Vaccines for Adults

Quick—do you know if you’re up to date on your vaccines? Or, do you think of vaccines as just kids’ stuff? Apparently lots of folks do, given that way too few adults receive the recommended vaccines. That puts them—and those who come into contact with them—at greater risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.1

Consider this:

In 2012, there were 42,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis)—the highest number in a single year since 1955. Nearly a quarter of these cases were in adults. Most of the babies who died from the disease, in fact, picked it up from an adult in the home.1

In 2011, most of the 4,000 people who died from pneumococcal pneumonia were older than 50. The highest rate of death was in those older than 65, yet only two-thirds of this age group receive the vaccine. Only about one-third of U.S. adults at high risk for hepatitis B have received the vaccine. Fewer still have received a vaccine for hepatitis A.

If you’re someone who’s afraid of vaccines, you need to know this: You can’t get a disease from the vaccine. They won’t cause you harm. Instead, the more people who receive vaccinations, the fewer germs are around you. Vaccines virtually wiped smallpox and polio off the face of the map.1

How does this all work? Vaccines ally with your body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity. But first a reminder about immunity: When germs invade your body, they attack and multiply, causing an infection. Your immune system works bravely to fight it off. This leaves your body with a supply of cells that now recognize this invader, providing immunity.2

Vaccines imitate, but don’t cause, an infection. They help the body learn how to respond if a real infection attacks your body. As your body builds immunity, however, it is normal to have mild symptoms such as fever.2

So which vaccines do adults need? Recommendations vary depending upon your age, overall health, and medical history. It’s really important to stay up to date with vaccines if you have special health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular, liver, or renal disease. That’s because some vaccine-preventable diseases may put you at increased risk for serious complications.

Your doctor may also need to make adaptations with vaccines if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. For example, in certain cases, you may need to avoid the nasal live attenuated influenza vaccine and use an injectable form instead.4,5

Remember: all adults—no matter how healthy you are—should have a seasonal influenza vaccine every year.3 Check with your doctor about your schedule for these vaccines:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Zoster (shingles)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Pneumococcal
• Meningococcal
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B3

 Be healthy and stay well!

Sources

1. HealthDay: “Too Few Adults Get Recommended Vaccines: CDC.” Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133532.html Accessed March 18, 2013.
2. CDC: “How Vaccines Prevent Diseases.” Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/vaccine-decision/prevent-diseases.html Accessed March 18, 2013.
3. CDC: “Immunization Schedules.” Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult.html Accessed March 18, 2013.
4. CDC: “Adults with Special Health Conditions.” Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/health-conditions.html Accessed March 18, 2013.
5. Immunization Action Coalition: “Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults.” Available at: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4065.pdf Accessed March 18, 2013.

Open Enrollment: Make Timely Choices

About this time every year, employees have a brief chance to enroll in or make changes to

their company’s benefits plans for the coming year. If you’re like most people, though, your eyes start to glaze over when you finally sit down to sign up.
It does take a little planning. But it’s in your best interest to give this some thought. The choices you make protect you and your family and can save—or cost—you some money.
Take advantage of any benefits materials, online tools or calculators, or benefit plan meetings your company provides. If you need further help, talk to a human resources professional. This person can fully explain the full range of benefits such as health, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as other offerings.1
Here’s more information to help the process go a bit more smoothly:

1. Compare health plans. Carefully look over your company’s options. Look at all the pieces, not just the total cost. That includes premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket limits. Know what a provider network is and what happens if your doctor is outside the network. Also, see how your spouse’s plan compares with yours.
2. Assess and adjust. Not every year is the same. Just had a baby? Then, life and disability insurance may be a higher priority than in the past.2 Not been taking advantage of low-cost options yet have been paying a higher regular premium? Then, you might do be better off with a high deductible plan.
3. Consider an HRA. Health reimbursement accounts can be particularly helpful in a year when you know you’ll have some extra expenses. Middle-schooler about to get braces? Time for an elective surgery? With an HRA, you can set aside pre-tax money in a separate account to use for medical expenses. The tax benefits can really add up. But remember: many plans require that you use the money in this account before the end of the year.
4. Don’t overlook other offerings. A CareerBuilder survey found that many employees leave up to $1,000 on the table simply because they don’t know about all the benefits their company provides. This can include flexible spending accounts (FSAs), wellness benefits, tuition reimbursement, banking programs, and special discount programs.
5. Private Health Insurance. If your employer does not provide health insurance and you’re not on Medicare or Medicaid, you may be eligible for plans that fits your budget and meets your needs — including subsidies that can reduce your monthly cost — under the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment begins October 1, 2013 and ends on March 31, 2014. Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.

Still confused? I’ll do what I can to help point you in the right direction.

Sources

1. About.com: “Take Advantage of Your Employer’s Open Enrollment Period.” Available at: http://financialplan.about.com/od/insurance/a/open-enrollment.htm Accessed March 18, 2013.
2. Financial Planning Association: “Be Wise at Work: Use Open Enrollment to Your Benefit.” Available at: http://www.fpanet.org/ToolsResources/ArticlesBooksChecklists/Articles/Employment/BeWiseatWorkUseOpenEnrollmenttoYourBenefit/ Accessed March 18, 2013.
3. Financial Planning Association: “A Checklist for Open Enrollment.” Available at: http://www.fpanet.org/ToolsResources/ArticlesBooksChecklists/Checklists/Employment/AChecklistforOpenEnrollment/ Accessed March 18, 2013.
4. Financial Planning Association: “It’s Open Enrollment Season! Don’t Miss Out on These Benefits.” Available at: http://www.fpanet.org/ToolsResources/ArticlesBooksChecklists/Checklists/Employment/ContemplatingEmployeeBenefits/ Accessed March 18, 2013.

Helping Your Kids Form Healthy Eating Habits

Every day you see another headline about the obesity epidemic in kids. One of the latest studies shows that obese children face not only long-term risks, but also more immediate ones. They're more likely to have problems such as asthma, learning disabilities, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD).¹ 

 

Yet kids (and adults) are surrounded—on television, on billboards, and online —by messages beckoning them to eat sugary, high-fat, often empty-calorie foods. It can feel like an uphill battle to get kids to make healthier choices—especially as they're heading back to school, and out of earshot. Sure, you aren't going to win all the battles. But you can have a huge impact. Here are a few important reminders:

                    

1. Control the flow. What are you bringing into the house (and what kinds of habits are you modeling)? Remember, you have some control over this until your kid is old enough to shop solo. For now, you have veto power. If you keep the junk out, it can't go in.²

                   

2. Look at labels. Of course, stocking up on healthy foods means you also need to check labels.² You might be surprised at what you find. That tub of nonfat flavored yogurt you think is so healthy might be chockfull of sugar—containing even more than the kids' cereal you long ago shunned.

                   

3. Go for staying power. Go for whole-grain breads, tortillas, pretzels, or cereals. Mix almond butter and celery, apples, or bananas. Try something new once in a while to broaden your kid's tastes. Maybe roasted soy nuts will be a hit. Or, sweet red peppers dipped in hummus. You'll never know unless you give it a try.²

                  

 4. Make it easy. Keep a bowl of fruit on the counter or string cheese or bags of low-sugar, whole-grain cereal within reach. Just don't make eating too easy. In other words, restrict it to the kitchen or dining area. That can go a long way toward limiting mindless snacking in front of the TV or computer screen.²

                  

 5. Watch the sugar. Oh, yes, I know. That's a tough one. Maybe even your sweet tooth gets its way more often than not. But sugar may do more than add extra pounds or cause tooth decay. New evidence links large amounts of sugar—separate from other factors—to the diabetes epidemic.³

                  

 If you do nothing else, nix the sweetened drinks. That includes sodas as well as fruit, energy, and sports drinks. Children who drink them not only consume more calories. They are also more likely to eat unhealthy foods.⁴ Keep milk and water on hand, instead of fruit juice and sweetened drinks or flavored milk or drinkable yogurt.³

                   

Along with these five healthy habits, don't forget an insurance policy for your kids: vitamins. When you come into the store, I can advise you about this.

                                   

Sources

1.               HealthDay: "Obese Kids May Face Immediate Health Woes, Study Finds." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133190.html Accessed March 17, 2013.

2.               Mayo Clinic: "Healthy snacks for kids: 10 child-friendly tips." Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-health/HQ00419/METHOD=print Accessed March 17, 2013.

3.               Basu S, Yoffe P, Hills N, Lustig RH (2013) The Relationship of Sugar to Population-Level Diabetes Prevalence: An Econometric Analysis of Repeated Cross-Sectional Data. PLoS ONE 8(2): e57873. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057873. Available at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0057873 Accessed March 17, 2013.

4.               HealthDay: "Sweet Drinks Tied to Higher Calorie Consumption in Kids." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_134838.html Accessed March 17, 2013.

5.              FamilyDoctor.org: "Kids: Passing on Health Habits to Your Children." Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/eating-nutrition/healthy-eating/kids-passing-on-healthy-habits-to-your-children.printerview.all.html Accessed March 17, 2013.

7 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

In about 40 years, the number of older Americans with Alzheimer's disease—a form of

dementia—is likely to triple to nearly 14 million people.¹ That's why the U.S. government is funding extensive trials to try to get a handle on the disease—especially at its earlier stages.²

                  

 In the meantime, spotting the signs of Alzheimer's in a loved one can help you get a handle on what to do next. It isn't always easy to know the difference between a simple memory lapse and something more serious. After all, everyone has those tip-of-the-tongue experiences once in a while. 

One early sign of Alzheimer's is having new problems struggling for a word or name or getting lost in the middle of a conversation. This is especially true if it happens along with other warning signs like these:

1. Forgetting what was recently read or learned. Someone might also forget important dates or events or ask the same question over and over. Another sign is relying heavily on memory aids or family members for things you easily remembered in the past. 
2. Finding everyday tasks challenging. The person might get lost when driving to a familiar location or have trouble remembering the rules of a favorite board game or the steps in a recipe memorized long ago. It might also be tough to plan, keep track of, or complete tasks like monthly bills. 
3. Becoming confused by time, place, or space. Some people with Alzheimer's might have trouble judging distance. They might lose track of time or how they got to a certain place. 
4. Misplacing items of value. Sometimes items get stored in unusual places—like a cell phone in the fridge or a wallet in the dryer. 
5. Lacking judgment. This can show up in different ways. For example, your previously dapper father might wear the same pair of wrinkled slacks for seven days in a row. Or your penny-pinching mother is suddenly giving away huge sums of money to telemarketers. 
6. Withdrawing from work or social activities.  Again, you know your loved one best. Maybe the sports fanatic no longer knows what's happening with a favorite team. Or the social butterfly of the family shies away from all get-togethers. 
7. Having a change in personality. Sometimes a person with Alzheimer's becomes more depressed, fearful, or anxious—or may easily lash out at family members. If these kinds of changes occur, they tend to happen in later stages of the disease.3,4,5

 

It's important to know that not everyone will experience the same set of symptoms. Nor will the disease always progress at the same rate.⁵ Trust your instincts. If you feel something is changing, have a discussion with your doctor. I can also be a sounding board. It may be time for a medical evaluation. There isn't a cure for Alzheimer's yet, but treatment can help with symptoms and support services can make a world of difference.⁴    

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

Sources

1.  Reuters: "Alzheimer's to Triple by 2050 as baby boomers age." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133803.html Accessed March 17, 2013.

2.  HealthDay: "U.S. Launches Extensive Alzheimer's Studies." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_133058.html Accessed March 17, 2013.

3.  HealthDay: "Health Tip: Spot the Early Stages of Alzheimer's." Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_134639.html Accessed March 17, 2013.

4.  Alzheimer's Association: "10 Warning Signs." Available at: http://www.alz.org/espanol/signs_and_symptoms/10_warning_signs.asp Accessed March 17, 2013.

        5. Alzheimer's Association: "Seven Stages of Alzheimer's." Available at: http://www.alz.org    /alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp Accessed March 17, 2013.

Medication Storage

 
What’s the worst thing that can happen if you take a medication that is past its expiration date? The medicine will just be a little bit weak, right? Wrong. Although that’s true in most cases, some outdated medications can become toxic and actually make you sick.
Knowing how to store medications, as well as when and where to dispose of them safely, is just as important as knowing how and when to take your medications. Follow these tips and you’ll be on the right track.

When your pharmacist sends you home with a new medication, keep it in its original container, which has your name and dosing information on it. Be sure to re-lock bottles with child-resistant packaging. Many medications—especially those harmful to children—are put in foil packaging. If you find these difficult to open, talk with your pharmacist. For each medication, the law provides for one type of package without child-resistant features. If you don’t have children in your home, these might work best for you (although consider whether young children ever visit your home). But whatever you do, don’t transfer your medications into an empty bottle. Someone else may take them, not knowing they belong to you. It’s been known to happen.

If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist about the best place to store your medications. To keep children and pets safe, store medications in a high, locked cabinet. If that’s not possible, find a place that’s difficult for children to see and reach. Remember: A young child has no idea that these colorful objects are not candy. And even over-the-counter medications and vitamins—particularly those containing iron—can be dangerous, especially if taken in large amounts by children.

To keep a medication safe and potent, keep it out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Some medications are affected by humidity, so the bathroom medicine cabinet isn’t always best. Other medications require refrigeration, but don’t keep medications there unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.

It may be wise to keep a reserve supply of medications, in the event of an emergency. For example, if you need medications for a chronic condition, such as diabetes, asthma, HIV, or a psychiatric condition, carry at least a three to five day supply with you in a purse or briefcase in labeled containers. Make sure these are in child-resistant containers and that your purse or briefcase is kept out of the reach of children.

As for medication disposal, make it a part of your spring (and fall) cleaning ritual. Check expiration dates, but even if the medication is not dated, think of it as expired at six months after purchase. Also, dispose of a medication if it has changed colors or developed an unusual order—even if it’s not past its expiration date. Don’t put medications or vitamins into open trash containers or down the toilet. Instead, take all expired medications to your pharmacist for proper disposal. This is the best way to protect family pets, children, people who might scrounge through your trash—and the environment.

Medications are expensive, so it may be tempting to use them, even when they’ve expired. If this is your thinking, just remember the greater potential cost to you: your health and safety.
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.

Could You Have Sleep Apnea?

Does your snoring raise the dead—or at least prompt a swift kick? Has your partner or spouse said that you gasp or snort, or make choking sounds while asleep? Are you finding yourself way too drowsy during the day, despite getting a “good night’s sleep”? These can be major signs of a common disorder called sleep apnea. Other signs may include:

• Waking often to urinate
• Morning headaches
• Memory or concentration problems
• Irritability, depression, or mood swings
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening1

With sleep apnea, you breathe shallowly or have regular pauses in your breathing that can last from a few seconds to minutes. This may occur when the airway collapses or becomes blocked from extra tissue or other causes. Breathing pauses can happen many times a night, often moving you out of deep sleep into light sleep.2

News flash: your body and brain need oxygen—and lots of it! Sleep apnea can be serious. It isn’t something to ignore. The problem is, lots of people don’t know they have it because there is no simple test to detect the condition. And your doctor can’t confirm it during a routine office visit.2

Feeling tired a lot may be just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Sleepiness can lead to work-related or driving accidents. And, if left untreated, sleep apnea can also increase the risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)2

Suddenly that signature snoring seems a little less funny, doesn’t it? If you have signs of sleep apnea, have a conversation with your physician. You might need a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis. Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea.

A sleep study tests how well you sleep and how your body responds to any problems with sleep. Among other things, it measures the amount of oxygen in your blood, air movement in and out of your nose, and chest movements. It also records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and blood pressure. This study is often done in a sleep center or sleep lab.3
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, many things can help. Sometimes just dropping some pounds, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives can make a difference. Also, sleeping on your side instead of your back can help keep your throat open. Ask your doctor whether allergy medicines or nasal sprays might help keep your nasal passages more open at night.4 Remember—I can help you find products in our store.

If you need treatment, a sleep doctor may recommend one of several options. These include a custom-made oral appliance to move your jaw forward, a device with a one-way nasal valve called Provent Therapy,5 or a breathing device called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). These all work in slightly different ways. Some people also benefit from surgery to widen breathing passages.4 If one approach doesn’t work well, be sure to follow up with your doctor. Of course, I’ll also answer any questions I can.

Sweet dreams!  
Sources

1. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?” Available at:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/signs.html. Accessed February 26, 2013.
2. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “What Is Sleep Apnea?” Available at:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/. Accessed February 26, 2013.
3. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?” Available at:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/diagnosis.html. Accessed February 26, 2013.
4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?” Available at:http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/treatment.html.Accessed February 26, 2013.
5. Sleep Diagnosis and Therapy: “Provent Nasal EPAP: A Skeptic Turns Believer.” Available at:http://www.sleepdt.com/provent-nasal-epap-a-skeptic-turns-believer/.Accessed February 26, 2013.

Seniors Can Prevent Falls

Just the thought of your 80-year-old mother or father taking a tumble makes you really wince, doesn’t it? Or, for that matter—what if that 80-year-old person is you? The idea of falling is certainly not a pleasant thought. The good news is you can help prevent many falls with a few simple changes. Here’s what you can do for yourself or the elder in your family.

See the doctor
If you’ve had a fall:

• Discuss this in as much detail as you can with your doctor. Have a conversation about your health conditions and how your body feels when you’re walking
• Make a list of all your medications—both prescription and over the counter—as well as supplements. Your doctor can review this list for potential side effects or interactions that could increase your risk of falling.1 Of course I’d be glad to go over this with you as well.
• Ask whether an emergency call system might be a good idea. These bracelets or pendants allow you to contact an emergency dispatcher in case of a fall. Some even have motion sensors that can tell if you’ve fallen and alert emergency services, even if you’re unconscious.

Address house hazards
Six out of 10 falls happen at home3—and accidents in the home account for about one-third all injuries in seniors.4 Making simple changes around the house can greatly reduce the risk of falls:

• Remove clutter, and move loose cords, pet bowls, plants, and other small items from high-traffic areas.
• Secure carpets and replace throw rugs with nonslip ones. Attached to your throw rugs? Then at least affix them to the floor with a sticky rubber adhesive.
• Clean up wet spills right away and use nonskid wax on waxed floors.
• Put within easy reach dishes or other items used most often.
• Add nonslip mats in the tub or shower, if you haven’t already.
• Improve lighting, as needed, especially near entrances, stairways, and outdoor walkways. Use the highest recommended wattage. Install nightlights in bathroom, bedroom, hallways, and kitchen. Put a flashlight by the bed.
  If you live in snow country, spread sand or salt on icy surfaces. But, whenever possible, avoid the outdoors during the nastiest of weather.

Add assistive devices
You’ll find some of the following devices in our store.

• Ask the doctor whether a cane or walker is a good idea.
• Install grab bars in the shower and tub and next to the toilet. Also install handrails on both sides of stairs.
• Add a raised toilet seat or one with armrests.
• Buy a solid plastic seat and hand-held shower nozzle for the shower or tub.

Has a loved one taken a fall, but has trouble taking safety advice from you? Or, are you the one who’s fallen, and you’re feeling as though your family is a little overbearing? The doctor may suggest having a home health nurse or occupational therapist pay a visit to assess the situation.3 Sometimes it’s easier to hear advice from an unbiased observer.
Just remember: taking steps to prevent falls cannot only prevent falls. It also improves the chances of staying independent as you grow older.
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.
Sources

1. Mayo Clinic: “Fall prevention: 6 tips to prevent falls.” Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/fall-prevention/HQ00657/METHOD=print Accessed March 7, 2013.
2. Best of the Web Senior Housing: “Senior-Proofing Your or Your Parent’s Home.” Available at: http://seniorhousing.botw.org/senior-proofing-the-home/ Accessed March 7, 2013.
3. NIH Senior Health: “Fall Proofing Your Home.” Available at: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/homesafety/01.html Accessed March 7, 2013.
4. Dr. Marion: “‘Elder Proofing’ Your Home.” Available at: http://drmarion.com/news/elder_proofing_your_home Accessed March 7, 2013.