Category Archives: Health Topics

ASK THE EXPERT // CATARACT AWARENESS

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in America. Cataracts cause cloudy or yellowed vision. They can obstruct night vision and cause double vision. The cataract stops light from properly passing through to the retina.

Risk factors for cataracts include:

· Long-term UV exposure from the sun

· Inflammation in the eye

· Heredity

· Eye injuries/diseases

· Smoking

Cataracts are not only a Senior Citizen concern either. Although most signs and symptoms of cataracts don’t show until at least age 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children on occasion.

Cataracts in a child can be present at time of birth or can develop after birth. Without proper treatment, children with cataracts could develop a poor visual pathway between their brain and their eyes, causing vision impairments.

There is no proven way to prevent cataracts from developing as we age. Luckily since they are so prevalent, they are easy to treat. The most common solution is cataract surgery. The doctor will remove the clouded lens of the eye and replace it with an intraocular lens. The surgery typically takes 20 minutes and most people are able to return to their normal life in a short period of time. 

Sources: https://preventblindness.org/

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /

ASK THE EXPERTS // COPD AWARENESS MONTH

November provides awareness for the millions of people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or known as COPD. This is an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over 24 million Americans are affected by COPD. This is a startling number of those who have difficulties with a disease that creates a shortness of breath. Almost half of the adults living with COPD are undiagnosed.

WHAT CAUSES COPD?

COPD is a preventable disease. Smoking cigarettes is the main culprit. If you are currently a smoker, it is not too late to stop smoking. A reduction in the progression of the disease has resulted in those who have quit smoking cigarettes.

HOW CAN I MAKE A SAFER HOME?

This is a question many caregivers have sought answers to assist those who are affected by COPD. Managing indoor triggers is one area to begin.

Below are five suggestions:

1. Avoid using tobacco in your home.

2. Avoid using products with strong odors. Such as: bleach, cleaning products, air fresheners, and perfumes.

3. Keep windows closed during high allergen days.

4. Keep pets out of sleeping areas.

5. Avoid using items that produce smoke. Such as: fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and candles.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides a wealth of tools and resources for those either with COPD or caregivers. Information can be found – https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/copd-learn-more-breathe-better/copd-caregivers-toolkit

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/stories/november_copd_awareness_month.html

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/copd-learn-more-breathe-better/copd-caregivers-toolkit

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Uncategorized /

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – OCTOBER 10th  

“Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”

The date October 10th, was set aside in the early nineties by the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH). The intention is to raise awareness and open the conversation of the importance for funding and education for those with mental health and society at large.

Those who experience mental illness live in an unequal world. Stigma. Discrimination. Lack of support. These are some of the realities. The good news for those with mental health, the awareness campaigns have started to create traction with change in support systems and stigma in society.

The goal of World Mental Health Day is to create awareness so that people living with mental illness can live better lives with dignity.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Do group therapy in the workplace or community groups –

Creating a space to allow for people to openly express themselves and talk through emotions is beneficial.

Practice self-care –

Create regular sleep routines, implement healthy food choices, exercise. Find time for yourself.

Follow the theme –

Research the subject. Awareness provides information for oneself and provides tools for empathy towards others. Ask yourself, how can I assist family members or friends who have mental illness?

Sources:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-mental-health-day

https://www.rethink.org/get-involved/awareness-days-and-events/world-mental-health-day

Posted in General Information /global interest /Health Topics /Human Interest /

BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH: Diabetes – Friendly Options

Creating a healthy breakfast each morning is an important way to start your day. This can improve your energy levels and cognition.

Patients with diabetes find it imperative to start their day with a healthy breakfast. Glucose levels will regulate with breakfast, following a fast through the overnight hours.

Not all breakfast food are great options to consume. Diabetics should focus on meals with fiber, healthy fats and lean protein.

DIABETES – FRIENDLY BREAKFAST OPTIONS

Eggs: Eggs are high in protein but low in carbs and calories, making them a perfect choice for people with diabetes.

Greek Yogurt: Contains less sugar and more protein than the regular kind.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is full of fiber that helps you feel full and stabilizes your blood sugar.

Whole Grains: Whole-grain breads and cereals are also great sources of fiber.

Source: September is Better Breakfast Month: Diabetes-Friendly Options – America’s Best Care Plus (americasbestcareplus.com)

Posted in Health Topics /Uncategorized /

September Is Better Breakfast Month

Rise and Shine! Many Americans are in a time crunch in the morning or we have developed poor eating habits with our morning routine. With the change of season, September is a great month to spend time learning the importance of starting our day with breakfast.

Research has been conducted to show a substantial difference in the overall health and well-being of an individual who eats a balanced breakfast.

WHY BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH IS IMPORTANT

· Eating a healthy breakfast helps control your weight

· It helps you fit in all of your daily nutrients

· Breakfast is delicious

IDEAS OF HEALTHY BREAKFAST FOODS

· Scrambled Eggs: Include turkey bacon, fruit and whole grain toast to round out the meal.

· Whole-Grain Waffles: serve with fresh fruit.

· English Muffin Sandwich: Toast a whole-grain muffin. Add low-fat cheese and sliced deli ham.

· Breakfast Tacos: Scramble eggs with beans in tortilla. Add salsa and low fat cheese.

· Whole-Grain Cereal: Add fresh fruit to your unsweetened cereal.

· Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit and granola.

· Smoothie: Blend low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana. Enjoy with a bran muffin.

· Oatmeal: Eliminate the added sugar and add fresh fruit, dried cranberries and almonds.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/snack-and-meal-ideas/6-tips-for-better-breakfasts

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /Health Topics /Uncategorized /

National Simplify Your Life Week

August 1-7, 2022

National Simplify Your Life Week is an opportunity to examine one’s life through physical and psychological clutter. Clutter through our home and personal commitments can bring stress and anxiety.

The history of National Simplify Your Life Week is unknown. However the purpose to promote a stress-free life is thought by many to be a beneficial observation.

Decreasing items from your home, calendar and energy will allow you space to breathe and focus on the areas that bring you joy. Below are four ways to simplify your life.

DECLUTTER YOUR HOUSE

Living in a home with stacks of papers, disorganized closets and heaps of clothes can provide a psychological feeling of being overwhelmed. Decluttering one room at a time is a suggested starting point. You will feel at peace once you have fewer items to worry about.

GET RID OF BAD MENTAL HABITS

Focusing on your past choices and self-pity are examples of unhealthy habits. Create an opportunity to increase your thoughts on gratitude and self-compassion. Arise each day by stating one item you are thankful for.

CUT OUT TOXIC PEOPLE

Negative people can take up extra space in your life by bringing your mental health down rather than being a positive influencer. This does not mean we eliminate people from our lives who are going through hard circumstances. Creating healthy boundaries is vital to an overall stable mental health.GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR TIME

Stop overcommitting your schedule. Allow space in your calendar to focus on the things that matter most to you. Your days and time are precious. Don’t focus on all your tasks and being busy. Allow space in your schedule to just “be”. Be in the moment. Read a book. Take a walk and have a conversation with those you love.

Sources: 

https://nationaltoday.com/national-simplify-your-life-week/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201807/5-ways-simplify-your-life

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /Health Topics /Safety /Uncategorized /

ASK THE EXPERT // Skin Cancer Awareness

Signs of Melanoma That Are Easy to Miss

One of the most common types of cancer in the U.S., especially among older adults, is melanoma. Roughly 100,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with melanoma.

Have you learned what to look for on your skin? Asymmetrical moles or spots on the skin that continue to grow are areas to keep an eye on. Completing a scan of our bodies to note changes is important to identify unusual signs.

“Melanoma is such a rule breaker,” says Elizabeth Buchbinder, M.D., an oncologist at DanaFarber Cancer Institute in Boston and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Little moles can cause big trouble, and new spots can grow and spread quickly, she adds. “And so knowing what to look out for, it’s super important.”

1. The ‘ugly duckling’ – Men and women with a multitude of moles are noted to have an increased risk for melanoma. However, you should not panic and start counting each mole. Look for the ‘ugly duckling’. In a large group of moles, make note of the mole with an odd shape.

2. ‘Where the sun doesn’t shine’ – Ultraviolet (UV) lights are a cause for melanomas, and not all come from sun exposure. Look for dark streaks under your fingernail or toenail that don’t grow out.

3. Red, white and blue hues – Dark-brown moles are the common color for melanomas, however they can also present in other colors. For example, melanomas can take on a pink hue and be mistreated as a skin rash.

4. Spots on the skin that bleed or itch – Seek a doctor for consultation with a mole that becomes tender or itchy.

Skin cancer is preventable. “People need to really be aware of their skin,” Quigley says. “And if there’s anything that seems abnormal, it’s not the time to wait – it needs to be evaluated.”

Learn more at: www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/melanoma-skin-cancer-risk.html

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Safety /

ASK THE EXPERT // Headaches  

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Headaches are common.  It is very likely that each of us has experienced one in the last few weeks.  They can come and go, be minor or major, but what are some of the things that cause our heads to hurt?

Headache is one of the most common types of pain in the world.  Three quarters of the world’s population annually suffers from a headache.  Headaches can cause us to miss out on a family function or miss a day of work or school.  For some continually battling headaches can cause one to feel anxious and depressed.

There are more than 150 types of headaches.  They fall into two main categories:  primary and secondary headaches. 

Primary headaches are headaches that are not due to another medical condition.  Examples include:  Migraine, Cluster headaches, Daily persistent headaches and Tension headaches.

Secondary headaches are related to another medical condition, such as:  Disease of blood vessels in the brain, Head injury, High blood pressure, Infection, Medication misuse, Sinus congestion, Tumor or Trauma. 

A key ingredient to treating headache is figuring out what causes the headache.  Finding out what causes the headache leads to treatment.  There are many components that add up to what type, how often and how severe a headache can be.  Consulting your healthcare provider is the best way to begin to figure out the cause, management and treatment of headaches.  Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future headaches.

It is important to consult your medical provider with questions about headaches.  Often times they don’t pose a serious threat, but sometimes can be a symptom of something greater. 

For more information on headaches see:  my.clevelandclinic.org, mayoclinic.org, medlineplus.gov

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /

ASK THE EXPERT // High Blood Pressure  

May is National Blood Pressure Education Month

High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.  Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. Fortunately, high blood pressure is treatable and preventable. To lower your risk, get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action to control your blood pressure if it is too high. 

5 Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure:

1.  High blood pressure is common, with more than 3 millions US cases per year.

2.  High blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. 

3.  Young people can have high blood pressure.  It isn’t just older adults who have high blood pressure.  Between

20 and 25 percent of men and women ages 33-44 have high blood pressure. This is linked to the rise in obesity rates.

4.  High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any symptoms.  Some call it the “silent killer”.  Even if you feel fine, have your blood pressure checked and talk to a doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.  Lack of symptoms and inconsistent checkups and health care monitoring, causes those who suffer to be undetected.

5.  Women and minorities face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure.  Women can run into problems during pregnancy.  Some minority groups also have higher rates of high blood pressure. 

The best way to keep high blood pressure under control is to have regular health care visits and to follow instructions from your health provider. 

More information can be found at:  heart.org, cdc.gov, clevelandclinic.org and nia.nih.gov.

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Uncategorized /

What is Podiatry??

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month

Taking care of your feet has an impact on your health.  So when we need care for our feet, why should one seek the help of a Podiatrist?  First of all, feet are a very complex part of the body.  They carry us throughout our day, while acting as shock absorbers and balance for our bodies.  Our feet require good care.  A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or DPM, is a medical expert that has spent many years and countless hours training in the care of the foot and ankle.  DPM’s are uniquely qualified to take care of this part of the body.  Podiatrists have many fields of specialty, such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics and diabetic care. 

At Copperfield Hill there is a monthly podiatry clinic.  Podiatry visits can include: 

~ Comprehensive foot evaluations

~ Nail and callous management

~ Diabetic foot exams

~ Medical equipment evaluations (braces, shoe inserts, diabetic shoes)

These visits are billed to insurance and are routinely covered as office visits by Medicare.

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Nursing /Senior Living /