Wellness Words November 2010 Posted on November 24, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health EducatorYET ONE MORE REASON TO QUIT!According to the New York State Department of Health, there are about 2.4 million smokers in New York State, which accounts for nearly 17 percent of the state’s population. Smoking kills 25,500 people and secondhand smoke kills 3,000 in New York State each year. Another 570,000 New Yorkers are afflicted with serious disease caused by smoking.Most people are aware of the dangers of smoking, for example increased risk of cancer and cardio-vascular disease, even if they don’t want to believe it. But, here is yet another reason to quit that you might not be familiar with!A Kaiser Permanente study showed that heavy smoking in midlife more than doubles your odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease. From 1994 to 2008, researchers evaluated the records of 21,123 men and women in midlife and continued following them, on average, for 23 years. Compared with non-smokers, those who had smoked two packs of cigarettes a day increased their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by more than 157% and had a 172% higher risk of developing vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a condition where loss of mental skills occurs that affects your daily life. Vascular dementia happens when part of the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients.If you smoke, your doctor can play a major role in helping you quit. By seeking the help of a health care professional, you can be assured of a good start on your quit plan. Physicians make sure there is a continuing record of their patients’ progress in quitting.The New York State Smokers’ Quitline also offers help to smokers seeking to overcome the addiction of tobacco. Smokers can call the Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit the Quitline web site at www.nysmokefree.com. This is a free, confidential service to help you become smoke-free.Research indicates success in beating the addiction when smokers have some means of support, such as telephone smoking cessation hotlines, nicotine replacement products, counseling, and prescription medicine to lessen cravings. These free services are provided by the Quitline. Other means of support for smokers include participating in stop-smoking groups, and turning to friends and family for encouragement and support.Here are some tips on quitting:Set a quit date and mark it on your calendar.Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes.Visit your doctor for support and advice with your quit plan.Make a list of reasons why you want to quit.Make a list of family and friends who will support you.Avoid triggers including alcohol, caffeine and other smokers.Exercise to relieve stress, and to improve your mood and health.Consider using a safe nicotine alternative such as replacement patches, gum or lozenges.Join the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 18th. Millions of Americans will quit smoking for 24 hours, or help someone they care about to quit! Free ‘Quit Tips’ and information on local quit smoking services, the N.Y.S. Smokers’ Quitline, and how to get free nicotine replacement therapy will be available at HealthLink and Nathan Littauer Hospital.For more information on quitting smoking, contact your health care provider, N.Y.S. Smokers’ Quitline, 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 October 2010 Posted on October 12, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.Community Health Educator PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS & OLDER ADULTS Many older adults live with one or more chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Older adults are more likely to consult multiple healthcare providers and take multiple medicines, which can place them at greater risk for drug interactions.A drug interaction is when a substance (such as another medication, supplement or even food) affects the activity of a drug. This can increase or decrease the effects of the drug or produce a new effect that neither substance produces on its own.It is important to realize that some medicines won’t mix well with alcohol or other medications, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. Changes in body weight can also influence the amount of medicine you need to take and how long it stays in your body. Body circulation may slow down, which can affect how quickly drugs get to the liver and kidneys. In addition, the liver and kidneys may work slower, which can affect how a drug breaks down and is eliminated from the body. Due to these changes, medicine may remain in your body longer and create a greater chance of interaction.The Food and Drug Administration encourages individuals to be knowledgeable about their medication, and has provided the following guidelines to guard against potential problems with medication:Read the labels of your medications carefully, and follow the directions.Look for pictures or statements on your prescriptions and pill bottles that tell you not to drink alcohol while taking the particular medication. If you are taking medications for sleeping, pain, anxiety, or depression, it is unsafe to drink alcohol.Talk to your health care professional about all medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbals.Tell your doctor about any food or medicine allergies you have.Keep track of side effects, and let your doctor know immediately about any unexpected symptoms or changes in the way you feel.Go through your medicine cabinet at least once a year to get rid of old or expired medicines.Have all of your medicine reviewed by your doctor at least once a year.Talk with your doctor or other health care professional. They can check for any problems you may be having and discuss treatment options with you.Ask for advice from a staff member at a senior center or other program in which you participate.Share your concerns with a friend, family member, or spiritual advisor.Remind your doctor or pharmacist about any previous conditions that might affect your ability to take certain medicines, such as allergies, a stroke, hypertension, serious heart disease, liver problems, or lung disease.Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you want more information.For more information on medication safety, contact your health care provider or pharmacist, or call 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 September 2010 Posted on September 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator 10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASEAccording to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may, however, be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, a fatal brain condition that causes slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.There are many benefits of early detection, diagnosis and intervention for people with this condition and for their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer’s research and support, has developed the following checklist of common symptoms to help the public recognize the warning signs of the disease.Memory Loss: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common signs. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information repeatedly or relying on memory aides. Challenges In Planning Or Solving Problems: People with Alzheimer’s often experience difficulty in performing formerly routine tasks. They may have trouble keeping track of monthly bills or using a checkbook. They may also have difficulty concentrating and may take longer to complete a task.Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: For example, they may have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules of a game.Confusion With Time Or Place: Persons with this disease may lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may also have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may even forget where they are or how they got there.Trouble Understanding Visual Images And Spatial Relationships: They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. New Problems With Words In Speaking Or Writing: There may be trouble following or joining in a conversation. They may have difficulty finding the right word or may call things by the wrong name. Misplacing Things And Being Unable To Retrace Steps: A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. They may not only lose things, but be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. This may occur more frequently over time and they may even accuse others of stealing what they have misplaced.Decreased Or Poor Judgment: For example, they may use poor judgment dealing with money and may give away sums they can’t afford. Dressing inappropriately for the conditions may be another sign of decreasing judgment.Withdrawal From Work Or Social Activities. They may increasingly remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work or sports. They may become passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleep more than usual or not want to see family or friends.Changes In Mood Or Personality: People with this disease can change dramatically. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.Although Alzheimer’s is not curable at the present time, there are many benefits of early detection, diagnosis and intervention for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.For more information on Alzheimer’s, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900 (www.alzneny.org), or call 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 August 2010 Posted on August 12, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator SKIN CANCER PREVENTIONMore than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The good news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.Protection from the sun is important at any time of the year. The sun sends ultraviolet rays (UV-A and UV-B) which we cannot see. Long-term, unprotected exposure to the UV rays causes up to 90 percent of all skin cancer. Sunburned or tanned skin is actually damaged skin, according to the New York State Department of Health.Before you head outside, take these few simple steps to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays:Schedule outside activities for early mornings or late afternoon. If possible, avoid the hours of10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.If you must be out during these hours, stay in the shade as much as possible or use an umbrella or tent for artificial shade.Cover-up when in the sun. Choose clothes such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts that are made of tightly woven fabrics. Wear wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, scalp, neck and ears.Use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes that are rated to block UV-A and UV-B rays.Remember, you still need to be careful on cloudy or hazy days as well. Clouds do not block most UV rays. Also, be careful around surfaces such as sand, cement, water and even snow that can reflect the sun’s rays on the skin. You also need to be aware of the effects of certain medications. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine can cause the skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Ask your pharmacist or physician if you are concerned that you may be taking one of these drugs.Although you may have heard of some controversy over the use of sunscreen recently, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) recommends the use of sunscreen especially during the times the UV rays are strongest. DOH recommendations for the effective use of sunscreen include:Choose a sunscreen that offers both UV-A and UV-B protection.Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.Rub a generous amount of sunscreen on all uncovered skin. Do not apply around the eyes but do wear sunglasses.Light clothing will not filter out all UV rays, so use sunscreen on areas that will be covered by light clothing.Use sunscreen stick or lip-balm on sensitive areas such as lips, ears, nose, hands and feet.Choose a waterproof sunscreen if going in the water.Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.Towel dry before re-applying sunscreen after swimming or if sweaty.Just a few moments of prevention and you can be outdoors and enjoy all of our beautiful weather with friends and family.For more information on skin cancer prevention, contact your health care provider, the National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-CANCER (www.cancer.gov), or call 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 July 2010 Posted on July 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator A SAFE HOME IS IN YOUR HANDS!Ask Americans where they feel safest and most will say in their own homes. However, unintentional injuries in the home result in nearly 21 million medical visits each year, according to the Home Safety Council. Many home injuries are preventable. Some of the most serious include slips and falls, poisonings, fires and burns. “Just a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the dangers in most homes and may even make a life saving difference” said Meri-K Appy, President of the Home Safety Council.The following are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of an accident in your home …To Prevent Falls:Install and use grab bars in the shower and tub area Have bright lights over stairs and on landingsUse a small, sturdy ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furnitureKeep floors and stairs free from small scatter rugs or other potential tripping hazardsTo Prevent PoisoningsKeep all cleaning agents in their original containers and do NOT mix themUse medications only as directed and do NOT share or use another person’s medication even if you think it is the same as yoursDiscard all outdated medications safely. Do NOT leave them in your medicine cabinet. Look for pharmaceutical drop off programs like the one at the Fulton County Solid Waste Department on August 14, 2010 or contact your pharmacist for ways to safely dispose of them.Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areasCall the Poison Control Center @ 1-800-222-1222 if someone ingests poisonTo Prevent Fires and BurnsHave working smoke alarms and hold fire drillsStay near your stove when cooking, especially when fryingKeep space heaters at least 3 feet from any combustible surfaceIf you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep ashtrays and put water in them before emptying them.Only light candles if you are going to stay in the room. Blow the candle out if you are going to leave or are going to lay down to rest or sleepKeep your hot water at or below 110 degrees F To Prevent ChokingSee your dentist annually and keep teeth in good repairMake sure dentures fit snugly and use a dental adhesive if neededTake small bites and chew slowlyEat away from distractions such as TV whenever possibleREMEMBER…A SAFE HOME IS IN YOUR HANDS!For more information on home safety, contact your county Office For Aging or Public Health department, or call 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 2010 Posted on June 17, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson RN BSCommunity Health Educator WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT MEN’S HEALTHEubie Blake once said, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”How true that is for most of us. It seems to be especially true of older men, who once were so busy working and playing hard that the thought of getting medical advice, or even of doing things in moderation, was never on their radar screen.According to the Hope Heart Institute, today we know the following things about men’s health:Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American men.The 3 biggest cancer killers of men in the U.S. over age 55 are …1. Lung cancer2. Prostate cancer3. Colorectal cancerPrevention and early detection are still the best ways of beating these formidable opponents, according to the National Institute of Health. Many of the prevention strategies are the same for all of these diseases, they include but are certainly not limited to:Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smokeKeep a healthy weightEat less red and/or processed meatsEat less fat…only about 1/3 of your daily calories should come from fatEat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every dayExercise about 30 minutes most days of the weekLearn how to manage stressFor heart disease prevention, you should also keep your blood pressure below 120/80 and make sure you get it checked at least every two years. Men also need to have their cholesterol levels checked and keep their levels within the guidelines for their particular circumstances. Most men should have a total cholesterol level below 200 and their HDL (good cholesterol) should be a minimum of 40. Men who have a history of heart disease in their families, or who have experienced a cardiac problem, will need to keep within even stricter parameters.Cancer prevention and early intervention are also crucial to men’s health and longevity. Both men and women need to have a personal physician and regular checkups as we grow older. In addition to the general guidelines above, men also need to ask their doctors when they should start being checked for prostate and colorectal cancer. This is especially true if there is any history of these conditions in the family.It is important for men to take charge of their health! Remember that you are the boss. Your doctor works for you. Find a physician who really listens to you. Take a list of questions to every medical exam and make sure you have them answered before you leave. Ask for copies of lab tests for your home medical file. Learn all you can about any medical conditions that your doctor has identified for you.For more information on men’s health, contact your health care provider or call 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.
