Community Health Care Guide

November 3, 2016

www.winchesterstar.com

2016

Community Health Care guide Your health. Our community. Better together.

Page 2 – Thursday, November 3, 2016

2016

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Community Health Care guide Editorial content has been

by Metro Editorial Services, part of Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.

The Winchester Star

4

Learn the facts: Atrial fibrillation

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Is your child ready for contact lenses?

8

Recovery after cancer treatments

10

Cancer risks you can control

11

Smart Rx: Don’t overuse antibiotics

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Suggestions for managing prediabetes

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Tips for shortening a cold’s duration

14

Learn the proper way to conduct a breast self-exam

16

Protect your joints and prevent pain

17

Why dental hygiene is essential for overall health

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Tips for maintaining healthy kidneys

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 3

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

The Winchester Star

Learn the facts: Atrial fibrillation

By Metro Editorial Services

I

n late 2013, the World Health Organization released results from a data analysis that examined atrial fibrillation and its prevalence across the globe. The results were troubling, indicating that 33.5 million people worldwide have the condition.

If those figures don’t raise an eyebrow, that’s likely because few people are familiar with atrial fibrillation, in spite of its prevalence. A broader understanding of atrial fibrillation, often referred to as AF, may help people reduce their likelihood of developing the condition.

What is atrial fibrillation?

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes that atrial fibrillation is the most common type of ar-

rhythmia, which is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. AF occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the heart’s two upper chambers, known as the atria, to contract very quickly and irregularly.

What happens when a person has atrial fibrillation?

The heart is not functioning properly when a person has atrial fibrillation. That’s because blood pools in the atria when a person has AF, and because of that pooling, the blood is not pumped completely into the heart’s two lower chambers, which are known as the ventricles.

As a result, the heart’s upper and lower chambers do not work in conjunction as they do when the heart is fully healthy.

See AF, Page 5

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Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 5

AF Continued from Page 4

Are there symptoms of atrial fibrillation?

Some people with AF do not feel symptoms and only learn of their condition after physical examinations. That highlights the importance of scheduling annual physicals for all people, but especially for people with a personal or family history of heart trouble.

According to the American Heart Association, the most common symptom of AF is a quivering or f luttering heartbeat, which is caused by abnormal firing of electrical impulses. Anyone who feels such a symptom or suspects their heartbeat is abnormal should consult a physician immediately.

In addition to a quivering or f luttering heartbeat, the AHA notes that people with AF may experience one or more of the following symptoms: • General fatigue • Dizziness • Shortness of breath and anxiety • Weakness • Faintness or confusion • Fatigue when exercising

• Sweating • Chest pain or pressure The AHA warns that people experiencing chest pain or pressure are having a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Whether or not symptoms of AF are detected, the condition can still increase a person’s risk for serious medical problems, including stroke.

Who is at risk for atrial fibrillation?

No one is immune to atrial fibrillation, though risk of developing the condition rises as a person ages. Men are more likely than women to develop AF, which the NHLBI notes is more common among whites than African Americans or Hispanic Americans.

People suffering from hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone, are at greater risk for AF than those without the condition. In addition, people who are obese and those who have been diagnosed with diabetes or lung disease are at greater risk for AF than those without such conditions.

The NHLBI also notes that AF is more common in people who have: • High blood pressure • Coronary heart disease • Heart failure • Rheumatic heart disease • Structural heart defects • Pericarditis • Congenital heart defects Can atrial fibrillation be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent AF, though certain lifestyle choices can reduce a person’s risk for the condition. A heart-healthy diet that’s low in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat and also includes daily servings of various whole grains, fruits and vegetables can lower a person’s risk for AF. Daily physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking also can lower a person’s risk.

More information about AF can be found at www.heart.org.

Page 6 – Thursday, November 3, 2016

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Is your child ready for contact lenses?

By Metro Editorial Services

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ontact lenses are a viable option for many people who require vision correction. Some find them more convenient than eyeglasses, and people who wear contact lenses are less likely to lose them or leave them behind than they are with traditional eyeglasses. Others feel contacts are more comfortable to wear and reduce the propensity for any blind spots in peripheral vision.

While contacts are appropriate for many people, there are some limitations depending on the particular vision problem and age. So for children, extra care should be taken to make sure they are ready for contact lenses.

According to the 2010 study “Children & Contact Lenses,” conducted by the American Optometric Association Research and Information Center in conjunction with the Sports Vision Section and Contact Lens and Cornea Section of AOA, with support from VISTAKON®, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., more than half (51 percent) of optometrists feel it is appropriate to introduce children to soft contact lenses between the ages of 10 and 12 years old, while nearly one in four (23 percent) feel 13 to 14 years old is a suitable age for a child to begin wearing contact lenses. The younger the child is, the lower the percentage of eye doctors who feel it is appropriate to introduce lenses.

Age alone may not be a reference

for the appropriateness of contact lenses. Parents and eye doctors may take maturity into consideration as well. Contact lenses require a greater level of care than glasses, and parents should factor in that maintenance when deciding if their children should try contact lenses or stick with traditional eyeglasses.

Also, younger children also may not be as dexterous as older contact lens wearers, making it challenging for them to insert and remove contacts safely and properly.

While there are no firm rules regarding the right age to begin wearing contact lenses, parents can consider their children’s maturity levels and have a discussion with their eye doctor recommendations before making a decision.

Learn more at www.aoa.org.

To read the “Children & Contact Lenses” study, visit: www.aoa.org/documents/npr10520_ executivesummarychildrenandcontactlensesstudy_final.pdf

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Did you know....

W

hile cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the United States, with only heart disease claiming more lives, there is good news that survival rates are improving.

Statistics released by the American Cancer Society show that more people than ever are surviving cancer. The cancer death rate in the United States has dropped by nearly 25 percent since its peak in 1991. Many factors no doubt contribute to the decline in cancer-related deaths, but the decline in smokers may be near the top of that list.

In addition, advances in cancer research and treatments and highly effective campaigns educating men, women and children about the dangers of cancer are also contributing to the decline in cancer-related deaths.

Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 7

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Bounce back

The Winchester Star

Help your body recover after cancer treatments

By Metro Editorial Services

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ancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can take a toll on patients’ bodies. Though the side effects vary depending on the type of cancer and the treatment being administered, cancer patients may experience both short- and long-term consequences related to their treatments, leaving many with some work to do once treatments have proven successful.

Fatigue, bruising and bleeding and skin irritation are some of the more common short-term side effects associated with cancer treatments. But cancer patients may also experience long-term side effects. For example, Susan G. Komen®, a tax-exempt or-

ganization that aims to address breast cancer through various initiatives, notes that early menopause is a potential long-term consequence of breast cancer treatments.

Helping their bodies recover after cancer treatment is a primary goal for many cancer survivors. While cancer survivors should work with their physicians to devise a post-treatment recovery plan, the following are some helpful tips for survivors to keep in mind as they get back in the swing of things.

• Recognize the importance of exercise. Cancer survivors who did not exercise much prior to their diagnosis should recognize the important role that exercise can play in their lives

going forward. According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer survivors who exercise may benefit from improved mood and sleep, and many report feeling less anxiety than they did during or prior to treatment. And the American Cancer Society notes that some evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy weight, eating right and being physically active may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and other serious, chronic diseases.

• Take it slow. Cancer survivors should approach their post-treatment recovery slowly at first as they reacclimate their bodies to regular exercise.

According to the ACS, cancer survivors should aim for at least 30 min-

utes of exercise five or more days per week. As the body grows more accustomed to exercise, survivors can increase the intensity and duration of that exercise. But some low-intensity yet routine exercise once treatment has ended is a great first step on the path to recovery.

• Don’t downplay feelings of fatigue. While fatigue is generally a short-term side effect of cancer treatment, survivors should not downplay any feelings of fatigue that linger even after treatment has run its course. On days when cancer survivors lack the energy for vigorous physical activity, a walk around the block or something See Recovery, Page 9

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Recovery

e s ar ent es ti it c pa c ra ew tp gn os tin M p ce ac

Continued from Page 8

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similar can take the place of more strenuous activities. Report prolonged feelings of post-treatment fatigue to your physician.

• Focus on nutrition. The ACS notes that a healthy diet can help cancer survivors regain their strength and rebuild tissue. The ACS recommends that cancer survivors try to eat at least 2 1⁄2 cups of fruits and vegetables each day and include plenty of high-fiber foods in their diets. In addition, the ACS suggests limiting red meat intake to no more than three to four servings per week.

Bouncing back from successful cancer treatments may take survivors some time, but staying committed to exercise and a healthy diet can help survivors regain their strength and potentially reduce their risk of recurrence.

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Cancer risks you can control

By Metro Editorial Services

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ancer is a formidable foe and one that the World Health Organization says is responsible for the deaths of six million people each year. But as deadly an ad-

versary as cancer can be, millions of cases of cancer could be prevented.

According to the WHO, at least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention begins with understanding the risk factors for cancer and what you can do to lower your risk of developing this often deadly disease. Some risk factors for cancer, including family history and gender, are beyond an individual’s control.

But the following are risk factors that, when avoided, can dramatically reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer.

TOBACCO The WHO notes that tobacco causes an estimated 22 percent of cancer deaths each year. That translates to more than 1.3 million tobacco-related cancer deaths annually. While smokers may be most likely to develop lung cancer as a result of their tobacco use, smoking tobacco also increases a person’s risk of cancers of the esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach, and cervix. Smokeless tobacco also increases a person’s risk of oral cancer and cancers of the esophagus and pancreas.

Avoiding tobacco entirely greatly reduces a person’s risk of cancer, but even those who already smoke can significantly reduce their risk by quitting immediately.

BAD DIET Several factors may cause a

person to be overweight or obese, but many people who are struggling with obesity are doing so because of poor diets. An elevated risk of heart disease may be the first thing people associate with being overweight or obese, but such people are also more vulnerable to cancer than people who are in shape. The WHO notes there is a link between being overweight or obese and certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Excess consumption of red and preserved meat may increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer, while a diet high in fruits and vegetables may have the opposite effect, potentially protecting the body against various cancers.

PHYSICAL INACTIVITY Though poor diet may be the primary contributing factor to being overweight or obese, a lifestyle that does not include routine physical activity also increases a person’s risk for various cancers. The National Cancer Institute notes that studies conducted around the globe have consistently found that adults who increase their physical activity, either in duration, frequency or intensity, can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by as much as 40 percent compared to those who live physically inactive lifestyles. The NCI also notes that studies have shown that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who are inactive.

ALCOHOL According to the WHO, a person’s risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol that person consumes. While some studies have connected moderate consumption of alcohol with a lower risk of certain ailments, alcohol consumption remains a risk factor for certain cancers, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and breast. *** More information about cancer and the risk factors associated with cancer is available at www.who.int/cancer.

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Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 11

Smart Rx Antibiotics cannot cure everything, and overusing them is dangerous

By Metrol Editorial Services

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hen used correctly, antibiotics and similar drugs known as antimicrobial agents can has lost its ability to efalleviate infections caused by various bacfectively control or kill bacteria and some types of fungi and parasites. The terial growth. The three main Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that ways resistance develops include these drugs have been used successfully for the last natural resistance to certain types of an70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases. tibiotics, genetic mutation or through the acquiBut antibiotics cannot treat sition of resistance from illnesses stemming from another bacterium. This reviruses, which include most sistance can occur spontaThe CDC reports that colds and the f lu. neously or through misuse of As effective as antibiotics antibiotics or antimicrobials. at least two million can be, antibiotic resistance is Prescription medications are people become a growing problem. The CDC not always the culprits, either. reports that at least two milAntibiotic use in livestock and infected with lion people become infected food production also may bacteria that have with bacteria that have becontribute to resistance. come resistant to antibiotics, When antibiotic resistance become resistant to and roughly 23,000 people occurs, a stronger drug may die each year as a result of be needed to treat an infecantibiotics, and these types of infections. An tion that was once taken care roughly 23,000 April 2014 report from the of by a milder medication.

World Health Organization Prudent antibiotic use can people die each year stated, “This serious threat is help prevent the recurrence as a result of these no longer a prediction for the of resistance. Individuals can future, it is happening right help the process in a number types of infections. now in every region of the of ways. world and has the potential to • Become educated. The affect anyone, of any age, in health resource Medscape, any country. It is now a major threat to public powered by WebMD, says in a recent survey of 796 health.” clinicians, 42 percent of doctors have admitted to The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics prescribing antibiotics 10 to 24 percent of the time says antibiotic resistance occurs when an antibiotic even when they are not sure they are necessary. Pa-

tient request is a large factor in such offerings.

About 25 percent of patients ask their doctor or nurse for antibiotics. Patients who educate themselves about the proper application of antibiotics may be less likely to request them, and that can help prevent the development of a resistance.

• Confirm need. Only take antibiotics when a bacteria-, parasite- or fungus-based illness is identified. These illnesses may include strep throat, urinary tract infections or ear infections.

• Take a wait-and-see approach. Wait for lab results to come back for strep throat or other cultures to see if you need an antibiotic. Many viral-based illnesses will go away within two weeks’ time.

• Adhere to dosage guidelines. When prescribed antibiotics for an infection, take them as directed, making sure you complete the dosage cycle.

Do not stop simply because you feel better. Stopping early may not be enough to effectively kill the bacteria and may contribute to resistance in the future. *** Antibiotic abuse and resistance are concerns that can be addressed by becoming informed and making smart medication choices.

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Suggestions for managing prediabetes

By Metro Editorial Services

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iabetes and its precursor is a major problem, both in the United States and across the globe. In 2015, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that nearly 50 percent of adults living in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes, a condition marked by higher than normal blood glucose levels that are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports that the global prevalence of diabetes figures to rise from 8 percent in 2011 to 10 percent by 2030.

Preventing diabetes should be a priority for men, women and children, but management must take precedence for the millions of people who have already been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes.

According to the American Heart Association, making healthy food choices is an essential step in preventing or managing diabetes. Making those choices can be difficult for those people who have never before paid much attention to their diets, but the AHA offers the following advice to people dealing with prediabetes or diabetes.

• Limit foods that may worsen your condition. Some foods, including

fiber-rich whole grains and fish like salmon that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, can help people with prediabetes or diabetes. But many more foods must be limited, if not largely ignored. Limit your consumption of sweets and added sugars, which can be found in soda, candy, cakes, and jellies.

It’s also good to limit your sodium intake and resist fatty meats like beef and pork.

• Document your eating habits.

The AHA recommends that people with prediabetes or diabetes maintain a food log to see how certain foods affect their blood glucose levels. Within 60 to 90 minutes of eating, check your blood glucose levels to see how your body reacts to the foods you eat. As your food log becomes more extensive, you will begin to see which foods match up well with your body and which foods you may want to avoid.

• Plan your meals. Hectic sched-

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The American Heart Association recommends that people with prediabetes or diabetes maintain a food log to see how certain foods af fect their blood glucose levels. ules have derailed many a healthy lifestyle, but people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes do not have the luxury of straying from healthy diets. Plan your meals in advance so your eating schedule is not erratic and your diet includes the right foods, and not just the most convenient foods. Bring lunch and a healthy snack to work with you each day rather than relying on fast food or other potentially unhealthy options in the vicinity of your office.

• Embrace alternative ingredients.

Upon being diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, many people assume they must abandon their favorite foods. But that’s not necessarily true.

Many dishes can be prepared with alternative ingredients that are diabetesfriendly. In fact, the AHA has compiled a collection of diabetesfriendly recipes that can be accessed by visiting www.heart.org.

A prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis requires change, but these conditions can be managed without negatively affecting patients’ quality of life.

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Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 13

Tips for shortening the duration of a cold

By Metro Editorial Services

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ew things can be as uncomfortable as the common cold. In their book “Common Cold,” authors Olaf Weber and Ronald Eccles say the common cold has been around since the ancient times. More than 200 virus strains can contribute to colds, but the rhinovirus is the most common. Colds produce a bevy of symptoms, including runny nose, congestion and sore throat, so it should come as no surprise that sufferers want to find relief fast. Colds typically last for a week or more. While there’s no cure for the common cold, according to The Mayo Clinic, there are some remedies that can help cold sufferers feel better more quickly.

Rest One of the best things to do when you have a cold is to get adequate rest. Your body’s immune system is working overtime to combat the cold virus, and restricting activity can help it direct efforts where they’re needed most. Keep away from strenuous activities, and spend more time relaxing or sleeping.

Hydration Consuming plenty of clear f luids can reduce congestion and ensure that you do not get dehydrated.

Plus, warm beverages can be soothing to an irritated throat. Avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration.

Saline rinses Intra-nasal saline sprays, neti pots and similar products can help loosen mucus that is clogging the nose and sinus cavities, allowing it to f low out. This makes blowing your nose more effective and may help prevent post-nasal drip. Avoid prolonged use of medicated decongestant sprays. They may work well, but they can cause rebound congestion that’s worse than the original stuffiness.

Vitamin C Vitamin C will not prevent colds, but it could help in other ways. Taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C also may provide benefits for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure, offers The Mayo Clinic.

Soup and tea Soup is an easy-to-digest meal that provides many of the necessary remedies for a cold, including warm broth to hydrate and soothe, antioxidant-rich vegetables and protein to help fuel recovery. In 2000, Dr. Stephen Rennard of the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha actually tested if chicken soup clinically makes people with colds feel better. He found that chicken soup inhibited neutrophils, immune cells that cause congestion. Decaffeinated tea also may help you stay hydrated and relieve many symptoms.

Reinfection Use cleaning products that are effective at killing viruses around the house to prevent reinfection and cold relapses. Also, avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth between hand-washings to keep germs at bay.

Colds can be a nuisance. Most medicines will help relieve symptoms but cannot make colds go away faster. Natural remedies can help the body’s immune system work at its best and lessen the severity of a cold.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Know the facts:

The Winchester Star

Learn the proper way to conduct a breast self-exam

By Metro Editorial Services Early detection of breast cancer can improve survival rates and lessen the severity of treatment options. Routine mammograms are essential to catching signs of breast cancer early on but so can home-based breast exams.

Over the years there has been some debate over the effectiveness of breast self-exams, or BSEs. Different breast cancer organizations have different views on the subject. Some studies have indicated that a BSE is not effective in reducing breast cancer mortality rates. Some argue that these exams also may put women at risk — increasSee Self-exam, Page 15

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Self-exam Continued from Page 14

ing the number of potential lumps found due to uncertainty as to what is being felt in the breast. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies. Others feel that a BSE is a good practice, considering that roughly 20 percent of breast cancers are found by physical examination rather than by mammography, according to BreastCancer.org.

The American Cancer Society takes the position that a BSE is an optional screening tool for breast cancer. For those who are interested in conducting self-exams, here is the proper way to do so.

Step 1 Begin with a visual inspection of the breasts. Remove clothing and stand in front of a mirror. Turn and pivot so the breasts can be seen at all angles. Make a note of your breasts’ appearance. Pay

special attention to any dimpling, puckering or oddness in the appearance of the skin. Check to see if there is any change in symmetry or size of the breasts.

Step 2 Continue the examination with hands placed by the hips and then again with your hands elevated overhead with your palms pressed together.

Step 3 Next you will move on to a physical examination. This can be done either by reclining on a bed or the f loor or any f lat surface. The exam also can be done in the shower. To begin examining the breasts, place the hand and arm for the breast you will be examining behind your head. Use the pads of your pointer, middle and ring fingers to push and massage at the breast in a

Over the years there has been some debate over the effectiveness of breast self-exams, or BSEs. Different breast cancer organizations have different views on the subject. clockwise motion. Begin at the outer portion of the breast, slowly working inward in a circular motion until you are at the nipple. Be sure to also check the tissue under the breast and by the armpit.

Step 4 Do the same process on the opposite breast. Note if there are any differences from one breast to the other.

Step 5 If you find any abnormalities, mark them down on an illustration that you can bring to the doctor. Or if you can

get an appointment immediately, draw a ring around the area with a pen so that you will be able to show the doctor directly where you have concern. *** It is a good idea to conduct a BSE once a month and not when menstruating, when breasts may change due to hormone f luctuation.

Frequent examinations will better acquaint you with what is normal with your breasts and better help you recognize if something feels abnormal

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The Winchester Star

Protect your joints and prevent pain

By Metro Editorial Services

O

ur joints play vital roles in the human body, forming the connections between bones and facilitating movement. Damage to joints can be especially painful, and that damage may result from conditions such as osteoarthritis or gout.

While not all joint pain is debilitating, the discomfort of joint pain is such that it’s wise for adults to take steps to protect their joints with the hope of preventing joint pain down the road.

Recognizing that joint pain can negatively affect quality of life, the Arthritis Foundation offers the following joint protection tips to men and women.

• Forgo fashion with regard to footwear. When women choose their footwear, fashion should not be their top priority. According to the Arthritis

Foundation, three-inch heels stress the feet seven times more than one-inch heels and heels put additional stress on knees, possibly increasing women’s risk for osteoarthritis. Though heels may be fashionable, the risk of developing joint pain is not worth making the fashion statement.

• Get some green in your diet. A healthy diet pays numerous dividends, but many may not know that a healthy diet can help prevent joint pain. Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and parsley are high in calcium and can reduce age-related bone loss while also slowing cartilage destruction.

• Shed those extra pounds. If you start including more healthy vegetables in your diet, you might just start to lose a little weight as well. Such weight loss also can help your joints, as the AF notes that every extra pound a person

[R]esearch has shown that losing as little as 11 pounds can reduce a person’s risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent. gains puts four times the stress on his or her knees. The AF also notes that research has shown that losing as little as 11 pounds can reduce a person’s risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent.

• Hit the pool. Swimming is a great full-body workout and can be especially helpful to the joints. The buoyancy of water supports the body’s weight, reducing stress on the joints and minimizing pain as a result. If possible, swimmers already experiencing pain

should swim in heated pools, which can help relieve pain. While you can still benefit from swimming in pools with colder temperatures, cold water may not soothe the joints like warm water can.

• Take breaks at work. Many people develop joint pain thanks to their jobs.

If you spend all day sitting at a desk or standing on your feet, try to find a greater balance between the two. Joints can grow stiff from sitting all day, while standing throughout your work day can stress the joints. Take a short break every 30 minutes to stand up and walk around if you spend most of your day at a desk. If you stand a lot at your job, stop to sit down for a few minutes once every half hour.

Joint pain and aging do not have to go hand in hand. More information about joint paint is available at www.arthritis.org.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 17

Why dental hygiene is essential for overall health

By Metro Editorial Services

T

he importance of maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums goes beyond having fresh breath and a white smile. Many people are surprised to discover that oral hygiene plays an integral role in overall health.

Research indicates that oral health mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. Also, regular dental visits can alert dentists about overall health indicate if a person is at a risk for chronic disease. An oral health check-up also may be the first sign of a health issue not yet evident to a general medical doctor.

• Heart disease: According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a distinct relationship between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Joint teams at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could have an increased risk of heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream when bleeding gums are present. That bacteria can stick to platelets and subsequently form blood clots.

This interrupts the f low of blood to the heart and may trigger a heart attack. Brushing and f lossing twice daily and rinsing with mouthwash can remove bacteria and keep gums healthy.

• Facial pain: The Office of the Surgeon General says infections of the gums that support the teeth can lead to facial and oral pain. Gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease, as well as advanced gum disease, affects more than 75 percent of the American population. Also, dental decay can lead to its own share of pain. Maintaining a healthy mouth can fend off decay and infections, thereby preventing pain.

• Pancreatic cancer: In 2007, the Harvard School of Public Health reported a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. In the ongoing study, 51,000 men were followed and data was collected beginning in 1986. The Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease. The greatest risk for pancreatic cancer among this group was in men with recent tooth loss. However, the study was unable to find links between other types of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, and pancreatic

cancer.

• Alzheimer’s disease: Various health ailments, including poor oral health, have been linked to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In 2010, after reviewing 20 years’ worth of data, researchers from New York University concluded that there is a link between gum inf lammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Follow-up studies from researchers at the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom compared brain samples from 10 living patients with Alzheimer’s to samples from 10 people who did not have the disease. Data indicated that a bacterium – Porphyromonas gingivalis – was present in the Alzheimer’s brain samples but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer’s. P. gingivalis is usually associated with chronic gum disease. As a result of the study, experts think that the bacteria can move via nerves in the roots of teeth that connect directly with the brain or through bleeding gums.

These health conditions are just a sampling of the relationship between oral health and overall health.

Additional connections also have been made and continue to be studied.

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Tips for maintaining healthy kidneys

By Metro Editorial Services

F

ew people devote much thought to their kidneys, but kidneys perform essential functions in the human body, filtering water and waste out of blood and urine while also helping to control blood pressure. When operating correctly, kidneys can go a long way toward ensuring a healthy life. But when kidneys are compromised, the results can be very harmful to human health.

Kidney disease is no small cause for concern, as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that more than 20 million Americans may have kidney disease, with millions more being at risk. Kidney disease may be even more problematic in Canada, where the Kidney Foundation of Canada reports that

one in 10 Canadians has kidney disease.

Though family history is one risk factor for kidney disease, it’s not just genetics that put people at risk. People with diabetes, high blood pressure and/or cardiovascular disease are also at risk of developing kidney disease, which develops gradually and does not often produce physical symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage.

Because people may not detect symptoms of kidney disease until it reaches an advanced stage, the NIDDK recommends people schedule routine blood tests to check their glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, which checks to see how well kidneys are filtering. The NIDDK also notes the importance of routine urine tests, which check for protein in urine. The presence of the See Kidneys, Page 19

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Kidneys Continued from Page 18

protein albumin in urine indicates kidney damage.

In addition to routine screenings, people can take the following steps to maintain healthy kidneys so they can live long, healthy and active lives.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure A healthy blood pressure can delay or prevent the onset of kidney disease.

The American Heart Association advises that a normal healthy blood pressure is a systolic number (the top number) less than 120 and a diastolic number (the bottom number) less than 80. The systolic number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while the diastolic number measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Have your blood pressure measured by your physician on each visit (and no less than once per year), and speak with him or her about ways to lower your blood pressure if it is high or if your blood pressure falls in the prehypertension range (120-139 over 80-89), which means you are at risk of developing high blood pressure.

Reduce sodium consumption One simple way to protect your kidneys is to consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Though sodium serves some essential functions in the body, helping it to regulate blood pressure among other things, people with kidney disease cannot eliminate excess sodium and f luid

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE GUIDE

from their bodies. The resulting buildup in the tissues and bloodstream can contribute to high blood pressure.

Limit alcohol intake The NIDDK advises that limiting alcohol intake can help to keep kidneys healthy and operating at full strength.

Alcohol impacts the body in various ways, and kidneys are not immune to the effects of alcohol. Alcohol can cause changes in the kidneys that compromise their ability to filter blood. Alcohol also can affect the ability of kidneys to maintain the right amount of water in the body. That’s because alcohol consumed in excess dehydrates the body, making it harder for cells and organs, including the kidneys, to function normally. Speak with your physician about your alcohol consumption and what is considered healthy for someone in your situation.

Consume a kidney-friendly diet The right diet also can help people maintain healthy kidneys. A diet that includes kidney-friendly foods can prevent the buildup of waste in the kidneys while also helping people maintain healthy blood pressures. The National Kidney Foundation notes that foods such as apples, blueberries, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and kale are just a few kidney-friendly foods.

Healthy kidneys can contribute to long, healthy lives. Learn more about the kidneys at www.kidney.org.

Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Page 19

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