Health Briefs TV Reviews the Risks and Prevention Steps for Heart Attacks

A recent study found that younger people are experiencing heart attacks and other heart-related problems. Health Briefs TV wants to remind readers of the risks and how to prevent heart attacks and strokes. It’s easier than you think.

Heart attack victims are becoming younger. They carry serious health risks such as being obese, not getting exercise, smoking, and may be diabetic. Some have high blood pressure also.  Unhealthy diets are a big risk factor for younger adults, those in their fifties and sixties.  Add all the risk factors together:

• Unhealthy diets
• Lack of regular exercise
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity

All of these amount to a heart attack waiting to happen. Heart attacks and strokes don’t strike at convenient times. There is no convenient time.  But there is a convenient time to take charge of your health every day. That time is right now. 

Here are few easy preventative steps everyone can take to a healthier lifestyle:

Eat small, healthier meals. The average adult only needs three ounces of meat (the size of the palm of the hand). A good way to start measuring the amount of food consumed daily is to use a smaller plate. Fill up the plate with fresh, cooked or steamed vegetables. Add the three ounces of meat.

Avoid eating fast food. Even the meals which are marketed as “healthy” are generally not healthy. Many of them are salt-laden.

At work, take walk breaks three times a day. If the weather is not cooperative, walk around the office or stand up and march. Do some shallow knee squats. Stretch every limb.

At home, take a brisk walk after dinner. Walk around the block. Weekends are a good time to ante up the exercise. Ride a bike (with a helmet). Walk the dog or a neighbor’s dog. Swim in a pool.  Power walk through a local park. Just get up and move.

Talk to the doctor about how to lower blood pressure naturally. Ask if there is a healthful way to stop smoking. Many cities offer smoking cessation meetings and host hotlines. There are also several good products in the stores to help curb the habit.

Health Briefs TV encourages readers to take active steps to improve their health. A heart attack is waiting to happen. Why let it?

(image:pixabay)

Health Briefs TV Updates on the Flu Shot

Even though we have come into the first days of the spring season, there is no reason to not get a flu shot if you haven’t yet. In fact, there is good news about this year’s flu vaccine, which Health Briefs TV relays.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement last week stating this year’s flu vaccine is the most effective one in years. The Center states that people who received the vaccine were 59 percent less likely to get sick with influenza than people who didn’t. Basically, getting the flu vaccine this year reduced the risk of a doctor visit because of the fly by nearly 60 percent.

Deaths from the flu number between 4,000 and 50,000 a year in the US. Even though the CDC (and most family physicians) strongly recommends getting a flu shot, about half of the US population does. The flu affects older people and the very young the most. This year’s formula is effective for the H1N1 viruses (51%), and the influenza B viruses are reduced by 76 percent with this year’s vaccine. Health Briefs TV recommends getting the flu shot, and more so if you work in a crowded office where space is shared. Take preventative steps on your own to reduce the chance of getting the flu:

• Wipe desk and equipment on desk with a sanitizing wipe before use every day, especially if items are shared.
• Use a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol dabbed on it to clean the phone. The smell from the alcohol evaporates quickly.
• Stay home if sick.

There are 170 million doses of the fly vaccine with options ranging from the traditional shot, nasal spray and the high-dose version for older folks. 

Health Briefs TV Reviews Differences between Dementia and Alzheimer’s

The symptoms can appear the same to those who don’t know the differences between patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Health Briefs TV reviews and reports how to best prevent both medical conditions.

Dementia is a term used to describe a number of brain disorders linked to memory loss, language skills and cognitive thinking. It usually occurs later in life. It often resembles Alzheimer’s disease because of the memory and cognitive problems in patients. The best way to ward off these troubling symptoms are relatively easy. Get the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin D. This can be done by eating plenty of food rich in it, or taking a vitamin supplement. This would include: tuna, egg yolks, cheese and milk.  Brain exercise is also a good way to keep the mind working well. Activities like reading, working on puzzles and games, as well as reading. Physical exercise is also another way to maintain overall good health and keep the mind working.

The Health Briefs TV show notes that Alzheimer’s disease is a disease in which the brain forgets how to make the body work, until the organs shut down. Early onset Alzheimer’s is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 50, but typically onset occurs after age 65. Nearly 20,000 people in the United States are estimated to have early onset Alzheimer’s, which is a diagnosed disease. It can be passed through generations of families. But it is always smart to eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients, get plenty of daily exercise, and get annual medical check-ups.

Take care every day. Do everything possible to stay as healthy, physically and mentally, as possible. We only have one life to live.

Health Briefs TV Examines How to Choose the Best Hospital

Hospitals are graded on several categories and by several different organizations. Health Briefs TV reviews how to find the best one.

The hospitals people choose has much to do about where their surgeon or specialist practices than the grades they get. If the best doctor for the medical need is affiliated with a specific medical center then that is where one will usually go. There have been more than 100 mergers and acquisitions in the medical care field since 2012. How does this affect the rating the hospital gets?

Basically, the patient or someone in their family might want to ask others they know about the facility and its services. Patients can ask the doctor if there is any other medical center they are affiliated with since some medical professionals are affiliated with more than one. One can also go online and search for reviews for the hospital. Often, this is best place for the most honest information about rooms, nursing care, food and services for the medical facility someone is about be admitted to. The Health Briefs TV show also knows that there are a few organizations which grade hospitals. But until they all agree on a standardized format, the inquiring patient may find different scores.  Patients with questions about specific health care institutions should address to them their medical care professionals. 

Health Briefs TV Examines Reusable Medical Equipment Guidelines

Reusable medical devices called duodenoscopes are the culprits in the recent rash of hospital patients diagnosed with medical experts call the “Superbug”. Health Briefs TV examines what they are and reviews guidelines for their usage.

Duodenoscopes are the flexible tubes fitted with tiny lights and advanced cameras used to diagnose or treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Roughly 500,000 procedures a year in the United States alone take place using this piece of medical equipment.  The scopes are inserted down a patient’s throat so the physician can get perfect view.  When done, the scopes are put in a device which sterilizes them.  This is the health industry standard for ensuring reusable medical equipment is clean and sterile.

There have been several cases from hospitals in the country which reported that the standard way to sterilize equipment is not doing the job. Medical professionals have suggested, and some are using alternative methods of ensuring equipment is safe to reuse. These methods utilize ethylene-oxide sterilization and swabbing the equipment after each use to collect any pathogens left on them. They expensive ways to clean the equipment, but have reduced the number of patients infected with pathogens and bacteria from “almost clean” devices.

The Health Briefs TV show notes that patient health and safety should come before expense. When patients become very ill after reusable medical equipment is employed again, the cost of treating one patient can be quite hefty.  Prevention is always the best way to work and more so in a health care setting.

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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Heath Briefs TV with Important Facts about the Measles

The measles virus is spreading rapidly from children who caught it at Disneyland. Children in five states and in Mexico are sick from the disease. And all of this could have been prevented. Health Briefs TV shares important facts about the measles and how to prevent it.

It is infectious. Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated against the measles will get it from someone who is nearby. Babies are most vulnerable because they are too young for the vaccine.

It can kill people of any age who have not been vaccinated.  Complications from the measles such as pneumonia and encephalitis are two such complications that can take a life.

One dose of the vaccine is 95% effective in the prevention of measles.  Two doses is 99% effective. If it is possible that someone was near a person with measles who has not been vaccinated, get a vaccination now. It reduces the change of developing an infection and is certainly more effective then not getting one. Side effects from the measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine are rare, and are not a valid reason to avoid the vaccine. It is the “scare factor” which prevents parents from getting their children vaccinated. Health Briefs TV asks: which is most important—the very minor possibility of the side effects of the MMR vaccine, or a child fighting for its life in the hospital after getting measles from someone who was sick with it? #measles #vaccination #vaccines #children

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Health Briefs TV Reports on Safer Chicken to Eat

The U.S. Agriculture Department is proposing new regulations to make the chicken we love to eat safer. Health Briefs reports on what is being done to reduce the rates of salmonella and campylobacter in the breasts, legs and wings we consume.

One of the ways to better protect consumers from getting ill from bacteria found in chicken is to ensure that chicken farms practice better sanitary procedures and farm owners keep a more aware eye on the flocks. The federal agency’s proposal would require poultry owners to reduce the rates of salmonella from an estimated 24% now to less than 16 percent. It also suggests sampling should be taken over a longer period of time.

Health Briefs TV suggests consumers curb the possibility of bacterial illness by following safe handling of the meat. This can be done by wiping down the chicken parts before cooking, washing the cutting board or counter where chicken is prepared and thorough hand washing after handling raw chicken.  This may seem like much to do before cooking America’s favorite bird, but it beats how sick one can get if not done.

The USDA would also like to make public the list of companies which adhere to the standards and which do not, which might force more poultry ranches and farms to comply.  And that would be a good thing for Americans who like chicken.

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Health Briefs TV with More Good Reasons to Enjoy Coffee

There are many good reasons to enjoy a good cup of coffee: it helps wake you up, it keeps you going through a long day at work, and even provides good wellness benefits. Health Briefs learns that there are more good reasons to enjoy that cup of joe.

Coffee and its antioxidants are well-known to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease and early death.  Now, the results of a new study are published from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showing coffee can lower the risk of certain skin cancers. The study focused on 447,000 non-Hispanic whites who were at a higher risk of skin cancer. Results from the research found that those who drank four or more cups of coffee per had a 20% lower risk of developing malignant melanoma than those who drank less coffee. Health Briefs TV also learns that decaf coffee had no effect on lowering the risk.  There have been many reports from respected researchers on the overall good health benefits of java. Add this as one more positive reason to head for the coffee maker, coffee urn, or coffee shop.  Kick up the flavor without adding to fat and calories by adding a scant teaspoon of cocoa powder in your cup or mug. Mix well and enjoy. Cocoa is another anti-oxidant which is known to increase overall health. Bottoms up.

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Health Briefs Explores Ways to Pay a Medical Bill

Medical bills can be very high and very hard to pay.  But there are innovative ways to pay them when money is tight. 

Health Briefs has found some good suggestions to help readers manage hefty bills for medical procedures.

Keep in mind that these kinds of bills are negotiable. While it may not be reasonable to think that almost half the bill can be dickered away, one can get some of the charges removed.

It is reported that almost half of all medical bills have errors. The more extensive the treatment or procedure, the more likely there will be mistakes on the bill. Take time to review each line item. If there is charge for something suspicious, highlight it and call the doctor’s billing manager about it.

Go online and look up the cost of a medical procedure to be sure that an overcharge was not made. If the line item on the bill is more than what is found online, mark down the difference to discuss with the billing manager.

Health Briefs TV suggests reviewing the explanation of benefits from the health insurance company and comparing it to the bill. Call and ask the medical professional’s billing person for an appointment to go over all the charges. Be prepared before going in with the above items in hand. Keep in mind that persistence can pay off. Keep at it respectfully and perhaps the bill will be reduced.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Who Can Get Blood Clots

Most people know that blood clots can occur when we sit in one position for too long and when we lie still for too long. Health Briefs TV reviews the other ways we can be affected by a life threatening blood clot.

 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) develops when a blood clot occurs deep in your body, usually in a leg, and travels to the lungs. This can happen after surgery or sitting for a very long flight. Results of blood clots are called venous thromboembolism and can cause fatal blockages of blood flow in the lungs. It is imperative that we know what the other risk factors are so a blood clot can be prevented.

Premature birth is a risk factor for infants, children and young adults to developing VTE which can affect DVT and other types of blood clots.

The genetic background of a person is also a risk factor when there is a history of factor V Leiden and deficiencies of proteins C and S.

Cancer, traumatic brain injury, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy and childbirth, and vitamin D deficiency are other risk factors which can cause a fatal blood clot. Health Briefs TV suggests talking to a family physician if any of these risk factors affect you.

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Health Briefs TV and the Benefits and Risks of Aspirin Therapy

Doctors have been touting the taking of a daily aspirin every day to reduce the occurrence of heart problems. For most people, this works just fine. For others though, it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and other medical problems. Health Briefs TV reviews the benefits and risks of taking an aspirin every day.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has found in prevention studies that aspirin reduces the risk for heart attack by 32% for men and 17% for women. Other studies have found that some women who took an aspirin every day suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a side effect of using it for an extended period of time.

If there is a family history of heart disease or cancer, patients are encouraged to discuss the risks of aspirin therapy with their doctors. The American Heart Association and American Cancer Society do not recommend aspirin therapy for people with an increased risk for either of the diseases.  The Health Briefs TV encourages readers, and especially women, to discuss the benefits and risks before going on it. Women are at a greater risk for gastrointestinal problems than men and may not want to begin it.

Aspirin blocks inflammation, which is studies show as the root cause for heart disease and cancer. Inflammation is the body’s responsive element. It can cause damage but taking a low-dose aspirin everyday can reduce that. Always check with a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication to be sure it will not interfere with prescriptions.

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Health Briefs TV Explains Fevers and Its Origins

Digital thermometers work great for taking a temp

A fever can signify many health conditions from the flu to heat stroke. Health Briefs TV explains fevers and its origins.

A normal temperature starts at 98.6 and can go up to 100.2 degrees. Healthcare professionals consider an elevated temperature to be 100.4. There are a variety of reasons as to why a healthy person’s temperature could rise above 100.4:

• Women experiencing menstruation will have a fluctuating temperature depending on where they are in their monthly cycle.
• Heat stoke can cause a body temperature to rise above 104.
• People who are coming down with flu will have an elevated temperature.
• Viral and bacterial infections can cause a fever.
• Some medications can cause a fever.

Health Briefs TV encourages readers who travel internationally to be aware that airports screening passengers for fevers with handheld devices may believe the traveler could have been exposed to Ebola.  Know what can cause a body’s temperature to rise and counter misinformation with facts. Fevers can originate from a variety of sources. Shouldn’t the people scanning travelers for fevers know the facts before making erroneous decisions that affect people’s lives in adverse ways? And shouldn’t U.S. state governments know them too? Ignorance and lack of information cause hysteria and hysteria harbors irrational fears. This helps no one.

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Health Briefs TV on the Unknown Effects of Obesity

Most people know that obesity can cause heart trouble and diabetes. But it can also bring trouble for some of our other body organs too. Health Briefs TV offers information.

An overweight or obese person will often complain about knee pain. Extra weight on knees, hips and feet is common and can be avoided by participating in a weight loss program or consulting with a doctor about weight loss surgery. Overweight people can also suffer from migraines more than those who are not. In a recent study, people who were obese complained of having 14 migraines per month compared to those with a healthy weight. A cancer diagnosis can also be a negative outcome from being obese. Kidney, gallbladder, liver, colon and uterine cancer diagnoses were found with those who are overweight than those who were not. Ten percent were attributed to being overweight in a study conducted by The Lancet.

The Health Briefs TV show learns that obesity affects fertility. Women who are obese had a harder time becoming pregnant. They can also experience premature delivery of infants. Sleep disorders also affect people who are overweight and obese. When extra weight rests on the heart or lungs it affects the organs’ ability to function properly and can cause sleep troubles. Extra fat around the neck affects the soft tissues of the nose and can cause apnea. Along with all of these effects there are also the social effects of being obese which can range from family shame to being mistreated in a healthcare professional’s office which can cause depression. The best options for overweight and obese people are to seek the advice of a trusted doctor to find the best weight loss program. Because the unknown effects of obesity are just as harmful as the known ones.

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Health Briefs TV Reminds Readers of the More Common Viruses

Please cover your mouth much better than this.

There are several viruses which are more worrisome than the Ebola virus. Health Briefs TV reminds readers of what they are and how to prevent catching one.

The Flu – Droplets from an ill person’s sneeze or cough can travel up to six feet away.  Please remember to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing around others.

Enterovirus – This is the virus that is mostly affecting young children. It can be passed by touching an infected person or surface. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Don’t touch the face anywhere.

Norovirus – This virus spread when an infected person touches a surface, food or water and other people tough or eat the same surface or food. Again, wash hands thoroughly before touching food or any common surface.

HIV – HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids and shared needles. To prevent transmission, don’t shares needles and wear condoms or other items to block transmission during sex.

Hepatitis – The virus is transmitted through sharing dirty needles. Don’t share needles and be sure any medical worker is using a clean, sterilized one on you, if needed.

RSV – RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It mostly affects very young children and the elderly. It is spread through coughing and sneezing.  Health Briefs TV urges readers to teach young children to cover noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing, and reminds seniors to do the same.

These six viruses are more contagious and easily spread than the Ebola virus.

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