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Health-Oriented Websites:
http://www.healthy-heart-guide.com -- The Healthy Heart Guide web site offers resources on a wide variety of subjects including heart disease risk factors, lowering cholesterol, healthy nutrition and physical activity
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http://aarp.getfitonroute66.com/Default.aspx -- The AARP has developed as fun way to increase physical activity with Get Fit on Route 66 in which participants “travel” down the historic highway from Chicago to California by recording on-line their daily exercise minutes.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/category/healthyaging.html -- Age Page flyers are available for downloading from the National Institute on Aging on a range of subjects including falls and fractures, foot care, healthy eating and safe use of medicines.
http://healthyaging.net/index.htm
http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?cat=10 – Resources on the Food and Health Communications web site features tips on shopping for and preparing low-cost nutritious meals, including a really delicious pizza low in sodium and fat.
http://foodandhealth.com/blog/?cat=10 – The University of Missouri has released a 16-page Community Gardening Tool Kit which contains information on how to start a community garden, steps to success, benefits of a garden, resources and more. Also available is a Gardeners’ Welcome Packet for organizing your garden, introducing new gardeners to the policies, procedures and people that keep the garden running smoothly, and keeping returning gardeners updated and involved.
www.nysheapa.org – The New York State Health Eating and Physical Activity Alliance is a new statewide organization dedicated to improving policy and practices that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Goals include enhancing communication among those working to improve nutrition and physical activity, increasing funding for obesity prevention efforts and improving policies that promote healthier eating, including those that encourage breastfeeding.
http://www.iom.edu – The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies offers reports and resources in 17 topic areas including child health, food and nutrition, aging, women’s health and military and veterans issues.
http://www.euro.who.int/moveforhealth -- The World Health Organization’s European office web site offers a variety of guidance and tools to promote physical activities, including an annual Move for Health day.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/physical_activity_tips.html -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Physical Activity My Pyramid web page discusses many facets of physical activity, including tips for increasing physical activity, how many calories are used in activities and how much physical activity is needed.
HEALTH INFORMATION ISSUES:
Preparing Your Household for Flu
Be prepared this flu season by stocking your medicine cabinet and food pantry with appropriate supplies. You’ll rest easier at home when you’re sick and you have the right foods, medicines and supplies on hand.
Priority items include a two-week supply of water and food appropriate for sick family members, and appropriate nonprescription drugs and other health supplies. Start preparing today by picking up an item each time you go to the store. You can’t run to the store if you’re sick, and if many become sick at the same time, stores may become depleted. It will also be easier on your household budget if you start stocking up now.
Health authorities recommend stocking the following items in case you need to care for a sick family member:
* Canned or bottled juice, such as apple or grape
* Hydrating drinks
* Low sodium or unsalted crackers
* Low sodium canned or instant broth mixes such as chicken, vegetable, beef
* Low sodium canned or instant dry soup mixes
* Flavored gelatin
* Flavored ice, freezer pops and ice chips
For fever: Use a reliable thermometer to take temperatures and administer pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce fever and pain. Choose either brand names or generic “store brands” of these products. Do not give aspirin to someone under 19 years of age because of the possibility of a dangerous side effect called “Reyes Syndrome.” People with kidney or stomach problems should check with their healthcare provider before taking aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.
For cough, sneezing, and nasal congestion: Use liquid cough medicines or over-the-counter cold medicines to treat symptoms of congestion and control cough, if needed. Liquid cough medicines called “expectorants” help loosen phlegm (mucus). Liquid or tablet medications called “decongestants” help to reduce nasal stuffiness. Liquid or tablet medications called “antihistamines” also help clear a stuffy nose. External medications that are rubbed on the chest and under the nose can make breathing through the nose easier. Nose drops and nasal sprays also work to relieve nasal congestion. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before giving these medications to children younger than six years old, someone with high blood pressure, or someone taking other medications not related to the flu. For children younger than two years old, the safest care is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear mucus.
For sore throat: Use cough drops or any hard candy or lozenges to sooth a sore throat. Pain relievers can also be used.
For body aches, headaches and backache Use aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen/naproxen as directed.
For vomiting and diarrhea: These symptoms are not always present with the flu, but are more common in children. Anti-diarrheal medicines are generally not needed and are not recommended. If you have severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, check with your healthcare provider.
Check the ingredients on the package label to see if a medication already contains acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen before taking additional doses of these medications – don’t double dose! Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Preventing dehydration is essential. When patients have a fever or diarrhea, they lose a lot of water from their body. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. For young children, give small sips of an over-the-counter rehydrating solution.
Periodically check your prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home, and to make sure they have not expired.
Keep your emergency stockpiles of food and medications with other critical supplies: flashlight and batteries; a manual can opener; a battery operated or wind-up radio; prescription and over-the-counter medications; copies of important documents such as health insurance cards, health records; and important phone numbers. Keep a written family emergency plan with important phone numbers, including your healthcare provider and your pharmacist. Include the emergency procedures of your work place and children’s school.
Health authorities strongly recommend that you stay on top of the flu! Good nutrition, combined with enough rest and exercise can also help you fight against getting the flu. Wash your hands frequent with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, stay home when you are sick, and cover your coughs and sneezes to avoid the spread of germs.
Additional information can be obtained from your county health department as well as on the New York State Health Department web site
nyhealth.gov ad the national web site at www.flu.gov.>
Caring for a Child with the Flu
The 2009-2010 flu season is unusual – and more worrisome for parents of children – because both seasonal flu and a new flu strain called novel N1N1 are circulating.
While flu does not usually require professional medical treatment, it can be very uncomfortable for a child. Parents need to stay informed about both types of flu and know how to protect their children and care for them if they get sick.
Children with flu usually have a fever that starts very suddenly and may reach over 104 degrees F. Infants, especially premature infants, do not always have a high fever when they get the flu. Their temperatures may even be lower than normal. Other symptoms of flu include: sore throat, dry cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, shortness of breath, body aches, headache, chills, loss of appetite, loss of energy, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Health authorities suggest the following treatment for flu symptoms in children:
• For fever, give children’s acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or children’s ibuprofen (such as Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) as directed on the package. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for children are available in many forms, including drops, liquids, and chewable tablets. There are also tablets for older children. It is important to read each package carefully and give the proper dosage for your child’s weight and age. Never give aspirin to someone under the age of 19 years unless directed by your doctor. Aspirin can cause a serious illness in children called “Reye’s Syndrome.” Make sure to give plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost through fever. For High fevers, place a cool cloth on your child’s forehead.
• For body aches, headache, or backache, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen/naproxen as directed. Give lukewarm baths and have your child rest in bed.
• For coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion, you can consider giving your children’s cough suppressant/expectorant or multi-symptom cough medicine as directed on the package label. These medications work to calm coughing and reduce nasal congestion and sneezing. Because of certain safety concerns, do not give these medications to children younger than four years old without first checking with your healthcare provider. For children younger than two years old, the safest care is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear mucus.
• Check the ingredients on the package label to see if a medication you’re giving your child contains acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen before you give additional medication. Don’t double dose! Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Vomiting and diarrhea: Monitor how much your child is eating and drinking. Give only small amounts of foods, such as crackers, until vomiting gets better. Give small sips of water, diluted juice, or flat ginger ale, or gelatin or flavored ice. Serve broth or soup. To avoid dehydration, give small sips of a sports drink or an over-the-counter rehydrating solution, such as Pedialyte.
If your child is breastfeeding, continue to encourage feeding. If symptoms worsen, call your child’s doctor or seek emergency care immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interfacing
• Being so irritable that your child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
As novel H1N1 influenza (swine flue) continues to spread, medical experts have advice for people experiencing flu-like illness, who wonder whether they should seek medical help.
The New York State Health Department realizes that many people are concerned because of the number of cases of this new flue in our area and the fact that some people have died from flu. That’s understandable. It may help to know that for most individuals, novel H1N1 flu influenza will be no worse than the seasonal flu we are used to.
Most people recover from seasonal flu or novel H1N1 flu without needing medical treatment. In fact, most flu patients can be cared for best at home
Those who are NOT seriously ill should avoid hospital emergency departments, but instead contact their primary care doctor or health clinic.
State medical authorities are asking for everyone’s help to make sure that emergency department treatment remains available for people who truly need it. In addition to caring for people with severe novel H1N1 flu, local hospitals still have to manage their regular patient caseload.
Health authorities emphasize that when a “worried well” or mildly sick individual comes to a hospital emergency department:
• The individual could GIVE the flu to others.
• The individual could DELAY important health care for seriously ill persons waiting to be treated
When caring for individuals at home, give them medications such as acetaminophen to help reduce fever, and make sure they get rest and plenty of fluids. Individuals under age 19 should never be given aspirin to reduce pain or fever because it could cause a rare but potentially serious condition called Reye’s Syndrome.
Individuals who are sick should stay at home until fever has disappeared for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Some people should get medical care if they have the flu. People who have conditions that may result in more severe illness from influenza should call or see their health care provider if they have fly symptoms. These people include women who are pregnant, children younger than five, persons 65 and older, and persons of any age who have a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Their healthcare providers may decide to prescribe medications for the flu.
Flu patients who become dehydrated require medical intervention. Parents should be aware that children can become dehydrated in a short period of time. Things to be concerned about are dry mouth and tongue, lack of tears, dark circles or sunken eyes, decreased urine output and lethargy (extreme drowsiness or pronounced lack of interest in their surroundings). If these circumstances occur, call your healthcare provider. Get emergency care if your healthcare provider cannot be reached.
Call your doctor right away or get emergency care in the event of severe or worsening illness. In adults, the signs of severe or worsening illness are: rapid breathing, difficulty breathing; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, bluish skin color, dizziness or confusion, increasing fever or persistent vomiting.
In children, the signs of severe or worsening illness include: increased fever, rash, rapid or difficult breathing, bluish skin color, irritability, lack of responsiveness (not waking up or not interacting) and not drinking enough liquids.
If you are caring for a household member at home who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to:
• Remind the sick person to cover their cough, and frequently wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.
• Have everyone in the household clean their hands often, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person -- particularly those contacts who may be pregnant or have chronic health conditions – should take antiviral medications to prevent the flu.
If you are in a group considered at high risk for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual in unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask, if avoidable.
More information on novel H1N1 influenza and taking care of an H1N1 flu patient at home is available at
www.nyhealth.gov and
www.cdc Controlling Asthma.gov.
Controlling Asthma Triggers
If you or someone you know has asthma or allergy symptoms, you may be able to breathe easier by finding your “triggers.” A trigger is anything that makes your asthma or allergy worse. Triggers are different for each person. Triggers can be found outdoors or indoors, at home, school or work. Common triggers include:
• Pests such as mice, rats or cockroaches
• Tobacco smoke and wood smoke
• Pets with fur or feathers
• Cleaning solvents, paint, perfume or any strong odors or fumes
• Hot or cold weather or outdoor air pollution
• Colds and flu
• Mold
You may be able to add more triggers to this list. Other things may also trigger your asthma or allergies. It’s important to learn which triggers are a problem for you and ask your healthcare provider to help. He/she may suggest that you:
• Try to keep triggers out of the house or the room where you sleep.
• Make an asthma action plan to be sure you know how and when to take your asthma medicines.
Finding triggers isn’t always easy. If you do know your triggers, cutting down exposure to them may help avoid asthma and allergy attacks.
If you don’t know your triggers, try to limit your exposure to one suspected trigger at a time. Doing this may show you if the trigger was a problem for you.
Here are some tips to reduce triggers in the home:
• Avoid woodstoves and fireplaces. Wood smoke can be a problem for children and adults with asthma and allergies.
• Create a pet-free zone. Keep pets off furniture and out of bedrooms. Wash your hands and face and change your clothes after playing with pets. Weekly pet baths may help cut down the amount of pet saliva and dander in the home.
• Deal with cockroach infestations by taking away their food, water and hiding places. Put away food, clean up spills, fix leaks and seal cracks in floors, walls and ceilings. Dead roaches and roach droppings collect in house dust and may trigger asthma or allergy attacks. Keeping your home clean will help.
• Keep excess moisture down to control mold. Mold needs water to grow. Op0en windows or use fans to stop moisture from building up in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. The basement in particular may need a dehumidifier. And remember, the water in the dehumidifier must be emptied and the container cleaned often to prevent forming mildew.
• Keep strong smells out of the home or at least stay out of the areas where they are being used. Perfume, room deodorizers, cleaning chemicals, paint or candles can all be triggers.
• Stop dust from building up, even in places where you can’t see it, like your bed. Wash bedding regularly in hot water. Get rid of clutter. Choose stuffed toys that are washable and wash them often in hot water.
To learn more about controlling asthma, visit http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/asthma on your computer.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious health and safety concern when using tools and gas-powered equipment. These items can produce high concentrations of carbon monoxide, an odorless, invisible gas that can rapidly accumulate, even in areas that appear to be well-ventilated. Within minutes, carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels, causing unconsciousness. The result can be illness, including permanent, neurological damage, such as learning and memory impairment, or death.
It is critical for you to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning and practice prevention. If you suspect you or someone else has CO poisoning, call 9-1-1 and get emergency assistance immediately.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, which can occur within minutes of exposure, include: Headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, a feeling of tightness in the chest, visual changes, slowed reaction time, altered driving skills and confusion.
As exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning increases, individuals may become less capable of making decisions that could save their lives.
When operating small, gasoline-powered engines, and tools using gasoline-powered compressors or generators, follow these safety precautions:
• Always place the pump and power unit of high-pressure washers outdoors, away from air intakes, and downwind of building so the engine exhaust is not drawn indoors. Run only the wash line indoors to where the work is being done.
• Keep all gasoline-powered generators and engines outdoors and away from windows, doors and air intakes. Also, keep this equipment away from the windows, doors and air intakes of neighbors. Don’t use generators, pressure washers, or other gasoline-powered tools anywhere indoors, including in a garage, carport, or basement.
• Consider the use of tools powered by electricity or electric air compressors if they are available and can be used safely. Be aware, however, that electrically powered tools can present an electrocution hazard and require specific safety precautions.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, but do not use it as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of your gas-powered tools and engines. With any carbon monoxide detector, look for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for its placement, use and maintenance.
If you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Call 9-1-1 or another local emergency number for medical attention or assistance. Do NOT drive a motor vehicle. Get someone to drive you to an emergency room or healthcare facility. Tell the physician that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tips for Healthy Eating Out
Eating out can mean anything from the convenience of fast food to the luxury of a long, leisurely dining experience. Whichever style you choose, you can make it a healthier experience by checking the calories and unhealthy fat, cholesterol and trans fat on menu items.
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, both in New York State and across the nation. Almost 60 percent of New York adults were overweight or obese according to a State Health Department Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Overweight and obesity put them at increased risk for the risk of life-threatening conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Poor nutritional choices, especially when combined with lack of physical activity, is fueling the obesity epidemic. Eating out can be a big contributor to the problem of poor nutrition, but knowing what to look for on the menu and talking to your server can make the experience both pleasurable and healthy.
The average adult needs about 2,000 calories a day. A single meal of a double hamburger, large French fries and soda can be more than half of the calories needed all day.
Nutritionists offer these tips to cut calories, fat and cholesterol:
• When choosing items, be aware of calorie- and fat-packed salad dressings, spreads, cheese, sour cream etc. For example, ask for a grilled chicken sandwich without mayonnaise.
• Breaded, batter-dipped and tempura all mean fried food, which is heavy in fat. Look instead for lower fat, grilled, broiled and flame-cooked. Other good choices include entrees that are steamed, poached, roasted or baked in their own juices.
• Order a baked, boiled or roasted potato instead of fries. Ask the server to leave off the butter and sour cream.
• When choosing from a salad bar, avoid items like grated cheese, prepared salads, cream dressings, chopped eggs, bacon bits and croutons.
• Don’t be afraid to special order. Ask for olive oil and vinegar for your salads or order the dressing “on the side” and spoon only a small portion onto the salad.
• Watch portion size. At some restaurants a single serving provides enough for two meals. Choose a smaller portion size, order a side salad instead of fries and don’t supersize anything.
Many restaurant foods may be prepared with trans fats. They include baked goods, fried foods and margarine. Trans fat is similar to saturated fat in meat and dairy fats and increases the risk of heart disease by raising total cholesterol.
Check the menu and ask your server about trans tat and saturated fat before ordering. Avoiding trans fat and saturated fat is part of a heart-healthy diet, which also includes eating more vegetables and fruit and choosing low-fat and not-fat milk and dairy products.
Prescription Saver Card
Eligible New Yorkers can now get the medications they need at reduced prices. Through a State program, New York Prescription Saver, eligible residents may obtain discounts on their prescription drugs.
New York State residents who have limited incomes ($35,000 if single or $50,000 if married), are 50 to 64 years of age or have been determined by the Social Security Administration to have a disability may qualify. Those enrolled in Medicaid or the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program are not eligible for the New York Prescription Saver.
The New York Prescription Saver (NYPS) card not only helps New Yorkers save on prescription drugs but ensures that they can purchase insulin, insulin syringes and needles at a discount, as well.
In general, New Yorkers can expect average savings of up to 60 percent off the price of generic, and up to 30 percent off the full retail price of brand name prescriptions. Discounts on nearly all prescription drugs began April 1, 2009, at more than 3,700 participating pharmacies throughout New York State.
The card is free and can provide savings on your prescription medications right at the counter. Just show your NYPS card at a participating pharmacy to receive your discount on the spot.
More than 3,700 participating pharmacies across New York, including all major chains, will accept the New York Prescription Saver card. In addition, many drug manufacturers provide added discounts on their drugs. As more pharmaceutical manufacturers participate, prescription savings can continue to grow.
Visit the NYPS web site http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhse.com for an application form and brochure. Online applicants will need to affirm that the information provided on the online application is complete and accurate.
A listing of the discounted prices of 1,500 of the most commonly prescribed drugs, participating manufacturers and pharmacies, and a pharmacy locator are also available on the web site.
Call 1-800-788-6917, toll-free, to apply by telephone or request an application form. If you are approved, a New York Prescription Saver card will be mailed to you, usually within two weeks of receipt of the application.
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Although prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among American men – second only to skin cancer – the good news is that fewer men are dying from the disease.
In 2009 it is estimated tat more than 1,700 men will die from prostate cancer in New York State, and more than 13,000 new cases will be diagnosed.
The fact remains that over the course of their lives, one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes prostate cancer. However, certain factors have been shown to increase a man’s chances of developing it. These include:
• Ethnicity: prostate cancer is much more common in African-American men than in white men. In New York State, African-American men are 50 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer, and nearly twice as likely to die from it.
• Family history: if a man’s father, brother or son has had prostate cancer, his risk of the disease is doubled or even tripled.
• Diet: some studies suggest that men who eat large amounts of animal fats may face increased risk of prostate cancer.
The good news is that most prostate cancers grow very slowly. There are more than two million men alive today who have had prostate cancer.
Some medical experts recommend prostate cancer screening for all men over the age of 50, and for younger men who are at increased risk for prostate cancer. However, at this time there is not enough scientific evidence to say definitely that the benefits of prostate cancer screening outweigh the risks associated with screening. Medical experts agree that men should know the risks and benefits before they are screened.
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