November 2017
What’s Inside LIFE
Healthy You! Welcome, Babies Live Well, Work Well The Beacon Wellness Newsletter Quest Frontline Information Following Doctor’s Orders About Acne Alzheimer's Disease Information
CULTURE and EVENTS
Candid Photos FOA Holiday Tree Festival NJROTC Bingo Night Senior Citizen Tea Telephonic Health Coaching Flyer
November 2017 THIS EDITION FEATURES:
Prediabetes:
A Wake-up Call
How to Accept Help Breaking the Spell of Addiction
A Healthier Holiday Meal Break Up Bad Food Relationships
OF : E IP H REC MONT Y THE ERR
NB H A R C IS L E R
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PREDIABETES:
A Wake-up Call In life, it’s important to pay attention to warning signs. If you or a loved one is given a diagnosis of prediabetes, consider it a warning sign on the path to diabetes. Luckily, it’s not too late to turn things around. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar is higher than it should be, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. With prediabetes, this high blood sugar is reversible. On the other hand, diabetes causes chronically high blood sugar levels.
If you are one of the 86 million American adults with prediabetes, talk to your doctor about how you can adjust your diet, physical activity levels, and, if necessary, your weight. Fifteen to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within the next five years. But some basic lifestyle changes can help you heed the warning signs and change course in time. Source: diabetes.org
When your blood sugar is high, the energy you are giving your body isn’t reaching your cells. It’s like adding gas to a car that has a leak in the fuel line.
Recipe of the Month: Cranberry Relish Ingredients: 1 Cup fresh or thawed cranberries
2 Sage leaves
½M edium orange, peeled and seeded
1 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Pitted dates
Instructions: Place dates and sage in a food processor for 20 seconds. Add cranberries and orange and pulse until combined into a coarse relish.
The Three Parts
of Fitness
For many of us, being fit means maintaining a certain weight. But there are actually three components to physical fitness: 1. Stamina. Being able to sustain an elevated heart rate. 2. F lexibility. The range of motion around a joint. This protects muscles and joints from injury. 3. Strength. The ability of muscles to exert force during an activity, such as carrying groceries. A big part of staying fit is committing the time and energy. It may be helpful to join a gym or fitness class so you can spend time with other people with similar goals. This doesn’t mean comparing yourself to others, which can be demoralizing. Remember, just because someone can run faster or lift a heavier weight doesn’t mean that they are more fit than you! Just use the company as motivation to keep working toward your own personal transformation.
Break Up Bad Food Relationships Does macaroni and cheese remind you of your childhood? Do you associate ice cream with getting over a break-up? The foods we eat can be directly connected to our emotions. This can be good when foods evoke pleasant memories, but bad when our emotional attachments trigger unhealthy indulgences. Before you eat A good way to explore your relationship with food is to be mindful of how certain foods make you feel. When you crave a particular food, pay attention to how you were feeling right before the urge came on. Were you feeling stressed or sad? These emotions may be related to your food choice. After you eat
Finding independence
You can also be mindful of how your body feels after you eat certain foods. Do you feel sluggish and disappointed after indulging in too many cookies? Do you feel energetic and hopeful after eating a healthy meal or drinking a big glass of water?
You can remove the power that certain foods have over you by disrupting your patterns, one healthy choice at a time. If you have several foods that you can’t imagine living without, challenge yourself to go without them for just one week. You may find that you’re better off alone!
A Healthier Holiday Meal During the holidays, who doesn’t want to help themselves to a little bit of everything on the table? You can savor a spectacular holiday meal without regret by making a few considerations before filling your plate. White or Dark Meat? Opt for white. Dark meat has more calories and fat.
How to Accept Help
Gravy or Cranberry Sauce? Gravy is the better choice than jellied cranberries, which are full of added sugars. Sweet Potato or Sweet Potato Casserole? Skip the marshmallows and choose the natural sugars in sweet potatoes.
We go through many challenges in our lifetime. Some are obvious to those around us, while others aren't. It may not be apparent to the people who surround us when we are dealing with trauma, caring for a sick or aging relative, or having financial difficulties. That’s why it’s important to ask for help when we need it. Our friends and relatives aren’t mind readers! Accepting help from someone can be as difficult as asking, if not more. Try these tips to get the support you need:
Stuffing or Mashed Potatoes? This is a tough one, but mashed potatoes win. Stuffing can set you back 371 calories and 19 grams of fat for just a ¾ cup. Pecan, Apple, or Pumpkin Pie? Pumpkin pie is the slimmest choice, while apple and pecan tend to have higher calories. Whatever you choose, skip the ice cream.
• Assume that those offering help are sincere. • Tell them what you need. • Give them a specific task to do. • Ask if you can help them in return. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. The next time someone tells you, “Let me know if there is anything I can do,” give them a task!
but we often can’t overcome the need for gratification.
Breaking the Spell of Addiction Things that give us pleasure send signals to our brain that say, “We like this, do it again!” This reward-based learning process makes it difficult to fight urges like smoking or eating sweets. We understand on an intellectual level that obesity and smoking are a leading cause of death,
Mindfulness can help break this enchantment and help us understand bad habits on a deeper level. This can help us to lose interest in old habits and form new ones. An example of using mindfulness to change a behavior may look like this: • A woman’s argument with her spouse creates a stress trigger.
• Instead of fearing her feelings, she experiences them and discovers that smoking isn’t doing anything but distracting her from emotions she’d rather avoid. By being mindful during our urges, we can start to address and correct the causes of our unhealthy addictions. How to handle urges:
• The urge to light a cigarette emerges.
Wait it out. Instead of building in intensity, many cravings eventually subside.
• Instead of lighting the cigarette, she pays attention to how she feels.
Distract yourself. Channel your energy in a healthier activity, like taking a walk.
• She becomes aware of how the urge to smoke is connected to these sensations.
Repeat. The cravings will start to happen less often.
Monthly Quiz:
1. What are the three main components of physical fitness? a. Cutting carbs, doing yoga, and fitting in to skinny jeans b. Strength, flexibility, and stamina c. A 7-minute mile, washboard abs, and a great attitude
2. Which is the lower-calorie choice for your holiday plate? a. Cranberry sauce rather than gravy. b. Apple pie rather than pumpkin pie. c. Mashed potatoes rather than stuffing.
3. Which of the following is most true about prediabetes? a. Blood sugar is higher than it should be. b. It can be a wake-up call that one is on the path to diabetes. c. It is reversible. d. All of the above. ANSWERS: 1.) b
2.) c
3.) d
Brought to you by
Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The information in this publication is meant to complement the advice of your health care providers, not replace it. Before making any major changes in your medications, diet, or exercise, talk to your doctor.
November 2017
Health and wellness tips for your work and life— presented by The Reschini Group
Start Planning Today for a Stressfree Holiday Season Fight the Flu with These Simple Tips The arrival of the fall and winter months signals many things, including the beginning of flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity peaks between December and February. Seasonal influenza can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and the elderly are more vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider the following suggestions:
Get the flu vaccine. Becoming vaccinated against the flu is the best chance of preventing the illness.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from others when you feel under the weather.
Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs.
Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, and drink plenty of water to keep your immune system strong.
Manage your stress and eat a nutritious diet rich in healthy grains, fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice. © 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
While the holiday season brings joy and togetherness, it can also bring stress for many individuals and families. Top holiday stressors include staying on a budget, managing multiple commitments, and finding the perfect gift. Fortunately, by getting organized and planning out what you can ahead of time, you can help reduce your holiday stress.
Write down any known commitments. Does your child’s school have a holiday concert? Are you planning on hosting a holiday dinner? Making a list of your commitments will help you plan your time and help you avoid double-booking yourself.
Create your budget now. If you’re stressed about how your holiday spending will impact you after the holidays are over, you’re not alone. Remember, the sentiment of a gift is much more important than the cost. Set a realistic budget and do not go over it.
Start shopping early. Do you already know what you want to get some people on your list? Don’t be afraid to shop early. Sometimes, you can get great deals on presents even before the holiday season hits. Moreover, you can avoid the scenario of not being able to get the gift you want because it’s sold out.
Though these tips won’t prevent all of the holiday stress you may experience, they can definitely can help reduce it. If you experience high holiday stress, try these coping mechanisms to get your stress under control.
ORANGE HONEYED ACORN SQUASH 3 acorn squash (small)
American Diabetes Month, which occurs every November, aims to raise awareness of the growing public health crisis of diabetes. More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. Moreover, according to the National Diabetes Prevention Program, 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes. People who have prediabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, have a 50 percent higher risk for cardiovascular disease, and may already be experiencing adverse health effects.
⅛ cup orange juice ¼ cup honey 2 Tbsp. butter ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg (op onal)
PREPARATIONS 1.
Heat oven to 400° F.
2.
Cut squash in half. Remove seeds and place halves in shallow baking pan.
3.
Combine orange juice and honey in a small bowl. Mix well. Put some of the mixture in each squash cavity.
4.
Add 1 Tbsp. of the butter to each squash half. Sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired.
5.
Cover pan with aluminum foil to keep steam in and speed up cooking. Bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 30 minutes more, or until squash is tender.
Makes: 6 servings Nutritional Information (per serving) Total Calories
170
Total Fat
4g
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
34 g
Dietary Fiber
3g
Saturated Fat
3g
Sodium
40 mg
American Diabetes Month
Source: USDA
People with prediabetes often have no signs or symptoms, or don’t recognize them because they develop slowly over a period of time. The American Diabetes Association has created a quiz that can help you find out if you’re at risk for developing prediabetes. You should also contact your doctor if you are concerned about your risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. If diagnosed with prediabetes, you can and should do something about it. Studies show that people with this condition can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes through simple lifestyle changes like regularly exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating well.
The Beacon Wellness Edi on - November 2017 Thanksgiving - Food Safety The Thanksgiving meal is the largest many cooks prepare each year. Ge ng it just right, especially the turkey, brings a fair amount of pressure whether or not a host is experienced with roas ng one. Follow these ps to make sure your Thanksgiving meal is both delicious and safe to serve.
Steps to follow when consuming le over Thanksgiving food:
Steps to follow before cooking a turkey:
Read labels carefully. Temperature labels show if the bird is fresh or frozen. If you plan to serve a fresh turkey, purchase it no more than two days before Thanksgiving. Purchase two thermometers: a refrigerator thermometer to ensure the turkey is stored at 40 °F or slightly below and a food thermometer to make sure the turkey reaches a safe 165 °F.
Thaw the turkey by using the microwave, the cold water method, or the refrigerator. The refrigerator method is USDA recommended. Steps to follow when cooking a turkey:
Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before touching any food to prevent the spread of many types of infec on and illness. Do not wash the turkey. This only spreads pathogens onto kitchen surfaces. The only way to kill bacteria that causes foodborne illness is to fully cook the turkey. Keep raw turkey separated from all other foods at all mes. Use separate cu ng boards, plates, and utensils when handling raw turkey to avoid cross-contamina on. Wash items that have touched raw meat with warm soap and water, or place them in a dishwasher. Cook the turkey un l it reaches 165 °F, as measured by a food thermometer. Check the turkey’s temperature by inser ng the thermometer in three places: the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.
Refrigerate le overs within two hours to prevent bacteria from growing on the food. Store le overs in shallow pans or containers to decrease cooling me. This prevents the food from spending too much me at unsafe temperatures (between 40 °F to 140 °F). Do not store stuffing inside a le over turkey. Remove the stuffing from the turkey, and refrigerate the stuffing and the meat separately. Avoid consuming le overs that have been le in the refrigerator for longer than 3 or 4 days (next Tuesday to be exact). Use the freezer to store le overs for longer periods of me. Keep le overs in a cooler with ice if the food is traveling home with a guest who lives more than two hours away.
Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (www.foodsafety.gov)
Recipe of the Month - Easy Gluten Free Macaroni & Cheese Ingredients 10 oz. gluten free elbow macaroni 1/4 cup bu er 1 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 tsp mustard powder 4 cups milk 1/4 cup cornstarch 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Nutri on (per serving) Makes 8 servings Calories - 521 kcal Fat - 29.8 g Carbs - 42.6 g Protein - 21 g Cholesterol - 86 mg Sodium - 809 mg
Topping (op onal) 2 gluten free bread slices, toasted and broken into crumbs 1 tsp bu er, so ened 1/2 tsp paprika Direc ons 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, s rring occasionally un l cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain. 3. Melt 1/4 cup bu er in a saucepan over medium heat. S r salt and mustard powder into melted bu er and remove saucepan from heat.
App of the Month - Calm Calm is an app for mindfulness and medita on to bring more clarity, joy, and peace to your daily life. Start your journey to a calmer mind through breathing exercises and different levels of medita on programs to help with anxiety, stress, focus, concentra on, and many more. This app is available for free on iPhone and Android devices.
4. Whisk milk and cornstarch together in a bowl un l smooth; s r into bu er mixture un l well blended. Return saucepan to stove; cook milk mixture, s rring constantly, over medium heat un l sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. 5. S r 3 cups cheddar cheese into sauce un l heat from sauce melts cheese. Add pasta to cheese sauce and s r well; pour into the prepared baking dish. 6. Combine remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese, gluten free bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon bu er, and paprika in a bowl; sprinkle over pasta mixture. 7. Bake in the preheated oven un l top is crunchy, about 30 minutes.
NAVIGATING YOUR SUCCESS
Dry Skin Relief
Health Benefits of Yoga
Dry skin can flake, itch, crack, and even bleed. To help relieve dry skin, dermatologists offer these ps: 1. Prevent baths and showers from making dry skin worse. When your skin is dry, be sure to: Close the bathroom door Limit your me in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes Use warm rather than hot water Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using so much that you see a thick lather Blot your skin gently dry with a towel Slather on the moisturizer immediately a er drying your skin 2. Apply moisturizer a er ge ng out of the bath or shower. Ointments and creams tend to be more effec ve than lo ons. 3. Read ingredients on skin care products. Deodorant soaps, alcohol-based toners, and products that contain fragrance can irritate dry, sensi ve skin. 4. Use a humidifier to add much-needed moisture to the air. 5. Wear so fabrics that breathe, such as 100 percent co on. If you want to wear wool and other rough fabrics, wear a so fabric underneath. 6. Don’t skimp on hand washing, which can remove harmful bacteria and viruses. If you need to wash your hands frequently, hand sani zers are a good alterna ve. 7. Apply hand cream a er each hand washing. If more relief is needed, dab petroleum jelly on your hands before bed. If your hands are frequently immersed in water, wear waterproof gloves to help protect them. 8. Wear lip balm. Choose a lip balm that feels good on your lips. Some healing lip balms can irritate your lips. If your lips s ng or ngle a er you apply the lip balm, switch to one that does not cause this reac on. If these ps do not bring relief, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Very dry skin may require a prescrip on ointment or cream. Dry skin also can be a sign of an underlying medical condi on, such as eczema. Source: American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org)
The ancient prac ce of yoga may be a way to boost your heart health. Yoga is designed to bring about increased physical, mental, and emo onal well-being. Hand in hand with leading a heart-healthy lifestyle, it is possible for a yoga-based model to help prevent or reverse heart disease. It may not completely reverse it, but you will definitely see benefits. As part of an overall healthy lifestyle, yoga can help lower blood pressure, increase lung capacity, improve respiratory func on and heart rate, and boost circula on and muscle tone. It can also improve your overall well-being while offering strength-building benefits. Yoga good for heart event survivors Yoga also has proven benefits for those who have faced cardiac arrest, heart a ack, or other heart event. The acute emo onal stress of such an event certainly has a significant and adverse effect on the heart. That’s where yoga can be a tremendous benefit to manage the stress. For example, half of bypass surgery pa ents go through depression, facing emo ons ranging from anxiety to grieving. All these things come into play when you’ve got a poten ally chronic disease to manage for the rest of your life. Yoga is calming The calming benefits of yoga may help with that - and you may see benefits right away. A er your first yoga class, your blood pressure will likely be lower, you’ll be relaxed, and you’ll feel be er. Long-term, sustained yoga may play a role in improving overall health. The more energy you put into it, the more you’re going to get out of it. A er 12 weeks, you may see a drama c increase in exercise func onality, and blood pressure and cholesterol levels may decrease. Check with your doctor first If you have heart disease, diabetes, or are obese, check with your doctor before star ng a yoga program. According to the American Heart Associa on, alterna ve therapies such as yoga shouldn’t replace proven methods to lower blood pressure, which include: physical ac vity, managing weight, not smoking, not drinking alcohol excessively, ea ng a low-sodium balanced diet, and taking medica ons when prescribed. Source: American Heart Associa on (www.goredforwomen.org)
Addi onal Resources
Do you have a ques on or concern? If there is a topic you would like us to cover in an upcoming newsle er, please contact us at beacon@reschini.com with “Newsle er” in the subject line, along with a detailed descrip on of a topic or ques on you would like to be addressed.
American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org) American Heart Associa on (www.heart.org & www.goredforwomen.org) U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (www.foodsafety.gov)
www.reschini.com
October 2017
Wellness, Productivity, and You!
Quest Employee Assistance Program
Get a Daycare Stress Checklist
Teens and Steroids: A Bad Combo
M
arn your teen about the dangers of using anabolic steroids to promote muscle growth. These substances can lead to serious health problems, even death. Anabolic steroids of questionable quality are sold over the Internet and on the street. Rich Paina, a famous anabolic steroid-using bodybuilder with a million young followers, died last month from a heart attack at age 46—toxicology results are still pending. Paina’s death is a warning to young bodybuilders—stay away from drugs. Learn the possible signs of steroid use and how to educate others about these high-risk substances.
ost parents worry about the safety and security of a daycare center before using its services for their child. Although visiting and talking with other parents can alleviate concern, consider a checklist. Gather a few examples and develop a customized checklist of items that are important to you. Are hazard controls like covered sockets important? What about staff management of angry or whiny children? Is plenty of floor space available for children who crawl? Checklists can help you quickly choose the environmental, emotional, learning, and child management needs to make inquiry about. Doing so will help you stay focused at work and feel satisfied about those caring for your child. Search online “parent daycare concerns checklist pdf.”
W
Source: FDA.gov [search “teens and steroids”].
Avoid Shared Workspace Conflict
Do
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM A confidential service that helps employees and dependent family members to identify and resolve challenges that may be affecting them either at work or in their personal lives. 1.800.364.6352 www.questeap.com
you share workspace—a desk, space around a desk, or a room? Millions of employees do. If conflict over shared space is a problem, create an agreement (“protocols”) for use of this space. Without rules, you will naturally engage in work and personal habits applied to this space, and they are not likely to match those of your partner. Tension then begins. Boundaries and rules don’t add stress to a coworker relationship, ruin the fun, or destroy spontaneity. In practice, they make a better relationship more likely. Find examples of shared space agreements by searching “shared space agreement pdf.”
Information in FrontLine Employee is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the counsel or advice of a qualified health or legal professional. For further help, questions, or referral to community resources for specific problems or personal concerns, contact a qualified professional. Add “http://” to source links to follow. Link titles are always case sensitive.
October 2017 FrontLine Employee
How to Prepare a Winning Report
If
it hasn’t happened yet, someday you may be asked to write a report at work for your boss. If you are not a reportwriting guru, you might wonder how it should look. The following time-tested tips will help win the day with most presentation reports if you have not already been given a model to follow. 1) At the top of your report put a title, date, and your name. 2) Create several headings of the key matters or issues you will discuss in the report. The first heading is the “Introduction”; the next few are the key concerns—the purpose of your report. 3) Below these headings, create another heading labeled “Key Questions Answered.” 4) Finally, at the end, create a heading titled “Summary.” Get up from your seat and physically walk to the other side of the table. Pretend you’re the boss and ask aloud several crucial questions you imagine will be asked. Discuss these answers in sections #2 and #3 as you generate the report. Write the end summary next, and the introduction last. Proofread with a pointer and read each word aloud. Set your report aside for 20-30 minutes, and repeat this step. Fine-tune the report with desired changes.
Helping Someone Addicted to Opioids ... or Other Drugs
An
opiate addiction health emergency exists nationwide. Here’s how to help someone addicted to these or other substances of abuse: 1) Accept that enabling is initially part of any close relationship with an addict, 2) Learn how enabling helps addicts avoid seeking help or admitting they need it. 3) Stopping enabling is a learned skill with a shift in mindset. Discover how 12step groups like Al-Anon help members make the switch. 4) Encourage the opiate addict to get treatment. Coordinate your attempts with a proper treatment program. Your company EAP can help you find one. (Note that motivation to accept help will at first be low.) 5) Expect crises, drug incidents, and legal problems to continue or increase because addiction is a chronic illness. The good news is that each event is a “go-opportunity” to offer help. Make it easy to accept and with simple steps for doing so. 6) Make treatment nonnegotiable in your relationship—anything less requires enabling. 7) Repeat #5 until help is accepted.
Soft Skill to Know . . .
Staying Energetic
B
eing energetic at work is more than avoiding the sluggish feeling after lunch. When you’re energetic, you possess and exhibit energy in abundance that’s an obvious part of a vigorous work style and temperament. Employers value energetic employees for a key reason— their energy is contagious as they engage, create, and participate effectively with teams. You don’t have to undergo a personality transformation to be more energetic. 1) Start with regular exercise and stress management techniques. 2) Have a proper diet that maximizes your energy and that contains fewer food substances that weigh on metabolism. 3) Get enough sleep. 4) Practice positivity to help you feel energetic. Good physical health and nutrition influence a positive mood, but this works both ways. Combine this with reducing negative self-talk scripts that bring you down. 5) Practice work-life balance so you nurture yourself with activities you enjoy, and participate in social activities that renew your spirit. New Resource: Health and Happiness: Your Guide to Proper Physical Fitness, Healthy Nutrition and Leading a Positive and Balanced Lifestyle; 2017 by Brittany D. Costa.
Is It Burnout or Depression?
“B
urnout” was first coined in 1970 by an American psychologist who applied the term to exhausted health professionals. Now it is applied to almost any job or professional. Be cautious. Research published by the National Institutes of Health this year showed that there is really no clear definition of burnout. Consequently, what it is and how it is diagnosed are not consistent from one researcher to the next. And this makes it impossible to say how common it is! Some experts think many people mistake depression for burnout. This can be a roadblock to getting treatment for the disease. So, if you feel burned out, start with an assessment from a mental health professional and then formulate your intervention plan. Source: National Institutes of Health; What is burnout? http://nih.gov [Search: PMH0072470].
Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance professionals at The Reschini Group
Lack of medical adherence is a major concern in the health care industry. It costs billions of dollars in unnecessary medical expenses, leading to thousands of unnecessary patient hospitalizations and deaths each year.
FO L L O W IN G T HEDO CT O R ’S O R DER S Following a physician’s instructions is known as medical adherence. A surprising number of patients do not follow their doctors’ orders, which can be very risky for their health. Not following orders can include not filling a prescription, not taking medication as directed, not attending or scheduling a follow-up appointment, and failing to make a lifestyle change as directed. Given that many diseases are curable, preventable, or treatable, following your doctor’s orders is vital for achieving and maintaining good health. Your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan are useless if you do not follow his or her advice. Patients who do not follow their doctors’ orders, especially patients with chronic conditions, may experience health complications, rapid disease progression, decreased quality of life, and even premature death. T ipsforP atients The following tips will help you take a proactive role in your health:
• Seek clarification right away for anything that you do not understand. • Ask family and friends to assist you in following the orders that your doctor has outlined for you. • Create health care goals for yourself and incorporate treatment and taking medication into your plans for achieving those goals. • Talk with your doctor about potential barriers that prevent you from following his or her orders, and come up with solutions to overcome those barriers. • Tailor your medical routine to your daily routine and lifestyle. This could be as simple as using specialized pill containers for your medications and placing them next to your toothbrush. • Ask your pharmacist to send refill reminders via email, text, or telephone. • Create reminders for yourself to avoid forgetting to take medication, to get your daily exercise, or to check your insulin levels.
• Gather basic information from your doctor about any conditions you suffer from and the potential treatment options. The more you know, the more likely you will take action.
This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2008, 2010-2011, 2014, 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance specialists at The Reschini Group
There are actually seven different types of acne to which people are susceptible. Each appears differently on the skin and requires different treatments.
ALL ABOUT ACNE While most common in adolescents, the American Academy of Dermatology reports 40-50 million Americans have acne at any given time. Learn what causes the condition, as well as ways to treat and prevent it. Formation Sebaceous or oil glands connected to hair follicles in skin produce an oily substance that empties through the opening in the follicle. If dead skin cells clog the inner lining of the hair follicle, the oil cannot reach the skin’s surface. As a result, a bacterium grows and causes inflammation resulting in acne. Causes A variety of factors cause acne, including: • Changing hormone levels • Heredity • Medication • Greasy cosmetics • Pressing or rubbing on the skin, such as from backpacks and exercise apparel • Pollution and high humidity
Treatment Options Acne treatments include over-the-counter and prescription options. To treat mild acne, doctors recommend using a topical cream or cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. For moderate to severe acne, doctors may prescribe antibiotics and a topical medication. Caring for Your Skin • Wash with a mild cleanser in the morning and evening, and after heavy exercising. • Regularly shampoo your hair to remove the excess grease from around your face. • Avoid squeezing and picking blemishes. This will cause more bacteria to move from your hands onto your face and aggravate your skin. • For men using a razor, only use a sharp blade and soften your skin with soap and water before using shaving cream. • For women using cosmetics, look for noncomedogenic products, as they do not promote acne formation. For more information on the treatment of acne, visit the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org.
• Picking at blemishes
This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2007-2009, 2014 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance professionals at The Reschini Group
With one in eight elderly Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States— the only disease that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE Alzheimer’s disease is often difficult to distinguish because the early signs closely resemble natural signs of aging.
•
Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
•
Trouble speaking or writing
What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain gradually destroying the ability to remember, reason, imagine, and learn. The condition progresses over time.
•
Misplacing things
•
Decreased or poor judgment
•
Withdrawal from work or social activities
•
Changes in mood or personality
There are 100 billion nerve cells in the brain. Each of these cells joins with others to form “communication networks.” Alzheimer’s disease prevents some of these cells from operating correctly, although scientists are unsure why. As the damage spreads, the cells cannot function and eventually die. During normal aging, most people’s brains develop plaques (deposits of a protein fragment) and tangles (fibers of another protein). It has been discovered during autopsy people suffering from Alzheimer’s have significantly more plaques and tangles. Scientists believe this may play a role in blocking nerve cell communication. Risk Factors Some risk factors for Alzheimer’s include the following: •
Increasing age
•
Family history and genetics
•
Being of African-American or Latino descent
•
Serious head injury
Symptoms The Alzheimer’s Association identifies 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease to watch for: •
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
•
Challenges in solving problems
•
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
•
Confusion with time or place
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Diagnosis and Treatment The first step is to take the person you are concerned about to a physician. There is no specific type of doctor for this disease, but in some cases, you may be referred to a specialist such as a neurologist or psychologist. Your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter can assist you in locating the proper physician. At the doctor’s office, the patient will undergo a physical exam, diagnostic testing, and a neurological exam. If diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the patient will likely be prescribed a cholinesterase inhibitor and/or memantine. Taking vitamin E may also be recommended. Prevention Research shows that keeping the brain healthy may help prevent Alzheimer’s. Take the following steps: •
Eat a healthy diet.
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Stay socially active.
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Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
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Exercise.
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Stimulate the brain with activities such as logic or word puzzles.
Support Alzheimer’s disease is devastating for both the patient and his or her loved ones. It can be especially difficult for the primary caretaker, so it is important to have a network of family and friends to lend a hand.
OWEN J. ROBERTS FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
HOLIDAY TREE FESTIVAL
Family Fun
Tree Raffle Visit Santa
Snacks
Crafts Stocking Raffles
Music
Purchase tickets to win a fully decorated tree, make fun family crafts and much more! All proceeds benefit students of Owen J Roberts School District.
Saturday 1-4 PM December 9, 2017 Wyndsor Farm
2550 Ridge Road, Elverson, PA 19520 THIS IS AN INDOOR EVENT For more information please contact: ojrtreefestival@gmail.com
13th Annual Senior Citizen Holiday Concert and Tea December 11th at 12 pm Inclement weather date: December 12th Come join us for:
 A concert by the high school musicians  Student-served beverages & desserts prepared by Chartwells Catering. Sponsored by the OJR Anchor Club and High School Music Department Owen J Roberts High School 981 Ridge Road, Pottstown Please RSVP by Dec 5th: Sheila McIntyre smcintyre@ojrsd.com or 610-469-5663 or
Nutrition & Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Education, LLC WNE would like to offer personalized health and wellness coaching services to Owen J. Roberts school district again this year. We will be offering telephonic health coaching! Day or Evening appointments are available! All employees with Independence Blue Cross insurance plans will get Contact us to schedule an appointment!
6 FREE visits covered 100%, no co-pays!
Phone: 610-644-5870 Email: wne@workplacenutrition.net