May 2016 - Health Beat

MAY 2016 #1 Health Magazine in Southwest Georgia

ALLERGY & ASTHMA SOLUTIONS

LIFE WITH ANXIETY & DEPRESSION TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION

Look Inside for Dr. Oz!

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

From the Desk of the President

Erin Cannington, M.D. Allergy and Asthma Clinics of Georgia

El-Roy Dixon, M.D. Dixon Eye Care

Dr. Hans Chang Albany Diagnostics

James Palazzolo, M.D. Sleep Apnea Centers of America

Keisha Callins, M.D. Albany Area Primary Health Care

Kelly Miller, FNP-BC Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

TIFTON ALBANY AMERICUS BAINBRIDGE SYLVESTER THOMASVILLE VALDOSTA CORDELE MOULTRIE AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Features 3

Stressful Caregiving Situation Tips

8

Allergy & Asthma Solutions

12

Recognize Anxiety & Depression

14

Summer Sun Safety

17

When to Use the Emergency Room

21

UV Rays & Eye Safety

22

Spotlight on Preeclampsia

EVENT CALENDAR Email upcoming events to: swgahealthbeat@gmail.com

Each Wednesday Free Lung Cancer Screenings 8:00 am - 11:00 am Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center 919 S Broad St, Thomasville Our providers will offer free, low-dose CT scans to screen for lung cancer. Screenings are available to individuals ages 55–74 who are current smokers or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years. *Screenings by appointment only. Please call 229.584.5454 to schedule your appointment today.

May 2016

9 am - 1:30 pm Spring Country Club, Tifton The funds generated from this event directly benefit the patients of Hospice of Tift Area and the Anita Stewart Oncology Center at Tift Regional Medical Center. All donations are tax detuctable.

Please call Event Chairperson, Louise Woodham at (229) 353-7744 or Hospice of TIft Area at (229) 353-6330 for more information.

May 17 Breastfeeding Class 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm OB Classroom (2nd floor) Tift Regional Medical Center This class everything you need to know about breastfeeding including preparation, instruction and helpful tips. The class is held from 6:00 8:00 p.m. Registration is required. Please call 229-353-7605 or register below. Please include number of guests in the required field.

May 6 Stroke Expo 10 am - 2 pm Rainwater Conference Center, 1 Meeting Place, Valdosta Join SGMC and community partners for this lunch and learn seminar on stroke prevention and support for stroke survivors, caregivers and family members.

SGMC's Code Stroke Medical Director and Neurologist Brian Dawson, MD and Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon Maurice Solis, MD will present along with representatives from EMS Mobile Healthcare Services and Insight Therapy Services. Local healthcare vendors will also be available to provide additional resources to guests.

Free and open to the public.

Registration is required by calling 229.259.4290.

May 28 Prepared Childbirth 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Meeting Room 3 (first floor at Tift Regional Medical Center) The Prepared Childbirth Classes will cover general topics relating to labor, delivery, and basic care of your baby. We do suggest that you bring a partner with you for class.

Registration required.

(229) 353-7605

May 9 17th Annual Nanci Bowen Charity Event

June 11 Lake Blackshear Loop the Lake 5K / 10K / Half Marathon

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1-Mile Fun Run / Stroller Roll Saturday, June 11, 2016 Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club 2459-H U.S. Hwy 280 West, Cordele 770-633-5511 In its 10th year, Loop The Lake is organized by Dr. Edward Hellman and benefits GraceWay Recovery Residence. Tift Regional is one of the event’s sponsors. The scenic 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and one-mile course winds along the lake shore and through Georgia Veterans State Park. The event includes chip timing, a cook-out, race photos, T-shirts and awards.

For more information, visit www.loopthelake.com, send an email to race@loopthelake.com or call 770-633-5511

Recurring Events Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Diabetes Support Group Third Tuesday each month | 3 pm at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center cafeteria private dining room Chair Yoga Sowega Council On Aging Wednesdays | 11 - 11:45 am at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register • FREE • Age 60+ Line Dancing Sowega Council On Aging Mondays | 11 am Advanced, Wednesdays | 3 pm at Senior Life enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register • FREE • Age 60+

Tips to Help Spouses Survive 4 Stressful Caregiving Situations A fraction of a second is all the time it takes for a tiny blood vessel in the brain to burst and cause a hemorrhagic stroke.

But the consequences of that event can ripple far beyond the person who experienced it. In the blink of an eye, the person’s marital relationship can be changed from a moreor-less equal partnership into an unbalanced dynamic that causes stress in the marriage.

The caregiving conversation often revolves around adult children caring for aging relatives, but spouses get thrust into the caregiving role, too, due to a sudden illness like a stroke or a chronic condition like Parkinson’s disease. Spousal caregivers might face situations other caregivers do not, such as needing to renegotiate marital roles or deal with in-law issues.

Let’s look at some common scenarios spousal caregivers say they face—and some practical tips for coping with them.

Spousal Criticism After Patricia’s husband had a stroke, he was no longer able to drive. As she commented in a CaregiverStress.com reader forum , “I am now the full time driver. He is very critical of my driving and everything I do. It is very frustrating and at times I don't know what to do.”

It can be hard not to take criticism personally, especially when it’s coming from your spouse. You might feel like a failure, like you can’t do anything right in your spouse’s eyes anymore.

When a spouse loses the ability to perform functions he used to do, he might feel like a failure, too. Sometimes that inability to contribute in the ways he used to could manifest as criticism of what you’re doing.

That doesn’t make incessant criticism right, but at least it might help you understand where your spouse is coming from.

To cope with unrelenting criticism, try renegotiating your marital roles: Find things your spouse can still do, and then give him

control over them. Just because your husband can’t drive, for example, it doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t pay the bills.

If your spouse can no longer perform tasks that require physical activity, find ways for her to contribute to strategy. For instance, if your wife cannot cook dinner anymore, let her plan menus instead.

If you can renegotiate your mutual roles so each spouse feels he or she is making a contribution to the household, you might find the criticism goes away.

In-Law Issues Sometimes when a person becomes disabled due to illness or injury, his or her family members believe the decision-making process should include them. As a spouse, you might have to navigate some tricky political waters. Theresa found herself in this situation, commenting, “Trying to keep the peace with his siblings leaves me feeling hurt that I now have a new role in the family, almost like I'm an enemy.”

Some things to keep in mind: As the spouse, you generally have every right to make decisions on behalf of your husband or wife regardless of whether or not your in-laws agree with what you’re doing.

Make sure you and your spouse have valid wills, living wills and power of attorney documents so there’s no question who has the legal right to make decisions on you and your spouse’s behalf should either of you become incapacitated.

Instead of dismissing your inlaws’ concerns out-of-hand, try to listen and understand their perspective. Perhaps a valid message is getting lost due to a clumsy delivery.

Try to find ways to invite your in-laws’ participation in the caregiving process so they feel they’re contributing to the situation in a positive way.

Juggling a Full-Time Job

with Caregiving It’s a myth, of course, that disability only affects seniors. When a disabling condition strikes a young person, the effects on the spousal caregiver can be devastating. As Laura said, “My husband is disabled, but not a senior, he's only 48! This is not what either of us thought our marriage would be like! I work full time and he has a home health aide, but as soon as I get home, I'm working again. I haven't found any support resources for a couple like us, in our forties.”

Jack Hartley is the owner of JWH Service Partners, Inc. d.b.a.

Home Instead Senior Care #585.

Home Instead Senior Care provides seniors with Companionship, Light Housekeeping, Medication Reminders, Meal Preparation, Errands, Doctor Visits and more.

For information go to www.homeinstead.com/585.

Tips to cope: Turn to community resources for help. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Despite its name, your AAOA group likely will have lists of resources you can tap for respite care, home care and more, no matter your age.

Look to your faith community.

It can be an excellent source of not only moral support but practical help as well. You might find many people willing to provide respite care, home maintenance and other types of assistance.

Loneliness Your spouse is the one person you share everything with. If his medical condition now makes emotional intimacy impossible, you may begin to feel very alone in your marriage and your life.

Loneliness can put you at risk for medical ailments of your own. It’s imperative you eat well, exercise and continue to maintain a social life in order to stay healthy. Here’s how: Keep healthful food in the house. Try to plan meals and snacks in advance so you don’t resort to grabbing junk food because it’s the only thing available.

If you can’t leave the house to take a walk or hit the gym, invest in one good piece of home workout equipment like a

treadmill. This will enable you to reap the stress-busting rewards of exercise without the anxiety of wondering if your spouse is all right on her own while you’re away from the house.

Plan monthly or quarterly gettogethers with your friends for dining, shopping, card games or another fun activity. Arrange for a family member to take care of your spouse for the time you’ll be gone or obtain professional respite care by a trained CAREGiverSM from Home Instead Senior Care®.

Participate in online communities, such as the Caregiver Stress Relief community on Facebook.

Communing with others in a virtual setting can bolster your spirit, and you don’t have to leave home to do it.

All too often, the caregiving conversation revolves around children and grandchildren caring for aging relatives. But spouses provide the bulk of care when their husband or wife becomes ill or disabled at any age, and they face special challenges in providing care. If you can renegotiate your spousal relationship, maintain good relations with the in-laws and take time for self-care, you may find your caregiving life more rewarding than you’d imagined it could be.

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Bare Bottom Basics: Tips on Taking Care of Your Colon Enlightenment Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death among women. It affects the large intestine and the rectum and is also known as colorectal cancer. Many people are embarrassed to even talk about this part of the body but it definitely deserves more attention. It’s never too early to start taking care of your colon since colon cancer among young women has increased over time. There are tests that are available to help you find out if you have a problem, and many things that you can do to help decrease your chances of developing colon cancer and improve your overall health.

Empowerment The goal of a screening test is to look for problems early, so that we can fix things before they become a bigger problem. There are several tests that are available to help check your colon. Two commonly used screening tests are the FIT: (evaluates a stool sample / done once each year), and the Colonoscopy: (evaluates the colon / may repeated in 10yrs or less based on what they find).

Please discuss with your medical provider about the best time to start screening (usually around age 50, but may be sooner for some people or if you have problems), and the most appropriate test for you.

Education Encouragement DO’S: please discuss with your medical provider if you are having bloody stools, change in bowel habits, frequent stomach pains, weakness or fatigue, or a family history of colon cancer. DON’TS: please avoid tobacco use (Call 1-800-QUITNOW); limit eating processed meats (like hotdogs), red meat, foods that are high in sugar/fat, and foods that are low in fiber.

Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. Take control of your lifestyle – eat better, exercise, and don’t be embarrassed to get your colon evaluated at the right time.

Quote Of The Month: “That’s the biggest gift I can give anybody: ‘Wake up, be aware of what you are doing and what you can do to prevent from being ill’ ~ Maya Angelou ~

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From the Desk of the President

Appropriate Access Saves Patients Time and Money

emergency care – their needs can be appropriately met in a clinical setting that promptly addresses common illnesses and injuries when their physician is not available.

Your primary care physician should always be your first choice for care as they know you best and can manage any chronic illnesses you may have as well as provide preventive and episodic care. That’s why we’ve placed primary care physicians throughout southwest Georgia to best help you maintain your overall wellness.

And, because we know there will be times when your physician is not available, we have also established Urgent Care Centers and a Community Care Clinic in Albany. With extended hours and a range of payment options, these choices address those nonlife-threatening illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention.

Phoebe is dedicated to creating a healthier community and better outcomes for each and every patient we serve. I encourage you to visit choosephoebe.com to view the many care choices Phoebe provides throughout the region. Choosing a better way to access our experts can save you time and money.

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Joel Wernick, FACHE President Chief Executive Officer

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Managing the cost of healthcare is a shared responsibility. Did you know that in many instances you have the ability to reduce your own healthcare expense by simply choosing a better way to access the experts you need? It’s true – knowing where to go for the level of care that best meets your needs can save you time and money. We’ve made it easier than ever to access our experts to ensure you receive the right care at the right place at the right time.

Because we never know when a life-threatening tragedy or medical emergency may occur, our emergency centers located in Albany, Americus and Sylvester provide 24-hour access to a full staff of emergency medicine professionals and advanced technologies, making it the highest-cost point of access to care. Emergency center visits should be reserved for the sickest, most compromised patients. The use of emergency centers for non-emergencies is a growing challenge nationwide, among both the insured and uninsured. In addition to the unnecessary emergency center costs, misuse results in overcrowding, long waits, stressed healthcare providers, dissatisfied consumers, and potentially delayed care for those patients with true emergencies. Presently, more than 30% of patients seen in our emergency centers do not need

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SKIN CANCER TREATMENT ~ SKIN EXAMS MOHS SURGERY ~ MOLE REMOVAL

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THE DRIVING FORCE ASK DOCTOR K

By Stephanie M. Freeman

GET YOUR ANTIOXIDANTS FROM FOODS, NOT PILLS

Stephanie M. Freeman is a model, a runner, a trainer, and a brain injury survivor from here in the state of Georgia.

She is the founder of the nonprofit brain trauma organization Share Your Strong with a sole mission to bring health and awareness to brain trauma, while encouraging and inspiring the lives of people going through this silent epidemic. She speaks and helps educate on this injury from 23 years of her own experience. She is a part of the Brain Injury Advisory Council with The Brain Injury Association of America.

In my own journey as I said before, I have struggled with this question, but I found in that struggle that we sometimes have to alter our path to figure this out. But I also saw this was not a bad thing, it was ok. To just stop take a breather and regroup about what our goal actually is? Once we honor ourselves enough to relax and see through all the stress, if we are on the correct path to this goal the next step is to simply look up and see the sun. Then you know, it’s time to resume your journey. And you will also know it will be done with a much clearer mindset.

Some great advice on knowing your “why” is no matter how big or how small your why is, allow it to fuel your will. So whenever you engage with what you really want you know you have tapped into what really matters.

DEAR DOCTOR K: It seems like several years ago all my friends were taking antioxidant pills. Now I don't hear about antioxidants as much. Are they worth taking?

DEAR READER: Here's what we know, and here's what is still controversial. The cells of our body are full of chemicals interacting with other chemicals. In the process of getting the energy they need to survive and carry out their functions, cells naturally produce chemicals called "free radicals." Just as political free radicals can sometimes damage society, chemical free radicals can damage body tissues.

Our environment also exposes us to substances that increase our production of free radicals.

Examples are tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays and air pollution.

To fight the effect of free radicals, our body makes natural antioxidant chemicals. We also get antioxidants in foods. In particular, several vitamins -primarily vitamins A, C and E -have antioxidant powers.

If the levels of antioxidants match the levels of free radicals, we're in balance. However, if free radicals exceed the antioxidants in our body, we're out of balance. This is called "oxidative stress." Frequent bouts of oxidative stress may increase the pace of aging.

There is very strong evidence that eating a lot of foods rich in antioxidants can help lower your risk of many diseases. Good food sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables, particularly tomatoes, kale, blueberries, onions and apples.

Other good sources include dark chocolate, whole grains, coffee, green tea and vegetable oils.

That's not controversial.

Here is where the controversy begins. As scientists came to better understand the balance between free radicals and antioxidants, a beautiful theory emerged. Perhaps, scientists thought, taking antioxidant vitamin supplements would slow diseases of aging. Perhaps these supplements would fend off heart disease, improve flagging vision and curb cancer.

It was a theory worth testing.

Some scientists find their theories so attractive that they

don't bother to test them. When that happens, they cease being scientists. Much more often, scientists put their theories to the test. Because the antioxidant vitamin pill theory was so compelling, a lot of time and effort was spent in testing it.

Unfortunately, results from well-designed trials of antioxidant supplements have failed to back up many of the claims of benefits. One study pooled results from 68 trials with more than 230,000 participants.

It found that taking antioxidant supplements is unlikely to help you live longer. Sixty-eight rigorous studies, involving hundreds of thousands of people whose health was followed for many years, failed to show a benefit from antioxidant vitamin supplements.

Sometimes something terrible happens to scientists: a beautiful theory is murdered by a brutal gang of facts. Those 68 studies were a brutal gang indeed.

It was good that those studies were done, even if the results disappointed some scientists.

People were spending a lot more money buying these supplements than was spent conducting the research to see if they were worth taking.

To answer your question, I don't recommend that people routinely take antioxidant vitamin supplements. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

(This column is an update of one that ran originally in March 2013.)

(Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. To send questions, go to AskDoctorK.com, or write: Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115.)

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

FREE HEARING TEST! Call

229-434-2211

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We all have dreams and goals we wish to achieve in life. Some of us want to get in better shape. Others want more money. Still others want to find the love of their life, or make that big life change. If you are like many I have worked with, your first step in reaching your goal is try to figure out what to do to achieve the goals.

Most of the time when we begin with this step, we find ourselves putting one foot in front of the other, trudging along toward our goals or destinations, but with no clear vision, and what exactly we will be doing once we get there.

Trust me when I say, it is so easy to lose sight of our goals and get lost on the path, and even to become disconnected from what sets us out to begin with. Then we become frustrated with the fact that things haven’t turn out the way we hoped, that we didn’t reach this dream or goal, and giving up becomes an option.

It is my belief the reason we fail usually is because we overlook the first and most important step in the process.

The first step isn’t to figure out how or what to do to achieve a goal or dream; it’s to ask yourself why are you doing it.

With all the work I do, I always keep that one question in my mind. Stephanie, what is your why in this goal? And I have struggled with this question a lot in my past. I read a book a few years ago when I was really struggling with the “Why” of my life. In this book, it stated that it was not the “what” that motivates us to jump out of bed in the mornings; it is the “why.”

It is not the “what” that drives us to give great service and become an expert in our field, it is always the “why.” The greatest source of energy for pushing through to our ultimate outcomes in life is this question.

Why?

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S m a r t s h o p p i n g t i p s EFFECTIVE WAYS for people with asthma and allergies TO REDUCE

ASTHMA ATTACKS COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

(BPT) - A stuffy nose. Scratchy throat.

Difficulty breathing. It's bad enough when spring allergy season reaps its ugly head, but when the things in your home trigger your asthma and allergies too, you feel like you're in an endless battle to feel healthy.

"Many household goods are hidden sources of asthma and allergy triggers," says Dr. Cary Sennett, President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Fortunately, you can breathe easier by shopping smarter.

By keeping a few tips in mind, you'll be able to select products that reduce the likelihood of flares or attacks."

Dr. Sennett and the experts at AAFA offer these shopping tips to limit asthma and allergy triggers in your home.

barrier, plus it can easily be cleaned to remove allergen accumulation.

Additionally, bedding must be breathable to ensure comfort and contain no chemicals known to trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

1. Look for the asthma & allergy friendly mark.

By being selective in what you purchase, you can dramatically impact asthma and allergy triggers in your home.

The first step when shopping is to look for AAFA's asthma & allergy friendly Certification Mark. This strict scientifically-based program was created 10 years ago to test products from cleaning supplies to toys and more to ensure they're suitable for families with asthma or allergies. Feel confident when you look for the mark in stores or online.

For a full list of products and where to find them, visit www.aafa.org/certified.

5. Use a high-quality vacuum regularly.

Vacuuming once a week is important for reducing allergens, but if you don't get a good vacuum you may simply be redistributing those irritants throughout your house. A certified vacuum will have a high quality air filtration system that captures even microscopic particles.

Furthermore, the vacuum should not release irritants when you have to change the bag, either.

2. Avoid trouble cleaning product ingredients.

Removing allergens in the home requires regular cleaning, but oftentimes the cleaning products themselves can trigger asthma and allergy attacks. It's best to avoid products with strong odors.

If you must use strong cleaning products, try wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

3. Buy breathable bedding to sleep well.

You spend one-third of your time in the bedroom, so it's important to purchase products that won't trigger your allergies or asthma. Look for bedding where the outer fabric is an effective allergen

4. Research air cleaners and humidifiers that boost air quality.

Good indoor air quality is vital for families living with allergies and asthma.

First, look for the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Mark. For humidifiers, look for options that maintain appropriate moisture levels while sanitizing the water. For air cleaners, look for independent testing that proves the device reduces allergens from the air by removal and not just redistribution.

6. Gift toys that inspire smiles rather than cause sniffles.

For children, a favorite teddy should provide comfort, not sniffles and sneezes.

Unfortunately, doctors often recommend removing stuffed toys from children with asthma and allergies. Because stuffed toys are similar to filled bedding products, they can house dust mites and other allergens as well as contain dyes that could irritate a child's sensitivities. Look for toys that earn the certification. This means that the toy can easily be cleaned to remove allergen accumulation, contains no chemicals known to trigger allergies or allergens, plus the colors will not bleed from rubbing or saliva.

For more smart shopping tips, including what to look for in washers, dryers, paint and more, download the AAFA Certified Products Guide at www.aafa.org/certified.

Millions of people - 25.9 million in the United States alone - have asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Asthma has become increasingly prevalent in all sex, age and racial groups since the early 1980s. It is one of the most common and costly diseases, and still has no cure.

Swelling of the airways occurs when a person has asthma. This can result in wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.

For those who cannot find relief, asthma attacks can prove deadly. Although there is no way to prevent asthma, by following a plan, there are ways to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks. Most of these tips involve reducing contact with allergens that can trigger asthma attacks.

Home First, assess your house to identify and reduce common allergens. · Wash linens and clothing in hot water to kill off any dust mites. The water temperature should be at least 130 F. · If pets trigger a reaction, keep companion animals off of furniture and beds where they can leave fur and dander behind. Limit the rooms in which pets can stay. There is some research that states children exposed to animals early in life may actually be less likely to develop allergies and asthma. · Put allergy-proof covers on pillows. · Vacuum at least twice a week with a HEPA air filter-enhanced vacuum cleaner. · Reduce humidity around the house, as it can lead to the prevalence of mold. Mold is a common asthma trigger. That means using a dehumidifier, keeping bathrooms clean and dry and repairing any leaks promptly. · Insist that people who smoke tobacco products do so outside of the house.

Secondhand smoke has been shown to increase the development of asthma and other chronic respiratory illnesses, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Outside, work and school You may have less control over allergens outside of the home, but there are still ways to cut down on attacks. · Avoid smoking areas outside of stores and office buildings. · Know the office cleaning schedule and work around those hours. In some instances, cleaning products and other chemicals can trigger attacks. · Keep stress at a minimum because intense emotions can bring on asthma symptoms, according to Paul Ehrlich, M.D., coauthor of "Asthma Allergies Children: A Parent's Guide." · Check the air quality outdoors before venturing outside. Stay inside during ozone alerts or when the air is very humid or stagnant. · Seasonal allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. Check pollen, mold and ragweed counts. Stay indoors on peak days. · Be sure physical education teachers are aware that gym class may trigger asthma attacks in your children, and that they should look for apparent symptoms.

In addition to these tips, a rescue inhaler can help quiet a potential attack. Keep medication available at all times. Plus, speak with a doctor about customizing an attack prevention plan even further. More information is available at www.aaaai.org.

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MAKE WEEKNIGHT MEALS HEALTHY AND SIMPLE

Quinoa Black Bean Burgers Courtesy of allrecipes.com

"These vegetarian burgers are delicious! Your carnivorous friends will be impressed. My favorite way to serve is on a whole-wheat bun with garlic-lemon mayonnaise, fresh raw spinach, sliced tomato, and caramelized onions!"

Ingredients

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

Households in which both parents work and kids have school and extracurricular commitments can get a little hectic, particularly on weeknights. Parents who want to prepare nutritious dinners may feel it’s impossible to do so without making elaborate, timeconsuming recipes. But there are ways for busy, timestrapped parents to make sure weeknight dinners are both healthy and simple.

• Stock a healthy pantry.

When grocery shopping, purchase some healthy nonperishable foods that you can rely on in a pinch.

Instead of stocking the freezer with unhealthy yet easily prepared frozen foods that are often loaded with saturated fat, stock your pantry with whole grain pastas. Whole grain pastas are lower in calories and higher in fiber and contain more nutrients than refined white pastas. And once water is boiled, whole grain pastas can be prepared in roughly 10 minutes.

• Rely on a slow cooker.

One of the simplest ways to prepare healthy meals that won’t take much time to prepare each night is to use a slow cooker. Set dinner in the slow cooker in the morning before leaving for work, and by the time you arrive home each night you will have a fully prepared, healthy meal ready to be served.

• Make meal prep a family affair. Families who share

the responsibility of making dinner on weeknights may find it easier to prepare healthy meals. Younger children may not be able to join in the preparation of too many dishes, but middle school and high school students can help out by chopping vegetables while their parents work on other parts of the meal. Preparing meals can take as much time, if not more, than cooking meals, so making meal prep a family affair can save a substantial amount of time.

• Cook meals in advance.

Families who are hesitant to use slow cookers may benefit by preparing healthy meals over the weekend and then refrigerating or freezing them so they can be cooked on weeknights. If you plan to freeze meals prepared in advance, remember to remove them from the freezer the night before and place them in the refrigerator so they are thawed out when you arrive home from work to place them in the oven.

• Choose simple recipes.

Trying new recipes is one of the joys of cooking. But trying new recipes on weeknights can be timeconsuming because cooks have yet to grow accustomed to each step in the recipe. When looking for new weeknight recipes, look for meals that can be prepared in five steps or less, leaving the more complicated recipes for weekend meals.

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1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1/4 cup quinoa 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1/4 cup minced yellow bell pepper 2 tablespoons minced onion 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®) 1 egg 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Roughly mash the black beans with a fork leaving some whole black beans in a pastelike mixture.

Mix the quinoa, bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, hot pepper sauce, and egg into the black beans using your hands.

Form the black bean mixture into 5 patties.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.

Cook the patties in the hot oil until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

COPPER KILLS BACTERIA; MULTIPLE MEDS AND SENIORS Q: My husband needs surgery, and I want to make sure that he finds a hospital with a low hospital-acquired infection rate. I heard that copper and silver surfaces can kill MRSA bacteria and reduce infection risk. Is that right? -- Connie G., Tacoma, Washington

DID YOU KNOW? COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. The CDC advises that such physical activity should include aerobic activity and muscle and bone strengthening exercises. Aerobic activity should take up most of kids' daily physical activities and can include moderate activities, such as brisk walking, or more intense activities like running. Parents should make sure kids include some vigorous aerobic activity in their physical activity routines at least three days per week. Muscle strengthening activities do not mean parents should get their youngsters in the gym as soon as possible. Rather, activities like gymnastics or push-ups done three times per week can be enough to help kids build strong muscles. The CDC notes that as kids reach adolescence, they may start structured weight-training programs to strengthen their muscles. Jumping rope or running three times per week can serve as kids' bone-strengthening exercises.

A: That's true. But first, you should know that hospitals publish their infection rates. And if you're looking at a large hospital, like the Cleveland Clinic, remember that you need to find out what the infection rate is in the surgical section where he'll be. Large facilities see such a wide variety of patients in so many situations that an overall rate isn't really informative.

That leads us to copper- and silver-impregnated surfaces, which do reduce hospitalacquired infections, although more studies are needed. One major study recently was done in coordination with the intensive-care units at the Medical University of South Carolina, the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York City. It found that installing copper on 10 percent of surfaces in ICUs cut hospitalacquired infections by 58 percent. Copper (and silver) work by neutralizing MRSA and C. difficile molecules.

If other researchers can duplicate the results, copperand silver-alloy surfaces may become standard in hospitals.

That could spell a victory for patients and the health-care system. Currently in the U.S., over 4 percent of hospital patients get hospital-acquired infections. That ends up costing the health-care system $35-$45 billion annually, and by some estimates, 100,000 lives!

But some folks aren't waiting for the next study. The Pullman Regional Hospital in Washington state has a grant to install copper on IV poles, door handles and handicap punch plates, water faucets and other public-use surfaces. According to the Copper Development Association, more than 450 antimicrobial copper alloys are available, with colors ranging from red to yellow to silverygray. The Environmental Protection Agency even has a copper/copper alloy surface maintenance protocol. (Last October Sherwin-Williams introduced an antimicrobial paint that kills MRSA 99.99 percent of

the time.)

But if the surgical ward's infection rate is low, you don't have to worry if it hasn't yet installed copper in ICUs and operating rooms.

Q: My mom is taking pills for so many things; I just don't know that it's safe. How can I be sure she's OK with all the prescriptions and supplements? -- Sally Jean J., Chicago A: That's a huge concern for doctors, pharmacists and patients these days. According to a new study in JAMA Internal Medicine, the number of adults 65 and older who are at risk for dangerous drug interactions has almost doubled since 2005. The prescription meds that are being taken most often and fueling this increased risk include a mix of anti-hyperlipidemic agents (statins, etc.), antidepressants, prescription proton-pump inhibitors, sedatives and muscle relaxants.

Plus, almost half of adults don't tell their doctors or pharmacists about alternative remedies and supplements they're taking. That's a medicine chest full of trouble! Clearly, doctors, pharmacists and patients need to be more aware and reduce the associated risks.

Our recommendations: 1. Make a list of your mom's meds, their doses and how long she's been taking them; then list the nutritional supplements and herbal remedies she takes.

2. Make sure she gets all her medications from one pharmacy, so the pharmacists there can spot conflicts.

3. Review the list with your pharmacist. He or she is your best and most underused medical resource. Take notes or record the conversation on your smartphone.

4. Make an appointment with her primary-care doctor and review her meds and the comments from the pharmacist.

Talk with the doc about interactions between prescription medicines, supplements and nonprescription medications she takes. Then ask if she still needs each prescribed medication, or if the dose could be reduced.

5. Anytime your mom is prescribed a new medication or says she want to take an overthe-counter remedy or supplement, think, "Whoa, Nellie!" Investigate how it will interact with what she's already taking.

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Do You Know What Mental Illness Feels Like?

COURTESY OF MENTALHEALTHAMERICA.NET

We often hear the clinical terms used by doctors and other professionals to identify the symptoms of mental illnesses...but if someone hasn’t gone through it, would they know how to recognize it?

So often, clinical terms don’t do justice to what life with a mental illness feels like. We know that two people with the same diagnosis can experience the same symptom and describe it in very different ways. Understanding the signs of a mental illness and identifying how it can feel can be confusing—and sometimes can contribute to ongoing silence or hesitation to get help.

It’s important for people to talk about how it feels to live with a mental illness. We know that mental illnesses are common and treatable, and help is available. But not everyone knows what to look for when they are going through those early stages, and many simply experience symptoms differently. We all need to speak up early— Before Stage 4—and in real, relatable terms so that people do not feel isolated and alone.

This May is Mental Health Month; Mental Health America is raising awareness of the importance of speaking up about mental health, and asking individuals to share what life with a mental illness feels like by tagging social media posts with #mentalillnessfeelslike. Posting with our hashtag is a way to speak up, to share your point of view with people who may be struggling to explain what they are going through—and to help others figure out if they too are showing signs of a mental illness.

Life with a Mental Illness is meant to help remove the shame and stigma of speaking out, so that more people can be comfortable coming out of the shadows and seeking the help they need. Whether you are in Stage 1 and just learning about those early symptoms, or are dealing with what it means to be in Stage 4, sharing how it feels can be part of your recovery. We want everyone to know that mental illnesses are real, that recovery is always the goal, and that the best prospects for recovery come when we act Before Stage 4 (B4Stage4).

Addressing mental illnesses B4Stage4 means more than burying feelings and refusing to talk about them, and waiting for symptoms to clear up on their own.

B4Stage4 means more than wishing that mental health problems aren’t real, and hoping that they will never get worse.

B4Stage4 means more than thinking that someone on the edge of a crisis will always pull himself or herself back without our help, and praying that someone else will intervene before a crisis occurs.

B4Stage4 means, in part, talking about what mental illnesses feel like, and then acting on that information. It means giving voice to feelings and fears, and to hopes and dreams. It means empowering people as agents of their own recovery. And it means changing the trajectories of our own lives for the better, and helping those we love change theirs. So let’s talk about what life with a mental illness feels like, to voice what we are feeling, and so others can know they are not alone.

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Did you know?

COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

According to the National Institutes of Health, sunprotective clothing can protect adults and children from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, exposure to which can cause skin cancer. Sun-protective clothing is typically made with fabrics designed to absorb or reflect ultraviolet, or UV, radiation. Much like sunscreen is rated for its sun-protection factor, or SPF, sun-protective clothing is given an ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF. UPF even provides a broader spectrum of protection than SPF, protecting from both ultraviolet A and B radiation, whereas SPF protects largely against ultraviolet B. Clothing with a UPF rating of 40 or greater provides excellent protection, blocking nearly 98 percent of UV radiation. Doctors recommend that people who are at greater risk of skin cancer, such as those with blue eyes, fair skin, a large number of moles, and red hair, wear sun-protective clothing when exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.

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COURTESY OF WEBMD.COM

Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer The sun's rays make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. But our love affair isn't a two-way street.

Exposure to sun causes most of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces.

Consider this: One woman at age 40 who has protected her skin from the sun actually has the skin of a 30year-old!

We often associate a glowing complexion with good health, but skin color obtained from being in the sun – or in a tanning booth – actually accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer.

Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin.

When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching.

The skin also bruises and tears more easily -taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you're young, it will definitely show later in life.

How Does the Sun Change My Skin?

Exposure to the sun causes: • Pre-cancerous (actinic keratosis) and cancerous (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) skin lesions - due to decreases in the skin's immune function • Benign tumors • Fine and coarse wrinkles • Freckles • Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation • Sallowness -- a yellow discoloration of the skin • Telangiectasias -- the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin

• Elastosis -- the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue (causing lines, wrinkles and sagging skin) What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the U.S. and the number of cases continues to rise.

It is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. This rapid growth results in tumors, which are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types and make up 95% of all skin cancers. Also referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancers, they are highly curable when treated early.

Melanoma, made up of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, is the most serious form of skin cancer and causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Left untreated, it can spread to other organs and is difficult to control.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the number-one cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tanning beds is just as harmful.

Exposure to sunlight during the winter months puts you at the same risk as exposure during the summertime, because UVA rays are present in daylight.

Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe sunburns, usually before age 18, can raise the risk of developing melanoma.

Other less common causes are repeated Xray exposure and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.

Who Is at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Although anyone can

get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair or freckled skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair. Darker skinned individuals are also susceptible to all types of skin cancer, although their risk is substantially lower.

Aside from complexion, other risk factors include having a family history or personal history of skin cancer, having an outdoor job and living in a sunny climate. A history of severe sunburns and an abundance (greater than 30) of large and irregularly-shaped moles are risk factors unique to melanoma.

What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, typically a new mole or skin lesion or a change in an existing mole.

• Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck, or as a flat pink, red or brown lesion on the trunk or arms and legs.

• Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly flat lesion that may bleed and become crusty.

Both basal cell and squamous cell cancers mainly occur on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, but can occur anywhere.

• Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump but can also be red or white. It may resemble a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular appearance.

When looking for melanoma, think of the ABCDE rule that tells you the signs to watch for: • Asymmetry - the shape of one half doesn't match the other

Squamous Cell Carcinoma • Border - edges are ragged or blurred • Color - uneven shades of brown, black, tan, red, white or blue • Diameter - A significant change in size (greater than 6mm), although any mole that is getting larger should

be brought to the attention of your dermatologist; many melanomas are being diagnosed at much smaller diameters.

• Evolving - any new spot or mole that is changing in color, shape or size.

How Can I Help Prevent Skin Cancer?

Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can somewhat repair itself, especially with on-going sun protection. So, it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. Your skin does change with age -- for example, you sweat less and your skin can take longer to heal, but you can delay these changes by staying out of the sun. Follow these tips to help prevent skin cancer: • Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater (for UVB protection) and zinc oxide (for UVA protection) 20 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours thereafter, more if you are sweating or swimming.

• Select clothing, cosmetic products, and contact lenses that offer UV protection.

• Wear sunglasses with total UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck.

• Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours (between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.).

• Perform skin self-exams regularly (at least monthly) to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths.

• Eighty percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child.

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How women can combat high cholesterol COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION

High cholesterol can dramatically affect a person’s long-term health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with high total cholesterol have approximately twice the risk of developing heart disease as people whose cholesterol levels are ideal. And contrary to what many people may think, women are no less susceptible to high cholesterol than men.

Cholesterol can be a confusing topic. Though cholesterol has a bad reputation, that stature can be somewhat misleading. That’s because there are two types of cholesterol, one of which actually reduces a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. Highdensity lipoprotein, often referred to as “HDL” or “good” cholesterol, absorbs low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol, or “LDL,” and carries it back to the liver, which then flushes it from the body. HDL accounts for a minority of the body’s cholesterol.

Unfortunately, the majority of cholesterol in the body is LDL, high levels of which can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

A 2015 report from the American Heart Association indicated that more than 73 million American adults have high LDL cholesterol. The 2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey found that, between 2009 and 2011, the number of Canadians with unhealthy levels of LDL increased significantly with age, with 40 percent of men and women between the ages of 40 and 59 suffering from unhealthy LDL levels.

Women may think that the presence of the female sex hormone estrogen can positively impact their cholesterol levels. While estrogen tends to raise HDL levels, its presence alone does not mean women are out of the woods with regard to cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. In fact, the CDC notes that heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women.

High LDL cholesterol levels do not mean women will automatically develop heart disease, but women who receive such a diagnosis should take the following steps to lower their LDL levels so they can live longer, healthier lives.

• Eat right. Avoid foods that are high in fat, especially saturated fats and trans fats. The AHA notes that foods that contain saturated fats contribute to high levels of LDL. Fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, lard and cream, butter, and cheese are just a few of the foods that contain saturated fats. Those foods all come from animal sources, but many baked goods and fried foods are also high in saturated fat and should be avoided.

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are hearthealthy foods that can help women lower their LDL levels and reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease.

• Exercise regularly. Routine physical activity can help women lower their LDL levels, especially when such exercise is combined with a healthy diet. The Office on Women’s Health recommends women get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. Speak with your physician to learn which exercises are most appropriate for someone in your condition. Women who want to do more than aerobic activity can still meet their exercise requirements by combining moderate and vigorous cardiovascular exercise with muscle-strengthening activities two or more days per week.

• Quit smoking. Smoking can accelerate the damage already being done by high cholesterol.

While research does not indicate that smoking directly impacts LDL levels, the toxins produced and inhaled from cigarettes can modify existing LDL, making it more likely to cause inflammation.

Cholesterol does not discriminate, and women need to be just as mindful as men when monitoring their total cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers COURTESY OF MAYOCLINIC.ORG

Diet can play an important role in lowering your cholesterol. Here are the top foods to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart.

By Mayo Clinic Staff Can a bowl of oatmeal help lower your cholesterol? How about a handful of walnuts or an avocado? A few simple tweaks to your diet — like these, along with exercise and other heart-healthy habits — might help you lower your cholesterol.

• Halibut You should bake or grill the fish to avoid adding unhealthy fats. If you don't like fish, you can also get small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as ground flaxseed or canola oil.

You can take an omega-3 or fish oil supplement to get some of the benefits, but you won't get other nutrients in fish, such as selenium. If you decide to take a supplement, talk to your doctor about how much you should take.

Walnuts, almonds and other nuts

Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes.

Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your total and LDL cholesterol.

Eating 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber. If you add fruit, such as bananas, you'll add about 4 more grams of fiber. To mix it up a little, try steel-cut oatmeal or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.

Fish and omega-3 fatty acids Eating fatty fish can be heart healthy because of its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your blood pressure and risk of developing blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — may reduce the risk of sudden death.

Although omega-3 fatty acids don't affect LDL levels, because of their other heart benefits, the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in: • Mackerel • Lake trout • Herring • Sardines • Albacore tuna • Salmon

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Walnuts, almonds and other tree nuts can improve blood cholesterol. Rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy.

Eating about a handful (1.5 ounces, or 42.5 grams) a day of most nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachio nuts and walnuts, may reduce your risk of heart disease. Make sure the nuts you eat aren't salted or coated with sugar.

All nuts are high in calories, so a handful will do. To avoid eating too many nuts and gaining weight, replace foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, meat or croutons in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.

Avocados Avocados are a potent source of nutrients as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). According to a recent study, adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL levels in people who are overweight or obese.

People tend to be most familiar with avocados in guacamole, which usually is eaten with high-fat corn chips. Try adding avocado slices to salads and sandwiches or eating them as a side dish. Also try guacamole with raw cut vegetables, such as cucumber slices.

Replacing saturated fats, such as those found in meats, with MUFAs are part of what makes the Mediterranean diet heart healthy.

How to pick where to go for medical attention (Family Features) When unexpected health mishaps arise, many people's first reaction is to head to an emergency room. But when those illnesses and injuries aren't true emergencies, not knowing the best option for care can end up costing both time and money.

So how can you know where to go when medical attention is needed?

Urgency or emergency?

Urgent care centers provide a way to keep up with patients' daily healthcare needs, serving as a vital link between the emergency room and primary care physicians.

"Urgent care is growing across the country because it provides patients with an alternative to the emergency room, which can be too costly and time-consuming for situations like common illnesses and minor injuries," said Dr. Robert Kimball, president of the board of directors, Urgent Care Association of America (UCAOA). "While ERs are best equipped to handle lifethreatening illnesses and injuries, it's important that patients are aware that there are more affordable options available for less serious situations."

Due to shorter wait times - 90 percent of urgent care centers offer a wait time of 30 minutes or less, according to the 2015 UCAOA Benchmarking Survey and much lower prices, urgent care centers are a more convenient and affordable option than, but not a substitute for, an emergency room.

When care is needed for true emergency situations, such as heart attacks, strokes, major bleeding or severe burns, it's vital to go to an emergency room immediately, as urgent care centers are not equipped or designed to treat life- or limbthreatening conditions.

Dollars and sense When patients visit an emergency room for a nonemergency, they risk incurring a substantial financial loss.

Emergency rooms are more expensive, charging an average of $1,300 for treatment of nonlife-threatening situations, while urgent care centers charge an average of just $150, according to a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Plus, 27 percent of all emergency room visits could take place at an urgent care center, which would save American consumers approximately $4.4 billion annually, according to "Health Affairs." Additionally, many insurance plans feature lower co-pays for urgent care services than treatment in an emergency room.

Understanding the options "With a growing variety of facilities available, patients need to take care to understand their options," Kimball said.

"The rise of free-standing emergency rooms is especially concerning because they look like urgent care centers. While they may seem convenient at the time, the emergency room prices can cause sticker shock for patients who aren't aware of the distinction."

Free-standing emergency rooms are not physically connected to a hospital and are located in areas similar to urgent care centers, so it can be easy to confuse the two. A freestanding emergency room will offer emergency care - and charge emergency room prices.

Patients should be sure to confirm the type of facility they're visiting, as treatment at a free-standing ER may cost thousands of dollars more than an urgent care center.

To find a conveniently located urgent care center near you, visit whereisurgentcare.com.

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TEEN PREGNANCY Facts and Prevention

COURTESY OF CDC.GOV

Help your teen make healthy choices about sex.

Sexual development is a normal part of the teen years. Your teen needs your help in understanding his or her feelings, peer pressure, and how to say no if he or she does not want to have sex. If your teen starts having sex, he or she needs to know how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Teens want to talk with their parents about sex and relationships.

Parents have a strong impact on whether a teenager makes healthy decisions for himself or herself. This goes for making healthy decisions about sex, as well. Research shows that teens who talk with their parents about sex, relationships, birth control and pregnancy— • Begin to have sex at later age.

• Use condoms and birth control more often if they do have sex.

• Have better communication with romantic partners.

• Have sex less often.

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The Importance of Prevention

COURTESY OF CDC.GOV

Teen pregnancy and childbearing bring substantial social and economic costs through immediate and longterm impacts on teen parents and their children.

In 2010, teen pregnancy and childbirth accounted for at least $9.4 billion in costs to U.S. taxpayers for increased health care and foster care, increased incarceration rates among children of teen parents, and lost tax revenue because of lower educational

attainment and income among teen mothers.4 Pregnancy and birth are significant contributors to high school drop out rates among girls. Only about 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by 22 years of age, versus approximately 90% of women who had not given birth during adolescence.5 The children of teenage mothers are more likely to have lower school

achievement and drop out of high school, have more health problems, be incarcerated at some time during adolescence, give birth as a teenager, and face unemployment as a young adult.6 These effects remain for the teen mother and her child even after adjusting for those factors that increased the teenager’s risk for pregnancy, such as growing up in poverty, having parents with low

levels of education, growing up in a single-parent family, and having poor performance in school.6 4.National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, Counting It Up: The Public Costs of Teen Childbearing 2013.

Accessed May 21, 2014.

5.Perper K, Peterson K, Manlove J. Diploma Attainment Among Teen Mothers.

Child Trends, Fact Sheet Publication #201001: Washington, DC:Child Trends; 2010.

6.Hoffman SD. Kids Having Kids: Economic Costs and Social Consequences of Teen Pregnancy. Washington, DC: The Urban Institute Press; 2008.

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Ultraviolet Rays Can Be Harmful to Eyes, Lead to Cataract or Macular Degeneration

Prevent Blindness Educates Public on Ultraviolet Dangers as Part of Ultraviolet Awareness Month in May COURTESY OF PREVENTBLINDNESS.ORG

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has declared May as UV (ultraviolet) Awareness Month to help educate the public on the dangers of UV and steps to take to protect vision today and in the future. UV damage to the eyes can be immediate, such as a corneal sunburn, and cumulative, including cataract and macular degeneration.

According to a new survey by Transitions®, Millennials are most likely to simply go without sunglasses to combat the change in weather conditions, leaving their eyes exposed to harmful UV rays. And, half say they go without shades even when they need them, compared to 38 percent of Gen Xers and 28 percent of Baby Boomers.

Prevent Blindness offers these tips on how to keep your future bright with protection from UV: Speak with an eyecare professional to ensure the proper UV eye protection is being used.

Always wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

(Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the

pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays.)

Wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays in conjunction with a brimmed hat.

Use wrap-around sunglasses —they do the best job of protecting the eyes and the skin around the eyes.

Although some contact lenses may offer UV protection, they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it.

Sunglasses, especially for children, should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate for active lifestyles.

Ask your doctor about prescription medication that may cause increased sensitivity to light. According to AllAboutVision.com, certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, can increase your body's sensitivity to UV and high-energy visible (HEV) radiation.

“When enjoying the outdoors, whether on the water, the sand, on pavement or even in the snow, we need to remember to protect our eyes from harmful UV ray exposure,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “By

taking the necessary steps today, we can help our healthy vision in the future!”

For more information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to choose the best UV protection, please visit the Prevent Blindness dedicated Web page at http://www.preventblindness.org/protectyour-eyes-sun or call (800) 331-2020.

May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month

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Spotlight on

Preeclampsia

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month

Courtesy of Mayo Clinic

Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown. Experts believe it begins in the placenta — the organ that nourishes the fetus throughout pregnancy. Early in pregnancy, new blood vessels develop and evolve to efficiently send blood to the placenta. In women with preeclampsia, these blood vessels don't seem to develop properly.

They're narrower than normal blood vessels and react differently to hormonal signaling, which limits the amount of blood that can flow through them.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman whose blood pressure had been normal. Even a slight rise in blood pressure may be a sign of preeclampsia.

Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both you and your baby. If you have preeclampsia, the only cure is delivery of your baby.

If you're diagnosed with preeclampsia too early in your pregnancy to deliver your baby, you and your doctor face a challenging task. Your baby needs more time to mature, but you need to avoid putting yourself or your baby at risk of serious complications.

Preeclampsia sometimes develops without any symptoms. High blood pressure may develop slowly, but more commonly it has a sudden onset. Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of prenatal care because the first sign of preeclampsia is commonly a rise in blood pressure. Blood pressure that is 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater — documented on two occasions, at least four hours apart — is abnormal.

Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia may include: • Excess protein in your urine (proteinuria) or additional signs of

kidney problems • Severe headaches • Changes in vision, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision or light sensitivity • Upper abdominal pain, usually under your ribs on the right side • Nausea or vomiting • Decreased urine output • Decreased levels of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia) • Impaired liver function • Shortness of breath, caused by fluid in your lungs Sudden weight gain and swelling (edema) — particularly in your face and hands — often accompanies preeclampsia. But these things also occur in many normal pregnancies, so they're not considered reliable signs of preeclampsia.

When to see a doctor Make sure you attend your prenatal visits so that your care provider can monitor your blood pressure. Contact your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if you have severe headaches, blurred vision, severe pain in your abdomen or severe shortness of breath.

Because headaches, nausea, and aches and pains are common pregnancy complaints, it's difficult to know when new symptoms are simply part of being pregnant and when they may indicate a serious problem — especially if it's your first pregnancy. If you're concerned about your symptoms, contact your doctor.

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Causes of this abnormal development may include: • Insufficient blood flow to the uterus • Damage to the blood vessels • A problem with the immune system • Certain genes Other high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy • Preeclampsia is classified as one of four high blood pressure disorders that can occur during pregnancy. The other three are: • Gestational hypertension.

Women with gestational hypertension have high blood pressure but no excess protein in their urine or other signs of organ damage. Some women with gestational hypertension eventually develop preeclampsia.

• Chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that was present before pregnancy or that occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy. But because high blood pressure usually doesn't have symptoms, it may be hard to determine when it began.

• Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia. This condition occurs in women who have chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy who then develop worsening high blood pressure and protein in the urine or other health complications during pregnancy.

3rd Annual Cordele Badges for Life Blood Drive In Memory of Ray Lunsford

The Most Important Supplement for our Time Submitted by Sayles Unlimited Health Promotions, Tifton, Ga. www.saylesunlimited.com

With every breath we take and every morsel of food we eat, our body obtains energy. Unfortunately, as our cells metabolize food and harness its energy, they also create dangerous byproducts knows as free radicals. These highly reactive and toxic free radicals cause what is known as oxidative stress.

Within our genes are encoded the tools to fight off oxidative stress and eliminate free radicals.

These tools are proteins, including antioxidant enzymes that are designed to protect our bodies from oxidative stress. There are hundreds of genes involved in controlling each of these processes, which scientist call “survival genes.”

One of these gene activators is Nrf2, which tells our bodies which genes to turn up and down. However, as we age, our bodies make less Nrf2 and consequently, activate survival genes less often. The older we get, the higher the oxidative stress.

Thankfully, a Nrf2 Synergizer®, has come to the rescue. Protandim induces protective genes in cells by activating the Nrf2 pathway. In this approach, every enzyme molecule can eliminate up to 1 million free radicals per one Protandim tablet. The stimulation of Nrf2 offers a promising hope against the effects of free radicals.

When Nrf2 is triggered, it enters the cell nucleus and turns on hundreds of survival genes. When these genes are activated, cells become better prepared to survive the onslaught of oxidative stress. Nrf2 regulates more than 2,000 of the body’s estimated 25,000 genes.

Made from five natural plant ingredients, Protandim is the only supplement clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress in humans

by an average of 40 percent in 30 days. It is more potent than any food or other antioxidant supplement. To illustrate, you would need to eat 375 oranges, drink 87 glasses of red wine or take about 120 vitamin C tablets a day to do what one tablet of Protandim does. Broccoli has a Nrf2 activator component as well, but you would have to eat half a pound of broccoli a day to equal one Protandim.

Protandim continues to be validated by studies in reputable universities. Since 2005, independent, peerreviewed studies have been conducted at universities such as the University of Colorado Denver, Louisiana State University, Ohio State University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

These studies have been published in well-respected medical journals such as Free Radical Biology & Medicine and Enzyme Research. How significant is Protandim? In the words of the scientist behind Protandim Dr. Joe McCord, it is “arguably the most important supplement of our time.”

Anyone who wants to verify this information may do so at the Do the research at the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Health, found at www.pubmed.gov.

And watch the ABC Primetime report on Protandim at www.abcliveit.com . These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. To order Protandim, contact a local independent distributor or find one by following Sayles Unlimited Health Promotions on Facebook.

For more information on Nrf2, visit nrf2science.com.

(Cordele, GA. April 26, 2016) The Cordele-Crisp County Public Safety Agencies are hosting their 3rd Annual Badges for Life Blood Drive in memory Robert Raymond “Ray” Lunsford, Chief of Crisp County Fire Rescue, who passed away on November 7, 2015.

First responders are very aware of the vital need for blood donations. That’s why Cordele and Crisp County Public Safety Agencies are banning together to give the gift of life at the 3rd Annual Badges for Life blood drive and invite the public to join them.

Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Photo ID is required. To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type visit oneblood.org.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. Blood that is donated today will likely be transfused into a patient within two to three days. The turn-around is that fast, the need is constant.

OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 200 hospital partners and their patients throughout most of Florida, parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. The OneBlood name is a constant reminder of the collective power we share to save another person’s life.

Badges for Life Blood Drive In Memory Of Ray Lunsford 11AM - 6PM Monday, May 9, 2016 Cordele Community Club House 108 15th Street Cordele, GA 31015 For Appointments Visit oneblooddonor.org Use Sponsor Code 26595 or call 1.888.9.DONATE (1.888.936.6283) Appointments Honored, Walk-Ins Welcome May 2016 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 23

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24 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | May 2016