Health Briefs Reminds Readers to Not Get Into Hot Water This Summer

Nearly every body of water east of the Mississippi is warmer than usual. Warmer water may feel good to the swimmer but it also contains more bacteria than cooler water. Health Briefs reminds viewers to stay out of hot water this summer.

There have been several cases of swimmers catching, suffering from and some dying from freshwater amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This particular amoeba is a type of virus which attacks the brain. But it can be prevented which is why we offer some suggestions for staying healthy in warm water.

Use a nose plug. This amoeba enters the body through the nose causing a severe frontal headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control warns that if not treated, the amoeba can cause seizures, confusion and hallucinations as it works its way from the nasal cavity to the brain.

Health Briefs learns that most of the cases have been in the southern states and mainly in Texas and Florida. Typically, there are warmer waters here than anywhere else. The CDC experts remind that fresh water lakes, slip n slides, and rivers are not the best places to swim or cool off. Well-maintained pools which are regularly chlorinated and salt water are better options to enjoy a refreshing swim before school starts, and avoid stirring up sediment in shallow, fresh warm water areas. 

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Health Briefs Addresses Exercise Addiction

Take a look at someone who regularly signs up for mini-marathons and marathons. They are most likely quite thin and ramped up to run another five or twenty miles. People who exercise this often and arduously could possibly be addicted to exercise. Health Briefs explains what this is.

Some of us admire people who are dedicated to working out seven days a week for hours at a time. These are not people with an addiction to exercise. They are engaging in healthy behaviors which benefit their overall well being. It is only when the obsessive, anxious or depressed person exercises to the point of injury or to the point of avoiding everyone in their life that physical activity turns into a dangerous addiction. Medical professionals note that it is the compulsive need and motivation to exercise that separates a regular exerciser, to a highly committed exerciser, to an addicted exerciser.  Health Briefs TV learns that when exercise becomes all-consuming and takes the place of everyone and everything else – such as work obligations – a dangerous line is crossed into addiction. If someone in your life seems to be heading in this direction, speak to them about it.

Regular exercise is a healthy addition for most people. It gives us energy, focus and can increase creativity. It keeps us mentally strong and agile as we age. But too much of a good thing can be harmful to not just the body but to the important relationships in our lives. Do you know someone who might be addicted to exercise?

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Health Briefs Informs on Kids and the Positive Effects of Video Games

Video game playing is not unhealthy for children as long as the games are played in short spans of time, according to study recently released. Health Briefs takes time to inform readers about the positive effects of video game playing on children.

The time kids spend playing video games is shown to link differences in their mental and social health. Kids who play the games for three or more hours scored better on mental and social health assessments than kids who don’t play at all. Game playing with friends, siblings and parents engages social skills and compels mental skills. But if a child spends too much time playing video games alone in a bedroom, they are more likely to exhibit anti-social skills. That said, a bedroom which is uncluttered is a much better space in which to study and play video games because there is less to divide their attention. Game playing is not a new activity that kids enjoy. It’s been around for more than 20 years. It help with focus, the development of imagination, and can even improve school test scores. Health Briefs TV encourages parents to join kids on a video game or two. But be sure the child is not spending nearly every waking minute game playing, or is involved in a game which is too violent or sexy for their age.

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Health Briefs TV Explains the Basic Facts about Ebola

Ebola is a life-threatening disease which is mostly found in countries outside of the U.S. Two American healthcare workers have been infected in West Africa where the disease is widespread. One of these healthcare workers is already back in America and in an isolated hospital unit in the Georgia. The other healthcare worker is due back this week. Health Briefs TV shares the basic facts about Ebola and why it is not a real threat in the United States.

Ebola is a highly-infectious disease which produces flu-like symptoms and is usually fatal. It is contracted through bodily fluids like blood. Its symptoms are: the sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and sometimes internal and external bleeding. It takes two weeks from time of infection to the onset of symptoms.

Health Briefs learns that the threat of Ebola being transmitted from the two infected healthcare workers to rest of the population is not very likely.  The staff taking care of these two people is protected from catching it, and the two infected care workers are in heavily isolated spaces.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued an alert for all medical professionals to ask patients presenting Ebola-like symptoms about recent travel. In truth, panic spreads faster than the Ebola virus. Have questions? Ask your doctor. 

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How to Find Healthy Food in Any Airport by Health Briefs TV

(there are healthy food options even at fast food restaurants)

Airports offer passengers a multitude of food choices –some healthy and some not so healthy.  Health Briefs TV provides suggestions on how to find healthy food in any airport.

More people travel today and as they pass through the world’s airports, they may grab a snack or a meal. For those who are searching for a nutritious and filling option, we have a few ideas.

Most fast food establishments will have grilled chicken sandwiches, small salads or small packages of crudités for those who choose not the order fried foods and French fries. Add a bottle of water to the meal to stay hydrated.

Stand-alone vendors may have smaller dishes such as pasta salads, hummus and veggies or crackers and yogurt cups for the health-minded traveler. Grab one to take on the plane or to enjoy while waiting to board.

The Health Briefs TV show also suggests getting a small bag of almonds and a large bottle of water for flights lasting longer than an hour. The almonds are a good source of protein to fill one up. Water is the best hydrator and is best bought after passing through security check points. A large bottle will last throughout most flights with exception of the longer ones across country or overseas. Before giving in to a craving for a burger and fries, look around the terminal for healthier options. Even the smallest of airports and terminals will have something to satiate.

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Health Briefs Reports on How Dieting Affects Women Later

(healthy lifestyle changes made with friends are better)

Teens and young adult women are usually quite aware when they gain even a small amount of weight. This leads to going on fad diets and diets which promise quick weight loss. Health Briefs looks at how this kind of dieting later affects the women.

Health and medical experts agree that in order for a young woman to stay healthy and remain healthy, she needs to make lifestyle changes instead of going on a fad diet. A study followed women for ten years who reported started to diet early in youth. The researchers found that 10 years after they were graduated from college, the women indulged in extreme weight-control behaviors, more alcohol consumption and misuse, and had a greater chance of being overweight or obese.

Health Briefs encourages teen girls and young women to seek the advice of a medical expert before starting any weight loss program. The key to any successful and long-lasting weight control is to make positive lifestyle changes. Healthy weight maintenance can be obtained with self control, lifestyle changes and support from parents, friends and healthcare professionals. Let’s all work together to give women of all ages the support they need to life a healthy lifestyle and maintain a positive self image into adulthood.

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Health Briefs on Medical Identity Theft and Why We Need to Pay Attention

There has been a 91 percent increase in the number of medical identity theft cases in the last year alone. Health Briefs examines the issue and offers prevention tips for consumers in North America.

Health care agencies including the insurance companies lag far behind the credit card, financial and large discount store companies when it comes to protecting a consumer’s personal data. And unlike credit card companies, there is no way for a consumer to know someone stole their medical data and used it to obtain health services.  Medical ID thieves can get health insurance in your name, obtain prescriptions, even check into the hospital to give birth or have surgery. The only way a person will know this happened is if they get a bill from a collector. So how can the average consumer who goes to the doctor, gets tests done in clinics and hospitals and may be admitted to a hospital prevent this from happening?

Health Briefs suggests only writing the last four digits of your Social Security Number on any form.  Don’t share any medical or healthcare information, such as insurance info via telephone or email unless you know without any doubt who is asking. Shred old healthcare forms, old prescription slips, doctor bills, etc and store current ones in a safe place. Know your rights and find out why a website is asking for this info, how it will be kept safe, whether it will be shared, and with whom. Read the Privacy Policy on the website. Look for the lock and key symbol to be sure the website is safe and secure. If in doubt, don’t offer any information. 

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