Anyone Have Allergies
It seems there are many individuals who have allergies, and there are many allergen substances in our environment. Everybody knows the symptoms; sneezing, runny nose, eye
irritation, rash, hives, breathing difficulties, congestion, cough, and wheezing. Two out of ten Americans have been diagnosed with allergies. People inherit a tendency to allergies. (Cleveland Clinic)

What Are Allergies?
Allergies are over-reactions of the immune system when substances in the environment called allergens (i.e., pollen) causes the immune system to react as if the substance is
harmful.

What Are Allergy Causing Substances?
Most common are: pollen, dust mites, animal dander, insect stings, latex, certain foods, medications, molds (in-house and outdoor), cosmetics and fragrances. More specific are: milk, eggs, nuts, shell fish, soy, wheat, salicylate, and sulfite. If the allergen (the substance that triggers an allergic reaction) is in the air, the allergic reaction can occur in the eyes, nose, and lungs, and if ingested the reaction from an allergen can occur in the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Example: Contact with fragrances and preservatives which act like an antigen, (the substance that causes the allergic reaction) that are in the air, applied to the skin, or ingested can cause individuals to have mild, moderate, or severe reactions (anaphylaxis).

What Can We Do to Help Those with Allergies?
Always consult your doctor for preventative suggestions. As a preventative measure, be aware of family and friends who have allergies. Know how to reduce risks and keep the
environment allergy free. It is important to ask friends if they have allergies to foods or fragrances before providing a dinner (meal) or giving a gift. Often wearing cosmetics
with aromas can cause someone nearby to have a reaction, since cologne antigens can be carried in the air. Even candles with fragrances when burned can cause distress for
others. (Back to Health Resource index)

Is Your Blood Pressure Going Up?
You may not know it, but there is another epidemic surrounding us, and you can’t necessarily feel it or see it! But, your doctor will recognize it! One in four have high blood pressure the CDC reports. It creeps up on you when you don’t suspect it and causes a lot of internal havoc.

I guess you might ask, “What are the signs and symptoms?” BP doesn’t hold up a sign and say “here I am.” You must be aware of it, keep asking about it, get it checked, and get reatment if you have it!

We have all heard about increased BP and we know someone who has it. But, are we really doing something about it?

The medical community is alarmed because so many people, they are finding, have blood pressure that is out of bounds, and above what it should be in the “normal range.” The range of 140 / 90 and over is considered high, and 120 systolic over 80 diastolic is normal.

So, what are WE going to do? “WE,” sounds like a community of folks who need to do some thinking. Perhaps, WE can!

• WE can pass on information about high blood pressure’s affect on the body (organ damage, risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart and coronary artery disease).
• WE can care about our children and family members and have them checked by medical staff.
• WE can take our medicine to decrease hypertension when prescribed.
• WE can help each other reduce stress by “soothing ruffled feathers.”
• WE can take care of ourselves by being sure that we have it checked often, especially by our Parish Nurse who is on duty at DPC the third Sunday of each month.
• WE can reduce our risk by losing weight (if overweight), watching the amount we eat, eliminating some salt, eating fruits and veggies, and enjoying a heath-filled-diet.
• WE can care about others by asking them to EXERCISE with us … a walk a day may keep high BP away!

Do You Have These Risk Factors?

1. Is your hypertension moderate to severe?
2. Do you smoke?
3. Do you have heart disease, diabetes, kidney damage, leg artery blockage, retinal eye disease?
4. Do you have unfavorable cholesterol levels?
5. Do you have family history of early cardiovascular disease?

Keep a watch out, know your blood pressure readings, because WE at DPC care!!
(Back to Health Resource index)

Children's Safety Awareness

Train up a child in the way he should go;
and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

While ye have light, believe in the light,
that ye may be the children of light. John 12:36

Knowledge about how a child remains safe depends on how parents are enabling children to understand safety issues, and how well children are absorbing information they can use.

Parent's heightened sensitivity about child safety includes issues about strangers approaching children, bully behavior, internet safety, appropriate play behavior, and weapons.

Information becomes useful to the children's well being when he or she has developed basic capacities for communication, self-esteem, and decision-making. (Ellis, 1985.)

• Communication between parent and child can be beneficial especially when a child feels very comfortable talking with his or her parents and is less vulnerable than a child who feels isolated.
• Self-esteem enriches children's ability to take responsibility for themselves. Self-esteem depends on developing boundaries.
• Decision-making Capabilities begin by allowing choices. Respect a child's thinking and feeling. Help him or her make alternatives that are acceptable. If a situation occurs, children who stand up for themselves in a positive way at home, will be more able to resist and say “No” in a dangerous situation.

Here are additional tips to discuss with your children if approached by a stranger:

• Say “no,” run away to a safe place.
• Don't go anywhere with a stranger.
• Don't talk to or receive any items from a stranger.
• At home alone, don't open the door or speak to unfamiliar callers on the phone.
  Tell parents (an adult) your concern if feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.

Personal safety is best taught along with other kinds of safety so your child is not unduly
frightened of other people. (Back to Health Resource index)

Stroke now called “Brain Attack”

What is it? A stroke or brain attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery, or when a vessel breaks and when there is interruption of blood flow to an area of the brain. What are symptoms? There are five common symptoms that occur suddenly:

1. Decreased or blurred vision in one or both eyes
2. Loss of balance or coordination
3. Difficulty speaking and/or understanding simple statements
4. Weakness, numbness or paralysis in face, arms, or legs
5. Severe headache with no known cause

Remember … call 911 if you see or have any of these symptoms. Treatment can be effective if given quickly. What can be done to reduce the risk of “brain attack”?

1. Hypertension can be controlled by checking blood pressure often.
2. Control the intake of salt and watch for hidden salt in processed foods. Too much salt can contribute to increased blood pressure.
3. Controlling heart disease with a low fat and low cholesterol diet, and exercising at least 30 to 45 minutes each day helps to reduce risks.
4. Smokers have a higher risk of stroke. Once someone stops smoking, stroke risk will drop significantly within two years.
5. Control alcohol consumption.
6. Remain at a sensible weight; reduce weight one pound a week and exercise.
7. Eat good foods: protein, carbohydrates, green vegetables, and citrus fruits. They contain the right mix to add folic acid, fiber, and potassium that may be linked to reducing risk for stroke or heart disease.

To further educate your family about health, consider information from credible consumer health resources on the world wide web. For additional information and websites for this
article and others try the following sites:

• Aetna US Healthcare
• American Medical Association
• Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Health Finder
• Health Web
• HIV In Site
• Independence Blue Cross
• Mayo Clinic
• Medicare
• Medline Plus
• National Women's Health Information Center
  (Back to Health Resource index)
  

Diabetes Awareness
Diabetes is a disease found in all age groups, young and old. If not managed and monitored properly, it can cause serious problems.

Risk Factors Quiz …
1. If a family member has diabetes, are your chances of developing diabetes increased?
2. Is the risk greater if you are Hispanic, African-American, Native American, or Asian?
3. If you are over weight, 20% or more of your normal body weight, are you at risk?
4. Do you need to control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels to decrease the risk of diabetes?
5. Do wellness health practices such as controlling alcohol consumption and eliminating smoking reduce risks?
6. Is the myth, “eating a lot of sugar causes diabetes,” true?

Answers:
Questions 1 through 5; the answers are “yes.”
Question 6 is “no” if you do not have diabetes. But remember increased calories may cause increased weight gain. See question 3.

• Consider the Symptoms …
• Increased thirst and or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue (you feel weak, tired)
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet
• Loss of consciousness (rare)

Diabetes Types ...
Type One and Type Two Diabetes have symptoms that are the same and can occur in all ages … except Type One Diabetes symptoms occur suddenly and can be severe. Those diagnosed are insulin dependent because pancreas cells are damaged and do not produce insulin.

Type Two Diabetes symptoms may occur because pancreas cells are damaged. Some insulin is produced but not enough and it does not work properly in the body. Symptoms may include slow healing sores or cuts, itching skin, weight gain, and / or yeast infections.

The best way to detect diabetes is to have your doctor check for symptoms and diagnose.
(Back to Health Resource index)

Diabetes Type II … a Threat to Well-being in Children
Pediatricians are diagnosing and treating conditions today that before were rarely seen in children. There is a rise in Type II Diabetes, which is often referred to as non-insulin- dependent or “adult-onset diabetes,” the pancreas produces insulin, but the body's cells are resistant to it effects.

The reason for the increase in most cases is due to obesity. Researchers feel this is an epidemic. The CDC states that 15% of US children and adolescents (approximately 9 million individuals) are overweight or obese and about 1/4 of US African-American and Hispanic children are obese. Issues about why there is obesity in children are complex because of cultural, social, community, family values, visual cues, and the general living environment.

Overweight Defined …
Roughly 10 to 30 pounds over a healthy weight.
Obesity is 30 pounds or more over a healthy weight.
         – US Surgeon General's Report, 2001

Children's Health Risk …
Ten percent of children 2 to 5 years are overweight now, up from 5% in the 1970s. In the last 3 years, the percentage of 6 to 11 year olds who are overweight has more than doubled; and the percentage of adolescents who are overweight has tripled.
            – JAMA, Nov. 9, 2002

Recommendations …
Two suggestions come to mind in controlling overweight and obesity:
Daily exercise or activity for over one hour each day
Better diet that includes healthy foods.
            – Health & Human Services Secretary, Tommy Thompson

Credible Resources … for more information
www.smartmoovz.com (Physical Conditioning Resource)
www.surgeongeneral.gov
www.jdrf.org (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
www.aap.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

As families, we share summer experiences. Consider doing activities together; go that extra mile with encouragement and support for each other. Good exercise habits and eating models begin at home. (Back to Health Resource index)

Dealing with Stress … Plan Ahead for a Health Filled Holiday
What a wonderful time of year to control stress and enjoy every day filled with the love of our Lord and Savior. It is a time to prepare, celebrate and give of ourselves, joyfully, during the holidays. Often preparation takes extra energy, endurance and stamina which add to our optimal stress level. Everyone has stress and positive stress can add anticipation and excitement to life. We thrive under a certain amount of stress and it is not to eliminate it, but to manage it and learn how to use it to our advantage. When we are feeling over whelmed:

Be aware of these symptoms and try these tips …

• Muscle tension … keep a positive attitude
• General aches and pains … accept events you can’t control
• Racing heart … set priorities; have realistic goals
• Cold and sweaty palms … pace yourself
• Tiredness … ask for help!
• Exhaustion … make a list; most important first
• Stomach upset, indigestion … feel good about accomplishments
• Headaches … exercise, take a walk!
• Grinding teeth, clenched jaw … use relaxation techniques

Resource: Cleveland Clinic, C.E. Grayson, MD

Feeling stressed?
Sing a song … music soothes and rests the soul.

O rest in the Lord, Wait patiently for Him
And He will give you your hearts desire.
Commit thy way unto Him and Trust in Him,
And fret not thyself because of evil doers,
O rest in the Lord …

Psalm 37: from Elijah; "O Rest in the Lord," by Felix Mendelssohn

(Back to Health Resource index)

Emergency!! What to Do
Emergencies occur at the most inconvenient times and often we are not prepared for them. What we do now can save your life later. The Boy Scout Motto is the first step in an Emergency: “Be Prepared.”

For those who take measures to think ahead and know what to do, the reaction time is decreased, emotional responses are circumvented and you can take control. Prepare by taking classes, such as CPR and first-aid, which are offered in the community and Doylestown Hospital that will help you feel in control when an emergency occurs.

(From “The Safety Corner” by Dr. Zorba Paster published in Bio-Rad’s Top Safety.)

The Around the Clock circular lists the following suggestions for preparedness:
Post the following emergency numbers and information by the phone:

• Fire, rescue, and police; dial 911. Do not hang up the phone, remain on the phone to give all information as requested.
• The name and number of the hospital where you prefer to be taken.
• A pre-prepared list of medications you are taking.
• The poison control center phone number.
• Your doctor and dentist’s office phone numbers.
• The phone numbers of neighbors you can call in an emergency.
• The veterinarian’s phone number if you have a pet.

Likewise in case of disasters such as severe weather, take these steps:

• Develop an emergency evacuation procedure at home and at work. Find all emergency exits and staircases.
• Learn which roads are designated as evacuation routes.
• Select a predetermined meeting place outside your home.
• Keep these disaster supplies in your car, at work, and home: portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries; sleeping bags or blankets; several heavy-duty flashlights; whistle for signaling help; fully-stocked first-aid kit; non-perishable food, and bottled water.

Begin your summer on the right foot: “play it safe,” don’t delay; practice your procedures; and be prepared! (Back to Health Resource index)

Exercise in the Winter … at Home
Your home can be your exercise center when the weather keeps you homebound! Here are a few suggestions; be creative, challenged, and enjoy the advantage of the “In-Home Plan”:

1. You are in control
2. It costs $0.00
3. Diversion keeps you redirected and renews the spirit
4. Your body is grateful to be put through its paces

Rules of Exercise …

• Don’t overdo … especially if you have not been exercising.
• Check with your doctor to be sure exercise is appropriate for you.
• Do not hold your breath; breath rhythmically through exertion of each movement.
• Warm up before exercising and cool down at the end.
• Drink water during and after exercise.
• Do not exercise vigorously after eating a full meal.
• Find someone to exercise with; an exercise buddy.
• Appropriate exercise programs can be found on TV, videos, and DVDs. Be sure they are right for you.

All you need are the following …

1. Wear comfortable, loose, fitting clothing and a pair of no-skid shoes.
2. Choose rhythmical music that peps you up.
3. Use cans of food or bags of beans that weight l/2 to 1 pound and more.
4. Select a pair of socks, any color will do, to hold cansand keep them from slipping out of your hands and to hold multiple cans to increase weight.
5. Find a sturdy, straight-back chair to hold on to while standing, sitting, and especially for leg lifts.
6. Design a route throughout your house for walking.
7. Plan a 30-minute slot during your day to begin your, “In Home Training.”
8. Write down your plan and each day record your success to increase stretch and flexing of muscles, strength, endurance, cardio-vascular for heart and lungs, and range of motion for joints.

Follow this plan …
Warm-up: Standing or seated; take deep breaths three times slowly in and out while raising arms to shoulder level.
Stretch and Flex: Breath normally and do not hold breath while lifting arms in front, to sides, reach to ceiling, and press down to floor.
Walking Pattern: Begin by taking five laps on one level around your home, reverse direction and repeat five laps. Music helps! Smile while you walk! Use your stair-steps; walk up and down several times monitoring your breathing and heart rate.
Basic Weights: A few suggestions to begin … seated or standing: Keep wrists straight, do not flop wrists. Move slowly with weights in hands, stretch and rotate arms between each weighted repetition. Rest between repetitions:

1. Palms up, cans in hands; elbows bent slightly, lift slowly to shoulders and down to waist, do not rest in lap; Repeat 5 times.
2. Palms down, from shoulder level press down, repeat 5 times.
3. Arms to sides, lift to shoulder level 3 times, repeat between rests.
4. Seated; place weight (one leg at a time) above knee, (not on joint) knee bent and foot on floor, begin lifting leg at hip. Repeat 5 times.

Stretch and Flex: While standing, hold on to back of chair or sit for leg stretches. Repeat the following 5 times.

1. Tap toes, rotate ankles, and rock up and down from heel to toes.
2. Extend one leg at a time with knee slightly bent and lift in front, to side and back.

Cool Down: Sitting or standing, take a deep breath in and exhale several times slowly and relax. Think about how your body feels, relax muscles that seem tight by stretching.
(Back to Health Resource index)

Food Contamination
Everybody is talking about it! Not sure what to eat because it is unsafe, adulterated, infested, or contaminated?

“We are one country that requires testing and inspection of people, facilities, processing, and distributors, as well as the food products (animals and plants) that enter our country and grow in the USA. The USDA and state agencies require specific standards and regulations.” –USDA

Researchers state, “the Center of Disease Control (CDC) found that 76 million cases of food borne illness occur in the US annually, claiming 5,000 lives, costing $7.7 billion dollars or more. Food borne pathogens cause 325,000 hospitali-zations a year.” –CDC

More people are asking, how can our food be contaminated?

1. What is the problem with eating beef?
2. Why can't I eat fish more often?

A Disease Problem … Researchers feel that the beef contamination caused by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cows and the relationship to Creutzfledt - Jakob disease in humans is the same agent.
• Safety suggestion: select beef or beef products such as solid pieces of muscle meat which might have a reduced opportunity of contamination with tissues that may harbor the BSE agent.

A Contamination Problem … Contamination is another issue with beef, especially ground beef. From farm to processor to distributor to kitchen table, processed food goes through many steps.
• Safety suggestion: cook all ground meat to 160 degrees until the juices run clear.

Another Type of Contamination … Some fish contains high levels of toxic metal mercury which can cause neurological damage.
• Safety suggestion: eat fish from the ocean rather than lakes and rivers, and perhaps eat fish a couple times a week depending on your weight. (ie: weight 144-165, consume 6 oz. of white albacore tuna/ week.)

There are many subscripts to this problem of food contamination, but there are important steps that we can do to remain food safe. Just as a reminder:

1. Read the literature, information, and research information which can be found on websites.
2. Keep foods safe at home, refrigerated and covered.
3. Wash your hands before handling any foods.
4. Be sure all food surfaces are clean, and place cooked meat and foods on a clean plate.
5. Make sure foods are cooked properly to the correct temperature to kill bacteria.
6. Be aware of where your food is grown.
7. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
   
   (Back to Health Resource index)
   

Gift of “Healthy” Words
Give the gift of words away by sharing them. Copy and cut them out of this page; place them on a card or in a letter, read them to a family member, insert them in a lunch box, place them in a frame, or make a craft item or ornament for the Christmas tree. Often the words from someone who cares is the loveliest gift of all.

The Gift of Words
Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one’s self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another. Thank you, Friend

“Lessons Learned from Watching Hummingbirds”
Travel light
Eat small portions at a time
Look where you are going
Make your nest seasonally
Sing throughout the day
Form community
Clothe yourself in simple beauty
Feed the hungry
Join the choir
Keep your sermons short
Nurture the young
Call your friends
Risk the flight

Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful
it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time.
Proverbs 15:23

Blessed New Year
A new year before you,
Like a spotless track of snow
Be careful how you tread it,
For every mark will show.
Dear Lord, live in me this day
Bless all that I shall do or say,
Shine within me like the sun,
Let me be good to everyone.

As we journey, start with a single step. Through holiday preparations for the observance of our Lord’s Birthday, let us be tested by this standard of pure and holy joy. Rejoice in Him whose coming has transformed this old leaden earth of ours for one golden day. God is the giver of all good things, the friend of all good people. We have the assurance that for them that love God, all things work together for good. We are thankful for all God’s gifts of health for body, mind, and spirit. Remain in the Lord’s loving and healing spirit of good health and well-being during this Holy Season.
(Back to Health Resource index)

Getting Enough Vitamin D This Winter?
Answer these statements True or False, then read the facts below:
1. Winter months shorten chances of exposure to UV rays which reduce the body’s opportunity to make vitamin D.

2. Ten (10) percent of vitamin D comes from food and ninety (90) percent from sunshine.

3. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food.

4. Some foods such as milk, breads, cereals, and fruit drinks are fortified with Vitamin D.

5. Low levels of vitamin D may weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures as well as other medical problems.

If you answered True to all statements, you are knowledgeable about this very important vitamin. Here are some facts:

• Some people, who are clothed from head to toe or remain homebound, may need supplements of vitamin D because their skin is not exposed to the sun.
• Sunscreens as well as clothing reduce UV exposure; however, they are important if you are exposed to intense sun for more than 10 minutes.
• Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. The most common sources are seafood, mushrooms, and eggs.
• Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. It is important to take only the amount needed since it is stored in the body. However, it is impossible to get a toxic dose of vitamin D from sun exposure. Here are suggested supplemental daily requirements: men and women ages 19-50 need 200 I.U. (International Units); ages 51-69 need 400 I.U.; and ages 70+ need 600 I.U.
• Older individuals are thought to have a high risk of vitamin D deficiency because the ability of skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases as we age. Since the kidneys, which help convert vitamin D to its active form, sometimes do not work as well when people age, a supplement may be needed to keep bones strong.
• Over 25 million adults have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Having normal storage levels of vitamin D in the body helps keep bones strong and may prevent osteoporosis in elderly, non-ambulatory individuals, in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.

For more information log on to:
www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/supplements/vitd.html

(Back to Health Resource index)

“Going Deeper”… Ask the Right Questions
M.K. has an appointment with her doctor. She rushes to get her children off to school. Driving to the doctor’s office, she is delayed by traffic making her late. Anxiously, she finally reaches the office. A few minutes later she is face to face with the doctor …. “Well, tell me why you are here?” M.K. goes blank and so did all the questions she wants to ask.

Other factors block our ability to ask the right questions. Often we are in a hurry; wishing we didn’t have to be there; anxious about the outcome; delayed by waiting for our turn; and uncertain about what to ask in the first place. Make each appointment count …

1. Be on time.
2. Find a doctor who understands your specific health concerns.
3. Make a thoughtful list of your questions several days before the appointment. Do not feel that they are inadequate or time consuming. Review the questions the day of your appointment.
4. Take notes or have your doctor write them down for you.
5. Take written information such as brochures and fact sheets that are available. Ask for them if needed for more explanation.
6. Often, taking another person with you helps you recall and remind you about what was communi-cated by the doctor or nurse.
7. Be sure you understand all there is to know about your medications. Know when to take them, how much, and the side effects if any. Do not hesitate to call the doctor’s office and ask questions.
8. Most of all relax, your doctor and staff are there to help you.

An in-depth understanding about ourselves and our bodies requires “going deeper.” Taking the time and patience to ask questions and find answers. Taking responsibility to care for ourselves and others means, “Going Deeper with God”; ask the right questions.
(Back to Health Resource index)

Heart Healthy JOY

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my Heart,
down in my Heart, down in my Heart …

In researching the effect of emotions on the heart, it is interesting to find that when we are joyful so is our heart. Positive emotions trigger bodily chemical reactions that help us feel joy-filled. The heart is a remarkable organ that sustains us and responds to positive emotions, which can keep us healthy.

What is JOY?
Joy is an emotion — one that can be received from others if one’s heart is open to it, can be felt through every sense of our mind and body, and given away to others without cost ...
It is a source of happiness.

How can JOY be Heart Healthy?
Heart Healthy Joy begins with Heart Healthy Habits:

• Recognize risk factors such as family history
• Take control of your mind and body
  • Reduce Stress
  • Stop Smoking
  • Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Participate in a well-rounded exercise program
  • Eat a well balanced diet, but monitor intake
  • Reduce fats and increased fiber
• Lighten your emotions with humor and a good belly laugh often
• Find a way to express your JOY through all your senses
  
  (Back to Health Resource index)
  

How to Remain Healthy
Question: How do you remain well and healthy during cough, cold, and flu season? Someone said, “I do not want to get sick this winter.” Most of us feel the same way.

Next Question: What can I do now to prevent getting sick and build my immunity?

Here are some suggestions:
Universal Standard for All: Wash your hands frequently. The best avenue to spreading germs is through touch … so keep your hand out of eyes, nose, and mouth.

Get Plenty of Rest: A good eight hours of quality sleep a night, and rest during the day help the body grow, rejuvenate, and heal. Don’t feel guilty taking a 20 minute nap during the day when needed!

Reduce Stress: A little stress is motivating, but you need to recognize when you are up-tight and need a break! For a few moments during stress-filled times, change your environment and mind-set for relief of muscle tension from stress.

Get Exercise: There is a difference between work and leisure. Know that exercise that is enjoyable and an activity that you look forward to can change thinking and give re-creation to mind, body, and spirit.

Eat Healthfully: Eat balanced meals, especially fruits and vegetables that contain nutrients and Vitamin C.

Get Your Inoculations: Such as the flu vaccine. Follow your doctors suggestions.

And Say Your Prayers Daily: Research suggests that those who practice their faith, pray, and remain close to God recover from diseases and illness successfully. Perhaps, this practice will keep us healthy during the seasons ahead.

Our Daily Prayer to Remain Healthy
Hear me as I pray today
Ever remain healthy in this way
A mind and body to do your will
Learn to know your blessing still
The way you give me a chance to be
Here on earth you make me see
Your healing love for me.
Author: BLI

(Back to Health Resource index)

May is Older Americans Month
Facts about the Graying Population Worldwide:

• In 2001, there were 600 million people over 60, a number projected to triple over the next half century. Nearly twice as many women as men were over 80, and nearly 5 times as many women as men were over 100.
• By 2050, the number of people over 60 will exceed the number of children under 14 for the first time in history.
• The population over 60 is growing by 2 percent each year, faster than the general population.
• The fastest growing group is 80 years or older.
• One in three will be over 60 in the next 50 years.

Q: How can I remain healthy and well as I get older?
A: Remain mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually active:

• Mentally: Challenge your mental capacity; try something new.
• Physically: Move by walking, dancing, and swimming. Remember, get your doctor’s approval and begin slowly. Maintain good nutrition.
• Socially: Find friends of various ages. Enjoy social events, join volunteer organizations, and share your thoughts and ideas.
• Spiritually: Research has suggested that those who have health issues and are part of a religious community, practice their faith, and pray can fight disease, heal faster, and remain healthy.
  (Back to Health Resource index)

Re-Creation of Mind, Body and Spirit
Out of School Time, Vacation Time, Just to Be Me Time, No Time, Work Time

Welcome Summer: A time for …
   Leisure (free time)
      Re-creation (renewal), and
         Play (imagination, fantasy, creativity)

Each person interprets leisure, recreation, and play uniquely since variables such as physical, mental, social lifestyle, age, upbringing, beliefs, and work ethic impact one’s definitions and how to utilize time. For example, in work there can be moments of leisure, and in leisure one will feel that it is work. Work may be considered the opposite of leisure or free time, but creative moments on the job can bring pleasure and satisfaction (leisure). On the other hand, for some people going to the gym and lifting weights may be considered work!

Think of the times you have been engaged in something in which you are absorbed. Did you find you lost the sense of time, you felt a heightened awareness of being involved with activity, concentration increased, and a feeling of general well-being followed? Csikszenmihalyi, a Norwegian researcher, suggests that this is the highest form of leisure.

• “People who have interesting and fulfilling lives are ones who manage to keep a sense of playfulness at the center of things.”   – Erik Erickson
  
• In defining the origin of the word recreation, “the word create is found and is associated with being born of the spirit, of being made spiritual.”   – Seren Arnold
  
• “… that activity related to divine worship, leisure is part of celebrating God.” “Have leisure and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10   – Joseph Pieper

Create a list; determine what activities associated with recreation, leisure, and play bring you the greatest enjoyment, pleasure, and spiritual re-creation. Is time spent beneficially as quality time, alone time, reflection time, and recreation time, etc?

As you enjoy the summer months, consider what is happening to you as you find time for re-creation, leisure, and play, and know that this special time and these precious moments are designed to bring you closer to re-creating your spiritual being with God.
(Back to Health Resource index)

News about Obesity and Dietary Guidelines
The following information was gathered from the ATRA Conference in Atlanta and suggestions from Senator Peter Fitzgerald’s Subcommittee:
A. In the USA, 64% of the population is overweight (U.S. Gov. Survey). “...Two thirds of adults and 50% of our children are overweight.” – Dr. Dean Orish
B. USDA new food pyramid guidelines will be published soon and present a pyramid that may recommend proportions based on age and lifestyle.
C. Committee concern about simple and complex carbohydrates. Members stated that simple carbs such as refined foods: white flour, white rice, and white breads, increase glucose index and insulin response. It is more difficult to loose weight when glucose levels are high and then suddenly drop causing hunger. The complex carbs such as multi-grain breads, whole wheat flours, and brown rice (just to name a few) “fill you up.” - Drs. Ornish and Trager
D . These lifestyle changes NOW can make a difference:

• Exercise more: recommendation 1 hour, 5 days a week. “Do it for good health regardless of diet.” Dr. S.L. Trager
• Eat less: eat balanced meals, but decrease amount.
• Decrease fats to 10%; look for trans fat labeling on foods.

E. This generation of children who are overweight and obese may not live as long as their parents due to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. 70% of those age 10 through teens are diabetes candidates due to obesity. – Dr. Ornish
F . Suggested reasons for obesity from K.M. Hart, MBA., RN Sedentary Lifestyle

1. Community and Environment: Physical education classes decreased in schools; no safe walking conditions, i.e. no sidewalks; safety concerns
2. Technology: increased computer use, game boards
3. Transportation: using a car rather than walking
4. Cultural family traditions and values
5. Visual cues and food ads: we see fatty foods, not vegetables and fruits.
6. Working conditions: no need to walk to the next office, use the cell phone.
7. Model what others do: see and follow rather than think about or be educated about what can make a difference.

Try this intervention: A Fun Family Project
Create an exercise and food chart: one side “Exercise” and the other side “Food.” Each family member indicates what type exercise they prefer, how long, how frequently, and with whom they exercise. Each family member lists favorite foods; discuss how healthy! Decide as a family what modifications can be made for healthy eating. Not sure what is healthful? Visit this website: www.eatright.com.
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Oral Health … Reduce the Risk of Disease
“Think of good oral care as part of a healthy lifestyle.” – ADA
• Your tooth brush is your best friend.
• Your next best friend is your dental floss.
• And your next best and most important friends are your dentist and the registered dental hygienist.

In a recent interview with dental hygienist Kirsten Czaplicki, RDH, BS, and member of DPC, she revealed important information about oral disease. Did you know that …
1. There is a link between gum disease and other health problems.
2. Researchers have found that bacteria in the mouth may be linked to heart disease.
3. Individuals with diabetes must maintain good oral health to control their blood sugar.
4. Bacterial pneumonia can be associated with gum disease.
5. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums that can destroy bone and other tissues that support the teeth.
6. Five oral diseases that contribute to inflammation and disease are:

• Pericoronitis – an infection around the third molar is the strongest predictor of heart disease
• Gingivitis – gum inflammation
• Root Remnants – when teeth are decayed to the point that only the tip of the root remains
• Missing Teeth
• Cavities

7. Pregnant women who have gum disease may be at risk for pre-term delivery.

Take this quiz to see how well you maintain good oral health. Do you …

• Brush your teeth two times each day?
• Teach and monitor your children as they brush their teeth to be sure they brush completely, even when they are very young?
• Try to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time?
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food between each tooth?
• Brush your tongue?
• See your dentist for regular cleaning, especially if gums bleed, or there is pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation around teeth and gums?
• Eat nutritional foods?
• Remain in good health?
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Save Your Vision
Precious eyesight, a gift from God, to see the beauty of the earth and its surroundings …
“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart …” E.H. Hall

Keeping your eyes healthy is not difficult!

Five steps to safeguard your eyes …

1. Have regular physical exams by your eye care professional to check for diseases every one to two years. Diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age- related macular degeneration (AMD) may be treatable if diagnosed early.
2. Protect your eyes from glare and UV exposure; wear sunglasses and a wide-brim hat when outside. Sun exposure can raise your risk of getting cataracts.
3. Give your eyes a rest to reduce strain.
4. Use a good light source when reading or doing close-up work. Use a magnifying glass or lenses.
5. Wear safety glasses or goggles to keep foreign materials from entering the eyes.

Statistics about Eye Health …
Children … Eye exams for children should begin early, and when there are concerns
regarding sight. Close to 10,000 children under the age of 14 are treated in U.S.
hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries caused by toys and sporting equipment.

Young Adults … According to T. G. Thompson, U. S. Secretary of Health and Human
Services, there is concern about vision problems in the U.S. because of the age
population shift. Over one million age 40 and over are visually impaired. These
numbers are expected to double in the next 30 years.

Older Adults … AMD is the most common cause of blindness and vision impairment
in Americans over age 60, and 1.6 million have advanced cases. Researchers
sponsored by the National Eye Institute have recently shown that zinc, vitamins C and
E, and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of AMD by 25%.

Individuals with low vision can benefit by …

• writing with bold, black, felt-tip markers,
• using bold, lined paper,
• placing colored tape on the edge of the steps,
• using motion lights that turn on automatically when entering a room,
• using telephones, clocks, and watches with large numbers, and
• placing large-print labels on appliances.

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Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Month