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You may have heard the term COPD before -- either in a radio or television commercial. COPD, short for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard to breathe. Also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, it is the third leading cause of death in the United States, but as many as 12 million Americans don’t even know they have it. Unfortunately, symptoms are often shrugged off as a normal part of getting older or a consequence of being out of shape. And during cold and flu season, COPD symptoms can also be mistaken for that cold or cough that just won’t go away. But COPD can be a dangerous health hazard. If left untreated, it can have debilitating effects on everyday activities. Affecting one in five adults in the U.S. over the age of 45 and an estimated 24 million Americans, as many as half remain undiagnosed. In people who have COPD, the airway tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs are partially blocked, making it hard to breathe. The disease develops slowly and usually worsens over time. So don’t ignore the first signs of COPD, which include a chronic cough, hacking, wheezing and shortness of breath. COPD occurs most often in people age 40 and over with a history of smoking, affecting both current and former smokers. However, as many as one out of six people with COPD have never smoked. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to second hand smoke, certain chemicals, and dust or fumes in the workplace. In some people, COPD can be caused by a genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT, deficiency. “While there is no cure for COPD -- early diagnosis and treatment can help people with the disease improve their symptoms and get back to the things they love doing,” said James P. Kiley, PhD. Director, Division of Lung Diseases, at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. “As we head into the colder months, take the first step to breathing better. Learn more about COPD and schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor or health care provider about your lungs.” COPD can usually be diagnosed by a doctor or health care provider during a regular office visit with a simple, non-invasive breathing test called spirometry. If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms of COPD, take some time to learn more about it. Visit http://COPD.nhlbi.nih.gov for more information. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with COPD can live longer and improve their quality of life.
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According to the National Sleep Foundation, if you have trouble staying and falling asleep at night, or you wake up feeling unrefreshed in the morning, you may be suffering from insomnia. Almost everyone has trouble sleeping every so often, but for many Americans having a hard time getting to sleep or waking in the middle of the night is a significant problem. To help, board certified sleep specialist Dr. Russell Rosenberg, Chairman of the National Sleep Foundation, offers answers to some questions about insomnia:
What is insomnia?
Insomnia involves difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep, waking too early, trouble getting back to sleep or lack of refreshing sleep, as defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Are the symptoms of insomnia the same for everyone?
Insomnia may affect people differently. Some complain of waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep, while others have trouble initially getting to sleep.
What can I do to help me fall asleep at night?
Establish a regular bed and wake time. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable. Allow time at night to “wind down” before climbing into bed. Doing work, watching TV and using the computer, both close to bedtime or in the bedroom, can hinder your ability to fall asleep. Avoid violent shows and news reports before bedtime as they can be agitating.
If I wake up in the middle of the night, what are some tips to help me fall back to sleep?
If you wake up in the middle of the night and stay in bed, don’t stare at the clock. Also, do not watch TV, use your computer or cell phone, because use of these technologies can stimulate your brain and make it harder to fall back to sleep. Avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. Most importantly, you should try to relax.
What can I do during the day to help my insomnia?
Good daytime habits may help with both types of insomnia. “I tell my patients to avoid caffeine after lunch,” stresses Rosenberg. Also, get regular exercise but avoid rigorous exercise close to bedtime and always check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. If those suggestions don’t help, what else should I do? You should speak with your healthcare professional if you are having trouble sleeping. He or she can determine whether or not you suffer from insomnia and if treatment is needed.
Where can I learn more about insomnia?
For more information regarding insomnia, visit the National Sleep Foundation website at http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep.
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Feeling a little off? Regardless of your age or fitness level, there are steps you can take every day to feel and perform your best. “Many Americans ignore their pain and fatigue,” says Dr. Keith Overland, president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). “But just like world-class athletes who constantly search for ways to optimize their game, we can do better. Start with simple changes that promote greater health and wellness. You’ll feel better now and avoid bigger problems down the line.” With this in mind, ACA encourages Americans to “Find Your Game” by taking simple steps to promote optimal functioning:
• Get moving: Americans are more sedentary today than in the past. Lack of exercise can atrophy muscles and contribute to obesity, arthritis and other problems. You don’t have to train like an Olympian, just aim for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week.
• Stretch daily: Improving flexibility is crucial to avoiding injury. Make a habit of stretching your major muscle groups each morning.
• Don’t work through pain: The earlier an injury is treated, the sooner healing can begin. Masking injuries with painkillers to get back into action before you’re healed could worsen your original injury and lead to a chronic condition. Treat the cause of pain, not the symptom. Chiropractic physicians can treat many injuries and enable healing to occur -- without drugs or surgery.
• Outfit your feet: Think function when shopping for shoes used for exercise and walking long distances. The wrong shoes or worn-out shoes can cause pain throughout the body. A doctor of chiropractic can help you determine your arch type, match it to your gait and advise you on the best footwear.
• Eat right: Even a few simple changes in diet can have a positive impact on your health. Limit red meat and excessive quantities of sugar and salt. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Consider consulting a health care professional to determine what supplements are right for you.
• Recharge: If you feel fatigued often, get more sleep. Instead of revitalizing with soft drinks or coffee, try a glass of pomegranate juice and a brisk walk. Have your B12 and iron levels checked at least once a year for deficiencies. Lean meats, nuts, legumes and green leafy vegetables can help put some pep in your step.
• Get the right stuff: From baby slings to telephones, small consumer choices can have a big impact on your well-being. Shop for products designed with the comfort of your neck and back in mind. If your job is causing you pain, talk to your employer about replacing your equipment with ergonomic models. For more health tips, or to find a chiropractic physician near you, visit www.ChiroHealthy.com. There’s no need to live on life’s sidelines. With a few key changes, you can feel and perform your best.
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The weather may be getting cooler, but that doesn’t mean people who are impacted by allergens are in the clear. From dust and dander to seasonal pollen, millions of people will sneeze, wheeze and cough their way through the months ahead. The experts at Sun Products, makers of Snuggle, all and Wisk laundry products, offer these steps to help make your home a safer haven from that which afflicts you.
Bust Dust
Allergens are hiding all over the home. Regular dusting and vacuuming will eliminate much of the problem. Just be sure to clean your vacuum filter often. And don’t overlook fabrics in your home like upholstered chairs and drapes, as dust, mites and other allergens can collect here easily. Don’t suffer while cleaning. Use a mask to avoid coming into contact with the allergens you’re trying to eliminate.
Wash Safely
The irony of keeping your home spic and span for the sake of allergy management is that many cleaning supplies can aggravate the problem. Ammonia, for example, can be quite harsh on the eyes and nose. Using a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, all-purpose cleaner will make scrubbing the bathroom and kitchen a much more pleasant experience. Likewise, bedding and clothing are notorious for collecting and trapping common allergens. According to a study by Grana, an international science journal, a large t-shirt can trap up to 7 million pollen grains on a peak pollen day. Remove everyday allergens trapped in your garments and bedding with a fragrance free detergent designed for sensitive skin. For example, all free clear detergent, which is the number one detergent brand recommended by dermatologists and allergists for sensitive skin, will eliminate 99 percent of tree and grass pollen, and ragweed pollen, the number one fall allergen. Free of potential irritants like dyes and perfumes, it will also help bust pet dander and dust mite matter. More information can be found at www.all-laundry.com/freeclear/.
Keep Allergens Out
When you walk around outside your clothes can collect and absorb allergens and irritants. Shoes are magnets for grass, tree and ragweed pollen. Leave your shoes on the porch, especially after walking through grass. Change out of your clothes when you get home, depositing them directly into the hamper.
Stay Vigilant
You can stay informed with pollen-level maps and recent allergen news. Visit the all free clear Facebook page for allergy resources and management tips. Get a handle on your sniffles and congestion this season by freeing your home of allergens.
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As a woman, you most likely experience aches and pains from your daily activities no matter what your lifestyle entails. In fact, a recent study shows 89 percent of women experience some type of muscle or joint pain every year, and 63 percent experience it weekly, according to ProAct, an independent marketing research firm. But whether the discomfort stems from a day at work, strenuous exercise or housework, pain has its price -- from feeling tired and low on energy, to contributing to feelings of stress, depression and frustration. Before discomfort gets the better of you, reduce your risk for pain and relieve the aches you already have with these simple measures:
• Avoid overexertion: Don’t save all your heavy-duty chores for one weekend, especially if you’re not regularly active. “If you suddenly spend the whole day cleaning out your basement, or climbing ladders to clear gutters, muscle strain or overexertion is highly likely,” says family physician Elena Klimenko, M.D. “You have to let muscles build up gradually.” The same goes for working out. Consult a physician or fitness professional to build an exercise routine safely.
• Relax: Hot baths, gentle stretching and meditation can help prevent and relieve stress-related muscle tension and stiffness. Even if it means putting the kids to bed early or turning your phone off for an hour, incorporate stress-free down time into your busy day, every day. • Relieve: Next time you experience pain, avoid popping conventional painkillers that masks symptoms. “A homeopathic medicine works with your body to relieve not only pain, but also swelling, which is a common reason for pain,” says Dr. Klimenko. “It does so without the risk of drug interactions or complications, even if combined with pharmaceuticals.” For example, Dr. Klimenko recommends Arnicare Gel from Boiron, an over-the-counter gel that can be applied anywhere on the body to reduce muscle pain and stiffness, swelling from injuries, and bruises. Because it relies on a natural active ingredient, you can safely use it as a first line therapy to relieve pain. More information can be found at www.Arnicare.com.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts undue stress on joints. Try a diet that promotes joint and tissue heath. Eat foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon. Add flaxseeds to salads or try cooking with mustard seed, ginger, turmeric or cayenne pepper, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Take breaks from computer work: ProAct’s research shows that women’s aches and pains stem more from daily activities like sitting at a computer too long than from injuries. Be sure to take periodic walking breaks or sit on a ball to keep muscles activated. While modern life has created challenges that lead to aches and pains, Dr. Klimenko says women don’t need to grin and bear it. “You can take proper care of yourself to avoid pain and treat aches naturally before they get out of hand.” For more natural health tips, follow Dr. Klimenko’s blog at www.DrElenaKlimenko.com.
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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly-contagious and vaccine-preventable disease that has made a startling comeback across the country. It is currently responsible for causing the worst epidemic the U.S. has seen in 50 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 13 deaths. “Immunization is still the best way to help prevent the spread of pertussis”, says Siobhan Dolan, MD, MPH, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical advisor to March of Dimes. “It’s important for both children and adults to be up-to-date with their pertussis immunization.” Researchers have found that immunity from childhood pertussis vaccinations wears off over time, so the pertussis shots that most adults received as children may no longer fully protect them. The adult Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) booster vaccine is recommended for adults to help keep them healthy and help prevent them from spreading diseases to others, especially children. The CDC recently updated its immunization guidelines, which now state that all adults aged 19 years and older who have not yet received a dose of Tdap should receive a single dose. “Research has shown that when the source of a baby’s pertussis can be identified, it’s traced back to family members in up to 80 percent of cases,” Dr. Dolan explained. “So it’s imperative for parents to know that everyone around their baby -- parents, friends, caregivers, grandparents -- needs to have an adult Tdap booster vaccine.” According to a survey conducted online in May 2012 by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Sounds of Pertussis Campaign, a joint initiative from Sanofi Pasteur and March of Dimes, more than 4 out of 5 parents with children ages 2 and younger (83 percent) believe adult vaccination is important to help protect against the spread of pertussis, but only 19 percent reported asking those in regular contact with their child to get a Tdap booster shot. “The reason is probably because most parents -- 61 percent -- said they would feel awkward asking those in close contact with their infants to get an adult Tdap booster shot, according to the survey,” said Dr. Dolan. “Parents want to do all they can to keep their babies healthy and to protect them from danger,” she added. “Speak to your friends and family about getting a pertussis booster. That simple ‘ask’ will help protect them and your baby from this potentially fatal disease.” More information about pertussis and the Sounds of Pertussis Campaign can be found online at www.SoundsofPertussis.com. And remember, although whooping cough may be on the rise nationwide, there are simple steps you can take to help protect your family: get your booster shot now and encourage those around you to do the same.
(StatePoint)
Whether you have a desk job or otherwise sedentary lifestyle, prolonged periods of sitting may be unavoidable for you. Chances are you are sitting as you read this article. New research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine and other journals shows that sitting for long stretches can be detrimental to your health, contributing to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. “The best defense -- the only defense -- is to move more,” says Dr. Keith Overland, president of the American Chiropractic Association.
Walk
The simple act of walking can help you get in shape and feel great. It’s easy, burns calories, reduces the risk of heart disease, tones muscles and increases cardiovascular endurance. Walking as little as 12 minutes a day can have a significant positive effect. To get the most from your walk, move your arms freely in coordination with the opposite leg, walk “with purpose” to maximize your cardiovascular workout, don’t stoop your head or look down as you walk and don’t carry weights, as they’re better used as a separate part of your exercise regimen.
Alleviate Pain
Aches and pains prevent many people from even taking that first step toward better health. Chiropractic physicians -- experts in treating muscles and joints -- offer not only a drug-free approach to alleviating pain through spinal adjustments and manipulation, they also promote overall health and wellness through nutritional counseling, rehabilitation and exercise and lifestyle recommendations. Search for a chiropractor in your area by using “Find a Doc,” the American Chiropractic Association’s online member database, www.acatoday.org/ FindaDoc.
Sit Correctly
“When you do sit, make sure to do it correctly so you don’t ruin your posture or strain your muscles, leading to pain that could inhibit you from getting the activity you need,” suggests Dr. Overland. To prevent problems, keep your feet on the floor or a footrest and don't cross your legs. Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips. Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support, and avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Include frequent micro-breaks into your sitting time, stretching your neck, arms, wrists, back, and legs. Simple stretches include neck rotations, fist clenches, arm dangles, and shoulder shrugs. Most of all, don’t sit for too long. Stand up and stretch your legs with a short walk about every 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid working through lunch.
Maintain Good Posture
Poor posture not only consumes more energy but also can lead to excessive strain on your postural muscles and may even cause them to weaken when held in certain positions for long periods of time. The postural muscles are prone to injury and back pain, but maintaining good posture, sitting properly and moving regularly can help you stay pain-free. You can learn more healthy tips at www.ChiroHealthy.com. While you may not be able to quit your desk job, you can prevail over inactivity and move yourself closer to better health.
Tips for an Easy 5-Step Rehab
Between blow-drying, teasing, flat-ironing, highlighting and lowlighting— there are many ways to change what Mother Nature gave us. But whether you’re regularly straightening curls, lightening darker hair or vice/versa, there may be a price to pay for rebelling. But most women don’t think twice about the hair habits they’ve had for years and years, says longtime hair-care advocate and health scientist Audrey Davis-Sivasothy. “Lackluster, frazzled, overworked hair—that’s the price we pay for handling our hair like a pair of jeans. Hair is a fragile fiber that needs to be handled more like a silk blouse,” says Davis-Sivasothy, author of “Hair Care Rehab,” (www.haircarerehab.com). “Oftentimes, the style we feel the most comfortable with reinforces our bad habits. It’s a problem with all the earmarks of an addiction.”
Substances of choice include:
• Toxic chemicals (perms, relaxers & colors)
• Hair OCD (excessive combing, brushing & heat use)
• Environmental lifestyle (too much exposure to sun, surf, bad air and water)
• Nutritional/dietary (fad diets, smoking, low water consumption) As with a drug addiction, once you’ve kicked your habit, you’ll liberate your bad hair, unlocking new dimensions of hair potential, says Davis-Sivasothy, who has also authored the popular “The Science of Black Hair” (www.blackhairscience.com).
She offers a five-step rehab for damaged hair:
1. Chelating your hair: Products containing oils, conditioners, serums and pomades (or minerals), which make you feel better in the short term, can build up and actually prevent your hair’s ability to hydrate. That’s why the first step in detoxing hair is the use of chelating shampoo, which is typically clear and lifts stubborn buildup from products and hard water. While many chelating shampoos are sulfate-based, there are more sulfate-free products entering the market to accommodate sensitive scalps and hair. Clarifying shampoos are a good substitute when chelating shampoos cannot be found. Moisturizing shampoo should be used for general use after detoxing is complete.
2. Deep conditioning your hair: After chelating, deep condition for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be done every seven to 10 days using moisturizing conditioners such as instant and cream-rinse, deep conditioners, protein treatments or leave-in conditioners. To go the extra mile, consider an apple cider vinegar rinse to close the cuticle and enhance your hair’s shine.
3. Moisturizing your hair: This step adds a layer of leave-on protection. You can use either leave-in conditioner or a dedicated moisturizing product, or both. For thick, dry or curly hair, this step hydrates and adds “slip.” For fine or oily hair, these products should detangle strands while encouraging volume.
4. Sealing your hair: This is the last major step in your hair intervention. Sealing with an oil or butter product locks in moisture and solidifies the gains of rehab. It smoothes out the cuticle and keeps hair moisturized for a longer period. Always use sealant on slightly dampened or misted hair, or pair the product with a water-based moisturizer to maximize the benefits. If you have naturally oily hair, you can skip this step.
5. Styling your hair protectively: Imagine wearing a favorite sweater every day; washing, drying and ironing it several times a week – it would look pretty worn out after a few years! This is exactly what happens to hair that is bleached, colored, blown dry with artificial heat, ironed, weaved and on and on. Don’t do this anymore! There are several measures you can take to preserve the health of your hair, including wearing it up more often, cleansing it cautiously, detangling strands with a large-tooth comb, protectively using blow-dryer heat, reducing chemical use and not coloring your hair more than three shades lighter or darker than your natural color. In general, be gentle. Do not pull to hard or rapidly when styling it, too; be slow and steady.
HOUSTON
The latest genomic analysis of pancreatic tumors identified two new pathways involved in the disease, information that could be capitalized on to develop new and earlier diagnostic tests for the disease, said a Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) physician-scientist who was part of the local team that took part in the international effort. A report appears online in the journal Nature (www.nature.com). “We have enormously expanded our knowledge of the genes involved in pancreatic cancer,” said Dr. William Fisher, professor of surgery (http://www.bcm.edu/pancreascenter/index.cfm?pmid=10143) and director of the Elkins Pancreas Center (http://www.bcm.edu/pancreascenter/) at BCM. “This study ushers in a whole new era of taking care of patients with pancreatic cancer. We will look back on this as a turning point in understanding and treating this disease.” The study follows a five-year collaboration between the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery (http://www.bcm.edu/surgery/) and the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center (http://www.hgsc.bcm.tmc.edu/), said Fisher. That collaboration began with Dr. Charles Brunicardi, former chair of the department. New information is much welcome in the field of pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of cancer death with an overall five-year survival rate of less than 6 percent. The figures have not changed substantially in the past 50 years. The study is the first to report findings from primary tumors in the disease. Previously only cell lines or tumors transplanted into mice had been used because the tumors are so small. “Therefore it required new techniques to sensitively identify mutations that were important to the development of cancer,” said Dr. David Wheeler (www.hgsc.bcm.edu/content/faculty), associate professor in the BCM Human Genome Sequencing Center who oversees the center’s cancer projects. Wheeler and Fisher are also members of the NCI-designated Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at BCM. (www.bcm.edu/cancercenter). The Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center was one of three sequencing centers worldwide that analyzed the genomes of pancreatic tumors and normal tissues taken from 142 patients with the disease. The BCM center along with the Australian Pancreatic Center Genome Initiative and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Pancreatic Cancer Genome Study carried out detailed studies on 99 of the tumors, identifying 1982 mutations that resulted in a change to a protein and 1,628 significant copy number variations events in which the structure of the chromosomes themselves are changed, either deleting or duplicating genetic information. The multi-institution, international consortium of researchers discovered mutations in genes involved in chromatin modification (changes that affect the way DNA is packaged inside the cell) and axon guidance (the process by which the axon – a long threadlike project that carries impulses away from the neuron – is guided to grow to its proper target). “This is a category of genes not previously linked to pancreatic cancer,” said Fisher. “We are poised to jump on this gene list and do some exciting things.” Wheeler pointed out that large multi-centered studies using well- annotated groups of patients with cancer are pivotal to studies such as this, which promise to guide the way toward developing new treatment strategies. Developing such banks of data is part of the goal of the Texas Cancer Research Biobank, said Dr. Richard Gibbs, director of the BCM Human Genome Sequencing Center and a co-author of the report. BCM serves as the coordinating center for the Texas Cancer Research Biobank, which bridges the gap between physicians and researchers. The Biobank is funded in part through the Cancer Research and Prevention Institute of Texas.
(StatePoint)
Nothing is more important than the health of your family. So when it comes to selecting the right heath care providers, it is vital to do careful research and come up with the right choices for you and your loved ones. When it comes to selecting a doctor, most of us are very particular and know what to look for. Things aren’t necessarily so clear when it comes to selecting other types of health practitioners, such as health care providers, rehab facilities, long-term care facilities and others. “It’s always important to equip yourself with some background knowledge and to use it to ask plenty of questions of any potential health provider or facility that will be treating you or a family member,” says Paul Grace, President and CEO of the non-profit National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
The experts at the NBCOT recommend these tips as you search for a certified health care provider:
• Ask if he or she is certified, and if so, by what board or authority. Certification and accreditation are designed to ensure that health professionals are qualified, capable, and prepared to perform the required services.
• Request documentation to confirm certification.
• Question the provider about his or her level of education, training and experience in the desired field.
• Inquire about any specialty certifications or other skills that might apply to your needs.
• Ask for references and perform independent research to determine suitability to provide the care. Finding the right rehabilitation or long-term care facility in the event of an injury or ailment is just as important as finding a health care provider. Always make sure facilities provide evidence that they are qualified to perform designated clinical activities and have met certain quality standards.
• Ask management if the facility is currently accredited, and if so, by what board or authority.
• Ask to see relevant documentation to confirm its commitment to excellence and evaluation.
• Ask about how the quality of care is measured and monitored by the facility.
• Check the benchmarks by which the facility is compared to on the regional and national level.
• Review client satisfaction surveys and perform independent research on each potential facility. When it comes to the health of your family, you don’t want to cut any corners. Make sure you cover all bases and provide your family with the care they deserve.
