Monday, June 30, 2014

Rethink Your Drink



You know your daily calorie intake when it comes to food, but how many liquid calories are you adding? What you consume in fluids can make a big difference.

Many people don't realize just how many calories beverages can contribute to their daily intake. As you can see in the example below, calories from drinks can really add up.

 
Substituting no- or low-calorie drinks for sugar-sweetened beverages cuts about 650 calories in the example above.
 
 
Be aware that the Nutrition Facts label on beverage containers may give the calories for only part of the contents. The label may list the number of calories in an 8-oz. serving (100) even though the bottle contains 20 oz. or 2.5 servings. The contents of the entire bottle actually contain 250 calories even though what the label calls a "serving" only contains 100.
 
Now that you know how much difference a drink can make, here are some ways to make smart beverage choices:
  • Choose water, diet, or low-calorie beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • For a quick, easy, and inexpensive thirst-quencher, carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
  • Don't "stock the fridge" with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge.
  • Serve water with meals.
  • Make water more exciting by adding slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or watermelon, or drink sparkling water.
  • Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
  • When you do opt for a sugar-sweetened beverage, go for the small size. Some companies are now selling 8-oz. cans and bottles of soda, which contain about 100 calories.
  • Be a role model for your friends and family by choosing healthy, low-calorie beverages.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Before you Drink...Think



There are approximately 88,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States.

Excessive drinking includes heavy drinking, binge drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.
  • Binge drinking, the most common form of excessive alcohol consumption, is defined as consuming
    • For women, 4 or more drinks during a single occasion.
    • For men, 5 or more drinks during a single occasion.
  • Heavy drinking is defined as consuming
    • For women, 8 or more drinks per week.
    • For men, 15 or more drinks per week.
Most people who binge drink are not alcoholics or alcohol dependent.

There are many short-term risks related to excessive alcohol use, including: injuries, violence, impaired judgment, risky behavior, dehydration and alcohol poisoning.

Long term effects can be life threatening. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases, neurological impairments and social problems. These include but are not limited to:

  • Neurological problems, including dementia, stroke and neuropathy
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Psychiatric problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicide
  • Social problems, including unemployment, lost productivity, and family problems
  • Cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast
  • Liver diseases
  • Other gastrointestinal problems
“Excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable death that kills many Americans in the prime of their lives,” said Ursula E. Bauer, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “We need to redouble our efforts to implement scientifically proven public health approaches to reduce this tragic loss of life and the huge economic costs that result.”

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Sniffle, Sneeze...Oh Geez!

 
Allergies
 
Itchy eyes, sneezing, rash, congestion...all may be a sign of seasonal allergies. Grass, pollen, mold, pet dander and food can all be the culprit.

What are Allergies?

Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. Some of these antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn't. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can't be cured, a number of treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.
 
Anyone may have or develop an allergy. The allergy cannot be prevented, but the reaction can be. Once a person becomes aware they are allergic to a certain thing, they can do there best to avoid contact. There are also medications available to counteract symptoms.
 

  • The most common allergic diseases include: hay fever, asthma, conjunctivitis, hives, eczema, dermatitis and sinusitis.
  • Food allergies are most prevalent in young children and are frequently outgrown.
  • Latex allergies are a reaction to the proteins in latex rubber, a substance used in gloves, condoms and other products.
  • Bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants can cause insect sting allergies.
  • Allergies to drugs, like penicillin, can affect any tissue or organ in the body.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include flush; tingling of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or lips; light-headedness, and chest-tightness. If not treated, these can progress into seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, shock, and respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis can result in death. Food, latex, insect sting, and drug allergies can all result in anaphylaxis.

You may want to see a doctor if you have symptoms you think may be caused by an allergy, especially if you notice something in your environment that seems to trigger your allergies. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the doctor who prescribed it right away.

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 or your local emergency number or seek emergency medical help. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen, EpiPen Jr or Twinject), give yourself a shot right away. Even if symptoms improve after an emergency epinephrine injection, a visit to the emergency department is still necessary to make sure symptoms don't return when the effects of the injection wear off.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Some Things Remain the Same

 

There are so many things that change in life, it is nice to know that some things never change.

At Mayers Memorial Hospital District we have bee here providing quality care since 1956. Yes, things have changed...better technology and equipment, procedures and appearances. One thing will always remain the same, our commitment to our community and patients.

We are your friends and family...caring for you...our friends and family.

MMHD is right here in your community ready to assist you with your healthcare needs.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Is Indoor Tanning Safe?


So you think you are safe because you got your great tan indoors instead of outside from the powerful sun rays.  You might want to reconsider.

Indoor tanning and tanning outside are both dangerous. Although indoor tanning devices operate on a timer, the exposure to UV rays can vary based on the age and type of light bulbs. Indoor tanning is designed to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time. You can get a burn from tanning indoors, and even a tan indicates damage to your skin.

Indoor tanning exposes users to two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, UV-A and UV-B, which damage the skin and can lead to cancer. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of getting melanoma, likely because of increased lifetime UV exposure. In fact, every time you tan you increase your risk of getting melanoma. Indoor tanning also can—
  • Cause premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots.
  • Change your skin texture.
  • Increase the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases.
In the United States, indoor tanning is thought to cause about 419,000 cases of skin cancer every year. For comparison, smoking is thought to cause about 226,000 cases of lung cancer every year.

There is no such thing as a safe tan. Indoor tanning is just as dangerous, if not more, than tanning outside in the sun. In fact, indoor tanning injures thousands of people each year badly enough to go to the emergency department. Indoor tanning can cause sunburn and damage to your eyes that could lead to vision loss. Indoor tanning can also cause premature skin aging, including loss of elasticity, wrinkling, age spots, and changes in skin texture.

Protect yourself and your skin this summer and think twice before tanning - outdoors and indoors.

Source: cdc 

Friday, June 20, 2014

Ticks Be Gone!


Does just looking at the picture make your skin crawl and head itch? It is tick season and there are a few things you should know.

Where are the ticks?

Humid environments, wooded and grassy areas. Avoid walking in leaf litter and through shrubs. Be aware while gardening, camping and playing outdoors.

Prevention:
  • Use a repellent
  • Walk in open areas when possible
  • Avoid brush
  • Be extra careful during warmer months (April - September)
Do you have a tick:

  • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
  • Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.
  • Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs.
  • Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill remaining ticks. (Some research suggests that shorter drying times may also be effective, particularly if the clothing is not wet.) 


  • Tick Removal:


    1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
    2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
    3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
     
     
    Source: CDC.org
     

    Thursday, June 19, 2014

    Good or Bad?





    HDL, LDL, Triglycerides...What's the Difference?
     
    Cholesterol can't dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported through your bloodstream by carriers called lipoproteins (made of fat "lipids" and protein). There is LDL - low density lipoprotein and HDL - high density lipoprotein.
     
     
    LDL - Bad Cholesterol
     
    LDL is considered the "Bad" cholesterol because it contributes to plaque, a thick hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible.
     
    HDL - Good Cholesterol
    

    HLD is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. HDL carries LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it is broken down and passed from the body. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may also protect against heart attack and stroke. On the contrary, low levels of HDL can increase the risk of heart disease.

    Triglycerides

    These are another type of fat that are used to store excess energy from your diet. Elevated levels can be caused by being overweight, physical inactivity, a diet high in carbohydrates, smoking or excessive alcohol use.

    Your total cholesterol count is determined through a blood test.


    Learn More about Cholesterol Score:

    http://watchlearnlive.heart.org/CVML_Player.php?moduleSelect=chlscr

    More Resources:
    http://mylifecheck.heart.org/



    Source: American Heart Association

     

    Wednesday, June 18, 2014

    Understanding Blood Pressure


    We get it taken when we go to the doctor, we hear about it all of the time. What does it mean? Is the top number more important than the bottom? What should it be?

    Your blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in your vessels when your heart rests between beats. If the measurement reads 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say "120 over 80" or write "120/80 mmHg."

    High blood pressure is a common and dangerous condition. Having high blood pressure means the pressure of the blood in your blood vessels is higher than it should be. But you can take steps to control your blood pressure and lower your risk.

    High blood pressure often has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people don’t know they have it. That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent high blood pressure or to control it if your blood pressure is already high.


    Simple steps can help you prevent high blood pressure:
    • Eating a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
    • Be physically active
    • Don't smoke
    • Limit alcohol use
    • Check your blood pressure regularly
    If you have concerns, consult your physician for more information.


    Source: cdc.gov


     



    Tuesday, June 17, 2014

    Heart Healthy Foods


    You can help your heart with a healthy lifestyle  and heart healthy diet. In addition to limiting salty, processed and fatty foods - there are several foods that can actually help your heart.

    Try adding a few of these to your weekly menus:

    Avocados: Not only are they great - they are packed full of monounsaturated fatty acids which help to lower cholesterol levels and may help blood clotting. They are a great source of potassium, which aids with blood pressure; and magnesium which has been linked to lower the risk of heart disease in men.

    Asparagus: Full of Vitamin K which can help with blood clotting; a source of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure; and a great source of fiber and saponins.

    Kale: This leafy green is a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) which is known to improve heart health.

    Oranges: Pectin and Potassium are provided through this fruit; Pectin, a soluble fiber blocks cholesterol absorption and helps prevent the scarring of heart tissue.  Potassium will help keep blood pressure in check.

    Garlic: Reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and improves blood flow.

    Whole Grains: Fiber and soluble fiber - decreases LDL and blood pressure.


    Combine two of these ingredients with this yummy pesto, serve over some whole grain pasta.

    Avocado Pesto recipe

    A traditional Italian pesto is made from pureed nuts, olive oil, and herbs. Take the untraditional route with an avocado-based pesto, which yields a much smoother version worthy of tacos, vegetables, and the usual pasta.
     

    Ingredients:

    1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, chopped
    ½ cup fresh basil leaves
    ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    2 cloves garlic, crushed
    1 teaspoon salt
    ½ teaspoon black pepper
    4 to 6 tablespoons water, as needed

    Directions:

    1) Combine all ingredients, except water, in a food processor; puree until smooth. With machine running, slowly add water to mixture until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately or well chilled.

    Monday, June 16, 2014

    No Diets!



      ·
             
       
      Simple Strategies to Lose Weight Without a Fad Diet
      
       
      Eat a variety of foods. Make sure your diet includes lean protein; complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; and "good" fats like omega-3 fats from fish and monounsaturated fats from avocados, nuts, and olives or olive oil. When you go on a fad diet and exclude necessary nutrients, you're putting yourself at risk for becoming ill. Getting too little of any nutrient may not cause an immediate problem. But if it's lacking for a long time, you may find you have health problems
      Say no to bad fats. Minimize how much saturated fat you get from animal sources, and eliminate trans fats from the fried foods, snacks, and fast-food products you eat.
      Get five a day. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose different colors of fruits and vegetables to ensure optimal nutrition.
      Exercise at least 150 minutes each week. This can be divided into smaller blocks of time. For example, you could do a brisk walk for 10 minutes three times a day for 5 days to reach 150 minutes.
      Clean out the kitchen! Toss out high-calorie, high-fat, sugary foods that will tempt you to overeat -- chips, cookies, crackers, ice cream, candy bars, and the like. Then, fill your fridge and cupboards with lean protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, good fats, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
      Eat smaller meals more frequently. Aim for five to six mini-meals per day. Space your meals every 3 to 4 hours. Try taking low fat cheese and whole-grain crackers to school or work for a snack, or eat a tablespoon of peanut butter with one slice of whole-grain bread. Find foods that are healthy and that keep you full.
      Fill up on the good stuff. Pile on the salad and super servings of green beans, broccoli, cabbage, kale, or other low-calorie vegetables instead of high-fat foods, breads, pasta, and desserts. If you’re still hungry after a meal and you want seconds, go for veggies.
      Snack on berries. Dark berries (blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and raspberries) are rich in healthy antioxidants. They’re also low in calories and fat and high in fiber.
      Avoid "empty calories." Steer clear of sugar-containing sodas and fruit drinks.
       
      Source: WebMD
       
       
       

       
       
       
       
               

    Friday, June 13, 2014

    Thursday, June 12, 2014

    Making Memories Out of Moments


    "Sometimes you never know the true value of a moment until it is a memory."
     
     
    Moments are what we make them. We often don't remember the day, we remember the moment. At Mayers Memorial Hospital District we are here for you in every moment and every stage of life.
     
     
    Play the Moments with us...

     
     
    • The moment of your first sonogram
    • The moment your first child is born
    • The moment that precious child needs his first stitches or x-ray
    • The moment a football injury requires physical therapy
    • The moment a nurse goes that extra step to make your stay feel like home
    • The moment you can have surgery and recover right here at home
    • The moment that our friends and family take care of your friends and family
    • The moment you decide to make our home your home
     
    Life is defined by precious moments, when you are depending on us, we pledge to make those moments great.
     
    Play along with our "Play the Moments" campaign and get our great MMHD Playlist. Just join our email list by signing up below:
     
    

    Wednesday, June 11, 2014

    Need a Drink?


    Here's a quick simple list of beverages that could help with a variety of things.


    To Build Muscle — Milk
    To Lose Weight — Green Tea/Grapefruit Juice
    To Recover — Water/Chocolate Milk/Sports Drink
    For a Run — Water/Tart Cherry Juice/Coconut Water
    For Muscle Cramps — Pickle Juice
    For an Upset Stomach — Ginger Ale
    For a Head Cold — Lemon and Honey Tea
    For a Cough — Honey
    For a Sore Throat — Turmeric Tea
    For Mouth Sores — Coconut Milk
    For Constipation — Aloe
    For Sleepiness — Coffee/Water
    To Fall Asleep — Tart Cherry Juice/Warm Milk/Chamomile
    To Lift Spirits — Lemon Balm Tea
    For Digestion — Water/Herbal Tea
    For Spicy Food — Milk/Yogurt
    For a Hangover — Water/Orange Juice/Banana Smoothie
    For Dehydration — Coconut Water
    For Bad Breath — Water
    For Hunger — Milk
    For Gas and Bloating — Water with Baking Soda


    Source: Greatist.com

    Please note: MMHD is not recommending or endorsing the above list.

    Tuesday, June 10, 2014

    It's Getting Hot!

    It is that time of year and the HEAT came FAST!

    Be sure to pay attention to your body and avoid heat stroke.

     

    Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment

     
    Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke -- also known as sunstroke -- you should call 911 immediately and render first aid until paramedics arrive.
    Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures -- usually in combination with dehydration -- which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.

    Symptoms of Heat Stroke

    The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign.
    Other symptoms may include:
     
    • Throbbing headache
    • Dizziness and light-headedness
    • Lack of sweating despite the heat
    • Red, hot, and dry skin
    • Muscle weakness or cramps
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
    • Rapid, shallow breathing
    • Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
    • Seizures
    • Unconsciousness
     

    First Aid for Heat Stroke

    If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately call 911 or transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal.
    While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at least a cool, shady area -- and remove any unnecessary clothing.
    If possible, take the person's core body temperature and initiate first aid to cool it to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If no thermometers are available, don't hesitate to initiate first aid.
    You may also try these cooling strategies:
    • Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.
    • Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.
    • Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath.
    If emergency response is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for additional instructions.
    After you've recovered from heat stroke, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities.
     
    Source: Web MD

    Monday, June 9, 2014

    National Men's Health Week




    Men can make their health a priority. Take action daily to live a stronger and healthier life.
    Each year, National Men's Health Week is celebrated the week leading up to and including Father's Day, which is June 9-15, 2014. During this week, individuals, families, communities, and others work to raise awareness of ways to promote healthy living and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

    What Men Can Do

    What Communities Can Do

    • Hold an educational event or presentation about men's health issues, healthy living, and health care.
    • Plan a men's health fair and be sure to cover topics such as heart health, injury prevention, cancer, and workplace safety. Check out Tips for Planning Health Events.
    • Encourage men to celebrate National Men's Health Week by seeing a doctor about health problems or getting a thorough checkup.
    • Encourage men and boys to have a healthy lifestyle and seek regular medical care and early treatment for disease and injury.

    What Women Can Do

    • Encourage everyday actions to promote good physical and mental health.
    • Be a role model for him on how to live healthy.
    • Recruit male friends or relatives with good health habits to help reinforce lifestyle messages.
    • Encourage the males in your life to get medical attention when needed.
    • Remind him that his "influence by example" may help form healthy behaviors in others.

    Help raise awareness of health issues important to men.


    Resource: http://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw/

    Friday, June 6, 2014

    Measles Cases Higher in 2014

     
     
    The number of measles cases in the United States reported so far this year has been the highest in the past 20 years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
    The CDC received reports of 288 confirmed measles cases in the United States between January 1 and May 23, 2014.
    Measles can be prevented by the combination MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. In the decade before the measles vaccination program began, an estimated 3–4 million people in the United States were infected each year, of whom 400–500 died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and another 1,000 developed chronic disability from measles encephalitis. Widespread use of measles vaccine has led to a greater than 99% reduction in measles cases in the United States compared with the pre-vaccine era, and in 2012, only 55 cases of measles were reported in the United States

    If you plan to travel abroad and do not have evidence of immunity to measles, it is important for you to receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling (see CDC’s vaccination advice for Travelers). If you are an adult or teenager who has not had measles or has not received measles or MMR vaccine, you may require one or two doses of MMR vaccine before you leave the country. If you are not sure if you need MMR vaccine to protect yourself from measles, contact a doctor or travel health specialist. For children who travel internationally, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend an accelerated MMR vaccine schedule, including vaccination of children 6 through 11 months of age. Check with your child’s doctor about these recommendations.

    Read more about Measles and the MMR vaccines.
    Contributed via Kathy Duncan, RN, Infection Prevention Manager MMHD

    LAST SYNDICATED: MAY 30, 2014 
    This content is brought to you by: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    Wednesday, June 4, 2014

    National Running Day Challenge



     
    You may not be a runner...yet. That could change. What day would be better to consider it that National Running Day. I like to say I run, like a turtle trudging through peanut butter...but I run.
    We have a challenge for you...
    THE DETAILS:

    What:  Biz Johnson Express Half Marathon    When: Saturday, October 11, 2014

    Where: Lassen National Forest (Susanville-Westwood area) http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/bizz_johnson.html#driving_directions

    Cost: Registration is $45 – plus $15 shuttle fee. The run is “one-way” – flat and downhill.  A shuttle takes runners to starting point and you end at another location. If you have a ride to the starting point – the $15 is not payable.  DUE August 1st – or price increases.

    Why: This is a run that one of our employees participated in and loved. Because of illness, she will be unable to do it.  We are putting together a MMHD Team and running for her.

     BEFORE YOU SAY NO “I Don’t Run…” Think about this…
     

    This is a large challenge – something hard to endure and probably not something most of us want to do. It won’t be easy. For these reasons it will be a meaningful tribute to a person who loved to run. 

    If you don’t run at all – that doesn’t matter. You have a LONG time to train and we have a training program for every level – the non-runner, the walker, the one who hasn’t exercised at all, the one who wants to do a walk/jog race….we have 12, 14, 16 and 20-week training plans.

    It is our goal to get as many people as we can to commit to this cause. We will also be setting up a pledge plan for participants to get pledges to establish a scholarship fund.

     For more information, contact (530)336-5511 Extension 1136 or vlakey@mayersmemorial.com
    “What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination.” – Zig Ziglar