(ARA) – It’s not unusual to see viruses make headlines, but the recent threat of H1N1 swine flu has captured everyone’s attention. On June 11, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the H1N1 pandemic status to level six, indicating an international pandemic. This change has left many people wondering what they can do to keep themselves and their families healthy.

Why is H1N1 different than other viruses? Recently, scientists discovered that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus is more like the H5N1 avian flu than the historic 1918 pandemic H1N1 Spanish flu strain. That means previous flu vaccines are less effective and extra precautions at home should take place.

In a teleconference with colleagues, Dr. Roger Mazlen, an internist in Rosyln Heights, N.Y., with more than 30 years of experience practicing internal medicine and nutrition, discussed the current swine flu outbreaks.

Swine flu, or H1N1, was first isolated in a pig in 1930, according to the CDC. The virus has demonstrated an ability to migrate from domestic pigs to humans. Mazlen says there are several factors contributing to the current swine flu outbreak, including environmental, cultural and economic issues.

“The current recession, loss of retirement funds, compromised nutrition, reduced exercise, obesity and other factors produce immune depression. A depressed immune system cannot fight off the invasion of viral and other pathogens that attempt to find a home to set up infections in our bodies,” he says.

In order to help you and your family during the 2009/10 flu season, Mazlen offers these protection strategies:

1. Wash your hands frequently and stay hydrated
“Frequent hand washing is a start. Also, lots of daily water helps to hydrate the body and assist the immune system,” he says.

2. Fish oil helps supports the immune system.
Vitamin and mineral supplements add fortification, but Mazlen suggests adding fish oil because of its clinically-proven immune function support. Fish oil blends are available as gel capsules or in liquid form at health-food stores and several different brands are also available at www.puritan.com.

3. Use a prescription right away.
Mazlen says that Tamiflu, the currently recommended prescription medication used in flu and swine flu, is most effective when used within a few hours of the first viral symptoms. But swine flu, as reported by the CDC, has an ability to mutate within hours. Tamiflu may be effective for swine flu in the morning, and may be ineffective by the end of the day because of viral mutation.

4. Skip the Echinacea
When asked if the popular herbal remedy Echinacea could be effective, Mazlen explains that studies have proved the product has minimal effectiveness. He says he prefers a natural immune-stimulating product, which he has used with over 500 patients, including his family members. The product was originally developed in Russia, but is now made in the United States. Mazlen says he has had good results during the past years with patients fighting flu and other infections. The product, Del-Immune V, is available at www.delimmune.com.

Early measures to protect health might be the key to minimizing potentially serious infections. “It is important to have an immune defense strategy this year — the earlier the better,” Mazlen concludes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: avoiding H1N1, Echinacea, fish oil, H1N1, H1N1 swine flu, swine flu, Tamiflu

(ARA) – You’re not just imagining it – you really can feel winter’s chill in your bones, especially if you’re among the 45 million Americans who have arthritis. Coping with this often debilitating disease can be even more challenging when the weather turns cold, making joints feel even more stiff and painful.

In fact, rheumatoid arthritis that first appears in the winter or spring may be more severe than arthritis that emerges in summer and fall, according to a French study of arthritis patients. In addition to cold temperatures associated with winter, viruses – which are more prevalent during winter – may play a part in the increased severity of winter-onset arthritis, the study concluded.

But winter’s chill shouldn’t drive you indoors until the spring thaw. Just the opposite, says the Web site AthritisToday.org. Walking outside in the winter has many health benefits for arthritis sufferers, including burning calories and helping you feel positive and motivated, the site says. Plus, inactivity is often associated with an increase in pain.

So how can you stay active and manage your arthritis this winter? Here are a few tips:

Stay warm and dry

Dampness and cold exacerbate arthritis pain. Dress warmly and avoid dampness. If you live in an area with particularly damp weather, equip your home with a dehumidifier to take excess moisture out of the air.

When walking outside, wear warm, waterproof footgear and gloves. Layer your clothes for warmth and breathability, and choose fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin.

Stay active

“Use it or lose it” definitely applies to arthritis sufferers. Exercise can help keep joints moving, strengthen muscles connected to joints, preserve bone health, and improve your overall health and fitness, according to www.Arthritis.org, the Web site of the not-for-profit Arthritis Foundation.

If you are less active during winter, arthritis can cause even the smallest movement to be painful. Maintain your prescribed exercise regimen, under your doctor’s guidance, as much as possible during winter months. The movement will help fight off the stiffness that cold weather brings to your joints.

Get help

See your doctor regularly throughout the winter and consider using aids that are designed to help ease arthritis pain in the colder months. For example, IMAK’s Arthritis Gloves provide mild compression and warmth to help relieve the increased joint pain and swelling associated with winter.

Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, the gloves can be worn indoors during daily activities and outdoors under your regular gloves. Made of cotton Lycra, the gloves have open fingertips that allow freedom to touch, feel and grip. Visit www.IMAKproducts.com to learn more.

Keep to your diet

Our diets tend to become “heavier” in colder weather as our bodies instinctively crave warmth-generating and fat-building fare to help us stay warmer. But it’s important to maintain a healthy diet throughout the winter. Controlling excess weight, which puts undue strain on already sore joints, is a key element of managing your arthritis. Also, talk to your doctor or a qualified nutritionist about what nutritional supplements might be helpful in minimizing your pain.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: chill in your bones, Rheumatoid Arthritis, stiff joints

(ARA) – This fall, thousands of people nationwide will walk to help change the future of diabetes. Rain or shine, walkers will join together to stop this disease, which kills thousands of people annually.

Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is the American Diabetes Association’s signature fundraising walk event. With strong support from the business community including sponsorship and corporate teams, this event raises over $20 million to support the ADA’s mission: To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

People with diabetes can choose to walk as a Red Strider. A Red Strider is someone who has diabetes – type 1, type 2 or gestational – who can proudly walk as an individual or create a team and walk with friends, family and co-workers. The purpose of the Red Strider program is to support everyone who lives with diabetes and showcase the courage it takes to live with this serious disease.

Christine Schaeberle is one of the many walkers who will step out as a Red Strider this year. Red Striders are distinguished at Step Out events by wearing a red hat. “On the day of Step Out, it is very important to recognize all the people with diabetes,” says Schaeberle. “By wearing the red hats, we are able to do that.”

Schaeberle had a role in launching the first Red Strider program in Colorado. The program has since gone national.

“The Red Strider program opened our eyes to how many people have diabetes. It also made us realize how important it is for us to recognize them and how we need to raise money to cure this disease,” says Schaeberle. “On walk day, I felt particularly supported as I was able to recognize other people with diabetes. All the walkers encouraged us to keep fighting this challenging disease.”

Reasons why you should Step Out and walk to stop diabetes:

* You are showing support for the nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. with diabetes and the millions more at risk. Most people are affected by diabetes or know someone who is.

* There is no fundraising minimum, although it is strongly encouraged to raise funds and awareness to support the American Diabetes Association and its mission. As a reward, incentives are given to walkers for varying levels of fundraising.

* Routes are for everyone regardless of age or athletic ability. They range from 2 to 6 miles.

* The day of the event is a party to celebrate the accomplishments of all the teams and individual participants as well as an opportunity to promote awareness about diabetes and the American Diabetes Association.

For more information or to register for a Step Out event in your community, visit www.diabetes.org/stepout or call (888) DIABETES (888-342-2383).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: ADA, American Diabetes Association, diabetes walk, Red Strider, Step Out, Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes

(ARA) – Americans will try anything to keep themselves feeling young – mind, body and spirit. From vitamin supplements and organic diets, to hiring personal trainers – the desire to live younger for longer continues to be a growing fixation and billion dollar business.

Linda Quirk, a 56-year-old marathon runner who recently completed a marathon on each of the seven continents in 11 months, understands the importance of running younger for longer. Linda ran around the globe to raise $1 million and awareness for Caron Treatment Centers — a network of addiction treatment and recovery facilities . To help her complete her mission of raising funds and with the support of BP and BP gasoline with Invigorate – an additive which helps cars run younger for longer, Quirk is now training to attempt to become the first woman to complete the “4 Deserts” in under a year – a series of four, seven day and 155-mile footraces across some of the most daunting deserts on Earth.

“For me, running these extreme missions helps me stay younger for longer,” says Quirk. “Running fuels my life and keeps me feeling my best. For others, it may be swimming, yoga or walking. Whatever the case, you have to find time to do the exercises and activities that you’re passionate about.”

To keep your body running younger for longer, Quirk recommends these tips:

Partner up: Find a friend to be your training buddy or sign up for fitness classes to help meet your fitness goals and keep you on track. It’s easier to stick to your fitness schedule if you have someone to join the experience and helps you stay accountable if you miss a class.

Fuel up with the right nutrients: Simply because your cardio workouts are increasing your body’s metabolism, that doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want. Eating a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, good fats and fiber is always going to be the best way to fuel your body – no matter how hard you are working out.

This same principle should be applied to your car. In fact, filling up with a high-quality fuel like BP gasoline with Invigorate can help cars run younger for longer. BP gasoline with Invigorate is a unique formula that helps clean and protect vital engine parts to help restore fuel economy lost to a dirty engine, so your car could get a few more miles per tank.

Embrace your age: As your body ages, it’s important to pay attention to how it responds during any new physical activities. The older your body gets, the more you need to ease it into any new fitness regimens. This will help you reduce the risk of over-training. Be sure to incorporate the use of gentler exercises – when necessary – like swimming or the elliptical machine.

Post-workout care: After completing a workout routine, remember to keep moving to allow the blood in the body’s muscles to circulate back to the heart. If your leg muscles experience soreness after a lower body workout, take an ice bath to instantly reduce any inflammation in the legs. Finally, be proud of your achievement.

To keep track of Linda’s “4 Deserts” mission and to learn more about BP gasoline with Invigorate, visit www.bpinvigorate.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Caron Treatment Centers, tips for living longer, tips for living younger, tips for living younger for longer

Clean indoor air will help your family breathe easy in a healthier home.

(ARA) – It’s one thing to live in a well-kept home, but is it also a healthy place to live? While your home may look sparkling clean to the eye, there are a number of invisible factors that can seriously affect the health of your entire family, and even contribute to a heart attack or stroke. Chief among them is the quality of the air your family breathes while indoors.

Up to 72 trillion microscopic irritants, or allergens, find their way into your home every day. They include dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, tobacco smoke, cooking grease and bacteria. Many of these particles are so small that your nose and throat can’t filter them out and they can get deep into your lungs.

The Environmental Protection Agency, American Lung Association and American Heart Association all agree that exposure to airborne particles impairs breathing and increases the risk of asthma attack, stroke, heart attack and other serious illnesses. These fine particles enter your home through doors, windows or small openings in frames, walls and roofs. They stem from various sources outside including fossil fuel burning in vehicles and manufacturing plants, and from activities inside such as smoking or cooking.

No matter how hard you scrub and dust, your family can still breathe in tiny little particles that can aggravate allergies and asthma, and even affect the heart. However, it is possible to have a cleaner, healthier and comfier home. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has compiled a list of simple steps to help your family breathe easier.

1. Clean your home’s air.
Start with the basics by installing an effective and proven whole-home air cleaner. For example, studies show that the American Standard AccuClean(TM) whole-home air filtration system may help prevent an asthma attack, heart attack or stroke. With the highest clean air delivery rate in the industry, its patented air cleaning technology eliminates allergens and particles you don’t want in your home, such as dust, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, mold spores, smoke and the common flu virus.

2. Control humidity.
Keep a relative humidity of 30 to 50 percent for optimal comfort and to control irritants like mildew. Controlling your household humidity can also kill dust mites, one of the most common allergens. Having a humidifier or variable-speed fan technology as part of your HVAC system can help you take control of your humidity.

3. Repair damages.
Have your HVAC system components, including furnaces, flues and chimneys, inspected before each heating and cooling season to repair any damages, holes or cracks. In addition to repairing your equipment, a certified HVAC dealer can inspect and clean your system’s parts and pieces, ensuring they perform at optimal efficiency. It’s not just your HVAC system — it is equally important to maintain the other components of your home that impact indoor air quality including the roof, foundation and insulation.

By taking these simple steps you can ensure that you and your family won’t be breathing indoor air full of contaminants and, ultimately, you’ll all breathe easier. For more information on how to breathe easier at home or to locate an American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: American Heart Association, American Lung Association, bacteria, cooking grease, dust, dust mites, Environmental Protection Agency, fungus, lint, mildew, pet hair and dander, pollen, tobacco smoke

Photo by Poby

(ARA) – A group of amateur and professional athletes, many of whom have diabetes, is touring the country, hoping to inspire and motivate others with the condition to take a proactive approach to managing their health and strive for blood sugar control.

The team of athletes, called Team Type 1, will take their personal messages of hope to audiences across the country this year. Their goal: to encourage others to be proactive in managing their condition through a healthy diet, regular exercise, monitoring their blood sugar levels, taking their insulin as prescribed, and working closely with their healthcare team.

“The members of Team Type 1 challenge one another on multiple levels — as athletes, but also as people living with diabetes striving for better blood sugar control,” says Phil Southerland, founder and chief executive officer of Team Type 1. “I consider proper blood sugar management to be a journey, just like our races, with a lot of little challenges, obstacles and victories along with way.”

Founded in 2004 by friends Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge, both diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as children, Team Type 1 is the first professional cycling team dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes. Team Type 1 has evolved over the years and expanded to include a diverse group of 46 athletes from around the world. Since 2006, the team has competed in and twice won the 3,052 mile-long Race Across America (RAAM).

In 2009, Team Type 1 is sponsored by the long-acting insulin Lantus (R) (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), and rapid-acting mealtime insulin Apidra (R) (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection), which are both manufactured by sanofi-aventis. As a result of this sponsorship, Team Type 1 has expanded its roster and fielded a total of five athletic teams including a men’s professional cycling team and a women’s professional cycling team, both featuring a mixed roster of riders with and without type 1 diabetes; an elite cycling team for the 2009 RAAM comprised entirely of riders with type 1 diabetes; and a triathlon team whose members all have type 1 diabetes. In addition to its type 1 roster, Team Type 1 also launched Team Type 2, a team of amateur cyclists living with type 2 diabetes, sponsored by Lantus (R).

Members of Team Type 1 with diabetes use Lantus (R), Apidra (R), or a combined treatment regimen of both insulins to help control their blood sugar as part of their overall diabetes treatment plan. The members of Team Type 2 manage their blood sugar through their own individualized diabetes treatment plan, which, for some members, may include Lantus (R) other diabetes medications, diet and exercise.

As part of an effective diabetes treatment plan, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages people living with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels with daily self-monitoring and by taking an A1C test, which measures average blood sugar levels over the past two-to-three-month period. To keep blood sugar levels under control, the ADA recommends striving for an A1C of less than seven percent. Unfortunately, more than 40 percent of all patients with diabetes in the United States are not achieving this target with diet, exercise and oral medications alone. It is important for patients with diabetes to talk to their treating healthcare provider about an appropriate A1C goal for them.

For more information on Lantus (R) and Apidra (R), please visit www.Lantus.com and www.Apidra.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

——————————————————————————–
SIDEBAR:

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LANTUS (R)
Prescription Lantus (R) is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.

DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS (R) WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You should not use Lantus (R) if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus (R) is a long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day. You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as Lantus (R).

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus (R), is hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.

Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed.

For full prescribing information, please visit www.Lantus.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR APIDRA (R)
Prescription Apidra (R) is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. Do not use Apidra (R) during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra (R). Apidra (R) should normally be used with a longer-acting insulin.

Apidra (R) may also be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps.

Apidra (R) has a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action than regular human insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra (R) should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Do not change your dose or the type of insulin you use without talking with your treating healthcare provider. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, as well as other medicines and supplements you are taking. Check your blood sugar levels while on insulin therapy, such as Apidra (R).

The most common side effect of insulin therapy, including Apidra (R), is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Other possible side effects may include low blood potassium, injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.

When used in a pump, do not mix Apidra (R) with any other insulin or liquid. If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible. Change the Apidra (R) in the pump reservoir every 48 hours.

Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed.

For full prescribing information, please visit www.Apidra.com.

© 2009 sanofi-aventis U.S.LLC

Tags: Apidra, Lantus, RAAM, Race Across America, sanofi-aventis, Team Type 1, Type 1 Diabetes

(ARA) – Every April people living with Parkinson’s disease, along with their families and friends, gather in New York City’s Central Park to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease research. At the first walk in 1994 there were 200 participants. In 2009, more than 10,000 people came from across the United States to fight to cure Parkinson’s disease and to connect with others whose lives are affected by the disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition, impacting movement, which can be debilitating. It affects 1 million Americans, with approximately 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year — one every nine minutes. The disease does not discriminate based on ethnic, economic or geographic factors, and while the average age of a person diagnosed with the disease is 60, many are under 50, and some may even be diagnosed as early as 20 years old.

Although the disease generally progresses slowly, over time even the most basic daily routines, like socializing with friends and family members, earning a living, and taking care of a home, may be affected. As the disease progresses, activities of daily living, like brushing one’s teeth or buttoning a shirt, may gradually require more assistance. In addition, people with Parkinson’s disease may also experience loss of facial expression, impaired speech, loss of mobility, and difficulty swallowing.

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, research continues aggressively with the help of fundraisers, such as the Parkinson’s Unity Walk.

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk is an annual event where the entire Parkinson’s community gathers with the goal of not only raising awareness of the condition, but of raising donations for research. The event unites the strength and spirit of the seven major Parkinson’s disease organizations: American Parkinson Disease Association, National Parkinson Foundation, Parkinson’s Action Network, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, The Parkinson Alliance and the Parkinson’s Institute.

This year marked the 15th anniversary of the initial gathering of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk. The annual event, a two-mile walk and educational community day in Central Park, took place on Saturday April 25.

Together, the Parkinson’s Unity Walk and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., the proud partner and premier sponsor for the ninth year, continue to support Parkinson’s disease awareness and partner in the development of needed tools. Understanding that, given the current economic climate, many people who wanted to attend the event in Central Park this year may not have been able to do so, the pair teamed up to create the first ever Virtual Parkinson’s Unity Walk. This year, participants can walk virtually with the thousands of others who walked in Central Park on April 25, by signing up at www.unitywalk.org. The Web site includes an interactive map of the United States that will highlight the locations of “virtual walkers,” helping to illustrate the far-reaching impact of the Unity Walk and Parkinson’s disease.

“The Unity Walk provides a great outlet and tremendous resource for those of us who are touched by the disease,” says Marlene Kahan, a Walk participant diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nearly five years ago. “Whether at home or in Central Park, a single step can truly change the life of a person with Parkinson’s disease. When we walk, we remind ourselves that we’re not alone, that together we will find a cure.”

With 100 percent of donations given to research, the Walk provides the public with a direct opportunity to help the Parkinson’s disease community and change the lives of the millions of people affected. Since its inception, the Walk has made a significant impact, raising more than $10 million for research.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, the organization is asking donors to consider “stepping it up” by increasing their donations by $15 or 15 percent over the amount donated in 2008. As an incentive, donors who are able to increase donations by this amount will be eligible to participate in a raffle drawing for a dream vacation, valued at $5,000. In addition, all fundraisers who raise $1,000 or more will receive a custom 18-ounce travel mug with a full color photo of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk.

Join the battle and help support the fight. For information on this year’s Walk, to join the Virtual Parkinson’s Unity Walk or to donate, please visit www.unitywalk.org or call (866) PUW-WALK (789-9255).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Parkinson’s disease research, Parkinson’s Unity Walk

(ARA) – The economy’s ups and downs are enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. But those occasional irregular heartbeats, flutters, slow beats or moments when your heart races may actually be a warning sign of something even more serious than the recession.

If you frequently experience irregular heartbeats, especially if you also feel light-headed, dizzy or weak at the same time, make an appointment to have your doctor check if you’re suffering from heart disease or possibly even heart failure.

Your doctor will first do an electrocardiogram (ECG) which monitors the electrical activity in your heart. If the ECG doesn’t explain your irregular heartbeat, your doctor may ask you to wear a Holter Monitor, a small portable device used to make a tape recording of your heartbeats over a longer period of time, typically 24 to 48 hours. You’ll also be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms throughout that time.

Your doctor will be very interested in determining whether or not there are any heart abnormalities present. The best test to determine whether or not the heart is normal is an echocardiogram or “sono.” If your heart function is normal, you may not need to do anything more. But if preliminary tests show weakened or abnormal heart function, more tests may be required:

* Tilt table test — Your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored while you’re in different positions.

* Implantable heart rhythm monitor — This is a very small device that will record your heart rhythms over a longer period of time measured in weeks to months.

If concerns remain, your doctor may want you to proceed with a more sophisticated test known as an electrophysiology (EP) study. In this study, catheters are inserted into blood vessels and threaded into the heart to record electrical activity under very controlled circumstances.

If your doctor diagnoses a heart rhythm problem, you may not necessarily need therapy. Lifestyle adjustment can be quite helpful, such as cutting back on the use of caffeine, avoiding decongestants, reducing alcohol intake, managing stress better and getting more rest. All these steps may serve to quiet irregular heartbeats. But if you do need therapy, it may include medicines such as blood thinners that help prevent clots and reduce the risk of stroke, an implantable device such as a pacemaker used to treat slow heartbeats, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator used to treat very fast heartbeats, or surgery.

Don’t try to self-diagnose, self-treat or otherwise minimize heart rhythm problems. Always consult your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter remedy, including nutrient supplements. Do reduce or eliminate caffeine consumption, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, get more sleep, begin an exercise regimen with your doctor’s guidance, and take all medicines as prescribed.

If your heart rhythm problems are accompanied by evidence of heart failure, additional treatment may be necessary.

To learn more about heart failure and rhythm problems, log on to the Heart Failure Society of America’s Web site: www.abouthf.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: electrocardiogram, heart races, heartbeat flutters, irregular heartbeats

(ARA) – Every day, millions of Americans appropriately use prescription medicines to improve their health. But what happens when a teenager or child misuses these products? How can parents recognize and respond to the signs of potential prescription drug abuse?

Nearly one in four high school seniors report that they have abused prescription drugs by the time they graduate, according to a recent study. In fact, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports prescription medications are the drug of choice among children as young as 12.

Why are teens abusing prescription drugs? One factor is access — they are found in your own home. Also, many teens incorrectly believe there is nothing wrong with using medications without a prescription once in a while, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications can be highly effective. However, they become dangerous when used improperly and without a prescription.

Every day, 2,500 children ages 12 to 17 abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. “While overall drug abuse among teens is decreasing, prescription drug abuse is growing,” says Amy Garcia, a registered nurse and executive director of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). “Parents and schools need to work together to educate our children about proper use of prescription medicines.”

As a first step, Garcia advises parents to learn about prescription drug abuse and educate their family. “It is important that everyone in the family understands that doctors prescribe medicine based on specific criteria — age, weight, condition and other medications. That is one of the reasons prescriptions shouldn’t be shared,” explains Garcia.

Stay alert to your children’s behavior, including signs that may indicate drug abuse, such as changes in your teen’s appearance, mood, grades and friends. Clean out the medicine cabinet of any unused prescriptions and monitor it regularly.

Keeping your house safe is important; but remember, you will not always be in control of your child’s environment. In fact, more than 65 percent of teens say they get prescription pain medications from friends or relatives, often without their knowledge.

To educate parents and young people about the serious risks of abusing prescription medicines, NASN has teamed up with PriCara, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., on an educational program called “Smart Moves, Smart Choices.” The program offers a free series of downloadable videos and a guide for parents available now at: www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/themedic.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: National Association of School Nurses, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, prescription drug abuse, prescription drug abuse by teens, teens

(ARA) – You have probably heard that omega-3s are good for you, particularly the omega-3 fat DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Surprisingly, despite all of the reported health benefits of DHA, the American population is not getting enough of this important nutrient. In fact, the U.S. has one of the lowest average intakes of DHA in the world, and children are particularly at risk.

DHA is an important nutrient in promoting good health; nerve cells in the brain and eyes need it to function normally. DHA is particularly important during the first two years of life and early childhood. Between birth and 5 years of age, the human brain increases approximately 3.5 times in mass. It is important that children consume adequate amounts of DHA in their diet to support this period of rapid brain and eye growth and development.

When it comes to DHA, a good diet is crucial. You must get DHA through foods since your body cannot make enough of it on its own. To understand this healthy fat better, nutrition and wellness expert, Monica Bearden, answers some common questions.

Why do we need DHA?

DHA is important to both adults and children for healthy nerve cells in the brain and eyes. In adults, DHA can protect against the development of a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In infants and children, DHA is essential for visual and cognitive development.

How much DHA do we need?

Adults should get a minimum of between 160 to 300 mg of DHA each day, according to the Dietary Reference Intakes and clinical studies. But American adults typically fall short, getting less than 50 percent of the recommended DHA intake each day. And while in the U.S. there are no formal guidelines established for DHA in children, some estimate that children should get at least 100 mg. Children also fall short and on average only get 40 to 50 mg per day.

Why are we not getting enough?

While the number of fortified foods available with DHA is increasing, it is sparse in our food supply. Children are especially at risk of a shortfall because when they are weaned from DHA-rich breast milk or infant formula, the foods and beverages that replace breast milk and formula are low in DHA, if they contain any at all. The main dietary source of DHA, fish, is not a staple of most kids’ diets, and concerns about contaminants, as well as the rise in food allergies, have reduced children’s fish intake even more.

Why should parents be concerned?

More than likely their child is not getting enough. Aside from needing DHA for normal brain and visual development, there is data to suggest that DHA deficiency is linked to learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Making sure their child has adequate DHA intake from before birth on into childhood is one small thing parents can do to help their child’s growth and development.

What are good sources of DHA?

Good sources of DHA are cold-water fatty fish like canned salmon, canned tuna, wild Alaska sockeye or Alaska pink salmon. If you’re not a fish lover, there are many foods on grocery store shelves that are fortified with a vegetarian form of DHA made from algae called life’sDHA. For example, you can now find yogurt, milk, juices, breads, soymilk and nutrition bars with this vegetarian DHA. Make sure to look for “DHA” on the labels of your food choices to make sure you are getting the right kind of omega-3. In addition, certain eggs now contain higher levels of DHA. Interestingly, the chickens are fed a specially fortified DHA diet, which results in DHA-rich eggs. You can also take and give your children DHA supplements, but talk with your family doctor before taking any supplements or giving them to your children.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, good fats, omega-3