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Senior America's
Health
Section
I have about four new articles for August
Weight Control...
DAILY ACTIVITY ADDS UP.
You know regular workouts are a good way to help manage your weight. But research from Mayo Clinic suggests that everyday physical activities have an important impact on weight, too.
Researchers examined the 24-hour activity level in 10 lean adults and 10 mildly obese adults for 10 days.
Study participants wore special suits that allowed their movements to be measured throughout the day. They worked, ate, slept and lived in their usual ways.
The result? The mildly obese adults were seated for 164 minutes more a day compared with the lean adults, reports James Levine, M.D., Mayo Clinic, and his research team in the journal Science.
Sleep times were identical, so the difference was from the amount of daytime activity. This included simple activities such as walking or even standing instead of sitting.
If the obese adults were as active as were the lean adults, they would have expended an added 350 calories over the day. Message? Get moving!
TO HELP MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT, COMBINE A DAILY STRUCTURED EXERCISE PROGRAM WITH REGULAR LIFESTULE ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS DOING YOUR OWN YARDWORK OR SOMETIMES WALKING TO A CO-WORKER’S OFFICE INSTEAD OF E-MAILING MESSAGES
Written by: Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
Source: Mayo Clinic Health Information July 2006 issue.
LESSONS OF HAPPINESS………………..
You have probably heard about the power of positive thinking. But did you know that it applies to your health too? Studies show that being optimistic may improve your immune system and eve extend your life.
Here’s some example; Between 1962 and 1965, Mayo Clinic researchers asked 839 people to complete a personality; questionnaire. Thirty years late, those people in the original group who were identified as being highly pessimistic were much more likely to report poor physical or mental health or to have dies prematurely. The researchers concluded that having an optimistic outlook can improve one’s health.
To be more optimistic in your daily life, try these six strategies.
1. Be on the lookout for negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking your life is terrible, stop and thought in its tracks.
2. Put things in perspective. Remember, everyone’s life is full of sorrows and joys.
3. Try to find the good in bad situations. If you’ve suffered a setback at work, for example, look at what the situation tells you about yourself and learn from it. But don’t dwell on it.
4. Learn from your mistakes. Failure is one of the greatest learning tools, but many people let failure defeat them. Learn and try, try again.
5. Even if you’re feeling down, act as if your mood is good. Smile at others. Laugh. After a while, you may find that your mood really does improve.
6. Be grateful. Gratitude can help you focus on what’s right in your life.
Pay attention to how your view of life may be bringing you down. With practice, you’ll be able to replace your negative thoughts with more positive ones.
Source: Mayo Clinic health Information. July 2005 issue.
ON YOUR MIND……..
DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT.
What if the car breaks down? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I don’t get that promotion?
Worrying can wear you out. Before you let everyday worries weigh you down, consider these questions.
What exactly am I worried about?
What am I predicting will happen?
How likely is it that this will happen?
How will things seem a few weeks or months from now?
What’s the worst possible outcome? Could I survive it?
If there anything I can do to prevent that outcome?
If the answer to the last question is no, your mission is to manage your worry;. Try these strategies.
• Create a diversion. Clean the basement. Go for a walk. Listen to your favorite CD. Work in the garden. Meditate or pray.
• Talk it out. Share your problems with a close friend who can help you gain perspective.
• Create a daily “worry time.” Maybe you will “worry” from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. If you start to fret about something at a different time, postpone it until the designated worry time.
• Adopt a physically active lifestyle. Exercise is a wonderful way to manage stress.
If none of these strategies seems to work and you find yourself increasingly anxious, you may have an anxiety disorder. Talk with your doctor or a licensed mental health care provide.
Source: Mayo clinic Health July 2005 issue.
THE CHIROPRACTIC CONUNDRUM
Arguments on the art of skeletal manipulation…..
Some people swear by chiropractors. Others lump them in with witch doctors, preferring to avoid a field with a reputation for “snap, crackle, and pop. In reality, chiropractic care is not nearly so violent. Chiropractors diagnose and treat lower-back pain by correcting soft-tissue irregularities, muscle imbalances, and skeletal misalignments. “Most people see a chiropractor before they see a physician, and that works for short-term pain relief,” says Physiatrist Venu Akuthota, M.D., the medical director of the University of Colorado’s Spine Center. “But with chronic conditions, chiropractors don’t always find the underlying cause.”
Andre Silano, a chiropractor in Tempe, Arizona, disagrees. Many of hi clients come in for long-term treatment of acute and chronic spinal conditions. Silano is also one of a growing number of chiropractors who treat herniated disks with spinal decompression, a nonsurgical therapy that uses traction to relieve pressure on the disk, allowing the fluid to return and the healing process to begin. “Is like putting the jellly back in the doughnut.” Silano says.
Source: Best life, May 2006 issue
Here is a very important article that everyone should read.
DOCTOR’S SECRET #1
THE COLD AND FLU REMEDY THAT FIGHTS CANCER………You’ve probably heard of natural cold remedies like Echinacea, goldenseal and garlic. But here’s one that’s even better…..one that many doctors take every day to ward off all kinds of illnesses.
This amazing remedy boosts your immunity against colds and flu……
….
It kills all kinds of infection – from viruses to bacteria to fungal infections…..
It helps heal bronchitis and pneumonia…
…..
And it’s one of the world’s best ways to prevent cancer!
So just what is the miracle remedy? It’s an ancient Chinese herb called Huang qi. But you probably know it by its more common name, astragalus.
Dozens of studies show that astragalus is a powerful immune booster that increases your body’s production of T-cells, macrophages and NK (natural killer) cells. And recent studies show it’s a potent cancer fighter as well.
In one study, astragalus was able to restore immune function in 90% of the cancer patients studied. And in two other studies, cancer patients receiving astragalus had TWICE the survival rate of those who only received standard therapies!
That makes astragalus one powerful immunity booster! And unlike other immune-boosting herbs, like Echinacea and goldenseal, you can take astragalus every day, with no adverse side effects.
You can find astragalus in capsule form at most health food stores. Or, you can buy the whole root at Chinese markets and greengrocers, and use it when you’re cooking.
Simply add the root to your favorite soup, stew or rice dish. Let simmer for 30 minutes, then remove the root and discard. It leaves no discernible taste, but packs plenty of medical wallop.
Source: Bottom Line Health issue winter 2005
Compiled by: Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
This Section Presents Health Articles from a variety of sources.
This months first subject:
People with arthritis often take a variety of medications to deal with their pain and stiffness. But, by staying active and learning to manage their pain and stress, they can get up to eighty percent more relief from pain and joint tenderness than they can get from medication alone. “Clearly, taking arthritis medication is important, but what people do for themselves, including exercising, practicing relaxation techniques and managing their emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to their ability to lead active, productive lives,” says Kate Lorig, MD, PhD, an associate professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, in Palo Alto, Ca. and director of the Stanford Patient Education Research Center. She and her colleagues developed the Arthritis Self Management Program, which is offer nation wide by the arthritis foundation. Adding the following self care steps to your daily routine can help you cope with your pain and stiffness.
ESSENTIAL SELF-CARE………..
Exercise regularly. Doing gentle flexibility and strengthening exercises daily helps build and preserve muscle strength, protects joints from further stress and keeps them flexible. Yoga is an excellent activity for arthritis sufferers because the movements and positions are gentle and can be done at your own pace.
Practice pain- and stress-managements techniques. “Progressive muscle relaxation, in which you lay down and relax one set of muscles at a time, continuing throughout the body, is especially helpful,” says Dr. Lorig.
Apply moist heat and cold packs. Heat can ease chronic osteoarthritis pain, while cold applications usually are best for sever pain experience during flare-ups. Depending on your symptoms and the time of day, you might find either heat or cold or a combination of the two is most beneficial.
Keep your weight under control. Excess weight can stress weight-bearing joints and worsen osteoarthritis. If you’re ten pounds or more overweight, try to slim down by reducing your fat consumption. People with gout a form of arthritis that can be aggravated by wine and meat, can benefit by taking vitamin C, which may help repair cartilage, and omega 3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation.
Protect your joints. Ask a Physical Therapist to teach you how to use your joints in way that won’t further stress them.
Join a support group. This is one of the best ways to educate yourself about conditions and receive emotional support from people who know what you are going through.
Source: Bottom Line Health issue winter 2005
Compiled by: Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
This months second subject:
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CAN COMPLIMENT YOUR TREATMENT……
Many people with arthritis, cancer and other illnesses, use alternative or complementary medicine (CAM), such as acupuncture, herbs or vitamins and minerals, without telling their doctors, according to a study published in 1999 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
In the study of 232 people with arthritis, two-thirds had used CAM but only half had told their doctors. The most common reasons for not discussing their CAM use were that the doctor hadn’t asked about it and that the patient forgot to tell the doctor. Few people in the study said they didn’t talk about CAM because they thought their doctor wouldn’t approve.
CAM also includes dietary changes, dietary supplements, massage, exercise and mind-body therapies.
The following suggestions can help you work with your doctor if you choose to use alternative therapies.
• Keep your health care provider informed of any alternative therapies you’re using or considering.
• Don’t assume your provider will respond negatively. Today, many providers acknowledge the effectiveness of certain alternative approaches. Many of them also work with complementary therapists and may be able to recommend a massage therapist or acupuncturist.
• Ask your provider if he or she sees anything in your medical history or current health profile that could make a particular alternative therapy risky for you.
• Ask your provider to monitor therapies with potential or documented dangers, including herbal preparations, dietary regimens and supplements, medical agents delivered by injection, intravenous infusion and certain forms of spinal manipulation.
• Tell your provider if an alternative provider advises you to do something that is against his or her medical recommendations.
• Ask your provider if he or she knows a lot about a remedy you’re using or thinking of trying. If the provider has reservations about the therapy, ask for a detailed explanation.
• Offer information if your provider doesn’t know about a therapy you’re using. If your provider doesn’t have enough time to stay current on every kind of alternative treatments, it’s your responsibility to research the risks and benefits of a particular remedy. You can also ask your alternative practitioner to send your health care provider information on the alternative treatment plan.
• Ask for a prescription or referral if your doctor approves or doesn’t object to an alternative treatment. Some therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care, may be covered by your health plan if your doctor prescribes it.
Source: Bottom Line Health issue winter 2005
Compiled by: Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
This months third subject:
CUT YOUR HEALTHCARE COSTS………
Screenings can help your healthcare provider diagnose dangerous conditions such as cancer, high cholesterol early, when they’re more likely to be treated successfully. Screening can also save you money in the long run. By getting early treatment, you can avoid the high cost of care that goes along with a condition in it’s advanced stage.
Source: Bottom Line Health issue winter 2005
Compiled by: Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
This months Forth subject:
Rx SAFETY TIP………
Know the difference between TBSP (tablespoon) and TSP (teaspoon). They are very different doses. Be careful about converting dose instructions. If the label says two teaspoon, is best to use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons, not a common kitchen spoon. When in doubt, call your doctor or ask your pharmacist for a measuring devise.
Source: Vitality 2006.
Compiled by Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
Fifth subject:
DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH……………
RED WINE ISN’T THE ONLY DISEASE-FIGHTING DRINK ON THE BAR MENU: Researchers at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth have discovered a new compound in cranberries (the juice of which is a main ingredient in the cosmopolitan cocktail) that inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells.
BONUS: The compound may be most active in alcohol. Just stick to one cocktail-other research shows that consuming more than two drinks per day is linked with an increased risk of cancer.
Source: Fitness, May 2006.
Compiled by Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
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