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HEALTH ARTICLES
• Pre-Surgery Days an Opportune Time to Quit Smoking• New Treatments Help Men Fight Prostate Cancer
• Try Almonds for a Nutritious Indulgence
• Remedies to Help You Beat Arthritis Pain
• Study Shows Need for Awareness on How to Pay Long-Term Health Care
• Bacteria for Breakfast?
• Homemade Cleaners Not Always Safer, Group Warns
• Tips for Losing Weight On the Go
• Coffee Rough on the Stomach? Try an Acid-Free Roast
• Blood Viscosity Explored as Potential Factor in Heart Disease
• Find Your Home’s Hidden Allergen Hot Spots
• Yogurt Helps Relieve ‘Belly Blues’
• Second Opinions Can Help Cancer Patients
• Unexplainable Aches and Pains May Be Signs of Depression
• Tips For Getting Through a Tough Allergy Season
• Don't Let Feet Show Age: Give Them a Face-Lift
• Five Steps to Fresh Herbs Year-Round
Pre-Surgery Days an Opportune Time to Quit Smoking
(NewsUSA) - Anyone who has had surgery or has a relative who has had surgery knows many of the pre-op drills by heart: no aspirin a week or more before surgery to prevent unnecessary bleeding, no food or drink the night before to prevent adverse reaction to anesthetics, and no jewelry in the operating room to eliminate risks of unintentional electrical shocks or interference with sensitive equipment.
What may be less well-known is that those patients who abstain from smoking in the days leading up to surgery see better outcomes than those who do not abstain. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, smokers who stop even a day before surgery will heal faster after their surgery and improve their chances of recovering without complications. For this reason, don’t be surprised if information about smoking cessation becomes a commonplace part of the pre-surgery patient briefing.
The ASA has charged its new Smoking Cessation Initiative Task Force to develop a practical, effective program to train all of its 42,000 members in helping their patients to quit smoking. For patients and the public at large, the organization offers the following
reminders:
• If smokers take advantage of the opportunity to quit, they will benefit not only in the short term but will literally add years to
their lives. The average smoker gains six to eight extra years after quitting.
• Based on data collected in the late 1990s, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that adult male smokers lost an average of 13.2 years of life and female smokers lost 14.5 years of life because of smoking.
• Of the 54 million smokers in the U.S., 38 million will see a doctor at least once a year. About 4 million will have surgery this year.
• Many people find that surgery is a good time to permanently quit smoking. Patients will not be allowed to smoke while in the hospital anyway, and there are often many resources available, from counseling sessions to nicotine patches, gums and lozenges to ease withdrawal symptoms.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has been an instrumental force in patient health since 1905. An estimated 40 million anesthetics are administered in the United States each year.
For more information, visit the ASA Web site at www.asahq.org.
New Treatments Help Men Fight Prostate Cancer
(NewsUSA) - Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among American men. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, as many as 1.8 million American men have the disease at any given time.
Although treatments for prostate cancer have existed for years, men can now choose from a wider variety of therapies than ever before. One in six men will develop prostate cancer at some point in his lifetime, but only one in 34 will die of the disease, and this statistic is improving with each passing year.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, patients will often discuss treatment methods with a radiation oncologist, a cancer doctor who specializes in treating diseases with radiation therapy, and a urologist, a surgeon who specializes in the urinary tract. Possible options for dealing with prostate cancer include surgery, external beam radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or prostate brachytherapy.
Sometimes, a combination of treatments proves to be the best way to fight prostate cancer; for example, some men undergo surgery followed by external beam radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy. External beam radiation therapy, which involves a series of daily treatments to accurately deliver radiation to the prostate, often proves to be successful in treating cancer.
Brachytherapy involves treating the cancer by inserting radioactive sources into the gland itself. Seed implants are given by inserting small metal seeds of radioactive iodine or palladium directly into the prostate while the patient is under anesthesia.
To better understand your options, it's important to speak with several cancer specialists before undergoing any kind of therapy, as each man's cancer and health parameters are unique. Doing so can help you choose the most effective and suitable treatment for your life and condition. Organizations such as the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology can help you learn about your treatment options and establish contact with specialists suited to your condition.
Visit www.rtanswers.org for more information.
(NewsUSA) - When you want an indulgent treat, consider almonds. They're versatile and nutritious and make for an enjoyable snack on their own or as part of a warm beverage.
A serving of 23 almonds (a 1-ounce, 160-calorie handful) is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium and a good source of protein and fiber. It also provides potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
Recent research has shown that almonds, when compared serving per serving, contain flavonoid antioxidants in levels comparable to broccoli and tea.
Plus, almonds are available in many different forms. For example, they can be sliced, slivered, or you can try them in almond milk, almond butter or even almond flour. An all-time favorite is almonds as a crunchy and spicy snack.
The almonds in the recipe below pack just the right amount of heat. Eat them alone, or mix them with two to three cups of popcorn. For more recipes, visit www.AlmondsAreIn.com.
SPICED CHOCOLATE
ALMONDS
(Makes 2 cups)
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whole natural almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Preheat oven to 225 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place egg white in a large bowl; whisk until frothy. Whisk in vanilla.
Add almonds and gently toss until completely coated. Place remaining ingredients in a bowl and toss until well-combined.
Add sugar mixture to the almonds, a quarter at a time, and gently toss until well-coated. Transfer almonds to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer.
Bake for 15 minutes, then stir and bake for 15 more minutes, or until coating is lightly colored and dried out. Remove from oven and immediately loosen with a metal spatula. Cool before serving.
Remedies to Help You Beat Arthritis Pain
(NewsUSA) - A 24-week study published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine had disappointing news for arthritis sufferers: Glucosamine and chondroitin aren't as effective as patients and doctors thought for relief of arthritis pain.
For the study, 1,583 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned to different groups. Some took glucosamine, others took chondroitin, some took both and one group took a placebo. Glucosamine, chondroitin or the combination of both were found to be not significantly better than a placebo in relieving pain.
But natural pain relief remedies may be as individual as arthritis sufferers themselves. Those who do not wish to take medication should still consult a medical expert to determine the best remedy for them. Here are a few commonly cited natural treatments for arthritis pain:
* Ginger: The active ingredients in ginger may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps with upset stomach. But be careful: Ginger can interfere with blood pressure, blood-thinning, heart and diabetes medications and antacids. Don't use it if you have gallstones.
* Herbal supplements: Whether topical or taken orally, many people try supplements containing various herbs or other natural ingredients. For example, the Spray Arthritis, part of the "Spray" line of sublingual products (www.thespray.com), contains a formula of ingredients that may improve flexibility and reduce joint pain. According to the manufacturer, the combination of natural remedies in the spray helps relieve stiffness, inflammation and swelling. It acts gently and causes no side effects.
* Gamma-linolenic acid: GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that is thought to help lessen the joint pain, stiffness and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary research shows it may also help those with Sjogren's syndrome. It is found in evening primrose oil and borage seed oil.
* Shark cartilage: Ground shark cartilage is available as capsules, tablets, extract and powder and can ease pain and inflammation of arthritis and psoriasis. Don't mix it with fruit juice. The acid from the fruit will reduce its effectiveness.
* Fish oil: The anti-inflammatory properties in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are thought to be beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis. They also help protect the heart by lowering triglyceride levels in the blood.
Study Shows Need for Awareness on How to Pay Long-Term Health Care
( NewsUSA ) - Many health insurance experts share a belief that the majority of Americans would be unprepared if they were faced with a medical crisis that required long-term care. And although many Americans, especially the aging baby boomer population, acknowledge they or a loved one may need long-term care, most remain unaware of how to prepare themselves. As a result, when a medical catastrophe occurs, many are forced to finance their care or spend down their assets to become eligible for Medicaid.
A recent study completed for the National Association of Health Underwriters found that most Americans are unaware of the costs of long-term care and many falsely assume Medicare will pay for their care. The NAHU survey found that only one in four respondents correctly identified the national average range of annual long-term care costs. Additionally, 24 percent of Americans incorrectly assume Medicare covers the cost of long-term care.
With nursing-home costs averaging more than $60,000 annually and in-home care even more costly, a call to action is necessary to ensure Americans prepare themselves in the event that long-term care is needed, according to NAHU.
For those planning to rely on government assistance, the truth is that few Americans actually have long-term care bills paid for by
government programs. Since Medicare does not cover such costs, Americans are forced to
reduce their assets to poverty levels before they can be eligible for Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor. That asset reduction often puts additional financial burden on claimants and their family members - in addition to the costs to taxpayers.
One out of five Americans over the age of 50 is at risk for needing long-term care in the next year. Awareness and preparation are key, particularly if a current medical condition exists that may become more costly over time, say experts with NAHU. Long-term care insurance allows consumers to take control of their financial future and offers an alternative to relying on government-funded programs, for which most Americans do not qualify.
The NAHU study, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, included 800 adults from both rural and urban markets across the country, representing a diverse range of economic and political backgrounds. For information about options to prepare for potential long-term care needs or to find a professional agent who sells long-term care insurance, visit www.nahu.org .
Bacteria for Breakfast?
(NewsUSA) - For many Americans, it comes as a surprise that, along with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, incorporating certain kinds of good bacteria into the diet can help optimize the function of the immune system.
Because stress, lack of sleep and a hectic lifestyle can all challenge the body's defenses, good bacteria can be instrumental in helping strengthen the defenses. About 70 percent of the body's immune system resides in the digestive tract, which is where this healthy bacteria goes to work.
With about 400 different species of bacteria in the human gut, there are actually about 10 times more bacteria in the human gut than cells in the entire body.
Probiotics, or "friendly bacteria," are live cultures that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, give health benefits beyond basic nutrition, in part by improving the balance of the intestinal microflora.
"Recent research has uncovered a great deal about how the microbes naturally colonizing our bodies can keep us well and how we can bolster these effects by consuming health-promoting bacteria called probiotics. A key to how microbes can help keep us healthy is their influence on the immune system," said Mary Ellen Sanders, Ph.D., executive director of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics.
For years, probiotics have been part of European and Asian diets. But in a recent survey, only 15 percent of adult American women said that they know what probiotics are.
Some companies are bringing probiotics to America, such as Dannon with DanActive, a probiotic dairy drink that is clinically proven to help strengthen the body's defenses when enjoyed daily.
DanActive, known as Actimel worldwide, is already sold across 35 countries. More than 6 million bottles are consumed daily around the world.
Each serving of DanActive contains 10 billion active cultures of Lactobacillus casei Immunitas. Different strains of probiotics provide different benefits, and L. casei Immunitas in DanActive is available only from Dannon and is proven to survive the harsh acids in the stomach and arrive in the intestine alive to help strengthen the defense system.
DanActive is available in convenient 3.3-ounce bottles in four flavors: strawberry, vanilla, blueberry and cranberry raspberry.
More information about the probiotic benefits of DanActive cultured dairy drink, and a list of retail locations that offer it, is available online at www.DanActive.com
Homemade Cleaners Not Always Safer, Group Warns
(NewsUSA) - America's grocery stores are stocked with products for every known cleaning job to be done in the average household. But some consumers choose to avoid commercial household products in the belief that homemade mixtures create a healthier indoor environment.
Nothing could be further from the truth, say officials at the Consumer Specialty Products Association. The organization cites many inherent hazards in taking the "kitchen-chemistry" approach to housecleaning.
CSPA officials suggest keeping the following in mind when planning your next major cleaning project:
* Product safety: Commercial consumer products go through rigorous tests to meet government safety standards. Such tests assure that ingredients are compatible and will remain stable throughout the product's shelf life. By contrast, self-mixed alternatives have no manufacturer to hold accountable to the same strenuous requirements.
* Materials compatibility: Consumer products are tested to make sure that they're compatible with materials on which they are applied and safe for the environment during use and disposal. Untested homemade cleaning products may produce unintended consequences, including damage to surfaces.
* Quality control: Consumer products are manufactured with quality control procedures. This process assures that products have the proper ingredients in correct proportions, are free of contamination and are packaged in the intended container.
* Emergency treatment: The labels of most consumer products feature first aid and medical treatment information. This is not the case with unlabeled alternatives, for which proper treatment cannot be administered in an emergency, since their formulation cannot be referenced in a poison center's information system. By comparison, the formulas for consumer products are readily accessible for poison centers to view. In addition, all commercial products are clearly labeled for proper use and packaged in child-proof containers where appropriate.
For more information about the benefits of commercially formulated consumer products, visit www.cspa.org.
Tips for Losing Weight On the Go
(NewsUSA) - For many people, finding an effective way to lose weight can be difficult - almost as difficult as finding a few extra minutes in their jam-packed days.
In a world of exhausting commutes, long workdays and multitudes of daily chores and errands, the task of shedding those extra pounds can often fall to the wayside.
But with the right action plan, losing weight can be simple and easy, even for folks with a limited amount of free time. Larry Turner, diet guru and creator of the Hollywood Cookie Diet, suggests the following tips for making weight loss part of your day, without sacrificing an excessive amount of time:
* Go the extra mile. A few extra blocks here and there can make a big difference in your efforts to lose weight. If you commute to work by subway, consider getting off the train one or two stops early and then walking the extra distance. If commuting by car, park farther away than usual.
* Cut the fat off extra trips. If you're considering joining a gym, find one that's located close to your workplace. It's more enticing and time-efficient to attend a gym that's along the path of your commute, not someplace far outside of it.
* Drink less soda and more water. Soft drinks are loaded with sugar and add empty calories to your diet. Add flavor and variety to your water with slices of lemon, lime, orange or even cucumber.
* Add activity wherever you can. Look for daily opportunities to burn extra calories. For instance, wash your car by hand, work manually in your garden or take your bike while doing errands instead of taking your car. It may be easier than you think to blend chores and exercise.
* Always have a low-calorie meal at your fingertips. To help you avoid the temptation of eating unhealthy fast food when your time is running low, make sure that you have a readily accessible alternative.
Sunset Health Products' Hollywood Cookie Diet, for instance, consists of individually wrapped cookies that are tasty yet low in fat and high in fiber and protein, meaning that they can serve as a healthy and safe meal alternative. The cookies, which are currently popular with such celebrities as Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson, provide a high level of appetite satisfaction per calorie.
The Hollywood Cookie Diet is available online. For more information, visit www.hollywoodcookiediet.com or call 800-411-7920.
Coffee Rough on the Stomach? Try an Acid-Free Roast
(NewsUSA) - For millions of Americans, mornings just aren't the same without a cup of joe. In fact, coffee ranks as one of the most popular drinks in the United States, with Americans drinking more than 300 million cups of it every day, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
But for some people, a little cup of java can mean a big problem for their stomachs. Natural levels of acid in coffee, as well as impurities and resins, may wreak havoc on the digestive tract.
According to the online coffee buying guide Coffeereview.com, bright, acidy roasts are some of the most frequently offered brews by manufacturers, For years, consumers looking for a smooth, low-acid coffee have been largely overlooked.
But with the incredible demand for coffee and the growing popularity of specialty brews, more low-acid and acid-free roasts are now appearing on store shelves as well as for sale online. Some companies, such as Tucson, Ariz.-based Tyler's Coffee, sell only acid-free roasts.
Tyler Ornstein, chief executive officer of Tyler's Coffee, says that his company's trick to brewing a coffee that's devoid of acid is a computerized "Z-roasting" process that optimizes the time a roast's coffee beans are cooked. The result, Ornstein says, is a balanced, fully caffeinated coffee that does not possess the high levels of acid that can result from over-roasting.
Whatever the manufacturing process, low-acid and acid-free coffees may bring hope to consumers who love the drink but hate the indigestion that sometimes follows.
"Our customers with sensitive stomachs are relieved to learn that they can still continue enjoying a great cup of coffee whenever they want," Ornstein says.
For more information about Tyler's Coffee, visit www.tylerscoffees.com or call 520-903-2739.Blood Viscosity Explored as Potential Factor in Heart Disease
(NewsUSA) - You wouldn’t drive your car for 30 years without checking its oil for viscosity breakdown, so why would you do that to the blood in your body? That’s an analogy that Daniel Cho sometimes poses for people concerned about heart disease, as the president and chief operating officer of Rheologics Technologies, a company that studies blood viscosity and develops technology for measuring and treating it.
According to Cho, blood viscosity - the thickness of blood - is one of the most overlooked causes of heart disease. When blood is thicker than it should be, Cho says that the heart must work harder to pump it through the body, and the large arteries close to the heart are damaged by the wear and tear of thick blood. This, in turn, causes arteries to harden, thicken and form blockages that result in heart attacks and strokes.
A number of studies have connected high blood viscosity with heart disease, Cho says, and there is enough evidence to support further research. The “Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide,” for instance, cites one European study in which people with thicker blood were more likely to develop heart disease over an eight-year period.
But despite these findings, public awareness of the potential dangers of high blood viscosity still remains relatively low. Cho and other officials at Rheologics, however, have made it their mission to further the development and commercialization of medical technologies and diagnoses focused on blood viscosity.
They conduct clinical studies and provide lab services that measure how thick or thin a patient’s blood is. The measurements are first
reviewed by a hematologist or cardiologist and then sent to the patient’s own physician. Blood samples are collected using the same Vacutainer
tube used for cholesterol testing.
With ongoing research and partnerships with schools such as Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, Cho and researchers at
Rheologics believe that treating blood viscosity is the missing link to more effective treatment of cardiovascular disease. As public awareness grows and blood viscosity tests become more accurate, a heart that runs like a well-oiled machine may not be out of reach for millions of people affected by heart disease.
For more information about high blood viscosity and its potential effect on heart disease, visit www.rheologics.com.
Find Your Home's Hidden Allergen Spots
(NewsUSA) - People know about dust mites in their beds, pet dander in their carpets and other dust and allergens on their floors and furniture, but they may be missing some other hot spots where allergens collect in their homes.
Allergens can settle on hard surfaces and fabrics around the house, but they can also get into smaller, hard-to-reach areas, and in hidden places you might not think to clean on a regular basis.
“Allergen avoidance and reduction at home is critical to allergy control,” says Mike Tringale, director of external affairs at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
“The first step is to identify the problem areas, and then take the necessary steps to reduce hidden indoor allergens.”
Procter & Gamble, which makes household cleaning products such as Swiffer Dusters and Febreze Allergen Reducer, and the AAFA provide the following tips for controlling these top allergen hot spots:
• Door jams and window sills: Constant
airflow in these areas means that dirt and dust collect here. Swiffer Dusters can trap and lock dust and dirt and remove many common household allergens while you dust. A traditional feather duster will just spread the dust around.
• Plush toys: Dust mites are common in plush toys, so wash them frequently in 130- degree water. If toys are too fragile to wash, place them into a zip-lock bag, then into to the freezer for 24 hours, then rinse them in cold water to remove the allergens.
• Walls: Although walls have twice the surface area of floors and ceilings, they are largely overlooked during housecleaning. However, walls are some of the biggest collectors of allergens. To prevent allergen buildup, pay close attention to furniture and carpets near walls, and dust the walls weekly.
• Closets and drawers: Allergens from pollen can often be carried on your clothing. When you put clothes into closets and drawers, these allergens can cling to other items nearby and build up in these closed spaces over time.
Febreze Allergen Reducer is safe to use on virtually all fabrics, including most clothing, and Swiffer Dusters can help to keep dresser drawers, closet doors and shelves clean.
For more information and tips on how to reduce allergens in your home, visit www.aafa.org.
Yogurt Helps Relieve 'Belly Blues'
(NewsUSA) - When Marla Boggs experiences occasional digestive discomfort, she doesn’t have time to slow down. A Manhattan showroom manager with a busy social life, she sometimes experiences bloating and irregularity, leaving her with that bloated, “hard as a rock” feeling.
Boggs isn’t alone with her belly blues. In a national survey of 1,259 U.S. women conducted by Harris Interactive for Dannon’s Activia, 69 percent said they have experienced digestive health issues at some point in their lives. A large percent said their belly battles have a negative impact on their lives, and 20 percent said they have declined an invitation to a social event when they were experiencing digestive health issues.
Boggs is among that group. Her social life, she says, was sometimes at the whim of her digestive system.
“I’ve made excuses for not attending parties simply because I was afraid my digestive system would act up in the middle of the event,” she said. Dinners out with friends, one of her favorite activities, have been cut short because of stomach discomfort.
To help improve digestive health, Liz Lipski, Ph.D., a certified clinical nutritionist and digestive wellness expert in Asheville, N.C., suggests the following tips:
• Add good bacteria. Not all bacteria is bad for you; one cup of Dannon’s Activia yogurt contains billions of beneficial probiotic cultures, which help reduce slow intestinal transit when eaten daily for two weeks. Slow intestinal transit is a common cause of discomfort and occasional irregularity.
• Fill up on fiber. Get at least 25 to 30 grams per day.
• Drink water. Drinking plenty of water each day will help to ensure your overall digestive wellness.
• Chew thoroughly. Chewing food thoroughly helps the digestive system process what you’re eating.
• Avoid “trouble triggers.” Common “trouble triggers” such as gluten and vegetables in the cabbage family can lead to problems.
While Boggs knew about water and fiber, she was skeptical at first that something as simple as eating yogurt could help ease her digestive problems. “But I had nothing to lose,” she said.
After eating a cup of Activia yogurt every day for two weeks, she began to feel a difference.
“I no longer had that uncomfortable, ‘I wish I could go to the bathroom’ feeling,” she said. “I felt like Activia helped to get my digestive system moving.”
Visit www.activiachallenge.com for information on how Activia can help naturally regulate the digestive system and for details about the Activia 2-Week Challenge.
Second Opinions Can Help Cancer Patients
(NewsUSA) - “You’ve got cancer.” Just the thought of hearing that phrase evokes fear among most of us.
For those receiving the diagnosis, the initial reaction is fear, followed by an intense desire to start treatment right away. But rushing to treatment rather than getting a second or a third opinion means patients often miss out on other treatments that might be newer or better for their cancer and lifestyle.
“After learning they have cancer, many patients are afraid to wait even a few days to start treatment for fear that any delay will prevent a cure. But studies have shown that taking a little time to learn about all of the available treatment options can give patients a better opportunity to make a well-informed choice,” said Dr. K. Kian Ang, a radiation oncologist at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
A study published in the journal Cancer in 2006 found that half of all breast cancer patients who sought a second opinion from a multidisciplinary tumor board found at their treatment center received a change in their recommended treatment plan.
A tumor board is a group of physicians that reviews a patient’s records to help the patient choose the best treatment. The board is usually made up of several cancer specialists, including a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a surgeon, a pathologist and a diagnostic radiologist.
The study found that the reason for the change in treatment plans was because initial options presented to patients often don’t consider new techniques. Plus, during the second opinion, the doctors usually reviewed patients’ imaging scans again, often resulting in a change in treatment plan.
Ang, who is also chairman of the board of directors for the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, encourages patients with cancer to speak with several specialists before settling on a course of treatment.
To help patients find a specialist, ASTRO has a “Doctor Finder” feature on its Web site, www.rtanswers.org. The site allows patients to search for a radiation oncologist near them, based on the physician’s specialty, patient’s location and primary languages spoken.
Resources are also available on the National Cancer Institute’s Web site at www.cancer.gov.
Unexplainable Aches and Pains May Be Signs of Depression
(NewsUSA) - Tony, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., liked to consider himself a “macho guy.”
His wife, Maria, describes Tony as a happy-golucky person who “never sweats the small stuff.”
However, says Maria, last year all that began to change when Tony began to develop a myriad of physical symptoms and his personality changed. He began to feel physically weak and unable to get up in the morning and go to work.
“I was a wreck. I had headaches. I felt nauseous. I was in a total fog,” he says. “Most of all, I was scared that I was really very sick.”
Tony feared that he was developing a serious family health problem: heart disease. This concern was exacerbated by an incident at work when Tony was rushed to an emergency room for complaints of severe chest pain. This event, and encouragement from his wife, led Tony to seek a medical evaluation from his family doctor.
After a series of tests and a medical work-up, Tony’s doctor explained that there was no known medical reason for Tony’s pain and lethargy.
However, the doctor observed Tony as being tense and appearing depressed.
After talking to Tony about his mood and his loss of enjoyment for pleasurable activities, the doctor gave him a screening for depression. He concluded that Tony was depressed and needed treatment, after which he prescribed medication and referred Tony to a counselor.
Tony was compliant with his treatment plan.
He began to look forward to his counseling sessions, which he says helped him in many ways, particularly in dealing with life’s stressors.
“The majority of my patients who are depressed complain to me about physical symptoms before they begin to talk about their emotional state,” says Dr. William Christiana, an internist in Belleville, N.J. “People do not realize that depression brings physical pain, as well as emotional pain. It is very important when visiting your doctor to share how you are feeling emotionally, as well as your physical state.”
Depression affects more than 30 million Americans each year. It is a serious medical illness.
Often, depression will manifest in individuals with unexplainable aches and pains.
There are many treatments available for depression, including a wide range of medications as well as many different types of talk therapies.
These treatments often help to eliminate the physical as well as the emotional pain of depression. The first step is to seek help by visiting a doctor.
For more information about depression, to take a self-screening test or for a referral, visit www.freedomfromfear.org or call 888-442-2022.
Tips For Getting Through a Tough Allergy Season
(NewsUSA) - If you’re an allergy sufferer, you’re no stranger to the sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes that affect millions of Americans each year.
A nationwide survey conducted by research consulting firm StrategyOne revealed that 73 percent of allergy sufferers avoid participating in certain activities because of concerns that their allergy symptoms might act up. The most commonly avoided activities include gardening or landscaping, going for a walk and cleaning their home. The majority of allergy sufferers experience allergy symptoms at least once a week.
With her busy lifestyle, “CSI: Miami” actress and allergy sufferer Eva La Rue needs to be alert and focused. “When I am at work I’ve got tons of lines and words to memorize, and I can’t afford to be in an allergy fog,” she says. “The only thing that does not make me drowsy and gives me 24 hour allergy relief is Claritin.”
As the mother of a 5-year-old, “My day just seems to never stop, probably like most moms,” says La Rue, who was overwhelmed with allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose after relocating to California.
So what can you do to cope with allergies this season? Experts offer the following tips:
After you’ve been outside, change your clothes and take a quick shower. Pollen from the air can collect on your clothes and hair.
Keep your home and car windows closed to keep out pollen and other outdoor allergens.
Instead, use air conditioning and change the filters often.
Monitor pollen counts and adjust outdoor activities accordingly. Dry, windy days - especially after a rainy day - can be particularly high in pollen.
This allergy season, consumers have a chance to win a Perfectly Clear Day with one of three celebrity allergy sufferers. They can choose between horseback riding with Eva La Rue, playing golf with Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott or getting a
Hollywood-style makeover from celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves.
To enter and get more information, visit www.claritin.com.
Don't Let Feet Show Age: Give Them a Face-Lift
(NewsUSA) - Although your baby boomer feet may have lost their blush of youth, there’s still hope. With some TLC and foot care knowhow, you can turn back the clock and put the spring back in your step.
According to the International Council on Active Aging, adults are at higher risk for foot problems, with an estimated 87 percent reporting at least one foot-related problem.
Dry skin and callused heels are by far the most common foot complaints. These conditions not only make feet look older and less attractive, but they can pose a significant health risk.
Dr. Glen Beede, a podiatrist in Fort Worth, Texas, says that dry, cracked heels can fissure, causing pain or even tissue wounds. Left untreated, calluses continue to grow thicker and, if they become infected, they may require antibiotics. But, with a little know-how and some due diligence, you can keep your feet healthy and looking great, no matter what your age. Here are some important tips:
* Give your feet a bath. Soak your feet in lukewarm water mixed with moisturizing soap.
This helps heal calluses and tender spots, and a warm footbath is so relaxing at the end of a day.
* Don’t use razor blades. The American Podiatric Medical Association warns that razor blades should never be used to cut corns or calluses.
Beede recommends the Artemis Woman Heel Smoother (www.artemiswoman.com), a handheld, battery-operated pedicure tool that has earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. The device features a DuraCrystal tip that easily exfoliates dead skin on the feet and smoothes calluses without the use of chemicals or dangerous blades. It’s available in stores nationwide.
* Find your “sole” mate. As you grow older, your feet grow larger and the padding on your soles becomes thinner. So make sure that your aging feet are fitted with good, comfortable shoes.
Try on new shoes in the afternoon when your feet are most swollen. Make sure you select shoes that are sturdy, well-cushioned and have room between the toes but are snug at the heel.
* Pad your path. As we age, our bones become thinner, as do our shock-absorbing soles, particularly in women. To avoid stress fractures, make sure your feet are padded. When exercising outdoors, stay on grass or dirt paths that are flat and well-maintained.
* Keep an eye on your feet. Along with proper foot care, monitoring the condition of your feet is one of the simplest ways to ensure foot health and beauty at any age.
Five Steps to Fresh Herbs Year-Round
(NewsUSA) - No matter what the season, you can spice up your cooking with fresh herbs from your very own garden. Container gardening is easy, whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, and it’s a fun way to add flavor to your dishes.
Thanks to their ease of planting, portability and low maintenance, container gardens are one of the fastest-growing trends in gardening. With a little help starting out, you can bring a little life into your kitchen in no time.
Here are five easy steps to fresh, healthy herbs:
1. Select the right container. The type and size of your container are important. The container options are endless, so feel free to be creative. Depending on how many plants you want to grow, it will need to be large enough so that root growth is not restricted. Just remember that adequate drainage is your key to success.
2. Start with seeds or existing plants. There are a few options to get your container garden started, and it’s simpler than you may think to get your plants growing. You can either plant from seed or cut a portion of your outdoor plants. Seeds generally germinate within a week, and many outdoor plants will rebound quickly by simply removing two-thirds of their top growth.
3. Choose a good growing medium. Whether you choose to use a commercially prepared artificial mix or a potting soil mixture, it’s important that the content is nutrient-rich. Growing plants require nutrients to reach their peak, and the correct balance may not be found in your local soil.
4. Give it adequate sunlight. Your container garden needs at least five hours of direct sunlight. If window lighting is not an option, fluorescent lighting can also work well.
5. Feed and water regularly to keep plants healthy and happy. Container plants can often run out of food quickly since their roots can’t expand to find nutrients. At planting time, mix controlled-release fertilizer granules into the soil mixture, or apply a diluted liquid fertilizer with every other watering. But remember that nutrient needs vary with plants, so check each herb’s requirement. And don’t forget about water; if the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.