The IDEA Publishing
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
the_health_idea
The Health IDEA

The Health IDEA

Your Best Source for the Latest Health and Wellness Info for Better Living!

Nicotine to Help Treat Memory Loss?

2/2/2019

Comments

 
senior_dementia_patient_with_nurse
Exciting new research on how Nicotine may help treat memory loss

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health is testing whether the nicotine patch can improve memory and functioning in people who have mild memory loss or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).   


Nicotine to Help Treat Memory Loss?

(Family Features) A study funded by the National Institutes of Health is testing whether the nicotine patch can improve memory and functioning in people who have mild memory loss or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

The largest and longest running study of its kind, the MIND (Memory Improvement through Nicotine Dosing) Study is looking for 300 volunteers at sites across the United States who have mild memory loss but are otherwise healthy, non-smokers over the age of 55.

“The MIND Study will provide valuable information for researchers with regard to early memory loss that is associated with normal aging and early Alzheimer’s disease, but we need volunteers if we are going to succeed,” said Dr. Paul Newhouse, MD, director of the Vanderbilt Center for Cognitive Medicine and lead investigator for the MIND Study.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in five people age 65 or older have mild memory loss or MCI and are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Currently, there is no FDA-approved medication indicated to treat this condition; however, nicotine stimulates an area in the brain known to be important for thinking and memory, and scientists believe it could be an effective treatment for adults with MCI.

“People often think nicotine is addictive and harmful because it is in tobacco products, but it’s safe when used in patch form,” Newhouse said. “Nicotine is an inexpensive, readily available treatment that could have significant benefits for people experiencing mild memory impairment.”

The MIND Study needs 300 people to enroll in sites across the United States. Researchers are looking for healthy, non-smoking adults over the age of 55 who are in the earliest stages of memory loss to participate in the MIND Study.

You, or a loved one, may be eligible to participate if you have been diagnosed with MCI or if you or your family members notice changes in your memory:

  • Are you or a loved one having difficulty remembering recent events?
  • Have you noticed changes in your memory or your loved one’s memory?
  • Is your memory as good as it was two years ago?
  • If you asked someone close to you about your memory, what would he or she say?

Potential study volunteers can learn more by visiting MINDStudy.org or calling 1-866-MIND-150.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Memory Improvement through Nicotine Dosing (MIND)


KEYWORDS

  • age ×
  • aging ×
  • Alzheimer's ×
  • Alzheimer's Disease ×
  • brain ×
  • cognition ×
  • cognitive ×
  • dementia ×
  • diagnosis ×
  • diagnostics ×
  • family ×
  • Family Features ×
  • MCI ×
  • medical research ×
  • memory ×
  • memory loss ×
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment ×
  • MIND ×
  • National Institutes of Health ×
  • nicotine ×
  • NIH ×
  • patch ×
  • pharmaceuticals ×
  • pharmacy ×
  • prescription drugs ×
  • prescriptions ×
  • research ×
  • senior citizens ×
  • seniors ×
  • studies ×
  • study ×
  • thinking ×
  • treatment ×
  • treatment options ×
  • volunteer ×
  • volunteers

Comments

Family doctors remind people that #MentalHealthMatters

7/10/2018

 
family_doctors_remind_people_that_mental_health_matters
Family doctors remind people that #MentalHealthMatters

Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time for people to consider the state of their mental health and that of their loved ones and friends. Family doctors from all over the U.S. and the American Academy of Family Physicians are calling on people to do just that. Join the movement today!


(BPT) - Mental health and emotional wellness affect every aspect of a person’s life, from work to family to leisure. One in five adults lives with mental illness, which can range from mild to severe. Many times, before mental illness is diagnosed, it can trigger physical symptoms.

Take, for example, 26-year-old Michael who suffered a construction work injury that started him on a vicious cycle of pain and feeling helpless. After being treated for the pain, he noticed red, flaky sores on his skin. His family doctor diagnosed him with depression-related psoriasis and together they worked out a treatment plan.

Then there’s Jennifer, a 35-year-old hair stylist, who showed the textbook signs of a heart attack: She couldn’t catch her breath, was sweating, and had a rapid heartbeat and nausea. After multiple tests in the ER costing thousands of dollars, she was diagnosed with acute anxiety. Her prescription? See her family doctor and determine the right course of treatment for her situation — both physical and emotional.

This mind/body connection is very real, complicated and many times, not well understood. That’s one reason why it’s important to have a family doctor who knows the patient and their family in the context of their community. Family doctors are on the front lines of diagnosing and treating mental health concerns. In fact, primary care physicians provide the majority of U.S. mental health services.

Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time for people to consider the state of their mental health and that of their loved ones and friends. Family doctors from all over the U.S. and the American Academy of Family Physicians are calling on people to do just that.

Join the movement. Go to familydoctor.org to learn:
* When and how to talk to your family doctor about mental health
* What your doctor can do for you
* How to prepare for an appointment and questions to ask your doctor

Download a guide to help start the conversation, including taking note of
* Physical, emotional or behavioral symptoms
* Any recent life changes
* Medications you are taking
​
Help start the conversation on talking to your family doctor about mental health and well-being online. Tell others about the resources on your social media channels using the hashtag #MentalHealthMatters. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Your family doctor is a good place to start.

KEYWORDS

  • advice×
  • attitude×
  • BPT×
  • brain×
  • Brandpoint Content×
  • checkup×
  • check up×
  • doctor×
  • doctors×
  • hacks×
  • lifehacks×
  • mental health×
  • #MentalHealthMatters×
  • mind×
  • mood×
  • mood swings×
  • outlook×
  • perspective×
  • physician×
  • psychiatry×
  • psychology×
  • tips​


Don't fear anesthesia when your child needs surgery

7/9/2018

 
dont_fear_anesthesia_when_your_child_needs_surgery
Don't fear anesthesia when your child needs surgery

As a parent, you want to be sure your child gets the best and safest care. Anesthesia’s effect on the developing brain is being researched continually, and you’ll be comforted to know that anesthesia provided during one brief surgery is considered safe by the experts at the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).


(BPT) - When surgery is necessary, anesthesia ensures your child can safely receive life-saving or corrective treatment while managing the pain and discomfort of the procedure. Anesthesia’s effect on the developing brain is being researched continually, and you’ll be comforted to know that anesthesia provided during one brief surgery is considered safe by the experts at the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).


“Parents should rest assured that surgery is only recommended when necessary and your child will be monitored during every minute of the procedure to ensure the safest and most effective care,” said Linda Mason, M.D., ASA president-elect and a pediatric physician anesthesiologist. “In an effort to continually improve anesthesia, physician anesthesiologists have been at the forefront of research on the effects of anesthesia on children — and adults — and continue to study this important issue.”


As a parent, you want to be sure your child gets the best and safest care. To that end, ASA offers the following guidance:


1. Don’t delay or avoid surgery: Work closely with your child’s surgeon and other physicians to determine if surgery is the right choice. In most cases, delaying or avoiding surgery may mean the child does not receive much-needed care. For example, if your child’s doctor recommends placing tubes to drain fluid in the ears and prevent ongoing infection, not doing the procedure increases the risk of delayed speech and language development, which can affect social and academic success.


2. Talk to the physician anesthesiologist: Highly trained to ensure safe, high-quality care, the physician anesthesiologist will monitor your child through the entire surgery so he or she stays warm, gets enough oxygen, has stable blood pressure and receives necessary fluids. Depending on the location and type of surgery, your child may have more than one anesthesia option. Be sure to ask the physician anesthesiologist about those options as well as any other questions you have, such as:
* How can I ensure my child has a successful surgery?
* How can I help my child prepare?
* Is anesthesia safe for my child?


3. Rest assured that limited exposure is considered safe: Experts note that a single, relatively short exposure to anesthesia and surgery is unlikely to have negative effects on behavior or learning. And most common surgeries in children require anesthesia for less than two hours. Research continues regarding the use of anesthesia in repeated or longer surgeries. But parents should be confident that physicians are aware of the concerns and will only recommend a surgery or procedure if necessary.


“ASA is committed to advancing research regarding this issue and its physician scientist members are active in cutting-edge research both in the laboratory and at the patient’s bedside,” said Dr. Mason. “Through the SmartTots program, ASA partners with the International Anesthesia Research Society and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support funding to investigate the safety of anesthesia for infants and young children.”


Learn about preparing your child for surgery and questions to ask about anesthesia safety for your young child at asahq.org/kidschecklist. Additionally, download ASA’s companion coloring book for children who are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery.


The American Society of Anesthesiologists


Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 52,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology. ASA is committed to ensuring physician anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of patients before, during and after surgery to provide the highest quality and safest care every patient deserves.
​

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount. Like ASA on Facebook; follow ASALifeline on Twitter.

KEYWORDS

  • advice×
  • anesthesia×
  • Anesthesiologist×
  • anesthesiology×
  • BPT×
  • brain×
  • Brandpoint Content×
  • child×
  • children×
  • children's health×
  • development×
  • information×
  • medical research×
  • pediatric×
  • pediatrics×
  • physician×
  • physician anesthesiologist×
  • procedure×
  • research×
  • risk×
  • risk factors×
  • safety×
  • surgeon×
  • surgery×
  • tips

10 things you don't know about meningitis

6/28/2018

 
Jamie_Schanbaum_paraathlete_and_meningitis_survivor
Jamie Schanbaum, GSK spokesperson, U.S. Para-athlete and meningitis survivor

By Jamie Schanbaum, GSK spokesperson, U.S. Para-athlete and meningitis survivor. Before I contracted bacterial meningitis in 2008, I had never heard of it. I didn’t know how it was transmitted, what the symptoms were or how to help prevent it. After spending seven months in the hospital and losing all my fingers and both legs below the knee, I learned as much as I could about meningococcal disease. Now I want others to know what I didn’t.



(BPT) - By Jamie Schanbaum, GSK spokesperson, U.S. Para-athlete and meningitis survivor

Before I contracted bacterial meningitis in 2008, I had never heard of it. I didn’t know how it was transmitted, what the symptoms were or how to help prevent it. After spending seven months in the hospital and losing all my fingers and both legs below the knee, I learned as much as I could about meningococcal disease. Now I want others to know what I didn’t.
  1. Meningococcal meningitis, often referred to as meningitis, is an inflammation of the protective membranes, or meninges, covering the brain and spinal cord.[1]
  2. About one in 10 people carry the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, that can cause meningitis. These bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat. People who have the bacteria without any signs or symptoms of the disease are called “carriers.”[2]
  3. Meningitis is uncommon but can be fatal. About one in 10 people infected with meningococcal disease will die.[3]
  4. About one in five meningitis survivors will suffer long-term disability, such as loss of limbs (like me), brain damage, deafness and nervous system problems.[4]
  5. Young adults, including college students and those living in close quarters, are at increased risk for meningitis due to close contact with each other, sharing drinks or eating utensils, kissing or even just coughing.[5],[6] I was 20 years old and in my first semester at the University of Texas when I contracted meningitis. I didn’t know about this increased risk.
  6. Early symptoms may be similar to those of a cold or the flu, but can progress quickly and can be fatal, or cause disability within 24 hours.[7],[8] Symptoms can include fever, headache and stiff neck as well as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and confusion.[9] Everyone’s symptoms can be slightly different, however. For example, I had nausea and vomiting, but also felt exhausted. My hands and feet were extremely sensitive to touching cold objects, like the sink faucet and tile floors. In just 14 hours, I went from thinking I had the flu to being admitted to the hospital. My experience may not be the same as others, so it’s important to know all the possible signs and symptoms and to seek medical help quickly.
  7. There are five different vaccine-preventable serogroups of meningitis – A, B, C, W and Y. Groups B, C and Y are the most common groups of meningitis in the U.S.[10]
  8. There are two different types of vaccines needed to help protect against the five vaccine-preventable serogroups of meningitis.[11] It’s important to know that even if you’ve had a vaccine for serogroups A, C, W and Y, you need a different vaccine to help protect against serogroup B.[12]
  9. Despite the availability of serogroup B meningococcal vaccination since 2014, less than 10 percent of teens and young adults have been vaccinated, even though serogroup B accounts for 30 percent of all meningitis cases in the U.S.[13],[14]
  10. The CDC says all 11- to 12-year-olds should be vaccinated against meningitis A, C, W and Y and recommends a booster at age 16. Additionally, the CDC says teens and young adults (ages 16 through 23) also may be vaccinated against meningitis B, preferably at 16 through 18 years of age. Though vaccination may not protect all recipients, it’s the best way to help prevent the disease.[15],[16]
I consider myself to be very fortunate not only because I survived, but also because now I have an opportunity to educate others. I encourage parents of teens and young adults to talk to their child’s healthcare provider about meningitis and the two different types of vaccines needed to help protect against the disease.



[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningitis. March 28, 2018. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html. Page 1, Paragraph 1.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. Causes and Spread to Others. March 28, 2018. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/causes-transmission.html/, Page 1, Paragraph 1.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease: Technical and Clinical Information. June 2016. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/clinical-info.html. Page 1, Paragraph 4, Lines 1-3.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease: Technical and Clinical Information. June 2016. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/clinical-info.html. Page 1, Paragraph 4, Lines 1-3.
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. March 28, 2017. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/causes-transmission.html. Page 1, Paragraph 3.
[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Chapter 8: Meningococcal Disease. April 2014. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt08-mening.html. Page 1, Paragraphs 10-12.
[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Chapter 8: Meningococcal Disease. April 2014. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt08-mening.html. Page 1, Paragraphs 10-12.
[8] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease: Signs & Symptoms. July 2016. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/symptoms.html. Page 1, Paragraphs 1- 2.
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease: Signs & Symptoms. July 2016. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/symptoms.html. Page 1, Paragraphs 1- 2.
[10] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. Causes and Spread to Others. March 28, 2018. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/causes-transmission.html/, Page 1, Paragraph 1
[11] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Information Statements (VISs): Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines (MenACWY and MPSV4) VIS. March 2016. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/mening.html. Page 1, Paragraph 6.
[12] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Information Statements (VISs): Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines (MenACWY and MPSV4) VIS. March 2016. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/mening.html. Page 1, Paragraph 6.
[13] GSK, data on file.
[14] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Chapter 8: Meningococcal Disease. April 2014. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt08-mening.html. Page 1, Paragraph 3, Line 2.
[15] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Vaccination. March 2018. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/index.html. Page 1, Paragraph 2.
[16] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. March 2018. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html. Page 1, Paragraph 4.


KEYWORDS

  • bacteria ×
  • BPT ×
  • brain ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • CDC ×
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ×
  • college ×
  • disease ×
  • fatal ×
  • meningitis ×
  • meningococcal ×
  • mortality ×
  • pharmaceuticals ×
  • prevention ×
  • symptomology ×
  • symptoms ×
  • transmission ×
  • treatment ×
  • treatment options ×
  • vaccination ×
  • vaccines

7 tips to support Alzheimer's caregivers

12/27/2017

 
Picture

(BPT) - Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding, and especially challenging.

A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates many caregivers are not getting the help and support they need — 84 percent of caregivers say they would like more support in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, especially from family members.

“Too many people are shouldering the caregiving burden alone,” says Ruth Drew, director of information and support services at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Many people want or would welcome help, but they are reluctant or just too overwhelmed to ask.”

Tips for supporting a caregiver

Providing help and support to caregivers can be easier than most people think. Even little acts can make a significant difference, Drew says. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these suggestions:

Learn: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease — its symptoms, its progression and challenges facing caregivers. The more you know, the easier it will be to find ways to help.

Build a team: Organize family and friends who want to help. The Alzheimer's Association Care Team Calendar is a free, personalized online tool that allows helpers to sign up for specific tasks, such as preparing meals, providing rides or running errands.

Give a break: Spend time with the person with dementia, allowing the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour can provide the caregiver some relief.

Check in: Many caregivers report feeling isolated or alone; make a phone call to check in, send a note or stop by for a visit.

Tackle the to-do list: Ask for a list of errands that need to be done. Pick up groceries or dry cleaning, or even offer to shuttle kids to and from activities.

Be specific and be flexible: Open-ended offers of support (“Call me if you need anything,” or “Let me know if I can help.”) may be well-intended, but are often dismissed. Be specific in your offer (“I’m going to the store, what do you need?”). Continue to let the caregiver know that you are there and ready to help.

Join the fight: Honor a person living with the disease and their caregiver by supporting the Alzheimer’s cause. Volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s Association office or participate in fundraising events.

“It’s a mistake to assume caregivers have everything under control,” Drew says. “Most caregivers can use and would appreciate help. No one can do everything, but each of us can do something.”
​
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and ways you can support families and people living with the disease, visit www.alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association.

One man's struggle with PTSD, 40 years later

8/20/2017

 
PTSD-military-vateran-treatment
PTSD is a vital concern for military veterans and their loved ones

(BPT) - Bobby Barrera’s career as a Marine ended abruptly at age 21. While in Vietnam, on his first mission, a land mine explosion took his right hand at the wrist and left arm at the shoulder, and left him with severe burns over 40 percent of his body and face.

Coping with the physical challenges of his injuries and struggling to find a new purpose for life was almost easy compared to dealing with the psychological impact of war trauma: something that would remain with Bobby for the next 40 years.

Bobby went on to marry and have a family. His children had children, and he created a fulfilling and meaningful life for himself. He returned to college to earn a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. For nearly four decades, Bobby counseled veterans with mental health challenges caused by war and volunteered with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a veterans service organization that helps veterans of all generations get the benefits and services they’ve earned. He went on to become the national commander of DAV in 2009. What Bobby didn’t realize — or want to admit — was that for more than 40 years, he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It wasn’t until Bobby and his wife moved to San Antonio, Texas, to retire that his PTSD symptoms became overwhelming. After moving, Bobby felt immediately lost. Being new in town, losing his network of friends, no longer working and coping with chronic pain triggered long-suppressed symptoms of PTSD. Soon, the nightmares began. Then came mood swings, increased anxiety, and feelings of isolation and hopelessness — and eventually, thoughts of suicide.

Bobby’s wife pushed him to seek help — which led to a PTSD diagnosis. He questioned how he could have overlooked his own signs of PTSD for so many decades, while helping countless other veterans who struggled with it.

PTSD symptoms are caused by experiencing traumatic events and not by an inherent individual weakness. Roughly 15 percent of Vietnam veterans are impacted by PTSD, and an estimated 20 percent of recent war veterans have symptoms of PTSD or depression. It can lead to a higher risk for unemployment, homelessness or suicide.

Bobby is learning how to cope with his diagnosis. He is meeting more people, getting involved at church and spending time with his family. He began to volunteer again. His recovery is ongoing. Bobby credits his wife for encouraging him to ask for help and believes that doing so gave him yet another chance at life.

If you are struggling with symptoms of PTSD, you are not alone. Resources are available at www.DAV.org/veterans/resources. If your situation is critical, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.


KEYWORDS

  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • BPT ×
  • PTSD ×
  • brain ×
  • mental health ×
  • psychiatry ×
  • psychology ×
  • veterans ×
  • military ×
  • tips ×
  • advice ×
  • help ×
  • support ×
  • services
  • counseling ×
  • depression ×
  • anxiety ×
  • suicide ×
  • mood swings ×
  • isolation

3 pressing reasons to talk hearing health at your next physical exam

6/24/2017

 
Picture

When was the last time you and your doctor talked about your hearing?


(BPT) - When was the last time you and your doctor talked about your hearing?

The fact is, only about 3 in 10 adults who had a physical exam in the last year say it included a hearing screening, according to research conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). That’s a shame, because research shows that hearing health is more closely tied to whole health and quality of life than previously understood — which means that diagnosing and treating hearing loss early may be beneficial on many fronts.

To help people take charge of their hearing health, BHI has created a free digital flipbook, “How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hearing Loss,” which anyone can view and download at www.betterhearing.org/news/how-talk-your-doctor-about-hearing-loss.

The flipbook provides pertinent information to help consumers start the discussion, which is especially important because research shows that patients are more likely to initiate the conversation about hearing than their doctors are.

To go along with the free flipbook, BHI has put together this short list of reasons to speak up and start the conversation on your hearing:

1.
Hearing loss has been linked to other significant health issues. In recent years, a flurry of studies has come out showing a link between hearing loss and other health issues, including depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, obesity, an increased risk of falls, hospitalization and mortality, and cognitive decline. With so much new and emerging research, it makes sense for people to talk with their doctors about their hearing as a routine part of their medical care.

2. Addressing hearing loss often has a positive impact on quality of life.
Most people who currently wear hearing aids say it has helped their general ability to communicate, participate in group activities and their overall quality of life, according to BHI research. The research also shows that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to be optimistic, feel engaged in life, get more pleasure in doing things, have a strong social network and are more likely to tackle problems actively. Many even say they feel more confident and better about themselves as a result of using hearing aids.

3. Leaving hearing loss untreated may come at a financial cost.
Most hearing aid users in the workforce say it has helped their performance on the job. In fact, BHI research found that using hearing aids reduced the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. People with untreated hearing loss can lose as much as $30,000 in income annually, the BHI research found. Health care spending may also be affected.

For instance, middle-aged adults (55-64) with diagnosed hearing loss had substantially higher health care costs, according to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, indicating that hearing loss may place patients at risk for increased health care use and costs. The study authors suggested that early, successful intervention may prevent future hearing-related disabilities and decreased quality of life.

For more information on hearing loss, visit BetterHearing.org.


  • BPT ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • hearing ×
  • tests ×
  • diagnostics ×
  • prevention ×
  • brain ×
  • aging

Understanding the Serious Nature of Mini-Strokes

6/8/2017

Comments

 

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability in the United States and among the top five causes of death. However, with proper, timely medical attention, stroke is largely treatable. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of a mini-stroke could help save a life.


Understanding the Serious Nature of Mini-Strokes


(Family Features) Knowing the warning signs of a mini-stroke could help save a life.

A survey conducted by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association shows one-third of United States adults have had symptoms consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, but only 3 percent called 911 for help.

“Ignoring any stroke signs could be a deadly mistake,” said Mitch Elkind, M.D., chair of the American Stroke Association Advisory Committee. “Only a formal medical diagnosis with brain imaging can determine whether you’re having a TIA or a stroke.”

The survey showed 35 percent of respondents experienced at least one sign of a TIA or mini-stroke, such as sudden trouble speaking or a severe headache with no known cause. According to the online survey, those who suffered symptoms were more likely to wait it out, rest or take medicine rather than call 911.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability in the United States and among the top five causes of death. However, with proper, timely medical attention, stroke is largely treatable. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome.

The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people remember the most common stroke warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency:

F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call 911

While the symptoms are the same, the difference between a TIA and a stroke is that the blockage is temporary, lasting between a few minutes and 24 hours. People who suffer a TIA, sometimes called a warning stroke, are more likely to have a stroke within 90 days, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Elkind said anyone who experiences a stroke warning sign that appears suddenly, whether it goes away or not, should call 911 immediately. This could improve the chances of an accurate diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Stroke symptoms come on suddenly with no known cause and may include confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or a severe headache.

To learn more about stroke warning signs and treatment, visit StrokeAssociation.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

Comments
<<Previous



    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015


    Interested in Publishing on The Health IDEA?

    Send your query to the Publisher today!


    Categories

    All
    Abdomen
    Abdominal
    Accidental Overdoses
    Accuracy
    Acetaminophen
    Acid Reflux
    Acne
    Activity
    Acupuncture
    Addiction
    Administration
    Adolescent
    Advice
    Aerobic Exercise
    Age
    Aging
    AIDS
    Air Quality
    Alcohol
    Allergens
    Allergies
    Allergist
    Allergy
    Allergy Drugs
    Allergy Medication
    Allergy Medicine
    Allergy Shots
    Alternative Medicine
    Alternative Therapies
    Alzheimer's
    Alzheimer's Disease
    Amenities
    American Cancer Society
    American Diabetes Association
    American Red Cross
    Analgesics
    Anesthesia
    Anesthesiologist
    Anesthesiology
    Anorexia
    Antibiotics
    Anxiety
    Arteries
    Artery
    Arthritis
    Assisted Living
    Asthma
    Attitude
    Author
    Babies
    Baby
    Back
    Bacteria
    Bathroom
    Beauty
    Bed
    Benefits
    Birth
    Birth-control
    Bladder
    Bleeding
    Blood
    Blood-disorders
    Blood-donors
    Blood Pressure
    Blood-test
    Blue-cross-blue-shield
    Book
    Bowel
    Bowel-movement
    Bph
    BPT
    Brain
    Brandpoint
    Brandpoint Content
    Breast
    Breast Cancer
    Breastfeeding
    Breathing
    Brushing
    Caesarian-section
    Caffeine
    Cancer
    Cancer-research-institute
    Cancers
    Cardiac
    Cardiac Health
    Cardio
    Cardiologist
    Cardiology
    Care
    Careers
    Caregiver
    Caregiving
    Caring
    Cats
    Cdc
    Cdc1281a12c03
    Celebrity
    Centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention
    Centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention
    Centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services
    Certification
    Check
    Checkup
    Check-up
    Chemotherapy
    Child
    Childbirth
    Children
    Childrens-health
    Cholesterol
    Chronic-conditions
    Chronic-conditions
    Chronic-illness
    Chronic-pain
    Chronic-pain
    Circulation
    Cleaning
    Clinical-trial
    Clinical-trials
    Clinical-trialsb64bff8326
    Cms
    Coding
    Cognition
    Cognitive
    Cold
    Cold-and-flu
    Colds
    College
    Comedian
    Comedy
    Communications
    Complications
    Conception
    Constipation
    Controversy
    Cooking
    Copd
    Coping
    Coping-strategies
    Coronary
    Costs
    Cough
    Coughing
    Counseling
    Credential
    Csection
    Culture
    Dangers
    Death
    Deaths
    Dehydration
    Delivery
    Dementia
    Demographics
    Dental
    Dentistry
    Depression
    Dermatolists
    Dermatology
    Destress
    Detection
    Development
    Diabetes
    Diabetic
    Diagnosis
    Diagnostics
    Diarrhea
    Diet
    Digestion
    Digestive
    Digestive-issues
    Disease
    Disinfect
    Disinfecting
    Disorders
    Disposables
    Dna
    Doctor
    Doctors
    Dog
    Dogs
    Donors
    Dosage
    Dose-counter
    Dr-james-andrews
    Drugs
    Drug-store
    Earache
    Early-detection
    Ear-pain
    Eating-disorders
    Ed
    Education
    Efficacy
    Ehealth
    Emergency
    Encephalitis
    Energy
    Epidemic
    Epidemiology
    Er
    Erectile-dysfunction
    Errors
    Ethnicity
    Exercise
    Expenses
    Expert
    Experts
    Eye Health
    Eyes
    Face
    Family
    Family Features
    Family-planning
    Fatal
    Fatality
    Fatigue
    Fda
    Federal-government
    Feet
    Feline-health
    Female
    Fertility
    Finances
    Financial
    Findings
    First-aid
    Fitness
    Flu
    Fluids
    Flu-season
    Flu-shot
    Focus
    Fodmap
    Food
    Food-and-drug-administration
    Fungus
    Gastroenterologist
    Gastrointestinal
    Genes
    Gene-therapy
    Genetics
    Gerd
    Germs
    Giving
    Government
    Grandparents
    Grocery
    Gynecologist
    Gynecology
    Hacks
    Hair
    Hands
    Head
    Headache
    Headaches
    Heallth
    Health
    Health-care
    Health-care-careers
    Health-care-jobs
    Health-insurance
    Healthy-eating
    Healthy Living
    Hearing
    Hearing-aids
    Hearing-loss
    Heart
    Heart Attack
    Heart Disease
    Heart Health
    Heartworm
    Heat
    Heath
    Help
    Hemophilia
    Hepatitis
    Hepatitis-b
    Hepatitis-c
    High Blood Pressure
    High Cholesterol
    High-school
    Hiv
    Holidays
    Holistic-therapy
    Home
    Home-health
    Home-health
    Hormonal
    Hormonal Therapy
    Hormones
    Hormone Therapy
    Hospital
    Hrt
    Hydration
    Hygiene
    Ibs
    Ibsd
    Illnesses
    Immune-system
    Immunizations
    Immunotherapy
    Implant
    Impotence
    Incontinence
    Infection
    Infertility
    Inflammation
    Influenza
    Information
    Inhaler
    Inhalers
    Injections
    Injury
    Innovation
    Inpatient
    Insects
    Insomnia
    Insurance
    Intensive-care
    Intestines
    Irritable-bowel-syndrome
    Irritable-bowel-syndrome-with-diarrhea
    Isolation
    Job
    Jobs
    Joint-health
    Joints
    Kid
    Kidney-disease
    Kidney-failure
    Kids
    Knee
    Knees
    Knowledge
    Labor
    Lactation
    Learning
    Lifehacks
    Lifestyle
    Lips
    Lists
    Living Well
    Lump
    Lumps
    Lung-cancer
    Lungs
    Mail
    Mail Order
    Marketing
    Maternal-health
    Maternity
    Mayo-clinic
    MCI
    MD Anderson
    Meals
    Medical
    Medical Errors
    Medical Research
    Medical-test
    Medical-waste
    Medicare
    Medication
    Medications
    Medicine
    Meditation
    Melanoma
    Memory
    Memory Loss
    Meningitis
    Meningococcal
    Menopause
    Mens-health
    Mental-health
    Mentalhealthmatters
    Migraine
    Migraines
    Mild Cognitive Impairment
    Military
    MIND
    Ministroke
    Minorities
    Moisture
    Mold
    Mom
    Moms
    Money
    Monitor
    Monitoring
    Mood
    Mood-swings
    Mortality
    Mortality Rate
    Mosquito
    Mosquitoes
    Mother
    Mouth
    Mrsa
    Ms
    Multiple-sclerosis
    Multivitamin
    Muscles
    Myths
    Nails
    National Institutes Of Health
    Natural
    Nausea
    Needles
    Nerve-blocks
    Neurologist
    Neurology
    Neuropathic-pain
    Neuropathy
    Nicotine
    Night
    Nighttime
    NIH
    Nocturia
    Nurses
    Nursing
    Nursing-home
    Nutrition
    Obgyn
    Obstetrics
    Oncologists
    Oncology
    Online
    Opiod-addiction
    Opioid
    Opioid-addiction
    Opioid-addiction
    Opioids
    Opthamology
    Oral-health
    Otc
    Outbreak
    Outcomes
    Outdoors
    Outlook
    Outpatient
    Overdose
    Overprescribing
    Overthecounter
    Ovulation
    Oxygen
    Pain
    Pain-clinic
    Pain-clinics
    Pain-disorders
    Pain-management
    Pain-management
    Pain-medication
    Pain-medication
    Pain-medications
    Pain-medications
    Pancreatic-cancer
    Parent
    Parenting
    Patch
    Patient
    Patients
    Pediatric
    Pediatrics
    Perspective
    Perspiration
    Pet-health
    Pet-owners
    Pets
    Pharmaceuticals
    Pharmacy
    Physical
    Physical-therapy
    Physician
    Physician-anesthesiologist
    Physicians
    Physiology
    Pink-eye
    Plaque-psoriasis
    Platelets
    Podiatry
    Policy
    Postsurgery
    Practice
    Pregnacy-test
    Pregnancy
    Pregnant
    Prescribing
    Prescription Drugs
    Prescriptions
    Prevalence
    Prevention
    Primary Care Doctor
    Probiotic
    Probiotics
    Procedure
    Prostate
    Protein
    Providers
    Psoriasis
    Psoriatic-arthritis
    Psychiatry
    Psychology
    Ptsd
    Public-health
    Pulmonary
    Pulmonology
    Qualifications
    Quality
    Quality-of-life
    Quiz
    Race
    Radiation
    Rankings
    Rare
    Reading
    Recipe
    Recovery
    Recurrence
    Red-cross
    Reflux
    Rehab
    Rehabilitation
    Relationships
    Relaxation
    Remote
    Rem-sleep
    Replacement
    Research
    Resources
    Rest
    Risk
    Risk Factors
    Risks
    Rotator-cuff
    Routine
    Routine-physical
    Safety
    Salt
    Savings
    Scanning
    Schedule
    School
    Screening
    Screenings
    Seasonal Allergies
    Seasons
    Second-opinion
    Selfassessment
    Selfmonitoring
    Self-monitoring
    Senior Citizens
    Seniors
    Service
    Services
    Sex
    Sexual-health
    Sharps
    Shopping
    Shoulder
    Side Effects
    Side-effects
    Sinus
    Sinuses
    Skin
    Skin-cancer
    Skin-care
    Sleep
    Sleep Apnea
    Sleep-deprivation
    Sleeping
    Sleep-loss
    Sleep-quality
    Smartphone
    Smoking
    Sneezing
    Social-media
    Sodium
    Softtissue-sarcomas
    Specialists
    Specialty
    Speech
    Srping
    Stomach
    Strength
    Stress
    Stretching
    Stroke
    Strokes
    Studies
    Study
    Sugar
    Suicide
    Summer
    Sun
    Sunscreen
    Supplements
    Support
    Surgeon
    Surgery
    Survey
    Survivability
    Survival
    Symptom
    Symptomology
    Symptoms
    Tech
    Technology
    Teen
    Teenage
    Teen-health
    Telemedicine
    Tendons
    Tests
    The New England Journal Of Medicine
    Therapies
    Therapy
    Thinking
    Tia
    Tips
    Tobacco
    Toddlers
    Toes
    Toothbrush
    Training
    Transmission
    Travel
    Treatment
    Treatment Options
    Trials
    Tumor
    Uncontrolled Asthma
    Urinary
    Urinate
    Urination
    Urologist
    Urology
    Uv-rays
    Vaccination
    Vaccines
    Vaginal-dryness
    Vector
    Veterans
    Veterinary
    Virus
    Viruses
    Vision
    Vitamins
    Volunteer
    Volunteers
    Walk
    Walking
    Warning-signs
    Water
    Wearables
    Weather
    Website
    Weight
    Weight-gain
    Weight-loss
    Wellbeing
    Wellness
    West-nile
    Winter
    Woman
    Women
    Women's Health
    Womens Health
    Workout
    Workplace
    Zika






    RSS Feed


Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact