MedicalGUIDE

and Directory

2012

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Laughter and music just may be good for the heart. Millions of people routinely take prescription medications or make dietary changes, such as eliminating salt from their diets, in an effort to lower blood pressure. However, for those who are interested in making some easy lifestyle changes that can result in modest reductions in blood pressure, listening to music or laughing more may do the trick. In a Japanese study presented in May at an American Heart Association meeting, researchers explained that people who took part in bimonthly group sessions built around music or laughter lowered their systolic blood pressure (the top number in the reading, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) by an average of five to six points after three months. In contrast, the average blood-pressure reading in a control group that received neither therapy didn’t move. According to experts, this decline in pressure is the equivalent of what someone could expect from adopting a low-salt diet or losing 10 pounds. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy blood pressure should be less than 120 for systolic and less than 80 for diastolic.

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Appalachian Heart Center ........................................................................................................................... inside front cover

Saint Joseph Connction/London ........................................................................................................................................... 1

Cedar Creek ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Howard Family Pharmacy ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

Mountain Manor ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Prestonburg Health Care Center ........................................................................................................................................... 4

Dr. Dwight Avery OD .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Jim S. Caudill, MDM, PSC ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Baptist Regional Medical Center ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Baptist Physicians Southeast .............................................................................................................................................. 11

Big Sandy Community & Technical College ........................................................................................................................ 12

Riverview Health Care Center .............................................................................................................................................. 12

Maynard Insurance Agency ................................................................................................................................................. 13

Professional Pharmacy ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

The Hazard Herald ............................................................................................................................................................... 14

Saint Joseph Connction/Martin ........................................................................................................................................... 20

Appalachian Regional Healthcare ...............................................................................................................inside back cover

Highlands Health Systems ..................................................................................................................................... back cover

CPR can save lives ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Why are women prone to autoimmune diseases?................................................................................................................. 6

The truth about cancer myths................................................................................................................................................ 7

Changing insurance providers ............................................................................................................................................... 8

When you become the parent of your parent ........................................................................................................................ 9

Taking control of kids’ weight issues ................................................................................................................................... 12

Daily activities can burn calories ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Strike a pose for better sleep ............................................................................................................................................... 15

Recognizing drug use in teenagers ..................................................................................................................................... 16

What’s behind dental cavities? ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Exercise caution with herbal remedies ................................................................................................................................ 18

MEDICAL DIRECTORY......................................................................................................................................................... 19

2012 Medical Guide and Directory | The Floyd County Times • The Hazard Herald | Josh Byers, general manager & advertising director439 High Street | Hazard, KY 41702 | 606-436-5771 | hazard-herald.com

CONTENTS

index of advertisers

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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving method that has prevented the deaths of scores of individuals throughout the centuries. CPR is often used to keep a person alive until more in-depth medical attention can be provided. It’s an essential skill to know and can be a lifesaver for people of all ages.

The American Heart Association reports that effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. Despite these statistics, less than one-third of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. It could be because many people still do not know how to perform it.

CPR has been around since 1740, when the Paris Academy of Sciences officially recommended mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for drowning victims. In 1891, Dr. Friedrich Maass performed the first documented chest compression in humans. Roughly ten years later, successful chest compressions were used in human resuscitation.

In the 1950s, it was determined that exhaled air was enough to provide oxygenation of another person. Peter Safar and James Elan, thusly, invented mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. In 1960, the American Red Cross officially adopted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and began to teach the public the techniques.

The ability to do CPR is not based on age but rather body strength. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills.

CPRcan save lives

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It’s important to keep in mind that while CPR can keep a person alive, Automated External Defibrillators (AED) devices are needed to restore a natural heart rhythm to an individual who has suffered from cardiac arrest. Unless resuscitation is provided within minutes of collapse, an individual can rarely be saved.

CPR training courses are provided for individuals at many places, often free of charge. Some hospitals even offer CPR training to new parents. Check with a hospital, medical provider or police station on where CPR can be learned.

Performing CPR For those who want to know the basics of CPR, follow these guidelines, courtesy of The Mayo Clinic. Think ABC—airway, breathing and circulation—to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through airway

and breathing to begin chest compressions.

Airway: Clear the airway1. Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.2. Kneel next to the person’s neck and shoulders.3. Open the person’s airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person’s forehead

and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.4. Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds. Look for chest motion, listen for

normal breath sounds and feel for the person’s breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn’t breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven’t been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compressions.

Breathing: Breathe for the person Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can’t be opened.

1. With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person’s mouth with yours, making a seal.

2. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath -- lasting one second -- and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest does not rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.

3. Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.

Circulation: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions1. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person’s chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand

on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.2. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push

straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push hard at a rate of 100 compressions a minute.

3. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn’t rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second rescue breath. That’s one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions. If you’re not trained in CPR and feel comfortable performing only chest compressions, skip rescue breathing and continue chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions a minute until medical personnel arrive.

4. If the person has not begun moving after five cycles (about two minutes) and an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, apply it and follow the prompts. Administer one shock, then resume CPR—starting with chest compressions—for two more minutes before administering a second shock. If you’re not trained to use an AED, a 911 operator may be able to guide you in its use. Use pediatric pads, if available, for children ages 1 to 8. Do not use an AED for babies younger than age 1. If an AED isn’t available, go to step 5 below.

5. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over.

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Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, are more likely to affect women than men. Now researchers are beginning to understand why.

Diseases like lupus, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis are caused by a body’s natural defense system attacking the body instead of fending off actual illnesses. In August 2011, researchers at National Jewish Health determined that immune system B-cells make autoantibodies that bind to and attack the body’s own tissue. The researchers found that high levels of these cells were most notable in older female mice. The findings were presented in the journal Blood.

According to senior author Philippa Marrack, Ph.D., a professor of immunology at National Jewish Health and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, “We believe these cells could be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases, and may help us understand general mechanisms underlying autoimmunity.”

The B-cells increased as the female mice aged, and they were also present in young and old mice that were most susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Researchers also found elevated levels of these same cells in humans experiencing autoimmune conditions. The cells were present before any antibodies appeared, which leads medical professionals to believe these cells could be instrumental in the early detection of the diseases.

Researchers also found that activating the B-cells required stimulation of TLR7, a cell-surface receptor involved in innate immune responses. TLR7 is located on the X chromosome. Therefore, women, who naturally have two X chromosomes, are at a higher risk than men.

In 2011, National Jewish Health applied for a patent for a process to reduce these B-cells in the hopes of lowering the risk for autoimmune diseases.

There are currently no cures for autoimmune diseases, only treatments that help mitigate symptoms. Research into B-cells might help treat and evetually cure thousands of women currently suffering from autoimmune diseases.

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People who have been diagnosed with cancer often begin looking

for information about their condition. In addition, well-meaning family

members commonly search for answers to their many questions.

However, with an abundance of information out there, there is

bound to be some which is inaccurate. As a result, many cancer

myths have been circulating for years.

It’s important to consult with a doctor or a reputable source for

cancer information. Reputable sources include the American Cancer

Society or the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Here are

some common myths debunked.

Myth: All cancer is hereditary.

Truth: Although cancer starts in the genes, just because a parent

or sibling has cancer doesn’t mean their relatives will also contract

the disease. Only 5 to 10 percent of cancers are hereditary.

Myth: Cancer is a death sentence.

Truth: There are a number of successful treatments for cancer. In

fact, more than 60 percent of people live 5 or more years after an

initial diagnosis.

Myth: Antiperspirants cause cancer.

Truth: Although the body can absorb the aluminum that is

contained in many antiperspirants, there is no definitive proof that

these products cause cancer.

Myth: Most people who develop cancer have a weakened

immune system.

Fact: The majority of common cancers are not the result of a

compromised immune system. While a strong immune system does

not prevent you from getting cancer, being immunocompromised

dramatically increases your risk of getting a malignancy.

Myth: Some people are just too old for cancer treatment.

Fact: Cancer treatment is not limited by age. However, treatment

may be limited by other preexisting conditions.

Myth: Eating sugar makes cancer grow faster.

Fact: There is now more attention paid to the idea that foods

which cause the serum insulin level to rise (simple carbohydrates)

may be detrimental in cancer, causing greater cellular growth or

activating pathways of resistance to drugs.

Myth: Cancer causes hair loss.

Fact: Cancer itself does not cause hair loss. It is actually the

cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation that may

cause hair loss.

THETRUTHaboutcancermyths

8

People enrolled in a health insurance program through their employer or one purchased as a self-employed individual generally find there is an open-enrollment period that takes place once a year. This is an opportunity to make changes to an existing policy or change to another provider, generally without incurring any fees or loss in coverage.

Insurance companies regularly modify requirements for coverage or their co-payment rates and deductibles. Over time you may no longer be happy with the coverage provided by your policy and may want to change to another. Cost often influences people’s opinion with regard to insurance carriers. While many employers offset the costs of coverage, as it becomes more expensive to offer health insurance to employees, some companies must ask their workers to pay a greater percentage of the cost. This may leave employees shopping around for either a more comprehensive plan or one that is less expensive.

According to Consumer Reports, good health insurance protects you from medical expenses that aren’t easily afforded. It will cover all different types of medical care, including doctor visits, hospitalization, emergencies, mental health treatment, prescriptions, maternity care, and much, much more. Adequate insurance will cover 100 percent of the bill after your deductible or co-payment is paid, provided you participate in care as outlined by the insurance policy. This may mean seeing doctors who are in the plan’s network.

The rising cost of healthcare is a major contributor to the increase in insurance premiums, not necessarily fraud, as many people believe. Diagnostic tests and medicines have become more effective, but in turn, they are more expensive. The cost of hospital stays has increased, as has the demand for services. People are living longer and are seeking the care to keep them in good health.

If you are considering changing your provider for one reason or another, here is a brief description of the types of plans available to help with the decision.

HMO An HMO, or health maintenance organization, is a more affordable plan for the masses. Policy holders typically

pay less out of pocket and have less paperwork to fill out. But there are more limits with regards to doctors and the amount of coverage outside the plan.

HMOs generally require patients select from a list of plan providers. Referrals may be needed to visit specialists, and certain procedures may need to be pre-approved by the insurance company before they can go forward. You can go to out-of-plan doctors, but it’s very likely you’ll have to pay the full cost or close to it.

PPO Preferred provider organizations generally cost a little more in terms of out-of-pocket expenses for the subscriber, partially because there is a larger network of providers. Also, PPOs tend to make out-of-network care easier. People tend to choose PPOs when they desire a little more freedom in their healthcare choices, including no need for referrals.

However, this freedom does come at a higher cost and you may need to handle some of your own filing of claims and figuring out bills and coverage amounts. You may also have to pay an annual deductible before insurance kicks in.

POS, or point-of-service, plans are a compromise between an HMOand PPO. They are like an HMOin that policy holders choose a primary care provider, have low co-payments and no deductibles and must get referrals to visit specialists. But like a PPO, you can also see doctors outside of the network and pay a percentage of the cost.

Mini-Meds These are limited-benefit plans that are sold directly to consumers online or through telemarketing. They are often cheap options if you’re in dire need of insurance. In general, they are inexpensive because they significantly cap the amount they’ll pay out on a procedure or doctor visit. Or you may be limited to the number of visits you can make in a year. These are not comprehensive plans and should not be considered as an alternative to traditional insurance if other options are available.

Insurance coverage can be confusing. When it comes to your health, it pays to do your research and find a plan that will offer the lowest out-of-pocket expense for the best care.

Changing health insurance providers

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Medical advancements have enabled people to live longer. Though everyone wants to live longer, some people outlive their ability to care for themselves. In such instances, family members must make a decision regarding how best to care for an elderly relative.

According to “Aging in Place in America,” a commissioned study by Clarity(R) and the EAR Foundation, 63 percent of Baby Boomers are actively involved in providing some kind of help or assistance to their elderly parents. Whether this is due to the rising cost of elder care or simply a feeling of obligation on the part of the child, many middle-aged men and women are responsible for caring for aging parents and young children.

The emotions that might result from caring for an aging parent are often mixed. Some people are happy to do their part to help make life a little easier for a person who devoted so much of his or her energy to raising them. Others in the sandwich generation can feel like this is a burden or guilty that they’re not doing enough for a parent.

Signs an elder needs helpWhen an older relative stops driving, this is often indicative that he or she

needs assistance with daily living. There also may be signs that support and care is needed, such as if the house seems untidy, if he or she is having trouble maintaining personal hygiene, if the parent is getting hurt attempting to do things around the house or if he or she seems malnourished due to the inability to cook meals. Limited mobility or loss of mental faculties also may be indicative that it is time for a loved one to receive care.

Any person facing the prospect of caring for an aging parent can realize that there is help available, as well as many different people who can help guide a decision. The first resource is to ask siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins to weigh in on the situation to help the family come to a consensus.

There are also social workers who specialize in this sort of thing, as well as financial consultants who can spell out the pros and cons of different types of care and help determine the most affordable option. This can also go a long way toward helping determine the course of action.

The burden of caring for a parent can take a physical and mental toll on a person. Knowing there is a support circle available can ease one’s mind and enable caregivers to make rational decisions that are in everyone’s best interest.

Caring for a loved one who can no longer care for him- or herself is something that many Baby Boomers are facing on a daily basis. Although it may be a touchy subject, it is worth exploring what you will do before the situation becomes urgent.

When you become the parent of your parent

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Although taking on the care of an aging parent may seem like the best idea possible, particularly for a senior who is very afraid of losing his or her independence, it may not always be in either party’s best interest. Before anyone determines what will be done to help a relative, it’s best to answer a few questions as straightforwardly as possible.

What type of care does my parent need?

How soon into the future is that type of care bound to change?

Can this care be handled by someone who comes into the house, such as a visiting nurse?

Will my parent feel comfortable with an outside person helping with day-to-day care?

What are my parent’s limitations?

Am I capable of handling this on my own?

Can I afford an adequate care facility?

What are my local facility options?

Will this type of care affect my own personal well-being?

Can I handle this emotionally and physically?

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Many parents are having conflicts with their children, and they’re not over doing homework or cleaning their rooms. The disagreements are about food and how many of today’s youth need guidance about what they eat because of pronounced weight gain.

Research indicates that in the United States 1 out of 3 chil-dren is now classified as overweight or obese. With less time spent exercising and more time spent in front of the television or with gaming consoles, children are packing on the pounds. Furthermore, with the harried pace many families keep -- includ-ing two-income households where there may not be ample time to prepare healthy, lower-fat meals -- fast food and convenience items have become the norm.

According to reports from ABCNews, a young child who is obese has a 50 percent chance of becoming an obese adult if he or she is not given help. This also puts the child at risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes as an adult if the situation is not changed before adulthood.

Experts advise against putting a child on an adult diet. Children have different nutritional needs and there needs to be enough food to fuel a growing body.

Another thing that parents often contend with is picky eaters who are not apt to simply cut one thing out of a diet and replace it with a healthier alternative.

A smarter idea is to consult with a pediatrician or a nutri- tionist who specializes in pediatrics. He or she can present a meal plan that fits with the dietary needs of the child but is also healthy enough to promote weight loss. Adult diets may harm a child’s health because they limit certain things that a child needs to process vitamins and minerals, such as certain levels of fat.

One of the best things to do is to get children moving. Regular exercise is an ideal way to burn off the calories and fat that is not needed. Implement daily activities, such as taking walks, playtime in the yard and sports games so that kids are moving instead of sitting in front of the television.

Here are some other ideas that may work.Limit electronics use so that kids will have to get their fun

from physical activities.Don’t make a big deal about body weight. A 12-year study

at Standford University found that parents who are very control-ling about food put too much pressure on their children to be thin. This can lead to eating disorders. Parents who push diets may have children who are overweight years later.

Eat regular meals as a family. Eating meals together in-stead of grazing and snacking can promote better eating habits.

Remove unhealthy foods from the home. Kids will eat what is convenient. If there are no unhealthy snacks around,

they’ll have to choose from others, like fresh fruits and low-fat items.

Serve meals from the stove. Portion out food items onto each person’s plate instead of putting a large quantity of food in the middle of the table. This can help regulate portion sizes and prevent overeating.

Don’t make everything off-limits. Have a few “splurge”items around so that kids won’t feel deprived. Low-fat frozen yogurt can satisfy like ice cream. Lower-fat cookies can replace the unhealthy kind. Chances are kids won’t even realize they’re eat-ing healthier.

Skip sodas and sugary drinks. Encourage children to drink water, fruit juices and low-fat milk instead of filling up on sugary drinks.

Parents can make their children feel loved and supported no matter their weight. Taking an interest in a child’s health involves being aware of eating and food issues that can lead to obesity.

Taking Control of kids’ weight issues

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Some people think they have to spend hours at the gym sweating on the treadmill or elliptical trainer in order to burn calories and lose weight. As it turns out, the things you do every single day could be burning more calories than you realized. Some discipline with your diet and certain healthy habits can make the difference for those attempting to lose weight.

Getting eight hours of sleep can burn more than 300 calories for the average person. But there’s a good chance you are interested in what activities you can do while awake to help burn calories.

Courtesy of Discovery Health and Harvard Medical School, here are common everyday activities and how many calories can be burned depending on weight. These figures are based on a person weighing around 150 pounds and a duration of one hour of activity.

Supermarket shopping: Pushing a wagon around the supermarket for an hour can burn 240 calories or more. Up the ante by bagging groceries yourself and packing and unpacking them from the car.

Raking leaves If you spent time manually raking leaves this past fall, you were doing something good for your body. In addition to working several muscle groups, you may have spent 300 calories.

Dusting Spring cleaning is right around the corner, and that can be good news for your health. Dusting alone can burn as much as 160 calories.

Cooking Here’s a reason to get fired up about cooking. Making a simple meal can add up to 200 calories lost. Just don’t sabotage those lost calories by cooking up a fattening dinner.

Moving Packing and moving may seem like a big task one rarely looks forward to, but carrying boxes can burn 460 calories an hour. Packing, moving and unpacking yourself may be the diet plan you’ve been seeking.

Painting Perhaps you’ve been procrastinating on that house painting project. Here’s inspiration to break out the rollers and brushes. Spending an hour painting can burn 350 calories. After several hours applying a primer and then top coat, you may find you painted yourself thinner.

Community service If you want to help the environment and your health, spending time picking up trash from a park or seaside can shed some serious calories -- 450 an hour.

Playing with kids Engaging in some fun family time can burn around 400 calories. Plus, it’s a great way for parents and children to bond.

Daily activities can burn calories

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Health experts have long been professing the “back is best”mantra to new parents. As it turns out, the back also may be best for adults.

Placing an infant to sleep on his or her back is essential to reducing the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and has been part of the advice given to new parents for decades. Sleeping on one’s back can also be ideal for improving the health of older children and adults, offer sleep experts. Misalignment of the body during sleep can put strain on different areas of the body, most especially the spine, neck, shoulder, hips and jaw. Stressing these areas can affect how you feel the next day. People who cannot find a comfortable sleeping position also may have trouble drifting off to sleep in the first place.

Although mattress and pillow comfort, room temperature, noise levels, and the level of darkness play a large role in getting a good night’s sleep, sleep position can also help or hinder the quality of sleep.

Sleeping on the back is the preferred position if a person wants to improve personal health. The advantages to resting on the back are numerous. Sleeping on your back enables the spine, head and neck to remain in a neutral position, alleviating or preventing strain on these areas of the body. Those with acid reflux may find sleeping on their backs helps reduce symptoms, especially if the head is slightly elevated with a fluffy pillow.

Back sleeping is also good for preventing premature wrinkling. That’s because nothing—like a pillow or mattress—is pressing up against the face for a long period of time. Some medical experts also say that sleeping on the back supports a woman’s breasts.

Sleeping on the back is not good for everyone, however. Heavy snorers or people who suffer from sleep apnea should avoid this position because the tongue can fall inwards and block the breathing passage.

It isn’t advisable for pregnant women to sleep on their backs, either. This is because the weight of the uterus when lying on the back is placed on a large blood vessel called the inferior vena cava, reducing the flow of blood back to the heart. This in turn may staunch blood flow to the fetus. It is best for pregnant women to sleep on their left sides, or at least place a pillow under the right hip to slightly angle the body toward the left,

which promotes stronger blood flow. Side sleeping is the next best position if the back is not comfortable.

According to experts, the worst positions for sleeping are the fetal position or on the stomach. This is because these positions cause the body to be curved in unnatural shapes that can strain the spine and neck. Arthritic people may be in agony the next day.

Although people spend significant portions of their lives asleep, few give sleep much thought until it becomes a problem in their lives. The Better Sleep Council says sleep is essential to health, and people should strive to get 7.5 hours of sleep every day.

There are tips for promoting better sleep, which include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding eating or exercising close to bedtime, and reducing factors that diminish one’s ability to fall asleep. Choosing a more healthy sleep position can be one of the things people do to get a better night’s sleep.

Sleeping on your side is the second-best sleep position behind sleeping on your back for optimal health.

16

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry says that the average age for children to experiment with drugs (marijuana is the most commonly used first-time drug) is age 14, and they may have had their first alcoholic drink by age 12. Would you recognize the signs of alcohol or drug use in your child?

Many adolescents see this time in their lives as the opportunity to experiment. Teenagers also may feel that they are relatively indestructible. As such, drug and alcohol use can be a way to fit in with peers, try something exciting or self-medicate to alleviate physical or emotional problems. The use of marijuana and alcohol during high school has become common. Teenagers are also increasingly using prescription drugs to get high thanks to their accessibility.

Recognizing drug or alcohol use requires knowledge of key physical signs and certain behaviors. However, some children are astute in masking drug use. In fact, teen drug use can start months or even years before a parent recognizes signs.

A red flag should be raised if you notice one or more of these warning signs. • repeated health complaints • extreme fatigue or hyperactivity • glazed-over or red eyes • lasting cough • decreased interest in activities • weight loss • poor personal hygiene • seclusion and isolation • marked changes in behavior • faltering grades • depression • low self-esteem • agression or irritability • changes in dress • new friends or hang-out spots • secrecy • sudden need for more money • intetionally arguing with family members

Recognizing Drug Use in Teenagers

Many people turn to hand sanitizers to keep hands clean when there is no

available soap and water. Hand sanitizer pumps are commonly found in shopping

malls, at zoos, at children’s play areas, and in portable restroom facilities. But how

does a hand sanitizer work?

Hand sanitizers work by removing the outer layer of oil on the skin with a high

concentration of alcohol. The higher the amount of alcohol in the product, the

better it will work for removing germs. According to eHow.com, the alcohol

penetrates the cell membrane of the bacteria and denatures it (meaning it changes

the nature of the bacteria, making it inert) by not allowing the proteins to fold

properly. It simultaneously strips the outer layer of oil off of your hands, creating an

inhospitable environment for new bacteria.

Choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 to 95 percent of alcohol to get the job done.

Otherwise, the hand sanitizing lotions simply may spread around bacteria on the hands and compound

the problem. Use a large dollop and rub into the hands for at least 30 seconds.

Did you know...

17

What causes a cavity?Bacteria is the main culprit behind cavities. Bacteria migrate

into the mouth and are constantly present on the gums, teeth and tongue. While most oral bacteria are not harmful, certain types can prove troublesome. Bacteria attach to the enamel of the teeth and eventually start to form a colony. Proteins present in saliva mix with the bacteria, which then forms a hard layer on the tooth known as plaque.

Sugar plays a role in the process because the bacteria use sugar as a food source. The sugar also helps them stick to the tooth surface, making it more difficult for bacteria to be cleared away with saliva. As bacteria eat the sugar, they produce waste, which is acidic. Over time, this acid can wear away at the tough enamel on teeth, making it porous. These holes can

become bigger, eventually forming what is known as a cavity.It may take a while before you realize you have a cavity

because the enamel of the tooth doesn’t have nerve fibers. But once the cavity becomes large enough to expose the sensitive dentin within, pain ensues.

Preventing cavitiesCavities can be largely prevented by brushing and flossing

regularly to remove extra bacteria from the teeth, and preventing them from attaching and building up on the teeth.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings also play a preventative role. Dentists have equipment that can effectively clean teeth in areas that can sometimes be difficult to keep clean with just manual brushing.

High susceptibility to cavitiesMedications and biology can affect the pHof a person’s

mouth and contribute to the formation of dental caries. When pH drops, demineralization of the tooth enamel occurs and cavities form. Some forms of bacteria contribute to tooth decay more than others.

As mentioned, sugar feeds bacteria growth. Research by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has found that it’s not often the amount of sugar eaten at a given time, but the frequency of sugar exposure that can lead to cavities. Sucrose, it seems, is bacteria’s prefered energy source. Saliva production is important for keeping bacteria at bay. Individuals who produce less bacteria, due to medication or their physical history, may be more susceptible to cavities.

Dental caries are a common health problem. Knowing what causes them can help with prevention.

Cavities are a problem for adults and children alike. Some people seem more susceptible to cavities than others, and the pH of the mouth and other factors may play a role in the formation of cavities.

The number of dental caries, or cavities, increases with age. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dental decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, even though it is largely preventable. Although it may seem like children who love sugar would have the highest rate of cavities, data actually shows that 92 percent of adults in the U.S. age 20 to 64 have dental caries in their permanent teeth and an average of 3.28 missing teeth. Canadian oral health statistics indicate that 96 percent of adults have dental caries.

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When you were younger, your mother may have suggested drinking a bay leaf tea to calm a queasy stomach. For a sore throat, you may have swallowed a spoonful of honey. To calm jitters, you may have turned to chamomile. What you may have not known then is that you were taking herbal remedies for common ailments.

The herbal market is a billion dollar industry. According to a report in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, about one-third of adults in developed countries and more than 60 percent of people in Asia use herbal medicines for health promotion or treatment of various chronic diseases. Herbal medicines can now routinely be found lining the shelves of everything from pharmacies to supermarkets to discount stores.

Many consumers feel if a product is sold over the counter it is safe to use, even if they haven’t consulted a physician. This is not always true. Certain herbal remedies require as much caution as prescription drugs. Furthermore, it is often imperative for individuals to understand the dosing instructions and drug interactions that come with herbal medicines.

Unlike prescription medications, herbal remedies may not be required to undergo the strict testing measures for safety and efficacy. These products also may not be checked for quality control, such as whether the same level of active ingredient is contained in each package -- or even pill. Sometimes it is buyer beware when it comes to herbal medicines.

That isn’t to say that all herbal products are bad. Herbal medicine, sometimes referred to as botanical medicine or herbalism, has been practiced with great success throughout history.

Exercise caution with herbal remedies

According to a 2010 study conducted by researchers at the Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, a midday nap might just make you smarter. The study was conducted with the help of 39 college students, each of whom was asked to learn a series of new names and faces at noon and match the faces a few minutes later. The same test was then performed at 6 p.m. that same day. A group of the participants who took a nap at 2 p.m. performed better than those students who did not nap. The latter group, in fact, had a significant decline in memory test scores. Researchers credit the nap with refreshing the brain, and they credit the study with showing that the brain’s ability to absorb new information declines over the course of a typical day. When a person naps, that decline seems to be reversed. However, researchers noted that college students, who generally do not get adequate sleep, might not make the best subject matter thanks to typically poor sleeping habits. Men and women who do get adequate sleep might not experience any improved memory if they take a nap during the day.

Did you know...

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Before there were pharmacies or drug manufacturers, ancient cultures relied on the products of the land -- namely plants -- to improve overall health and to treat illnesses. No one knows for sure when humans first began using herbs for medicinal purposes, but there are written records of herbal medicine use in China dating back to 2800 B.C. Since then, herbalism has fallen out of favor, only to resurface several times. Herbs were used in Ancient Greece, monks once employed their use, and when lack of availability of drugs occurred during World War I, herbal medicines increased in use. Herbal remedies are still in use today and may have found even more supporters.

Although the European Union started to regulate the testing of herbal medicines beginning in the 21st century, there still isn’t any official overseer to most of the herbal products on the market.

Thanks to rising healthcare costs, many people turn to herbal medicines in lieu of seeking out professional medical advice. This can be dangerous, because, although these products come from nature, they can carry with them side effects and produce drug or food interactions similar to prescriptions.

For example, St. John’s Wort, one of the more popular herbal remedies, is a common product used to ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and because of its widespread availability, most patients assume it to be safe. But St. John’s Wort may cause photosensitivity, meaning individuals with fair skin could have an increased risk for sunburn. Also, Biol Psychiatry has released data that St. John’s Wort may cause manic episodes to occur in bipolar individuals. Immunosuppressants, benzodiazepines and antiretrovirals, as well as many other prescription drugs, are known to interact negatively with St. John’s Wort.

Here are some other popular herbal medications and their potential drug interactions.

* Echinacea is used to boost the immune system and fend off colds and flu. But it may cause inflammation of the liver if used with certain other medications, such as anabolic steroids, methotrexate or others.

* Feverfew is used to minimize migraine headache attacks and for rheumatoid arthritis. It may increase bleeding risk, especially in those taking anti-clotting medications.

* Ginseng increases concentration and physical stamina. Those using ginseng can see an increased heart rate or higher blood pressure.

* Kava-kava is used to calm nervousness or muscle spasms. However, Kava-kava may increase the effects of certain anti-seizure medications and/or prolong the effects of certain anesthetics. It can also enhance the effects of alcohol.

Many herbal remedies are notorious for affecting metabolism, meaning they can be dangerous for people taking medications that need to be dosed into the blood stream at a specific rate.

It is best to discuss use of an herbal remedy with a doctor prior to beginning any treatment. Always keep health professionals apprised of changes in herbal or vitamin usage, as it may interfere with prescriptions the doctor has issued or may issue.

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