Category: Uncategorized

What is vaping?

Have you ever attempted to quit smoking? If you have then you probably tried one of todays most popular alternative smoking option called an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). E-cigarettes are known by a variety of names, including “vapes”,“vape pens”,“pods”,“mods”,and “e-cigs”. Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor from an e-liquid or vape juice through a personal vaporizer. Vaporizers come in all different shapes and sizes that can resemble a USB stick, a charger, a pen, pipes or an actual cigarette. They are used to deliver multiple types of substances such as nicotine, tobacco and cannabis. Most have a battery and a place to hold a liquid. “Vaping” has rapidly increased in popularity and in use. According to research, e-cigarettes are a fast growing problem among the youth and are developing another generation of nicotine addiction. Meanwhile, this fast growing industry remains unregulated.

Myths about vaping:

Myth: “Vaping is a safer alternative than smoking traditional cigarettes”

Fact: E-cigarettes are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be an alternative smoking aid. Although e-cigarettes do contain less chemicals burned from a traditional tobacco cigarette, they too have harmful and deadly substances. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed 450 cases of people with pulmonary illnesses and 5 deaths related to vaping. The e-liquids contain the same amount of nicotine that’s in a full pack of cigarettes. Chronic exposure to vaping products could cause serious health conditions, nicotine addiction and changes to DNA for future generations that may lead to cancer. Tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes both have similar health risks to the smokers’ physical and mental health.

Myth: “I’m just inhaling a vapor”

Fact: WRONG! In fact,“Vaping” doesn’t have anything to do with a vapor at all, it’s actually an aerosol. The aerosol in e-cigarettes contain volatile organic compounds such as Formaldehyde and Diacetyl, cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals that are linked to lung disease (nickel, lead and tin), Fungi, certain bacteria, and Vitamin E acetate. Some even contain alcohol that have effects on the brain.Vitamin E acetate has been detected as one of the main ingredients in e-liquid that correlates with vaping-related lung diseases. Diacetyl is an organic compound found in some foods, tobacco and alcohol used for flavoring that can be harmful and flammable when heated.Formaldehyde is a substance that most living organisms produce, but when exposed to large amounts could cause an increase risk of death or cancer. It has even been reported by some users that the aerosol used in e-cigs have more of a stimulant effect on the body than a traditional cigarette. Research conducted by the CDC have confirmed that even though there are lower levels of toxins in an e-cig than a traditional cigarette, inhaling these aerosol’s over a long period of time will pose a serious health threat. Due to this product being unregulated and having yet to be approved by both the CDC and FDA, some states have recently banned the use of e-cigarettes until further research is conducted.

Health effects of vaping:

• High blood pressure (normal blood pressure is 120/80)
• Increased risk for blood clots
• Bronchospasms causing difficulty breathing (tightening of the muscles that line the airways in your lungs)
• Increased heart rate (normal heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute)
• Sleep disturbances
• Irregular heart rate such as arrhythmias (your heart beats too quickly, too slowly or with an irregular pattern)
• Depression and other mental health problems
• Excessive levels of insulin in the blood

Clearing the Air:

It is difficult for consumers to know what exactly is in an e-cigarette. Until the FDA and CDC conduct more research, users should be advised about the dangers of vaping. Signs of pulmonary disease related to vaping are coughing, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and shortness of breath. The American Medical Association recommended that all Americans stop the use of vapes or e-cigarettes until further investigation and health officials understand the cases of these recent illnesses and deaths related to vaping.

References

About Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes). (2019, November 8). Retrieved November 12, 2019, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/electronic-cigarettes-e-cigaretteshttps://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/about-e-cigarettes.html.

Campbell, P. (2019, September 16). DocTalk Podcast: Dangers of Vaping with Dr. Rizzo. Retrieved November 3, 2019, from https://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/doctalk-podcast-dangers-of-vaping-with-dr-rizzo.

Fratantoro, M. (2019). 450 Vaping-related Illnesses, 5 Deaths: No, You Don’t Know What’s In Your Vape. RT: The Journal for Respiratory Care Practitioners, 4. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/ login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=139284585&site=ehost-live

Prudovsky, D. (2019). Saying No to Vaping: What you should know about the dangers of ecigarettes. Dental Assistant, 88(2), 10–11. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=ccm&AN=135734722&site=ehost-live

Schmidt, S. (2019). Microbial Toxins in E-Liquid: A Potential New Vaping-Related Exposure to Explore. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127(9), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5671

What is a Stroke?

• Also known as a CVA – (Cerebrovascular Accident)
• A stroke occurs when a portion of the brain is damaged because of a blockage of a blood vessel or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.
• Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 800,000 people have a stroke each year. That equates to about one person every 40 seconds.
• In the U.S., approximately 40 percent of people who die from stroke are male, with 60 percent of deaths occurring in females.

There are two types of Strokes:

• ischemic stroke: is an unexpected obstruction of the blood vessels leading to the brain.
• hemorrhagic stroke: is bleeding into the brain tissue when a blood vessel ruptures.

What are the signs and symptoms of Stroke?
– Depending on which part of the brain is affected signs and symptoms can occur. The most common signs and symptoms are:
• Unevenness in the face or a droop on one side of the face
• Weakness on one side of the body (such as an arm, leg, or both)
• Numbness or strange sensations on one side of the body
• Trouble speaking (speech is slurred; cannot repeat a simple phrase)
• Memory loss
• Changes to vision
• Increased confusion

• If you or your loved one are experiencing these symptoms, they should receive help immediately

Stroke Prevention:
• There are other procedures that can be carried out to decrease the risk of strokes or TIAs.
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Stop smoking
• Lowering cholesterol
• Increase physical activity
• Eating healthy
• Limited Alcohol
• Diabetes – having good control of blood sugar levels.

Treatment after a Stroke:
– The faster you can get to a hospital, the better your chances of recovery. Immediately call 911.

– As ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have different causes, both require different forms of treatment.

-It is most important to know the type of stroke diagnosed  to be able to quickly reduce the damage done to the brain.

-Also due to a certain treatment suitable for one type of stroke may be harmful when treating different type.

Ischemic Stroke Treatments:
• Treatment focuses on restoring an adequate flow of blood to the brain.
• Medication is started to break down the clots and prevent other from forming.
• Aspirin can be given and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms starting to breakdown the blood clots.
• Emergency procedures include administering TPA directly into an artery in the brain or using a catheter to physically remove the clot.
• A carotid endarterectomy involves a surgeon opening the carotid artery and removing any plaque that might be blocking it.
• Angioplasty involves a surgeon inflating a small balloon in a narrowed artery via catheter and then inserting a mesh tube called a stent into the opening. This prevents the artery from narrowing again.

Hemorrhagic stroke:
• Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by blood leaking into the brain, so treatment focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing the pressure on the brain.
• Medications can be given to reduce the pressure in the brain, control overall blood pressure, prevent seizures and prevent sudden constrictions of blood vessels.
• If an individual is taking blood-thinning anticoagulants or an antiplatelet medication like warfarin or clopidogrel, they can be given drugs to counter the effects of the medication or blood transfusions to make up for blood loss.
• Surgery can be used to repair any problems with blood vessels that have led or could lead to hemorrhagic strokes. Surgeons can place small clamps at the base of aneurysms or fill them with detachable coils to stop blood flow and prevent rupture.
• If the hemorrhage is caused by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)- which is unusual correlation between arteries and veins normally in the spine or brain.
• Surgery can also be used to remove them if they are not too big and not too deep in the brain. AVMs are tangled connections between arteries and veins that are weaker and burst more easily than other normal blood vessels.

References:

Billinger, Sandra. A., Arena, Ross., Bernhardt, Janice., Eng, Janice. J., Franklin, Barry. A., Johnson, Cheryl Mortag., MacKay- Lyons, Marilyn., Macko, Richard. F., Mead, Gillian. E., Roth, Elliot. J., Shaughnessy, Marianne. and Tang, Ada. (2014, January 15). Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Stroke Survivors. A statement for Healthcare Professionals from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. Retrieved from https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/STR.0000000000000022.

Carr, Janet. H. and Shepherd, Roberta. B. (2011, May 18). Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/nri/2011/515938/abs/.

Gallanagh, Siobhan., Quinn, Terry. J., Alexander, Jen., Walters, Matthew. R. (2011, August 4). Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2011/953818/.

Jin, Jill. (2014, April 23/30). Warning Signs of a Stroke. JAMA Patient Page. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1861804.

McInstosh, James. (2017, November 23). Everything you Need to Know about Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php#treatment.

By: Breanna Hill

Present day America is a very fast paced, always on the go atmosphere. Often times families are picking up children from school and dropping children off at different activities. Other times children are left with babysitters to care for them after school. This leads little time for healthy, nutritious home cooked meals. More families end up eating fast food dinners in the car on the way to the next activity. In previous years little to no children developed cases of Type II Diabetes. Present day almost 1/3 of American children are considered overweight. Therefore leading to an increased risk of developing childhood Diabetes.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of type II
• Obesity
• sedentary life style
• African American, Hispanic/Latin
• Hypertension

Prevention Strategies:

• Strict portion sizes
• Meal prep weekly as a family at home
• 60 minutes of exercise 5-6 days a week
• Take family walks together
• Set strict family rules for iPad, tv, or video game usage
• Eliminate access sugary drinks
• 

Looking to start meal prepping for the family? Check out this great website https://www.yummly.com/recipes?q=healthy%20crock%20pot%20chicken&gs=8c3f38

Here you can find healthy quick and easy crock pot meals which will feed the whole family!

References

CDC Features. (2017, June 29). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/prevent-diabetes-kids/index.html.

Retrieved from https://youtu.be/8wwYUO0gpug.

“Strokes only happen to elderly people.  Strokes are rare. A stroke takes place in the heart.  Strokes aren’t preventable. Strokes aren’t preventable.  If stroke symptoms pass, you don’t need treatment.  Stroke recovery only happens in the first few months after a stroke. Smoking doesn’t affect your chances of having a stroke.”

Those are just a few myths that people frequently assume when dealing with a stroke, but I am here to tell you all of those statements above are MYTHS. A stroke is when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted, which stops the blood from feeding the brain tissue oxygen and nutrients.  A stroke can happen at any age.  A persons risk factor for having a stroke doubles after the age of 55 but that does not mean it does not happen before then.  A stroke occurs in the United States every 40 seconds and every 4 minutes someone dies due to a stroke.  These statements are facts.

One of the main facts you should take away when learning about strokes is that they are preventative. The International Stroke Study examined risk factors and found that 90 percent of strokes can be attributed to vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity and all of which are preventable to a large extent.  The best way to prevent a stroke from happening is by knowing what the risk factors are:

• High Blood Pressure (Higher than 140/90)
• Having an irregular heart rate (atrial fibrillation)
• Smoking
• High Cholesterol (greater than 200)
• Diabetic
• Having a pervious of stroke or history of stroke in the family
• Minimal exercise throughout the day
• African American
• Female
• Over the age of 55

Ways you can prevent one from occurring are by quitting smoking, exercising, eating more plant-based foods, and if you do have high cholesterol talk to your doctor about taking a statin medication.

References

The International Stroke Trial (IST): a randomised trial of aspirin, subcutaneous heparin, both, or neither among 19435 patients with acute ischaemic stroke. International Stroke Trial Collaborative Group. (1997, May 31). Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9174558.

(2013, November 25). Retrieved November 11, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNRU1hIoyek.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, millions of Americans will soon be thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. For those interested in losing weight or eating better, the blood type diet may seem like an appealing and personalized option. The blood type diet was created and popularized by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a naturopathic physician, in his 1996 best-selling book Eat Right For Your Type.  Dr. D’Adamo asserts that the food we eat has a chemical reaction to our blood type. Therefore, it is important to eat and exercise according to our blood type to maximize health and wellness and fight/prevent disease.

What Am I Supposed to Eat?

Type A: Does best on a plant-based diet that is high in grains, beans, soy, vegetables, and fruit. This blood type has poor digestion and a weak immune system.

Type B: Does best on a balanced diet consisting of meat (except chicken), dairy, grains, vegetables, and fruit. This blood type doesn’t have allergies.

Type AB: Does best with a diet that is a combination of type A and B. Diet should consist of seafood, dairy, grains, vegetables and fruit. Chicken, bananas, and corn should be avoided.

Type O:  Does best with a high protein diet high in meat, eggs, nuts, fish, fruit, and vegetables. Similar to paleo diet.

So What Does the Research Say?

Dr. Heber, the founding director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, sums it up well in this video. In a nutshell, he explains that one’s blood type has nothing to do with what we can or can’t eat. The only situation in which your blood type is of great importance is if you’re in need of a blood transfusion.

Research backs Dr. Heber’s assertion that the premise of the blood type diet is a myth. A 2013 study set out to conduct a thorough review of all the research completed on the blood type diet (Cusack, De Buck, Compernolle, and Vandekerckhove, 2013). The researchers were unable to find a great deal of research on the subject. However, the studies they were able to find consistently contradicted the claims made by Dr. D’Adamo and his supporters.

In a more recent study, Wang, Garcia-Bailo, Nielsen, Jenkins, and El-Sohemy’s (2018) conducted research on 973 overweight adults ranging in age from 18-82 years old. The researchers were interested to see if there was a definitive link between blood type and overall health. Wang, et al. found that participants following the blood type diet did indeed improve their overall health. However, this was independent of their actual blood type. Dr. D’Adamo’s food recommendations for all four blood types call for a decrease in processed food and an increase in vegetable and fruit intake. Any individual who increases fruit and vegetable intake and eliminates processed food will see an improvement in their health and weight. Wang, et al. (2018) point out that a majority of health agencies have similar guidelines, which are not related to blood type. In conclusion, this study found that any health benefits related to following the blood type diet were not linked to the participants’ blood type and were a result of an overall improved diet.

Another interesting piece of research was conducted by Laura Powers of the Biotype Research Corporation. Powers (2007) was interested to see if there was a link between blood type and food allergies. To accomplish this, she looked at immune responses in blood that are commonly used to diagnose allergies and intolerances. After analyzing close to 42,000 samples, it was determined that her findings directly contradicted Dr. D’Adamo’s claims. Furthermore, Power was able to back the link between blood type and food allergies with data. To date, Dr. D’Adamo has yet to publish research supporting his claims or the reasoning behind his food recommendations.

The Bottom Line

The blood type diet is a myth. The overall recommendations made by the blood type diet would benefit anyone looking to lose weight or become healthier. However, these results have nothing to do with one’s blood type, but rather are the result of healthier eating habits.

References

CTStyle. (2017, January 4). Eat right 4 your type: Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0JAUYv8L1Y

Cusack, L., De Buck, E., Compernolle, V., & Vandekerckhove, P. (2013). Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 98, 99-104. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.058693

Heber, D. [UCLA Health]. (2017, September 13]. Blood type diet: Does it work?/ UCLA Center for Human Nutrition [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogp12DESvgY

Power, L. (2007). Biotype diets system: Blood types and food allergies. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 16 (2), 125-135. doi: 10.1080/13590840701352807

The Whole Journey. (2012, November 17). How to eat for your blood type [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnk1p92ZlqM

Wang, J., Jamnik, J., Garcia-Bailo, B., Nielsen, D.E., Jenkins, D.J.A., & El-Sohemy, A. (2018). ABO genotype does not modify the association between the “blood type” diet and biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease in overweight adults. The Journal of Nutrition, 148 (4), 518-525. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxx074.

This is a test.

Alzheimer’s Disease, (AD) has been a complex and confusing, to say the least, topic. Many people find the diagnosis of a family member or themselves scary, like any other diagnosis. But when it comes to AD, what do you really know? Many people use the term, ‘dementia” as another term for AD, which is not true. The term dementia, is used as an umbrella term for symptoms and manifestations of the disease such as memory loss and abnormal behavior. The cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is unknown. incurable and of course, progressive. Many scientists believe that a combination of lifestyle, environment and genetic factors affect the brain. “Here is a difference in the opinions among the scientists with regard to the categorization of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of them consider it to be a factor that causes dementia, while others define the condition as a type of dementia. The latter opinion puts Alzheimer’s alongside other types of dementia, including:

• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
• Vascular dementia
• Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD)
• Young-onset dementia
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
• HIV-related cognitive impairment (Patel, 2019)

The initial stages of Alzheimer’s Disease begins as mild forgetfulness that may progress into complete memory loss. This also includes having difficulty with decision making and daily routine, accompanied by changes in personality and other symptoms such as mood swings, depression, aggression and social withdrawal.

Mild Alzheimer’s includes the beginning of cognitive impairments. This stage of AD may limit/challenge IADL’s. For example, paying bills, and difficulty with remembering work tasks. At this stage, the person experiencing AD is still “functional” but does experience a tremendous amount of difficulty.

Moderate Alzheimer’s is more intense. At this point, there is a significant amount if neuronal damage. This is where the person  becomes a bit more dependent on others, the confusion is more apparent due to memory loss and are not able to perform daily tasks which has been effected by sensory processing skills.

Severe Alzheimer’s includes the start of dying brain cells resulting in shrinkage of the brain tissue and sadly, many people have lost communication skills.

Early Onset Alzheimer’s is typically commonly found in older adults (65 years old) but can be diagnosed as young as 30, 40 and 50 years of age. People experiencing Early Onset Alzheimer’s have a type of the disease called, “familial Alzheimer’s Disease” meaning, they’re likely to have a parent or grandparent who has also developed Alzheimer’s Disease at a young age. This also includes, memory deficits, behavioral changes, and effects thinking. Similarly, there is no cure but there are measurements that can be taken to slow down the process such as avoiding alcohol and other substances, and by staying healthy with a good diet and exercise.

There are three genes that are linked to this- the APP, PSEN 1 and PSEN 2- that differ from the APOE gene that can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s in general (Radford, MD)”. Genetic testing for these mutations are available, but is recommended to pursue genetic counseling before hand.

Below includes examples of ‘Normal changes’ provided by authors, Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D (Last updated: August 2019) 

There are several organizations that provide information and resources for people who are experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease and for caretakers of people experiencing Alzheimer’s Disease. This is especially important because many people involved and who are around someone with AD, it can be very overwhelming and consume the caregivers life. Because this disease is so complex, it is also crucial to be an effective team member for the person experiencing AD. Alzheimer’s Support Groups and utilizing facilities that offer respite programs among others, help with support of all parties who can be managing stress or just need a break. Director, Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry of John Hopkin’s University states,  “Care givers almost always feel guilty in some way…The disease itself (AD) and the care that people need that engenders or causes that guilt in caregivers (Rabins, 2021)”. Where this sounds well put, this same video also stated, “it’s okay to get annoyed because they forget”. While we are all human and deal with grief differently and where this is also older research, there can be many steps taken to prevent outbursts and enforce understanding. 

Many adaptations and remedial tools can be used such as, sticky notes as reminders, whiteboards, alarms, using microwaves instead of stove top cooking and more.

Interestingly enough, this next podcast posted by the Mayo Clinic, describes the “redefined” diagnoses of AD. As mentioned previously, “dementia” is classified typically as an umbrella term. However, this podcast stated that ‘dementia’ and “Alzheimer’s Disease” is no longer going to be used interchangeably, which is great because it should not be described as such. Additionally, this research has been provided by Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease will not be diagnosed via symptoms but by neuropathology (the disease or abnormality of the brain). It’s stated in the New Research Framework, “symptoms are consequences of the disease and not the definition of the disease.”(Alzheimer’s Dement 2018 Apr;14(4):535-562) Just as the previous videos have mentioned how tangles and plaques effect the brain, Mayo Clinic radiologist and Alzheimer’s researcher, Dr. Clifford Jack speaks in detail regarding neuropathology. “The diagnosis can be made biologically…(rather than clinically based) and there are two ways to get to a biologically based diagnosis, one is neuropathology… The second way is through bio-markers- regarding tangles and plaques (Jack, 2018)”. Furthermore, Jack also explains the incorrect terms and processes, and other neuropathologies, either alone or in combination, that have been used by in the past years. After the use of clinical trials, researchers began to “modify the underlying course of the disease” (AD)(Jack, 2018) . It was found that, “about 30% don’t have Alzheimer’s Disease (Jack, 2018)”. 

Many other videos and sites have had similar suggestions however, there is not yet clear or concrete evidence confirming or denying the causes of AD. The Alzheimer’s Association states this is, “due to the need for more large-scale studies in diverse populations”. What is suggested is maintaining a healthy diet, avoid head injuries, staying social and participating in intellectual activity.

References:

(2018, April 23). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeDEUlcb0D0

Causes and Risk Factors. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors.

How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain. (2017, August 23). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GXv3mHs9AU&feature=youtu.be.

What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease.

Patel, H. H. (2019, September 9). Types of Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Types-of-Alzheimers-Disease.aspx.

Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/earlyonset-alzheimer-disease.

Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alzheimers-disease/earlyonset-alzheimer-disease.

Alzheimer’s Dement 2018 Apr;14(4):535-562. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.018

Redefining Alzheimer's Disease: Mayo Clinic Radio. (2018, May 28). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fACGPjiJ7Y.

Rabins, P. V. (2012, October 17). Caregiver Guilt- Memory and Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5-s68-hngk.