Health&Wellness
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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
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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
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• Redefine date night.
Finding time to exercise can be difficult for