From Reuters Health News...
Excess weight in elderly makes daily tasks harder
By Allison McCook
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Older adults who are obese are more likely to develop problems with day-to-day activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom, a new study finds.
The more excess weight they are carrying, the more likely they are to report new disabilities, according to surveys of more than 20,000 adults 65 and older.
Read the complete article. +
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Your Diet's Role in Controlling High Blood Pressure
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. According to the CDC, 74 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. High blood pressure - also known as hypertension - is a condition of increased pressure in the arteries. It is a "silent" disease meaning that the patient usually does not know about the problem unless blood pressure measurements are done. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious medical problems such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
Risk factors for high blood pressure are being overweight or obese, heavy alcohol consumption and inactive lifestyle. Other factors such as increasing age, gender, genetics and race, also increase the chance of developing high blood pressure. Some people develop high blood pressure because they are sensitive to high salt intake.
The first step to lowering blood pressure is changing your lifestyle. Losing weight, reducing salt intake, and increasing physical activity helps many people control their blood pressure.
Sodium is a mineral essential for good health. However, most Americans consume more sodium than is necessary. The average intake of sodium ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 milligrams per day. People with high blood pressure should typically be consuming around 2,300 milligrams per day (about 1 teaspoon). Sodium and salt do not mean the same thing. Sodium is a part of salt that can lead to health problems.
Sodium acts like a sponge in our body and holds fluid; therefore the more sodium you consume, the more fluid you retain. Fluid retention can result in edema, a condition where water accumulates in the body. Edema places strain on various parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys and blood vessels. This can contribute to high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney failure. To reduce risk, a reduced sodium intake is recommended.
To reduce salt in your diet, eat fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and fresh meats. Processed, convenience foods, and fast food restaurants are high in salt. Use fresh herbs and spices without salt to flavor foods. Do not use salt when preparing food and do no add salt to your food at the table. Use condiments sparingly such as catsup, barbeque sauce, soy sauce and relish. Buy low sodium varieties or limit to 1 tbsp per day. Read labels for ingredients containing sodium including baking soda, baking powder, sodium nitrate, and MSG (monosodium glutamate). When reading labels, keep in mind that less than 200 mg sodium is low, 200-400 mg sodium is medium and 400-600 mg is high. Remember the amount listed is for one serving, which may be more or less than you eat.
Pair these tips with a more active lifestyle and you are on your way to reducing your risk and/or better controlling your high blood pressure.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Nurses Trusted to Care - Nurses Week 2011
Nurses are a backbone to our medical staffs; without their services, we could not exist. Their duties are many, their toils are steady. They see our patients through the best and worst times and often shed tears of joy, and sorrow, with them. Our nurses, in a word, are love. The Midwest Bariatric Institute honors them during their week, and appreciates what they do every week.
National Nurses Week celebrates the committment made by nurses to provide the highest quality of care. We honor all nurses who provide superior compassionate and joyful care for our patients. Every day you serve the needs of our community with skilled hands and hearts. Thank you.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Get Tickets Now for Speaking of Women's Health - May 12
This year's theme is "Destination Wellness: Cruise to a Healthier Life."
Among its offerings, the daylong conference features nationally recognized speakers, breakout sessions led by local and national experts, health screenings provided by Franciscan Alliance hospitals, free samples and products, a catered lunch, and access to a massage therapist. A sampling of session topics includes heart health, financial preparation, menopause, skin care, beauty tips and fitness.
To purchase tickets, visit http://swh2011.eventbrite.com/.
For more information on the program, visit http://www.speakingofwomenshealth.com/.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Family Meals Might Help Kids Keep a Healthy Weight
From Reuters Health News...
Family meals might help kids keep a healthy weight
By Frederik Joelving
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Kids who sit down to eat with their families are less likely to be overweight and eat unhealthy foods, according to U.S. researchers who call for more shared meals.
In the first report to combine all existing studies on the issue, they found kids who eat with their parents at least three times a week had 12 percent lower odds of being overweight.
Read the complete article. +
Family meals might help kids keep a healthy weight
By Frederik Joelving
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Kids who sit down to eat with their families are less likely to be overweight and eat unhealthy foods, according to U.S. researchers who call for more shared meals.
In the first report to combine all existing studies on the issue, they found kids who eat with their parents at least three times a week had 12 percent lower odds of being overweight.
Read the complete article. +
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)