health Archives - Page 12 of 22

Apple Watches Are Saving Lives!

In recent news, Apple watches have been the reason for saving some lives by monitoring their heart rates. WatchOS 4 was installed in Apple watches which when enabled; the feature tells the owner if their heart rate beats per minute is elevated after 10 minutes of inactivity. HeartWatch app will track your resting heart rate and notify the user of their heart rate elevating when resting.

*Apple Watches have been gaining recognition for saving lives.*

These Apple watches have gained popularity over the years and with the ability to alert users of elevated heart rates, potentially saving their lives, it improves over time. Several accounts of people talking about how these watches saved their lives have been reported.

A high school football player was training and after several hours after, he noticed his heart rate was still at 145 beats per minute. After going to the hospital with concerns, he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a syndrome linked to muscle injury when muscle tissue s broken down and releases protein into the bloodstream. The doctors told the young man that if he went to practice the next day he could have lost muscle control and could’ve died.

Another account was a lawyer who used the Apple watch to track his sleep schedule a couple of nights a week. Scott Killian bought the watch because it alerted him of tasks, meetings, and important things, but was surprised when the watch is the reason he is alive today. Scott recently had a stress test done and was cleared without issue by doctors. One night at 1 am Scott’s watch woke him up alerting him his heart rate was elevated around 121 beats per minute, so he went to the hospital. He was very reluctant to go since he had the stress test done, but when he got there he was given unexpected news.

Scott was hooked up to an EKG machine, and when the results were in, he was told his Apple watch was accurate with his beats per minute being high. After a blood test, it was revealed that his enzymes were high signaling a heart attack was happening or about to happen. They tested Scott some more, only to find out he had four blocked arteries and needed stents in all four of them. Scott was surprised to find this it after he paid so much to get the stress test done because had he kept sleeping he could’ve died in his sleep.

*The Apple Watch monitors the users heart rate, and alerts them of abnormal activity.*

The same account happened to a man in China, where his watch alerted him and after tests done at the h

ospital showed he had 3 arteries completely blocked, and the fourth was 90% blocked. If ignored, he would have died of a major heart attack. These men have shared their stories grateful for a second chance at life.

Technology continues to advance every day and hopefully it will lead to a future where we can save people’s lives and help them make healthier choices. Apple Watches have shown that it is possible and with time, anything is possible.

Texas Judge Rules Obamacare Unconstitutional- What This Means For The Future

Just before Christmas, a federal Texas judge, Reed O’Connor, ruled that the entire Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was unconstitutional. This all began December 2017, when President Trump eliminated the individual mandate from Obamacare. The individual mandate was the penalty people had to pay during tax season if they did not get health insurance for the year. When the mandate was officially gone, many states decided to take action against the ACA, filing a lawsuit deeming the ACA unconstitutional. Texas is the first state to rule against the ACA’s validity. Obamacare may now face some challenges. However, as of now the ACA open enrollment will still take place for 2019, and people will still get coverage.

*Texas judge ruled Obamcare (ACA) unconstitutional, making it invalid.*

If the ACA is completely dismantled, then this means that other provisions would go away as well. This includes pre-existing conditions, young adults staying on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26, and the coverage of “essential benefits” such as mental health, prescription drugs, and maternity.

The ACA Holds Up For Now

In response to the judgement from O’Connor, Obama wrote “it’s so important for you to know that last night’s ruling changes nothing for now. As this decision makes its way through the courts, which will take months, if not years, the law remains in place and will likely stay that way. Open enrollment is proceeding as planned today. And a good way to show that you’re tired of people trying to take away your health care is to go get covered! A lot of good people are fighting to ensure that nothing about your care will change. The ACA protects your pre-existing conditions, no matter how you get your insurance. Young people can stay on their parents’ plans until they’re 26. Preventive care like checkups, mammograms, and contraceptive care are still covered. Mental health care is still covered. Women can’t be charged more just for being a woman. All of that is guaranteed by the ACA as long as it’s the law.”

Trump on the other hand was happy of the judgement stating in a tweet, “It was a big, big victory by a highly respected judge, highly, highly respected in Texas, and on the assumption that the Supreme Court upholds, we will get great, great health care for our people. We’ll have to sit down with the Democrats to do it, but I’m sure they want to do it also.”

*As of now, Obamcare will be available for 2019. The future of the ACA is unkown, especially not until 2020 after the high court hears Texas’ case.*

What The Future Holds

While legal experts predict that the decision will be overturned by the high court, it will not be likely to take place until 2020. Until then, the ACA law is not yet invalidated, even though enrollment has taken a hit. Enrollment is down by 12% compared to the previous year. The ACA has withheld a lot over the years, and only time will tell it’s future, but as for now, it is here to stay.

Habits To Adapt For A Longer Life

Studies show that bad habits can age you almost 12 years and shorten your lifespan. These things are smoking, drinking, not exercising, and not eating healthier foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Making small changes in those categories can help you live a longer healthier life.

Less TV Time

*Too much tv is bad for your health. Can decrease lifespan.*

A 2010 study found that people who watched TV for 4 hours or more a day were more likely to die from any cause than those who watched less than 2 hours a day. Each additional hour you watch increases your risk of dying by 11% and dying from heart disease by 18%. Too much TV can lead to adding weight due to being a couch potato and inactive.

Quit Smoking

The most important thing you can do for your health and others around is to quit smoking. It reduces your lifespan significantly and others around you who inhale the smoke. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found that women who quit smoking by 35 added about 6-8 years to their lives. It is never too late to quit smoking, even if you have lung cancer or COPD.

More Fruits & Vegetables

Many people do not consume as many vegetables and fruits as they should in a day. But it is important to incorporate them into your diet every day because they can lower your risk of heart disease by 76%! Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables reduce inflammation and boost circulation.

Limit Sun Exposure & Use SPF

Being out in the sun too much can lead to a high risk of skin cancer. Staying out of the sun will not only help protect your skin from cancer but reduce wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines, essentially keeping you looking younger. Make sure to use SPF when out in the sun to prevent skin damage.

*Try to excercise 3-4 days a week. Eat healthy to fulfill your body with what it needs.*

Stay Fit

In order to remain as young as possible, exercise is the key to this! Running and high-intensity exercises can add almost 4 years to your life! You can start out by just walking 30 minutes a day and work yourself up more. This will lower your risk of heart issued and help your mind function more effectively, and get your metabolism working better.

A Good Sex Life

Having sex 2-3 times a week can add as much as 3 years to your life by helping burn calories. A regular healthy sex life can lower your blood pressure, improve sleep, and boost your immune system.

All of these habits are achievable if you put a little time and effort every day, and remain conscious of your health.

Simple Ways to Be Active for People Who Aren’t

As we age, the more critical it is to become healthy and strengthen your heart health. Heart disease is the lead cause of death among women and men, killing over 600,000 Americans every year. If you do not have the time to work out, there are some small activities to begin strengthening your muscles and heart stronger. The more exercise you do, then the better your heart can work efficiently, ultimately extending your lifespan.

Walk

Walking can significantly help lower your chances of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running does. You can start by walking 30 minutes or less every day. Walking is enjoyable, free, easy, and a great exercise to begin.

Stay Active

Exercise is not something that only has to be done at one part of our day. It is easy to remain healthy and active throughout the day. Constantly get up and move around to keep your heart healthy and body moving. Little things like walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, and standing instead of sitting are little actions to take. They might seem minimal, but they make a difference and continue the trend of staying active.

Swim

Swimming provides many health benefits! It uses all the muscles in your body and keeps your heart working hard to supply blood everywhere. Your muscles will then strengthen and so will your heart. The water will protect your body, posing little injury.

Yoga

Yoga is beneficial to control your heart rate and is effective for flexibility. Yoga has proven to reduce stress, which in turn keeps the heart less stressed. Also, it has been proven to reduce depression and other mental diseases. It is a good way to reduce stress, but also not enough of a workout. Yoga is best when used as a cool down after a workout. A workout is still important to get your heart pumping.

It is best to start making healthy choices today, even if you haven’t worked out in years. Set a reachable goal and start somewhere! After your goal is achieved, you can work your way up by increasing your time and doing interval training (low to high intensity workouts with rest periods). Just remember to start slow and not to overwork yourself in order to not induce a heart attack or an injury.

The Myths of Childhood Mental Health Illnesses

Children and adolescents experience mental health issues the same way adults do. The faster it is recognized, then the faster the treatment for the children, which will help them in the long run. Children’s mental illness is more common than most people think. One in five adolescents aged 13-18 have a serious mental illness. If it goes untreated, it can disrupt the kid’s home life, and ability to function in school and the community. Parents and teachers are usually the first ones to realize if there is a mental health issue with a child. It can be hard for a parent to accept that their child may have a mental health issue. There are signs to look for in a child so you can get them the appropriate help needed. And because mental illness and disorder is such a stigma, myths were created about them. Find out the signs and facts.

*One of the symptoms to look out for in mental illness is depression. Aggression and anxiety may accompany depression.*

Signs Of Mental Illness

Observing your child’s behavior is key to getting them the appropriate help. It is normal for kids to throw temper tantrums and be moody, because they are learning boundaries and the world around them. But a mental illness goes beyond the typical tantrums. Some signs that may require you to seek out professional help are:

Poor grades in school
Anxious
Hyperactivity
Persistent disobedience
Decline in school performance
Temper tantrums more than normal
Depressed or extra irritable
Aggressive

Myths & Facts

It is important to debunk mental health myths so that parents can get a better understanding of mental health. With the correct information, children can get effective treatment.

Myth: Bad parenting causes mental health disorders.

Fact: A kid’s home environment and relationship with their family is detrimental to their life and development. However, it does not cause a mental health disorder. Depression, autism, learning disorders, and anxiety is biological. It is not a parent’s fault.

Myth: Children need medication to take care of the issue.

Fact: Although medication is helpful, it takes more than that for a treatment plan. Attention, therapy sessions, and providing children with the necessary tools to cope and handle with stress and other factors is also important.

Myth: A mental health illness in a kid means they will struggle and not succeed.

Fact: Mental illness does not indicate a child’s future success and happiness. As long as the illness is caught early and treated so they can learn to manage it, then the child’s future is limitless.

Myth: Therapy is a waste of time.

Fact: This is the furthest thing from the truth. Therapy is very effective for a child to understand what is going on with them, how to cope with it, and how to manage their illness. There are different forms of therapy than just the talking to a therapist method. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing the feelings and thoughts associated with their illness. Doing this kind of therapy can change the kids outlook and symptoms related to their mental illness.

Myth: A child can just outgrow their mental illness.

Fact: If you put off seeking help for a child that needs it for their mental health issues, the harder it is to treat them as they grow older. A kid’s brain is more responsive to treatment rather than waiting until they become an adult.

*One in 5 kids have a mental health ilness. Make sure to pay attention, listen, and get them the help they need.*

Conditions and symptoms may worsen as the child gets older.

It is very important that a parent accepts that their kid may have a mental illness and be open-minded towards it. Children need the assurance that everything will be okay from their parents. Check in with your kid everyday when you can. Observe your child’s behavior and encourage them to talk about their day and their emotions. It is important to acknowledge a child’s emotions and listen to them when they talk. Talk about what is going on and help them understand what is going on with them. Early diagnosis and treatment can help a child greatly. It will help them reach their full potential.

Human Trafficking At All Time High: How To Keep Your Kids Safe

Human trafficking has become a global epidemic with millions of women, children, and men as victims. Human trafficking is when victims are recruited and transported across states, and even borders into other countries. These victims are then exploited for labor and/or sex. It is a multi-billion dollar enterprise, and continues to grow. Parents dread having the sex talk with children, but it is really important to talk to them about it and how to stay safe in public and online. As much as people try to shield their kids from the bad things in the world, it is inevitable because it is all over the news and spoken about amongst friends. Awareness and education are key to prevention and protecting your kids.

*Human trafficking is at an all time high and often not spoken about.*

The majority of victims are women and girls, about 75% of them to be exact. More than half of victims are sexually exploited. It is happening in our backyards. This past September, out of more than 300 missing kids in the state of Michigan, 123 were found. The police conducted a sting and were able to find these kids from a human trafficking ring. Put that into perspective, this is just in one county in Michigan. Imagine how much goes on in the rest of the U.S.

How To Keep Your Kids Safe Online

The average age a teen is forced into the human trafficking world is around 12-14 years old. Social media is used to contact these kids and lure them. Kids are plugged onto all forms of social media, and put out more of their business than they should. A predator will wait when the kid is feeling low and vulnerable to take advantage of luring them. Predators are not only men, women are often used to recruit other women.

Protecting children starts at home. Talk to your children about the dangers of social media. Everyone feels like it won’t happen to them, but it can and will if they are unaware of predators and their schemes. Make your children understand how easily it can happen to them and give examples, such as fake accounts and strangers messaging them for pics or asking about their day. Monitor your child’s social media accounts as often as you can.

*It is important to sit down ant talk with your kids about how to stay safe.*

Tips For Parents

Communicate with your children. Have open communication with them and build a strong relationship. This way they can feel like they can talk to you about what is going on. Be a strong role model in your kids lives and take interest in their lives and activities.
Even if you are running into the gas station store to give them money for your gas, never leave your kids in the car unattended.
Teach your kids about inappropriate advances or language.
Talk to your kids about human trafficking, what it is and how it happens.
Talk to your children about people they should avoid, such as registered sex offenders around the neighborhood.
Tell your kids to be aware of their surroundings when out in public and get help if someone is acting suspicious.
Always know where your kids are, and make sure that you are always able to contact them.
Monitor anyone that takes an unusual interest in your kid. Listen to your kid when they mention something odd going on.
Teach them how and when to call 911. If they are home alone, teach them to never open the door and to avoid telling people they are home alone.
Teach your kid the difference between an “okay” secret and a “not okay” secret.

Tips For Your Children

If you are ever lost in a mall, ask a security guard or store clerk for help.
Fight as hard as you can if you are ever taken by someone. Fight until they let you go or you can run away.
If someone is threatening you, tell your parents, they will help you.
If someone is asking you to do something that makes you uncomfortable or does not seem right, tell your parents.

Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety and well being of their children. Educate and help them understand the warning signs. Teach your kids to be aware of their surroundings in public, and any suspicious people around them that may be following them or observing them. If so, tell them to yell or get help immediately. Human trafficking is a growing criminal industry, and it can happen to your kid. You can protect your child from years of physical, and mental abuse they may face if taken. Educate them, spread awareness, and listen.

Tag: health