Washington Adventist Hospital - Health Tip

Holiday Togetherness

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT

As we approach a new year, families and friends may have special opportunities to gather with each other to experience the spirit of the season. It is a time to connect and strengthen relationships even with those who may not be geographically close. Each of us can play a role in making time together meaningful. You can find ways to appreciate the uniqueness of those that are a part of your life. It is important to remember that no one is perfect but everyone is valuable. During this season, celebrate the fortune of togetherness and honor each of your family and friends precious contributions.

Celebrate the Holidays in Good Health

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Research suggests that Americans gain an average of 2 to 5 pounds over the winter. This contributes to a person’s average net weight gain of about one pound each year after efforts to lose the weight. A pound may not seem like a lot, but year after year this weight gain accumulates, and may have a negative impact on your health.

Holiday Stress

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but it is not uncommon for people to feel more down or stressed-out than usual during this time of year. While the closeness of family and the giving spirit may generate excitement for most of us, it may cause tension or sadness in others. The media portrays the holidays as festive and care-free, setting high expectations that may not be entirely realistic in our complex lives.

Pumpkins

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Pumpkins are part of the squash family and contain large amounts of antioxidants and beta-carotene. Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protection against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

About 18 percent of American adults have anxiety disorders. Approximately 7 percent of the population will suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD involves excessive anxiety and worry over many different activities and events occurring more days than not for at least six months. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

Intelligence

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

On most intelligence tests, the average IQ score is 100. Psychologists have discovered that 50 percent of people have an IQ between 90 and 110. The attribute of intelligence refers to quickness of mental comprehension or mental agility. Social intelligence refers to our interactions as well as our thoughts and feelings about people and our relationships. Emotional intelligence includes self-control, persistence, and the ability to motivate oneself.

Thyroid

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

As many as 27 million Americans have some type of thyroid disease; about 50 percent are undiagnosed. More than 8 out of 10 patients with thyroid disease are women. Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer and is one of the few cancers that has increased in incidence rates over the past several years. Thyroid cancer is different from many other adult cancers because it usually affects younger people.

Adolescent Stress

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Stress in adolescence is just as prevalent as in adults. The physical, intellectual, emotional, and social changes that middle schoolers are experiencing rival those of babies and toddlers. Drives and impulses become stronger. Restraints become weaker. Sources of stress might include: school demands, changes in their bodies, problems with friends, divorce of parents, death of a loved one, moving, family financial problems, too many activities, and having high expectations.

Anemia

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

About one in five women, three percent of men, and 50 percent of pregnant women in the United States have iron deficiency anemia, the most common form. Also, 7 percent of children ages 1-2 years and about 175,000 nursing home residents suffer from low levels of iron. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. There are many types of anemia such as iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, sickle cell anemia, and Thalassemia (Cooley’s anemia).

Probiotics

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

There is a growing interest in probiotics and some researchers believe probiotics may improve general health. Probiotics refers to dietary supplements or foods such as yogurt, fermented/unfermented milk, some juices, miso, soy drinks, etc. that contain beneficial or “good” bacteria that are similar to those normally found in the body. Probiotics can help treat several gastrointestinal ills, delay the development of allergies in children, reduce bladder cancer occurrence, prevent eczema in children, and improve lactose intolerance.