The 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health showed that 15 million US children and teens get inadequate sleep. I would have to think that in our current climate of constant electronic use & more demanding year round sports and activity schedules, that that number has risen. Encouraging sleep is one of the most important things that we as parents can do.
Tattoos seem to be more and more popular especially among young people. Surveys indicate that currently over 20% of people have a tattoo. There are over 20,000 tattoo parlors in the US and the number is increasing. Tattoos and the process of getting a tattoo carry some health risk.
This past month I completed a health risk assessment (HRA). This is a procedure that more employers are asking employees to complete. What is an HRA and why are they being done? It is no secret that the cost of health care has been rising rapidly over the last 20 years. Employers have traditionally provided health insurance for its employees as a benefit. The health care costs are a large part of the budget. So, employers are trying to find ways to minimize their health care costs.
Outdoor sports season and vacation road trips are coming up. Plan ahead, get a cooler and pack sandwiches, cut up fruits and veggies and bottles of water—it’s much cheaper and healthier for your family!
Being physically active is an important way to improve your chances of living longer. Physical activity reduces risk of heart disease by helping to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and cholesterol. In addition physical activity improves muscle strength, bone strength and balance and therefore decreases chances of falling. Also, physical activity improves mental health and mood.
Even though it doesn’t look like it outside, spring will soon be here. And just as flowers start appearing so do 5k fundraising runs and walks. These activities are great reasons to get outside and get exercise. But unless you’re an avid exerciser, you can’t wake up and just run a 5k. You need to train for it. You’ll need seven weeks to properly train for a 5k, which is 3.1 miles.
If you are looking to shake up your fitness regimen or start a new one, interval training can make a big difference. It is a great way to burn more calories in less time while improving your cardio fitness.
People’s lives can change in an instant due to a fall. As we age our risk of a fall increases. This is due to a number of factors including weaker muscles, arthritic joints, taking multiple medications, and loss of balance as we age. In Wisconsin, other factors like ice on walkways markedly increase risk. There are things we can do to reduce risk.
Winter should be coming to a close soon and seasonal sports like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are all but done. Weather fluctuations eat away at the snow and the ice on standing bodies of water is thinning a bit each day. Thin ice creeps up on us during this time of year and deserves respect especially if you enjoy ice fishing or snowmobiling.
When meeting a patient for the first time, I can tell a lot about them by just looking at their numbers. You’re probably thinking “What numbers – maybe their height and weight?” Yes, those play a role, but instead I’m thinking more about their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Those numbers are full of information not just about their health history, but their future health, too.
When I think about medications I often ask myself what the value of that drug is. A drug has a high value if it is effective, inexpensive, has few if any side effects, and is safe. Certain drugs may be effective but are contraindicated because of the risks or the side effects. Aspirin is a drug that has a high value with relatively low risk.
With a diagnosis of diabetes, it may seem like having sweets will be a thing of the past. But, with education and some smart label reading, people can enjoy a treat now and then.
Encouraging sleep is one of the most important things that we as parents can do. The American Academy of Pediatrics has even gone so far as to call on school systems to start later to help middle-school and high-school students sleep longer. Studies have shown that kids who are sleep deprived can have difficulty focusing during the day, mood and behavioral issues and be prone to overeat throughout the day.
For media inquiries, please call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
