Suicide is a world-wide avoidable public health problem. Nearly 30,000 Americans will take their own lives this year. Far more will make an try at taking their own lives.
A suicide attempt is a clear sign that something is very wrong – a response to a situation viewed as overwhelming. It’s an expression of extreme distress. Immediate help is needed.
There are a few factors that can increase a person’s risk for suicide. They include –
o Be sure to check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Be sure to check the bottoms of your feet, too – use a mirror, or ask a family member for help if you’ve trouble seeing.
o Wash your feet every day in warm – not hot – water. Dry your feet well. Make sure to dry between the toes.
o Make certain to keep the skin soft and smooth. Rub a thin coat of skin lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes.
o If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them weekly or as needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file. If you can’t see your toenails or you see blood when you trim them, contact your healthcare provider.
o Wear shoes and socks at all times. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
o Make sure to always feel inside your footwear before you put them on each time to make sure the lining is smooth and there is nothing inside the shoe.
o Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Wear socks at night when your fe
o Do not test bath water with your feet. Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet.
o Have your provider or nurse check your bare feet. Do not forget that you may not feel the pain of an injury.
o Call your provider right away if you find a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot that does not start to heal after several days.
o Follow your provider’s advice about foot care.
o Make certain to keep the blood flowing to your feet. Make certain to put your feet up when sitting, on a footrest or another chair. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Do not cross your legs for long periods of time.
o Be physically active. Speak with your health care team about which physical activities are best for you.
o Be certain to get began now. Begin taking good care of your feet today.
o Make certain to set a time every day to check your feet.
o Be sure to take care of your diabetes. Be sure to work with your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar.
o Consult with your health care team or diabetes educator if you have questions about your foot care.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Pressure is highest when the heart muscle beats or squeezes. This is the “top” number. Pressure is lowest when the heart muscle relaxes between beats. This is the “bottom” number.
Your blood pressure is normal, pre-hypertensive or high. Pre-hypertensive is the range between normal and high. These blood pressures can return to normal with some changes in your daily life. For instance, a weight loss of 10 pounds could reduce blood pressure. Adding fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products in your diet can help. Getting 30 minutes of exercise most days can also help to lower blood pressure. These life changes also help blood pressure medications work better.
The best possible blood pressure (BP)
120 or lower / 80
Pre-hypertension
120-139 / 80-89
High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension
140 or HIGHER / 90
Did you know?
o 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure. That is 72 million adults.
o More than 1 in 4 of those with high blood pressure do not know it.
o 1 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure.
o High blood pressure (BP) occurs at every age, even childhood.
o High blood pressure (BP) lasts a lifetime.
o If you’re African American, your risk of high blood pressure (BP) is higher.
o If you’re overweight, have a family history or have pre-hypertension, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure.
o High blood pressure (BP) is known as the “silent killer” because it often lacks symptoms.
Avoidance and treatment of high blood pressure (BP) include –
o maintaining a healthful weight
o consuming healthful meals
o not smoking
o exercising
o limiting alcohol
Healthful teeth are clean and have few cavities.
Healthy gums are pink and firm.
Tooth decay and cavities are common and can occur at any age. Tooth decay and cavities can lead to pain, difficulty consuming, infection and tooth loss when not treated.
Plaque
The food a person consumes can affect the way blood flows through the heart and arteries. A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can gradually cause a buildup in the arteries. That buildup slows down the blood flow and blocks small arteries. When the blockage happens in an artery that carries blood to the heart muscle, the heart muscle can die. That is a heart attack. When the blockage happens in an artery that carries blood to the brain, part of the brain can die. That is a stroke. The right diet helps keep the arteries clear and decreases the risk of heart problems and stroke. Keeping your heart healthy by watching what you eat isn’t as hard as it sounds.
Tips for a heart-healthful diet –
o Make certain to eat less saturated fat (namely butter, coconut and palm oil, fats like Crisco, animal fats in meats, fats in dairy products).
o Be certain to use nonstick vegetable oil cooking sprays instead of margarine.
o Buy lean cuts of meat; reduce portion size to 3 ounces (the size of a pack of cards).
o Be sure to eat more fish, skinless chicken and turkey.
o Try low-fat snacks that have been baked in lieu of fried, like pretzels.
o Drink skim milk, and purchase low-fat cheese, yogurt and margarine.
o Purchase sherbet, ice milk or frozen low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream.
o Have a bagel or English muffin instead of a donut or pastry.
o Be sure to eat no more than 4 egg yolks a week (use egg whites or egg substitutes).
o Bake, broil, steam or grill foods instead of frying them.
o Be certain to eat fewer “fast foods” (burgers, fried foods), which are high in fat.
o Make sure to eat more fruits and vegetables.
o Drink low-calorie beverages, like unsweetened tea or diet soda pop.
Exercise makes the heart stronger, helping it pump more blood with each heartbeat. The blood then delivers more oxygen to the body, which helps it function more efficiently. Exercise can also lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart illness and reduce levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which clogs the arteries and can cause a heart attack.
Attempt to exercise about 30 minutes nearly everyday. Your health care provider could make a different recommendation based on your health. There are lots of ways to elevate heart rate during the regular day –
o Make certain to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
o Walk during coffee break or lunch.
o Walk to work or park at the end of the parking lot so you have to walk further.
o Walk more briskly.
o Do housework at a quicker pace and more often.
o Do yard work, like raking leaves or pushing the lawn mower.
Almost 2 million people have Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is more common in women. Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by a problem with the immune system. Instead of protecting healthful joints and bones, it hurts them. This causes changes in the joint, pain, and stiffness.
No one knows what causes Rheumatoid Arthritis. A person’s genes and the environment they live in may be the causes.
It can be hard to tell if somebody has Rheumatoid Arthritis. The symptoms can come and go. and they are like the symptoms of other bone and joint problems.
Rheumatoid Arthritis can begin at any age. It typically begins with the hands and feet. It affects both the left and right sides of the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis could make your joints swollen and painful. You’ll feel sick, tired, and even feverish. Your joints could be stiff after you rest.
There is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis. But there are ways to treat it so that you can enjoy life more. Here are some helpful ways to live day-to-day with it.
Medications can be used to –
Cigar tobacco use has increased more than 50% in the last decade. Among women, cigar tobacco use has increased 5-fold.
Who smokes cigars? Mostly men aged 35 – 64 with higher education and incomes.
Make certain to use of tobacco cigars has risks.
A stroke occurs when the part of the blood supply to the brain is stopped and brain cells do not get enough oxygen. Strokes can result in difficulty speaking and paralysis.
The risk of stroke increases with age. Having a stroke can happen at any age, but the chance of having a stroke greatly increases after the age of 55.
Stroke is more common in men and person whose parent, grandparent or sibling had a stroke. The risk for African Americans is much higher than any other group.
There are many things that can increase the chances of stroke. A lot of of these we can control. By controlling or changing what we can control, the risk for stroke is lowered.
Be certain to use of tobacco is the #1 avoidable risk factor for stroke. If you smoke, quit. Your health care team can help you.
Diabetes increases your risk for stroke. If you’ve diabetes, learn how to manage it. Know what the goal for your daily blood sugars. A hemoglobin A1C less than 7 indicates good diabetes control.
High Blood Pressure is a major cause of stroke. When you have high blood pressure, work with your health care provider to get it under control. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight assists to keep blood pressure (BP) under control. Blood pressure control is even more important when you have diabetes.
High Cholesterol may cause build-up in your arteries. This can slow blood flow to your brain, heart and other organs and can result in a stroke.
Overweight and obesity can result in high blood pressure. Losing weight, eating a healthful diet and exercising can reduce your blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare team about MOVE. weight management.
Lack of exercise can result in overweight and obesity. This can increase your risk for stroke. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Excessive alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Alcohol must be limited to 1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men.
Person sometimes respond to stress by use of tobacco, drinking alcohol or eating high-fat, foods high in calories. Nevertheless, there are healthier ways to manage stress. Exercise is one way. Learn stress management techniques that work for you.
What’s alcoholism?
Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a disease that has four main features. These are –
Aerobic Activities
Aerobic exercises are important for your health. These activities include brisk walking, biking, swimming or dancing. Other activities you are able to do include playing with your children or your grandchildren, doing housework or working in the garden.
When you are not active, begin gradually. The goal is at least 30-minutes of activity most days of the week, but you can split that into a few parts. For instance, you are able to take three 10-minute walks during the day. Slowly increase how often and the amount of time and the intensity of your exercise.
