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Q&A on Health | Questions. Answers. Knowledge
Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
Did you know? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 MINUTES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN DAILY. Can exercise and diet make “pre-diabetes” go away?
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Yes, this condition can go away. Pre-diabetes is a term used to describe abnormally high blood glucose levels, but are still lower than the threshold for diabetes. More specifically, it is an elevated hemoglobin A1c level between 5.7 and 6.4. An A1c level below 5.7 is considered normal. An A1c test shows the average level of glucose in your blood for the past three months.
The biggest factor leading to an elevated A1c level is being overweight. Poor eating habits and lack of exercise are major causes for being overweight. Weight loss through positive lifestyle changes can lower A1c levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 minutes of physical activity for children daily. For older children and teenagers, this should include cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Diet changes should focus on limiting refined carbohydrates such as soda, cookies, and white bread while eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and minimally processed whole grains. Red meat, poultry, and milk can be consumed in moderation.
Phillip Valmores, DO Bon Secours Pediatrics of Richmond Richmond | 804.285.6811 www.bonsecours.com
When does a bump on the head mean a visit to the ER?
Head injuries are common, especially in children. There are well established guidelines to help doctors evaluate the risk of a serious brain injury. Although every person is unique and no injury is risk-free, a person should be seen in the ER if they have a head injury and:
• are confused, disoriented, knocked unconscious, or cannot be wakened.
• cannot walk or talk normally, or do simple things when asked.
• are not acting normal (agitated, very sleepy, slow to respond, asking the same questions over and over).
• have repeated vomiting, a severe headache, endured a severe injury (fall more than five feet, major car accident, struck by a car, struck in the head by a high impact object like a bat).
If the answer is NO to all the above, the risk of having a brain injury is less than 0.05 percent. Seek emergency care if in doubt.
Kevin Connelly, DO, Medical Director Henrico Doctors’ Hospital Pediatric ER Richmond | 804.289.4500 www.henricodoctors.com
Is Greek yogurt healthier than regular yogurt?
Yogurt can be an enjoyable part of a healthy diet. In its natural form, it is low in calories, contains natural probiotics, and is a great source of calcium. In addition, most people buy yogurt in portion-controlled containers making it a simple graband-go option for busy lifestyles.
Greek yogurt has risen in popularity from regular yogurt as a better health option because it is higher in protein and lower in sugar. This results from straining more of the curdled liquid portion (the whey) from the yogurt; it also accounts for its tart taste and slightly lesser calcium content, when compared to regular yogurt (though both types are still a good calcium source). The higher protein is often preferred when trying to cut calories and lose weight.
My own preference is to choose the yogurt closest to its natural form which includes the natural fat and very little added sugar. If you are looking for higher protein, then the Greek would be the best option. Plain Greek yogurt with full fat is creamy, filling and tastes delicious when mixed with real fruit.
Madge Zacharias, MD, Founder Zacharias Ganey Health Institute, LLC North Chesterfield | 804.358.1000 www.ZGHealth.com
Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
Did you know? DRY NEEDLING is a technique that uses a solid filiform needle to decrease pain by targeting the trigger point(s) in the muscle. Can dry needling help increase motion/mobility?
Dry needling is a technique that uses a solid filiform needle to decrease pain by targeting the trigger point(s) in the muscle. Nothing is injected. Trigger points are areas in muscles that can cause pain, referred pain (pain distant from the trigger point) and limit motion/mobility.
There are two types of trigger points — active and latent. Active trigger points may cause local and referred pain, be tender to touch and elicit a “twitch” when a needle is inserted into the muscle. Latent trigger points do not typically cause referred pain, but may limit mobility and cause muscles to feel “weak”. For example, if there is a latent trigger point in a buttock muscle, standing on that leg may be difficult and the leg may “feel weak”. There may also be a feeling of limited motion or stiffness. Exercise may irritate the area and not provide increased strength or range of motion. Until the latent trigger points are treated, the leg will continue to feel “weak” and “tight” and not respond well to intense exercise. Usually once relieved, “strength” and mobility return quickly.
Tracey Adler, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. Richmond | 804.285.0148 www.orthopedicptinc.com
Does daily exercise prolong the need for knee replacement?
Do symptoms of depression look different in seniors?
Daily exercise has significant benefits for a painful knee affected by the ‘wear and tear’ (osteoarthritis). First, alternate day strengthening of the thigh (quadriceps, hamstrings) muscles offloads the joint and reduces pain, the main reason for a knee replacement. It can prevent giving way, which also causes pain and dysfunction. As such, strengthening may preserve the knee long-term.
Second, daily stretching of the leg muscles can reduce stiffness and optimize joint and general function. Stiffness and poor joint and general function are important reasons for considering a knee replacement.
Finally, cardiovascular exercise three times a week can lead to weight loss. Since, the knee joint bears three - five times our body weight, losing weight can reduce pain, dysfunction, and preserve the knee.
Exercise should be initially guided by a physical therapist and be relatively pain free: low-impact (e.g. swimming, cycling), with gentle strength training added on. Squatting and lunging should be avoided. Regular stretching, strengthening and low-impact exercise can delay the need for a knee replacement. It can also serve as pre-habilitation to help postoperative recovery.
Nirav Patel, MD, FRCS VCU Health Richmond | 804.828.7069 www.vcuhealth.org Yes. Depression becomes more common and increasingly difficult to diagnose as we age. Lack of energy, cognitive decline of the general symptoms that society considers to be reflective of “old age” may be signs of depression in seniors. It is very important to discuss mental health with your loved ones and healthcare provider.
Aaron Stecker, DO JenCare Senior Medical Center Richmond | 804.674.3425 www.jencaremed.com
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