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 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.
