Track Vital Signs Wirelessly

Tracking Vital Signs, Wirelessly

Blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiratory rate. Such vital signs are measures of physiological responses, which are relied upon by health professionals in order to assess basic body functions. Imagine a year when you can get your vital signs read n a daily or even second-by-second basis AT home. And also wirelessly sent to your doctor’s office for analysis and possible treatment. Now, you don’t have to imagine. That was 2011.

• The main reason for checking body temperature is to solicit any signs of systemic infection or inflammation in the presence of a fever (temp > 38.5°C or sustained temp > 38°C), or elevated significantly above the individual's normal temperature.


• The pulse, the physical expansion of the artery, is usually measured at the wrist by runners, or the carotid neck arteries during emergencies. The pulse varies with age. A newborn or infant can have a heart rate of about 130-150 beats per minute. A toddler's heart will beat about 100-120 times per minute, an older child's heartbeat is around 90-110 beats per minute, adolescents around 80-100 beats per minute, and adults pulse rate is anywhere between 50 and 80 beats per minute.


• The respiratory rate is more important in emergent settings, but is understood to vary with age, with an adult’s normal range being 12–20 breaths/minute.


• The American Heart Association has recently classified blood pressure into ranges where the desirable range is 90-119 systolic over 60-79 diastolic.


• These four vital signs are influenced by various physiological factors such as obesity, pre-existing conditions such as asthma, exercise levels, drugs and alcohol.

• Until this experimental digital plaster becomes commercialized for the general public, you probably can't go wrong with a reasonably priced home BP monitor ($50-$100) which also logs your pulse.  Although, I wouldn't recommend this unless you have a chronic illness.


• There is always the local pharmacy and/or grocery stores which offer the seated arm cuffs to log your BP before/after your errands.


• Log your height and weight regularly as well - this usually alerts one to make more health conscious decisions with exercise and diet habits.


• Some humor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIoao8fnRnU&feature=player_embedded

Ugly? You may have a case

Ugly? You may have a case

Why not have your body your way? It is fast food nation. However, there are a lot of inherent risks to getting highly advertised office procedures done. California tightened its laws after rapper Kayne West's mother, Donda West, died following surgery in 2007 by a plastic surgeon who was not board-certified. The state now requires patients to get a physical exam and written clearance from a doctor before cosmetic surgery.

• There are several steps to take in choosing cosmetic surgery safely:


• Find out if your doctor is board certified in plastic surgery (http://www.certificationmatters.org)


• Find out if your doctor is licensed and has any in-state disciplinary actions (http://www.fsmb.org/directory_smb.html)


• Order full physician profile and disciplinary history report (http://www.docinfo.org/)


• Search for AAAASF accredited surgery facilities (http://www.aaaasf.org/surgicenters.php)


• Search for AAAHC accredited organizations (http://www.aaahc.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=find_orgs)

• As the author points out, there are some inherent fiscal benefits to beauty -- extra pay and promotions amounting to $230,000 in lifetime earnings.

Mistakes in Storage May Alter Medication

Mistakes in Storage May Alter Medication 

2011 was the year of natural disasters. Everything from icy winters, earthquakes and hurricanes, to soaring heat indices. Such extreme conditions may render your medications ineffective if not stored in a place.

• Keep updated lists of all medicines for each person of your household (an easy way to do this is by using ONE pharmacy) You may want to add other over-the-counter medicines, and herbal and vitamin supplements to that list.
• Medications looking like water or soft drinks (ie. Magnesium citrate laxative) need to be kept out of reach of children and others who may unintentionally drink them!
• Check to see that medications needing refrigeration are stored in an area where they will not freeze (ie. Insulin).
• Make sure the medications are kept separate from other foods. You might want to store them in a box or container that sets them apart.
• Store medicine in its original packaging. Do not mix different medications together in the same container. This will make it difficult to identify during an emergency.
• Store all medicines in one designated location together. The location should be a dry and cool place. The bathroom medicine cabinet is NOT the place to store medicine because of the heat and moisture of daily showers.
• Discard any medication that has expired or that your physician has discontinued. Also, if there is no label on the container, throw out the medication.
• Be sure to throw out medication in a way that animals or children will not get to them.

• Roughly, the average US consumer spends $983/year on medications. ($307 billion/312 million people)

• Yet, storage of these medications may render your investment ineffective.

• A cool dry place that is tested and recommended by pharmaceutical companies may save you a couple of hundred dollars!

The Use of Medicines in the United States: Review of 2010 1Report by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics http://www.imshealth.com/deployedfiles/imshealth/Global/Content/IMS%20Institute/Static%20File/IHII_UseOfMed_report.pdf

Childhood: Obesity and School Lunches

Childhood: Obesity and School Lunches

I immediately thought of confounding factors in the study's data. I'm still unconvinced of the bias in the study cited -- children who qualify for free lunches generally come from lower socioeconomic status which already places them at risk for obesity. At the same time, as a physician, I was shocked at how uninformed I was about the school lunch situation in the US. Lunch trays contain low nutrient value foods (corn and potato products) that are not very constraining on the school budget.

Clearly, providing healthier food-options would lighten the obesity epidemic for future generations. Perhaps with more health-conscious decisions will be made at the national level, signaling a change for the better.

• ONE pound of fat is equal to ROUGHLY 3500 calories. So, if there is a dessert eaten every day for 10 days... it'd be 350x10... or a pound of fat gained in 10 days.
  
• There are websites where you can see your children's lunch menu online and help them make better choices. For example, www.schoolmenu.com
• A healthier alternative, may be to pack a school lunch for your children. Bento boxes with fun nutritious meals that your kids can enjoy eating might be a bit time-consuming, while promoting better eating habits in the long-run.
  

• Eating healthily IS expensive...
  
• There are numerous recipes which can be found online. One popular book on Amazon.com is titled "501 Bento Lunches: 501 Unique Recipes for Brilliant Bento" which can liven up any lunch box with colorful nutritious recipes.

http://www.amazon.com/501-Bento-Lunches-Recipes-Brilliant/dp/0955339855

Ubiquitous nature of cell-phones

Outlawed, Cellphones are Thriving in Prison

This article revealed how popular cellphones have become -- even amongst prisoners. Over the decades, cell phones have increased in both their popularity and their functionality. Cell phones are ubiquitous in our society, and used frequently by both adults and children to facilitate our personal and work lives. It only makes sense to explore the health aspects behind cell phone usage.

• While increased radiation risks due to cell phone usage remains controversial, nickel allergies have resulted in a skin condition called 'contact dermatitis' for many people. A 2008 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal revealed that nickel is frequently found around the menu buttons, near the logos, around the edge of the screen or on the handset under chipped paint.
• "Blackberry Thumb" has become a cultural phenomenon among those doing their daily Blackberry rosary. Much like tennis elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome, this is an overuse injury that results in pain along the base of the thumb as a result of too much texting. Such repetitive strain injuries may require pain medications and/or splinting.
  
• Children talking on their cellphones while walking are at increased risks of pedestrian accidents as they are less likely to turn their heads or watch for oncoming traffic.
• And needless to say, even hands-free devices contribute towards inattention and accidents while maneuvering a motor vehicle.
  

• Monthly rates for cell phone plans are getting much cheaper and affordable. Even Walmart has rolled out 45 dollar/mo all inclusive plans with unlimited minutes, texting, and internet featured on multi-functional smart phones.
  

Ending the Reign of Chaos

Ending the Reign of Chaos

Taming the paper tiger, so to speak, has been a daunting challenge for many householders and small business people. Aside from presenting as a major problem that a compulsive hoarder may face, clutter usually slows the pace and lowers the quality of the day-to-day lives of seemingly 'normal' people as well.


There are three major 'types' of clutter, and may better handled with improved time management, including:

Technical: Clutter that causes space restrictions and an overall lack of storage space.

Life changes: Clutter caused by a new baby, a death in the family, a move or anything that has thrown a life out of balance.

Behavioral/psychological: Clutter caused by depression where one simply doesn't have the energy to clear the mess, anxiety where compulsive tendencies to hold onto things, attention deficit disorder, low self-esteem or lack of personal boundaries also play a role in psychological clutter.

Practical tips to reduce clutter are to:

1. Go electronic -- pay your bills online (while avoiding late payments at the same time).

2. Spend 5 minutes a day organizing your papers/items.

3. Get into the habit of routines; making your bed, doing the dishes, and throwing out trash regularly, hanging your coat, keeping your wallet and keys in the same spot every day.

4. Sort by verb, file by noun. For example, sort by verb the items that you need to act on; ie. pay a bill, RSVP to a party, call your boss, mail the form. Use a noun to file away papers by category; ie. tax paperwork, recipes, car repair, insurance, etc.

5. Scan paperwork, and throw out the originals (unless its a passport, diploma, or car title!).

• A good-quality scanner for business cards, photos, and letter-size paper such as NeatDesk can be about $400. A cheaper alternative may be a hi shutter-speed digital camera that is capable of photographing text documents.
• If you want professional help, the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). specializes in corporate, residential and time management organization, and charge $50 to $200 per hour.
  

Common Cold

The main way illnesses like the flu and the common cold spread is by tiny droplets sprayed into the air when someone coughs or sneezes. The air expelled through sneezing can travel up to 100 miles per hour! Every American has seen that picture in their science textbook...

Protect yourself against the spread of the flu and other germs and viruses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw away used tissues immediately.
  
• Wash hands thoroughly and often. That means using soap and warm water and washing for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when hand washing is not possible.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when you touch something contaminated with germs. Germs can live for two hours or more on surfaces like doorknobs, desks or chairs.
  
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
  
• Visit http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/ for more information.

If you do come down with a cold or the flu, take these steps to get well:

• Wash your hands often.
  
• Stay home and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
  
• Get plenty of rest.
  
• Drink lots of fluids like water, tea, broth or juice.
  
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain or fever.
  
• Use a vaporizer or saline drops to relieve congestion.
• EXERCISE reduces the severity and frequency of colds.
• Smoking impedes the smooth flow of mucus through the nasal passages and overall recovery. If you do smoke, try not to while you are sick.
  

Get well soon!
The common cold results in 23 million days of absences from work; about 40% of the total absences.
See link: http://ihm.nlm.nih.gov/luna/servlet/detail/NLMNLM~1~1~101444679~154919:The-Cost-Of-The-Common-Cold-&-Influ?qvq=q:A027712;lc:NLMNLM~1~1&mi=0&trs=1

Quinoa

Quinoa: A Protein-Packed Alternative to Grains

The "Gold of the Incas" was first cultivated thousands of years ago in the Andes. Incan warriors highly valued the crop for the energy and stamina it gave them. People are only now catching on to this protein rich, whole grain from South America. 2007 was a record year with demand increasing by over 25%.

Quinoa has a light, fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous. It makes for a nutrious meal.

• The quinoa seed contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans. The protein in quinoa is considered to be a complete protein due to the presence of all 8 essential amino acids.
• The seeds are gluten-free which makes this a nutritious and flavorful alternative grain for those with gluten sensitivity.
• Some types of wheat come close to matching quinoa's protein content, but grains such as barley, corn, and rice generally have less than half the protein of quinoa.

• Expect to pay somewhere between $1.50 and $2 per pound at your local health food store. It should be a bit more expensive if you buy it pre-packaged.
• All in all, not a bad price for a superfood.
  

Common cold

How Not to Fight Colds

Which one of us hasn't felt the start of a cold with a scratchy somewhat sore throat? The healthcare industry is filled with commercial products ranging from lozenges to mega doses of vitamins that promise to ward off the common cold.

• The key is symptomatic care to maintain our comfort levels when we are afflicted with the common cold virus
• The basics of chicken soup works in not only maintaining the hydration level but also adds some antioxidants to the mix.
• Listerine mouthwash is a decent way to clear out the bad germs lurking in the back of our throats and nasal passages.

• Go generic with Listerine.
• All the products have the same alcohol content regardless of the price. It is the alcohol content at acts as an antiseptic and THAT is priceless.

Yogurt

Apricot and Yogurt Parfait

The history of frozen desserts goes back thousands of years to Asia where water ices were first made. In Roman times, Emperor Nero was treated to exotic fruit juices and wines chilled with mountain snow. The popularity of such frozen desserts spread throughout Europe and within a few centuries, European colonists introduced ice cream in the U.S. With the industrial revolution, and manufacturing breakthroughs in pasteurization, ice cream has practically become an American staple. Yogurt has made many gains recently as a healthy alternative.

• Yogurt products contain live strains of probiotics, the "friendly bacteria" that are naturally present in the digestive system. Some strains of probiotics boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract by treating various conditions including: Lactose intolerance, Constipation, Diarrhea, Colon cancer, Inflammatory bowel disease, and H. pylori infection
• A large Spanish study of 5,000 university graduates found a link between dairy intake and decreased risk of high blood pressure.
• Yogurt is a great way to diet as it helps with satiety and fullness as a snack, and one ends up eating fewer calories at the next meal.

• Some brands list 0% of the Daily Value for vitamin D; others have 20% -- check labels before buying.
• Also, make sure your yogurt contains active cultures.
  
• Yogurt can be bought... or can be made at home. Steps of making yogurt are outlined here: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Yogurt

Alcohol

Wine and Beer

Alcohol has been a part of different societies for millenia -- so it is definitely worth bringing up in a discussion regarding your health. In many Western cultures, for example, champagne is synonymous with celebration, such that if champagne is ordered or served at an otherwise ‘ordinary’ occasion, someone will invariably ask "What are we celebrating?". And beer is associated with relaxed social gatherings. The moderate use of alcohol can be an enjoyable, safe experience if used with caution. Salud, skoal, a votre sante', prost, l'chayim, or, in English, "to your health," but all in moderation!

• If you do choose to drink, sip each drink slowly, and always consume alcohol with food.
  
• Space drinks out to no more than one drink per hour, and consume plenty of water in between drinks.
  
• Never drink while pregnant and never drive when intoxicated.
• If you drink, the key to a healthy and moderate consumption of alcohol is a regular, one to three drinks per day pattern rather than infrequent binges. So don't cross that thin
  
• A study of 1,018 men and women age 65-79 whose physical and mental health was monitored for an average of 23 years found that “drinking no alcohol, or too much, increases risk of cognitive impairment,” as per the British Medical Journal.

• That said, alcohol is a terrific medium for social networking and climbing the financial ladder especially in companies with strong drinking cultures.
• Just try not to make a fool of yourself and end up as an alcoholic on skid row.

Gas-Pump Freedom (Restrictions Apply)

Gas-Pump Freedom (Restrictions Apply)

The world as we know it has flipped! Toyota is paying hefty consequences for making unsafe cars... and gasoline is being seen as an unnecessary commodity with the advent of lithium battery powered cars. So let's try to gain some perspective.

• The most common fatal motor vehicle accident bar-none is a head-on collision. Please allow the laws of physics to work in your favor of survival by driving a car with more mass.
• Wear your seatbelt. Ford is the only company to have introduced airbags within the seatbelts of their latest models.
  
• Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver's reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old... and talking on a cell phone causes nearly 25% of car accidents!
• Use the cell phone camera if ever in an accident to keep the facts straight. Photograph the license plates, VIN numbers, and any injuries after having dialed 911.

• Keep your car safe by checking on recalls which the manufacturer will cover: http://www.recalls.gov/nhtsa.html
• Look into the costs of adding road-side assistance onto your auto insurance policy or sign up for an AAA membership. Knowing that you can get helped anywhere is reassuring in itself; and the annual fees will more than likely cover the costs of any eventful but necessary jump-starts, flat tires, or tows.
• Automobiles are a reflection of their owners. A financially wise decision is to buy a good used car up-front and drive it as long as one can -- it into the ground if possible.
  

Making Healthy Lunches a Cause

Making Healthy Lunches a Cause?

Unfortunately, American schoolkids' lunches can be (much more) healthier. And there are a few politicians who've made it their cause celebre. Children eat together on big lunch tables; this is something that is lost over the years. If you do happen to eat lunch alone, use the solitude to think, create, and plan the future; but know that it is our interactions with others that fuels this creative flow.

• A balanced meal is better than fast-food any day.
• Eat delicious fresh produce, whole grains and lean protein to fuel you for the rest of your day so you won’t feel deprived.
• Mix and match your home made lunches to keep your taste-buds guessing. Include sandwiches, salads, cheeses, eggs, Asian stir fry, and other ethnic recipes to break from the ordinary.

• Try not to eat lunch alone. You're missing out on time in which you can build on your personal networks and relationships at work, which may lead to better opportunities and raises.
• Keep a list and don't go shopping hungry; you'll find the bill at the cash register well exceeding your budget.
  

Is marraige good for your health?

Is Marriage Good For Your Health?

The traditional role has man as the provider (of money), and the woman to be the provider of nurturing comfort, including food. Despite modernization's wear and tear on our society, marriage remains an institution.

• A Swedish study, showed women in marital distress had a three times greater risk of a second heart attack.
  
• Another shows that positive marital interactions can boost immunity and reduce the risk of heart disease by keeping stress hormones low.
• The most studied health benefit is longevity: people live longer if they are in marital relationships, particularly if they are in good, satisfying relationships.
• Men benefit the most as women are the "Doctor Moms" who prod men to keep MD visits and live a healthier lifestyle.
  

• The old Victorian era adage, " Marry, but marry very carefully" applies. Then do your very best to stay married.
• The never-married wind up with 75% less Net Worth of long-term married. The divorced have 50% less. The multiply-married have 25% less.
• Infidelity is a major cause of marriage failure, and indiscretion a major cause of career setbacks.
  

Implants Are Giving New Voices To Patients

Implants Are Giving New Voices To Patient

It turns out that singing in the shower is actually good for you. Singing not only lifts your mood by taking your mind off the day's stresses, it also helps in posture as the chest expands and back and shoulders straighten. So, sing for your health, harmonize with friends, and take it easy on the wallet!

• Several studies have found that singing also enhances immunity and well-being. Researchers at the University of Frankfurt in Germany found chorus singers to have higher levels of immunoglobulin A and cortisol -- markers of enhanced immunity -- after they sang Mozart's "Requiem" than before. Just listening to the music did not have this effect.
• Choir members in other studies reveal better posture, improved lung capacity, higher energy levels, and relief of asthma symptoms.
• Singing for the Brain is a singing group for those with dementia, memory problems or Alzheimer's disease. Somehow it seems that memory for singing is preserved even when that for speech is disturbed. Family members report that they get a lift when their loved ones can remember song lyrics even when it seems they've forgotten much of themselves.
• Singing releases feel good brain chemicals called endorphins which are neuroprotective. University of Manchester researchers found that the inner ear organ, the sacculus, responds to frequencies commonly found in music, and is connected to the pleasure centers of the brain -- this is why one feels immediate pleasure when breaking out in song -- regardless of what it sounds like to others!
  

• Reid Wilson, Ph.D., Associate Clinical Professor Of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, believes you can, “sing away your woes.” Simply choose a familiar song, and then set your troubles to music.
  
• For example, instead of crooning the traditional words to Mary Had A Little Lamb, imagine warbling, “My credit card bill is going to be late, going to be late, going to be late; my credit rating will be ruined, and I’ll never get a mortgage.” Sing your own version of the worry song in your mind, or out loud for a few minutes, until you feel less anxious.
• It works because “the singing makes you feel ridiculous”, says Wilson. “And it’s very hard to maintain your distress when you’re doing something foolish. You step back from the worry and put it in perspective.”
  

Banking on Gardening

Banking on Gardening

The recession of 2008 led to high price hikes in staples, fruits, vegetables and their transportation costs. This led many who enjoyed eating organics to start their own home-gardens. The act of gardening itself can help in restoring our system clocks to the basic rhythm of life. In our fast food nation, gardening offers us reminders life's essentials: food , water, warmth, attention and room to grow.

• Being outdoors in the sunlight itself can be restorative (there is an intricate biofeedback loop between melatonin and our moods).
• Wear appropriate dress, a hat and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, while out gardening to protect your skin.
• Get properly vaccinated with a Tetanus booster to avoid any preventable infection.
• Protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks by using insect repellent containing DEET.
• Keep harmful fertilizers, chemicals, tools, and equipment out of children's reach.
• The acts of planting seeds and tending plants can aid in restoring balance and perspective in our stress-filled lives.
  

• Growing when compared to buying organic at the supermarket is pennies on the dollar.
• To ensure savings as a backyard gardener, stick to the basic tools and supplies while keeping a tight rein on the temptation to own all the newest gadgets.
• For starters, try a herb garden. One plant each can produce all the parsley, dill, thyme, basil and oregano you need for months on end.
  

An Electric Boost for Bicyclists

An Electric Boost for Bicyclists

While China experiences a boom in electric bicycles, it's estimated that only two million Americans ride their bicycles to work. Bicycling regularly can serve as a boon to enthusiasts -- not only in the gas money but also the health benefits.

• Rule #1 in biking is the use of a helmet! First and foremost, prevent head trauma with a protective helmet.
• Not only does biking improve your cardiovascular health, it also helps improve balance, whips your leg muscles into shape, and is easy on the joints.
  
• Riding home from work is also a terrific way to release the day-to-day stress.
• To avoid cramping, drink water and stretch thoroughly before and after each ride.

• Check your local www.craigslist.com for a good cheap used bike if you are just thinking about this.
• Or if you enjoy biking as it is, consider a folding bicycle for commuting to work at www.citizenbike.com for $299.
• Here's a nice calculator for estimating the cost savings: http://www.ativsolutions.com/calculator/index.html