Wellness Words November 2011 Posted on November 8, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH According to Web MD, diabetes affects more than 23 million people in the United States and is the most common disorder of the endocrine, or hormone, system. The disease occurs when blood sugar levels in the body constantly stay above normal. Diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to make insulin or by the body not responding to the effects of insulin.Type 1 diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes most commonly starts in individuals under the age of 20, but can occur at any age. The symptoms include:Increased thirstIncreased hunger (especially after eating)Dry mouthFrequent urinationUnexplained weight lossFatigueBlurred visionLabored, heavy breathingLoss of consciousnessWith Type 2 diabetes, the body continues to produce insulin. However, this insulin is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. This keeps the glucose from entering the body’s cells. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and affects almost 18 million Americans. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in individuals over the age of 40 who are overweight, but it can occur in individuals who are not overweight. The disease has also recently appeared more often in children. The symptoms of Type 2 include:Slow-healing sores or cutsItching of the skinYeast infectionsRecent weight gainNumbness or tingling of the hands and feetImpotence or erectile dysfunctionIncreased thirstIncreased urinationIncreased hungerBlurred visionThe link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes is very clear. Therefore, individuals can greatly reduce their chance of developing the disease by slimming down if they are overweight. This is especially true for individuals who have a family history of diabetes. Studies have shown that exercise and a healthy diet can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes in individuals who have impaired glucose tolerance, which is a condition that develops prior to Type 2 diabetes. Medications have also been shown to provide similar benefits. Medications have been used to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes for individuals with pre-diabetes conditions.There are also practices that individuals with diabetes can do to assist themselves in managing the disease. Exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet have also been shown to benefit individuals who already have diabetes. Exercise and a well balanced diet can greatly limit the effects of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes on the body. Stopping smoking is one of the best ways to help prevent the damaging effects of diabetes. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of heart disease, particularly for individuals with diabetes.If you do smoke, consider joining us in the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 17, when millions of Americans will quit smoking for at least 24 hours. Free ‘quit tips’ will be available at HealthLink and Nathan Littauer Hospital, including information on local quit smoking services, the N.Y.S. Smokers’ Quitline, and how to get free nicotine replacement therapy.For more information, contact your health care provider, Littauer’s Diabetes Center of Excellence at 773-5425, or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words October 2011 Posted on October 11, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among women in the United States in 2011. Males can also be diagnosed with breast cancer, but male breast cancer cases make up less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer. Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of breast cancer. As a tumor develops, the following signs might be noticed:A lump in the breast or underarm. These are the often the first signs of breast cancer and are painless. These lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.Swelling in the armpit.Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness in the breast.A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that cannot be seen or felt.Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast.A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration.Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody or another color.A marble-like area under the skin.An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.There are several types of breast cancer that can be divided into two main categories – noninvasive cancers and invasive cancers.Non-invasive breast cancer. These cancers are confined to the ducts or lobules and don’t spread to surrounding tissues. Most are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and are only found in the milk duct of the breast. If not treated, they can become invasive cancers.Invasive breast cancer. Invasive breast cancers penetrate through normal breast tissue and invade surrounding areas. They are more serious than noninvasive cancers because they can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs and brain.As with all types of cancer, early detection is the key for treatment of breast cancer. Although no technology is perfect, mammography screening remains the best available method to detect breast cancer early. Research is under way to improve the technology to lead to better accuracy and create new technologies. Additionally, the U.S. Congress passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act to ensure that mammography facilities throughout the country are of high quality and are reliable. Each facility must display a certificate issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to serve as evidence that the facility meets quality standards.Along with mammography screenings, there are several suggestions for women to practice elements of good breast health. These suggestions include:Obtain regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40.Obtain annual clinical breast exams.Perform monthly breast-self exams.Obtain a breast cancer risk assessment from physician.Free breast cancer screenings are available for women age 40+ without health insurance. For details, contact the Cancer Services Program at 841-3726.For more information, visit www.nbcam.org, contact your health care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words September 2011 Posted on September 13, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator FALL PREVENTION Falls and fall-related injuries among older adults are a serious public health concern, especially considering there is a rapidly growing older population. The National Council on Aging provides some alarming information about the problem:One third of Americans age 65+ fall each year, resulting in more than 1.8 million emergency room visits. Every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall.Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal trauma related hospital admissions among older adults and the leading cause of fatal injury. There are over 480,000 hospitalizations and about 16,700 deaths each year. Every 35 minutes an older adult dies following a fall.In 2000, the direct medical cost of fatal and nonfatal fall injuries was over $19 billion. This financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase and could reach $54.9 billion by 2020.Although the statistics are alarming, individuals can take steps to prevent these dangerous falls from occurring. WebMD has provided several preventive measures for individuals to follow:Take care of yourself: If you live alone, wear an alarm device or carry a cell phone in case you fall and can’t get up. Have your vision and hearing checked each year, or anytime you notice a change. Call your doctor if you are dizzy or having difficulty with your balance, because this could be a warning sign of a health problem that needs to be treated. And if you are feeling weak or dizzy, ask someone to help you with your activities. Also, see your doctor if you have calluses or corns on your feet. If you wear loose-fitting shoes because of calluses or corns, you can lose your balance.Learn ways to keep your balance: Exercise often to improve strength, muscle tone, and sense of balance. Wear low-heeled shoes that fit well and give your feet good support. If you use a walker or cane, make sure it is fitted to you and has rubber tips on it. If you have pets, train them not to jump or get underfoot of people. A collar with a bell will help you know when your pets are nearby.Learn about your medicines: Ask your doctor what the side effects are of the medicines you are taking. If you are taking more then one medicine, ask your doctor how the medicines interact with each other.Make your home safer: Remove or fix things that you might trip over. Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter. Use nonskid floor wax and wipe up spills right away. Keep your house well lit. Use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms. Put sturdy handrails on stairways. Store items on lower shelves so you don’t have to climb or reach high. Keep a phone and a flashlight by your bed.Stay safe while bathing: Install grab handles and nonskid mats in the tub and shower. Use a shower chair or bath bench.Prevent outdoor falls: If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, have a family member or friend sprinkle salt or sand on slippery steps and sidewalks.For more information, attend a FREE program co-sponsored by HealthLink/Nathan Littauer Hospital, Office For Aging and the Y entitled “Improve Balance & Prevent Falls” on Friday, October 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Transportation is available to the Y for this program …for details or to attend, call OFA at 736-5650.
Wellness Words August 2011 Posted on August 16, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS The summer months are filled with hot days that can put individuals at risk of developing heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can not keep itself cool. As the air temperature rises, the human body stays cool when sweat evaporates. However, the evaporation of sweat is slowed down by increased moisture in the air on hot and humid days. When sweating isn’t enough to keep the body cool, the body temperature rises and individuals may become ill.Heat exhaustion occurs when the body gets too hot. It can be caused by physical exercise or hot weather. If an individual has heat exhaustion, they may experience:Heavy sweatingFeeling weak and/or confusedDizzinessNauseaHeadacheFast heartbeatDark-colored urine, which is an indicator of dehydrationIf you think you have heat exhaustion, you should get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a building with air-conditioning or find a cool and shady place. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks, because they can make heat exhaustion worse. Take a cool shower or bath and remove any tight or unnecessary clothing. If you don’t feel well in 30 minutes, contact a doctor. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heatstroke.Heat stroke is an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that is often fatal if not treated correctly. Infants, the elderly, athletes and those who physically exert themselves outside under the sun, are at the highest risk of heat stroke.Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attacks. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before it progresses to heat stroke. Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:High body temperatureAbsence of sweating, with red or flushed dry skinRapid pulseDifficulty breathingStrange behaviorHallucinationsConfusionAgitationDisorientationSeizureComaIf you think someone might have heatstroke, call emergency medical personnel immediately! While waiting, take the person into an air-conditioned building or a cool, shady place. Remove unnecessary clothing to cool them down. Try to fan air over the person while wetting their skin with water. Appling ice packs to the person’s armpits, groin, neck and back can also help them cool down.The best way to prevent heat illness is to stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible on hot days. If you must go outside, here are several precautions to take to keep you safe:Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.Protect yourself from the sun with hats or umbrellas.Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or more.Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity and continue to drink extra water throughout the day.Drink fewer beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.Schedule activities before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. when the sun isn’t as strong.During outdoor activities, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes.If you have a chronic medical problem, ask your doctor how to deal with the heat, especially how your medications relate to heat.For more information, visit www.FamilyDoctor.org, contact your health care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words July 2011 Posted on July 14, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator THE NEW FOOD PLATE In June of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the creation of MyPlate. MyPlate will replace the food pyramid, which provided the guidelines for a healthy diet for the past 20 years. Many people found the food pyramid hard to understand and the USDA felt it was time for a change.MyPlate has four colored sections representing fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.Next to the plate is a smaller circle representing dairy products.The USDA believes that the new design is much simpler and will assist people in adapting healthy eating habits.More information on MyPlate can be found at ChooseMyPlate.gov The USDA has also provided the following 10 Tips To A Great Plate.1. Balance Calories: The first step in managing your weight is to understand how many calories you need in a day. ChooseMyPlate.gov can assist people in determining calorie goals. Physical activity also helps to balance calories.2. Enjoy Your Food, But Eat Less: Take the time to fully enjoy your food. Eating too fast may lead to consuming too many calories. Pay attention to hunger cues before, during and after meals.3. Avoid Oversized Portions: Portion out foods before you eat. Use smaller plates, bowls and glasses.4. Foods To Eat More Often: Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. These foods have the necessary nutrients for a healthy diet and should be the basis for meals and snacks.5. Make Half Of Your Plate Fruits & Vegetables: Choose red, orange, and dark-green vegetables like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, along with other vegetables. Add fruit to meals as part of main dishes, side dishes or desserts.6. Switch To Fat-Free Or Low-Fat (1%) Milk: These products have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but fewer calories and less saturated fat.7. Make Half Of Your Grains Whole Grains: To eat more whole grains, substitute a whole-grain product for a refined product. For example, eating whole-grain bread instead of white bread or brown rice instead of white rice.8. Foods To Eat Less Often: Cut back on foods that are high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt. This includes cakes, cookies, ice cream, candies, sweetened drinks, pizza and fatty meals like ribs, sausages, bacon, and hot dogs. Use these foods as occasional treats, not everyday foods.9. Compare Sodium In Foods: Use the Nutrition Facts labels to choose lower sodium versions of foods like soup, bread and frozen meals. Select canned foods labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “no salt added.”10. Drink Water Instead Of Sugary Drinks: Cut calories by drinking water or unsweetened drinks. Soda, energy drinks and sports drinks contain added sugars and calories. For more information, contact your health care provider, Littauer’s Outpatient Nutritional Counseling at 773-5413, or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at www.nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words June 2011 Posted on June 20, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator CATARACT AWARENESS June is national cataract awareness month. WebMD Medical Reference states that more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have cataracts. Cataracts occur as a result of build up of protein in the lens of the eye. This build up prevents light from passing clearly through the lens, causing some vision loss. New lens cells form on the outside of the lens and the older cells are compacted into the center of the lens, resulting in the cataract.Many people believe that cataracts only develop as we age. However, there are several types of cataracts that individuals can have. These types of cataracts include:Age-Related Cataracts: This form develops as a result of aging.Congenital Cataracts: Babies can be born with cataracts. This is the result of an infection, injury or poor development before they are born. These cataracts can also develop during childhood.Secondary Cataracts: These develop as a result of other medical conditions. Diabetes or exposure to toxic substances, ultraviolet light, radiation and certain drugs can lead to the development of these cataracts.Traumatic Cataracts: These develop as a result of injury to the eye.Cataracts usually develop slowly and cause few symptoms until a noticeable amount of light is blocked. When symptoms are present, they include:Cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy vision.Progressive nearsightedness in older individuals. This is referred to as “second sight” because they may no longer need glasses.Changes in the way individuals see color.Problems driving at night, such as glare from oncoming headlights.Problems with glare during the day.Double vision.Sudden changes in glasses prescription.There are two basic treatments for individuals with cataracts. Some individuals may be able to correct their vision to an acceptable level with a change in prescription, eyeglasses, or contacts. This correction will eliminate the need for surgery at that time. If vision can not be improved and cataracts interfere with daily life, that individual may be a candidate for cataract surgery. This surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear and artificial one.Unfortunately, there is no proven method of preventing cataracts. Because cataracts are common in older adults, it is important for individuals to have eye examinations on a regular basis. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals ages 40 to 60 should have comprehensive eye exams every two to four years, and individuals 65 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Individuals with a history of eye problems or medical conditions that increase the risk of eye disease, such as diabetes, should have an eye exam more frequently.For more information, contact your vision care provider or HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can also attend a free program entitled “The Aging Eye” on Wednesday, June 22 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in Littauer’s Auditorium with guest speaker, Dr. David Kwiat, Ophthalmologist & Surgeon of Kwiat Eye & Laser Surgery.
