Winter health care 2018

HEALTH CARE JANUARY 2018

LE CENTER LEADER LE SUEUR NEWS-HERALD ST. PETER HERALD

PAGE 2

WINTER HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

WINTER HEALTH CARE Oak Terrace Senior Living Publisher Media Consultants of Le Sueur has immediate openings Chad Hjellming Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Advertising Design in our secure Gayle Stelten Mary Jo Blanchard Kate McGillen Memory Care Community

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Wednesday, January 17, 2018

WINTER HEALTH CARE

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You Can Count on Unexpected Expenses

Finding time to read more can improve cognition, reduce stress and increase intelligence

Read more books for better health

(Metro) The availability of digital content has made it easy to forget how pleasurable it can be to pick up a good book and get lost in a story. In fact, a 2015 Huffington Post/YouGov poll of 1,000 adults in the United States found that 28 percent hadn’t read a single book in the previous 12 months.

Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health analyzed 12 years of data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study concerning reading habits.

Among the 3,600 participants over the age of 50, those who read books for as little as 30 minutes per day over several years were living an average of two years longer than those who didn’t read.

Studies have shown that reading improves fluency and story retention while providing a host of additional benefits to young children. However, the perks do not end with the passing of adolescence. Data published in the journal Neu-

rology found reading regularly improves memory function by working out the brain. This can help slow a decline in memory and other brain functions. Frequent brain exercise can lower mental decline by 32 percent, according to research published in The Huffington Post.

Studies even suggest that reading can help a person be more empathetic to others’ feelings. Research published in the journal Science showed that reading literary works (not popular fiction) cultivates a skill known as ‘theory of mind,’ which is the ‘ability to ‘read’ the thoughts and feelings of others.’

Reading also can be calming, helping to reduce stress as a result. By losing oneself in a book, worries and stress can melt away, says research conducted in 2009 at the University of Sussex. Measuring heart rate and muscle tension, researchers discovered that study participants needed just six minutes to relax once they began reading.

There are many other rea-

sons why reading is good for the mind and body. The following tips can help men and women find more time to read.

• Find small minutes to read. Busy people may think they don’t have the time to devote to reading, but if they read in small intervals, the amount of time will add up. Read during commutes (if you’re not driving), while in physicians’ waiting rooms or during a lunch hour.

• It’s okay to quit. If you’re a few chapters intoBWTB a book - 37and it’s not striking your fancy, it’s okay to trade up for a more interesting tale. Don’t feel obligated to finish a book if you are not engaged.

• Read paper books. Reading printed books can be a welcome, relaxing change from looking at screens all day. This may inspire you to read more and for longer periods of time.

• Join a book club. A book club in which you engage with fellow readers can motivate you to read more often.

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PAGE 4

WINTER HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Slow down, take care Marijuana Treatment to prevent falls of Glaucoma (not)

By STEPHANIE HOLDEN River’s Edge Hospital

maintaining balance, and keeping your head up and not leaning forward.

It never fails to Once you’re happen. No matter inside, be sure to wipe how carefully you your shoes well bewalk on a sidewalk cause wet shoes on or driveway in the a hard surface could winter, you slip and mean a slip and a fall. fall. Sometimes the The Nationonly thing that gets al Council on Aging hurt is your ego, suggests that people but there is always attach spikeless gripa chance of injury per sole covers on Holden when a fall occurs. This their shoes or purchase is why it is important to boots with rubber soles take precautions to avoid slips, that have thick treads to help trips, and falls during the winter maintain traction on slippery months. surfaces. Another suggestion by At River’s Edge Hospital, the NCOA is to carry a small staff are encouraged to, and en- plastic bag of kitty litter to throw courage others to use the “Pen- out on icy surfaces in front of you guin Shuffle” when walking on to increase traction. potentially slick surfaces in the Matt Tuggle, DPT, in the winter. This technique includes physical therapy department adwalking flat footed, taking short, vises that wearing proper winter slow steps, concentration on shoes can help decrease winter-

time falls. “Just like tires, you need better tread on your shoes in the winter,” he said.

If you use a cane or other walking aide, Tuggle says it is best to plan ahead and take your time when walking to your destination.

Slips and falls during winter months can happen anywhere and are most likely to occur on sidewalks and in parking lots.

It could happen at the mall, at work, or at your home. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, 1,340 Minnesotans had a fall with injury involving ice or snow at work during the winter months. Regardless of where the falls occurs, it is costly for the person who fell and for the employer.

The best advice for preventing falls on snowy and icy surfaces is to slow down and take your time.

Escape the Winter Blues... With Us!

By DR. JEFF MOOTZ, Guest Columnist I have seen many articles and newscasts talking about the need for medical marijuana to treat many medical conditions including glaucoma. Seeing glaucoma on the list is puzzling to me because studies going back to the 1970s have shown marijuana is not a viable treatment of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve becomes damaged over time and may lead to blindness. A cause of optic nerve damage in glaucoma is higher than normal pressure within the eye. The only nonsurgical treatment to date is lowering the pressure with eye drop therapy. The eye drops, used once a day, developed in the last 5 to 10 years, can reduce the pressure for up to 24 hours.

The deception is marijuana will reduce the pressure slightly for a period of 3-4 hours. So, maintaining the lower pressure for 24 hours a day using marijuana would have intoxicating side effects for both smoking and tablet form. A person using marijuana to treat glaucoma would not be able to drive a car or function at work and risk potential lung disease.

Until there is more study,

marijuana should not be stated as a medical treatment for glaucoma. In doing so, people may feel justified to self-medicate and unknowingly endanger their vision.

For complete dilated eye health and vision examination see your eye doctor regularly.

Dr. Mootz is the owner and primary dr. at Mootz Eye Clinic in Le Sueur

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WINTER HEALTH CARE

PAGE 5

Beat the winter blues: Shedding light on seasonal sadness

By GAIL GILMAN WALDNER Guest columnist

it’s more mild than serious. It usually clears up on its own in a fairly short amount of time.

With the shorter days, The so-called winter blues are many people find often linked to somethemselves feeling thing specific, such as sad. You might feel stressful holidays or blue around the winreminders of absent ter holidays, or get loved ones. into a slump after the “S easonal fun and festivities affective disorder” is have ended. different. It’s a wellSome people defined clinical dihave more serious agnosis that’s related mood changes year to the shortening of Gilman-Waldner daylight hours. It inafter year, lasting throughout the fall and terferes with daily funcwinter when there’s less natural tioning over a significant period sunlight. What is it about the of time. A key feature of SAD darkening days that can leave us is that it follows a regular patdown in the dumps? And what tern. It appears each year as the can we do about it? seasons change, and it goes away You might be experienc- several months later, usually during the “winter blues” or a more ing spring and summer. severe type of depression called SAD is more common in seasonal affective disorder, or northern than in southern parts SAD. of the United States, where win“Winter blues” is a gen- ter days last longer. In Florida eral term, not a medical diag- only about 1% of the population nosis. It’s fairly common, and is likely to suffer from SAD. But

in the northernmost parts of the U.S, about 10% of people in Alaska may be affected.

As with other forms of depression, SAD can lead to a gloomy outlook and make people feel hopeless, worthless and irritable. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as hobbies and spending time with friends.

Some people say that SAD can look like a kind of hibernation. People with SAD tend to be withdrawn, have low energy, oversleep and put on weight.

They might crave carbohydrates such as cakes, candies and cookies. Without treatment, these symptoms generally last until the days start getting longer.

Shorter days seem to be a main trigger for SAD. Reduced sunlight in fall and winter can disrupt your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This 24-hour “master clock” responds to cues in your surroundings, especially light and darkness. During the day, your brain sends sig-

nals to other parts of the body to help keep you awake and ready for action. At night, a tiny gland in the brain produces a chemical called melatonin, which helps you sleep. Shortened daylight hours in winter can alter this natural rhythm and lead to SAD in certain people.

Light therapy has become a standard treatment for SAD. Light therapy is meant to replace the missing daylight hours with an artificial substitute.

In light therapy, patients generally sit in front of a light box every morning for 30 minutes or more, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. The box shines light much brighter than ordinary indoor lighting.

Studies have shown that light therapy relieves SAD symptoms for as much as 70% of patients after a few weeks of treatment. Some improvement can be detected even sooner. Research has found that patients report an improvement in depression scores after even the first admin-

istration of light. Still, a sizable proportion of patients improve but do not fully respond to light treatment alone.

Once started, light therapy should continue every day well into spring. Sitting 30 minutes or more in front of a light box every day can put a strain on some schedules. Some people tend to stop using the light boxes after a while. Other options have been tested, such as light-emitting visors that allow patients to move around during therapy but results with visors for treating SAD haven’t been as promising as hoped.

Light therapy is usually considered a first line treatment for SAD, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Studies show that certain antidepressant drugs can be effective in many cases of SAD. The antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating SAD and for preventing winter depression. Doctors sometimes

prescribe other antidepressants as well.

Growing evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy—can also help patients who have SAD. The ‘behavioral’ part of CBT tries to teach people new behaviors to engage in when they’re feeling depressed, to help them feel better.

Behavioral changes might include having lunch with friends, going out for a walk or volunteering in the community.

Try to identify activities that are engaging and pleasurable, and try to schedule them into the daily routine.

If you’re feeling blue this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, talk to a health care provider. It’s true that SAD goes away on its own, but that could take 5 months or more.

Five months of every year is a long time to be impaired and

BLUES

Continued on page 8

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PAGE 6

WINTER HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Embracing germs: They’re not all bad (Metro) Germs have gotten a somewhat undeserved reputation. For decades, people have done what they can to avoid these unseemly organisms, thinking that exposure to germs is the single-best way to get and remain sick. Certainly there are germs that a person would be wise to avoid. However, not all germs must be avoided.

Germs are tiny organisms that can enter the body through open cuts, the mouth, the nose, and the eyes. Germs are found all over the world. The four main types of germs include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Bacteria are a type of germ that often get a bad rap but actually may have benefits that outweigh their negatives.

Bacteria are tiny, one-celled creatures that get nutrients from their environments to live. In some instances, that environment is the human body. Bacteria can reproduce inside and outside of the body. While bacteria

lead to harmful bacteria taking over. Harmful bacteria also may evolve to resist common treatments because of the overuse of antibacterial and antimicrobial medicines and products.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that antimicrobial agents have been used for the last 70 years to treat patients with infectious diseases.

Although they’ve helped treat illnesses, these drugs have enabled the organisms they’re meant to destroy to adapt to them, making the drugs less effective. Some bacteria are even resistant to certain antibacterial drugs. The CDC says each year in the United States at least two million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics Ñ with at least 23,000 people dying as a result of these infections.

Various medical sources urge that regular handwashing with plain soap is enough for cleansing. Consuming foods with naturally occurring help-

that cause repeated infections might be considered bad, there actually are a host of good bacteria. Such bacteria help people digest food and protect against gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea. Some bacteria may help people fight off illnesses caused by other bacteria or viruses, says research published in the journal Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology. Beneficial bacteria may help stimulate the immune system so that the body is better able to fight off diseases naturally.

People frequently overlook good bacteria in an effort to eradicate bad bacteria, and that can have serious detriments.

Unfortunately, the ‘antibacterial’ products available for cleaning and medicines used for treating bacterial illnesses do not discriminate between good and bad germs. They simply eradicate them all. Heathline says that this can create an imbalance of bacteria in the body that may

ful organisms, such as yogurt, chocolate, feta cheese, pickles, and dark chocolate, can help increase the levels of good bacteria in the body. Taking a probiotic supplement also may help, although researchers at the Clevel a n d Clinic report that there is not enough proof to say for sure.

People should speak with their doctors before taking probiotics or other steps to increase bacteria to make sure they are a wise decision for each individual.

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WINTER HEALTH CARE

PAGE 7

The benefits to joining a local gym INJURED?

(Metro) Resolving to get healthy is a worthy goal. A healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and routine exercise can improve quality of life and decrease a person’s risk for various ailments, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In an effort to exercise more, many men and women choose to join local gyms. Such a decision can have a profound impact on efforts to get healthier, benefitting men and women in myriad ways.

• ym members e ercise more than non-members. ItÕs long been assumed that joining a gym motivates people to exercise more often, as few people want to pay monthly membership fees for facilities they donÕt use. But researchers at Iowa State University backed up that assumption in a study of 405 relatively healthy adults. Half of the study participants had belonged to a gym for at least 30 days, while half had not been gym members for at least three months. Participants who belonged to a gym exercised an average of 484 min-

WE CAN HELP.

utes per week, greatly exceeding the 150-minutes-per-week minimum recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services. Non-members exercised an average of just 137 minutes per week, with only 18 percent meeting the recommended weekly exercise guidelines.

• Joinin a ym impro es overall health. While common sense suggests joining a gym improves overall health, the Iowa State study actually proved that to be true. The study found that, compared to non-members, gym-goers tended to have lower resting heart rates, higher cardiorespiratory fitness and smaller waist circumferences. Researchers found that those benefits were especially prevalent among participants who had kept their gym memberships for a year or more.

• Joinin a ym can increase the chances of getting more well-rounded workouts. DHHS guidelines say adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and should perform muscle-strengthening

exercises on two or more days each week. Non-members may be able to meet the guidelines for aerobic activity on their own, but the Iowa State study found that only about 20 percent of Americans meet guidelines for strength trainin . ym members ips provide access to weights and strength-training machines that non-members do not necessarily have at home, increasing the chances that gym members will enjoy fuller, more well-rounded workouts.

• Joinin a ym can be a social endeavor. While many people join gyms to get healthy, it’s important that prospective members not overlook the potential social benefits of gym memberships. Exercise classes hosted at local gyms can provide great opportunities to meet likeminded individuals, and such individuals may ultimately become support systems people can lean on to achieve their fitness goals.

Joinin a ym can ser e as a catalyst for men and women looking to get healthy.

When an injury or pain in your hip, knee or shoulder threatens to slow you down, don’t wait to seek treatment. Our orthopedic team is available to provide immediate care and treatment so you can get back to enjoying life.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Call 507-594-4700 to schedule an appointment.

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PAGE 8

WINTER HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

FLU FIGHTING TIPS TO KEEP THE VIRUS AT BAY

By ASHLEY JASPERS Mayo Clinic Health Systems

It’s important to monitor anyone Common flu symptoms Typically, patients present with with the flu. For those who are young and healthy, seasonal influenza isn’t as one or more of these symptoms: Traditionally, flu season peaks in serious. Typically, the flu goes away • i fe er February, with in a week or two with no lasting ef• uscle pains and or c ills December befects. However, high-risk children and • eadac e ing the second • asal draina e and nasal con- adults with a chronic illness, such as most common asthma, lung disease, heart disease gestion peak month, and diabetes, may develop these com• ou followed by plications: • Fati ue March. This • neumonia • ausea and omitin may explain • ronc itis why it often • Ast ma are-ups At-risk groups for flu feels like the • eart problems For most people, having the flu Jaspers flu season • ar infections can be a miserable experience. Howdrags on and ever, there are certain populations at why many people continue to catch higher risk for developing the flu and Reach out to your health care and spread the influenza virus. Thank- suffering adverse effects, including: provider if you feel any of above effects fully, there are a number of ways you may be an issue.

• ildren a e and youn er can help to reduce the spread of the • Adults a e and older flu virus or provide needed comfort • Immunosuppressed indi iduals Treatment options for the flu to lessen the symptoms for those afIf you end up ettin t e u • omen o are pre nant fected.

• Indi iduals li in in lon -term stay at home while the virus runs its course. care facilities Here are some things to consider ome of t e t in s I tell patients as you navigate this year’s flu season. Serious issues related to influ- to try while they recover at home include: enza

• Acetaminop en or ibuprofen • lenty of rest • ots of uids • er t e counter cou suppressant and throat lozenges Additionally, in some situations, antiviral treatment can be utilized by your health care provider. However, it’s best to start this early in the course of your influenza illness and is commonly reserved for those with a higher risk for complications.

Control the spread of infection Believe it or not, helping control the spread of the flu virus is something we all play a part in. Here are a few of the things you can do to help: • et immuni ed. It’s ne er too late to get your flu shot.

• ake sure to properly as your hands with soap and water.

• o er your cou .

• tay ome en you’re sick.

BLUES

Continued from page 5

suffering. SAD is generally quite treatable, and the treatment options keep increasing and improving.

Lift Your Mood These “self-care” tips might help with seasonal depression. See a mental health professional if sadness doesn’t go away or interferes with your daily life: o to a mo ie take a alk o ice-skatin or do other activities you normally enjoy. et out in t e sunli t or bri tly lit spaces especially early in t he day.

Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative.

Eat nutritious foods, and avoid overloading on carbohydrates like cookies and candies.

Be patient. You won’t suddenly “snap out of ” depression. Your mood will improve gradually.

Information adapted from article from t e ational Institute of ealt I e s in ealt e sletter January .

If you ould like more information on eat t e inter lues feel free to contact ail ilman Family ife onsultant . d.

C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of innesota at aldn umn.edu. e sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.

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Wednesday, January 17, 2018

WINTER HEALTH CARE

PAGE 9

Maintain indoor air quality all year long (Metro) Millions of people anxiously anticipate the arrival of spring. Months spent cooped up indoors as temperatures outside dip below freezing can take their toll, and those first warm, sunny days of spring can be just what people need to kick the winter blues.

Winter can be dreary for people confined to indoors as temperatures drop, and poor air quality in a home can add to that dreariness while adversely affecting individuals’ health. Air quality tends to suffer most in winter, but there are ways to ensure the air inside a home stays healthy all year long.

• Inspect and address any sources of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless gas that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and a host of health problems if it goes undetected in a home. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potential sources of CO in a home include improperly vented natural gas appliances, such as stoves and

water heaters, gas-powered tools that are used indoors, clogged chimneys, or blocked heating exhaust vents. Men and women can periodically inspect potential sources of CO and address any issues they find while also making sure all CO detectors are properly installed and functioning optimally.

• Inspect A ducts. uctwork is used to deliver warm or cool air in homes with heating and air conditioning systems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to the duct surfaces without ever enterin li in spaces. o e er the EPA notes that homeowners should consider having their ducts cleaned if an inspection uncovers substantial visible mold ro t . In addition t e A recommends homeowners consider cleaning if ducts are infested with vermin or clogged with excessive amounts of dust or debris.

• A oid c emical cleanin products. Chemical cleaning products may be great at disinfecting dishes, countertops and

Ducts may need to be serviced by professionals in homes where indoor air quality is poor other areas in the home, but such items may be toxic and adversely affect indoor air quality. For example, chemicals such as bleach and ammonia, which are used in many commercial cleaning products, can linger in the air, irritating the eyes, nose, throat, and lun s. omeo ners concerned about the quality of air in their homes also can avoid scented

products, such as air fresheners and scented detergents, which t e ational Institute for ccupational afety and ealt notes may release volatile organic compounds into the air.

• Inspect bat rooms for mold growth. Mold can grow on surfaces that are routinely wet, and that makes poorly ventilated bathrooms common sources for

home mold infestations. Mold can adversely affect indoor air quality when mold spores are released, potentially triggering allergic reactions, asthma attacks and respiratory conditions.

After bathing in bathrooms without vents, men and women can open windows so the room dries before mold can ro . In bathrooms with vents, make sure

vents are running during baths and showers and afterward until ceilings, walls and floors appear dry.

Poor indoor air quality can be easily addressed to ensure individuals stay healthy throughout the year.

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WINTER HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Modify grooming and beauty tips for winter (Metro) Winter may be a time for cozy sweaters and tall boots, but it also can be a season for static-charged hair and dry skin. Upon the arrival of cold weather, women and men may have to make some changes to their beauty or grooming routines to survive the chilly temperatures.

Handling the extremes of wind, snow and dry indoor air takes care and attention.

• odify your moisturi er.

Moisturizer that works in the spring, summer and fall may not be adequate in winter. Waterbased moisturizers can do a good job, but men and women with extremely dry skin may need to switch to an oil-based product that locks in moisture. Apply as needed to keep skin supple.

Many people even find that in-

expensive petroleum jelly applied sparingly offers protection against dry skin and chapping.

• A oid ot s o ers and baths. Although they can feel heavenly after coming in from the outdoors, hot showers and baths can strip even more moisture from the skin, exacerbating dry skin issues. Stick to warm showers and apply moisturizer immediately after.

• Assess scalp conditions.

The scalp can be prone to dryness during the winter. Skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis may be aggravated by changes in temperature, advises Seton Dermatology. Even getting sick in the winter months can worsen symptoms, as colds and the flu may lead to psoriasis or eczema flare-ups. Speak with a dermatologist if over-the-coun-

ter products do not remedy the situation. Topical prescription medications may help.

• A oid ya ay air. old temperatures, wind and combing may lead to the buildup of negative ions on hair shafts, causing the strands to repel one another and static to form. Using a mild shampoo and conditioner or a product that touts static-improving properties can help. Spraying a static guard onto a hair brush and working it through the hair can help as well.

• Address red nose oes.

Many people get flushed noses after spending time outdoors in cold temperatures. This is caused by the dilation of blood vessels, according to Real Simple.

Flushed features should fade on their own, but a warm compress on the nose can help speed up

the process. For red noses caused by colds, try an antihistamine paired with moisturized tissues.

• on’t ne lect ands and feet. Extremities feel the bite of the weather more than other parts of the bodies, so these areas may require some e tra .

Invest in a quality hand cream.

Apply a foot balm, cover feet with cotton socks and give the product time to be absorbed into the skin.

• a e it care. en should lather up their shaving cream with warm water and rinse with cool water to avoid irritation and dryness, advises The Art of Shaving. Apply an aftershave balm to hydrate.

Grooming routines should be tweaked come winter to keep skin looking and feeling good.

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Wednesday, January 17, 2018

WINTER HEALTH CARE

PAGE 11

Safe ways to deal with sinus pressure (Metro) Sinuses are bony, hollow, air-filled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says the sinuses lighten the skull and produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. Unfortunately, when colds or the flu strike, sinuses may become one of the first spots affected by these illnesses.

When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat.

Most of this drainage goes unnoticed. However, the American Sinus Institute says that factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration, and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more difficult. This is when problems like infection, stuffiness or throat irritation may occur.

In order to combat sinus congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include flushing the sinuses and thinning the mucus. It is imperative to use safe flushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy.

Neti pots are among the more popular methods to flushing sinuses. These small teapotlike devices with elongated snouts have become a fixture in many medicine cabinets. Be-

cause they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities.

However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using these devices improperly can increase one’s risk of infection. CBS News says that neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri, which is otherwise known as the ‘braineating’ amoeba.

The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately filtered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of

organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious infections.

Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion.

However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe.

Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages.

Health sayings and their origins (Metro) Language is shaped by many different influences.

Over time, certain phrases become part of the vernacular and are spoken to signify how one acts or feels, including phrases about health and well-being.

Some phrases may inspire curiosity as to their origins. The following health-related phrases have some interesting backstories.

cal shape, and the phrase has capable of strong physical labor doctor from earning his bread.’ evolved. and ability.

Other sources trace the phrase to ancient Rome. Apples can have ‘Survival of the fittest’ ‘An apple a day keeps the many health benefits, but no reAgain, the word ‘fittest’ ini- doctor away’ search has confirmed that eattially did not represent physical Many believe this phrase to be ing an apple daily will safeguard strength or well-being. Rather, a helpful rhyming device to re- individuals from any particular in this phrase, attributed to Her- member to eat healthy food to illness. A 2015 study published bert Spencer and later to Charles maintain good physical health. in JAMA Internal Medicine did Darwin, fittest referred to those However, according to Snopes, find that people who ate an apwho were best suited to their the first known version of this ple required fewer prescription environment, or more plainly, proverb comes from Wales in medications than those who did those who were best able to sur- 1866 and stated, ‘eat an apple on not.

‘Fit as a Fiddle’ vive. Today, it can mean anyone going to bed, and you’ll keep the The phrase ‘fit as a fiddle’ is of- who is able to rise above the odds ten used to describe someone against them or beat the compewho is very healthy and full of tition. energy. But what does fitness have to do with an instrument, ‘Strong as an ox’ anyway? Actually, very little. Ac- The idiom ‘strong as an ox’ has cording to The Phrase Finder, ‘fit’ long represented a person who didn’t originally mean healthy. is unusually strong and able to It was actually used to represent persevere. Because oxen are large the words ‘suitable and seemly.’ beasts of burden that were used Therefore, something that is fit instead of horses by American as a fiddle would mean it was settlers before railroads were suitable for its purpose. Now ‘fit’ created, anyone compared to an 217 Nassau Street • St. Peter • (507) 931-5646 frequently refers to one’s physi- ox would have to be someone

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WINTER HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

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