There are many types of edema. The most obvious type is something we see every day in our geriatric patients who live in the SNF (skilled nursing facilities). This type of edema is most likely from being sedentary with their feet down. It is always best to use the leg rests on the wheelchairs whenever possible to avoid this from becoming worse. When I say trauma I am speaking of any type of accident, surgery or injury. Our body contains lymph nodes which are used as our filtration system. If the nodes are not functioning properly, the fluid will accummulate.
When someone believes they have trouble with fluid accumulation they should seek medical advise from a professional. By visiting a professional the edema can be evaluated and given a stage. Early onset can simply be eliminated with elevation of the legs. If it has progressed to stage 2 compression stockings may be necessary. When the edema reaches stage 3 more acute medical input is necessary to prevent wounds. Certified Lymphedema Specialists can be found in most hospitals. Ask your physician for a referral to see them as soon as possible. If you don’t like what you hear ask for a second opinion. No edema should be left unattended. Edema only causes more problems the longer it goes undiagnosed.
Regardless of age everyone is at risk for heart disease.
There are ways to prevent heart disease at any age. Making healthy changes in your life can help prevent heart disease from sneaking up on you. Years of unhealthy eating habits along with lack of exercise can contribute to the development of this silent killer.
There are however ways to prevent heart disease at any age. Education is the first step to stopping the spread of this disease. Pt education program are available and have shown that when people are educated regarding options and strategies they are able to make life changes that could save their life. This information is designed to be accessible to to all people regardless of education or literacy level.
It is important to:
Use plain language and avoid jargon
Minimize the number of new concepts introduced simultaneously
Present new information in a sequential manner so that the learner can use known information while incorporating the new information
Chuck information into manageable pieces
Avoid distracting non topic information
A healthy life style is the best defense when combating heart disease. Here are some healthy tips that can be used to make healthy changes at any age.
Make healthy food choices:
Avoid saturated fat, trans fats and foods high in sodium
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eat more whole grains, nuts and fish
Lean meats and avoid red meat
Low fat dairy products
Avoid beverages high in added sugar
Be physically active:
At least 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day
1 hour of vigorous play for chidren
Do not smoke
Annual appointments with a healthcare professional
Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels, weight and help you manage stress
By going for annual appointments the doctor will be able to catch early warning signs of heart disease regardless of age.
Know your family history
By knowing your family history of high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure will help you to make changes and be aware of warning signs
Billions of dollars every year have been spent to understand and treat those at high risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Some changes can be made simply through lifestyle changes but there are those who have genetic factors that play a large role in their health and whether or not they develop CAD. Those that have the genetic factors that contribute to the disease often feel like nothing can be done and are dependent on medical intervention with pharmaceuticals.
Genetics and family history play a huge role in CAD and annual trips to a physician are recommended. It is also so important to listen to your body. If you are feeling different or “off” make the appointment and get checked out. It just may save your life.
Studies have been conducted over the years to identify, prevent and educate about heart disease and CAD. In most studies woman are grossly underrepresented. Since 1993 woman have been represented as 50% of most studies to more accurately gather data to develop educational programs for the prevention and treatment of heart disease in woman. Woman above the age of 25 should get regular checkups. Risk factors vary from individual to individual.
Signs of a heart a heart attack vary from person to person and are different between men and woman.
Heart Attack Signs in Women
Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
Know your body. Get regular checkups. Manage stress. Move more. Eat better.
It just may save your life.
References:
How to Help Prevent Heart Disease – At Any Age. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2018, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/How-to-Help-Prevent-Heart-Disease—At-Any-Age_UCM_442925_Article.jsp#.WomnO6jwZPY
Shah, A., Clayman, M. L., Glass, S., & Kandula, N. R. (2015). Protect Your Heart: A Culture-Specific Multimedia Cardiovascular Health Education Program. Journal of Health Communication, 20(4), 424-430. doi:10.1080/10810730.2014.965366
Nabel, E. G. (2015). Heart Disease Prevention in Young Women. Circulation, 132(11), 989-991. doi:10.1161/circulationaha.115.018352
As of 2013, the FDA has approved over 1,453 drugs. This number does not include the drugs previously on the market before that date. With these drugs comes countless side effects as well as the costs that continue to rise. Medical Marijuana has been introduced on the market as the cure-all that can conquer where prescription medicines cannot.
People can ingest marijuana in a number of ways to get the medical benefits. It can be smoked or orally ingested. THC is the chemical within the plant that is beneficial medicine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, they generally feel the effects after 30 minutes to 1 hour” (Abuse, 2018).
CNN reports that the plant would be used to treat medical issues such as AIDS/HIV, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, Chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Important pro’s and con’s to consider:
Pros
Pain Control
Safer Alternative
Cost effective
Cons
Accessibility
Risk of Abuse
Conflicting federal and state regulations.
References
Abuse, N. I. (n.d.). Marijuana as Medicine. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine
Christensen, J. (2015, April 16). 10 diseases where medical marijuana could have impact. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/15/health/marijuana-medical-advances/index.html
How Many Drugs has FDA Approved in its Entire History? New Paper Explains | RAPS. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2018, from https://www.raps.org/regulatory-focus%E2%84%A2/news-articles/2014/10/how-many-drugs-has-fda-approved-in-its-entire-history-new-paper-explains
Lawrence, A. (2018, February 06). Pros and Cons of Using Medical Marijuana. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/general-health/pros-and-cons-of-using-medical-marijuana.html
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects 1% of the population. The average onset of symptoms is early teens to late 20’s for men and late 20’s to early 30’s for woman (2018). For a person to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia they must have two or more of the following symptoms for at least a one-month and at least one of them must be 1, 2, or 3:
1.Delusions
2. Hallucinations
3. Disorganized speech
4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
5. Negative symptoms, such as diminished emotional expression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
The symptoms of Schizophrenia has been the focal point for may Hollywood films such as The Snake Pit, A Beautiful Mind and Me, Myself and Irene. Movies can increase the stigma of mental illness in some cases. One myth about schizophrenia is that people with schizophrenia are cognitively delayed. One study looked at people with schizophrenia in a work rehabilitation program. Patients who were able to demonstrate increased skills in planning, reasoning, and problem-solving were more likely to get increased paying jobs and more hours (Lexen, Hofgren, Stenmark & Bejerholm, 2016). The video below is video of a young woman functioning with schizophrenia. She is studying astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State University and is an advocate for college students with schizophrenia.
There is a large stigma that surrounds mental illness. One way to decrease the stigma is to listen to people’s stories. One study found that a peer run education was more effective that a psycho-education in decreasing stigma in families of people with mental illness (Vaghee, Salarhaji & Vaghei, 2016). In the video below a young woman with schizophrenia views a schizophrenia simulation and compares it to her own life. This video can help shed light on what it is like to live with Schizophrenia
Another myth about Schizophrenia is that people with schizophrenia are more violent than people without schizophrenia. The video below may be triggering for some. It is a news clip covering the death of a young man with schizophrenia at Bridgewater hospital in Massachusetts. This video is included in this blog to show an extreme of what can happen when people are not educated properly about mental illness. People with Schizophrenia are more likely to be victimized that they are to be perpetrators (Short, Thomas, Luebbers, Mullen, & Ogloff, 2013) .
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
Lexén, A., Hofgren, C., Stenmark, R., & Bejerholm, U. (2016). Cognitive functioning and employment among people with schizophrenia in vocational rehabilitation. Work, 54(3), 735-744. doi:10.3233/WOR-162318
Short, T. R., Thomas, S., Luebbers, S., Mullen, P., & Ogloff, J. P. (2013). A case-linkage study of crime victimisation in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders over a period of deinstitutionalisation. BMC Psychiatry, 13(1), 1-9. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-66
Vaghee, S., Salarhaji, A., & Vaghei, N. (2016). Comparing the effect of in our own voice-family with psychoeducation on stigma in families of schizophrenia patients. Nursing Practice Today, 3(4), 139-151.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurogenerative disease that affects a specific area of the brain and results in decreased production of the neurotransmitter, dopamine.
Symptoms include tremors, balance deficiencies, stooped posture, speech abnormalities, swallowing difficulties, cognitive deficits, and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
Symptoms are treated with Medication Therapy, Physical Rehabilitation (PT, OT, SLP), Exercise and Surgical Implantation of Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) which minimizes PD symptoms.
At this time, there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
What can I do to Manage PD?
Listed below are strategies that can be implemented by a person living with Parkinson’s Disease to manage symptoms, slow disease progression and live well with PD.
1) Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Exercise provides many benefits to a person with Parkinson’s Disease. Not only do you benefit from increased strength and endurance , but exercise also intervenes and corrects the non – motor symptoms of PD, such as anxiety and depression. The video above focuses on the physical and psychosocial benefits of exercise for people with PD. Jim Choi’s gym offers cycling, yoga, dance, tai chi and boxing to increase strength, endurance, as well as provide support and a sense of community.
Current research indicates that exercise also provides neuroprotective benefits and interferes with brain cell degeneration and disease progression. The research study published in the British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (2008) found that exercise acts to protect the brain in two different ways: 1) Exercise increases calcium cells which yields increased presence of dopamine 2)Exercise activates anti-inflammatory properties which interferes with the degeneration of the dopamine containing neuronal cell (Ahmed, 2008, p. 525).
The results of the study mentioned above indicate that exercise is important to slowing the progression of PD, as well as vitally important for the prevention of the disease. (Ahmed, 2008, p. 528)
2) Educate Yourself on PD!
In the video above, Dr. Subramanian discusses the importance of the PD patient becoming familiar with the disease. She suggests reading the informative material and current research on PD, joining support groups, and acquiring a doctor you trust and can speak honestly to about symptoms of the disease – without minimizing them so that they can be addressed in the most effective manner.
This advice is supported by the study titled Challenges of Improving Patient Centered Care in Parkinson’s Disease (2017), which compares and contrasts two groups of PD patients. Group one records and tracks their PD symptoms to report to their physician and Group two does not track symptoms in any way (Mathur et al., 2017, p. 163). The results of this study indicate that the group that records and track symptoms benefited from increased well-being, improved coping skills, enhanced communication with healthcare professionals and improved treatment plans (Mathur et al., 2017, p.196).
Educating yourself on your disease and symptoms ultimately leads to decreased symptom progression and better quality of life.
3) Stay Positive! (Coping Skills)
This video begins on a somber note as the various interviewees with Parkinson’s Disease share their story on how their journey with PD unfolds. The interviews begin by discussing their symptoms and struggles since being diagnosed with the disease. However, by the end each person interviewed share how their perspective has changed to that of acceptance and hope. Michael J. Fox concludes the interview emphasizing the presence and importance of a positive attitude when he states, “With purpose re-examined and new dreams to pursue, we all have one thing in common…hope” (The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, 2014).
Navarta-Sanchez et al. (2016) completed a study that reinforced the importance of positive attitudes and coping skills in PD patients. Parkinson’s patients were assessed on several coping skills including positive re-framing, acceptance humor, planning, active coping, denial, venting, substance use and behavioral disengagement. Results indicated that patients with higher scores for coping skills also tested higher for positive psychosocial adjustment and higher perception of quality of life (Navarta-Sanchez et al., 2016, p. 1961).
Positive attitude is necessary to face the challenges associated with PD in a proactive and productive manner.
What Now?
The above recommendations that include exercise, self-education and positive attitude are just a few strategies that can be implemented by the person with Parkinson’s Disease to improve physical and psychosocial outcomes. Ultimately, communicating with your physician regarding your healthcare and being an active participant in managing your disease will result in slowed disease progression and better quality of life.
Mathur, S., Mursaleen, L., Stamford, J., DeWitte, S., Robledo, I & Isaacs, T. (2017). Challenges of Improving Patient-Centered Care in Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, (7), 163-174. doi: 10.3233/JPD-160922
Navarta-Sanchez, M., Garcia, J., Riverol, M., Sesma, M., Ayesa, S., Bravo, S., Civera, N., & Portillo, M. (2016). Factors influencing psychosocial adjustment and quality of life in Parkinson patients and informal caregivers. Quality of Life Research, 25(8), 1959-1968. doi: 10.1007/s11136-015-1220-3
Socially Good TV. (2017, September 16). Breathe, Fight, & Live: Managing Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10l04OkrNYQ
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. (2014, October 24). Faces of Parkinson’s. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqEwPqUO1Bw
Veterans Health Administration. (2013, February 21). My Parkinson’s Story – Early Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNzIaABFAMc
Obesity continues to be a growing problem within the United States. According to the CDC 38% of U.S. adults are considered obese and 32.5% are considered overweight. An individual is considered obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements is greater than 30. BMI is the measure of body fat based on an individuals height and weight.
Does BMI Tell Us the Whole Story?
While the BMI scale is the most popular and convenient method to determine the risk of obesity, it does have its flaws. The BMI scale does not distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass. Other contributing factors such as ethnicity, age, sex and bone mass are not taken into account (Friedman, 2009.) Although the BMI scale has its flaws studies have shown a correlations between high BMI levels and health risks. Watch the video below to find alternative methods of determining body fat levels.
Why should you care about your body fat?
Being obese drastically increases the risk of several preventable diseases such as:
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Stroke
High blood pressure
Some forms of cancer
According to a study conducted by Borell and Samuels (2014), adults who are considered obese based on their BMI, are 20% more likely of dying from obesity related health risks compared to average weight adult.
One of the primary medical issues causing the health problems associated with Obesity is Metabolic Syndrome or Insulin resistance syndrome. With insulin resistance is the body’s cells are not responding to the insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating glucose in the body. As a result, the body responds by producing even more insulin in order for the cells to absorb the glucose (Chaniotis and Papagiannakopoulou, 2016). Ultimately, the body now has increased insulin and glucose in the bloodstream. Increased insulin leads to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and diabetes (Chaniotis and Papagiannakopoulou, 2016).
The most effective way to reduce the risk of obesity is to create a negative energy balance. In simple terms this means we must expend more energy or calories than we consume. The most optimal way to achieve this goal is by eating a balanced diet consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins such as chicken or turkey. A balanced diet combined with physical activity for at least 45-60 min per day will produce the best results. Consistency is key, so remember make lifestyle changes that will allow you to be consistent.
For an individualized diet plan for your needs speak to your doctor or a dietician.
Debunking one of the Biggest Myths
You see it all the time in the gym, people performing exercises for their stomach and hips in hopes of losing body fat in that area. Unfortunately, fat can not be lost from a specific area. Fat loss occurs all over the body and we have no control over where that fat loss will come from.
The video above is perpetuating a myth that body fat can be lost based on where it is located and what exercise is performed. In reality everyone is genetically different. Where each person stores body fat will vary. But fat is lost as a whole not based on what exercises are performed. According to Perry (2011), “Ultimately, fat loss comes down not to targeted exercises, but to the basic principle of how many calories you expend versus how many you take in”. Next time you decide to exercise, focus on the total calories burned instead of the specific area being worked, when it comes to fat loss.
Recommendation
Media sources concerning obesity have shown to be reliable while providing valuable information about health risks. When it comes to exercising and losing body fat, the media can at time provide information that is incorrect or not the most optimal method. It is recommended to read from multiple sources on the best forms of cardiovascular activities to perform. In the end any form of physical activity that is performed consistently will be beneficial. Performing activities that are meaningful will maintain motivation while making it fun. Now go out there and make some posititive changes to your lifestyle!
References
Borrell, L. N., & Samuel, L. (2014). Body Mass Index Categories and Mortality Risk in US Adults: The Effect of Overweight and Obesity on Advancing Death. American Journal Of Public Health, 104(3), 512-519. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301597
Chaniotis, D. d., & Papagiannakopoulou, L. (2016). Nutrition Education and Cardiometabolic Risk. E-Journal Of Science & Technology, 11(5), 1-12.
Friedman, J. M. (2009). Obesity: Causes and control of excess body fat. Nature, 459(7245), 340- 342. doi:10.1038/459340a
Perry, E. (2011, April 03). Targeted Fat Loss: Myth or Reality? Retrieved February 21, 2018, from http://www.yalescientific.org/2011/04/targeted-fat-loss-myth-or-reality/
1.What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin or any insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.
Type I diabetes: Occurs when the body does not produce insulin. Occurs in children and young adults, and requires insulin injections. Type II diabetes: Occurs due to body resistance to insulin combined with not having enough insulin.
What Increases the Risk of Diabetes? Diabetes happens more often in Hispanic/Latino Americans, African-Americans, and Native Americans. Gestational diabetes, if you had diabetes while you were pregnant raises your chances of getting type 2 diabetes later in life. Family history of diabetes and overweight increases the risk of diabetes
Common Symptoms of Diabetes: Urinating often/ feeling very thirsty Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating Extreme fatigue and blurry vision Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1) Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Complications of Diabetes: – Foot Complications, such as numbness in the feet or amputations. – Kidney Disease (Nephropathy): Keep your diabetes and blood pressure under control to lower the chance of getting kidney disease. – Gastroparesis: The stomach takes too long to empty its contents (delayed gastric emptying). – Eye damage and dental disease. – Having diabetes raises your risk for stroke. Your chances of having a stroke are 1.5 times higher than in people who don’t have diabetes.
How to check for Diabetes Test your A1C: This test measures your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months. Fasting Plasma Glucose: This test checks your fasting blood glucose levels. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A two-hour test that checks your blood glucose levels before and 2 hours after you drink a special sweet drink. Plasma Glucose Test: This test is a blood check at any time of the day when you have severe diabetes symptoms.
Prevention
Get more physical activity. Get plenty of fiber, foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. Skip junk food and just make healthier choices. Check your sugar level often with your doctor.
Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes. Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role.
Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Fact: Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors such as food.
Myth: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much as you can. Fact: Fruit is a healthy, contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. However, fruits raise blood sugar and you need to talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.
Myth: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy eating for anyone. American Diabetes Association. (2002). Evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related complications. Diabetes care, 25(1), 202-212.
Arathuzik, G. (January, 2014) An Overview of Diabetes Meal Planning. Egg Nutrition Center pg.7
Sokol-McKay, D. A. (2010). Vision rehabilitation and the person with diabetes [Special issue: Diabetes care]. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 26(3), 241–249.
For anyone who has had to encounter having a stroke or knowing someone who has had a stroke, you know that it is not a medical issue to be messed around with. Stroke is something that, in many cases, can be prevented but where can you turn for truthful information? I’ve reviewed several online public videos that have claimed to give answers on way to treat and prevent stroke and researched the information they provide to viewers and compared them to peer reviewed medical journal articles to see how this information holds up to scientific research.
This first video is titled “Natural solutions for Stroke” posted by Dr. John Bergman. This video presents a broad range of topics of what causes stroke and how to improve your changes of avoiding having a stroke by making certain lifestyle changes. This included issues like how much saturated fat is in your diet and how increasing polyunsaturated fats in your diet can almost double your chances of having a stroke. This information is backed by websites like The American Heart Association and by medical and scientific research like ones published in the medical journal Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism from 2017. One area that it reviewed was the use of aspirin as a use to prevent stroke which gave facts similar to the ones in the three videos I chose. While Aspirin has been used as a secondary method of prevention of stroke, there has not been a lot of supporting evidence to show its effects as a primary method of prevention (Rundek, T., & Sacco, R., 2008). This supports the facts that are presented in the videos, especially the one called The Natural Solution for Strokes. It states that the use of aspirin is effective for stroke prevention but there is a fine line between safe prevention methods and having too much aspirin which can lead to liver dysfunction and hemorrhagic stroke.
The video Stroke Treatment with 5 natural Foods claims that eating garlic everyday can maintain a stable blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. This, according the peer reviewed nursing journal article in the International Journal of Evidence Based Healthcare, is not an evidence-based claim. While garlic has been shown to have a positive effect with lowering blood pressure there is insufficient evidence on how much of an effect it has (Qian, X., 2013). There is also not enough scientifically backed evidence to show that garlic has any effect on the prevention or treatment of stroke, therefore, cannot be recommended as a proven way to prevent stroke.
The information that was reviewed in the video STROKE – How to Regenerate Brain Cells After Stroke which was presented by Dr. Simon Msh. In this video the doctor makes a claim that taking omega 3 fatty acids after a stroke can regenerate brain cells. I could not find any scientific proof that backed this claim up. In the article from the American Heart Association’s Journal Circulation the use of omega 3 fatty acids was reviewed as a method of prevention. Much like using garlic or other herbal supplements there is not enough evidence to show any substantial effect on prevention or as a treatment. Omega 3 fatty acids have been associated with lowering blood pressure but has not had enough research into just how effective it is nor if it has any effectiveness as a prevention method for stroke or as a way to regenerate brain cells (Siscovick, D., Barringer, T., Fretts, A., Wu, J., Lichtenstein, A., Costello, R., Kris-Etherton, P., Jacobson, T., Engler, M., Alger, H., Appel, L., Mozaffar, D., 2018). There is grounds for further research to be investigated for the effects of omega 3 but since there is no viable scientific evidence to back up claims about it as a treatment this information cannot be taken as medically sound advice.
While much of the information can be seen as helpful in prevention, there is no real scientific information to back up claims that these interventions alone will prevent stroke with any guarantee. It is important to understand that while doing research is always a good thing, especially when it comes to improving one’s health, readers must always verify the information they obtain with their primary care physicians to confirm that the advice your reading is good advice!
References
Nettleton, J., Brouwer, I., Geleijnse,J., & Hornstrad, G. (2017) Saturated Fat Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Ischemic Stroke: A Science Update. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism. 70(1), 26-33
Rundek, T., & Sacco, R. (2008) Risk Factor Management to Prevent First Stroke. Neurol Clin, 26(4), 1007-1009
Siscovick, D., Barringer, T., Fretts, A., Wu, J., Lichtenstein, A., Costello, R., Kris-Etherton, P., Jacobson, T., Engler, M., Alger, H., Appel, L., Mozaffar, D. (2018) Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Fish Oil) Supplementation and the Prevention of Clinical Cardiovascular Disease: A Science Advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 135, 1-18
Qian, X. (2013) Garlic for the prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. International Journal of Evidence Based Healthcare, 11, 83
“Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective means to help children grow into healthy adults. 1 in 5 children is still not being reached.”
IMMUNITY PROTECTS US FROM DISEASE
To prevent a disease, the body needs to form immunity. When germs enter the body as foreign invaders, they’re called antigens. The body then produces proteins called antibodies to fight them off.
How Does It Work?
Vaccines contain the same antigens (or parts of antigens) that cause diseases
For example, measles vaccine contains measles virus. But the antigens in vaccines are either killed, or weakened to the point that they don’t cause disease. However, they are strong enough to make the immune system produce antibodies that lead to immunity
A vaccine is a safer substitute for a child’s first exposure to a disease.
Immunizations can save your child’s life. Diseases that once killed thousands of children, have been eliminated primarily due to vaccinations. For example, polio caused death and paralysis across the U.S. and now there are no reports of polio in the U.S.
Vaccinations are very safe and effective. Vaccinations are only given to children after lots of research and review by scientists, doctors and healthcare professionals. Serious complications/side effects are extremely rare.
Today, immunizations are such an important part of public health. Vaccines have helped to dramatically decrease childhood deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases. At the beginning of the 20th century, 100 out of 1000 babies would die before their first birthday (Anderson, 2015). Now, the number has decreased to 7 out of 1000 babies. Even with the obvious benefits and proven studies, many parents are still fearful of vaccinating their children. Since vaccine preventable diseases are low to nonexistent, parents have become blinded by the media and the stories of severe reactions to vaccines (Anderson, 2015). As more people decide against vaccination, these vaccine-preventable diseases are becoming more prevalent. In 2015, 592 cases of the measles, and 4 college campus mumps outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. (Anderson, 2015). It’s important to remember that every single vaccine undergoes “stringent review before licensing” (Anderson, 2015, p. 4).
FACTS VS. MYTHS
Myth: The body’s immune system can cope with infection without the help of vaccines.
Fact: Each time a germ infects the body, the immune system “remembers” how to defeat that particular infection. Without causing infection, vaccines trick the immune system into responding as if the body is under attack from a specific bacterium or virus by using dead or weakened versions of the germ.
Myth: Vaccines cause side effects and should be avoided.
Fact: Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many communicable diseases. Vaccines are tested and approved before they are able to be administered.
Myth: Vaccines cause autism.
Fact: Many rigorous studies show there is no link between MMR vaccine or thimerosal and autism. Your infant’s health is top priority. Vaccines are now very safe.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T VACCINATE?
The number of parents refusing to vaccinate their children is increasing. Parents might avoid vaccination because of religious or personal beliefs. Some don’t agree with the fact that vaccines aren’t “natural” and that a child would be safer to naturally get a disease or illness. This isn’t true. Vaccines are a safer way for a child to develop immunity. With this vaccination debate, more vaccine-preventable diseases are becoming prevalent. The herd immunity is becoming threatened. “When that critical threshold of immunity is achieved, the benefits of preventing the spread of an infectious illness also extend to theose who cannot themselves be vaccinated (e.g., young infants), the immunocompromised (e.g., those undergoing chemotherapy), those for whom immunity may have gradually worn off overtime, or those who have incomplete vaccination status” (Hendrix, Sturm, Zimet, & Meslin, 2016, p. 274).
Your child can infect others in the community
An unvaccinated child can infect babies who are too young to be vaccinated, or fully immunized.
An unvaccinated child can infect people who cannot be immunized due to medical reasons, including leukemia and other cancers, and immune system problems.
Vaccinations continue to be an extremely large public health concern, ever since the increase and resurgence of several contagious illnesses in the U.S. “In 2010, for instance, a total of 27,550 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, were reported, which was a 250% increase from the 7,867 cases in 2000 (Song, 2014, p. 541). Vaccines are the safest, and most effective way to prevent these diseases. Unfortunately, more parents are refusing to get their children vaccinated. Although all 50 states require vaccination before attending school, there still are 20+ states that allow religious, medical, and philosophical exemptions (Song, 2014). Many parents are arguing that vaccinations aren’t safe for their children, and that these diseases are no longer around in the U.S. This study reviews both the benefits and risks that are perceived by the public.
Anderson, V. L. (2015). Promoting Childhood Immunizations. Journal For Nurse Practitioners, 11(1), 1-10.
Hendrix, K. S., Sturm, L. A., Zimet, G. D., & Meslin, E. M. (2016). Ethics and Childhood Vaccination Policy in the United States. American Journal Of Public Health, 106(2), 273-278.
Perio, M., Wiegand, D., & Evans, S. (2012). Low Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Child Care Workers in the United States: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors. Journal Of Community Health, 37(2), 272-281. doi:10.1007/s10900-011-9478-z
Song, G. (2014). Understanding Public Perceptions of Benefits and Risks of Childhood Vaccinations in the United States. Risk Analysis: An International Journal, 34(3), 541-555.
There has been a debate that has been gaining attention over the past five or so years over whether or not we should be vaccinating our children. Fear of vaccines causing autism have been the number one reason parents have been questioning the safety of vaccines.
Arguments include the dangerous chemicals in vaccines and studies that have been linked to vaccines causing autism. A particular chemical that has caused concern is a mercury based substance called Thimerosal. In reality, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thimerosal has not been found in children’s vaccines since 2001. The video below gives a brief description on the rationale behind some of the other various chemicals contained in vaccines.
Studies Linked to Autism and Additional Concerns:
Since the initial study that was linked to autism and vaccines in 1998 there have been no additional studies that have concluded that vaccines can cause autism. In fact, the 1998 study has been debunked due to the doctor falsifying the numbers of the study and is no longer allowed to practice as a licensed medical doctor.
In addition to concern over the chemicals found in vaccines, some parents fear that these vaccines are not being tested heavily enough before being added to the recommended vaccine regiment. On the contrary, it takes 6-10 years of varying degrees of heavy research by professionals before it is determined by the FDA if a vaccine is safe for children.
Here is a video that gives a breakdown of how clinical trials are conducted:
Vaccines save lives and there are researchers and medical doctors that have devoted their lives to studying the effects of vaccines. There has been no scientific based study that has shown any link between vaccines and autism. It is our responsibility to vaccinate our children to ensure we keep diseases such as measles, polio, and rubella eradicated or at least extremely rare. The chances of your child having a bad reaction to a vaccine is 1/1,000,000.
This final video gives an overview of the benefits the world has seen since the invention of vaccines:
In conclusion, please vaccinate your children for the betterment of themselves and society!
References
Vaccine Safety. (2015, November 23). Retrieved February 05, 2018, from
