Preventive Screening – 5 Tips About Mobile Screenings
By now, many health-savvy folks are starting to hear more about the concept of preventive screening, but they may not have a complete mental picture of how these events work. When people first learn about preventive screening, many have only the vaguest idea in their heads about what a screening event might be like to attend for themselves.
Many people may be unknowingly facing a symptomless but potentially life-threatening – and yet entirely preventable – disease or condition right now. Given the potentially enormous health-related and financial benefits that can be afforded to you due to the possibility of avoiding a serious health incident through early detection, it is important to educate yourself about what these screenings are all about, what they are like to attend and how they work.
Here are 5 tips about preventive screenings:
1. Can detect the presence of certain diseases before they become life-threatening
Screenings are able to detect the presence of certain extremely serious health conditions and diseases, including heart disease, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease and osteoporosis. Facing a risk for any one of these conditions can mean literally being on the road to medical and financial disaster. Many of these conditions can lead directly to death if the afflicted person has a serious attack or related medical emergency. A large percentage of the people who are lucky enough to live through a serious medical event such as a heart attack or stroke can potentially face years or a lifetime of crippling medical bills and in-home or hospice-based care. The burden on the victims’ families that these incidents can cause can be tremendous and potentially life-changing for all involved.
2. Involves non-invasive screening techniques
As beneficial as preventive screenings are, people can often be initially turned off by the mere idea of them due to their lack of understanding of what the procedures are like to experience. For many, the term (wrongly) implies the need to be confined for a period of time a tight space – such as what they imagine an MRI or CAT scan to entail. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth, however. Rather, they employ equipment and techniques such as ultrasound and other non-invasive technologies that are 100% painless and do not require putting oneself into a tight space.
3. Take place in convenient locales such as gyms and churches
Many screening events are of a mobile nature, meaning that the operation changes locations from event to event. The mobility of these events means that the operators are always on the move and headed to new, convenient venues. Types of venues can include any community-oriented location such as a church, gym, government building or even a local business.
4. Take about an hour
Given all of their benefits, people naturally expect screenings to require an hours-long time commitment. In reality, an entire event can take as few as 45-60 minutes. Recipients just show up, sign in, and undergo the simple testing procedures – then go on about their day with minimal interruption. Results are typically provided in 4 business days or less.
5. Results are presented in non-medical terminology
Another common objection that some would-be screening recipients raise is the fear that they will be unable to understand the results presented to them. Fortunately, reputable screening companies send results to recipients in an easy-to-read, non-medical format. Advanced providers even give recipients access to copies of the actual images generated during the screening events so that they can get a visual impression of the findings. Of course, these images can be viewed by the recipient. But, more importantly, they can be brought by the recipient to their personal physician for further examination or treatment (if the patient’s physician deems treatment necessary).
In short, preventive screening is a breakthrough medical service that brings affordable detection of serious diseases and conditions out into the communities. Recipients can undergo the painless set of quick procedures in about an hour at a community-based location near them. They soon after receive the results, which they can make sense of themselves and/or bring to their own doctor for further examination if needed. With price points that are one-tenth what hospitals offer for identical services, some emerging screening companies are now offering the public screening events in a way that makes them affordable for anyone to attend. The screenings can raise a red flag for recipients who are at high risk for life-threatening, costly and painful conditions that can be potentially avoided altogether if detected and acted upon soon enough.
Heart-Healthy Choices Take the Load Off – Mentally and Physically
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death of American females. However, it is not just one disease and thus does not just have one set of causes. The term refers to all of the diseases and problems that affect the heart and the blood vessels. Thus, when researching what causes this malady, it is important to look at each of their risk factors for each condition. Common heart diseases are: heart failure, heart arrhythmias (or changes in the beat of the heart), as well as Coronary artery disease, which can lead to Angina, a chest pain. Heart disease is a scary reality, but it is not unavoidable. Knowing risks empowers us to change our personal behavior (such as smoking or over-eating) and walk into a healthier tomorrow.
But what causes heart disease?
High blood pressure: a leading cause.
Genetic disposition: African American and Hispanic American/Latina women are at a higher risk for than white women.
High Cholesterol: leads to clogged arteries, which can cause a attack.
Diabetes: can increase risk of cardiovascular disease.
Obesity: is a common precursor to coronary heart disease and attacks.
While it’s certainly a grave issue, most risk factors can be combated by a healthy, active lifestyle and good food choices.
How to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle:
Stay physically active: walk, run, do sports, bike with your kids. Whatever is fun to you, keep it up and keep active. Age and busyness are no excuse when your health is on the line.
Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Be your own advocate.
Make healthy food choices: The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-grain and high-fiber products, such as oatmeal and quinoa. Your diet should also include fish (twice a week), preferably omega-3 containing fish like salmon, trout, and herring.
Manage stress: Whatever stress management looks like for you, make it a part of your daily life starting today; do something that you like, so you can keep it up. Practice yoga, meditate, play golf, make crafts, relax throughout your workday, if just moments here and there. Since stress can lead us to make unhealthy choices (like grabbing a cigarette, an indulgent snack, or drinking excessively), staying active and peaceful can help us stay healthy.
Stop smoking: smoking is a major risk factor.?/p>
More than anything, the cause is unhealthy lifestyle choices. Change them and you will lower your risk for heart disease and probably feel pretty good along the way.牋
With a Healthy Diet and Lots of Exercise, Heart Disease Can Be Averted
Heart disease is often cited as the leading cause of death in the United States, as well as in Canada and England. However, most people don’t realize that heart disease is a term that refers to all the different diseases affecting the heart-not one disease in particular. This being the case, patients need to be aware of what they are specifically at risk of by talking to their doctor. There are diseases that affect the muscle of the heart, the blood vessel systems, diseases related to high pressure, and so on. Thus, when considering the risk factors of heart disease, one must consider the diseases and conditions that put your heart at risk.
Risks factors of heart disease:
Obesity: being extremely overweight is considered a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and heart attacks, which can both lead to death.
High Cholesterol: with the rise of cholesterol levels, risk for cardiovascular disease also increases.
Diabetes: this common disease can increase cardiovascular disease risk by two to four times. Even if you don’t have diabetes, avoiding its risk factors (including obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) can thus help to avoid heart disease.
High Blood Pressure: the single most important risk factor for stroke, high blood pressure is often undetected. Simply monitoring your blood pressure is a preventative step, as well as avoiding excessive alcohol and limiting sodium intake. For females, discuss your use of contraceptives with your doctor, as it can affect blood pressure levels.
Risk factors of heart disease exist, but equally important are ways to counteract them. A healthy heart comes from healthy lifestyles, which includes a heart-healthy food, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood, especially fish containing omega-3′s like salmon, trout, and herring. Do you best to research which factors you might be at risk for, and then get active about leading a healthy lifestyle; it will make all the difference.
Seafood and Heart Disease – Facts You Should Know
Are you at risk for heart disease??It’s a proven fact that every 34 seconds a person in the United States dies from heart disease; more than 2,500 Americans die from heart disease each and every day; every 20 seconds a person in the US has a heart attack. The figures are alarming.?Cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer in the US for a long time now.?In this article, you will find information about heart disease statistics; plus, we offer you information about what you can do to avoid becoming just another meaningless number.
America has been called the fast food nation; we are a nation bent on feasting on fat-loaded hamburgers and French fries.?It’s no surprise that U.S. citizens are grossly overweight, with a significant number of the population verging on morbid obesity.?Our obsession with weight can be seen everywhere-from magazine cover pages to nightly national news headlines. Our expanding waistlines are killing us.?All this extra poundage contributes to potentially life threatening?cardiovascular problems.
Heart disease statistics can be disheartening for a nation such as the US, with its supersized fries, and soft drinks.?Think about the numbers. Fully half of those who have a heart attack never experience any warning symptoms; of those without any prior symptoms of heart disease actually die from their first heart attack.?Men seem to suffer heart attacks approximately ten years earlier in life than women. More than 6 million hospitalizations each year in the United States are due to cardiovascular disease.
There is some good news however.?Studies do show that lowering high blood cholesterol and blood pressure can reduce the risk of dying of heart disease. In fact, in studies have proven that eating a Mediterranean style diet, with plenty of fish and seafood, in combination with physical activity, can lower your risk of heart disease and even cancer by 65-73%.?/p>
Incorporating fish into your diet can save your life. Those with high heart disease statistics, in terms of risks, can significantly reduce that risk by eating more fish.牋 Fish, especially cold-water species, such as Alaskan salmon, cod, sardines and mackerel contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which help combat heart disease. Moreover, they contain certain types of polyunsaturated oils, which are found in no other food source and have an intense impact on body chemistry.?/p>
Greenland Eskimos, who eat something like 14 ounces of fish every day (which happens to be more than the average American eats in three weeks) have incredibly low instances of heart disease. But even more modest dosages of seafood can have a profound effect in preventing coronary disease. You don’t have to eat fish every single day; simply incorporate it into your diet a few times a week. Your heart will thank you; what’s more, you won’t end up as one more cipher in those heart disease statistics.
Grooming Your Goldendoodle And Other Shampooch Tips
Grooming your Goldendoodle and other sham-pooch tips
This article will hopefully help you in grooming your Goldendoodle and give you some other sham-pooch tips. Goldendoodle grooming and health go hand in hand. Good grooming not only helps your Goldendoodle dog look good, it is also important for your doodle’s physiological as well as the psychological health. While some doodle owners take their doggies to their groomer, many instead decide to groom their Goldendoodle dog themselves at home. If you begin grooming your Goldendoodle when he or she is very young, they will come to enjoy bathtime and your doodle will not be difficult to groom at all.
Brushing your Goldendoodle thoroughly every day is an important part of dog grooming and health. A shaggy or curly coated Goldendoodle will need to be brushed and groomed more often than the smooth coat doodle. Because brushing and trimming isn’t natural to a dog, your doodle will need to be trained in order to accept this kind of handling. It is recommended by many dog groomers and doodle breeders that bathing and trimming start at an early age. It is best to proceed slowly at the beginning, giving your Goldendoodle lots of praises when they relax and enjoy the process.
As a breeder since 1996, I always begin the grooming process with our doodle puppies when they are approx. 4 weeks of age. I do recommend that a rubber mat be placed on the bottom of your tub which will help prevent your doodle from slipping and possibly getting injured. Some puppies yelp and show fear when they are first introduced to water. This fear will subside as your Goldendoodle is bathed more frequently, over time. I personally use a small cat slicker brush on the coat of my Goldendoodles. The slicker brush has many different sized bristles which will help pull out any dead hairs in the coat. Some groomers do not recommend human shampoo. However, I never use shampoo which is made specifically for dogs. There are many harsh chemicals which can cause your doodle to have not only dry skin, but can cause skin allergies over a long period of time. Instead, I use non-tearing shampoo made for humans such as baby shampoo. If you want to use shampoo with various fragrances, the best ones are those with “apple” or “cherry” fragrances. High quality shampoo can be purchased at hair specifica stores such as “Sally’s”. I purchase my shampoo in bulk so that it lasts a very long time. Before rinsing the coat of my Goldendoodles, I spritz their coat with a nice detangler. Some can be left in the coat and some have to be rinsed out. However, make sure to take a large, human comb and comb the detangler through the coat. Rinse well. You’ll find your Goldendoodle’s coat extremely soft to the touch after you have taken a blow dryer and dried your doodle completely. In the summer, you can simply hand towel your doodle’s coat and then let him or her dry naturally.
If you have a grooming table, you can trim your doodle’s coat very easily. A great place to purchase a grooming table is by ordering it online. Revival Animal has a nice list of grooming tables you may find for a low price. Some groomers use a clipper called “Groom Master”, however, I will personally tell you that I found better success with the “A5 Turbo” clipper. I began with the “Groom Master” clipper but found myself going through three of them before discovering that the “A5 Turbo” clipper worked entirely better and I could also find replacement blades locally instead of having to specically order blades that were only for the “Groom Master”. The “A5 Turbo” clipper has two speeds and will allow you to shave down your Goldendoodle in less than 30 minutes! This clipper is very quick and reliable. There are also various sized blades that will work great for this particular clipper and allows you to give your Goldendoodle various types of hair cuts.
If you decide to groom your Goldendoodle yourself, you will want to go to your local “Sally’s” store and purchase an apron which specifically helps repell hair. It’s a great investment. Some groomers spend hundreds of dollars on scissors, but you can find some great scissors that will last a very long time at your local department store in the “Crafts” or “Sewing” section. A $15 pair of nice scissors will work and last just as long as the $150 pair. Let me forwarn you that using scissors can be dangerous on your doodle if your Goldendoodle is not calm and relaxed during the grooming process. You can easily cut your doodle or yourself. I can’t even tell you how many times in 13 years I’ve cut myself or a dog, accidentally, if they turned their head quickly or jerked their foot away at the exact time as beginning to trim. Some doodles have “ticklish” feet and will constantly jerk their feet as you try and trim around their pawpads. Over time, they get use to the scissors touching their feet but in the beginning, you will need to be very careful with scissoring.
Your Goldendoodle also has to learn to sit still or lie on his or her side as and when needed. Teaching your Goldendoodle to enjoy the grooming process is just a matter of time and repitition. Other grooming tools needed are various types of brushes, combs, a wash cloth, ear cleaners and spritzer bottles.
If your shaggy or curly coat Goldendoodle’s hair is tangled, grooming can take longer and become a bit tricky. Proceed gently to avoid irritating your Goldendoodle’s skin. Despite some doodle breeders’ claims that Goldendoodles do not shed, your doodle will lose some hairs, particularly during the dry winter months. Some Goldendoodles can even have bouts of dry skin, so care is necessary when grooming him or her. Don’t over bathe your doodle! Unless your doodle dog is outside every single day getting into muddy situations or doing a lot of swimming at the beach or lake, do not bathe your doodle more than twice a month. Bathing more frequently will cause your doodle to have dry skin. Even if you own a smooth coat Goldendoodle, who needs relatively very little coat maintenence, you will want to groom him or her on a regular basis simply because this process is good for your doodle’s over all grooming health.
Grooming your Goldendoodle helps keep the dog’s skin healthy and coat nice and shiny, not to mention, it helps him or her smell good. Grooming your doodle dog helps to improve the blood circulation; helps keep the coat free of ticks, fleas and other less welcome visitors. Remember to trim the hair underneath your doodle such as the inside of his or her legs and under the belly. Close attention to your Goldendoodle’s ears are especially important! Hair can grow into the ear and that can cause yeast infections or ear infections. Another important area for your Goldendoodle is around the eyes. Shaggy coated Goldendoodles have the most problems with their hair growing over or around the eyes. If you do not pay careful attention to this, hairs can curl inward and cause a corneal abrasion by touching the eye itself. Always keep the hairs trimmed around your Goldendoodles’ eyes when he or she is an adult dog. Puppies do not require this type of trimming because their coat will change and go through 10-15 different coat phases before he or she turns 1 year of age.
Not all varieties of dogs need a bath everyday. Some short haired dogs require very little coat maintenence. Some can make do with a bath once a month. For smooth coat Goldendoodles, you can simply use a washcloth to wipe the coat gently if you do not want to fully bathe him or her. Shaggy coat and curly coat Goldendoodles have facial beards. These beards tend to collect food particles or even dirt or grass if your doodle is outside playing. I never recommend using shampoo around the face of your Goldendoodle. Using a wash cloth that is damp and without soap or shampoo is best. Some doodles require their mouths to be cleaned every day. Coat staining can occur around the eyes or the mouth if this area isn’t cleaned every day. If you want to help your doodle not have a “tangly” coat, spritz your doodle’s coat prior to bathing with a “detangler”. Comb it thoroughly through the coat. Then wet your doodle’s coat completely and use your slicker brush to brush through the coat as you are wetting his or her coat. This will help remove any tangles in the hair before their shamoo/bath. Always keep soap away from your doodle’s eyes and ears and make sure to use an ear cleaner to help clean the insides of the ears. An inexpensive ear cleaner can be made with White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Use a spritzer bottle and mix an equal portion of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together. This not only helps clean your doodle’s ears, but helps them smell nicer too! Never use Q-tips for cleaning the insides of your doodle’s ears! Never! Use a washcloth or cotton balls.
Grooming your Goldendoodle also helps you bond with your loving, wonderful tempered new pet! It should be quite obvious why dog grooming and dog health are so closely associated. Even if your Goldendoodles does not need daily brushing, it is necessary to check your doodle every day. Keeping the skin of your Goldendoodle and his or her body parts cut free and sore free is also an important part of your doodle’s grooming and health. If you discover fleas on your Goldendoodle’s coat during the grooming process, fleas have to be removed with a fine-toothed comb, and embedded ticks have to be removed carefully with tweezers and alcohol. Pouring a small amount of alcohol on the tick will help loosen its grip prior to removing it from your doodle’s skin with tweezers. A new flea prevention product called “Comfortis” is on the market and we use this on our Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. It is a once a month tablet that helps flea prevention. Always examine your doodle’s nails, ears and teeth as part of your dog grooming routine, each and every time you groom your lovely Goldendoodle dog.
Goldendoodle and other dog grooming and health are so closely associated also because the skin is the first indicator of the state of your pet’s health. Flea allergies, contact allergies, skin rashes and irritations need to be stopped at the earliest. Ears should be regularly checked. The insides of the ear should be a pale pink. If they show any discoloration or give out an unpleasant odor, this could be a sign of an ear infection or mite infestation. Have your Vet look into the matter before proceeding with medication to treat the problem. Make sure to take your doodle to your vet for a closer examination if you see discoloration inside of his or her ears or smell an odor coming from the inside of the ear. Your doodle’s toenails have to be clipped every two or three weeks, depending upon how much exercise your doodle gets every day. Nails can be trimmed with human nail clippers if your doodle is a puppy. If an adult, the guillatine type of nail trimmers works great but you must use these type of nail clippers with extreme care. You can actually lose a toe or your own finger if you are not care. Have your vet show you first, how to properly clip your Goldendoodle’s toe nails before you do it yourself. If you do not feel comfortable in nail trimming, always have your groomer or your vet perform this procedure. Examine your Goldendoodles’ paw pads to see that there is nothing stuck between them. Sometimes hair grows between the pads and pebbles or small rocks or twigs can get tangled up inside of the hair that will cause your doodle pain as he or she walks. Make sure to check your doodle’s pads every day. If hair is growing around the pads, you will need to carefully trim the hairs with scissors.
Teeth cleaning is important to your doodle’s over all health maintenence as well. Your doodle can develop cavities or periodontal diseases, just like humans, too. Cleaning the dog’s teeth twice a week with pet toothpaste and a small toothbrush is advisable. There are some very good teeth cleaning products on the market. You can also clean your Goldendoodle’s teeth during his or her grooming process.
Regular grooming not only helps keep your doodle healthy, it also offers bonding time for you and your Goldendoodle. In the natural world, dogs lick each other and groom each other. I don’t think you want to lick your Goldendoodle in order to clean him or her? This licking by other dogs reinforces pack behavior and subordination. But you can reinforce pack behaviour and subordination by regularly grooming your doodle with brushes and combes. Brushing or combing your Goldendoodle’s coat for 10-20 minutes every day or as often as necessary will bring your Goldendoodle immeasurably closer to you, immense pleasure and will also help keep your doodle healthy. Goldendoodles can live up to 20 years under ideal circumstances and if immaculately cared for.
Some Goldendoodles may require professional grooming to maintain their hair and coat health if you are not experienced in grooming your doodle, yourself. If you do not have the time to groom your doodle on your own or if you do not feel comfortable in grooming your Goldendoodle on your own, then your doodle will have to be trained to stand properly and to tolerate the attention of a stranger. Dogs that have no hair on the skin will need special skin creams to keep the surface oily and germ free. If you own a hairless dog, then of course you will want to also use a sun screen to help protect your dogs’ skin from harmful sun rays.
Dog grooming and health are mutually dependent. Without grooming, your dog will not be able to retain good health; Without grooming, your dog could have a shorter life span. In spite of all the exercise and good food you give to your canine, without proper grooming health, your pet will have a shorter life. In case of dogs that shed heavily, regular grooming helps you to combat floating tufts of hair and speed up the shedding process. Dog grooming is not only about dog health, it is also about bonding, trust and love.
**About the author: Dee Gerrish of Goldendoodle World has been a private, professional, hobby breeder since 1996. Dee Gerrish has written extensively about the Goldendoodle dog since 1999. More information can be obtained about the Goldendoodle dog at http://www.goldendoodleworld.com
*Copyright protected March 9, 2009.
Feng Shui Health Tips Can Change the Way you Lead your Life
Health is wealth believes many and as we go through life the truth of this saying hits us with great force from time to time. Each time we fall ill or any of our loved ones are sick we feel that the only thing which matters is good health. We know that a little care towards the kind of life we lead will enable us to be healthy and happy individuals but often our busy schedules do not allow us much time for ourselves. As a result health problems have become a common occurrence in every home. Besides negligence on our part, we may fall ill due to certain factors beyond our control like too much imbalance, stress and negativity in our immediate surroundings. Feng shui health tips can help us understand the inexplicable causes that may relate to our health problems.
According to Feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of balancing the elements to achieve peace and harmony in our lives, health problems occur when our environment is disturbed and we do not realize the imbalance and negativity that we are inviting into our lives consciously or unintentionally. Feng shui health tips can therefore effectively help us in eliminating the negativity in our surrounding space and enhance the positive effects of the four elements like earth, water, air and fire. Feng Shui health tips and rules may often help us understand as to why we tend to fall sick at when we shift to a particular house or change offices or simply when we change the arrangement of furniture and décor of a particular room in our living space.
Feng Shui health tips give great importance to the way we sleep as that is the time when our body is most receptive to energies from our environment. Feng Shui health principles strongly advice against the use and storage of any electronic items in the bedroom as they are known to emit harmful and negative rays that adversely affect the individuals using that room. Also mirrors in the bedroom are best avoided under the Feng shui health tips. This can be explained with the logic that bedroom should be an area of rest and relaxation whereas mirrors are reflectors that will bounce of energies and create too much of energy movement within the room. Hence a bedroom should be devoid of any material that can act as reflectors.
Feng Shui health also recommends that the lighting should be sufficient but never harsh and the colors used on the bedroom walls should be soothing rather than garish. An individual’s personal number which is known as the kua number helps a Feng Shui consultant is calculating the relevant direction for one’s health. If a person can sleep with his head placed in the right direction and eat his meals facing his health direction it will be tremendously beneficial for the individual’s health. Various Feng shui health objects are also easily available in the market like the energy balls, the three immortals, special pebbles and even the lead crystal sphere besides others. If the objects are correctly placed and principles of Feng Shui health are properly implemented, one can be blessed with a healthy, wealthy and long life.
Importance of Health and Fitness Magazines
Health and fitness is important to maintain healthy body. Fitness is phenomena that help a person look, feel and work to better. It also plays an important part of conducting bodily activities efficiently. Working out of the heart, lungs and muscles are all related to physical fitness. Health is the state of physical and mental well being of a person. Activities to be incorporated in the fitness programs have to be decided after analyzing various component of fitness.
Health and fitness magazine is very popular in the market. Men’s are demanding more magazines because they are more conscious about their health and fitness.
Health and fitness magazines have so many fitness tips. Fitness tips offer concise knowledge about knowledge about the developments in the field of health and fitness. Fitness tips inspire fitness enthusiasts to maintain a healthy life style. Fitness involves exercise regimens, diets, even motivational courses, meditation sessions, and so on.
To sit and read magazines related to fitness and health-related topics take time and patience. Fitness tips provide readymade solution, since one can easily obtain the very latest and valuable information about various ways to stay fit and in shape. Fitness tips mainly revolve around health, exercise, weight loss and nutrition. Apart from common health information, fitness tips highlight the dos and don’ts that must be kept in mind to preserve a healthy routine. They are popular because of the growing number of health consciousness people. But one must be very cautions because reliable fitness tips may result in health consequences. So it is better to take the advice of an expert before adopting any tip.
Health experts and professional trainers deliver up-to-date to best suit anyone’s lifestyle. Fitness tips can be accessed through magazines and other publications. A free collection of tips are also available online in men fitness magazine and men health fitness magazine.
5 Great Fitness and Health Tips
Keeping healthy is extremely important, no matter what age you happen to be. It’s imperative that you take measures to work on your health and fitness throughout your entire life. Wondering where you can begin? Well, here are 5 great fitness and health tips that you can use to make sure you stay healthy and fit all your life.
Tip #1 – Get Moving – First of all, if you want to stay fit and healthy, you have to get moving. Every day you need to think about how you can get moving in order to keep your body in good shape. There are many little things that you can do to keep moving throughout the day. While going to the gym is a great idea, you don’t have to spend an hour at the gym in order to get the movement that you need. Simply take the time to take the dog for a walk, mow your own lawn, take the stairs, park further away in the parking lot, or even to play with your kids. This will help you to get the exercise that you need on a regular basis and it is also great for lowering your stress level too.
Tip #2 – Cut Back the Fat – Another important tip to remember for fitness and health is to make sure that you cut back the fat in your diet. Bad fats can lead to a variety of different physical problems that can end up haunting you as you grow older. So, start cutting the fried foods out of your diet, as well as fast food and even meets that are fatty, such as sausage, bacon, salami, and even ham. You should limit dairy products as well and eat lower fat products instead. Limit the sauces, lunch meats, butter, and mayonnaise that you eat as well. Try to eat lean and you’ll definitely reap the benefits.
Tip #3 – De-Stress – Start getting rid of some of the stress in your life. Stress can lead to a variety of health problems. Spend time enjoying yourself each day, such as listening to music, enjoying a hot bath, a long walk, or even reading. Meditating can also help you out as well.
Tip #4 – Stop Smoking – One of the worst things that you can do for your health is to smoke. If you want to be healthier, then one of the best things that you can do for your health is to stop smoking. When you smoke you raise the risk for a variety of nasty diseases, so take the steps to quit as soon as you can.
Tip #5 – Drink More Water – Most people don’t drink enough water each day and it shows in their health and fitness. If you want to be fit and healthy, then water is an important part of your diet. You should be drinking at least 8-10 glasses each day, and more when you are exercising. The body needs water to be healthy, and the more you drink water, the healthier you will be.
These are just 5 great fitness and health tips that can really make a difference in your life. Nothing can replace your health, so take the time to follow these tips so you can improve your health for life.
Kids Health Information: Teach Your Kids About Staying Healthy
Raising children who value and take responsibility for their health develop into individuals who are healthy and productive members of society. As parents, it is our responsibility to enstill into our kids the importance of taking care of their bodies and appreciating the gift our bodies give us day in and day out.
Below are some tips to remember when teaching your kids how to stay healthy. Some are obvious and some can be overlooked. Take a look at the list below and see what you can include in educating your child about keeping themselves health.
Kids Health Information Tip #1: Cover Your Mouth!
In order to keep germs from floating to those around us, it is important to cover our mouth when we cough, sneeze, or even yawn. Teach your child to cover their mouth and they’ll be healthier for it.
Kids Health Information Tip #2: Wash Your Hands!
Washing hands after using the restroom is something we all know. But what about other times? Teach your child to wash their hands after the following activities: sneezing or coughing, playing at the playground, before and after meals, or other activities where their hands are around potential germs.
Kids Health Information Tip #3: Brush and Floss Your Teeth!
Brushing is important. So if flossing! Make sure your child is taking good care of their teeth by brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night before they go to bed.
Kids Health Information Tip #4: Each Healthy!
Teach your child how to choose foods that are low in sugar, fat, and full of nutrients, vegetables, and fruit. Teach them how to regulate their food intake and make responsible food choices to support their growing bodies and minds.
Kids Health Information Tip #5: Get Active!
Exercise and activity is important to learn at an early age that can go into adulthood. An hour a day is optimal for good health and weight management.
Kids Health Information Tip #6: Get Enough Sleep!
Because our children are constantly growing, it is imperative that they get adequate sleep. Make sure your child has a comfortable and safe sleeping area and that they are getting enough sleep for their growing bodies and minds.
Kids Health Information Tip #7: Stay Hydrated!
Consuming enough hydration is so important and something that many of us neglect. Make sure you’re teaching your child the importance of getting in enough water each day and the importance of staying away from soda and sugar drinks and juices. Buy your child a fun water bottle to help them learn to regulate their fluids.
Kids Health Information Tip #8: Keep Your Mind Healthy!
It’s unfortunate, but childhood can be full of stresses. Teach your child healthy methods in dealing with stress and how to deal with difficult circumstances.
Kids Health Information Tip #9: You’ve Gotta Have Faith!
Children who are raised in homes that subscribe to a particular faith and have a code of morals to live by tend to live happier and healthier lives. If your family subscribes to a particular faith, get your family involved and teach your child the importance of faith.
Current Addictions and Mental Health Resources
Anyone can have a mental illness, regardless of age, gender, race, or income. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or AIDS. It is believed that one in five adults and children has a diagnosable mental disorder, one in every 10 young people age 9 or older has a serious emotional disturbance that severely disrupts daily life.and one in four families will have a member with mental illness. Children who develop depression often have a family history of the illness, many times a parent who had depression at an early age. Untreated mental health problems can lead to suicide, which is the sixth leading cause of death for 5- to 14-year olds. An estimated two-thirds of all young people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need.It is important to remember that mental illness occurs at any age, but most often appears for the first time between the ages of 25 and 44. With proper treatment, most people suffering from a mental illness can return to normal, productive lives, and almost everyone receives some benefit from treatment.
The causes of mental illness are complicated. Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are caused mostly by biology and environment. Examples of biological causes are genetics, chemical imbalances in the body caused by genetics, lack of sleep or poor nutrition, or damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury, lack of oxygen in child birth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Many environmental factors also put young people at risk for developing mental health disorders. Examples including exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead; exposure to violence, such as witnessing or being the victim of physical or sexual abuse, drive-by shootings, muggings, or other disasters; stress related to chronic poverty, discrimination, or other serious hardships; and the loss of important people through death,divorce, or broken relationships.
The following six preventive services are recommended and can be carried out in a clinic, church, library or local community center:
1. Prenatal and infancy home visits or support groups.
2. Targeted cessation education and counseling for smokers, especially those who are pregnant.
3. Targeted short-term mental health therapy.
4. Self-care education for adults (money management, relationship skills, stress management).
5. Mentoring and adult supervised after-school and weekend programs
6. Brief counseling and advice to reduce alcohol use.
Over the years I have found that finding good information is kind of like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The following links will take you to addictions and mental health sites that have the most current and useful information for addictions counselors, rehabilitation counselors, mental health clinicians, nurses and (of course) program administrators. All of the resources are FREE so you can order copies for your colleagues and/or staff!
Clinical Preventive Services in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Update: From Science to Services http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA04-3906/ This report has been prepared to summarize the most promising preventive interventions of a behavioral nature intended to impact mental and substance use disorders, or in some cases, medical outcomes. This review focuses on prevention interventions that are primarily delivered by health care systems. Interventions provided in schools, worksites, communities, and criminal justice systems were excluded, as were population-based interventions.Clinical
Preventive Services in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Update: From Science to Services Special Report: Preventive Interventions Under Managed Care: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA00-3437/SMA00-3437ch1.asp Programs and services that prevent substance abuse and mental health disorders have the potential to lessen an enormous burden of suffering and to reduce both the cost of future treatment and lost productivity at work and home. The availability and accessibility of these interventions to the millions of Americans whose health care is provided by managed care organizations depend upon the services’ status as covered benefits.
Get Connected! Toolkit (Linking Older Adults With Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health Resources) http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=16523 Alcohol, medication misuse, and mental health problems can be significant issues for older adults. This kit is designed to enable their service providers to undertake health promotion, advance prevention messages and education, and provide screening and referral for mental health problems and the misuse of alcohol and medications. The kit includes a coordinator’s guide and program support materials such as education curricula, fact sheets, handouts, forms, and resources.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): The Basics (CD Rom) http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17296 This mini CD—consisting of slides and accompanying notes—provides the latest and most accurate information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or FASD. The CD includes essential facts on what FASD is, how it’s caused, how many people have it, and much more.
Quick Guide for Clinicians Based on TIP 47, Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17615 This pocket-sized booklet concisely presents information from TIP 47, including the principles of intensive outpatient treatment (IOT), the services offered, treatment engagement, clinical issues and challenges, and the approaches used in IOT.
TIP 46: Substance Abuse: Administrative Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17440 This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP), Substance Abuse: Administrative Issues in Outpatient Treatment, was written to help administrators address the changing environment in which outpatient treatment programs operate. The TIP provides basic information about running an outpatient treatment program, including strategic planning, working with a board of directors, relationships with strategic partners, hiring and retaining employees, staff supervision, continuing education and training, performance improvement, outcomes monitoring, and promotion of the program to potential clients, funding agencies, and government officials. More specialized sections address challenges that have emerged and gathered importance in the last decade: preparing a program to provide culturally competent treatment to an increasingly diverse client population and succeeding in a managed care-dominated world by diversifying the funding sources a program draws on.
TIP 45, Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17398 TIP 45 provides lists and tables related to such topics as initial evaluation domains for clients in detoxification, guidance on assessment and rehabilitation planning, and the management of intoxication and withdrawal from specific substances or substance groups such as alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, and opioids.
TIP 44: Substance Abuse Treatment for Adults in the Criminal Justice System http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17183 Research consistently demonstrates a strong connection between criminal activity and substance abuse; research also finds that involvement in substance abuse treatment reduces recidivism for offenders who use drugs. This TIP presents clinical guidelines to assist counselors in dealing with problems that routinely arise because of their clients’ status in the criminal justice system.
Good resources for teachers and parents regarding mental health and addictions can also be hard to come by. Additionally, many parents have a hard time sticking with programs because day-to-day things come up—working late, homework whatever. It is often more effective to use these materials in a group setting. Not only does it allow the parents and children to spend time together, but families can provide social support to one another. The following FREE resources are available for order and/or download and can be easily used in a classroom, homeschool or church setting.
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior – Science of Addiction http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17602 (As seen on HBO’s Addiction: Communities Take Action) This landmark publication provides scientific information about the disease of drug addiction, including the many harmful consequences of drug abuse and the basic approaches that have been developed to prevent and treat the disease, and aims to increase understanding of the basics of addiction to help people make informed choices in their own lives, adopt science-based policies and programs that reduce drug abuse and addiction in their communities, and support scientific research that improves the Nation’s well-being.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Future Family Guide http://media.shs.net/bblocks/ParentGuideLong.pdf
The Building Blocks Family Guide contains ideas for fun activities and discussion starters for you and your children, as well as advice and guidance on topics such as active listening, rule making, and being a good role model. It also can be used to guide you through the rest of the Building Blocks materials with your children.
Brain Power! The NIDA Junior Scientist Program: Grades K-1 http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=16883; Grades 2-3 http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=16037; Grades 4-5 http://www.drugabuse.gov/JSP3/JSP.html The Brain Power! program takes students step by step through an exploration of the processes of science and how to use these processes to learn about the brain, the nervous system, and the effects of drugs on the nervous system and the body. The materials include a videotape, a teacher’s guide, trading cards, and parent newsletters.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): The Basics (CD Rom) http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17296 This mini CD—consisting of slides and accompanying notes—provides the latest and most accurate information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or FASD. The CD includes essential facts on what FASD is, how it’s caused, how many people have it, and much more.
Family Guide to Systems of Care for Children With Mental Health Needs http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/sma05-4054/ Caring for Every Child’s Mental Health Campaign is a national public education initiative emphasizing attention to children’s and adolescents’ mental health. It supports the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program, in place in communities across the Nation, which is demonstrating the effectiveness of systems of care in meeting the services needs and improving the lives of children with serious emotional disturbances (SEDs) and their families. This campaign is managed by the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. The guide is intended to help parents and caregivers seek help for children with mental health needs. Information is provided on what parents and caregivers need to know, ask, expect, and do to get the most out of their experience with systems of care.
Reach to Teach Educating Elementary and Middle School Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=17603 Reach To Teach is a resource guide for parents of a child with an FASD and for teachers in elementary and middle schools who work with children who have an FASD. It provides a basic introduction to these disorders and tools to improve communication between parents and teachers.
Heads Up: A website with .pdf printables from scholastic publishers. http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/headsup/support/index.asp?article=reproducibles
Real News About Drugs and Your Body. Here you’ll find real, science-based facts about the effects drugs have on the teen brain and body. Check out the articles and features below to get the latest facts so you can make smart choices about your health.