General Health Articles

In the News Heart Health Month – Part I

Every February across the United States, Heart Health Awareness Month is celebrated. Since declared a health month by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, fundraising and heart health awareness activities take place all over the country.

This month we look at the different statistics regarding heart health and some ways that you can be preventative when it comes to your heart health. 

• Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death in America.
• Approximately 640,000 Americans die from heart disease each year – that’s 1 in 4 deaths.
• More than ¾ of the deaths from cardiovascular disease occur in low- to middle- income countries.
• Someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 38 seconds, according to the American Heart Association.
• Around 18.2 million adults over the age of 20 have cardiovascular disease.
• One in five heart attacks are silent, with the person unaware of it.

So, what are the warning signs of a heart attack? Here are some common symptoms:

• Tightness in the chest
• Nausea, heartburn and indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Sudden dizziness

Many different risk factors affect your chances of developing heart disease. Understanding what aspects of your life play a role can help you make changes to improve your health. Of course, there are some risk factors that you cannot change, but you should still be aware of them. Here are the risk factors:

(Continued in Part II…)

Healthy Living The Healthy Truth About Your Feet

As odd as it may seem, your feet may be the window to your overall body health. Here are some things to look for regarding your feet that will give you clues that there may be other important body issues to investigate.

Thick, yellow toenails -

Toenails are not supposed to be thick and/or yellow.  Thick, yellow nails are most often an indication of a fungal infection living beneath your toenails.  People that have other medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other immune deficiencies are more likely to get a fungal infection than those that do not have these conditions.  To treat thick, yellow toenails, you will need to consult a podiatrist.  While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for thick, yellow toenails, by the time your nails are already discolored and thick it is too late for any over-the-counter creams or medicines to work. You must discuss your options with a professional.

No hair on your feet or toes –

If your feet or toes are lacking hair, it can be a sign of having poor circulation because of vascular disease.  If you notice that your feet and toes do not have any hair on them, you will want to consult your doctor to find out ways to improve your circulation thereby reducing your risk of acquiring vascular disease.

A wound that won’t heal on your foot – Wounds on your feet that just won’t heal could be an indication of diabetes.  Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to serious nerve damage in your feet and because of this damage you may not feel when you have a sore or a wound on your foot.  If your wound continues to go unhealed there could be major problems, including amputation.  If you notice a wound that won’t heal on your feet, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss your wound.  

In the News New Year’s Resolutions – Part II

Continued from Part I…)

 Enroll in courses to gain more knowledge and to learn new skills or improve your current one.

• Start your own business.
• Get out of your shell, make new friends, and find ways to become more confident.
• Travel more, even if that means taking short trips or traveling within the city in which you live.
• Make better financial decisions this year by saving money, becoming more conscious about your spending, budgeting, investing, etc.
• Reduce social media use.
• Quit bad habits that have been holding you back like substance abuse, procrastination, and self-sabotage.
• Let go of toxic friends and unhealthy relationships.
• Read more books.
• Adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Give back to the community through donations, volunteering, and doing random acts of kindness.

 New Year’s Resolutions act as a guide for how you want your life to be for the next 365 days. You can also adjust as the year goes along. If you find something you can do to improve your life in the middle of the year, you don’t have to wait until next year to implement it.

 Happy New Year and Here’s to a Successful 2025.

In the News New Year’s Resolutions – Part I

Every year when the calendar flips to January 1, everyone starts thinking about their New Year’s Resolution. For the past couple years though, many people have given up on resolutions because after COVID and the pandemic caused many to think that it was pointless to make a resolution when life is so unpredictable.

Experts say though that it is still important to make resolutions. They say that you should adjust your expectations, be realistic and make achievable resolutions for 2025.

Here are some of the best resolutions you can make for a successful New Year.

Get more organized at home and at work.

• Stop worrying about what others think and things you cannot control.
• Start living in the moment.
• Establish a work-life balance and spend more time with family and people who mean the most to you.
• Lead a healthier lifestyle by starting a fitness program, eating a healthier diet, and protecting your mental health.
• Start standing up for yourself.
• Become more optimistic.
• Quit an unfulfilling job and change careers.
• Make yourself a priority this year by giving yourself a makeover, learn how to put yourself first more often, and taking time off work for “me time”.
• Stop holding grudges, forgive others and let go of the past.
• Try new things even if they seem scary.
• Learn when to say yes and, also when to say no.

 (Continued in Part II…)

Healthy Living Ways to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

It’s the most germiest time of the year! Isn’t that how the song goes? Oh, wonderful, that’s right! Well, it may be the most wonderful time of the year if you and your family can remain healthy throughout the flu and holiday season.

Here are a few ways that you can make your health and safety a priority this year and keep you healthy well into 2024. 

• Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. Make sure that you are washing them for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Bundle up when you are headed outdoors in the cold. Wear light, warm layers, hat, gloves, and scarf. And waterproof boots, too!
• Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. This is an all-year deal and not just for the holidays.
• Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke whenever possible. If you are a smoker, consider making that early resolution to quit.
• Get your yearly exams and screenings. Just because you are busy enjoying the season shouldn’t mean that you should put off those important health appointments.
• Keep an eye on children. Keep hazardous or potentially hazardous items, foods, drinks, and objects away from children. Protect them from potential accidents.
• Practice fire safety and know your family plan. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so be prepared in the event of an emergency.
• Prepare food safely. Wash hands, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to the proper temperature and refrigerate foods after eating.