Health & Medical Guide - Winter 2020

Health&

Medical Guide

Winter 2020

Catawba County Physicians Directory Principles of first aid everyone should know

Recognize signs of heart attack in women

The relationship between eating and exercise A Publication of the Observer News Enterprise

Prevent common injuries while gaming

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The relationship between eating and exercise

Diet and exercise are each vital components of a healthy lifestyle.

While these components tend to be looked at separately, diet and exercise are actually interconnected.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, adequate food and fluid should be consumed before, during and after exercise. Following that advice can help men and women maintain their blood glucose concentration during exercise, which allows them to maximize their performance and improves their recovery time.

Some people understandably may feel that eating before exercising seems counterintuitive, as food may contribute to feelings of sluggishness that would make it hard to maximize a workout. But what people eat, and drink, prior to working out is important, as the right foods can make a positive impact while the wrong foods can have the opposite effect.

The American Heart Association and the ACSM recommend hydrating with water prior to working out. The ACSM recommends drinking between two and three cups of water two to three hours before exercising.

Adults accustomed to working out in the early morning can try to wake up earlier so they can give their bodies time to hydrate before they begin exercising.

It’s also important to continue hydrating during a workout, as the ACSM recommends drink-

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ing between 1⁄2 and one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during a workout (amounts can be adjusted based on variables such as the weather and individuals’ body sizes). After a workout, the ACSM recommends drinking two to three cups of water for every pound lost during the exercise session.

Food also plays a vital role in maximizing a workout and improving recovery time. The AHA recommends fueling up on healthy carbohydrates, such as whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat toast or low-fat or fat-free yogurt, two hours before exercising.

Doing so might pose a problem for early morning exercise enthusiasts, and in such instances the AHA advises eating a piece of fruit such as an apple or banana five to 10 minutes before beginning a workout. Avoid saturated fats and a lot of healthy protein prior to working out, as it takes longer for these fuels to digest in the stomach. Until foods are digested, muscles may not get all of the oxygen and energy-delivering blood they need during a workout, so it’s best to stick with foods that the body can digest more quickly.

The Mayo Clinic notes that it’s also important to make food a part of your post-workout routine. Eating a post-workout meal that contains both carbohydrates and protein can aid muscle recovery and replace glycogen stores that help increase energy levels after working out.

Sugar is a naturally occurring component in many healthy foods, including fruit. But people looking to eat healthy should be wary of foods that contain added sugars, which can pose a significant threat to long-term health. According to the Harvard Medical School, added sugars are not currently listed on Nutrition Facts labels (though the Mayo Clinic expects that to change in the future). That can make it hard to spot foods that contain substantial amounts of added sugars.

However, the HMS recommends looking at the ingredients listings on food labels and keeping an eye out for words ending in “ose.” The Mayo Clinic notes that fructose, dextrose, glucose, and maltose are the chemical names for various types of sugar. These ingredients can serve as a red flag that a product contains added sugars that can be detrimental to your overall health.

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What is mindful snacking?

Many people give little thought to the snacks that take up space on their pantry shelves. But are the foods people eat between meals worthy of more careful attention? Those who subscribe to mindful snacking would suggest they are.

According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, mindful eating focuses on slowing down and tuning into the sensations of eating. One of the goals of mindful eating is to prevent unhealthy behaviors associated with food and eating. One such behavior is binge eating, which can have long-term negative consequences. The National Eating Disorders Association notes that as many as two-thirds of people diagnosed with

binge eating disorder, or BED, are clinically obese.

Mindful eating can benefit anyone, including people who are maintaining healthy weights and not considered to be at risk of developing eating disorders.

One of the questions people may have about mindful eating, and mindful snacking in particular, is how they can slow down and tune into the sensations of eating when they snack. Working professionals tend to snack at the office, where it’s not always so easy to slow down and tune in to the foods we eat. In addition, availability may dictate what people eat while away from home, which can lead to people eating

unhealthy foods because that’s all that is available.

While there’s no denying mindful snacking can b e difficult, the

IFICF offers these tips to help people slow down and tune in during snack time.

• Assess your hunger.

Learning to assess their hunger can help people

distinguish hunger from boredom. The IFICF recommends using a hunger scale of one to 10, with one being very hungry and 10 representing feelings of being stuffed.

If you determine your hunger is a four or below, then consider a snack.

Anything higher than a four and you might just be bored. When snacking, periodically pause to reassess your hunger and determine if you’re satisfied. This reassessment can help you avoid overeating.

• Reduce distractions.

Distractions can make it hard for people to recognize how much they have eaten. Avoid snacking while watching television or using your smartphone

so you don’t accidentally overeat.

• Take small bites. Large bites also can make it easier to overeat. Small bites, such as one whole grain chip at a time instead of a handful with each bite, can reduce the likelihood of overeating.

• Let your senses savor your snacks. Using all of your senses when snacking can force you to slow down and notice flavors and aromas you might otherwise never recognize.

A more mindful approach to snacking can help people better appreciate their food and may help them avoid overeating. Learn more about mindful eating at www. foodinsight.org.

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The best ages to spay or neuter pets

Animal overpopulation is a concern that affects the well-being of pets. The ASPCA says letting animals reproduce unchecked can lead to pet homelessness that results in millions of healthy cats and dogs being euthanized in the United States and Canada each year.

In addition to helping to control homelessness, spaying and neutering companion animals may have medical and behavioral benefits. As valuable as spaying and neutering can be, the procedures are not without potential complications. Responsible pet owners must weight the pros and cons of spaying and neutering with a qualified animal professional.

Many veterinarians now recommend female and male dogs be spayed or neutered between the ages of six to nine months.

Some vets say puppies can be neutered as young as eight weeks old as long as they are healthy. In fact, it has become the norm for

rescue puppies to be neutered prior to being placed with adoptive families. Those who would like to follow the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Life Stage Guidelines should have small-breed dogs (under 45 pounds projected adult body weight) neutered or spayed at six months of age or prior to the first heat. Large-breed dogs should be sterilized after growth stops, which is usually between nine and 15 months of age.

The ASPCA says it is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old to be spayed or neutered. Doing so can help avoid the start of urine spraying and eliminate the chances for cats to go into heat and become pregnant.

Spaying and neutering has been shown to reduce risk for testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Sterilization also can protect against uterine infections and breast tumors in many female pets. These procedures

The facts about pets and cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be gut-wrenching for patients and their loved ones. Facing cancer is difficult on many levels, and is challenging whether the patient involved is a friend, relative or even a companion animal.

The Veterinary Cancer Society indicates cancer is the main cause of death in 47 percent of dogs and 32 percent of cats. A pet’s risk of developing cancer is high once the pet lives beyond age 10. The American Veterinary Medical Association says dogs will develop cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while there is less information about the rates of cancer in cats. Genetic predisposition to some cancers in certain breeds has been reported.

However, as is the case with cancer in humans, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of cancer in animals.

Certain myths have prevailed regarding pets and cancer. Accurate information can be invaluable to pet owners, who should always consult a veterinarian if they suspect their pets are ill.

Learning some of the myths about pets and cancer can be a great first step for pet owners as they educate themselves about this disease.

MYTH: Spaying and neutering always reduces cancer risk.

The AVMA says spaying reduces the risk of mammary cancer and ovarian cancer in dogs, and neutering can eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. However, there is evidence that spaying and neutering may increase the risk of other cancers, such as mast cell tumors and lymphoma.

Pet owners should always speak to with their veterinarians about the benefits, risks and timing of spaying and neutering.

MYTH: Microchipping causes cancer in dogs and cats.

Microchips are an ideal way to recover lost pets. Microchips are inserted just under the skin in animals and can be scanned to yield identification information.

The AVMA notes that reports have indicated that rats and mice developed cancer associated with See Pets, Page 16

may also help prevent animals from roaming to find mates or reduce aggression problems.

Some research has pointed out that early neutering may lead to certain medical conditions that may be preventable by waiting until a pup or kitten is a little older before having him or her go under the knife. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, conducted a study on golden

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retrievers in 2013 that found early neutering and spaying appeared to increase the risk of diseases, such as cranial cruciate ligament rupture, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, lymphosarcoma, and hip dysplasia.

Working with a veterinarian can help pet owners make informed decisions about the appropriate age for a pet’s sterilization.

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How to approach nutrition when feeding children away from home

Children can be picky eaters. Parents know that getting kids to eat anything, much less healthy foods, can sometimes make the dinner table feel more like a battlefield than a place to break bread. That’s especially so when the dinner table is in a restaurant, where savvy youngsters might know less nutritious dishes like macaroni and cheese or fried chicken fingers are on the menu. But the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet are so numerous for youngsters that it’s worth doing whatever it takes to get kids to embrace nutrient-rich foods, both at home and when dining out.

The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that a healthy diet can stabilize children’s energy levels, help them maintain healthy weights and potentially prevent mental health conditions, including anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. But recognizing the importance of a healthy diet and getting kids to embrace one are two different things, especially when kids are dining out and being tempted by unhealthy alternatives. In recognition of that,

the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following strategies to parents who want their kids to eat healthy when they’re away from home.

• Make meals all-inclusive. When preparing school lunches or taking youngsters out for a night on the town, make sure to offer a mix of foods from the five food groups. The AAP recommends parents offer vegetables, fruit, grains, low-fat dairy, and/or quality protein sources, which can include meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Offering each of these foods at every meal may not be feasible, but kids should eat foods selected from the major food groups at every meal.

• Avoid highly processed foods. The National Institutes of Health notes that studies have suggested there’s a link between highly processed foods and health problems. Such foods, which typically contain ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup and flavoring agents, are typically high in calories, salt, sugar, and fat. While highly

processed foods tend to be easier to make and readily available at restaurants, serving them to youngsters can start kids down the road to poor dietary habits, potentially increasing their risk for obesity and diseases like heart disease and diabetes. When packing snacks for school lunches or taking kids out to restaurants, be sure to include or bring along healthy whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables. This can ensure kids get some healthy fare during mealtime.

• Enhance foods if necessary. While high amounts of sugar, salt and fat can jeopardize the health of adults and youngsters alike, the AAP notes that small amounts of these substances can be used to enhance kids’ enjoyment of healthy foods and increase the likelihood that they will eat them.

Parents may not have much control over what their children eat while away from home.

But a handful of strategies can increase the likelihood that kids enjoy healthy fare when eating at school or at restaurants.

Why you might be better off exercising at a gym than at home Routine exercise benefits minds and bodies in various ways. Studies have shown that physical activity can improve mood and lower people’s risk for various diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

As beneficial as exercise can be, many people simply don’t make physical activity part of their regular routines. Recent studies and reports from the United States’ National Center for Health Statistics and Statistics Canada, conducted separately from each other, found that roughly 80 percent of adults in both the U.S. and Canada are not meeting the minimum physical activity requirements recommended by their respective governments. While a host of factors can influence a person’s decisions on physical activity, where to exercise is one factor that could go a long way toward determining just how much adults exercise.

Basements, attics, spare bedrooms, or two-car garages may seem like the perfect places to create home gyms. However, the benefits of working out at a gym may outweigh the convenience of working out at home.

• Workout partners and/ or other gym members may improve your chances of losing weight. People who exercise at home tend to work out alone. In so doing, they may be removing a potentially strong motivator that could keep them exercising.

A 2016 study published in the research journal Obesity found that increasing contacts and interactions with thinner individuals, and declining contacts and interactions with heavier individuals, were linked to actual weight loss.

In other words, working out with a fit friend or simply interacting with fellow gym members who maintain healthy weights can benefit people who are trying to lose weight through exercise.

• Gym memberships have a way

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of paying for themselves. The cost of a gym membership is one factor many people cite as a reason for not exercising more. However, many health insurance plans now offer sweat equity rebates that reward policy holders for working out. Such rebates can greatly reduce the cost of a gym membership, if not remove it entirely.

For example, a sweat equity program that offers a $200 rebate every six months for policy holders who exercise 50 times during that period can make a $30 monthly gym membership free.

In that example, gym members would pay $180 for six months but get all of that money back if they work out 50 times in a sixmonth period.

• Gyms can make it easier to diversify your workouts. Exercise boredom is something even the most ardent fitness enthusiast can relate to. Exercise boredom refers to the disinterest that can develop over time as people do the same workouts for weeks, months or years at a time. A home gym may not be spacious enough to include too many machines, whereas gyms typically include enough machines and classes to allow people to diversify their workouts as often as they’d like.

Working out at home may be convenient, but people looking to make exercise part of their daily routines may get better results by exercising at a nearby gym.

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5 weight loss myths debunked

Losing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution every year.

Roughly 50 percent of people age 20 and older acknowledge they tried to lose weight over the past 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Successful weight loss requires hard work and patience. Still, many myths abound, and people may think there are quick fixes to shedding a few extra pounds.

Debunking some of those myths can help people adopt more realistic weight loss strategies.

Myth #1: Avoid carbs to lose weight. A healthy diet is comprised of a mix of foods that include carbohydrates. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate that carbohydrates, such as those found in vegetables, fruits

and whole grains, are a foundation of healthy eating. Carbs also provide much-needed fiber.

Myth #2: You can target specific fat loss. Exercising and eating healthy can produce overall weight loss and diminish fat concentrations in certain parts of the body, indicates the healthy eating source Eat This, Not That.

But each body is unique, and where people lose fat varies. Gender is one factor that can affect people’s figures. Exercise can tone muscles in key areas to help make a person appear thinner in those regions, but it will not necessarily make fat go away in one place over another.

Myth #3: Eating fat makes you fat. Fat is very calorie-dense and common in junk foods, which is why it can get a bad rap. However, as long as calorie intake is within

a healthy range — even if some calories are from fat — weight gain will not occur from fat alone, says Healthline. The body needs healthy fats to function properly.

Myth #4: Crash diets will make weight fall off. Dramatically cutting calories can lead to nutritional deficiencies and have an adverse effect on weight loss. The body may slow its rate of metabolism to conserve calories, as a crash diet may fool your body into thinking you are starving.

It’s better to stick to a gradual decrease in calories while still consuming the daily recommended amounts based on your age and other factors.

Myth #5: Tons of exercise will make the pounds disappear.

Research has repeatedly indicated that exercise can help boost weight loss. However, the real way to shed pounds is primarily linked to diet. According to Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., a nutritional biochemist and former director of the University of Utah Nutrition Clinic, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise. People see the biggest short-term results when they eat smart.

If losing weight is your New Year’s resolution, get the facts before adopting a weight loss regimen.

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Principles of first aid everyone should know Emergencies can strike at any time. When such situations arise, emergency care often must administered to someone who is sick or injured, and that care can mean the difference between life and death.

Being prepared for emergencies means understanding basic first aid procedures that can help a person navigate a crisis — or at least stabilize the situation until paramedics arrive. The following are some first aid principles that individuals should know and practice, courtesy of the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and CPR Certified Indigo Medical Training. They should not replace formal first aid training, but can assist a person when he or she is providing medical care to someone in need.

Bleeding Bleeding can almost always be controlled until more help is available. Severe bleeding can

lead to shock and death, so bleeding needs to be addressed immediately. Cloth should be used to cover the wound, and direct pressure should be applied to stop the blood flow. Do not remove the cloth; add more layers as needed.

Tourniquets may do more damage to a limb than good, so they are generally no longer recommended. Nosebleeds can be treated by pinching the nostrils for a few minutes until the bleeding stops. Wounds to the head and mouth tend to bleed a lot even if they are superficial. So keep a level head when addressing these areas.

CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is one of the most important medical procedures to know. If the heart is no longer pumping blood, a person can die quickly.

Immediately start chest compressions hard and fast in the center of the chest, allowing recoil between compressions. Many

buildings also have automated external defibrillator devices that can help save lives. If you’re not trained in CPR, then provide hands-only CPR, says the Mayo Clinic. That means uninterrupted chest compressions of 100 to 120 a minute (the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees) until paramedics arrive. People who are trained also may perform rescue breathing. The Red Cross and other medical groups offer first aid and CPR certification classes that train people on how to perform CPR and use an AED. Fainting Someone suffering from shock or fainting needs blood to get back to his or her brain. Victims should lie on their backs with their feet elevated.

Choking The Heimlich maneuver can be performed when someone is choking. Contrary to popular belief, people who are choking do

not typically make any sounds.

Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around him. Place a fist between the person’s rib cage and belly button, and place your other hand over the fist. Deliver a quick thrust upward, and keep doing this until the foreign object is dislodged. Choking in children is handled differently depending on the child’s age. Parents can get training in child maneuvers.

Sprains and fractures Sprains and fractures occur readily, especially among active adults and children. Immobilize the limb, apply a cold pack, elevate it, and offer anti-inflammatory drugs for discomfort and swelling. A doctor should be seen for further diagnosis and treatment.

Common first aid procedures can help save lives or reduce the severity of injuries when promptly offered.

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Stop eye strain before it starts

It’s that time of the year when many areas of the country are under the cold cloak of winter.

Unforgiving temperatures can translate into an increase in hours spent indoors, whether at work or at home, and more time relying on devices to pass the hours.

Spending more time watching television, playing video games, texting friends, or browsing the internet can lead to a condition known as “computer vision eye strain.” Eye strain also may be caused through intense eye use, such as while driving long distances or engaging in activities that require close attention, such as crafting or reading.

The American Optometric Association says digital eye strain can result in various forms of discomfort, which increase with the amount of screen use. The most common symptoms include: • headaches; • blurred vision;

• dry, watery or burning eyes; • increased sensitivity to light; and • neck and shoulder pain.

The AOA says viewing a computer or digital screen often makes the eyes have to work harder. The AOA notes this is different from reading a printed page. The letters are not as precise or sharply defined, and areas of contrast can be muted. Also, the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult. Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic says people tend to blink less while using digital devices, and view them at less than ideal distances or angles.

Alleviating eye strain from digital sources involves making changes in daily habits or the environment. Taking regular eye breaks, and looking at objects from different distances can help them focus. These tips may help as well.

• Adjust the lighting to reduce

glare on screens or your task.

• Limit screen time as much as possible and engage in other activities.

• Consider the use of artificial tears products to lubricate dry eyes.

• Choose the right eyewear, and work with an eye professional to find products that can assist you.

Specialized glasses or contact lenses are designed for computer

work. Investigate tintings and coatings that also may help.

• Blink often to refresh the eyes.

• Talk to a doctor if eye strain persists or changes in severity.

When the weather gets cold, people may rely on digital devices for recreation more than they otherwise would. Avoiding eye strain in such situations can help people avoid discomfort.

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How women can protect their babies from infection during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a happy time for women and their partners. While the physical challenges of pregnancy can be difficult, many women overcome such challenges by working with their physicians and reminding themselves that they will soon have a newborn baby to hold and love.

No woman wants to imagine complications during a pregnancy. However, preparing in advance for certain issues, including prenatal infections, can make them easier to confront should they arise.

Group B Strep International, a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness and prevention of Group B Strep disease in babies from before birth through early infancy, notes that adhering to the acronym HYGIENE can be an effective way to prevent infections during pregnancy.

H: Handwashing Helps Routine handwashing is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of prenatal infection. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after gardening or coming into contact with soil or sand. Once a child is born, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after changing a diaper, feeding a child and/or wiping a young child’s nose or drool.

Y: Yes to prenatal care Prioritizing prenatal care is another effective way to prevent prenatal infection. Women should request that their urine be cultured for bacteria at their first prenatal visit and should see their physicians immediately if any symptoms of vaginitis appear. Physicians will discuss and may recommend various tests during a pregnancy, and women should not hesitate to ask any questions they have regarding these tests.

raw meat, poultry, seafood, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.

I: Immunizations Women also can reduce prenatal infection risk by making sure they are current with their immunizations. Ask your physician if you are immune to rubella and chickenpox, each of which can cause stillbirth or serious birth defects. The vaccinations for these conditions cannot be administered during pregnancy, so if you are not immune, avoid contact with anyone infected with either virus.

E: Evade others’ bodily fluids Steer clear of others’ bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, blood, and semen, which may contain germs that can compromise the health of your baby. Avoid sharing drinks, utensils and toothbrushes with young children, as women are most commonly exposed to certain prenatal infections through the saliva and urine of young children.

G: Good food prepared safely The right foods can nourish growing babies and reduce the risk for prenatal infections.

Heed physicians’ recommendations on foods to avoid during a pregnancy, which will likely include, but is not limited to, unpasteurized milk and cheese made from unpasteurized milk. Make sure all meat and poultry is thoroughly cooked. When handling food, make sure to peel or wash fruits and vegetables and store raw meat separately from other foods.

Thoroughly wash all surfaces, including countertops and cutting boards, after contact with

N: No to unnecessary invasive procedures Some germs can cross intact membranes, so avoid unnecessary, frequent or forceful internal exams that can push germs closer to the fetus. Women are advised to discuss stripping membranes with their physicians early in pregnancy so they can make the most informed decisions possible.

E: Environmental precautions Certain environmental precautions, such as walking in the center of trails to avoid ticks and wearing gloves while gardening, can reduce the risk of prenatal infections.

Women also should avoid changing cat litter and make sure there are no areas of standing water, which attracts mosquitoes, around their homes.

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How to incorporate more heart-healthy foods into your diet

Diet and heart health go hand in hand. The American Heart Association notes that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons to fight cardiovascular diseases, which the World Health Organization says kill more people across the globe each year than any other disease.

Men and women do not need degrees in nutrition science to create heart-healthy diets for themselves and their families.

In fact, the familiar calls to “eat your fruits and vegetables” many adults recall from childhood lessons or nights around the family dinner table still bear weight today. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is a hallmark of a healthy lifestyle. And supplementing such a diet with other heart-healthy foods is a great way to reduce one’s risk for cardiovascular disease.

Fruits and vegetables The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that fruits and vegetables are healthy whether they’re fresh, frozen, canned, and/or dried. The AHA advises eating fruits and vegetables with every meal and snack, and that may require a little creativity as you sneak them into favorite dishes. For example, the AHA suggests replacing half the ground meat in recipes for burgers, meatloaf or meatballs with cooked chopped mushrooms.

The mushrooms can be finely chopped with a knife or food processor, and then sautéed in some olive oil until they’re soft. They can then be mixed in with the lean meat, and the meal can be cooked as it normally would. At the breakfast table, add fruit to a bowl of cereal to make for a more

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flavorful morning meal.

Dairy products When purchasing dairy products, the DHHS recommends sticking to fat-free or low-fat options. Replace whole milk with fat-free or 1 percent milk and buy only fat-free or low-fat cheese.

When snacking, reach for fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt or cottage cheese. You can even add fruit or vegetables to such snacks to make snack time even more heart-healthy.

Proteins Healthy proteins are another way people can promote heart health with their daily diets.

When choosing proteins at the grocery store, the AHA recommends choosing chicken and fish over red meats. That’s because red meats, which include beef and lamb, have more saturated fat than chicken and fish. Saturat-

ed fats increase blood cholesterol levels and can worsen heart disease, while the unsaturated fats in fish like salmon can actually reduce the risk for cardiovascular issues like heart failure and ischemic stroke. When preparing poultry, remove the skin, as most of the saturated fat in poultry is found just beneath the skin.

Grains When buying grains, the DHHS recommends reading the ingredients list on the package before purchasing. Make sure whole wheat or another whole grain is the first item listed in the ingredients list, and choose only those products that say 100 percent whole grain. Instead of preparing white rice as a side dish, serve brown or wild rice, quinoa or oats.

A heart-healthy diet is easy to design and just as flavorful as less healthy alternatives.

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Prevent common injuries while gaming Gaming is a popular activity across the globe. WePC, a custom computer-building company, says there are more than 2.5 billion video gamers around the world.

Sixty percent of United Statesbased gamers play video games daily, according to the Entertainment Software Association, a trade association of the video game industry.

According to the 2019 report “The State of Online Gaming” from Limelight Networks, gamers are spending more time than ever before engaged in play. Gamers spend an average of seven hours and seven minutes each

week playing games, which represents a 20 percent spike from last year. Gamers between the ages of 26 and 35 are playing for more than eight hours a week. All that gaming can leave gamers vulnerable to injury.

Many individuals are now experiencing overuse injuries from extended gaming sessions.

Dominic King, D.O, a sports medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic, says gaming athletes can be injured in similar manners to traditional athletes. Doctors have seen overuse injuries of the hand associated with eSports. Carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse in the

elbow and shoulder, tendinitis, and even something called “gamer’s thumb” can occur. Gamer’s thumb is a nickname given to a condition called de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which occurs when the tendons that move the thumb become inflamed, leading to limited movement. Gaming and even smartphone use can result in this condition.

Staying informed about the potential for injury can keep gamers in better health. Gamers also can take steps to prevent common conditions.

• Eye strain: Staring at a screen for hours while immersed in play can cause eye strain. Symptoms can include pain, redness, dryness, and blurry vision. Taking breaks and focusing on items at various distances can help rest the eyes.

• Gamer’s thumb: Stretching the hand and thumb before playing and during breaks can rest the tendons in the hand and reduce the risk of inflammation.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This occurs when there’s a pinched nerve in the wrist that causes hand or wrist pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Stretches that engage the palms, fists and thumbs can help. A chiropractor or physical therapist can help people learn stretches and find relief.

• Hearing damage: Wearing headphones and listening to loud game play can damage hearing.

Keeping the volume low and avoiding earbuds that keep the noise close to the eardrum can help reduce risk.

• Back and neck strain: Improper posture while playing may lead to pain in the neck and back. Rest, breaks and stretching can help reduce and alleviate pain. Look for ergonomic gaming chairs, which may help prevent injury.

Gaming is popular, but eSports players need to be smart about their health when engaging in play.

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Signs you may have a thyroid problem The thyroid gland plays an essential role in the human body.

According to the online healthcare publishing company Medicine.net, the thyroid is a butterflyshaped gland in the front of the neck that produces the hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid gland’s ability to do its job is compromised, the effects can be serious and lead to a host of symptoms that don’t go away.

Are all thyroid conditions the same?

Thyroid conditions vary, and as a result, that can produce their own distinct symptoms. The Harvard Medical School notes that the thyroid can be overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). An overactive

thyroid will produce too much hormones, while an underactive thyroid won’t produce enough.

Symptoms of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can overlap, but each condition has its own unique symptoms as well.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Signs of hyperthyroidism include: • Fatigue • Fast heartbeat • Trouble concentrating • Increased appetite • Sweating • Nervousness, restlessness • Unintentional weight loss What are the symptom of

hypothyroidism?

Signs of hypothyroidism include: • Fatigue • Increased sensitivity to cold • Muscle weakness • Brittle nails and hair • Hoarse voice • Unintentional weight gain What can I do to safeguard myself from thyroid conditions?

The online medical resource Healthline notes that most cases of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cannot be prevented.

For example, hyperthyroidism is often caused by Graves’ disease, an immune system disorder that’s most common among women. Some peoples’ thyroids have become overactive because

they consumed too many foods that contained iodine, such as table salt, fish and seaweed. However, Healthline notes that such instances are rare.

While people may not be able to prevent thyroid conditions from developing, they can keep a watchful eye out for any of the aforementioned symptoms of overactive or underactive thyroids. Any such symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately. Medicine.net notes that, in most cases, thyroid disorders can be managed with treatment and are not life-threatening. However, the outlook for people with thyroid conditions is always better when symptoms are reported early. Learn more about thyroid conditions at www.medicine.net.

How parents can get kids excited about brushing

Dental hygiene is an important component of a healthy lifestyle,

but it’s an element youngsters rarely embrace with open arms.

Parents know that getting kids, especially young children, to brush their teeth is not always so easy. In recognition of that, the American Dental Association suggests the following strategies to make brushing teeth something kids will look forward to.

• Make it fun. Brushing teeth may not be considered a fun activity, but who’s to say it can’t benefit from a little levity? The ADA recommends turning tooth brushing sessions into dance parties and/or sing-alongs. Youngsters might be so busy cutting a rug or listening to mom and dad belt out a few hits that they don’t even realize they’re cleaning their teeth at the same time.

If singing and dancing aren’t cutting it, then incorporate another fun activity, like reading a child his or her favorite story, into daily brushing sessions. The ADA advises adults and children to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, so activities need not be too advanced. But a fun activity that allows kids to do something other than brush their teeth can be a great way to help them meet the “two minutes, two times” guideline.

• Reward good behavior. Parents can reward youngsters who brush their teeth without inci-

dent by offering praise or allowing them to pick a bedtime book when brushing at night.

• Put kids’ favorite characters to work. The ADA notes that many popular children’s television shows and books have stories about brushing teeth. Watch these stories with your children, then reference the stories and characters if kids are reluctant to brush their teeth. Parents also can find toothbrushes and/or toothpaste that feature kids’ favorite characters to get youngsters more excited to brush.

• Become a storyteller. Parents also can make up their own stories, explaining to kids how they can be superheroes who brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.

• Brush alongside your children. Kids love to mimic their parents, so moms and dads can brush alongside their youngsters in the hopes they’ll follow suit.

Many children may never jump at the chance to brush their teeth.

But parents can employ a few savvy strategies to make daily brushing sessions more fun for youngsters.

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

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The benefits of working with personal trainers Goals can be a motivating force that help people realize their full potential. When it comes to personal fitness, goals are often an essential component of getting healthy.

Achieving fitness-related goals is not always so easy. A 2018 survey from Cision and Varo Money found that 45 percent of respondents resolved to lose weight or get in shape in 2018. Many of those people made those efforts part of their New Year’s resolutions, which various studies have found have a high failure rate. In fact, one 2015 report from U.S. News indicated that 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions don’t survive to see the second week of February.

Fortunately, there are ways to clear the hurdles required to make significant lifestyle changes,

particularly those associated with physical fitness. Whether they’re looking to lose weight, improve their overall health and/or simply hoping to look better in the mirror, many people find working with personal trainers is a good way to get on track and stay on track. People on the fence about hiring personal trainers can consider these benefits to working with these highly trained fitness professionals.

• Knowledge: Gyms often require their personal trainers to earn their personal training certifications, and many universities now even partner with specific certification programs so people who want to become personal trainers can earn both their degrees and their certifications. Knowledgeable, certified personal trainers can help their clients tailor their workouts

around clients’ individual goals.

After meeting with a client and learning about the client’s goals, trainers can design workout regimens specific to the individual.

That personalization is not possible for people who design their workout regimens around generalized advice they find online or elsewhere.

• Motivation: Personal trainers also can provide the motivation their clients need to keep going.

That’s valuable for anyone, but especially for people new to exercise of those who haven’t been physically active for some time.

Trainers can motivate clients to finish sets when weightlifting, but also track clients’ progress between workouts. When delivered by a trained fitness professional, such progress reports can motivate people to keep working, especially during those times when they might be questioning their commitments to exercising.

• Variety: Many people quit

Dr. J. Rick Davis

Dr. Crystal S. Hefner

working out due to something often referred to as “exercise boredom.” That’s the boredom that can set it when people perform the same exercise routine for weeks, months or even years at a time. Personal trainers can use their experience to create exercise regimens that change often enough to prevent exercise boredom from settling in.

• Avoid injury: Perhaps the biggest benefit to working with a personal trainer is that doing so can reduce risk for injury. Personal trainers know the appropriate ways to use exercise machines and watch their clients closely to ensure their form is always correct during a workout. Poor form or misuse of machines can lead to injuries that can quickly derail fitness goals.

Personal trainers can be invaluable assets for people looking to get or stay healthy.

Dr. Matthew J. Davis

Dr. David J. Kulesia

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| The Observer News Enterprise | HEALTH & medical

Preventive care involves safeguarding mental health as well

Preventive care is often looked at through the needs people need to do to protect their physical well-being. For example, a healthy diet and routine exercise, while beneficial to mental health, are often viewed as lifestyle choices that can make people feel better physically. But taking steps to protect one’s mental health also is vital to a long, productive life.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that positive mental health and mental wellness can have a profoundly positive impact on a person’s life.

Positive mental health can help

people realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

What can I do to protect my mental health?

Learning to recognize the early warning signs of mental health problems can help prevent such problems from escalating and compel people to seek help. The DHHS advises anyone feeling these signs or recognizing these signs in others to seek help for themselves or their loved ones: • Eating or sleeping too much

or too little • Pulling away from people and usual activities • Having low or no energy • Feeling numb or as if nothing matters • Unexplained aches and pains • Feeling helpless or hopeless • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared • Yelling or fighting with family and friends • Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

• Persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true • Thinking of harming yourself or others • An inability to perform daily tasks, such as taking care of your children or getting to work or school Taking steps to protect one’s mental wellness is a vital component of preventive care. More information about mental health is available at www.mentalhealth. gov.

Don’t get caught off guard by glaucoma

Vision should never be taken for granted. Appreciating one’s sense of sight involves scheduling routine eye exams and taking steps to protect one’s eyes. But safeguarding vision also involves understanding the various conditions that can affect eye health.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can lead to pro-

gressive damage to the optic nerve. People who experience glaucoma can lose nerve tissue and eventually suffer vision loss.

Understanding what contributes to glaucoma can help people take the steps necessary to reduce their risk.

The American Optometric Association says that glaucoma

Pets

From page 5 implanted microchips. However, the AVMA also notes that these animals were already being used as subjects in cancer studies, and that the rat and mice strains used were already known to be more likely to develop cancer. Tumors associated with microchips have been found in four instances that involved cats and dogs, though the AVMA notes that, in two of those instances, the tumors could be directly linked to the microchip itself.

MYTH: Smoking is not harmful to pets.

Exposure to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke, which refers to the contaminants that linger on fur, floors, toys, food, water, and more, can cause an elevated risk of nasal cancers like

sarcomas and carcinomas among pets. Smoking is dangerous for everyone, including pets, advises Pet Cure Oncology.

MYTH: All dogs have the same risk for cancer.

While cancer can affect all breeds, some are at a higher risk than others, according to the Morris Animal Foundation. Some high-risk breeds include chow chow, collie, labrador retriever, cocker spaniel, and pug.

MYTH: Cancer is a death sentence.

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are among the cancer treatment options available to pets.

A veterinary oncologist can help pet owners navigate cancer treatments and their pets’ prognosis.

is the second leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60 — although it can occur at any age. The Mayo Clinic states that many forms of glaucoma produce no warning signs and changes in vision may occur so gradually they are not detected until the condition has reached an advanced stage.

There are various types of glaucoma. However, primary openangle glaucoma is the most common form, affecting about three million Americans, indicates the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time and fluid cannot drain out of the eye. As a result, intraocular pressure rises and damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting signals from the eye to the brain. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over age 40 and Hispanics over the age of 60 have an increased risk, says the AOA. Those with thin corneas, which is the outer layer of the eye, also are at an elevated risk of developing glaucoma.

A less common type of glaucoma is called acute-closure glaucoma, which occurs due to an abrupt and rapid increase of eye

pressure. This is an emergency situation that requires prompt care to prevent vision loss.

An eye doctor will conduct various tests to determine if a patient is at risk for glaucoma.

The Mayo Clinic says tonometry is commonly used to measures intraocular pressure. During this test, the eye surface will be anesthetized with special drops. A tonometer will be applied lightly to the cornea, indenting it slightly.

The resistance will be measured and calculated to determine if pressure is present. Other tests include the following: • imaging tests that look for optic nerve damage that involve a dilated eye examination; • visual field tests to check for areas of vision loss; • pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness; and • an inspection of the drainage angle of the eye.

The effects of glaucoma cannot be reversed, but glaucoma can be caught early. Medications and lifestyle changes, like more frequent eye exams, can improve symptoms. Prescription eye drops can reduce the production of aqueous humor (fluid) in the eye and improve outflow of that fluid. Oral medications and surgery are other options as well.

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

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Recognize signs of heart attack in women Many people are familiar with the image of a heart attack sufferer clutching his or her chest or feeling surprising, tingling sensations in his or her left arm. While those symptoms are common, heart attacks can produce a wide array of symptoms, and some of them may actually be much less apparent than chest pain or tingling in the left arm. That’s especially so for women.

The organization Go Red for Women, which highlights women’s heart health during the month of February, advises that many symptoms women can experience when suffering from heart disease may be overlooked or misunderstood as signs of less threatening conditions. However, jaw pain, nausea, pressure, and sweating all may be indicative of a heart attack. A failure to recognize that and act quickly could prove fatal.

The American Heart Association says that heart disease is the foremost killer of women in the United States. The Heart and Stroke Foundation says heart disease and stroke kill 31,000 women in Canada annually. Despite those figures, many women are unaware of the threat of heart disease and its symptoms.

Heart attack occurs when

blood flow to the heart is blocked by a buildup of a substance called plaque in the coronary arteries. Heart attack can strike any woman, though women who deal with high stress, are overweight or are heavy smokers are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms of heart attack Symptoms of heart attack in women generally are more subtle than in men. These can include but are not limited to: • shortness of breath as though you just ran a marathon • a feeling of a squeezing rope tied around the upper back • dizziness • lightheadedness or actual fainting • unusual fatigue • neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdominal discomfort • indigestion • perspiration How heart attacks are different for women Women tend to have blockages not only in their main arteries, but in the smaller ones that supply blood to the heart,. This is a condition called coronary microvascular disease, says the Mayo Clinic, and it may be why symptoms are more vague and

not as apparent in women as they are in men.

Women also can have symptoms while resting or even when asleep, and emotional stress can trigger heart attack symptoms in women.

A woman’s risk for heart disease increases if she has diabetes, has experienced mental stress or depression, smokes, has gone through menopause, has had complications during a pregnancy, has an inflammatory disease,

and/or is physically inactive.

Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously and schedule a check-up with a doctor to discuss risk and heart health. Women who suspect or notice any symptoms of heart attack should not hesitate to call for help. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately; do not drive yourself.

Women can learn more about heart disease at www.heart.org.

Make the dentist a fun experience for kids Visits to the dentist for periodic cleanings and checkups are an important component of oral hygiene. Dentists also may be the first people to identify potential issues that can affect health elsewhere in the body.

Many people are unaware that children should visit the dentist early in their lives. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist by age one or within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth. However, many parents wait until much later — age two or three — to take kids to the dentist, offers Delta Dental Plans. Hesitance to visit the dentist may stem from personal fears or perceived reactions by children.

Primary teeth may eventually fall out, but they shouldn’t be ignored. They save space for permanent teeth and serve other functions.

Therefore, parents should begin to acclimate

children to the dentist at a young age to make the experience fun and even enjoyable.

Lead by example Children who witness their parents putting off going to the dentist or being apprehensive about visiting the dentist may develop their own fears. Always paint the dentist in a positive light and keep appointments.

Focus on the good aspects Talk up all the benefits of going to the dentist, such as having a squeaky clean and fresh mouth. Many hygienists will hand out small toys after a successful visit, or at the least a great new toothbrush and other fun products to try.

Get a tour of the office Ask the staff if your child can get a special tour of the office with explanations of all the tools and equipment. Understanding what to

expect the next time around in a no-pressure situation can make the process much easier for everyone involved. The dentist may be able to also give a test ride on the exam chair, moving it up and down, as well as showing off the water fountain and oral irrigator.

Avoid giving false hope Do not tell a child that “everything will be OK” at the dentist’s office. If a child needs treatment that may be uncomfortable, he or she may not trust you the next time a dental visit is scheduled, according to Joel H. Berg, D.D.S., M.S., Director of the Department of Dentistry at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Avoid words like “shots,” “pain,” “hurt,” or even “cavities.” Dentists, particularly pediatric dentists, may have their own vocabulary that can assuage fears and seem less alarming to kids.

Over time, dental visits can become an easy routine with children, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy mouths and teeth.

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| The Observer News Enterprise | HEALTH & medical

The dangers of added sugars

Sugar is often seen as a guilty pleasure that’s only to be enjoyed on rare occasions. But that reputation is not entirely accurate, as sugar is naturally occurring in many healthy foods, including fruit.

Naturally occurring sugars do not pose a threat to overall health.

However, added sugars, which the American Heart Association notes can be found in soft drinks, candy, pies, and fruit drinks, can contribute to weight gain. Obesity is a risk for cardiovascular disease, which means that added sugars can adversely affect heart health.

One of the difficulties with added sugars is that they are often present in foods and beverages generally considered healthy. Fruit juice, for example, seems like a healthy addition to any diet. However, the AHA notes that many juices contain added sugars from fruit juice concentrates. Such juices may not be seen as such, but they can be as compromising to one’s overall

rently listed on Nutrition Facts labels, though they are listed among the ingredients on food packaging. Both the AHA and the HMS recommend scanning ingredients lists for words that end in “ose,” such as fructose, dextrose, glucose, and maltose. Those are some examples of added sugars, as are high fructose corn syrup, molasses, corn sweetener, syrup, and honey.

The AHA recommends limiting consumption of added sugars and offers guidelines for both men and women. Men should limit their added sugar consumption to a maximum of nine teaspoons per day, while women should not consume more than six teaspoons per day.

health as soft drinks or other beverages generally considered to be unhealthy.

The AHA acknowledges that part of the difficulty with navi-

gating one’s way through added sugars is that these unhealthy additives go by many names. The Harvard Medical School notes that added sugars are not cur-

Understanding the dangers of added sugar can help men and women protect their overall health and lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. More information is available www. heart.org.

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

Why annual checkups are so important

Nutritious diets and routine exercise are two hallmarks of a healthy lifestyle. Combining the two can lower people’s risk for various diseases and contribute to a high quality of life. But food and physical activity are not the only things people should do to improve their chances of living long, healthy lives.

Preventive care is important.

One of the most effective principles of preventive care is to schedule an annual checkup with a physician. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine health exams and tests can find problems before they start. During annual check-ups, doctors may notice some red flags, such as high cholesterol, that men and women won’t detect on their own. These warning signs could be increasing people’s risk for disease and/ or discomfort. Many of these red flags are undetectable without proper screenings, which is why annual checkups are integral to maintaining one’s health.

Annual checkups also serve

as a great time for adults to be screened for certain cancers. The American Cancer Society notes that cancer screenings are used to find cancer before a person develops symptoms. That’s a vital benefit of annual checkups, as cancers caught in their early stages are more easily treated.

In addition, catching cancer before it has metastasized greatly improves patients’ prognosis.

Another reason to schedule annual checkups is that they make perfect opportunities for patients to discuss their family histories with their physicians.

This is especially important for adults over 40, as age and family history are significant risk factors for a host of conditions and diseases. Men and women concerned about conditions and diseases that their family members have had can discuss those concerns with their physicians during their annual checkups.

Physicians can then recommend ways for patients to balance their risk, calming patients’ concerns and giving them a road map to

reduce their risk for conditions and diseases that seem to run in their families.

Annual checkups are as vital a component of a healthy lifestyle as nutritious diets and routine

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exercise. By scheduling annual checkups with their physicians, adults can closely monitor their overall health and potentially uncover issues before they escalate into major health risks.

3 simple ways to eat healthier every day

Diets can be difficult to navigate. Since no two people are the same, a healthy diet that satisfies one person won’t necessarily satisfy another. Vegetarians might be perfectly happy without chicken or steak, while some people might shudder at the notion of never indulging in the occasional filet mignon.

While the most effective diets tend to be those that emphasize nutrition while still allowing individuals to indulge in some of their favorite dishes in moderation, the following are three ways that everyone, regardless of their personal preference, can eat healthy every day.

1. Eat lots of whole-grain carbohydrates.

Fad diets tend to paint carbs as the enemy, but various studies have shown just how integral carbohydrates, particularly wholegrain varieties, are to a healthy

diet. One such study published in 2018 in the medical journal The Lancet Public Health found that diets that got between 50 and 55 percent of their calories from plant-based carbohydrates like whole grains were associated with a lower risk of mortality than low-carb diets that favored animal-derived protein sources.

When buying carbs at the grocery store, shoppers can opt for whole-grain varieties, including whole-grain pastas, brown rice and cereals. That won’t require sacrificing flavor and makes for a simple way to eat healthier every day.

2. Make a concerted effort to eat more fruits and vegetables.

The United Kingdom-based National Health Service, which is the largest single-payer healthcare system in the world, recommends eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day. That may sound like

a lot, but it’s pretty easy to incorporate all those healthy fruits and veggies into a diet. For example, add a serving of antioxidant-rich blueberries to your cereal bowl each morning. At dinner time, allow vegetables to take up the most real estate on your plate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that diets rich in fruits and veggies can help people control their weight and may even reduce their risk for certain diseases, including cancer.

3. Kick added sugars to the curb.

Avoiding added sugars is another way anyone, regardless of their food preferences, can eat healthier every day. Healthy foods such as fruit contain natural sugars, and these don’t pose a threat to overall health. However, added sugars, which the Harvard Medical School notes are found in many foods and can include

honey, molasses and corn syrup, can increase a person’s risk for various conditions and diseases, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Fruit contains fiber that slows the absorption of natural sugars, but the body digests added sugars much more quickly, leading to an uptick in blood sugar levels that can ultimately contribute to diabetes. Added sugars can be found in a host of foods and beverages, including some that aren’t generally considered unhealthy, like bread, certain breakfast cereals and pasta sauces. When shopping, consumers should read nutrition labels and avoid products with excessive amounts of sugar.

Eating healthy does not require people to abandon their favorite foods. A few simple adjustments can be all it takes to improve the nutritional value of your diet.

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| The Observer News Enterprise | HEALTH & medical

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HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

The role screening should play before starting an exercise regimen

Exercise plays a significant role in disease prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, physical activity helps to reduce individuals’ risk of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various types of cancer, and dementia.

As vital as exercise is to a healthy lifestyle, many people simply are not getting enough of it. A 2018 report from the National Center for Health Statistics found that only about 23 percent of American adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are meeting the benchmarks for physical activity guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And that problem is not unique to the United States. A recent study from Statistics Canada found that only about 17 percent of adults in Canada were meeting the minimum guidelines for weekly physical activity established by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Such figures illustrate the emphasis that many adults must place on getting more physical activity. But returning to physical activity after a long layoff or becoming physically active for the first time are not as simple

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as lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the road. In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine notes the importance of preparticipation health screening for adults about to engage in physical activity after a period of inactivity.

What is a preparticipation health screening?

A preparticipation health screening is an examination conducted by a physician that looks for particular issues that may interfere with one’s ability to exercise. Doctors will likely ask patients about their medical histories and their family histories as well, as each of these factors can be used to determine whether a person is ready for physical activity or any restrictions need to be put in place to protect them.

What happens after a preparticipation health screening?

Once a physician conducts a health screening, he or she will conclude if an individual can exercise and how much he or she can exercise. Adults who are cleared to exercise but have never been physically active or have gone years without exercising will likely be advised to take it slowly at first. Doctors may provide specific exercise recom-

mendations or refer patients to a sports medicine professional who can help them devise an appropriate workout regimen.

Doctors also may recommend followup appointments to track patients’ progress. Such appointments can be invaluable, as they can help people whose overall health has improved after limited exercise ramp up the intensity of their workouts, which can help them continue on the course to a healthier life. However, it’s

important that people consult their physicians before increasing the intensity of their workouts.

A second screening might even be worthwhile, helping people and their physicians alter workout regimens that reflect their improved overall health.

Many people aspire to exercise more. In many instances, a preparticipation screening is a vital component for people looking to become more physically active after a long layoff.

Dangers associated with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, commonly known as AFib, is a heart condition characterized by a quivering or irregular heartbeat, called arrhythmia, says the American Heart Association. Millions of people across the globe currently live with AFib. When a person has AFib, the heart’s two upper chambers, known as the atria, beat chaotically and do not coordinate with the two lower chambers, states the Mayo Clinic. AFib can cause heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. AFib is not

often life-threatening, and symptoms may come and go. However, side effects of the condition can be dangerous.

AFib often results in poor blood flow, which can cause pooling of blood in the atria. The AHA notes that the risks of clotting increase as blood pool. If a clots forms in the atria, it can be pumped out of the heart and reach the brain, potentially blocking off the blood supply to an artery in the brain. This is known as an embolic stroke.

AFib also can reduce the

heart’s pumping capacity. An otherwise healthy heart may be able to compensate for this reduction in efficiency. But those with damaged heart muscle or valves cannot. AFib can trigger breathlessness and exercise intolerance and potentially coronary artery disease, offers Harvard Medical School. Other problems from poor pumping can cause blood to back up into the pulmonary veins, the vessels that return oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart. This can cause fluid in the lungs. Fluid also can build up

in the feet, ankles and legs.

There are various potential causes for AFib, including the following conditions: • high blood pressure • abnormal heart valves • previous heart attack • congenital heart defects • overactive thyroid • exposure to stimulants • previous heart surgery • lung disease Some people with AFib do not have any heart defects or damage, and the cause is unclear.

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The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that children should get at least one hour of physical activity per day. The AAFP notes that many kids easily achieve that marker simply by being children and engaging in the activities kids are drawn to each day, such as running, climbing and playing games

Did You Know?

like tag with other youngsters.

The Canadian Paediatric Society notes that exercise needs change as children advance through various stages in life, and that means activities should change along with them. For example, the CPS recommends that physical activities for toddlers should be fun and encourage children

to explore and try new things.

Unstructured physical activity or free play can benefit toddlers.

As toddlers become preschoolers, physical activities can become more structured, though the CPS notes that children this age may not understand the rules of organized sports nor are they necessarily coordinated enough

to participate in them. However, structured activities like games of tag and throwing and catching may be appropriate for some preschoolers. As children enter kindergarten and advance through elementary school, physical activities can be moderate to vigorous in intensity. Organized sports can become part of the fitness

2020 Catawba County Physicians Directory Aesthetics Graystone Aesthetic Center

2424 Century Place SE Hickory, NC 28602 828-304-6656 Locations in Hickory and Boone www.eyesfacebody.com

Allergy & Asthma Joseph T. Inglefield III, M.D.

American Board of Allergy & Immunology Sonal M. Lane, PA-C (828) 322-1275 1-800-432-5015 Unifour Medical Commons on Tate Boulevard 220 18th Street Cirlcle S.E. Hickory, NC 28602 www.wheezy.com

Audiology Dr. Kim Clontz Franklin, Au.D. Viewmont Audiology 336 10th Avenue NE Hickory, North Carolina 28601 www.viewmontaudiology.com

(828) 322-4327

Cardiology Luke Byrnes, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

Audiology Dr. Gordon L. Fletcher, Au.D.

Viewmont Audiology 336 10th Avenue NE Hickory, North Carolina 28601 www.viewmontaudiology.com

(828) 322-4327

Derek Luney, MD, FACC

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

Cardiology Lisa Michel, PA-C

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

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Cardiology Brian Steg, MD, FACC

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

Jeff Neal, DO, FACC

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

Patrick Whalen, MD

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354 Whitney Patterson, DNP, FNP-C

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

Sara Paul, DNP, FNP

Corey Wiles, PA-C

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

Dentist James Ritter, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Catawba Valley Cardiology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2354

P. Jeffrey Lowe, DMD, PA

430 West 20th Street Newton, NC 28658 828-464-2151 pjeffreylowe@yahoo.com

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Family Practice Mark Faruque, MD

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Bethlehem 174 Bolick Lane #202 Taylorsville, NC 28681

828-495-8226

Family Practice Brad Hardee, DO

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Claremont 3114 West Main Street Claremont, NC 28610

828-459-7324

Lynne Laws, DNP, FNP-BC Moriah Specht, FNP-C

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Bethlehem 174 Bolick Lane #202 Taylorsville, NC 28681

828-495-8226

James “Jim” Fox, PA-C

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Catawba 200 Rosenwald School Street Catawba, NC 28609

828-241-2377

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Claremont 3114 West Main Street Claremont, NC 28610

828-459-7324

Pa Lee, FNP-BC

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Claremont 3114 West Main Street Claremont, NC 28610

828-459-7324

Brenda Byrd, FNP-C

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Graystone 3511 Graystone Place SE Conover, NC 28613

828-326-9355 Shital Patel, MD

Catawba Valley Family Care 105-B South Main Ave Newton, NC 28658

828-464-7770

Thomas Laney, MD

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Graystone 3511 Graystone Place SE Conover, NC 28613

828-326-9355

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

Family Practice

Family Practice

Andrew Chesson, MD

Michael Burton, MD

828-428-2446

828-328-2231

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Maiden 137 Island Ford Road Maiden, NC 28650

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Medical Arts 24 2nd Avenue NE Hickory, NC 28601

Ryan Greemann, DO

Robert Glenn, MD

828-428-2446

828-328-2231

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Maiden 137 Island Ford Road Maiden, NC 28650

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Medical Arts 24 2nd Avenue NE Hickory, NC 28601

Keith McManus, MD

Baxter Leonard, MD

828-428-2446

828-328-2231

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Maiden 137 Island Ford Road Maiden, NC 28650

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Medical Arts 24 2nd Avenue NE Hickory, NC 28601

Cindy Pressler, PA-C

Scott Polster, MD

828-428-2446

828-328-2231

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Maiden 137 Island Ford Road Maiden, NC 28650

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Medical Arts 24 2nd Avenue NE Hickory, NC 28601

Teresa Stump, DO

Trina Tridico, MD

828-428-2446

828-328-2231

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Maiden 137 Island Ford Road Maiden, NC 28650

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Medical Arts 24 2nd Avenue NE Hickory, NC 28601

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Family Practice

Family Practice

Christi Lucas, FNP

Steven Sanderson, MD

828-330-0511

828-326-0658

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Mountain View 2712 S NC Highway 127 Hickory, NC 28602

Catawba Valley Family Medicine North Hickory 212 29th Avenue NE, Suite 1 Hickory, NC 28601

Christopher Witke, MD

Gale Hamilton-Brandon, MD

828-330-0511

828-256-2112

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Mountain View 2712 S NC Highway 127 Hickory, NC 28602

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Northeast Hickory 2386 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601

Gregory Brooks, MD

Brian Kauth, MD

828-326-0658

828-256-2112

Catawba Valley Family Medicine North Hickory 212 29th Avenue NE, Suite 1 Hickory, NC 28601

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Northeast Hickory 2386 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601

Courtney Browning, PA-C

Jacques Txuj Ci Moua, MD

828-326-0658

828-256-2112

Catawba Valley Family Medicine – North Hickory 212 29th Avenue NE, Suite 1 Hickory, NC 28601

Boni Killian, RN, FNP-C

Catawba Valley Family Medicine North Hickory 212 29th Avenue NE, Suite 1 Hickory, NC 28601

828-326-0658

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Northeast Hickory 2386 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601

Jennifer Ramos, RN, MSN, FNP-C Catawba Valley Family Medicine Northeast Hickory 2386 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601

828-256-2112

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

Family Practice Haley Millwood Brown, MSN, A-GNP-C Catawba Valley Family Medicine Parkway 5045 Hickory Boulevard Hickory, NC 28601

828-212-1020

Family Practice Caitlin Heredia, PA-C

Catawba Valley Family Medicine South Hickory 1985 Startown Road, Suite 102 Hickory, NC 28602

828-327-4745

Tanya Dyer, MSN, FNP-C

Paul Sykes, MD

828-212-1020

828-327-4745

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Parkway 5045 Hickory Boulevard Hickory, NC 28601

Catawba Valley Family Medicine South Hickory 1985 Startown Road, Suite 102 Hickory, NC 28602

Brad Lawrence, PA-C

Julia Alexander, PA-C

828-212-1020

704-483-0340

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Parkway 5045 Hickory Boulevard Hickory, NC 28601

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Southeast Catawba 6127 South Hwy 16 Denver, NC 28037

Matt Seagle, NP-BC

Elizabeth Restino, MD

828-212-1020

704-483-0340

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Parkway 5045 Hickory Boulevard Hickory, NC 28601

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Southeast Catawba 6127 South Hwy 16 Denver, NC 28037

Adam Benfield, PA-C

Rebecca Stolorena, PA-C

828-327-4745

704-483-0340

Catawba Valley Family Medicine South Hickory 1985 Startown Road, Suite 102 Hickory, NC 28602

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Southeast Catawba 6127 South Hwy 16 Denver, NC 28037

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Family Practice

Family Practice

Joy Duckworth, NP-C

Mimi Starnes, FNP-C

828-632-7076

828-324-1699

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Taylorsville 50 Macedonia Church Road, Suite A Taylorsville, NC 28681

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Viewmont 1205 North Center Street Hickory, NC 28601

Carrie Herman, NP-C

Shane Summers, MD

828-632-7076

828-324-1699

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Taylorsville 50 Macedonia Church Road, Suite A Taylorsville, NC 28681

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Viewmont 1205 North Center Street Hickory, NC 28601

Deji Okuboye, DO

Jason Kihneman, MD

828-632-7076

828-294-1116

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Taylorsville 50 Macedonia Church Road, Suite A Taylorsville, NC 28681

Catawba Valley Family Medicine West Mountain View 1940 Briarwood Drive, Suite A Hickory, NC 28602

Maureene Andrews, PA-C

Penny Matlock, FNP-C

828-324-1699

828-294-1116

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Viewmont 1205 North Center Street Hickory, NC 28601

Catawba Valley Family Medicine West Mountain View 1940 Briarwood Drive, Suite A Hickory, NC 28602

Paige Parker, DO

Danielle Wood, NP-C

828-324-1699

828-294-1116

Catawba Valley Family Medicine Viewmont 1205 North Center Street Hickory, NC 28601

Catawba Valley Family Medicine West Mountain View 1940 Briarwood Drive, Suite A Hickory, NC 28602

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

Family Practice

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Optometry

Newton Family Physicians

767 West First St Newton, NC 28658-4238 Phone (828) 465-3928 www.newtonfamilyphysicians.com

828-464-4136 • nvc2020.com 828-428-9175 • mec2020.com 828-294-1010 • mvec2020.com

“Quality Care For Your Family’s Eyes”

Funeral Director

Pediatrician

Robert Bennett

Bennett Funeral Service 502 1st Ave. South Conover

828-465-2111

240 18th Street Circle, S.E. Unifour Medical Commons Tate Boulevard Hickory, NC 28602

(828) 322-2550 www.catawbapediatrics.net

Insurance M. Dwayne Wilson

Insurance Agent Dwayne Wilson Insurance 203 Island Ford Rd. Maiden, NC 28650 (828) 428-0800

Pharmacy Melinda Travis, R.Ph.

HealthSmart Pharmacy Newton 401 West A Street Newton

(828) 466-1500

Ophthalmology Graystone Eye

2424 Century Place SE Hickory, NC 28602 888-626-2020 Locations in Hickory, Lincolnton, Lenoir and Boone www.graystone-eye.com

Ron Harwell, R.Ph.

HealthSmart Pharmacy Conover 317 1st Street East Conover

(828) 464-4491

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Pharmacy Norris Buff, R.Ph.

H & W Drug Company On the Square 12 - 1st Street Newton

(828) 464-0881

Steve Samples, R.Ph. H & W Drug Company On the Square 12 - 1st Street Newton

(828) 464-0881

Josh Waters, PharmD 126 1st Avenue South Conover, NC Off I-40, exit 130 in Downtown Conover (828) 464-1354

Podiatry

Pulmonology Peter Alford, MD

Catawba Valley Pulmonology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2660

Marcella Miller, FNP-BC

Catawba Valley Pulmonology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2660

Kathy Wilson, MD

Catawba Valley Pulmonology 3521 Graystone Place SE, Suite 202 Conover, NC 28613

828-326-2660

Urgent Care

Blake Weeks, DPM

Mike Brashear, PA-C

828-855-2131

828-431-4955

Blake Weeks, DPM Catawba Valley Foot & Ankle Center 1985 Startown Road, Suite 102 Hickory, NC 28602

Catawba Valley Urgent Care Piedmont 2972 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601

HEALTH & Medical | observernewsonline.com |

Urgent Care James Goforth, MD

Catawba Valley Urgent Care Piedmont 2972 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601

828-431-4955

Charles McKaraher, MD Catawba Valley Urgent Care Piedmont 2972 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601

828-431-4955

Vascular Surgery

Vascular Surgery Christopher Griggs, DO

Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery 1777 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 204 Hickory, NC 28602

828-322-9105

Jennifer Kahri, PA-C

Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery 1777 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 204 Hickory, NC 28602

828-322-9105

Veterinarian

Gener Augustin, MD

Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery 1777 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 204 Hickory, NC 28602

828-322-9105

103 Thornburg Drive SE• Conover www.conovervet.com

828.465.5720

Vision Correction/LASIK Lindsay Bools, MD

Catawba Valley Vascular Surgery 1777 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 204 Hickory, NC 28602

828-322-9105

Graystone iLASIK

2424 Century Place SE, Hickory, NC 28602 • 828-304-6611 www.graystonelasik.com

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Voted the Best Funeral Service in Catawba County for 2019

by the readers of the Observer News Enterprise and the Hickory Daily Record

Conover’s Only Family & Locally Owned Funeral Home

502 1st Ave. South Conover,NC 828-465-2111

Owned and operated by Robbie & Rhonda Bennett