HELLO, HAY FEVER

Hay fever, a common condition in the US, affects people of all ages. "Hay Fever is a generic term for a pollen allergy," explains Timothy Craig, D.O., an allergy researcher and associate professor of medicine at Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center. People who have hay fever also may experience sleepiness, poor sleep, wheezing, and a dry throat. New allergy sufferers may think they have a cold until noticing that the same "cold" reoccurs each spring, summer, or fall. Allergies develop when the immune system perceives airborne tree, grass, and weed pollens - items which are normally harmless - as invaders. The immune system reacts by developing antibodies or sensitized cells that produce a host of protective chemicals, including histamine, to fight off perceived threats. This defense triggers congestion, stuffiness, and sneezing. The more you come in contact with allergens the more "sentisitized" you become, increasing your odds of suffering an allergic reaction. Studies show that if your parents have allergies, you may suffer too. Allergies can reappear after years of remission, and they can develop at any time. The severity of the symptoms seems to diminish with age. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests these tips to lessen exposure to pollen or molds that trigger allergies:

• Keep windows closed to prevent pollens and molds from drifting into your house.




• Keep car windows closed when traveling.




• Use an air conditioner in your home or car to keep the air dry and cool.




• Try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high.




• At the height of pollen season, take a vacation to a pollen-free area, such as a beach.




• Don't hang sheets or clothing outside to dry.




• Don't mow the grass or rake.




• Don't grow too many indoor plants or overwater your plants; wet soil encourages mold growth.

source: http://www.bhg.com/

Don't Touch That! 8 Ways to Protect Yourself From Germs in Public Places

On average, an adult can touch as many as 30 objects within a minute, including germ-harboring, high-traffic surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, phone receivers and remote controls. At home, you do all you can to keep germs at bay. But what happens when you go out to dinner, do some grocery shopping or visit the doctor's office? If you know where germs are most likely to lurk, you can protect yourself.

1. Restaurant Menus

Have you ever seen anyone wash a menu? Probably not. A study in the Journal of Medical Virology reported that cold and flu viruses can survive for 18 hours on hard surfaces. If it's a popular restaurant, hundreds of people could be handling the menus - and passing their germs on to you. Never let a menu touch your plate or silverware, and be sure to wash your hands after you place your order.

2. Lemon Wedges

According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Environmental Health, nearly 70 percent of the lemon wedges perched on the rims of restaurant glasses contain disease-causing microbes. When the researchers ordered drinks at 21 different restaurants, they found 25 different microorganisms lingering on the 76 lemons they secured, including E. coli and other fecal bacteria. Tell your server that you'd prefer your beverage sans fruit. Why risk it?

3. Condiment Dispensers

It's the rare eatery that regularly cleans its condiment containers. And the reality is that many people don't wash their hands before eating, says Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., a germs specialist and public health professor at the University of Arizona. So while you may be diligent, the guy who poured the ketchup before you may not have been, which means his germs are now on your fingers - and your fries. Squirt hand sanitizer on the outside of the condiment bottle or use a disinfectant wipe before you grab it.

4. Restroom Door Handles

Don't think you can escape the restroom without touching the door handle? Palm a spare paper towel after you wash up and use it to grasp the handle. Yes, other patrons may think you are a germ-phobe, but you will never see them again, and you're the one who won't get sick.

5. Soap Dispensers

About 25 percent of public restroom dispensers are contaminated with fecal bacteria. Soap that harbors bacteria may seem ironic, but that's exactly what a University of Arizona study found. "Most of these cntainers are never cleaned, so bacteria grow as the soap scum builds up," says microbiologist Charles Gerba, Ph.D., who directed the study. "And the bottoms are touched by dirty hands, so there's a continuous culture feeding millions of bacteria." Be sure to scrub your hands thoroughly with plenty of hot water for 15 to 20 seconds - and if you happen to have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, use that, too.

6. Grocery Carts

The handles of almost two-thirds of the shopping carts tested in a 2007 study at the University of Arizona were contaminated with fecal bacteria. In fact, the bacterial counts of the carts exceeded those of the average public restroom. To protect yourself: Swab the handle with a disinfectant wipe before grabbing hold. And while you're wheeling around the supermarket, skip the free food samples, which are nothing more than communal hand-to-germ-to-mouth zones.

7. Airplane Bathrooms

When microbiologist charles Gerba, Ph.D., tested for microbes in the bathrooms of commercial jets, he found surfaces from faucets to doorknobs to be contaminated with E. coli. It's not surprising, then, that people often get sick after traveling by plane. Clean your hands thoroughly with a sanitizer and try not to directly touch the surfaces.

8. Doctors' Offices

A doctor's office is not the place to be if you're trying to avoid germs. To limit your exposure: Bring your own books and magazines and pack your own tissues and hand sanitizers, which should have an alcohol content of at least 60 percent. If possible, in the waiting room, leave at least two chairs between you and the other patients to reduce your chances of picking up their bugs. Germ droplets from coughing and sneezing can travel about 3 feet before falling to the floor.

source: http://www.prevention.com/

Rainbow of colors key to a healthy eating program


Every year in March, the American Dietetic Association focuses our attention on returning to the basics of healthy eating. This year, National Nutrition Month's theme is to "Eat Right with Color," to encourage consumers to remember to include a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables. The recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends an increased focus on plant-based diets. This combined with lean meats, fish, poultry and low-fat dairy products creates a rainbow of colors on the plate that serve as the foundation for a healthful eating plan. You can "eat right with color" by choosing these foods daily:


RED indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.


Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grapefruit, red grapes and watermelon.


Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes and tomatoes.


GREEN produce indicates antioxidants and may help promate healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.


Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime.


Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers, leafy greens and spinach.


PURPLE and BLUE foods may have antioxidant and anit-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.


Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins.


Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato.


ORANGE and DEEP YELLOW fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.


Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple.


Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes.


WHITE, TAN and BROWN foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.


Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches.


Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, turnips, parsnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn.


sourcr: http://www.signonsandiego/

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. While this first Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. April 22 corresponds to spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day.

TOOLS FOR EVALUATING QUALITY SENIOR HOME CARE

Seniors needing caregiving services often find themselves in a last-minute situation. This is because they may have experienced a sudden age-related illness and upon hospital discharge must quickly find the right nursing home for rehabilitation or the right senior home care services. Seniors and their families can now turn to www.caregiverlist.com to assist them in making fast decisions about the right senior care. Seniors and their families may evaluate care options, learn about quality standards for senior home care agencies and nursing homes and compare costs and options in their area.

Content on Caregiverlist.com includes:

• Daily prices of nursing homes nationwide


• average costs of senior home care nationwide


• "By state" senior service programs with contact information


• Rates and services of quality licensed senior home care agencies.

As many seniors prefer to remain in their own home, Caregiverlist.com provides families with iinformation on hiring a professional caregiving service and provides information from credible resources.

source: prweb.com

14 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR DOCTOR VISITS A SUCCESS

Doctor visits have become complex. Doctors are seeing more patients, making more diagnoses each visit and managing multiple medications. Some people spend less than 10 minutes with their doctor at each appointment.

With drug advertising and the ability to research symptoms on the Web, people are asking more questions and voicing strong opinions about their care. And with good reason. Research shows that people who are involved with their own health care decisions tend to get better results.

How can you be active in your health care and get the most out of your doctor visits? Follow these tips:

• Choose a doctor you like.




• Make an appointment early in the day.




• Involve the office staff.




• Ask questions.




• Mention all medications you are taking.




• Let the doctor know all of your symptoms.




• Tell the doctor about what you used to do, but can no longer do.




• Let your doctor know about your concerns.




• Mention if a family member has recently been diagnosed with a serious disease or condition.




• Tell your doctor if you plan on traveling outside the country.




• Take information home with you.




• Bring along a family member or friend.




• Make sure you understand the next steps before you leave the office.




• Follow up with your doctor.

source: www.kmph.com/story

MAY IS STROKE AWARENESS MONTH





Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in America. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bvringing blood and oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptures, and brain cells don't get the flow of blood that they need. Deprived of oxygen, nerve cells can't function and die within minutes. When nerve cells don't function, the part of the body they control can't function either. The devastating effects of stroke are often permanent because dead brain cells can't be replaced. Learn to recognize a stroke, because time lost is brain lost.





Warning signs of stroke:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body




• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding




• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes




• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Learn the National Stroke Association's Act FAST(Face Arms Speech Time) Test:

• FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?




• ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?




• SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?




• TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately

source: American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

WHY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MATTERS

April is Occupational Therapy Month. The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as "the therapeutic use of work, self-care and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life."

To understand what this means, we must first understand the meaning of "occupation." Webster's Dictionary describes occupation as "an activity which one engages in" and "the principal business of one's life."

A person's occupation can therefore be defined as the way in which we occupy our time. Our time is divided into three categories of activities that we take part in daily: self-care, or activities of daily living(including sleeping, eating, grooming, dressing and toileting), work (defined as the effort that is exerted to do or make something or perform a task), and leisure (free, unoccupied time that a person chooses to do something they enjoy). Occupational therapy focuses on "doing" whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. It is occupational therapy's purpose to get beyond problems to the solutions that assure living life to its fullest. These solutions may be adaptations for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings, or helping individuals to alter their own behaviors.

Occupational therapy and its use of activity as a means of regaining health and function has been around for centuries and was especially used in the treatment of mental disabilities. However, occupational therapy only became established as a formal profession in 1917, when services were needed to help returning soldiers regain function after World War I.

Today, occupational therapists can be found throughout the community, in hospitals and outpatient centers, rehabilitative centers, nursing facilities, home health, outpatient clinics, private practices, mental health centers, day care programs, school systems, senior centers, private organizations, industry and community agengies such as return-to-work programs, prisons and community settings.

What services do occupational therapy practitioners provide? Through evaluation and treatment, occupational therapy practitioners help people perform functional activities such as caring for personal needs like bathing and dressing; participating in school, work and leisure pursuits; performing household tasks, such as shopping and cooking; being involved in job tasks and participating in the community; relearning use of an injured hand or limb; and selection of adaptive equipment for tasks, including reaching, bathing and homemaking.

Who can benefit from occupational therapy? People of any age whose ability to function in daily life has been affected by health problems such as: arthritis, burns, stroke, amputation, hand injury, birth defects, mental retardation, autism, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, depression, learning disability, substance abuse and mental health impairment.

The American Occupational Therapy Association, founded in 1917, represents the interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards - including accreditations - and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., the association's major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, visit www.aota.org. Currently, a registered occupational therapist has a master's degree, and doctoral degree programs are starting to show up in several universities around the country. A certified occupational therapy assistant has to have an associate degree.

source: auburnpub.com/lifestyles/article

STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

There are many different ways to manage stress. Basically, it's best to eliminate as many stressors as you can, and find practical and emotional ways to better handle the stressors that are left. The following are among the simplest and most effective stress management techniques. I urge you to try as many as you can, so you can have a collection of techniques that are the most effective for you.

FEEL BETTER NOW: If you want to lower your stress level in a matter of minutes, these techniques are all relatively fast-acting. Use them as needed to feel better quickly; practice them regularly over time and gain even greater benefits.

• Breathing exercises


• Meditation


• Reframing with a sense of humor


• Music


• Progressive muscle relaxation


• Yoga


• Exercise


• Guided Imagery/Visualizations


• Journaling


• Cognitive Restructuring: finding perspective

Take Care of Yourself: When we are stressed, we don't always take care of our bodies, which can lead to even more stress. Here are some important ways to take care of yourself and keep stress levels lower.

• Healthy eating


• Better sleep


• Exercise


• Hobbies


• Good nutrition


• Healthy sex life

Maintaining the Right Attitude: Much of your experience of stress has to do with your attitude and the way you perceive your life's events. Here are some resources to help you maintain a stress-relieving attitude.

• Optimism


• Being in control


• Overcoming perfectionism


• Using the law of attraction


• How to be happier


• Positive affirmations


• Maintaining a sense of humor


• Mindfulness and stress relief


• Letting go of stressful thoughts


• Letting go of anger


• Tips on having fun

Creating the Right Atmosphere: Your physical and emotional surroundings can impact your stress levels in subltle but significant ways. Here are several ways you can change your atmosphere and less your stress.

• Soothing environment


• Music


• De-cluttering


• Aromatherapy


• Positive energy


• Create a home spa

Resources for Busy People: Many stressed people are busy people - people who may have more stressors in their lives, and less time to devote to stress management. If you are a busy person, these resources can help you to manage stress efficiently in a short amount of time, and eliminate some of what's causing you stress in the first place.

• Ongoing stress reduction resources


• Time management


• Finding time


• Prioritizing


• Best stress relievers for busy people

Healthy Habits: Certain routines can help buffer you from stress; if you adopt a few of them, you can more easily manage stress without it becoming severe. The following are some healthy habits you may want to adopt, along with resources to make it easier to make them a lasting part of your life.

• Morning habits


• Habits for better sleep


• Choosing the right habits


• How to stick with new habits


• E-courses

HOME HEALTH CARE: WHAT TO CONSIDER Our population is rapidly aging. By 2030, nearly 72 million people in the U.S. will be 65 or older. And not only are we aging faster, we are also living longer. Additionally, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's, are affecting more and more people. Whatever the medical condition, whatever one's age, however frail one may be, the desire remains strong to stay in one's own home, living as independently as possible. Home care may provide some help. If you have thought of home care for yourself or a loved one, here are some things to consider. START BY OBSERVING: Sometimes people don't realize that their parents or elderly family members can't do the things they once did. Look for warning signs. Is mom or dad having memory or vision problems, trouble walking or taking many medications? Is the person having difficulty with the normal activities of daily life? If the answer to any of hose is yes, it may be time to proceed. SPEAK UP: When you've identified the need for help, let someone know. Talk to the individual's physician about your concerns. Schedule a visit with all present and have an honest conversation. Many referrals to home care services first come from geriatricians or primary care doctors. GET READY FOR OFJECTIONS: Mom or dad may ofject at first to admitting a need for help or to having "a stranger" come into the home. Remember that family members caring for someone also need help, to get the things done that they need done while at the same time caring for a loved one. IDENTIFY WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Home health care services are more complex and numerous than ever before. Will you need skilled assistance such as nursing or physical therapy? Help with meals and hygiene? Or just houskeeping activities? This is a critical step, as it determines not only what kinds of care the individual needs but also the cost of care. CONSULT AN EXPERT: You needn't face these decisions alone. Professional home care agencies can assess needs, identify resources and develop individual care plans for a person's specific situation. ALLOW CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER: Most home care - up to 80% by some estimates - is provided by family members, juggling work, the care of their own families and that of their parents or other family members. Caregivers often become burned out and don't realize it. If the primary caregiver gets sick and ther is no back-up plan, the system of care collapses. One of the key things to remember about hame care is that it's not only taking care of the patient, it is also taking care of the caregiver. A TEAM EFFORT IS BEST: To do the best job for the patient, everyone involved must play key roles. It takes a team approach, with health professionals, home care aides, the family and the patient, so when something goes wrong, everyone can be alerted. Think of the patient and the family as the captains of the health care ship and the providers as the crew. OVERSEE AND ADVOCATE: Family members must remember to oversee the care that's given and to advocate for the patient. You want your family member to get the right care, and that comes from constant oversight and advocacy. If you see something you don't think is right, speak up and get it corrected. Remember: the patient and the family are the captains of the ship! source: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/

TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT AND CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

1.Maintain a healthy weight

- Check with your health care provider to see if you need to lose weight.

- If you do, lose weight slowly using a healthy eating plan and engaging in physical activity.

2. Be physically active

- Engage in physical activity for a total of 30 minutes on most days of the week.

- Combine everyday chores with moderate-level sporitng activities such as walking to achieve your physical activity goals.

3. Follow a healthy eating plan

-Set up a healthy eating plan with foods low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods such as the DASH eating plan.

- Write down everything that you eat and drink in a food diary. Note areas that are successful or need improvement.

- If you are trying to lose wwight, choose an eating plan that is lower in calories.

4. Reduce sodium in your diet

- Choose foods that are low in salt and other forms of sodium.

- Use spices, garlic, and onions to add flavor to your meals without adding more sodium.

5. Drink alcohol only in moderation

- In addition to raising blood pressure, too much alcohol can add unneeded calories to your diet.

- If you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount - one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

6. Take prescribed drugs as directed

- If you need drugs to help lower your blood pressure, you still must follow the lifestyle changes mentioned above.

- Use notes and other reminders to help you remember to take your drugs. Ask your family to help you with reminder phone calls and messages.

REDUCING SUN DAMAGE WHILE ON VACATION

Whether you are cruising or heading to a villa on the beach, vacations are all about the sunshine. While it does wonders for our mood, what it does to our skin is another story.

There are two kinds of ultraviolet rays that you need to protect yourself from.

• Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB rays cause your skin to show the signs of sunburn, but most sunscreens protect against them.


• Ultraviolet A (UVA). UVA rays penetrate deeply, damaging collagen production and demolishing lipids - causing wrinkles, saggy skin and in extreme cases, cancer.

A good sunscreen is effective against both UVB and UVA. Pay attention to the SPF number - it indicates how much exposure your skin can handle before the sizzle starts. Most dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF 15 for all skin types. Multiply the SPF number by 10. As long as you are not sweating profusely or swimming, an SPF 15 protects up to 150 minutes before burning. Even with a protective sunscreen, dermatologists stress that you will still get some exposure, so reapply often.

For greatest protection, apply a generous amount over all parts of your body and face that will be exposed to the sun - now is not the time to skimp. Let it absorb for at least 15 minutes before applying make-up or going outdoors. Some sunscreens are water-repellent or waterproof, but they still need to be reapplied every two hours. Don't forget your lips - use a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.

• Creams and lotions are good choices for use on the face and body.


• Gels are oil-free and won't clog pores.


• Sprays are useful for getting those hard to reach places and for restless children.


• Solid formulas target the lips, ears, nose and sensitiive skin around the eyes.

Before you leave for vacation, treat yourself to a brand new bottle of sunscreen - one that offers complete protection.

source:www.gogirlfriend.com

CONGRATULATIONS to our very first employee appreciation winner at Harbor Health - BARB CAMERON! Great job...

TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR MEDICATION AND STAYING HEALTHY

Have you ever skipped a dose of a prescription drug or taken less than prescribed? Have you ever started taking a prescribed medicine and then stopped? Or have there been times when you did not even pick up the first prescription of a new medicine prescribed by your doctor from the pharmacy? Did you know that not taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor for chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can make you sicker and even result in a hospital stay or emergency room visit that could have been avoided? This is called "medication nonadherence," an issue that not only impacts your health, but also results in estimated costs to the U.S. health care system of approximately $300 billion each year.

Some of the most common reasons for not taking medicines regularly include cost and side effects, but a recent study found there are also more subtle reasons, which people may not even realize are influencing their behavior. The study, sponsored by CVS Caremark and conducted by Minds at Work, a consulting company based in Cambridge, Mass., looked at people who said they would like to be taking their medicine as prescribed but weren't completely sure why they were not. The study revealed that, of those individuals who participated in the suvey:

• Twenty-four percent believed that taking prescribed medicines interfered with personal priorities, such as taking care of family members or their social life.


• Twenty-one percent said that taking medicine made them feel as if they were losing control of their lives and by stopping their medicine they were "resisting authority."


• Seventeen percent believed that taking medicine made them feel old or gave them another identity that they didn't like.

Recognizing the reasons why you are not taking a prescribed medicine can be the first step toward addressing the problem, getting back on track and staying healthy. Here are some other tips for keeping up with your prescriptions:

• If cost is a concern, consider switching from a brand-name medicine to a generic. Generic medicines offer a safe and effective option at a fraction of the cost. In fact, hundreds of popular brand-name drugs are now available as generics, which can help you save 30-80 percent on prescription drug costs.


• Talk to your health care professional. If medication side effects are bothering you, talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist - you may be able to switch to a different medicine or adjust the timing of your dose to lessen the problem.

Taking your medicine regularly is not always easy - but the benefits are just what the doctor ordered.

written by: NAPSI

HEALTHY HEART, HAPPY STOMACH For more than a decade, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension(DASH) eating plan-or the high blood pressure diet-has been a model of healthy eating. Studies show that following the DASH pattern, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat and sodium, is effective in treating mild hypertension. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released this past January cited the DASH pattern as a healthy eating plan for all adults, not just those with high blood pressure. The great news about DASH is that a wide variety of foods and flavors fit the pattern, so you can keep your heart healthy without losing flavor. "Family Meals Matter" features recipes selected by registered dietitians from the thousands of user-contributed recipes available at our free online nutrition and meal-planning website. Register free at www. MealsMatter.org to add recipes to your meal plan and shopping list. source: http://www.kansascity.com/