Wellness Words May 2011 Posted on May 17, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body, which leads to joint inflammation. Inflammation is one of the body’s natural reactions to disease or injury and includes swelling, pain and stiffness. Inflammation that lasts for a very long time or recurs, such as in arthritis, can lead to tissue damage.There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Different types of arthritis have different symptoms and the symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, a rash and signs of joint inflammation. The signs of joint inflammation are pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness and warmth. Three of the more common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.Osteoarthritis is the most common form and occurs when the cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints due to age and overuse.Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body, except the lower back. In this form, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone.Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain.The causes of most types of arthritis are unknown. Although the exact causes might not be known, there are several risk factors that increase an individuals chance of developing a form of arthritis. These risks include:Age – The risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age.Gender – In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men.Obesity – Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis.Work Factors – Some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints and cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis.If arthritis is diagnosed early, most types can be managed and the pain and disability minimized. Early diagnosis and treatment may be able to prevent tissue damage caused by arthritis. The goal of arthritis treatment is to provide pain relief and increase joint mobility and strength. There are several treatment options and treatment plans may involve more than one of these options. Treatment options include medication, exercise, hot/cold compresses, use of joint protection and surgery.Along with treatment, there are preventative measures that can be taken. Although it may not be possible to prevent arthritis, there are steps to take to reduce the risk of developing the diseases and to slow or prevent permanent joint damage. These preventative steps include:Maintaining a healthy weight – Excess weight puts strain on joints.Exercising – Stronger muscles can help protect and support joints.Using joint-protecting devices and techniques at work – Proper lifting and posture can help protect muscles and joints.Eating a healthy diet – A well balanced and nutritious diet can help strengthen bones and muscles.For more information, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-420-5554 (www.arthritis.org). Littauer’s Physical Therapy Services at 773-5541, 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 April 2011 Posted on April 6, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH April is National Donate Life Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month and there is no better gift to give than the gift of life! There have been advances in medical technology and donation. However, the demand for organ, eye and tissue donations still vastly exceeds the number of donors. There are currently more than 100,000 men, women and children that need life-saving organ transplant. It is estimated that every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list and an average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.There is a great deal of misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation. The Donate Life America organization has provided several facts that will help individuals better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life and treat you. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.When an individual is on the waiting list for an organ, there are several factors that influence who receives the organ. These include severity of the illness, time spent on waiting list, blood type, and other important medical information. Financial status or celebrity status does not effect waiting time.An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.In 2006, a new law created the New York State Donate Life Registry. This registry records an individual’s own legal consent to organ, tissue and eye donation upon their death. To ensure that your decision to be a donor is honored, you must enroll in the Donate Life Registry. You can enroll online at http://www.nyhealth.gov/donatelife or through the Department of Motor Vehicles when you apply for or renew your license or non-driver ID.While organ donation is your own personal choice, it is still important to share your desires with your loved ones. This will make it much easier for them to accept and help avoid any issues that may slow down the donation process.For more information, visit the Organ & Tissue Donor Registry website listed above or call 1-866-NYDONOR (693-6667). You may also call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120, 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 March 2011 Posted on March 9, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator 7 WARNING SIGNS OF INADEQUATE NUTRITIONHaving good nutrition is important at any age. Many Americans, young and old, fall short on vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. As individuals age and become less active, they need fewer calories. However, older individuals may need more of certain nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin B.Nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition can persist for a long time before they show up in physical signs or symptoms. Peter Jaret, of WebMD, has provided seven warning signs of inadequate nutrition.1. UNEXPLAINED FATIGUEFatigue is a common side effect of iron deficiency and can lead to anemia. However, other conditions can cause fatigue. These include heart disease, depression, or thyroid disease. It is important to alert your doctor if you feel unusually weak or tired.2. BRITTLE & DRY HAIRBrittle hair can signal a deficiency of essential fatty acids, protein, iron and other nutrients. Hair loss is usual with aging. However, if hair begins to fall out at an unusual rate, a nutrient deficiency may be the cause.3. RIGID OR SPOON-SHAPED NAILSA spoon-shaped nail, in which the nail curves up from the nail bed, is an indicator of iron deficiency. This condition is known as koilonychias and your doctor may recommend iron pills and iron-rich foods such as liver and shellfish.4. MOUTH PROBLEMSCracking or inflammation at the corners of the mouth are warning signs of either riboflavin or iron deficiency. An unusually pale or swollen tongue is a warning sign of iron or B-vitamin deficiency. Burning mouth syndrome is a condition that may arise from iron, zinc or folate deficiency. All of these conditions can be treated with nutrient-rich foods and supplements.5. DIARRHEAChronic diarrhea can be a sign of malabsorption. Malabsorption means that nutrients aren’t being fully absorbed by the body. It can be caused by infection, surgery, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, and digestive disorders. If you have experienced this, it is important to consult your doctor.6. APATHY OR IRRITABILITYUnexplained mood changes, especially feeling apathetic or irritable, can be a sign that your body isn’t getting the required energy. These mood changes are often accompanied by another sign of malnutrition, fatigue or weakness.7. LACK OF APPETITEAs individuals age, their appetite often diminishes and taste buds lose their sensitivity. Older individuals tend to be less active and require fewer calories. Medications can also diminish an individual’s appetite. However, nutritional deficiencies can also cause a lack of appetite. Nancy Wellman R.D., past president of the American Dietetic Association says, “Chronic lack of appetite is a serious warning sign that you may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies.” If you find yourself skipping meals because you are not hungry, talk to your doctor. The faster you discover the deficiency, the better the chance of stopping the nutritional problem before it causes serious trouble.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 February 2011 Posted on February 15, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator THE SIMPLE 7 HEART HEALTH FACTORSHeart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. The best tool in fighting heart disease is prevention, and the American Heart Association has provided The Simple 7 Heart Health Factors to help guide individuals to a healthier heart lifestyle.I. GET ACTIVEThe AHA suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burns calories. Aerobic exercises benefit your heart, such as walking, jogging or swimming. Strength and stretching exercise are best for overall stamina and flexibility. The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It’s enjoyable, free, easy, social and great exercise.II. CONTROL CHOLESTEROLIt’s important for all people to know their cholesterol level. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl or higher puts you in a higher-risk category. To keep your cholesterol under control, the AHA recommends you schedule a screening, eat foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat and free of trans fat, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.III. EAT BETTEREating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and blood pressure. Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight. Eat fish at least twice a week. Eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1% fat or low-fat dairy products.IV. MANAGE BLOOD PRESSUREHigh blood pressure, or hypertension, is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. A normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and less than 80mm Hg diastolic. Eating a heart-healthy diet, enjoying regular activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco smoke will all help manage your blood pressure.V. LOSE WEIGHT145 million Americans are overweight or obese (BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 and higher). Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. You can reduce this risk by maintaining a healthy weight through fitness and a good nutrition plan. It is crucial to understand your recommended calorie intake and the amount of calories you consume verses the calories you’re brining off with different levels of physical activity.VI. REDUCE BLOOD SUGARAdults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes. Healthy eating habits, weight control, exercise and medication can help keep it in check. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes.VII. STOP SMOKINGBy itself, smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease. When it acts with the other factors, it greatly increases your risk from those factors. Smoking decreases your tolerance for physical activity and increases the tendency for blood to clot. It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol. Smoking also creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. It increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery.For more information, contact your health care provider, American Heart Association at 800-242-8721 (www.americanheart.org) 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 January 2011 Posted on January 7, 2011August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator HELPFUL TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONSKeeping New Year’s resolutions can be a struggle for anyone, including older adults. However, it does not have to be this way. If goals are simplified and mindsets altered, older adults should have no problems with keeping their resolutions past January!Keep your resolutions to a minimum: Having too many resolutions can lead to discouragement when all goals are not met. Try to only make one or two resolutions for the New Year.Set realistic goals: Start with small resolutions and make sure they are attainable. It is great to push yourself, but you don’t want to set goals that can not be reached.Be patient: Correcting bad habits and making positive changes is not an easy process. It takes time and there will be setbacks. Try not to get discouraged or punish yourself.Be proud: Be proud of your accomplishments and reward yourself. This will give you incentive to keep up with your resolutions.The American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging has provided the following top 10 New Year’s resolutions for older adults:Eat a healthy diet – Experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. Choose fiber-rich whole grain bread, rice and pasta. Pick less fatty meat, like chicken. Shoot for heart-healthy fish, like tuna or salmon, twice a week. To help keep your bones strong, include sources of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Use healthier fats, such as olive and canola oils, instead of butter or lard.Take a multivitamin-mineral – Check labels and choose one that includes 100% of the “Daily Value” for most vitamins and minerals.See your doctor or healthcare provider regularly – That means at least once a year, unless he or she says you should come in more often. At each visit, talk to your provider about the medications you’re taking and any health concerns you may have.Exercise – Exercise is safe and healthy for older people…even older people with illness like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. Many of these conditions actually improve with exercise. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.Toast New Year’s Day with a smaller glass – According to experts, moderate drinking means just 1 drink per day for older men and ½ a drink daily for older women. Since alcohol can interact with certain drugs, ask your healthcare provider whether even this much is safe for you.Prevent falls – Falls are a leading cause of injuries and deaths among seniors. Exercises can boost your strength, balance, and flexibility, and help you avoid falls.Workout your brain – The more you use your mind, the better it will work. Reading, crossword puzzles and socializing give your brain a boost.Get help quitting – You can lower your risks of many health problems, breathe easier, enjoy more energy, and better sleep if you quit smoking…no matter how long ago you started.Guard against feeling down or anxious – Lingering sadness, tiredness, loss of appetite or pleasure from things you once enjoyed, difficultly sleeping, worry, irritability, and wanting to be alone most of the time can all be signs that you need help. Tell your healthcare provider right away.Get a good night’s sleep – Get at least 7 to 8 hours each night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening.For more information, contact your health care provider 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 December 2010 Posted on December 20, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator DEALING WITH THE STRESS OF THE HOLIDAYSMost of us look forward to the holidays as joyful time, spent celebrating with friends and family. But all too often, we allow ourselves to become stressed out … trying to balance the family gatherings, the countless parties, and the endless shopping. If not managed well, all of this stress can have a negative effect on our health and well-being.Charlotte Libov of WebMD The Magazine, suggests that lowering stress levels during the holidays can have great benefits for individuals. Doing so may reduce your risk of:Heart disease (including heart attacks)Skin conditions (including psoriasis and shingles)Digestive disorder flare-ups (such as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease)Immune disorders (including flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and lupus)Anxiety, depression and insomniaWorsening pain if you already have a pain disorder (such as arthritis, back pain, and muscle spasms)There are many strategies you can use to manage the stress during the holiday season. Healthwise Incorporated has developed guidelines to lower stress in both preparing for the holidays and the stress occurring during the holidays.Preparing For The HolidaysGet Organized: Make lists or use an appointment book to keep track of tasks to do and events to attend.Know Your Spending Limit: Set a budget and don’t spend more than you’ve planned. Don’t buy gifts that you’ll spend the rest of the year trying to pay off.Share The Tasks: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Share your “to do” list with others. Spend time with friends and family while you share tasks like decorating, wrapping gifts, and preparing the holiday meal.Learn To Say No: It’s okay to say “no” to some events that aren’t important to you. This will give you more time to say “yes” to events that you do want to attend.Be Realistic: Try not to put pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday for your family. Focus instead on the traditions that make holidays special for you. And remember that just because it’s a holiday, family problems don’t go away. If you have a hard time being around your relatives, it’s okay to set limits on your time at events and visits.During The HolidaysYou may not be able to avoid stressful situations during the holidays. But you can plan to respond to them in a healthy way.Take Breaks From Group Activities: Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Spend a little time by yourself if you can. Meditate, or do some relaxation breathing. Go for a short walk.Keep A Regular Sleep, Meal and Exercise Schedule: Taking care of yourself will help you deal with stressful situations during the holidays.Limit Your Alcohol Intake!Get Support If You Need It: Holidays can sometimes trigger depression. They can be especially hard if you are already dealing with the death of a loved one or the breakup of a relationship. If you feel that you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.For more information on managing stress, contact your health care provider 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.
