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>>Welcome to McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital's community newsletter. Twice a month, we bring timely health news and information for you and your family. Visit McCullough-Hyde's website today.
Varicose veins: A danger?They’re eyesores, but do those unattractive varicose veins pose a hidden danger? Varicose veins occur when valves in the veins malfunction and allow blood to leak backward and collect, enlarging veins in areas such as the thighs, back of calves and inside of legs. Affected veins may be blue, red or flesh-colored and look like twisted and bulging cords above the skin. Varicose veins usually don’t cause problems, although they may trigger pain, throbbing and discomfort. However, some people may experience more serious conditions, such as sores or skin ulcers, bleeding and blood clots, which include deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT (signs of this condition are a pulling feeling in the calf, pain, warmth, redness and swelling). DVT can lead to a fatal scenario in which the clot travels to the lungs. If you’re experiencing symptoms from varicose veins, or you’re unhappy with their appearance, be sure to talk with your physician about treatment options. |
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Hope for IBS in exerciseIf you’re looking for an effective way to curb symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), look no further than exercise. A study of 102 adults with IBS found that 43 percent of those who got regular exercise—20 to 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity three to five times a week—saw significant improvements in symptoms like cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhea after three months, compared to 25 percent of people who were inactive. But, researchers say that even a moderate increase in activity can help. They chalk it up to exercise’s ability to get the body’s digestive system moving, as well as exercise’s potential role in nervous and hormonal systems, which influence the digestive tract. Routine treatment for IBS includes medication to prevent diarrhea and laxatives or fiber supplements for constipation. Dietary changes, behavioral therapy and stress-reduction techniques have been used as well. |
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Moisturizers fall short on sun protectionSkin creams make a lot of claims, but they may not all be true—especially if the statements involve broad-spectrum protection against two of the sun’s powerful rays—UVA (which are less intense rays that penetrate deeper into the skin) and UVB (which damage the skin’s more superficial layers). Both rays can contribute to cancer. In study results published in the Archives of Dermatology, only six products out of 29 actually protected skin adequately against wrinkle-causing UVA rays. Researchers say the duds didn’t contain the right mix or concentration of ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate UVA protection in these products. (The SPF, or sun-protection factor, rating on a label refers to UVB protection). While the brand names weren’t mentioned in the study, researchers note that price didn’t indicate a product’s effectiveness. Instead, when purchasing a product, look for ingredients that provide good UVA protection. The study says that includes: more than 2 percent avobenzone with more than 3.6 percent octocrylene (7 to 10 percent octocrylene is even better), with or without ecamsule at 2 percent; or zinc oxide at more than 5 percent. |
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A diabetes-friendly dinnerEating healthy is crucial for people with diabetes, which triggers high levels of sugar in the blood and can result in serious complications. But following a healthy meal plan can do wonders for controlling the disease, which increases heart disease risk. In general, meals should be low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. Focus instead on fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, legumes, low-fat or nonfat dairy and foods high in fiber, such as whole-grain cereals and breads. If you need a dinner idea, try this delicious dish:
Per serving: 196 calories, 7 g total fat (2 g saturated), 76 mg cholesterol, 229 mg sodium, less than 1 g fiber, 27 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates Recipe from “Keep the Beat: Heart Healthy Recipes from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute” |
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McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital
110 N. POPLAR ST. / OXFORD, OH 45056 / 513-523-2111 / www.mhmh.org
Community Health is designed to provide general health news and wellness information. This information is not designed to, nor should it, be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or nutrition or exercise program.
