and adolescents indicate that very young children caught in the dust cloud on 9/11 were at increased risk for developing asthma. In December 2008, the Registry completed a survey of child and adolescent enrollees. The results will help determine to what extent physical and mental health conditions have persisted among children after 9/11, and whether any new symptoms and conditions have emerged. Researchers are actively studying if there is a connection between WTC exposure and other late-emerging illnesses, such as cancer. They also are studying mortality rates in those affected.

As the nation focuses its attention on this tenth anniversary of 9/11, may it's citizens remember what is good about America. May the people of every town, every hamlet, every city, and all across the country recognize that our nation is great, not because of what it owns or how much money or wealth it has, or the quality of the lifestyles it makes available to anyone, but because it is good. There is always hope that over time, the nation heals from its psychological and emotional scars. The financial recovery has taken care of itself, but there are still lessons to be learned.

The spiritual insight into what happened ten years ago has been explored and discussed and rehashed multiple times. Regardless of your denominational bent, the focus of personal relationships and the spiritual impact of a relationship with God rise to the top of any discussion about the events of 9/11. Although that day was a national tragedy and had international repercussions, it was deeply personal for everyone in America. And, for those around the world who watched the events unfold on their TV screens, it became a more personal connection with a nation mourning the loss of its innocence. What did it mean for you? How did you deal with the loss, the shock, the horror, the sadness, the fallout from images burned into your brain as you watched countless reruns of people dying? Have you processed those and buried them over time, or do those pictures spur memories that cause you to stand still and remember?

As America, and you as an individual, pauses this Sunday to reflect on the last ten years and the souls that went into eternity on 9/11, 2001, remember what's important in life. Stay close to family and love them unconditionally. Make lots of friends and be a friend to them. Love what you do, and don't stress out over the unimportant. Reflect on the majesty of the universe and of nature, and know that the Creator of all knows you by name. Pray for peace. No one is guaranteed more than a day at a time. Life is short, like a vapor. Take steps to make sure of your eternal destiny, and look to salvation in a loving God who keeps His faithfulness to those who call him by name. Security is not in buildings, or investments, or houses and land, or in any other thing. Those tangible assets provide a way to live, but they don't provide peace or comfort beyond the grave. Be ready. This weekend you should set time aside to meditate on your relationships and what you can do to increase your faith--in America, in your family and friends, and in God.

Until next time.

Health Care and Mental Health Counseling

2011-08-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Mental health counseling used to be a very secretive health care issue, as most individuals who were seeking treatment were stigmatized as "crazy", "nuts", "loony", or just plain insane. Over the past few years, those characterizations have slowly vanished as a general social opinion as counseling for mental health have become more accepted. Occasionally, someone under the care of a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist may be accused of these monikers. However, mental illness is more prevalent in today's society, and counseling is now more recognized as an acceptable form of treatment.

According to Dallas Whole Life Counseling, statistics aside, nearly one hundred years of experiential evidence has been gathered regarding the efficacy of psychotherapy. Mental health professionals have documented case after case in which mental and emotional distresses were successfully overcome, stubborn medical issues resolved and the general quality of life vastly improved. These statements are not as easy to prove through strictly statistical means, although much empirical research has been conducted that does support the efficacy of psychotherapy. (This is why more and more insurance companies are increasingly covering mental health treatment these days.) That said, although the majority of therapy clients report significant benefits from treatment, therapy is not for everyone. In the spirit of scientific investigation, the only way to genuinely evaluate the efficacy of therapy may simply be to keep an open mind, try a few sessions, and see for yourself.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health counseling, you should find a qualified Mental Health Counselor. According to the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), clinical mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education, training and clinical practice. Clinical mental health counselors are highly-skilled professionals who provide flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical, problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution. Here are a few statistics:

•According to the report, "Mental Health, United States, 2004" published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 100,500 mental health counselors are licensed or certified for independent practice in the United States.

•The majority of national behavioral health managed care companies reimburse clinical mental health counselors for services they provide.

•The median cost per session for clinical mental health counselors is $63, compared to a median cost of $75 for psychologists, and $60 for clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists, according to a January 2006 study by Psychotherapy Finances.

•All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico license or certify mental health counselors for private practice.

•Clinical mental health counselors adhere to a rigorous code of ethics and professional practice standards.

Clinical mental health counselors, according to the AMHCA, offer a full range of services including:
•Assessment and diagnosis
•Psychotherapy
•Treatment planning and utilization review
•Brief and solution-focused therapy
•Alcoholism and substance abuse treatment
•Psychoeducational and prevention programs
•Crisis management

In today's managed care environment, according to the AMHCA, clinical mental health counselors are uniquely qualified to meet the challenges of providing high quality care in a cost-effective manner. Clinical mental health counselors practice in a variety of settings, including independent practice, community agencies, managed behavioral health care organizations, integrated delivery systems, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and substance abuse treatment centers. The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the professional membership organization that represents the clinical mental health counseling profession. Clinical membership in AMHCA requires a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health field and adherence to AMHCA's National Standards for Clinical Practice. Graduate education and clinical training prepare clinical mental health counselors to provide a full range of services for individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children.

The core areas of mental health education programs approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) include:
•Diagnosis and psychopathology
•Psychotherapy
•Psychological testing and assessment
•Professional orientation
•Research and program evaluation
•Group counseling
•Human growth and development
•Counseling theory
•Social and cultural foundations
•Lifestyle and career development
•Supervised practicum and internship.

Licensure requirements for clinical mental health counselors are equivalent to those for clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists, two other disciplines that require a master's degree for independent status, according to the AMHCA. A licensed clinical mental health counselor has met or exceeded the following professional qualifications:
•Earned a master's degree in counseling or a closely related mental health discipline;
•Completed a minimum of two years post-master's clinical work under the supervision of a licensed or certified mental health professional; and
•Passed a state-developed or national licensure or certification examination.

The earliest signs of progress in therapy often manifest as increasing awareness of the various ways in which one is "stuck." Relatively early in treatment, according to Dallas Whole Life Counseling, one may likely begin to recognize self-defeating patterns or habits of thinking, feeling and behaving without necessarily being able to change them immediately. Later, after watching these habits at work and discussing with the therapist the causes and effects of these habits, the individual is able to make changes and let go of old patterns. As this self-actualization process deepens, one begins to feel more natural, spontaneous and at ease in all areas of life. Genuine emotions come more freely and relationships deepen. Old patterns of worrying and obsessing become much less disruptive. Rather than being obstacles to the treatment process, these times of increased anxiety, frustration and confusion can propel the therapeutic process to higher levels of self-awareness and more satisfying life experiences. To make the most of such difficulties, however, the client should openly discuss these feelings with the therapist so that seeming treatment obstacles can be used adaptively to further the process.

Mental health counseling has many forms and treatment options based on the issue you may be experiencing. It is best to consult with professionals who can guide you to the best therapist or counselor suited to handle your particular concerns, fears, anxieties, or other mental issues.

Until next time.

Health Care and Cosmetics

2011-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Cosmetics have been around for thousands of years. Even the ancient Egyptians used eyeliner to enhance facial features. Very classic. And that was the intent. It was extremely important to them that they looked and smelled good, because the old expression “cleanliness is next to Godliness” is that old – they believed it very strongly. The Egyptians were very "spiritual" people, and believed their appearance was directly related to their level of spirituality. And so they needed to find ways to make themselves look at least presentable, if not fabulous, according to the website TheHistoryof.Net.

The Egyptians were also very resourceful people. Some of the things they came up with were very innovative, even by today’s standards. And cosmetics was one of those things. They had a knack for developing natural formulas to solve their skin challenges. Would you believe that around the fifteenth to the tenth centuries BC, they had cosmetic products that would get rid of stretch marks, shrink wrinkles, get rid of scars, and make hair grow? That’s amazing, when you look at the line of products that’ll do those same jobs today. And today, we seem to need all kinds of research and development programs to come up with the same thing. Perhaps there’s something to be said for natural cosmetics after all. Some of the other cosmetics the Ancient Egyptians used were eye makeup, face creams and body oils, as well as a wide array of perfumes and fragrances.

According to Women'sHealth.gov, Cosmetics are products people use to cleanse or change the look of the face or body. Cosmetic products include:
•Skin creams
•Lotions
•Perfumes
•Lipsticks
•Fingernail polishes
•Eye and face make-up products
•Permanent waves
•Hair dyes
•Toothpastes
•Deodorants

Unlike drugs, which are used to treat or prevent disease in the body, cosmetics do not change or affect the body's structure or functions, according to Women's Health. Fragrances and preservatives are the main ingredients in cosmetics. Fragrances are the most common cause of skin problems. More than 5,000 different kinds are used in products. Products marked “fragrance-free” or “without perfume” means that no fragrances have been added to make the product smell good. Preservatives in cosmetics are the second most common cause of skin problems. They prevent bacteria and fungus from growing in the product and protect products from damage caused by air or light. But preservatives can also cause the skin to become irritated and infected.

Cosmetics are considered safe to most consumers. Serious problems from cosmetics are rare. But sometimes problems can happen, according to Women's Health. The most common injury from cosmetics is from scratching the eye with a mascara wand. Eye infections can result if the scratches go untreated. These infections can lead to ulcers on the cornea (clear covering of the eye), loss of lashes, or even blindness. To play it safe, never try to apply mascara while riding in a car, bus, train, or plane. Sharing make-up can also lead to serious problems. Cosmetic brushes and sponges pick up bacteria from the skin. And if you moisten brushes with saliva, the problem can be worse. Washing your hands before using make-up will help prevent this problem. Sleeping while wearing eye make-up can cause problems too. If mascara flakes into your eyes while you sleep, you might wake up with itching, bloodshot eyes, infections, or eye scratches. So be sure to remove all make-up before going to bed. Cosmetic products that come in aerosol containers also can be a hazard. For example, it is dangerous to use aerosol hairspray near heat, fire, or while smoking. Until hairspray is fully dry, it can catch on fire and cause serious burns. Fires related to hairsprays have caused injuries and death. Aerosol sprays or powders also can cause lung damage if they are deeply inhaled into the lungs.

According to SafeCosmetics.org, the Food and Drug Administration has almost no authority to regulate cosmetics. FDA cannot require safety testing of products before they are sold, and does not systematically assess the safety of ingredients. Instead, the cosmetic industry polices the safety of its own products through a safety panel that is run and funded by the industry's trade association. In the absence of mandated testing or even FDA guidance on product safety, some companies make products safe enough to eat, while other companies routinely add carcinogens and other hazardous chemicals to their formulations. The chemicals present in any one cosmetic product are unlikely to cause harm. But most people do not use just one product. Think about how many products you use in a single day - from toothpaste to soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, shaving products and makeup - and how many products you use in a year, and over a lifetime. Small amounts of toxic chemicals add up and can accumulate in your body through cosmetic use and through other chemical exposures in food, water and air. Chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects do not belong in personal care products, period.

Major loopholes in federal law allow the $50 billion cosmetics industry to put unlimited amounts of chemicals into personal care products with no required testing, no required monitoring of health effects, and inadequate labeling requirements. Neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are sold to the public. The FDA cannot require companies to do safety testing of their cosmetic products before marketing, according to SafeCosmetics.org.

You may also need to watch certain "all natural" products that contain substances taken from plants. These products may be more at risk for bacteria. Since these products contain no preservatives or have non-traditional ones, your risk of infection may be greater. If you don't store these products as directed, they may expire before the expiration date. For example, cosmetics stored in high heat may go bad faster than the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored the way they should be can be safely used until they expire, according to Women's Health.

There are so many players in the cosmetics game now, like Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Mac Cosmetics, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Avon, Clinique, L’Oreal, Bobbi Brown cosmetics, Victoria Jackson cosmetics – everybody’s getting into the picture with their own lines. And the winner of this cosmetic game is you, the consumer. Whatever type of look you want, whether it’s to cover up, emphasize, illuminate, minimize, enhance or perfect – any look you want can be had with the help of today’s cosmetics, according to The History Of. Cosmetics are products that sell, even when there’s a recession. Women will always find the money for their makeup. And the men don’t mind. After all, they’re the ones who benefit from those good looks. They’re the ones who’ve appreciated the efforts that women have gone to throughout the years, to make themselves “presentable”.

Cosmetics can be useful, but be careful. If you suffer any side effects, contact your doctor or a dermatologist. Using cosmetics definitely can enhance your appearance. Just don't give up your health to have a prettier face.

Until next time.

Health Care and Lightning Strikes

2011-08-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Americans love to be outdoors, especially during the summer. Regardless of the season, though, preparing for safety during storms should be a year round precaution. Storms during the Spring and Summer can be violent and produce large amounts of rain, hail, damaging winds, thunder, and lightning. Each one of these can be very dangerous and sometimes deadly. Out of all storm events, the one most feared by almost everyone is lightning--killing over 1,000 people every year worldwide. Plus, lightning can be extremely costly when property damage is caused by a strike.

According to Intellicast.com, lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms. In the atmospheric electrical discharge, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel at speeds of 60,000 m/s, and can reach temperatures approaching 30,000°C (54,000°F), hot enough to fuse soil or sand into glass channels. There are over 16 million lightning storms every year. Lightning can also occur within the ash clouds from volcanic eruptions, or can be caused by violent forest fires which generate sufficient dust to create a static charge.

Here are a few quick lightning facts from NOAA Weather Service:
--25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the United States each year.
--Lightning can heat its path five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
--One ground lightning stroke can generate between 100 million and 1 billion volts of electricity.
--Each year, an average of 73 people are killed and 300 injured by lightning strikes in the US.

How lightning initially forms is still a matter of debate: Scientists have studied root causes ranging from atmospheric perturbations (wind, humidity, and atmospheric pressure) to the impact of solar wind and accumulation of charged solar particles. Ice inside a cloud is thought to be a key element in lightning development, and may cause a forcible separation of positive and negative charges within the cloud, thus assisting in the formation of lightning, according to Intellicast.

When the first strike occurs, current flows in an attempt to neutralize the charge separation, according to the website HowStuffWorks.com. This requires that the current associated with the energy in the other step leaders also flows to the ground. The electrons in the other step leaders, being free to move, flow through the leader to the strike path. So when the strike occurs, the other step leaders are providing current and exhibiting the same heat flash characteristics of the actual strike path. After the original stroke occurs, it is usually followed by a series of secondary strikes. These strikes follow only the path of the main strike; the other step leaders do not participate in this discharge.

In nature, what you see is often not what you get, and this is definitely the case with the secondary strikes. It is very possible that the main strike can be followed by 30 to 40 secondary strikes. Depending on the time delay between the strikes, you may see what looks like one long-duration main strike, or a main strike followed by other flashes along the path of the main strike. These conditions are easy to understand if you realize that the secondary strike can occur while the flash from the main stroke is still visible. Obviously, this would cause a viewer to think that the main-stroke flash lasted longer than it actually did. By the same token, the secondary strikes may occur after the flash from the main strike ends, making it appear that the main strike is flickering.

According to How Stuff Works, there are several types of lightning:

•Normal lightning - Discussed previously.
•Sheet lightning - Normal lightning that is reflected in the clouds.
•Heat lightning - Normal lightning near the horizon that is reflected by high clouds.
•Ball lightning - A phenomenon where lightning forms a slow, moving ball that can burn objects in its path before exploding or burning out.
•Red sprite - A red burst reported to occur above storm clouds and reaching a few miles in length (toward the stratosphere).
•Blue jet - A blue, cone-shaped burst that occurs above the center of a storm cloud and moves upward (toward the stratosphere) at a high rate of speed.

According to NOAA's National Weather Service, you should be aware of the warning signs for lightning strikes. High winds, rainfall, and a darkening cloud cover are the warning signs for possible cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. While many lightning casualties happen at the beginning of an approaching storm, more than 50 percent of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed. The lightning threat diminishes after the last sound of thunder, but may persist for more than 30 minutes. When thunderstorms are in the area, but not overhead, the lightning threat can exist when skies are clear.

NOAA suggests following strict safety precautions for lightning. While nothing offers absolute safety from lightning, some actions can greatly reduce your risks. If a storm is approaching, avoid being in, or near, high places, open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, rain or picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, communications towers, flagpoles, light poles, bleachers (metal or wood), metal fences, convertibles, golf carts and water. If you can see lightning or hear thunder, the risk is already present. Louder or more frequent thunder means lightning activity is approaching, increasing the risk for lightning injury or death. If the time delay between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder is less than 30 seconds, you are in danger.

No place is absolutely safe from the lightning threat, however, some places are safer than others. Large enclosed structures are safer than smaller, or open, structures. Avoiding lightning injury inside a building depends on whether the structure incorporates lightning protection and its size. When inside during a thunderstorm, avoid using the telephone, taking a shower, washing your hands, doing dishes, or having contact with conductive surfaces, including metal doors, window frames, wiring and plumbing. Generally, enclosed metal vehicles, with the windows rolled up, provide good shelter from lightning.

Having an action plan for outside events is essential, especially if a thunderstorm approaches. Coordinators of outdoor events should monitor the weather and evacuate participants when appropriate. School buses are an excellent lightning shelter, which outdoor event organizers can provide. Consider placing lightning safety tips and/or the action plan in game programs, flyers, scorecards, etc., and placing lightning safety placards around the area. Lightning warning signs are effective means of communicating the lightning threat to the general public and raise awareness.

Ninety percent of lightning victims survive their encounter with lightning, especially with timely medical treatment. Individuals struck by lightning do not carry a charge, and it is safe to touch them and provide medical treatment. Call 911 and start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim has no pulse, begin cardiac compressions. In cold, wet situations put a protective layer between the victim and the ground to lower the risk of hypothermia.

Lightning is dangerous, and should be treated with the utmost respect. It is deadly when ignored. Use common sense when faced with a thunderstorm, and consider the alternatives. Being safe is better than being dead from a lightning strike.

Until next time.

Health Care and Excessive Heat

2011-08-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Summer Time. Just the sound of it makes most Americans jump with joy. It's the season for outdoor fun, water parks, vacations, no school, and much more. Families run to the beach, to the mountains, and to many fantastic locations around the country to enjoy time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The summer season is a great time to get away from it all. However, it can also be a time when excessive heat can put a damper on your outside activities. When it's too hot, your body has a difficult time managing to stay cool.

Conditions of extreme heat are defined as summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for location at that time of year. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Extremely dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation.

Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits, according to FEMA. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat. Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect."

According to the CDC, people suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.

Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned, according to the CDC. Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness.

A heat wave is an extended period of extreme heat, and is often accompanied by high humidity. These conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening for humans who don't take the proper precautions.

Here are some tips to help reduce excessive heat health issues, according to Ready America:

Step 1: Get a Kit -- Get an Emergency Supply Kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.

Step 2: Make a Plan -- Prepare Your Family.

1.) Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

2.) Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.

3.) It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

4.) You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.

5.) Be sure to consider the specific needs of your family members .

6.) Notify caregivers and babysitters about your plan.

7.) Make plans for your pets.

8.) Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class from your local Citizen Corps chapter. Keep your training current.

Step 3: Be Informed -- Prepare Your Home.

1.) Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.

2.) Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

3.) Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.

4.) Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.

5.) Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)

6.) Keep storm windows up all year.

Step 4: Listen to Local Officials -- Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

A significant amount of info concerning how to deal with excessive heat can also be found online at this site: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp . The CDC has a lot of material about protecting yourself, your family and pets, and others from excessive heat. The important thing to remember is that excessive heat can be very dangerous, even life threatening. Many people die every year from heat related issues, especially during the hottest months of summer. If you experience any signs of heat related stress, call 911 immediately for help.

Until next time.

Health Care and Counting Calories

2011-07-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

When you consider how much you eat, do you ever count calories? According to dieticians, fitness instructors, and weight loss management experts, your caloric intake has a direct affect on how much you weight you gain or lose. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that calories be listed on any packaged food product. Calorie counting is an easy way for you to manage your weight. This website has a calorie counter that will help you accomplish that goal: http://www.thecaloriecounter.com/ .

Why is calorie counting so popular? As Americans, we love easy sound bites, according to WebMD. Plus, counting calories (or fat grams) is far easier than actually understanding the complex effects food has on our bodies (and our waistlines). Calories do count, but they are far from the whole picture. Food produces hormonal effects in the body. Some hormones say 'store that fat'; others say 'release sugar'; others say 'build muscle.' Study after study shows that diets based on the same amount of calories, but different proportions of fat, protein and carbohydrates, result in different amounts of weight loss.

According to the Mayo Clinic, calories are the energy in food. Your body has a constant demand for energy and uses the calories from food to keep functioning. Energy from calories fuels your every action, from fidgeting to marathon running. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are the types of nutrients that contain calories and are the main energy sources for your body. The amount of energy in each varies. Proteins and carbohydrates have about 4 calories a gram, and fats have about 9 calories a gram. Alcohol also is a source of calories, providing about 7 calories a gram. Regardless of where they come from, the calories you eat are either converted to physical energy or stored within your body as fat. These stored calories will remain in your body as fat unless you use them up, either by reducing calorie intake so that your body must draw on reserves for energy, or by increasing physical activity so that you burn more calories. Your weight is a balancing act, but the equation is simple: If you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight.

Because 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of fat, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. So if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day, you'd lose about 1 pound a week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories). Cutting calories doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it can be as simple as:
--Skipping one extra high-calorie indulgence a day.
--Swapping high-calorie foods for lower calorie options.
--Reducing portion sizes.

Where do those missing calories go? Into our mouths and directly to our waistlines, for the most part, according to WebMD. In fact, there's a lot working against us when it comes to staying slim and healthy. Big meals and large portions (think holiday feasts and most restaurant dinners) tend to undermine our calorie-counting efforts, studies show. And being overweight makes it even more likely that we'll underestimate the calories in our meal --a definite disadvantage when it comes to losing weight. In one study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found that all people, no matter what their size, are more likely to be able to accurately guess the number of calories in small meals than in large ones. Overweight people tend to eat larger meals and larger portions, which explains why they tend to make mistakes counting calories, researchers say.

According to WebMD, since it's hard to count calories outside the lab, you may want to pursue other methods of policing your energy intake. Think of your workouts. When you exercise, you're burning calories, but you rarely ever count calories when you're calculating how much exercise you need. Instead, you count miles, minutes, or heartbeats. Ready to jump off the calorie-counting bandwagon? Here's what to do instead:

1.) Instead of counting calories, eat smaller portions. It may seem like a basic concept, but it's easy to forget that bigger portions have more calories. Most people gauge a serving as "the amount you're used to eating," a recent study found. That would be restaurant food -- where meals are served on platters, not plates. And the more you look at (and eat) huge portions of food, the more you see them as normal -- to the point of serving ourselves the same amounts at home. Unfortunately, studies show that when you're served more, you tend to eat it. One caveat: there's no reason to eat fewer vegetables; they're much less calorie dense than other foods (they contain fewer calories per gram).

2.) Instead of counting calories, choose foods that use more calories. Some foods require more energy than others to digest and metabolize. For example, if a woman were to start eating only foods that take a lot of work to digest (high-fiber, protein foods) she might save about 12 to 15 calories per day, the same amount she could expend by walking for about four minutes. But for some people -- especially those stuck in sedentary jobs or crunched for time -- it just may be worth it. Besides, foods that take more work to digest, like those high in fiber, tend to be those that are better for you. And choosing the best nourishment for your body is a much healthier food focus than counting calories.

3.) Instead of counting calories, make sure you consume the right kind. Nearly one-quarter of Americans' calorie intake comes from sweets, desserts, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, research from the University of California, Berkeley notes. Another 5% comes from salty snacks and fruit-flavored drinks. Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, contribute only 10% to the average American's calorie budget. When it comes strictly to weight loss, a calorie is a calorie. However, when it comes to your health, it's best not to blow your calorie budget on foods that lack nutrients. Nutrient-dense choices like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, while those lacking in nutrients, like candy, soft drinks and white bread can contribute to a whole host of health problems.

Eliminating high-calorie foods, choosing lower calorie alternatives and cutting your portion sizes can help you reduce calories and improve weight control. For a successful — and sustainable — weight management plan, you also need to increase your physical activity. It's this combination of regular activity and healthy eating that will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Regardless of your personal health situation, with the exception of certain medical conditions you may have, you should watch what you eat, and don't overeat. Calories can be a contributing factor to your desire to control your diet and weight. Most experts recommend a healthy mix of the right foods with quality portion control, and you should also consider a good exercise program that is right for you. And always consult your family doctor or primary care physician about changes in your lifestyle, diet, and exercise regimen.

Until next time.

Health Care and IBS

2011-07-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a common medical problem that has received a lot of attention over the past decade, and you can see plenty of TV commercials about products to help reduce the affect of this health care issue. According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a disorder that involves abdominal pain and cramping, as well as changes in bowel movements.
It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

There are many possible causes of IBS, according to the NIH. For example, there may be a problem with muscles in the intestine, or the intestine may be more sensitive to stretching or movement. There is no problem with the structure of the intestine. It is not clear why patients develop IBS, but in some instances, it occurs after an intestinal infection. This is called postinfectious IBS. There may also be other triggers. Stress can worsen IBS. The colon is connected to the brain through nerves of the autonomic nervous system. These nerves become more active during times of stress, and can cause the intestines to squeeze or contract more. People with IBS may have a colon that is over-responsive to these nerves. IBS can occur at any age, but it often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women. About 1 in 6 people in the U.S. have symptoms of IBS. It is the most common intestinal complaint for which patients are referred to a gastroenterologist.

Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn't cause permanent damage to your colon, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most people with IBS find that symptoms improve as they learn to control their condition. Only a small number of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms. Fortunately, unlike more-serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn't cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

For reasons that still aren't clear, if you have IBS you probably react strongly to stimuli that don't bother other people. Triggers for IBS can range from gas or pressure on your intestines to certain foods, medications or emotions, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example:

1.) Foods: Many people find that their signs and symptoms worsen when they eat certain foods. For instance, chocolate, milk and alcohol might cause constipation or diarrhea. Carbonated beverages and some fruits and vegetables may lead to bloating and discomfort in some people with IBS. The role of food allergy or intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome has yet to be clearly understood. If you experience cramping and bloating mainly after eating dairy products, food with caffeine, or sugar-free gum or candies, the problem may not be irritable bowel syndrome. Instead, your body may not be able to tolerate the sugar (lactose) in dairy products, caffeine or the artificial sweetener sorbitol.

2.) Stress: If you're like most people with IBS, you probably find that your signs and symptoms are worse or more frequent during stressful events, such as a change in your daily routine or family arguments. But while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn't cause them.

3.) Hormones: Because women are twice as likely to have IBS, researchers believe that hormonal changes play a role in this condition. Many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods.

4.) Other illnesses: Sometimes another illness, such as an acute episode of infectious diarrhea (gastroenteritis), can trigger IBS.

According to the NIH, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes can be helpful in some cases of IBS. For example, regular exercise and improved sleep habits may reduce anxiety and help relieve bowel symptoms. Dietary changes can be helpful. However, no specific diet can be recommended for IBS in general, because the condition differs from one person to another. The following changes may help:

•Avoid foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines (such as caffeine, tea, or colas).
•Avoid large meals.
•Avoid wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, and alcohol.
•Increase dietary fiber.

Talk with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications, and beware of these other health issues:
•Fiber supplements can make symptoms worse.
•Laxatives taken for constipation can become habit forming.

No one medication will work for everyone. Medications your doctor might try include:
•Anticholinergic medications (dicyclomine, propantheline, belladonna, and hyoscyamine) taken about a half-hour before eating to control colon muscle spasms.
•Loperamide to treat diarrhea
•Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants to help relieve intestinal pain.
•Lubiprostone for constipation symptoms.
•Medications that relax muscles in the intestines.

Counseling may help in cases of severe anxiety or depression. Irritable bowel syndrome may be a lifelong condition. For some people, symptoms are disabling and reduce the ability to work, travel, and attend social events. Symptoms can often be improved or relieved through treatment. IBS does not cause permanent harm to the intestines, and it does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or if you notice a persistent change in your bowel habits.

Plus, according to FamilyDoctor.org, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you manage or lessen your symptoms. For example, if your main symptom is pain, your doctor may prescribe antispasmodic medicines such as hyoscyamine or dicyclomine to reduce cramping. Heating pads and hot baths can also be comforting. If diarrhea is a frequent problem, medicine such as loperamide (brand name: Imodium) may help. Your doctor may give you tranquilizers or sedatives for short periods to treat anxiety that may be making your symptoms worse. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant for you if your symptoms are severe and you are feeling depressed. IBS may have caused you to avoid doing certain things, like going out or going to work or school. While it may take some time for your efforts to pay off, you may find new freedom by following a plan that includes a healthy diet, learning new ways to deal with your stress and avoiding foods that may make your symptoms worse. Good info can be found at this site: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/112.html .

Much more indepth material about IBS can also be found online at these other websites: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/irritablebowelsyndrome.html , http://www.webmd.com/ibs/default.htm , http://www.medicinenet.com/irritable_bowel_syndrome/article.htm , and http://www.aboutibs.org/ .

You can learn to live with IBS, and manage the affects of it with good common sense concerning stress, diet, and your lifestyle. Remember to always consult your family doctor when symptoms come up that make you concerned or appear to be unusual for you. It helps to get information from qualified medical personnel to make sure that your illness is easily treatable and not something worse.

Until next time.

Health Care and July 4th

2011-07-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July is the first original American holiday, and it has been celebrated for over 200 years in our nation. This quintessential Holiday has been venerated as a time to step back and revel in all that is America--Land of the Free, Home of the Brave. Just the very thought of this day brings to memory those glorious words penned by Francis Scott Key during the Battle of Fort McHenry, when American forces outlasted a horrific bombardment by the British Navy in our own waters outside of Baltimore during the War of 1812. How marvelous is it that our country is still "one nation, under God, one, and indivisible."

During the hot summer of 1776, when representatives from the colonies stood resolute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and put their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor all on the line, the country was bracing for war. When the last of 52 signatures were penned on the Declaration of Independence, those men announced to a waiting public, and to the world, that Americans were a free and independent people and no longer captive to a British monarch over 3,000 miles away. Bells tolled, huzzahs sounded, and America moved toward what would be a long, bloody struggle against an overwhelming force. Yet, with divine Providence, the nation survived intact and won our freedom against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Fast forwarding to 2011, our nation once again faces huge issues that would seem to tear apart the fabric that holds it together--political, spiritual, financial, and moral. Now, more than ever, Americans must focus on the importance of our singular spirit and what makes our nation great. Too often, families are torn asunder by strife. A multitude of pressures force men and women into impossible circumstances, creating stress that sometimes blows up homes and lives. Those topics that not long ago were taboo to discuss are now flaunted without regard to consequence, and America faces enemies both foreign and domestic.

More than just a fun weekend or day to shoot off fireworks and enjoy backyard barbeques and local home town parades, this day--July 4th--has a far deeper meaning. Beyond all the holiday sales and media events including TV and blockbuster movies in theaters, this Holiday represents all that is good about our nation. Americans come together to remember our founding, our history, and our reason for being as a people who celebrate freedom and liberty.

Fireworks are fun, and so is celebrating with family and friends. The Fourth of July is a great time to relax, and it's also a phenomenal time to reflect on the good things about America--freedom to worship, to assemble, to speak your mind, and all the guarantees as provided by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote the following words after he toured the fledgling country in the early 1800's:

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers — and it was not there … in her fertile fields and boundless forests — and it was not there … in her rich mines and her vast world commerce — and it was not there … in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

The goodness of America is not in her health care, her government, her media, her military, or any other aspect of the nation except for the goodness of her people. America is great because she is good. Why do you think that everyone in the world wants to come to her shores, and why do you think we are esteemed above most nations? Regardless of the negative stories in the media, or political hype from liberal politicians, or the horrific hate that comes from other peoples and nations, nowhere else on earth do you find the deep satisfaction of people who live here and love America--citizens or not.

Where does that goodness come from? Many would say it is due to good feelings about the country, or positive thinking about our greatness as a people--Americans. Some would argue it's due to all of the technological advances and standard of living most Americans enjoy. It has been said that the worst day here is still better than the best day somewhere else, especially when you consider life in most of the rest of the world.

However, I would suggest that you consider that the reason America is good is because it was founded on Biblical principles and still relies on Judeo-Christian ethics for its moral backbone and laws. I would also suggest, contrary to the opinion of some--including Presidents--that America is still a Christian nation. The day we forget that is the day we lose our soul as America. Reliance on the mercies of a loving God is the true path to freedom and liberty. After all, the phrase "the Truth shall set you free" was not based on a book or a mere thought. It is based on the One Who is Truth. Knowing Him will be the real source of your freedom.

Enjoy the Fourth of July. Remember how it started and why we still have it to celebrate. Think about the sacrifices made to keep it a Holiday. Then give thanks to those who keep our nation free, and ask God to keep our nation good. Thank Him for all He provides, and remember:

To lose your freedom is to lose your soul!

Until next time.

Health Care and Pace Makers

2011-06-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Pacemakers for the heart are a tremendous health asset for individuals who suffer from certain irregular heart beats. A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

A heartbeat that's too fast is called tachycardia. A heartbeat that's too slow is called bradycardia. During an arrhythmia, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. This may cause symptoms such as fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, or fainting. Severe arrhythmias can damage the body's vital organs and may even cause loss of consciousness or death. A pacemaker can relieve some arrhythmia symptoms, such as fatigue and fainting. A pacemaker also can help a person who has abnormal heart rhythms resume a more active lifestyle.

According to the Mayo Clinic, normal aging of the heart may disrupt your heart rate, making it beat too slowly. Heart muscle damage resulting from a heart attack is another common cause of disruptions of your heartbeat. Some medications can affect your heart rate as well. For some, genetic conditions cause an abnormal heart rate. Regardless of the underlying cause of an abnormal heart rate, a pacemaker may fix it. A pacemaker can often be implanted in your chest with a minor surgery. You may need to take some precautions in your daily life after your pacemaker is installed.

Your heart has its own internal electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of your heart to the bottom. As the signal travels, it causes the heart to contract and pump blood, according to the NHLBI. Faulty electrical signaling in the heart causes arrhythmias. A pacemaker uses low-energy electrical pulses to overcome this faulty electrical signaling. Pacemakers can:

--Speed up a slow heart rhythm.
--Help control an abnormal or fast heart rhythm.
--Make sure the ventricles contract normally if the atria are quivering instead of beating with a normal rhythm (a condition called atrial fibrillation).
--Coordinate the electrical signaling between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.
--Coordinate the electrical signaling between the ventricles. Pacemakers that do this are called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. CRT devices are used to treat heart failure.
--Prevent dangerous arrhythmias caused by a disorder called long QT syndrome.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some are permanent (internal) and some are temporary (external). They can replace a defective natural pacemaker or blocked pathway. A pacemaker uses batteries to send electrical impulses to the heart to help it pump properly. An electrode is placed next to the heart wall and small electrical charges travel through the wire to the heart. Most pacemakers are demand pacemakers. They have a sensing device. It turns the signal off when the heartbeat is above a certain level. It turns the signal back on when the heartbeat is too slow. If you have an artificial pacemaker, be aware of your surroundings and the devices that may interfere with pulse generators--cell phones, medical equipment, and home appliances to name a few. More info is available at this site: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4676.

Although life-threatening complications of pacemaker implantation are rare, there are certain risks when having a pacemaker implanted. Complications from having surgery to implant your pacemaker are uncommon, but could include:

--Infection where the pacemaker was implanted.
--Allergic reaction to the dye or anesthesia used during your procedure.
--Swelling, bruising or bleeding at the generator site, especially if you are taking blood thinners.
--Damage to your blood vessels or nerves near the pacemaker.
--Collapsed lung.
--Puncture of your heart muscle, which can lead to bleeding into the lining (pericardium) of your heart and may require emergency medical care.

The Mayo Clinic has valuable information on what to expect about having a pacemaker available at this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pacemaker/MY00276/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect. Once your pacemaker is implanted, it should last five to 10 years, which is the average battery life. When a pacemaker's battery wears out, the entire pacemaker's pulse generator is replaced, and you'll need another procedure to fix your device. The leads of your pacemaker can be left in place, and the procedure to change your pacemaker's battery is often quicker and requires less recovery time than the procedure to first implant your pacemaker. Pacemakers are a standard treatment for many conditions affecting your heart's electrical system. By preventing a slow heart rate, pacemakers can treat symptoms, such as fatigue, lightheadedness and fainting. Because most of today's pacemakers automatically adjust your heart rate to match your level of physical activity, they can allow you to resume a more active lifestyle.

If you have a pacemaker and become terminally ill with a condition unrelated to your heart, such as cancer, it's possible that your pacemaker could prolong the process of dying. Doctors and researchers have varied opinions on turning off a pacemaker in end-of-life situations, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have a pacemaker implanted and are concerned about turning off your pacemaker, talk to your doctor. You may also want to talk to family members or another person designated to make medical decisions for you about what you'd like to do in end-of-life care situations.

Key points about pace makers can be found on the NHLBI's site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pace/pace_keypoints.html. This website has a very good overview as well as great details concerning pace makers.

Your doctor can provide more information about pacemakers and refer you to a cardiologist for more tests. If your heart is suffering from an irregular heartbeat, a pacemaker can make a huge difference in your health and your quality of life. Visit your primary care physician for an initial diagnosis if you feel that you may be experiencing this medical issue. You only have one heart. Keep it safe.

Until next time.

Health Care and Twins

2011-06-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) twins are born once in about every 41 births. Having twins can bring great joy and rewards to a family. Sometimes, however, it also can pose a risk to the mother and her babies. Complications can occur that require special care. Have you ever seen a mother with a stroller that looks like it was made by a limo company--extra seats? When having twins, your likelihood of having healthy births becomes riskier. So, that scene with a twofer is extra special, because both babies are a miracle of birth.

When a sperm meets an egg in the fallopian tube, fertilization—union of egg and sperm—can occur. If this happens, the fertilized egg moves down the fallopian tube to the uterus where it attaches and grows into a fetus, according to ACOG. During this process, twins can form. Twins can be either fraternal or identical. Most are fraternal twins—each develops from a separate egg and sperm. Fraternal twins each have their own placenta and amniotic sac. Because each twin develops from the union of a different egg and a different sperm, these twins may not look alike. The twins can be boys, girls, or one of each.

Identical twins are more rare. They occur when a fertilized egg splits early in pregnancy and develops into two fetuses. Identical twins may share a placenta, but each baby usually has its own amniotic sac. Identical twins are the same sex and have the same blood type, hair color, and eye color, and they look very much alike, according to ACOG. Some families are more likely than others to have fraternal twins. Women who take fertility drugs or have in vitro fertilization also have a greater chance of having twins.

According to BabyCenter.com, These days, about one in 32 births are twin births. This rate has gone up 65 percent since 1980, and it's more than double the rate among women who conceive without medical assistance — one in 89. The rise in triplets and quadruplets is even more dramatic. Between 1980 and 1998, the rate of triplets and higher-order multiple births shot up by more than 400 percent, but it's crept back down over the past few years as fertility treatments have become more refined. In 2003, one in 535 births resulted in triplets, quadruplets, or more. Meanwhile, the likelihood of having identical twins (when one fertilized egg divides in half) is about one in 250. This rate hasn't changed over the decades and is remarkably constant all over the world. While identical twins generally happen by sheer chance, there are several factors that influence your chances of having fraternal twins:

• Heredity: If you're a twin or if twins run in your family, you're slightly more likely to have a set yourself. Women who are fraternal twins have a one in 60 chance of bearing twins.

• Race: Twins are more common than average in African Americans and less common in Hispanics and Asians.

• Age: The older you are, the higher your chances of having fraternal twins or higher-order multiples. A 2006 study found that women over 35 produce more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) than younger women. Ironically, increasing levels of this hormone are a sign of failing ovaries and declining fertility. But FSH is also the hormone that causes an egg to ripen in preparation for ovulation each month, and women with extra FSH may release more than one egg in a single cycle. So while older women are statistically less likely to get pregnant, if they do get pregnant, they're more likely to have twins.

• Number of pregnancies: The more pregnancies you've had, the greater your chances of having twins.

• History of twins: Once you have a set of fraternal twins, you're twice as likely to have another set in future pregnancies.

• Body type: Twins are more common in large and tall women than in small women.

Don't let anyone tell you differently -- having two babies at once is very different than having just one. And no, it's not twice as hard! Here is a site that gives you 17 things to know about having twins: http://www.ivillage.com/what-know-when-youre-having-twins/6-b-311544 . Lots of extra details on this site will help you when it comes to twins. Also, another site with significant info on twins is here:
http://www.having-twins.com/.

Most twins are diagnosed before delivery, according to ACOG. Your doctor may suspect that you are carrying twins if your uterus grows more quickly or is larger than expected. However, twins usually are diagnosed by using an ultrasound exam. Ultrasound also may be able to tell if the twins are identical or fraternal. You will need special prenatal care with twins if you are the expectant mother. You should see your doctor more often and you may need special tests. Plan to take childbirth classes during your 4th to 6th month of pregnancy. Ask your doctor about classes for parents expecting twins.

An important factor of twin pregnancies is the greater risk of premature delivery--on average, twins are born at 36 1/2 weeks instead of 40 to 41 weeks for singletons, according to PregnancyToday.com. If you find you're having twins, prepare to be on bed rest for the end of your pregnancy. That is a possibility for most twin births.

Also, one of the biggest concerns for couples having twins is the double hit to the pocketbook. The costs are definitely doubled, especially when it comes to things such as diapers and food. But there are also some advantages that can balance out the costs. Additionally, if twins bring double the happiness, they also double the stress; establishing a schedule eased a lot of the pressure. A routine is important. While the challenge of meeting the needs of two personalities seems daunting to many expecting parents, the rewards of parenting are increased exponentially. Twins can be daunting, particularly when budgets are tight. However, having multiple children at one time is unique, and can be rewarding as a parent.

Until next time.

Health Care and Drinking Coffee

2011-05-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

The global spread of coffee growing and drinking began in the Horn of Africa, where, according to legend, coffee trees originated in the Ethiopian province of Kaffa, according to the International Coffee Organization (ICO). It is recorded that the fruit of the plant, known as coffee cherries, was eaten by slaves taken from present day Sudan into Yemen and Arabia through the great port of its day, Mocha. Coffee was certainly being cultivated in Yemen by the 15th century and probably much earlier. In an attempt to prevent its cultivation elsewhere, the Arabs imposed a ban on the export of fertile coffee beans, a restriction that was eventually circumvented in 1616 by the Dutch, who brought live coffee plants back to the Netherlands to be grown in greenhouses.

The first literary reference to coffee being drunk in North America is from 1668 and, soon after, coffee houses were established in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and other towns. The Boston Tea Party Of 1773 was planned in a coffee house, the Green Dragon. Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Bank of New York started in coffeehouses in what is today known as Wall Street.

Fast forward to the 21st Century--For US coffee drinkers, the country’s wettest city, Seattle, has become synonymous with a new type of café culture, which, from its birth in the 1970s, swept the continent, dramatically improving the general quality of the beverage. This new found 'evangelism' for coffee has spread to the rest of the world, even to countries with great coffee traditions of their own, such as Italy, Germany, and Scandinavia, adding new converts to the pleasures of good coffee. Today it is possible to find good coffee in every major city of the world, from London to Sydney to Tokyo; we are drinking more and, more importantly, better coffee, according to the ICO.

According to the Harvard Medical School (HMS), research reveals that in moderation—a few cups a day—coffee is a safe beverage that may even offer some health benefits. Moderate coffee consumption doesn't cause harm, it's also uncovered possible benefits. Studies show that the risk for type 2 diabetes is lower among regular coffee drinkers than among those who don't drink it. Also, coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve endurance performance in long-duration physical activities. For those who drink coffee to stay alert, research suggests that you'll stay more alert, particularly if you are fighting sleep deprivation, if you spread your coffee consumption over the course of the day. For instance, if you usually drink 16 ounces in the morning, try consuming a 2-3 ounce serving every hour or so. Again, moderation is the key.

Regular coffee consumption is associated with a striking decrease in fatal or metastatic prostate cancer, according to a follow up study on long term analysis by HMS. According to the researchers, coffee contains "diverse biologically active compounds that include caffeine, minerals, and phytochemicals." Many studies suggest that long-term coffee drinking may be linked to improved glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. The researchers also found that coffee consumption did not appear to be associated with a decreased risk for nonadvanced or low-grade cancers and only slightly correlated with a reduced risk for high-grade cancer. In addition, the effects of coffee consumption on other aspects of health must be considered in making consumption recommendations. coffee may provide as much as half of total antioxidant intake in many settings. Compounds in coffee that may affect cancer risk could include chlorogenic acids, which inhibit glucose absorption; quinides, the roasting products of chlorogenic acids; and lignans, phytoestrogens with potent antioxidant activity that may benefit glucose.

It looks like coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidents and caffeine. Both these substances have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants, for example, help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals (which are produced as a byproduct of cells just doing their daily thing). Caffeine has been shown to help improve a range of symptoms and may even be important in fighting of Parkinson’s Disease and other age related brain diseases. Coffee is loaded with both antioxidants and caffeine, and each has different potential benefits for improving health and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, according to this site: http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongnutrition/a/coffee_health.htm . Below are some of the major findings about health, life expectancy and coffee:

•Heart Disease (up to 25% reduction in mortality risk (for women).
•Diabetes (up to 60% reduced risk).
•Dementia (up to 65% reduced risk).
•Colon Cancer (up to 25% reduced risk).
•Cirrhosis (up to 80% reduced risk).
•Gallstones (almost 50% reduced risk).
•Parkinson’s Disease (up to 80% reduced risk – probably because of caffeine).
•Headache Relief (because of the caffeine).
•Asthma Relief (caffeine again).
•Cavity Protection (because of anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties of compounds within coffee).

Coffee is not completely innocent, according to HMS. Caffeine, coffee's main ingredient is a mild addictive stimulant. And coffee does have modest cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and occasional irregular heartbeat that should be considered. Studies have been largely inconclusive regarding coffee and its effect on women's health issues such as breast health, cancer, and osteoporosis. But, the negative effects of coffee tend to emerge in excessive drinking so it is best to avoid heavy consumption.

For more health benefits noted about drinking coffee, visit these sites: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-health-reasons-to-not-quit-coffee-2460820 , http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2009/05/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Coffee.aspx , and http://www.anti-aging-guide.com/41coffee.php .

Coffee, when brewed well and tasted when hot, can be a very stimulating elixir. And, when taken in moderate consumption, can be good for you. After all, millions of coffee drinkers are happy and healthy.

Until next time.

Health Care and Ear Infections

2011-05-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

Ear infections can be a major nuisance and have the potential to develop into hearing loss if not effectively treated. Both children and adults are susceptible. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor, according to the National Institutes on Health (NIH). While there are different types of ear infections, the most common is called otitis media, which means an inflammation and infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum. The term "acute" refers to a short and painful episode. An ear infection that lasts a long time or comes and goes is called chronic otitis media.

According to eMedTV.com, this inflammation often begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds, or other respiratory or breathing problems spread to the middle ear. These can be viral or bacterial infections. Ear infections in children are often difficult to detect because most children with symptoms do not yet have sufficient speech and language skills to tell someone what is bothering them. Common symptoms of an ear infection in children include:
•Unusual irritability
•Difficulty sleeping
•Tugging or pulling at one or both ears
•Fever
•Fluid draining from the ear
•Loss of balance
•Unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of hearing difficulty (such as sitting too close to the television or being inattentive).

Ear infections are less common in adults, according to eMedTV. When symptoms do occur in adults, they can include:
•Fever
•Earache
•Ear pain
•Hearing loss
•Feeling of blockage in the ear
•Dizziness.

For each ear, a eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid that is normally made in the middle ear, according to the NIH. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. When this happens, germs such as bacteria and viruses can multiply and cause an infection. Ear infections are common in infants and children, in part because the eustachian tubes become easily clogged. Ear infections may also occur in adults, although they are less common than in children. Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked causes more fluids to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. These causes include:
•Allergies
•Colds and sinus infections
•Excess mucus and saliva produced during teething
•Infected or overgrown adenoids
•Tobacco smoke or other irritants

According to the NIH, ear infections are also more likely if a child spends a lot of time drinking from a sippy cup or bottle while lying on his or her back. Contrary to popular opinion, getting water in the ears will not cause an acute ear infection, unless the eardrum has a hole from a previous episode. Ear infections occur most often in the winter. You cannot catch an ear infection from someone else, but a cold may spread among children and cause some of them to get ear infections. Risk factors for ear infections include the following:
•Attending daycare (especially those with more than 6 children)
•Changes in altitude or climate
•Cold climate
•Exposure to smoke
•Genetic factors (susceptibility to infection may run in families)
•Not being breastfed
•Pacifier use
•Recent ear infection
•Recent illness of any type (lowers resistance of the body to infection)

Your doctor will look into your ear with a special flashlight called an otoscope. With the otoscope, the doctor can see your eardrum, the thin membrane between your outer and middle ear. The doctor may use the otoscope to blow a little puff of air in your ear to see if the air causes your eardrum to move the way a healthy eardrum does. An infected eardrum won't move as it should because the pus presses against it and may make it bulge. An infection also can make the eardrum red. If you have an ear infection, the doctor will make a decision about what to do next. Parents need to watch children over the next day or two to see if they get any bette if there are symptoms of an ear infection. The doctor also might suggest a pain reliever to keep you comfortable.

If bacteria are causing the problem, the doctor might prescribe a medicine called an antibiotic, which usually clears up a bacterial infection, so you'll feel better in a few days. If you are given an antiobiotic, it's very important to keep taking the medicine for as many days as the doctor instructs — even if your ear stops hurting. If you don't take all the medicine, the infection could come back and your ear will start hurting again. Children who have chronic, or frequent, ear infections might need a few other tests. They include an audiogram, which tests your hearing, and a tympanogram, a machine that checks whether your eardrum moves normally.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most ear infections don't cause long-term complications. Frequent or persistent infections and persistent fluid buildup can result in some serious complications:

1.) Impaired hearing: Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is fairly common with an ear infection, but it usually returns to normal after the infection clears. Persistent infection or persistent fluids in the middle ear may result in more significant hearing loss. If there is some permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures, permanent hearing loss may occur.
2.) Speech or developmental delays: If hearing is temporarily or permanently impaired in infants and toddlers, they may experience delays in speech, social and developmental skills.
3.) Spread of infection: Untreated infections or infections that don't respond well to treatment can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis. This infection can result in damage to the bone and the formation of pus-filled cysts. Rarely, serious middle ear infections spread to other tissues in the skull, including the brain.

Most ear infections don't need treatment with antibiotics. What's best for your child depends on many factors, including your child's age and the severity of symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of ear infections usually improve with the first couple of days, and most infections clear up on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a wait-and-see approach for the first 48 to 72 hours for anyone who is otherwise healthy and who is:
--Six months to 2 years of age with mild symptoms and an uncertain diagnosis.
--More than 2 years old with mild symptoms or an uncertain diagnosis.

Your doctor will advise you on treatments to lessen pain from an ear infection. These may include the following:
--A warm compress. Placing a warm, moist washcloth over the affected ear may lessen pain.
--Pain medication. Your doctor may advise the use of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) to relieve pain. Use the drugs as directed on the label. Because aspirin has been linked with Reye's syndrome, use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Although aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
--Eardrops. Prescription eardrops such as antipyrine-benzocaine (Aurodex) may provide additional pain relief. To administer drops to your child, warm the bottle by placing it in warm water. Put the recommended dose in your child's ear while he or she lies on a flat surface with the infected ear facing up. Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious, sometimes deadly, condition that decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Don't use benzocaine in children younger than age 2 without supervision from a health care professional, as this age group has been the most affected. If you're an adult, never use more than the recommended dose of benzocaine and consider talking with your doctor.

Your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment for an ear infection in the following situations:
--Children under 6 months old with a probable diagnosis of ear infection.
--Children 6 months to 2 years old with a certain diagnosis of ear infection.
--Anyone with a probable ear infection and moderate to severe ear pain.
--Anyone with a probable ear infection and a fever over 102.2 F (39 C) or higher.
Even after symptoms have improved, be sure to use all of the antibiotic pills as directed. Failing to do so can result in recurring infection and resistance of bacteria to antibiotic medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you accidentally skip a dose.

If your child has otitis media with effusion — persistent fluid buildup in the ear after an infection has cleared up or in the absence of any infection — your doctor may recommend a procedure to drain fluid from the middle ear. During an outpatient surgical procedure called a myringotomy, a surgeon creates a tiny hole in the eardrum that enables him or her to suction fluids out of the middle ear. A tiny tube is placed in the opening to help ventilate the middle ear and prevent the accumulation of more fluids. Some tubes are intended to stay in place for six months to a year and then fall out on their own. Other tubes are designed to stay in longer and may need to be surgically removed. The eardrum closes up again after the tube falls out or is removed.

Ear infections may or may not be serious, depending on the situation. However, they should be addressed if any symptoms worsen or continue. Your family physician can provide treatment and a course of action for any repeat occurrence. Remember, although an ear infection can develop any time and can cause pain and inconvenience, take the time to visit your doctor for care and advice. It's worth the extra cost to make sure that your hearing is saved, and your health does not get worse.

Until next time.

Health Care and Cord Blood

2011-05-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

One of the most recent developments in medical care is the awareness of the importance of capturing and storing cord blood. Many parents now feel that the opportunity to save this valuable physical part of their baby's new birth is advantageous to their child. According to the Cord Blood Registry, cord blood is the blood that remains in your newborn's umbilical cord after birth. Cord blood, like bone marrow, is an invaluable source of a type of stem cell that can be used in a variety of medical treatments. A process known as cord blood banking allows families to save this valuable resource for potential future medical use. If it is not saved, it is discarded at the hospital.

Stem cells are the body's "master cells" because they are the building blocks of organ tissue, blood, and the immune system. Stem cells from bone marrow were first used to regenerate blood and immune cells for patients who had received chemotherapy for cancer. In the late 1980's, doctors started using cord blood stem cells to treat diseases that had previously been treated with bone marrow transplantation. Today, cord blood stem cells are successfully being used and saving many lives. And they are being researched in an exciting new area of medicine called regenerative medicine, where scientists are using cord blood stem cells in experimental treatments for brain injury and juvenile diabetes, according to the Cord Blood Registry.

Birth is a one-time opportunity to help society by donating your child's cord blood to a public bank. Cord blood contains stem cells that can save lives. Patients requiring a stem cell transplant will receive cells from one of three sources: bone marrow, circulating blood, or umbilical cord blood. The first two exist in all healthy adults, but cord blood can only be harvested and stored at birth. The section on cord blood transplants explains that it is easier to match transplant patients with cord blood than with the two sources of adult blood. Hence, establishing public banks of cord blood from donors with diverse tissue types can save many lives, according to the Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. Birth is also a one-time opportunity to help your own family by saving your child's cord blood. Transplant patients recover better when they receive stem cells from a related donor, instead of an unrelated donor. In the future, if there are regenerative medicine advances which can repair the body with the patient's own stem cells, then children whose parents saved their cord blood will have better access to those treatments. There is virtually no reason not to save your child's cord blood. The only cautionary remarks which can be made about cord blood banking is that the cord should not be clamped too soon after birth. Much more info can be found online at this site: http://www.parentsguidecordblood.org/content/usa/medical/medmotiv.shtml?navid=34 .

The use of cord blood has increased significantly in the past 15 years, according to the Cord Blood Registry; and as uses for cord blood expand, so does the likelihood that the cells may be needed by a member of your family. Based on the most recent data, the likelihood of needing a stem cell transplant is:

•1 in 217–for an individual (by age 70), using his or her own stem cells or someone else's.

Data does not reflect future therapies that may be developed and includes stem cells from cord blood, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. According to the New York State Health Department guidelines for cord blood banking, cord blood stem cells can be stored indefinitely under the proper conditions. In transplant medicine, having more stem cells can improve medical outcomes, including faster recovery and fewer complications if the cells are ever needed for treatment. Cord blood provides a way to accomplish these procedures.

Collection of the cord blood takes place shortly after birth in both vaginal and cesarean (C-section) deliveries. It's done using a specific kit that parents must order ahead of time from their chosen cord-blood bank, according to KidsHealth.org. After a vaginal delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped on both sides and cut. In most cases, an experienced obstetrician or nurse collects the cord blood before the placenta is delivered. One side of the umbilical cord is unclamped, and a small tube is passed into the umbilical vein to collect the blood. After blood has been collected from the cord, needles are placed on the side of the surface of the placenta that was connected to the fetus to collect more blood and cells from the large blood vessels that fed the fetus. During cesarean births, cord-blood collection is more complicated because the obstetrician's primary focus in the operating room is tending to the surgical concerns of the mother. After the baby has been safely delivered and the mother's uterus has been sutured, the cord blood can be collected. However, less cord blood is usually collected when delivery is by C-section. The amount collected is critical because the more blood collected, the more stem cells collected. If using the stem cells ever becomes necessary, having more to implant increases the chances of engraftment (successful transplantation).

After cord-blood collection has taken place, according to Kids Health, the blood is placed into bags or syringes and is usually taken by courier to the cord-blood bank. Once there, the sample is given an identifying number. Then the stem cells are separated from the rest of the blood and are stored cryogenically (frozen in liquid nitrogen) in a collection facility, also known as a cord-blood bank. Then, if needed, blood-forming stem cells can be thawed and used in either autologous procedures (when someone receives his or her own umbilical cord blood in a transplant) or allogeneic procedures (when a person receives umbilical cord blood donated from someone else — a sibling, close relative, or anonymous donor). More details are available at this site: http://kidshealth.org/parent/_cancer_center/treatment/cord_blood.html .

According to CordBlood.org, families have several options when it comes to cord blood banking:

1. Privately banking cord blood for the baby or family?s (blood relatives) potential use.
2. Privately banking both cord blood and placenta stem cells for the baby and/or family?s (blood relatives) potential use, which may increase the total number of stem cells banked.
3. Donating cord blood to a bank that may place it on a registry for a person in need of a cord blood stem cell transplant or for research.
4. Discarding the cord blood as medical waste.
Much more detail on each of these topics can be found here: http://www.cordblood.org/cord-blood-banking.html .

According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are usually two fees associated with cord blood banking. The first is the initial fee which includes enrollment, collection and storage for at least the first year, and the second is an annual storage fee. Some facilities offer a variety of options for the initial fee with predetermined periods of storage. The initial fee will range from $900 to $2100 depending on the predetermined period of storage. Annual storage fees beyond the initial storage fee are approximately $100, and it is quite common for storage facilities to offer prepaid plans at a discount as well as payment plans to make the initial storage more convenient you and your family. There are several cord blood banks that are accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. Most offer information on cord blood banking as well as provide private cord blood banking services. You should be able to locate a credible cord blood bank online.

Consider this option when you are beginning a family or if you are expecting your next child. Cord blood registry and storage can be a vital way to help with health care issues that may develop with some children. It pays to be proactive with your children, and to consider all the potential options available to you when you give birth to your beautiful new baby.

Until next time.

Health Care and Easter

2011-04-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Easter is a time of celebration. Believers around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 2,000 years ago. Churches typically bring out all the stops on this holiest of days for the Christian community, and the reason to worship comes full circle as people recognize the purpose of Christianity. The miraculous took place when His tomb was found empty on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion in Jerusalem. What the world knows as Good Friday was not so good to Christ, and all hope seemed lost at the ninth hour that day on the Jewish clock. However, three days later God raised Him from the dead. Now, two millenia later, the world's Believers still worship the risen King.

About crucifixion: Crucifixion was invented by the Persians between 300-400 b.c. It was "perfected" by the Romans in the first century b.c. It is arguably the most painful death ever invented by man and is where we get our term "excruciating." It was reserved primarily for the most vicious of criminals. The most common device used for crucifixion was a wooden cross, which consisted of an upright pole permanently fixed in the ground with a removable crossbar, usually weighing between 75-100 lbs. Victims of crucifixion were typically stripped naked and their clothing divided by the Roman guards, according to KHouse.org. As a gesture of "Roman kindness" the prisoner was offered a mixture of vinegar (gall) and wine as a mild anesthetic. This anesthetic was refused by Jesus.

The victim was then placed on his back, arms stretched out and nailed to the cross bar. The nails, which were generally about 7-9 inches long, were placed between the bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) and the small bones of the hands (the carpal bones). The placement of the nail at this point had several effects. First it ensured that the victim would indeed hang there until dead. Secondly, a nail placed at this point would sever the largest nerve in the hand called the median nerve. The severing of this nerve is a medical catastrophe. In addition to severe burning pain the destruction of this nerve causes permanent paralysis of the hand. Furthermore, by nailing the victim at this point in the wrist, there would be minimal bleeding and there would be no bones broken! The positioning of the feet is probably the most critical part of the mechanics of crucifixion. First the knees were flexed about 45 degrees and the feet were flexed (bent downward) an additional 45 degrees until they were parallel the vertical pole. An iron nail about 7-9 inches long was driven through the feet between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones. In this position the nail would sever the dorsal pedal artery of the foot, but the resultant bleeding would be insufficient to cause death.

The resulting position on the cross sets up a horrific sequence of events which results in a slow, painful death. Having been pinned to the cross, the victim now has an impossible position to maintain, according to KHouse. With the knees flexed at about 45 degrees, the victim must bear his weight with the muscles of the thigh. However, this is an almost impossible task-try to stand with your knees flexed at 45 degrees for 5 minutes. As the strength of the legs gives out, the weight of the body must now be borne by the arms and shoulders. The result is that within a few minutes of being placed on the cross, the shoulders will become dislocated. Minutes later the elbows and wrists become dislocated. The result of these dislocations is that the arms are as much as 6-9 inches longer than normal. With the arms dislocated, considerable body weight is transferred to the chest, causing the rib cage to be elevated in a state of perpetual inhalation. Consequently, in order to exhale the victim must push down on his feet to allow the rib muscles to relax. The problem is that the victim cannot push very long because the legs are extremely fatigued. As time goes on, the victim is less and less able to bear weight on the legs, causing further dislocation of the arms and further raising of the chest wall, making breathing more and more difficult.

The result of this process is a series of catastrophic physiological effects. Because the victim cannot maintain adequate ventilation of the lungs, the blood oxygen level begins to diminish and the blood carbon dioxide (CO2) level begins to rise. This rising CO2 level stimulates the heart to beat faster in order to increase the delivery of oxygen and the removal of CO2. However, due to the pinning of the victim and the limitations of oxygen delivery, the victim cannot deliver more oxygen and the rising heart rate only increases oxygen demand. So this process sets up a vicious cycle of increasing oxygen demand-which cannot be met-followed by an ever increasing heart rate. After several hours the heart begins to fail, the lungs collapse and fill up with fluid, which further decreases oxygen delivery to the tissues. The blood loss and hyperventilation combines to cause severe dehydration.

The average time of suffering before death by crucifixion is stated to be about 2-4 days, although there are reported cases where the victims lived for 9 days. The actual causes of death by crucifixion were multifactorial, one of the most significant would have been the severity of the scourging. Jesus died a quick physical death. While many of the physical signs preceding death were present, one possibility is that Jesus did not die by physical factors which ended His ability to live, but that He gave up His life of His own accord. Death in crucifixion was hastened by the breaking of the legs of the victim. This procedure, called crurifracture, prevented the ability of the victim to take in a good breath. Death would quickly occur from suffocation. In Jesus' case, He died quickly and did not have His legs broken.

To confirm that a victim was dead, the Romans inflicted a spear wound through the right side of the heart. When pierced, a sudden flow of blood and water came Jesus' body . The medical significance of the blood and water has been a matter of debate. One theory states that Jesus died of a massive myocardial infarction, in which the heart ruptured which may have resulted from His falling while carrying the cross. Another theory states that Jesus' heart was surrounded by fluid in the pericardium, which constricted the heart and caused death. The physical stresses of crucifixion may have produced a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. The stated order of "blood and water" may not necessarily indicate the order of appearance, but rather the relative prominence of each fluid. In this case, a spear through the right side of the heart would allow the pleural fluid (fluid built up in the lungs) to escape first, followed by a flow of blood from the wall of the right ventricle. The important fact is that the medical evidence supports that Jesus did die a physical death, according to Blue Letter Bible.

Jesus' death on the cross is recorded history, and so is His resurrection. Those disciples who were deathly afraid of being captured and killed were running for their lives trying to escape Roman soldiers, the Jewish leaders, and the general population that had turned against their leader. The first Sunday after the crucifixion they were not jumping up and down to say, "Hey, it's Easter." Remember, they were Jewish, and it was Passover. However, after Jesus was raised from the dead, those fearful followers became impassioned leaders who took his message to the known world in spite of torture, hatred, and martyrdom. They finally realized what the message was all about--eternal life. Christianity is the story of God sacrificing His Son to restore a relationship that was broken. Jesus resurrection was a miracle, but it shows the power of God and how much that can change lives even today.

When you get ready to celebrate Easter, keep these things in mind. This holiday is not about fancy new clothes, or visiting with family, or hunting eggs. Nor is it even about going to church. All those things are fine. The real reason you should be celebrating is to realize that the death and resurrection of Jesus was to provide you with a way to live forever. An examination of the evidence for the resurrection goes beyond just exploring the evidence Jesus rose from the dead, but to the reliability of the Bible itself and whether you have evidence the Bible is true. The physical resurrection of Jesus is crucial to the Christian faith; and if you need help to prove it, here is a site that provides evidence to support the claim: http://toptenproofs.com/article_resurrection.php .

After Christ’s resurrection, His disciples and His teachings changed the world. Today, His work continues in this country and in countries around the world. Every day, countless Christians love their neighbors as themselves. And that helps create a better country and a better world. Remember the truth of Christ’s teachings in your private lives and in the public square. Every time you protect the life of the unborn, you remember His truth. Every time the sanctity of marriage is defended, you remember His truth. And every time citizens in the US acknowledge that America is one nation under God, Believers remember His truth.

May you have a blessed Easter...and may you remember to be humbled by His grace and sacrifice for all mankind. How is your spiritual health?

Until next time.

Health Care and Jet Lag

2011-04-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you have spent any time on air travel, especially going to another time zone, you likely are familiar with "jet lag.". That simple little awareness in your daily cycle that something is slightly off when it comes to your internal clock. Jet lag is common, and anyone who flies can swear to its ability to wreak havoc on your mental and physical states. According to MedicineNet, jet lag, also called desynchronosis, is a temporary disorder that causes fatigue, insomnia, and other symptoms as a result of air travel across time zones. Besides fatigue and insomnia, a jet lag sufferer may experience anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, confusion, dehydration, headache, irritability, nausea, sweating, coordination problems, and even memory loss. Some individuals report additional symptoms, such as heartbeat irregularities and increased susceptibility to illness. The cause of jet lag is the inability of the body of a traveler to immediately adjust to the time in a different zone. Thus, when a New Yorker arrives in Paris at midnight Paris time, his or her body continues to operate on New York time. As the body struggles to cope with the new schedule, temporary insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and an impaired ability to concentrate may set in. The changed bathroom schedule may cause constipation or diarrhea, and the brain may become confused and disoriented as it attempts to juggle schedules.

These are the classic symptoms, according to NoJetLag.com:

1.) Fatigue and disorientation--Becoming tired and disoriented for days after arriving. Lack of concentration and motivation, especially for any activity that requires some effort or skill, like driving, reading, or discussing a business deal. But even simple activities can become harder. And your ability to really enjoy that vacation is significantly reduced.

2.) Interrupted sleep--Crossing time zones can cause you to wake up during the night or make it difficult to get to sleep. You then end up trying to get to sleep during the day. Your built-in circadian rhythms have been disturbed. And it can take many days to readjust to the new time zone. In fact, NASA estimates that you'll need one day for every one-hour time zone crossed to get back to your normal rhythm and energy levels. So a five hour time difference means that you'll need five days to get back to normal. Can you afford that?

3.) Confusion and fuzziness--Having to go back to check two or three times to see if your hotel room was left locked or unlocked. That is typical of the effects reported by flight crews suffering from jet lag. And that is not good if you're on a business trip.

4.) Getting uptight--"Losing it" is another symptom reported by flight crews. And that helps explain why long distance flights can get very tedious toward the end. What's more, going through customs and immigration, then getting to your hotel can seem like a real challenge. In addition to the above symptoms of jet lag, the syndrome is made even worse by some common physical problems caused by being cooped up in an airliner for hours.

5.) Dehydration--That dry air aboard your aircraft can give you headaches, irritate your nostrils and dry your skin. In addition, you'll be more susceptible to any colds, coughs, sore throats and flu that may be floating around the aircraft.

6.) Uncomfortable legs and feet--Swollen limbs can be extremely uncomfortable. In some cases, it could actually prevent you from wearing your normal shoes for up to 24 hours after you land.

7.) Overall health problems--A report from the World Health Organization directly links jet lag to problems like diarrhea caused by microbes contaminating your water or food, affecting about 50% of long distance travelers. "Factors like travel fatigue, jet lag, a change in your diet, a different climate, and lowered immunity may aggravate the problem by lowering the traveler's resistance. And making passengers more susceptible to infection, or even poisoning," the World Health report points out.

If you live by a regular schedule (up at 7 a.m., in bed by 10 p.m. every night), watch out. Jet lag hits those with rigid body clocks the hardest. For parents, be sure to bring along books and toys your child can play with on his or her own, as kids are nearly immune to jet lag, according to IndependentTraveler.com. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind before any long trip is the 1:1 ratio: allow yourself one day to recover for every hour time difference you experience. So for Californians visiting the Big Apple, give yourself at least three days to fully adjust to the new time zone.

Treat your body well before you fly. Exercise, sleep well, stay hydrated and stay sober. The worst thing you can do is get on a long-haul flight with a hangover. Some travelers like to exercise before they go to the airport. (This can actually help you sleep better on the plane.) Once you're at the airport, avoid the escalators and moving sidewalks. Instead, walk and take the stairs on the way to your check-in area and gate connections. Adjust your habits before you leave. If you are traveling from the East to the West Coast, you're facing a three-hour time change and you should try to adjust your internal clock. Three or four days before you leave, start to stay up a little later than usual, and sleep in a little longer. That way, if you become accustomed to falling asleep at 1 a.m. and waking up at 9 a.m. on the East Coast, it will be the same as falling asleep at 10 p.m. and waking up at 6 a.m. on the West Coast. Traveling west to east, do the opposite: get up and go to bed earlier. Wearing two watches, one set to the current time, and one to the time at your destination, can help you prepare yourself mentally for the coming time change. Many business travelers also use this tactic to stay in touch with what's happening back at the office, according to the Independent Traveler.

Another option-a controversial one-is synthetic melatonin, which is classified in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, according to MedicineNet.com. For the purpose of treating jet lag, it is suggested that a dose between 0.3 mg and 5 mg of melatonin be taken on the first day you travel at the time you will want to go to sleep at your destination. This should be continued at bedtime for a few days once you are at your destination. Be aware that higher doses of melatonin can cause sleepiness, lethargy, confusion, and decreased mental sharpness. Operating motor vehicles or heavy machinery should be avoided after taking your daily dose of melatonin. Nevertheless, if you'd like to try melatonin tablets, check first with your health-care provider. Lots of follow up info can be found at this site: http://www.medicinenet.com/jet_lag/article.htm .

Perhaps the most effective way to combat jet lag while in flight is to treat your body well. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids. Don't be afraid to ask your flight attendant for extra water, according to Independent Traveler. Get up out of your seat at regular intervals to walk and stretch. You can also do exercises like toe raises, isometric exercises, stomach crunches and shoulder shrugs right in your seat. This keeps your blood flowing and prevents it from pooling at your extremities, a common phenomenon in pressurized cabins. Other tips: Get up to wash your face, brush your teeth or just stand up for several minutes. Wear loose-fitting clothing that breathes. Bring a neck pillow, blindfold or ear plugs -- these are invaluable on red-eye flights. Also, avoid any snug footwear (high heels or wingtips); it is quite possible that your feet will swell in transit, making your post-flight trek to baggage claim a nightmare. Even more tips can be found at: http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=67&category=5.

Jet lag—it’s real, and it’s about time you get serious about it. And by get serious, you can download an app...Which brings you to JetLag Genie, an iPhone app devoted to conquering jet lag once and for all, available now, according to UrbanDaddy.com. Think of this as your own personal sleep coach, gently nudging (and/or angrily poking) you onto Milan time before you even start packing. You’ll start by entering your flight info along with your usual sleep schedule (the Italians can accommodate your midnight grappa habit). Then, three days before your flight, your phone will wake you up a little earlier than usual, and that afternoon, you might get an ominous message instructing you to “seek dark.” (It’s probably not referring to ancient evil.) By the time you get on the plane, your internal clock will already be halfway to Milan. And for the next five days, the app will guide you through late-afternoon naps, mysterious melatonin supplements and seemingly insurmountable wake-up calls. And if you find yourself shifting gears to a sudden, kitesurfing-related business trip to Fiji... you can begin the whole process again. But bring coffee, just in case.

All in all, jet lag can be a challenge, especially if you are a frequent flyer. However, using some methods to work through the issue can help overcome many of the symptoms. Flying can be stressful. Do your best to manage jet lag so you don't add to your stress.

Until next time.

Health Care and Fever

2011-04-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Fever can be a sure indicator that something isn't right in your body, and really high fevers can be deadly if not treated immediately by a health care provider. Typically, a fever is the result of an infection somewhere in your body, and the symptoms can be readily seen in most cases. Low grade fevers may just cause you to feel sluggish, lethargic, and just an overall blah feeling. Children experience fevers on a regular basis and should be given care as soon as they exhibit those telltale signs.

Fever refers to an elevation in body temperature, according to MedicineNet. Technically, any body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 98.6 F (37 C) or the normal rectal temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) is considered to be elevated. However, these are averages, and one's normal body temperature may actually be 1 F (0.6 C) or more above or below the average of 98.6 F. Body temperature can also vary up to 1 F (0.6 C) throughout the day. Fever is not considered medically significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Anything above normal but below 100.4 F (38 C) is considered a low-grade fever.

Fever serves as one of the body's natural defenses against bacteria and viruses which cannot live at a higher temperature. For that reason, low fevers should normally go untreated, unless accompanied by troubling symptoms, according to MedicineNet. Also, the body's defense mechanisms seem to work more efficiently at a higher temperature. Fever is just one part of an illness, many times no more important than the presence of other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fatigue, joint pains or aches, chills, nausea, etc. Fevers of 104 F (40 C) or higher demand immediate home treatment and subsequent medical attention, as they can result in delirium and convulsions, particularly in infants and children. Fever should not be confused with hyperthermia, which is a defect in your body's response to heat (thermoregulation), which can also raise the body temperature. This is usually caused by external sources such as being in a hot environment.

A simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102 - 104 °F, or 38.9 - 40 °C). This does not usually mean you or your child have a serious problem. Some serious infections may cause no fever or even a very low body temperature, especially in infants, according to MedlinePlus. If the fever is mild and you have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest. The illness is probably not serious if your child:
•Is still interested in playing.
•Is eating and drinking well.
•Is alert and smiling at you.
•Has a normal skin color.
•Looks well when their temperature comes down.

Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dried out (dehydrated), or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever, according to MedlinePlus. When trying to lower a fever:
•Do NOT bundle up someone who has the chills.
•Remove excess clothing or blankets. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or cool. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.
•A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given -- otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
•Do NOT use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.

Here are some guidelines, according to MedlinePlus, for taking medicine to lower a fever:
•Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help reduce fever in children and adults. Sometimes doctors advise you to use both types of medicine.
•Take acetaminophen every 4 - 6 hours. It works by turning down the brain's thermostat.
•Take ibuprofen every 6 - 8 hours. DO NOT use ibuprofen in children younger than 6 months old.
•Aspirin is very effective for treating fever in adults. DO NOT give aspirin to a child unless your child's doctor tells you to.
•Know how much you or your child weighs, and then always check the instructions on the package.
•In children under age 3 months, call your doctor first before giving medicines.

According to MedlinePlus, here are some tips for eating and drinking with a fever:
•Everyone, especially children, should drink plenty of fluids. Water, popsicles, soup, and gelatin are all good choices.
•Do not give too much fruit or apple juice and avoid sports drinks in younger children.
•Although eating foods with a fever is fine, do not force foods.

In some cases, according to MedlinePlus, you should contact your doctor or a health care facility right away in the following situations:
Call a doctor right away if your child:

•Is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
•Is 3 -12 months old and has a fever of 102.2 °F (39 °C) or higher.
•Is under age 2 and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 - 48 hours.
•Is older and has a fever for longer than 48 - 72 hours.
•Has a fever over 105 °F (40.5 °C), unless it comes down readily with treatment and the person is comfortable.
•Has other symptoms that suggest an illness may need to be treated, such as a sore throat, earache, or cough.
•Has been having fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high.
•Has a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis.
•Recently had an immunization.
•Has a new rash or bruises appear.
•Has pain with urination.
•Has trouble with the immune system (chronic steroid therapy, after a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen was removed, is HIV-positive, or is being treated for cancer).
•Has recently traveled to a third world country.

Call 911 if you or your child has a fever and:
•Is crying and cannot be calmed down (children).
•Cannot be awakened easily or at all.
•Seems confused.
•Cannot walk.
•Has difficulty breathing, even after their nose is cleared.
•Has blue lips, tongue, or nails.
•Has a very bad headache.
•Has a stiff neck.
•Refuses to move an arm or leg (children).
•Has a seizure.

Call your doctor right away if you are an adult and you:
•Have a fever over 105 °F (40.5 °C), unless it comes down readily with treatment and you are comfortable.
•Have a fever that stays at or keeps rising above 103 °F.
•Have a fever for longer than 48 - 72 hours.
•Have had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high.
•Have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or other chronic lung problems.
•Have a new rash or bruises appear.
•Have pain with urination.
•Have trouble with your immune system (chronic steroid therapy, after a bone marrow or organ transplant, had spleen removed, HIV-positive, were being treated for cancer).
•Have recently traveled to a third world country.

Children and adults all get fevers. In healthy kids, fevers usually don't indicate anything serious. Although it can be frightening when your child's temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing — it's often the body's way of fighting infections. And not all fevers need to be treated. High fever, however, can make a child uncomfortable and worsen problems such as dehydration, according to KidsHealth.org. All kids get fevers, and in the majority of cases, most are completely back to normal within a few days. For older infants and kids (but not necessarily for infants younger than 3 months), the way they act is far more important than the reading on your thermometer. Everyone gets cranky when they have a fever. This is normal and should be expected. But if you're ever in doubt about what to do or what a fever might mean, or if your child is acting ill in a way that concerns you even if there's no fever, always call your doctor for advice. Lots of great info about this subject can be found at this site: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/fever.html.

In most cases, a fever will come and go without much intervention from a doctor, according to eMedicineHealth.com. If a specific cause is found, then the doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication and treat the illness. Occasionally, a second antibiotic, an antifungal medication, or other drug will be needed. Usually, with the appropriate therapy an infection will resolve and the person will return to normal. In some cases, a fever can be life-threatening. This is often seen in people with poor immune systems, certain types of meningitis, and severe abdominal pain. Pneumonia can be life-threatening in an older person. Any infection in which the source is not found can continue to get worse and become very dangerous. Severe hyperthermia can cause a coma, brain damage, or even death. A lot of info can be found at this site: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/fever_in_adults/article_em.htm.

If you or your child is suffering with fever, take the proper precautions to handle the issue carefully and promptly to reduce the discomfort as quickly as possible. Remember, fevers can be mild or severe. Make sure you know what to do in either situation.

Until next time.

Health Care and Oral Cancer

2011-04-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Oral cancer can be a killer, and it is extremely painful. Tobacco users have been aware for decades of the possibility of contracting this disease. However, cancer in the mouth has been a scourge of those who spin the health care roulette wheel and hope to not lose. Oral Cancer affects Americans not only physically, but also financially and in many other ways.

Oral cancer is part of a group of cancers called head and neck cancers, according to MedicineNet. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Almost all oral cancers begin in the flat cells (squamous cells) that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and lips. These cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas.

Oral cancer is a silent killer in that it may not produce pain or other symptoms in the early stages. By the time a person realizes that there is a problem, the cancer has had an opportunity to spread to other areas of the body, according to the OakRidger.com. Consequently, the death rate for oral cancer is high -- higher than that of cervical cancer, skin cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and testicular cancer. Roughly one person dies every hour of every day as the result of oral or pharyngeal cancer. Last year, approximately 37,000 Americans were diagnosed with oral cancer, and worldwide, more than 640,000 new cases were detected, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Regular dental examinations can improve the odds because early detection may lead to early cancer diagnosis and treatment. Even before a person notices any warning signs, a dentist may detect tissue changes or the actual cancer while it is still very small and more easily treated.

Doctors cannot always explain why one person develops oral cancer and another does not. However, we do know that this disease is not contagious, according to MedicineNet. You cannot "catch" oral cancer from another person. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop oral cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing a disease. The following are risk factors for oral cancer:

•Tobacco: Tobacco use accounts for most oral cancers. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; using chewing tobacco; and dipping snuff are all linked to oral cancer. The use of other tobacco products (such as bidis and kreteks) may also increase the risk of oral cancer. Heavy smokers who use tobacco for a long time are most at risk. The risk is even higher for tobacco users who drink alcohol heavily. In fact, three out of four oral cancers occur in people who use alcohol, tobacco, or both alcohol and tobacco.

•Alcohol: People who drink alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer than people who don't drink. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that a person consumes. The risk increases even more if the person both drinks alcohol and uses tobacco.

•Sun: Cancer of the lip can be caused by exposure to the sun. Using a lotion or lip balm that has a sunscreen can reduce the risk. Wearing a hat with a brim can also block the sun's harmful rays. The risk of cancer of the lip increases if the person also smokes.

•A personal history of head and neck cancer: People who have had head and neck cancer are at increased risk of developing another primary head and neck cancer. Smoking increases this risk.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, while some think this is a rare cancer, mouth cancer will be newly diagnosed in about 100 new individuals each day in the US alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Unfortunately at this time, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors. Late stage diagnosis is not occurring because most of these cancers are hard to discover, it is because of a lack of public awareness coupled with the lack of a national program for opportunistic screenings which would yield early discovery by medical and dental professionals.

In the past, oral cancer patients were predominantly age 40 or older at the time they were diagnosed. Most patients are still older, but a growing number of patients are young people. In the latter group, the primary causes are smoking, the use of "smokeless" tobacco, and the human papilloma virus. Gender and race also play a role. Oral cancer has traditionally affected men by a six to one ratio over women, but in recent years, the gap between the sexes has closed to a ratio of two to one. This change may be the result of an increase in unhealthy lifestyle choices that women are making, such as smoking. Race plays a role in the development of oral cancer in that it occurs twice as often in African-Americans as in Caucasians, according to the OakRidger.

After a definitive diagnosis has been made and the cancer has been staged, treatment may begin. Treatment of oral cancers is ideally a multidisciplinary approach involving the efforts of surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists, dental practitioners, nutritionists, and rehabilitation and restorative specialists. The actual curative treatment modalities are usually surgery and radiation, with chemotherapy added to decrease the possibility of metastasis, to sensitize the malignant cells to radiation, or for those patients who have confirmed distant metastasis of the disease, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Prior to the commencement of curative treatment, it is likely that other oral health needs will be addressed. The purpose is to decrease the likelihood of developing post therapeutic complications. Teeth with poor prognosis from periodontal problems, caries, etc. may be extracted. This avoidance of post radiotherapy surgery is important as it can sometimes induce osteonecrosis, a condition which can develop when tissue damaged by radiation exposes the underlying bone. The bone, which has lost its ability to efficiently repair itself due to reduced blood supply, again from radiation exposure, yields a chronic and difficult to treat situation. A thorough prophylaxis, or cleaning will likely be done as well.

Prevention is always best, and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as steering clear of tobacco, may help. Regular dental examinations also are advisable. Anyone who develops a sore or discolored area in the mouth should see their dentist or family doctor if the place does not heal within two weeks. People also should seek medical help if they experience difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or chewing; persistent hoarseness; frequent ear aches; or numbness in the oral or facial region according to Dr. Joshua Campbell, D.D.S., an oral-maxillofacial surgeon on the staff of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

Follow-up care after treatment for oral cancer is important, according to MedicineNet. Even when the cancer seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained in the body after treatment. The doctor monitors your recovery and checks for recurrence of cancer. Checkups help ensure that any changes in your health are noted. Your doctor will probably encourage you to inspect your mouth regularly and continue to have exams when you visit your dentist. It is important to report any changes in your mouth right away. Checkups include exams of the mouth, throat, and neck. From time to time, your doctor may do a complete physical exam, order blood tests, and take x-rays. People who have had oral cancer have a chance of developing a new cancer in the mouth, throat, or other areas of the head and neck. This is especially true for those who use tobacco or who drink alcohol heavily. Doctors strongly urge their patients to stop using tobacco and drinking to cut down the risk of a new cancer and other health problems.

Living with a serious disease such as oral cancer is not easy. You may worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities, according to MedicineNet. You may have concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer your questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or discuss your concerns. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support. Support groups also can help. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. You may want to talk with a member of your health care team about finding a support group. Much more info can be found at this site: http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_cancer/page9.htm .

Until next time.

Health Care and Emphysema

2011-03-31T15:09:00.000-07:00

Emphysema is a disease that affects many people, and it typically will lead to death in some cases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases, according to the National Institutes for Health (NIH). COPD makes it difficult to breathe.

There are two main forms of COPD, according to the NIH:

•Chronic bronchitis, defined by a long-term cough with mucus.
•Emphysema, defined by destruction of the lungs over time.
Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions, and smoking is the leading cause of COPD. The more a person smokes, the more likely that person will develop COPD although some people smoke for years and never get COPD. In rare cases, nonsmokers who lack a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin can develop emphysema. Other risk factors for COPD are:
•Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace.
•Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution.
•Frequent use of cooking gas without proper ventilation.
Much more detailed information can also be found on this website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001153/.

According to eMedicineHealth.com, Emphysema is called an obstructive lung disease because airflow on exhalation is slowed or stopped because over-inflated alveoli do not exchange gases when a person breaths due to little or no movement of gases out of the alveoli. Emphysema changes the anatomy of the lung in several important ways. This is due to in part to the destruction of lung tissue around smaller airways. This tissue normally holds these small airways, called bronchioles, open, allowing air to leave the lungs on exhalation. When this tissue is damaged, these airways collapse, making it difficult for the lungs to empty and the air (gases) becomes trapped in the alveoli.

Normal lung tissue looks like a new sponge, according to eMedicineHealth. Emphysematous lung looks like an old used sponge, with large holes and a dramatic loss of “springy-ness” or elasticity. When the lung is stretched during inflation (inhalation), the nature of the stretched tissue wants to relax to its resting state. In emphysema, this elastic function is impaired, resulting in air trapping in the lungs. Emphysema destroys this spongy tissue of the lung and also severely affects the small blood vessels (capillaries of the lung) and airways that run throughout the lung. Thus, not only is airflow affected but so is blood flow. This has dramatic impact on the ability for the lung not only to empty its air sacs called alveoli (pleural for alveolus) but also for blood to flow through the lungs to receive oxygen.

Emphysema symptoms are mild to begin with but steadily get worse as the disease progresses, according to the Mayo Clinic. The main emphysema symptoms are:

■Shortness of breath.
■Wheezing.
■Chest tightness.
■Reduced capacity for physical activity.
■Chronic coughing, which could also indicate chronic bronchitis.
■Loss of appetite and weight.
■Fatigue.

The Mayo Clinic suggests when to see a doctor if you experience symptoms similar to Emphysema:
■You tire quickly, or you can't easily do the things you used to do.
■You can't breathe well enough to tolerate even moderate exercise.
■Your breathing difficulty worsens when you have a cold.
■Your lips or fingernails are blue or gray, indicating low oxygen in your blood.
■You frequently cough up yellow or greenish sputum.
■You note that bending over to tie your shoes makes you short of breath.
■You are losing weight.

These signs and symptoms don't necessarily mean you have emphysema, but they do indicate that your lungs aren't working properly and should be evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible. Emphysema can increase the severity of other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart failure. If you have emphysema, air pollution or a respiratory infection can lead to an acute COPD exacerbation, with extreme shortness of breath and dangerously low oxygen levels. You may need admission to an intensive care unit and temporary support from an artificial breathing machine (ventilator) until the infection clears, according to the Mayo Clinic. More information can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/emphysema/DS00296.

The single greatest risk factor for emphysema is smoking. Emphysema is most likely to develop in cigarette smokers, but cigar and pipe smokers also are susceptible, and the risk for all types of smokers increases with the number of years and amount of tobacco smoked. Men are affected more often than women are, but this statistic is changing as more women take up smoking. Second-hand smoke can also cause emphysema and lung disease.

Other risk factors, according to Emphysema.org, include:
•Age. Although the lung damage that occurs in emphysema develops gradually over time, most people with tobacco-related emphysema begin to experience symptoms of the disease between the ages of 50 and 60.
•Exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive or environmental tobacco smoke, is smoke that you inadvertently inhale from someone else's cigarette, pipe or cigar.
•Occupational exposure to chemical fumes. If you breathe fumes from certain chemicals or dust from grain, cotton, wood or mining products, you're more likely to develop emphysema. The risk is even greater if you smoke.
•Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution. Breathing indoor pollutants such as fumes from heating fuel as well as outdoor pollutants — car exhaust, for instance — increases your risk of emphysema.
•Heredity. A rare, inherited deficiency of the protein, alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAt) can cause emphysema, especially before age 50, and even earlier if you smoke.
•HIV infection. Smokers living with HIV are at greater risk of emphysema — and of developing the disease at a relatively young age — than are smokers who don't have HIV infection.
•Connective tissue disorders. Some conditions that affect connective tissue — the fibers which provide the framework and support for your body — are associated with emphysema. These conditions include cutis laxa, a rare disease that causes premature aging, and Marfan syndrome, a disorder affecting many different body organs, especially the heart, eyes, skeleton and lungs.

The most essential step in any treatment plan for smokers with emphysema is to stop smoking immediately; it's the only way to stop the damage to your lungs from becoming progressively worse over time. But quitting smoking is rarely easy, according to Emphysema.org, and people often need the help of a comprehensive smoking cessation plan, which may include:

•A target date to quit.
•Relapse prevention.
•Advice for healthy lifestyle changes.
•Social support systems.
•Nicotine gum, tablets or patches and sometimes use of the antidepressant bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban) to help curb the irritability, depression and sleep problems that can occur in the first few weeks after quitting smoking. Much more information about treatment, self-care, prevention, weather related issues, and more can be found at this site: http://emphysema.org/.

Emphysema is a deadly disease, as is COPD. But it is manageable in less severe cases. Also, your doctor can be a great resource to help you battle it. The key is to avoid smoking in any situation as much as possible. If you are a smoker, you need to quit. And, avoid second hand smoke as much as possible. If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms, go see your physician immediately for a diagnosis. Much information is available online and through medical and health care facilities about emphysema. And it can be encouraging to be around other people who are meeting the same medical challenges you are. If you're interested in a support group, talk to your doctor. Or contact your local chapter of the American Lung Association. It's your life. Take care of it.

Until next time.

Health Care and Colitis

2011-03-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Severe abdominal pain is often associated with a medical symptom known as Colitis, and can be extremely painful. According to HealthProfessor.com, colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine that can be caused by many different disease processes. These processes include acute and chronic infections, inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis), lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis), and history of radiation to the large bowel. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal bloating, increased intestinal gas, and bloody stools.

All types of colitis are associated with inflammation of the colon, though some types may be more severe and potentially dangerous than others. When a patient complains of pain and diarrhea with or without bloody stool, it is important to diagnose the type of colitis since treatments are different for the different types of colitis, according to MedicineNet.com. Many bacteria normally reside in the colon; they live in harmony with the body and cause no symptoms. However, if disease-causing bacteria are ingested with bacteria-contaminated foods, these bacteria may infect the small intestine and/or colon. Sometimes colitis may occur after antibiotics have been prescribed for an infection elsewhere in the body. The antibiotic suppresses some of the normal bacteria within the colon and allows an overgrowth of another type of bacteria, some of which can lead to colitis.

The colon can be thought of as a hollow muscle, according to Medicine Net. It requires a supply of blood to bring oxygen and nutrients in order for the muscles to function normally. When the colon loses its supply of blood and becomes ischemic (isch= restricted + emia=blood supply), it may become inflamed. Ischemia or lack of blood supply causes pain, fever, and bloody bowel movements. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that give rise to colitis. Ulcerative colitis always begins in the rectum and sigmoid colon and frequently progresses over time through the ascending, transverse, and then ascending colon. It is thought to be a disease caused by overactivity of the immune system and usually causes abdominal pain, and bloody, diarrheal bowel movements. Crohn's disease may occur anywhere in the digestive tract - in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon - though it is most commonly involves the small intestine and colon. In Crohn's disease there may be "skip lesions," that is, abnormal segments interspersed between normal segments. If segments of the colon are involved, then symptoms of colitis may be present.

Colitis may be identified by flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy -- in both of these tests, a flexible tube is inserted in the rectum, and specific areas of the colon are evaluated. Biopsies taken during these tests may show changes related to inflammation, according to Health Professor.com. Other studies that can identify colitis include:
•Barium enema.
•Abdominal CT scan.
•Abdominal MRI.
•Abdominal x-ray.
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of disease, whether it be infection, inflammation, lack of blood flow, or another cause. The prognosis varies with each disease. Colitis may result in bleeding, ulceration, perforation (a hole in the colon), or toxic megacolon. Call your health care provider if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, abdominal distention, or blood in the stool.

Common symptoms associated with colitis are abdominal cramping, frequent loose stools or persistent diarrhea, loss of control of bowel function, fever, sleepiness, and weight loss. Depending on the cause, colitis may be treated in several ways, according to WiseGeek.com. One of the first steps in diagnosing colitis is identifying the cause. Some forms of colitis may be caused by infection through bacteria, certain viruses, and some parasites. For example, exposure to the salmonella bacteria or any other bacteria needs to be treated with antibiotics to resolve the condition. Parasitic or amoebic infection usually warrants a course of either antibiotics or anti-parasitic medication. Viral colitis can be more difficult to treat.

Viruses like Rotavirus or Norovirus can result in dehydration, particularly in the very young or very old. Rest and increased fluid intake are often prescribed, according to Wise Geek. However, if a person becomes severely dehydrated, he or she may need care in a hospital to receive intravenous fluids. Certain diseases can predispose one to attacks of colitis. The most frequent cause of colitis in those with intestinal diseases is Crohn’s disease, which is a degenerative intestinal disorder. People with Crohn’s are more prone to colitis and to other serious conditions like perforated bowel. Those with Crohn’s need to take seriously the symptoms listed above and see a doctor immediately. Any of these symptoms can necessitate medical treatment. Irritable bowel disorder (IB) can also cause bouts of colitis. Since IB is both difficult to diagnose and to treat, anyone who has had frequent recurrences of the symptoms above is prone to colitis and should contact a doctor if he or she suspects colitis. Especially if bacteria or parasites causes the colitis, this can only worsen IB and needs immediate treatment.

While antibiotics are used to treat bacterial colitis, they can also be indicated as a cause of colitis in some cases. Additional causes of colitis may include taking birth control medication, having autoimmune disorders, or smoking. If diarrhea and fever persist for more than two days, and you don’t have a disease that would necessitate earlier treatment, you should see a doctor quickly. If you have severe stomach pain with fever, you should not wait to see a physician during office hours but proceed to the emergency room, as this may indicate appendicitis or bowel injury. If you suspect food poisoning, it is better to go the emergency room, since some bacteria can be very harmful, according to Wise Geek. You can reduce your risk of colitis by using sanitary cooking and eating practices, avoiding caffeinated beverages, and not taking medications like ibuprofen if you have irritable bowel or inflammatory bowel conditions. Treatment for those with frequent bouts of colitis will focus on trying to reduce symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramping. Sometimes these treatments of symptoms are the only way to address colitis. Yet even with treatment, those with Crohn’s and other autoimmune or known stomach disorders should be vigilant if they suspect colitis, since other more serious conditions may also have the same symptoms as colitis.

What Factors Increase Your Risk of Getting Colitis? While the exact cause of colitis is not yet known, certain factors make it more likely a person will develop the disease, according to EverydayHealth.com. These include:
Age: While colitis can begin at any age, it usually starts when people are between 15 and 30 years old. Family history: Up to 20 percent of people with colitis have a close relative with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Ethnic background: There is a higher incidence of ulcerative colitis in whites than in non-whites, and a higher incidence among Jews than in non-Jews.
Where you live: Ulcerative colitis occurs mostly in developed countries, and is found more often in urban areas than rural ones, and in northern regions rather than southern regions.

In general, according to Everyday Health, a treatment plan may include:

--Medications which reduce inflammation and treat the symptoms of ulcerative colitis to prevent them from coming back. The four main categories of medication are aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologic therapies.
--Surgery may be recommended at some point in the course of the disease. About 25 percent to 40 percent of people with ulcerative colitis eventually have their colon removed. Some opt for surgery after drug therapy fails to control severe and ongoing symptoms. Surgery may also be necessary if a person suffers serious complications from ulcerative colitis.

There is no cure for colitis, but with the right treatment, the disease can be well-managed. Among the best ways of controlling colitis is aggressive treatment in the early stages of the disease so that you maintain remission and your symptoms do not get worse. Adherence to your treatment plan and communication with your doctor about your symptoms or treatment side effects are key to living comfortably with the disease. Research has shown that ulcerative colitis may make it more likely that a person will develop arthritis, eye inflammation, liver diseases and osteoporosis. Scientists do not know how or why colitis influences these other health problems, but they think inflammation triggered by the immune system may play a part. In some cases, the conditions that occur outside of the large intestine go away when the colitis is treated. About 5 percent of people who have ulcerative colitis develop colon cancer, which is a higher rate than for people without ulcerative colitis. The risk of colon cancer increases in each decade after ulcerative colitis is diagnosed, according to Everyday Health. More info can be found at this site: http://www.everydayhealth.com/colitis/10-key-questions-about-ulcerative-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis.aspx .

Colitis is a very serious medical issue that needs immediate attention if you suspect that you may be experiencing any of the symptoms. To prevent more serious health care issues, and to get the proper prescribed treatment, go to your family physician or closest medical clinic to get treated. If your symptoms get worse or don't go away, do not delay seeking medical care as the problem only gets more severe and may result in more critical health issues. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any family history of colitis or any symptoms that have been recurring with you relative to this disease. Always seek proper health care advice from a qualified medical provider for this or any other symptoms.

Until next time.

Health Care and Bedwetting

2011-02-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

Soggy sheets and pajamas — and an embarrassed child — are a familiar scene in many homes. But don't despair. Bed-wetting isn't a sign of toilet training gone bad. It's often just a developmental stage. Bed-wetting is also known as nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis. Generally, bed-wetting before age 6 or 7 isn't cause for concern. At this age, nighttime bladder control simply may not be established. If bed-wetting continues, treat the problem with patience and understanding. Bladder training, moisture alarms or medication may help reduce bed-wetting, according to the Mayo Clinic.

A number of things can cause bed-wetting, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Some of the more common causes of bed-wetting include the following:
•Genetic factors (it tends to run in families).
•Difficulties waking up from sleep.
•Stress.
•Slower than normal development of the central nervous system (which reduces the child's ability to stop the bladder from emptying at night).
.•Hormonal factors (not enough antidiuretic hormone is produced, which is the hormone that slows urine production at night).
•Urinary tract infections.
•Abnormalities in the urethral valves in boys or in the ureter in girls or boys.
•Abnormalities in the spinal cord.
•A small bladder.

Bed-wetting is not a mental or behavior problem. It doesn't happen because the child is too lazy to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Children achieve bladder control at different ages, according to Family Doctor; and by the age of 6 years, most children no longer urinate in their sleep. Bed-wetting up to 6 years of age is not unusual, even though it may be frustrating to parents. If a child is younger than 6 years of age, treatment for bed-wetting usually is not necessary. Although most children who wet the bed are healthy, your doctor can help you determine whether your child’s bed-wetting is caused by a medical problem. First, your doctor will ask questions about your child's daytime and nighttime bathroom habits. Then your doctor will do a physical exam and probably a urine test (called a urinalysis) to check for infection or diabetes.

According to Family Doctor, your doctor may also ask about how things are going at home and at school for your child. Although you may be worried about your child's bed-wetting, studies have shown that children who wet the bed are not more likely to be emotionally upset than other children. Your doctor will also ask about your family life, because treatment may depend on changes at home. Your doctor may give your child medicine if your child is 7 years of age or older and if behavior therapy has not worked. But medicines aren't a cure for bed-wetting. One kind of medicine helps the bladder hold more urine, and the other kind helps the kidneys make less urine. These medicines may have side effects, such as dry mouth and flushing of the cheeks.

The most important reason to treat enuresis is to minimize the embarrassment and anxiety of the child and the frustration experienced by the parents, according to Medscape.com. Most children with enuresis feel very much alone with their problem. Family members with a history of enuresis should be encouraged to share their experiences and offer moral support to the child. The knowledge that another family member had and outgrew the problem can be therapeutic. A positive attitude and motivation to be dry are important components of treatment. Children with enuresis benefit from a caring and patient attitude by their parents; punishment has no role. A positive approach by the physician is also important to instill confidence and enhance compliance. Many children have given up on the concept of dryness, and an optimistic attitude should be encouraged. Behavioral modification with positive reinforcement may enhance treatment results. Consistent follow-up is important to gauge the therapeutic results. An explanation of the probable cause of the enuresis is important for every family. If a child has no daytime symptoms or has experienced significant dry spells in the past, the presence of a structural abnormality as a cause of the enuresis is unlikely. This should be explained to the parents to allay any fears about other causes and to reassure that invasive investigations are not necessary. Parents should be asked to provide specific examples of potential causes that have them worried, so that these often irrational fears can be discussed and relieved. Much more detail can be found at this site: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1014762-treatment.

Bed-wetting can lead to behavior problems because a child may feel guilt and embarrassment, according to Family Doctor. It's true that your child should take responsibility for bed-wetting (this could mean having your child help with the laundry). But your child shouldn't be made to feel guilty. It's important for your child to know that bed-wetting isn't his or her "fault." Punishing your child for wetting the bed will not solve the problem. It may help your child to know that no one knows the exact cause of bed-wetting. Explain that it tends to run in families (for example, if you wet the bed as a child, you should share that information with your child). Remind your child that it's okay to use the bathroom during the night. Place nightlights leading to the bathroom so your child can easily find his or her way. You may also cover your child's mattress with a plastic cover to make cleanup easier. If accidents occur, praise your child for trying and for helping clean up.

While bedwetting can be a symptom of an underlying disease, the large majority of children who wet the bed have no underlying disease, according to eMedicineHealth.com. In fact, a true organic cause is identified in only about 1% of children who wet the bed. However, this does not mean that the child who wets the bed can control it or is doing it on purpose. Children who wet the bed are not lazy, willful, or disobedient. There are two types of bedwetting: primary and secondary. Primary bedwetting refers to bedwetting that has been ongoing since early childhood without a break. A child with primary bedwetting has never been dry at night for any significant length of time. Secondary bedwetting is bedwetting that starts again after the child has been dry at night for a significant period of time (at least six months). Much more detailed material about bedwetting can be found at this site: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bedwetting/article_em.htm.

According to ChildDevelopmentInfo.com, almost all children outgrow their bed-wetting habit. As children mature, their muscles become stronger and their bladder capacity increases. They tend to sleep less deeply and to become more sensitive to messages the bladder sends to the brain. There are two approaches to treatment: Medical or Behavioral. The medical treatment usually consists of the use of one of two drugs--Imipramine (Tofranil) or Desmopressin Acetate. Behavioral treatment is often more effective and certainly is safer than medical treatment. While behavioral treatment may take somewhat longer to show results, the improvement usually continues indefinitely. More info about treatment can be found at this website: http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/disorders/bedwetting.shtml.

Although embarrassing for children, and frustrating for parents, bedwetting can be resolved over time with patience, encouragement, and treatment. Remember that the condition is most likely temporary and should be resolved in time. Talk with your family doctor, and discuss the situation with your child in a non-theatening manner. It's just as much a difficult circumstance for your kid as it is for you. Understanding, common sense, awareness, and love rule the day. Take a deep breath and don't lose control. Keep in mind that you were a child once, too.

Until next time.