SWGA HEALTH BEAT - JANUARY 2019 by Albany Herald

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January 2019

Health eat B

Look inside for Dr. Oz

Your Body Hospice According to a Study by CNN, Greater consumption of Coffee could lead to a longer life

ERIN CANNINGTON, MD Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Georgia

Willie Adams Integrity Hospice

Healthier Lifestyle Glaucoma Fitness Facts

ANTHONY BURKE, DO Cardiology Affinity Clinic

KEISHA CALLINS, MD

KELLY MILLER, FNP-BC Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

Email Upcoming Events To Mail upcoming events to swgahealthbeat@albanyherald.com swgahealthbeat@albanyherald.com

This Thisisisthe the#1 #1Health Health Magazine MagazineCovering Covering Southwest SouthwestGeorgia Georgia

CONTENTS CONTENTS 33

Support Groups

Fight a cold by ... Eye Cancer

Breast Cancer Support Group A group for women with breast cancer. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Radiation Oncology

eating yogurt?

Calendar of Events Conference Room at Phoebe. Call 229-312-7161

Good Dental How to lose weight 44Care after a thyroid

Eye Center condition diagnosis South

5 5 Your Body

Annual Screenings Don’t Wait to Talk High School 66for About Hospice Athletes Dr. Oz & Roizen 7 Dr. Oz & Roizen 8 & Health Tip 8 Tips to a Healthier Lifestyle

Identifying and The facts about 99Understanding Dehydration glaucoma Charge ofsick Do people get 10Take 10 Your moreThyroid during winter? Condition

11 LET’S TALK Let’s Talk Women’s 11 Health

CONTACTS CONTACTS CONTACTS Phil Cody

Phil Cody Sales Majors/National Majors/National Representative 229-888-9304 Sales Representative

for more information

Yoga for Cancer Survivors

To enroll or for more information, call 229-565-9355

(WELL), follow the greeting’s instructions, and leave a A gentle Hatha Yoga class for any survivor of cancer. Focuses message. Financial assistance may be available for your on stretching and strengthening postures using all the care. July 10-11, 2018, 9:00AM-4:00PM yoga tools. Instructor covers relaxation and meditation Join our safe sitter summer class! Designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 techniques.

Safe Sitter Classes

to be safe when they’re home alone, watching MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS Black & Blueyounger Clinicsiblings, or babysitting. Class location: Phoebe HealthWorks 311 Third Ave., Albany, GA 31701 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Cost: $5/class SATURDAYS 9:00AM-11:00AM Location: Albany YMCA, 1701 Gillionville Road The Black & Blue Clinic is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 11 Golden Key Seminars For more information or to enroll, call 229-312-0042. a.m. during season for all at of your sports injury Golden Key seminars take place in the football conference rooms Phoebe Northwest, 2336 Dawson needs. Road in Albany.Thursday,

Tai Chi

July 19, 2018, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call 229-312-5000 to schedule and appointment.

Tai Chi is a medically proven self-care practice that Spiritual Care and You effectively supports disease prevention, accelerates healing Safe Driving Class ONGOING/BY APPOINTMENT and decreases unnecessary mental and physical suffering. It Saturday, July 14, 2018, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Phoebe Northwest is a carefully designed combination of gentle movements, Nosafe Charge Reservations are required forCost: AARP driving classes; breathing practice, self-appliedcall massage techniques, and Sit down with one of Phoebe’s chaplains to discuss how 229-312-2418 meditation, that is easy to learn, fun, and beneficial from spiritual care can impact your life during and after cancer the very start. treatment. This is great for individual sessions with a

Be an AARP Smart Driver

SATURDAYS 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Cost: $5/class Location: 229 Yoga, 2620 Dawson Road, Suite C Instructor: Larissa Steward | Seating Limited: 15

chaplain or to include caregivers and/or other loved ones. One-on-one/small group appointments available.

Contact Kimberly Smith at 229-312-4670 or krsmith@ phoebehealth.com to make your appointment.

J U L Y

JANUARY

CALENDAR OFofEVENTS Calendar Events  PREPARED CHILDBIRTH CLASS

Covers general topics related to labor, delivery and basic care for a baby. We request that mothers be at least 28 weeks, but it is not required. When: All sessions are held on Saturdays from 9 am-12 pm in the TRMC Meeting Rooms (first floor of TRMC), 901 East 18th Street, Tifton. To see dates this class is offered or to register please call 229-353-7605 or register on-line.

 BREASTFEEDING CLASS

229-888-9304

Covers breastfeeding decision-making, preparation, instruction and helpful tips. When: All sessions are held at 6 pm in the TRMC OB Classroom (second floor of TRMC), 901 East 18th Street, Tifton. To see the dates this class is offered or to register please call 229-353-7605 or register on-line.

Heather Harrison

SUPPORT GROUPS  NEW PARENTS BREAKFAST CLUB

Multi-Media Ashanti Smith Representative Multi-Media 229-888-9370

Representative 229-888-9340

Daulton Luttrell

Multi-Media Heather Harrison Representative Multi-Media 229-888-9340

Representative 229-888-9370

Brandon Bracy

Multi-Media Representative Matt Behrens 229-434-8737

Multi-Media Representative 229-888-9337

Providing a networking and support group opportunity for all expectant and new parents. When: Every Monday at 10 am Where: TRMC OB Classroom (second floor of TRMC), 901 East 18th Street, Tifton How: No registration necessary. Call 229-353-7605 for more information

 BREAST CANCER SUPPORT

Facilitated by the TRMC Women’s Health Navigator, this support group is open to breast cancer patients and survivors as well as their caregivers. When: First Tuesday of each month, 6 pm Where: First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 404 Love Avenue, Tifton How: Call 229-353-6325 to register or for more information

 CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Open to any cancer patient or person providing care to a cancer patient When: Every fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm Where: TRMC Oncology Center, 1623 Madison Avenue, Tifton How: Call 229-386-1300 to register or for more information

DISTRIBUTION: DISTRIBUTION:

Southwest Georgia Health Beat has over 300,000 print-online monthly readers Southwest Georgia Health Beat and has distributes over 300,000 monthly to prime locations. print-online monthly readers and distributes monthly to prime locations.

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LOCATIONS TO PICK UP YOUR COPY ARE: Hospitals, Medical Offices, Stores, Grocery LOCATIONS TO PICK UPDrug YOUR COPY ARE:

Stores, DentalMedical Offices,Offices, FitnessDrug Centers, Colleges, Tech Hospitals, Stores, Grocery Schools and Industry Break Rooms Stores, Dental Offices, Fitness Centers, Colleges, Tech Schools and Industry Break Rooms

By Lisa Drayer, CNN

(CNN) This winter, there’s a good chance you might be looking for anything and everything to rid yourself of an annoying, lingering and sometimes debilitating cold. You may want to add yogurt to your list of cold-fighting remedies.

Fight a cold by ... eating yogurt? “starter cultures.” While these are beneficial bacteria, they are not necessarily the same probiotics that have been studied in clinical trials, according to Rubin.

Rubin.

The bottom line Though the ability of yogurt to help fight a cold is, at best, theoretical right now, experts say there’s no good reason not to choose yogurt when you have the sniffles or difficulty swallowing.

“We know yogurt is a nutritious food choice and we know probiotics are beneficial to health, so including “When it comes to yogurt specifically, them in an overall healthy eating plan I’d say there’s not a lot of research makes sense, but recommending “I wouldn’t rely solely on yogurt to that we can point to that indicates them specifically for the common cold fight the cold, but in conjunction yogurt reduces symptoms of a cold,” would be premature,” said Rubin. with a healthy diet, yogurt may be said Mickey Rubin, vice president of nutrition research for the National Yogurt also contains another immune beneficial,” said King. Dairy Council. That being said, “There booster: zinc. Research indicates “Yogurt is smooth and goes down are some things (in yogurt) we can that zinc can reduce the duration of easy, so if you have a sore throat, or point to that, in theory, would be cold symptoms, but the amounts of even a runny nose, it’s comfortable to beneficial.” zinc needed for benefits -- at least 75 eat,” added Rubin. milligrams -- is much higher than the For example, yogurt is full of So choose yogurt for its soothing 2 milligrams present in an 8-ounce probiotics, which can help boost texture and nutritional attributes, cup of yogurt. the immune system, according to which include calcium and vitamin Kristi L. King, a senior registered Carbohydrates in yogurt provide D, along with possible cold fighters dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital energy, which are important in like zinc and probiotics -- but not and a national spokeswoman for the helping you recover from a cold, necessarily as a primary therapy for a Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. according to King. And one recent cold. study, funded by the National Dairy Studies that have looked at probiotics Council, found that when women For maximum benefits, King have found promising results in recommends eating plain yogurt with consumed yogurt every day for terms of reducing the duration and other antioxidant-rich foods, such nine weeks, they had reduced incidence of colds. However, specific as berries, which contribute natural inflammatory markers in their blood benefits can only be attributed to sweetness, in addition to more cold-- findings that suggest a mechanism the actual strains studied -- which do fighting nutrients. “Pairing yogurt by which yogurt might be helpful in not necessarily exist in regular, nonwith blueberries or strawberries will fighting off cold symptoms. supplemented yogurt, according to give you an extra dose of vitamin C Rubin. For example, conventional “The common cold and its symptoms and antioxidants to fight the cold yogurt contains Lactobacillus are an inflammatory response to the off,” she said. bulgaricus and Streptococcus bug ... such that if yogurt or other Lisa Drayer is a nutritionist, an thermophilus -- two cultures that foods reduced inflammation, it could are integral to the yogurt making in theory be beneficial -- but we need author and a CNN health and process, and as such are known as more research to know for sure,” said nutrition contributor. January 2019 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 3

How to lose weight after a thyroid condition diagnosis Low-impact cardiovascular exercise mixed with intervals of strength training can be the right formula for losing weight with a sluggish metabolism. (MCC) People diagnosed with an underactive thyroid condition may have to make several changes to their lifestyles to feel well and maintain a healthy weight. The thyroid is a tiny gland located in the neck that produces a hormone to regulate one’s metabolism, or the process that converts what a person eats and drinks into energy. With hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, production of that thyroid hormone is insignificant, resulting in a dramatically slower metabolism.

alleviate joint pain as well. Incorporating strength training into a workout can help build muscle mass, which burns calories, even when a person is at rest. That can be essential for a person finding it difficult to control his or her weight due to a sluggish metabolism.

Additional benefits of exercising are improved mood and reduced inflammation. Exercising can release endorphins into the body to help fight off depression. Also, researchers from the University of CaliforniaThe endocrinology health site Endocrine Web San Diego School of Medicine found a single estimates approximately 10 million Americans 20-minute session of exercise was enough to have hypothyroidism. The reasons the thyroid trigger something called sympathoadrenergic gland falters vary. But the symptoms may activation, which suppresses the production include fatigue, weakness, weight gain or of monocytic cytokines in the body that increased difficulty losing weight, hair loss, produce an inflammatory response in the muscle aches, depression, and irritability. immune system. That means exercise can keep inflammation in check. Each of the side effects associated with thyroid conditions can be troublesome, Hypothyroidism is a common condition that but many people with thyroid issues produces various unwanted side effects. struggle most with weight gain and their However, with proper care and exercise, inability to keep weight off. The president many symptoms can be managed effectively. of the American Association of Clinical Colds and flu bring special considerations for Endocrinologists, R. Mack Harrell, MD, says people with high blood pressure, especially to first visit a doctor, who can determine those on blood pressure medication. Here’s if a synthetic thyroid hormone medication how to keep your blood pressure stable: can help. Regular exercise also can be DO: Keep track of medication. The an important part of the strategy to lose American Heart Association’s online tools at weight and manage other hypothyroidism www.heart.org/hbp include a downloadable symptoms. chart to manage medications and a tracker Christian Nasr, MD, an endocrinologist with that lets people set up text message the Cleveland Clinic, advises his patients to reminders, text in their readings, track their wait a few weeks before exercising so that blood pressure and connect with providers. their condition is controlled with medication. DON’T: Miss your flu shot. People who After that waiting period is over, gradually get a flu shot may reduce their risk of heart easing back into exercise can help with the attack or stroke. Stay away from people who fatigue and weight gain that may not abate are sick and wash your hands regularly. with thyroid medications. The online health resource Everyday Health advises a program of low-impact aerobic exercises and strength training. The aerobics will raise the heart rate without putting too much pressure on the joints. These exercises include using a stationary bicycle or a lowimpact elliptical machine. Pilates and gentle yoga can improve core muscles and help

DO: Read labels on over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medicines. Look for warnings to those with high blood pressure and who take blood pressure medications. Some ingredients in cold and flu medicines can affect blood pressure. Decongestants, used for a stuffy nose or congestion, and some pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-

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inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are known to raise blood pressure. Decongestants include: • Oxymetazoline • Phenylephrine • Pseudoephedrine. NSAIDs include: • ibuprofen • naproxen sodium • celecoxib. Check with your doctor before taking these medicines. A decongestant should be used for only the shortest amount of time possible-and never by someone with severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure. DON’T: Try to replace your prescriptions with supplements. There are no special pills, vitamins or drinks that can substitute for prescription medications and lifestyle modifications. Talk to your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter drug or supplement that claims to lower blood pressure. “Your doctor and other health care providers should know which over-the-counter medicines or supplements you are taking,” said Willie E. Lawrence, M.D., chief of cardiology at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. “If something claims to be ‘natural’ or you don’t need a prescription, it’s not necessarily benign. It’s still a substance that has an effect on your body.” DO: Work with your health care practitioner. “If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to know that some medicines, even supplements, will affect you differently,” Dr. Lawrence adds. “If you’re struggling to keep your pressure controlled, review your routines—including over-thecounter medicines and supplements—and talk with your doctor about changes you can make. You should never be too busy to manage your blood pressure.” Learn more at www.heart.org/hbp. • Coricidin HBP, product of Bayer Consumer Health, is a sponsor of the AHA Hypertension Web content area.

January 2019 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 5

Don’t Wait to Talk About Hospice

t’s an all too common situation. A family is at the bedside of a loved one who is seriously ill and nearing the end of life. Each member of the family has a different idea of what should be done and what the patient would have wanted.

Most hospice care is provided in the home – where the majority of Americans have said they would want to be at this time. Care is also provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers.

Far too many people wait until they are in the midst of a health care crisis before thinking about what options are available or what care they or their loved ones would have wanted.

Care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans and HMOs.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that more than 1.5 million people Often, by waiting too long to learn about possible received care from our nation’s hospices last year. options, like hospice care, people end up spending difficult days in the hospital or the emergency Integrity Hospice can help with information about room and opportunities to be with loved ones at care options and choices and ensure you live as fully as possible throughout your entire life. We home are lost. will make sure your loved ones receive support When a family is coping with a serious illness and as well. a cure is no longer possible, hospice provides the One of the best ways to make sure you and your type of care most people say they want at the end loved ones benefit fully from hospice, should you of life: comfort and dignity. Considered to be the ever need this care, is to talk about it before it bemodel for high-quality, compassionate care for comes an issue. people with a life-limiting illness, hospice care includes expert medical care, pain management, and For more information, contact Integrity Hospice emotional and spiritual support. Care is provided @ 229 349 6390. You will also find information by an inter-disciplinary team of professionals and about the moments that hospice makes possible trained volunteers. The wishes of the patient and for patients and families at www.MomentsOfLife.org. family are always at the center of care.

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(229) 349 6390 553684-1

571754-1 579983-1

Dr. Jinne’ Richards, MD, Medical Director

1216 Dawson Rd, Ste 113 Albany GA 31707-3867

Benefits of cardio rehabilitation; kids’ screen time a sight threat BY MICHAEL ROIZEN, M.D., AND MEHMET OZ, M.D.

Q: My grandmother recently suffered a minor heart attack followed by a stent placement. She’s scared about a recommended cardio rehab program. What can I say to get her to go? -- Laura G., New York City A: Recovering from a heart attack can be challenging, not just physically, but emotionally. Cardio rehab helps with both aspects. Unfortunately, only about two-thirds of diagnosis-appropriate patients are referred to cardio rehab, and only about a quarter of those folks enroll in a rehab program. Even at the Cleveland Clinic, where everyone with an appropriate diagnosis is approached separately by a doc and a nurse, only about 22 percent of patients join rehab. This is despite the fact that the program is almost totally covered by every insurance company, Medicare and Medicaid. Clearly, patients need to better understand the enormous benefits. Explain to your grandmother that cardio rehab is a wide-ranging wellness program that promotes good health and a good mental attitude by offering everything from exercise to nutritional advice, emotional counseling and stress reduction. It’s individualized and can include help with other lifestyle changes (smoking cessation?) she wants. Here’s what she can expect: Evaluation: Her program will start with a face-toface evaluation with the professionals at her rehab center. An accompanying friend or family member would be welcome here. After that, she’ll probably have a stress test, during which her heart rate and her blood pressure will be monitored. Then, they’ll review her medications, and she and the cardio-rehab team will decide on the next steps. Her Program: She will set up a schedule for attending lectures/discussions about healthy eating, classes in meditation or chair yoga, and workouts on exercise machines. There are also Intensive Cardiac Rehab programs, which increase frequency and incorporate programs such as Ornish or Pritikin. They reduce the incidence of recurrence and restore a more active and normal lifestyle. We hope you can persuade your grandmother to

go. We’ve seen so many people benefit from these programs. They restore physical and emotional selfconfidence along with physical strength. Q: I tell my 16-year-old son that he’s missing out on a lot by spending too much time on his computer and phone. What else can I say to get him to get out more? -- Karin B., Tulsa, Oklahoma A: How about making him aware of the threat to his eyesight that screen time poses? We remember when moms would tell kids, “Get out of the house and don’t come back until dinner!” Yes, times have changed, but past generations of kids who played outside more frequently didn’t end up nearsighted as often. Recent studies have shown that adolescents and teens who are glued to their computer screens and phones don’t use their long-range sight and end up developing myopia (nearsightedness). One BBC report claims that 90 percent of young people in China are currently myopic. In Seoul, South Korea, it’s estimated that more than 95 percent of kids need glasses for distance. One study estimates that by 2050, 4.8 billion people worldwide will be affected by nearsightedness, which is 2.4 billion more than in 2010. Theory No. 1 Lack of Long-Range Focus Getting children outside and away from their devices changes how they use their eye muscles and how the lens in the eye focuses on objects. Whether looking down the soccer field or down the street, gazing into the distance lets eyes move from near to far and focus more easily and accurately. Theory No. 2 Lack of Sunshine Several studies over the past seven or eight years have shown that kids who spend more time outside are less likely to develop nearsightedness both as adolescents and by the time they reach age 65. One study in China found that 40 more minutes of recess daily reduced myopia rates by 23 percent. So tell your son it’s shortsighted to make yourself nearsighted when there’s so much fun to be had doing sports, hiking, walking and enjoying nature.

553685-1

* * *Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com. © 2018 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

January 2019 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 7

Tips to a Healthier Lifestyle

Dr. Meredith Koomson Primary Care Physician

he New Year is the perfect time to step back and re-evaluate ourselves - it’s like hit-

ting the refresh button. If living a healthier lifestyle is a priority for you in 2019, here are some

simple tips to help you get on track.

One of the most common

New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthy. One trick to eating healthier is meal prep. There are many benefits to meal prep – from eating healthier to saving money. If you plan ahead of

time you are more likely to eat

better and make better deci-

sions on what you eat. Another tip is to try new foods. We tend to get comfortable and eat the same food repeatedly. This limits our nutritional range. You should be adventurous as you might discover a new favorite fruit or vegetable. Exercising is another top resolution for most. Research continues to show that daily exercise has many benefits to your health, including lowering the risk for several diseases, helping with weight loss and adding to your life span. It’s important to choose exercises you enjoy and change up your routine to keep it interesting. The more ac-

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tive you are, the better you will feel and healthier you will be.

Lastly, get enough sleep. It seems obvious, yet it is most of-

ten ignored. Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of

chronic diseases – such as type

2 diabetes, cardiovascular dis-

ease, obesity and depression. It also weakens our immunity, which makes our body vulner-

able to illnesses. Most adults need seven or more hours of sleep per night.

These are just a few tips that can help improve your quality of life in the new year and beyond.

The facts about glaucoma

What should women know about cervical cancer screening?

(MCC) When one’s vision is compromised, his or her whole life can change in the blink of an eye. Many conditions can affect a person’s vision, and one of the more common is glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness across the globe. The global impact of glaucoma is significant. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. In addition, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness notes that some estimates have suggested that there will be approximately 80 million people with glaucoma by 2020. If such estimates prove true, that would mean an additional 20 million cases of glaucoma were diagnosed between 2010 and 2020. Vision loss is often associated with glaucoma. However, the National Eye Institute notes that early detection and treatment can protect the eyes against serious vision loss. That makes it imperative that individuals from all walks of life learn about glaucoma, its risk factors and how to recognize it. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve. When such damage occurs, vision loss and even blindness can result. What is the optic nerve and why does it matter? The NEI notes that the optic nerve is a bundle of more than one million nerve fibers that connects the retina to the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that contains cells which are sensitive to light. These cells trigger nerve impulses that pass via the optic nerve to the brain, where visual images are then formed.

Because its role is so significant, the optic nerve must be healthy for good vision. What are the most common types of glaucoma? According to the IAPB, primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, and primary angle closure glaucoma, or PACG, are the most common types of the condition. POAG is most common in white Caucasians and black individuals of African origin, while PACG, which is associated with a greater risk of blindness than POAG, is most common in people from southeast Asia. The Glaucoma Research Foundation says that POAG develops slowly and is the most common form of glaucoma and is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals that produces increased pressure on the eye. PACG, which the GRF notes is quick to develop, results when the drainage canals are blocked, resulting in a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Because POAG develops slowly, its symptoms often go unnoticed. Symptoms of PACG, however, are often very noticeable and may include severe and sudden eye pain; blurred vision; bright halos appearing around objects; eye redness, tenderness, and hardness; and nausea and vomiting.

(MCC) Cervical cancer screenings are an important component of preventative healthcare for women. Such screenings are often conducted at the same time as other routine checks performed by a woman’s primary care physician or gynecologist. Cervical cancer screenings are two-fold. A doctor or nurse will examine the cervix to visually look for any indications of change, and he or she also will take a sampling of cervical cells to conduct a Pap test. These screenings are some of the most effective cancer screening tests available. Some women also get tested for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, a common sexually transmitted disease, during the same visit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent, noting that screening is highly effective at detecting the presence of cervical cancer, even if it is in its early stages. While cervical examinations are recommended every year, in 2012 the American Cancer Society changed the rate of frequency for Pap tests. That’s because cervical cancer is a slow-developing cancer (sometimes taking

10 to 20 years to appear), and frequent testing is not always necessary. Today, women should get their first Pap tests at age 21. Patients who have never had a positive cervical cancer result and are between ages 21 and 29 should get a Pap test every three years. An HPV test is not necessary unless there is an abnormal Pap test result. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should receive both a Pap and HPV test every five years. Women also can receive a Pap test every three years. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who have had their uteruses and cervixes removed in hysterectomy procedures who have no history of cervical cancer do not require screening. Also, after a woman reaches age 65 and has had no abnormal results, she no longer needs to be screened for cervical cancer. Women who are at a high risk for cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. Such women include individuals who have HIV, have undergone organ transplants or have had abnormal results from past screenings.

Can glaucoma be treated? While there is no cure for glaucoma and vision lost to it cannot be restored, the NEI notes that treatment for early-stage POAG can effectively delay progression of the disease. More information about glaucoma is available at www.nei.nih.gov.

A woman’s first cervical cancer screening and Pap test should take place at age 21. After that, the screening frequency may be between every three and five years, depending on age and risk factors. January 2019 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 9

Do people get sick more during winter? Melissa Erickson More Content Now When cold weather hits it seems people get sick all at the same time. Studies suggest one factor may be that colds and flu are cyclical, and while they can happen at any time of the year they seem to cycle in winter more often, said Dr. Anne Kantner, a family medicine physician at Penn State Health. Cold conditions tend to weaken the immune system slightly so our bodies might not be able to fight off illness as well in winter, Kantner said. Add in the fact that most people tend to gather indoors more frequently in colder weather, and it’s easier for germs to spread, Kantner said. “Getting your flu shot is important. Eighty thousand people died of the flu last year,” she said. It’s a misconception that getting a flu shot causes the flu because flu vaccines administered with a needle do not contain a live virus, Kantner said. You may still get the flu, but if you have been vaccinated the flu will be less severe, she said. Breathing in cold air can cause people with asthma to bronchospasm – when air passages narrow – and suffer an asthma attack, Kantner said. “Wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth can help protect breathing by keeping the air warmer,” she said. Cold, dry air can exacerbate eczema and dry skin, so winter is moisturizer season, Kantner said. The positive health effects of winter are not as clear cut, although some people may sleep better cuddling up under a pile of blankets. Getting out and enjoying winter provides plenty of opportunities for exercise, Kantner said. “Instead of going to the gym, get a workout by shoveling,” she said. Just remember to not lift too much with each shovelful, stay hydrated and be safe on ice.

How to lower your risk for lung cancer (MCC) Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer death across the globe, is a formidable foe. According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer causes 1.76 million deaths per year. That’s more than double the number of deaths caused each year by colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the world. The American Cancer Society notes that, while not all lung cancer deaths can be prevented, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of getting this deadly disease.

• Steer clear of tobacco. The ACS says avoiding tobacco is the best way for people to lower their risk of developing lung cancer. Even nonsmokers are at risk if they breathe in other people’s smoke. For smokers, the benefits of quitting are nearly immediate, as the ACS notes smokers’ heart rates and blood pressure drop just 20 minutes after quitting. In addition, carbon monoxide levels in smokers’ blood drop to normal 12 hours after they quit smoking. • Avoid radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that’s released when the elements

uranium, thorium and radium in rocks and soil naturally decay. According to the National Cancer Institute, when radon decays, it gives off tiny radioactive particles. If these particles are inhaled, they can damage the cells that line the lung. Prolonged exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer. Homeowners and landlords should have their properties routinely tested for radon. Such tests are the only way to detect if a home has elevated radon levels. Because factors such as rain, snow and barometric pressure can cause radon levels to vary from day to day or month to month, the NCI recommends routine testing (both short- and longterm tests are available). • Reduce or eliminate your exposure to certain chemicals. The American Lung Association says that exposure to certain hazardous chemicals increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Materials such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, and other chemicals can be especially dangerous. If you are exposed to such chemicals at work, follow safety guidelines at all times and speak with your physician about how to protect yourself.

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LET’S TALK

WITH

Keisha R. Callins, MD. MPH ERCER UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Don’t Pop Your Top: Managing High Blood Don’t HuffDuring and Puff Pressure and Your AfterHealth Your Pregnancy

Keisha R. Callins, MD, MPH Away: Developing Your Action Enlightenment Plan to Defeat in the middle orSmoking right upper side of the tion (twins, triplets, etc.), first pregnancy, stomach, changes in reflexes (automatic obesity, being over the age of 40, history

ENLIGHTENMENT in nicotine help you the transition, “healthy” hypertension or renal disease, High blood pressure is one of the most actions that thepatches body todoes to during protect it- ofandchronic Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the US, and snacks to manage the urge to have something in your mouth common issues that impacts pregnant self), sudden change in leg swelling, rapand blood it can be especially harmful for women at all stages of life. You (carrots, celery, gum). Join forces with someone who also plans work that shows you have anwomen. It may before, during, or to id weight gain, seizures, and and significant ti-phospholipid antibodies). Your plan to are probably awareoccur that smoking exposes the body harmful to quit. Increase your exercise change your eating habits to chemicals, but smoking causespecial unique challenges to a manage after pregnancy and can needs at- changes in major organs the possible initialseen weighton gainblood associatedmanage with giving your up blood pressure may include woman’s second-hand smokepoor can affect cigarettes. an account or urine tests and blood work, tention at health, each and stage to prevent andthe urine tests. Last but not least, make it count. Openadditional health of loved ones. Women who smoke have an increased buy a piggy bank to save the money that you would normally use outcomes in mother and baby. Women Effects on Baby: The baby will be exmedications to control blood pressure, risk of many different problems: cancer of the cervix, breast and on cigarettes, then plan a reward. mayvulva; have Chronic (el- amined lung diseases and Hypertension cancer or vascular complications such regularly with ultrasounds and dietary changes (avoid foods high in EMPOWERMENT as heart disease, blood clots, before and stroke.20 They may have difficulty evated blood pressures weeks fetal monitoring to look for poor growth, salt, increase calcium intake), and more One of the most helpful things that you can do to help support becoming pregnant, and when pregnant, have an increased of chance pregnancy); Gestational Hypertenchanges in heart rate, low levels of am- frequent office visits with additional ulof miscarriage, preterm delivery, preterm loss of fluids, the decision to change your smoking behavior is to channel sionand(elevated bloodof the pressures after 20 and changes in blood flowaround in trasounds abnormal location placenta. Because toxins niotic can be fluid, the support of the people and places you. Tell your and fetal monitoring. Please passedof on topregnancy); the baby, newbornsPreeclampsia/ of mothers who smoke can weeks thehave placenta as atoresult of accountable take this plan seriously. Please take your friends,that familycan andoccur co-workers hold you – no low weight at (elevated birth, a greater blood chance of pressures problems such ashypertension. colds, exceptions. Limit the use or change the locations where you usually faithfully. Please learn the Eclampsia medications earaches, lung problems, increasing visits to the pediatrician, and buy cigarettes because the staff knows your preferences and are with that can affect Effects on Delivery: Your healthcare signs that your blood pressure may be evenchanges death. Pelvic infections, menstrualthe cycleeyes, issues, onset and used to accommodating you. You can also engage your usual staff brain, heart, lungs, and kidney, andhealth nervous provider consider healtheven status out them. of control. Improperly controlled severity of menopause, even bone can be impacted by towill promise not to sell your you cigarettes, if you demand If the dangers of smoking. system); and Preeclampsia Superim- and thatyou of are your to decide if ityou will blood pressures can lead to very serious usedbaby to smoking after eating, may need to change locations; if you are used to smoking friends, like you stroke or blindness in mom, posed on Chronic Hypertension. Un- be necessary toand change the timing of with de-certain events, EDUCATION may have to change what activities you do with your friends. controlled high blood pressure during livery (before full-term vs. at term), and and even death of the baby. The decision to stop smoking is one of the best gifts you can to your health, your family, yoursignifibank account. Onceof ENCOURAGEMENT andgive after pregnancy, can and have route delivery (vaginal vs. cesarean) to decide toand stop long-term smoking, your success a strongensure desire the If bybest chance, smoking is notboth a personal challenge, I am certain cantyoushorteffectsrequires on the outcome for of you. Encouragement to quit and a strategic plan: 1) Ask yourself why you smoke – that you know someone who needs your help and support to health of mother anddepression baby. Therefore, allhelp In the event that baby needs to be delivis it anxiety, boredom, or stress? Seek for new change this harmful behavior, so use this information to help forms ofbehaviors. hypertension should carefulered coping You may benefit frombetalking to a therapist and/much earlier than expected, you may Your blood pressure and associated someone you care about. If you are a smoker who is quitting, or taking medication, finding a new hobby activity to occupy yourto be hospitalized for an extended symptoms are important signals that your ly screened for and managed byoryou and need time; 2) Advise yourself about why you need to quit – is it for keep in mind that medication and alternatives, such as vaping, are your medical provider. In addition, your period and receive additional treatments body uses to help you and your providers your health or your kids? Make a contract with yourself about the meant to help your transition but not as a permanent substitute for cigarettes.that As with most other things in life, persistence is one of that your treatment plan may recognize doctor request fromyourself a high-risk help baby’s lungs and nerreasonmay for your decision;help 3) Assess for the bestto time to ensure the keys to success.before So, if bybirth. chance, it takes you longer you adjusted to ensure a happy and quit. Pick adoctor date – your birthday a loved or aftersystem needthan to be pregnancy to birthday, help take careof of youone,vous develop expected or more than one attempt to shake this habit, don’t stop an upcoming holiday! 4) Assist yourself – Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW healthy - mom, baby, and family. Whethand your baby. or talk to your medical provider about available help with medical trying to quit smoking. Developing an action plan to remove er you blood pressure issues Empowerment ones,develop is therapy. Download the QuitGuide app, text START to 47848, or cigarettes from your life and the lives of your loved before, during, or after pregnancy, Education quit cold turkey! Finally, 5) Arrange yourself accordingly – invest one of the wisest decisions that you will ever make. Talk with your healthcare provider about please seek and listen to the advice recEffects on Mother: Although some OF risk factors may increase your risk ommended to prevent poor outcomes. QUOTE THEthat MONTH: There are many treatment options availsymptoms mayGROW naturally occur YOU duringWILL forDISCOVER complications of elevated blood pres“AS YOU OLDER, THAT YOU HAVE TWO HANDS, pregnancy,ONE high blood pressures may sures (history of high pressures in able, so do not hesitate to talk with your FOR HELPING YOURSELF, THE OTHER FORblood HELPING OTHERS.” come along with headaches, changes in~ MAYA a previous pregnancy, diabetes, family healthcare provider to find the best one ANGELOU ~ vision (“seeing spots” or blurriness), pain history of preeclampsia, multiple gesta- for you.

Quote Of The Month:

“Live as though life was created for you”

~ Maya Angelou ~

Fitness Facts Four Easy Tips That Will Keep You Working Out All Winter Long (NAPS)—Many people find that when the temperature falls, so does their motivation and the frequency of their workouts. But it shouldn’t. Research has shown that working out through the cold winter months strengthens the immune system to help fight off those cold weather blues and illnesses.

shares these tips on how to diversify your workouts to maintain your motivation while maximizing your results.

Knowing how to stay motivated and what to do to keep your fitness routine challenging is key: Staying on track and meeting your fitness goals during the cold season can give you a jump start on setting higher goals and staying active through spring and summer.

1. Shake up your routine. Many people do the exact same workout every time, performing the same exercises in the same order. This is one major reason you stop seeing results—your body has become accustomed to the stress. A simple yet extremely effective way to overcome a plateau, or avoid it in the first place, is to simply change the order of your exercises. This “pre-fatigues” your body in a new and different way, keeping it challenged and the results coming.

Fortunately, advances in technology and social media have made it easier to add variety and personalize your workouts. Online videos make it easier than ever to customize workouts to fit your individual needs and goals, as well as find inspiration to keep up your hard work regardless of where you might be in your fitness journey.

2. Enjoy the great outdoors. Studies show that you can burn more calories, strengthen your endurance, and combat the winter blues by working out in the cold. If you decide to challenge Mother Nature with an outdoor workout, make sure you dress appropriately with layers and stay hydrated even though you may not feel like you need it.

To help, Tom Holland, exercise physiologist and Bowflex fitness advisor,

3. Work smarter. The new Max Intelligence platform, available with the

Experience personalized workouts with the new Max Intelligence platform on the Bowflex Max Trainer cardio machine.

Bowflex Max Trainer M6 and M8 cardio machines (www.bowflex.com/max-trainer), uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze your workouts, and automatically adjusts your fitness plan to help you continue making progress towards your goals. Through an initial fitness assessment and predictive analytics, Max tracks and collects data from your previous sessions, customizes your workouts every day and provides spoken encouragement to keep up the good work. In addition, Max can assess your fitness data to serve up appropriate trainer-led videos and educational content to provide instruction and motivation.

July 2018 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 11

4. Mix it up. Find fun videos to inspire new workouts. There are many available from certified professionals. Trying something new can help challenge your muscles in different ways. It also helps build your mental stamina to keep you sharp and focused as you concentrate on remembering the new movements and order of the routine. Step outside your comfort zone—you might just discover a new favorite way to work out.

January 2019 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 11

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