Category Archives: Healthy Living

June is alzheimers and brain awareness month. An opportunity to talk about the disease and dementia.

According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimers, dementia is a group of symptoms that make it hard to remember, think clearly, make decisions or even control your emotions.

While alzheimers is a neurological brain disorder causing problems with memory, the Alzheimers Association says its never too early or too late to incorporate healthy habits for your brain.

Since everyone with a brain is at risk for these issues, the group has 10 ways to love your brain.

One of which is to incorporate a go purple diet.

Purple is the color of the alzheimers association and the purple foods they list include blueberries, blackberries and plums which have antioxidants and omega 3s which may improve brain health and function.

Another way follow your heart. Know and understand your risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke from conditions like diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Knowing these things can help you take care of your brain by taking care of your heart.

For a list of the other eight ways to love your brain, click here.For more facts and figures from the alzheimers association, click here.

Continued here:
Healthy Living: Alzheimers & brain awareness month - ABC27

For a little over a month, the Lawrence County Health Department has been working to administer the COVID-19 to teenagers in the county.

We started as soon as they opened up, Angela Doyle, director of nursing for the department, said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said, during the first week of May, that eligibility to receive the vaccine was open to those ages 12 and older.

The governors decision follows that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, who have approved vaccination for teens as well.

Vaccinations for COVID-19 began in December 2020, beginning with health workers and those 80 and older, then eligibility was gradually lowered in following months as more vaccines became available.

Doyle spoke at a vaccination clinic that was set up at Ironton Middle School on June 11. A similar event had taken place for Symmes Valley Schools the preceding day.

Doyle said the department has been visiting all school districts in the county and that they were now on their second round of visits.

The health department also hosted a special clinic for high school students in early May at the South Point Board of Education offices, the site of their weekly vaccine clinics. That event was timed so that students could receive both doses of a vaccine before prom and graduation events.

Doyle said attendance for the events has varied and that there is a possibility that the state may open up the vaccine to those under 12.

There are studies and they are hoping to push that through sooner, rather than later, she said, adding that the department is keeping watch on all updates.

Three vaccines, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson, are available for the general population, but Doyle said only the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses, is allowed for those under 18.

Doyle said the department will continue to offer vaccines to youth in the county, with follow-up events, as well as their weekly clinic on Wednesdays at the South Point location.

More information can be found on the health departments Facebook page or by calling 740-532-3962.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has also urged that children 12 and older get the Pfizer vaccine and agreed that it is fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.

Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19, but they do sometimes die, and thousands have been hospitalized. By last month, those ages 12 to 17 were making up slightly more of the nations new coronavirus infections than adults over 65, a group thats now largely vaccinated.

Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up. The Associated Press contributed to this story

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HEALTHY LIVING: Health department working to vaccinate county's teens - The Tribune | The Tribune - Ironton Tribune

Donna Handley, President, Backus Hospital| For The Bulletin

On March 7, a butcher, husband and father suffered a severe laceration to a major artery while cutting meat at Salem Prime Cuts.

As The Day published recently, this was no routine injury. He severed his common femoral vein and was bleeding to death. They call this kind of injury a widow-maker. Thankfully, our team made sure it didnt live up to its name. In the span of 24 hours, at least four people were credited with saving the life of 28-year-old Adam Ritchotte of Baltic.

Dr. Kyle McClaine, EMS Medical Director for Backus Hospital, explained to the media that Adams amazing story allows us to raise community awareness of Stop the Bleed, our EMS training, our hospital system, and the power of our healthcare system.

I couldnt agree more. An injury such as Adams can lead to death in three minutes. But in 2017, Hartford HealthCare launched a statewide program to educate EMS personnel on wound packing and pressure dressing techniques. Those methods and the talents of our trained colleagues were key to Adams survival.

So were the skilled hands of Backus Trauma Surgeon David Coletti, MD, who was credited as the third person to save Adams life (the first was Adams friend and co-worker who applied direct pressure to the wound, the second an EMS worker). Dr. Coletti was able to stop the bleeding and stabilize Adam so that he could be transported by LIFE STAR to Hartford Hospital, where Backus and Hartford Hospital vascular surgeon Edward Griffin, MD, performed an extremely risky surgery that can only be done at a tertiary care center. That saved Adams life for the fourth time in 24 hours.

Adam is now home and continuing to improve.

This very complicated case showcases how we provide care for a patient from start to finish. The technique Dr. Gifford used to repair Adams vein meant the patient wouldnt need a prosthetic. While he did the vein repair, Hartford Hospital trauma surgeons worked to successfully save Adams leg and they were able to avoid needing skin grafts for his leg, as well. After Adam went home, he was cared for by HHC at Home nurses. Thats coordinated care.

I am so proud to share and tell this story. Because this is tale story of teamwork about how a community hospital, its skilled physicians, EMS partners, LIFE STAR and our tertiary care facility worked together against all odds. I marvel at the communication and coordination it took to save Adams life, and I want to thank everyone involved, including our Emergency Medical Services partners if it werent for our first responders, Adam might never have made it to the hospital.

Originally posted here:
Healthy living: It takes a village, and a whole lot of coordination, to save a life - Norwich Bulletin

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, know that youre not alone. The road ahead will consist of good days and bad days, but an emphasis on living a healthier lifestyle can help prepare you to live well and focus your energies on what is most important to you.

Living a healthy life with Alzheimer's disease involves examining the influences that impact your experience living with dementia. The health benefits associated with maintaining your physical, emotional, social and spiritual health may help improve your daily life.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet can help you live well with your diagnosis for as long as possible. Research suggests that mild-to-moderate physical activity may help delay or slow a decline in thinking skills, reduce stress, possibly help improve symptoms of depression, and may even reduce risk of falls. Some evidence also suggests that exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow. Even stronger evidence suggests exercise may protect brain health through its proven benefits to the cardiovascular system. Just besure to check with your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

A balanced diet has not been proven as an effective treatment to address symptoms of Alzheimer's, but the best current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, also may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.

Coming to terms with a serious diagnosis like Alzheimer's disease involves embracing changes in your emotional state, so allow yourself to experience a range of emotions. One of the most important things you can do is talk about your feelings with someone you trust such as your spouse, partner, a close friend, pastor or counselor. Sometimes a different perspective can be helpful as you learn to adjust to living with the disease and cope with difficult feelings.

While there is no conclusive evidence that brain exercises can slow or reverse cognitive decline, learning new information, taking a class, or challenging yourself to try a new hobby or activity may help increase your brain activity. Some types of mental exercises may have the added benefit of connecting you with others socially, which also may improve your mental health.

Strong relationships and an active social network can have an impact on your health. Building a support network with others who are living in the early stage can help normalize what you're experiencing, reduce the impact of stigma and improve your quality of life.

At first, you may be hesitant to engage in social activities for fear of making a mistake or having difficulty with communication. Consider pursuing activities that you enjoy or that satisfy you so much, that you can move past your hesitation. You can also find early-stage social engagement programs near you.

Enhancing your spiritual life can help you cope with challenging feelings, find meaning in your diagnosis and live your life more deeply. Some people find their spiritual core through church or connections with their spiritual community, or through being in nature. Others find the essence of self through solitary activities that calm the mind, like meditation, yoga or prayer. Still others find it through the love of family and friends, by engaging or just being with those who provide understanding and acceptance.

By educating yourself about the disease, developing effective coping strategies and planning for the future, you can create a solid foundation from which to cope with the new challenges and changes that lie ahead. And importantly, these healthy behaviors are also critical for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other dementia. As a caregiver, it is important to practice your own self-care and to ensure you also have a support network for your own well-being.

Resources, support and information are always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at alz.org/delval, or through the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Alzheimer's Association is committed to accelerating the global progress of new treatments, preventions and, ultimately, a cure.

Link:
Tips for living a healthy life with Alzheimer's - PhillyVoice.com

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. It's one of the largest expansions Compass Community Center has witnessed in over 30 years. On Friday, the center partnered with CAN Community Health to provide on-site doctors and other immediate services to people who test positive for HIV.

Thirty years ago, Compass gave Velvet Lenore Smith, Miss Palm Beach Pride 2016 the resources to be empowered, advocating and living her best life.

It doesnt matter who you are. We all are living the same way we all are trying to do the same thing. we all want to be loved and respected, Smith said. Im living my life because of Compass.

The mission has stayed the same but services and programming have expanded. On June 25, the center partnered with CAN Community Health, full-service nonprofit clinics that offer medical, dental, psychological, and lifestyle counseling to HIV patients, regardless of their financial situation, insurance status, or ability to pay.

The same day if theyre tested and they test positive theyre going to see a doctor, theyre going to receive treatment and theyre going to walk out of our clinic with medication, said Patrice Gray, CAN Community Health practice administrator.

Gray gave WPTV a tour. She calls offering on-the-spot care proactive.

Once they walk through the door theyre going to walk out completely taken care of. Theres no reason that we need to send them anywhere else to any other agency. This is their one-stop-shop for their healthy living, Gray said.

It also encourages testing and promotes healthy outcomes.

Through PrEP services, through prevention and education were trying to bring those numbers down, said Gabrielle Brito, RN, CAN Community Health, registered nurse team lead. CAN provides a whole range of opportunities for people to seek services without feeling judged.

Compass said this partnership was three years in the making and while the look of the center has changed, the centers goal hasnt.

Its really taking Compass back to its roots because you cant talk about the LGBTQ community without recognizing the history, the trauma, and the past with HIV and AIDS," said Julie Seavers, Compass CEO and executive director.

Testing just like a persons results is confidential. To learn more about CAN Community Health, click here.

To learn more about services and programming at Compass Community Center, click here.

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Compass partners with CAN Community Health providing immediate on-site care and services - WPTV.com

91-year-old Nedra Dean is a living example of the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle

Longevity and lifestyle are often considered to be closely connected, and 91-year-old Nedra Dean, of Prineville, is a testament to that hypothesis.

Nedra came to Prineville in 1996. She and her husband were living in New Mexico, as he was retired from the Shell Corporation. With declining health, the Deans made the decision to move to Prineville, where their son, Jim Dean, was living.

"At the time, he was working for the fire department," said Nedra. "Finally, he said to me, 'Mom, you guys better move here because you are going to need me,' which was very true."

They moved to a newer neighborhood in Prineville, and only four years later, her husband passed away.

"I am so thankful that my son was here," she added.

Nedra's daughter lives in Eugene, and both of her kids were there for her at that crucial time. She came to love the community and her neighborhood. Her friends are in her churchthe Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"I like Prineville. It's like New Mexico in an awful lot of ways. People are people wherever you go," she emphasized.

She went on to say that if she needs anything, she can count on any of the members of her church to come and helpall she needs to do is make a phone call. Some of her close friends, Yolanda and Ron Jahn, are especially important to her.

"I think it's just the feeling of knowingthe knowledgethat if I had to have really drastic help, I know who to call," Nedra said.

"Being friends with Nedra for over 20 years is like sitting at Mother's feet, listening spellbound to amazing stories of her childhood and her life as a young adult, as a mother, as a grandmother, and as a Christian," commented Yolanda Jahn of their friendship.

"Nedra was only 8 years old when she felt God tugging at her heartstrings with the need to know Him, have a relationship with Him, and learn spiritual truth from His written word, the Bible. As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, Nedra has blessed the lives of her family and friends both in the church and in the community with her steadfast love and care, her wise and spiritual counsel, and her faithfulness to God," Yolanda went on to say.

"Through the years, Nedra has served her Lord in many capacities in the church and in the community. My husband, Ron, and I will forever be grateful for her unwavering support, love and care, and her enduring friendship," she concluded.

Nedra was an only child, and when she was orphaned as a young child, she was raised by her grandparents.

"I know what it's like to be alone, and I am probably trained to that type of livingI would probably go crazy if I had eight or nine brothers or sisters right now. I am so adapted to living alone," she said of her living arrangements.

Nedra has a very healthy lifestyle, and she has been a vegetarian since her daughter was in high school. She began cooking the vegetarian diet at that time. She also gets many products for her diet from the Jahns, and she feels that diet is extremely important to a healthy lifestyle.

"That is my life is my church, my Lord and my family," she said of her priorities, and the fact that she has very little living family apart from her children and grandchildren.

When asked about advice she would pass on to younger people today, she emphasized the importance of having a healthy social life.

"Be careful of your social life," she added. "You really need to teach your kids to form their life when they are little."

In November 2005, National Geographic Magazine published a cover story, "The Secrets of a Long Life. Five Blue Zones." The people inhabiting Blue Zones shared common lifestyle characteristics that contributed to their longevity. The evidence collected demonstrated why these populations lived a healthier and longer life than other populations. It included the populations who lived in the Blue Zones, including Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece; and Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California.

Jim Dean, Nedra's son, indicated that his mother had benefitted greatly from her lifestyle as a Seventh-day Adventist. He noted that she had been a vegetarian her entire life.

"I am not a vegetarian, but there must be something to it, because she is 90 years old and doing pretty good."

He emphasized that many folks who lived in the Blue Zone were vegetarians. Although they did not live in that specific area growing up, his sister attended a university in Loma Linda.

"I have very wonderful two kids," concluded Nedra.

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Nedra Dean pauses for a photo at her residence of 24 years in Prineville.

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Living the Blue Zone - a living testament to a healthy lifestyle - Pamplin Media Group