Colorado County Citizen | 2019 Health, Mind and Body Tab

January 30, 2019 A Special Section From

HEALTH Your guide to a total health and well-being makeover!

Strategies for managing stress Tips for living with low vision The many benefits of physical therapy Improving your blood circulation

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The Colorado County Citizen

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Colorado County Citizen

3

CANCER & CHRONIC DISEASES

The various types of arthritis Arthritis affects hundreds of millions of people across the globe. The Arthritis Foundation® notes that more than 50 million adults in the United States have some type of arthritis, while the European League Against Rheumatism estimates that rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis affect more than 120 million people in the European Union. In Canada, the Canadian Community Health Survey found that 16 percent of Canadians age 15 and older were affected by arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation notes that arthritis is not a single disease. In fact, the word “arthritis” is something of an umbrella term and an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. While these conditions may produce some common symptoms, such as swelling, pain and stiffness, learning to distinguish between some common types of arthritis can help men and women manage their conditions more effectively.

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis, which is sometimes referred to as “degenerative joint disease” or “OA,” is the most common chronic condition of the joints. The symptoms of OA vary depending on the joints that are affected, but pain and stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting, are common. OA can affect the hips, knees, fingers, or feet, and those with OA may feel limited range of motion in their affected areas. Some with OA may hear clicking or cracking sounds when the affected joints bend, and pain associated with OA may be more intense after activity or toward the end of the day.

Inflammatory arthritis Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system, which can employ inflammation to fight infection and prevent disease, mistakenly attacks the joints with uncontrolled inflammation. Such a mistake can contribute to joint erosion and even organ damage. Psoriatic arthritis, which the Arthritis Foundation notes affects roughly 30 percent of people with psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis are two examples of inflammatory arthritis.

Maintaining normalcy while battling cancer

Genetics and environmental factors, such as smoking, may trigger instances of inflammatory arthritis.

Infectious arthritis Bacterium, a virus or a fungus that enters the joint may trigger inflammation and lead to infection arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation notes that the most common bacteria to cause infection arthritis is staphylococcous aureus, or staph. The majority of infectious arthritis cases occur after an infection somewhere else in the body travels through the bloodstream to the joint, though some infections may enter the joint directly through a puncture wound near the joint or during surgery near the joint. Intense swelling and pain, typically in a single joint, are the most common symptoms of infectious arthritis, which is most likely to affect the knee, though it can affect the hips, ankles and wrists. Some people with infection arthritis may also experience fever and chills.

Metabolic arthritis The body produces uric acid to break down purines, a substance found in many foods and in human cells. But some people produce more uric acid than they need, which they then struggle to get rid of quickly. As a result, uric acid can build up. The Arthritis Foundation notes that this buildup can lead to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints that cause sudden spikes of extreme pain.

Arthritis can affect people of any age, race or gender. More information about the various types of arthritis is available at www.arthritis.org.

Millions of people across the globe are diagnosed with cancer every year. Each cancer patient approaches their diagnosis and treatment differently, but making an effort to keep life as normal as possible while being treated for cancer can help people overcome their disease and prevent them from dwelling on the adverse effects cancer can have on their lives.

Though the idea of maintaining a level of normalcy may be the furthest thing from a person’s mind upon being diagnosed with cancer, the National Cancer Institute notes that people with cancer can still enjoy life. Daily routines such as going to work and spending time with family and friends can lift cancer patients’ spirits and give them a sense of purpose beyond beating cancer.

Cancer treatments can produce a host of both minor and significant side effects. During treatment, many cancer patients experience fatigue, nausea and/ or vomiting. When symptoms allow, cancer patients should do their best to live as normal a life as possible during their treatments. Achieving such normalcy may require a few tweaks to one’s typical routine, but such changes are minor.

• Let others know when you plan to exercise. Physical activity has been shown to boost energy levels, making exercise a valuable ally to cancer patients.

Exercise may be difficult, if not impossible, when treatment-related fatigue is

at its worst. But physical activity when symptoms are less severe can provide the energy boost cancer patients need along with all of the other benefits routine exercise provides. The NCI advises cancer patients to get their physicians’ approval before exercising during treatment. In addition, patients should let loved ones know when and where they are planning to exercise as a safety precaution.

• Work from home. Going to work is another way for cancer patients to maintain some normalcy during their treatments. On days when treatment-related symptoms make it difficult to travel, men and women can work from home. Doing so will provide a sense of fulfillment at the end of the workday without having to navigate potentially taxing commutes to and from the office.

• Set goals. The NCI advises cancer patients to think about what they want to do when they feel well again. Setting goals can give patients in treatment something other than beating cancer to work toward. Planning an overseas trip or learning about a potential career change can focus patients on goals that do not involve their disease.

Daily life during cancer treatment need not be vastly different from how it was prior to diagnosis. Some tweaks to patients’ typical routines may be necessary, but they can still live full lives as they work toward beating their disease.

The Colorado County Citizen

4

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

Stress management strategies Stress is an issue that knows no geographical boundaries. The Regus Group reports that stress levels in the workplace are rising, with six in 10 workers in major global economies experiencing increased workplace stress. Workers forced to take on too much work or those tasked with performing jobs beyond their abilities might not be able to do much to quell those demands. However, they can employ various strategies to manage their stress.

• Embrace planning. A 2011 survey from psychologist Robert Epstein asked more than 3,000 participants in 30 countries which stress management technique was most effective at helping them overcome their stress. Epstein discovered that participants felt planning was the most effective way to manage their stress. Planning is essentially a proactive approach to managing stress and fighting it before it even starts. Smartphone apps make it easier than ever to schedule

your time. Utilizing such apps or opting for the more traditional route by using a day planner can be a highly effective way to manage stress.

• Practice cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing is another effective stress-management technique that involves changing the way you look at something so your experience of it changes. Psychologists note that cognitive reframing is effective because the body’s stress response is triggered by perceived stress and not actual events.

So by reframing the way you perceive a potentially stressful event, you can change your body’s response to it. This technique is most effective when people are mindful of their thoughts, particularly those that might be negative or stress-inducing.

• Take breaks. A heavy workload may compel people to sit down at their

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Understanding depression, its triggers and symptoms Many people periodically have bad days when they just seem to be in a bad mood.

When a bad mood isn’t short-lived, this might be a potential indicator of depression.

Depression is a common mental disorder that, according to the World Health Organization, affects more than 300 million people across the globe. The WHO notes that despite the fact that there are known and highly effective treatments for depression, fewer than half of those suffering from depression receive such treatments.

Furthermore, in many countries, fewer than 10 percent of people with depression receive treatment.

Learning about depression and how to recognize its symptoms may compel people battling it to seek treatment for this very common and treatable disorder.

Why do I have depression?

Everyone has a bad day here or there, but people with depression may wonder why theirs are more than just a bad day.

The WHO notes that depression is a byproduct of a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors.

Exposure to adverse life events, such as unemployment, the death of a loved one or psychological trauma, can increase peoples’ risk of developing depression.

Depression also may be caused by physical conditions. The WHO says cardiovascular disease can lead to depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The Mayo Clinic notes that one in 10 people whose depression goes untreated commit suicide. That only highlights the importance of recognizing the symptoms of depression and acting once any have been identified or suspected. Symptoms can include: • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions • Fatigue • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness

• Pessimism and hopelessness • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or sleeping too much • Irritability • Restlessness • Loss of interest in things once deemed pleasurable, including sex • Overeating or appetite loss • Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away • Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings • Suicidal thoughts or attempts Anyone who has exhibited any of the aforementioned symptoms or even those who haven’t but suspect they might be suffering from depression should visit a physician immediately. The WHO notes there are a variety of treatments available to people who have been diagnosed with depression, and doctors will determine which might be the best for each patient.

To make that determination, doctors may inquire about the duration and severity of symptoms as well as family history and whether or not the patient has a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Depression is a common mental disorder that too often goes undiagnosed.

Seeking help the moment symptoms are detected or suspected can help people overcome the disorder.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Colorado County Citizen

5

BETTER SLEEP

Simple solutions for a better night's sleep The importance of a good night’s sleep is well-documented. Numerous studies have found that the effects of a good night’s sleep go beyond boosting energy levels and improving alertness.

A better sex life, less chronic pain and an improved mood are just a handful of the documented benefits that a good night’s sleep can provide.

As important and beneficial as sleep is, many adults in the United States simply aren’t getting enough rest. A 2016 study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Those findings are based on guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society that recommend adults between the ages of 18 and 60 sleep at least seven hours each night.

Getting a more restful night’s sleep requires concerted efforts on the part of adults who are falling short of seven hours each night. But the following are

some simple ways for adults to start getting more rest.

• Stick to a routine seven days a week.

People tend to alter their sleep routines based on the day of the week, with many going to bed later at night and sleeping in later in the morning on weekends.

But the National Sleep Foundation notes that going to bed at the same time each day, including weekends, helps people feel more sleepy at bedtime and fall asleep quickly.

• Avoid alcohol in the hours before

going to bed. Alcohol can make people feel sleepy, but that effect is short-lived.

The sleepiness many people feel after consuming alcohol wears off quickly, and that can lead to interruptions in sleep.

• Avoid stimulants in the late afternoon and at night. Alcohol is a depressant that can affect the quality of sleep a person gets. But stimulants can also make it hard to get a good night’s sleep.

Nicotine acts as a stimulant in small doses, so smokers should stop smok-

ing that last cigarette before bedtime if they’re not getting decent or adequate sleep. Caffeinated beverages also should be avoided in the late afternoon and at night because caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can make it difficult to fall asleep, even if it’s been several hours since that last cup of coffee.

• Take short daytime naps. Some people find that daytime naps improve the quality of their nighttime sleep. That might be due to the link between naps and stress. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that short naps can reduce stress. Reduced stress levels can make it easier to fall asleep at night.

Limit naps to between 20 and 30 minutes, as naps that stretch on too long may interfere with nighttime sleep.

Sufficient sleep can have a dramatic, positive impact on a person’s quality of life. Developing a good sleep routine and employing additional strategies can help sleep-deprived men and women get more restful nights’ sleep.

Three beverages to avoid to enjoy better sleep on the road A good night’s sleep has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved mood and less chronic pain.

While many people go to great lengths to create welcoming sleep environments in their homes, it can be difficult to recreate such atmospheres while traveling.

That only highlights the importance of taking other steps to improve sleep while on the road, including avoiding certain beverages that can compromise one’s ability to get a good night’s rest.

1. Alcoholic beverages: The National Sleep Foundation notes that alcohol may interrupt a person’s circadian rhythm, affecting chemicals in the body that signal it when to sleep or wake up. Alcohol can help induce sleep, but the London Sleep Centre notes that alcohol can be especially disruptive in the second half of the night, reducing rapid eye move-

ment, or REM, sleep, which researchers believe is restorative.

2. Caffeinated beverages: It may seem like a no-brainer to avoid caffeinated beverages, as caffeine is a stimulant that can provide a quick boost of energy. However, people who avoid caffeine during and after dinner in the hopes of avoiding sleep trouble may not know that even caffeinated beverages consumed in late afternoon can adversely affect their sleep quality. The NSF notes it takes roughly six hours for half of the caffeine the body consumes to be eliminated. That means half of the caffeine from a coffee consumed around 4 p.m. may still be in the body come 10 p.m. Travelers who typically have trouble falling asleep on the road may want to avoid caffeinated beverages in the afternoon.

3. Soda: Sodas contain caffeine, but people may think choosing caffeine-free sodas can help them sleep better. In fact, the NSF notes that carbonated beverages, including sodas, can trigger a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD can produce a host of negative side effects, including physical discomfort and chronic cough, that can compromise a person’s ability to sleep. Avoiding carbonated beverages two to three hours before bedtime can reduce the likelihood that GERD symptoms will surface, which should help people achieve a more restful night’s sleep.

So what can travelers drink before going to bed? While water is always a safe bet, the NSF recommends caffeine-free herbal tee as a relaxing pre-bedtime beverage.

The Colorado County Citizen

6

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

EATING BETTER

Avoiding foodborne poisoning Numerous foodborne illness outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli have occurred across the United States and Canada in 2018. And such outbreaks are not limited to North America. In May, more than 40 cases of hepatitis A were reported in six European Union countries, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

When two or more people get the same illness from the same food or drink source, the event is called a foodborne disease outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While infection from salmonella strains and escherichia coli are some of the most notable contagions, other illnesses can occur as well, as evidenced by the EU hepatitis outbreak. Listeria and cyclospora are some other known foodborne illness pathogens. Through the first half of 2018, warnings and recalls have been issued by the CDC for

Romaine lettuce has recently been linked to various instances of foodborne illnesses. shell eggs, romaine lettuce, dried coconut, chicken salad, kratom, raw sprouts, and frozen shredded coconut due to illness outbreaks.

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are significant. The Food and Drug Administration and the CDC reported that 121 people in 25 states became ill in April 2018 from eating romaine lettuce grown in the region of Yuma, Arizona.

Forty-six of those individuals were hospitalized, including 10 who developed a type of kidney failure. One person in California died from the sickness.

Increased reporting about foodborne illness outbreaks begs the question as to whether or not more can be done to reduce the spread of these harmful pathogens. Contamination can occur in various places as food makes its way to dinner tables. Long-term prevention of foodborne illness outbreaks involves the cooperation of many people in the production chain — all the way to the consumer, according to the CDC. • Production and harvesting needs to be safe and clean, with efforts to keep food products free of animal waste and sewage contamination.

• Inspection of processing plants can help ensure sanitary practices are in place.

• Pasteurization, irradiation, canning, and other steps can kill pathogens during food processing.

• People who package or prepare foods must properly wash their hands and clean facilities where food is handled.

• Food service workers should not go to work when they are ill.

• Foods need to be kept at proper temperatures during transport and when on display at stores.

• Consumers should be aware of expiration dates and employ proper food handling and cooking measures. These include thoroughly washing produce, and cooking poultry, meats and other foods to the recommended temperatures.

People who experience food poisoning should report each instance to the local or state health department. Identifying symptoms and location can help health officials track illnesses and look for similar exposures.

A realistic guide to organic food In a perfect world, chemicals would not be needed to produce any foods, all of which would be made in sustainable conditions and from all-natural ingredients. But even the most eco-conscious foodie routinely faces difficult decisions at the grocery store.

The Organic Trade Association says organic food is the fastest-growing sector of the American food industry, and organic food now accounts for more than 5 percent of total food sales. While many people understand the benefits to consuming organic produce, such foods tend to cost more, compromising shoppers’ budgets as a result. Making smart choices and getting the facts about organic food can help consumers make informed decisions.

Smarter organic choices According to the food and health resource the Environmental Working Group, certain fruits and vegetables are more likely to feature residual pesticides than others. They dub these foods the “Dirty Dozen,” which include strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and sweet bell peppers. Shoppers who cannot afford strictly organic foods can opt for non-organic items that are less likely to contain residual pesticides.

Fearing antibiotics Many people are concerned about milk, meat and poultry treated with antibiotics. Organic foods are antibiotic-free. The Food and Drug Administration has strict guidelines in place to phase out the use of antibiotics in food animals to enhance growth or improve feed efficiency. They’re also requiring farmers to select strains

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

The Colorado County Citizen

7

BETTER VISION

The facts about glaucoma When one’s vision is compromised, his or her whole life can change in the blink of an eye. Many conditions can affect a person’s vision, and one of the more common is glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness across the globe.

The global impact of glaucoma is significant. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. In addition, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness notes that some estimates have suggested that there will be approximately 80 million people with glaucoma by 2020. If such estimates prove true, that would mean an additional 20 million cases of glaucoma were diagnosed between 2010 and 2020.

Vision loss is often associated with glaucoma. However, the National Eye Institute notes that early detection and treatment can protect the eyes against serious vision loss. That makes it imperative that individuals from all walks of life learn about glaucoma, its risk factors and how to recognize it.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve. When such damage occurs, vision loss and even blindness can result.

What is the optic nerve and why does it matter?

The NEI notes that the optic nerve is a bundle of more than one million nerve fibers that connects the retina to the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that contains cells which are sensitive to light. These cells trigger nerve impulses that pass via the optic nerve to the brain, where visual images are then formed. Because its role is so significant, the optic nerve must be healthy for good vision.

What are the most common types of glaucoma?

According to the IAPB, primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, and primary

angle closure glaucoma, or PACG, are the most common types of the condition. POAG is most common in white Caucasians and black individuals of African origin, while PACG, which is associated with a greater risk of blindness than POAG, is most common in people from southeast Asia.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation says that POAG develops slowly and is the most common form of glaucoma and is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals that produces increased pressure on the eye. PACG, which the GRF notes is quick to develop, results when the drainage canals are blocked, resulting in a sudden rise in intraocular pressure.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Because POAG develops slowly, its symptoms often go unnoticed. Symptoms of PACG, however, are often very noticeable and may include severe and sudden eye pain; blurred vision; bright halos appearing around objects; eye redness, tenderness, and hardness; and nausea and vomiting.

Can glaucoma be treated?

While there is no cure for glaucoma and vision lost to it cannot be restored, the NEI notes that treatment for early-stage POAG can effectively delay progression of the disease.

More information about glaucoma is available at www.nei.nih.gov.

Tips for living with low vision

Visual impairment affects people of all ages and all walks of life. The American Foundation for the Blind defines visual impairment, often referred to as “low vision,” as any vision problem that is severe enough to affect an individual’s ability to carry out the tasks of everyday living. Millions of people have some degree of visual impairment that requires corrective lenses, and some still struggle even while wearing glasses or contact lenses.

People with low vision can experience difficulty performing daily activities, such as cooking, shopping, reading, watching television, and more. Some practical solutions can help people address changes in their vision.

• Use more light. After about age 60, many people require additional light to perform most indoor tasks as well as outdoor activities. After age 60, the pupil no longer opens as widely as it once did, which affects the amount of light that reaches the retina, where vision processing occurs. Brighten areas of the kitchen, garage, crafting table, and other areas where fine details are examined.

• Rely on darker contrasts. Contrasting colors can make it easier to see edges and lines of demarcation. For example,

use a dark tablecloth and white dishes to see table settings and food more clearly.

• Label items. Bold-colored labels or those of different shapes can help set items apart when reading containers or boxes becomes challenging.

• Use filters and shields. Certain devices, such as lens filters and shields, can reduce glare and improve vision.

Individuals also can invest in shields for their computers or tablet screens to reduce glare.

• Choose “large print” formats. At local booksellers, seek books that are available in large print. This makes it easier to enjoy reading.

• Switch bulbs at home. The eye care resource All About Vision suggests swapping fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs with warm-toned LED bulbs.

These bulbs emit less blue light and can be more comforting with reduced glare.

• Invest in adaptive devices.

Large-button phones with speed dial, large-print calendars, watches that speak the time, and digital home assistant devices also can help men and women overcome vision loss.

Low vision impacts daily living, but there are ways to counter the effects of impaired vision.

The Colorado County Citizen

8

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

NURSING, ASSISTED LIVING, MEMORY CARE & END OF LIFE CARE

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Hospice refers to a style of care that focuses on maximizing quality of life when facing the end stages of a disease for which there is no other course of treatment or when treatment becomes counterproductive. Palliative care is provided, which helps a patient to be more comfortable and content.

Thousands of people turn to hospice when facing a life-limiting illness. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, hospice involves a team-oriented approach to medical care and pain management as well as emotional and spiritual support.

Care plans are specifically tailored to a patient’s wishes and needs.

Hospice is not only directed toward the person experiencing a life-limiting illness or injury, but is also designed to offer support and resources to family members to help them better cope with the end of a loved one’s life.

Hospice takes on many forms but focuses on caring for, but not curing, an individual. Hospice care is often administered in a person’s home, but it also can occur in freestanding hospice centers, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. Individuals can opt for various services, many of which can co-mingle with the care being provided by family, medical centers or long-term care homes.

Hospice care often begins when the individual receiving care and his or her family members feel the end of life may be near. According to Relias, a healthcare advisory organization, most patients enter hospice during the last six months of life. Care providers are interdisciplinary. Doctors, nurses, social service providers, bereavement therapists, dieticians, spiritual counselors, and physical or occupational therapists may be included in hospice treatment.

Hospice should be discussed when doctors realize that they’re running out

of treatment options to prolong life. If such discussions are delayed, seriously ill patients may not fully benefit from the advantages awarded them through hospice.

Hospice is usually paid through private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, so there is no need to worry about cost.

Various hospice services operate in different areas, and doctors and care centers can refer patients to hospice programs.

A hospice program may conduct its own medical examination and review health records to recommend a plan of action. It is important for a family member or health care proxy to be present for this initial meeting to express the patient’s wishes if he or she is unable to do so. Hospice care may begin shortly after this initial consultation.

Hospice helps people with life-limiting conditions spend their final days as comfortably as possible.

The Colorado County Citizen

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

9

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Reap the benefits of physical therapy Injuries have the potential to sideline people for weeks, months or permanently. Injury to the body can occur when participating in organized sports, fitness regimens or even after being in an accident.

Recovering from incidents that can impact mobility and range of motion takes time, but physical therapy can help the body acclimate to regular activity once more. Physical therapy also can help healthy people as well.

Those who have suffered a sprain or a broken bone or even spent a duration of time immobile in the hospital due to an illness are often prescribed physical therapy as part of their follow-up treatment. Physical therapy programs try to progressively increase strength, improve mobility and help the body return to a state where it can function as best as possible. In many cases, a person can regain his or her original capabilities.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, a physical therapist is a trained and licensed medical professional who has the experience to diagnose physical abnormalities, restore physical function and mobility, maintain that function, and promote proper form for future activity. Physical therapy sessions can take place in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness settings, private practices, and much more.

Not only can physical therapists re-

act to and treat an injury, but they can also teach exercises, stretches and techniques to help prevent problems in the first place. Experts at Bay State Physical Therapy indicate that physical therapy extends beyond disabled or injured people. Physical therapists can educate a person on weaknesses in the body and can guide correction on poor body mechanics that cause pain. This way a person can make changes to prevent future pain and injury. Rather than being reactionary, healthy individuals can take a proactive approach to avoiding pain and injury.

When one opts for physical therapy, he or she may: • undergo a physical exam and evaluation of pain, movement, flexibility, and performance • receive a clinical diagnosis and plan of care

• establish long-term goals • participate in physical therapy treatment, which may include stretching, movement and weight-bearing activities based on the therapist’s guidance • be given at-home work to further progress in between sessions.

While physical therapy can be used for recovery from strokes or paralysis, injuries, trauma, and musculoskeletal conditions, it also benefits healthy people. For example, women can use physical therapy to learn exercises that may prevent pelvic floor dysfunction. In addition, physical therapy can teach people how to improve their balance and prevent falls.

When people hear about physical therapy, they tend to think it is for people with injuries. While physical therapists can help heal injured parts of the body, physical therapy continues to evolve to assist with overall wellness.

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The Colorado County Citizen

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

NURSING HOME CARE

Options when paying for long-term care Aging has its side effects, as it’s inevitable that individuals’ bodies and minds will change as they approach their golden years. Illnesses, disabilities and other conditions may speed up the changes in certain individuals.

While many seniors continue to live independently well into their golden years, some require long-term care. The decision to move an elderly relative into a long-term care facility can be difficult. In addition to the emotional effects of such a decision, families must deal with the financial repercussions.

Long-term care services can be costly, and many general healthcare insurance plans do not cover long-term care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers that an assisted living facility may cost roughly $3,300 per month for a one-bedroom unit, while a nursing home may cost between $6,200 and $6,900. Seniors or families who have enough income and savings may be able to pay for long-

term care services without assistance. But those who cannot afford to do so may need to utilize different programs or resources to pay for long-term care.

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homes. However, plans vary widely. In addition, the cost for care and eligibility requirements may change as a person ages, so it’s best to purchase this insurance while young and relatively healthy.

• Government assistance: Government health programs may pay for a portion of certain care but not all of the services offered by long-term care facilities. For example, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association says government health care programs may cover only a small percentage of the costs for nursing homes or other specialized residential care facilities, or perhaps none at all depending on the circumstances. In the United States, Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and for some people younger than 65 who are disabled. Medicare generally does not pay for long-term help with daily activities. Medicare pays for very limited skilled nursing home care after a hospital stay, but not for many assisted living facilities.

Medicaid is another option that pays for health services and long-term care for low-income people of any age. First, applicants must determine their eligibility for Medicaid. Medicaid is typically only available after most personal assets have been depleted. Even with Medicaid, a resident of a long-term care facility may need to pay a portion of the care out of pocket. What’s more, as part of the application for Medicaid, a “look back” at assets is required to deter gifting assets in order to qualify.

Paying for long-term care requires planning well in advance of when such services may be needed.

­Choosing a Nursing Home A nursing home, also known as a skilled nursing facility, provides a wide range of health and personal care services by National Institutes of Health These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available.

Some people stay at a nursing home for a short time after being in the hospital. After they recover, they go home.

However, most nursing home residents live there permanently because they have ongoing physical or mental conditions that require constant care and supervision.

If you need to go to a nursing home after a hospital stay, the hospital staff can help you find one that will provide the kind of care that’s best for you. If you are looking for a nursing home, ask your doctor’s office for recommendations. Once you know what choices you have, it’s a good idea to: Consider. What is important to you— nursing care, meals, physical therapy, a religious connection, hospice care, or special care units for dementiapatients?

Do you want a place close to family and friends so they can easily visit?

Ask. Talk with friends, relatives, social workers, and religious groups to find out what places they suggest.

Check with healthcare providers about which nursing homes they feel provide good care.

Call. Get in touch with each place on your list. Ask questions about how many people live there and what it costs. Find out about waiting lists.

Visit. Make plans to meet with the director and the nursing director.

Talk. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

For example, ask the staff to explain any strong odors. Bad smells might indicate a problem; good ones might hide a problem. You might want to find out how long the director and heads of

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

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11

SURGERY & ORGAN DONATION

Separating facts from fiction Topics to discuss before in regard to organ donation going under the knife Many people will find themselves on a surgeon’s table at one point or another. Professional athletes who get injured frequently and, of course, surgeons may be accustomed to the surgical wings of hospitals, but the general public has no such familiarity.

Perhaps due to that lack of familiarity, many people are nervous before an impending surgery. Asking the right questions prior to the procedure can calm those nerves and help people approach pending surgeries with confidence rather than fear.

Organ donation is overwhelmingly supported by the adult population of the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 95 percent of adults in the United States support organ donation. In spite of that, the DHHS notes that only 54 percent of U.S. adults are signed up as organ donors. That gap only highlights the need for education in regard to organ donation. Separating the facts and fiction surrounding organ donation might compel more people to sign up as donors, saving untold numbers of lives as a result.

• People with medical conditions can still be organ donors. Many people mistakenly assume that an existing medical condition precludes them from being organ donors. However, the DHHS notes that very few medical conditions would prevent people from becoming organ donors. Such conditions include HIV and active cancer. Transplant teams determine at the time of death if a donation is possible, so even prospective donors who have doubts can still sign up.

• There is no age limit for organ donors. The health and condition of the organs, and not their age, is what matters. In fact, the DHHS notes that the

oldest donor in the United States was 93 at the time of donation.

• Religions do not prohibit organ donation. The DHHS notes that most major religion support organ donation, considering it a final act of love and generosity. Prospective donors who are uncertain if their religion supports organ donation can visit https://www. organdonor.gov/about/donors/religion. html for more information.

• Celebrity status, race or financial well-being do not dictate who receives organs. In the United States, a nationwide computer system matches donated organs to recipients. Blood type, geographic location and time on the waiting list are just some of the factors used to match donated organs to recipients. Race, celebrity status or financial well-being are never considered.

• Medical personnel will try to save organ donors’ lives. Some people fear that signing up as a donor might compel medical personnel to abandon lifesaving methods if they become ill or injured. But that’s not the case. Donation is not possible until all lifesaving methods have failed.

Organ donation is a selfless act that saves lives every day. Learn more at www.organdonor.gov.

Anesthesia Much of the fear people have in regard to surgery surrounds anesthesia.

Few people want to be put complete-

ly under, but some surgeries may require that. General anesthesia affects the entire body, and this is the type administered during surgeries that require patients to be unconscious. Regional anesthesia affects a large area of the body, while local anesthesia only numbs a small part. Knowing which type of anesthesia will be administered during a surgery can prepare patients and their families in advance, and may even calm nerves.

Length of surgery Patients and their families often want to know how long surgeries will last. Patients should discuss this with

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

HEART HEALTH

How to improve circulation

The human body is a complex, efficient machine. One highly important component of that machine is the circulatory system, which sends blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

In perfectly healthy bodies, blood, oxygen and nutrients circulate throughout the body without issue. However, several conditions, including obesity and diabetes, can contribute to poor circulation, which is not a standalone condition but rather a byproduct of another serious health issue.

According to the health information site Healthline, when the circulatory system is not working at optimal capacity, people may experience tingling, numbness and throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs. Pain and muscle cramps also may result from poor circulation, the symptoms of which vary depending on the causes. For example, someone whose circulation issues are a result of peripheral artery disease may experience different symptoms than someone whose circulation has been compromised by diabetes.

Because issues affecting the circulatory system are complex, it’s important for men and women to learn how to address such issues if they suspect their systems have been compromised.

• Visit your physician. Poor circulation results from various health issues, so people who think they are dealing with poor circulation should not try to address the issue on their own. Rather, the best way to improve circulation is to visit a physician the moment you note a symp-

tom. Doctors will confirm if patients are experiencing circulation issues and diagnose what’s causing those issues. Doctors also will work with their patients to devise a course of treatment for the issue that’s causing their poor circulation.

• If necessary, lose weight and keep it off. Obesity is one of the conditions that can contribute to poor circulation.

So many people who are diagnosed with poor circulation may be advised to lose weight and keep the weight off once it’s been lost. A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that losing weight helped obese women improve their circulation. A healthy diet that includes fish like salmon that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve circulation, can help people lose weight and maintain healthy weights going forward.

• Consider yoga. A 2014 review of an assortment of peer-reviewed studies found that yoga can have a positive impact on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A low-impact exercise, yoga can compress and decompress veins, potentially improving circulation. It takes time to master yoga positions, but even beginners who cannot fully perform poses during a yoga regimen can benefit from doing the exercises to the best of their abilities.

Poor circulation is a byproduct of various conditions. Once a condition has been diagnosed, patients can help themselves by taking various steps to improve their circulation.

Types of blood donations Donating blood is a selfless decision.

Blood donors may not know it, but they save lives every day.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and accident victims are just some of the types of people who benefit from blood donations every day.

There are different types of blood donations, and making the right type of donation can ensure a contribution is as valuable as it can be. The following is a rundown of the various types of blood donations, courtesy of the Red Cross.

be administered during emergency transfusions during births. Blood types that are ideal for power red donations include O positive, O negative, A negative, and B negative.

Whole blood donation “Whole blood” is the term used to describe the blood that flows through your veins. This blood contains red cells, white cells and platelets, suspended in plasma.

A whole blood donation is the most flexible type of donation because it can be transfused in its original form or used to help multiple people after being separated into its specific components (i.e., red cells, plasma and platelets). The donation itself does not take much time, though donors should expect to spend about an hour at the donation center, which includes their post-donation recovery time. All blood types make ideal whole blood donations.

Platelet donation Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that form clots and stop bleeding. Platelet donations take between 2.5 to three hours, and platelets are typically given to people fighting cancer, chronic disease and traumatic injuries. Platelet donations last just five days, so platelet donors are in high demand. During a platelet donation, platelets and some plasma are collected by an aspheresis machine, and red cells and most of the plasma is then returned to donors. Platelets are not collected at blood drives, and prospective platelet donors must visit Red Cross donation centers. People with A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive, and AB negative blood types are ideal platelet donors.

Power red donation A power red donation allows donors to donate two units of red blood cells during a single donation. But unlike a whole blood donation, donors who make a power red donation have their plasma and platelets returned to them during the donation process. A power red donation typically takes around 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation, but the Red Cross notes that power red donors may feel more hydrated after donating than whole blood donors because they don’t lose the liquid portion of their blood during the donation process. Power red donations are typically given to trauma patients and newborns and may

AB elite plasma donation AB plasma can be given to anyone regardless of their blood type. During an AB elite donation, plasma is collected and separated from other components in the blood. Red blood cells and platelets are then returned to donors. Donors with AB blood are ideal for AB elite plasma donations, which only take a few minutes more than a standard blood donation.

Type AB plasma is the only universal type and can be given to patients of any blood type, making these donations especially valuable.

More information about blood donations can be found at www.redcrossblood.org.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

13

HEART HEALTH

UNDERSTANDING OPIOIDS

The warning signs of a heart attack

Explaining opioids

An umbrella term that encompasses various conditions, cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is a formidable foe. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of 17.7 million people across the globe every year, accounting for 31 percent of all deaths worldwide.

If CVD statistics are alarming, then it’s important to note that many premature deaths related to CVD can be prevented.

While the WHO notes that four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, men and women who learn to recognize the warning signs of heart attack may be able to get help before things escalate. In fact, the American Heart Association notes that many heart attacks begin slowly with mild pain or discomfort. By paying attention to their bodies and learning to recognize these warning signs, men and women may be able to get help before heart attacks claim their lives.

• Chest discomfort: Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back is a telltale sign of heart attack. The discomfort may feel like pressure in the chest, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

• Discomfort in the upper body: Discomfort in areas of the upper body that are not the chest also may be a warning sign of heart attack. The AHA notes that

such discomfort or pain may occur in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

• Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath may be an early warning sign of heart problems. The AHA notes that this may or may not be accompanied by discomfort in the chest.

• Additional signs: The AHA notes that some people suffering from a heart attack may break out in a cold sweat, experience nausea or begin to feel lightheaded.

Are symptoms different for men and women?

Symptoms of heart attack tend to be different for men and women. While the most common symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely than men to experience additional symptoms. According to the AHA, women are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and pain in their backs or jaws.

The AHA urges fast action by anyone who suspects they or a loved one are suffering a heart attack. Acting quickly can save lives and help men and women avoid joining the nearly 18 million people who succumb to cardiovascular disease each year.

For many years, law enforcement agencies have tried to educate and inform the general public about a growing opioid epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdoes killed nearly 64,000 Americans in 2016, and roughly two-thirds of those deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid.

The opioid epidemic is not exclusive to the United States. In early 2018, Canada’s Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses released a statement acknowledging that the country’s opioid epidemic had significantly worsened since 2016. In fact, the Public Health Agency of Canada noted that deaths from opioid-related overdoses between January and September of 2017 had increased by 45 percent from the same period just a year earlier.

What are opioids?

The term “opioid” refers to a wide range of drugs, including illegal drugs such as heroin. Whether an opioid is an illegal street drug or one prescribed by a doctor, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that all of these drugs are chemically related. Each opioid interacts with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Prescription opioids are often prescribed to relieve pain.

Why are opioids so often misused?

According to the NIDA, opioids are effective at reducing pain. But while they are prescribed to treat pain, opioids also produce a feeling of euphoria. Opioid users, whether they’re using heroin or a prescription opioid such as

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

ACHES, PAINS, & ALLERGIES

Three tips to overcome everyday aches and pains Pain is a significant concern for many people. Estimates from the International Association for the Study of Pain suggest that one in five adults across the globe suffer from pain.

Pain can affect anyone, even people who have not been in an accident or suffered an injury while playing a sport or performing another physical activity. For example, lower back pain, which can be caused by sitting at a desk for long stretches of time, is the most common type of chronic pain in the United States. Such pain may be unavoidable, but that does not mean it and other types of everyday aches and pains cannot be overcome.

1. Begin a well-rounded exercise regimen.

Regular exercise that includes both strength training and cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow and helps

build a strong core. A strong core supports the spine and reduces the pressure on it, making it less likely people who sit for long stretches at a time will end their days with lower back pain.

Routine exercise also helps other areas of the body by keeping muscles loose and flexible. Before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women, especially those with existing aches and pains, should consult their physicians about which exercises they should do and which they might want to avoid.

2. Employ RICE. RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, can help men and women overcome the aches and pains that result as the body ages and tendons begin to lose some of their elasticity. RICE might be most helpful for people who have been diagnosed with tendinitis. Athletes over 40 who engage

Childhood food allergies linked to skin Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says four out of every 100 children has a food allergy, and such numbers are on the rise.

While the mechanisms by which a person develops an allergy to specific foods remain something of a mystery, new research points to the skin as a likely culprit. And certain products that unsuspecting parents use on infants and children may make matters worse.

A study from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine says the factors contributing to food allergy include genetics that alter skin absorbency, skin exposure to allergens in dust, use of infant cleansing wipes that leave soap on the skin, and skin exposure to food from those providing infant care.

These factors may be the ideal recipe for a food allergy to emerge. Even if a child has yet to ingest a certain food, it can still enter the body through the skin.

Baby wipes containing the synthetic cleanser sodium lauryl sulphate may be partially to blame. The top layer of the skin is made of lipids that create a protective barrier against allergens. Soaps and wipes can disrupt that barrier, explains Joan Cook-Mills, a professor of allergy-immunology who was involved in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Children with genetic skin-barrier defects also may be vulnerable to food allergies.

When touched after an adult or sibling has handled peanut butter, eggs, soy, shellfish, or one of the other common food allergens, such children may experience a reaction.

Adults should wash their hands before picking up or tending to infants and rinse off areas where wipes or other cleansers are used to avoid potential problems with decreasing lipid barriers against allergens.

in activities that require repetitive motion might need to take more days off between rounds of golf or other competitive and/or repetitive activities. If tendinitis flares up, take some time away, icing any sore areas, wrapping them in bandages, and elevating them while resting. Athletes rarely want to sit on the sidelines, but a few days off can go a long way toward alleviating the pain associated with tendinitis.

Surgery Continued from 11 their physicians and surgeons, especially if family and friends will be in the waiting room while a surgery is performed. If surgeons note there’s a possibility that a surgery will be extended after it begins, patients should let family and friends know this, even if they don’t want to worry them. People in the waiting room will grow concerned and fearful, possibly unnecessarily, if a surgery is not completed within a certain amount of time.

Pain Pain might be a side effect of surgery.

Knowing this in advance won’t raise alarm bells if patients are discharged and begin to experience pain upon arriving home. Ask surgeons if pain is a side effect of your surgery, and where than pain is likely to be felt and for how long. Many people are prescribed opi-

3. Recognize your body may develop some limitations.

Age should not prevent you from being physically active, and numerous studies have touted the benefits of continuing to exercise into your golden years. However, as the body ages, muscle fibers become less dense, resulting in a loss of flexibility that increases the risk of injury and/or soreness. As men and women grow older, they shouldn’t abandon activities like gardening or strength training.

But they may need to scale back on the intensity with which they perform such activities. Doing so can prevent the kinds of muscle strains associated with aging.

Pain affects more than one billion people across the globe. But some simple strategies can help people overcome pain and enjoy a rich quality of life.

oids to address pain after surgery, but such medications can be addictive. Ask about opioid alternatives, as well as any non-prescription relaxation techniques or therapies that may help manage pain.

Blood clots Pain is not the only potential side effect of surgery. Some surgeries can increase patients’ risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot that can travel to the lungs and block blood flow. Sometimes referred to as DVT, deep vein thrombosis can be deadly, though it’s often treatable when caught quickly. Certain factors, including age, whether or not you’re a smoker and a history of clots, can increase a person’s risk of developing DVT after surgery. Blood thinners may be prescribed as a precautionary measure.

These are just a handful of topics to discuss with a physician prior to surgery. Patients should not hesitate to ask as many questions as they need to before going in for surgery.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Stress Continued from 4 desk and keep working until quitting time. However, that approach takes both a physical and emotional toll. Sitting for long periods of time without getting up not only increases a person’s risk for various diseases, but it also can contribute to something known as decision fatigue.

Decision fatigue occurs when someone must make frequent decisions throughout

Food Continued from 6 of microbials that are less medically important to humans who would need them to treat disease. This means that conventional milk, meat and poultry may contain less antibiotics than consumers know.

Also, according to the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, poultry are not given growth hormones, so there’s little need to pay more for hormone-free.

Organic and pesticides To be “organic,” foods produced and sold in the United States and Canada

Opioids Continued from 13 Vicodin, can easily become dependent on opioids because of that euphoric feeling they get when taking them. When this happens, users are likely to misuse opioids, taking them in larger quantities than prescribed or looking to illegal opioids such as heroin in search of that euphoric feeling.

What are some types of opioids?

The CDC notes that there are three common types of opioids: prescription opioids, fentanyl and heroin.

• Prescription opioids: These are prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain. Some common types of prescription opioids are Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone),

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the day. Without a break, such persons’ abilities to reason becomes compromised, and they may end up making poor decisions or feeling less confident in their decisions, which may increase their stress levels. Frequent breaks, even if they’re just brief walks to get a glass of water, can help avoid both the physical and emotional effects of stress.

Stress affects people across the globe.

Learning to manage it can make people happier in both their personal and professional lives.

must be shown to conserve natural resources and be devoid of GMOs, among other requirements. However, USDA organic certification allows for natural substances, such as pheromones, vaccines for animals and a limited number of natural pesticides. Also, a 2011 survey by the USDA showed 39 percent of 571 organic samples were found to have pesticide residues, but well below tolerance levels set by the EPA. Therefore, pesticide-free and organic are not exclusive.

Organic foods are seen as a healthy alternative to foods that do not fall into this category. While there are many positive reasons to go organic, including convential foods in one’s diet is not necessarily unhealthy.

morphine, and methadone.

• Fentanyl: This is a synthetic opioid that the CDC notes is considerably more powerful than other opioids. Fentanyl is typically only prescribed to help patients dealing with severe pain, such as that caused by advanced cancers. However, illegally manufactured and distributed fentanyl is at the heart of the opioid epidemic. In fact, the CDC reports that death rates from overdoses involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl doubled in 10 states from 2015 to 2016.

• Heroin: Unlike fentanyl and prescription opioids, heroin is illegal. Despite that, heroin usage has risen sharply in recent years across nearly all demographics in the United States.

Opioids pose a significant health problem throughout much of North America.

More information is available at www. drugabuse.gov.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

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