Author: Danielle Menke

Summer Health Myth’s Debunked

Summer Health Myth’s Debunked

The summer brings more than just heat. From sunburns to jellyfish stings, there is always something that could go wrong while having a good time out in the sun. But how do you usually deal with these incidents? Many of us follow the advice passed …

5 Things With More Bacteria Than Your Toilet

5 Things With More Bacteria Than Your Toilet

Photo by Michael Jasmund on Unsplash Your bathroom, kitchen and living room are probably the biggest areas that you target when cleaning your home. Of course, you make sure to scrub the toilet and wash the dishes. But what if you are not cleaning some …

To Sit or Not To Sit: You’ve Sat on this Problem for Far Too Long

To Sit or Not To Sit: You’ve Sat on this Problem for Far Too Long

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

There’s a good chance that you are sitting down while you are reading this. But you might want to stand up.

British experts are recommending those who sit for the majority of the day, stand for at least two hours a day. Experts recommend people start with two hours of standing or light activity, eventually doubling that time to four hours in a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Recently, sitting has been compared to that of the effects of smoking, heart problems, obesity and cancer.

What are the health risks of sitting for the majority of the day?

According to the guidelines in the study, people who sit for a majority of the day, have more than twice the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a 13 percent increased risk of cancer and a 17 percent increased risk of premature death, compared to those who sit least. Gavin Bradley, director of the campaign group, Get Britain Standing, states that changing the amount of time people stand at work or where ever they find themselves sitting the most, could have huge benefits. Up to 95% of adults in developed countries are classified as inactive. “We’ve sat on this problem for far too long,” he said.

According to MensFitness.com and new research published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, a five minute stroll for every hour you sit can counteract negative health benefits to the arteries in the legs. The study found that sitting for just one hour, can limit the arteries functions by up to 50 percent and slow down blood flow. This could lead to serious future health conditions and cardiovascular problems.

The study’s lead author, Saurabh Thosar, told Medical News Today, “American adults sit for approximately eight hours a day. The impairment in the endothelial function is significant after just one hour of sitting. It is interesting to see that light physical activity can help in preventing this impairment.”

You can take a bathroom or water break, stop by a co-workers office for a visit, decide to walk to your bosses office to give her an update instead of emailing her or just stand next to your desk as you look over that report. Try to do things during the day, at 5 minute intervals for every hour, to counteract the effects of sitting for most of the day. Your arteries and heart will thank you later.

What are some things you do to counteract the effects of sitting? Share your story in the comments below!

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com, http://www.mensfitness.com

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How Running Benefits Every Aspect of Your Life

How Running Benefits Every Aspect of Your Life

For those who have decided to begin their journey on the road to better health, running can be intimidating. However, in honor of National Running Day, it is important to understand just how beneficial running can be for your body. Though the act of running …

Five Fatal Conditions That Will Make a Man Call the Doctor

Five Fatal Conditions That Will Make a Man Call the Doctor

Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash It is always important to know what risks affect a man’s health because of their genetics, lifestyle choices and even environment. But imagine fatal conditions or disorders that can strike without warning and with almost no evidence of even …

Bringing Awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease

Bringing Awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease

The month of June isn’t only known as the official start to summer – it is also Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month! Organizations and individuals come together to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s from posting photos of their loved ones battling the disease on Twitter to participating in fundraisers all over the world. But what exactly is Alzheimer’s? And what are some symptoms and warning signs of the disease?

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, “Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells (neurons) which results in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. These neurons break connections with other nerve cells and die. Alzheimer’s disease dates back to 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer presented the case of a 51 year-old that suffered from a rare brain disorder. Her autopsy later identified the cause of death to be what we know today as Alzheimer’s. Because Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in persons over the age of 65, representing about 60 percent of all dementia cases, it is important to know what contributes to dementia (the general term describing loss of memory, judgment, language, complex motor skills cause by permanent damage of the brain’s neurons).”

New Study: Fish oil capsules plus Lipoic Acid slow down Alzheimer’s disease deterioration

About 4.5 million Americans suffer from this condition, which usually begins after age 60, according to WebMD. Several factors can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s – family history is a major factor.

Warning Signs of Dementia (According to the AFA’s website)

  • Memory trouble
  • Replying on memory helpers
  • Trouble finding words
  • Struggling to complete familiar actions
  • Confusion about time, place or people
  • Misplacing familiar objects
  • Onset of new depression or irritability
  • Personality changes
  • Loss of interest in important responsibilities
  • Difficulty seeing or hearing
  • Expressing False Beliefs

Symptoms of Dementia (according to the AFA’s website)

  • Cognitive symptoms – amnesia (memory loss), aphasias (inability to do pre-programmed motor tasks), agnosia (inability to correctly interpret signals from their five senses)
  • Personality changes (irritability, apathy, withdrawal and isolation)
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations and delusions followed by fear, anxiety, paranoia

Mouse Study shows that Vitamin D may be required to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Early detection gives individuals the ability to learn more about the disease, get counseling and treatment, and improve the quality of life. A great first step is to receive a memory screening to test memory, language skills, and intellectual functions. And always follow up with your doctor for a complete and thorough check up. Be sure to get a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional if you or someone you know has many of these symptoms and warning signs.

Care-giving Tips

If you or someone you know has found yourself as the primary care giver of an individual battling Alzheimer’s, know that you are not alone. Here are some tips for you:

  • Learn as much about the disease as you can
  • Learn how to communicate and manage challenges and activities
  • Understand what that specific individual needs
  • Be patient and be kind
  • Be sure to make time for yourself! Join support groups and pursue other interests
  • Try to involve your loved one in financial, legal and long-term care decisions, if they are still capable
  • Always think positive

If you are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s due to genetics, all hope is not lost! According to WebMD.com, “Leisure activities such as reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments and dancing are associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Overall health habits care help reduce the risk of this age-related illness.”

For more information and support for Alzheimer’s disease, visit The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Sources: http://www.pbs.org, http://www.alzfdn.org, http://www.webmd.com

What are some things you do to lower the risk of developing dementia and ultimately Alzheimer’s disease?

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