MANAGING MIGRAINE - MIGRAINE TRIGGER FOODS

Trigger identification and management is an essential part of Migraine disease management. Migraine triggers are physical things that bring on a Migraine attack when a Migraineur is exposed to them. There are a wide range of Migraine triggers - some avoidable, others not. Once triggers are identified, it's sometimes possible to reduce the frequency of Migraine attacks by avoiding those triggers.

One type of trigger that can be identified and avoided as food triggers. Not everyone has food triggers, but it's well worth checking into. Some Migraineurs will identify food triggers fairly easily by noticing that every time they eat something, they have a Migraine. Other Migraineurs employ an elimination diet to investigate food triggers. To do an elimination diet, you eliminate all the potential trigger foods from your diet, then add them back in one at a time, with a week between adding each food. It's important to note that a Migraine can occur up to 48 hours after eating a trigger food. Keeping an accurate Migraine diary is essential to identifying trigger foods.

POTENTIAL TRIGGER FOODS:

1. Vegetables: beans, pickles, chili peppers, olives

2. Fruits: dried fruits, avocados, red plums, bananas, citrus fruits

3. Breads: any fresh yeast product straight from the oven, yeast breads, pizza, soft pretzels

4. Meats and Seafood: any preserved or processed meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausage

5. Dairy Products: aged cheeses, sour cream, whole milk

6. Beverages: alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, chocolate beverages, caffeinated beverages

7. Miscellaneous: anything with MSG, artificial sweeteners, vinegar

It can be frustrating to manage food triggers. It can seem especially difficult to eat in a restaurant ro go to parties. When managing food triggers means fewer Migraines, it's well worth it. Most Migraineurs with food triggers find that only a few foods are a problem. If you're going to a party with food, offer to make a dish or two that you know you can safely eat.

source: www.healthcentral.com

MEMORIAL DAY 2012

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed annually on the last Monday of May(May 28 in 2012). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

THE SILENT KILLER: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Having high blood pressure is like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. This serious medical condition can lead to serious health problems and even death from a heart attack or stroke. The difficulty is that people have no idea they have high blood pressure until it is too late. There are no warning signs to tell a person they have high blood pressure, they in fact, feel fine. No one is immune to high blood pressure. Experts are not sure of what causes it, but they do know that certain factors raise one's risk including:

• Being overweight - high blood pressure risk is greatest for people who are obese.
• Smoking - if you smoke, quit.
• Not exercising - to cut your risk of high blood pressure, make physical activity a habit.
• Drinking too much alcohol - limit the amount to no mor than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
• Consuming too much salt - you can reduce your risk by limiting sodium intake.
• Stress - try to eliminate stressors from your life.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get checked by your doctor. Your doctor will diagnose you with high blood pressure after you have had at least two high blood pressure readings. High blood pressure is treated through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Doctors recommend that all adults should be screened for high blood pressure every year. Being screened for this medical condition is easy and painless, so don't gamble with your health, have your blood pressure checked annually.

source: www.ahealthiermichigan.org

LIVING WITH LACTOSE INTOLERANCE? HERE ARE TRICKS TO ENJOY DAIRY.

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder where one is unable to properly break down lactose. Lactose is the natural sugar found in dairy products. If you suffer from painful gas, bloating, cramps, nausea or diarrhea within two hours of eating dairy products, you might be lactose intolerant. Its symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they are usually manageable with diet and lifestyle modifications.

The first thing most people worry about with lactose intolerance is not getting enough calcium or other vitamins. There are many calcium-rich non-dairy foods. Think dark leafy greens, soy, sesame seeds, flax seeds, broccoli, oranges and even papaya and add them to your diet; they are all calcium-rich foods. Don't forget to include Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb and use calcium efficiently. You can also take a calcium supplement to help make sure you get the recommended amount of calcium needed daily.

When you are lactose intolerant, you must listen to your body. Every situation is different and each person suffers to a different degree of lactose intolerance. Just because you are lactose intolerant does not mean that you have to cut out all dairy. In general, cooking or heating dairy foods can help break down the dairy sugar and make it easier for you to digest. Some people are able to take a lactase enzyme supplement right before they eat these foods and consume them without any symptoms. Here are some other options:

1. MILK - Some people enjoy Lactaid milk, which is a lactose-free milk product. There are other alternatives, such as soy, rice, almond, hemp and coconut milk.

2. YOGURT - Despite lactose intolerance, many people can handle yogurt fairly well. Also, yogurts with active and live bacterial cultures seem to agree with lactose intolerant people more readily. Keep that in mind when you are choosing yogurt.

3. ICE CREAM - Some people are fine with ice cream and others are not. This is a reminder for people to test themselves with certain foods, because it is very much a case-by-case situation. You may be able to tolerate milk, but not ice cream, or cheese but not yogurt.

4. CHEESE - Who doesn't love cheese? Cheese has different amounts of lactose, depending on what kind you are eating. Pay attention to your body. Usually aged cheeses, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and natural cheeses contain less lactose. On the othe hand, cheese spreads, cheese in a can and some processed cheeses are known to have more lactose.

Are you lactose intolerant? Or do you think that you might be? Listen to your body and figure it out. You will feel better in the long run.

source: www.ahealthiermichigan.org

VARICOSE VEINS AND SPIDER VEINS

Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin as well. They are most often seen on the legs and face.

A number of factors predispose a person t varicose veins and spider veins. These include:

Heredity

Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers & factory workers

Hormonal influencs during pregnancy, puberty and menopause

The use of birth control pills

Postmenopausal hormonal replacement

A history of blood clots

Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen including tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.

Other reported causes include trauma or injury to the skin, previous vein surgery, and exposure to ultraviolet ray.

Varicose veins and spider veins develop more often in women than in men. They increase in frequency with age. An estimated 30% to 60% of adults have varicose veins or spider veins.

Many patientw with varicose veins complain of pain, described as an aching or cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling, or heaviness in the legs. Pain caused by varicose veins is usually relieved by elevating the legs or by wearing support hose. In women, symptoms may be worse during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Patients also may develop swelling, ulcers, and an increase in the pigmentation or darkening of the color of their skin, especially in the ankle region. Occasionally, varicose veins can form a painful blood clot with inflammation of the vein called thrombophlebitis.

There are seven major forms of treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

1. Support Stockings. The most conservative approach is simply to wear properly-fitting support hose, especially when the veins cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms. These stockings can generally be purchased at any surgical supply store and at some pharmacies.

2. Lifestyle Changes. Good skin hygiene, weight loss (if needed), and walking can help treat varicose veins and spider veins.

3. Sclerotherapy. This procedure, which has been available since the 1930s, is another treatment option. This procedure uses a highly concentrated saline solution or a specially made detergent that is injected directly into the vein, causing the vein to disappear gradually over three to six weeks. The procedure is simple, relatively inexpensive, and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

4. Endovenous Laser Treatment. A procedure in which a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse. The procedure is done as an outpatient under local anesthesia.

5.Radiofrequency Occlusion. A small catheter is inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse, and seal shut. The procedure is generally done in an outpatient or in-office setting and may be done under local anesthesia.

6. Surgery. Surgical techniques to treat varicose veins include ligation (tying off the vein) and stripping (removal of a long segment of vein). Another procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy, allows for the removal of large surface veins through very small incisions that do not need stitches. Surgery may be performed using local, spinal, or general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day as the procedure. Surgery is generally used to treat large varicose veins.

7. Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light. Surface laser or intense pulsed light treatments, such as Vasculight and PhotoDerm, are other options. These devices use heat energy to selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins. An advantage of these treatments is that no needles or sclerosing solutions are required however there may be some minor discomfort. Side effects do occur, including discoloration or staining and blister formation.

Not all patients need treatment for their varicose veins or spider veins. Many people have no pain or symptoms. For these individuals, not treatment is necessary, unless they want the veins removed for cosmetic reasons. Many insurance companies do cover the cost of treating varicose veins, but generally not spider veins. The best approach is to check with your insurance company before considering treatment options.

source: www.webmd.com

WHAT IS GOUT?

When you are in the middle of a painful gout attack, you may feel like you are the only one dealing with gout. But you are not alone. According to the National Arthritis Data Workgroup, an estimated 6 million people in the U.S. report having experienced gout at some point in their lives. In fact, gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men over the age of 40.

So, what exactly is gout? We know that it's a form of arthritis that is caused by high uric acid levels in your blood(hyperuricemia). Gout attacks occur when excess uric acid forms crystals, causing inflammation in your joints that leads to swelling and pain. As your uric acid level rises, so does the potential for gout and gout flares. Over time, gout attacks can become more severe, last longer, and occur more often.

Decreasing your uric acid to the recommened level(less than 6 mg/dL) can reduce the risk of gout attacks over the long term.

GOUT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Gout flares usually strike suddenly, at night, and without any warning. During the attack, the affected area becomes hot, red, swollen, and extremely tender. Having gout may sometimes feel like your toe is a volcano erupting into a hot, fiery flare. Gout may be best known for causing severe pain in the toe. In fact, most gout attacks occur in the big toe. However, you may be surprised to learn that gout attacks can occur in other parts of the body as well.

Who gets gout? There are certain characteristics that affect your likelihood of experiencing gout:

- Men, especially between the ages of 40 and 50, are more likely to develop gout than women.

- Most women experience gout after menopause.

- There may be a genetic link: many people with gout have a family history of the disease.

- Gout rarely affects children or young adults.

- People with certain conditions are at a higher risk for gout. These conditions include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and/or kidney problems.

Gout symptoms may look a bit different in people over 60 years of age. For one thing, the joints in the upper part of their body are more likely to be affected than the joints in the lower body. And, people over 60 often experience painful gout attacks in mor than one joint at the same time.

source: http://www.gout.com/

AN APPLE A DAY...

The person who stated that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" was not trying to throw doctors out of business. Fact remains that an apple is filled with goodness, and regular consumption of this delicious fruit can help people stay away from various health conditions. Some of the most important health benefits of an apple are:

1. GOOD FOR THE BONES: Women who have reached the stage of menopause could use apples to stay healthy and increase bone density. Researchers have found that apples contain a particular flavanoid called phloridzin that can help women decrease the risk of suffering from osteoporosis by strenthening bones. Apples are also a rich source of boron, one of the most important factors for strengthening bones.

2. ASTHMA: The relation between asthma and apples start from the time the fetus is in the uterus. Studies show that women who have apples when they are pregnant will deliver children who are at a lower risk of suffering from asthma. Children who drank apple juice on a daily basis are less likely to suffer from asthma than children who did not.

3. ALZHEIMER'S PREVENTION: A preclinical study on mice has shown that quercetin in apples could be able to protect brain cells from the free radicals that are known to lead to Alzheimer's disease.

4. DECREASES CHOLESTEROL: Apple contains pectin, a substance that is known to lower the level of bad cholesterol or LDL. It has been observed that just having two apples a day can decrease the level of cholesterol by as much as 16%.

5. LUNG CANCER: In a study involving 10,000 people, it was observed that those who had an apple on a daily basis were twice more safe from lung cancer than people who did not have apples. This has been attributed to the fact that apples contain flavonoids, quercetin and naringin.

6. DECREASES RISK OF BREAST CANCER: Just by having an apple a day, women were 17% less likely to suffer from breast cancer.

source: www.medexpressrx.com

SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL HELPS FIGHT HEALTH CARE FRAUD; YOU CAN TOO

Health care costs are on the rise, and one reason is health care fraud. Fraud is a major contributing factor to rising health care costs and can also put your health and well-being at risk.

A recent article in USA TODAY featured Senior Medicare Patrols. These are teams of volunteers who help the Department of Health and Human Services educate Medicare beneficiaries about health care fraud.

An excerpt: Officials believe that if older Americans - including the growing crop of eligible Baby Boomers - know how to spot errors and fraud, "more criminals will be put in jail where they belong," Barbara Dieker told a group of volunteers recently. Dieker directs the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Elder Rights, which oversees the Senior Medicare Patrols.

Funding for the Senior Medicare Patrols increased from $9 million last year to $18 million this year in the form of Administration on Aging grants that target fraud-rich regions, including Florida, California, New York and Michigan.

WHAT IS HEALTH CARE FRAUD?

There are many types of health care fraud. Examples range from a patient intentionally using someone else's health insurance ID card, to a doctor billing an insurance company for services that were not needed - or not performed.

Fraud can adversely affect your health if someone uses your health coverage ID to obtain medical treatment tht he or she is not entitled to. The fraudulent data in your medical records could result in your being denied life insurance, based on a condition you don't have. Or, your doctor might prescribe a dangerous medication or treatment based on test results for someone who fraudulently used your ID.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Always check your bills and EOBs to verify that the services listed are services you received. Call your doctor's office to question anything that seems to be wrong. It's probably just a mistake, but you need to make sure someone isn't using your coverage plan ID information to steal your benefits.

If you suspect fraud, please report it immediately to your health insurance plan.

source: www.ahealthiermichigan.org

HEALTH TIPS: 15 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE

Just about everyone has some degree of stress in their life. If ignored stress can lead to a series of medical, emotional, and psychological problems. But by following certain techniques, you can very easily manage your stress.

Stress is defined as a feeling which results from excessive pressures in life. This feeling is quite unpleasant. If not managed, stress can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, substance abuse, and a host of other problems. Here are some tipe to help you manage the stress in your life:

1. EXERCISE: Stay physically active by getting at least 20 minutes of exercise every day. Engaging in an intense workout can be a great way to channel frustrations.

2. GET ORGANIZED: In many cases, the mere sight of a dirty or cluttered room or office can make a person feel anxious or overwhelmed. Add on a few forgotten or overdue tasks, and a person could really be sent over the edge. Recycle or throw away old papers and junk. Make "to do" lists and write important dates down.

3. LEARN HOW TO RELAX: When you feel tense, take in 10 slow breaths-in through the nose and out through the mouth. Take time out everyday for meditation, prayer, or quiet contemplation.

4. REST: Get at least 8 hours of sleep every day.

5. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Being negative will not only make you feel more stressed, but it will also alienate loved ones and colleagues. Take time out to see the positive side of a situation. Recognize thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Focus on solutions instead of problems.

6. DO NOT ENGAGE IN ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR: Abusing food, drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or any other vice will only make things worse. If you are having a problme with addiction, there are many programs available to help you kick your habit.

7. HAVE FUN EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE: Make time for activities that you find enjoyable.

8. CONFIDE IN FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Talk to people who support you. Having people you can vent your frustrations with can be a huge relief. Just make sure you're there for them as well.

9. STOP PROCRASTINATING: Many people attempt to manage the stress in their life by simply avoiding all tasks that they find unpleasant. This almost always backfires because the more things the procrastinator puts off, the more overwhelmed they get by their ever-growing list of demands. Empower yourself by addressing issues rather than avoiding them.

10. LEARN HOW TO SAY "NO": Avoid overcommitting yourself to too many activities or obligations. When you spread yourself too thin, not only do you raise your stress level a great deal, but also you fail to allow yourself the proper time and energy to give any one project the dedication it deserves. Do not allow friends, family, coworkers, or others to guilt trip you into taking on more than you can handle.

11. DO NOT FALL INTO THE TRAP OF PERFECTIONISM: Focus on trying to do your very best instead of trying to be perfect. Don't be so hard on yourself.

12. HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR: Don't take yourself too seriously. Try to laugh at least once a day.

13. DISSOCIATE YOURSELF FROM TOXIC PEOPLE: Phase out negative people from your life. End all unhealthy or abusive relationships. This will not be easy, but it is key to having self respect and peace of mind in the long run.

14. TELL PEOPLE WHEN AND WHY YOU ARE UPSET WITH THEM: Keeping your feelings to yourself will only prolong your stress and anger. Communicate your needs, wants, and expectations with other.

15. GET HELP: If you still find yourself unable to manage the stress in your life and you are increasingly angry, depressed, or anxious, it may be time to seek outside help. Many people find talking to a trained therapist, psychologist, or spiritual counselor to be very beneficial. If you are finding it harder and harder to cope, seek help right away.

source: www.newsolio.com

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY - 2012

TOO LITTLE SLEEP BAD FOR YOUR HEART

Sleeping less than six hours a night may make you more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure. A new study, based on more than 3,000 people older than 45, shows that those who slept less than six hours per night were about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as people who got six to eight hours of sleep. They were also abour 70% more likely to have congestive heart failure. The new study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting, isn't the first to link sleep and heart health, but it is one of the largest.

POOR SLEEP

The study's findings suggest a lot of people could be at greater risk of heart trouble because of their sleep habits. According to The Sleep Council nearly half of us are getting just six hours sleep or less a night. Exactly how sleep affects the heart is not clear. Doctors say they doubt not sleeping enough directly causes heart disease, however, there is evidence that not sleeping enough may ramp up the "fight or flight" response to stress, releasinghormones that speed up heart rate and raise blood pressure. It's also possible people could have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, that prevent them from sleeping through the night.

SLEEP STUDY DETAILS

In the study, people were asked how long they slept each night and if they had ever been told they had congestive heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease, angina, or stroke. Among the findings:

Heart Attack: More than 10% of people who slept less than six hours and had a heart attack vs. about 5% who slept 6-8 hours.

Stroke: More than 9% of people who slept less than six hours had a stroke vs. nearly 5% who slept 6-8 hours.

Heart Failure: More than 7% of people who slept less than six hours had heart failure vs. 4.5% who slept more than 8 hours.

Sleeping too much may also be an issue. The study's findings show that people who sleep more than eight hours a night may be more likely to have the chest pain of angina and coronary artery disease. The researchers considered other factors that affect heart health, including age, gender, cholesterol, and blood pressure but the didn't consider sleep quality.

If you are having trouble sleeping, you may want to speak to your doctor. These findings were presented at a medical conference. They should be considered preliminary as they have not yet undergone the "peer review" process, in which outside experts scrutinize the data prior to publicatioN in medical journal.

source: www.webmd.boots.com

7 ALZHEIMER'S WARNING SIGNS

The purpose of this list to alert the public to the early warning signs of one of the most devastating disorders affecting older people - Alzheimer's disease. If someone has several or even most of these symptoms, it does not mean they definitely have the disease. It does mean they should be thoroughly examined by a medical specialist trained in evaluating memory disorders, such as a neurologist or a psychiatrist, or by a comprehensive memory disorder clinic, with an entire team of expert knowledge about memory problems.

The seven warning signs of Alzheimer's disease are:

1. Asking the same question over and over again

2. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again

3. Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards - activities that were previously done with ease and regularity

4. Losing one's ability to pay bills or balance one's checkbook

5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, or misplacing household objects

6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean

7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves

source: www.webmd.com

NEW RESEARCH ON DRUG-RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF SAFE MEDICATION FOR SENIORS

New research suggests that four drugs are responsible for a majority of drug-related hospitalizations in older adults. The Centers for Disease control estimates that nearly 100,000 hospitalizations every year are due to adverse drug events. Four medications, when used alone or together, caused a majority of the hospitalizations:

1. The blood thinner WARFARIN (brand names Coumadin and Jantoven) was involved in 33 percent of the hospitalizations.

2. INSULIN, an injectable blood-sugar control drug used by diabetics, was involved in 14 percent of the hospitalizations.

3. ANTI-PLATLET drugs (like aspirin) that are used to prevent blood clots were involved in 13 percent of the hospitalizations.

4. ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC agents, which are also used for diabetics, account for 11 percent of the hospitalizations.

These data highlight the importance of following the directions of prescribed medications and increasing communication with health care providers.

Whenever you are prescribed a new medication, it is important to remind your doctor of other medicines that you are on so that they can be mindful of any possible interactions between the medications. Also, check with the pharmacy and let them know all of the medications that you are on.

This is especially important if you have prescriptions at multiple pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist about any know interactions between the drugs and whether there are other medications, vitamins or even certain foods that you should be cautious of while on the medication. Be sure to read through the medication fact sheet given to you by the pharmacy; it will often contain specific information about how the drug should be taken and which other medications or vitamins are not compatible with the drug. Also, make a note of what the serious side effects are with the drugs and what warning signs you should look out for in case of an adverse event.

If you have trouble remembering whether you have taken your medication, or which medication you have to take, simplify the process for yourself by using a pill organizer. If you are a caregiver for an older adult, talk about this process with them and bring them a pill organizer to use. Keeping track of daily medications and making sure that proper doses are used can greatly increase your safety. Also, it is important to never discontinue or decrease use of any medication without talking to your doctor.

Being an active monitor of your own health is one of the best ways to stay safe and informed.

source: www.ahealthiermichigan.org

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   MAY IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE EDUCATION MONTH

Nearly 68 million people have high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, in the U.S. Hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death.

You can maintain healthy blood pressure by changing your lifestyle or combining lifestyle changes with prescribed medications.