Turns Out, Laughter Really Can Be The Best Medicine!

This holiday season, give laughter a try.

Give Laughter a Try this Holiday Season

The old saying that “Laughter is the Best Medicine” may be very true and during the holidays it’s an important saying to remember. Laughter and a sense of humor truly can be considered lifesavers when stress sets in and seems overwhelming.

Between all the racing around, the cooking, wrapping gifts, long lines at every store it’s easy to lose patience at the grocery store, the shopping center, the mall or trying to find a decent parking spot. However, keeping a sense of humor can help and researchers have evidence that laughter and perspective can help relieve stress.

Unfortunately, the holidays are built-in stress producers and one of the biggest reasons is that many people have unrealistic expectations. The issue is that people want their holiday(s) to be perfect with the perfect gift, the perfect food, the perfect decorations and the perfect people to sit around the perfect table. Sciencedaily.com has the “perfect” suggestion. Don’t count on perfection because you’re setting yourself up for stress and oftentimes, disappointment, which can lead to a whole variety of problems including resentment, anger and depression.

If the roast or turkey is overcooked, will your family or friends be mad? Will they abandon you as a hopeless host or hostess? Not likely! If you feel too pressured, take a few moments, sit down and relax and catch your breath. This may be difficult to do, but let other people help. If Aunt Sally doesn’t mash the potatoes like you do, that’s okay. It’s not worth the stress you’ll create for yourself by having to have everything “perfect.” Think of the funny stories you can tell your friends about incidents or small accidents or misunderstandings that occur around the holiday table or tree. Some of the funniest family stories that are told and retold annually revolve around holiday “events.” Look for them…..they’re always there and laughing at them is a great stress reliever. Try not to take yourself too seriously!

Laughter not only helps relieve stress for you, it can relieve it for others as well. Laughter is a shared reaction to incidents and it’s best when it’s shared with other people because laughing really is contagious. Laughter can diffuse a difficult situation, an argument or disagreement and don’t forget to laugh at yourself occasionally. During this holiday season try to watch a funny holiday movie, one that will make you laugh and isn’t too sentimental.

If you find yourself overwhelmed and depressed during the holidays be sure to discuss the issue with your Mountains Community Hospital physician. He or she can help guide you to a better healthier life.

Things You Can Do to Avoid the Holiday Flu!

Have you caught your annual holiday cold or flu yet? If not, here are a few suggestions on how to help yourself when you’re feeling awful.

The “flu” and “cold” season can mean big profits for the drug industry but research is showing more people are turning to a more natural way to either prevent or at least help eliminate the most severe symptoms by purchasing and using “over the counter” supplements. These supplements should never be purchased for children!

Always remember whenever taking a drug or any kind that a cold and the flu are very different organisms and they will respond differently to medications: natural or man-made. Just a warning: the flu kills over 30,000 people a year according to Webmd.com.

There are some things that people can do to help their symptoms. Although the “case is still out” on Vitamin C, for most people who take a one gram dose each day, it does help prevent colds. Some studies show that it can even help diminish the length of a cold so don’t be afraid to try taking it.

Although millions of people swear by taking Zinc during a cold the “jury is out” on its effectiveness. If you’re going to take it start as soon as your symptoms show up. Take them every two or three hours and take lozenges with nine to 24 milligrams each. Take zinc for as short a period of time as possible.

Garlic is another interesting supplement that people swear by and it is proven to stimulate the immune system. It’s best when it’s taken raw, crushed or minced but people who are taking blood thinners should be very cautious about using it.

Of course, the single best line of defense against seasonal flu’s is a flu shot. A flu shot is fast, easy, very safe, (though there are exceptions – consult with your doctor), and available at a number of locations. Call MCH at (909) 336-3651 for more information. Hopefully, you’ve already gotten your flu shot, or perhaps you are one of those people who believe that getting one will give you the flu? Rest assured, that won’t happen so go ahead, get your flu shot. It will go a long way toward making sure you (a) don’t get the flu or (b) if you do you won’t feel nearly as bad as you would if you hadn’t gotten one.

Did you know that each year about 50 million Americans get various forms of the flu? However difficult the flu can be it is overshadowed by colds. About one billion Americans will get a cold this year and many of those, of course, are children who pass it along to playmates, school-mates or their families.

Remember, seek advice from your MCH physician about the use of supplements, and getting a flu shot if you have any concerns or reservations. or any serious medical “issues.” For information call (909) 336-3651.

From Age 40-70: Tests You Should Have!

There are a number of screening tests you could have to ensure you are healthy.

As human’s age their health requirements change and the tests and procedures they need can often help prolong their lives. Early diagnosis and treatment of any condition can often make the difference between life or death and it offers a “footprint” or “plan” for the patient to follow along with advice and support from their physician.

The staff at Mountains Community Hospital reminds everyone that as people age they will need to have tests and procedures they did not require in their younger years. It’s part of getting older.

A good diet and exercise program are an important part of staying as healthy as possible. Getting enough sleep at any age is vital. Without restorative sleep it takes a toll on many of the body’s systems and it affects an older person’s reactions and reflexes.

Women and Men 35 and Over

Adults who 35 and older should have their thyroid checked and get repeat tests done every five years. The aging process, accompanied by untreated thyroid problems, can be the cause of a number of problems, particularly in women.

Women and Men Over 40

Women over 40 should get an annual mammogram to check for breast cancer. Women with a history of breast cancer in their family should get their first mammogram before their 40^th birthday.

Men as well as women can get breast cancer so men should give themselves a “once over” in the mirror to check for discoloration or other “abnormal” issues around their breasts.

Women and Men Over 50

Aging adults need to monitor their blood pressure. If untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart, brain, eyes and kidneys. Get tested! This is a killer!

People over 50 need to get a fasting blood sugar test at least once every three years.  While may laboratory tests must be ordered by your physician, that isn’t necessary for a cholesterol profile of blood sugar. Contact the MCH Laboratory (436-3140) for a complete list of other self-referred test that are available.

Women need to make sure they continue having pap smears and pelvic exams.

Men over 50 should have a prostate screening for colon cancer. Annual PSA tests and digital rectal exams are important for men starting at age 50.

Men and Women need to have their eyes checked every one to two years. As people age their eyesight slowly changes.

Skin cancer is another significant concern for adults over 50.  Ask your doctor to perform a visual exam during you next routine office visit.  Skin cancer can often be present in areas of the body that you cannot see on you own.

Men and Women 60 and Over

An estimated 60 percent of people over 60-years-old have some type of hearing loss. It is important for aging adults to have a hearing test at least once every three years.

The National Osteoporosis is Foundation recommends that all women over 65 have a bone mineral density test. As we age, falling becomes increasingly common, especially among women. Changes in bone density is often the cause.

Both men and women should have their cholesterol levels checked regularly. High cholesterol levels are a major cause of both heart attacks and strokes.

One area that is often neglected is dental health. Men and women need to see their dentist regularly to safeguard agains gum disease, mouth cancer and other conditions that are more prevalent among aging adults.

The bottom line is, age increases your susceptibility to a variety of ailments and conditions that probably were of little or no concern when you were younger.  One of the hardest things we all have to face is the fact that we are growing older and are not as invincible as we once were.  Responsible fitness and common sense can really and truly prolong your life.

The Magic of Ultrasound

Although human beings can’t hear the sound waves emitted by ultrasound machines the process has revolutionized the practice of medicine since it was first developed for use on cattle and horses many decades ago.

Ultrasound is now used in many fields, typically to allow the medical world to “see inside” a body and locate a problem. However the sound waves can penetrate solid objects such as plastic as part of the welding process used in many products…

Ultrasound has been used by radiologists and sonographers to image the human body for at least 50 years and has become one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine. Today a pregnant woman and her physician have the opportunity to use ultrasound to see the child in-utero, which is nearly always an exciting experience. Routinely pregnant women will often have an ultrasound before their twenty-fourth. One of the reasons physicians encourage an early ultrasound is because if they detect an abnormality that can prove fatal to either the baby or the mother, or both, the pregnancy can be terminated if necessary to save the mother’s life.

However, ultrasounds can also show physicians of any specialty where a problem might lie and it gives the doctor the ability to focus directly on the problem. Ultrasounds, otherwise known as medical ultrasonography, can be used to visualize muscles, tendons as well as internal organs.

One of the biggest advantages to the technology is that, comparatively speaking, it is fairly inexpensive and portable, particularly compared to much heavier and equipment such as MRI machines. Portable ultrasound machines have had a big impact on the ability of the medical world to diagnose a condition because they can be taken just about anywhere to help serve their patient’s needs.

When ultrasound machines first hit the market it revolutionized medicine in some ways and ultrasounds have become quite common not only for pregnancies but for diagnosing many different conditions. As used by skilled technicians today’s ultrasound procedures are quite safe when done properly, particularly when compared with some other procedures that have the capacity to cause cancer. Although the procedure is considered safe it should not be repeated too often because there are scientific studies that show it may have harmful side effects if done too frequently.

Ultrasound pulses can be used to break up kidney and gall stones. Procedures of this sort are referred to as “focused ultrasound surgery” because they focus on a particular problem. The devices can also be used for teeth cleaning in dental offices, for use in treating cancer, Liposuction and removing varicose veins.

Ultrasonic cleaners can sparkle your jewelry, clean lenses as well as surgical and dental equipment.

Ultrasounds are used extensively at Mountains Community Hospital and make a big difference in patient’s lives everyday.

Benefits and Misconceptions of Mammograms

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Survival rates for early-stage breast cancer (which has not yet reached the lymph nodes) are around 98 percent and drop to around 80 percent if the cancer has spread. If the disease is found in even later stages, then the survival rates begin to plummet. Despite these statistics, many women are still hesitant to receive mammograms at all, much less annually.

Despite some possible, slight discomfort, the lifesaving potential of mammograms is worth it. Let’s review the actual procedure:

• The patient disrobes and puts on a gown.
• Standing in front of an x-ray machine, the patient puts their breast between two plates.  This part can be a little painful, but necessary. Some facilities offer a comfort pad which could reduce the pain.
• After 10 to 15 minutes, the imaging is complete and the technician will scan the other breast.

One issue that women worry about is false positives. Some mammograms do come back with abnormal readings. However, only about 10 percent of those end up as actual incidences of breast cancer. Admittedly, receiving such a false positive can be traumatic. But further tests can be conducted to confirm or discount the diagnosis. Is a day or two of potential worry worth the benefit of early detection and associated treatment, which could save your life? It is exceedingly rare for a false positive to result in unwarranted treatment.

Myths and misconceptions about mammograms:

• Should women skip mammograms if they don’t have a family history of breast cancer?

NO!

Skipping screenings procedures is inadvisable because many women develop the disease without family histories of breast cancer. So, screenings should be done on a regular basis regardless of family history.

• Do Mammograms cause cancer because of radiation?

NO!

X-rays for mammography use radiation, but they produce about the same low-dose radiation as dental x-rays. Standards set by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) dictate the radiation levels are set as low as possible for levels to still produce clear, useable images.

•  If I feel fine, can I skip the procedure?

NO!

Some women might self-diagnose and believe that early-stage breast cancer will present identifiable symptoms. In most cases, examination is the only way to find a suspicious mass before symptoms are present.

• If I’m older, can I skip my mammogram?

NO!

Older women might feel they don’t need diagnostic scans. However, they are most at risk for breast cancer. With early detection, senior women have a great opportunity to pursue treatment and fully recover.

As with other areas of your personal health, it’s important you take control of your own body. If your physician fails to recommend a mammogram, but you feel you are in a higher risk group, be sure to speak up. You can also take preventive steps at home by regularly performing self-examinations to find lumps or suspicious changes. By being proactive, you can potentially catch breast cancer in its earliest stages and begin treatment so you can lead a long and healthy life.

Talk to a physician at Mountains Community Hospital to learn more about mammograms. Visit www.mchcares for information.

October is Physical Therapy Month!

Improve mobility and motion with physical therapy.

Improve Mobility and Motion

No matter what area of the body ails you – neck, shoulder, back, knee – physical therapists have an established history of helping individuals improve their quality of life.

A physical therapist can help you move freely again without pain and discomfort and feeling renewed and ready to move on. They can even help you prevent an injury altogether.

For instance, a study of 1,435 NCAA Division 1 female soccer players demonstrated that those who participated in a physical therapy program had an overall ACL injury rate 41 percent lower than those who did only a regular warm-up prior to practice.¹

Because physical therapists receive specialized education in a variety of sciences – physics, human anatomy, kinesiology (human movement), to name a few – they understand how the body works and how to get you moving again. They know how to manage all four of the body’s major systems – musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary (skin) – to restore and maximize mobility.

Whether you are living with diabetes or recovering from a stroke, a fall, or a sports injury, a physical therapist is a trusted health care professional who will work closely with you to evaluate your condition and develop an effective, personalized plan of care. A physical therapist can help you achieve long-term results for many conditions that limit your ability to move.

Reduce the Risk of Injury

While playing a round of golf or picking up around the house may seem harmless, but these everyday activities can result in injury due to abnormal movement, stress on joints and strain on muscles.

Because physical therapists are experts in knowing how the body works, they are able to design personalized treatment plans to reduce the risk of injury whether in everyday activities or sports.

For example, women perform athletic tasks in a more upright position, putting added stress on parts of the knee such as the ACL, resulting in less controlled rotation of the joint. While men use their hamstring muscles more often, women rely more on their quadriceps, which puts the knee at constant risk. To combat these natural tendencies, your physical therapist may develop a treatment program to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination, as well as to counteract incorrect existing patterns of movement that may be damaging to joints.

Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

Falls among the elderly are prevalent, dangerous, and can diminish their ability to lead an active and independent life. According to the National Aging Council, about one in three seniors above age 65, and nearly one in two seniors over age 80, will fall at least once this year, many times with disastrous consequences. A physical therapist can help you prevent falls by designing an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait.

Balance may be improved with exercises that strengthen the ankle, knee, and hip muscles and with exercises that improve the function of the vestibular (balance) system.

Once a physical therapist has reviewed a complete medical history and conducted a thorough examination, he or she will develop a personalized plan of care. This may include a walking regimen with balance components such as changes in surfaces/terrains, distance, and elevations; Tai Chi (which emphasizes balance, weight shifting, coordination, and postural training); and aquatics classes geared toward balance and coordination. The physical therapist also may teach specific strengthening and balance exercises that can be performed at home. If necessary, the physical therapist will refer you to other medical professionals, such as an ophthalmologist or neurologist.

For more information contact Lake Arrowhead Physicial Therapy owned by Mountains Community Hospital at 909-337-0844.

29099 Hospital Road Suite 106 in the Medical Office Bldg next to Mountains Community Hospital. For more information, visit our website at www.MCHCares.com.

 

We do not stop moving

because we grow old…

we GROW old

because we STOP MOVING.

 

Have you stopped moving because of neck, shoulder, back, knee or ankle pain?

 

If so, please stop in and discuss with our staff how

Physical Therapy can help you get moving again!

Should You Lose Weight on Fad Diets?

Mountains Community Hospital answers the question, "Should I lose weight on a fad diet?"

Fad diets of many varieties have been around for decades. And while people may lose weight on them, most fad dieters are prone to gaining back every lost pound almost as quickly as the weight comes off.

Throughout the years, thousands of companies have made millions of dollars promoting diet pills and drugs. But, unfortunately (a) most do little to help in the long-run and; (b) sometimes, the ingredients cause serious side effects.

The sad truth is that many people spend their lives trying to lose weight. Remember the old grapefruit and cottage cheese diet? How about the liquid diets like Slim Fast and Opti Fast, the Hollywood Juice Diet or the Cabbage Soup Diet?

The problem shared by many dieters who go on is that most diets limit nutrients as well as entire food groups like carbohydrates or fats. Since eating only two or three food groups is not practical for a lifetime, most people simply don’t stay on the associated eating plans. So they quickly regain their lost weight.

The physicians at Mountains Community Hospital encourage patients to lose weight when necessary cautioning the use of common sense. If you’re eating a high calorie diet but failing to exercise, you’re not likely to lose weight for the long-haul. Exercise for half an hour each day is encouraged. Swimming and/or walking are great ways to start.

The best way, but not necessarily the fastest way to lose weight, is to follow a healthy eating plan that includes the basic food groups that balance carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Each of these components provides something different that is vital to our bodies. Vitamin C protects against infection. Vitamin E helps support the immune system, etc. If you’re on a fad diet that eliminates necessary nutrients, you are, in effect, depriving your body of daily nutritional requirements.

In the last several years, many people have been jumping on the surgical weight-loss bandwagon, having procedures such as the Lap-Band or gastric bypass. These surgeries reduce the stomach to a fraction of what it was or bypass it completely. So they may work well for some. But drastic measures come with risks. Patients with serious diseases such as Diabetes need to seriously weigh the pros and cons about having surgery against potential complications and even life-threatening diseases.

According to WebMD, people who undergo gastric bypass surgery may lose more weight than their dieting counterparts. What’s more, “banding” tends to be safer than gastric bypass—at least in the short term.  If a patient has Diabetes and is taking a number of medications, he/she may need a more serious surgical intervention than what is afforded by a Lap-band procedure. Remember, surgical procedures are never “One Size Fits All!”

If you think you should lose weight, please discuss it with your Mountains Community Hospital physician. He or she can help you plan a diet and exercise plan that is safe and sane so you can live a long and healthy life.

Alzheimer’s Disease: How to Cope

Alzheimers is not a natural part of aging.

Although people may sometimes refer to their absentmindness as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and they or others may chuckle at their remark there is nothing funny about this debilitating, progressive disease that strikes millions of older adults across the globe.

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia and is one only form of this disease that robs people of their brain function. AD will progressively rob its victims of their memory, their thinking processes and it will impact their behavior. The disease will also impact a person’s ability to solve problems, it affects their decision-making abilities, their judgment and their personality. The effects are devastating, not only on the person with Alzheimer’s but on their family and friends.

As people grow older their chances of developing Alzheimer’s increase however, unlike normal occasional forgetfulness or misplacing things, the effects of this disease are far more drastic. Many people believe that Alzheimer’s is a natural part of aging. But such is not the case.

Age and family history increase the risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Having a close blood relative, such as a brother, sister or parent who developed the disease also increases other family members risk. Other risk factors that may or may not lead to developing AD include longstanding high blood pressure and a history of head trauma. Research isn’t sure why but females are more likely to develop it than males.

According to AARP (the American Association for Retired Persons), the first symptoms of Early Onset AD occur before people turn 60-years-old. Once a person has been diagnosed the progression of the disease is rapid. The most frequent form of Alzheimer’s (called late onset) occurs in people over 60 and while research is still being conducted family genetics may play a big part in whether it develops or not.

Some of the early signs of AD include language problems, getting lost on familiar routes, loss of social skills and personality changes, difficulty performing routine tasks or learning new information or routines and frequently forgetting recent events.

Dementia symptoms, including Alzheimer’s, affects many different areas of mental function such as memory, emotional behavior, judgment and other cognitive skills such as calculation and “thinking outside the box.”

As the disease progresses patients may forget who they are, may have problems recognizing danger, they may speak in confusing sentences, they may withdraw from social contact, have hallucinations, behave violently, they may have trouble dressing themselves appropriately and/or have trouble accomplishing the simplest tasks..

Patients or family members who may have or may suspect they have cognitive problems should discuss their concerns with their Mountains Community Hospital physician. Remember, “We’re here to help!”The

The Mysteries of Multiple Sclerosis

 

Multiple Sclerosis Can take a toll on the victim and his or her entire family.

While the medical world still has much to learn about the strange illness called Multiple Sclerosis, great strides have been made which allow physicians and their patients to better understand the symptoms and treatment. Here are a few facts about the disease:

• Women are more likely to get MS than men.
• Symptoms vary and each attack is likely to be different than any previous ones.
• Researchers have discovered, although they aren’t sure why, that people living in Northern Europe, the Northern U.S., in southern Australia and New Zealand are more likely to have MS.
• The possibility of environmental issues and the disease are under investigation.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the covering (the myelin sheath) surrounding the nerve cables in the brain and spinal cord. Some MS symptoms include loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness, problems moving and/or tremors in arms or legs, constipation and a frequent need to urinate.

An MRI scan of the brain and a nerve function test can diagnose the problem. Neurological studies can show if there is reduced nerve function. Unfortunately, nerve damage will worsen over time.

Although MS can attack a body’s system at any age, it primarily strikes people who are 20-40 years old. Some of the problems patients can face include depression, uncontrolled vision loss, double vision and other eye problems. Because the result of the disease can be debilitating, depression can also accompany MS, particularly as it progresses.

Although there is no known cure for MS, treatments are available that may help a patient control, at least to a certain extent, the devastating effects. One of the goals of the medical world is to be able to help MS patients have as good “quality of life” as possible. Some medications may help slow the progression of the disease. Medications typically prescribed reduce muscle spasms, relieve depression and help fight fatigue.

Physical, speech and occupational therapy, a healthy lifestyle (including healthy food selections and rest and relaxation) are always recommended—especially to people who find their abilities declining. Support and encouragement from family and friends will also help and can be extremely important to the patient at every stage of the illness.

Although the medical world does not have an accurate count, it is believed that approximately 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States alone have MS. The medical cost of the disease is staggering, with the annual cost in this country can be counted in billions of dollars.

For information on MS or if you feel you may have it talk with your Mountains Community Hospital physician. Remember, Mountains Community Hospital cares about you and your health and we’re here to help!

Considering Donating Blood?

Save a Life. Give Blood.

According to the Red Cross, only 3 in 100 Americans donate blood. And while it may be somewhat stressful to roll up your sleeve and let someone use a needle to remove blood from your vein, doing so literally saves lives. To help take some of the fear out of the blood donation equation, we’d like to take this opportunity to shed some light on the entire process.

The procedure starts when a donor walks through the door of a blood bank, hospital, blood mobile or other medical facility capable of taking whole blood donations. Each donor is interviewed, a brief medical history is taken and blood pressure, temperature and pulse will be checked before the procedure begins.

The regular blood donation takes about 45 minutes to one hour which includes the interview and the different medical procedures prior to and at the conclusion of the process. Donors will remain at their donation site for awhile before they leave in order to make sure their body is adapting alright to the slight shift in their fluid level

For the duration of the procedure donors sit in a comfortable chair. Prior to the needle insertion, a staff member discusses whether or not the person has donated before and if so, whether they prefer one arm over the other. Before the blood is drawn, the area will be cleaned with iodine for at least 30 seconds and allowed to dry.

A blood pressure cuff is attached to the arm to be used but it will not be utilized to take the donor’s blood pressure. Once inflated, the cuff will serve as a tourniquet that will help the vein in the chosen arm remain raised. Donors are given a round hand gripper that they hold and squeeze every few seconds which will help the vein maintain a constant blood flow.

The ultimate goal is for the donation process to be over in about 15 minutes. A blood bag will be put on a nearby scale that will rock back and forth. The bag contains an anticoagulant that the blood will be mixed with to safeguard that clots are not forming in the blood. On the top of the bag is a digital readout of how much the bag weighs. The target is to get one pint or 475 grams of blood. Once the proper amount of blood has been taken, the bag will automatically clamp shut.

According to the American Red Cross, most Americans can donate blood every 56 days. The staff of Mountains Community Hospital encourages local residents in good health to donate blood as often as possible. Blood drives are held all over the country to help specific people (i.e. following natural disasters). Donate blood today. Your blood could save a life. And the blood someone else donates could someday save yours!