Elizabeth Russell| Central Bucks High School West

A Year of COVID in Bucks

Bucks County Health Dept. Director Dr. David Damsker talks to JD and Phil about the toll of coronavirus locally, and the prospects of returning to life as it was prior to the virus.

JD Mullane and Phil Gianficaro, Bucks County Courier Times

Heart disease refers to a grouping of several different conditions. It is defined as a type of disease that affects the heart or surrounding blood vessels. It can describe a range of conditions from blood vessel disease to heart rhythm problems to heart infection.

I was curious as to how heart disease could affect teenagers and what we as a youth should be doing to look out for our own health. I interviewed my friend and neighbor, Dr. Michael Mooradd, whois a cardiologist.

I wanted to know the significance of heart disease on my age group and what signs myself and peers should be looking out for. I wondered what could be preventative and what symptoms to look out for.

Mooradd explained that the main advice that he shares is, Be aware of your family history, live a healthy lifestyle, no smoking, and encourage your family as well to follow a healthy lifestyle and seek treatment if they have any symptoms.

I was naively under the impression that my age group could not be affected by heart disease, which I believed only afflicted the elderly.

Mooradd shared that one of the biggest tragedies of heart disease is when people are afraid to seek medical assistance after they start to notice the symptoms and they do not seek the help that they need.

The symptoms include, but are not limited to, chest pain, left arm pain, throat pain, and jaw pain. Men and women exude different symptoms and sometimes women experience a shortness of breath.

The symptoms differ from person to person, but most experience these symptoms.

If you or anyone in your family have these symptoms you should consult a doctor for an evaluation.

There is also a genetic component to heart disease, so understanding your family history can help to inform if you should be more cautious in looking out for the signs and symptoms.

If people know that they have a family history they should focus on exercise, a healthy diet, and no smoking. People aged 50 and up are at a higher risk of heart disease.

Prevention can be a key component in helping to prevent heart disease in ones future. Mooradd explained that preventative measures can be taking such as practicinga healthy diet, regularly exercising, and controlling your blood pressure if you have hypertension. There are also preventative medications that can be taken, such as medication that helps to lower the bodys level of cholesterol.

Long term, heart disease needs to be caught early, and if it is caught early there is no damage or minimal damage. Mooradd said doctors try to educate the community that the first goal is prevention. Even if they do not catch it early on, it can still be treated.

Teens and other adolescents my age are not at high risk for heart disease, but they still need to look out for symptoms and track their family history.

Help encourage both you and your parents to practice living a healthy lifestyle and getting the exercise that you need.

Prevention and recognizing the symptoms and knowing when to consult a doctor are they key to living a healthy life and avoiding heart disease.

Elizabeth Russell is a junior at Central Bucks High School West. This is her first year writing for Reality.

Originally posted here:
Why teens should care about their heart health - Bucks County Courier Times

SATURDAY, April 3, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to guarding against colon cancer, what you eat is everything.

You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by eating five food types, an expert says. These include: vegetables; whole grains; legumes; nuts and seeds; and fiber-rich fruit.

"Vegetables contain cancer-preventing nutrients called carotenoids and flavonoids," said Amy Rosenfeld, program coordinator of community health, education and outreach and a registered dietitian at the Center for Healthy Living at Northern Westchester Hospital, in Mount Kisco, N.Y.

"Vegetables are high in fiber, bulking your stool and limiting the amount of time waste spends in your colon, reducing your risk for colorectal cancers," she added.

At every meal, you should try to cover half your plate with colorful vegetables, and that can include frozen vegetables, which are affordable and ready-to-eat, Rosenfeld said.

Whole grain foods have high levels of fiber. When shopping for bread and cereal products, select those that list whole grain ingredients first.

"Try replacing white grains -- like white rice -- with whole grains or mixing the two together. Eating three servings, or about three ounces of whole grains a day, will not only increase fiber, but also B vitamins and important minerals, such as iron, zinc, copper and magnesium," Rosenfeld said.

Examples of whole grain products include whole wheat bread, barley, oats, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, brown rice and wild rice.

Legumes have lots of fiber and help keep your digestive tract healthy. "By regularly eating beans and lentils, you lower your risk for cancerous colon polyps (small growths)," Rosenfeld said. "Try substituting beans or lentils for meat twice a week or reducing meat in your recipes and add in legumes."

Put navy beans, chickpeas, fava beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, black beans and cannellini beans on your grocery list, she suggested.

The next category is nuts and seeds, which "are the perfect foods," according to Rosenfeld. "Their fiber, healthy fat, phytochemicals, and antioxidants all have cancer-fighting properties. Try snacking on nuts or seeds instead of chips or pretzels. Natural nut and seed butters make a great dip for your favorite fruit. Mix in ground flax seeds or chia seeds into oatmeal."

It's also important include fresh or frozen fiber-rich fruit in your diet, she said in a hospital news release.

"Eat the rainbow when it comes to fruits," Rosenfeld recommended. "Try to eat one to two cups of fruit each day and mix up the colors. Each color fruit has a unique combination of nutrients with cancer-fighting properties. Fruit also has fiber, vitamins and minerals, and its natural sweetness helps you resist refined sugary treats without nutritional benefits."

More information

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has more on colorectal cancer prevention.

SOURCE: Northern Westchester Hospital, news release, March 23, 2021

Read more:
The 5 Foods That Cut Your Odds for Colon Cancer - HealthDay News

Avoiding alcohol, drug abuse can prevent bipolar disorders. File photo

Some nurses at the Psychiatric Department of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital have urged the public to consider making lifestyle changes that could prevent bipolar disorders.

They said avoiding alcohol, drug abuse, and thirty minutes of daily exercise amidst healthy eating were key to minimize the risk factors for the condition.

The nurses told the Ghana News Agency, that scientists were yet to know the exact cause of the condition as the world marked World Bipolar Day under the theme "Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow".

Usually, people with the condition have mood swings and may also suffer depression.

Ms Nelly Mensah, one of the nurses said the condition could disrupt a persons life significantly, as it hampers day-to-day activities, adding that, not just the one who suffers the illness, but bipolar condition could also affect mentally those who take care of people with the disorder.

Because stress and loss of loved ones can be triggers for bipolar disorder, dealing with the serious issues in your life can decrease your chances of immediate onset. A counsellor can help you gain perspective and insight, learn coping skills, and practice healthier patterns of thought and behavior, she said.

Mr. Yusif Mustapha another nurse, stressed the need to raise awareness among the people about what bipolar condition constitute and preventive measures.

He explained that World Bipolar Day is marked each year to make people understand the implications of this mental health issue and raise awareness about proper guidance and treatment.

For her part, Madam Gertrude Nkrumah mentioned depression as a major form of bipolar disorders and described it as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfered with a persons everyday activity.

She indicated that a family history of depression or any mood disorder, early childhood trauma and certain medical conditions may put one at a higher risk.

Link:
Adopt healthy living to maintain stable mental health - Public urged - GhanaWeb

Provided by Prince William County

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers have served in Prince William County and the surrounding areas. MRC volunteers supportCOVID-19 testing sites and vaccination clinics, and educate the community on the best ways to prevent spreading and contracting the virus.

The MRC is a group of dedicated volunteers, who donate their time and talents to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources.

Jeff Scheulen has volunteered with the MRC since April 2020. He began helping with testing, then moved on to help with the vaccination clinics. Jeff said, Im retired, and when I heard about MRC, which I never heard of before COVID, I realized there was a path for me to help out and support the community. My past career as a paramedic, thats what I did. I helped people.

Anyone can join the MRC; no medical experience is needed. Volunteers receive free training and participate in drills and exercises to prepare for emergencies. Volunteers must be over 18 and pass a criminal background check.

See the article here:
If Youre Passionate about Public Health, Volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps! - Prince William Living