August 2015 - Health Beat

Strange but True — Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a rare, but real condition, but it doesn’t involve the Mad Hatter or the Cheshire Cat.

Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a neurological condition where the sufferer has temporary episodes of a distorted perception of their own size and the size of things around them. People with this condition visualize themselves as big as giants or as small as insects. The objects around them also appear abnormally large or small. For instance, someone with AIWS will perceive a teacup either as big as a car or as small as a thimble.

This hallucination-like state typically lasts anywhere from five to 30 minutes. People with AIWS also may experience an impaired sense of space, with objects suddenly seeming very close or far away. In some cases, the sense of touch and sound may also be distorted.

The syndrome references the adventures from the famous novel by Lewis Carroll, where the title character Alice experiences strange events in Wonderland. Many believe that the Carroll himself suffered from this disease and was the inspiration for the story.
The cause of the condition is unknown, although the episodes have been closely associated with the onset of migraine headaches or epilepsy. AIWS can affect anyone, but it is most common in children and young adults. Episodes stop for most over time, but those who experience symptoms are recommended to see a doctor immediately.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Fact Friday: Why Do We Snore?

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sage Robinson

What do half of all Americans do, but very few admit to, partly because they are unaware that they are doing it? The answer is snore.

Snoring occurs when the flow of air is partially obstructed in some way while we sleep. As air flows past relaxed tissue in the throat, the resulting vibrating sound is snoring. Snoring can take place for a variety of reasons, including:

• The anatomy of your mouth – Having an elongated soft palate or uvula can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat

• Being overweight – Those who are overweight have extra, bulky throat tissue that may narrow the airways

• Obstructed nasal airways – Allergies, a nasal infection or a deviated septum can all contribute to snoring

• Alcohol consumption – Drinking alcohol before bed can relax muscles in the tongue and throat can obstruct the airways

• Sleep apnea – This is a serious condition when your throat tissues partially or completely block your airway, preventing your from breathing

Unless you have an upset spouse inform you that you are snoring, you may be unaware that you have a problem. Look out for the following symptoms if you suspect you are snoring:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sore throat
• Restless sleep
• Chest pain at night
• High blood pressure

To determine the cause of your snoring, your doctor will review your signs and symptoms, review your medical history, and perform an examination. Your doctor may request an x-ray or other imaging tests to check the structure of your airway. To determine is sleep apnea is the reason for your snoring, a sleep study to monitor brain waves, breathing and heart rate, and blood oxygen levels may also be ordered.

Lifestyle changes including losing weight, avoiding consuming alcohol before bed and changing your sleep position by either raising your head or sleeping on your side can reduce the liklihood of snoring. Other aids, such as nasal strips, form fitting mouth pieces, and short term decongestants for allergies or infections can also be helpful.

If these efforts prove unsuccessful, there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical interventions that your doctor could recommend. One of the most common therapies is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a pressurized mask that pumps air through your airways while you sleep.

What are the Benefits of Juice Cleanses?

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Juicing or juice cleanses are growing in popularity as more people are using this practice as a way to lose weight or improve their health. Juice bars are popping up everywhere as the demand for freshly-made and all-natural juices increase. There are a few advantages that can be achieved by juicing.

Some advantages of juicing include:

May be an easier way for some to obtain the daily fruits and vegetables that are essential in maintaining a healthy diet. Many people find it more convenient and less time consuming to drink fruits and vegetables instead of eating them.
May help in promoting weight loss- if it is done correctly and the body is not deprived of vital nutrients and fiber.

There also disadvantages associated with all-juice diets. Disadvantages include:

An increase in LDL cholesterol. An all-juice diet for a prolonged period of time is not recommended as studies have shown that it may increase LDL cholesterol levels. Depriving the body of whole foods that are rich in nutrients could also weaken its ability to fight infections and function properly.
Juicing can prove dangerous for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. High levels of fructose, which is the sugar found in fruits can elevate blood sugar levels. Excessive juicing can cause high levels of potassium and minerals to build up in the blood- this can become hazardous if one has kidney disease.
Juicing may not be the healthiest or most effective way to lose weight as your body may think it is starving and lower its metabolic rate. If your body is being deprived of the daily recommended caloric intake it could begin to burn muscle tissue instead of fat to provide energy, causing the loss of muscle mass.

If you choose to juice, consult your physician, especially if you have chronic health conditions and juice in moderation. Juicing can be beneficial if it is done properly and is supplemented with nutrient-rich whole foods. It is recommended that a glass of juice can be used to substitute one meal for example breakfast or lunch for the day. Most healthcare practitioners caution that juicing should not surpass the duration of a few days.

The 10 Best Reasons to Breastfeed

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sage Robinson

You may have heard it before, but the message is clear- Breastfeeding is beneficial for both baby and mother. If you are still undecided, here are JHMC’s top 10 reasons for choosing breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn baby:

It provides nutrients and protection. The first milk, called colostrum, is the perfect first food for babies. Your breast milk’s antibodies help protect baby from the cold and flu and boost his ability to fight off more serious illnesses such as certain cancers like leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease.
It’s always ready & the right temperature. No need to decipher whether your milk is too hot or cold, simply place baby to breast for her feeding.
Creates a greater bond between mother and infant. The skin-to-skin contact you both receive from breastfeeding creates a greater bond since breastfeeding releases the “bonding hormone” oxytocin. The same hormone that’s released when you hug or kiss a loved one.
Provides protection for Mom as well. According to the National Cancer Institute, breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Financially beneficial on the family budget. According to La Leche League International, the cost of formula can range anywhere from $134 to $491 per month. That’s $1,608 to $5,892 in one year! Breastfeeding costs nothing because you are producing milk. If you choose to express your milk, many insurance plans will cover double electric breast pumps.
Breastfed babies are smarter. Various researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development. Studies concluded from IQ scores and other intelligence tests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding significantly improves cognitive development.
Helps Mom’s back to their pre-baby shape. With a healthy diet, mom receives the benefits of breastfeeding by burning an average of 500 calories a day, which can help shed those post baby pounds faster than just diet alone.
Lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends breastfeeding for as long as possible to reduce the risk of SIDS. AGerman study published in 2009 found that breastfeeding – either exclusively or partially – is associated with a lower risk of SIDS. The researchers concluded that exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month of age cut the risk of SIDS in half.
Helps with a natural method of birth control. According to the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control offering a 98% protection in the first six months after birth.
Creates confidence in mothers.
Nursing mothers have reported increased self-confidence and a closer connection to their babies.

The History of Contact Lenses

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

It’s Contact Lens Health Week. Do you know the history behind the contact lens?

Contact lenses are so common today that people don’t give them a second thought, but did you know that the concept for contact lenses goes all the way back to Leonardo DaVinci who described them back in 1508? Experiments over the next centuries yielded little success until the late 1800s when German scientists devised a prototype made from a thin piece of glass.

In the early 1900s, it became possible to make a mold of the entire eye and this helped to make lenses fit better. Plastics were developed in the 1950s that allowed the lens to be made thinner and with an even better fit. By 1960, Bausch and Lomb developed a technique to cast hydrogel, a plastic material that could be molded and shaped when wet, allowing for the production of high quality, mass produced lenses. Today’s lenses are much more comfortable than the lenses made even 20 years ago. They can be worn for long periods of time and they let the eye to breathe which earlier versions couldn’t allow for.

Learn how to protect your eyes and care for your contact lenses at CDC.org.

Car Accidents Still A Leading Cause of Death in Children

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Despite growing public service advertising campaigns and state enforced child restraint laws, information collected from agencies such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports the notion that parents still need to do more to protect their children while driving. According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are still a leading cause of death and injury among children in the United States.

Further investigation has shown that one in every three children involved in a fatal car accident was not buckled up or incorrectly restrained. Many of these deaths could have been prevented with the proper use of car safety restraints such as car seats, booster seats or seat belts.

It is estimated that proper usage of car seats reduces the risk of death for babies by 54%. In children between the ages of four to eight years old the use of booster seats decreases the risk of premature death by 45%. In older children the proper use of seat belts reduces fatalities by approximately 50%.

Safety precautions vary with children’s ages. Parents need to practice and enforce appropriate seat belt, car and booster seat use. By following these tips they can reduce the risk of injuries if involved in a car accident.

Children under the age of one: Children should always be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Ages one to three: Your child should continue using a rear-facing car seat until they outgrow the recommended height requirement suggested by the car seat manufacturer.
Ages four to seven: If your child has outgrown the recommended height requirement for a rear-facing car seat, they can graduate to a forward-facing car seat that is secured with a harness and seat belt.
Ages seven to twelve: Once your child has outgrown the car seat it’s time to use a booster seat. Continue to use the booster seat until they fit properly in a seatbelt. To ensure that the seat belt is a proper fit, make certain that the shoulder belt lies snugly across the shoulder and chest and the lap belt lies across the upper thighs.

With more traffic on the road this holiday weekend, take extra precautions if you’re travelling by car. To learn more about child car safety please use resources provided by organizations such as the NHTSA (www.nhtsa.gov), the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ www.healthychildren.org.

Tips for College Health and Safety

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Starting freshman year of college is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life. In addition to an increased study schedule, new environments, routines and friends can be very overwhelming.

Here are a few tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help keep your kids on the right track their freshman year:

. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – Follow a healthy eating and exercise plan. Limiting soda and caffeine intake, as well as increasing exercise like walking across campus instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and working out with a friend will help combat the dreaded “Freshman Fifteen.” Many colleges also offer a wide variety of sports and classes from crewing to modern dance.

. Manage Stress — Getting enough sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol, making friends and taking personal time are all important ways to avoid stress. If your child is feeling depressed or experiencing distress, encourage them to seek help from a medical professional. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among persons aged 15 to 24 years. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

. Safety First — Sexually transmitted infections are preventable. Half of all new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur among young people under the age of 25. College students who are sexually active should get tested for STDs and HIV to know their status and to protect themselves and their sexual partners.

. Be Aware — One in five women have been sexually assaulted while in college. Students should know their rights, and seek help immediately if they or someone they know is the victim of violence.

. Drink Responsibly – Binge drinking accounts for 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth. Binge drinking is defined as having four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men over a short period of time. Binge drinking increases the chances for risky sexual behavior, unintended pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and alcohol poisoning.

. Just Say No — Substance abuse and smoking are problems among young people. In 2013, around 21% of those aged 18 to 25 years reported use of illicit drugs in the past month. Among cigarette smokers, 99% first tried smoking by the age of 26. Call 1-800-662-HELP to get help for substance abuse problems.

An open line of communication is the best way to keep your child happy, healthy and thriving while in school. Let them know you support them no matter what!

When Should You Throw Out Makeup?

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Beauty products can be expensive! A recent study estimates that the average woman spends approximately $15,000 on beauty products during her lifetime, $3,770 towards mascara alone. So when it comes time to throw out your makeup, many women might be hesitant to toss that blush, especially if it’s a color or product that’s hard to find or has been discontinued. The reality is, even if you take really good care of your makeup, clean your brushes, and avoid cross contamination, your makeup is a hotbed of bacteria.

Here are a few tips on what you should discard and when:

Blush – 2 years

Eyeshadow – 2 years

Eyeliner – 1 year

Liquid foundation – 2 years

Moisturizer – 2 years

Powder – 2 year

Lipstick – 1 year

Lipliner – 1 year

Brow pencil – 1 year

Concealer – 2 years

Cleanser – 1 year

Mascara – 6 months

One last bit of advice — Wash your brushes every few weeks, letting them air dry standing straight up. Also, immediately discard any makeup that’s broken or missing a lid.

It’s National Cherry Turnover Day!

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

In honor of National Cherry Turnover Day try these quick and easy cherry turnovers courtesy of Taste of Home.

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

MAKES: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 8 oz tube of refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup cherry pie filling
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Unroll crescent dough and separate into four rectangles; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Press perforations to seal. Place 1/4 cup pie filling on one half of each rectangle. Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Place confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl; stir in enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over turnovers. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts

1 turnover equals 359 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 459 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.

Myth: Does Stress Make Your Hair Fall Out?

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Truth: Being stressed can make your hair fall out

Severe stress can take a toll on your hair. All hair follicles normally undergo periodic “rest” periods; sudden stress can cause them to enter this resting phase prematurely, making the hair fall out in the three months following the stressful event. Normally hair growth restores naturally, but it’s important to deal with stress and seek medical advice to rule out any underlying illness, hormonal imbalance, or drug side effects.