QUOTE FOR THE WEEKEND:

Feb8

“Many of us assume that the indoor air quality in our homes is much safer than the air outdoors. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that indoor air pollution is one of the most hazardous environmental threats to humans! If you’re like the average individual, you probably spend a good amount of time indoors, so it’s important to educate yourself regarding indoor air quality.

Your windows may be spotless and your floors may sparkle, but for millions of adults and children with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, a house is only as clean as its air.

Though it might be hard to believe, ­indoor air can be five times dirtier than what we breathe outside, exposing us to carcinogens, including radon and formaldehyde, as well as quotidian lung-gunking impurities, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and a variety of particulate matter created when we burn candles or cook.

Judging from the skyward trend in sales figures, Americans are turning to portable air purifiers in increasing numbers, paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars to reduce indoor air pollutants and the sniffles, sneezes, coughs, and asthma attacks they can trigger.

The Environmental Protection Agency evaluates the energy consumption of air purifiers for its Energy Star program but is careful to issue a disclaimer about their health benefits: “While some home air cleaning devices may be useful in some circumstances, EPA makes no broad endorsement of their use.” According to the agency, the best way to avoid health problems caused by indoor air pollution is to control or eliminate the sources of pollutants (by banning smoking in the house, for instance) and to ventilate the home with clean outdoor air.

Though the benefits of portable air purifiers are still being debated by the scientific community, recent research suggests that they could protect against the ill effects of air pollution under certain conditions. A small, well-designed study, funded in part by China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission and conducted at a Shanghai university, found that the use of filter-based air purifiers was associated with reducing the adverse health effects caused by polluted air. Another study, conducted by Canada’s British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and other Canadian governmental and academic groups, concluded that the use of portable air purifiers can lower indoor levels of particulate matter caused by smoke pollution and, in doing so, benefit respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Energy Star. Models that carry this familiar blue logo are 40 percent more energy efficient than non-Energy Star models. That’s an important consideration for an appliance that CR suggests people run 24 hours a day.”

Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/indoor-air-quality/how-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-a7861970027/?EXTKEY=SM72CR0D&gclsrc=3p.ds&&gclid=ce189d340a06186a625cfaa)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEKEND:

Feb7

“Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a major cause of morbidity and premature death from cardiovascular diseases, making it an important clinical entity. Despite a dramatic decline in the incidence of rheumatic heart disease in industrialized countries, VHD remains highly prevalent. Although many VHDs are acquired during adult life, familial clustering and heritability have been noted for common heart valve defects.”

American Heart Association Journal (ahajournal.org)

QUOTE FOR FRIDAY:

Feb7

“Using marijuana as little as once per month is associated with a higher risk of both heart attack and stroke, according to a large study published Wednesday by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital. The risks rose sharply the more frequently marijuana was used.

The paper, which was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting marijuana may be harmful to the cardiovascular system.

Scientists analyzed data on nearly 435,000 patients, ages 18 to 74, to see whether there was a link between marijuana use and a higher risk of heart disease, stroke or heart attack. The data came from a behavioral risk factor survey collected from 2016 to 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Compared with people who had never used marijuana, daily cannabis users had 25% higher likelihood of heart attacks and 42% higher risk of strokes. People who used marijuana just once a week had a 3% increased likelihood of a heart attacks and 5% higher risk of strokes during the study time frame.”

NBC News (Marijuana use as little as once per month linked to heart attack and stroke risk in new study)

February is Heart Month – Stages of Heart Failure and more!

Feb7

  

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome characterized by high prevalence in society, frequent hospitalization, reduced quality of life and high mortality (overall,50% of patients are dead at an interval of 4 years [1], annual mortality varying from 5% to 75%). Outcomes in heart failure are highly variable, prognosis of individual patients differs considerably and trial data, though valuable, does not often give an adequate direction. Taking into account the high prevalence of heart failure in society and its complexity physicians need a model to predict the risk of death, to estimate the survival of heart failure patients. A key element of interest in this area is the survival function, usually noted by S and defined as S(t)=exp(–H0(t)eaTx)=e–H0(t)eaTx

Heart failure–Definition

Heart failure is a syndrome in which structural or functional cardiac conditions impair heart’s ability to supply sufficient blood flow in order to meet the body’s needs, or to do that at an elevated diastolic pressure.

There are many definitions of this complex syndrome, but none is satisfactory, due to the lack of a universally agreed definition and challenges in definitive diagnosis. Until now, only some selective features of this extremely complex physiological state were highlighted in the definitions–oxygen consumption, cardiac pre-load and after-load, left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction, ventricular filling pressures, neuro-hormonal responses, exercise capacity, etc.

The new American and European guidelines and recommendations include new information and have the declared intention to simplify and clarify the previous recommendations.

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome in which patients have featured symptoms typical of heart failure (breathlessness at rest or on exercise, fatigue, tiredness, ankle swelling) and typical signs of heart failure (tachycardia, tachypnoea, pulmonary rales, pleural effusion, raised jugular venous pressure, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly) and objective evidence of a structural or functional abnormality of the heart at rest (cardiomegaly, third heart sound, cardiac murmurs,abnormality on the echocardiogram, raised natriuretic peptide concentration).

A clinical response to a pharmacological therapy directed to heart failure is not sufficient for the diagnosis of heart failure, although the usefulness/efficacy of the treatment may be established by the improvement in symptoms or signs (e.g. diuretic administration).

Heart failure may be classified by structural abnormality (ACC/AHA), or by symptoms relating to functional capacity (NYHA).

ACC/AHA stages of heart failure (based on structure and damage to heart muscle).

  • Stage A: At high risk for developing heart failure. No identified structural or functional abnormality; no signs or symptoms.
  • Stage B: Developed structural heart disease that is strongly associated with the development of heart failure, but without signs or symptoms.
  • Stage C: Symptomatic heart failure associated with underlying structural heart disease.
  • Stage D: Advanced structural heart disease and marked symptoms of heart failure at rest despite maximal medical therapy.

NYHA functional classification (severity based on symptoms and physical activity) (NYHA classification refers to stages C and D)

  • Class Ⅰ:No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnoea.
  • Class Ⅱ: Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnoea.
  • Class Ⅲ: Marked limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity results in fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnoea.
  • Class Ⅳ: Unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.

QUOTE FOR THURSDAY:

Feb6

“For American Heart Month here are Heart Disease Quick Facts to know:

  • Heart disease is very common. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups.1 In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease.12
  • High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke. And just 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure has it under control.3
  • Heart disease is costly. The cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity from heart disease amounted to $252.2 billion between 2019 and 2020.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-CDC (American Heart Month Communications Toolkit | Heart Disease | CDC)

QUOTE FOR WEDNESDAY:

Feb5

“Wear Red this month to help raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of people in the U.S.; cardiovascular disease!  American Heart Month, observed in February, is a time to focus on heart health awareness. It aims to educate beginners about preventing heart disease through healthy lifestyle CHOICES!  National Wear Red Day is Friday 2/07.”

American Heart Association (American Heart Month | American Heart Association)

 

QUOTE FOE TUESDAY:

Feb4

“February is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the steps we can take to reduce our risk of cancer.  Know this 40% of cancer cases and 44% of cancer-related deaths are linked to preventable lifestyle choices. By making informed decisions about what we eat, drink, and expose ourselves to, we can significantly lower our cancer risk.

5 things you should know about cancer prevention month:

1-Everyone knows, smoking remains the #1 most significant preventable cause of cancer, accounting for about 19.3% of cancer cases and 28.5% of cancer deaths.

2-Alcohol, in any amount, is detrimental to our health. Alcohol consumption contributes to 5.4% of cancer cases. It increases the risk of cancers in the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, colorectum, liver, larynx, and breast. CRI Clinical Innovator Marina Baretti, MD (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), recently highlighted the importance of controlling alcohol intake. “The recommendation is really to either stay away or (have) no more than two drinks per day for a man (and) no more than one drink per day for a woman,” she advised.

3-Our dietary habits can make a real difference towards our cancer risk.  Consumption of red meat (beef, pork, veal, lamb, etc) and processed meats (smoked and cured meats, cold cuts, sausages, etc) have been shown to increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. In addition, excess body weight is also a significant and preventable risk factor for cancer. Research has shown that high BMI is associated with an increased risk of developing 13 to 18 types of cancer.

4-Ultra Violet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds contributes to 4.6% of cancer cases. In fact, it’s the primary cause of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Over five million annual global cases of skin cancer due to direct exposure of UV rays.

5-It may come as a surprise, but infections caused by viruses and certain bacteria play a significant role in cancer development. In fact, they account for approximately 13% of cancer cases globally.”

CRI – Cancer Research Institute (Five Things You Need to Know for National Cancer Prevention Month – Cancer Research Institute)

QUOTE FOR MONDAY:

Feb3

“As we age, we are more likely to develop systemic health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. It’s important to remember that these diseases can seriously damage your eyes as well. One warning sign of both high blood pressure and diabetes: frequent changes in vision (such as blurriness).

Always tell your ophthalmologist about your health conditions and what medications and nutritional supplements you take. They will also want to know about your eating, sleeping, exercise and other lifestyle choices. Remember: you and your ophthalmologist are partners in caring for your vision.”

American Academy of Ophthalmology (Tips for Eye Health in Adults Over 65 – American Academy of Ophthalmology)

Eye health tips for those at age 60 and over!

Feb3

Eyes over 601Eyesover602

Women-Higher Risk for Some Eye Diseases

Women are more likely than men to have glaucoma and women are also more likely to be visually impaired or blind due to glaucoma. Also, women are 24 percent less likely to be treated for glaucoma. Cataract is somewhat more common in women, as well. Women should be sure to follow the Academy’s screening guidelines and adhere to their Eye M.D.’s follow-up appointment recommendations and treatment plans.

Low Vision

The term low vision describes vision loss that makes daily tasks difficult. Normal aging of the eye does not lead to low vision; it is a result of eye diseases, injuries or both. Low vision symptoms nclude loss of central and/or peripheral (side) vision, blurred or hazy vision or night blindness. A person may have trouble recognizing faces, reading, driving and shopping. If you experience any of these problems, it is important to see your Eye M.D., who will check for and treat any underlying conditions and advise on low vision resources and low vision aids and devices to help with reading and other daily tasks. Most people with low vision need brighter lighting in their living areas.

Avoid Falls and Related Eye Injuries

About half of all eye injuries occur in or around the home, most often during improvement projects (44 percent). The good news is that nearly all eye injuries can be prevented by using protective eyewear, so every household needs to have at least one pair of certified safety glasses on hand.

It’s also important to reduce the risk of falls, which become more likely as we age, due to changes in vision and balance. Consider taking these safety steps around the home to diminish the risks of injuring your eyes:

  • Make sure that rugs and shower/bath/tub mats are slip-proof.
  • Secure railings so that they are not loose.
  • Cushion sharp corners and edges of furnishings and home fixtures.

Systemic health problems to avoid

Systemic health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes that may be diagnosed or become more problematic in midlife can also affect eye health. One warning sign of both high blood pressure and diabetes is when the ability to see clearly changes frequently. Be sure to keep your Eye M.D. informed about your health conditions and use of medications and nutritional supplements, as well as your exercise, eating, sleeping and other lifestyle choices.

Exercise a great tip to help eyes

Our eyes need good blood circulation and oxygen intake, and both are stimulated by regular exercise. Regular exercise also helps keep our weight in the normal range, which reduces the risk of diabetes and of diabetic retinopathy. Gentler exercise, including walking, yoga, tai chi, or stretching and breathing, can also be effective ways to keep healthy. Remember to use sun safety and protective eyewear when enjoying sports and recreation.

Sleep are great also with exercise

As we sleep, our eyes enjoy continuous lubrication. Also during sleep the eyes clear out irritants such as dust, allergens, or smoke that may have accumulated during the day.

Some research suggests that light-sensitive cells in the eye are important to our ability to regulate our wake-sleep cycles. This becomes more crucial as we age, when more people have problems with insomnia. While it’s important that we protect our eyes from over-exposure to UV light, our eyes also need exposure to some natural light every day to help maintain normal sleep-wake cycles.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEKEND:

Feb1
“Millions of people in the United States are living with a visual impairment. A visual impairment can make it hard to do everyday activities, like getting around, reading, or cooking. And it can’t be fixed with glasses, contacts, or other standard treatments, like medicine or surgery.
The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people with a visual impairment make the most of the vision they have — and keep doing the things they love. Take some time this Low Vision Awareness Month to learn about vision rehabilitation and spread the word!”