By: Michael Havens

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Asthma is the most common chronic condition affecting pediatric patients. In the United States asthma is a leading cause of hospitalizations, emergency department visits and missed days of school. Asthma that is diagnosed before the age of 5 is strongly linked to heredity, but also can be caused by air pollution, immune sensitivity, nutrition and obesity.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)
• Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

What triggers Asthma Attacks?

• allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander
• dirty air (irritants or pollutants)
• respiratory infections, like a cold or the flu
• weather conditions
• exercise
• Acid reflux (GERD)

What is an asthma attack?

MYTH: My child can outgrow their asthma.

FACT: Once diagnosed with asthma, the condition is lifelong.

MYTH: If my child has asthma that means they can’t be physically active or play sports.

FACT: Physical inactivity increases the severity of asthma symptoms, and frequency of asthma attacks. Exercising regularly is actually one of best things that your child can do to keep your lungs and body healthy. Increased physical activity can reduce obesity, asthmatic symptoms, as well as improve quality of life into adulthood.

What should parents know if their child has asthma and is overweight?

Children with obesity are at an even greater risk of developing asthma. In the United States 75% of the children that end up in the emergency room for treatment of an asthma attack are considered to be overweight or obese. Pediatric asthma and obesity can be managed by increasing your child’s daily physical activity, monitoring nutrition, and weight loss, which are clinical proven to improve quality of life and lung function.

My child doesn’t like sports, what kind of physical activity can my child do that will improve their asthma?

Yoga has been a widely used treatment for asthma as it has shown to reduce the use of rescue inhalers, improve stamina for exercise and improves lung function.

References

Haines, M. S., & Kim, D. H. (2013). A Study of the Effects of Physical Activity on Asthmatic Symptoms and Obesity Risk in Elementary School-Aged Children. American Journal Of Health Education, 44(3), 156-161.

Tahan, F., Eke Gungor, H., & Bicici, E. (2014). Is Yoga Training beneficial for Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction?. Alternative Therapies In Health & Medicine, 20(2), 18-23.

Lang, J. E. (2012). Obesity, Nutrition, and Asthma in Children. Pediatric Allergy, Immunology & Pulmonology, 25(2), 64-75.

Hypertension

• Hypertension (HTN) also known as high blood pressure, is a constant elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure, and can affect anyone.
• HTN is the most common diagnosis in the United States effecting one in three Americans, with two thirds of those being over the age of 60.Approximately 75 million adults in the United States are affected by hypertension.
• HTN is more common in men than women until the age of 45 at which the prevalence in men and women even out. Women who use oral contraceptives, particularly obese and older women, have a 3-fold higher risk of hypertension.
• African American adults have the highest rates of hypertension, with an increasing prevalence

Physical Inactivity and Unhealthy Diet

• Physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are two risk factors associated with various cardiovascular disease like coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
• The combination of these two risk factors lead to decreased functioning of the cardiorespitory system and an increase in cholesterol; which contributes to the build of plaque on the walls of the arteries.
• Studies have found that an increase in the appropriate physical activity and a healthier diet have been proven to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

DASH DIet

• The DASH  (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and improve insulin sensitivity.
• The DASH diet is based on an eating plan proven to lower blood pressure, a plan rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or nonfat dairy.

Meditation

• Meditation has been shown to be beneficial in many areas of health, including relaxation, reducing muscle tension and promoting mindfulness.
• Meditation is a part of complementary and alternative medicine therapies; a national survey on the use of this mind and body form of medicine showed increased usage between 2002 and 2007.
• Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a type of meditation with origins from India; which has been proven to produce clinically meaningful reductions in BP by approximately 4.7 and 3.2 mm Hg, in systolic and diastolic pressure, respectively.
• Maharishi defined the goal of transcendental meditation as a state of enlightenment. Which means people experience an inner calmness, a quiet state of least excitation, even when people are dynamically busy.
• Physiologic research shows that the TM technique produces a state of “restful alertness”.

High blood pressure can increase the risk of multiple cardiovascular disorders.  By practicing healthy eating habits and participating in regular physical anyone can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower high blood pressure.

References

www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure

Onvani, S., Haghighatdoost, F., & Azadbakht, L. (2015). Dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH): diet components may be related to lower prevalence of different kinds of cancer: A review on the related documents. Journal Of Research In Medical Sciences, 20(7), 707-713. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.166233

Devi, S., & Samaga, L. N. (2015). Effect of transcendental meditation on stress and blood pressure among patients with systemic hypertension. Asian Journal Of Nursing Education & Research, 5(1), 151-156. doi:10.5958/2349-2996.2015.00032.4

Depression, More Common Then Not

How does it feel?

• At the beginning of Depression people struggle with the little things

• When being depressed people stay stuck in their “little mind”

• All things that used to bring joy are worthless

• Either people decide to get help or attempt suicide

The Science

• 350 million people affected worldwide with Depression
• Biological basis, chemical imbalance, psychological and sociological implications
• Lack off neutransmitter-feel good chemical effects Depression
• Evidence that prescibred drugs increase serotonin and elevates symptoms

• Brain growth may play a role in Depression

  ---

High Functioning Depression

• A person with high functioning depression will go to school and work but once there done with responsibilities they will withdraw
• Difficult to notice because people are still able to continue with responsibilities, they believe they are ok but they are numb and sad
• Symptoms:

1. Concerned with time

2. Constant self-criticism

3. Over think

4. Feel misunderstood

5. Sadness

6. Negative coping skills

7. Excessive past times

References:

Some common dietary recommendations regarding diabetes include:
-restricting daily energy intake based on body weight
-eliminating sugary drinks
-counting carbs

Are these recommendations based on proven facts?

HbA1c is the primary measure used to test the progression of diabetes.

In many studies, plant based diets have been proven to both reduce the risk of diabetes as well as decrease HbA1c levels of individuals living with diabetes.

In one study, Individuals who maintained a plant based diet for 12 weeks showed a decrease in HbA1c levels.

In another study of 60,000 individuals, a plant based diet was proven to decrease the risk of diabetes by 50 percent.

In a third study, over 200,000 individuals were followed over 20 years. After 20 years, roughly 16,000 participants developed diabetes. The participants who maintained a plant based diet were proven less likely to develop diabetes.

Education is key!

Myth: I will not get enough protein if I cut meat from my diet.

Fact: You can find protein in avocado, sweet potato, mushrooms, and more! Fruits, vegetables, and grains can also be a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Learning about the various plant based options can seem overwhelming. There are countless educational apps and lists that can be found right on your smart phone!

Bonus fact:
Plant based diets have also been proven to have positive effects on:
-cardiovascular disease
-obesity
-metabolic syndrome
…and more!

Hart, J. (2015). Plant-Based Diets as a First Line of Treatment. Alternative & Complementary Therapies, 21(5), 214-216. doi:10.1089/act.2015.29023.jha

Lee, Y., Kim, S., Lee, I., Kim, J., Park, K., Jeong, J., & … Lee, D. (2016). Effect of a Brown Rice Based Vegan Diet and Conventional Diabetic Diet on Glycemic Control of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Clinical Trial. Plos ONE, 11(6), 1-14. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155918

Satija, A., Bhupathiraju, S. N., Rimm, E. B., Spiegelman, D., Chiuve, S. E., Borgi, L., & … Hu, F. B. (2016). Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women: Results from Three Prospective Cohort Studies. Plos Medicine, 13(6), 1-18. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002039

What does it mean to have Autism Spectrum Disorder?

By: Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office

ASD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences that result in a broad range of conditions connected by these underlying challenges:

• Social skills/Communication skills (verbal/non-verbal)

  • Little/no eye contact
  • Failing to respond to others
  • Echolalia, behavior where someone repeats words or phrases that they’ve heard from possibly television or another source
  • Talk in an odd tone
  • Unable to convey or understand body language
  • Difficulties with back and forth conversations
  • Responding unusually to other’s emotions like affection, nervousness, fear, pain
  • Often monopolize a conversation by continuously talking about what they are interested in without concern for the other person’s thoughts in the conversation.
  • May get very upset to little changes in routine

• Repetitive and rigid behaviors

  • Having intense interest in a certain topic, i.e. trains, video games, etc.
  • Modifying behaviors or routines may be very difficult

There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to ASD… Let’s de-bunk myths!!!

So what have we learned…

Fact or Fiction:  Autism is a mental health disorder?

Fiction (although controversial):  People argue for both sides, but advocates for autism and those with autism state that it is a neurological condition opposed to a psychiatric condition.

Fact or Fiction: Vaccines cause Autism…

By: agressti vanessa

Fiction:  Although there has been much talk that vaccines cause Autism, there is no scientific evidence proving as such.  The former physician that conducted a trial of 12 children and stated that Autism is caused by vaccines has since lost his medical license.  Although there is no direct answer to the exact cause of ASD, it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development ASD.

Fact or Fiction: People with ASD are unable to learn…

By: Alberto G.

Fiction:  Autism may increase challenges to learning, but with patience and compensatory strategies, those with ASD are certainly able to learn.  However, because ASD is a spectrum disorder and each person with ASD should be treated individually.  Also, Autism has common comorbidities (i.e. cognitive disabilities), which may effect a person’s ability to learn.

Fact or Fiction:  People with ASD are not able to empathize with others…

By: Sean MacEntee.

Fiction:  Although Autism can alter the way a person displays emotion, it doesn’t mean that they can not empathize.  On the contrary, sometimes they are over-responsive to empathy, which can result in an extreme reaction.  Individuals with Autism have difficulties with expressing their emotions in a “typical” way.  They may laugh when someone gets hurt or cry because a group of people are laughing very loudly.  This is because they process their emotions differently and may have difficulties expressing them in the typical social manner.

Fact or Fiction:  Everyone that has ASD will have a savant abilities.  

By: Nayuki

Fiction: There is a small amount of individuals with Autism that excellent in certain areas and may possess savant qualities, but not all people with ASD possess savant qualities.  There is also misconceptions that individuals with ASD may have low IQ’s.  This is also Fiction!  Approximately half of individuals diagnosed with Autism have an average to high IQ.

Fact or Fiction:  Those with ASD are more at risk to be bullied…

Fact: A study of 1,167 children with ASD between the ages 6-15, showed that 63% of the had been bullied some time within their lives. Also, children with Autism may be instigated to escalate into outbursts purposefully by their peers.

Fact or Fiction:  People was ASD are more likely to commit suicide…

By: ryan melaugh

Fact: Adults on the autism spectrum disorder are approximately 28% more likely to commit suicide than a typical adult.  Children diagnosed with ASD have many supports throughout their childhood in schools, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counselors, special education teachers, etc., but often, when a child graduates from high school the supports are no longer available.  Employment is difficult to come by and depression and isolation can ensue.

Autism is a complex disorder that affects everyone differently.  Now that you have a better understanding, treat people with ASD with respect.  Reach out and talk with someone with ASD.  Although they may not seem different, you could make a big difference in their and your life!

By: AndYaDontStop

References:

Rettew, D. (2015, October, 8). Is autism a mental illness? Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/abcs-child-psychiatry/201510/is-autism-mental-illness

Soraya, L. (2013, March 17). New research on autism and suicide. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/aspergers-diary/201303/new-research-autism-and-suicide

Autism Speaks. (2017). What is autism? Retrieved from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

National Institute of Mental Health. (2016, October). Autism spectrum disorder. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml

We can appreciate how hard it can seem to get a well-balanced meal on the table during busy nights juggling sports, dance class, homework and work or school events because we’ve been there.  Here are some tips to fit healthy meals into your busy schedule.

1. Planning is essential; develop systems that make the purchasing, preparing and partaking easier.
2. Keep it simple. Family meals don’t have to be elaborate to be healthy and effective. Come up with easy ways to balance your meal with simple vegetable side dishes or fruit and yogurt for dessert.
3. Have healthy food on hand and eat from your freezer or pantry on busy weeknights.
4. Prepare double batches of food when you’re less rushed so you can cook once, eat twice.
5. Family meal does not have to be dinner, breakfast or lunch may work better in some households.
6. Toughen up. Offer your family one meal that includes all five-food groups and everyone should be able to find something they’ll want to eat.
7. Turn off technology and tune into each other.
8. Make conversation the focus of family meals, but keep it light. The dinner table is not the place for discipline.
9. Share the work. Enlist help from the family, from planning the shopping list to making lunches, setting the table, pouring the milk and clean up. Eating as a family is truly comforting, from toddlers, teens to adults. Family meals can become a cherished tradition for the whole family.

Facts vs Fiction: Does Joint/Knuckle Cracking Cause Arthritis?

Joint cracking can definitely be weird, annoying and even scary to listen to; but is it dangerous?

There has previously been this belief that joint cracking can cause arthritis or some other sort of damage. After all these years, there were finally studies done to debunk or validate that claim. Many sources  show support that it does NOT cause damage. However, there is still some uncertainty to what it actually does.

In the article, Does knuckle popping lead to arthritis, it is supported that joint popping causes no arthritic disease (2017). According to Powers et al. frequent knuckle cracking will not greater increase the risk of osteoarthritis. However, what can happen?

•  Acute soft tissue injuries can occur if joints and ligaments are hyperextended.
• Pain can arise if there is already a level of arthritis present.
• Damage can be caused to the joint if done after a recent drama.

By: Internet Archive Book Images

So what is actually happening to create this sound?

According to Lavender (2009), when a joint moves through its range of motion, the ligaments and tendons move as well. If it moves through a particular plane, the ligament or tendon will stretch and then snap back into place. This will create the popping sound that we all hear when we crack our joints or even move in a normal fashion.

…….Furthermore…….

Synovial fluid is another anatomical cause for the sound. Synovial fluid is the body’s own lubricant for the joints. It is a fluid that fills in between to reduce friction. Research shows the pressure is greatly reduced within the joint when extended. Gases dissolve in the synovial fluid causing microscopic bubbles. Then more synovial fluid will rush inside the area of low pressure causing the larger bubbles to collapse and create a popping sound.

Cracking Down on the Final Truth!!

A Physician named Dr. Donald Unger personally proved that there are no greater risks of arthritis or damage caused by regular knuckle cracking. However, there are some adverse effects. At least one study showed the chronic popping of the joints resulted in weaker grip in the hand. This study showed all knuckle-popping participants to have a weaker grip and inflamed knuckles(Nichols 2017). Therefore, displaying poor overall health in hands and possible soft tissue damage. Therefore, crack away, just be careful!

References

Knuckles and joints: Does cracking knuckles cause arthritis? Hannah Nichols –           https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/259603.php

Lavender, A. (2016, October 11). Is cracking your joints bad for you?. Nelson Mail,                               The. p. 9.

Powers, T., Kelsberg, G., & Safranek, S. (2016). Q/Does knuckle popping lead to arthritis?. Journal           Of Family Practice, 65(10), 725-728.

Will Joint Cracking Cause Osteoarthritis? (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2017, from      https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/joint-cracking-osteoarthritis.

Preschools are being seen more and more often in Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities around the country.

http://www.kiro7.com/news/local/preschool-inside-west-seattle-nursing-home-brings-together-old-young/644699163

What is intergenerational programming?

Intergenerational means that there are two or more generations being combined and programming in this scenario means including some sort of activity with meaning in it. They will share knowledge, meaning, and experiences which allows for the two groups to learn from each other. The National Councilor on Aging ads that the experiences are mutually beneficial, meet some needs of each generation, and foster growth, understanding, and friendship.

True or False: Children always view their elders positively:

FALSE: Children often associate the elderly population with illness and death. By incorporating the two populations, there is a new understanding and perception of the elderly. More recent trends have noticed that children do not spend as much time with their grandparents and great grandparents. The traditional intergenerational composition of families has become lost as families live farther apart from each other, and our primarily age-segregated society provides very little opportunity for intergenerational interaction.

Program Design Method 

1. Knowledge and understanding of human growth
2. Developmentally appropriate practice and support for both the children and elders
3. Consideration of cultures
4. Respect for all ages
5. Input from all people involved

https://www.godvine.com/preschoolers-visit-elderly-people-at-nursing-home-11546.htmlhttps://www.godvine.com/preschoolers-visit-elderly-people-at-nursing-home-11546.html

True or False: Children can decrease depression rates in adults?

TRUE!! The innocence of a child can bring joy to anyone. The elderly feel better knowing they will be seeing the children and feel more relaxed. Many say they forget their age and have increased levels of energy and get good exercise from the children. It is therapeutic physically and mentally

. 

References

Foster, K. B. (1997). Intergenerational Programming: The Impact on Children and Elders.

Holmes, C. L. (2009). An Intergenerational Program with Benefits. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(2), 113-119.

Low, L., Russell, F., McDonald, T., & Kauffman, A. (2015). Grandfriends, an Intergenerational Program for Nursing-Home Residents and Preschoolers: A Randomized Trial. Journal Of Intergenerational Relationships, 13(3), 227-240. doi:10.1080/15350770.2015.1067130

Morita, K., & Kobayashi, M. (2013). Interactive programs with preschool children bring smiles and conversation to older adults: time-sampling study. BMC Geriatrics, 13(1), 111. doi:10.1186/1471-2318-13-111

Most of us are aware that sugar substitutes, while containing little to no calories, are not any better than typical table sugar. Sometimes their effects on our bodies can even be worse. But, can Stevia be lumped in with the others?

Consider 3 clips from popular media versus what the research says:

Claims:

• Stevia can cause stress as body tries to level blood sugar.
• Stevia lowers fertility rate in rats eating large amounts.
• Stevia can alter your taste buds.

Claims:

• Stevia raises cortisol, stresses body
• Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar
• Can cause thyroid issues
• Addictive
• Alters taste buds
• Affects hormones

Is stevia actually a healthier alternative to sugar?

Claims:

• It can alter DNA – mutagenic.

What the research says:

• Stevia rebaudiana is a plant. Stevioside is the crystalline compound we see in sweeteners and it comes from this plant (Goyal & Goyal, 2010).
• Stevia has been used since ancient times, particularly by Paraguayan Guarani people (Goyal & Goyal 2010).
• It can even be used as herbal medicine with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties (Goyal & Goyal, 2010).
• It is beneficial for people with diabetes, those with PKU, and those attempting to lose weight, as it helps to control blood sugar (Goyal & Goyal, 2010).
• It is not mutagenic (Goyal & Goyal, 2010).
• It is not absorbed by the digestive system into the blood stream (Goyal & Goyal, 2010).
• Ingestion of Stevia rebaudiana can actually reduce blood sugar (Lemus-Mondaca, Vega-Galvez, Zura-Bravo & Ah-Hen, 2012).
• Stevioside has been used in the treatment of cancer (Lemus-Mondaca et al., 2012).
• No effect on fertility in rats or mice (Lemus-Mondaca et al., 2012).
• Stevia leaf extract can stimulate the immune system (Thomas & Glade, 2010).
• It can help prevent dental caries when sugar intake is reduced by substituting with stevia (Thomas & Glade, 2010).
• Can help ease effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) (Thomas & Glade, 2010).
• Non-toxic (Thomas & Glade, 2010).
• Recommended over sucrose and fructose as sweetener of choice (Thomas & Glade, 2010).

Considering these findings, it’s safe to say stevia is not the same as other sweeteners. Those who are managing diabetes and other conditions in which blood sugar is a factor can benefit from the use of stevia.

References

Goyal, S. K., & Goyal, R. K. (2010). Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) a bio-sweetener: a review. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. DOI: 10.3109/09637480903193049

Lemus-Mondaca, R., Vega-Gálvez, A., Zura-Bravo, L., & Ah-Hen, K. (2012). Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, source of a high-potency natural sweetener: A comprehensive review on the biochemical, nutritional and functional aspects. Food Chemistry, 132(3), 1121-1132. Doi: 10.1016

Thomas, J. E., & Glade, M. J. (2010). Stevia: it’s not just about calories. benefits, 35, 36. Retrieved from https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOOBESJ/TOOBESJ-2-101.pdf on Nov 1, 2017.