Health Watch
Jump To:What is caffeine?
There are few people who are not aware of the stimulating effect that caffeine provides. We have a choice and choose caffeinated beverages for a reason. Caffeine is considered the most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world. Approximately 80% of the world's population consumes it on a daily basis, and continuous research is being done on its health benefits and consequences.
Caffeine is the common name for 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. When purified, caffeine produces an intensely bitter white powder that provides a distinctive taste in soft drinks. The word "caffeine" came from the German word kaffee and the French word café, each meaning coffee. After ingesting caffeine, it is completely absorbed within 30 to 45 minutes, and its effects substantially diminish within about three hours. It is eventually excreted so there is no accumulation in the body. Caffeine has been shown to affect mood, stamina, the cerebral vascular system, and gastric and colonic activity. But caffeine may not be for everyone. This article will discuss the health benefits and consequences of caffeine.
What are the sources of caffeine?
Caffeine is naturally found in certain leaves, seeds, and fruits of over 60 plants worldwide. The most common sources in our diet are coffee, tea leaves, cocoa beans, cola, and energy drinks. Caffeine can also be produced synthetically and added to food, beverages, supplements, and medications. Product labels are required to list caffeine in the ingredients but are not required to list the actual amounts of the substance. A low to moderate intake is 130 to 300 mg of caffeine per day, while heavy caffeine consumption corresponds to more than 6,000 mg/day. It is estimated that the average daily caffeine consumption among Americans is about 280 mg/day, while 20% to 30% consume more than 600 mg daily. The caffeine content in some common sources of caffeine are listed below:
There are many products that may contain caffeine without your awareness. Be sure to read the label to see if caffeine is listed among the ingredients.
For more information on this and other health tips please visit MedicineNet.com
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Winter Health
WINTER HEALTH TIPS
The mention of winter evokes images of sparkling snowflakes and skaters gracefully gliding across the ice. But winter can also be a time of illness and injury, if people fail to take adequate health and safety precautions.
Colds
More than 100 viruses can cause colds, the world's most common illness, so few people escape being exposed to at least one of them. In the United States, most people average about three colds every year.
Once it enters the body through the nose or throat, the cold virus begins to multiply, causing any of a number of symptoms: sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, aches and pains, mild fever, nasal congestion and coughing. A cold usually lasts a week or two.
The best way to treat a cold is to take a mild pain reliever, avoid unnecessary activity, get as much bed rest as possible and drink plenty of fluids, especially fruit juices. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may relieve some of the symptoms, but they will not prevent, cure or even shorten the course of the illness.
While there is no vaccine to protect you from catching a cold, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep up your natural resistance through good nutrition and getting enough sleep and exercise. Turn your thermostat down and keep the humidity up in your home. Dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Avoid direct contact with those who have colds and wash your hands frequently.
Influenza
A contagious respiratory infection, influenza is not a serious health threat for most people. However, for the elderly or those who have a chronic health problem, influenza can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Symptoms of the flu usually develop suddenly, about three days after being exposed to the virus. They include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and soreness and aching in the back, arms and legs. Although these are similar to those caused by cold viruses, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and to last longer. Abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea symptoms of what is commonly called stomach or intestinal flu do not accompany influenza.
The flu is highly contagious and, if it occurs in your family or community, there is no practical way to avoid exposure to the virus. Bed rest, a mild pain reliever and lots of fluids are the best treatment. (Caution: Unless advised by a physician, a child or teenager with a flu-like illness should not take aspirin. Its use in the presence of a flu infection is linked with an increased risk of Reye syndrome. Instead use another mild pain reliever that does not contain aspirin.) Antibiotics are not effective against flu viruses.
Flu vaccines, while not always effective in preventing the illness, do reduce the severity of the symptoms and protect against complications that could develop. The shots are strongly recommended for persons 65 years of age and older and those who suffer from such chronic health problems as heart disease, respiratory problems, renal disease, diabetes, anemia or any disease that weakens the body's immune system. Infants, children and young people up to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term treatment with aspirin should also get a flu shot. Persons allergic to eggs or who have a high fever, however, should avoid or postpone getting a flu shot.
Because influenza vaccine is only effective for one year and viruses vary from year to year, it is necessary to get a flu shot every year. In Illinois, the flu season usually begins in November and lasts until around the middle of April. If you plan to get a flu shot do so early since it takes about two weeks to develop full immunity. However, even a shot in January may protect against a late winter outbreak.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia a drop in body temperature to 95 degrees or less can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. In the United States, about 700 deaths occur each year from hypothermia.
While hypothermia can happen to anyone, the elderly run the highest risk because their bodies often do not adjust to changes in temperature quickly and they may be unaware that they are gradually getting colder. The condition usually develops over a period of time, anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and even mildly cool indoor temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees can trigger it. If you have elderly relatives or friends who live alone, encourage them to set their thermostats above 65 degrees to avoid hypothermia.
When the body temperature drops, the blood vessels near the surface of the body narrow to reduce heat loss. Muscles begin to tighten to make heat. If the body temperature continues to drop, the person will begin to shiver. The shivering continues until the temperature drops to about 90 degrees. Temperatures below 90 degrees create a life-threatening situation.
Signs of hypothermia include forgetfulness, drowsiness, slurred speech, change in appearance (e.g., puffy face), weak pulse, slow heartbeat, and very slow and shallow breathing. If the body temperature drops to or below 86 degrees, a person may slip into a coma or have a death-like appearance.
If you notice these symptoms in a person, take his or her temperature. If it is 95 degrees or below, call a doctor or ambulance or take the victim directly to a hospital. To prevent further heat loss, wrap the patient in a warm blanket. A hot water bottle or electric heating pad (set on low) can by applied to the person's stomach. If the victim is alert, give small quantities of warm food or drink.
There are several things you should not do to a hypothermia victim. Do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not give a hot shower or bath, since it could cause shock. Generally, do not try to treat hypothermia at home. The condition should be treated in a hospital.
Frostbite
The parts of the body most affected by frostbite are exposed areas of the face (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead), the ears, wrists, hands and feet. Frostbitten skin is whitish and stiff and feels numb rather than painful. When spending time outdoors during cold weather, be alert for signs of frostbite and, if you notice any, take immediate action.
To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually. Wrap the area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. If no warm wrappings are available, place frostbitten hands under the armpits or use your body to cover the affected area. Seek medical attention immediately.
Do not rub frostbitten areas; the friction can damage the tissue. Do not apply snow to frostbitten areas. Because its temperature is below freezing, snow will aggravate the condition. Back To Top
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Get a Smoke Alarm!
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal—so you and your family can escape.
The Impact of Smoke Alarms
In the 1960's, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes - single - and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. - were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980's, smoke alarm laws, requiring that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences - existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model building code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and influential public education role in alerting the public to the benefits of smoke alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid penetration of both the marketplace and the builder community has been the development and marketing of low cost alarms by commercial companies. In the early 1970's, the cost of protecting a three bedroom home with professionally installed alarms was approximately $1000; today the cost of owner-installed alarms in the same house has come down to as little as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for the entire home. This cost structure, combined with effective public education (including key private-public partnerships), has caused a huge percentage of America's consumers, whether they are renting or buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke alarms on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can be simply stated. When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm, functioning as an early warning system, reduces the risk of dying by nearly 50 percent. Alarms are most people's first line of defense against fire.
For More Information please visit;
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  Friday Feb. 1st. 2008 Was National Wear Red Day!Starting February 1, Go Red For Women is calling on real women from across the country to become The Heart of Go Red by sharing their heart health stories.
 It's an opportunity to represent the movement in its upcoming 2008-2009 campaign and have a chance to appear in a TV special on women and heart disease.
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| Prevent suicide. Treat depression. SAVE was one of the nation's first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide and was a co-founding member of the National Council for Suicide Prevention. Our history and growth from an all-volunteer, small grassroots group of passionate survivors led us to what is one of today's leading national not-for-profit organizations with staff dedicated to prevent suicide. This site, along with our work, is based on the foundation and belief that suicide should no longer be considered a hidden or taboo topic, and that through raising awareness and educating the public, we can SAVE lives. Click Here To Visit SAVE
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| Diabetes Diabetes in its simplest definition is where your body has problems with regulating the sugar (Glucose) levels in your body. The glucose is what feeds your cell and gives you energy. The sugar levels can be low and you need to boost the levels with sugar intake a few examples a glass of juice a piece of fruit a piece of hard candy but it needs to be real sugar not an artificial sweetener. Then at the other end your body doesn't have enough insulin to use the sugar making your sugar levels to high and you might need a shot of Insulin (Your body naturally produces Insulin but with Diabetes it may not produce enough).
Did you realize that there are different types of Diabetes? There is Pre Diabetes; you could have this and not have any signs and not even realize you have it and can develop into Type 2. Type 2 develops as you get older, have a family history of Diabetes and you haven't exercised as you use to and your diet isn't what it should be. Once diagnosed it usually can be controlled with diet and exercise. Gestational is a form of Diabetes that affects some women while they are pregnant. Then there is Type 1 which you are born with and can be controlled with insulin, kids are not left out they can develop their very own special version of type 1.
 Are you at risk? Ask your self a few simple questions.Is there a history of Diabetes in your family? Are you over weight?Do you exercise regularly? Do you eat a well balanced diet?November is National Diabetes Month with each week dedicated to a different aspect
of Diabetes.
Here is a link to the American Diabetes Association web site it is (www.diabetes.org) where you will find much more information about Diabetes and risk factors. Back To Top
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| "Protect Our Most Valuable Resource - Our Children" Lead is a highly toxic metal that at one time was an ingredient in many household products, including lead-based paints manufactured before 1978. The primary source of lead exposure among U.S. children is the lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in and around old, deteriorating buildings.
Today, childhood lead poisoning is considered to be the most preventable environmental disease of young children, yet an estimated 310,000 U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels. A simple blood test can prevent a lifetime spoiled by the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning.
While the national goal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the United States by 2010, the goals of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week are
To raise awareness about this serious health issue; To emphasize the importance of screening the highest risk children younger than 6 years of age, preferably screening them by 1 to 2 years of age; To highlight existing childhood lead poisoning prevention partnering efforts and to increase the establishment of new efforts; and To urge people to take steps to reduce their possible exposure to lead. As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, many state and communities plant to make official proclamations, to offer free lead screening, and to conduct various education and awareness events.
For more information about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week activities in your area, please contact your state or local health department.
The following are additional sources of information on childhood lead poisoning prevention:
The National Lead Information Center by calling 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or by visiting http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead |
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria — often called "staph." Decades ago, a strain of staph emerged in hospitals that was resistant to the broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat it. Dubbed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), it was one of the first germs to outwit all but the most powerful drugs. MRSA infection can be fatal. Outbreaks have been found in the area including West Weinfield and the Stock Bridge Schools
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What you should know about Stroke
Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) more commonly known as a STROKE is the death or injury to brain tissue that is deprived of oxygen. This can be caused by a blockage of an artery that supplies blood to that part of the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
This is a true emergency if you have these signs or see someone with these signs don't hold off till tomorrow to see if you get feeling better. You may need medical attention and the fastest way to get that is to call 911 and get EMS in motion to you.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understandingSudden trouble seeing in one or both eyesSudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSudden, severe headache with no known cause For the ischemic stroke long term disabilities can be reduced if you are given a clot-busting drug within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms. That is why it is very important to get to the hospital quickly. Some times a person will have a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) also known as a mini-stroke it presents with the same signs caused by a small blockage but corrects itself after a short while without treatment or any long term damage but do you want to take that chance with your health?
Some of the risk factors but not limited too are:
Age but in our small town we know that strokes do not discriminate on a persons age Family history some one in your family had a strokeHigh blood pressureCholesterol levels DiabetesPhysical activityAre you overweightThese are some of the risk factors that the American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org) recognize that will increase your chance of having a Stroke and the more you have the greater the risk. Fortunately you can control some of the risk factors but there are some you have no control.
Risk factors you can't change
Your sex, stroke is more common in menAge, a stroke does not discriminate but the older you are greater the riskHeredity, if someone in your family has had a stroke your risk is increasedRace, African Americans have a greater risk of having a strokeIf you have already had a strokeIf you have had a heart attack
Risk factors you can control with your Doctor's help
High blood pressureDiabetesCarotid or Artery diseaseAtrial fibrillation or any other Heart diseaseTIA if you have had Mini-strokesHigh cholesterolCertain blood disordersRisk factors you control with lifestyle changes
Do you smoke? STOPPhysical inactivity, some exercise will do you goodAre you over weight? Limit your alcohol intake Drug and or substance abuse |