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Do I need the flu shot?

Still deciding whether you should get the flu shot? Just about everyone needs ones and it offers countless benefits.

Every year, a small needle prick can lower your risk of getting the flu while also protecting the people around you. It’s important that you get the flu shot yearly because the flu viruses are constantly changing and over time your immunity decreases.

Most people have heard of the flu but don’t know the extent of its severity. If you catch the flu it could result in hospitalization or even death. Here are some statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that may encourage you to get your flu vaccination this year.

  • During the 2016–2017 season, vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations.
  • A 2017 study was the first of its kind to show that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza.
  • A 2018 study showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients were 59% less likely to be admitted to the ICU than those who had not been vaccinated. Among adults in the ICU with flu, vaccinated patients on average spent 4 fewer days in the hospital than those who were not vaccinated.

It is recommended that you try to get the flu vaccine by the end of October. However, if you don’t get the vaccine by then, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.  You can get vaccinated at any time throughout the flu season. But don’t wait too long, it takes 2 weeks for your body to develop immunity after you get the flu shot. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or local pharmacy and get vaccinated today.

 

Top 3 Things You Should Expect from Your Doctor

Choosing a primary care doctor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your primary care doctor essentially acts as your quarterback who helps you navigate the healthcare jungle. Without a primary care doctor, you could be putting your health and well-being at jeopardy. Why you may ask? Your primary care doctor should know your ins and outs in order to provide the best treatment option.  Whether you currently have a primary care doctor or are in the market for a new one, here’s a list of what you should expect from your primary care doctor.

  1. Someone that values your time.

No one likes to wait an hour to see the doctor for them to turn around and only take 5 minutes to review your symptoms. Primary care doctors should be active listeners and want to figure out the root of the problem rather than worry about hitting the patient quota for the day.

  1. Can give you access to them, when and where you need it.

Have you ever gone on vacation and got sick? Or not had time to see the doctor because by the time you get off work the doctor’s office is closed? Rather than turning to the ER or urgent care, you should be able to contact your primary care doctor to discuss your symptoms. That way they can point you in the right direction and help you plan your next course of action.

  1. Have a doctor-patient relationship.

With the internet available at your fingertips, and a lot of bad information out there, it’s hard to decipher what your symptoms truly mean. Sure, you could use an online “symptom checker” to figure out what your medical symptoms could mean, but this is why having a doctor-patient relationship is vital. Before Googling, your doctor should always be your first point to help figure out what your symptoms mean and to guide you through your options. So as a patient, use your doctor as a resource and continue to build on your relationship because having an open two-way communication and full trust in your doctor is really the key to good health.

So, when it comes to choosing your primary care doctor, be picky. After all, this is your health.

Safe Fun in the Sun

Summer is here and in full swing, which means the sun will be shining its brightest. While we may all love that extra bit of sunlight throughout the day and can be healthy in many ways, the direct sunlight of the summer months is also a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Therefore, July is recognized as UV Safety Awareness Month.

While UV rays only account for a slight portion of all the sun’s rays, they may be the most dangerous in terms of their effect on the skin. UV radiation is a major risk factor for many skin cancers, therefore the more you’re exposed to them, the greater the risk of developing it. However, UV rays aren’t limited to just the sunlight. UV radiation exposure can also occur in tanning beds, mercury lamps, and welding equipment among other things.

According to the American Cancer Society, the strength of the UV rays determines how much a person is exposed. The following is a list of factors that determine the strength of UV rays.

  • Time of Day – UV rays are strongest between 10 AM to 4 PM
  • SeasonUV rays are strongest during the spring and summer months
  • Equator – The further from the equator the weaker the exposure
  • Altitude – UV rays reach the ground more frequently at higher elevations
  • Reflection off Surfaces – Surfaces like water, sand, or snow allow UV rays to bounce and ultimately lead to more exposure.

UV rays have short and long wavelengths that can penetrate the outer and middle layer of your skin. In addition to sunburn and premature skin aging, UV radiation can lead to vision issues like cataracts, suppression of your immune system, and of course skin cancer. So how can you better protect yourself during the upcoming months? Per the USVA, you can lower your risk by doing the following:

  • Cover Up – Hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses are all options that can help shield your body from exposure
  • Stay in the Shade – Staying in a shaded area midday, especially during 10 AM – 4 PM can help keep you protected
  • Choose the Right Sunscreen – Be sure to buy sunscreen SPF 15 or above that protects against UV-A and UV-B rays
  • Use (the right amount of) Sunscreen – It’s recommended to apply a least a palmful every few hours, even if it is waterproof.

Don’t let the UV rays ruin your summer. Make sure to take the proper precautions to stay safe during your fun in the sun. Be sure to reach out to your doctor if you have questions or need sunscreen recommendations that fit your health plan.

Why Environmental Health Matters

Each first full week of April celebrates National Public Health Week. The goals of this week are to identify the issues that impact poor health and disease risks for individuals and communities and to start conversations and develop strategies that help build a healthier nation. Each day of the week focuses on a different aspect of public health, and our focus is Environmental Health.

Why is environmental health important? According to Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) the environment plays a key role to the length and quality of your life. Poor environmental health is not only costly, but very hazardous. Per the ODPHP, 23% of all deaths (26% among children 5 years old or younger) are caused by preventable environmental factors. Therefore, to further understand it’s importance, below are some environmental factors that can affect your health.

  • Outdoor Air Quality
    • Poor air quality can lead to many issues: cancer, respiratory/cardiovascular system damage, and premature death.
  • Surface and Ground Water
    • Minimizing your exposure to contaminated water sources is important to your health as contaminated drinking and recreational waters from chemicals or infectious agents can cause serious illness.
  • Hazardous Substances
    • Substances like nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers or the removal of hazardous waste can filter into your water and air supplies, which when absorbed can be a dangerous health risk (especially for children).
  • Climate
    • Climate can affect air, food, water, disease risk, and mental health. It can increase asthma events and heat-related deaths, but can also impact sea level and cause natural disasters – which may spread diseases and also cause damage to your mental health during recovery periods.
  • Homes and Communities
    • With much time spent either at home, work, or school, your health can be impacted by the space you occupy: Indoor air pollution, inadequate heating or sanitation, or lead-based paint hazards can affect your health.

As you see there are plenty of environmental factors that can impact your health, but the Health Department at the University of Minnesota shared few suggestions on how to live a more sustainable life.

  1. Limit the use of toxic substances and unknown chemicals
  2. Buy organic, fair-trade products
  3. Carpool, bike, or use public transportation to prevent further air pollution
  4. Recycle

While there’s a need for long term sustainability to optimize public health, it’s important to take the initiative to ensure you’re living in a healthy environment. Check your homes, check the products you buy, but most important check in with your doctor to make sure you’re void of any disease risks.

No Time, No Problem

While we continue this month’s focus on nutrition, this week’s theme is exercise. Similarly to breakfast, one of the common associations with exercising is time…or lack thereof. Something we either hear, or even say to ourselves is, “I just don’t have the time to exercise.”

In hindsight that may seem like the case, but in reality, it’s imperative to schedule a little time for physical activity. Exercising is one of the most important things you can do to keep up your health, and today we’ll not only discuss how it’s beneficial, but also how you can engage, even with time constraints.

Our friends over at the CDC wrote an article highlighting the benefits of physical activity. Of the vast mentioned, we’re going to emphasize the following:

  • Reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease(s)
    • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, however, moderate intense activity (less than150 minutes per week), lowers the risk drastically, while lowering your blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
  • Strengthens your bones and muscles
    • It’s important to protect your bones/joints/muscles, but especially as you get older. Moderate intense activity can help slow the loss of bone density as you age, and helps with arthritis and/or other major health conditions (e.g. hip fracture)
  • Controls your weight

Though these benefits may be more commonly known, we’ve entrusted U.S. News to share with us some astonishing facts about exercising that may not be privy to everyone. The few we focused on are the following:

  • Exercising can reverse the detrimental effects of stress
    • Physical activity can not only increase levels of soothing brain chemicals that relieve you of triggering stressful thoughts, but can also slow down the aging of the cells in your body
  • It lifts depression
    • Exercising can stimulate the growth of neurons in the regions of your brain affected by depression, thereby acting as a natural antidepressant.
  • Helps with learning
    • Vigorous activities aid in creating new brain cells and connections, while improving the capacity to learn and retain information – which enhances both attention and concentration skills

Aware of the benefits of exercising, yet still limited by the obstacle of time? Luckily, the American Heart Association (AHA) provides great tips on making use of your time to exercise. The AHA believes you can get heart-healthy benefits of exercise if you divide your time into two or three, 15 minute segments doing some of the following:

  1. Add more walking
    1. Walking the dog
    2. Brisk walks with your children
    3. Walks through a mall while you window-shop!
    4. Parking further away and walking towards destination
  2. Take the stairs
    1. Skip out on the elevators and power through sets of stairs
  3. TV fitness
    1. Turn TV into a mini gym session. Walk on the treadmill while streaming your favorite show, or even do quick exercises in between commercial breaks.
  4. Join a team
    1. Maybe it’s bowling, maybe it’s yoga, but find an activity you like that keeps you active and motivated!

These are just a few ways you can squeeze in some exercise even with a busy schedule. And if you are able to make it to a gym once or twice, make the most of your time. More activity, less rest. A 30 minute workout is just as good as a two hour session.

For more exercising tips that are right for you, feel free to contact your R-Health doctor, and follow us for more posts on optimum nutrition!

Change Your Diet, Change Your Life

Last week we discussed the importance of breakfast. Although many view it as the most important meal, we must all remember that it is in fact, one meal. Achieving optimal nutrition begins with a healthy diet. Diet has become somewhat of a taboo word because the general perception is that one must cut out countless foods while eating less, in an attempt to reach his or her health and/or body goals. However, we’re here to tell you otherwise. Today we’ll explain a few ways to improve your healthy eating habits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a simple process focused on improving eating habits; the three R’s: Reflect, Replace, and Reinforce. Beginning with reflect, the CDC urges you to keep track of your current habits. These may include the following:

  • Eating too fast
  • Always eating dessert
  • Skipping meals
  • Mid-day/Late night sweets

Reflection on common triggers to eat while not hungry are especially important to note. These triggers may include the following:

  • Eating before/after a stressful work meeting
  • Feeling bored/tired with hopes of a food pick-me-up
  • Opening up the refrigerator/cabinet and seeing a favorite snack

Once you’ve reflected on your habits, the toughest part is over. It is much harder to discover and accept your bad eating patterns, than replacing and reinforcing new ones. However, Health.com offers a few ways to make the latter much easier. Of the many healthy eating habits they recommend, there are a few standouts:

  • Don’t give anything up
    • Eat many foods you enjoy, just in small quantities. Dissatisfaction leads to overeating
  • Eat the rainbow
    • Eating a diverse array of vegetables fills you up, especially the above ground non-starchy vegetables, all without increasing the number of calories
  • Dump calorie counting
    • Don’t worry too much about the number of calories so much as where the food comes from. Aim for healthy, nutrient rich foods low in processed carbohydrates (e.g. lean protein and seafood)
  • Drink water!

When you’re finally done reflecting, replacing, and onto reinforcing, it’s important to remember that developing any new habit takes time. Never get too down or feel guilty if you slip up, we all do! And if you’re ever feeling lost, don’t forget about the secret fourth R, R-Health!

Set up an appointment with your R-Health doctor to help you determine the best diet/nutrition lifestyle for you. A good diet is one of the keys to good health!

Follow this post and others to help you along your journey to healthy living.

Fitness Goals, Not Fads

It’s no mystery that about half of all Americans 18 and over, do not get the recommended physical activity. And it also shouldn’t come as a surprise that with the New Year, many people have set resolutions to get more fit, more active, or to start a new trendy diet.
While it is always great to start the New Year off on the right foot, be careful not to fall into the trap of fads or trends, or to jump head first into a new diet or exercise regimen and not be able to sustain it.

Instead, take things slowly and carve out short periods of time, multiples times a week, for physical activity.

According to America’s Family Physicians, there are many benefits to regular exercise, including:

  • Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity
  • Keeps joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible, which makes it easier to move around
  • Reduces some effects of aging, especially the discomfort of osteoarthritis
  • Contributes to mental well-being
  • Helps relieve depression, stress, and anxiety
  • Increases your energy and endurance
  • Helps you sleep better
  • Helps you maintain a normal weight by increasing your metabolism (the rate you burn calories)

Are you ready to set the right fitness goals this New Year? Your R-Health doctor can help you develop an individualized plan.

Dr. Steve Horvitz is R-Health’s Medical Director and one of the physician’s taking part in the NJ SHBP / SEHBP program