Be Kind: It Can Make You Healthier Random Acts of Kindness Day

 

Acts of kindness can make everyone happier and healthier – and it costs you nothing!

If you were like most kids, you were probably encouraged to be kind to others from a very young age. Acts of kindness were rewarded with praise by parents, teachers and other adults. While that warm fuzzy feeling was nice as a kid, what you may not have realized all those years ago was that you were improving your own physical and mental health with each small act of kindness.

There are plenty of good reasons to be kind. For one, our society and planet can use all the kindness it can get, especially these days. But if you need a little push to make kindness a regular part of your day, think about all of the benefits it provides to you, the do-gooder. While that may not be the most selfless reason to be nice and helpful to others, it is still a win-win in the end. The recipient of your kindness benefits from your actions and you get a boost to your well-being, too!

Here are 5 ways kindness promotes a healthier you:

1. It improves your mental health. It’s hard to be in a bad mood when you do something kind and see how your actions affect others. Being kind is a great mood booster, increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine which make you feel good. When you’re kind to others, it also increases your self-worth and can improve your self-esteem.
2. It strengthens your social connections. Feeling lonely or finding it hard to connect with people? You’ll likely find that when you’re kind to others, it’s easier to connect with them and improves relationships. This decreases feelings of loneliness and isolation, which is not only good for your mental health, but also your physical health.
3. It lowers stress levels. Being kind to others may lower your cortisol levels. Chronically high levels of this stress hormone can negatively affect your health. Not only will you likely feel less uptight after being kind, but less stress may also reduce your blood pressure.
4. It reduces the perception of pain. Acts of kindness can lead to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. Even though the physical sensation of pain may not go away simply by doing a good deed, you may not be bothered as much by your aches and pains.
5. It may extend your life. It sounds crazy to think that just being kind can help you live longer, but it may be true. One study showed that older adults who volunteer for two or more organizations are 44% less likely to die early than people who don’t volunteer. The exact cause of this connection is not fully understood, but volunteering may be a way to simultaneously enhance your health and well-being while improving the health of society.

Need more reasons to be kind? There’s no downside to giving of yourself. And if you’re thinking about how to fit more kindness into your life, remember to not only be kind to others but to also treat yourself with empathy, respect and grace.

Copyright 2024-2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: December 19, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

 

What Is Heart Failure – and How Do You Know If You Have It?

 

Heart failure affects the heart’s ability to pump enough blood, but you may not have symptoms.

If you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure, it can be scary because it sounds like your heart is no longer working. But heart failure doesn’t mean your heart is not working – it just means it’s not working as well as it should. Although it is a serious condition and has no cure, many people with heart failure lead full lives, as long as the condition is managed properly.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle can’t pump well enough to keep up with the body’s demands for oxygen-rich blood. When this happens, a person may experience fatigue, breathing problems and difficulty performing everyday activities.

Is it easy to know if you have heart failure?

In early stages of heart failure, your heart, blood vessels and kidneys try to compensate for the heart’s inability to keep up with the body’s demand for blood and oxygen. The heart may respond by enlarging or pumping faster to increase blood output. The blood vessels may narrow and/or the kidneys may retain more water and salt to keep blood pressure up, which allows the heart to pump stronger. These changes may help for a little while until heart failure worsens.

Because the body has ways to initially compensate for the heart’s diminished capacity to pump enough blood, the best way to know if you have heart failure is to see a doctor. The earlier you find out you have this condition and start treatment, the more likely you can delay the progression of the disease.

What are the signs of heart failure?

The most common signs of this chronic condition include fatigue and shortness of breath. You may also experience these symptoms:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Swelling in feet, ankles, legs, fingers and abdomen
• Heart palpitations (fast heart rate or throbbing)
• Difficulty performing everyday activities due to fatigue and breathing problems
• Sudden and unexplained weight changes
• Digestive problems, such as feeling full, nauseous or not having an appetite
• Memory loss, disorientation or impaired thinking

Symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages of heart failure because your heart and body try to make up for the heart’s failing ability to pump enough blood. Therefore, you may not notice some or all of these symptoms until the condition gets worse.

When should I see a doctor about heart failure?

If you have any possible symptoms of heart failure or suspect you may have the condition even if you don’t have symptoms, see a doctor. Regular check-ups are also a good way to detect heart failure even when symptoms are not yet noticeable.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you might have heart failure, he or she will typically order blood tests or imaging tests to see how well your heart is working. Blood tests measure how much oxygen and electrolytes are circulating in your blood. An echocardiogram shows the structure and function of your heart. Most notably, it provides information about your heart’s ejection fraction, which measures its ability to pump blood to your body. The lower the number (calculated as a percentage), the harder it is for your heart to keep up with your body’s need for oxygen-rich blood.

Copyright 2024-2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: December 17, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

The Most Dangerous Things to Watch Out For on Halloween

 

Here are 5 dangers that can quickly ruin your holiday – and how to prevent them.

Ghosts and goblins and witches, oh my! Halloween can be one of the most festive days of the year, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart. But along with all of the costumes, treats and celebrations, it also poses several dangers that can easily ruin the fun. Knowing how to keep everyone safer means you’ll all get to enjoy every aspect of this deliciously ghoulish holiday.

Here are some of the dangers to watch out for on Halloween – and how to keep your family safer:

1. Tripping hazards – With all of the costumes and running around the neighborhood, it’s no surprise that tripping is one of the most likely causes of injuries during Halloween. To lower the risk of tripping, make sure costumes aren’t too long or too baggy. Also, skip any masks that can obstruct vision. Instruct kids to walk rather than run, use flashlights, and follow pathways instead of cutting across lawns and through flower beds.
2. Fire hazards – People love to light candles on Halloween, but they can be a fire hazard. Never leave candles unattended and keep flammable materials away from direct heat. Also, be careful if you light a fire in a firepit while waiting for trick-or-treaters. Make sure costumes are made from non-flammable materials and are not too flowy. Remind kids to stay away from any lit candles or luminaries while going from house to house.
3. Traffic hazards – Halloween is the most dangerous time for kids when it comes to potential traffic accidents. Teach kids to stay out of the road, to cross at the corner and to look both ways before entering the street. Make sure they’re easily visible, with reflective tape, glow sticks or flashlights. Tell them safety comes first and they should never run, dart into the street or play in areas where they’re not easily seen.
4. Cutting hazards – One of the top causes of injuries during Halloween occurs when carving pumpkins. Short of not carving a pumpkin, there’s no way to avoid using a knife or other sharp object to get the job done, but be extra careful when cutting to lower the risk of injury. Don’t let young children use sharp knives and avoid distractions when cutting.
5. Food hazards – Parents often check children’s candy for signs of tampering, but it’s more likely that your child will consume food that contains allergens than poison. Check for items that contain any foods your child is allergic to and watch out for cross-contamination. If your child goes to a party, talk to the host in advance to make sure your child doesn’t eat potentially unsafe foods. Limit how much candy is eaten at one time to avoid overconsumption, which can make a child (or you!) feel sick.

Halloween is one of the most festive holidays of the year, but getting injured or sick can quickly ruin the fun. By following these safety tips and being alert, aware and cautious, you and your kids are likely to have an enjoyable holiday filled with lots of treats and no tricky mishaps.

Copyright 2024 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: August 19, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

This Is the Best Way to Screen for Breast Cancer

 

Mammograms are still the best way to detect breast cancer early. Here’s when to get one.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women, other than skin cancer. Approximately one in eight women will experience this disease in their lifetime and the best defense against breast cancer is to find it early, when it is most treatable. That’s why screenings are so important.

The most common – and best – way to screen for breast cancer is to get routine mammograms. This non-invasive test may find breast cancer before a lump can be felt or any symptoms are experienced. The low-dose X-rays may also be able to detect changes in the breast that can develop into breast cancer in the future.

There are two types of mammograms currently available – 2D and 3D mammograms. Many doctors recommend that women get 3D mammograms since they can provide a clearer picture of breast tissue. This is especially important if you have dense breasts.

If you are considered to be at average risk for breast cancer – meaning that you don’t have a strong family history or a genetic mutation known to increase breast cancer risk (such as a BRCA gene), haven’t had breast cancer in the past or have not had radiation therapy to your chest before age 30 – the American Cancer Society recommends the following schedule for getting mammograms:

• Ages 40 – 44: It is up to you whether you want to begin getting mammograms every year (previous recommendations were that women start getting mammograms at age 40 but that has changed).
• Ages 45 to 54: Get a mammogram every year.
• Ages 55 and older: If your previous mammograms have been clear, it is up to you whether you want to switch to getting mammograms every other year (or you can continue to get them yearly). Continue getting mammograms as long as you are expected to live at least 10 more years.

If you are considered to be at high risk for breast cancer, it may be recommended that you get an annual mammogram starting at age 30 or an age determined based on other factors. Women at high risk may have a known BRCA gene mutation (or a first-degree relative with the gene mutation), a strong family history of breast cancer, a personal history of breast cancer or a history of having radiation therapy to the chest prior to age 30.

Women at high risk for breast cancer may also need an annual breast MRI. If your doctor recommends that you have a breast MRI, it should be done in addition to a mammogram, not in place of one. Mammograms are still considered the gold standard of breast cancer screening.

Breast self-exams, as well as breast exams done by a healthcare professional (clinical breast exams), are not considered to be effective screening tools for breast cancer on their own. You should be familiar with how your breasts look and feel and report any changes to your doctor, but the best way to screen for breast cancer is to get mammograms according to recommended guidelines based on your age and risk status.

Copyright 2024 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: August 15, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

Is There a Way to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

 

It’s hard to know if this life-threatening condition will occur, but here’s info that may help.

As its name implies, sudden cardiac arrest is a condition that happens suddenly and often without warning. During this life-threatening emergency, the heart suddenly stops beating due to an irregular heart rhythm. This causes a person to stop breathing and prevents blood from flowing to the brain and other vital organs. If not treated immediately, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death.

Treatment requires defibrillation, which sends a shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. This can be done by almost anyone using an automated external defibrillator (AED), if one is available, or by medical personnel. While waiting for emergency medical care, doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may save a person’s life.

Sudden cardiac arrest usually happens with no warning. However, a person may experience symptoms before it happens, including chest discomfort, shortness of breath, heart palpitations (a fast, fluttering or pounding heart beat) or weakness. When the event occurs, the person will suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, stop breathing and have no pulse.

It is not possible to predict if and when someone will go into sudden cardiac arrest. You may be more at risk if you have heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, a congenital heart defect or heart arrhythmias. However, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to people who have no known heart problems.

One cause of sudden cardiac arrest, especially in younger people, is a heart arrhythmia called long QT syndrome. Genetic tests can be done to see if you have the long QT gene. Other causes, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital heart defects, may also put young people at risk. Although this life-threatening condition is rare in younger people, we’ve likely all heard or seen instances of athletes who suddenly collapse on the field or court. That’s why many athletic programs require or recommend a cardiac evaluation that includes a physical exam, assessment of family and personal health histories, and in some cases, electrocardiography (ECG).

Because it’s not easy to predict who may experience sudden cardiac arrest, there is no sure-fire way to prevent it. Keeping your heart as healthy as possible may lower your risk, just as it lowers your risk for other serious heart issues such as a heart attack. This includes things like eating healthy, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol and getting regular check-ups.

Since the stakes are so high if sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the best protection is to know CPR and have access to an AED (and to hope that others have this knowledge if sudden cardiac arrest happens to you). If a person is considered to be at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest, it may be recommended that they get an implantable cardiac defibrillator, which is a small battery-operated device that is placed in the chest and can shock the heart back into normal rhythm if needed.

Copyright 2024 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: August 19, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

Do The Newer Allergy Meds Work Better?

 

There are many medicines on the market to treat seasonal allergies. Here are the differences.

Several types of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications treat allergy symptoms. When it comes to relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes, OTC medications are most often used.

The most common OTC medications to treat seasonal allergies are antihistamines and corticosteroids. These allergy meds come in many forms, including pills, capsules, dissolvable tablets, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Each has its benefits and drawbacks and some may work better than others, depending on the triggers and symptoms.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines stop cells in the body from being affected by histamine, a chemical released by the body’s immune system in response to an allergen. Histamine is what causes symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Oral antihistamines, as well as those administered as nasal sprays and eye drops, are effective at easing many allergy symptoms but some may cause drowsiness, especially first-generation antihistamines. First-generation antihistamines include drugs like:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Brompheniramine (Children’s Dimetapp Cold)
• Doxylamine (Nyquil)
• Dimenhydrinte (Dramamine)

However, newer antihistamines, often referred to as second- or third-generation antihistamines, are less likely to make you drowsy because they do not cross the blood-brain barrier like first-generation antihistamines. They’re also safer for long-term use because they have less effect on your heart and interact better with other medications. Additionally, the newer antihistamines typically last up to 24 hours and can be more effective at treating seasonal allergy symptoms.

These newer antihistamines are now the most commonly used OTC options for treating seasonal allergies. They include drugs like:

• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• Desloratadine (Clarinex)

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids work by suppressing the inflammation caused by your immune system in the presence of allergens.

The most common OTC allergy medications that use this type of drug come in the form of nasal sprays. They include:

• Fluticasone propionate (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Triamcinolone (Nasacort)

Corticosteroids may also be used by prescription in oral form or as inhalers. These are designed to treat more severe allergy symptoms but may have risks when taken over the long term.

Which allergy medicine should you take?

When choosing an allergy medicine, it’s important to consider factors such as:

• What type of medicine is it? Is it an antihistamine or a corticosteroid? If it’s an antihistamine, is it a newer type that doesn’t cause drowsiness?
• How well does it work for your symptoms? Some people find that one medication (or combination of medications) works better for them than others, so you may need to experiment a bit to see what is most effective for you.
• What side effects does the medicine have? It’s important to weigh the benefits of any medicine with any side effects or risks, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications.

The good news is that many people find relief from seasonal allergy symptoms using OTC medications. If your symptoms are more severe or don’t respond to OTC medications, talk to your doctor about whether prescription allergy medications or other treatments are right for you.

Copyright 2024 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: August 15, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.