Your Health First Crossword

Your Health First Crossword - Crossword Labs Just a fun exercise for you guys. Good luck and have fun!!. The passcode for the answer key is 12345 if you need help.

Insulin Administration

Diabetic patients sometimes are unsure of the correct method of insulin administration. There are those that probably just need a gentle reminder. The following videos show the proper technique for administering a dose of insulin, firstly with an insulin syringe and then with a pen.

See now the technique when using an insulin pen.

We hope that this has been helpful. We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Understanding Insomnia

What is Insomnia?    

Insomnia can be defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. Therefore, people with insomnia are unable to get the amount of sleep that is needed to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

Symptoms of Insomnia

1.      Waking up frequently during the night

2.      Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep

3.      Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired

4.      Daytime drowsiness, irritability or fatigue

5.      Trouble getting back to sleep when awakened

6.      Difficulty concentrating during the day

Causes of Insomnia

·         Psychological problems that can cause insomnia: depression, anxiety, chronic stress, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder. 

·         Medications that can cause insomnia: antidepressants; cold and flu medications that contain alcohol; pain relievers that contain caffeine, high blood pressure medications.

·         Medical problems that can cause insomnia: asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, acid reflux, kidney disease, cancer, chronic pain.

·         Sleep disorders that can cause insomnia: sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome.

Treatment for Insomnia

Treating Insomnia WITHOUT Medication

1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Support your biological clock by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends
2.  Avoid naps. Napping during the day can make it more difficult to sleep at night
3.  Avoid stimulating activity and stressful situations before bedtime. This includes vigorous exercise; big discussions or arguments; and TV, computer, or video game use.
4. Do not read from a backlit device such as an iPad or smartphone. 
5. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before bed. Avoid drinking alcohol in the evening; while alcohol can make you feel sleepy, it interferes with the quality of your sleep. Quit smoking or avoid it at night, as nicotine is a stimulant

Treating Insomnia WITH Medication

When you are unable to sleep at night it is quite tempting to turn to sleep aids for relief. However, no sleeping pill will cure the underlying cause of your insomnia. Therefore before taking any sleep aid or medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Dietary/Herbal supplements for insomnia

1. Melatonin
2. Chamomile Tea

Over the counter (OTC) sleep aids

1. Unisom Sleepgels
2. Sleep Aid
3. Zzz Quil
4. Advil PM

Prescription sleeping pills for Insomnia     

While prescription sleep medications can provide temporary relief, it is best to use medication only as a last option. First, try changing your sleep habits, your daily routine, and your attitudes about sleep. 

Ebola Virus Disease

Due to the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus, we thought it necessary to post some pertinent information regarding the disease.

What is Ebola?

Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. It is one of the world’s most virulent diseases.The infection is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.

How is it transmitted?

Ebola is transmitted via direct contact with any bodily fluid and tissue of an infected person. Infection could be through direct or indirect contact with blood, saliva, corpses of persons infected with the disease to mention a few. There are also some animal reservoirs of the virus. Examples include gorillas, chimpanzees, rodents, fruit bats.

Symptoms

During the incubation period, which can last about 1 week (rarely up to 2 weeks) after infection, symptoms include: 

• Arthritis 
• Backache (low-back pain) 
• Chills 
• Diarrhea 
• Fatigue 
• Fever 
• Headache 
• Malaise 
• Nausea 
• Sore throat 
• Vomiting 

Late symptoms include: 

• Bleeding from eyes, ears, and nose 
• Bleeding from the mouth and rectum (gastrointestinal bleeding) 
• Eye swelling (conjunctivitis) 
• Genital swelling (labia and scrotum) 
• Increased feeling of pain in the skin 
• Rash over the entire body that often contains blood (hemorrhagic) 
• Roof of mouth looks red 

Treatment
Treatment is largely supportive since there is no actual drug therapy for the disease. Fluid and electrolyte management are the mainstay. Antibiotics are not effective against the disease because it is not a bacterial infection. However, antibiotics may be used to prevent bacterial superimposition on the disease.

Prevention

Prevention is very crucial to breaking the disease transmission and overcoming the epidemic. Avoiding direct and indirect contact with bodily fluids and tissue of infected persons is the way to go. The practice of barrier nursing for patients in hospitals is effective, so also is frequent hand washing. The use of gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment must be used in taking care of ill patients.There are currently no vaccines for the prevention of Ebola fever though research is ongoing

Further Information

For more information on the Ebola virus, please visit the links below.

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/viral-hemorrhagic-fevers

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2014_08_04_ebola/en/

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/faq-ebola/en/

Use of Asthma Inhalers (With and without spacer device)

The importance of properly using your asthma inhaler cannot be overstated. There are many persons however, that are unaware or unsure of the proper technique when using these inhalers. A lack of understanding of these techniques may lead to sub-therapeutic dosing, giving rise to exacerbation of symptoms. Please see the videos below for the correct method of their use.

The following video shows how to use your spacer device effectively.

We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

What is GERD?

Gastro Esophageal Reflux, GERD is that burning sensation that occurs after a meal as a result of acidic stomach contents that moves upwards into the esophagus. GERD is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus. This can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn and other symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

 Heartburn
 Bringing back up food
 Burning on swallowing
 Tasting acid/burning in throat
 Belching
 Nausea

HOW DOES IT OCCUR?

Acid reflux occurs when the normal defense mechanisms such as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and Esophageal Motility are defective or become overwhelmed so that the esophagus is bathed in acid or bile and acid containing fluid for prolonged periods.

Delayed gastric emptying can also increase stomach volume and pressure until the LES fails and the valve mechanism is defeated, leading to acid reflux.

COMMON CAUSES

1. Drugs - Certain drugs you may be taking, can cause acid reflux. These include:

• Aspirin 
• Ibuprofen
• Diclofenac
• Naproxen
• Iron Supplements
• Narcotics
• Anti-Depressants
• Nitrates

2. Diet- foods high in fat, spicy foods, caffeine, citrus juices, soft drinks, alcohol

3.Lifestyle-cigarette smoking, obesity, tight-fitting clothes, heavy exercise, laying too flat while sleeping, stress

4. Medical or surgical– Your doctor may advise you accordingly, in the event you may have some underlying condition

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

• Avoid stressful situations 
• Maintain an adequate weight and quit smoking 
• Eat meals more frequently but in small quantities 
• Raise the head of the bed at a 20 degree angle 
• Have dinner at least 2 hours before bedtime 

DIETARY RECOMMENDATION FOR PATIENTS WITH GERD
Dairy Products

• Skim milk
• Milk (1% fat)
• Low fat soy milk

Vegetables

Celery, Eggplant, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, Cucumber, Sweet peppers, Lettuce, Carrots


 

Drinks

• Mix of drinks (without sugar)
• Fruit teas (except mint tea) 

PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT

There are many treatments for GERD which include:
Antacids: these are in the form of chewable tablets, dissolvable powders, or liquids which neutralize the stomach acid and help to reduce the burning and discomfort associated with GERD. Eg: Calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide.

Histamine Receptor Antagonists: they are Cimetidine, Nizatidine, Famotidine and the most commonly used one Ranitidine, it comes in tablet form as well as dissolvable tablets, they help in GERD by reducing the formation of acid in the stomach and provide relief by reducing the associated discomfort.

Proton Pump Inhibitors: these are Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole, Esomeprazole and the most common is Omeprazole, they work by reducing the production of acid in the stomach, they are the most effective at reducing the amount of acid present in the stomach, they take a short while to work but are very effective in reducing the discomfort associated with GERD.

Constipation

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?

Constipation is a decrease in the amount of times stool is eliminated from the body. In constipated individuals stool is usually difficult to pass, hard and dry.
If you have not had a bowel movement in more than 3 days you may be constipated.
It affects women more than men and is a frequent complaint during pregnancy and after childbirth
It occurs more in people over 65 years of age

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1) Difficult passage of hard, dry stool

2) Less frequent passage of stool.

3) Abdominal pain

4) Lower back pain

COMMON CAUSES

1. Lack of exercise
2. Dehydration
3. Menopause
4. Hemorrhoids
5. Inadequate amounts of fiber in the diet
6. Drugs such as:

• Morphine
• Codeine
• Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac
• Antidepressants
• Anti-hypertensive drugs: enalapril, lisinopril, verapimil, diltiazem, atenolol.
•  Iron or iron-containing supplements

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:

You have nausea, vomiting or fever
You have marked abdominal pain
You have daily laxative use
You have bowel symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks
You have blood in stool or dark tarry stool


LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO PREVENT CONSTIPATION

• Eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads and pasta
• Consume less processed sugars and processed cheese
• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day
• Increase physical activity

• Eat meals at regular times
• Try to use the toilet at least once a day 

TREATMENT OPTIONS


Bulk Forming Agents

Bulk forming agents are generally considered the safest laxative form. These agents absorb water in the intestine making the stool softer.Therefore they should be taken with at least eight ounces of water. The onset of bowel response is usually 12 hours hours after consuming the laxative.

Example: Metamucil, Benefiber

Lubricant Agents

These agents soften fecal contents by coating them hence preventing water to be reabsorbed .This helps the stools to pass through the intestines easier.

Example:Paraffin oil


Stimulant Agents

Stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by increasing the contraction of muscles in the intestines, and are effective when used on a short-term basis. The onset of bowel response is usually 6 hours after consuming the laxative.

Example: Bisacodyl, Castor oil


Hyperosmotic Agents

These agents work by holding water in the stool to soften the stool and by increasing the number of bowel movements.

Example: polyethylene gycol


Saline Laxative Agents

The active ingredients in saline laxatives are mostly magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate ions these ions draw water into the intestines. The additional water softens the stool increasing the pressure within the intestines, and also increases intestinal contractions resulting in the release of softer stool. The onset of bowel response is usually half hour to 3 hours after consuming the laxative

Example :Milk of Magnesia, Espom salts


Emollient Agents

Stool softeners, called emollient laxatives, prevent hardening of the feces by adding moisture to the stool.
Example: Docusate sodium

Feel free to visit us in-store or ask any questions you may have. Our qualified pharmacists would be happy to assist you.

 

Antioxidants (Sources and Potential Benefits)

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. Antioxidants are found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables. They are also available as dietary supplements. Antioxidants block the activity of other chemicals known as free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive and have the potential to cause damage to cells, including damage that may lead to cancer.

20 Common Foods with the Most Antioxidants

United States Drug Administration (USDA) scientists analysed antioxidant levels in more than 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables. Each food was measured for antioxidant concentration as well as antioxidant capacity per serving size. Cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries ranked highest among the fruits studied. Beans, artichokes, and Russet potatoes were tops among the vegetables. Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts ranked highest in the nut category.

USDA chemist Ronald L. Prior says the total antioxidant capacity of the foods does not necessarily reflect their health benefit. Benefits depend on how the food's antioxidants are absorbed and utilized in the body. Still, this chart should help consumers trying to add more antioxidants to their daily diet.

Table 1: Showing various food items and antioxidant capacity per serving size

Rank	Food item	Serving size	Total antioxidant capacity per serving size
1	Small Red Bean (dried)	Half cup	13,727
2	Wild blueberry	1 cup	13,427
3	Red kidney bean (dried)	Half cup	13,259
4	Pinto bean	Half cup	11,864
5	Blueberry (cultivated)	1 cup	9,019
6	Cranberry	1 cup (whole)	8,983
7	Artichoke (cooked)	1 cup (hearts)	7,904
8	Blackberry	1 cup	7,701
9	Prune	Half cup	7,291
10	Raspberry	1 cup	6,058
11	Strawberry	1 cup	5,938
12	Red Delicious apple	1 whole	5,900
13	Granny Smith apple	1 whole	5,381
14	Pecan	1 ounce	5,095
15	Sweet cherry	1 cup	4,873
16	Black plum	1 whole	4,844
17	Russet potato (cooked)	1 whole	4,649
18	Black bean (dried)	Half cup	4,181
19	Plum	1 whole	4,118
20	Gala apple	1 whole	3,903

Source: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/20-common-foods-most-antioxidants

Feel free to contact us or visit store to view our wide range of antioxidants available!