Healthy LifeTimes 2014

Healthy LifeTimes 2014

A Supplement of

ALL CLEAR keeping your eyes healthy

HEALTHY EATING for a lifetime

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes ... ARE YOU AT RISK?

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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February 26-27, 2014

You are what you eat — eat for your health contains all three, according to the USDA. Reducing these types of foods in your diet can make a big impact.

Also, limit the salt you consume. Salt has been shown to contribute to the risk of stroke and cardiac conditions.

Limit animal fats in your diet, but keep in mind that some fat is necessary for the body to survive. The USDA reccomends beans, nuts or avocado as an alternative.

BY CAROLINE HARRIS CAROLINE.HARRIS@AVERYJOURNAL.COM

E

ating healthy.

As important as it is, making the right food choices can seem like an uphill challenge.

There is plenty of information available about what constitutes a healthy diet. Then, there are the too-goodto-be-true promises of the latest fad diets.

Weight goals, nutritional needs, dietary restrictions, level of physical activity and age can determine what healthy eating constitutes for you.

The latest trends and latest studies come and go, but there are still core principles to healthy eating.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the foundation for a healthy diet. They are dense in nutrition, packed with everything the body needs to operate at its best and light on calories.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends three to five servings of veg-

ALL THINGS IN MODERATION

Fresh fruit and veggies are the foundation for a healthy diet.

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etables and two to four servings of fruit per day for the average adult.

Health officials also recommend skipping sugary drinks, such as soda, energy drinks and sweetened coffee and tea. Even 100 percent juice drinks can have as much sugar content as a soda.

Americans get 5 percent to 8 percent of their daily calories from beverages, which

are essentially empty calories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Empty calories come from foods that have a high caloric content, such as soda or most snack foods, but have little to no nutritional value.

Fat, sugar and salt are a triple threat to a healthy diet, especially when a food

Lifestyle impacts food choices, and healthful food choices are not always available.

You are going to have to eat for the rest of your life, and food is an enjoyable part of it. Eat a cookie instead of two cookies.

Pay attention to serving suggestions on nutrition labels, and try to follow the recommended serving size. Note if there is more than one serving size per container.

There are many free smartphone applications and websites available to help you personalize and track your daily caloric intake, as well as your optimal ratio of macronutrients — carbohydrate to protein to fats.

You are what you eat. Eat for your health.

Obesity prevention a top priority

BY ANNA OAKES

Watauga County at 25 percent and Ashe County at 24 percent, according to the institute. he obesity rate in North Carolina The key behaviors and cultural trends has more than doubled in the last associated with obesity, according to Eat two decades, according to the Smart, Move More NC, are physical inacInstitute for tivity, unhealthy eating, Emerging Issues at N.C. meals eaten away from State University. home, portion sizes, soft These days, twodrink consumption and thirds of the state’s screen time. adults are overweight Four of the leading or obese, as well as one10 causes of death in third of children ages 7 the U.S. are related to to 10. obesity, according to the The numbers are North Carolina Division about the same in of Public Health.

Western North CaroObesity increases the lina, where 64.4 percent risk for health condiof adults are considered Four of the leading 10 causes of tions, such as coronary death in the U.S. are related to overweight or obese, heart disease, type obesity. according to a 2010 2 diabetes, cancer, PHOTO SUBMITTED hypertension, dyslipidBehavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System emia (high cholesterol), Survey. stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep In Avery County, 28 percent of adults are SEE OBESITY, PAGE 4 classified as obese, and not far behind are ANNA@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

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February 26-27, 2014

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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February 26-27, 2014

Strokes: Causes, effects and preventative measures

BY JAMIE SHELL JAMIE.SHELL@AVERYJOURNAL.COM

A

popular commercial detailing the debilitating effects of a stroke summarized the importance of recognizing and treating stroke symptoms with five words: “Time lost is brain lost.”

What comes to mind when most people think of a stroke is the previously alluded, heartbreaking physical disabilities that sometimes occur as a result, which at times can leave those directly affected partially paralyzed, confused or relearning basic motor skills or speech.

Although these effects are indeed tragic, the stroke that caused the ef-

fects is actually a vascular disease.

The nationally acclaimed Mayo Clinic defines a stroke as a general term used to describe when the blood supply to part of one’s brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food.

Within minutes, according to the clinic, brain cells begin to die.

A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial.

Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications.

A vascular disease caused by many of the same factors that can lead to heart attacks, strokes can take the form of both blockages — usually caused by clots — or bleeding within the brain, both of which have the potential to cause brain damage through oxygen loss.

While the sudden death associated with these types of stroke can be quite frightening, the physical disabilities often accompanied by survivors as a

SEE STROKES, PAGE 5

OBESITY FROM PAGE 2 apnea and respiratory problems and osteoarthritis, according to information from the Appalachian District Health Department.

A number of organizations are engaged in work with schools and communities to educate the public about the causes of obesity and to create environments that are conducive to healthy nutrition and physical activity.

Statewide, this includes Eat Smart, Move More NC, which provides educational materials and grant funding.

In 2013, the organization updated the state obesity prevention plan, which provides strategies for eight community settings: health care; child care; schools, colleges and universities; faith-based and community organizations; local governments; and businesses and industries.

To view the plan, visit www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.

The Appalachian District Health Department — which includes Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties — in 2010 became one of 50 communities across the nation to receive a Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CPPW Appalachian has worked to create healthier worksites, a local food environment, an enhanced built environment and healthier places for children, said Jennifer Greene of the health department.

SOURCE: N.C. STATE INSTITUTE FOR EMERGING ISSUES

Achieve a Healthy Weight Following are recommendations from the Eat Smart, Move More NC campaign and health.gov.

• Physical Activity: Adults need 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week and muscle strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups. Children and adolescents need 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.

• Food Types: Children need five servings of fruits and vegetables per day (with more vegetables than fruits). An adult 2,000-calorie-perday diet should include two cups of fruits and 2.5 cups of vegetables per day. Consume fewer foods with sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars and refined grains.

• Reduce Portions: Individuals eat and drink more when provided larg-

er portions. At home, use smaller plates and serve smaller portions.

When eating out, choose a smaller size option (e.g., appetizer, small plate). Manage larger portions by sharing or taking home part of your meal.

• Beverages: Drink few or no regular sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit drinks. Choose water, fat-free milk, 100 percent fruit juice or unsweetened tea or coffee as drinks rather than sugar sweetened drinks.

• Limit Screen Time: With children, adolescents and adults, screen time, especially television viewing, is directly associated with increased overweight and obesity.

Avoid eating while watching television, which can result in overeating.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 26-27, 2014

Page 5

Take it to Heart

BY SHERRIE NORRIS SHERRIE.NORRIS@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

H

eart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but there’s good news — the risk of heart disease can be greatly reduced through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, through medication.

Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions among which coronary artery disease is the most common, causing heart attacks, angina, heart failure and arrhythmias.

By being aware of controllable risk factors and making some key lifestyle changes, men and women can greatly reduce many of the risk factors for heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

When thinking of prevention, just remember the first five letters of the alphabet: A. Aspirin — Appropriate aspirin therapy as prescribed by your doctor.

B. Blood pressure — Control your blood pressure and reduce sodium intake.

C. Cholesterol — Cholesterol management and cessation from smoking.

D. Diet — Make sure to eat a healthy diet and get your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

E. Exercise — Be active every day. For adults, two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity is recommended each week.

HEART DISEASE CLAIMS MORE WOMEN THAN MEN Heart disease among women has gained its place in the spotlight recently as heart disease and stroke together claim more women’s lives than seven of the other top 10 leading causes of death combined.

They claim the lives of more than 350,000 women every year nationwide and more than 10,500 yearly in North Carolina.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly: • Shortness of breath.

• Sweating.

• Back, neck, arm or jaw pain.

• Nausea, vomiting.

• Indigestion.

• Weakness, fatigue.

sources, such as heredity.

“The one factor we can’t control is family history,” Skarda said. “I think that each perFROM PAGE 4 son should be evaluated for their risk factors. result of brain damage can be dramatically They should get their cholesterol checked, life altering. have their blood pressure Fortunately, health conscious checked and do the lifestyle individuals can take steps to changes — healthy diet and reduce their risk of stroke, acexercise. Probably the biggest cording to John Skarda, a docproblem in the U.S. is that we tor specializing in emergency have a lot of obesity, and then medicine at Cannon Memorial there are a lot of people that do Hospital and who privately not get a lot of exercise.” operates a seasonal family The good news is that strokes medical practice in Linville. can be treated and prevented, Skarda lists hypertension — and fewer Americans die of excessively high blood presstroke now than even 15 years sure — as foremost among the ago. controllable factors that may Better control of major stroke lead to a stroke. risk factors — high blood pres“The biggest thing is that sure, smoking and high cholespeople should be aware of terol — may be responsible for whether they have hypertenthe decline. sion, and, if they have it, to get The same measures that help it treated,” said Skarda, who prevent strokes will also help John Skarda also notes that controlling chofight heart disease and other Doctor lesterol, monitoring ideal body ailments related to vascular weight, managing sleep apnea health. and engaging in regular exercise can lower “I think the best way to look at vascular the risk of a stroke. disease is that it is a systematic disease,” “Those are the best things people can do to Skarda said. prevent vascular disease in general.”

For more information about strokes, their Skarda said although many factors effects and reducing their risk, visit the Nacontribute to stroke are controllable, some tional Stroke Association online by visiting factors come in the form of less-controlled www.stroke.org.

STROKES

‘The biggest thing is that people should be aware of whether they have hypertension, and, if they have it, to get it treated.’

Heart disease among women has claimed the lives of more than 350,000 women every year nationwide and 10,500 in North Carolina.

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• Dizziness, light-headedness.

RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE

sociation, the following are leading factors that put you at risk for coronary artery disease or a heart attack: • Age: More than 83 percent of people

Some risk factors for heart disease can be controlled and some can’t.

According to the American Heart As-

SEE HEART, PAGE 6

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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HEART FROM PAGE 5 who die from coronary heart disease are 65 or older. Older women are more likely to die of heart attacks within a few weeks of the attack than older men.

• Being male: Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and they have attacks earlier in life. Even after menopause, when women’s death rate from heart disease increases, it’s not as great as men’s.

• Family history: Those with parents or close relatives with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves.

• Race: Heart disease risk is higher among African-Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, native Hawaiians and some Asian-Americans compared to Caucasians.

• Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases your risk of developing heart disease by two to four times.

• High cholesterol: As blood cholesterol rises, so does the risk of coronary heart disease.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the heart’s workload, causing the heart to thicken and become stiffer. It also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. When

high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

• Excess weight: People who have excess body fat — especially if a lot of it is at the waist — are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors.

• Diabetes: Having diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. About threequarters of people with diabetes die from some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

GENDER DIFFERENCE OR GENDER BIAS? Is the health risk for women due to gender difference or gender bias?

The answer is probably some of both.

Several factors may explain the differences in medical treatment of men and women: • In the past, many of the cardiovascular research studies were conducted on men. Clinical studies currently under way may help shed light on the gender differences that affect diagnosis and treatment of women with heart disease.

• Clinicians and patients often do not connect the chest pain of a woman

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February 26-27, 2014

with a heart attack. This can lead to the wrong diagnosis of her condition.

Both women and men may have “classic” chest pain that grips the chest and spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms; women may have chest pain that can come with abdominal pain, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), nausea and unexplained fatigue.

• Women may avoid or delay seeking medical care, perhaps out of denial or not being aware of both, common or uncommon, heart attack symptoms.

• Some medical tests and procedures may not be as accurate in women, so physicians may avoid using them, which means a heart attack or stroke may not be detected in women until later, with more serious consequences.

• The exercise stress test, or stress ECG, may be less accurate in women.

For example, in young women with a low likelihood of coronary heart disease, an exercise stress test may give a false positive result. In contrast, singlevessel heart disease, which is more common in women than in men, may not be picked up on a routine exercise stress test. More precise noninvasive and less invasive diagnostic tests tend to cost more.

SOURCE: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, American Heart Association and North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics

Heart health on a higher level

A

ppalachian Regional Healthcare System raised the bar for cardiac services in the High Country in late 2012, when it added some of the country’s top-rated cardiologists to its Cardiology Center staff.

The additional expertise allowed the center to begin offering advanced, state-of-the-art cardiology services and procedures never before performed in this area.

Patients can now receive the highest level of diagnostic testing and treatment within a few miles of home, rather than having to travel to larger medical facilities, at least two hours away, according to ARHS officials.

Coronary angioplasty and stenting are among the newest procedures provided at the center, adding to a full menu of cardiac services that includes EKGs, echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, exercise treadmill tests, diagnostic catheterization, pacemakers, defibrillators, atrial fibrillation monitors, heart monitors, implantable monitors and cardiac resynchronization.

According to the center experts, one American dies every 32 seconds of cardiovascular disease, disorders of the heart and blood vessels.

As the leading cause of death in the U.S., cardiovascular disease costs society more than $83 billion each year in

health services, medications and lost work time due to disability.

The Echocardiography Laboratory at Watauga Medical Center is one of a growing number of echocardiography laboratories in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to be recognized for its commitment to high-quality patient care and its provision of quality diagnostic testing, officials said. Voluntary accreditation status signifies that the facility has been reviewed by an independent agency, which recognizes the laboratory’s commitment to quality testing for the diagnosis of heart disease.

The Cardiology Center’s clinical staff said that combining a low-sodium diet with exercise is the key to healthy hearts and that deviating from a good diet and exercise program increases the chance for heart disease. Family history also plays a big role, too.

Walking three times a week is the among the first steps to prevent cardiac problems.

Yearly exams and routine cholesterol checks are key to being proactive, which is much better than being reactive with our health, officials said.

For more information, visit www.apprhs.org and click on the cardiac services tab, or call (828) 264-9664 to schedule an appointment.

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February 26-27, 2014

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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Keeping your bones healthy

BY ALLISON HAVER ALLISON.HAVER@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

W

hen thinking about staying healthy, you probably think about making positive lifestyle changes to prevent conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.

Keeping your bones healthy may not be at the top of your wellness list, but maybe it should be.

Many people may think of bones as hard and lifeless, but they are actually living, growing tissue.

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, human bones are made up of three major components that make them flexible and strong: — Collagen, a protein that gives bones a flexible framework.

— Calcium-phosphate mineral complexes that make bones hard and strong.

— Living bone cells that remove and replace weakened sections of bone.

OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones.

It happens when you lose too much bone,

make too little bone or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, even from simple actions, such as sneezing or bumping into furniture, according to the foundation.

Dr. Stephan Fleming, a physician at OrthoCarolina, said that osteoporosis is the most common bone-related problem he treats.

The bone disease risk is particularly common among aging women, who lose estrogen at menopause. Bone loss increases after menopause, when estrogen levels drop sharply. Within five to seven years after menopause, women can lose up to 20 percent or more of their bone density.

Throughout life, you constantly lose old bone while you make new bone. Even after children and teens stop growing taller, they continue to make more bone than they lose.

This means bones continue getting denser until they reach the point of the greatest amount of bone, what experts call peak bone mass. This usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 25.

The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass, the less likely you are to break a bone or get osteoporosis later in life.

FALLS AND BREAKS Whether or not a person has osteoporosis, anything from a simple fall to an intense skiing or snowboarding accident can lead to a fractured or broken bone.

According to Fleming, a distal radius fracture, or a break of the wrist, is one of the most common types of fractures. This is due to people having the tendency to stick out their hand when they fall, he said.

Hip injuries can be difficult for elderly individuals to manage because they cannot be put into a cast and usually have to be treated with surgery.

People who are undergoing radiation therapy for cancer may also have an increased risk of fractures, as radiation can lead to bone loss.

ARE YOU AT RISK? While there are uncontrollable risk factors that put you at risk for developing osteoporosis, such as being older than 50 and the bone disease being in your family history, there are factors you can control, according to the NOF. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D and eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables are fac-

Human bones are made up of three major components that make them strong and flexible. Those are collagen, calcium-phosphate and living bone cells.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

tors you can control.

Drinking alcohol in moderation is also something individuals can control to reduce their risk of osteoporosis. Drinking heavily can lead to bone loss. Limit alcohol to no more than two to three drinks per day, according to the NOF. Drinks, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks, which contain caffeine, also need to be moderated, as caffeine may decrease calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss.

Having an active lifestyle is also controllable and important for bone health.

Staying active is the best thing to do to fight off osteoporosis, Fleming said, especially exercises that involve weight-bearing stress.

Good health starts with the mind

BY ANNA OAKES ANNA@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

O

ne out of every four adults suffers from a mental disorder in a given year, and one in five children will suffer from a debilitating mental disorder at some point during their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

In Watauga County, suicide was the seventh leading cause of death from 2005 to 2009, according to statistics referenced in the 2011 Watauga County Health Assessment.

The suicide mortality rate was 19.5 per 100,000 people, higher than the state average of 12 per 100,000 and the national rate of 11.3 per 100,000.

If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, stressed, anxious, confused or mentally or emotionally unbalanced, a number of resources in the High Country are here to help.

First, see your doctor. He or she can refer you to a mental health professional.

Or you could start with Smoky Mountain Center, which provides screening, assessment and referral for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance

abuse services for seven western counties, including Ashe, Avery and Watauga.

Call the Smoky Mountain Center access line at (800) 849-6127 to receive a telephonic screening to determine the nature of your mental health needs and be offered a choice of appropriate treatment providers.

Smoky Mountain Center can provide options for individuals even if they do not have private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

Persons with a mental illness or disorder may also benefit from the programs of NAMI High Country, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness that serves Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties.

NAMI affiliates and volunteer leaders work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs.

NAMI High Country’s programs include “In Our Own Voice” presentations for groups and a monthly meeting on first Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Watauga County Public Library.

“I think that support is a huge part of our reason for being,” said Laura Anne

In this illustration, neurotransmitters cross a neural synapse.

PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

Middlesteadt, a NAMI High Country board member. “It’s a very nonjudgmental group of people. We’ve all heard it and are not afraid to talk about it — we bring it all out into the sunshine and deal with it.”

To learn more about NAMI High Country, visit www.namihighcountry.org, email info@NAMIhighcountry.org, search for the group on Facebook, or call (828) 278-9293.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Page 8

February 26-27, 2014

Knowledge with action can help reduce cancer risk

BY HEATHER SAMUDIO HEATHER.SAMUDIO@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

I

n 2014, there will be an estimated 1,665,540 new cancer cases diagnosed with more than 500,000 cancer deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

Those statistics heighten the need for individuals to know more about cancer, what it is and ways to decrease the risk of developing cancer.

Cancer in general is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is a result of damage to one’s DNA, either through external or internal factors.

The ACS reports that half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer in their lifetimes; however, the good news is that cancer risk can be reduced by lifestyle changes.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can reduce one’s risk for many cancers.

In 2014, almost 176,000 of the estimated 585,720 cancer deaths will be caused by tobacco use, the ACS reported. Of the estimated 52,550 new cancer cases in North Carolina expected in 2014, more than 7,800 of those will be caused by tobacco use.

Smoking is related to many forms of cancer and causes other damage, as well.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Eating healthy and losing extra pounds are also recommended, as being overweight or obese, physical inactivity and poor nutrition have been shown to contribute to cancer risk.

Some cancers are related to infectious diseases, including human papillomavirus, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus.

The ACS reported that some of these SEE CANCER, PAGE 9

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 26-27, 2014

CANCER FROM PAGE 8 cancers could be prevented through behavioral changes, as well as protective vaccinations or antibiotic treatments.

Avoiding excessive sun exposure and the use of tanning beds protects your skin and helps reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Many screening tests can also find cancer in early stages before symptoms arise.

Finding cancer early and getting it treated offers individuals a chance to live a longer life.

Screenings have reduced mortality rates for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix and lungs among heavy smokers, according to “Cancer Facts & Figures 2014” from the ACS. Keeping the public informed about cancer, its causes and how to reduce one’s risk have made a tremendous impact during the past several years, ACS officials said.

The five-year survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 2003 and 2009 is 68 percent, up from 49 percent in 1975 to 1977.

For more information about cancer and what the American Cancer Society is doing, visit www.cancer.org.

GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER 2014 Relay For Life events Alleghany County — July 15 at Alleghany High School in Sparta Ashe County — July 18 at Ashe County High School in West Jefferson Avery County — July 25 at Avery High School in Newland Watauga County — June 20 at Watauga High School in Boone Appalachian State University — April 11 at Appalachian State University in Boone Johnson County, Tenn. — May 16 at Ralph Stout Park in Mountain City, Tenn.

Caldwell County — May 2 at South Caldwell High School in Hudson Wilkes County — June 6 at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro

Page 9

COMMUNITY ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS Several evidenced-based approaches in communities, worksites and schools have been outlined to stop and turn around obesity trends and help decrease cancer risk.

The recommendations are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine and others.

The community action recommendations include: • Strengthen nutrition standards for all foods and beverages sold or served to students.

• Increase the quality and quantity of physical education and the amount of time students are physically active in K-12 schools.

• Limit the availability, advertising and marketing of foods and beverages of low nutritional value.

• Ensure that worksites have healthy food and beverage options and that physical environments and workplace culture are designed or adapted and maintained to facilitate physical activity and weight control.

• Provide calorie information on chain restaurant menus.

• Invest in community design that supports development of sidewalks, bike lanes and access to parks and green spaces.

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Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types, with more than 2 million people diagnosed with more than 3 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States each year. That’s more than all other cancers combined. However, there are things you can do and be aware of to protect your skin from cancer.

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Keeping your skin protected

BY HEATHER SAMUDIO HEATHER.SAMUDIO@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

C

aring for your skin can help delay the effects of aging, as well as prevent many skin problems, including cancer.

The body’s largest organ is the skin, which accounts for more than 10 percent of body mass.

Skin provides protection, water preservation, shock absorption, tactile sensation,

SEE SKIN, PAGE 10

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

SKIN

Indoor tanning can also be harmful to the skin.

Individuals who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning have a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, and the risk increases with each use, according to the AAD. Many organizations, including the AAD and the American Cancer Society, are against the use of tanning beds and lamps.

Just last year, Illinois joined Vermont, California, Oregon, Nevada and Texas by passing legislation which prohibits minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning.

FROM PAGE 9

calorie reservation, vitamin D synthesis, temperature control, lubrication and waterproofing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That makes it important to keep the skin protected and as healthy as possible.

With increased age, the skin becomes more dry and many medications can dry the skin even more, according to Katie Caggiano, MS, PA-C of Boone Dermatology.

Dry skin can cause the skin to flake, itch, crack and bleed. However, from the American Academy of Dermatology, experts have offered tips to combat dry skin.

Moisturizing is the key, especially during the winter months when dry skin is a common problem.

Using hot water can dry out the skin, so “keep your baths and showers short and make sure you use warm, not hot water,” said board-certified dermatologist Stephen P. Stone, MD, a fellow of AAD and professor of dermatology and director of clinical research at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill. Protecting skin from the sun is important for individuals to do. Not only does sun damage cause wrinkles and age spots, it can also cause skin cancer.

Caggiano recommends wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30-plus sunscreen year-round. She said photoaging, or the aging caused by sun damage, is one of the biggest complaints from her patients.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, is dose-dependent, Caggiano said, meaning the more sun exposure an individual has, the higher the likelihood that they will develop one of these cancers.

February 26-27, 2014 Quitting smoking can also help your skin.

Smoking makes skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. It can also cause decreased blood flow, which depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

As with many ailments and diseases, the skin can be affected by a poor diet.

Some foods which can help promote skin health include yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries, salmon and nuts; however, processed foods and sugars are known to age the skin, Caggiano said.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN • Switch to a mild cleaner to help reduce itching.

• Gently pat the skin dry after your bath or shower; rubbing the skin can be irritating.

• Apply moisturizer after a bath or shower. Ointments and creams tend to be more effective than lotions.

• Read ingredients on skin care products. Deodorant soaps, alcohol-based toners and products that contain fragrance can irritate dry, sensitive skin.

• Use a humidifier to add much-needed moisture to the air.

• Wear soft fabrics that breathe, such as 100 percent cotton. If you want to wear wool and other rough fabrics, wear a soft fabric underneath.

• Don’t skimp on hand washing, which can remove harmful bacteria and viruses. If you need to wash your hands frequently, hand sanitizers are an alternative.

• Apply hand cream after each hand washing. If more relief is needed, dab petroleum jelly on your hands before bed. If your hands are frequently immersed in water, wear waterproof gloves to help protect them.

If these tips do not alleviate dry skin, some individuals may need to see a dermatologist for a prescription ointment or cream or to determine if there is another underlying medical condition.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 26-27, 2014

Page 11

Smoking has costly toll on America direct medical care and economic loss.

The anniversary report, however, indicates that smoking rates among very year in North Carolina, North Carolina’s middle school ages have smoking claims the lives of about dropped from 9.3 percent in 2002 to 4.2 12,000 adults age 35 and older percent — and the high school smoking and costs more than $3.5 billion rate has dropped from 27.3 percent in in medical care and lost productivity.

2002 to 15.5 percent, Willard said.

The statistics are from David Willard, “That puts them currently below the the Northwest Tobacco Prevention coordi- national average among high school-aged nator whose office is in Boone. kids,” he said.

New data confirms also that one out of While these accomplishments should every five people in North Carolina, or be celebrated, Willard said, there is still about 2 million citizens, smoke cigarettes, much work to do.

Willard said.

In addition to the 50-year-old report “That ranks North Carolina that directly linked tobacco 28 in the country for smoking use to lung cancer, Willard rates,” he said. expected the new findings to The recently released U.S. report a wider range of related surgeon general’s report, diseases from smoking, which “The Health Consequences of it did.

Smoking: 50 Years of Prog“The report does conclude ress,” included some starthat smoking causes many tling information related to other conditions,” he said, tobacco usage. including rheumatoid ar“The report calls the thritis and immune system epidemic of cigarette smokweakness, increased risk ing over the last century ‘an for tuberculosis disease and enormous and avoidable death from TB, ectopic pregpublic health tragedy,’” Wilnancy and impaired fertility, lard said. cleft lip and cleft palates in The report estimates that babies of women who smoke about 5.6 million American during early pregnancy, erecchildren (one in every 13) tile dysfunction in men and will die prematurely from age-related macular degensmoking-related diseases — eration, as well as increasing unless the current smoking the failure rate of cancer rates drop. treatment.

In North Carolina that The report also concludes represents about 180,000 that secondhand smoke exchildren alive today who ulposure is now known to cause timately will die prematurely strokes in nonsmokers.

David Willard because of smoking, Willard On the bright side, Willard said. said, the report finds that Northwest Tobacco The report marks the 50th efforts to control tobacco use Prevention anniversary of the historic have not been in vain and first surgeon general’s report, that at least 8 million early coordinator which concluded that cigadeaths have been averted rette smoking causes lung since 1965. cancer in men. Since that 1964 report, However, Willard agrees with the evidence has linked smoking to diseases of surgeon general’s statement that these almost all of the body’s organs and estabevidence-based interventions continue to lishes more new links to diabetes, colorec- be underutilized. tal cancer and liver cancer, Willard said.

Furthermore, studies also show that The report also said that smokers today about 70 percent of all smokers have a have a greater risk of developing lung desire to quit. cancer than they did in 1964, even though There is free assistance to do so, Willard they smoke fewer cigarettes. The findings said, and it’s available by calling (800) indicate a correlation to the design and QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visiting composition changes of cigarettes — and www.smokefree.gov. the fact that at least 70 of the chemicals in To read the full report, “The Health cigarette smoke are known carcinogens.

Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of The report also notes that in just the last Progress,” visit www.SurgeonGeneral.

50 years, 20 million Americans have died gov. because of smoking and that the tolls on For more information locally, call Willife and finances are huge: Smoking kills lard at the Appalachian District Health close to half a million Americans a year Department in Boone at (828) 264-4995, and costs more than $289 billion a year in or visit www.apphealth.com.

BY SHERRIE NORRIS

SHERRIE.NORRIS@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

E

‘The report calls the epidemic of cigarette smoking over the last century ‘an enormous and avoidable public health tragedy.’

North Carolina ranks 28th in the country for smoking rates.

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February 26-27, 2014

As many as 30 million Americans are at risk in the workplace, at home or in recreational settings of ‘noise-induced hearing loss.’

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t can begin with trouble understanding the person on the other end of the phone or complaints from friends or family that you’ve turned the TV volume up too high.

If you or your loved ones have begun to avoid social gatherings or keep to yourself in noisy environments, you may have a hearing problem.

Despite public perception that hearing loss is a worry that only older adults must face, anyone can be susceptible, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

As many as 30 million Americans are at risk in the workplace, at home or in recreational settings of “noise-induced hearing loss,” a condition brought on by exposure

to loud noises, according to the NIDCD. In fact, NIHL is the country’s “second most self-reported work-related illness or injury,” with as many as 22 million American adults reporting damage to their hearing from exposure to loud sounds, the NIDCD reports.

But hearing loss isn’t just caused by exposure to loud sounds, according to the American Association of Audiologists.

It can be brought on by ear infections, trauma or ear disease, harm to the inner ear or eardrum, illness, certain medications and deterioration due to the normal aging process.

And much of America’s hearing loss could have been prevented, according to the American Academy of Audiology, which recommends regular hearing SEE HEARING, PAGE 13

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The experts agree that we often take our ears for granted until problems arise.

There are more ways to protect our ears and hearing from permanent damage than staying away from loud noises. Listed below are a few suggestions:

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• Don’t try to clean your ears by poking anything into the ear canals. You may injure the delicate skin or impact earwax.

• Reduce the risk of ear infections by treating upper respiratory tract infections promptly.

• Avoid swimming in dirty water.

• Dry your ears after bathing.

• Wear a helmet while bicycling and playing contact sports.

• Avoid falls.

• Take all precautions while scuba diving.

• Avoid exposure to noise when you can and wear earplugs in noisy environments, such as music or motor racing events.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 26-27, 2014

Page 13

Dr. Joel Yates, left, and assistant Helen Holt, right, serve a dental patient.

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State surpasses national dental health targets BY

ADAM ORR

ADAM.ORR@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

N

orth Carolina’s efforts in the battle against tooth decay were validated last year, at least in part, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health.

The state has already exceeded three key public oral health targets as part of the national Healthy People 2020 initiative, according to the NCDPH’s Oral Health Section.

Healthy People 2020 “provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for improving the health of all Americans through health promotion and disease prevention,” according to the agency.

In 2013, the oral health of third graders across the state was examined, and the results show that North Carolina has already surpassed the Healthy People 2020 goals for third graders in three important areas.

Only 42.9 percent of the state’s third graders has ever

HEARING FROM PAGE 12

screenings and educating yourself on the signs of hearing loss.

Sounds at or above 85 decibels can damage your ears, according to the NIDCD, so protecting yourself against loud noises you may encounter throughout the day, such as from chain saws, bulldozers, aircraft and farm machinery, is important.

“However, loud noise does not have to be an everyday happening to cause damage,” according to the NIDCD’s website (www.nidcd.nih.gov). “One-time exposure to very loud noises, such as the sound of a gun firing at close range, can harm your ears permanently.”

Wearing specially designed earplugs or earmuffs

had a dental disease. The national 2020 target is 49 percent.

Only 14.3 percent of the children examined had untreated cavities, beating the national 2020 target of 25.9 percent or less, and 45.3 percent had preventive dental sealants, surpassing the 2020 target of 28.1 percent or more.

Still, tooth decay affects more children than any other chronic childhood disease, in spite of the fact that it is almost entirely preventable, according to the NCDPH. “Children free of pain are able to sleep well, have higher self-esteem and arrive at school ready to learn,” according to a news release issued by the agency. “Only prevention can reduce tooth decay.”

The past four decades have seen dramatic reductions in the prevalence of tooth decay, through expanded dental health prevention and educational services, including

SEE DENTAL, PAGE 14

anytime you are exposed to dangerous levels of noise is important to keep your hearing from being damaged, according to the NIDCD. “Most of us don’t know how to recognize the first signs of hearing loss, so the first step in treatment is to have your hearing evaluated, which will determine the level of hearing loss you may have and any recommended treatment,” NIDCD officials said.

“If you think you may have a loss in hearing, you need to see an audiologist, a licensed and clinically experienced health care professional who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders.”

While most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist will determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices and hearing rehabilitation.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Page 14

February 26-27, 2014

DENTAL FROM PAGE 13 dental sealant projects, a comprehensive fluoride mouth rinse program and school and community education presentations the agency hopes will help improve the oral health of children and adults.

Tooth decay begins with reversible white spots that requires intervention, according to the OHS. “The disease progresses to visible irreversible tooth decay without preventive intervention, as well as probable tooth loss, pain and suffering,” the Oral Health Section officials said.

OHS begins its prevention efforts with education campaigns targeted at the state’s youngest citizens, including the launch of the “Into the Mouths of Babes” program in 2000.

Medical providers implemented the preventive program as part of primary care to include oral evaluation, parent counseling, fluoride varnish application and dental referral as needed for Medicaid insured children up to 3 years of age, according to the OHS. By 2012, approximately 45 percent of Medicaid eligible children 1 to 3 years of age received oral preventive care as part of the program.

“Evaluation by the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health showed that children receiving at least four oral preventive procedures before 3 years of age have fewer cavity-related treatments by a dentist,” according to the OHS. “The recent decrease in the tooth decay of North Carolina kindergartners documented by the Oral Health Section’s standardized kindergarten assessment system is also associated with benefits of the ‘Into the Mouths of Babes’ program.”

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Healthy gums and teeth require diligence throughout our lives.

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Healthy gums and teeth require diligence throughout our lives, in the form of watching what we eat and brushing and flossing, but also in the form of preventive treatment, according to officials.

The OHS recommends preventing tooth decay by drinking fluoridated water, getting preventive dental sealants, brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing every day, limiting sweet snacks and through regular visits to a dentist.

The OHS also partners with local “safety net dental clinics” to provide dental care to those who most need it, but nonprofit groups, such as the North Carolina Missions of Mercy, can also offer free dental outreach programs.

Since 2003, the organization has worked to address

the state’s underserved patients and has provided more than $19 million in free dental care to more than 45,000 patients during the past decade.

Currently, Missions of Mercy has enough equipment to set up an 80-chair full dental clinic, including X-ray, sterilization and all instrumentation and supplies, and clinics are generally set up with 20 to 80 chairs and services provided for 300 to 3,000 patients per two-day event.

But, despite the treatment and resources available to fight dental disease, treatment alone cannot solve the problem.

“Lifelong prevention and management of this infectious disease requires essential public health interventions,” according to the OHS.

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• Using fluoride can reverse or stop early tooth decay. You can get fluoride by drinking fluoridated water from a community water supply or brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

• Limit between meal snacks to reduce the number of acid attacks on teeth and to give teeth time to repair themselves.

• Save candy, cookies, soda and other sugary drinks for special occasions.

• Don’t eat or drink anything with sugar after brushing before bedtime.

Saliva flow decreases during sleep, and without enough saliva, teeth are less able to repair themselves after an acid attack.

February 26-27, 2014

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Page 15

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, African-Americans are 15 times more likely to be visually impaired from glaucoma than Caucasians.

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All clear: Keeping your eyes healthy

BY ALLISON HAVER ALLISON.HAVER@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

D

iabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States for those younger than 60; however, it can be a preventable condition, according to local health officials.

Doctors advise if you have diabetes to have your eyes dilated at least every 12 months for professionals to look for damage to the small blood vessels in the back of the eye.

Doctors Daniel Sullivan and Chad Henson of Blue Ridge Vision said that people of all ages need to take control of their eye health through early detection.

Early detection will help minimize the risk of individuals developing glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and often results in loss of sight.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of

blindness in the U.S., but there are many misconceptions about the condition.

Results from the American Optometric Association’s latest American Eye-Q consumer survey indicate the following: — 90 percent of respondents believe glaucoma is preventable. Only 10 percent know that it is only treatable, not preventable. About 10 percent of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision.

— 86 percent of the people who responded to the survey did not know what part of vision glaucoma affects. Glaucoma deteriorates the peripheral vision, making it difficult to see.

— 72 percent think glaucoma has early warning signs, which it does not. Only an eye exam, which dilates the eye, can reveal if there is damage.

According to the AOA, having regular eye exams is the first line of defense for early detection of glaucoma.

In most cases, the eye disease occurs

without pain or any symptoms, so it is essential for patients to receive a dilated eye exam where their eye doctor can thoroughly examine the pressure and nerves inside the eyes for potential signs of disease, according to the AOA. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, African-Americans are 15 times more likely to be visually impaired from glaucoma than Caucasians.

Other high-risk groups include those 60 and older, family members of those already diagnosed with glaucoma, diabetics and people who are severely nearsighted.

The GRF estimates that the total number of suspected cases of glaucoma is more than 60 million worldwide.

Treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to lower pressure in the eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be used to reduce pressure, according to the GRF.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 26-27, 2014

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