World No-Tobacco Day – 2013

By Terry Orr

(Former smoker of 20+ years)

America and most of the world has known for more than 50 years that smoking is hazard to our health and subsequently the dangers of second-hand smoke – yet it is still legal to smoke despite the dangers – not only to the individual smoker – but those folks near them being attacked by second hand smoke. The cost associated with smoking-related health in America exceeds $150 Billion Dollars – and I believe this figure is probably grossly understated. Between 5.4 and 6 million people die each year due to smoking-related health issues.

Just the Facts (Source: CDC):

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body.  Smoking causes many diseases and reduces the health of smokers in general.

Smoking and Death

Smoking causes death.

The adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths, or nearly one of every five deaths, each year in the United States.

More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined.

Smoking causes an estimated 90% of all lung cancer deaths in men and 80% of all lung cancer deaths in women.

An estimated 90% of all deaths from chronic obstructive lung disease are caused by smoking.

Smoking and Increased Health Risks

Compared with nonsmokers, smoking is estimated to increase the risk of:

Coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times;

Stroke by 2 to 4 times;

Men developing lung cancer by 23 times;

Women developing lung cancer by 13 times; and

Dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema) by 12 to 13 times.

Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease

Smoking causes coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Cigarette smoking causes reduced circulation by narrowing the blood vessels (arteries) and puts smokers at risk of developing peripheral vascular disease (i.e., obstruction of the large arteries in the arms and legs that can cause a range of problems from pain to tissue loss or gangrene).

Smoking causes abdominal aortic aneurysm (i.e., a swelling or weakening of the main artery of the body—the aorta—where it runs through the abdomen).

Smoking and Respiratory Disease

Smoking causes lung cancer.

Smoking causes lung diseases (e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, chronic airway obstruction) by damaging the airways and alveoli (i.e., small air sacs) of the lungs.

Smoking and Cancer

Smoking causes the following cancers:

Acute myeloid leukemia

Bladder cancer

Cancer of the cervix

Cancer of the esophagus

Kidney cancer

Cancer of the larynx (voice box)

Lung cancer

Cancer of the oral cavity (mouth)

Pancreatic cancer

Cancer of the pharynx (throat)

Stomach cancer

Smoking and Other Health Effects

 Smoking has many adverse reproductive and early childhood effects, including increased risk for:

Infertility,

Preterm delivery,

Stillbirth,

Low birth weight, and

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Smoking is associated with the following adverse health effects:

Postmenopausal women who smoke have lower bone density than women who never smoked.

Women who smoke have an increased risk for hip fracture than women who never smoked.

Conclusions

The World Health Organization, Cancer Organizations, and many others continue to implement and encourage countries and individuals to quit smoking. Quitting is NOT EASY – but with your personal support team – including your healthcare provider and family – it is doable! So please – start today – thank you.

Worldwide - 6 million people die each year from tobacco and 600,00 die from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

By Nurse Diane

According to the CDC, the 19th was the second annual hepatitis-testing day.  Since that day fell on Sunday, I’m sure you can get tested today, or any day!  They just promoted the 19th as a way to increase awareness and to encourage people, especially those in heath care, to be tested.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are 3 main types of Hepatitis, A, which is airborne, B, which is blood borne, and C (formally known as Non A-Non B) There are a few more less common types, D E F and G.

Signs and Symptoms:

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Mild fever

Muscle or joint aches

Nausea and vomiting

Many cases of hepatitis go undiagnosed because the disease is mistaken for the flu or because there are no symptoms at all.

Hepatitis A virus is found in the stool (feces) of a person who has hepatitis A. The virus is spread most commonly when people put food or objects contaminated with stool containing HAV into their mouths. Large numbers of people get the virus after drinking contaminated water. It can also be spread by someone preparing food without washing their hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.

Treatment:

Hepatitis A usually goes away on it's own. Be sure to eat right, avoid dehydration and always wash your hands before eating or preparing food.

Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. You may get it by having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing injection needles, getting tatoos with infected needles or sharing razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.

Treatment:

Acute Hepatitis B usually goes away on it's own, Chronic Hepatitis B needs to be monitored by your doctor to determine if there is any liver damage. Prevention is the key. There is a series of vaccinations that are available to prevent contracting Hepatitis. All adults at risk as well as children should be vaccinated. It is normal protocol for nursing students to become vaccinated and I am sure the same is true for anyone in the health care field.

Hepatitis C virus is caused by coming in contact with an infected person's blood. It can lead to permanent liver damage, cirrhosis, cancer of the liver or liver failure. Most people do not know they have Hepatitis C until there is already some liver damage. Some people have had it for as long as 15 years without ever knowing. The way it is diagnosed is by blood tests.

Treatment:

May be treated with antivirals.

The main thing to remember is to keep yourself safe. Get vaccinated, wash your hands and protect yourself if you are around blood and body fluids.

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/

Crohn's and Colitis Awareness

By Nurse Diane

What do a past president; beauty pageant winner, actress and professional wrestler have in common?  Dwight D. Eisenhower, Mary Ann Mobley, Shannon Dougherty and George "The Animal" Steele all have Chromes and Colitis, along with 1.4 million other Americans.

Crohn's Disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon.  Crohn's and ulcerative colitis are the two main disease categories that belong to a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because the symptoms of these two illnesses are so similar, it is sometimes difficult to establish the diagnosis definitively.

Crohn's disease may occur at any age. It usually occurs in people between ages 15 - 35.

You are more likely to get this disease if you:

• Have a family history of Crohn's disease
• Are Jewish
• Smoke
• The main symptoms of Crohn's disease are:
• Crampy abdominal pain
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Pain with passing stool
• Persistent, watery diarrhea
• Weight loss

Certain types of foods can make diarrhea and gas worse. To help ease symptoms, try:

• Eating small amounts of food throughout the day.
• Drinking lots of water (drink small amounts often throughout the day).
• Avoiding high-fiber foods (bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and popcorn).
• Avoiding fatty, greasy or fried foods and sauces (butter, margarine, and heavy cream).
• Limiting dairy products if you have problems digesting dairy fats. Try low-lactose cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, and an enzyme product, such as Lactaid, to help break down lactose.
• Avoiding foods that you know cause gas, such as beans.
• Ask your doctor about extra vitamins and minerals you may need:
• Iron supplements (if you are anemic)
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements 

The Cause of Crohn's is unknown, and there is no cure.  There are periods of inactivity as well as flare-ups.  Certian medications such as Metamucil or Citrucel may ease the symptoms, and surgery to remove part of the diseased colon may help, but won't cure the disease.

Ulcerative colitis differs from another inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease. Crohn's can affect any area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the small intestine and colon. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, affects only the colon. The inflammation involves the entire rectum and extends up the colon in a continuous manner. There are no areas of normal intestine between the areas of diseased intestine. In contrast, such so-called "skip" areas may occur in Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall.

Today is National Crohn's and Colitis Day to learn how you can help to find a cure, click on this site:  http://www.ccfa.org/donate/?LMI=6

Asthma Awareness

By Nurse Diane

A few years ago, a friend of mine, my doctor, had an asthma attack.  It was so severe that he was flown to Jackson to the hospital and put in ICU.  He did not survive this attack.  He was a young man, in his 40's, a well-known physician, married to a nurse.

According to worldasthmaday.org, World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 300 million people suffer from asthma and it’s the most common chronic disease among children. WHO also notes that asthma affects people in all countries around the world regardless of development although most deaths occur in lower income countries.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the air passages (or bronchial) that lead to and from the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Usually there is inflammation, which results in a temporary narrowing of the passages that carry oxygen to the lungs.

Symptoms vary from person to person and in intensity, but generally include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure. Asthma sufferers often have recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. Symptoms may occur several times a day or week and may become worse during physical activity or during the night.

During an attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing airways to become narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs. These attacks can cause sleeplessness, fatigue, reduced activity and absenteeism from work or school.

The basic causes of asthma are not completely understood, but risk factors for developing the disease include a genetic predisposition along with exposure to particles and substances that irritate the air passages and cause allergic reactions. Some irritants include dust in furnishings, pets, tobacco smoke, chemicals and air pollution.

Other causes include physical exercise, medications (aspirin and beta blockers), cold air and even emotional reactions such as stress, anger and fear.

Today is World Asthma Day.  World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma with a goal to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.  For ways you can help get the news out about asthma, visit this site: http://worldasthmaday.org/support/

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

By Nurse Diane

From 1923 until 1939 the first baseman for the New York Yankees was a man named Lou Gehrig.  He played for 17 seasons setting several major league records.  He still holds the record for grand slam hits, which was recently tied in 2012 by Alex Rodriguez.  During spring training in 1939, while practicing in the field, Lou collapsed.  He was taken to the hospital, and after many tests he was diagnosed with ALS.

ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed, according to alsa.org.

ALS was first described in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn't until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.

This month is ALS Awareness Month, alsa.org offers several ways in which you can help with the fight against ALS, and make others aware.  Click on this site for more information:  http://web.alsa.org/site/PageNavigator/AAM_calendar.html

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

By Terry Orr

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body.

TB spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks. If you have been exposed, you should go to your doctor for tests. You are more likely to get TB if you have a weak immune system.

Symptoms of TB in the lungs may include:

• A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Weakness or fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats

Skin tests, blood tests, x-rays, and other tests can tell if you have TB. If not treated properly, TB can be deadly. You can usually cure active TB by taking several medicines for a long period of time.

References and Links:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tuberculosis.html 

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Tuberculosis.aspx 

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372 

http://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-tuberculosis-basics 

(All images from Google) 

Prostate Cancer Month

By Terry Orr

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men (after skin cancer), but it can often be treated successfully. More than 2 million men in the US count themselves as prostate cancer survivors. [Source: American Cancer Society] 

Baby Boomers and Generation X men should all be leaning more about their own personal health, especially those disease that impact the male population beyond our fifties. Prostate Cancer heads the list of those we need to be tested for either yearly or every other year.

From the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) provides a handy and and very informative booklet - “What You Need To Know About Prostate Cancer.” There are other excellent online resources available.  I personally recommend reading them and write a list of question your might have to discus with your primary healthcare provider.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Stage I.  The cancer is only in the prostate. It might be too small to feel during a digital rectal exam. If the Gleason score and PSA level are known, the Gleason score is 6 or less, and the PSA level is under 10.

Stage II.  The tumor is more advanced or a higher grade than Stage I, but the tumor doesn’t extend beyond the prostate.

Stage III.  The tumor extends beyond the prostate. The tumor may have invaded a seminal vesicle, but cancer cells haven’t spread to lymph nodes. See the picture of a seminal vesicle.

Stage IV.  The tumor may have invaded the bladder, rectum, or nearby structures (beyond the seminal vesicles). It may have spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other parts of the body.

10 Best Foods For Prostate Health by Prostate.NET are:

1. Brazil Nuts. Of all the different types of nuts, these natives of South America are an especially rich source of the mineral selenium, which is important for prostate health. In fact, just one ounce of Brazil nuts can contain as much as ten times the RDA for selenium. Research has shown that selenium intake is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
2. Broccoli is a source of some very critical nutritional benefits that are not listed on a nutrition label. As a member of the cruciferous family, which is also populated by cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale, and many other vegetables, broccoli contains high amounts of the phytonutrients sulforaphane and the indoles, both of which have anticancer properties.
3. The hot and spicy cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), also known as chili peppers, is the source of this prostate-supportive spice. Cayenne peppers get their heat from a high concentration of a substance called capsaicin. While capsaicin is widely known for its ability to reduce pain, studies have also shown that it can help kill cancer cells, including prostate cancer cells.
4. Green Tea. The medicinal powers of green tea are attributed to antioxidant compounds called catechins, a type of polyphenol that has been shown to destroy certain bacteria and viruses, boost the immune system, and fight several forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. Although there are several different kinds of catechins, experts have identified epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, as the most potent.
5. Mushrooms, and especially Asian varieties, offer great health benefits, including their ability to help fight cancer. One Asian mushroom that has a long history—more than 6,000 years—of proving its medicinal powers is the shiitake. These mushrooms contain lentinan, a type of beta-glucan, which has demonstrated anticancer properties. A 2009 study, for example, showed that shiitake mushrooms suppressed tumor spread in mice implanted with human colon and breast cancer cells. In an earlier study, lentinan inhibited development of human colon cancer in mice. Thus far, no studies have looked specifically at the impact of shiitake mushrooms on prostate cancer.
6. Pomegranates have recently been the subject of much research and discussion as scientists have been discovering more and more benefits of eating these unusual fruits. In particular, pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and a phytonutrient called ellagitannin, which is especially helpful in promoting prostate health. Test tube studies show that pomegranate extracts can slow the reproduction of prostate cancer cells and prompt the cells to commit suicide.
7. Pumpkin seeds offer some unique health benefits for the prostate, especially for men who have benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This condition, which involves enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly affects men 50 years and older. One thing that contributes to BPH is overstimulation of the prostate cells by testosterone and another hormone, dihydrotestosterone. The oil in pumpkin seeds can help prevent the hormones from triggering multiplication of prostate cells.
8. Salmon.  Omega-3 fatty acids are an important nutrient for supporting prostate health, and a delicious, nutritious way to get these omega-3s is with salmon. The meaty texture and light taste of salmon is often enough to convince even people who are not fond of fish to enjoy this fish on occasion. The flesh of salmon varies in color from red to pink and orange, and some varieties of salmon have greater amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than others.
9. Tomatoes are a popular food as well as a superior source of lycopene, a phytonutrient, or more specifically a carotenoid, one of a group of yellow, orange, and red pigments found in plants. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that has proven itself in study after study to have properties that enhance prostate health.
10. Turmeric is a perennial plant whose roots are ground into this popular spice. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which gives the spice its bitter, peppery taste.

Please take action to get informed of the latest information regarding Prostate Cancer, get tested and talk about it with your doctor.  Thanks,

References and Links:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001418/ 

http://www.prostate.net/2010/articles/lists/10-super-foods-for-prostate-health/ 

http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5699537/k.BEF4/Home.htm 

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/48679807/ns/health-mens_health/ 

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate 

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/overviewguide/prostate-cancer-overview-diagnosed 

(All images from Google) 

Kidney Awareness Day

By Nurse Diane

World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. The campaign is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March in more than 100 countries on 6 continents.

The purpose for this day is: 

• Raise awareness about our "amazing kidneys"Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
• Encourage systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD.
• Encourage preventive behaviors.
• Educate all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of CKD, particularly in high risk populations.
• Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in further kidney screening.
• Encourage Transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure, and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.   

If detected early, Chronic Kidney Diseases can be treated--thereby reducing other complications and dramatically reduce the growing burden of deaths and disability from chronic renal and cardiovascular disease worldwide.  The prevalence of CKD is increasing dramatically and the cost of treating it poses an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. 8 to 10% of the adult population have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to their kidney disease.

To reduce your risk of kidney disease, here are some tips to follow:

• Remain fit and active.
• Keep control of your blood sugar level
• Monitor your blood pressure
• Eat healthy and keep your weight in check
• Maintain a healthy fluid intake
• Don't smoke
• Don't take over the counter pills regularly

If you:

• have diabetes
• have hypertension
• are obese
• one of your parents or other family members suffers from kidney disease
• are of African, Asian, or Aboriginal origin have one of the following high risk factors, get your kidneys checked by your doctor today on World Kidney Day!

 (All images from Google) 

Heart Health Month

(Google Image)

By Nurse Diane

I've been doing alot of thinking about hearts lately.  Trying to design my Valentine's Day cards, deciding what kind of treats I want to fix for my family, thinking of people that I love, all these things come to my mind as Valentine's Day approaches.  I guess I am not alone when it comes to thinking about hearts this month.  That is why the American Heart Association has chosen February as Heart health Month.

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According to the CDC, Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.  In November 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services launched a program called one Million Hearts.  The goal of this program is to prevent 1 million heart attacks over the next 5 years.  They are trying to raise awareness by promoting healthy food choices, encouraging exercises, teaching preventative measures such as stop smoking, and getting regular checkups and following your doctor’s orders.

(Google Image)

I have a friend who's heart is as big as Texas.  He has had health problems with his heart, and recently had a pacemaker inserted.  He is very cautious about his Dr's orders.  He eats properly; he takes his medications regularly, and exercises three days a week, well more than that normally.   He doesn't drink or smoke, and had cut down on his caffeine intake.  He is doing all he can to keep his heart healthy and functioning for a very long time.

Here are some recommendations from the CDC to keep your heart healthy:

• Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

• Know your ABCS:

Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.

Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.

If you Smoke, get help to quit.

• Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and Trans fat.

• Take control of your heart health by following your doctor's prescription instructions.

(Google Image)

For more information about how to make your heart healthier, visit this site:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp