BCR Health Matters_Winter 2020

Winter 2020

A publication of

est. 1851

Health Matters Are you susceptible to pandemic-related anxiety?

PLUS:

 Combating isolation and loneliness among older adults  Answering common questions about handwashing  Getting the most out of open enrollment  and more!

GENETICS

Shaw Media/ December 2020

| HEALTH MATTERS

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Are you susceptible to pandemicrelated anxiety?

(BPT) - Since the pandemic began, many have felt the effects on their mental health. The CDC reported in June that over 40% of Americans suffered an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, with anxiety and depressive disorders topping the list.

By mid-July, 53% of U.S. adults said their mental health was negatively impacted by stress and worry due to the pandemic, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll. As the pandemic continues, these stressors are likely to impact more people every day.

Are you or your family members likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or other mental health issues? If so, what can you do to support your - or your loved one’s - mental health?

First, it helps to uncover your predisposition toward certain traits or mental conditions. Just as you might seek information about your genetic predisposition for illnesses to guide your lifestyle choices, discovering your genetic traits related to mental health can help support your emotional well-being.

Thanks to a breakthrough in the translation of genetic mechanisms and traits that can influence a person’s behavioral predispositions, the Genomind Mental Health Map provides a springboard anyone can use to take action toward better mental wellness.

Mental health is a function of genetics, environment, lifestyle and experiences.

This is called “Mental Health 360.”

Dr. Scott Wiener, a board-certified psychiatrist focused on a biological based holistic approach, uses genetic

information as a vital tool. “For far too long the practice of psychiatry has only utilized symptoms in the assessment of someone’s mental health. Evolving science has now given us the opportunity to assess the biological causes underlying those symptoms,” says Wiener.

“Genomind is an essential tool in this advanced process of creating a more complete picture of mental health.”

sitions in these seven crucial areas increases your self-awareness and empowers you to take steps toward better self-care.

STRESS AND ANXIETY If you are one of many who have the variant of the gene involved in stress hormone regulation (FKBP5), you may experience a heightened stress response.

a protein critical to brain cell growth and repair (BDNF) is associated with predispositions involving memory and stress response, which may affect your working memory and stress levels.

Fortunately, BDNF levels can be boosted through exercise. People with this variant are even more likely to benefit from the brain-enhancing effects of exercise than people without it. Knowing you have this predisposiKnowing that this variant may con- tion may help jump-start your exercise tribute to your stress response allows routine. you to target this biological mechanism to help regulate it. For example, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER supplements such as magnesium and/ Discovering your genetic predispoor rhodiola rosea have been shown sitions and their potential impact on to help. You can also try mindfulness your mental wellness can help you techniques like grounding exercises prevent problems before they develop, and meditation. or reduce them if they already exist.

Unlike some ancestry tests that have a spit tube for collection, you only supply a cheek swab sample for Genomind’s test. They then analyze 38 genetic variants and influences on 29 mental health traits, resulting in a report detailing 59 possible behavioral predispositions specific to your genetic profile. Genomind provides resources and recommended actions from trusted advocacy groups to help improve your wellness and quality of SLEEP AND FOCUS Or you may find you have a varilife. ant of the gene associated with excesThe Genomind Mental Health Map sive brain cell signaling (CACNA1C), identifies 7 Core Genetic Mental which can result in traits such as: Health Capabilities:  Trouble falling asleep 1. Stress and anxiety  Moodiness 2. Mood  Inattentiveness 3. Focus and memory You can target this mechanism with supplements shown to stabilize 4. Sleep it, like omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. You could also make changes 5. Eating behavior in your behavior or environment, such as reevaluating your sleep habits and 6. Social behavior schedule.

7. Habits and substance use MEMORY A variant of a gene that encodes for Exploring your genetic predispo-

“At Potomac Psychiatry, we have used genetic testing to evaluate over 2000 patients, and have found it to be a highly effective tool to provide a patient with critically important information,” says award-winning psychiatrist and author Dr. Bruce Kehr. “Understanding genetic predispositions and implementing associated epigenetic recommendations will likely result in better mental health outcomes.”

Knowledge of your genetic predispositions is a vital tool for boosting your overall mental health and well-being - especially during challenging times.

Interested? Check out the 20% off special for the Genomind Mental Health Map on Amazon.

3 HEALTH MATTERS | Shaw Media/ December 2020

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Shaw Media/ December 2020

| HEALTH MATTERS

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SENIORS

Robo dog to the rescue!

How to combat isolation and loneliness among older adults

(BPT) - Feeling a sense of connection and belonging with others is a basic human need. But unfortunately for many older adults, social isolation and loneliness are on the rise, especially because of the necessary social distancing since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

 Companion pets are beneficial to decreasing feelings of loneliness

HOW COMPANION PETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE One insight from the research was that older adults wanted interactive, two-way companionship, so the need for pets that could give love and reThe good news is, there are concrete ceive it influenced the design of these strategies that caregivers and family companion pets. members alike can take to bring more joy and a sense of play to the lives of Built-in sensors allow them to rethe older adults they care about - es- spond to touch, allowing them to react pecially for those who may be coping to their environment. The Companion with cognitive decline, dementia or Pet Cat features VibraPurr technology, Alzheimer’s. mimicking the feeling and sound of a realistic cat purr; and the Companion Many older people could benefit Pet Pup features built-in BarkBack from a focus for their affection, such technology that responds to voices as a pet, but are no longer capable of with playful puppy-like sounds. caring for one due to the often-strenuous daily responsibilities or costs associated. Whether you live near or far, providing your loved one with the gift of companionship can make all the difference in their lives.

PETS WITH PURPOSE To help alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation, Ageless Innovation created the award-winning line of Joy for All Companion Pets - life-like animatronic animals that help aging adults foster essential social connections, improve their emotional health and well-being and bring joy into their lives.

Recent research conducted by UnitedHealthcare, AARP Services, and more shows that the introduction of robotic companion pets is helping to improve the quality of life for older adults as it relates to depression, loneliness, social isolation and all forms of dementia. Nearly a dozen studies showed that the Joy for All Companion Pets had meaningful positive impact on recipients.

KEY FINDINGS OF THESE STUDIES REVEAL:  Use of robotic companion pets enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals with dementia

all help to enrich the lives of aging adults who may be feeling isolated right now.

Providing a life-like animal companion is another highly meaningful way to add joy to an older adult’s life.

“Developed with extensive input from older adults, Joy for All Companion pets look, sound and feel like real pets, but without the responsibilities of pet ownership,” said Ted Fischer, CEO and co-founder of Ageless Innovation. “Giving a Companion Pet Cat or Pet Pup can add a lot of fun and a sense of companionship to your loved one’s life.”

For the holidays this year, or in could. She could love, cuddle, nurture recognition of National Caregivers Month, look for a Companion Pet for and support her.” your loved one at JoyForAll.com and LaFleur’s Instagram posts include Amazon. lots of pictures of her smiling mother with her beloved companion pet.

THE REAL IMPACT OF COMPANION PETS Patti LaFleur (@MissPatticake on Instagram) gave a Joy for All Companion Pet Pup to her mother Linda, who suffers from dementia, to help ease her feelings of isolation when she couldn’t  Companion pets showed a signif- be there. Her mother named her new Bringing joy and a vital sense of play icant reduction in agitation and social companion pup “Popcorn.” into aging adults’ lives isolation, improving quality of life for both patients and family members “I gave Mom someone to talk with Finding ways to improve the lives of and love on and care for,” explained older adults through play and a sense  Robotic pets may be a feasible way LaFleur. “My mom was always a of connection is vital to their overall to mitigate behavioral disturbances in nurturer, but in her dementia world well-being. Using approaches ranging patients experiencing ICU delirium she wasn’t able to care for others in from games, crafts and activities to exthe same way. But with Popcorn she ploring ways to connect virtually can

5 HEALTH MATTERS | Shaw Media/ December 2020

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Shaw Media/ December 2020

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HYGIENE

Answering common questions about handwashing

Prior to 2020, people may never have imagined they would devote so much of their focus to handwashing.

But handwashing took center stage in 2020, as organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention touted it as an important safety measure against the COVID-19 virus.

It’s understandable to question if something as simple as handwashing can really help combat potentially deadly viruses like COVID-19. But the CDC notes that handwashing is one of the best ways people can protect themselves and their families from getting sick. Understanding just how handwashing works may help people better understand how this simple gesture can potentially save so many lives.

HOW DOES HANDWASHING REMOVE GERMS?

The CDC notes that soap and water worked into a lather trap and remove germs and chemicals from hands.

Water is a vital component of handwashing, especially when it’s applied to hands before soap. Water helps develop a better lather than people will get when applying soap to dry hands.

That’s important because a good lather forms pockets known as micelles that trap and remove germs from hands.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WASH HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS? Prior to the pandemic, many people likely had no idea that proper handwashing calls for washing hands for 20 seconds. So why so long? The CDC notes that studies have found that hands need to be scrubbed for 20 seconds in order to remove harmful germs. Washing for anything less than 20 seconds runs the risk of leaving germs on your hands.

SHOULD I USE ANTIBACTERIAL HAND SOAP? It might surprise some to learn that the CDC says antibacterial hand soap is not necessary for anyone outside of professional health care settings. Studies have found no added health benefit of using antibacterial soap as opposed to plain soap and water. So consumers should not fret if they can’t find any antibacterial hand soap on their next trip to the grocery store.

SHOULD I USE WARM OR COLD WATER? According to the CDC, when combined with soap, water removes the same amount of germs whether it’s warm or cold. Water’s role in handwashing is to help create a lather, and lathers can be created with hot or cold water.

WHEN SHOULD I WASH MY HANDS? Hands should be washed any time

they are visibly dirty or greasy. The CDC also recommends washing hands:  before, during and after preparing food  before eating  before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea  before and after treating a cut or wound  after using the toilet  after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet  after touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste  after handling pet food or pet treats  after touching garbage Handwashing is as effective as public health officials insist it is, which is why it should be a vital component of everyone’s daily health care routine.

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Enjoy the Holidays by Celebrating Safely!

Lower-risk activities recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include: Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID19 and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others. Currently, CDC says there is no evidence to suggest that handling or consuming food is associated with COVID-19 Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family Shopping online rather than in person Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home

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HEALTH MATTERS | Shaw Media/ December 2020

Shaw Media/ December 2020

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EXERCISE

Get on the right track January

May

September

December

Each January, many people resolve to improve their overall health in the year ahead. Such resolutions can serve as motivating factors that compel people to live longer, healthier lives.

New Year’s resolutions have proven hard to keep. While it’s difficult to pinpoint how many people are successful with their resolutions, reports indicate that success is typically elusive. A recent report from U.S. News & World Report found that 80 percent of resolutions fail by February.

One of the tricks to realizing a resolution is to continue making progress toward your goal. Finding ways to measure progress can make the difference between staying the course in the year ahead or having your resolution fall short.  Set specific goals. It’s essential that people who are hopeful that a New Year’s resolution will help them get healthier be specific when setting their goal. For example, it’s easy to determine if you’re on a path to success if you declare your intention to lose 10 lbs. rather than simply saying, “I want to lose weight.” If your goals are specific, you can set benchmarks throughout the year that help you measure the progress you’re making en route to achieving your ultimate goal. If you want to lose 10 lbs. and you’ve lost six by the end of June, that’s measurable progress toward your goal that can motivate you to keep going.  Take a friend along for the ride.

Friends also can serve as both measuring sticks and motivators en route to getting healthy. A partner who’s also striving to get healthier can make it that much easier to get to early morning or late night workouts. This person can make sure you’re up in the morning and let you know if it’s been awhile since you’ve shown the commitment necessary to achieve your goal. If your workout partner is more than halfway to his or her goal by mid-year and you’re lagging behind, you can compare routines to determine if there’s any tweaks you can make to increase your chances of being successful.  Document everything. Strava is an internet service that tracks exercise and incorporates social networking.

Strava helps millions of runners and cyclists track their workouts so they can see if they’re staying the course each day or falling short of their goals.

Such services can be highly effective at tracking progress, but people aiming to get healthier also can use a notebook to keep detailed records of workouts, caloric intake and other factors that can help them get healthy.  Visit your physician. Doctors can

be invaluable resources as people try to get healthy. Schedule a physical early in the year and ask your doctor to help you set goals. Then schedule a follow-up later in the year to see how your efforts are affecting your overall health. Few things can prove as mo-

tivational as a good report from the doctor.

Resolutions have a tendency to fall by the wayside. But with some effective metrics, people can make serious progress toward getting healthier in the year ahead. TF20C524

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INSURANCE

9 HEALTH MATTERS | Shaw Media/ December 2020

Protect your family How to get the most out of open enrollment

(BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic means as a parent, you may be juggling your new roles of part-time remote teacher, IT technician and cafeteria chef along with your normal work responsibilities. The physical, mental, and for some, financial toll of this arrangement has left many feeling exhausted and stressed.

In fact, MetLife’s recent study on mental health found that having kids at home or no access to childcare or in-person schooling is the biggest single source of stress for parents of kids under 12 (52%) after fear of contracting the virus or a friend/family member contracting the virus (66%).

Compounded by rising financial anxieties from possible financial setbacks, many parents are looking to benefits provided by their employer during open enrollment - the period of time wherein U.S. employees can make changes to their health insurance coverage and enroll in other insurance benefits - to build financial strength and help prepare for the unexpected.

open enrollment may seem overwhelming with all that’s going on now - particularly for parents with kids at home - but since changes to benefits are not available throughout the year outside of major life events, such as getting married, divorced or having a baby, it’s important to make it a priority. Fortunately, you can get started with three simple steps: 1. PICK BENEFITS BEST SUITED TO YOUR FAMILY. Even if you’re happy with the coverage you have, don’t assume you can set it and forget it. Employers often introduce new benefit offerings, and plan benefits can shift (like changes to dentists participating in the network or prescription medication coverage).

Start by evaluating what you’ve spent for healthcare over the last few years and think about any significant expenses you expect to incur in the coming year, such as the birth of a baby or braces for your teenager.

Next, read the information provided by your company to see what’s new for 2021. Some companies are now offering additional access to telemedicine or other mental health benefits.

Perhaps your family has adopted a pet during the pandemic? Many employers offer pet insurance, which can help pet parents offset costs for vet visits.

By taking the time to properly evalSetting aside time to prepare for uate the plans your company offers,

This may be why, according to MetLife’s 2020 open enrollment survey, two-thirds (66%) of parents with kids under age 12 feel that open enrollment is more important this year than last year, and almost 60% plan to spend a greater amount of time selecting their benefits.

you can save hundreds - or even more Americans simply don’t save enough.

Therefore, while retirement savings - every year. can usually be adjusted throughout the year, open enrollment is a good 2. EXPLORE NEW WAYS TO PROTECT time to reevaluate and make sure that, AGAINST UNEXPECTED, OUT-OFif your company matches employee POCKET MEDICAL EXPENSES. Many employers offer a wide array contributions to retirement accounts, of benefits - beyond medical, dental you are saving at least the minimum and vision coverage - that can close percentage to earn the match. If not, potential financial gaps and help par- you’re leaving money on the table. ents safeguard their incomes from the As enrolling in new benefits plays a unexpected. Critical illness or hospital indemnity plans help protect against direct role in your monthly expenses, unforeseen out-of-pocket costs by pro- it’s an opportune time to begin buildviding a lump sum payout if you are ing your savings. Automate your savdiagnosed with certain illnesses or ings by either having a portion of your hospitalized. Parents may also look at paycheck directly deposited into your incorporating health savings or flexi- savings account or by setting up regble spending accounts that allow you ular transfers from your checking to to use pre-tax dollars to cover expenses your savings. Automatically moving related to childcare and healthcare, as money to your savings means it will well as commuting costs, which re- be there when you need it - which can duce taxable income and earn interest. help quell parents’ financial anxieties steadily throughout the year.

Finally, legal plans provide access Employee benefits, at the most basic to a wide network of attorneys, for a limited additional charge, if any. These level, are provided to help improve professionals can help prepare critical your physical and financial well-bedocuments, such as wills and estate ing. Spending time reviewing benefit plans, which are important for new options and choices now can, in turn, parents, as well as powers of attor- help to alleviate stress later, giving parney or advance health care directives, ents - and all employees - more time which are important when a child to focus on their families. Get started now and help make sure your family turns 18 and heads off to college. is in the best possible position to have a healthy, financially secure new year.

3. MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS. Visit: metlife.com/openenrollment The pandemic and its many financial aftershocks have exposed a vul- for more information about making nerability we already knew existed: open enrollment decisions.

Shaw Media/ December 2020

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HEALTH CARE

How to give back to health care workers Millions of people across the globe donate to charities or volunteer as a means of bolstering their communities and helping the less fortunate. Such help is valuable no matter when it’s offered, but giving back in 2020 has proven to be an especially necessary endeavor.

As a global pandemic took hold during the winter of 2019-20, millions of people found themselves battling a potentially deadly virus, while millions more found themselves out of work as the economy came crashing to a halt. Health care workers have been on the front lines in the fight against the COVID-19 virus for months on end. Stressful working environments and concerns about bringing the virus home and potentially infecting their families have made the challenges of fighting the pandemic even tougher for health care workers. Supporting such workers in these uncertain times can be a great way for people to show just how much they appreciate the extraordinary efforts of doctors, nurses, EMTs, and others who continue to confront COVID-19 every day.  Keep it simple. Efforts to give back to health care workers need not be

extraordinary. Simple gestures like preparing a weeknight meal for health care workers and their families, offering to babysit on a weekend afternoon or tackle a few chores around the house can help exhausted health care workers catch their breath.  Donate more than just your time and effort. An actively engaged general public can reassure health care workers that they’re not alone in the fight against COVID-19 and other potentially deadly viruses and diseases. While blood is not used to treat COVID-19, various health organizations, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, have expressed concerns that hospitals will not have enough blood on hand to treat accident victims and sick people who need blood to survive. Social distancing measures may be keeping potential blood donors away, but the American Red Cross is urging people to continue donating blood so health care workers can meet the needs of patient care.  Support efforts to procure more funding for hospitals. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, both the American Hospital Association and the American Nurses Association have

!

D E L E D O M E R

expressed hospitals’ need for more financial support as they continue to battle the virus. By supporting such efforts and encouraging others to do the same, people looking to give back can send a message to health care workers that they’re supported and that their

voices are being heard.

Health care workers continue to confront the COVID-19 virus every day. Giving back to these valued members of the community is a great way to show just how much their efforts are appreciated. GB20B425

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11

The beauty of freshly fallen snow is undeniable. Such beauty compels millions of people across the globe to ski and snowboard each winter, while millions more enjoy simply looking out their windows at snow-covered landscapes.

If it was as convenient as it is beautiful, snow would likely be welcomed with open arms whenever the local weatherperson includes it in his or her forecast. But heavy snowfall can be inconvenient, making it difficult to travel and even creating more work for individuals responsible for shoveling their driveways and walkways.

Shoveling snow can increase a person’s risk for injury, and some may be surprised to learn just how frequently such injuries happen. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that, in 2018, more than 137,000 people needed medical assistance for injuries that happened while shoveling snow or using snowblowers.

Sprains and strains in the back and shoulders are the most common injuries when shoveling snow. But people also can suffer lacerations and injuries related to below-freezing temperatures when shoveling snow. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends people keep these safety precautions in mind when shoveling snow this winter.  Stretch before shoveling. Just like you would do before exercising in a gym, stretch prior to picking up your snow shovel. Warm up your muscles with some light exercise for 10 minutes to reduce your risk of sprains, strains and muscle tears.  Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. The AAOS notes that snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Such activities require participants to be hydrated. In addition, taking frequent breaks can help prevent injuries.  Avoid shoveling snow if you’re at risk

for heart attack. Some people should avoid shoveling snow entirely. According to the Harvard Medical School, researchers correlated hospital admissions and deaths due to heart attack the day after it snowed in Canada between 1981 and 2014. Researchers found that the deeper the snow, the more men died of heart attacks. In fact, researchers found that there was a 34 percent increase in heart attack deaths the day after an eight-inch snowfall, and those rates increased when snowfall increased. Most deaths were men, but both men and women who are at risk of heart attack should avoid shoveling snow, particularly after heavy snowfall. Adults who are unsure of their heart health should consult with their physicians prior to shoveling snow.  Use the right equipment. Ergonomic snow shovels can make shoveling less taxing, reducing your risk for sprains and strains. Spacing hands on the tool grip can increase leverage, making shoveling easier and less likely to lead to injury.  Pushing snow instead of lifting it. The AAOS recommends pushing rather than lifting snow when possible.

If snow must be lifted, squat with your legs, knees bent and back straight.

When lifting, lift with your legs and do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow at a time and walk to where you want to dump. The AAOS warns against holding shovels full of snow with arms outstretched, as doing so puts too much weight on the spine.

Snow should not be thrown over the shoulder, as such a technique requires a twisting motion that puts stress on the back. In addition, the AAOS notes that heavy wet snow should be removed in pieces and not all at once.

Anyone can get injured while shoveling snow. Such injuries are preventable when certain safety measures are taken. TF20C548

HEALTH MATTERS | Shaw Media/ December 2020

Shovel snow safely this winter

Shaw Media/ December 2020

| HEALTH MATTERS

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Even when face-to-face visits are limited, preventative HealthE-Conversations still matter.

HealthE-Visits Now Available -

Connect by video or phone!

Talking with Perry Memorial health providers has never been easier. That’s right, our team is standing by to talk with you on the phone or by video to help you manage your health from home. We’ll meet virtually now, then we’ll schedule a face-to-face later! Virtual HealthE-Visits are available for both existing and new patients. Let’s keep the conversations going. Schedule your HealthE-Visit today.

For more information call us at (815) 875-4531

Visit perrymemorial.org/healthEvisit to learn more.