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Do Not Drink the Water

Now_Staff — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:59:09 +0000

Those happy days of summer spent splashing in the pool without a care in the world may not be so carefree. The closing of public pools because of contamination brought Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) to the forefront. RWIs occur when swallowing or having some contact with water that is contaminated with pathogens (germs). These pathogens may be bacteria such as shigella and E. coli, or parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia or even some viruses. The most frequent symptom is diarrhea along with fever, vomiting and stomach cramps. After exposure to polluted water, skin, eye, ear and respiratory symptoms are all indicative of a possible infection.
One of the most common ways these germs are spread is from humans suffering with diarrhea entering the water. Even barring the occasional “accident,” anyone with recent diarrhea will have enough germs on their bottom to easily contaminate the water supply. To lessen the probability of becoming ill from RWIs, do not swallow the water! Even a small amount can be devastating. Many people think pool water is safe because it has been treated. On the contrary, some of these pathogens can live for several days in chlorinated water. Even with a perfectly maintained pool, it is impossible to prevent all RWIs because you cannot control every circumstance of what gets into the water.
Therefore, if swimming in a public pool, please remember that it is a communal venue. If someone is ill or careless, you may not know it. It is not always evident when fecal material gets in the water. Water that is treated with chlorine is not a substitution for good personal hygiene. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends showering with soap and water before swimming. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Please consider others and do not swim if you are ill with diarrhea. Parents of small children need to be especially vigilant and offer frequent potty breaks to avoid accidents in the water. Clean the bottom with soap and water before entering the pool.
Swimming pools are not the only water venues susceptible to this problem. Hot tubs and Jacuzzis are particularly vulnerable to the spread of waterborne diseases because the high temperature of the water causes the chlorine to evaporate more quickly. Lakes, rivers, springs or ponds carry an even higher risk. Any number of pollutants can foul the water such as sewage, animal waste or even a heavy runoff from a recent rain. It may be inconvenient to practice due diligence when the water and good times beckon. However, being careful may not only keep others from becoming ill, it will keep you safer, too.

Written by Betty Tryon, R. N.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your physician if you have questions regarding this topic.

Know Your Numbers

Now_Staff — Mon, 31 May 2010 06:16:23 +0000

Warning lights on your dashboard alert you to take action before your car leaves you stranded. Similarly, your body has indicators to caution you that health problems may be ahead. These four numbers give you and your physician a quick gauge of your health. If you don’t know your numbers, it’s probably time for a check-up.

Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the amount of effort it takes your
heart to pump blood through your body. Normal blood pressure
is below 120/80. Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure
often has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood
pressure, which increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and
kidney disease.

Blood Glucose
Blood glucose is the sugar stored in the blood as your body’s
main source of energy. Blood glucose levels fluctuate after eating,
so physicians prefer to measure fasting blood sugar. A fasting
blood sugar greater than 100 may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness,
kidney disease or amputation of legs or arms. Symptoms of
diabetes include frequent urination, extreme hunger or thirst,
unexplained weight loss, increased fatigue or blurry vision.

Cholesterol
Cholesterol measures a type of fat in your bloodstream. Strive
for total cholesterol of less than 200, but you also need to
know your “good” HDL cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol
numbers. High total cholesterol, low HDL or high LDL means
you need to take action to prevent a possible heart attack or stroke.

Waist Size
The size of your waist predicts your heart disease risk even
better than weight or body mass index. If your waist size is over
35 inches for women or over 40 inches for men, your risk of
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic problems, high blood
pressure and high cholesterol is raised.
Once you know your numbers, improve them by making
healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk of heart disease,
diabetes and high blood pressure. There are two more numbers
that can improve your health: 30 minutes of exercise most days
and five servings of fruits or vegetables each day.

Written by Meenu Sharma, M.D.

A board-certified internist, Dr. Meenu Sharma practices on the campus
of Huguley Memorial Medical Center. Prior to joining Huguley Medical
Associates, Dr. Sharma practiced internal medicine in Branson, Missouri

Here Comes the Sun

Now_Staff — Sun, 02 May 2010 21:18:35 +0000

Oh, that glorious sun! It can make things grow. It is
necessary for healthy bone growth, and it can make your skin
glow and look good. However, too much sun can cause skin
cancer. Melanoma is the most serious and deadly type of skin
cancer. Because of that, it is the leading cause of death from
skin diseases, and it is on the rise.
Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, cells located in the
epidermis layer of the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin,
which gives the skin its color or pigmentation. When you tan in
the sun and become darker, it is the melanocytes increasing the
production of melanin that gives you the darkening or tanning
of your skin. Clusters of these melanocytes form moles. Often,
the first sign of melanoma can be found in moles.
Moles in their normal state can be in any color that is closest
to the person’s natural skin color. Moles may be raised or flat
with a round and smooth shape. Any change in the mole is
worth noting. The National Cancer Institute suggests using
the acronym ABCD for remembering what to look for when
a mole changes. A is for asymmetry. Is one-half of the mole
different from the other half ? B is for border. Is the border
of the mole smooth and regular or is it irregular and ragged?
C is for color. Changes in the color of a mole, including a
mixture of colors within a mole may be dangerous. D is for
diameter. Has the mole grown larger? There are other changes
in moles that can give cause for concern such as bleeding,
scaling, itchiness or a change in the texture of the mole. Any
sore that does not heal, lumps or growths on the skin may be
warning signs. Change is the key word. If you have a problem
or concern about your skin, do not try to diagnose yourself. See
your doctor.
Most of the risk factors for melanoma have to do with the
sun and/or ultraviolet light such as living in a sunny climate,
a job or other activities that lead to long term exposure in the
sunlight, excessive tanning and receiving serious sunburns
as a child. There are ways you can protect yourself. Wear a
sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Try to lessen your contact with
the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
Wear sunglasses, protective clothing and a hat. None of this is
a guarantee that you will not get skin cancer, but you may be
bringing down the odds.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute
medical advice. Consult with your physician if you have questions
regarding this topic.

Written by Betty Tryon, R. N.

A Foundation for Hope

Now_Staff — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:56:22 +0000

When the body turns on itself, it can be as devastating as
outside forces. Autoimmune diseases are diseases where the
body actually targets normal cells for destruction — a haunting
prospect for a system created to protect and defend the body
from harmful invasion. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an example
of things gone awry. However, today with the vast amount of
resources available for the research, treatment and supportive
care of patients with MS, the picture is far from bleak. The
course of MS varies greatly from person to person with
progression of the disease and relapse of symptoms. The range
of disease progression can go from benign symptoms with little
or no disability to a severe progressive form of the disease.
Some of the symptoms experienced with MS are weakness in
one or more limbs, double or blurring of vision,
tingling, dizziness or loss of balance and tremors.

In multiple sclerosis, the brain and spinal cord
are damaged by the body’s own immune system.
In the simplest terms, a protective sheath called
myelin covers your nerves, and in a process called
demyelination, the body attacks and damages the
sheath. The purpose of the myelin is to facilitate
the transmission of electrical signals along the
nerve cells. The disruption of this communication
pathway is what results in symptoms of MS, such
as loss of muscle control with impaired mobility,
speech, vision and balance.

Facing possible immobility or disability can
be overwhelming. Information can provide a
foundation of hope that life can be as normal
as possible. For those coping with this disease,
perhaps the most important resource available to
them is a health care provider specializing in the treatment of
multiple sclerosis. When developing a treatment plan, educating
family and close friends to this disease will be beneficial in
allowing the patient to live a more productive and active lifestyle.
Joining support groups and even using online chat rooms
devoted to this issue can be greatly beneficial to a patient’s
well-being. Many of these resources serve a great need for
family members who must learn how to cope with the changing
environment of MS. Communicating with others who deal with
this can be a source of comfort, strength and support. In talking
to others, many will find there is great reason to hope and, even
to rejoice, at the many breakthroughs in this area.

With the assistance of fundraisers, research continues to rapidly
advance for more viable therapies, new drug treatments and
possibly a cure. Being aware of the manifestations of this illness
can help prepare you to be as active as possible every day.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical
advice. Consult with your physician if you have questions regarding this topic.

Written by Betty Tryon, R.N.

Get Smart About Your Heart

Now_Staff — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:41:12 +0000

Since February is American Heart Month, it’s a great time to
share some important information about heart disease. Often,
people think of heart disease as a man’s problem. However, the
statistics on women and heart disease are sobering. Heart disease
is the No. 1 killer of women. Each year, cardiovascular diseases
claim the lives of nearly half a million American women — that’s
almost one per minute. Heart disease accounts for a third of all
deaths in women. Heart attacks kill six times as many women as
breast cancer.

Since 1984, more women than men have died each year from
heart disease. And 42 percent of women who have heart attacks
die within one year, compared to 24 percent of men. The gap
between men and women’s survival continues to widen.
One reason is most women experience early warning signs of a
heart attack with sudden onset of extreme weakness that feels like
the flu — often with no chest pain at all. Medical professionals are
challenged to respond to women’s milder symptoms. Women wait
longer than men to go to an emergency room when having a heart
attack and physicians are slower to recognize the presence of heart
attacks in women because the characteristic patterns of chest pain
and EKG changes are less frequently present.

The good news among these grim facts is that women’s hearts
respond better to lifestyle changes than men’s hearts. And we
know what lifestyle changes to make: maintain a healthy weight,
exercise, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well
as reducing stress, cholesterol and foods high in saturated
or trans-fats. Following this advice will improve the
health of men and women across the board.
Research has shown that during a
heart attack, receiving medical
treatment sooner means less damage to the heart and other
organs. The American College of Cardiology and the American
Heart Association have set a national goal that heart attack
patients entering the emergency room would have blood vessel
blockages opened within 90 minutes.
In an emergency, seconds count, so call 9-1-1 at the first signs
of a heart attack.

Warning signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest discomfort, including uncomfortable pressure,
squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw
or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
February is the perfect time to get smart about your heart and
reduce your risk of heart disease.

Written by Lawrence Whaley, M.D.,
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics of Burleson

Whiplash – Preventing Permanent Injury

Now_Staff — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 07:57:43 +0000

Whiplash, also know as a “sprainstrain” injury to the neck, is caused by injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and sprains the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.

Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind. Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward — including passengers.

Although a seat belt will keep a person’s body from being thrown forward, the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck. In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome).

Most people “shake it off ” as no big deal. The muscles hurt for a few days or weeks, but when the pain goes away, they think they are “healed.” Unfortunately, the soft tissue damage that was done can cause a more permanent bony injury to begin, known as osteoarthritis. This occurs when the bones have been in a malpositioned state for too long. The overstretching of the ligaments and tendons allows for the bones to remain out of place unless they are corrected through spinal manipulation. Medications will help with the symptoms of pain and headache, but cannot fix the soft tissues.

Some of the more common symptoms are pain and stiffness in the neck, head, chest, shoulders or arms. You may also experience blurred vision or dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, ringing in the ears, vertigo, irritability, fatigue, pain
between the shoulder blades or numbness and tingling pain in the jaw or face. In worse cases, the pain may even extend to legs, feet or hands. This is because an injury to the upper spinal nerves can contribute to pain throughout the body.

It is important to seek treatment early, even if you do not believe you are hurt. Once the ligaments have been stretched 30 percent beyond their normal capacity, they will not return to their normal position and, therefore, will not provide the proper support for the structures in the neck. The best rule of thumb for home treatment is R-I-C-E, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate Specific techniques on how to do this vary by region. You should consult your chiropractor, nurse practitioner or medical doctor for specific treatments in this area.

Another consideration is prevention. Headrests should be elevated to where the head lands on the middle of the headrest. Also, keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles. As they say, prevention is the best medicine!

Dr. Lesa G. Ansell, D.C., R.N. is the CEO of Pro-adjuster Chiropractic Clinic and a supervisory nurse specialist for Texas 4 DMAT.

Help for Holiday Stress

Now_Staff — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:10:34 +0000

Does the holiday season leave you stressed? You are not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, financial concerns are taking a toll on many Americans this season, many of whom admit to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as eating or alcohol.

First, what is stress, exactly? Stress is the wear and tear on the body as a result of physical or emotional conditions. One
can undergo physical stress, such as too many hours at the computer or too much
time spent in a smoggy city. One can also experience emotional stress, such a
difficult work situation or loss of a loved one. Whether the cause is emotional or
physical, the body responds the same way:
the first stage of stress is alarm. In the
alarm stage, the “fight or flight” responses
are activated. Heart rate increases; blood
pressure rises; digestion decreases.

Next is the resistance stage. Here, if the stressor is not dealt with effectively,
the person becomes more irritable, more run down. Last
is the exhaustion phase. Energy reserves are depleted;
there is greater susceptibility to serious illness. It is in this
stage that one is more likely to turn to unhealthy coping
mechanisms such as alcohol.
What are some healthier ways to deal with holiday
stress? First, be realistic — realistic about your finances,
realistic about your relationships and realistic in your
expectations.

Overspending will not only add to stress
this holiday season, but over the coming months when
trying to repay bills. Next, be realistic about relationships.
Many other people are as stressed as you during the
holidays. Contrary to popular TV shows, the holidays don’t
magically resolve family or community conflict. Finally, be
realistic in your expectations. In this economy, be grateful
for small, handmade gifts. Don’t expect extravagance.
Next, turn to your faith. Follow teachings of what
should truly matter — your beliefs, your loved ones, your
friends, time spent together. Money and material things
should take a back seat; this is true of most religious
beliefs, across cultures.

Finally, minimize the toll stress takes
on your body. Laugh! Laughing can
increase the effectiveness of the immune
system and help combat the effects of
stress. Exercise is important for your body
and your spirit. A 10-minute walk can
brighten your mood for two hours. Enroll
in a yoga class. Yoga works strength,
flexibility, balance and focus. Eat right.
Allowing small indulgences is very
different from gorging on sweets and
other holiday favorites. Take a massage
class with your spouse or a friend. Request
a gift certificate for a massage. See your
chiropractor.

Chiropractic minimizes irritation to nerve
roots, reduces joint restriction and relieves muscle tension.
Finding healthy ways to deal with stress should be a
year-round project. If you are having trouble, even after
trying many self-help tips, seek the help of a trusted friend,
pastor or psychologist.

Written by Leah Pittmon, B.S., D.C., Pittmon Family Chiropractic Center

Hope for a Better Future

marshallhinsley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:55:34 +0000

Ronald Reagan, 40th president of the United States,
Charlton Heston, movie star, and Norman Rockwell, artist,
are just a few of the famous people who have had
Alzheimer’s disease. They put a face on a devastating illness.
Facing the possibility of losing a little bit of oneself every
day is a dismal prospect. The fear is real, and the disease is
irreversible. Is there any hope?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) holds the dubious distinction of
being the most common cause of dementia. We still do not
know what causes this disease, but evidence points to brain
damage occurring over a long period of time before any sign of
forgetfulness becomes worrisome. How much forgetfulness is
enough to warrant further examination? Obviously, if you
are very concerned about this, a trip to your physician may
allay your fears.
We all have those minor “senior moments” of forgetfulness.
However, if memory challenges disrupt your daily routine in
some manner, that may be cause for concern. Being unable
to balance the checkbook when you have done it previously
with little effort may be worrisome. An inability to follow a
plan or understand a favorite recipe is another sign. Confusion
is very typical with AD, such as not being able to travel to a
known place or to find your way home. Anyone can forget
about those very important dates, but we have the ability to
recall them later. A warning sign in AD is when important
dates or even their purpose can no longer be remembered.
Needing to retrieve the instructions to reset the clocks or
other electronics is common. Not remembering how to
brush your teeth or dress yourself needs evaluation. Those
with AD may find it difficult to express themselves using
the correct words or to understand others.
Although there is no cure yet, early detection is still useful
and important. Early diagnosis allows one to be an active
participant in planning for future care. It permits you to
have a say in legal matters regarding your estate while you
can still do so. Becoming involved in support groups will
help to enhance the quality of your life. Your family can
benefit from these services also.
Yes, there is always hope, and it may be in early diagnosis.
Research continues to advance in this area and early treatment
may become crucial. Early detection can give you an
opportunity to receive treatment or participate in clinical
trials that can slow down the progression of the disease.
Knowing what is ahead may give you a better future.

— Written by Betty Tyron
This article is for general information only and does not
constitute medical advice. Consult with your physician for questions
regarding this topic.

Fighting for Air

Now_Staff — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:47:53 +0000

Is there anything worse than not being able to breathe?

To be able to take a deep, cleansing breath is one of the blessings of life that we rarely think about — until we can no longer do it. Sufferers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) know the feeling. They live with it every
day.

COPD is a group of diseases of the lungs that make breathing difficult. As the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, it is also the main cause of death and illness worldwide. Two of the main conditions in this group are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The lungs contain airways called bronchi and bronchioles. The bronchioles open into tiny air sacs called alveoli. With a normal lung, you take a breath and the air sacs fill up. Upon exhalation, the air sacs deflate. The natural elasticity present in the bronchioles and alveoli helps to force air out of the lung. With emphysema, that elasticity is damaged and alveoli will lose their shape. Less air can get in so you always feel short of breath.

In chronic bronchitis, the walls of the bronchial tubes are constantly inflamed and filled with thick mucus. Breathing becomes difficult.

Unfortunately, most people who have COPD have both of these conditions. The symptoms with these diseases are obvious: difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, a persistent cough that is worse in the morning, having a cough that produces sputum (mucus).

For the most part, the main cause of COPD is long-term smoking. COPD takes a long time to develop over many years. With chronic bronchitis, when you develop a cough from smoking, if you stop smoking early enough, the cough may go away. Although smoking is the major culprit, long-term exposure to other pollutants or irritants in the air including secondhand smoke, contribute to the development of COPD.

Treatment focuses on slowing the progression and management of this group of diseases since there is no known cure. If you are smoking, please stop. Supportive care is available. Oxygen therapy may be necessary. Exercise as much as you can. It increases your capacity to breathe. The treatment plan will vary according to how much damage has been done.

The bad news is that damage to your lungs from COPD is irreversible. The good news is that it does not have to get so bad that you are disabled. There is help and hope out there for you. Bad habits, an unhealthy personal environment and/or uncontrolled health problems all have a solution.

Reduce your risks and save your life.

—Written by Betty Tryon, R.N.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute
medical advice. Consult with your physician for questions regarding
this topic.

Kidney Function

Now_Staff — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:01:41 +0000

Shaped like a kidney bean about the size of your fist, the kidneys have an impressive array of functions.

Even though you have two of them, you can live a perfectly normal life with just one. Functioning like a sieve, the kidneys filter hundreds of gallons of blood every day, cleaning and purifying it for your health. If you did not have kidneys or your kidneys were beginning to fail, the waste, which is normally filtered and excreted from your bladder would build up in your body and become toxic to your health.

Without functioning kidneys, waste must be removed by dialysis or kidney transplant. The waste build-up in the blood comes from normal metabolic functions, such as the breakdown of muscular tissue and ingested food products. Everyone knows when you drink too much water it means more trips to the bathroom. If you are not drinking enough fluids, your urinary output is
restricted. The kidneys work to keep the proper balance of fluid level in the body.

Also, kidneys play a large role in making sure your blood pressure level remains normal by the secretion of an enzyme named renin. If your blood pressure drops, then the kidneys do not receive enough blood. This triggers the release of renin, which causes the blood vessels to contract and thereby increasing the blood pressure. Another function of your kidneys is the production of erythropoietin, a hormone, which signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.

Those are a few of the critical functions performed by this organ, but many other important operations take place in the kidneys. That is one of the reasons your health care provider requests a urine sample for testing. A few areas checked are the BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine levels. These levels determine how well the kidneys can filter waste from the blood.

Another area tested may be electrolytes. Electrolytes are salts found in the cells of the body. They are potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate and phosphate. When these salts are imbalanced, your kidneys work to correct it. If you ingest too much potassium, your kidneys will filter out a large amount, too little and the kidneys excrete only a small amount of potassium.

These are only a few of the jobs assigned to this organ. Help your kidneys out by drinking the proper amount of water every day. The proper amount depends on your lifestyle, where you live and even the current state of your health. However, it is imperative that you drink water every day. This is not just a saying; it is the truth.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your physician for questions regarding
this topic.

— Written by Betty Tryon