Diabetes… Know the Enemy.
This month’s MedFN newsletter is dedicated to supporting the American Diabetes Association’s powerful efforts to build awareness of the growing threat and catastrophic impact Diabetes is inflicting across the country.
While Diabetes has been a known disease for decades, there still remains a number of major misunderstandings about Diabetes that we encourage everyone to read.
The following information is taken from the official web site of the American Diabetes Association ( www.diabetes.org )
American Diabetes Alert Day
The 21st annual American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 24, 2009.
The American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day, “wake-up” call to inform the American public about the seriousness of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Observed on the fourth Tuesday of every March, Why is Diabetes Alert Day important?
* 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes
* Nearly one-quarter of those do not know they have diabetes
* One in five Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
Early Diagnosis Can Make the Biggest Difference
For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
Risk Factors
Type 2 Diabetes is a major risk for people with the following characteristics:
* Overweight
* An under-active, sedentary lifestyle
* Over the age of 45
* African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Take the Test!
The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for diabetes. If they are at high risk, they are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider.
On Diabetes Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association will "Sound the Alert" about the dangers of diabetes. To help people better recognize their own risk for type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association encourages the public to take the Diabetes Risk Test which requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for diabetes.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Heart Health
How healthy is your heart?
February is national heart health month, and there are some simple but effective things that can help you maintain optimal heart health. These simple suggestions take only a few minutes to read, but could make a lifetime of difference for you.
Diet and Lifestyle
A consistent, healthy diet and lifestyle can be your best defense against heart disease, but many of us surrender to the "misconception" that it is too difficult to achieve. The fact is however, that the hardest part of making positive changes in your diet and lifestyle is your fundamental decision to make the commitment. Take comfort knowing that the many risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or controlled, and it usually does not take long to actually see and feel the benefits of:
- Maintaining a Balanced Diet
- Exercising to manage stress and maintain your optimal weigh
- Not Smoking
- Not using drugs
- Maintaining a Balanced Diet
Here are some general guidelines and recommendations:
- Dairy Products - Select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products.
- Trans Fat Alert - Reduce and / or eliminate your consumption of foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
- Dietary Cholesterol Reduction - Set a goal of eating foods with less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
- Reduce intake of anything with high sugar content.
- Drink more water. Proper water consumption delivers enormous benefits for heart health and many other aspects of your overall health.
- Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Your goal should be to eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (or less than 1,500 mg if you are in a higher risk group for high blood pressure).
- If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. No more than one drink per day if you're a woman and two drinks per day if you're a man.
- Limit the size of your meal portions - Even if something is healthy, it does not mean you can eat more of it. Besides you'll feel better after you eat.
Lifestyle - Exercise
Exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy heart, but before you start any exercise regime, make sure you have seen your doctor, and are healthy enough to begin. Some of the many benefits of an exercise program are that it can help lower your cholesterol level, reduce stress, help maintain one's body weight and reduce depression. Your overall quality of life increases significantly with a balanced exercise program.
No Smoking. No Drugs
Plain and simple, it is extremely important to your overall heart health that you do not smoke or utilize drugs. Today is never too soon to quit, and you will thank yourself for never engaging or stopping such unhealthy habits.
I urge everyone who has read this valuable information to share it with their families' and friends. Please let them know that this newsletter is but only one of the valuable services Med File Now, Inc. (MedFN) provides for its members. Encourage everyone to take the tour, join and take part in sharing this vision, so we may all benefit.
Monday, January 26, 2009
National Blood Donor Month (January 2009)
Typically with January being the first month of the year, I would be writing a newsletter about New Year’s resolutions. I would focus on topics such as how we can set healthy goals and how to achieve them. But, this year I want to talk about setting a goal that will help other people.
During times of crisis people may require blood throughout the year. Blood bank supplies can be reduced to critical levels and could result in shortages. January 2009 is National Blood Donor Month. I am urging people to consider, as one of their New Year’s resolutions, to become a blood donor. This time of the year the blood banks will see a reduction in supply for two reasons. Primarily, this is due to people typically staying in more during the cold weather. Secondarily, over the holidays people do a lot of traveling and are not available to give blood in their usual location.
Approximately 39,000 units of blood are required every day in our country to service our hospitals and emergency treatment facilities. This life saving blood helps victims of accidents, but is routinely administered to patients with cancer, organ transplants and other diseases. The goal of National Blood Donor Month is to help ensure that blood is available to patients at all times.
Not everyone may be eligible to be a blood donor, but if you are it should be something that you would consider. I personally have been a donor and a recipient. I did not think too much of the impact it could have when I donated my blood. As a recipient, I was so grateful to whoever that person was who made the decision to give.
Also remember on your Med File Now® (MedFN®) account you can have your blood type listed for any emergency. If you do not have an account just go to www.medfn.com and sign up so you will be ready for those unexpected emergencies.
During times of crisis people may require blood throughout the year. Blood bank supplies can be reduced to critical levels and could result in shortages. January 2009 is National Blood Donor Month. I am urging people to consider, as one of their New Year’s resolutions, to become a blood donor. This time of the year the blood banks will see a reduction in supply for two reasons. Primarily, this is due to people typically staying in more during the cold weather. Secondarily, over the holidays people do a lot of traveling and are not available to give blood in their usual location.
Approximately 39,000 units of blood are required every day in our country to service our hospitals and emergency treatment facilities. This life saving blood helps victims of accidents, but is routinely administered to patients with cancer, organ transplants and other diseases. The goal of National Blood Donor Month is to help ensure that blood is available to patients at all times.
Not everyone may be eligible to be a blood donor, but if you are it should be something that you would consider. I personally have been a donor and a recipient. I did not think too much of the impact it could have when I donated my blood. As a recipient, I was so grateful to whoever that person was who made the decision to give.
Also remember on your Med File Now® (MedFN®) account you can have your blood type listed for any emergency. If you do not have an account just go to www.medfn.com and sign up so you will be ready for those unexpected emergencies.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Cold Weather Health
December is a festive time of year but it is also the start of the coldest weather. Whether you are accustomed to the cold or not you should always be aware of prolonged exposure. Serious health conditions can occur such as frostbite and hypothermia. These two conditions can lead to loss of limbs and or death.
Frostbite
Frostbite which is caused by freezing temperatures, injures the body. There is a higher risk with people that have reduced blood circulation and those who dress improperly for extremely cold temperatures. It most often affects the extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite warning signs are the loss of feeling such as numbness, pain and a waxy feeling to the skin. Also, frostbite can change the color of the skin to gray, white or yellow. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation.
What to Do
Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes when possible and get into a warm room immediately. Immerse the affected area in warm water comfortable to the touch, not too hot. You can even use body heat for the affected area, but do not massage this area. This can cause more damage. These numb areas can be easily burned so do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. People who are most susceptible to hypothermia are people who remain outdoors for long periods in extremely cold temperatures. Also, the elderly and infants in cold bedrooms are at risk. Hypothermia can also occur with cool temperatures (above 40°F). Some of these cool temperature types are typically associated with moisture such as sweat, rain or submersion in cold water. Recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia can prevent a serious medical condition or even save your life. Some early warning signs are severe shivering, exhaustion, dizziness, slurred speech and confusion. If you are experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.
What to Do
To confirm the condition of hypothermia the body temperature of the victim will drop below 95°F, which is considered an emergency, seek medical attention immediately for this individual. If medical care is not yet available these are steps that can help reverse this condition. Move the victim into a warm location and remove any wet clothing. Start by warming the center of the body first. The protocol is to start with the chest, neck, head, and groin. Ways of warming the body externally are with warm loose dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels and sheets or with skin-to-skin contact. Internally you can increase the body temperature by administering warm beverages, but do not give alcoholic beverages. In addition, do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person. As the body normalizes, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, which includes the head and neck region. In severe cases the victim may become unconscious and may not appear to have a pulse or to be breathing, this victim may even appear dead. In these severe cases, while the victim is being warmed CPR should be performed. CPR should continue until the victim responds or medical personnel arrive. Even though a hypothermia victim appears dead, you should always follow these steps.
To ensure additional safety, it is always a good practice to have your Med File Now® (MedFN®) ID card with you at all times. If you have a loved one that may become a victim of hypothermia, you should advise them to establish a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Simply tell them to go to www.medfn.com to take the tour and join. This valuable service provides your loved ones the security that you would want them to have.
Frostbite
Frostbite which is caused by freezing temperatures, injures the body. There is a higher risk with people that have reduced blood circulation and those who dress improperly for extremely cold temperatures. It most often affects the extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite warning signs are the loss of feeling such as numbness, pain and a waxy feeling to the skin. Also, frostbite can change the color of the skin to gray, white or yellow. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation.
What to Do
Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes when possible and get into a warm room immediately. Immerse the affected area in warm water comfortable to the touch, not too hot. You can even use body heat for the affected area, but do not massage this area. This can cause more damage. These numb areas can be easily burned so do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. People who are most susceptible to hypothermia are people who remain outdoors for long periods in extremely cold temperatures. Also, the elderly and infants in cold bedrooms are at risk. Hypothermia can also occur with cool temperatures (above 40°F). Some of these cool temperature types are typically associated with moisture such as sweat, rain or submersion in cold water. Recognizing the symptoms of hypothermia can prevent a serious medical condition or even save your life. Some early warning signs are severe shivering, exhaustion, dizziness, slurred speech and confusion. If you are experiencing these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.
What to Do
To confirm the condition of hypothermia the body temperature of the victim will drop below 95°F, which is considered an emergency, seek medical attention immediately for this individual. If medical care is not yet available these are steps that can help reverse this condition. Move the victim into a warm location and remove any wet clothing. Start by warming the center of the body first. The protocol is to start with the chest, neck, head, and groin. Ways of warming the body externally are with warm loose dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels and sheets or with skin-to-skin contact. Internally you can increase the body temperature by administering warm beverages, but do not give alcoholic beverages. In addition, do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person. As the body normalizes, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, which includes the head and neck region. In severe cases the victim may become unconscious and may not appear to have a pulse or to be breathing, this victim may even appear dead. In these severe cases, while the victim is being warmed CPR should be performed. CPR should continue until the victim responds or medical personnel arrive. Even though a hypothermia victim appears dead, you should always follow these steps.
To ensure additional safety, it is always a good practice to have your Med File Now® (MedFN®) ID card with you at all times. If you have a loved one that may become a victim of hypothermia, you should advise them to establish a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Simply tell them to go to www.medfn.com to take the tour and join. This valuable service provides your loved ones the security that you would want them to have.
Friday, November 28, 2008
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Have you ever had a moment where you experienced the inability to recall a name, find the right word or remember an event? Some people laugh it off and call it a senior moment. This can sometimes be contributed to something as simple as a lack of sleep or stress. As we get older, we also need to be aware of other more serious issues that are possible such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) which is the most common form of Dementia. Presently there is no cure or any definitive reason that causes these diseases. Scientists are learning more each day about these types of diseases in hoping to find a cure.
AD is a progressive brain disorder and over time the disease gradually abolishes the memory and mental abilities such as learning, reasoning, making judgments, carrying out daily activities and communicating. As the disease progresses some may also experience changes in personality and behavior.
In the United States there are some estimates that up to 5 million people are living with AD and projected to triple by 2050. Younger people may get AD but it is not very common. The risk of getting AD may start at about the age of 60, but this is still a small percent. The term early-onset refers to this group that occurs in a person under age 65. This early-onset may be in any stage of dementia; early, middle or late. The first notable age group is 65 to 74 with 5% being inflicted with AD and by age 85 almost 50% will have some level of AD.
The duration of AD can range from 3 to 20 years but the progression is widely different, with most people dying on an average 4 to 8 years after diagnosis. The first part of the brain to be affected is the area that controls thinking and memory. As this progression spreads to other regions, the brain cells die leading to the need for complete care of the individual. AD with no other illness will cause death from loss of brain function.
Experts have noted similar patterns of progression of symptoms as AD develops over the duration of the disease. These progressions have several stages but not all people progress at the same rate or experience all the same symptoms. Knowing the stages will help understand the progress of AD and give time to plan accordingly.
The seven stages were developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D., Clinical Director of the New York University School of Medicine’s Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center.
Stage 1: No impairment (normal function)
Unimpaired individuals experience no memory problems and none are evident to a health care professional during a medical interview.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of AD)
Individuals may feel as if they have memory lapses, especially in forgetting familiar words or names or the location of keys, eyeglasses or other everyday objects. But these problems are not evident during a medical examination or apparent to friends, family or co-workers.
Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline (early-stage AD can be diagnosed in some, but not all, individuals with these symptoms)
Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice deficiencies. Problems with memory or concentration may be measurable in clinical testing or discernible during a detailed medical interview. Common difficulties include:
•Word or name finding problems noticeable to family or close associates
•Decreased ability to remember names when introduced to new people
•Performance issues in social or work settings noticeable to family, friends or co-workers
•Reading a passage and retaining little material
•Losing or misplacing a valuable object
•Decline in ability to plan or organize
Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (Mild or early-stage AD)
At this stage, a careful medical interview detects clear-cut deficiencies in the following areas:
•Decreased knowledge of recent occasions or current events
•Impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic-for example, to count backward from 75 by 7s
•Decreased capacity to perform complex tasks, such as planning dinner for guests, paying bills and managing finances
•Reduced memory of personal history
•The affected individual may seem subdued and withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations
Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline (Moderate or mid-stage AD)
Major gaps in memory and deficits in cognitive function emerge. Some assistance with day-to-day activities becomes essential. At this stage, individuals may:
•Be unable during a medical interview to recall such important details as their current address, their telephone number or the name of the college or high school from which they graduated
•Become confused about where they are or about the date, day of the week or season
•Have trouble with less challenging mental arithmetic; for example, counting backward from 40 by 4s or from 20 by 2s
•Need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion
•Usually retain substantial knowledge about themselves and know their own name and the names of their spouse or children
•Usually require no assistance with eating or using the toilet
Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline (Moderately severe or mid-stage AD)
Memory difficulties continue to worsen, significant personality changes may emerge and affected individuals need extensive help with customary daily activities. At this stage, individuals may:
•Lose most awareness of recent experiences and events as well as of their surroundings
•Recollect their personal history imperfectly, although they generally recall their own name
•Occasionally forget the name of their spouse or primary caregiver but generally can distinguish familiar from unfamiliar faces
•Need help getting dressed properly; without supervision, may make such errors as putting pajamas over daytime clothes or shoes on wrong feet
•Experience disruption of their normal sleep/waking cycle
•Need help with handling details of toileting (flushing toilet, wiping and disposing of tissue properly)
•Have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence
•Experience significant personality changes and behavioral symptoms,including suspiciousness and delusions (for example, believing that their caregiver is an impostor); hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there); or compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as hand-wringing or tissue shredding
•Tend to wander and become lost
Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline (Severe or late-stage AD)
This is the final stage of the disease when individuals lose the ability to:
•Respond to their environment, the ability to speak and, ultimately, the ability to control movement
•Recognizable speech, although words or phrases may occasionally be uttered
•Eating and toileting and there is general incontinence of urine
•Walk without assistance, then the ability to sit without support, the ability to smile, and the ability to hold their head up. Reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid
•Swallowing is impaired
It is important to remember that AD is not a normal part of aging and new treatments are being worked on routinely. Some treatments are available that may improve the quality of life. Scientists have discovered several genes associated with AD. This could lead to treatments to block the progression of AD. Researches also have encouraging studies, which show a caregiver who provides effective care and support can improve an individual’s quality of life over the duration of AD.
With all the best efforts of a caregiver there may come a time when an individual with AD may wonder off on their own. This could become a frightening thought. As a caregiver you must do everything in your power to protect these individuals. Of course with all the best efforts things like this may occur. The best strategy is to better protect them in advance. That is where MedFN can have a role in the safety of those that are inflicted with AD. MedFN can communicate critical information for this person. MedFN can store information that they may not be able to recall. This may also be their voice in time of need if they are separated from their caregiver. With MedFN on their side, people with AD will have one more level of security with their information readily available.
AD is a progressive brain disorder and over time the disease gradually abolishes the memory and mental abilities such as learning, reasoning, making judgments, carrying out daily activities and communicating. As the disease progresses some may also experience changes in personality and behavior.
In the United States there are some estimates that up to 5 million people are living with AD and projected to triple by 2050. Younger people may get AD but it is not very common. The risk of getting AD may start at about the age of 60, but this is still a small percent. The term early-onset refers to this group that occurs in a person under age 65. This early-onset may be in any stage of dementia; early, middle or late. The first notable age group is 65 to 74 with 5% being inflicted with AD and by age 85 almost 50% will have some level of AD.
The duration of AD can range from 3 to 20 years but the progression is widely different, with most people dying on an average 4 to 8 years after diagnosis. The first part of the brain to be affected is the area that controls thinking and memory. As this progression spreads to other regions, the brain cells die leading to the need for complete care of the individual. AD with no other illness will cause death from loss of brain function.
Experts have noted similar patterns of progression of symptoms as AD develops over the duration of the disease. These progressions have several stages but not all people progress at the same rate or experience all the same symptoms. Knowing the stages will help understand the progress of AD and give time to plan accordingly.
The seven stages were developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D., Clinical Director of the New York University School of Medicine’s Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center.
Stage 1: No impairment (normal function)
Unimpaired individuals experience no memory problems and none are evident to a health care professional during a medical interview.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of AD)
Individuals may feel as if they have memory lapses, especially in forgetting familiar words or names or the location of keys, eyeglasses or other everyday objects. But these problems are not evident during a medical examination or apparent to friends, family or co-workers.
Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline (early-stage AD can be diagnosed in some, but not all, individuals with these symptoms)
Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice deficiencies. Problems with memory or concentration may be measurable in clinical testing or discernible during a detailed medical interview. Common difficulties include:
•Word or name finding problems noticeable to family or close associates
•Decreased ability to remember names when introduced to new people
•Performance issues in social or work settings noticeable to family, friends or co-workers
•Reading a passage and retaining little material
•Losing or misplacing a valuable object
•Decline in ability to plan or organize
Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (Mild or early-stage AD)
At this stage, a careful medical interview detects clear-cut deficiencies in the following areas:
•Decreased knowledge of recent occasions or current events
•Impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic-for example, to count backward from 75 by 7s
•Decreased capacity to perform complex tasks, such as planning dinner for guests, paying bills and managing finances
•Reduced memory of personal history
•The affected individual may seem subdued and withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations
Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline (Moderate or mid-stage AD)
Major gaps in memory and deficits in cognitive function emerge. Some assistance with day-to-day activities becomes essential. At this stage, individuals may:
•Be unable during a medical interview to recall such important details as their current address, their telephone number or the name of the college or high school from which they graduated
•Become confused about where they are or about the date, day of the week or season
•Have trouble with less challenging mental arithmetic; for example, counting backward from 40 by 4s or from 20 by 2s
•Need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion
•Usually retain substantial knowledge about themselves and know their own name and the names of their spouse or children
•Usually require no assistance with eating or using the toilet
Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline (Moderately severe or mid-stage AD)
Memory difficulties continue to worsen, significant personality changes may emerge and affected individuals need extensive help with customary daily activities. At this stage, individuals may:
•Lose most awareness of recent experiences and events as well as of their surroundings
•Recollect their personal history imperfectly, although they generally recall their own name
•Occasionally forget the name of their spouse or primary caregiver but generally can distinguish familiar from unfamiliar faces
•Need help getting dressed properly; without supervision, may make such errors as putting pajamas over daytime clothes or shoes on wrong feet
•Experience disruption of their normal sleep/waking cycle
•Need help with handling details of toileting (flushing toilet, wiping and disposing of tissue properly)
•Have increasing episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence
•Experience significant personality changes and behavioral symptoms,including suspiciousness and delusions (for example, believing that their caregiver is an impostor); hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there); or compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as hand-wringing or tissue shredding
•Tend to wander and become lost
Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline (Severe or late-stage AD)
This is the final stage of the disease when individuals lose the ability to:
•Respond to their environment, the ability to speak and, ultimately, the ability to control movement
•Recognizable speech, although words or phrases may occasionally be uttered
•Eating and toileting and there is general incontinence of urine
•Walk without assistance, then the ability to sit without support, the ability to smile, and the ability to hold their head up. Reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid
•Swallowing is impaired
It is important to remember that AD is not a normal part of aging and new treatments are being worked on routinely. Some treatments are available that may improve the quality of life. Scientists have discovered several genes associated with AD. This could lead to treatments to block the progression of AD. Researches also have encouraging studies, which show a caregiver who provides effective care and support can improve an individual’s quality of life over the duration of AD.
With all the best efforts of a caregiver there may come a time when an individual with AD may wonder off on their own. This could become a frightening thought. As a caregiver you must do everything in your power to protect these individuals. Of course with all the best efforts things like this may occur. The best strategy is to better protect them in advance. That is where MedFN can have a role in the safety of those that are inflicted with AD. MedFN can communicate critical information for this person. MedFN can store information that they may not be able to recall. This may also be their voice in time of need if they are separated from their caregiver. With MedFN on their side, people with AD will have one more level of security with their information readily available.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Panic Attacks
Understanding panic attacks may be more difficult for a person who has never had one. To the person that gets them, it can be like a near death experience. I know a few people who get panic attacks but I could not comprehend how real it was to them. After talking to others who have had panic attacks I realized what a major impact it could have on ones life. I choose to write this newsletter not just for the people who get panic attacks but also for the people who were like me. I did not realize how real these panic attacks are and how they can play a major role in someone life.
Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults according to the Anxiety Disorder Association of America. A panic disorder is three times more common in women than in men and typically develops in early adulthood. A panic attack is defined as the sudden onset of extreme fear that reaches a peak within minutes. People, who experience out-of-the blue attacks, can become preoccupied with the fear of a recurrence of such attacks. These panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, even while asleep. If you have at least four of the following symptoms you could be experiencing a panic attack.
A feeling of imminent danger
A fear of losing control
A fear of dying
Things being unreal
The need to escape
Depersonalization
Heart palpitations
Chest pain
Chills
Sweating
Trembling
Shortness of breath
A smothering feeling
A feeling of choking
Nausea
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Tingling sensation
This affliction may go unchecked due to fear or embarrassment to tell anyone about what they’re experiencing. Instead of seeking help, they continue to endure these symptoms instead of getting help or support. If you or a family member displays the symptoms of panic attacks, tell your doctor and get treatment as soon as possible. The disorder is real and it can be highly responsive to medical treatment.
If anyone is ever in the need to recall their medical information when experiencing a panic attack it could all be there quickly and accurately with a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. If you have a loved one you want to protect tell them to set up an account. Just go to www.medfn.com to get started. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.
Monday, September 29, 2008
STRESS!
We all have experienced different levels of stress and some deal with it better than others. This newsletter is not going to be all about the studies and research on stress. We all know that we need to manage and limit our stress. Professionals tell us to remove stressful people and situations out of our lives if possible. I do not claim to be a professional but I have had to deal with stress.
Three times in my life, I feel I have had more stress than most people. The first and most traumatic time was when I was told I had cancer and I was staring death in the face. The second time was when I was told my cancer relapsed. That led to the third time when I was told I would need a stem cell transplant to save me life and that the treatment could kill me. September 16th was 6 years since my transplant, which brings me to my personal view on stress.As the Oncologist explained to me, with the deepest compassion and the highest level of medical professionalism, what I should expect. I could not hear his words or explanation. Thinking back all I could hear was that voice (slow, low, base, trumpet sound) of the school teacher for the cartoon Charlie Brown. My stress level was so high I could not even think straight.
After 11 years of dealing and handling stress, I recently found myself totally stressed out almost to the levels as when I was fighting my cancer. I found myself in what I call false stress. I describe it as, the smaller your problems are in life the bigger the little issues become. So if you are told you may die tomorrow, other big issues may not matter as much. But if life is great and everything is perfect and you get upset over spilt milk you are living under false stress. Realizing where your levels of issues are compared to other might help you out of false stress.It is easy to recognize when others put stress on us, but are you stressing other people out. Ask yourself this hard question. Do you do what you say you’re going to do and by the time you said it would be done? If you can answer yes to this question then you are doing your part to reduce stress, if not, you could be fueling other peoples stress. If everyone could move in the direction of answering yes life, would be a lot less stressful.
I will never judge anyone for what may cause their level of stress or how it manifests itself. I developed Med File Now® so if anyone is ever in the need to recall their medical information when under stress it will all be there quickly and accurately. If you have a loved one you want to protect tell them to set up a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Just go to www.medfn.com to get started. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.
Three times in my life, I feel I have had more stress than most people. The first and most traumatic time was when I was told I had cancer and I was staring death in the face. The second time was when I was told my cancer relapsed. That led to the third time when I was told I would need a stem cell transplant to save me life and that the treatment could kill me. September 16th was 6 years since my transplant, which brings me to my personal view on stress.As the Oncologist explained to me, with the deepest compassion and the highest level of medical professionalism, what I should expect. I could not hear his words or explanation. Thinking back all I could hear was that voice (slow, low, base, trumpet sound) of the school teacher for the cartoon Charlie Brown. My stress level was so high I could not even think straight.
After 11 years of dealing and handling stress, I recently found myself totally stressed out almost to the levels as when I was fighting my cancer. I found myself in what I call false stress. I describe it as, the smaller your problems are in life the bigger the little issues become. So if you are told you may die tomorrow, other big issues may not matter as much. But if life is great and everything is perfect and you get upset over spilt milk you are living under false stress. Realizing where your levels of issues are compared to other might help you out of false stress.It is easy to recognize when others put stress on us, but are you stressing other people out. Ask yourself this hard question. Do you do what you say you’re going to do and by the time you said it would be done? If you can answer yes to this question then you are doing your part to reduce stress, if not, you could be fueling other peoples stress. If everyone could move in the direction of answering yes life, would be a lot less stressful.
I will never judge anyone for what may cause their level of stress or how it manifests itself. I developed Med File Now® so if anyone is ever in the need to recall their medical information when under stress it will all be there quickly and accurately. If you have a loved one you want to protect tell them to set up a Med File Now® (MedFN®) account. Just go to www.medfn.com to get started. You don’t need a health condition to use MedFN.com just a desire to be safe.
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