How to Help Prevent the Spread of Germs this Cold and Flu Season
By d-mars.com
Chilly temperatures and winter weather aren't the only burdens that come with this time of year - it's also the peak of cold and flu season. Cold and flu germs can lurk on hundreds of common surfaces we encounter daily, and according to the CDC, the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on a surface.
A holistic germ prevention strategy is one of the most effective ways to help stop the spread of illness-causing germs.
Establish a "Drop Zone"
Along with high-touch surfaces, germs can be brought home from work and school on items like lunchboxes, reusable water bottles and work bags traveling back and forth. To help mitigate bringing germs home, establish a "drop zone" or a designated place to leave shoes, backpacks and other outside items so that germs don't get tracked through the house.
Practice
Good Hand Hygiene
Reset After Someone in your Household is Sick
If you or someone in your household is sick, stay home from work or school to help reduce the chance of others getting sick and prioritize rest and fluids to recuperate. If you are a parent with a sick kid, try your best to get a good night's sleep as much as you're able, wash your hands after providing care and disinfect communal surfaces that can harbor germs.
HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS:
Disinfect High-Touch and High-Traffic
Surfaces
You likely come into contact with certain high-touch and high-traffic areas in your home multiple times daily that can harbor germs. Think of countertops, doorknobs, light switches and toilet handles, for example. Disinfect these areas regularly with a disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses when used as directed on hard, non-porous surfaces. With any disinfecting product, make sure you follow the product label instructions to ensure you're using it correctly and effectively.
Washing your hands is a simple and effective way to help stay healthy. Make sure to wash your hands often, especially when you are likely to get and spread germs after being in a public place, before or after preparing or eating food, going to the bathroom or coughing and sneezing into your hands. To make sure you're washing your hands thoroughly, lather your hands including your fingers and under your nails with soap and scrub with warm water for at least 20 seconds - or the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
Take
Care of your Holistic Health
Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and exercising regularly all contribute to your overall immune system. Prioritizing sleep is also an important part of maintaining your immune system, especially when you feel under the weather, because it helps the immune system to repair and rest.
How to Recognize and Treat Sleep Apnea
Once your household has recovered, reset your home. Disinfect hot spots in shared spaces and in the infected individual's room such as doorknobs, light switches and faucet handles. Wash dirty clothing and linens, and to sanitize - or reduce bacteria in laundry - you can add bleach to your wash load of bleach-safe clothing, towels and linens. You can also sanitize dishes after washing them with a bleach and water solution.
Follow CDC Guidance
Lastly, the CDC provides up-to-date guidance on vaccines like the flu shot, prevention tactics and different virus trends in your area. Check the CDC's website to stay up to date on the latest information and guidance.
Maintaining a holistic strategy can help you and your household navigate cold and flu season with ease.
Source: Brandpoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
By d-mars.com
o you snore? You may be tempted to dismiss it as an annoying but nonserious condition. You may even have a family history of snoring or think of it as an unavoidable side effect of aging. However, snoring is often the first sign of sleep apnea.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to repeatedly stop and start breathing. If you snore or feel tired even after adequate sleep, you may have sleep apnea. If left untreated, the condition can have a major impact on your health and quality of life.
How sleep apnea affects you
Sleep apnea can affect your life on a daily basis. For example, because of the lack of quality sleep, you can experience daytime drowsiness, which can increase your risk of a car or workplace accident. You may also feel
irritable and have difficulty concentrating.
Also, sleep apnea can increase your risk of other health conditions. According to the National Council on Aging, these conditions include:
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Liver problems
• Sexual dysfunction
How can you treat sleep apnea?
There are several sleep apnea treatments. A safe, effective and simple treatment option to consider is a custom oral appliance therapy (OAT) device. OATs are comfortable, easy to use and work well to treat sleep apnea in a nonintrusive manner. When the mouthpiece is inserted, it holds your jaw or tongue in a stable position, opening your airway to help you breathe during sleep.
Another sleep apnea treatment you may be familiar with is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP opens your airway and provides constant, steady air pressure through a mask to help you breathe while you sleep.
Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may recommend hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS). This treatment requires surgery to implant a device that stimulates a nerve under the tongue to keep the airway open.
CPAP and HNS can be effective sleep apnea treatments. That said, they are invasive and are associated with some health risks. Recently, certain CPAP machines have been recalled because of reports of serious injuries. An HNS implant was also recently recalled because of electrical malfunctions that rendered the device ineffective and dangerous to users.
Why you should choose Oral Appliance Therapy
Before you try CPAP or HNS, consider ask-
ing your doctor to prescribe you a custom OAT. A custom OAT is fitted to your mouth and engineered to precisely track your treatment plan and unique anatomy. With the help of a sleep physician and a qualified sleep dentist, you can get fitted for a custom device to address your sleep apnea symptoms.
There are over-the-counter OATs that you can purchase online or at your local pharmacy. However, these devices are not as effective at managing sleep apnea as custom devices. When prescribing an OAT, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends using a custom product over a non-custom appliance. The academy's research suggests that custom OATs increase oxygen saturation to a greater extent than non-custom OAs. Furthermore, treatment with custom oral devices is a covered benefit for most medical insurance plans and Medicare. The over-the-counter OATs are not covered.
It's time to take control of your sleep!
Source: Brandpoint
Looking to Up Your Fitness in the New Year? Experts Say Tech Can Help
By d-mars.com
From wearables to apps, New Year's fitness resolutions are getting a tech boost that's catching on.
At the beginning of every year, many make a familiar pledge: to get fit.
For nearly half of all U.S. adults who make fitness-related resolutions, experts say technology such as wearable devices and apps can be key to keeping this pledge.
Technology has really been adapted and modified to be appealing to a wide genre of those who love to exercise.
Your Goals, Your Way
There's no one-size-fits-all for fitness technology. Experts say you should start with an assessment of what you value and what your fitness goals are. Whether you're planning to run an ultramarathon or signing up for your first gym membership, there's something for everyone to keep their resolutions.
There are several wearable devices that can track things like heart rate, calories, steps, and more, There are also mobile
apps and services to track daily physical activity behaviors.
Beginners can start with mobile apps that come with quick and simple workouts - and if they value aesthetics, they can invest in wearables that also serve as fashion pieces.
Physical activity tracking devices have historically been geared to sport-specific athletes, particularly in running and cycling. However, they have now expanded to outdoor sports like hiking, climbing and swimming, and we're even starting to see tech for things like flexibility and mobility training.
The expansion of these technologies is leading to a shift back to basic fitness practices with a focus on everyday activities and movements, such as time spent standing, daily steps, breathing and meditation, rather than specific, structured exercise routines.
The fitness technology market has grown as more people turn to apps to support their goals.
Experts expect the mobile apps and wearable device markets to continue to grow in 2025. The next frontier is integrating these technologies into
health care in the future, allowing for more holistic treatment plans and monitoring capabilities.
Make It Personal
Choosing new fitness technology is a personal decision based on individual values and priorities. Now, artificial intelligence is taking personalization even further by creating workout plans tailored to an individual's unique data.
AI is generating these customizable workouts for your home gym, for on-the-go, your travel, and for those that are short on time.
Wearable tech, mobile apps and AI can be even more supercharged with human input, experts say. Consult with an exercise professional or a medical provider before embarking on a new fitness regimen or making significant changes based on their wearable technology data.
Social support is the key factor in helping people change their behavior, so supplement the benefits from wearable devices and mobile apps by seeking out peers and professionals. Don’t rely on technology so much that it creates a barrier to reaching your goals, like skipping a workout because your smartwatch ran out of battery.
With all the innovations that promise to up performance and get people moving, there's never been a better time to conquer your fitness goals. So, as you transition into 2025, remember: Fitness technology can give you a push, but the most important piece of equipment is your willpower, and all it takes is the first step. You've got this!
Source: Brandpoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
Ways to Prioritize Mental Wellness this Year
By d-mars.com
The new year means resolutions, reflection and recharging. It's a fresh start, a time when new, healthier habits seem possible. This year, along with eating healthier and exercising more, prioritize your mental wellness. Hit reset and take steps to clear your mind to feel focused, energized and ready to tackle the new year ahead.
Here are top tips for achieving mental clarity and starting the year off with your best foot forward.
Declutter your space
You'd be surprised by how much an organized home and workspace matter to your psyche. As you clear that clutter, you're clearing your mind, too. A neat and tidy home can reduce your stress.
Start small by tackling one drawer or surface at a time and consider donating or recycling items you no longer need to create a sense of accomplishment while helping others. A decluttered space also allows for easier cleaning and creates a more welcoming environment for yourself and others.
Unplug
Make a resolution to take a break from technology every now and then. Constant screen time, with the overwhelming amount of information coming at us every day, can lead to stress and anxiety. Breaks from technology give your mind time to recharge.
Begin by setting boundaries, such as designated "no-phone" zones like the dining table or bedroom, and experiment with "digital detox" days where you disconnect completely. Replace screen time with activities that nurture your well-being, like journaling, reading a book, or spending
time with loved ones in person.
Connect with nature
While you're unplugged, find some time to get outside, whether it's a quiet moment in a park, walking the dog through your neighborhood or simply enjoying fresh air. Numerous studies show that people who spend even a small amount of time in green spaces have reduced anxiety, stress and depression.
Prioritize sleep
Unplugging and getting outside will help with your sleep, too. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities like reading or listening to soft music.
In order to get the best night's sleep possible, avoid caffeine or heavy meals a few hours before bed to give your body the best chance at relaxation, create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom
cool, dark, and quiet and limit screen time at least an hour before bed.
Eat more foods that contain nutrients that will support brain function
Incorporating foods like eggs, fatty fish and whole grains that contain nutrients to support brain function and mood can also regulate your mental well-being. Vitamin B5 helps maintain a healthy digestive system and assists the body in using other vitamins, especially Vitamin B2, which helps manage stress.
Create a consistent morning routine
To make the most of your mornings in the new year, start with setting intentional habits, like light stretching, journaling or enjoying a nutritious breakfast.
Source: Brandpoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
By
January marks the beginning of a fresh chapter, and with it comes Mental Wellness Month—a perfect reminder to focus on your mental health. Mental Wellness Month is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the vital connection between emotional and physical health. It’s a time to shine a light on the current state of mental health in the U.S., break down stigmas, and share valuable resources for those who need support.
Life can surprise us with challenges when we least expect them. You might face tough situations that keep you on edge. Finding joy and happiness can feel hard, especially when dealing with financial problems, work stress, relationship issues, or other struggles. These difficul ties can feel overwhelming.
Even positive changes can sometimes feel overwhelming. A job promotion with a bigger office and higher salary sounds great, but it also brings more responsibilities that may be stressful. Similarly, becoming a new parent is a wonderful gift, but the sleepless nights, constant feedings, and shift to parenting can feel heavy. Whether changes are exciting or challenging, they often come with mixed emotions, highlighting the need to take care of your mental and emotional well-being.
Mental health challenges affect millions worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that roughly one in four people globally would experience a mental health condition in 2024. In the U.S. alone, approximately 46.6 million adults face mental illness in any given year. Additionally, one in six youths (ages 6–17) experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—juggling so much that it sometimes felt like I was about to boil over. When things get hectic, I’ve learned a few strategies to help me manage those challenging days. Prioritization is key, especially on days when everyone seems to need something simultaneously. I love being an entrepreneur, but with more success comes more
Dawn Paul a.k.a. The Dr. Dawn® News Provider
demands, tighter deadlines, and occasional sleepless nights.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
I used to say “yes” to everything—more projects meant more income and staying competitive—but working nonstop drained me. Lack of sleep and constant stress meant I couldn’t put my best foot forward. Over time, I learned it’s okay to say “no” and not feel bad about it. Setting realistic deadlines, being clear about expectations, and avoiding overcommitting have become my go-to practices. Listening to my body is also crucial. When I need a break, I take one—whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or a quick shopping trip to snag a bargain (yes, Ross is one of my happy places).
Surrounding myself with positive people and maintaining healthy boundaries has made a world of difference. I’ve realized I don’t need to answer every email or text the moment it comes through. Protecting my peace is worth it. Also, I’ve learned to focus on projects that align with my values and bring purpose to my work—no more saying yes just for the money.
And most importantly, I rely on my faith to keep me grounded. If you need some verses to reflect on during those overwhelming times, read Psalm 61:2 and Philippians 4:6 for encouragement and Jesus’ strength.
I’ve shared a bit about what works for me, but when it comes to your mental well-being, it’s all about finding what feels right for you. Self-care is personal—what works for one person might not work for another. Take the time to explore, experiment, and discover the practices that truly make you feel your best. It’s okay if it takes some trial and error to figure out what truly brings you joy and balance.
HERE ARE A FEW SELF-CARE TIPS FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH):
+ Exercise regularly
A short daily walk can improve your mood and health. Even small amounts of activity help.
+ Eat and hydrate well
Have balanced meals and drink plenty of water. Limit caffeine and alcohol if they negatively affect you.
+ Prioritize sleep
Follow a sleep routine, and limit screen time before bed to improve rest.
+ Relax
Try activities like meditation, breathing exercises, or anything that calms you.
+ Set goals
Focus on what’s important, don’t overcommit, and celebrate small wins.
+ Practice gratitude
Daily, note or think about things you’re thankful for.
+ Stay positive
Challenge negative thoughts for a better outlook.
+ Connect with others
Lean on friends and family for emotional and practical support.
Self-care is about doing things that improve your physical and mental well-being. It helps reduce stress, boost energy, and lower the risk of illness. Even small daily habits can make a big difference.
WHEN
SHOULD YOU CONSIDER SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP?
According to NIMH, it’s important to reach out if you’re experiencing significant symptoms that persist for two weeks or more. These may include difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite or unexplained weight fluctuations, trouble getting out of bed due to your mood, problems with concentration, loss of interest in activities you typically enjoy, struggles to complete routine tasks, or feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness. To get started, speak with your primary care provider. They can connect you with a qualified mental health professional who can guide you on the next steps toward improving your well-being.
Once again, I’d like to ask—how are you?
Your mental health and well-being are important and deserve your attention. Remember, prioritizing self-care is an act of strength, not selfishness. Happy 2025! Much love! Stay blessed!
Source(s): NAMI, World Health Organization, BetterHelp, NIMH
Dawn Paul, also known as The Dr. Dawn®, is an award-winning media personality, public speaker, certified life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She has extensive experience in writing, reporting, and editing for the Black press.
The University
of Houston
continues to grow not just in student population but also in the construction of new buildings such as the John M. O’ Quinn Law Building and Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
UH’s facilities growth includes the continuous need to procure a variety of non-construction goods and services, all of which undergirds UH’s recognition as an institutional “Powerhouse.”
By Stacy M. Brown News Provider
.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued an advisory linking alcohol consumption to an increased risk of cancer, calling for updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform consumers better. Alcohol is listed as one of the leading preventable causes of cancer in the United States, contributing to 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths each year.
UCurrent warning labels on alcoholic beverages focus on general health risks, impaired driving, and pregnancy-related concerns but omit the established connection to cancer. Dr. Murthy urged Congress to mandate updated labels that
address the cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption—a move like requirements for cigarette packaging.
Research Confirms Alcohol-Cancer Connection
Decades of research confirm that alcohol is causally linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, colorectal, and throat cancers. For example, studies show that consuming even one drink daily raises the risk of breast cancer by 10% compared to non-drinkers, while the risk of mouth cancer increases by 40% for the same level of consumption.
The advisory explains that the lifetime risk of breast cancer for women rises from 11.3% for those drinking less than one drink per week to 13.1% for those consuming one daily and 15.3% for two daily beverages. Among men, the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers increases from 10% with less than one drink per week to 11.4% for one drink daily
Former Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Final Rule to Remove Medical Debt from Credit Reports
By Stacy M. Brown News Provider
Fand 13% for two daily beverages.
The Surgeon General noted that cancer risk increases with higher alcohol consumption but added that even low levels of drinking are not without risk. Health officials have noted that there is no safe limit for alcohol consumption, which aligns with the World Health Organization’s findings.
Mechanisms Behind Alcohol-Related Cancers
The surgeon general’s advisory notes several ways in which alcohol contributes to cancer development. Dr. Murthy noted that alcohol breaks down in the body into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that damages DNA and interferes with cellular repair processes. He said it generates reactive oxygen species, leading to inflammation and further DNA damage. Additionally, alcohol alters hormone levels, including estrogen, which plays a role in breast cancer development.
Alcohol’s interaction with tobacco also increases the absorption of carcinogens, compounding the risk for cancers of the mouth and throat. These biological pathways are consistent across different types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits.
Global Perspective and Recommendations
Globally, alcohol was linked to over 740,000 cancer cases in 2020. While countries such as South Korea and Ireland have begun implementing cancer-specific warnings on alcohol labels, the United States lags. Ireland, for instance, reportedly plans to introduce labels by 2026 stating a direct connection between alcohol and fatal cancers.
Dr. Murthy recommended strengthening public education campaigns to increase awareness of the risks associated with alcohol. He also encouraged healthcare providers to inform patients about these risks and incorporate alcohol screening into routine care.
“Many people assume that drinking within current guidelines of one drink daily for women and two for men is safe, but the evidence does not support that assumption,” Dr. Murthy said. “Less is better when it comes to reducing cancer risk.”
Source: NNPA Newswire
forts are part of a broader push to reduce the financial strain caused by medical emergencies, with jurisdictions projected to eliminate roughly $15 billion in medical debt for up to six million individuals.
ormer Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule to eliminate medical debt from consumer credit reports. The White House explained in a release that the action would remove $49 billion in unpaid medical bills, benefiting 15 million Americans by raising credit scores and improving access to home loans, cars, and small businesses.
Administration officials further noted that states and localities have already leveraged funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to eliminate over $1 billion in medical debt for more than 700,000 Americans. These ef-
“No one should be denied economic opportunity because they got sick or experienced a medical emergency. That is why we have worked to cancel more than $1 billion in medical debt with support from the American Rescue Plan,” Harris remarked during the announcement. “This final rule ensures that medical debt will no longer be included in credit scores, transforming the financial futures of millions.”
Medical debt remains the largest source of debt in collections, surpassing credit card, utility, and auto loan debt combined. The CFPB has reported that medical bills are often riddled with errors and inflated charges, making them a poor indicator of an individual’s creditworthiness. Officials added that the rule would remove medical debt from credit reports, building on earlier changes by major credit agencies that excluded specific categories of medical debt.
According to administration data, jurisdictions including Cook County, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; and New Jersey have relieved hundreds of millions in medical debt for residents. For example, Cook County eliminated $382 million in debt for over 210,000 individuals. North Carolina recently launched an initiative to forgive up to $4
billion in medical debt for nearly two million residents, ensuring hospitals adopt policies that reduce the risk of future debt while improving financial assistance systems.
The Biden-Harris Administration also implemented broader reforms to address the root causes of medical debt, including enforcing requirements for tax-exempt hospitals to provide financial assistance, simplifying debt forgiveness processes for veterans, and protecting consumers from surprise medical bills.
“This unprecedented rule reflects our commitment to lowering costs and creating pathways to financial stability for families across the nation,” Harris stated.
Source: NNPA Newswire (Edited by d-mars.com)
ANESTHESIOLOGISTS LEAD THE WAY IN THE PREVENTION OF POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM
As the physician leaders in your care before, during and after surgery, anesthesiologists play a crucial role in preventing postoperative delirium. Launched by ASA in 2015, the Perioperative Brain Health Initiative focuses on improving care for older adults with memory or thinking problems by supporting better brain recovery after surgery. It offers best practices, guidelines, a frailty toolkit for care teams, and patient education on postoperative delirium, including suggestions for talking to your anesthesiologist and advice for preparing for surgery.
Additionally, ASA's journal, Anesthesiology, recently published new evidence-based recommendations for strategies that healthcare professionals may consider, including:
Expanding preoperative evaluation
Older adults scheduled for inpatient surgery may benefit from preoperative evaluation to assess for frailty or cognitive impairment. At-risk patients can receive care in advance of the surgery from a multidisciplinary care team, visits from a geriatric doctor or nurse and education on postoperative delirium.
Choosing the type of anesthesia
Anesthesiologists and patients should work together to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for that patient, based on the surgery they're having.
Prescribing medication to reduce risk
Anesthesiologists may consider prescribing the sedative dexmedetomidine to older patients having inpatient procedures because it's less likely to cause postoperative delirium than other commonly used sedatives.
Minimizing the use of other medications
Anesthesiologists should evaluate the risks and benefits of medications for anxiety, mental health issues and pain that may cause central nervous system effects in older adults, since they may increase the likelihood of postoperative delirium.
Patients Can Help Reduce Their Risk Too
While anesthesiologists are factoring in those strategies, you can reduce the risk that you (or your loved one) will have postoperative delirium by:
Partnering with your anesthesiologist
he "silver tsunami" of people 65 and older combined with the uptick in surgeries during the winter months is creating the perfect storm for a sometimes-overlooked issue - postoperative delirium. More common in older people, postoperative delirium can cause symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, or agitation that are usually temporary, but can lead to longer hospital stays and are associated with postoperative cognitive decline. However, if you or a loved one are 65 or older and having surgery, there are ways to reduce the risk, starting with talking to your anesthesiologist before the procedure.
Various factors can increase the risk of postoperative delirium, including the body's response to surgery, frailty and underlying medical conditions. This condition is a growing problem, considering the aging population and older adults account for more than 40% of surgeries. It affects anywhere from 5% to 52% of older adults, depending on the type of surgery and the patient's age, and the rate increases steadily with age, nearly doubling every 15 years.
"Anesthesiologists play a key role in bringing awareness to postoperative delirium and discovering ways to reduce it," said Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). "Partnering with your anesthesiologist to let them know if you have health issues or other concerns is an important first step to reducing your risk."
ASA is dedicated to safeguarding patients from delirium after procedures requiring anesthesia, through its Perioperative Brain Health Initiative and by providing evidence-based strategies for health professionals and recommendations for patients.
When meeting with your anesthesiologist before surgery, be sure to discuss the following, which will help them create the best care plan for you:* Any health problems or pre-existing conditions should be communicated to the anesthesia care team.
The medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements or those for anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or sleep, which can affect your nervous system.
If you have cognitive issues such as memory or thinking problems, including if you have ever experienced these issues after anesthesia.
• Undergoing a pre-surgery cognitive test - Ask the doctor to conduct a pre-surgery cognitive test, which can be used to determine your risks for developing ongoing cognitive problems after surgery.
• Having a recovery pal - A family member or friend should stay with you during recovery to help orient you and report any signs of postoperative delirium to your doctor right away.
• Making the recovery environment as familiar as possible - Ask that your hearing aids or glasses be given to you as soon as you are in recovery. If you are staying overnight in the hospital, bring a family photo or favorite item to help you feel more connected as you recover.
Learn more about how age can affect surgery and anesthesia, and how you can reduce your risk.
Source: Brandpoint