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Entry bubble Steroid Dangers

By: Jess | July 30, 2009 | Category: Health

Guy lifting weights

I can remember back in high school talking to one of my friends on the football team about who on the team he suspected was using steroids. He assured me he didn't, but he did say he took some kind of protein-powder, muscle-building supplement. At the time I figured it was a better option than doing the illegal steroids.

However, this week the FDA issued a public warning about products that claim to be  to be dietary supplements with steroids or steroid-like substances. Major health problems, such as serious liver damage, stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism have been reported in men between the ages of 22 and 55. These products could also cause the masculinization of women, male infertility and stunted growth in children.

Really, a whole bunch of nasty side effects for something that supposedly makes your muscles bigger.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to get into better shape, but there's a healthier way to go about doing it.

If you're not sure where to start check out some of these resources:
Fitness.gov
Be Active Your Way
Exercise and Physical Fitness

| View Comments [0] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: health   jess   steriods   weight_lifting  

 

Entry bubble Looking for an Alzheimer's treatment

By: Jess | July 23, 2009 | Category: Health

Elderly Couple outsideAs people age, sometimes they become more forgetful. A name that was easy to recall no longer is or specific details from events become fuzzy. At its worst, people can develop Alzheimer's Disease.

Lots of research is being done to find a way to slow the development of Alzheimer's and while currently no method exists, a new study was recently released with some interesting findings.

The study looked at whether Omega-3 fatty acids did anything to slow the progression of the disease. Sadly the study found that people already diagnosed with Alzheimer's who took an Omega-3 supplement showed no real improvement. However the study found that taking the supplement helped those who were just starting to become forgetful.

Researchers said more work needs to be done before they make a recommendation that people should take the supplement, but it seems to be a good stepping stone.

Until a true treatment is found, you can use some of these resources to help a loved one who may be suffering:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Medline Plus
 

| View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: alzheimers   health   jess   treatment  

 

Entry bubble The Importance of Sleep

By: Jess | July 16, 2009 | Category: Health

person who can't sleepThis past weekend my sleep schedule got all messed up. Friday night I was at the beach with friends and got to bed late. Saturday my friend had a potluck and I got to bed late. To make up for it, I napped for a long time on Sunday afternoon and then couldn't fall asleep Sunday night. I've spent the rest of the week trying to get my sleep schedule to look something a little closer to normal.

I'm pretty sure no expert would say my inability to sleep on Sunday night was actually insomnia (or any other sleep disorder for that matter), but I still figured it couldn't hurt to look into ways to get my sleep schedule back on track.

I found some great tips for getting better sleep in this article on sleeping well.

I also learned I violate two of them on a regular basis.

As you can see from my example above, I hardly keep a regular sleep-wake cycle, especially on the weekends. I also routinely go for my runs around 8 p.m., which is about two hours before I hit the hay on a work night.

I can't be the only one who violates the "rules of sleep." If you've got a minute, check out the list and share in the comments which tip you have the hardest time following.

| View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: health   insomnia   jess   sleep   sleep_disorders  

 

Entry bubble Health Care Reform

By: Joanne | June 16, 2009 | Category: Health

Two doctors standing together, holding a clip board

The topic of health care reform is everywhere. It’s on the TV, the radio and the conversation is even happening in your living room. We’re in for some big changes…maybe.

Personally, I think it’s a good idea to look for ways to improve the system. This weekend I was talking about health care reform with an older man that I know. Before he was old enough for Medicare coverage, he didn’t have any health insurance. Because he had no health insurance, he lived in terrible pain every day because he needed knee replacement surgery, but couldn’t afford the price tag: $30,000 per knee. When he turned 65 he had the surgery and now he’s a new man – mobile, productive, pain free. So he’s one person, but don’t we all know someone who has suffered either physically or financially?

I’m lucky because my employer helps with heath insurance costs. I still pay a lot for health insurance each month, but I’ve got it good compared to so many people in this country.

Here’s my biggest concern about health care reform – I’m afraid that the voices of the people won’t be heard - so speak up. If you think we need health care reform in our country, let the President know. Share your story and ideas for improving our health care system with the Department of Health and Human Services and also contact your representatives in congress and tell them how they can reform the health care system to better serve you.

| View Comments [15] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: care   health   illness   injury   insurance   joanne   medicare   reform  

 

Entry bubble Health Insurance and Travel

By: Editor | May 18, 2009 | Category: Travel

Heather Holland has been working for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) since 2004. She's traveled around the world and, except for a regrettable coral reef incident in Belize, has managed to stay healthy most of the way.

As the days get longer, gazes turn wistfully toward the office windows. Let’s admit it: we’re planning our vacations. For some this means a family trip to the beach; others lucky enough to snag a travel deal might be headed to Europe. In the current economy, your trip might be to your own backyard. Whatever your destination, one thing’s certain—you don’t want to get sick.

woman laying on couch blowing her noseIf getting sick at home is awful, becoming ill or injured away from home is infinitely worse. You’re in unfamiliar surroundings, you don’t have your own pillow, you don’t know which pharmacy is open past midnight. Uncertainty over whether your insurance will cover your care only compounds the misery.

Since deciphering your insurance policy is the last thing on your mind when hunched in a hotel bathroom with food poisoning, checking your health care policy should be an automatic part of your pre-trip planning. Depending on where you’re going, you may want to buy additional short-term travel coverage. Getting rescued by helicopter from a fall in the Shawangunks mountains doesn’t come cheap, so the peace of mind may be well worth the cost of a policy.

It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with any local conditions that might affect your health. Will temperatures or altitude be a problem? Are there any scary diseases you should know about? Do you need to pack extra insect repellant? The Centers for Disease Control is a wonderful resource for the critical travel information that can make or break a vacation. You can also stay abreast of any official travel advisories and warnings.

By the way, know that if you or your family members have Medicare, you can probably get care from almost any doctor or hospital in the country. Visit www.medicare.gov/Physician/Home.asp to find a local doctor that accepts Medicare. You might also want to sign up for “Ask Medicare,” the new e-newsletter for caregivers (or anyone who knows someone with Medicare). The summer issue promises lots of tips on healthy senior travel.

Bon voyage!

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: editor   health   health_insurance   medicare   travel  

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