Category Archives: Health Issues

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WORLD HEALTH DAY, TODAY, APRIL 7th

In 1948, the United Nations founded the World Health Organization.  Since  1950, World Health Day has been celebrated annually on April 7.  This observance is an opportunity to focus on key public health issues throughout the world.  Local, regional and international events are linked to the theme chosen, and these organizations sponsor events all through the year.  This year’s World Health Day is focusing on educating people of all ages to the dangers of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms and its impact on a global level.  

The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by accident by Alexander Fleming, after he noticed the substance repelling bacteria from a laboratory plate.  Before the discovery of antibiotics, persons were easy prey to infections.  By the 1940’s antibiotics had become commonplace.  After more than sixty plus years of antibiotic use, and increases in the use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture, many microbes have developed a resistance to these drugs.  Many antibiotics (antimicrobials) now produce only a weakened effect or none at all.  We may be on the brink of a worldwide threat, as it has been discovered that more microorganisms are becoming resistant to these drugs. 

This type of resistance, or drug resistance, happens when virus, fungi, bacteria, or parasite mutate, or change, in such a way the medication that is being used is ineffective.  Some strains of microorganisms succumb to drugs and others survive and become resistant.  The resistance is passed on to their offspring and over generations certain microorganisms become resistant to most antibiotics or antimicrobials and become “super-bugs.”  An example of a “super-bug” is MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or Staph infection – a very difficult infection to treat.  “Super-bug” infection causes  major concerns, as it can spread easily or even be fatal.  Other diseases that have become increasingly hard to control are HIV, TB, influenza and malaria. 

The only way man can win this war against microorganisms is through the judicious use of drugs.  The World Health Organization will issue a call for action to halt the spread of this resistance on April 7, 2011.  They will ask everyone in all countries to combat antimicrobial resistance.  They will be asked to think, act, and take responsibility for combating drug resistance. These professionals  include: 

  • Practitioners and prescribers;
  • The public and patients;
  • Pharmacists, and dispensers;
  • The pharmaceutical industry;
  • Policy-makers and planners. 

Over the past ten years, here are other key themes issued by the World Health Organization:

  • 2001 – Mental Health: Stop Exclusion, Dare to Care;
  • 2002 – Move for Health;
  • 2003 – Shape the Future of Life;
  • 2004 – Road Safety;
  • 2005 – Make Every Mother and Child Count;
  • 2006 – Working  Together for Health;
  • 2007 – International Health Security;
  • 2008 – Protecting Health from Climate Change;
  • 2009 – Make Hospitals Safe in Emergencies;
  • 2010 – Urbanization and Health – 1000 Cities, 1000 Lives.

As you can see, every theme has important implications for the lives of humans all over the world.  We, as individuals, must be cautious about the over-use of antibiotics.   (Please note that the public and patients are on the above list.)  It is very important that the world pay attention to this year’s theme from the World Health Organization. 

W.H.O., U.S. Global Health Initiative

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

MEDICATION SAFETY WEEK, APRIL 1 – 7

The Women’s Heart Foundation sponsors this April observance to promote awareness about the importance of keeping accurate records and understanding about the medicines that we take.  The U.S.F.D.A. estimates that $77 billion is spent annually on preventable medication-related illnesses.  Listed below are suggestions from the Women’s Heart Foundation for us to do on each of the seven focus days:

  • April 1: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
    Start with a clean slate. Discard outdated medicines and old prescriptions. Many drugs lose their potency over time. Store medicines in their original containers and in a cool, dry place. Locate medicines away from children and pets and from those who do not understand.
  • April 2: Know Your Medicines
    Know both the generic and trade names of your medicines. Know how to identify pills and what they are for. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking. Write down both the generic and brand names of medicines to prevent inadvertently double-dosing. Be able to identify pills by name. List prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, birth control pills, patches and supplements. Keep the list updated and keep it with you at all times.
  • April 3: Read Medicine Labels Carefully
    Are you taking what your doctor ordered and the way he ordered it? Note precautionary stickers on the label. Note the route, dose and frequency of your medicines. Keep medicines in their original containers. Pay attention to warnings. Note that some medicines can react with foods; others have to be taken on an empty stomach. Some lose potency quickly and must be kept in an air-tight container. The effectiveness of many medicines is dependent upon taking them at the correct times. How the medicine is to be taken ––the route–– is also important (i.e. by mouth, through the skin, under the tongue, inhaling. etc.)
  • April 4: Dietary Supplements Awareness
    Before you start taking a dietary supplement,  discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.  Herbal medicines and other dietary supplements can react with medicines and have an unknown synergistic effect. All herbal preparations are contraindicated while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • April 5: Organize Your Medicines
    Keep an updated record listing all medicines and supplements you are taking. Use of a medicine organizer box may be helpful, especially for those taking more than one pill several times a day, however, a medicine organizer box requires close monitoring, especially when there is a change in medicines. Also, be aware that use of an organizer box violates the rule of keeping medicines in their original containers. Managing pills with a medicine organizer box, while convenient, is not without risk. Take medicines as prescribed. New drugs with time-released action can offer some help with organizing with only once-a-day medicating. Ask your doctor about these newer medicines. Keep your medicine record up-to-date.
  • April 6: Transitional Care Awareness
    A change in medical regimen can be confusing and can place you at increased risk. Be diligent about communication with all healthcare professionals. Make sure you understand your medicines and how you are to take them before leaving the hospital or doctor’s office. Ask for written instructions. Be extra cautious whenever there is a change in your medical regimen. Double-check your medicines when picking up a new or refilled prescription. If in a hospital or nursing home, make sure the nurse checks your I.D. bracelet before giving you your pills. If a pill doesn’t look familiar, ask why. It may be a generic of the same drug you were taking however, if you don’t ask, you won’t know! Make sure you receive written instructions upon discharge from any medical facility and insist that both the generic and brand names of each drug you are to take is included.
  • April 7: Better Communication With Health Professionals
    Actively seek information from your pharmacist about the pills and the supplements that you are taking. Ask for print-out sheets on drugs and read them!  Discuss all risks and benefits with your prescribing practitioner. Share information about the medicines and supplements you are taking with all your prescribing practitioners and with your pharmacist. Discuss expected effects and possible side effects.  Report adverse drug effects promptly and never hesitate to ask questions when it comes your health and the use of medicines. Your doctor, healthcare practitioner and pharmacist are there to help…just ask!

We cannot be too careful when taking medications.   Communication is the key to the prevention of medication errors.  This excellent information is useful for individuals and sharing with co-workers.

Source: Women’s Heart Foundation

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized

WORKPLACE NOISE MAY DAMAGE YOUR HEART

It is a proven fact that persons who work in loud places for long periods of time can suffer loss of hearing, but researchers are now saying that they may also risk developing heart disease.  Can you imagine spending eight or ten hours per day working in an atmosphere where you have to yell at each other to be heard?  More than twenty million Americans work in noisy industrial settings. 

A new finding from animal research also shows evidence that too much noise can be bad for the heart; however, some scientists suggest that the changes may be no more than part of the body’s general response to stress.  Research over the past twenty years suggests that noise exposure contributes to high blood pressure, which has been apparent in studies.  It makes sense that the excessive noise can be as stressful to the body as extreme physical exercise or high-anxiety. Noise increases the body’s level of adrenaline and cortisol, (stress hormones), meaning that your heart could be affected.  Whether at the factory or on a construction site, noise at work is a known health hazard, with studies showing it increases hearing loss, sleep problems and psychological stress, but what about the heart? 

Currently, researchers have analyzed data on more than 6,0000 working adults, age 20 and older, to see if those working in a loud environment for at least three months have a higher risk of heart disease and related problems.  Data was taken from a large ongoing study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included interviews of participants about their health and lifestyle, as well as work situation.  They were given medical exams, as well.  The findings were striking – after taking into account several factors that are known to increase the risk of heart problems, (age, smoking, and overweight), researchers discovered that workers in loud environments were twice as likely to have heart disease compared with those in quieter settings.  They were almost three times as likely to have chest pain (angina).  The link was particularly strong for people under 50, who were between three and four times more likely to have angina or heart disease.  These workers’ “bad” cholesterol levels were not particularly high, nor were their overall blood pressure readings.  However, they were twice as likely to have high diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on a blood pressure reading).  Raised diastolic pressure has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. 

Workplace noise is an occupational hazard that managers and employers should be concerned about.  It should be discussed by workers with their managers for prompt corrective measures, not only because it could possibly lead to heart disease, but more importantly, it can cause hearing impairment.  There are not too many options to reduce noise hazards in the industrial setting.  The most straightforward is wearing of earplugs, which can lower noise intensity by 20-30 decibels.  Finding the connection between industrial noise and heart disease is perplexing; some researchers think that noise is the stressor, so maybe that is where it all starts.  More research is being done on this important subject, but in the meantime, this study provides extra incentive to take precautions, such as wearing earplugs or safety earmuffs, to minimize noise exposure.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MARCH IS NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

Did you know that more than 26 million Americans  have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and many of them had no idea they had it?  According to a new report published in the March issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, (the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation), persons who have kidney disease have a limited understanding of symptoms, the course of kidney disease and risk factors –  diabetes and hypertension.  This disease can be silent, with few symptoms.   All too often, we do not realize the importance of the organs that basically keep our bodies healthy.  Many do not understand that the kidneys:

  • Remove waste from the body;
  • Remove drugs from the body;
  • Balance fluids in the body;
  • Release hormones that regulate blood pressure;
  • Produce an active form of Vitamin D, which promotes healthy, strong bones;
  • Control production of blood cells.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee,  surveyed 401 people with kidney disease attending a nephrology clinic.  More than three-fourths of participants had stage 3 chronic kidney disease or above.  While 94% of patients surveyed knew they had a kidney “problem,” more than 30% were unaware they had a serious, potentially life-threatening disease.  All of the patients surveyed were under the care of a nephrologist ( kidney specialist).  Also, those patients taking part in the 34-question survey showed that 78% of them did not realize that the disease may progress with no symptoms.  More than 34% were unaware that they were at an increased risk for heart disease, and 32% did not know that the kidneys make urine.  This study highlights the need for providers to better communicate with their patients, the seriousness of the disease.  Persons at risk – those with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, should get their kidney function checked regularly.

Physicians should stress the importance of the patient taking action to prevent the disease from worsening.  Patients should get involved in their own care, by avoiding medications, such as overuse of NSAIDS and over-the-counter pain medications that are toxic to the kidneys, keeping their blood pressure under control, and understanding the risk factor of diabetes.  They should talk to their physician about diabetes and high blood pressure, and know how to keep their kidneys healthy.  There are many steps that persons can take to save their health.  Choosing a healthier diet – one with a moderate amount of protein, fluids (water), and a reduction of salt will be helpful.  Cranberry juice is also beneficial for urinary tract infections and cleaning out the kidneys.  Exercise is also recommended – patients should have a goal of two and one-half hours per week of physical activity.

At one time or another, many of us have been curious about using herbal supplements for certain ailments.  Use of herbal supplements may be unsafe for chronic kidney disease patients, since their body is not able to clear waste products the same as those who do not have kidney disease.  Very few herbs have been studied in CKD patients.  While they may be safe for healthy individuals, they may not be for someone who has CKD;  in fact, they could be dangerous.  The exact contents of these products are unknown because the government does not regulate these supplements.  Also, there are no requirements for testing, so the safety, purity, and effectiveness of supplements are also unknown.  In addition, they may be contaminated with toxic, heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, and minerals that are harmful to CKD patients, like potassium.

A healthy habit for all of us is to drink more water, and fewer soft drinks.  Many drinks that contain caffeine actually do not hydrate us, but just the opposite. Carbonated drinks (especially dark ones) should be limited to one every 2-3 days.  Choose water or lemonade instead. 

March is National Kidney Month; the National Kidney Foundation will be offering free screenings for those at risk throughout the country.  This program is called the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP).    And remember, have regular checkups, expecially if you have any health issues.  Stay in touch with your doctor.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

PATIENT SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK, MARCH 6 – 12

As a former hospital administrative assistant, I learned that every employee should be a patient advocate.  Medical facilities are there for one reason – to save lives in emergencies, through surgery, or furnish excellent medical care.  There are times that patients may not make it, but it should not be because mistakes were made in the hospital where they were cared for.  Hospitals have compliance officers and quality assurance officers that work to ensure that all healthcare standards are met.  If a patient or family member has a complaint, they should ask for the compliance officer and express their issues regarding the care of the patient. 

Understanding the compliance process and patient advocacy is a very important issue to everyone, because sooner or later, all of us at one time or another will possibly be a patient, or have a family member in the hospital.  Patient Safety Awareness Week is a national observance sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation to promote an educational and awareness-building campaign for improving patient safety. 

This is not meant to criticize the healthcare industry, which plays a very important roll in our well-being.  But in my experience, when mistakes are made, it’s by human errors, mainly because of inattention or lack of concern.  I’d like to give you a couple of examples:  (1) After waiting on a very important diagnosis, and  sitting in the examination room for almost an hour, the nurse came in and asked, “Now what’s your name?”   (Makes you feel kind of special, right?)  (2) How about: asking about lab work that was done a few days prior and was to be sent to a specialist, and hearing the nurse tell the doctor they guessed they put it under the wrong name.  A short time later, it was found, and sent on.  (Guess I would still be waiting, if I hadn’t asked.)  These experiences are minor, but they are frustrating to the patient, as well as the doctor.  Be your own advocate!  When a clinic or other facility tells you they will send your records to a specialist, call to be sure they have done so.  I have had several friends expecting to have their lab work or ct scan sent to a specialist located more than 100 miles away, only to find when they arrive, that the records haven’t. 

Electronic systems rather than paper patient charts are now used in many hospitals.   When a patient enters the emergency room, he/she is given a bracelet with a bar code.  This serves as identification throughout the patient’s stay to make sure the needed medications are accurate.  This system also assists with correct diet, medication, and other orders from the physician.   Medication errors have caused approximately 7,000 patient deaths per year.  Using these electronic systems require special training for the nurses, which usually takes a few days.  The rights of patient safety should ask:  Is it the right patient?  Is it the right drug?  Is it the right dose?  Is it the right route? And,  Is it the right time?  Other patient safety issues that hospitals must avoid are:

  • Wrong-site surgery;
  • Hospital-associated infections, (HAI’s);
  • Slips, trips, and falls;
  • Not being familiar with patient’s family history;
  • Ignoring alarms. 

When a patient is getting medical treatment in a hospital and given their wrist-band, (many times color-coded), the admissions person will ask if they have a living will, and if they don’t, the hospital will furnish one upon request, and also patient privacy information (HIPAA).  Persons should understand about a living will and a do-not-resusitate (DNR) order.   HIPAA is a federal law that prohibits medical facilities from giving out private information about the patient.  The amount of information that a care provider (nurse) can give is very limited under this law.

Families should ask a nurse to explain (especially if their family member is critically ill), about the monitors – which ones are being used, and the types of alarms that could sound,  which alarms they should be concerned with, and ones that are minor alarms.  Then if a critical alarm sounds, (usually it is more rapid and high-pitched), they can immediately go for help. Sometimes busy nurses do not hear the arlams or ignore the ones they think have low batteries.  “Alarm fatigue” is often experienced by nurses because of the volume of beeping sounds throughout their shift.  They must remember that many times the patient is depending on their quick response.

We are all thankful for hospitals, which goes without saying.  For the most part, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities do a great job.  But if you feel the safety of someone you know or love is being compromised, speak up!  You must be a patient advocate in every sense of the word.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

NUMBER 3 ON OSHA’S TOP TEN VIOLATIONS LIST FOR 2010

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OSHA estimates that there are more than 650,000 hazardous chemical products in use in the United States.  This means that approximately 3 million American workplaces and over 30 million workers could be potentially exposed to some sort of chemical product.  OSHA’s #29CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry, was listed as Number 3 on their Top Ten Violations List for 2010.  

This occupational safety and health standard is for the purpose of evaluating potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees.  There should be a written hazard communication program for the workplace, which includes lists of hazardous chemicals present, labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces, and preparation and distribution of material safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers.  It also includes development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. 

The HCS is a generic standard covering all hazardous chemicals as well as all workplaces where they are used.  By providing information to employers and employees, steps can be taken to ensure protection at the workplace.  Illnesses and injuries are reduced when both employers and employees modify their behavior as a result of receiving information about the hazards.  Training of workers is necessary to ensure they understand the information provided, where they can get more information, and how they can use the information to protect themselves.  Training is the means an employer can use to address risks related to the situation involved. 

Material Safety Data Sheets are reference documents.  They are a one-stop shopping source for everything you might need or want to know about a chemical.  They must be useful to the safety and health professionals who decide what controls to use, first aid or medical treatment to provide, and the precautionary measures to follow.  The information on MSDSs is usually technical, since it is generally written for health professionals.  MSDSs must provide the specific chemical identity of the material, physical and chemical characteristics, and the physical hazards. Other information contained in the MSDSs  are health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical.  Also to be included in the Material Safety Data Sheets are a list of the primary means of exposure: inhalation, ingestion, or absorption and whether the chemical is a known carcinogen.  Other useful information should be listed, such as generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use of the chemical, emergency and first aid procedures, date of preparation or latest revision, and the name, address, and phone number of a person who can provide additional information and appropriate emergency procedures if needed. 

The most important way that this standard works today to reduce chemical source illnesses and injuries is to ensure that workers and those who provide protections for workers – physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, safety engineers, and other professionals – have the information they need about the chemical to devise protections.  Then they must choose the appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and controls such as substitution, by knowing what chemicals are present, and what their physical and chemical effects are.  Under the requirements of the Hazard Communications Standard, employees have a right-to-know the identities of the chemicals they are exposed to and what hazards are present. 

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HEALTHY HEARTS ARE IMPORTANT!

We began the month of February asking everyone to wear red on Friday, February 4, to help everyone be aware of taking care of our hearts, and stating that heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the United States.  Midway through February, we again talked about keeping our hearts healthy.  What better way to end the month than to again express the importance of this subject – keeping the very most vital organ in our body in good shape. 

Everyone should discuss their heart health with a physician.  He/she should know important things about their patients – family history, blood pressure, and other risk factors that need to be watched.  Also, too much sodium intake should be avoided.  Healthy people should consume a maximum of 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, which equals 1 Tablespoon.  Those with high blood pressure or other risk factors should not consume more than 1,500 milligrams per day.  Over 75% of sodium consumption comes from pre-processed foods. 

Your primary care manager can determine what risk factors you might have.  Age (men over 45, and women over 55), tobacco use, inactive, diabetes, and overweight/obese, are all risk factors; family history cannot be changed, but tobacco use, weight, and high cholesterol can.  Your physician will order a lipoprotein test, an analysis that breaks down cholesterol into four groups:

  1. Total cholesterol;
  2. Low density lipoproteins (LDL), “bad” cholesterol;
  3. High density lipoproteins (HDL), “good” cholesterol;
  4. Triglycerides.

Fasting prior to this test is required in order to ensure an accurate reading.

Total cholesterol values over 200 may indicate an increased risk for heart disease.  However, LDL levels better predict risk factor for heart disease.  Those with known heart disease (previous heart attack or peripheral vascular disease) or diabetes should have levels under 100.  LDL over 130, with two or more of the above risk factors, is abnormal.  An LDL over 160, with one or fewer of the risk factors, is also abnormal.  HDL cholesterol more than or equal to 60 takes away one risk factor and decreases your risk for heart disease.  Levels under 40 add a risk factor.  Normal triglyceride levels are under 150.  However, as with other components of the lipid test, fasting less than 9-12 hours may alter triglyceride results.  The best policy is to sit down with your doctor and let him explain these results in detail so you understand exactly where you stand. 

Also, here’s news about the  importance of training kids in CPR.  It is important for both adults and kids to know how to administer this life-saving procedure.  Here are the facts:

  • Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
  • 85% of cardiac events happen in the company of family and friends.
  • The incidence of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in high school athletes ranges from .23 to 1 death per 100,000 high school athletes in the U.S. annually.
  • Studies have shown that children as young as 9 years old can learn and retain CPR skills.
  • About 5,900 children 18 years old and under suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year from all causes, including trauma, cardiovascular causes and sudden infant death syndrome. 

Last, but not least, I want to leave February heart health tips for you with a recipe that I found on the North Carolina State Health Plan website:

“RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY HEART” 

Preparation Time: Depends on you

Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate

Ingredients:

1 ounce of prevention

1 or more motivated individuals

Lbs of healthy weight (remove large amounts of fat)

Well-balanced nutrition

4-6 servings of exercise/week

Blood pressure management

Less than 200mg cholesterol/day

Controlled blood sugar (glucose), if diabetic

A pinch of stress management

Moderate alcohol consumption (O optional)

O tobacco (for best results) 

Instructions: Combine the above ingredients on a regular basis, you will feel better, and your heart will thank you!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

LOVE YOUR HEART – 2011

February is American Hearth month and that means it’s a good moment to think about a disease that kills more than 600,000 Americans each year. Heart disease is the leading killer among both men and women.  My personal story of how heart disease affected my Valentine is below.  First, here are suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control regarding lifestyle choices that can help us stays heart healthy:

  • Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
  • Select fat-free, one per cent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
  • Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
  • Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
  • Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
  • Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.
  • Keep an eye on your portion sizes.

It’s also important to know the signs of an impending heart attack, because they can start slowly and symptoms may seem mild. According to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute, these are the signs that may mean a heart attack is in progress.

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Two years ago, my husband was experiencing some of these symptoms, but was hesitant to go to the emergency room.  Not feeling well, he had seen a physician the day before;  the doctor did not run tests but instead gave him something for indigestion!  The next morning, the symptoms became more profound and we hurried to the emergency room.  Following routine tests, he was taken by ambulance to a hospital about 100 miles from home to be tested by cardiologists.  They found he had blockage in four arteries. He had successful quadruple bypass surgery and after several weeks of recovery and cardiac therapy, was back playing golf and working in his garden.  We know we are very blessed that he got the proper medical care before he had a heart attack.  We live in an age where miracles happen every day, and heart surgeons can mend our hearts, giving us another chance. 

I shared this story with you because you must not ignore the signs of heart disease or heart disease when it is affecting someone you love, or someone you know. Insist that they be checked out, and don’t let them delay.  It could save their life, or help them avoid the need for surgery.  Both my parents died as a result of strokes, so I know that my children and I must be aware of ways to keep our hearts healthy and strong.  Everyone should discuss their family history with their physicians.

We need to love the hearts of our sweethearts, children, grandchildren and friends by teaching them to make better choices in the foods they eat, lifestyles they live, and also encouraging them to make exercise a regular part of their daily routine.  It’s not only American Heart Month in our country, but every month is heart month all over the world!  This is a great time to tell your Valentines how special they are.  You can have a dazzling, romantic dinner, go to a movie, exchange gifts, or have a family Valentines celebration.  A promise to join a fitness center and exercise together might be the best gift you ever give!  Regardless of how you observe Valentines Day, spend the rest of your life showing those that you love – family, friends, and acquaintances – that you plan to take care of yourself by loving your heart, as well as theirs! 

 

Source of report: CBS News

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

“SUPER” TIPS FOR A SAFE SUPERBOWL PARTY

Chances are, whether you are a football fan or not, you may be planning to host or attend a party during Sunday’s Super Bowl.  Some folks could care less about the ballgame; however, it’s the commercials that grab their attention.  Either way, it’s a good excuse for a party, and being with friends and family.  Cheer on, and munch on, but do it safely!  No one wants to wind up “off-sides”  in the emergency room during or after the game! 

First, if you are the host: do not commit  this personal foul:  you do not want to penalize your guests by failing to follow these basic rules of food safety from the USDA:

  • Clean – Wash hands and surfaces often. Don’t commit “illegal use of hands!”
  • Separate – Don’t cross-contaminate.  Keep raw meat and poultry separate from cooked foods.
  • Cook – Use a food thermometer to ensure meat and poultry are safely cooked.
  • Chill – Refrigerate or freeze promptly.

We all understand the “two-minute” warning in football, but food safety has the “two-hour” rule.  Perishable food items that sit out for too long may not be safe to eat.  By using serving cold dishes nestled in bowls of ice, or warm items left in a heating source (slow cooker), foods will be safer.   Partially and undercooked foods are threats to food safety.  Using a food thermometer will ensure that meats are adequately cooked to the proper  temperatures.

Don’t get a false start.  Snack on some healthy items before the party to avoid overindulging.  Healthy snacks such as fruits, carrots, celery, and low-fat dips should be included in the menu.  Non-alcoholic beverages should be offered, as well.  Never chop block!  This happens when you chop raw veggies on the same cutting board that was used to cut up chicken or other raw meats.  Harmful bacteria can cross contaminate with other foods.  Clean the cutting board with hot soapy water after dicing one type of food and before starting on another. 

Help your guests avoid penalties!  If they plan to drink alcoholic beverages at your party, be sure they have a designated driver.   An accident would put a damper on everyone who attended the party, and no one ever wants an “instant replay” of a mishap because of drinking and driving. 

If you are attending a tailgate party, wear loose fitting, layered clothes, with the top layer being water repellent.  Drink warm liquids without caffeine or alcohol.  Alcohol causes the body to lose heat more quickly.  Stay active during the game – toss a football during breaks – you might even make a first down!  

This week is full of Super Bowl activities, leading up to the Big Game.  The Dallas-Fort Worth –Arlington area is going all out to welcome the Packers and Steelers teams, coaches, and fans.  Even Mother Nature is doing her part to make them feel right at home, with the coldest weather the area has seen in several years!  We know that won’t slow down the fans, and it’s our desire to see lots of them wearing their Packers and Steelers hardhats, to show their team support! 

If you are going to the game, allow plenty of time to reach your destination, and have a blast!  For those who are  giving a party, score big points by planning a safe one.   Some fans may get carried away while yelling for their team.  Stay far enough away from them that there’s no “roughing the viewer” flag!

Sources: USDA, CDC

 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MEN & WOMEN: WEAR RED THIS FRIDAY!

Friday, February 4, is National Wear Red Day, a day when Americans nationwide will take women’s health to heart by wearing red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness.  February is American Heart Month. How many of us have not had a family member or friend that has fallen victim to heart disease?  Heart Disease is the #1 killer of men and women.  It is the leading cause of death among one in three women. 

The Centers for Disease Control reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women age 65 and older.  It is the third leading cause of death in women ages 25-44, and second leading cause of death in women ages 45 – 64.  A woman’s risk of heart disease starts to rise around age 40,  but these messages are very important for younger women, because heart disease develops gradually and can begin at a young age – even in teen years.  Older women have an interest, as well.  It is never too late to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease.  Remember, most cases of heart disease can be prevented.

Lifestyle factors play a very important role in becoming heart-healthy and staying that way.  Women need to be aware of their family history and take preventative measures against heart disease.  They should talk to their physician and share information regarding family members who have had strokes or heart attacks.  They should have regular checkups, where their doctor can monitor their cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Eating foods that are healthy are one of the most important choices we all must make.  We must use portion control and exercise in order to keep our weight at a normal level.  Avoid beverages and foods that are loaded with extra sugars, and choose fat-free, 1% fat, or low-fat dairy products, and lean meat and poultry.   A very wise choice would be to not smoke, but if you do, stop.  Limiting alcohol intake is suggested, also.  Walking just 30 minutes per day for at least 5 days per week is an excellent way to keep our heart healthy.  It isn’t that difficult to increase physical activity at home, work or play by taking a few extra steps or a short walk on our lunch break.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and partner organizations are sponsoring a national campaign called the Heart Truth.  This campaign’s goal is to give women a personal and urgent wakeup call about the risk of heart disease.  They also want to inform women of color that heart disease disproportionately affects them.  African American and Hispanic women in particular have high rates of major risk factors for heart disease, including obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to NHLBI statistics.  

Symptoms of heart attack can range from sudden and intense pain to slower signs, beginning with mild pain or discomfort.  The key is not to wait too long for medical attention.  Certain signs can be chest discomfort such as pressure, squeezing, or pain, upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, and/or lightheadedness, cold sweat, or nausea.  Call 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of any of these symptoms.

This is an opportunity for all of us – men and women – to unite in this life-saving awareness movement by wearing a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, even a T-shirt, and possibly convince others to live a more heart-healthy life.  Join The Heart Truth on National Wear Red Day to help spead the critical message that, “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear – It’s the #1 Killer of Women.”

Source: NHLBI, Centers for Disease Control