February is American Heart Month
Since 1963, February has been recognized by the American Heart Association as American Heart
Month. It was designated as such because cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of people in the United States. Coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack, is the most common heart disease.
American Heart Month is observed in order to increase increase awareness of cardiovascular diseases and raise funds for research. Throughout the month, healthy habits are encouraged and emphasized as a means of prevention.
According to the CDC, being heart healthy means choosing healthy foods. Some of their recommendations include selecting low-fat dairy products, drinking alcohol in moderation, cutting back on sugar, eating less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day, choosing foods with very little or no salt and eating lean poultry and meats without the skin.
Additionally, it is also recommended that individuals exercise regularly, control their weight, avoid tobacco and maintain healthy blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
The importance of knowing the symptoms of a heart attack are also stressed by the CDC. Usually heart attacks begin slowly, with mild discomfort. However, some are intense and sudden. Here are some of the specific signs that may signal that a heart attack is occurring:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Arm, stomach, neck, back or jaw discomfort
- Nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweat
Women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths in the United States. Several lifestyle choices and medical conditions put women at a greater risk for heart disease, including cigarette smoking, poor diet, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and physical inactivity.
Exercise, eating right and knowing more about heart diseases are great places to start. Take some time this month to think about your own heart, and what you can do to ensure it stays healthy and strong for a lifetime.
How to Avoid the Common Cold This Winter
It's winter again in the Northern Hemisphere, and as much as we may wish for it--there is still no cure for the common cold.
Fortunately, there are ways to help lower your risk of getting sick. Here are some simple tips help prevent you from catching a cold this season.
Breakfast and Vitamin C
It's always a good idea to start off your day with a nourishing meal. However, what many people don't realize is that a healthy breakfast that includes vitamin C can help provide your body with the necessary energy and nutrients to fight off cold-carrying germs.
Wash Hands Regularly
Keeping your hands clean is important in order to avoid coming in contact with the aforementioned germs throughout the day. Be sure to be thorough by washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day. While hand sanitizers that do not require water are quite popular, they should only be used when you are not able to be near a sink. Regular soap and water is still best.
Physical Activity
It may be tougher to get outside and get exercise in the colder months, but you should still try to stay active as much as you can. Physical activity helps keep your immune system strong, and you will want to aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a minimum of three times a week to reap this benefit. Whether that means getting to the gym or even doing household chores, this activity can go a long way toward keeping you healthy.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated with water has also been shown to give your immune system a boost and help you avoid dehydration. Fluids like water can also be helpful in loosening the mucus that can often build up during a cold.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Your body needs adequate rest in order to fight off germs and infection. Regularly getting a good night's sleep can also help keep your immune system strong.
While you may not always be able to avoid the dreaded winter cold, by following these tips you'll have a much better chance of staying healthy this season.
All About Allegheny Medical’s 4 Distinct Service Lines
Allegheny Medical is a multi-specialty medical outpatient center providing acute primary care,
laboratory services, minor emergency care, physical therapy and more--but did you know that Allegheny Medical has four distinct service lines?
WorkCare, whose medical team consists of specially trained physicians, physical therapists, nurses and rehabilitation specialists helps employers build a healthier workforce while reducing cost and injuries. PeopleCare offers physical medicine treatment programs for individuals with chronic or acute pain and helps those with recurrent or frequent illnesses. PeopleCare’s team helps individuals understand their current health status and offers them the guidance and encouragement needed to successfully bring about lifestyle changes.
The SportsCare team consists of specially trained physicians, nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, and rehabilitation specialists providing injury treatment management and sports performance training. SportsCare’s programs integrate lifestyle, fitness and behavior management with quality medical treatments, and are personalized based on the assessment of an athlete's ability and health. WellnessCare programs are based on an in-depth medical evaluation of each patient to accurately customize a wellness program based on the assessment of an individual. WellnessCare’s initiatives include health screenings, health risk assessments and health and wellness fairs.
Now in its 26th year, Allegheny Medical is an organization of physicians and health care professionals dedicated to serving the health needs of companies, individuals, families, and communities in Western Pennsylvania. Allegheny Medical's mission is to provide better care to build better health for every aspect of an individual's life. Complimentary, personalized consultation appointments can be scheduled by calling (412) 494-4554, so contact us today.
Are There Alternatives For Treating ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and it is one of the most common childhood disorders. ADHD can last well into adulthood. Some of the symptoms associated with this disorder include difficulty paying attention and staying focused, becoming bored easily and hyperactivity.
Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes ADHD; however, some studies suggest that genes play a role. Most likely, ADHD is caused by a combination of factors including genetics and possible environmental factors. Nutrition, social environment and brain injuries are also being studied as potential contributing factors.
Currently, one of the most common treatments for reducing the symptoms of ADHD is to give medication, such as Adderall or Ritalin. These are stimulants which actually appear to have a calming effect on children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Unfortunately, these drugs often tend to cause several side effects, such as sleep problems, irritability, decreased appetite, headaches, stomachaches and anxiety.
The good news is, while prescription medications are sometimes necessary, there are other ways that this condition can be treated. One method is behavioral therapy, which aims to help a child change their behavior. This type of therapy involves such tasks as finishing schoolwork or organizing. Behavioral therapy also teaches a child how handle their own behavior--for example, thinking before acting or controlling anger. Parents and teachers are encouraged to help reinforce this.
Other alternatives also exist in the treatment of ADHD, such as other types of therapy which can be delivered via support groups, or non-stimulant medications.
Fortunately, great strides are being made in ADHD research, leading to a better understanding of not only the causes of the disorder, but also how to prevent it and develop more effective treatments for people of all ages. Alternatives to medication such as Ritalin for ADHD is just one topic that Allegheny Medical's WellnessCare's Lecture series covers. For more information or for a complimentary consultation with us, please call (412) 494-4554 today.
Physical Therapy Plays an Important Role After a Stroke
A stroke occurs due to cell death when there is inadequate blood flow to the brain. When the flow of blood is interrupted, brain cells are not able to receive vital supplies of nutrients and oxygen. The majority of strokes are caused by the blockage of a neck or brain artery, and the remainder are caused by a blood vessel bursting in the brain.
Over 700,000 people in the United States alone suffer a stroke each year, with two-thirds of these
individuals surviving. These survivors require rehabilitation in order to improve their quality of life and become as independent as possible.
Rehabilitation can help stroke survivors relearn skills that they have lost due to brain damage that occurred when they experienced the stroke. The most important part of rehab is the repetitive practice involved in relearning these skills.
Because physical therapists specialize in treating disabilities related to sensory and motor impairments and place a great deal of emphasis on movement, they can play an important role in assessing the stroke survivor's range of motion, endurance and strength. In many cases, their primary role is to create individualized programs designed to help these individuals regain control over motor functions.
Physical therapists teach strategies to reduce the effect of remaining deficits, help stroke survivors regain the use of impaired limbs and establish exercise programs to help people retain the skills that they have relearned.
Allegheny Medical's therapist graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Post-stroke rehabilitation is just one condition she can assist with. For more information, visit the physical therapy page on our website or call us at (412) 494-4550.