HEALTH Well-Being
V I L L A G E
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2014 Guide
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REDUCE DIABETES Though aging increases a persons risk for type 2 diabetes, a healthy lifestyle that includes routine exercise and a healthy diet can help men and women reduce that risk significantly. cessful weight loss typically involves a combination of physical activity and a healthy diet. Include physical activity as part of your daily routine several days per week, taking it slow at first if you have not exercised regularly in quite some time. As your body begins to adapt to exercise, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workout routines. Adopting a healthy diet is another way to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. A diet low in calories and fat is a good start. Men and women who need to lose a significant amount of weight may want to work with a dietitian and/or nutritionist to create a meal plan that is likely to produce the best results and address any vitamin or nutrient deficiencies they might have. Focus on fiber. Adding more fiber to your diet is another way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Foods that are high in fiber tend to make people feel fuller, reducing the likelihood that you will overeat. Fiber also helps the body control its blood sugar levels, and fiber can lower a persons risk of heart disease. Many foods include fiber, but some high-fiber foods include beans, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Avoid refined carbohydrates. Studies have shown that diets rich in refined carbohydrates increase a persons risk of developing diabetes, while additional studies have shown that diets rich in whole grains protect the body against diabetes. Researchers examining the results of several studies that explored the relationship between whole grains and diabetes found that eating an extra two servings of whole grains each day can reduce a persons risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 21 percent. Refined carbohydrates, which can be found in white bread, white rice, mashed potatoes and many cereals, cause sustained spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can increase a persons risk of diabetes.
WHAT TO EXPECT Knowing what to expect in an annual physical can help relieve some anxiousness. Routine health screenings are an integral part of maintaining personal health. Although some individuals make frequent visits to their physicians, many others limit their doctor visits to their annual physicals. Those who have never had a physical examination may be unsure of what to expect of such a procedure. A physical examination is a simple procedure for many people. The following procedures are what constitute a physical for younger patients without preexisting medical conditions. VITAL SIGNS During a physical, doctors will check patients vital signs. Patients can expect to have their blood pressure taken and pulse rates measured. Respiration rates may be taken to determine if there is a lung or heart problem. Doctors also will examine a patients ears, nose and sinuses. The neck and possibly under the arms. MEDICAL HISTORY Doctors also discuss patients medical histories, updating their charts with any new information when necessary. Inquiries about particular health issues that run in the family will be discussed, as well as any illnesses or hospitalizations patients may have had in the past. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION During the physical examination, doctors will look at and feel patients abdomens to detect the size of their livers and to determine if there is any abdominal fluid present. The stethoscope may be placed on the abdomen to listen for bowl sounds. The physician also may examine other areas of the body, including the back and spine to ensure there are no abnormalities. A weight and height check will be given. Females who do not see a separate gynecologist also may receive a pelvic examination and breast exam during their physical examinations. Men can expect a visual examination of the penis and testicles. The physician will check the external structure to look for abnormalities like tumors or hernia. DERMATOLOGICAL EXAM Some doctors will examine the skin for the appearance of unusual moles or growths that could be indicative of skin cancer or refer patients to a dermatologist for such an examination. ADDITIONAL TESTS Nerves and neurological responses, including
A HEALTHY MOUTH GOES HAND AND HAND WITH A HEALTHY YOU Those assessing their health in the new year should not overlook their oral hygiene. been found in the atherosclerotic plaque in arteries in the heart and elsewhere. This plaque can lead to heart attack. Although research is ongoing, there is reason to believe that oral bacteria could also harm blood vessels or cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls or the bloodstream. When the bodys immune system responds to these toxins, blood clots may form more easily. Some evidence also points to a correlation between inflammation in the mouth and inflammation in the body. With the new year upon us, now may be the ideal time for men and women to take inventory of their personal health. Schedule a physical examination with a doctor, visit an optometrist or opthalmologist for an eye exam and remember to visit the dentist for a cleaning, checkup and a possible fluoride treatment to protect the mouth and body.
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The Early Warning Signs Of Alzheimers Disease Physical Therapy A Vital Part Of Treatment & Recovery
Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks neurons and essentially robs people of their memory and language skills. Although there is no cure for Alzheimers, there are therapies that can slow its neurological impact. Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimers can encourage people to begin treatments that can stave off some of the more debilitating symptoms of this disease. Though its most common among the elderly, Alzheimers is not a normal part of aging. The Mayo Clinic says that the reasons behind the inception and progression of Alzheimers disease are largely unknown. It is believed damage starts a decade or more before problems become evident. Abnormal deposits of proteins begin to form the amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and these formations are the hallmarks of the disease. Once-healthy neurons gradually begin to lose their efficiency and ability to function and communicate with one another. As more neurons die, entire areas of the brain shrink. The hippocampus, which is the area of the brain essential in forming memories, may soon become compromised. Millions of people in North America are estimated to have Alzheimers disease and many others will be diagnosed. The following are the most common early signs and symptoms of the disease. Memory loss: According to the Alzheimers Organization, early memory loss can include forgetting important dates or repeatedly asking for the same information. Forgetting recently learned information and having to rely increasingly on memory aids is another potential indicator of Alzheimers. Declining cognition: Impaired reasoning or judgment, trouble finding the right words and visual and spatial issues also may be early indicators of Alzheimers. Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Those with Alzheimers sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules to a favorite game. People who were once good with numbers may now have difficulty balancing their checkbooks, while those who love to cook may have trouble following recipes. Time confusion: Another indicator of Alzheimers disease is losing track of time. One may have trouble understanding something that isnt happening in the present. Alzheimers sufferers often forget where they are and how they got there. Misplacing items: Everyone loses something at a point in time, but those with Alzheimers may put items in unusual places. They may sometimes accuse others of stealing when they cannot retrace their steps and find items. Decreased judgment: Decision-making abilities may be compromised. A person with Alzheimers may take unnecessary risks or give away sums of money. Mood changes: People with Alzheimers may suffer from confusion, suspicious feelings, depression and anxiety. A person may upset easily or become anxious outside of his or her comfort zones. Age and family history of Alzheimers disease are the biggest risk factors. The liklihood of developing Alzheimers doubles about every five years after age 65, says the Alzheimers Organization. In addition, those with a parent, child or sibling who have developed Alzheimers are more likely to develop the disease than people with no such family history. A physical and neurological exam, which may include blood tests and brain imaging, will be used to diagnose Alzheimers disease. Individuals can learn more by making appointments with their doctors. Illnesses of the musculoskeletal system can result in temporary loss of mobility. But physical therapy can help to prevent those temporary problems from becoming permanent. The American Physical Therapy Association says physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have conditions that limit their abilities to perform functional activities. Limitations in mobility may result from injury or illness or be present at birth. Many physical therapists develop a plan to reduce pain and restore function through various treatment techniques with the ultimate goal of restoring a patients functional independence. Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who must receive a degree from an accredited physical therapist program before taking national licensure exams that enable them to open a practice or work in a facility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 30 percent growth in physical therapy careers through 2018, which is a rate better than all other occupations. Unemployment rates for physical therapists are very low, and they are in high demand. Physical therapists employ various physical modalities to help with certain conditions. For example, a patient may be asked to perform various range-of-motion exercises to restore function to an injured part of the body. Physical therapists also may use heat, cold and electrical impulses to reduce pain and stimulate muscle function. Physical therapy sessions frequently include some form of massage as well. While athletes frequently rely on physical therapy as they recover from injuries, others can benefit from physical therapy as well. For example, physical therapy may work in conjunction with other treatments for cardiopulmonary disease. The cardiopulmonary system delivers oxygen to active tissues, which plays an important part in movement. When the cardiopulmonary system is compromised, muscles and other tissues may not function as they should, and certain exercises and mobility therapies may be needed. Physical therapists also aid in improving physical ailments related to neurological diseases, such as
PHYSICAL THERAPY Is often a persons best chance at becoming strong and being able to resume to normal activities quicker after illness or injury. cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinsons disease, and Alzheimers disease. Physical therapists may also help treat poor vision, poor balance and paralysis. Children who have learning disabilities related to a neurological or physical condition may benefit from certain forms of physical therapy. For example, vision problems can compromise academic performance, so physical therapy that aims to enhance visual tracking skills and strengthen the eyes in conjunction with corrective lenses may help youngsters, or even adult students, perform better in the classroom. Very often physical therapy will be recommended by a general doctor or an orthopedic surgeon as part of recovery from a surgery or a condition. The therapist may work in conjunction with another doctor to provide a program that helps foster a faster and safe recovery. Physical therapy tends to begin gradually and resistance is slowly built up as the body strengthens. The length of physical therapy will depend on the condition and the recommendation of the therapist and doctors overseeing the treatments.
MASSAGE The gift of a massage session can be romantic and improve ones overall health evidence that massage can also increase white blood cell counts, promoting improved immunity. Many people rely on massages to relieve pain. According to a report published in 2011 in the American College of Physicians Annals of Internal Medicine, massage helps people in pain feel and function better than those who do not receive treatment. Massage can alleviate stiffness and pain and promote a better range of motion. And pain relief is not just for the back, arms and legs. Massage can reduce risk for migraines and decrease pain from tension headaches. Massage even has beauty benefits. Rubbing the face and scalp can promote blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage. This can add vitality to the complexion and plump up the skin. Dull hair may appear more shiny and revitalized. People can explore different types of massage and experiment with what works best for their ailments. Everything from Swedish massage to reflexology is offered at massage clinics. Because massage involves being partially or completely undressed and having a massage therapist touch various areas of the body, it is important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Make sure that the therapist is fully certified and qualified. It also helps if he or she is properly vetted by the spa or clinic. Therapists will heed a persons preferences with regard to the massage, only concentrating on the areas specified. If anything feels uncomfortable or a client prefers not to have an area of the body touched, he or she simply needs to address that with the therapist at the beginning of the session.
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HGH: Several people use human growth hormone to lose weight and prevent the physical effects off aging. Human growth hormone performs a number of biological functions and is in abundance when children and adolescents are growing. But HGH has recently become a coveted cosmetic supplement designed to
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