Healthy LifeTimes 2016

Healthy LifeTimes 2016

GETTING PHYSICAL for good health

HEALTHY EATING for a lifetime

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

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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February 24-25, 2016

Lifestyle changes may reduce heart disease risk factors

Ashe Family Healthcare Accepting New Patients Derek McClure DNP, FNP-BC (ANCC)

Claudia Burkhalter MSN, FNP-C (AANP), LAc

Miranda Ramsey MSN, WHNP-BC (NCC)

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DNP, FNP-C (AANP), WHNP-BC (NCC)

Amy Nix

MSN, FNP-C (AANP)

Mary Blalock OGNP (NRCME)

Michael Griffith MPAS, PA-C (NCCPA)

Offices in West Jefferson and Banner Elk 952 US Hwy 221 Business PO Box 70 West Jefferson, NC 28694 336-846-6100

108 Park Avenue PO Box 1993 Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-4343

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A

ccording to the American Heart Association, heart 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, health officials said.

Risk factors for heart disease Some risk factors for heart disease can be controlled and some cannot.

The AHA lists the following leading factors that put you at risk for coronary artery disease or a heart attack: Age: More than 83 percent of people 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, American Indians, 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 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

To help avoid heart disease, consider these tips, based on 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.

FILE PHOTO

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

Mission Heart Start Ashe Memorial Hospital is in the second year of Mission Heart Start, a three–year program funded through a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The project harnesses the strength of Ashe County’s large faith community to focus on early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest, effective bystander CPR/ CCC and rapid defibrillation,” said Patty Parsons, public relations assistant at the hospital. “During the first year, 20142015, we partnered with several churches and organizations and trained 468 individuals in how to save lives.”

“We are now in year two of the grant program, which consists of gathering 24 strategically placed groups in the outlying areas of the county,” Parsons said. “These churches and community centers will work together to attempt to gather 30 persons from their area to be trained in use of the AED and CPR/CCC techniques.”

From each group, a “hub church” will be identified and a free AED will be placed at that church, Parsons said.

“The hub church will mount a lock box with a key inside to be used by the local first responders to access the AEDs in case of cardiac arrest in the immediate area,” she said.

For more information on how to participate in the program, contact Parsons at (336) 846-0781. 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.

Advancements in local health care Advancements in local health care include easier access and hometown convenience for the best in cardiovascular care.

Appalachian Regional HealthCare System has made great strides in staffing experts to provide a comprehensive program through its cardiology center, state-of-the-art interventional and cardiovascular catheterization labs and rehabilitation programs, according to health officials.

Through its cardiovascular service line, the only one of its kind in the area, the health care system, and especially Watauga Medical Center, is able to provide a full range of services for the community — from the first visit to its cardiology or vascular offices, to diagnostic or interventional procedures in the hospital, all the way to the rehab available after discharge.

“We continually move in a direction of providing a full range of cardiovascular services close to home,” said Lesley Hastings, director of cardiovascular services, adding that ARHS now provide the services in Ashe and Avery counties.

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

Heart matters at Ashe Memorial Hospital Ashe Memorial Hospital, a fullservice medical center in Jefferson and part of the Novant Health system since 2013, cares about all aspects of health care.

The hospital offers a full line of diagnostic tests and an expert staff to assess and treat heart and lung problems SEE LIFESTYLE, PAGE 4

February 24-25, 2016

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Page 3

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Page 4

February 24-25, 2016

Six causes of cancer and how to prevent them

C

ancer has long been a plague against humanity, but the more we learn about cancer’s causes, the easier cancer is to prevent.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is caused by changes in a cell’s DNA — its genetic “blueprint.”

“Some of these changes may be inherited from our parents. Others may be caused by outside exposures, which are often referred to as environmental factors,” according to www. cancer.org.

By knowing what causes cancer, individuals have a much better chance to prevent the disease.

The American Cancer Society has identified six major causes of cancer: genetics, tobacco, diet/activity, UV exposure, radiation exposure and carcinogens.

Genetics

Advances in science have improved our knowledge of the inner workings of cells, revealing that cancer can run in families, according to

the ACS. Cancer begins when genes in a cell become abnormal and the cell starts to grow and divide out of control. In some cases, cancer is caused by an abnormal gene that is being passed along from generation to generation.

According to the American Cancer Society, only about 5 percent to 10 percent of all cancers result directly from gene defects inherited from a parent.

Also, cases of cancer occurring in a family are more often due to family members being exposed to a common toxin, such as cigarette smoking.

Certain things make it more likely cancers in a family are caused by a family cancer syndrome, such as family members having an uncommon type of cancer, cancers occurring at younger ages than usual or cancers occurring in both of a pair of organs (both eyes, both kidneys, both breasts), according to the ACS. Before deciding if cancer runs in the family, patients should gather family history and meet with a physician.

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Tobacco

Because tobacco use is responsible for nearly one out of every five deaths in the United States, one of the most obvious ways to prevent cancer is to avoid tobacco products.

According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2014, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women, and this form of cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in the world. The prevention method is simple, but at the same time, difficult: Don’t start smoking, or quit immediately.

Cigarette use has declined dramatically since the release of the first U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health in 1964. Still, about 20.5 percent of men and 15.8 percent of women smoked cigarettes in 2012, with about 78 percent of these people smoking daily, according to health officials.

Besides lung cancer, tobacco use (smoking and nonsmoking) also increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nose and sinuses, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovary (mucinous) and acute myeloid leukemia.

Diet and physical activity

Research has shown that poor diet and not being active are two key factors that can increase a person’s cancer risk. The good news

is that something can be done about this.

According to health officials, besides quitting smoking, some of the most important things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk are: • Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life.

• Be physically active on a regular basis.

• Make healthy food choices with a focus on plant-based foods.

The evidence for this is strong. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are related to body fatness, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption and/or poor nutrition, and thus can also be prevented.

UV exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. The main source of UV radiation (rays) is the sun, although it can also come from manmade sources as well, such as tanning beds. Too much exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, health officials said.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers.

About 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year.

Melanoma, a more dangerous type of skin cancer, will account for more than 73,000 cases of skin cancer in 2015, according to the American Cancer Society.

LIFESTYLE FROM PAGE 2 through Novant Health Ashe Cardiology, part of Novant Health, a network of physicians and hospitals across the Southeast.

According to health officials, it’s not possible, or healthy, to avoid sunlight completely, but there are ways to help ensure you’re not getting too much sun: • If you are going to be outside, stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.

• Protect your skin with clothing and wear a hat to protect your head, face and neck.

• Wear sunglasses that block UV to protect your eyes and the skin around them.

• Use sunscreen to help protect skin that isn’t covered with clothing.

• Also, do not utilize artificial UV sources such as tanning beds or booths.

Radiation exposure

UV radiation isn’t the only type of radiation that causes cancer. More well-known cancer causers are X-rays and gamma rays. While these two forms of radiation come from natural sources, such as radon gas, radioactive elements in the earth, cosmic rays hit the earth from outer space.

But this type of radiation can also be manmade.

X-rays and gamma rays are created in power plants for nuclear energy and are also used in smaller amounts for medical imaging tests, cancer treatment and food irradiation.

Several measures to prevent radiation exposure are already in place, such as lead vests. However, it’s best to know how and when

This association gives patients access to world-class facilities and physicians at the tops of their specialties, officials said. Should you need more specialized care than the Ashe office can provide, or an invasive procedure they do not offer, their staff will coordinate your care with the best cardiac specialist for you.

Ashe Memorial works closely with

to use these measures to prevent exposure.

Other carcinogens

According to the American Cancer Society, substances and exposures that can lead to cancer are called “carcinogens.” Some carcinogens do not affect DNA directly, but lead to cancer in other ways. For example, they may cause cells to divide at a faster than normal rate, which could increase the chances that DNA changes will occur.

According to the ACS, carcinogens do not cause cancer in every case, and substances labeled as carcinogens may have different levels of cancer causing potential. Some may cause cancer only after prolonged, high levels of exposure.

Also, the risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including how a person is exposed to a carcinogen, the intensity of the exposure and the person’s genetic makeup.

In order to discover what carcinogens are linked to cancer, researchers engage in studies and tests on lab animals. However, tests for carcinogens can still be difficult.

One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to avoid known cancer causing carcinogens.

A full list of cancer causing carcinogens can be found at the following link: www.cancer.org/cancer/ cancercauses/othercarcinogens/generalinformationaboutcarcinogens/ known-and-probablehuman-carcinogens.

Dr. Jeanette Billett, who is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiology, officials said. Novant Health Ashe Cardiology is committed to serving the people Jefferson and Ashe County, as well as surrounding areas.

The office is located at 200 Hospital Drive, Suite 201, in Jefferson. For more information, call (336) 846-8100.

Heart of the Huskies — taking care of the young For the last two years, rising ninth- to 12th-graders at Ashe County High School have not only received free sports physicals during a one-day event, but also free concussion screenings and EKGs, the latter of which is read by a cardiologist and, if flagged, referred for further investigation if needed.

It’s all part of the “Heart of the Huskies” program, sponsored by Blue Ridge Electric, Ashe Memorial Hospital and the Ashe County school system.

“The students flagged with high blood pressure or tachycardia also receive follow-up care,” said Melissa Lewis, prevention nurse and director

of education at Ashe Memorial Hospital.

“Now in our third year, we have expanded to include rising seventhgraders, and are expecting around 400 students this year.”

To accommodate the crowd, a two-day event is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 20 and from 8 a.m. on May 21, until all are seen.

“The students get their forms from the school, and once the paperwork is completed, the school will give them a time slot of when to attend,” Lewis said. “We are also excited to include Ashe Medics in this event this year to help with the EKGs.”

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Page 5

Strokes: The silent killer

W

hen an individual suffers a stroke, the effects can be sudden and the consequences dire. Survivors can be left with memory loss, mood swings, depression and even partial paralysis of the body.

Fortunately, preventative measures, such as proper eating, monitoring cholesterol and eliminating risk factors such as smoking, may be the key to avoiding strokes.

A stroke, sometimes referred to as a cerebrovascular accident, cerebrovascular insult or colloquially brain attack, is the loss of brain function due to a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain.

As time passes, the affected area of the brain cannot function normally, which can result in an inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, failure to understand or formulate speech or a vision impairment of one side of the visual field.

What comes to mind when most people think of a stroke is the previously alluded, heartbreaking physical disabilities that sometimes occurs as a result, which at times can leave those directly affected suffering dramatic physical changes.

Although these effects are indeed tragic, the stroke that caused the effects is actually a vascular disease.

The 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, meaning that literally every second counts when treating an individual suffering from a stroke.

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 result of brain damage can be dramatically life altering, health officials said.

Fortunately, health conscious individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of stroke, according to John Skarda, a doctor specializing in emergency medicine at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

Skarda lists hypertension — excessively high blood pressure — as foremost among the controllable factors that may lead to a

FILE PHOTO

Strokes involve a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, brought about by blockages or ruptures of blood vessels in the brain.

stroke.

“The biggest thing is that people should be aware of whether they have hypertension and, if they have it, to get it treated,” Skarda said, adding that controlling cholesterol, monitoring ideal body weight, managing sleep apnea and engaging in regular exercise can lower the risk of a stroke.

“Those are the best things people can do to prevent vascular disease in general,” he said.

Skarda said that while many factors that contribute to stroke are controllable, some factors come in the form of less controlled sources, such as heredity.

“The one factor we can’t control is family history,” Skarda said. “I think that each person should be evaluated for their risk factors.

They should get their cholesterol checked, have their blood pressure checked and do the lifestyle changes — healthy diet and exercise.

Probably the biggest problem in the U.S. is that we have a lot of obesity, and then there are a lot of people that do not get a lot of exercise.”

The good news is that strokes can be treated and prevented, and many fewer Americans die of stroke now than even 15 years ago. Better control of major stroke risk factors — high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol — may be responsible for the decline, health officials said.

The same measures that help prevent strokes will also help fight heart disease and other ailments related to vascular health.

“I think the best way to look at vascular disease is that it is a systematic disease,” Skarda said.

For more information about strokes, their effects and reducing their risk, visit the National Stroke Association online by visiting www.stroke.org.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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February 24-25, 2016

‘Dem bones’: Help keep them strong

O

ther than at Halloween, we don’t often give much thought to the skeleton.

If you’ve ever broken a bone, however, you know just how important they are in supporting your entire body.

The health of your bones determines whether you can stand upright in your older age or stoop over. Whether you can dust yourself off and get back up after a fall. Whether you can bound out of bed every morning or wake up stiff as a board.

Osteoporosis According to local physicians, one of the most common bone-related problems is osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose density and become weak, meaning they can break from a minor fall or even from simple actions, such as sneezing or bumping into furniture, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

The bone disease risk is especially common among aging women, who lost estrogen at menopause that helped maintain bone density.

For those young folks who think osteo-

porosis is decades away, know this: The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass — usually between the ages of 18 and 25 — the less likely you are to break a bone or get osteoporosis later in life, according to the foundation.

Being one of the Southeast’s few destinations that experiences an actual winter, the High Country sees its share of slips, falls and the occasional snowboard crash, leading to a fractured or broken bone. The distal radius fracture, or a break of the wrist, is among the most common types of fractures, according to physicians with OrthoCarolina in Boone. That’s because people instinctively hold their hands out in an attempt to break their fall.

Among older people, hip injuries can be especially difficult to cope with, as they cannot be put into a cast and often have to be treated with surgery.

People undergoing radiation therapy for cancer may also have an increased risk for fractures, as the medication may lead to bone loss.

Currently, OrthoCarolina in Boone

SEE BONES, PAGE 7

FILE PHOTO Taking care of your bones is an important factor in leading a long and healthy life.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Page 7

Exercise assists in obesity prevention

O

besity is showing its prevalence in the United States, as more than one-third of adults across the country are considered overweight.

With conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer, obesity prevention has become a major priority for Americans.

Preventing obesity not only creates healthier lifestyles, but improves the economy as well. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States is $147 billion.

The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than people of normal weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While obesity is a national cause for concern, it’s also important to realize it’s an issue locally.

A 2013 report from the

SEE OBESITY, PAGE 8

BONES FROM PAGE 6 features seven doctors and physician assistants specializing in sports medicine, shoulder and elbow repair, arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, spine and surgery care, hand surgery, foot and ankle repair, Dupuytren’s contracture, osteoporosis care, rotator cuff injuries and other bone and joint care A number of physicians at Watauga Medical Center are also trained in orthopaedic care and recovery.

FILE PHOTO

According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health. This includes aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening.

Protecting bones While not every bone issue can be predicted or prevented, there are some ways to ward off the most common bone problems.

Diets rich in vitamin D, protein and calcium, including foods such as milk, yogurt and spinach, can help build strong bones.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation urges people to take steps to prevent falls, which include using a cane or walker.

Use common sense: If the driveway is slick with ice, consider whether you really need to pick up the mail immediately.

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

Physical therapist Jeanne Bradshaw with the Wellness Center of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System agreed that weight exercise is critical.

“The research doesn’t really support that just walking is enough exercise … to prevent bone loss,” she said.

“You’ve got to incorporate some resistance training and some different modes of impact.”

She suggested activities such as climbing stairs or doing squats as good examples.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Page 8

I

February 24-25, 2016

Healthy living starts at the table

n a fast-paced and frantic society where there is never enough time in the day, lifestyles impact food choices.

Convenience often outweighs health considerations when making decisions on what kinds of calories we use to power our bodies on a daily basis. Add to this a cacophony of voices offering nutrition advice and fad diets guaranteeing overnight weight loss, navigating the modern food landscape can become a daunting task.

In spite of the conflicting chorus of contradictory recommendations, there are essential time-tested principles to healthful eating. By making well-informed food choices, one is investing in future health.

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

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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit per day for the average adult.

Health officials also recommend skipping sugary drinks, such as soda, energy

FILE PHOTO

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the foundation for a healthy diet and are packed with everything the body needs to operate at its best, officials say.

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

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Appalachian District Health Department said that in Watauga County, 59.9 percent of adults were either overweight or obese.

In Western North Carolina, 64.2 percent of the population was either overweight or obese.

This data shows a slight increase since 2012, according to the department.

For children and adolescents, obesity is a serious problem in the United States as well. Despite a recent decline in obese preschool-aged children, the number of overweight children is still too high.

According to the CDC, in 2012, 17 percent of children and adolescents 2 to 19 years old were obese. The disease affected approximately 12.7 million children from 2002 to 2012.

Americans can fight obesity through simple methods such as healthy eating habits and regular exercise, according to health officials.

You gain weight when the calories you eat and drink exceed the calories you burn.

Maintaining a healthy calorie intake starts with following a healthy diet pattern.

The dietary outline for Americans has an emphasis on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low fat and fat-

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 contains all three, according to the USDA. Reducing these types of foods in your diet can make a big impact.

Limiting the salt you consume can reduce the risk of stroke and cardiac conditions. While too much animal fat in your diet can have detrimental effects, keep in mind that some fat is necessary for the body to survive.

According to the USDA, beans, nuts or avocados can serve as a healthy alternative.

“All things in moderation,” as the old adage goes.

Food is a major part of life, which should be celebrated and enjoyed. 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.

free dairy products and drinking water.

Along with a healthy diet, it’s important to burn calories through regular exercise.

Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving.

According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health. This includes aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening.

In a 2012 report, the Appalachian District Health Department said more than 25 percent of Western North Carolina adults had no physical activity.

The Physical Activity Guidelines recommends adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity, or an equivalent mix of the two, each week. In addition, it’s recommended to have two days of strength training per week.

Regular physical activity and a healthy eating plan is important for long term health benefits and prevention of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, health officials said.

In a 2015 community opinion survey by the Appalachian District Health Department, the community showed broad support for recreation and healthier lifestyles.

Among the respondents, there was an overwhelming desire to create environments that support active transportation, recreation and leisure activity.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Page 9

Eye openers: How to keep your vision healthy

D

on’t turn a blind eye to vision health.

While some forms of vision damage can never be fixed, it’s important to know how to keep your vision at its best.

The most common vision problems are refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.

Refraction has to do with the bending of light rays as they pass through the cornea and lens before focusing on the retina.

Some vision problems can be fixed through simple means, such as glasses and contacts. Other problems may need surgery, while some vision damage cannot be fixed.

While not all vision problems can be prevented, there are some precautionary measures that one can take to support vision health.

According to the National Eye Institutes at the National Institutes of Health, here are some simple ways to keep your eyes healthy and able: Have a regular comprehensive dilated eye exam about every one to two years.

In the same way that mammograms are important in catching breast cancer in early stages, dilated eye exams can help detect common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related

FILE PHOTO

Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. for those younger than 60 years old.

macular degeneration, which often have no early warning signs.

Additionally, people with subpar vision may not realize that their eyesight could benefit from glasses or contacts until they have a dilated eye exam.

Keep your contact lenses (and hands) clean. Always wash your hands prior to putting in your contact lenses to avoid the risk of infection, the NEI said. Disinfect and replace contact lenses as directed.

Live Life Smiling!

And although it seems like common sense, don’t sleep with your contact lenses in.

Wear protective eyewear in the sun.

Look for sunglasses that block 99 or 100 percent of radiation from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Some occupations, such as welding, require protective eyewear; heed the safety requirements of your specific workplace.

Adhering to a diet rich in vitamins can protect your eyesight. In addition to car-

rots, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly leafy greens, is an important aspect of keeping your vision clear.

Research also suggests that fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can also benefit your eye health.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also beneficial to your eyesight, as some weight-related illnesses such as diabetes have an adverse effect on eyesight. Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. for those younger than 60 years old. Some types of diabetes can be avoided through healthy eating and exercise.

Don’t smoke cigarettes. Research indicates that smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage.

Take a break from the computer screen, and turn your brightness down. If you spend a lot of time at the computer screen at work or at home, remember to take a break every so often. The NEI recommends the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

Be aware of your family’s vision history.

Since many eye diseases and conditions are hereditary, it’s good to know your family’s record of eye health.

For more information, visit www.nei. nih.gov.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Hearing loss: types, causes and treatments

H

earing is one of our most in the ear canal, foreign body in the ear or important senses, so naturally otosclerosis. it’s important to Sensorineural hearing protect it. loss: This type of hearing loss According to the Hearing is due to problems of the inLoss Association of America, ner ear, also known as nerveabout 20 percent of Amerirelated hearing loss. cans, 48 million people, Causes of sensorineural report some degree of hearhearing loss include exposure ing loss. At age 65, one out of to loud noise, head trauma, three people have some form various diseases, autoimmune of hearing loss. inner ear disease, family Hearing loss can result history, aging (presbycusis), PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL from several different facmalformation of the inner ear The ear is the organ retors, some of which can be and Meniere’s disease. sponsible for the sense of hearing. In humans, the ear successfully treated with Mixed hearing loss: This medicine or surgery, depend- is described as having three refers to a combination of parts: the inner ear, middle ing on the disease. The three ear and the outer ear. conductive and sensorineural types of hearing loss are: hearing loss. It means that Conductive hearing loss: there may be damage in the This type of hearing loss is due to problems outer or middle ear and in the inner ear with the ear canal, ear drum or middle (cochlea) or auditory nerve. ear and its bones (the malleus, incus, and Many causes of hearing loss, such as stapes). tumors, chronic ear infections and chronic Conductive hearing loss is caused by fluid, often require surgery. Problems that malformations (outer ear, ear canal or cannot be successfully corrected with surmiddle ear structures), fluid in the middle gery can often be improved with amplificaear, ear infection, allergies, poor eustation via a bone conduction hearing aid. chian tube function, perforated eardrum, Anyone who is experiencing hearing loss benign tumors, impacted earwax, infection should consult their primary care physician.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Page 11

"What man is a man who does not make this world better?"

FILE PHOTO

It is recommended to apply sunscreen an hour to 45 minutes prior to sun exposure.

Healthy lifestyles include healthy skin

T

he changing of seasons brings about many changes, the birds return, the flowers bloom, yards return to their natural green state and the dreary wintery gray clouds disappear, making way for the sun’s triumphant return.

Many people take advantage of the warmer weather and do lots of activities outside in the warm, sun-soaked air.

However, with the concerns of dry skin or worse, board certified dermatologist, Dr. Maggie Sparks of Boone, suggests some useful tips for maintaining healthy skin.

Protect yourself from the sun Sun exposure causes wrinkles, age spots, burns and the possibility of skin cancer.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself from the bright, orange ball in the sky.

• Use sunscreen: Sparks recommends applying sunscreen an hour to 45 minutes prior to sun exposure. Slather on generous amounts of sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15.

• Avoid the sun all together: The sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Wear protective clothing: Wear tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. There is special sun-protective clothing that is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

Don’t smoke Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of skin. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important for healthy skin.

Smoking also damages elastin and collagen, the fibers that give skin elasticity and strength.

Smoking contributes to wrinkles and

may make your skin look older.

Treat your skin gently Daily bathing and/or showering in the winter can excessively dry the skin. Keep these helpful tips in mind next time you lather up.

• Limit your bath time. Long, hot showers can deplete your body of essential oils.

Use warm water rather than hot.

• Use gentle soaps. Strong detergents and soaps can also deplete your body of essential oils. Choose milder moisturizing soaps instead.

• Keep your skin moisturized. Use a moisturizing lotion that best suits your type of skin. For regular use, consider using a moisturizer with an SPF.

Eat a healthy diet Sparks said a healthy diet can help make a person look younger. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins will provide your body with ample fats and vitamins to maintain healthy skin.

She added that eating a poor diet of unhealthy fats and sugars could possible lend itself to acne or other skin problems.

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Stress management High stress levels could cause sensitive skin to negatively react, causing acne breakouts, hives and other skin problems.

Take steps to better control stressors in your life, such as cutting down on your to-do list and incorporating exercise into your day.

Early screenings Sparks said the best defense against any skin disease is a skin exam. Visiting a dermatologist and having your skin examined for skin cancers or precancerous growths is vital for good skin health. A dermatologist can find things that most people look over or don’t think about, she said.

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Flu season 2016: How to stay healthy

A

s long as the flu still lingers, it’s still not too late to get a flu shot, according to local officials from the Appalachian Regional Health Department.

In fact, flu shot services can be available even until May, one official said.

Unfortunately, the implications of this mean that it’s still not too late to contract the influenza virus.

“Each flu season, flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website reads.

Recent reports from the health department indicate that the flu was on the rise as of February, which is the typical peak month for flu activity.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, according to the CDC, which can cause mild to severe illness.

Children and seniors 65 and older are most at risk of succumbing to the serious symptoms of the flu, and the best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated, health officials said.

Everyone 6 months or older is encouraged to get the flu shot ever year, according to the CDC, except in rare exceptions, such as being allergic to the influenza vaccine.

There have already been multiple pediatric deaths this season from the influenza virus in the U.S., according to the CDC. Three kinds of flu viruses are commonly found: influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses and influenza B viruses, while the influenza A virus family is the most common this year.

The 2015-2016 vaccination is made to prevent all three of these types of the flu, officials said.

Although the best way to fight against the flu is to get vaccinated, there are other precautionary measures that one should take, such as handwashing and avoiding contact with people who are sick. Carry a portable bottle of hand sanitzer on your person or be on the lookout for hand sanitzer stations, which can be found in hospitals, as well as other public places, such as malls.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue

when you cough or sneeze, throwing the tissue away when you’re done, local health officials said. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way.

Additionally, practicing other good health habits, such as drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of sleep, exercising, managing stress levels and following a nutritious diet can help boost the immune system and keep you healthy.

“Maintaining adequate hydration status is really important to keep our immune systems functioning well,” said Amy Nix, a nurse practitioner at Ashe Family Healthcare.

Representatives from the Appalachian District Health Department concurred that vaccination this flu season is necessary, noting that the flu’s presence is on the rise this season.

“The most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows increasing flu activity for the United States,” a spokesman for the Appalachian District Health Department said.

If you do get the flu this season, there are both prescription antiviral drugs, as well as over-the-counter remedies available. To avoid spreading the flu, stay home from work or school until all flu-like symptoms have subsided.

For more information, visit www.cdc. gov/features/fluprevention/index.html.

Signs and symptoms of the flu • A 100 degree or higher fever or feeling feverish (not every one with the flu has a fever) • Cough • Sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Muscle or body aches • Headaches • Fatigue (tiredness) • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Smile and the world smiles with you

L

egendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong once sang, “When you’re smilin’, keep on smilin’, the whole world smiles with

you.”

A smile says a lot about a person, not just about their mood, but about how well they take care of their teeth.

Joy Howell, a dental hygienist for Dr. Joel Yates, said there are basic fundamentals everyone can do for better dental health.

Brushing twice every day Brushing teeth removes plaque, a sticky SEE SMILE, PAGE 13

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Page 13

The natural approach

H

ealth and medicine have become a part of almost every facet of modern life.

Discussion of the topics is a cornerstone of political debate. Pharmaceuticals even have a solid presence on television in the form of advertising.

Across the globe, those who are wary of “Big Pharma,” and seek different means of ensuring and promoting their health, often turn to alternative means of medicine.

Variously termed as holistic, functional or natural, alternative medicine now has established a firm foothold in the crowded heath industry. Proponents of alternative methods of medicine claim that modern Western medicine is often too interested in treating just the symptoms of an underlying issue. Alternative medicine, they contend, concerns itself more with underlying issues.

One of the pillars of the natural approach to medicine is education.

Medical professionals in the field of holistic medicine seek to understand the underlying issues involved in a patient’s problem and to educate them on how to manage it themselves.

Autumn Goheen, with Blue Ridge Acupuncture and Integrative Health in Boone, says that education is a vital part of the many services offered at that office.

“At the end of (a patient’s) care here,

they don’t have to depend on us, or anyone else, for their well-being. They will already have the tools to be able to stay well long-term,” Goheen said.

On its website, BRAIH lists the five pillars of health as detoxification, hormone health, nutrition, fitness and organ function. They, like other natural health clinics, employ a host of methods to aid in the balance and repair of these functions.

One of the more common methods of treatment employed by clinicians of holistic medicine is acupuncture. The procedure, which is a mainstay and export of Chinese traditional medicine, involves the placement of needles at “acupuncture points” around the body.

By manipulating these points, acupuncturists attempt to treat a large number of ailments from asthma to insomnia.

Chiropractic is another common form of alternative medicine utilized by many Americans. Chiropractors attempt to diagnose and treat ailments of the skeletal system, particularly the spine, by manually adjusting it, as well as other joints and soft tissue around the body.

Practitioners of natural medicine do not limit themselves to treatment of just the body. Mountain Town Dental in West Jefferson offers some natural options in dental care as well.

TruDenta Headache Relief is a method of headache treatment that

involves the adjustment of improper muscle forces in the head, neck and jaw area that cause painful conditions. The method involves a test used to determine the location of improperly aligned bite forces in the mouth.

Once located, these out-of-sync muscles can be slowly brought back into line over time, in hopes that the new readjustment will prevent headaches and migraines, according to a spokesman for the office. The treatment is administered both drug and needle free.

The staff at Mountain Town Dental, who are among the leading practitioners of the procedure in the United States, said they have had great success with the method.

“I have lots of patients with testimonials who really had tremendous pain, but now are pain free,” Cindy Kincaid, a registered dental hygienist with Mountain Town Dental, said. “They have increased their quality of life, and that is what is most important to them.”

There are a number of methods that one can employ if he or she seeks treatment for almost any ailment.

While for some issues, natural and alternative medicine is viable, for serious problems, especially emergency medicine, the hospital is still your best bet, health officials said.

It is always worthwhile to consult a doctor before beginning any new medical treatment, they said.

SMILE

Eating a well-balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains, will provide proper nutrients that build strong, healthy teeth.

• Avoid drinking sugary drinks, such as sodas and fruit drinks. People tend to sip on those drinks, raising acidity levels that erode teeth over long periods of time.

• Candy, specifically gummy-type candy, lingers on teeth surfaces, which also leads to eroding teeth.

bacteria and neutralizes acids.

FROM PAGE 12 film of bacteria that grows on teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss.

• Brush for two minutes. Howell said there are toothbrushes available with automatic timers that will shut off at the two-minute point.

• Use fluoride toothpaste. Flavored toothpastes are fine for children, as long as they contain fluoride.

• Floss right after brushing. This helps to remove any plaque and food particles missed by brushing.

Maintain a proper diet

Rinse after meals

In today’s world of eating on the run, sometimes there’s not time to brush after every meal.

Chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash increases saliva, which washes away

Avoid tobacco products

Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth and increase the possibility of gum disease and oral cancer.

See your dentist regularly

Howell recommended everyone, starting as young as 6 months old, should see their dentist a minimum of twice a year.

• For children, dentist visits are primarily to get them used to the dentist and the exams.

• For adults, dentist visits are used for exams and scheduling routine cleanings and any other necessary dental procedures.

2015

2014

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Page 14

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Mental health resources available in the High Country

A

pproximately one in five adults in the U.S. — 43.8 million or 18.5 percent — experiences mental illness in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Furthermore, approximately one in 25 adults in the U.S. — 10 million or 4.2 percent — experiences a serious mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.

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 speak with a mental health professional who will listen and ask ques-

PHOTO COURTESY FLICKR USER FOX VALLEY INSTITUTE

Resources are available in the High Country to help if you or someone you know is feeling depressed, stressed, anxious, confused or mentally or emotionally unbalanced.

tions to learn about the nature and extent of the problem the individual is facing.

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

Daymark Recovery Services, located at 132 Poplar Grove Connector #B in Boone, offers a walk-in clinic, mobile crisis unit and 24-hour crisis services, as well as substance abuse and mental health outpatient treatment and intensive in-home treatment.

Daymark is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the

office number is (828) 264-8759, and the after-hours crisis line number is (828) 264-4357.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is (800) 273-8255. Call to speak with a skilled, trained crisis worker who will listen to your problems and will tell you about mental health services in your area. The call is confidential and free.

Visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for additional information, including resources for veterans, young adults, victims of bullying and resources in Spanish.

In Watauga and Avery counties, High Country Community Health also offers behavioral health assessments, consultations and recommendations.

High Country Community Health is a federally qualified health center that accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and payments on an income-based sliding fee scale for the uninsured.

To contact the Watauga center, call (828) 262-3886, and to reach the Avery center, call (828) 737-0221. For

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

February 24-25, 2016

Page 15

North Carolina striving toward tobacco prevention

T

he bad news is that for the second year in a row, North Carolina has failed in its efforts to decrease smoking and overall usage of tobacco.

“The good news is that this does not have to be discouraging,” said David Willard, Northwest Tobacco Prevention coordinator. “This latest report shows that we can and will improve in tobacco prevention and control strategies.”

Willard referred to the American Lung Association Grading system, in which North Carolina received a failing grade in four categories: tobacco prevention and cessation funding, Smokefree Air, tobacco taxes and access to cessation services.

With tobacco use remaining the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S., Willard said the American Lung Association and its partners have committed to three bold goals to address the problem: Reduce rates of smoking and tobacco use to less than 10 percent for all communities by 2024; protect all Americans from secondhand smoke by 2019; and ultimately eliminate the death and disease caused by tobacco use.

The ALA in North Carolina calls for the following three actions to be taken by elected officials to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke:

• Restore funding for tobacco use prevention programs, including QuitlineNC. • Resist attempts to weaken the Smoke-Free Restaurants and Bars Law and expand the law to include all public places and private worksites.

• Increase the state cigarette tax by $1 per pack.

Lack of funding for the state’s tobacco use prevention program is of great concern, Willard said.

As recently as 2011, tobacco prevention and cessation programs jointly received $17.3 million, he said. However, the current state budget only appropriated $1.2 million in 2015 for the state Quitline — “a very small amount of funding for a state as large as North Carolina.”

“It is about 1 percent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Best Practices Spending Recommendation for the state,” he said.

Willard noted that there are no state dollars allocated for teen tobacco use prevention, even though more than 80 percent of smokers begin the habit before the age of 18.

The lack of funding directly impacts the state’s ability to move toward a healthier future.

According to Willard, in 2015, the Legislature adopted a bill requiring child-resistant packaging and warning labels on all nicotine liquids used with electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. The new law became effective Dec. 1, 2015.

However, Willard said, it was disappointing that legislators did not consider raising the state’s 47th lowest in the nation cigarette tax. The national average for state cigarette taxes is $1.60 per pack, and North Carolina’s tax is 45 cents per pack.

MENTAL FROM PAGE 14 more information, visit www.highcountrycommunityhealth.com.

Persons with a mental illness or disorder may also benefit from the programs of NAMI High Country, an affiliate of the National Alliance on

‘Fast facts’ about smoking: Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the U.S. and in North Carolina.

Every year in North Carolina, smoking claims the lives of about 14,000 adults and costs more than $3.8 billion in medical care; $931.4 million of that cost is covered by the state Medicaid program.

A one-pack-a-day smoker can save more than $1,800 per year if they quit.

In North Carolina, 20 percent of adults are smokers.

In Watauga County, 16 percent of adults are smokers; 27 percent in Alleghany County; 24 percent in Ashe County.

Among regional youth, 18.5 percent of high school students smoke; 5.6 percent of middle schools smoke.

Statistics also indicate that 1.4 percent of middle school students have used electronic cigarettes; 2.5 percent of high school students have used electronic cigarettes.

Among high school students, 12.7 percent use smokeless tobacco.

Within two weeks to three months of quitting smoking, one’s heart attack risk drops and lung function improves.

One year after quitting, one’s added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s. Five years after a smoker quits, the stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.

In the U.S., an estimated 49,000 deaths are caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. By quitting, you’re showing your family and other young people that a life without cigarettes is not only healthy, but possible, officials said.

Cigarette price increases have a direct impact on smoking rates in both kids and adults, he said. The benefits of a cigarette tax increase of $1 per pack, including lower smoking rates and resulting funds to benefit the state, continue to be out of reach.

tested in U.S. clinical trials as a smoking cessation device,” he said.

In 2014, the N.C. General Assembly expressed concern over e-cigarettes’ attractiveness to youth by adding them to the law which bans the sale or distribution of tobacco products to minors.

In positive news, Willard said, many local governments are moving to protect both their workers and the public from secondhand smoke in and around local government facilities. Most of these local rules and ordinances include electronic cigarettes.

Smoke free This year marks the sixth anniversary of North Carolina’s smoke-free restaurants and bars law, Willard said, which prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of most restaurants and bars, with limited exceptions for private clubs and some cigar bars.

In a short amount of time, the smoke-free law has begun to have a significant impact on the state, Willard said, and has definitely changed the way we look at smoking and secondhand smoke.

“Statistics show that it has improved the air quality in restaurants, it has improved health (decreased emergency room visits related to heart attacks and asthma) and has helped reduce smoking as evidenced by a large increase in calls made to the 1-800-QUITNOW lines. And studies show no negative impact on restaurant/bar business, income or employment,” according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information, contact Willard at the Appalachian District Health Department at (828) 264-4995.

E-cigs on the rise Latest statistics, Willard said, indicate that from 2011 to 2014 the use of e-cigarettes increased nine times for high school students (1.5 percent to 13.4 percent) and more than six times for middle school students (0.6 percent to 3.9 percent).

“Nearly 2.5 million U.S. middle and high school students were e-cigarette users in 2014, including about one in seven high school students,” he said. “In 2013, 263,000 middle and high school students who had never smoked cigarettes had used e-cigarettes.”

Most adult e-cigarette users also smoke conventional cigarettes, which is referred to as “dual use,” Willard said, adding, “In 2012-2013, 1.9 percent of adults were e-cigarette users, including 9.4 percent of conventional cigarette smokers. Among adult e-cigarette users, 76.8 percent were also current cigarette smokers (“dual users”) in 2012-2013.”

E-cigarette trends of use are being studied for their effects on population health, particularly the impact on young people and tobacco users who want to quit, Willard said.

“E-cigarettes are not FDA approved and have not been

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 holds monthly meetings on the first Mondays of the

month at 7 p.m. at the Watauga County Public Library conference room, located at 140 Queen St. in Boone. Attendees arriving after 7 p.m. are asked to enter through the side door.

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.

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Page 16

February 24-25, 2016

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