Health and Wellness Channel

Protect yourself from summer's backyard pests

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

(BPT) - Warm weather is here for the next few months, and that means you'll be spending more time outdoors with family and friends - and more time with summer pests. Mosquitoes, fire ants, bees, wasps and yellow jackets are some of summer's worst bugs. And those pests can be more than a mere nuisance.

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 5,300 cases of West Nile Virus throughout the United States. West Nile Virus can be a serious disease for a few people (about one in 150), according to the CDC. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have milder symptoms, while most people who get the disease (about four out of five) will not show any symptoms at all.

"The best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to take the proper precautions," says Orkin entomologist and technical services director Dr. Ron Harrison. "Use insect repellent when spending time outdoors, empty any standing water from around your home, and either stay inside or wear long sleeves and pants if you must be outside during dusk and dawn, because that is when mosquitoes are most active."

Fire ants prefer warm, sunny conditions, and are most common throughout the southern United States, but have been found as far west as California and as far north as Maryland. Their mounds can grow up to 2 feet around and stand more than a foot tall. These colonies can contain several hundred thousand ants, including at least one queen. By attaching themselves to their victims and injecting venom through their stingers, they can sting animals and humans repeatedly when threatened or searching for prey. These ants are reddish-black and range in size from 1/16 to almost half an inch long.

Many bees, wasps and yellow jackets are social insects and live in colonies. Unlike bees, however, wasps and yellow jackets are capable of stinging multiple times. Many can exist where humans live, and can be dangerous if disturbed. All three insects can wreak havoc on outdoor fun, especially since they are attracted to food, garbage cans and sugary soft drinks.

Bee, wasp and yellow jacket stings can cause significant and life-threatening allergic reactions in about 3 percent of people who are stung, according to the Mayo Clinic. While stings are usually not life-threatening to most people, they can be painful, become infected and aggravate skin disorders or allergies.

Orkin recommends preventing these backyard pests from being summertime bothers by remembering the following tips:

Clean up spilled food and drinks immediately, and keep food stored tightly, especially during outdoor picnics.
Rinse out cans before recycling, and empty garbage cans and recycling bins often.
Seal cracks around doors and windows.
Keep gutters and downspouts clean and keep plants away from your home's foundation.

Cleaning the right way to remove allergens

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:22:00 GMT

(BPT) - When you're done with spring cleaning, you may assume you've eliminated any allergy triggers that were lurking in your home. But the truth is, if you don't clean the right way, you might be making the problem worse.

More than 40 million Americans suffer from allergy problems, and 25 million have asthma. If your cleaning routine doesn't specifically focus on allergen control and removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air which can affect allergy and asthma symptoms. To maximize your cleaning efforts and reduce allergens, consider these simple tips from the asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program, the healthy home initiative of the nonprofit Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

Use a certified vacuum that has a high efficiency filter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes.
Dusting improperly can actually increase airborne dust particles in your home. Use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard surfaces. Use vacuum attachments to remove dust from soft and upholstered surfaces.
Certain cleaning products can also contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, strong odors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose products that contain none of these irritants, but also beware of "green" labels, as some of these solutions may be made with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lemon, coconut or tea-tree oils.
Rodent dander and cockroach particles are common household asthma triggers. However, some pesticides may do more harm than good for people with asthma and allergies. If you have a pest problem, look for an exterminator with expertise in integrated pest management and experience treating homes of people with asthma.
Whether you have a cat or dog, pet dander is present in most U.S. homes. If it is possible, keep pets out of the bedroom. Your cleaning routine should include frequently washing linens in your bedroom, where cat or dog dander can settle.
Place certified allergen barrier covers on your mattresses and pillows. Wash your bedding at least once a week in 130 degree or higher hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs.
Mold, a common allergy trigger, can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present. Look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep household humidity below 50 percent and fix leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper.
If children live in your home, look for certified plush toys. Dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate on plush toys over time. Certified toys can be placed in the freezer for 24 hours, then rinsed in cold water to remove dead mites. Dry completely. Do this monthly.
Lots of air passes through window areas, and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments - which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or flat screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean.
If your home uses central air conditioning or heat, replace the filter in the machine regularly, typically every 30 to 90 days. Choose an HVAC filter that has been certified to effectively capture fine airborne particles like pollen, dust and dander.

Keep in mind that while consumers spend nearly $18 billion annually on asthma and allergy medications, they also spend more than $20 billion on nonmedical consumer products marketed for people with asthma and allergies such as room air cleaners, bedding, vacuums and more, according to AAFA. While demand for such products continues to grow, there is little regulation governing product claims, the Foundation notes. AAFA's asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program helps consumers evaluate and verify the allergen-reducing effectiveness of a variety of products, from cleaning supplies, air cleaning devices and vacuums to toys, bedding, home improvement products, paints, clothes washers and more. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.

A 'not-so-rare' story in the journey of a rare disease diagnosis

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:35:00 GMT

(BPT) - In the year 2000, Lisa Wollman, a young, vibrant woman in the prime of her life, was pregnant with her second child, and like many expectant mothers, was experiencing changes in her mood and body. However, she knew something was not quite right. Lisa started experiencing anxiety and insomnia, which had not occurred during her first pregnancy. After visiting multiple doctors, Lisa was told her symptoms would subside post-pregnancy, however several weeks after giving birth, she began experiencing other unusual symptoms, including excessive facial hair growth, acne and depression. These signs and symptoms prompted further doctor visits ultimately leading to the diagnosis of Cushing's disease, which affects approximately one to two people per million annually.

Cushing's disease is a rare but serious, debilitating endocrine disorder caused by the presence of a non-cancerous pituitary tumor in the brain which ultimately leads to excess cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a vital hormone that regulates metabolism, maintains cardiovascular function and helps the body respond to stress. The excess cortisol circulating in the body can lead to many unwanted physical and emotional effects, including those Lisa experienced, as well as symptoms such as high blood pressure, irritability, high cholesterol, rapid uncontrollable weight gain, central obesity, a round, red full face and striae (purple stretch marks), among others. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

During the journey to diagnosis for many Cushing's disease patients, doctors may look at, and treat, individual symptoms, resulting in a missed or delayed diagnosis of Cushing's disease. In fact, the average time to diagnosis is six years from the time the patient first notices symptoms. In Lisa's case, it took about eight months of proactively advocating for testing and visiting doctors before learning that she had Cushing's disease.

"Each specialist just looked into select symptoms based on their area of expertise and no one was willing to look at the full picture in order to consider a complete diagnosis," said Lisa. "It wasn't until I gained enough weight, lost enough sleep, and started to look like a football player that I was pushed by my father and my psychiatrist to get my own cortisol tested."

Following her diagnosis, Lisa faced the emotional effects and social stresses of having a rare disease, and felt as though she was viewed differently in both her personal and professional life. Fortunately, Lisa connected with a Cushing's disease support group, and found comfort in sharing her personal story and learning from others with similar Cushing's disease journeys.

"When I was sick, I found that talking to other people who had been through what I went through was very, very helpful, and at times life-saving," Lisa said. "I encourage people with Cushing's disease to talk to each other about their experiences, because otherwise there's a feeling of isolation and the sense that you're suffering alone."

In recognition of patients living with Cushing's disease, people across the globe celebrate Cushing's Disease Awareness Day on April 8 - the birthday of Dr. Harvey Cushing, who was the first person to describe the disease. Spreading awareness can help educate and unify the community in support of this underserved disease.

To help support Cushing's disease patients worldwide, tell your family and friends about Cushing's Disease Awareness Day and pass along educational resources like CushingsDisease.com. For more information about Cushing's disease, please visit, CushingsDisease.com.

Why going gluten-free doesn't mean going grain-free

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:02:00 GMT

(BPT) - It's impossible to stroll the aisles in your local supermarket without seeing package after package labeled "gluten-free." But who really needs a gluten-free diet, and how can you still enjoy grains, even if you are eating gluten-free?

Gluten is a protein found in just four grains: wheat, barley, rye and triticale, a wheat-rye hybrid. For people with celiac disease (an estimated 1 percent of the population) eating foods containing gluten can cause an immune reaction in the small intestine that leads to a host of health problems, from abdominal pain to vitamin deficiencies that can affect the brain, bones, liver and other organs. Some people who don't have celiac disease still suffer from gluten-sensitivity or allergies to wheat, and can benefit from a gluten-free diet.

No matter the reason behind going gluten-free, for those making the switch it might seem like the end of eating grains. However, that shouldn't to be the case. While cutting out gluten-containing grains is important for those who are gluten-intolerant, there's an array of other whole grains - naturally gluten-free - that can make your diet as varied, delicious and nutritious as you like.

If you're building a gluten-free menu, it's important to include whole grains, which provide many essential nutrients. Try some of these options in your meals, from breakfast to dinner, to get a taste of the flavors and textures that whole, gluten-free grains have to offer:

Amaranth - Popped like corn or added to soups or a pilaf, this heart-healthy grain adds great taste and texture.
Buckwheat - Whether used whole or ground as flour, buckwheat provides a rich, nutty flavor.
Corn - A classic American staple that is as versatile as it is easy to find.
Millet - Let it stand alone as a side or bake it into crunchy crackers; millet's mild flavor ensures that it plays well with other ingredients.
Oats - Oats themselves are gluten-free, but they're often processed in places where gluten products are also made. Make sure your oats are certified as free from cross-contamination.
Quinoa - This nutrient-rich grain has been a staple in the Andes Mountains for centuries, and it's gaining in popularity for its versatility and subtle flavor.
Brown and colored rice - Rice itself, or products made from it, like noodles, can be used to prepare delicious dishes from around the globe.
Sorghum - Flour made from this nutrient-packed grain can be used to make everything from pie crust to pancakes. It can also be popped - it's a fun treat that looks like mini-popcorn.
Teff - Tiny teff grains (3,000 grains weigh just one ounce) make a flavorful flour that can be used for crepes, breads or injera, the spongy flatbread that is a dietary staple in the grain's native country of Ethiopia.
Wild rice - Hearty, nutty and utterly delicious, wild rice is a welcome addition on any plate. Use it as stuffing, in a salad or simply on its own.

Because all of these whole grains have their own nutrient profiles, mixing them up is a great way to make your diet healthier - the more different grains you eat, the more nutritional variety you'll get. Recipes for each kind of gluten-free grain can be found at www.wholegrainscouncil.org. To get started, try this delicious dish, Southwestern Quinoa Salad, which pairs both quinoa and corn with flavorful, fresh ingredients that everyone will love.

Southwestern Quinoa Salad

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
2 ears corn, roasted and cut off cob
1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
1 14-ounce can black beans
3 scallions
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3 limes, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 -teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 -teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Put quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.

In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, corn, pepper, beans, scallions and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil and seasonings. Pour over quinoa mixture.- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors set.

Outdoor gear that performs year-round

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:03:00 GMT

(BPT) - Rugged camping gear is no longer just for adventurers and niche outdoor sports. High-tech or activity-specific outdoor products are gaining popularity because they also come in handy every day and around the house.

"As it turns out, the durability and dependability of gear needed on remote hikes or climbs has many outdoor lovers reaching for those same items around the home," says gifts.com editor Dan Tower, who specializes in sharing gift ideas catered to specific occasions and recipients.

Tower identified the following durable gear, as camping season approaches, for its versatility across a variety of settings.

Water, water everywhere

It wasn't long ago that water bottles were strictly for camping. Now people enjoy having water within arm's reach at all times. Whether it's a need to stay hydrated or just the eco-sensible peace of mind gained by avoiding single use containers, a go-to water bottle has become a ubiquitous personal accessory.

Liberty Bottleworks make gorgeous, 100 percent BPA-free water bottles showcasing artwork sourced from emerging graphic artists. Arguably though, the best part is the bottles are the only American-made metal water bottles available, with production in Yakima, Wash. Plus, they're made from 100 percent recycled aluminum that's tough enough to pack for the jungle or urban jungle.

Let there be light

A headlamp may seem exclusive to adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing, caving and hiking at night, but this hands-free lighting source can be incredibly beneficial in a power outage, when changing a tire at night or more common activities like an evening bike ride.

The Energizer Micro Sport Headlight from Energizer is a new headlamp that offers a helpful, hands-free lighting source. While biking and running enthusiasts will especially appreciate its lightweight and slim profile, the headlight is similarly tailored for everyday activities like taking the dog for an evening walk. With a white spot light in the front and a red flashing light in the back, streets and sidewalks will be clearly illuminated, but more importantly, others will be able to see you.

Be my guest

The Pakmat Airbed is another great outdoor must-have that comes in handy all year. One of its most attractive attributes is that, when not in use, it is stored in a small canister. This benefit is obvious when backpacking and camping, but is also an advantage for apartment dwellers who don't have ample storage space or a guest room, and want to easily accommodate an overnight guest.

Part sleeping pad and part inflatable bed, the Pakmat is a self-contained air mattress that needs no electricity to inflate. Its container also doubles as the pump that inflates it and makes it sleep-ready. When the the slumber party is over, the Pakmat rolls back up into its canister, ready for the next adventure.

Just in case

There's a smartphone case that's tough enough to weather nature's nastiest elements, which will also assure parents their phones will be safer in the hands of young kids. The LifeProof Case takes gadget protection to an exciting new level. In addition to making your iPhone shockproof, the LifeProof case is also waterproof (and dirtproof and snowproof). Taking your iPhone up to 6 feet under water opens up a whole new world of picture- and video-taking possibilities - whether that's on your next kayaking adventure or at a backyard pool. Outdoor gear has numerous uses outside of campgrounds and state parks. As spring starts to do its thing, many outdoor enthusiasts on the lookout for the latest gear should also consider the year-round benefits of their purchases.

'Modern Family's' Julie Bowen shares personal family story of living with life-threatening allergies

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:32:00 GMT

(BPT) - Pop quiz! Do you know what a peanut butter sandwich in the cafeteria, a latex glove in the science lab and a bumblebee on the playground all have in common? For some students, an encounter with any of these items could cause a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Anaphylaxis has many possible triggers, can occur quickly, without warning, and must be treated immediately with epinephrine. Avoidance of allergic triggers is the critical first step in managing life-threatening allergies. However, allergens are not always obvious and accidental exposure may still happen.

In an effort to increase awareness of and preparedness for anaphylaxis, Emmy-award winning actress Julie Bowen, known for her comedic role in "Modern Family," has joined Mylan Specialty L.P. on the Get Schooled in Anaphylaxis(TM) initiative. Get Schooled in Anaphylaxis offers practical information to educate the school community to help those at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions avoid their triggers, recognize anaphylaxis signs and symptoms and understand how to quickly get appropriate treatment and immediate medical care when anaphylaxis occurs. Julie, who found out that her son had life-threatening allergies when he experienced anaphylaxis as a toddler, is sharing her family's experience to help drive a national conversation on this serious health issue. Fortunately, Julie's son received immediate medical care and recovered quickly.

"I know first-hand that anaphylaxis can happen anywhere and at any time, and that people often aren't ready to respond," said Bowen. "My son's reaction was a wake-up call that our family and those who take care of our son when he is in school, need to become more educated about life-threatening allergic reactions, how to best avoid them from happening and what to do in case an accidental exposure occurs."

Children and adolescents are among those most at-risk for anaphylaxis due to increased exposure to potential allergic triggers. In fact, the prevalence of food allergies among children is on the rise, now affecting approximately one in 13 U.S. children. Anaphylaxis causes an estimated 1,500 deaths each year.

The good news: Julie is excited that Get Schooled in Anaphylaxis offers a comprehensive, community-inspired online resource on www.Anaphylaxis101.com to meet the information needs of the extended community impacted by potentially life-threatening allergies. The website includes a personalized, virtual tour and access to an extensive library of resources from leading patient, professional, and advocacy groups. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, school nurses and other community members can access information specific to their needs and learn how they can contribute to raising anaphylaxis awareness and preparedness. By logging on to www.Anaphylaxis101.com, visitors have the option to enter a virtual experience or find useful resources and materials tailored to the individual role in the school community and where they live.

"Similar to recognizing when someone needs the Heimlich maneuver or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), we want people to recognize anaphylaxis signs and symptoms, and understand how to quickly get appropriate treatment and immediate medical care when anaphylaxis occurs," said Hemant Sharma, M.D., Associate Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. "Every person responsible for the health of children in schools should be aware of and prepared for a life-threatening allergic reaction. I encourage everyone to visit www.Anaphylaxis101.com to learn more about anaphylaxis and get information to help them be prepared to respond if it happens."

How to help raise awareness and be prepared if anaphylaxis occurs

Be aware: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that has many possible triggers, can occur quickly and without warning, and must be treated immediately with epinephrine.
Know the facts: Children and adolescents are among those most at risk for anaphylaxis due to increased exposure to potential allergic triggers. In fact, the prevalence of food allergies among children is on the rise, now affecting approximately one in 13 U.S. children. Anaphylaxis causes an estimated 1,500 deaths each year.
Be prepared:

Identify and avoid allergic triggers
Know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. These may include trouble breathing, chest pain, skin hives or redness of the skin, tightness in the throat, swelling of the lips and/or tongue, nausea, dizziness, a decrease in blood pressure, and/or fainting. Anaphylaxis symptoms may progress rapidly and become life-threatening, requiring prompt recognition and treatment initiation.
Understand how to quickly get appropriate treatment and immediate medical care when anaphylaxis occurs

Learn more: Visit www.Anaphylaxis101.com and follow the Twitter handle @Anaphylaxis101 to get the latest news about the initiative.

Small businesses identify stress as top concern for employee health and wellness

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:49:00 GMT

(BPT) - Today's tough economic environment would give anyone a headache. America's workforce faces increasing pressures to meet the bottom line and achieve financial results with less, particularly small businesses. So, it's no wonder that small-business owners' most pressing wellness concerns include stress and employees' sick days, as identified through a recent study of more than 1,000 small-business owners and decision-makers. High employee stress ranks No. 1.-

The national study - by Humana Inc., one of the nation's leading health care companies, and the National Small Business Association (NSBA), America's leading small business advocate - offers some insights into today's current small business wellness environment. The study found that while an overwhelming 93 percent of small business owners consider employees' physical and mental health as contributors to business results, only one-third are confident in their ability to help employees manage their health and wellness.

If you work for a small business, there is a good chance that your employer doesn't have a health and wellness program in place. Only 22 percent of small businesses offer their employees access to such options. But among those that do, 85 percent think these types of offerings are worth the investment. Three in four say such programs enhance their profits.

"As the economy continues to improve, wellness solutions likely will continue to be of interest and an increasingly important part of the employee value proposition," predicts Jerry Ganoni, president of Humana's small group employer segment. Ganoni believes it's crucial for the health insurance industry to focus on providing small-business owners with the information they need to make wellness decisions that will help to recruit and retain employees while enhancing their bottom lines.

So why aren't more small business owners embracing wellness initiatives as bottom-line boosters? (Wellness initiatives are considered those that encourage employees to make healthier choices such as getting preventive care, eating right and exercising.)

More than half say enough information isn't available about starting and using health and wellness programs. Another key challenge they list: employee interest in such programs. Forty-eight percent of respondents who used to have or never had wellness options believe lack of interest among employees ranks as the top barrier to introducing one.-

However, despite these obstacles, interest among small business owners in considering and providing health and wellness initiatives actually is on the rise. Younger businesses were reportedly more likely to have health and wellness programs in place than businesses older than 10 years, the Humana-NSBA study reveals.

In fact, 31 percent of startups - those companies less than a decade old - offer them. Startup business owners view these benefits as a tool for employee recruitment and retention; one in four report being most motivated by employee demand versus 3 percent for more established companies.

"Workplace wellness programs can play a big role in keeping health care accessible and affordable for employers and employees," says NSBA President Todd McCracken.

There seems to be little question that health and wellness programs pay off for employees. For every $1 spent on worksite health-promotion programs, a company sees an average of $3.50 in savings related to fewer sick days, more productive work time, and reduced health care costs, according to research from the Partnership for Prevention.

Your bedroom: the key to a restful night's sleep

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

(BPT) - Whether snuggling in for the night or just trying to catch a quick few winks, your environment plays an important role in determining if you're counting sheep or counting Zzzs. From noise reduction to lighting, there are a few easy ways you can turn your bedroom into a tranquil oasis.

"A third of the adult population suffers from insomnia from time to time, but only about 6 percent meet the criteria for an actual sleep disorder," says Dr. Christina Brown from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Tampa. "In a good number of cases, getting to sleep and staying asleep is a matter of your surroundings."

Kristina Held, assistant professor of Interior Design at The Art Institute of Charlotte, a campus of South University, focuses on areas of the bedroom that you may want to re-evaluate in order to create the sleep haven you've been craving.

"Creating a bedroom that is conducive to your most restful sleep might require a bit of homework, but I think you'll find it won't take you long," Held says. "As an interior designer, I like to focus on lighting, bedding, furniture and decor."

Lighting:

Humans were created to be in-synch with the sun cycle. For this reason, Held recommends positioning your bed to the east so that you will be able to wake up seeing the sun rays peeking in around your curtains.

"Try several layers of curtains to block out light at night," Held says. "Sheers and heavy protective curtains can help soften the room visually, help with sound absorption, help insulate the window, and are a great opportunity to bring in some color and pattern." You can leave the sheers drawn during the day to diffuse daylight while protecting against views from the outside.

Both Brown and Held warn about electronics that provide artificial light in the bedroom. "Get rid of your phones, TVs and iPads while in bed. The artificial light will interrupt your sleep cycle and keep your brain activated, making it harder to get to sleep and keep you off the more natural sleep patterns," Brown says.

Bedding:

"A comfortable mattress enclosed in a hypoallergenic cover protects from dust mites and allergens such as animal dandruff and pollen," recommends Held. Try to use only natural fiber content for your bedding such as cotton, organic cotton, silk, or linen blend. Also try using hypoallergenic pillows to prevent allergies. Held also recommends placing a humidifier in your room during the winter months, and changing your air filters at least once in three months.

Furniture and decor:

"Don't use reds, it makes you awake and some say aggressive. Neutral colors, along with blues and greens, evoke calming feelings that we get when we are surrounded by nature," Held says.

Place a neutral area rug for noise reduction and decoration. If you live in a busy area, Brown recommends a white noise machine or ceiling fan to drown out the background noise. Don't forget to include some inspiring artwork that is meaningful and brings you feelings of calm.

Horizontal lines inspire calmness and are well-suited for a bedroom. Natural materials bring in a relaxing factor as well. Lastly, unclutter your bedroom as much as possible - it will clear your mind. Some horizontal book shelves may just be the trick to de-cluttering and adding the horizontal line accents.

Both Held and Brown agree that keeping your home cooler during the night will help you sleep better. Keep your thermostat at the most comfortable cool setting, as changes in your body's thermal regulation will wake you.

"In the short-term, just one sleep-deprived night can interfere with your ability to concentrate, affect your mood and even make you drowsy during the day," explains Brown. If getting healthier is part of your new year's resolution this year, make getting adequate sleep part of your goal.

Understanding the new health care law and what it means for you

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:47:00 GMT

Health care is sure to be a hot topic throughout 2013. With existing and upcoming effects from the Affordable Care Act, many Americans face changes when it comes to their health and their insurance plans. The law is confusing and the changes are complex. It's important to understand how this law will affect your health care and what you personally need to do in the future.

"About 50 percent of the American population will have to make some type of choice in regard to their health plan coverage in the next year," says Steven Zaleznick, lead of development at HealthPocket, an easy-to-use website offering unbiased health insurance options. "There are many important parts of the law, and some of those changes drastically affect how consumers purchase and use health insurance."

Some important changes of the new health care law that directly affect consumers include:

1. No denial for pre-existing conditions

Previously, many of the people who needed insurance the most were denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition, which is a health condition that existed prior to applying for coverage. -In 2014 all health insurance applications will be reviewed on a "guaranteed issue" basis where poor health or prior medical conditions cannot be used to deny an application.

2. Elimination of lifetime benefit limits

Insurance companies can no longer put lifetime caps on benefits. This is good news particularly for people with chronic diseases that require expensive ongoing treatment as well as those who have had a serious medical event such as a stroke that brought with it high medical costs during the time of treatment and rehabilitation.

3. Subsidies for qualifying families

Starting next year, tax credits will be issued to help make health insurance more affordable. If your income is up to 400 percent of the poverty line and affordable insurance is not available to you, such as through your employer, you will receive credits. For reference, the 2012 poverty guidelines for one person is $11,170 in the 48 contiguous states, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. -People at or slightly above the poverty line will qualify for Medicaid coverage.

4. Penalties for the uninsured

Under the new law, everyone must carry health insurance by Jan. 1, 2014 or pay a penalty. Employers of 50 or more people are required to provide health insurance to employees or pay a fee that roughly amounts to $2,000 for every employee beyond 30 employees.

"Whether you are self-employed, unemployed, work at a small company that doesn't offer insurance, or are a senior who needs to make an annual Medicare choice, there are options available that meet your specific needs," says Zaleznick. "Because the changes are bringing new opportunities and challenges to consumers, it's a perfect time to stay informed about how you can make good choices."

Health insurance provides peace of mind and can cover preventative care as well as major health concerns. It helps you avoid the high costs of treating a serious condition, which for some has even resulted in bankruptcy. Researching and getting health insurance now ensures you make the best decision you can for 2013 and prepares you for the changes to come in 2014.

Websites like www.HealthPocket.com make the seemingly complex task of finding health insurance simple. This free service allows users to enter their basic information and search health insurance options available in their area. All you need is your Zip code, no name or contact information, to start searching. It takes just minutes and you can easily sort by different plan features such as vision or maternity coverage.

The advantage of using an unbiased site like www.HealthPocket.com that is not affiliated with any insurance or drug company is you get to search through many different options that are independently ranked so you can find the best coverage for your budget and health situation. The site will continuously be updated with new information and options as the law's changes continue to go into effect.

Making your health a priority is always important, and with the current and upcoming changes to our nation's law, now is an important time to learn about your options to help ensure you live a long, healthy life.

Cough clues: Identify and treat your cough

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 21:48:00 GMT

(BPT) - Cold and flu season is on its way, often marking its arrival with that first throat tickle, before exploding into a hacking cough.

Coughing is a natural reaction to an airway irritant, the body's attempt to expel foreign substances, or a symptom indicating an underlying medical condition. A cough is a familiar symptom of a wide range of conditions - from the common cold to bronchitis. Identifying the type and cause of your cough will help you determine treatment and get you on the fast track to kicking your cough.

Types of coughs

Coughs fall under two categories: productive and nonproductive.

Productive (also known as wet) coughs produce phlegm or mucus that comes up from the lungs or drains down the back of the throat. A wet cough can be a symptom of the common cold, influenza, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

"For symptoms associated with illnesses such as the common cold or flu, coughing helps remove mucus and irritants from your lungs and airways," says Dr. Brian M. Levine, general practitioner and cough specialist from Southern California. "So it's best not to suppress these coughs."

Nonproductive (also known as dry) coughs do not produce phlegm or mucus, and can make your airways, throat or chest sore, causing discomfort and disrupting sleep. This type of cough can be a cold and flu symptom but is also often a result of asthma or allergies.

"A person suffering from asthma generally experiences a dry, non-productive cough," says Levine. "Allergy coughs, due to the constriction of airways by pollutants such as pollen, cigarette smoke or animal dander, are very similar to asthma."

Chronic cough is a cough that lasts longer than six to eight weeks, which can cause physical problems such as damage to the vocal cords, rupture of small blood vessels in the airway, fainting spells, hernias or even broken ribs.

"A long-lasting cough may be the sign of an underlying condition, such as asthma, postnasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux disease," says Levine. "Depending on the cause of the chronic cough, treatment may include antihistamine allergy medications, inhaled asthma medicine, antacids or antibiotics. A cough lasting for several weeks can also be an indicator of whooping cough, which is a highly contagious condition characterized by intense coughing that can lead to breathing restrictions, dry heaving, and vomiting. If a cough lasts for more than a few weeks, a physician should be consulted."

Treatments

"There's a wide selection of over-the-counter treatments available to help ease coughing symptoms," says Levine. "Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, thin the mucus blocking the airways making it easier to cough up, relieving chest congestion. Dry coughs can be treated with a cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan, which simply lessens the urge to cough promoting comfort and better sleeping. I recommend many of the 'store-brand' cough medications at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Tussin cough syrups and guaifenesin. These products are regulated by the FDA and use comparable active ingredients, but cost significantly less than the brand names."

Perrigo is a Michigan-based -pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes most of the over-the-counter medications sold under store-brand labels at leading national retailers, club stores, grocers and pharmacies. According to Perrigo, these products are the primary treatments available over-the-counter for cough:

* Wet cough relief: Guaifenesin (compare to: Mucinex), Tussin cough syrups that are labeled as containing an expectorant such as guaifenesin (compare to: Robitussin)

* Dry cough relief: Dextromethorphan (compare to: Delsym), Nite Time and Day Time products that are labeled as containing a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan (compare to: NyQuil and DayQuil)

"If you continue to cough for a prolonged period of time, your respiratory symptoms have worsened, or you have difficulty breathing, I suggest scheduling an appointment with your doctor immediately, so he or she may evaluate you and suggest the best course of treatment for your situation," Levine says.