Health Care and Children's Injuries

Children are very susceptible to injury, and each year many thousands of them suffer trauma due to being injured. Accidents happen, and children are also purposely injured by others, including both other adolescents and adults. Also, some of those injuries result in the death of the child.

According to www.DoctorsLounge.com, nationally, deaths attributed to unintentional injuries among persons aged 0–19 years number approximately 12,000 each year in the United States; another 9 million young persons are treated for nonfatal injuries in emergency departments. Quantifying years of potential life lost (YPLL) highlights causes of premature mortality and provides a simple method to identify important causes of early death and specific groups in need of intervention. Although recent declines have been observed in the unintentional injury–related crude mortality rate per 100,000 persons aged 0–19 years (from 15.46 in 2000 to 10.96 in 2009), unintentional injuries remain the number one killer among this population in the United States.

Car crashes, suffocation, drowning, poisoning, fires, and falls are some of the most common ways children are hurt or killed, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The number of children dying from injury dropped nearly 30% over the last decade. However, injury is still the number 1 cause of death among children. More can be done, however, to keep children safe. Very interesting statistics on this topic can be found at this site: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/childinjury/# .

Kids are susceptible to injuries, especially at a younger age. A high risk fact sheet about injuries to children can be found at this website: http://www.safekids.org/our-work/research/fact-sheets/high-risk-fact-safety.html .

According to Fox News, injuries to young children in the U.S. increased for the fourth straight year in 2011, continuing a reversal of a longer-term downward trend that some say may be linked to distracted parents in an age of smartphones.

Children age 4 and under received an estimated 2.5 million nonfatal, non-intentional injuries that landed them in an emergency room last year, according to an estimate released late Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is up from 2.46 million in 2010. There were roughly 12.4 injuries per 100 children of this age in 2011, compared with 12.2 injuries per 100 children in 2010. The number of injuries in this age group has increased each year since 2007, when there were 2.20 million, or 10.9 per 100 children. The numbers are an estimate based on a sampling of emergency rooms.

An article last month in The Wall Street Journal reported that a growing number of child-health experts and law-enforcement officials believe the increase in injuries since 2007 may be due in part to parents who are distracted by mobile devices like Smart phones and not adequately supervising their children. The number of Americans 13 and older who own a Smart phone increased to 114 million earlier this year from nine million in 2007, when Apple Inc. released the iPhone, according to research firm comScore. There aren't any studies that have explored the connection between parents' device use and injuries to children. Many doctors and public-safety experts say it is a subject that should be studied and point out that the uptick may be a statistical anomaly or have other causes.

According to DoctorsLounge.com, death due to unintentional injury was more common in a cluster of south central states and a cluster of mountain states. More than half the deaths were attributable to motor vehicle accidents. Measuring the burden of injuries with YPLL gives greater weight to the injuries that disproportionately affect younger persons. YPLL will help prioritize implementation of known and effective interventions, such as using safety belts, wearing bicycle and motorcycle helmets, reducing drinking and driving, strengthening graduated driver licensing laws, using safety equipment during sports participation, requiring four-sided residential pool fencing, and encouraging safe sleep practices for infants.

A true emergency is when you believe a severe injury or illness is threatening your child's life or may cause permanent harm. In these cases, a child needs emergency medical treatment immediately. Discuss with your child's pediatrician in advance what you should do in case of a true emergency, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians. For a very good list of injuries to children and how to respond, this is a great website: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/default.aspx . Choose from the list and the follow up page has a comprehensive overview of that particular injury and treatment options.

Also, gun injuries to children continue to be a big issue. Childhood gun and shooting accidents are not rare. They are one of the top ten leading causes of accidental death for all age groups outside of newborns and infants, according to pediatrician, Dr. Vincent Ianelli. Unfortunately, many parents don't store their guns safely, even when they have young kids in the home. In fact, one study showed that 85% of parents who owned guns did not practice safe gun storage. More info about gun safety for children can be found at this site: http://pediatrics.about.com/od/safety/a/gun-accidents.htm.

According to Dr. Ianelli, to protect children from gun and shooting accidents, the typical gun safety advice that you will get from your pediatrician includes that you:

--Keep your guns locked.
--Keep your guns unloaded.
--Keep your ammunition locked.
--Keep your ammunition in a separate area from your gun.

Remember also, in a true emergency situation with an injury to a child of any age, call 911. A first responder such as ambulance, EMT, or fire department or police, can assist you with urgent care on the scene, and then get you transported to a local urgent care facility if necessary. Many injuries can result in death, so the faster the response to urgent care, the better chance for survival. Some cases may not require hospitalization. However, it is always best to have trained medical personnel make that decision for you.

Children are fragile, and they need supervision and watch care, especially during the infant, toddler, and younger adolescent years. When they get older, even teens need some supervision. Accidents are going to happen, and that is a fact of life. Protecting children as much as possible is your role as a parent or guardian. Causing injury to a child is an even greater cause for alarm, and there are significant consequences as a result. If you need assistance or counseling for certain issues concerning the care of your children, seek professional help for any emotional, physical, or mental stress that you may be experiencing. There are many agencies and organizations who can assist you with those types of personal needs to help take care of both children and adolescents. Protect your kids as much as you can.

Until next time.

Health Care and Hydration

If you are an athlete, participate in any type of personal exercise program, or work in any kind of job that requires a lot of manual labor such as construction or physical exertion of any type, you need to stay hydrated--especially if you work outside. Making sure that you replenish liquids that you lose from sweating is key to maintaining a healthy body and mind. Drinking water or drinks that have various mineral supplements and electrolytes to replace what your body loses during physical activities are key to helping you survive.

According to Active.com, life is full of daily challenges. Staying hydrated shouldn't be one of them. If you struggle to make sense of the seemingly ever-changing advice on what, when and how much to drink, especially while on the run, join the club. But it's not impossible to sort the facts from fiction. Base your hydration habits on research-based guidelines--not these four common hydration myths as found on their website—and you'll stay fueled and stay strong. You can find that great information here: http://www.active.com/women/Articles/4-Common-Hydration-Myths.htm .

No matter what type of exercise or fitness program you are following, there is one important element you cannot forget: water! Your body lose a great deal of water due to perspiration. Staying hydrated during a workout will help you stay focused and more energized. Dehydration could result in serious consequences. Dizziness and nausea can both be symptoms of dehydration, according to www.MyDailyMoment.com .

Sports drinks are another good option for rehydrating. However, if you're watching your sodium intake, check the label first. Should you opt for water or a sports drink during your workout? It depends on your needs. For most people who work out for fitness regularly indoors, water is just fine for hydration. For athletes who work out at a high intensity for more than 60 minutes at a time, like marathoners and triathlon competitors, an electrolyte-replacing sports drink might be best. More details can be found at this website: http://www.mydailymoment.com/diet_and_fitness/all_diet_tips/hydration_counts_we_ve_got_the_proof.php .

The answer to successful and safe hydration is balance, according to Active.com by Jenny Hadfield, co-author of "Marathoning for Mortals" (Rodale, 2003.) She can also be found at www.jennyhadfield.com . Keep in mind, dehydration is still one of the biggest risks in endurance exercise, but the key to performing at your best is drinking smart, not gulping liquids. The best way to avoid drinking too much or too little is to take in about the same amount of fluid as you sweat out. Here's how to figure out your sweat rate:

1. Weigh yourself without shoes or clothes, and record it in your log, noting temperature and humidity.
2. Work out for one hour.
3. Dry off and weigh yourself, noting the weight lost. Also note any fluids you may have taken while running.
4. Use the following formula to determine your hydration needs: One pound lost = 16 oz. of fluid.

So, if you lost two pounds in that hour, you should replenish 32 ounces of fluid (about 8 ounces every 15 minutes) in the same temperature and humidity level, according to Jenny Hadfield. Do this test a few times in different conditions to get a sense of how your hydration needs change in varying temperatures and humidity levels, and intensity levels. Here are some good tips for smart hydration:

• Set your watch alarm to remind you when to drink.
• Aim to replenish 80 to 100 percent of fluids lost.
• Avoid gaining weight (a sign of over hydrating).
• Consume a sports drink with electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) during your training sessions and in races longer than 60 minutes. Plain water is fine for workouts shorter than 60 minutes, but longer sessions require a sports drink to replenish electrolytes and energy.
• Flavor your meals with salt right before long workouts and races to boost electrolyte levels.
• Avoid drinking more than usual during race week. This will dilute your blood sodium levels, putting you at higher risk of developing hyponatremia. Your fluid needs drop during this taper week. So, drink normal amounts of fluid and use the urine test to determine if you've had enough: If it runs pale yellow, you're well hydrated and ready to race.

There are many more articles related to this subject that can be found at this website: http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/Hydration_101.htm .

Don’t wait until you notice symptoms of dehydration to act. It can be hard to recognize when you’re dehydrated, especially as you age. Actively prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Little or no urine, or urine that is darker than usual
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Headache
• Confusion
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• No tears when crying

According to www.FamilyDoctor.org, there are different recommendations for water intake each day. Most people have been told they should be drinking 6 to 8 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which is a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Most healthy people can stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day. Some people are at higher risk of dehydration, including those who get a lot of exercise, have certain medical conditions, are sick, or are not able to get enough fluids during the course of the day. Older adults are also at higher risk. As you age, your brain may be unable to sense dehydration and send the signals for thirst.If you are concerned that you may not be drinking enough water, check your urine. If your urine is consistently colorless or light yellow, you are most likely staying well hydrated. Much more information can also be found at this site: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/nutrients/hydration-why-its-so-important.html .

Staying hydrated for anyone regardless of age, sex, or job description and activity level is always a smart idea. If you are more physically active, make sure you maintain a level of hydration that compensates for your activities. Check with your doctor if you suspect you may be dehydrated. Losing sweat can be a good thing, but not if you lose too much.

Until next time.

Health Care and Gluten

Have you ever heard of people who have allergies to wheat or bread or pasta? Actually, the reaction is not about the grain, but about something in it called gluten. According to CNN, gluten allergy is caused by celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that can appear at any age and is caused by an intolerance to gluten. A protein found in wheat, barley, and rye (and countless food products -- like bread and pasta -- that contain those grains), gluten gradually damages the intestines of people with celiac disease, preventing the absorption of vitamins and minerals and setting off a slew of related health problems, which can include fatigue and bad skin. While celiac disease affects about 1 percent of the U.S. population, experts estimate that as many as 10 percent have a related and poorly understood condition known as non-celiac gluten intolerance (NCGI), or gluten sensitivity. More details can be found at this site: http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/04/12/gluten.free.diet.improve/index.html .

According to the Mayo Clinic, avoiding wheat can be challenging because wheat products go by numerous names. Consider the many types of wheat flour on supermarket shelves — bromated, enriched, phosphated, plain and self-rising. Here are other wheat products to avoid:

• Bulgur
• Durum flour
• Farina
• Graham flour
• Kamut
• Semolina
• Spelt

Certain grains, such as oats, can be contaminated with wheat during growing and processing stages of production. For this reason, doctors and dietitians generally recommend avoiding oats unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free. You should also be alert for other products that you eat or that could come in contact with your mouth that may contain gluten, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include:

• Food additives, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch and others
• Medications and vitamins that use gluten as a binding agent
• Play dough

People with celiac disease who eat a gluten-free diet experience fewer symptoms and complications of the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with celiac disease must eat a strictly gluten-free diet and must remain on the diet for the remainder of their lives. In some severe cases, a gluten-free diet alone can't stop the symptoms and complications of celiac disease. In these cases, doctors might prescribe medications to suppress the immune system. People who follow a gluten-free diet may have low levels of certain vitamins and nutrients in their diets. Many grains are enriched with vitamins. Avoiding grains with a gluten-free diet may mean eating fewer of these enriched products. More details can be found at this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140 .

According to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Celiac disease occurs when the body’s natural defense system reacts to gluten by attacking the lining of the small intestine. Without a healthy intestinal lining, the body cannot absorb the nutrients it needs. Delayed growth and nutrient deficiencies can result and may lead to conditions such as anemia and osteoporosis. Other serious health problems may include diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and intestinal cancers. Some people don’t get immediate symptoms, but when they do, they are typically gastrointestinal-related, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In infants, there may be a lot of vomiting, and they don’t grow and thrive.” And some people do not have any symptoms at all, but still may have intestinal damage and risk for long-term complications. It is important for individuals with celiac disease, who may vary in their sensitivity to gluten, to discuss their dietary needs with their health care professional. Much more info can be found at this website: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm265212.htm .

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, the only treatment is the lifelong adherence to the gluten-free diet. When gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine will start to heal and overall health improves. Medication is not normally required. Consult your physician regarding specific nutritional supplementation to correct any deficiencies. The diagnosed celiac should have medical follow-up to monitor the clinical response to the gluten-free diet.

Adapting to the gluten-free diet requires some lifestyle changes. It is essential to read labels which are often imprecise, and to learn how to identify ingredients that may contain hidden gluten. Even small amounts of ingested gluten can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Dietary compliance increases the quality of life and decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis, intestinal lymphoma and other associated illnesses. Because osteoporosis is common and may be profound in patients with newly diagnosed CD, bone density should be measured at or shortly after diagnosis. Much more information about this topic can be found at their site: http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=9 .

A dietitian can help you select gluten-free foods. A dietitian is an expert in food and healthy eating. You will learn how to check labels of foods and other items for gluten. A dietitian can help you learn what other foods you can and can’t eat on a gluten-free diet, according to the National Institutes for Health (NIH). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research on celiac disease. Researchers are studying new options for diagnosing celiac disease, including capsule endoscopy, which involves patients swallowing a capsule containing a tiny video camera that records images of the small intestine. Several drug treatments for celiac disease are being studied. Researchers are also studying a combination of enzymes—proteins that aid chemical reactions in the body—that might change gluten in ways that prevent it from causing an immune reaction before it enters the small intestine. Much more detailed material is available at this site: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac_ez/ .

Scientists are also developing educational materials for standardized medical training to raise awareness among health care providers. The hope is that increased understanding and awareness will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease. Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov .

For people who suffer from gluten allergies, the best course of action is to talk with your doctor about treatment, and consider the need for a gluten free diet. It is a challenge to remain totally gluten free, but the issues surrounding celiac disease are too important to ignore, especially if you are very allergic to gluten. Talk with a dietician about how to best build a diet that is both nutritious and also able to provide options that do not include gluten.

Until next time.

Health Care and Healthy Foods

Everyone loves to eat good food, but often eating healthy has been viewed as eating food that doesn't taste good. Misconceptions about healthy foods are common, and that has typically come about by reasons related to poor preparation, or ingredients that are not flavorful or tasty. Some perception can even be caused by poor marketing by the manufacturer. However, eating healthy foods is paramount to having a healthier lifestyle and physical wellbeing.

For example iVillage.com has come out with a list of Fifty foods that are healthier than you think. See this site: http://www.ivillage.com/foods-are-actually-healthier-expected/4-b-492275?nlcid=ht10-11-2012.  And as an additional twist on the food pyramid, the Harvard School of Public Health has designed a Healthy Plate format: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/ . And even the Food Network has a site about healthy eating: http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/index.html. If you are looking for the best, Fitness Magazine suggests the Top 10 healthiest foods: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/superfoods/the-10-healthiest-foods-on-the-planet/.

According to HelpGuide.org, healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, stabilizing your mood, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a tasty, healthy diet. They have many tips that are excellent to help you with healthy eating, located at this site: http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm .

Give your diet a healthy boost with health foods, noted by the Mayo Clinic. They're among your best bets for eating well because they meet at least three of the following criteria:

• Good or excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients

• High in phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A and E and beta carotene

• May help reduce risk of heart disease and other health conditions

• Low in calorie density, meaning you get a larger portion size with a fewer number of calories

• Readily available

For a complete list, visit this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/health-foods/MY01108 .

Tipsheet: Healthy eating starts with healthy food shopping, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Using a shopping list and keeping a well-stocked kitchen can help reduce the time you spend cooking healthy meals. Read the labels as you shop, and pay attention to serving size and servings per container. Compare the total calories in similar products and choose the lowest calorie ones. More info can be found at this site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/shop.htm .

According to About.com, choose foods that are good for you and eat them in the right amounts. The closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is for you. Fresh fruits and berries are will satisfy a craving for sweets. Whole green, orange, and yellow vegetables have lots of vitamins and minerals. Steam them, or eat them raw, to retain the nutritional value. Don't add too much gravy, cheese, or sauces that are high in calories and fats. Much more material about the specifics of food types can be found at this site: http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutrition101/a/keepitsimple.htm .

If you're an emotional eater, keep the junk food like potato chips, tortilla chips, ice cream, and candy out of the house. Keep healthy snacks like fruits, crunchy vegetables with dips, or nuts handy. If you absolutely feel the need for a treat, then purchase a small piece of high quality chocolate or your favorite treat and enjoy it, just don't buy any to bring home. The same tips are helpful for those who enjoy snacking while watching television at home. If you don't want to give up nibbling while watching your shows, keep low-calorie foods close by, because it is very easy to eat too much when you are entranced by your favorite drama, football game or cooking show. Eat crisp raw vegetables with your dip instead of greasy chips, according to Shereen Jegtvig, author of the Nutrition Guide at About.com.

Remember, eating healthy is more than downing a bowl of cardboard flavored granola each morning. It’s a lifestyle of making wise choices for your diet, portion control, and the best foods for your personal health based on your individual situation. Make sure that you consult a personal physician if you plan on dieting or maintaining a specific type of food intake. Certain foods interact with some medications, and not in a good way. Be careful on the amount of food you eat, even if it is healthy. Just because something is low in fat or sodium doesn’t mean you should eat the entire bag at one sitting. Use common sense when preparing your food, and when you go out to eat find locations that have a high rating with the local health department. Be healthy, but be safe. Then, enjoy your food.

Until next time.

Health Care and Better Sleep

How many nights have you tossed and turned, and you just couldn’t sleep well? Or even worse, you have a chronic sleep disorder that prevents you from sleeping without interruption or ability to rest comfortably for just a few hours. Some of that sleep deprivation may be due to issues in your home that are temporary, such as a new baby that requires attention during the night, or perhaps you are sick and need to take medication on a regular schedule at night. Maybe, you have a spouse that snores so loud that you think the roof is collapsing. Or, it could be a more critical reason.

Whatever the reason for your inability to sleep well at night, the health of your body, your spirit, and your mind is too important to ignore issues or patterns that prohibit restful, uninterrupted sleep. Lack of sleep can be dangerous to you mentally and physically to the point that your life and lifestyle can be severely affected. And, your ability to perform simple tasks, not to mention multiple and more complex situations, can be jeopardized.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Yet millions of people do not get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. For example, surveys conducted by the NSF (1999-2004) reveal that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Most of those with these problems go undiagnosed and untreated. In addition, more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities at least a few days each month - with 20 percent reporting problem sleepiness a few days a week or more. Furthermore, 69 percent of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.” More detailed material on this subject can be found at this site: http://www.apa.org/topics/sleep/why.aspx .

“When you’re scrambling to meet the demands of modern life, cutting back on sleep can seem like the only answer”, according to HelpGuide.org. “Who can afford to spend so much time sleeping? The truth is you can’t afford not to. Even minimal sleep loss takes a toll on your mood, energy, and ability to handle stress. Learn how to determine your nightly sleep needs and what you can do to bounce back from chronic sleep loss and get on a healthy sleep schedule.

It’s not just the number of hours in bed that is important—it’s the quality of those hours of sleep. If you’re giving yourself plenty of time for sleep, but you’re still having trouble waking up in the morning or staying alert all day, you may not be spending enough time in the different stages of sleep—especially deep sleep and REM sleep. By understanding how the sleep cycles work and the factors that can lead to those cycles being disrupted, you’ll be able to start getting both the quantity and the quality of sleep you need.” Sleep is so important that lack of it to any significant amount is detrimental to you. Much more information can be found at this site: http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleeping.htm .

You may suffer from a sleep disorder. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “insomnia, which is Latin for "no sleep," is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. Insomnia is also used to describe the condition of waking up not feeling restored or refreshed. According to Dr. Mark Mahowald, Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Director of the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center at Hennepin County Medical Center, insomnia refers to the inability to get the amount of sleep you as an individual need to wake up feeling rested. Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among Americans. It can be either acute, lasting one to several nights, or chronic, even lasting months to years. When insomnia persists for longer than a month, it is considered chronic.” Much more material can be found at this website: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep .

Also, according to iVillage Health, whether you have chronic insomnia or the occasional bout of sleeplessness, these ten secrets will help you can the rest you need. Read more at http://www.ivillage.com/surprising-ways-get-better-night-s-sleep/4-b-485174#ixzz26pN0LJIv .

“Different people need different environments for sleeping and if there is any change in their sleeping environment, they are unable to have a good night sleep. There are people who do not find any comfort in soft beds. It is advisable for those people that they should think about getting hard surfaced beds because it is good for the back, as well as the spine. The hard beds support the entire body and relax it throughout,” according to information about sleep problems found at this website: http://www.soundsleeping.org/ .

You may feel tired, fatigued, and have trouble concentrating and paying attention while awake when you don’t sleep well. Sleepy individuals are at greater risk for driving and other accidents, according to WebMD. If you have trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night, if you wake up too early or have a hard time waking up at all, or if you are overly tired during the day, you may have one or more of specific sleep problems. Much more info can be found at their site: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/understanding-sleep-problems-basics .

Regardless of the reasons you are having difficulty having a good night’s rest, or sound sleep for several hours at a time, it is a good idea to see your family doctor if the problem persists. Your physician may be able to help diagnose lifestyle or health issues specific to your situation, and you may be referred to a sleep specialist to help you. If you are suffering from insomnia, or any other chronic sleep disorder, seek professional medical help. Your situation may be temporary due to lifestyle choices; but if your inability to get good sleep persists, don’t ignore the problem.

Until next time.

Health Care and Hospital Acquired Infections

Did you know that many people actually get sicker after they are admitted into the hospital? Infection is one of the most common incidents of health care problems related to being a patient in a hospital. Much of it comes from direct contact with employees who don’t wash their hands prior to touching patients.

Viruses, bacteria, and germs all affect everyone, and when medical staff hands are unclean, patients can get worse instead of better. A hospital-acquired infection is usually one that first appears three days after a patient is admitted to a hospital or other health care facility. Infections acquired in a hospital are also called nosocomial infections, according to www.FreeDictionary.com .

According to US News & World Report magazine online, in recent years, a rise in the rate of in-hospital antibiotic-resistant infections (HAIs) in the United States and abroad has focused public attention on hospital hygiene. Good hand hygiene among health care workers is widely thought to be the number one way to curtail such infection risk; plus, hospital-acquired infections account for about 100,000 deaths in the U.S. alone per year, and 80 percent of all infectious disease is transmitted by either direct contact, such as coughing, talking, sneezing, or indirect contact, such as not washing your hands after touching a bed, a telephone, or a doorknob in a patient's room. However, many health care workers don’t like the reminder about this issue from patients and feel it is demeaning to them as professionals. For more details, see this article: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/09/06/third-of-hospital-staff-say-hand-washing-reminders-unwelcome .

About 5-10% of patients admitted to hospitals in the United States develop a nosocomial infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than two million patients develop hospital-acquired infections in the United States each year. Hospital-acquired infections usually are related to a procedure or treatment used to diagnose or treat the patient's illness or injury. About 25% of these infections can be prevented by healthcare workers taking proper precautions when caring for patients, according to information on this topic located at the FreeDictionary.com.

Hospital-acquired infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These microorganisms may already be present in the patient's body or may come from the environment, contaminated hospital equipment, health care workers, or other patients. Depending on the causal agents involved, an infection may start in any part of the body. A localized infection is limited to a specific part of the body and has local symptoms. For example, if a surgical wound in the abdomen becomes infected, the area of the wound becomes red, hot, and painful. A generalized infection is one that enters the bloodstream and causes general systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, low blood pressure, or mental confusion.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) may develop from surgical procedures, catheters placed in the urinary tract or blood vessels, or from material from the nose or mouth that is inhaled into the lungs. The most common types of hospital-acquired infections are urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and surgical wound infections. More detailed material can be located at this site: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Hospital-Acquired+Infections .

According to American Medical News online, physicians and hospitals may have another incentive to strictly follow infection-control protocols — preventing infections could lower readmission rates. Hospital patients with a positive clinical culture for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci or Clostridium difficile are 40% likelier to be readmitted within a year than other patients, said a study in the June Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

The cultures were ordered more than 48 hours after the patients’ initial admission, probably in response to some sign or symptom, meaning they probably acquired an infection in the hospital. About 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted within a month, costing $17.4 billion annually, according to an April 2, 2009, study in The New England Journal of Medicine. Hospitals with high readmission rates face up to a 1% cut in Medicare pay starting in October. More information can be found at this site: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/28/prsc0528.htm .

HAIs continue to be a major health problem in the United States, according to the State of Missouri Health and Human Services Department. HAIs can be very serious, increasing the cost and length of hospital stays and even threatening lives. As a consumer, you should be proactive in your healthcare.

• Understand more about HAIs - what they are and why they occur.
• Be informed about hospital and ASC infection rates.
• Learn what you, as a patient, can do to lower your risk of an HAI.

Keep in mind that a facility's experience with HAIs is only one thing to consider when choosing a facility. The advice of your physician, the experience of facility staff, and other factors unique to your situation should be considered as well, per the MO HHS Department.

Because the rate of HAIs is still a major health care issue, patients should strongly encourage their health care providers to always wash their hands. Medical facilities, urgent care locations, and all hospitals must encourage staff to keep their hands washed, and wear gloves when necessary. Also, a system to maintain clean facilities and equipment should be mandated by each medical facility and hospital. Treating a patient for an illness or accident is important, but having an unnecessary readmission due to lack of infection oversight is not a good way to maintain patient healthcare.

Until next time.

Health Care and Longevity in 2012

Have you noticed that people appear to be living longer these days, and that it seems like there are more senior citizens now than ever before? What now may be taken for granted that you may live into your 80's or 90's was not the case even 50 years ago. In the 19th century and early 20th century, the mortality rates were much higher with the average age of an adult before death was a little more than half what it is today.

According to the US Census Bureau, as public sanitation, personal hygiene, and scientific and medical technology improved, so did life expectancy. The average rate at birth increased by about 30 years over the course of the 20th century, from about 47 years in 1900 to about 77 years in 2000, based on the report issued by the Bureau in 2001.

In the United states today, according to US News and World Report, average life expectancy is 78.49 years, well above the world's norm. Many experts attribute this to ongoing medical developments, which have dealt with conditions that used to mow us down early. Meanwhile, nations without advanced medical care report a much shorter life expectancy, reported as part of their data collection for the World Factbook by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). However, despite the fact that the average American lives into his or her late 70s, the United States ranks 50th on the CIA's life expectancy list. Much more detail about the longevity of people around the world can be found at this site: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/living-well-usn/articles/2012/03/09/top-10-hotspots-for-human-longevity .

Interestingly enough, longevity even differs in the US based on the state where you live. According to National Public Radio (NPR) online, residents in Hawaii have the average longest life expectancy at 80 years, while those people living in the District of Columbia live an average of 72 years. A US map on this site allows you to see stats by state: http://www.npr.org/news/specials/longevity/ .

According to Everyday Health.com, you often hear advice about things you can do to improve your health and increase your longevity. For instance, you’re told to avoid sugary snacks, exercise more, lose weight and control stress. For many individuals, this involves making changes to a normal routine. But how many of the following things are you already doing to increase your longevity?

Engaging in a hobby: Having a hobby that engages you physically as well as mentally is particularly beneficial. Hobbies needn’t be expensive either. Gardening, bird watching and photography are examples of hobbies that will bring you outside and get you moving. Hobbies reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Going on vacation: Vacations aren’t optional, they’re essential to optimal health. According to the Framingham Heart Study women who took vacations every six years or less were eight times more likely to develop heart disease or have a heart attack than those who vacationed twice a year. Another study of men showed that those who didn’t take at least one vacation were 21 percent more likely to die and 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. While people in Great Britain average 25 vacation days per year and the French 37 days, the average American worker only takes 14 days of vacation.

Sleeping in on the weekends: During sleep the neurons in the brain become less active and undergo repair. Without repair these nerve cells are unable to function properly with the result that people find that they have trouble with memory and concentration. Many other tissues of the body also undergo repair during sleep, and sleep is also important for proper hormone balance. The National Sleep Foundation’s 2008 Sleep in America Poll found that Americans slept an average of six hours and 40 minutes a night, while most people need an average of 7 ½ hours. Sleeping an extra hour or two on the weekends can help make up some of this deficit.

Connecting with other people: In his National Geographic book “The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest”, Dan Buettner found that one characteristic of regions of the world with greatest longevity are the strong interconnections between family and friends. Studies have found that social isolation has health risks on a par with cigarette smoking!

Flossing your teeth: According to studies done at Emory University by the Centers for Disease Control, common gum problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis lead to a 23 to 46 percent higher rate of death. Gum tissues are common sites for inflammation, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Flossing your teeth every night removes the bacteria that cause the inflammation and it has been estimated that daily flossing can add as much a 6.4 years to your life.

You are probably are doing several of these things already. With a few simple changes to your routine you can be doing all of them and increase your health and longevity. This information, provided by Dr. Terry Grossman who is an anti-aging and longevity practitioner, can be found at his site: www.grossmanwellness.com , and follow up on more health issues can be found at www.everydayhealth.com .

Living longer sure beats the alternative. Practice those techniques in your everyday life to stretch the years for maximum living. Although you never know the total number of days you may have, making the most of each one is what healthy living is all about. Your physical, mental, social, spiritual, and financial health is all tied together. When one part of you is out of whack, the rest of you tends to suffer. Focus attention on those things that matter, and your longevity may be increased.

Until next time.