Top Ways to Fight Fevers in Kids

Top Ways to Fight Fevers in Kids (432) (NewsUSA) - Fevers often set in fast and unexpectedly, leaving a caregiver little time to prepare -- or to run to the store. Be ready to react the next time your child comes down with a fever by keeping a fully stocked fever-fighting arsenal in your home: * Drink Up: You know your child's favorite flavors, so keep your pantry stocked with therapeutic hydration beverages in these flavors. You'll be ready to replenish vital nutrients and prevent dehydration as soon as it's needed. Remember, to prevent dehydration, encourage your little one to drink slowly as opposed to big gulps, and avoid sugary and sweetened beverages. For an extra treat, try freezing the beverage and creating an ice pop. * Measurement That's on the Mark: A rectal thermometer still provides the most accurate measurement of body temperature. When you're dealing with an elevated body temperature, it's important to know the exact measurement, so you know when to call the pediatrician.* Have a good digital rectal thermometer on hand to get an exact reading. * Keep 'Em Cool: When fever spikes, be ready. Keep a cool pack chilled in the refrigerator to keep your child cool and help bring down their body temperature. You'll also have this special "icy" ready to go when boo boos need soothing. Avoid cold baths or showers, however, since they can cool the body too much. Healthcare professionals recommend moderately warm baths instead. * Dose with Ease: Acetaminophen is one of the most recommended nonprescription medications by healthcare professionals for fever reduction in children. However, if your child is fussy, spitting up or vomiting, it can be challenging to get them to take a full and proper oral dose of liquid acetaminophen. Be sure to have FeverAll Acetaminophen Suppositories (www.feverall.com) in your medicine cabinet for instances when sick infants and children can't or won't take liquid acetaminophen orally. FeverAll Infants' Strength (80 mg) is the only acetaminophen suppository available and approved for infants as young as six months of age. You'll be able to confidently dose acetaminophen with ease and know that your child received the proper dose for their age, even as young as six months old. * Dole out the Love: A little extra TLC can help keep kids comfy and in a positive state of mind as they fight a fever. Show your love through the power of touch with a gentle massage to your child's feet, neck or back. For extra security, have a brand-new soft lovey or blanket ready to go as a special new delight.         * Always consult your pediatrician for questions and concerns about fever in infants and children.

Send Your Kids Back to School With Their Vaccines Up to Date

Send Your Kids Back to School With Their Vaccines Up to Date (363) (NewsUSA) - Back-to-school season is here. It's time for parents to gather school supplies and backpacks. It's also the perfect time to make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccines. Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC's immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children's health -- and that of classmates and the community. Most schools require children to be current on vaccinations before enrolling to protect the health of all students. Today's childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. "Thanks to vaccines, most of these diseases have become rare in the United States," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "But many still exist here, and they can make children very sick, leading to many days of missed school, missed work for parents, and even hospitalization and death." In 2011, there were more than 200 cases of measles reported in the U.S. In 2010, about 27,550 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were reported, and 25 people died from the disease. "Without vaccines, these numbers would be much, much higher," Dr. Schuchat said. "That's why kids still need vaccines." When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk of disease and can spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community -- including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions. School-age children need vaccines. For example, kids who are 4 to 6 years old are due for boosters of four vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and polio. Older children, like pre-teens and teens, need Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), HPV (human papillomavirus) and MCV (meningococcal conjugate virus) vaccines. In addition, yearly flu vaccines are recommended for all children 6 months and older. Check with your child's doctor to find out what vaccines are needed. Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.

Encourage Reading With Tips From Dr. Seuss

Encourage Reading With Tips From Dr. Seuss (408) (NewsUSA) - The first nine years of a child's life are the most critical for learning how to read. In fact, national research estimates that 74 percent of poor readers who aren't helped before age nine will continue having difficulties in high school, and only two percent will go on to complete a four-year degree. "Besides being the foundation of communication and most kinds of classroom-based learning, reading skills give children a confidence and advantage that benefits them long after they finish school. And for those who actually enjoy reading? The rewards are endless," says Richard Bavaria, Ph.D. (Dr. Rick) from tutoring service and education expert, Sylvan Learning. To encourage parents to renew their efforts to get children and young adults interested in reading, the experts at Sylvan are taking a few pages out of Dr. Seuss's many dog-eared books. Check out these Seuss-inspired reading tips for the could-be avid readers in your family. Oh say, can you say? Reading aloud with your children is just as vital as you always heard. For toddlers and young kids, reading aloud with exaggerated voices and silly noises helps keep them interested and excited. For older children and young adults, getting them to read aloud builds confidence in their reading abilities. One book, two books, red books, blue books. Most people love collecting valued items, children included. Support efforts to create their own library, and help them find new books to add to the collection. Turn trips to the grocery store or Goodwill into a treasure hunt for new books. And to think that you saw that word on Mulberry Street. Car rides are ideal times to learn new words because you and your kids are being bombarded with new phrases and vocabulary around every curve. From billboards to street signs, new words are everywhere! Oh, the places you'll go! Let the Internet guide you. If your nine-year-old refuses to read anything other than horse books, what better place to find a reading list of age-appropriate horse books? Interactive websites like Book Adventure -- www.bookadventure.com -- allow kids to choose their own books and take short quizzes for prizes. My book... By me myself. Challenge your kids by asking them to write their own stories with their own illustrations. It increases their familiarity with words and encourages creativity. Learn more about getting kids to explore the vast world of reading, including more Seuss tips, at www.sylvanlearning.com.

Survey Shows Americans' Views on Dental Hygiene Differ by Region

Survey Shows Americans' Views on Dental Hygiene Differ by Region (468) (NewsUSA) - Does where you live impact your flossing and dental hygiene habits? A new national survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) shows it does. For instance, while more than a quarter of adults surveyed said they lied to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, those who live in Atlanta (82 percent) are more likely to be honest about how often they floss. Could that be Southern manners at play? Conversely, one in five, or 20 percent, of Chicagoans said they would rather sit in an hour of the city's notorious gridlock traffic than floss daily. In D.C., less than one in five participants, or 18 percent, said they would let a friend know if they had something in their teeth. Other key survey findings by geographic region: * Three in five (60 percent) of U.S. adults, including New Yorkers, who have a partner say their partner's oral health has an effect on their intimacy. * Twenty percent of Houstonians guessed incorrectly when asked what a periodontist treat-ed versus a majority of those in other metro areas. * Almost half of those in Los Angeles (45 percent) and Boston (44 percent) are more likely than those who live in Chicago or Houston to say a smile is the first thing they notice when meeting someone they are attracted to. * 21 percent of Philadelphians would rather wait in a long check-out line than floss. So, while the survey indicates oral health habits may differ from region to region, it also clearly shows that Americans do have one thing in common -- we all don't floss as frequently as we should. While flossing should only take an extra minute or two each day, it would appear it's more than we're willing to give. There are more than 500 bacterial species that can be found in dental plaque, which brushing alone won't remove, so that should be incentive enough to get flossing. Whatever the reason for our reluctance to floss, there are benefits to showing your teeth a little love, according to the AAP. The most obvious is that flossing prevents plaque, and those 500 bacterial species, from building up below the gum line, causing swelling and eventually leading to periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to a host of oral health issues such as receding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss, and is even linked to other chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable by brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation. If you are at risk for or have gum disease, a periodontist has the specialized training and expertise for the right treatment. For more information, visit www.perio.org.

Stairlifts Can Be Integral Tool for Home Healthcare

Stairlifts Can Be Integral Tool for Home Healthcare (351) (NewsUSA) - People are getting older. Not only does this mean there will be more elderly who want to "age at home," and retain their independence, but there will be those who require in-home care from age-related health problems and surgeries. Consider this: the number of Americans 65 and up is expected to nearly double by the middle of the century, when they will make up more than a fifth of the nation's population, according to a Census Bureau Report released last year. What this means is that it will be more important than ever to ensure that homes can be retrofitted to accommodate this demographic. To that end, installing a stairlift may be just what the doctor ordered. For home healthcare providers or loved ones who have to care for someone who is disabled or coming off of surgery, a stairlift makes sense. "Caregivers for disabled persons are ... becoming more aware of products to help them," Jerry Keiderling, president of Accessible Home Improvement of America told HomeCare Magazine in an interview. While there is a certain stigma related to stairlifts of old, Keiderling said that technology developments now center on electronic components and aesthetics. "Today's stairlifts ... have a much more pleasing look," he told the magazine. "They don't look like the service hoist at the local garage. Longevity is also a key component. Some of these systems are used quite often, and they need to last." Experts agree, saying older people want something that is discreet and that has the ability to be stored away when not in use. Unlike older models, new designs such as those sold by Orlando-based Acorn Stairlifts are powered by two small-12 volt batteries located under the seat. The chair and built-in footrest can be folded up when not in use, and all lifts have sensors around the perimeter of the foot platform that will stop the lift when triggered. While cost can be a factor in the decision, experts say that the risk of a family member injuring themselves while lifting a patient far outweighs the cost of installing a chairlift. For more information, visit www.acornstairlifts.com.

The Latest Buzz Phrase in Health Care

The Latest Buzz Phrase in Health Care (276) (NewsUSA) - Here's a buzz phrase you'll be hearing a lot more of as part of our brave new world of health care: "integrative care settings." Not to worry: This time, if you're a patient, you may actually wind up liking what it means for you. Basically, we're talking about providing different types of care under one roof. Which makes sense when you consider that: (a) we've already begun moving away from a "sickcare" model, where many patients only visit a doctor when their health has declined to one emphasizing a more preventative "wellness-based care;" and (b) the "team approach" to care has also made headway. "MDs are already focusing on sick-care, so who's the expert in wellness and preventative care?" Kenneth C. Thomas, DC, a member of the Council on Chiropractic Education, wrote in an article for the Chiropractic Summit, which brings together leading voices in fields like education, research and government. His answer, not surprisingly, was doctors of chiropractic, known for their drug-free approach to treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. But guess what? Not only have major companies already incorporated chiropractic care in their on-site health clinics -- there's that integrative approach for you -- but chiropractors are increasingly co-managing a wide variety of patients ranging from professional athletes to members of the military. And research suggests chiropractic's benefits include: * Lower health care costs * Enhanced patient outcomes * Higher patient satisfaction "I think we're looking at a more collaborative, patient-centered focus where chiropractors have an important role to play," says the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Gerard Clum, DC. To learn more or to locate a doctor of chiropractic in your area, visit www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.

Chiropractors Offer Advice to Those With Diabetes

Chiropractors Offer Advice to Those With Diabetes (310) (NewsUSA) - If current trends hold, 1 in 5 Americans will have diabetes by 2025 -- and 1 in 3 by about a generation after that. So says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which rightly calls the figures "alarming." But when you think about our lifestyles -- too often sedentary, with unhealthy diets -- should we really be that surprised? "We simply cannot sustain this trajectory," says the agency's Dr. Ann Allbright. Certainly genes also play a role in explaining why 29.1 million Americans already suffer from the disease. It's characterized by the body's inability to produce, or properly use, the hormone insulin that's needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. But when it comes to those lifestyle issues -- which, unlike genes, we can do something about -- perhaps the best advice to limit the growing epidemic of diabetes comes from Dennis Marchiori, DC, PhD, current president of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges: "Simply put, when you live healthier, you have a better chance of managing your blood sugar." The "DC" stands for doctor of chiropractic. And today's chiropractors, with a minimum of seven years of education and clinical training, are helping to address the roots of lifestyle-acquired Type II Diabetes through their emphasis on healthy living and natural lifestyles. They're also well-trained in nutrition, enabling them to construct individualized health regimens for patients that include: * Eating well-balanced meals that are low in processed sugar. * Consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods like fruit, vegetables and whole grains. * Weight management. "Type II Diabetes is a preventable disease, and choosing a healthy lifestyle is critical," says the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Gerard Clum, DC. Of course, especially if you're new to exercise, a chiropractor's skill in manual care will also come in handy. For more information or to find a chiropractor in your area, visit www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.

Love Your Gums to Safeguard Your Smile

Love Your Gums to Safeguard Your Smile (438) (NewsUSA) - Are you attracted to a dazzling smile? Approximately one-third of American adults report first noticing a smile when meeting someone they find attractive. However, poor oral hygiene can harm not only your smile, but your overall health. TV's Bachelorette Trista Sutter knows the importance of making a good first impression, and she is partnering with the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) in a public awareness campaign about the importance of healthy gums. "I believe in being grateful for -- and loving -- what we have, and the gums we are given are the gums we have for life," Sutter says in a statement. "I personally have always tried to take good care of my teeth. But, like many people, I didn't know I should be doing more to take care of my gums. This is why I believe the AAP's campaign to Love The Gums You're With is so important; everyone should understand the importance of keeping their gums healthy." Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is surprisingly common; it occurs in half of American adults aged 30 years and older. The condition, caused when bacteria in plaque form below the gum line, can lead to swelling, irritation, and possibly receding gums and tooth loss. Gum disease may impact more than just your smile. Symptoms such as red, swollen gums and bad breath may be signs of a person's health beyond his or her mouth, as gum disease has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. Not only can gum disease affect your overall health, it can affect your personal life, too. According to a new survey by Harris Poll, 60 percent of American adults who have a partner said their partner's oral health has an effect on intimacy. The AAP recommends brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day and receiving an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation to help prevent gum disease. It's is treatable, and, in many cases, reversible with the right care. If you suspect you may be at risk for gum disease, you should talk to a periodontist about your gum health. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and can provide a personalized treatment plan. Visit www.perio.org to find a periodontist in your area and check out the AAP's Facebook page at bit.ly/loveyourgums or @PerioNews on Twitter for tips and resources, including some fun educational information and a message from Sutter about the importance of gum health. Sutter adds, "Your gums will be grateful for the extra attention."

Coming Home From the Hospital? Here's What You Need to Know

Coming Home From the Hospital? Here's What You Need to Know (405) (NewsUSA) - Few things in life are certain, but chances are there will be at least one health event that requires hospitalization and, following that, rehabilitation. While hospitals provide an array of services that can help, most people prefer to get well in the comfort of their own home. Although beneficial in the recovery process, home care can also have its own distinct obstacles. Couple that with a patient's fears and struggles of what's to come in the weeks and months ahead, and it can create a perfect storm for both patients and caregivers. To help, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), a nearly 6,000 member worldwide organization, has created ReSTART, an online resource that provides information for those who are (or will be) in rehab for everything from strokes to joint replacements to head injuries and those who will be caring for them. When you consider that recent studies cite as many as 75 million Americans suffer from some type of disability, a website such as ReSTART can make a huge impact on understanding what patients will inevitably experience while on their road to wellness. The goal, according to ARN, is to get patients who have a disability to a point that they are, once again, as self-sufficient as possible and able to live a full life. "My clients have been through acute rehab and are back in their communities," Susan Wirt, a past president of ARN, told The American Nurse in an interview. "I figure out how they can be well and healthy despite their chronic conditions," she said. Indeed, rehabilitation nurses effectively manage complex health care issues; collaborate with other professionals and disciplines such as occupational or speech therapists; provide patients and caregivers with needed education; set patients' goals that maximize independence; and establish plans of care that maintain optimal wellness, according to the ARN. With National Rehabilitation Awareness Week on the horizon (Sept. 20-26), ARN is stressing the importance of advocacy. "Advocacy is also a huge role for us," Michelle Camica, MSN, CRRN, and past president of ARN, told The American Nurse in the same interview. "We serve as the patient's advocate when addressing issues with other members of the health care team and sometimes with a patient's own family. We always want to make sure patients are getting the right care in the right place at the right time," she said. For more information, please visit www.restartrecovery.org.

How Clean is Your Hospital Room?

How Clean is Your Hospital Room? (404) (NewsUSA) - Most people scheduled for a trip to the hospital expect the facility to be clean, or at least not harboring organisms that can cause life-threatening illness. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 75,000 people in the United States die from hospital-acquired infections each year. Many hospitals struggle to prevent the spread of two common, but potentially life-threatening bacteria in particular: Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Poor hand hygiene, overuse of antibiotics and inadequate disinfection practices are often contributors to the problem. Consumer Reports recently published rankings of which U.S. hospitals do best and worst at fighting bacteria that cause infections. Only 6 percent of hospitals scored well against both C. diff and MRSA. What can hospitals do to destroy these organisms and keep patients safe? Strategies that have shown success include improving hand hygiene, antibiotic stewardship and environmental disinfection. * Hand hygiene. Proper hand hygiene means handwashing/disinfection by all health care workers before and after caring for each patient. Setting up hand sanitizer stations and reminding hospital staff of hand hygiene protocol has been shown to improve compliance and reduce the spread of infection. * Antibiotic stewardship. Use broad-spectrum antibiotics only when necessary; excessive use of these drugs can promote the development of resistant organisms. * Environmental disinfection. Pulsed xenon ultraviolet (UV) light can destroy the infectious capability of bacteria and viruses. Innovative hospitals including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Stanford, the University of Washington and Orlando Health are harnessing this technology in the form of germ-zapping robots. Here's how it works: Full spectrum UV light passes through the cell walls of bacteria, bacterial spores and viruses, where it damages the DNA, RNA and proteins. This renders the organisms inert and incapable of causing infection. More than 300 hospitals, surgery centers and skilled nursing facilities in the United States and Europe are using Xenex Germ-Zapping Robots for room disinfection, and have seen infection rates drop up to 70 percent. Pulsed xenon UV devices take only minutes to completely disinfect a room and make it safe for the next patient. You and your loved ones deserve a pathogen-free room during your hospital stay. Is your hospital using Xenex robots for disinfection? Email Xenex at: stopinfections@xenex.com with the name of a hospital, and the company will let you know. Meanwhile, visit xenex.com for more information about how Xenex robots can make hospitals safer.

How to Display Proper Hygiene in Public

How to Display Proper Hygiene in Public (369) (NewsUSA) - You would think that public hygiene protocol would be a standard, taught in kindergarten, reviewed in middle school, and essential for your college diploma. Yet, more often than we care to admit, both knowing and remembering social "dos" and "don'ts" proves a challenge for even the best of us. Stay classy and clean with a few simple tips on how to display good public hygiene. Cover your mouth This one is so simple we feel it deserves the first spot on the list. Hearing you sneeze or hearing you cough is one thing. Asking someone to feel you sneeze or feel you cough is entirely another. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Keep your hands clean by using your upper arm as your shield. One tissue does not conquer all Feeling under the weather? Looking and feeling your best can be truly difficult when your sinuses are working against you. Do your best to show your care for public hygiene by following the little guidelines you can still muster doing, like washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, and refusing to reuse and reuse the same tissue while public. Watch for bad habits Unfortunate habits, like biting your nails, playing with your hair, or picking at your face can work against that clean, sophisticated image you desire. These habits are also a way that unwanted grime, oils and bacteria can spread from different areas on your body and eventually onto any object you touch. Do your best to keep your hands away from the top half of your body whenever possible. Launder Laundry is no fun, but there are few public hygiene no-nos worse than dirty clothes. Pick one day of the week to be laundry day and stick to it. Invest in a dependable iron and ironing board, and carry a stain remover in your purse or bag. Use FLASR For smokeless tobacco users, a small, spill-proof portable spittoon is an essential and the ultimate display of good public hygiene. Fortunately, for these individuals, there's FLASR, an Atlanta-based company that specializes in exactly that. The FLASR spittoon has a chic design that is pocket-size and features a secure locking mechanism to avoid messy mishaps. For more information about FLASR, visit www.flasr.com.

Is the Controversy Around Carrageenan Warranted?

Is the Controversy Around Carrageenan Warranted? (418) (NewsUSA) - Carrageenan -- have you heard of it? You might have noticed it listed as an ingredient in your low-fat yogurt or on the label of your toothpaste. Maybe you found a blog post warning you to steer clear of it. There's a lot of conversation about carrageenan. But in order to sift through all the commentary -- including a lot from self-appointed food ingredient watchdogs -- we need to be able to distinguish fact-based food science dialogue from opinion-based diatribes. Carrageenan is a natural food ingredient made from red seaweed. It's used to thicken puddings and sauces, stabilize dairy, suspend nutrients and more. It has been used for hundreds of years in home kitchens across the world. Carrageenan's long history of use supports its safety. More important than this anecdotal evidence is the strong body of scientific research -- studies dating back to the 1970s and continuing through the present -- that proves carrageenan is completely safe for consumption. Review some of these studies yourself here: www.fmccarrageenan.com/scientifically-safe/. So why the controversy around carrageenan? Back to the watchdogs. Their advice may appear useful but it's not always factual or reliable. When it comes to trusting the safety of our food, we need to be able to identify good science. JECFA is an organization we can trust to analyze and identify good science. As a committee formed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to evaluate the safety of food additives, it is one of the most respected independent review panels. And its decision-making helps inform regulatory bodies around the world. In its recent report, JECFA reassessed all carrageenan studies -- decades' worth that affirm its safety, along with a handful of flawed studies that call it into question -- and concluded that its use in food is safe. The committee placed significant weight on a new study on the use of carrageenan in infant formula. If carrageenan is deemed safe for infants, the most sensitive population, then there shouldn't be safety concerns for the rest of us. Learn more at FoodScienceMatters.com. Food is social, so we want and expect public discussion. But when that discussion has the potential to affect our health and well-being, we need to hold it to a very high standard. Instead of following a whisper down the lane of thoughts and opinions, we need to take a close look at the resources we're getting information from and make sure to seek factual information to support the decisions we make.

More Americans Choose Chiropractic Care: Gallup

More Americans Choose Chiropractic Care: Gallup (277) (NewsUSA) - Far more adults than anyone thought are seeking help from chiropractors, according to a new nationwide Gallup report. In the last year alone, according to the just-released "2015 Gallup-Palmer Inaugural Report: Americans' Perceptions of Chiropractic," 33.6 million Americans aged 18 and older turned to chiropractic care to relieve conditions like back and neck pain. That's about 63 percent more than the 20.6 million adults previously estimated in less comprehensive studies, and likely indicates that the "chiropractic first" movement touted by health experts troubled by the overuse of addictive drugs and surgery has become increasingly popular. "Americans who have exposure to chiropractors are more likely to have an opinion of them, and in general those opinions are positive," Gallup concluded. Among the other key findings: * While most patients only head to a doctor of chiropractic when they're in pain, 31 percent of adults who've been treated within the last five years say they prefer regular visits -- regardless of whether they're hurting. * Those under age 50 are likelier to say a chiropractor would be their first choice for treating back or neck pain. * So "strongly committed" are recent users that they averaged 11 visits in the last 12 months. "This groundbreaking report shows Americans are embracing chiropractic as an alternative to other costly and invasive treatments," said the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Sherry McAllister, DC. Indeed, today's chiropractors -- with a minimum of 7 years of higher education, including clinical patient management -- are not only sought out for pain relief, but also for advice on healthy living, increased flexibility and injury prevention. To learn more or to find a local doctor of chiropractic, visit F4CP.org/findadoctor.

Weight Loss Procedure Hits a Nerve -- Literally

Weight Loss Procedure Hits a Nerve -- Literally (382) (NewsUSA) - If you are one of the millions of Americans that have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 45, you may have thought about bariatric surgery to lose weight. The problem is that while it works, it's invasive and there can be significant long-term side effects. So much so that only a fraction of those who are obese consider a surgical option. Now, however, the future of weight loss may just lie in a first-of-its-kind, pacemaker-like device that reduces hunger and leads to prolonged fullness without altering or restricting the anatomy. The way it works is this: the vagus nerve is the communicator between the brain and the stomach. If interrupted, the stomach tells the brain it's full sooner. Thus, patients eat less and feel full, allowing for safe, sustained weight loss. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2015, it was the first weight-loss device to be available to patients in over a decade. "Obesity is a global epidemic with consequences to both public and personal health," said Sajani Shah, MD, and Bariatric Surgeon, Tufts Medical Center. "From diet and exercise to bypass surgery, existing treatment options have failed to stop the advance of this disease." Created by St. Paul-based EnteroMedics, vBloc Neurometabolic Therapy is implanted in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and allows patients to eat a normal, healthy diet without food restrictions. "With this new weight-loss option, what's really important to understand is that it's less invasive, less complex and there are absolutely no restrictions to what you can eat," said Shah. "Patients like that it's reversible, they have more control over their hunger and they have more control over how fast they lose weight. They are able to go back to work within days, and it's outpatient surgery," she said. For Erica Roy, who received her vBloc device over 18 months ago, the results speak for themselves. Down 45 pounds, Roy said she couldn't be happier. "What is amazing to me about this device is that it doesn't just affect me physically, it works on helping me address my relationship with food," she said. Roy said the device caters to that group of people who feel gastric surgeries like lap band or bypass are too extreme. For more information, please call 1-800-MyvBloc or visit www.vbloc.com.

New TIPS Program Focuses on Preventing Youth Sports Injuries

New TIPS Program Focuses on Preventing Youth Sports Injuries (290) (NewsUSA) - It's recognized as a "silent epidemic" among our nation's youth. We're talking sports-related injuries. Every day nearly 8,000 young athletes sustain an injury bad enough to send them to an emergency room, and -- if that's not chilling enough -- just look at these numbers from the National Athletic Trainers' Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: * In the past year alone, 48 youths died due to sports injuries. * About 30,000 high school athletes are hospitalized every year. * Concussions account for 90 percent of high schoolers' 300,000 annual head injuries. That explains why a new program called "Athletic TIPS" (Towards Injury Prevention in Sports) has garnered the support of everyone from health care professionals to athletic directors to sports stars like football legend Michael Strahan. The retired New York Giants defensive end, in fact, narrates the introductory video on behalf of the not-for-profit group behind the initiative. The program's goal? To foster "a safer experience" for athletes at the kindergarten through college levels by focusing on the recognition, prevention and management of sports-related injuries -- all done through community workshops, online learning, and other grassroots initiatives. "Athletic TIPS answers a critical need for educating school-age athletes, their parents, and advisors about sports-related injuries," says Ed Goren, the former vice-chairman of Fox Sports Media Group, who's backing the initiative. "Hopefully, parents will feel more confident encouraging their sons and daughters to reap sports' substantial benefits and life lessons." The workshops target four key areas: concussion recognition and prevention; nutrition in sports management; preventing dehydration and heat-related conditions; and recognizing, managing, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. To learn more or schedule an Athletic TIPS Community Workshop in your area, visit www.TIPS4Sports.org.

Have a Preteen or Teen? Protect Them Against Serious Diseases

Have a Preteen or Teen? Protect Them Against Serious Diseases (404) (NewsUSA) - Leaving their phone at a friend's house, suddenly needing a ride somewhere ? you knew there would be days like this. But did you know that you'd also need to take your preteens and teens to get shots? As they get older, kids are at increased risk for some infections. Plus, the protection provided by some of the childhood vaccines begins to wear off, so kids need a booster dose. You may have heard about pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks recently. Vaccine-preventable diseases are still real. The vaccines for preteens and teens can help protect your kids, as well as their friends, community and other family members. There are four recommended vaccines that preteens should get when they are 11 or 12 years old. If you have an older kid like a teen, they'll need a booster dose of one of the shots. It's also not too late to get any shots they may have missed. You can use any healthcare visit, including sports physicals or some sick visits, to get the shots your kids need. The vaccines for preteens and teens are: * HPV vaccine for both boys and girls, which protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer. HPV can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva and vagina in women and cancers of the penis in men. In both women and men, HPV also causes mouth/throat cancer, anal cancer and genital warts. * Tdap vaccine, which is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can keep kids out of school and activities for weeks. It can also be spread to babies, which can be very dangerous and sometimes deadly. * Meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis -- a serious infection around the brain and spinal cord. * Influenza (flu) vaccine, because even healthy kids can get the flu, and it can be serious. All kids, including your preteens and teens, should get the flu vaccine every year. Talk with a doctor, nurse or clinic about the vaccines for preteens and teens. Even though they may not realize it, your kids still need you for more than a ride somewhere. They need you to continue protecting their health by getting them these important and life-saving vaccines. Want to learn more about the vaccines for preteens and teens? Check out www.cdc.gov/vaccines/teens or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Vaccinating on Time Is Critical for Disease Prevention

Vaccinating on Time Is Critical for Disease Prevention (402) (NewsUSA) - Parents agree that feeding and sleep schedules are important to help keep their children healthy. The same goes for childhood immunizations. Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday. "The recommended immunization schedule is designed to offer protection early in life," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, "when babies are vulnerable and before it's likely they will be exposed to diseases." Public health and medical experts base their vaccine recommendations on many factors. They study information about diseases and vaccines very carefully to decide which vaccines kids should get and when they should get them for best protection. Although the number of vaccines a child needs in the first two years may seem like a lot, a healthy baby's immune system can handle getting all vaccines when they are recommended. Dr. Schuchat cautions against delaying vaccination, "There is no known benefit to delaying vaccination. In fact, it puts babies at risk of getting sick because they are left vulnerable to catch serious diseases during the time they are not protected by vaccines." When parents choose not to vaccinate or to follow a delayed schedule, children are left unprotected against diseases that still circulate in this country, like measles and whooping cough. In 2010, more than 27,000 cases of whooping cough were reported nationally with 27 deaths -; 25 of which were infants. In 2011, 222 people were reported to have measles in the U.S. - that's more than any year since 1996. Staying on track with the immunization schedule ensures that children have the best protection against diseases like these by age two. Parents who are concerned about the number of shots given at one time can reduce the number given at a visit by using the flexibility built into the recommended immunization schedule. For example, the third dose of hepatitis B vaccine can be given at 6 through 18 months of age. Parents can work with their child's health care professional to have their child get this dose at any time during that age range. If you have questions about the childhood immunization schedule, talk with your child's doctor or nurse. For more information about vaccines, go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.

Brandi Chastain's 5 Healthy Habits for Busy Families

Brandi Chastain's 5 Healthy Habits for Busy Families (424) (NewsUSA) - For many families, school means routines and maintaining busy schedules that keep the entire family on the go -- especially those families who are juggling school as well as extracurricular activities and sports. That's why it's particularly important to take the right steps, beginning with a few healthy habits that will carry them through not only the school year, but for a lifetime. It's easy to get started. For children to adopt healthy routines, many experts agree that the whole family needs to be involved. Brandi Chastain, Olympic and world soccer champion, mom and mentor says, "To keep my family on track, I like to incorporate a few simple rules for healthy living into our busy lives," she adds. 1. Hydrate to perform great. Kids should drink water before, during and after exercise. While exercise generates heat and increases the body's core temperature, water works to bring body temperature back to the normal 98.6 F. Let your child pick out a colorful water bottle to make drinking water fun. 2. Always make time for healthy meals. The USDA says that half our plates should be filled with colorful fruits and veggies, but when your children are constantly running from school to practice and back, it can be tough to get them to eat that perfect meal. Add Libby's Single Fruit Cups, which contain one complete serving of fruit, to your children's bags for an easy and nutritious snack. 3. Sleep is important. Children should receive an average of eight to nine hours of sleep each night. Without enough sleep children will not perform to their full potential during school, practice or games. Help your children stick to a regular sleep schedule by making bedtime fun -- read them a story or sing a song while they fall asleep. 4. Turn exercise into a family affair. When exercising is a solo act, it can sometimes feel like a chore. Bring the whole family onboard and make exercising fun, family time. Join your kids in a game of soccer, Double Dutch or kickball. 5. Lead by example. When you set a good example, your kids are more likely to follow. Although it's easy to stop at the drive-thru on the way home from practice, make an effort to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Become a role model by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, like Libby's Fruits and Vegetables, with your children. It's easier when you make it a team effort. To learn more about healthy eating habits, and for easy weeknight recipes, visit www.getbacktothetable.com.

Record High Cases of Whooping Cough -- Vaccinate to Protect

Record High Cases of Whooping Cough -- Vaccinate to Protect (403) (NewsUSA) - As a parent, you know how much you do to keep your little one safe and healthy. Even if you don't have kids, you still play an important role in protecting babies -- like your friend's newborn, your grandchild or even a baby you run into at the store. These children have something in common: they are vulnerable to whooping cough (or pertussis). We can all do something to protect them by getting immunized. Whooping cough can take a toll on anyone, but it can be deadly for young children. Today, there are cases in every state, and the country is on track to have the most reported cases since 1959. From January through September 2012, about 30,000 cases of whooping cough were reported, along with 14 deaths. Most of those deaths were among babies younger than three months old. How can you protect yourself and help keep babies safe? Protection can start before a baby is even born. Pregnant moms should get a Tdap vaccine, which is a booster shot combining protection against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. She'll be protecting herself so she won't spread whooping cough to her newborn, and some protection will be passed on to her baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that anyone around babies get the whooping cough vaccine at least two weeks before coming into close contact with an infant. In fact, every adult is recommended one dose of Tdap to protect themselves, even if they're not going to be around babies. During pregnancy, moms should talk to others about getting the Tdap vaccine. This includes her spouse, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, babysitters and day care staff. After the baby arrives, he'll get his first dose of DTaP (the childhood vaccine combining protection against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria) at two months of age. He should complete the vaccine series by getting additional doses at 4 months, 6 months, 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years of age. Since the protection the DTaP vaccine provides young children decreases over time, preteens need the Tdap booster shot at 11 or 12 years old. Now is the time to do your part to protect yourself -- and babies, too. Visit www.cdc.gov/pertussis for more information, and talk to a doctor about the whooping cough vaccine today.

Avoid Drugs and Surgery With Chiropractic Care

Avoid Drugs and Surgery With Chiropractic Care (255) (NewsUSA) - Talk about bad odds. Americans have an 80 percent chance of experiencing back pain in their lifetimes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But making matters even worse is this: Say you do experience such pain, and you're told -- as too often is the case -- that your only options are either drugs or surgery. The former is potentially addictive. And as for the latter...well, many believe this headline from a publication focused on natural health says it all: "Back Surgery: Too Many, Too Costly, and Too Ineffective." The truth is, there's a third option that a growing number of experts now say should be used before anyone even thinks of making patients go through either or both of the others. That option? Chiropractic care. "Medical care certainly has not solved the everyday symptom of low back pain, and even may be reinforcing and exacerbating the problem," renowned orthopedist and spine researcher Gordon Waddell, MD, says. Indeed, numerous studies have found that chiropractic care, with its drug-free and non-invasive focus on spinal manipulation, results in: * Better outcomes * Lower costs * A much higher degree of patient satisfaction, as witnessed by the 94.3 percent positive rating reported by the military health program TRICARE among participating active and retired Army personnel. "It's gratifying that patients and practitioners are seeing the wisdom of considering chiropractic first, medicine second, and surgery last," says the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Gerard Clum, DC. To learn more or to locate a doctor of chiropractic, visit www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.

Americans Prefer Cleaning Toilets Over Researching Health Benefits

Americans Prefer Cleaning Toilets Over Researching Health Benefits (340) (NewsUSA) - When it comes to choosing the right health insurance plan, American workers are not spending much time researching the best options for themselves or their families. Even though the terms of health insurance policies can change year over year, 56 percent say they devoted less than 30 minutes to researching their benefits options during their last open enrollment, according to the 2015 Aflac Open Enrollment Survey. In fact, many workers would rather be doing almost anything other than researching their health benefits. The survey found that more than a third (38 percent) would rather clean out their email inboxes, 23 percent would rather clean their toilets and 18 percent would rather do their taxes. Despite the shift to more consumer-directed health care, U.S. workers are in denial about the financial consequences resulting from their health insurance choices. This is concerning, given that an Aflac study found more than half (52 percent) of workers have less than $1,000 on hand to pay out-of-pocket medical costs associated with unexpected serious illness or injury. And 42 percent waste up to $750 annually with mistakes made during open enrollment with insurance benefits. Employees need to weigh not only the monthly cost of insurance plans, but also the amount of the total cost of their health care that they will be responsible for. Here are four tips to help employees choose the right benefits and protect their wallets: 1. Review and compare benefits information. Be aware of annual insurance policy changes to avoid costly mistakes. 2. Understand the financial implications your choices have on your budget. Calculate yearly medical expenses, like deductible costs and monthly premiums. 3. Consider adding voluntary insurance for more financial protection. Accident, critical illness and hospital policies help cover what major medical insurance doesn't, such as out-of-pocket costs and other expenses that continue to roll in even if you're too ill or injured to work. 4. Seek advice from HR or insurance consultants to help understand your benefits coverage. To learn more about the 2015 Aflac Open Enrollment Survey, visit AflacWorkForcesReport.com.

Contact Lenses: Focus on Proper Care to Reduce Risk of Infections

Contact Lenses: Focus on Proper Care to Reduce Risk of Infections (387) (NewsUSA) - Today, nearly 41 million adults in the U.S -- that's 1-in-10 -- wear contact lenses, a safe and popular form of vision correction. However, when they do not use lenses as directed by an eye doctor, the consequences can be dangerous and can even damage the eyes. Many contact lens wearers are guilty of a number of serious bad habits. According to the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q consumer survey, 59 percent of contact lens wearers admit to wearing their disposable contact lenses longer than they should. Not following an eye doctor's recommended changing schedule can cause permanent eye damage from bacterial infections and oxygen deprivation. Taking proper steps when wearing and caring for contacts helps keep the eyes healthy. The AOA recommends wearers: * Wash and dry hands before handling contact lenses; * Use cleaning solution to rub the lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in multi-purpose disinfectant solution; * Store lenses in a proper lens storage case and replace it every three months; * Use fresh solution to clean and store contact lenses -- never reuse old solution; * Use products recommended by your eye doctor to clean and disinfect your lenses; * Follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor; and * Remove contact lenses before exposing them to water. Another thing to remember is contact lenses aren't just for adults. Eye doctors agree most children between the ages of 10 and 12 are mature enough to wear and care for contact lenses, but even some younger children are capable, especially with daily disposable contact lenses. The AOA is also warning about the risks of wearing non-corrective, decorative contact lenses that often times are acquired illegally through vendors that don't meet quality or safety standards. While many people may consider these lenses a fashion or costume accessory, in reality, they are also classified as medical devices and pose the same safety and health issues as corrective contact lenses. Eye doctors urge wearing only decorative contact lenses that are prescribed through an eye doctor. Illegally purchased lenses can result in significant eye damage, which could lead to irreversible sight loss. For more information about contact lens hygiene and safety, as well as the risks associated with decorative contact lenses, visit www.aoa.org.

Pears Make the Perfect Partner for Wholesome Snacking

Pears Make the Perfect Partner for Wholesome Snacking (383) (NewsUSA) - Adults everywhere are reaching for healthy snacks to fuel their families, and a fresh pear's juicy, subtle flavor pairs well with snacks such as almonds, walnuts and cheese. America's snacking obsession is about to get fresh with portable, packable, pair-able pears. In season nearly year-round, fresh pears are mainly grown in Oregon and Washington by 1,600 families, who produce about 84 percent of the nation's fresh pear crop. Pears are available in a range of varieties, from the signature-sweet Bartlett to the crisp, woodsy Bosc to the juicy Anjou. A recent usage study commissioned by USA Pears showed that 46 percent of pear consumers eat them as mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Pears are often considered best eaten fresh and just-sliced, making them a perfect partner for wholesome, simple snacking -- think sliced pears atop whole-grain toast, wrapped with prosciutto, dipped in nut butters or partnered with blue or aged, hard cheeses. Half of all eating occasions in the U.S. are now snack-driven. According to a recent Mintel report on snacking, 94 percent of Americans snack at least once a day, compared to just 64 percent last year. Thirty-three percent say they are choosing healthier foods this year compared to last year, with an emphasis on simple ingredients. Millennials are leading the way and are more likely than any other demographic to snack multiple times throughout the day. Pears are a nutrient-dense, fat-free food, an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C for only 100 calories per serving. To tell when a pear is ripe, simply check the neck.. If the pear gives slightly to pressure near the stem end, it's juicy and ready for snacking. With a warm growing season in the Pacific Northwest, a greater number of high-quality fruits are available at a "snackable" size -- perfect for throwing in a lunchbox, purse or string bag on the way out the door. Looking for more simple snacking tips? Think outside the cracker box: * Slice pears atop whole-grain toast * Wrap pear slices in prosciutto * Pair pears with blue cheese, parmesan or aged white cheddar * Dip pears into yogurt * Pack a pear with a small portion of nuts * Smear slices with almond or cashew butter * Sprinkle diced pears onto chia pudding Visit www.usapears.org for recipes, ripening tips and more.

Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment (418) (NewsUSA) - Grittiness, burning, irritation, redness, itching, tearing -- if these symptoms sound familiar, you could be one of the estimated 10 million Americans who suffer from dry eye. Dry eye is a condition where tears lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which are necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision. Tears not only wash away dust, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea and help defend against eye infections by removing harmful bacteria. This condition has a multitude of causes, but generally stems from the following factors: * Age: As Americans age, eyes naturally become drier. Typically, people older than 65 experience some dry eye symptoms; * Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, from using oral contraceptives and following menopause; * Medications: Decongestants, antihistamines and antidepressants can reduce tear production and increase the likelihood for dry eye; * Medical Conditions: Health issues associated with arthritis, diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome and thyroid problems can lead to dry eye symptoms; * Environment: Dry climates and exposure to wind and smoke may trigger dry eye; * Eyewear/Surgery: Contact lenses may cause dry eye or make eyes less comfortable if they are dry, and some eye surgeries may lead to a temporary decrease in tear production; and * Cosmetics: When the lid margin is coated with heavy makeup, it can block the openings of the oily glands, which help lubricate the eye. Nutrition plays a big role in health, including vision, and dry eye and nutrition are closely linked. Studies have pointed to a simple and effective treatment for dry eye -- eating more of the right fish. Salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel and other cold-water fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help reduce inflammation, enhance tear production, and support the eye's oily outer layer by increasing oil that flows from the glands at the end of the eyelids (called the meibomian glands). If fish doesn't sound appealing, nutritional supplements can also be incorporated into a diet to help ease the symptoms of dry eyes. Artificial tear drops, ointments and capsules can also be used to help stimulate or maintain tear production and guard against future tear loss. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends consulting an eye doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. The AOA also recommends adults have annual eye exams. To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information on how best to cope with dry eyes, please visit aoa.org.

Online Resource Helps Patients Through Their Rehab Journeys

Online Resource Helps Patients Through Their Rehab Journeys (389) (NewsUSA) - Not many things in life are certain, but odds are you will unfortunately face at least one health event that requires hospitalization and, following that, rehabilitation. While hospitals provide an array of helpful rehab services, most people prefer to get well in the comfort of their own homes. Although beneficial in the recovery process, home care can also have its own distinct obstacles. Couple that with a patient's fears and struggles of what's to come in the weeks and months ahead, and it can create a perfect storm for both patients and caregivers. To help, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), a nearly 6,000-member worldwide organization, has created ReSTART Recovery, an online resource that provides information for those who are (or will be) in rehab for everything from strokes to joint replacements to head injuries, and for those who will be caring for them. When you consider that recent studies cite as many as 75 million Americans suffer from some type of disability, a website such as ReSTART Recovery can make a huge impact on understanding what patients will inevitably experience while on their road to wellness. The goal, according to ARN, is to get patients who have a disability to a point that they are, once again, as self-sufficient as possible and able to live a full life. "My clients have been through acute rehab and are back in their communities," Susan Wirt, a former president of ARN, told The American Nurse in an interview. "I figure out how they can be well and healthy despite their chronic conditions," she said. Indeed, rehabilitation nurses effectively manage complex health care issues; collaborate with other professionals and disciplines such as occupational or speech therapists; provide patients and caregivers with needed education; set patients' goals that maximize independence; and establish plans of care that maintain optimal wellness, according to the ARN. "Advocacy is also a huge role for us," Michelle Camica, MSN, CRRN, and former president of ARN, told The American Nurse in the same interview. "We serve as the patient's advocate when addressing issues with other members of the health care team and sometimes with a patient's own family. We always want to make sure patients are getting the right care in the right place at the right time," she said. For more information, please visit www.restartrecovery.org.

Maximize Your Medicare: Research the Right Plan

Maximize Your Medicare: Research the Right Plan (418) (NewsUSA) - Choosing a health plan is an important decision, and some simple research can help you get the most for your money. Medicare enrollment this year runs from October 15 through December 7. As you investigate your options, keep these key Medicare components in mind: * Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B). Original Medicare includes both hospital insurance and medical insurance. Individuals can add a Medicare Supplement plan -- sometimes called a Medigap plan -- to cover some or all medical charges not included in Original Medicare (including most 20 percent co-insurance charges). However, prescription drugs are not covered, and you will need to choose a stand-alone drug plan through Medicare Part D. * Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C). Medicare Advantage plans are offered through Medicare-approved private companies. These plans include prescription drug coverage along with hospital and medical coverage. In addition, Medical Advantage plans may include benefits such as dental coverage, fitness memberships, and special services for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Visit Medicare.gov to learn the details of an differences among the plans. * Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D). Anyone enrolled in an Original Medicare plan must sign up for a stand-alone prescription drug plan for coverage of medications. "Before choosing a Medicare plan, do some homework" says Alan Wheatley, president of Humana's Retail Segment."Ask your doctor about your potential health needs for the coming year, such as surgeries, non-surgical procedures, and additions or changes to medications. Think about your personal health goals and plans. For example, are you looking to join a gym to get in better shape for an active vacation?" Next, visit Medicare.gov and compare important plan details: * Premiums (how much it costs to buy a health plan) * Deductibles and copays (how much it costs to use the plan) * Out-of-pocket maximum costs (the most you would have to pay in the event of a serious health crisis) Wheatley says Medicare.gov offers other valuable tools, including a five-star system rating the quality of different plans, and a list of doctors and networks included in each plan. "Medicare.gov also serves as a starting point to visit Medicare Advantage plan websites for further information," he says. Education is the key to making the most of your Medicare coverage. Whether you choose to stick with your plan or switch, some easy research and comparisons can give you peace of mind with your current choice or the tools to change it. To learn more, please visit www.humana.com/medicare.

Leading Cancer Experts Help Patients Decide Best Treatment Options

Leading Cancer Experts Help Patients Decide Best Treatment Options (470) (NewsUSA) - There are few words uttered by a doctor that have more of an emotional impact than "You have cancer." At that point, the most precious commodity that one has to hold on to is time. It can be time-consuming and difficult to know whom to consult, or how to move forward, let alone which treatment option is best. Now, however, some patients, many from overseas, have the option of leaving that work to experts. CANCER PANELS, the brainchild of Jim Martell, whose involvement in the field started when a friend was diagnosed with cancer, offers a service that no other entity in the world provides. It is able, within weeks, to bring together, in one room, leading cancer experts to discuss an individual case for 3 to 4 hours. These unique in-person panels are chaired by Dr. David Sidransky, considered a world-leading cancer authority in the field of molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies and individualized patient treatments. The panelists, usually seven to twelve, come from some of the world's leading cancer centers such as: Sloan-Kettering, M.D. Anderson, Johns Hopkins, Mayo, Dana-Farber, Harvard, UCSF, Duke and others. They share their knowledge in an effort to come up with the best consensus treatment recommendation to the patient's treating physician. Discussion focuses on various treatment and research approaches, both conventional and novel, advanced chemotherapeutic drugs and biologics. In addition, many attendees are also principal investigators in leading clinical trials so those options are also available. Instead of a collection of divergent opinions, a consensus treatment recommendation is reached. The panel thus maximizes options available and greatly improves the patient's ability to obtain the most appropriate treatment at an earlier stage. These panels are totally different from tumor board panels, which every cancer hospital holds on a weekly basis to review their cases. There, they usually have only experts from that particular institution who spend little time on one case as they have many to review. CANCER PANELS, on the other hand, flies in the best experts in the world to sit together and discuss only one case for hours, with treatment recommendations independent of any treatment bias from any cancer institution. The goal of a panel is to gain time and quality of life for the patient. Medicine is currently advancing by the minute and it is a realistic hope that within this extra time that a panel could provide, the next life-saving treatment on the horizon may become available. In addition to having their own innovative treatments identified, patients who hold these panels create an opportunity to help those who are less privileged to benefit from life-saving options that would otherwise never have become known to them. Benefits of a single panel are manifold and reach beyond the individual patient. For more information, visit www.cancerpanels.com.

Computers: An Afterschool Necessity for Many Young Students

Computers: An Afterschool Necessity for Many Young Students (435) (NewsUSA) - Shopping for school supplies isn't what it used to be. Sure, kids still need notebooks, binders and pens -- but they won't survive without the latest technology either, namely a computer. According to a recent survey commissioned by HP and conducted by Wakefield Research, computers become a significant part of homework assignments for children as young as 10 years old and students aged 6 to 17 spend at least three hours a day on devices with Internet access. However, that much computer use at such a young age raises some concerns among parents. "If your child is about to hit double digits, computers are going to be a routine part of their afterschool homework," explains Kevin Frost, Vice President, Volume Business Unit, HP. "HP shares parents' online safety concerns and offers a variety of desktop and notebook PCs with some exclusive offers and deals for students getting ready to go back to school." Can kids have fun and be safe online? Most parents want to guarantee safety instead of hoping for it. The survey reported that more than 28 percent of parents have more faith in giving their child a credit card at the mall than leaving them home alone on a computer. In fact, over a third of parents surveyed believe children cruising the Internet unsupervised have more potential for danger than kids staying at a friend's house without parental supervision. Despite these fears -- and the reality that prolonged computer usage is the norm for many students -- 66 percent of parents don't take simple steps to protect their children online, such as using parental control software, and 67 percent don't block websites they deem inappropriate. To keep your children safe while making sure they're able to complete their school work, consider the following from HP: * Select the right computer. To keep an eye on young children's computer use, consider a family desktop PC that you can keep in a centralized location in your home. For example, HP has two desktops with student-friendly features and a 60-day Norton Internet Security trial -- the Pavilion 23 All-in-One and TouchSmart 320 All-in-One (www.shopping.hp.com). * Use parental control software. Be aware of what your kids are doing online, by setting time limits and restricting inappropriate websites. Select HP PCs come with up to two years of Norton Internet Security at no charge. * Talk to your kids. Your kids may be "digitally savvy," but that doesn't mean they don't need to learn some Internet safety lessons from Mom and Dad. Talk to them about not sharing personal information or clicking on suspicious links.

Reading Tips From the Experts

Reading Tips From the Experts (352) (NewsUSA) - Playtime is central to a child's development. Many experts agree that reading, however, is just as important. According to Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D., senior vice president of education outreach for Sylvan Learning, now is the perfect time for learning and discovery. "It's very important that children continue to practice their academic skills year-round as strong reading skills are incredibly important for all subjects in school. The more children read, the more they'll enjoy reading, and the better readers they're likely to become." Here are some reading tips from the brain-trust at the National Learning Association and tutoring authority, Sylvan Learning. * Be a reading role model. By spending time reading, you show your child that reading is both fun and useful. * Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Depending on your family's schedule, reading time might be in the morning, afternoon or before bed. Whatever time you choose, stick to it! Consistency is key to building good habits. * Let your child make their reading choices. Let kids read whatever they want. Now is a good time to encourage reading about topics they don't study during school to explore new interests, discover new talents or delve into old hobbies. * Get your child to savor the book she or he is reading. Don't rush through a book -- take time to enjoy it. Have your child stop and think about plot points and characters. This will develop their analytical skills. * Set goals and reward effort. Reward reading with more reading. Download the next book in your child's favorite series on your tablet or Kindle. Let your child peruse library catalogues online for e-books. * Read the book, then watch the movie. Few things make kids feel more "superior" than comparing and contrasting a movie to the book it's based on. "That's not the way it was in the book!" Let them explain the differences, guess why a director made those changes and then discuss which version they preferred. * Go online for ideas. There are lots of websites for kids' book choices. Visit www.BookAdventure.com for reading tips, book suggestions and educational games.

Updating Workplace Ergonomics for Today's Economy

Updating Workplace Ergonomics for Today's Economy (287) (NewsUSA) - We've heard a lot about "workplace ergonomics" in recent years, but with the economy changing -- more people are working from home, whether by choice or their employers' decisions to "go virtual," -- maybe it's time to acknowledge the obvious: It's just as easy to injure yourself no matter where you physically work. Think about it: When it comes to a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries caused by stress to the joints from repetitive tasks, overuse of muscles and poor posture, what's the difference if you're slumping in front of an office computer or a home laptop? Or lifting heavy cartons onto the back of a delivery truck or your closet shelf? As the Society for Human Resource Management advises: "Employees who work from home or travel for work should be taught to assess their ad-hoc workplaces for ergonomic risks." If you are hurting, doctors of chiropractic -- who have a minimum of seven years of higher education -- focus on structure and function. They care for pain syndromes with a drug-free approach that includes spinal manipulation and exercises to help stretch out and strengthen core muscles. Meanwhile, here's a few tips to follow: * Invest in a good chair, mind your posture, and learn proper lifting and stretching techniques. * Keep your eyes at the same height as the computer monitor -- without leaning forward -- to help avoid headaches and neck pain. * Take frequent stretching micro-breaks and stay hydrated with water. "Back injuries are the most prevalent occupational injury, and studies have shown chiropractic patients have consistently better outcomes," says the not-for-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Dr. Gerard Clum, DC. To learn more or to find a local chiropractor, visit www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.

Ingredients Like Carrageenan Make Healthy Choices More Convenient

Ingredients Like Carrageenan Make Healthy Choices More Convenient (417) (NewsUSA) - We've come a long way in recent years to lead healthier lives, with yoga studios and juice bars seemingly on every corner and even fast food restaurants promoting healthier choices. Convenience has been key in maintaining these new priorities -- often, if it's not easy to do, we abandon it quickly (likely the reason so many New Year's resolutions don't stick). But many health improvements in the foods and beverages we regularly enjoy have not only made it possible, but also easy to achieve a balanced and wholesome diet. Removing unhealthy fats, sugar and salt from foods and drinks is an established trend. Swapping those additives for ingredients such as carrageenan, a soluble fiber sourced from red seaweed, has made it possible to deliver healthy foods without sacrificing indulgence. That fat-free pudding can still be creamy and delicious thanks to naturally derived ingredients like carrageenan, allowing the treat in your child's brown bag lunch to be healthier without him or her even noticing. Adding vitamins and nutrients to popular products is making convenience even healthier -- like tasty dairy beverages packed with protein for meals on the go or ready-made infant formula enriched with Omega-3 DHA for healthy development. Again, naturally derived ingredients help to maintain product integrity -- taste, texture and palatability -- while withstanding the essential processes that make these types of products healthy, shelf-stable and safe. Vitamin supplements have also been growing in popularity as more is discovered about the value of different nutrients. In particular, Omega-3 supplements are becoming a staple for families that want the health benefits of seafood but can't get it on a regular basis, either due to cost or availability. We're now starting to see more diversity in Omega-3 supplements, including targeted concentration offerings specific to certain health concerns such as healthy aging, mood and cognition, as well as emerging areas like inflammatory conditions. Capsules themselves are becoming more convenient through increasing concentrations that make them smaller and easier to take. And by taking a page from nutrition's evolution, carrageenan is being used to produce vegetarian-based capsules, making these compatible with vegan, halal and kosher requirements. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn't always convenient or easy, but we've taken the steps to make wholesome nutrition readily and widely available, and the progress we've made will only advance through continued research, science and a commitment to feeding the growing world. To learn more about the ingredients that make staying healthy less work, please visit FoodScienceMatters.com.

Feeding Your Joints to Stay on the Move

Feeding Your Joints to Stay on the Move (395) (NewsUSA) - If you experience joint discomfort, you're not alone. No matter how active you are, joint problems are one of the most common reasons for doctor's visits and will affect most of us as we age. Registered Dietitian & Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Marie Spano says there is a lot you can do to help yourself, beginning with a healthy diet. "What you eat can have a big impact on joint inflammation, cartilage breakdown and bone formation," says Spano. "There are many foods that not only help, but are also delicious and easy to find." At the top of Spano's joint-friendly grocery list are fatty fish, including salmon, herring and anchovies. They contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory effects. In cell culture studies, EPA and DHA decrease cartilage breakdown. "Cartilage is like a sponge that cushions your joints, so make sure you're taking care of it. These fatty acids can also improve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and possibly decrease the need for anti-inflammatory medications," says Spano. Another way to feed your joints is to take a high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplement. Together, these have been shown to limit the activity of enzymes which can break down healthy cartilage. "To help support your joint health, I recommend CosaminDS, which is the most researched glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplement on the market. It contains high-quality ingredients and a specific formulation shown in peer-reviewed studies to be effective for joint health management." Spano cautions that not all supplements are created equally. "Be an informed consumer. Look for supplements like Cosamin that are backed by clinical research and certified by an independent third-party organization." Next stop on Spano's grocery trip is the produce aisle. She recommends oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries and other foods that are rich in Vitamin C. "Vitamin C is necessary for repairing and maintaining cartilage. In population-based studies, those with higher Vitamin C intake had less severe osteoarthritis and cartilage breakdown." A balanced exercise routine also helps by maintaining joint mobility and assisting with weight control. Obesity can lead to a greater risk of joint issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two in three people who are obese may develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Even a loss of one or two pounds may feel more like 10 pounds to your joints.

Could Egg Freezing Be Right for You?

Could Egg Freezing Be Right for You? (369) (NewsUSA) - These days it's popular to talk about 40 being the new 30. Unfortunately, this does not apply to a woman's fertility, which peaks in her 20s, then declines in her 30s. One option for fertility preservation that has been getting a lot of attention recently is egg freezing. Historically, egg freezing was an option for young women with medical problems. Now, women who do not have major health problems but are considering delaying having a family are wondering if egg preservation could be a potential option for them. Human oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) is a novel technology done in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which a woman's eggs are extracted, frozen and stored. Later, when she is ready to try and become pregnant, the eggs may be able to be thawed, fertilized and transferred to the uterus as embryos. Pei Lin Kim decided to freeze her eggs at the age of 34. She says, "After consulting with my physician, I decided to freeze my eggs so that if I experience infertility issues when I decide that the time is right for me to have children, I may have another option that could help me start a family." Success rates of IVF with thawed eggs depend on many factors, such as the woman's age and fertility potential at the time of freezing, successful thawing and a successful IVF procedure. There is no guarantee that the process results in being able to have a healthy baby. Pei Lin's doctor, David Ryley, MD of Boston notes, "While egg preservation is not guaranteed to lead to childbirth, just as no infertility treatment is guaranteed a positive outcome, more women are considering the procedure. Women must weigh pros and cons based on personal circumstances and should consult with their doctor to learn about their fertility potential, risks of delayed childbirth, risks associated with the procedure -- including medications -- and facts associated with elective egg freezing." The American Society of Reproductive Medicine does not currently recommend egg freezing for patients who wish to delay childbirth due to insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of this procedure for these patients. For more information see www.MyEggFreezing.com.

Know Your Drug Costs Before You Leave the Doctor's Office

Know Your Drug Costs Before You Leave the Doctor's Office (354) (NewsUSA) - Have you ever suffered from sticker shock at the pharmacy? You arrive with a prescription from your doctor, but you are told that the medication is not covered and could cost you several hundred dollars. Health insurance and prescription drug coverage is a complex puzzle, and many consumers find themselves at a loss to understand what is or isn't covered and why. However, some companies are trying to make the process easier. In particular, services to educate doctors and patients about drug benefits right in the doctor's office can help avoid unpleasant surprises at the pharmacy. One example is a new drug benefit service available from Humana's IntelligentRx service, available to physicians through DrFirst's electronic prescription system. It provides doctors with details about their Humana patients' drug coverage, pricing and pharmacy options on the spot in the exam room. Doctors and patients can discuss and review drug costs and options as the prescription is being written. According to William Fleming, president of Humana Pharmacy, the ability to help doctors make informed prescribing decisions in the exam room can help improve clinical outcomes by improving patients' access and adherence to their medications. "Real-time information provided by the IntelligentRx service is a perfect example of how we can help doctors proactively deliver better care more affordably to their patients," Fleming said. "This is a big step forward in closing the gaps in the health care system, using transparency and technology to create a better health care experience," he added. Here's how it works: A doctor chooses a medication, and the DrFirst's myBenefitCheck interface connects with Humana's IntelligentRX service. The doctor sees information specific to his or her patient about drug costs and coverage, information about drug allergies and even alternative therapies. Such programs could have a significant impact on health care costs, which are a known barrier to medication adherence. Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 125,000 deaths in the United States each year result from individuals not taking medications as prescribed. For more information, please visit www.Humana.com or www.drfirst.com .

Climb Stairs Without Hurting Yourself

Climb Stairs Without Hurting Yourself (416) (NewsUSA) - Four years after the first set of baby boomers hit the retirement age of 65, this segment of America continues to grow at record numbers. In fact, over the next 18 years, boomers will be turning 65 at a rate of about 10,000 a day. As this important pocket of America's population grows older, it is redefining the institutions of aging in a number of ways. For starters, the once-traditional retirement age of 65 doesn't necessarily mean retirement anymore. Adjusting aging attitudes notwithstanding, one fact remains: Father Time, will take its toll on the health of this aging populace. For many, that might mean more minor aches and pains that come with growing older. For others, it means more serious matters. That's why millions of baby boomers have traditionally moved to warmer Sun Belt locations where sunshine and active lifestyles prolong one's health and outlook on life. Interestingly, while many northern snowbirds are still making the traditional migratory retirement path to places like Florida, a number of retirees are reluctant to abandon their roots, and remaining in their lifelong homes year-round. Whatever the case might be, aging Americans are downsizing toward more convenient and maintenance-free homes. And one of the most visible trends being adopted are modifications being made to a home's troubling set of stairs. Whether it's gimpy ankles, worn-out knees or just the simple fragility of getting older, walking up and down a set of stairs has never been more dangerous. Sure, one can be vigilant in always holding onto the railings when going up and down a flight of stairs, or taking slow, measured steps. The reality is, however, even young, healthy people frequently trip. When this happens to our aging loved ones, these accidents can be catastrophic. That's why installing motorized stairlifts are increasingly becoming popular, allowing people to comfortably navigate their tiresome steps. One of the largest providers of these life-saving items is Florida-based Acorn Stairlifts. Founded in 1992, www.acornstairlifts.com