Health and Wellness, February 2018

Health&Wellness

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A PUBLICATION OF ATASCADERO NEWS & PASO ROBLES PRESS | 1

HEALTH & WELLNESS | BY THE NUMBERS

Deadly Heart Disease A

ccording to the American Heart Association, about 70,000 people in the US have heart attacks each year, ultimately killing about 114,000 of those affected. Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in both genders as it is the leading cause of death in men and women.

disease combined.

• Nearly half of all AfricanAmerican adults have some form of cardiovascular disease.

• Approximately every 40 seconds, an American will have a heart attack.

• The average age for the first heart attack in men is 65 years old; it is 71 years in women.

• Strokes are the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States.

• Between 2013 and 2030, medical costs of coronary heart disease

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were expected to increase by about 100 percent. The cost during 2012 and 2013 was $199.6 billion.

• Stroke accounts for 1 of every 20 deaths in the United States. A stroke kills someone in American about every 4 minutes.

• About 85.7 million American adults have high-blood pressure.

This is a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease.

• Nearly half of those with highblood pressure do not have it under control.

• Coronary heart disease

accounts for over one in seven deaths in the U.S., or about 360,000 people annually.

• About 92.1 million American adults are living with some form of cardiovascular disease or the after-effects of stroke.

Make this year about getting on top of your heart health and not becoming a statistic. Consult with your doctor if you think your heart is at risk. © ADOBE STOCK

February is Heart Health Month.

You can show support by wearing red on National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of the very serious condition. Heart attacks and strokes are considered risks from cardiovascular disease.

These alarming facts from the American Heart Association are meant to inspire you to become serious about heart health for you and your loved ones: • Cardiovascular disease claims more lives than all forms of all cancers and chronic lower respiratory

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | MEN’S HEALTH

P

Prostate Cancer Risk

rostate cancer is the second most common cancer to affect American men but is oftentimes manageable with treatment. Catching it early is key.

This is achieved by knowing

the signs and symptoms, and following proper screening guidelines.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, there is no set age for men to begin screening. This is largely due to the disease occurring because of lifestyle and family history. Based on these factors, your personal doctor will be able to suggest a recommended timeframe for when and how often you should be screened.

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER? Prostate cancer begins when cells in prostate glands begin growing uncontrollably.

These glands are only found in men, below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinomas, which develop from the gland cells. In rare cases, it can grow and spread quickly, but more commonly it is a slow mover. This gives men a great advantage in discovering and correcting the dis-

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SYMPTOMS

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE SCREENING?

Besides being screened, you can pay attention to these symptoms laid out by the PCF: • Frequent urination, especially at night; • Weak, dribbling or holding back urination; • Painful urination or pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis or thighs; and • Blood in the urine.

If you notice any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor immediately.

There are two common procedures used by professionals to discover signs of prostate cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breaks down how they are accomplished.

Digital rectal exam: Your doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to gain access to the prostate and feel for lumps or abnormalities.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test: This is administered to monitor the levels of

ease.

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PSA in a person’s blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate, and high levels in the blood can mean there is an issue with the prostate, including cancer.

TREATMENT The type of treatment your doctor chooses for a fight against prostate cancer depends on the stage of cancer, the patient’s age, the likelihood that treatment will provide a cure and how the patient feels about the side effects.

Much like other cancer treatments, the options may include radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or even surgery.

Talk with your doctor this winter about your concern of developing prostate cancer, especially if someone in your family has been affected.

HEALTH & WELLNESS | PREVENTION

Flu Shot and Pregnant Women I

nfluenza affects both men and women, but those who are pregnant are more likely to suffer from severe illness. The toll the flu takes on mom may sometimes involve hospitalization and can even cause damage to a developing baby.

If you’re expecting this winter, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor about acquiring the shot.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a large body of scientific studies supporting the safety of flu vaccines for pregnant women and their babies.

WHY RECEIVE THE VACCINE? While pregnant, a women’s body goes through many changes to the immune system, heart and lungs, which makes them more prone to falling severely ill from the flu.

The vaccine protects their weakened systems and is even shown to protect the child after birth.

This is thanks to a woman’s ability to pass down antibod© ADOBE STOCK

ies to their baby during the last three months of pregnancy.

The CDC recommends all

Commonly, pregnant

• Muscle aches and fatigue.

women receive the traditional

women only suffer from the

flu shot while pregnant. There

same side effects as others

about the concerns you may

is not enough research to

who receive it. These may

have about the flu vaccine.

support the nasal spray vac-

include the following:

cine to prove its effectiveness.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Be honest with your doctor

By researching your medi-

risks.

these important antibodies to

BREASTFEEDING

their child through breast-

It is safe to get the flu shot

feeding. This is incredibly

while breastfeeding. This

important while your child is

means that if you decided to

less than six months old —

cal history, your physician can wait until after childbirth to

too young to receive the vac-

ing near the location where

ensure that you are not

receive the flu vaccine, your

cine himself.

the shot was administered;

exposing yourself or your new baby to any health

baby can still benefit.

• Soreness, redness or swell-

• Headache and fever; and

Women also can pass down

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Working in Winter Weather T

hose who make their livings outdoors know that their careers don’t take a break just because it’s cold.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, men account for 91 percent of the construction industry. This means they are at a much higher risk for serious health hazards during the cold.

This statistic reported by OSHA includes workers such as laborers, electricians and plumbers. These positions are crucial to Americans who need assistance when pipes freeze or a furnace suffers from an electrical problem.

If you are in a field that requires you to travel outdoors year-round, are you taking proper measures to stay safe?

ARRIVE SAFELY On-the-job safety begins before you arrive at the worksite. Be sure to take proper precautions depending on road conditions before your commute to work.

Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts and leave early to allow time to drive slowly if ice or snow is present.

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OSHA also recommends having important vehicle com-

will expose any faults, possibly

ponents inspected before the

leaving you stranded. Also have

cold arrives. Here are a few of

an expert test the starter and

its suggestions:

alternator to ensure they work

peratures, it’s important to

properly.

dress in at least three layers of

• Brakes: Inspect the level of your brake fluid and the integ-

• Tires: Driving on tires with

Make sure all exposed skin is

DRESS FOR THE JOB While working in frigid tem-

loose-fitting clothing. OSHA

covered when dealing with temperatures that promote

surroundings. When working in

frostbite. Hats, knit masks, insulated gloves and waterproof boots are all necessary.

the insulation integrity of pro-

rity of the braking system’s

poor tread depth is dangerous,

says an inner layer of wool will

components, such as, pads,

especially on ice and snow.

be efficient in holding body

rotors, calipers and hoses.

Make sure tread is at the rec-

heat, a middle layer of wool

ommended levels or replace

provides insulation when wet,

them.

and an outer wind-repelling

restoring electricity that has

layer allows ventilation.

been knocked out from ice or

• Electrical system: Always have your battery checked before winter, as cold weather

6 | A PUBLICATION OF ATASCADERO NEWS & PASO ROBLES PRESS

snow, always be aware of your

MORE SAFETY TIPS For those working with

snow, the moisture can reduce tective equipment.

Watch your step. Slips and falls are common occurrences when working outdoors. Take caution when working around ice, and always wear proper footwear.

HEALTH & WELLNESS | SELF IMPROVEMENT

Resolutions for Women T

he beginning of each new year gives us the chance to form a fresh start and get on top of our health. Women can take advantage of this new beginning by changing behaviors that lead to common diseases and enhancing their overall lifestyle.

COMMIT TO VISITING THE DOCTOR Many common health conditions found primarily in women can be treated if they are discovered early in the development stage. Consider your age and follow these guidelines set by the American Cancer Society.

• Breast cancer: Women ages 40 to 44 may begin an annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they choose.

Ages 45 to 54 should follow a strict annual mammogram screening. Those 55 and older can safely switch to breast exams every other year.

• Cervical cancer: From age 21 to 29, women should have a Pap test every three years; women 20 to 65 years old every five years. Women over

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65 years should discontinue testing.

RETHINK HOW YOU EAT

teins and plenty of water.

Resolving to lose weight this year will provide you with

GET PHYSICAL

Keep in mind, if you already than men. The National

• Women are more at risk

suffer from chronic health

Institute on Alcohol Abuse

for alcohol-related heart dis-

problems, such as heart dis-

and Alcoholism states this is

ease; and

ease, diabetes or obesity,

due to women typically

healthy weight lowers the risks

Control and Prevention state

check with your doctor before

weighing less and retaining

drink per day have an

of cardiovascular disease, high-

that physical activity doesn’t

beginning a new physical

less water in their bodies.

increased chance of develop-

blood pressure and diabetes.

need to be strenuous to

activity program.

many health benefits. A

Consider scheduling an

The Centers for Disease

Here are some of the risks women face from alcohol

achieve health benefits. In fact,

LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE

• Women who have one

ing breast cancer than women who do not drink at all.

abuse:

appointment with a nutrition-

women of all ages gain an

ist in your area to creating a

advantage by committing 15 to

Women are much more

• Women who drink are

diet filled with fat-killing foods

20 minutes of moderate activi-

susceptible to health prob-

more likely to develop liver

such as leafy greens, lean pro-

ty into their daily routine.

lems brought on by alcohol

inflammation;

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | WOMEN’S HEALTH

W

Women’s Skin Health

inter’s frigid temperatures and dry air can have devastating effects on women’s sensitive skin. It’s important to help your skin adapt to the changing temperature conditions as it loses the ability to regulate itself.

Learn to protect yourself this winter by taking on a routine that supports cold-weather temperatures. By making minor adjustments to your already present skin-care habits, you can spend the winter with exceptional skin.

STAY MOISTURIZED When choosing moisturizing products for protection during the winter, there are a few things to look for. Remember the following tips from the Environmental Working Group.

Lotion is a great line of defense in chapped or drying skin. Be sure you’re stocked up before the cold arrives. When choosing the best moisturizer, look for thick, creamy options and avoid anything with a fragrance.

Manufacturers are not required to disclose ingredients

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that create scents. This means, there may be dangerous chemicals involved, including hor-

moisturizing or irritate their

want to drink the recommend-

strawberries, pineapple, orang-

mone disruptors, allergens and

skin, schedule an appointment

ed amount of water to hydrate

es and green peppers to mix

an FDA-approved lip balm

asthma triggers.

with a local dermatologist.

from the inside. Naturally

into your diet this winter.

readily available and avoid lick-

They will determine the best

hydrated skin will require

with lotion is while your skin is

method to keep your skin

much less help from over-the-

still moist. Limit the time in the

healthy while the temperatures

counter products.

tub and avoid using bubble

are frigid.

The best time to lather up

bath during the winter, as it accelerates the drying of skin.

For those struggling to find a lotion that doesn’t assist in

Eating plenty of nutritious

ing your lips. The extra mois-

DON’T FORGET YOUR LIPS The skin on our lips is much

fruits and vegetables is another

thinner than the rest of our

great way to stay hydrated.

bodies, and winter’s dry air

Just as lotion helps moisten

Think of recipes that include

may make them extremely

the exterior of your skin, you’ll

moisture-rich foods such as

chapped and irritated.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

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Make sure you always have

ture caused from licking lips eventually evaporates and makes the problem even worse.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | WOMEN’S HEALTH

Eat Healthy At 50 and Beyond A balanced diet is an

integral element of a healthy lifestyle for men, women and children alike. But while kids and young adults might be able to get away with an extra cheeseburger here or there, men and women approaching 50 have less leeway.

According to the National Institute on Aging, simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for men and women 50 and older to maintain their long-term health. Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods that have a lot of the nutrients the body needs.

But counting calories can be an effective and

• Active lifestyle: between

rally in plants, and there

ies have discovered the

are so closely related,

foods, instead opting for

2,000 and 2,200 calories

are thousands of these

various benefits of whole

foods enjoyed for years

healthy foods that they

substances offering vari-

grains, which are loaded

may no longer tantalize

can still smell and taste.

ous benefits. The

with protein, fiber, anti-

the taste buds. That can

In addition, men and

simple way to maintain a

MEN

healthy weight, provided those calories are com-

• Not physically active:

Produce for Better

oxidants and other nutri-

be problematic, as many

women should mention

ing from nutrient-rich

2,000 calories

Health Foundation notes

ents. Whole grains have

people instinctually add

any loss of their sense of

foods. The NIA advises

• Somewhat active:

that a varied, colorful

been shown to reduce

more salt to foods they

smell to their physicians,

men and women over 50

between 2,200 and 2,400

diet incorporates lots of

the risk for diseases such

find bland. According to

as such a loss may indi-

adhere to the following

calories

different types of phyto-

as type 2 diabetes, heart

the U.S. Office of Disease

cate the presence of

daily calorie intake rec-

• Active lifestyle: between

chemicals, which the

disease and some types

Prevention and Health

Parkinson’s disease or

ommendations as they

2,400 and 2,800 calories

PBH says have dis-

of cancer.

Promotion, older adults

Alzheimer’s disease.

attempt to stay healthy into their golden years.

ease-preventing properWhen choosing foods to eat, the NIA recom-

WOMEN

ties.

The NIA also advises

Another potential hur-

should consume no

Maintaining a healthy

dle men and women

more than 1,500 milli-

diet after 50 may require

over 50 may encounter is

grams of sodium per day.

some hard work and dis-

mends eating many dif-

that men and women

a change in their sense of

That equates to roughly

cipline. But the long-

• Not physically active:

ferent colors and types of

over 50 make sure at

smell and taste. A per-

3⁄4 teaspoon of salt. Older

term benefits of a

1,600 calories

vegetables and fruits.

least half the grains in

son’s sense of smell may

men and women should

healthy diet make the

• Somewhat active: 1,800

Phytochemicals are sub-

their diets are whole

fade with age, and

resist the temptation to

extra effort well worth it.

stances that occur natu-

grains. Numerous stud-

because smell and taste

use salt to add flavor to

calories

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HEALTH & WELLNESS | WOMEN’S HEALTH

How To Find Time For Fitness Many adults admit to

having little or no time to exercise, and statistics support the notion that men and women simply aren’t exercising enough.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 21 percent of adults ages 18 and older met the physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity (Note: The World Health Organization recommends that healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity

In lieu of traditional date nights, couples looking to find time to exercise can enroll in classes at the gym or exercise together when they would otherwise be dining out.

throughout the week, while also performing

just that.

ride a bicycle or walk

to meet the WHO-

family along to the gym

Parents can still hire

instead of driving.

recommended exercise

or go for nightly

babysitters to look after

requirements.

post-dinner walks

their youngsters while

around the neighbor-

they go burn calories

hood instead of retiring

instead of packing them

muscle-strengthening

• Embrace multitask-

activities involving the

ing. Many professionals

major muscle groups at

are adept at mult-tasking

time. A 2016 report from

least two days per week.)

in the office, and those

The Nielsen Company

effort. Involving others

on at local eateries.

• Cut down on screen

• Make it a group

same skills can be

revealed that the average

can make it easier for

to the living room to

and family can make it

applied when trying to

adult in the United States

adults to find time to

watch television.

hard to find time to visit

find time for exercise.

spent more than 10

exercise. Instead of host-

the gym or exercise at

Instead of plopping

hours each day consum-

ing work meetings in a

Adults who can’t find

busy adults. But those

home. But the benefits of

down on the couch to

ing media. That includes

conference room, take

time for exercise during

committed to getting

regular exercise are so

watch television, bring a

time spent using smart-

the meeting outside,

the week can redefine

healthier can find ways

substantial that even the

tablet to the gym or the

phones, tablets, personal

walking around the

date night with their sig-

to do so even when their

busiest adults should

basement and stream a

computers, and other

office complex while dis-

nificant others. Instead

schedules are booked.

make concerted efforts

favorite show while on

devices. By reducing that

cussing projects rather

of patronizing a local

to find time to exercise.

the treadmill or the ellip-

screen time by just one

than sitting stationary

restaurant on Friday or

The following are a

tical. When running

hour per day, adults can

around a conference

Saturday night, enroll in

handful of ways to do

errands around town,

create enough free time

table. At home, take the

a fitness class together.

Commitments to work

12 | A PUBLICATION OF ATASCADERO NEWS & PASO ROBLES PRESS

• Redefine date night.

Finding time to exercise can be difficult for