Daily Health Bits

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 10:04 AM | Permalink

As many as 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery.  Varicose veins result when the veins in the legs become less efficient at moving blood back to the heart to receive more oxygen, and the veins enlarge, pooling blood in the vessels.  As the veins enlarge, they may swell up to four times their normal width and become unsightly and uncomfortable.  The usual causes of varicose veins are genetics, hormonal changes like pregnancy, being overweight, not getting regular exercise, and sitting or standing for long periods of time without moving.  To prevent varicose veins, get regular exercise, elevate legs during the day, and consider support stockings to ward them off.  There are several procedures that a vein specialist can do if the symptoms are bothersome. 

Spider veins are not considered as much of a medical concern as varicose veins.  They are a milder version, just reddish or bluish lines just under the skin that only involve the smallest blood vessels.  Spider veins will not develop into varicose veins, but if they are a cosmetic problem, they too, can be taken care of by a vein specialist.

Source: Healthy Living Fall 2008

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:06 AM | Permalink

Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others.
- Jules Renard

I saw this quote this morning and thought it was very poignant and true.  If you don't approach every task, every aspect of life, with vigor and "full throttle", someone else will.  It doesn't matter if it's work, your relationships, charity, your health, or your dreams, trying to achieve something is healthy and gives us all purpose.  Today, I encourage you to think of something big or small that you have been wanting to achieve, and take a step toward making it a reality.  What is your goal today?

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:24 AM | Permalink

US consumers bought more than 8 billion gallons of bottled water last year, but is there really a difference between bottled and tap water?  Some bottled water actually STARTS out as tap water!  This municipal water is usually treated before it's bottled.  These treatments may include distillation, reverse osmosis, absolute 1 micron filtration, or ozonation; then this water can be labeled "purified water".  The FDA has guidleines that are applicable to bottled water including the way in which it's defined and the standards of quality and the safe production of it.  The FDA can sample and analyze bottled waters to ensure that they are safe and sanitary and some states perform plant inspections.  It's good to know that our efforts at drinking "better" water actually have some guidelines to which they must adhere. 

For more information go to the following link.

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:14 AM | Permalink

Many of us know that eating several meals throughout the day is best for maintaining weight, energy and healthy eating habits.  So, often times, we turn to snacks to fill our bellies in between our main meals.  Research shows that people actually consume more high-calorie snacks when they are in small packages than large ones. And smaller packages make people more likely to give in to temptation in the first place.  If a snack is in a larger package, it is not only less "portable", but also perceived as contributing to overeating.  Once again, marketing efforts are successful in toying with our brains.  Think about it; if there was a small package of cookies or chips, rather than a whole bag, you may be more likely to have an "innocent indulgence".  So, make sure that when you are thinking about your snack choices, you are making healthy decisions and not just convenient ones!

University of Chicago Press Journals (2008, August 24). Snacks In Small Packages May Lead To Overeating. ScienceDaily. Retrieved

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 11:52 AM | Permalink

The new school year is just around the corner, and with it comes an array of germs and "cooties" from other kids and the "kid lifestyle".  Here are the top five illnesses that keep kids home from school, and ways that you can protect your kid from being a victim.  The top five illnesses are the common cold, stomach flu, ear infection, conjunctivitis, and sore throat.  The best way to keep your kids healthy is to encourage them to practice things such as washing hands regularly, keeping their hands away from the face, covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze and staying away from anyone who is sick.  If your child is sick, there is often a question of when they are "too sick" to go to school.  Here is a basic guideline for your consideration:

Although the specific school or facility guidelines may vary, your child will probably need to stay home if he or she:

• Has a fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
• Is vomiting
• Has diarrhea
• Is in the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for pink eye or strep throat

Generally, a child can return to school or child care when he or she:

• Has no fever
• Can eat and drink normally
• Is rested and alert enough to pay attention in class
• Has completed any period of doctor-recommended isolation

Source:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:19 AM | Permalink

Anyone who's had conjunctivitis knows it's not fun.  Your eyes may crust completely shut, be itchy or teary; not a good time.  There are different types of conjunctivitis, but the basic symptoms include redness, itchy eyes, blurred vision, and crusty eyes.  If you have swollen glands or have just gotten over an upper respiratory illness, you may have viral conjunctivitis.  Usually it clears up on its own, but there are things you can to do relieve some of the symptoms and help it on its way.  First of all, use artificial tears which are available at the drug store.  Don't use eye whiteners, look for the bottle to specifically state "artificial tears".  This product will do the same thing as natural tears, moisturizing the eyes and relieving the itching and irritation.  You can use this product 6-8 times a day.  Keep it in the refrigerator, as the coolness will be soothing.  Speaking of coolness, moisten a washcloth and keep it in the freezer until it's cold and apply it to your eyes several times a day.  Don't use the cloth to rub your eyes, as this will aggravate the problem.  Be sure to prevent recontamination by getting rid of anything that touches your eye such as makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, etc.  Wash pillowcases, bedding and towels to prevent yourself from being reinfected.  Most importantly, wash your hands often, to protect others around you from catching this highly contagious condition, and from recontaminating yourself.

Source: Prevention's Ultimate Guide to Women's Health and Wellness 

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:05 AM | Permalink

About a month ago, I was shocked to hear that Christina Applegate, who is the same age as me, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I read further that she was not going to do chemo, because she wants to have a baby.  Today, I read that she had a double mastectomy to remove both breasts, and in doing so, she is now cancer-free.  This seems like a radical "treatment", but I commend her for taking action in fighting her disease.  This story should serve as a reminder to keep performing our self-breast exams monthly, and get regular mammograms.  The symptoms of breast cancer are listed below, for your consideration in taking responsibility for your own health:

The first sign of breast cancer is often a painless lump. But early breast cancer is often found on a mammogram before a lump can be felt.

Other symptoms of breast cancer may not appear until the cancer is more advanced. These include:

• A thickening in the breast or armpit.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as a dimple or skin that looks like an orange peel.
• A change in the nipple, such as scaling of the skin or a nipple that turns in.
• A green or bloody fluid that comes from the nipple.
• A change in the color or feel of the skin around the nipple (areola).

^{Source: AOL Health}

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:20 AM | Permalink

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:08 AM | Permalink

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 06:45 AM | Permalink

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 08:46 AM | Permalink

Although aging can increase the risk of eye disorders and eye problems, there are things you can do throughout your life to protect your eyes from impairment.  These preventative measures can help treat or avoid 40-50% of blindness.  So, what can you do to protect one of your most treasured senses? 

First of all, regular eye exams are a cornerstone of visual health.  Those who have a family history of eye/vision problems should get exams more often.  Don't wait until you seem to have an eye problem before visiting a doctor.  Often times, the "good eye" can overcompensate for the "bad eye", making things worse.  Usually, an eye exam is the earliest way to detect problems and possibly treat them. 

Secondly, if you smoke, stop.  Smoking increases the risk of several eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration.  Your diet is another factor in eye health; be sure to eat a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, minimal saturated fats and hydrogenated oils. 

Protect your eyes from the damaging sun by wearing sunglasses or a hat, every time you go outdoors.  Be sure that you get good quality sunglasses that protect you from the harmful rays.  Often times there are notations of their level of protection from UV rays.

Contrary to popular belief, eye strain caused by reading or the computer does not really cause eye disorders, but does tired the eyes, possibly causing discomfort.  Take frequent breaks, looking away and giving your eyes a rest.

Your vision is something you definitely don't want to be without, so whether you are 18 or 80, treasure your peepers!

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 09:05 AM | Permalink

Posted by Cindy Burreson at 01:22 PM | Permalink