Health Quarterly January 2020 Journal-Courier

Health

Quarterly

January 2020

Supplement of the

January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

4 must-have health apps

Well visits are an important part of child healthcare

Expecting parents will soon discover that having a child sparks many changes in their lives. As infancy rolls into toddlerhood and beyond, there is usually one constant in the busy lives of new families: the pediatrician. Children visit their pediatricians at regular intervals, and these doctors are invaluable sources of support and care.

Pediatricians provide well-child services throughout youngsters’ childhoods.

Health checkups start from the day the baby is born and continue until a child reaches adulthood. JAMA Pediatrics says there are many benefits of well-child visits. One of the key aspects of these checkups is tracking a child’s growth and development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social progress.

Another component of well-child visits is to prevent injury and illness. When parents come in for these visits, the

staff will likely go over the appropriate safety protocol for that child’s age and milestone. This may include car seat safety checks, preventing falls, choking hazards, and safety when entering school.

Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics developed a set of comprehensive health guidelines for well-child care, and many pediatricians follow these schedule and screening guidelines. Visits often start at one-month intervals, and then increase by two- and three- month durations until the child is two years old. After 2.5 years of age, annual visits become the norm. The reason that earlier visits occur so often is because early childhood is a period of rapid development. In addition, various vaccinations are recommended to protect children from communicable diseases. These immunizations must be

administered according to schedule to be most effective.

Well-child visits are also opportunities for screening tests and physical examinations. Exams typically involve checking blood pressure, vision, hearing, and general blood tests and urinalysis. Many parents use checkups as an opportunity to ask questions about development and ensure that children are safe to participate in school sports and extracurricular activities as well. Parents can come equipped with questions to ask the doctor during well-child appointments to make the most of their visits.

The AAP says well-child visits should begin from three to five days old.

Therefore, expecting parents should find a pediatrician for their child as soon as possible to ensure that well-child visits can begin immediately after the child is born.

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Are you trying to take better care of yourself? These four free apps, available for both iOS and Android devices, are sure to help.

1. Medisafe. Thanks to this handy medication tracker, remembering to take your pills is a cinch. It also provides prescription refill reminders and can even contact someone if it seems you’ve forgotten to take an important dose.

2. American Red Cross First Aid App. This app will help you keep your first aid skills up to date with videos and quizzes.

It’s also integrated with 911 emergency services. It provides simple instructions for dealing with emergencies so you can help delay complications until help arrives.

3. iSleeping. The iSleeping app provides

users with a wealth of information they can use to improve sleep quality. It monitors and analyzes nighttime movement, snoring, and periods of wakefulness to provide helpful data and tips tailored to the individual.

4. Mindfulness with Petit BamBou. This app offers many mindfulness and guided meditation programs based on positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy. It can be used by adults and kids alike and is suitable for both beginner and more experienced meditators.

While there’s a bounty of free health apps available, always confirm that they’ve received approval from specialists. In addition, keep in mind that they can never replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

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HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY: THE KEY FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW August 08, 2019 | Robert Abrams, MD, Division Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Article and photo submitted by: SIU Women’s Health Pregnancy can be one of the best times in your life. If you’re pregnant, you might be filled with wonder and excitement about the little one growing inside you. You may also fret over your own and your baby’s health.

This can especially be the case if you’ve learned you have high blood pressure during your pregnancy. Fortunately for you, the doctors at SIU Medicine are highly trained in helping expectant moms manage this issue during pregnancy.

likely be diagnosed with preeclampsia, and will need to be treated by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Some women have mild, while others have more severe preeclampsia.

The only cure for this condition is to deliver the baby.

What types of hypertension occur during pregnancy?

Having elevated blood pressure while pregnant can raise your risk for stroke, placental abruption, and delivering the baby early. Expectant mothers’ blood vessels can tighten during pregnancy when they have high blood pressure. If this happens to the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, a baby might not get needed nutrients and oxygen to grow. This can cause preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Hypertension during pregnancy is a common women’s health issue. Some women have chronic hypertension before they become pregnant. With this problem, a woman has high blood pressure before conception or before her 20th week of pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With preeclampsia, women don’t have high blood pressure until they get pregnant. Being younger than the age of 16 or older than the age of 35 during your first pregnancy puts you at the highest risk for it.

To test for preeclampsia, doctors check your blood pressure levels. They also look for protein in your urine. The signs of preeclampsia include bad headaches, blurred vision, swelling, and upper abdominal pain. If you have protein in your urine and a headache, you’ll

How can hypertension during pregnancy affect mother and baby?

What should hypertensive pregnant women do?

Having high blood pressure while pregnant means you’ll likely see your doctors more often to make sure your blood pressure is watched closely. At SIU Medicine, you will see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, in addition to your OB-GYN, who will do more ultrasounds to see if your baby is growing and check the blood flow to the placenta.

You can likely still attempt a vaginal delivery. But, the rate of C-section delivery is higher in expectant moms who have severe preeclampsia.

The doctors at SIU Medicine are dedicated to helping expectant moms with high blood pressure experience the safe delivery of healthy babies. Robert Abrams, MD, just published a management review of guidelines for preeclampsia.

Donald S. Torry, PhD, leads research in the SIU School of Medicine’s Immunology Department, and is a well-known preeclampsia researcher in the country.

At the SIU School of Medicine, doctors are studying placentas to see what they can do to prevent preeclampsia from occurring. Maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists meet weekly to review recently published journals and new guidelines. Here, expectant moms with high blood pressure have a qualified team of medical experts working with them on their joyous journeys of growing their families.

January 2020

January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Fear of Frailty Lack of Activity Threatens Local Seniors’ Independence Contact: Gina Hayes, General Manager Telephone: 217.245.9192 Home Instead Senior Care Fear of frailty is of paramount concern not only for Jacksonville area seniors, but those local adults ages 35 to 62 – many of whom are daughters – worried about the health and safety of their older loved ones. That’s according to results of a recent national survey of seniors and adult children, which is reflected in the lives of local older adults, that reveals staying physically active is a major challenge for seniors.

Lack of activity can lead to a downward spiral of poor health resulting in frailty, a condition that threatens the mind, body and social life of older adults, according to senior care experts.

“We regularly see seniors who are literally trapped in their homes because they are too weak or to fearful to perform many of the activities they need to remain safe and independent, or to even enjoy life,” said Gina Hayes, General Manager of the Home Instead Senior Care® office in Jacksonville.

“That’s why staying active is viewed by so many as vital to healthy aging. Differences in perceptions between family caregivers and seniors can make addressing these issues challenging for many families.”

This problem is what prompted Home Instead Senior Care to develop the Get Mom Moving® Activity Cards and website at GetMomMoving.com, both designed to help keep seniors engaged and fit. These resources provide the tools by which seniors can fight frailty.

A recent national survey conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care network found that 74 percent of seniors 65 and older say that staying physically active is a major challenge. Adult caregivers see the problem as well: 81 percent of adult caregivers listed staying physically active as a top challenge for seniors. That challenge leads to another worry: 90 percent of seniors in the survey say their greatest fear is loss of independence.*

Change. If a senior has always been interested in talking to the neighbors, reading the newspaper or volunteering and is withdrawing from those interests, suggest your loved one see a doctor.

Frailty can be difficult to define, but most know it when they see it, said Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., one of the nation’s foremost authorities and researchers of mobility, balance disorders and falls in older adults, and director of clinical research for the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging. Medical professionals describe frailty as a syndrome of weakness, fatigue and decline in physical activity that may be triggered by hormonal or inflammatory changes or chronic disease states. For some, frailty results from a heart attack or stroke, while another senior might experience falls and weight loss.

Studenski and her colleagues conducted a series of focus groups with health care providers and family caregivers about how they perceive frailty in an effort to better identify the condition. “I think the thing that was most striking to me was that many family members we talked with perceived that an older person is getting more or less frail based more on social and psychological factors rather than physical factors. Doctors, on the other hand, focused on the physical manifestations in an older adult,” she noted.

Dr. Studenski said that frailty can be both prevented and reversed by activity. “One of the core ideas in aging is that there are underlying problems in the body’s self-correcting mechanism. For example, when a young person is bleeding, the body self-corrects by increasing the heart rate. But older adults, because of medication or health problems, may have lost the ability to self-correct by being able to increase their heart rate.

Through activity, though, seniors can build both physical and mental reserves that can help their bodies better tolerate problems that come with aging.”

So, in a very real way, family caregivers who can encourage and integrate physical, mental and social activities in seniors’ lives are helping them ward off frailty and stay healthy. And that addresses seniors’ biggest fear of losing their independence as well.

“This topic is at the heart of the concerns that we see each day in the lives of seniors

Inactivity. If your senior suddenly becomes less active, investigate what could be the cause.

Slowing down. If Grandpa always used to have a bounce in his step and now, suddenly, trudges along, that’s a bad sign.

Loss of appetite and weight. A senior who always had a healthy appetite and doesn’t any more should be of concern to their loved ones.

Unsteadiness. Loss of balance comes with aging, but an increasing unsteadiness is a sign that something could be wrong.

To find out how you can help keep a senior active, contact Home Instead Senior Care for a free Get Mom Moving® Activity Cards: “Activities for the Mind Body and Soul.” and those who care for them,” said Home Instead Senior Care’s Gina Hayes. “Fear of frailty keeps seniors worried about whether they can stay home.” ### * The Boomer Project (www. boomerproject.com) completed online interviews with 523 seniors and 1,279 adult caregivers, ages 35-62, with a parent, stepparent or older relative for whom they or someone in their household provides care.

Sidebar: Look and See Signs of Frailty Researchers at Columbia and Johns Hopkins Universities discovered the important role activity plays in the fight against frailty and shed new light on what causes the condition.

Linda P. Fried, M.D., M.P.H., and scientists found that frailty is the result of a systems

failure in older adults, rather than a specific problem, disease or even chronological age.

Data from women ages 70-79 led researchers to discover that half of those frail had three or more systems at abnormal levels, compared with 25 percent of the pre-frail and 16 percent of the non-frail population.

Among the physiological factors that were assessed included anemia, inflammation and fine motor skills.

Senior Fear Factors . . . . .

Many of the fears that seniors experience relate to the biggest challenge they say they face: staying active. According to Home Instead Senior Care® research, seniors have these fears about the future, beginning with the greatest fear and in descending order: Loss of independence.

Declining health.

Solutions to address frailty including medications and hormone replacement are unlikely to prevent frailty unless they are designed to improve multiple systems, Dr. Fried noted. “This may explain the importance of approaches such as remaining physically active as we get older, since activity improves many aspects of biology and overall health.”

Running out of money.

So how do family caregivers know what to look for? Following, from Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., University of Pittsburgh geriatrician and researcher, and Home Instead Senior Care®, are the signs that a senior might be becoming frail:

Strangers caring for them.

Not being able to live at home.

Death of a spouse or other family member.

Inability to manage their own activities of daily living.

Not being able to drive.

Isolation or loneliness.

Fear of falling or hurting themselves.

For more information about how to help seniors at home, contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office.

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January 2020

5 unexpected signs of heart disease Every February, the American Heart Association organizes Heart Month to help raise awareness about the warning signs and risk factors of heart disease. Though there are a number of more commonly recognized symptoms in¬cluding chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath, here are five lesser known indicators of this type of disease.

1. Frank’s sign Diagonal creases on the earlobes have been linked to having a higher risk of heart problems. This sign was first described by American physician Anders Frank, and it’s associated to arteriosclerosis, which is the buildup of pla¬que in the arteries, a common cause of heart attack.

2. Fatty bumps Yellow, fatty bumps called xanthomas, which can appear on the knees, elbows, eyelids and buttocks, are a sign that someone has exceptionally high levels of lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. The medical conditions that cause

them to form lead to the generation of fat deposits in arteries, which is why they may be an indicator of heart disease.

3. Nail clubbing

ed blood to tissues in the body.

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Though all of these symptoms of heart disease can have benign causes, if you notice any of them, it’s time to visit your doctor.

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It’s the leading cause of death in the United States.

Digital clubbing is when the fingernails and tips of both hands become thicker and change shape.

This occurs when there’s not enough blood reaching the extremities and the body reacts by producing a growth-promoting factor to compensate.

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4. Iris halo Nearly 45 percent of people over the age of 40 have a fatty ring around their iris. This number goes up to 70 percent for people over 60. These rings are associated with well-established coronary disease risk factors.

5. Blue lips Lips can turn a blueish color in people with a heart problem. This phenomenon is called cyanosis, and it’s caused by the failure of the heart to provide oxygenat-

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January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

White Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation, 620 W. Bridgeport St., White Hall, IL recently added a new piece of equipment to their extensive list of outstanding therapy programs that are offered to both inpatient and outpatient clients.

Imagine a standing frame that can be unlocked to provide body sway on a fixed platform, just like balancing in the real world. That’s the concept behind Accelerated Care Plus’s new OmniStand Dynamic Balance System. A Step Ahead – the OmniStand provides adjustable, dynamic sway to challenge patients. It allows the therapists the freedom to work with patients one-on-one to provide effective, progressive balance and pre-gait training, instead of needing to focus just on keeping upright. They can confidently work with patients to evoke ankle, hip, and/or stepping balance responses, and even use the OmniStand to incorporate changes in balance conditions (vision, base of support, surface, etc) improving patients outcomes creatively and effectively. Some of the other clinical benefits are standing tolerance, posture training, ankle flexibility

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and dual tasking.

“At White Hall we strive to offer our Rehab guests, long term residents and outpatient clients some of the most updated, innovative therapy programs and equipment out there. Tara Therapy utilizes Accelerated Care Plus which is the leading forefront of modality equipment and programs. In addition to the various programs offered therapists receive enhanced training such as stroke rehab and specialized cardiac training through ACP. Therapists are able to use traditional therapy techniques in combination with modality equipment. We emphasize and support continued training for our professionals and are proud to offer such innovative therapy programs. “ states Brenn Killion, Director of Therapy. “I invite you to stop in or give us a call at 217-374-2144 to learn more about therapy programs and what we can offer.”

About Accelerated Care Plus Accelerated Care Plus or ACP is a Hanger Company and the nation’s leading provider of specialty clinical

programs for post-acute and chronic rehabilitation.

The programs include patented medical equipment, evidence based treatment protocols, advanced therapist training and on-going program support. ACP’s “Clinical Solutions” are used by thousands of the most

recognized rehabilitation providers in the U.S., as well as nearly 200 professional and collegiate sports teams.

ACP was originally founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Reno, Nevada.

5 great reasons to eat mushrooms Here are five great reasons why the health-conscious diner should make room on their plate for mushrooms.

1. Vitamin B Most edible mushrooms are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B9. These help our bodies metabolize food and contribute to red blood cell formation. These nutrients are also thought to play a role in brain health.

2. Vitamin D Mushrooms are one of the few vegan sources of vitamin D, which is crucial for teeth and bone health.

However, mushrooms only produce vitamin D if exposed to sunlight. Look for those grown outdoors or that have been irradiated with UV light.

3. Dietary fiber Most mushrooms are made up of at least 50 percent carbohydrates by weight. However, most of these carbs are insoluble dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in digestion and helps control cholesterol.

4. Heart health

Potassium is found in large quantities in mushrooms and is a key player in regulating blood pressure. In addition, they contain high concentrations of beta-glucans, a type of fiber that’s been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. The stem of the shiitake is a particularly good source of beta-glucans.

5. Weight management While mushrooms shouldn’t be thought of as a weight loss superfood, they do tend to increase satiety. This means you’ll feel fuller quicker.

In conjunction with their low fat and calorie content, this makes them a handy food for weight management.

Mushrooms may also help prevent certain cancers, as well as protect from some types of neurodegenerative diseases. While more research is needed to substantiate these claims, one thing is for sure: eating more mushrooms is a delicious way to stay healthy.

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Scott County Health Department Services Scott County Health Department provides WIC services to pregnant women, infants and children meeting eligibility guidelines . WIC provides nutritional education and counseling, hemoglobin screenings, health care referrals and nutritious supplemental foods, as well as breastfeeding promotion and support. The goal is to maintain healthy pregnancies, improve outcomes for infants, and to have healthier children.

The Family Case Management Program is provided also, and helps families to improve on their health by referrals to appropriate medical providers, giving immunizations, providing safety information, providing physical assessments as needed, and doing developmental and behavioral screenings on children to recognize problems at an early age. Follow-up is also done for high-risk infants in our county.

The health department is involved in emergency response planning for the county. The department is responsible for planning and preparing to quickly and safely distribute medicine during a public health emergency to residents of Scott County. These medicines, supplied by the Strategic National Stockpile ( SNS) may keep people from getting sick.

Scott County Health Department works with the Illinois Tobacco grant by ensuring that the guidelines of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act ( SFIA) are being followed. The goal is to work toward decreasing the incidence of Second Hand Smoke (SHS) in the community by initiatives of smoke-free outdoor spaces and smoke-free multi-unit housing .

appropriate measures are being taken to decrease the spread of such illnesses.

Adult and children immunizations, as well as flu and pneumonia immunizations, are available at the health department.

During the summer, clinics are available for required sports and school physicals. Lead screenings are offered at the health department , and staff is required follow-up on high lead levels.

Other services offered are BP screenings, and pregnancy tests.

Lastly, the health department offers environmental services which includes, restaurant inspections, monitoring of drinking water and waste disposal, and vector-borne disease control.

The health department is required to follow up on reportable communicable diseases in the county, and make sure that

How to get rid of dust mites Have you recently been diagnosed with a dust mite allergy? Here’s how to evict them from your home.

Bedroom Dust mites nest in fabrics and are often present in large numbers in the bedroom, particularly in bedding.

Bedding should be cleaned weekly and tumble dried on high heat for at least one hour. Curtains should be cleaned regularly, and the room should be vacuumed two to three times a week.

In addition, avoiding rugs and using dust mite-proof encasements for mattresses, pillows and duvets will drastically reduce allergen exposure.

vinyl surfaces will reduce the dust mite population, or at least ensure they don’t nest there. Note that vacuuming isn’t enough to get rid of them. Use a wet cloth to remove dust from the surfaces around the house. Finally, try to keep the relative humidity below 50 percent, as dust mites thrive in humid environments.

Controlling the dust mite population in your home will drastically reduce the intensity of any allergy symptoms. For additional advice, consult a health care professional.

————————— What are dust mites?

Other rooms

Dust mites are microscopic members of the arachnid family that feed on dead skin and other particles. Their excrement is the cause of our allergic reactions.

Furniture with wooden, leather or

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January 2020

January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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9 HEALTH QUARTERLY

January 2020

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January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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Spotting spoiled food: beyond the best-by date Is it safe to eat? While best-by dates are useful indicators, your senses are a much better way to gauge freshness.

Here’s how to determine whether food is safe to eat.

•

Dairy. Milk, yogurt, sour cream and other high-humidity dairy products should be chucked if they’ve separated, smell sour, have curdled or are showing even a hint of mold.

•

Cheese. Hard and semi-soft cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar are fairly resistant to mold.

If there’s only a little bit on the surface, you can cut off one inch around the affected area and eat the rest. Moldy soft cheeses should be discarded.

•

•

Bread. Since mold spores can penetrate the porous surface of bread, a moldy loaf should be thrown out.

doesn’t extend below the skin, the potato is safe to eat once peeled. Make sure to remove eyes and sprouts and to throw out soft, moldy potatoes.

•

Fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and veggies, like carrots and bell peppers, are too dense for mold to penetrate past the surface, so these are safe to eat once the affected spot is removed. Slimy, discolored and thoroughly moldy fruits and veggies should be thrown out.

•

Eggs. Conduct a water test to determine freshness. If the egg sinks, it’s good. If it floats, toss it.

•

Canned food. Throw out rusted or bulging cans, as well as those that have been punctured.

•

Meat and fish. Minor discoloration is nothing to worry about.

However, a slimy texture or an unusual smell are indicators of spoilage. The same is true of fresh fish, which should never smell fishy. Deli meats with a slimy coating should also be

Potatoes. Throw out any potato with green flesh. This is due to an accumulation of solanine, a toxic chemical naturally produced by potatoes. If the green coloration

discarded.

Remember, best-by dates are indica-

tors of freshness, not safety. However, if in doubt, it’s always better to err on

the side of caution.

Dry January: the benefits of abstaining from booze After imbibing liberally over the holiday season, many people decide to give up drinking in January.

Whatever your reasons for taking on this challenge, here are some benefits that are likely to come from abstaining from alcohol.

1. General health Excessive drinking can have a devastating impact on your health. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, liver disease and certain cancers are all potential consequences of long-term alcohol abuse. If you’ve been drinking more than you should, quitting for a month won’t turn back the clock, but it’s unlikely to do you any harm.

The biggest health benefit of abstaining from alcohol, however, is that it allows you to assess how you

feel without it and reflect on your normal consumption habits. A month without booze may be the ticket you need to help you reset.

2. Sleep Cutting out alcohol is likely to help you maintain a healthy sleep schedule. This, in turn, could allow you to feel more energized, which will help keep you motivated to go to the gym and eat well.

3. Immune system There’s no evidence to suggest that abstaining from alcohol for a month will boost your immune system.

However, being intoxicated temporarily suppresses it and leaves you vulnerable. In addition, long-term alcohol abuse causes inflammation throughout the body.

Drinking less is likely to trigger a domino effect leading to better sleep, more exercise and an overall healthier lifestyle, which together will have a positive influence on immunity.

4. Your relationship with alcohol Once Dry January is over, you’ll be able to take stock of how you felt, both physically and psychologically, without alcohol. You might notice that you’re more energetic and motivated without the hangovers. Or, you may notice you don’t feel any different.

Remember that a month of abstinence won’t be much help if afterward you return to excessive consumption. Overall, it’s far better for your health to be a moderate drinker than one who fluctuates from one extreme to the other.

*If you feel like you rely on alcohol to function, talk to a healthcare professional. Abruptly quitting on your own could cause potentially serious withdrawal symptoms.

11 HEALTH QUARTERLY

January 2020

Here’s how many steps you need to take a day Have you heard that you need to take 10,000 steps a day to remain healthy?

Unsurprisingly, there’s a little more to it than that.

Why 10,000?

The idea that 10,000 steps a day is ideal has its origins in a 1960s marketing campaign for the “Manpo-kei,” a Japanese pedometer. Though scientists were involved in its invention, the number was chosen for no reason other than it was deemed representative of an active lifestyle.

Is there a magic number?

Scientists investigating the adage have determined that the more steps one takes, the less likely they are to die. In fact, they found that people who took 7,500 steps a day had a lower mortality risk than those who wal¬ked less.

However, there was no longevity benefit

to taking more than 7,500 steps.

If you don’t like walking If walking or jogging aren’t your thing, don’t worry. The important part is that you remain physically active. The World Health Organization re¬commends conducting two-and-a-half hours a week of moderate activity or an hour and 15 minutes a week of high intensity activity.

Picking a type of exercise that you enjoy will make it easier to keep doing in the long term.

Those who have chronic health conditions, or who are over the age of 60, stand to gain hugely from regular exercise. It’s crucial for hindering mobility loss and also preserving overall physical and men¬tal health. However, to avoid getting injured, they should be careful to work out within their capacity.

Hot or cold compress: which is best?

If you’re dealing with the effects of a stiff neck, backache or a mild burn, you may be wondering whether you should apply a hot or cold compress to the affected area. Here’s what you should know.

Cold A cold compress will usually relieve pain. It’ll also mitigate swelling, inflammation, muscle spasms and slow blood flow in the area where it’s applied. Generally, cold is indicated for recent and acute, as opposed to chronic, injuries. Use it to help with:

are anemic, as the coolness will slow blood flow.

Heat As is the case with cold compresses, warm ones will help reduce pain. They also promote muscle relaxation, tissue repair and blood circulation.

Chronic pain responds better to heat, as do bruises that have been lingering for over two weeks.

Use them to help with: •

Muscle and menstrual cramps

•

Chronic aches

•

A stiff neck

• Swelling

•

Back pain

•

Again, don’t use a com¬press, hot or cold, on an open wound.

•

Muscle cramps and tears Minor burns

• Sprains •

Insect bites

Don’t apply cold compresses to open wounds and avoid them if you have circulation problems or

If the pain doesn’t go away or becomes unbearable, seek attention from a health professional as soon as possible.

January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

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FIVE CAUSES OF INFERTILITY IN WOMEN December 16, 2019 | J. Ricardo Loret de Mola, MD Article and photo submitted by: SIU Women’s Health For many women, starting a family is the most exciting time in their lives. Sadly, for some, the road to motherhood is a long, uncertain one. Infertility is a more common women’s health issue than you might think.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 10 percent of women struggle to get pregnant or stay that way. Infertility is not being able to conceive after having frequent intercourse for a year. If you’re having problems getting pregnant, one of the following issues might be to blame.

hormones. In its early stages, this problem might not cause any signs. If untreated, it can lead to weight gain, heart disease, joint pain and infertility.

Hypothyroidism

Endometriosis

If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland can’t make enough of some crucial

Endometriosis makes tissue grow outside of a woman’s uterus that should be inside the

Having low levels of thyroid hormone can keep you from ovulating. If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant. When hypothyroidism results from an autoimmune disorder, it can also cause other pregnancy-related issues.

Babies who are born to mothers with untreated hypothyroidism face higher risks for birth defects and other problems.

™

Since 1963

uterus. It is one of the top three known causes of infertility. Misplaced endometrial tissue results in inflammation and irritation. It can keep eggs from leaving the ovaries or being fertilized by sperm. It can also scar and block a woman’s fallopian tubes. This prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem that causes cysts to grow on ovaries. PCOS can lead to missed, frequent or long periods, acne, weight gain and infertility.

If you have PCOS, your ovaries can become larger than normal. They might also have follicles that surround your eggs. This can

cause your ovaries to not function.

Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids are growths in a woman’s uterus. They often form in childbearing years.

Fibroids almost never turn into cancer. They can range in size from invisible to the human eye to large masses that increase the size of the uterus.

When these growths project outside of the uterus, they can cause infertility and pregnancy loss. They may also raise the risks of specific pregnancy problems such as early delivery and fetal growth restriction.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs.

It’s usually transmitted during sex. Signs of PID include pain, cramps, nausea, chills and spotting. In addition to harming your organs, PID can cause infertility. This disease raises the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.

If you are dealing with infertility, do not lose hope. Seeing a highly trained doctor for this common women’s health issue sooner rather than later may help increase your odds of conceiving. An experienced physician at SIU Medicine can get to the root of your infertility and create a customized treatment plan based on the latest research.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

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13 HEALTH QUARTERLY

January 2020

Don’t let joint pain and stiffness get the best of you

By Dr. Darr Leutz Blessing Health Systems Orthopedics & Sports Medicine As you age, it’s common to experience joint pain and stiffness on occasion, even if you don’t have arthritis. But there are steps you can take to improve your joint health, making it less likely you’ll have to deal with joint pain or stiffness. Here are some tips for improving the health of your joints.

Keep moving. One of the best things you can do for your joints is to keep your body moving. Adding in weight lifting or resistance training 2-3 times a week can increase your muscle mass and strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints. Aerobic exercise may help reduce joint swelling. Set a goal of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, 3-5 times a week. This can include joint-friendly exercises such as walking on an elliptical machine, riding a stationary bike or swimming. And just moving more throughout your day, no matter what you do, helps prevent joints from getting stiff and painful.

Be advised that any exercise program a person begins needs to be a gradual progression, increasing in intensity over time. Darr Leutz, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Blessing Physician Services, says, “Designating a consistent, specific time and set number of days each week for exercise can be very helpful in making sure you adhere to the program.”

Stretch. Being flexible is good for your joints.

So make stretching a part of your weekly routine.

Just don’t stretch cold, tight muscles. Start by warming up for about 10 minutes or save your stretching for after a workout.

Change your activity. If you find that some types of exercise exacerbate joint pain, like running or playing basketball, switch to lower-impact activities. Swimming, bicycling and walking tend to be easier on your joints. It’s important to know your limits and modify or stop any activities that cause pain.

Prevent overuse injuries. Try to avoid doing the same thing over and over using the same joint and the same motion. That’s not always possible, so when you engage in repetitive activities, such as typing on a computer, swinging a tennis racket or doing a specific work-related

activity, wear a brace and take frequent breaks.

Keep joints protected. You can’t avoid every type of joint injury, like pulls, strains or sprains, but you can take steps to protect joints during high-risk activities. Wear padding on knees and elbows during activities such as skating or high-impact sports. Wear braces while playing tennis or golf if your elbow or wrist hurts.

Eat a well-rounded diet. What you eat can affect the health of your joints, as well as your bones and muscles. Aim to get adequate amounts of protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and other important nutrients. Vegetables and fruits should occupy half of your plate. Fill another quarter of your plate with whole grains and the last quarter with lean protein. Don’t skimp on protein as it helps you maintain and build muscle mass, which can increase your metabolism and help you lose weight. Good sources of low-fat protein include eggs, lean meats, turkey breast,

legumes and fish. Include protein in your snacks as well as your meals. It is also important to get enough calcium. Choose low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt or cheese to help aid your weight loss and to help keep bones strong.

even shown a reversal of arthritis in patients who have lost weight.

Lose weight. Another great thing you can do for your joints is to lose weight. This is especially true for weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips. Obesity is a major contributor to osteoarthritis. In fact, it is one of the most modifiable risk factors of the condition. Joint pain commonly develops in the lower

Where to get help when you’re hurting

body, primarily the knees and ankles, in people who carry excess body weight. The extra weight causes more stress on joints, which can result in the development of osteoarthritis. Over time, this may lead to a need for joint replacement. Losing weight can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis.

Every pound of weight you lose takes about 4 pounds of pressure off your knees. Studies have

Individuals should consult their primary care physician prior to beginning any exercise program.

Blessing Health System’s Orthopedics & Sports Medicine clinic treats a multitude of orthopedic problems, including joint pain and stiffness. The comprehensive team of specialists including Dr. Darr Leutz and Dr. Josue Acevedo, offer extensive experience in providing care to everyone from high performing athletes to the everyday athletes who are in the workforce, at home taking care of children or enjoying their retirement. To learn more about the high-quality care available at Blessing Health System, visit blessinghealth.org/ ortho.

January 2020 HEALTH QUARTERLY

14

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: what is it?

The legalization of cannabis in some states and in Canada has spurred enthusiasm for its potential therapeutic properties. However, healthcare professionals have reported an increased incidence of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition specific to regular cannabis users that’s characterized by cyclic nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain. Here’s what you should know.

Symptoms In the early stages of CHS, persistent morning nausea and abdominal pain may be the only symptoms. However, the more active phase of the condition is characterized by moderate to severe abdominal pain accompanied by persistent and potentially severe nausea and vomiting which can only be relieved by very hot baths or showers.

Some patients experience symptoms of dehydration due to extreme vomiting. This is typically what prompts them to seek medical attention.

Diagnosis As vomiting and abdominal pain are common complaints, a diagnosis of CHS can be difficult to establish.

In addition, the disorder was first identified in 2004, meaning some medical professionals may not be aware of it and misdiagnose it as cyclic vomiting syndrome, a condition with similar symptoms. The only definitive diagnostic finding is improvement after quitting cannabis.

Treatment While intravenous fluid replacement, medication to reduce vomiting and

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Risk factors CHS is a rare condition and the main risk factor is chronic, heavy cannabis use, defined as 20 days a month for at least six months. It’s unclear why some users develop the syndrome while others don’t.

While rare, CHS diagnoses are increasing. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms such as persistent vomiting and abdominal pain, it’s important to seek medical attention.

4 foods for healthier skin

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painkillers may be provided to alleviate the symptoms of CHS, prolonged, persistent vomiting can lead to serious complications. The only known treatment for the syndrome is to stop using cannabis. Afterward, symptoms usually disappear within one or two days.

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In winter, your skin is routinely exposed to the effects of cold temperatures, indoor heating, pollution and sunlight. Here are four foods that can help allay the effects of these stressors.

1. Fatty fish. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, fish such as salmon and mackerel help preserve your skin’s elasticity, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. Adding them to your diet will mitigate the negative effects of sunlight on your skin and provide essential antioxidants.

2. Avocado. An excellent source of healthy fats and vitamin C, this popular fruit helps skin maintain its elasticity and protects it from irritants. It’s also highly versatile and can be enjoyed in salads, smoothies, sandwiches and on its own.

3. Nuts. The amino acids in nuts are essential to our skin’s health. They

promote its natural regenerative processes while improving blood circulation. Add them to salads and baked goods or eat them as a snack.

4. Berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries all contain very high concentrations of antioxidants, which slow skin

aging and contribute to your overall health. Add them to your cereal and smoothies or munch on them as a low-calorie snack.

Other skin-friendly foods include olive oil, green tea, garlic and red grapes. As a bonus, adding these to your diet will diversify it and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

15 HEALTH QUARTERLY

January 2020

HOW ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES CAN AFFECT YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE November 11, 2019 | Erica Nelson, MD, Division Chief of General Obstetrics and Gynecology at SIU School of Medicine Article and photo submitted by: SIU Women’s Health The FDA approved the first oral contraceptive called Enovid in1960. Since then, the birth control pill has been improved and there are two main types; those with estrogen and progestin and those with just progestins. There is a lot of controversy regarding oral contraceptive, one being how it affects a woman’s overall quality of life.

A recent study from Spain of almost 1,000 young women showed higher quality of life scores for women on hormonal contraception than those that did not. Areas investigated were social, menstrual and breast symptoms, psychological and sexual. All showed higher quality of life scores than women who do not use contraception. Previous smaller studies from Sweden had shown a lower quality of life especially in the psychological domain.

OB-GYN specialists at SIU Medicine have found contraceptives to be extremely helpful for women and frequently use oral contraceptives and other hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and help patients with other symptoms, such as:

irregular or heavy periods. Some young women have a lot of discomfort to the point where they’re missing school or can’t perform as well in sports or activities. We use oral contraceptive pills a lot to control their menstrual cycles and they work very well.

•

Control periods

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Decrease cramping and discomfort

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Decrease mood swings

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Regulate menstrual cycles

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Reduce hormonal acne

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Alleviate premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms

A combination of estrogen and progestin are found in most birth control pills. For women who are experiencing premenstrual dysphonic disorder or severe PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, the stable stream of hormones can also regulate mood changes and stop some of the often-debilitating symptoms that might affect

•

Reduce menstrual related headaches

These benefits of the birth control pill are particularly true for young girls who are having

their day-to-day life.

A small number of women experience a decreased libido, due to the increase in sex hormone-binding globulin, which can decrease androgens. Often changing the type of hormonal contraception can improve this side effect.

The birth control pill is not recommended for women who suffer from migraines with aura or severe headaches. The consistent use can risk triggering bad migraines or even stroke.

Women who high have a history of blood clots or family problems with estrogen should stick

with progestin-only birth control pills, which do tend to cause more irregular bleeding than pills with both progestin and estrogen.

The incidence of negative side effects from oral contraception has decreased significantly over time. As dosages get lower—as long as they’re not so low breakthrough bleeding occurs—patients are able to enjoy all the benefits the pill can provide. And clearly, there are many.

To learn more about birth control and how it can benefit you and your unique symptoms, contact SIU Medicine today at 217-545-8000.

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