Health Briefs TV Celebrates National Public Health Week

The first full week of April is designated National PublicHealth Week in the United States. Health Briefs TV celebrates this national initiative to help promote healthy lives for everyone.

Throughout every state and every county in the state, no two health departments are the same. Each one has its own unique community and population striving to serve through program and services tailored to its residents, and often with dwindling funds. The people and community will change over the years, and as it does, the Health Departments have to change too. Here’s a look, nationally, at what this week is all about:

• Building healthy communities by committing funds to healthier schools, homes, parks, and community centers.
• Providing quality healthcare no matter the age, race, sex, income level of the resident.
• Ensuring that schools and other facilities provide healthy meals and exercise programs.
• Finding and implementing ways to curtail stress.
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The Health Briefs TV show also notes some of the top public health concerns Americans may have to contend with: obesity and diabetes, high blood pressure, Zika infection, climate change and how it affects public health, community environmental challenges and how to combat them, and keeping seniors healthy and mobile, and ensuring every person in the United States has clean, safe drinking water. Join us as we share news about National Public Health Week.

Health Briefs TV Explores Mental Health

Mental health is making the news this week as the UK’s popular Duchess and the US’ First Lady publish online articles to raise awareness of the topic. Health Briefs TV explores some of the issues concerning mental health.

Even talking about mental health in a casual setting can invoke a negative stigma. No one wants to bring the topic up. Yet, millions of people manage every day live with depression, anxiety, nervousness, PTSD, and other afflictions of the brain and mind.  But no one is really talking about it.  Until now.

One in five Americans live with a diagnosable mental health illness today.

Many mental health problems can be treated with medication or therapy. Meditation and yoga are well-known to help calm an anxious mind, and come without the side effects of often prescribed drugs.  People from every background and age group live with depression and anxiety. Young and old, poor or wealthy, Veteran or civilian, executive or staff worker – anyone can battle through the symptoms silently, afraid of others finding out and thinking less of them.  The stigma can be almost as debilitating as the mental illness.

Health Briefs TV asks readers to learn and recognize the five signs of someone struggling through a mental health problem. If any of these signs are familiar, talk to the person privately about them. Learn more about it from changedirection.com.

1. Personality change
2. Agitation
3. Withdrawn from others
4. Change in personal care
5. Feeling hopeless

Every person in our lives matters. It’s easy to see when someone is feeling physically unwell. It is much more difficult to see when someone is feeling mentally not well.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and ask them. It could save their life.

Health TV Reviews Healthy Living Tips

Healthy living is more than just eating well and getting daily activity. It is a well-rounded balance of everything that makes us function optimally. Health Briefs TV reviews healthy living tips for the whole family.

From infants to grandparents, there are great ways to live a healthier and longer life. Everyone in the family should be consuming several servings of vegetables, fruits and grains every day. These include dark leafy greens like spinach, and starchy vegetables like small potatoes. The grouping also includes whole fruits and whole grains. A combination of these keeps bodies working smoothly, provides energy and tastes good. Fat-free or low-fat dairy items are also good since they are good sources of calcium and protein, long-known for strengthening bones and providing stamina. More good sources of include fish, chicken and lean red meat and soy. Healthy oils such as safflower, olive, and canola oils (think two teaspoons per day) are not only tasty but boost good health.

Along with these suggestions, the Health Briefs TV show encourages readers to limit sugar from their daily diets. We should consume less than 10 percent every day. Prepare and cook as many meals at home as possible to reduce sugar. Other things to limit daily are: saturated fat, (less than 10%), sodium (2,300 mm per day) and cholesterol. Healthy living is easy start, affordable to maintain, and benefits everyone – young and old. 

Health Briefs TV Shares Good Hydration Tips for Teens

Children are active. As they become older, they tend to be more active. Too much activity and not enough good hydration can lead to nausea, dizziness and the development of kidney stones. Health Briefs TV shares some good hydration tips for teens.

The nutritional labels on sodas and caffeine drinks list the amount of water contained in each serving. Most of the time, it is not a significant amount to properly keep teens hydrated.  A study conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that poor water intake can increase the chance of developing kidney stones.

Schools, athletic locker rooms and athletic stadiums should be equipped with working water fountains that produce clean, cold, drinkable water. When fountains don’t work or produce warm, unclear water, chances are no one will want to use it. In addition, it can be difficult to find a vending machine that sells bottled water, or one that sells it at a reasonable price. Teens are often left finding other ways to hydrate, or not hydrating enough.

U.S. federal law requires schools to have one water fountain per floor. Some schools also have water fountains near bathrooms which can relay the water is recycled from the bathroom. This is often one reason why the fountains located there are not used.

Health Briefs TV encourages teens, parents, coaches and teachers to be sure all students stay hydrated during the day and when participating in school activities. Avoid sugar-laden sodas and fruit drinks as the water in them is not sufficient for good hydration.  Perhaps invest in a smart wrist device or app that records the amount of hydration taken. A well-hydrated teen is one that will be alert, feel well and be fully functional.

Health Briefs TV Observes How Tainted Food Costs Lives

The World Health Organization states approximately 420,000 people die every year from food-borne diseases. Young children account for more than a quarter of those deaths, Health Briefs TV notes.

The agency also estimates that 600 million people become ill every year from consuming tainted food. Children under five are vulnerable to serious illness from contaminated food, resulting in 125,000 deaths per year. A review of the food-related illnesses found 31 types of bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or chemicals in food consumed in Africa and Asia.

Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fresh produce and dairy products are the main culprits. Other diseases which can stem from tainted food are typhoid fever, hepatitis A, tapeworm and aflatoxin which is a mold that grows on grain stored incorrectly.

Health Briefs TV observes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that 48 million people get sick from tainted food each year. Roughly 128,000 need to be hospitalized and an estimated 3,000 die.

In the U.S., prevention is the key to not becoming ill from contaminated food. Wash all produce thoroughly. Cook meat until fully done. Wash all food preparation surfaces and hands after handling raw chicken and fish. Don’t intermingle meat and chicken on cutting boards. If the food smells bad, throw it out. Pay attention to use and sell by dates on all packages of fresh food.  

As the holiday season is now upon us, take extra care when preparing and storing food for celebrations and gatherings.  This is the season for joyous events. No one wants to spend it sick in bed or in the hospital.

store and cook food like this properly

Health Briefs TV Reports on Healthier Foods for Kids

Healthy eating is one of the most important ways kids can get a start on the day and stayed fueled into the evening. Health Briefs TV reports on updates in this area.

Animal meat which has been injected with antibiotics to prevent disease is harmful to children and some adults. A North American Academy of Pediatrics report found that food with added antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics can leave the drugs used to treat terminally ill children and adults ineffective. Bacteria in the animals becomes used to the preventative drugs given and renders the drugs ineffective. Children and adults with compromised immune systems are more likely to be affected from the practice. Instead, choose more organic products and be sure it is thoroughly cooked. Also, organic produce, whole grains and proteins are good food choices.

The Health Briefs TV show reminds readers there are several grocery store options available in most cities: regular grocery stores which offer some organic products, fresh markets where the food does not sit in freezers, coolers or on shelves too long, and organic food stores such as Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Natural foods are better options for everyone. But children particularly need all the nutrients and vitamins they can get from the food they eat. There are plenty of healthy food options for adults and children with compromised immune systems also. When grocery shopping, take time to read the food labels on packages. The more you know, the healthier you may eat. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Best Whole Fruits for Kids

Fruit is good for everyone and especially for children. Packed with vitamins and minerals which help kids maintain good health, it is also fun to eat and incredibly convenient.

The fall season is the season when apples in many varieties are ripening on trees everywhere. Health Briefs TV reminds that this tends to make them less expensive. Grocery stores and farmers markets are stocked well with the many types of apples. Their different shapes, colors and textures made biting into one less boring to munch.

Kids prefer whole fruit to sliced fruit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that fruit consumption among kids and young adults rose nearly 70 percent from 2003 to 2010. A diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a healthy weight, which reduces the chance of developing diabetes, stroke, obesity and other medical problems. Whole fruit is an easy way to be sure children and young adults up their daily intake. Bananas and melons are also favorites. Health Briefs TV suggests buying several different kinds and putting a different one each day in school lunches. Ask kids when they get home if they liked it. Be sure to enjoy some too.  No one whole fruit is the best. They are all good. 

The Health Briefs Television Show Injects News of the Flu Vaccine

Last year was a bad year for the flu and the millions of people who got it. This year, the vaccine has a new formula which can combat the symptoms better than before.

The Health Briefs television show learns that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control will have more than 170 million doses of the flu vaccine at the ready. These include the traditional shot, a nasal spray, a high-dose version for seniors, and thankfully, a needle-free injection for the needle phobic.  On average, the flu vaccine is 50 to 60 percent effective. That means it can cut someone’s risk of catching the flu by about half. These are good odds. One bout of the flu can keep working people home, put seniors in the hospital and sicken children. It can also be spread. One dose of the vaccine is good prevention.

Who should be vaccinated:

Everybody over six months of age

Seniors over age 65

Pregnant women

Children

About the Vaccine:

It protects against three or four different strains of the flu, depending on the brand. Even if one strain mutates, the vaccine is still the best prevention against catching it. Only half of the American public received the flu vaccine last year. Last year, 24,000 people lost their lives to the flu.

Health Briefs TV also notes that even if health insurance plans may not cover the cost of the vaccine, it is still affordable. Check city health centers to see if discounted shots are available. It should not cost more than $40.  And contrary to popular belief, one does not get the flu from the flu vaccine. The shot contains inactivated flu viruses.  Please protect yourself, your family and others from becoming sick with the flu.  Vaccines are the best prevention against catching devastating viruses.

The Health Briefs Television Show Urges Child Eye Exams

Seeing is everything. This is imperative now that kids are back in school or soon to start again.
The Health Briefs television show urges child eye exams for all school age children.

As the school year begins, parents and teachers might want to be aware of these signs of possible near nearsightedness in children:

• Squinting while looking at the black or white boards in classrooms
• Headaches when reading
• Sitting close to the TV or computer
• A resistance to reading
• Coordination in sports
• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
• Developmental delays
• Failure to maintain eye contact
• Poor eye tracking skills

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that roughly 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted, and more than a third of teens and pre-teens have the same eye problem. A proper eye exam can determine if a child has this issue, and can help make ease it. Eighty percent of learning is visual from reading what is on a black or white board, on a computer, presentation, and reading in general. If a child cannot see what they are reading, they will not learn well.

Health Briefs TV also notes that kids may be experiencing one or more of the above signs of eye trouble. Not all of them have to be felt to indicate eye problems. Take children in for a a regular eye exam. Glasses are no longer the stigma they once were. They come in cool colors and styles. Many are not only fashionable but affordable also. Seeing is everything. Seeing school work, o on the playing field, at the movies and at home are all vital to having a happy, healthy school age child.

Health Briefs TV Shares How to Stay Healthy While Away at School

College and university living is fun and a real learning experience. This is usually the first time some students are living away from home and away from the guiding eye of parents. It’s easy to over indulge in all the good things available. Health Briefs TV shares some simple ways to stay healthy while at school.

Freshman year for any college student is not easy. There are new friends to meet, new classes, new professors, and more food than one can fathom. College dorms are rife with junk food, sodas, delivery meals, take out food and party treats. It can also be pretty hard to get enough sleep when classes and exam studying can keep kids awake. Here’s how to get a handle on bad habits:

Get a microwave and mini-fridge for the dorm room. Buy fresh fruit and veggies to heat up, slice and enjoy. Popcorn is a healthy snack and one that is a favorite in all dormitories. Add bottled water to the fridge and carry one to drink between classes. Avoid the dreaded “freshmen 15” added pounds by making healthier food choices.

Walk whenever possible. Leave the car parked, especially if drinking. Walking strengthens muscles and joints, gets blood flow moving and gives the heart a good workout too. It is also a great stress reducer. Take 20 and go for walk.

Health Briefs TV recommends asking for help if needed. This means if a student feels or looks unwell, call or visit the school medical office. Get vaccinations before heading off to school since communal living is often one which is rather germ-laden.

Stay healthy throughout the school year.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Back to School Wellness Tips

The new school year has begun in some US states already and others are about to begin in the coming weeks. Health Briefs TV reviews back to school wellness tips for parents and school children.

• Be sure the youngest children stick to a steady bedtime every night. Remove digital devices from bedrooms. 
• Be sure they take a warn shower or bath to cool down and relax, which can promote good night’s rest.
• School lunches are healthier then ever before so be sure kids have enough money in the district accounts to buy one.
• Think fresh fruit and veggies for after school snacks.
• Schedule medical, dental, vision and hearing check-ups, if not already done. Be sure all vaccinations are up to date. Not sure, click here.  
• Stock up on anti-bacterial gel and wipes in backpack sizes so children can keep their hands clean all day. Many surfaces in schools, such as lockers, door knobs, bathrooms and lunch trays can be laden with bacteria and germs.
• Get your child a backpack that has wheels and a handle. This can prevent a too heavy backpack from straining backs and arms.
• Health Briefs TV also suggests setting up regular homework spots. These spaces should be clear of clutter, distractions and other siblings. Set a regular time to do homework.

Have a healthy new school year.

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Health Briefs TV Shares Family Fitness Tips

Paddle boarding is fun

Families that stay fit together live longer lives together. Health Briefs TV shares some family fitness tips.

There is always someplace in and around the home in which to enjoy exercise and fitness as a family.

A home with a yard, driveway or sidewalk is a good place to start. City parks, beaches, and neighborhoods are other places to consider.

Take an energizing walk after meals and when the sun is not too hot. Early morning before 10 AM and after 5 PM are perfect times to go outside and enjoy the last few days of summer vacation before school starts up again. Be sure to do some stretches first to warm up muscles and joints.

Hop skotch, jump rope and skipping are not only fun but help family members stay agile.

If the weather is not good, find a fun dance workout on Wii, DVD or on cable television.  Move furniture out of the way and dance for a few minutes to shake out stress and stiff muscles and joints.

Have a family pet? Take the pooch on the family walk or jog around the neighborhood. Everyone on two legs and four will enjoy this walk/jog.

Live near a lake or the ocean? Stand up paddle boarding is all the rage. Boards and paddles can be rented for about $25. Suit up and head on over to the rental store for yours and paddle your way across the water. Health Briefs TV will be trying this out soon.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Sleep Deficiency in Children and Teens

A good night’s rest is needed by everyone and more so for children and teens. But getting enough sleep is usually not the case for America’s kids. Health Briefs TV reviews the causes and solutions in sleep deficiency.

Many parents let their children go to bed later than normal and sleep later than they should. Kids should be getting 10 to 11 hours of rest per night, but are falling short at sleeping for less than 9 hours. Lack of sleep can cause behavior problems, learning problems, eating problems and overall poor health. When children are tired in school they are not learning as well as they could be. Children from ages six to 12 who go to bed after 9 PM take longer to fall asleep, wake up more often during the night, and therefore, get less rest.  Teens also need to get enough rest.

Recommendations by health professionals suggest:

Insisting children and teenagers go to bed at the same time every night and rise at the same time every morning.

Leave digital devices in another room so to not distract from a restful sleep.

Reduce any caffeinated beverages two hours before bedtime.

Be sure homework and after school activities are completed and over early in the evening so kids are forced to study into regular bedtimes.

Health Briefs TV recommends adults set a good example for children of all ages by following the same guidelines.

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The Health Briefs TV Show Advices about Beach Bacteria

While health experts warn of the bacteria dangers in the oceans, there are also bacteria concerns about the sand on the beach, as the Health Briefs TV show learns and relays.

Researchers in Hawaii found that over the past 10 years, there is more fecal bacteria in the sand on the beach than in the ocean. In fact, there is 10 to 100 times more bacteria than seawater. The scientific study also learned that bacteria decays slower on the beach than in the water. This is more than likely why there is more fecal bacteria in the beach sand than the water. Wastewater bacteria can become embedded with biofilms in the sand which can shelter bacteria. The sun and seawater are deterrents to the bacteria, which is why there is less bacteria in the water than the sand.

Health Briefs TV advises readers to always sit on a beach towel or chair when on sandy beaches. Take a shower at a nearby shower stand before leaving the beach. Wear goggles in the water to protect eyes from any bacteria and other irritants. Use a hand sanitizer before handling any food on the beach.  America’s beaches are beautiful, relaxing places to spend time with friends and family this summer. Always stay close to life guard stands and towers both in and out of the water. Never swim too close to piers.  Be safe. Stay healthy.

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Health Briefs TV Highlights Summer Wellness Tips for Kids

Feed them fruit instead of chips

Children tend to eat more junk food and get less physical activity in the summer. When it is too hot to go outdoors or if the weather is bad, staying inside, watching TV and consuming more sugar-laden and fatty foods is the first choice. Health Briefs TV highlights summer wellness tips for kids.

We get that the torrential rain or stifling humidity can keep even the most active kids inside. After all, Health Briefs is located in South Florida where both weather factors are prominent during the dog days of summer. But that doesn’t mean that pantries and fridges and freezers should be stocked with unhealthy food.

• Make your own freezer pops with fresh juices and diced fruit.
• Stock the counters with bowls of fresh peaches, plums, apricots, grapes and cherries.
• Fill pantry shelves with whole nuts, if no one is allergic. Get boxes of healthy crackers and cookies too.
• Start up a game to play on consoles that involves movement such as dancing or horse riding.
• Limit TV and computer/tablet time to a certain number of hours per day.
• Encourage kids to read more.
• Take them to museums, parks, beaches, pools, libraries, and outdoor concerts.

Health Briefs TV believes kids and parents should put their heads together and come up with some fun, physical activities to do over the summer vacation. Remember that the family that rides bikes together stays healthy and fit together.

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Health Briefs TV and How to Get Ahead of Spring Allergies

Even though the first day of spring is here, the spring allergy season has already begun. Health Briefs TV offers advice on how to get ahead of spring allergies.

Spring has sprung and so have the allergen counts in the air. People who suffer from allergies can attest to the watery, itchy eyes, skin rashes, stuffed noses and continual sneezing and how bothersome it is. Those who have already been tested for allergies can take over the counter medicine to combat some of the symptoms. March is a good month to renew prescriptions for allergy season. Be sure to notify the pharmacy about when to auto re-fill the prescription.  In the meantime, try a non-drowsy antihistamines to lessen sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes. Nasal decongestants and eye drops for allergy sufferers are also good OTC choices. A board-certified allergist can give people a test to determine what they are allergic too. Also, the FDA just approved a new drug –a tablet—that acts like an allergy shot. Call your allergist of physician to learn more about that.

Other ways to get ahead of spring allergies: switch to a HEPA filter for air conditioners, take a shower before bed to wash way any pollen stuck the hair and body, and wash pollen-laden clothing as soon as possible. As always, if allergy symptoms become worse, call the doctor. A reminder from the Health Briefs TV show to keep all medicine out of reach of small children and pets.

Why We Need the Turn the Volume Down from Health Briefs TV

Turn the volume down

Nothing sounds better than listening to a favorite song with ear buds or head phones on. Keep in mind though that we don’t have to amp up the volume.

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 billion people could possibly lose their hearing and most of those between the ages of 12 and 35. This is mostly due to cranking the volume up with ear buds in the ears or head phone use.  Forty percent of the above are likely to lose experience some level of hearing loss due to being in venues where the decibel levels are very high, such as concerts. And hearing loss is forever.

Below are some steps to prevent premature hearing loss:

Curtail listening to loud music from ear buds or head phones to no more than one hour per day.

Don’t spend more than eight hours per day in a job where the inside noise decibel is more than 85 decibels. These jobs are usually in bars, nightclubs or sporting venues.

Turn the TV volume to a reasonable listening level.

Watch children and teens to be sure they are not blasting music or games in their ears with buds or head phones. Headphones can be cranked up to 110 decibels.

The Health Briefs TV show reminds readers that hearing loss is permanent. There are no quick fixes. And hearing aid devices, no matter what the cost, do not restore hearing one hundred percent. In fact, hearing aids amplify ALL sound including background noise. Protect the ears always. 

Health Briefs TV and Why Hand-Washing Dishes Might be a Good Idea

Nearly every kitchen in America has a dishwasher in it. Most families use one to clean and sterilize dishes, glasses and utensils. However, some people prefer to hand-wash dishes. Health Briefs TV explains why this may be better.

Families with children who suffer from allergies may want to consider doing the dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher.  Researchers found that kids were less likely to develop allergies if dishes were done by hand rather than by a dishwasher. Hand-washing usually leaves some microbes on the items which in turn are ingested during the next time used. These built up children’s immune systems which protected them from developing allergies.

The Health Briefs TV show learns that kids who parents hand-washed dishes had lower allergy rates than kids whose parents used a dishwasher. Although these study results seem promising, there is no recommendation to stop using a dishwasher. Seek the advice of a pediatrician or other health care professional if a child is struggling with the sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and stuffed nose that allergies cause. Keep homes clean and free from dust mites, mold and mildew. Get an allergy test early on to determine how to treat them. There are many options for children with allergies. 

Health Briefs TV and Why Increasing Activity Can Save a Life

The World Health Organization reports that physical inactivity is identified as the fourth-leading risk factor for death around the world. Health Briefs TV wants readers to know how to increase daily movement in order to save their life.

It is not too difficult to add movement into the day. Most of us commute to work sitting down in a vehicle or train, then we sit all day at a desk, sit all the way home, sit for dinner and lounge on the couch watching TV until bedtime. But it is not hard to add some movement into the day to reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Below are some suggestions to get started easily.

Spend 30 minutes of a one hour lunch break walking. Walk around the block, around the building, or walk up and down a few flights of stairs if the weather is too cold.

Stand up every hour or two to stretch. Then walk to the break room for something to drink. Walk the long way back to the desk.

Park father away from doors when going to the supermarket or a department store.

Take a family walk after dinner.

The Health Briefs TV show urges readers to find the time during the day and evening to add some movement into lives. It all adds up in the end to a longer and healthier life. 

Health Briefs TV on Which Care Facility to Use

Where does a worried parent take a child with a sports-related injury? Where do adults go when they have a fever, body aches and congestion? Who can stitch a wound received when slicing tomatoes?  Health Briefs TV answers these questions.

Worried parents should take a child with a sports injury to the ER.  The emergency room is the best place to get CT scans, X-rays and immediate care if a child is knocked unconscious.

Adults with a fewer below 103 who feel they have the flu might want to go to a retail medical clinic such as the kind found in drug and discount stores.

A finger wound from slicing tomatoes which is not too terribly deep can be taken to an urgent care center where it can be butterfly stitched or stitched by a doctor. One can usually get in and out in about an hour.

Health Briefs TV also notes that urgent care centers are well-placed around the country where people live. They can perform a wide variety of services for less money and time than the hospital emergency room. However, if a fever spikes at 103 and up, or chest pain is felt, it is best to visit the ER. The operative word is “emergency”.  Don’t take chances with your life or anyone else’s.

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