resources
Asthma is a chronic condition that occurs when the the lungs’ main air passages, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. The bronchial wall muscles tighten, producing excess mucus and causing the airways to narrow. This constriction causes conditions ranging from minor wheezing to severely labored breathing.
Though asthma is not typically considered a life-threatening lung disease, each year, nearly 500,000 Americans are hospitalized for asthma-related conditions and more than 4,200 die.
Recognizing warning signs and treating symptoms early can help control your asthma and prevent it from getting worse.
You can help better manage asthma by limiting your exposure to environmental factors that aggravate the condition. The humidity, temperature, and elevation in Hawai’i provide an ideal habitat for mites and cockroaches, whose feces and remnants contain allergens that exacerbate asthma. Second-hand smoke is just as — if not more — devastating to people with asthma, but affects them slowly. Tobacco smoke contains nearly 400 toxic substances and carcinogens that irritate air passages but do not necessarily cause coughing or wheezing during exposure. It is particularly detrimental for children with asthma when an adult smokes in the home or the car.
See your doctor if you think you have asthma.
Signs include:
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, ask your doctor how to manage your condition. Together, you and your doctor can develop a plan to help control your symptoms and prevent attacks. If your prescribed medication does not alleviate your symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Asthma should not limit your activities or cause depression. You can still live an active life if your asthma is controlled by carefully following your doctor’s treatment plan. It’s also important to avoid certain triggers, such as smoke, dust, or mold. Once you understand how to manage your condition, you can breathe with greater ease.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
Get a Mammogram
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her life; 70 percent of these women have no known risk factors for the disease. When found early, breast cancer is highly treatable and chances of survival are best.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that’s used to check for abnormalities in the breast tissue. Mammograms can help detect tumors or other cysts that may indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Breast Health Program
Our Breast Health Program provides breast and cervical screenings and follow-up diagnostics for uninsured and under-insured women, and education and outreach in North Hawai’i communities. HKH receives funding from Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Hawaii and Hawaii Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.
The mission of the program is to decrease deaths from breast cancer in North Hawai’i; decrease disparities in screening and treatment for uninsured women; increase the number of women who receive regular screenings, early diagnosis and treatment; and promote awareness of breast health, early detection and treatment. The programs support well-women exams for women ages 40-64, including physical exam, breast exam and pelvic exam with PAP Test. If a cancer is found women are then enrolled in the Hawaii Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program.
HKH also receives funding from the Hawaii State Department of Health, Office of Family Planning to insure all women and men have access to contraceptive services.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, HKH provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
Often there are no visible symptoms of Cervical Cancer, with early detection, cervical cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat.
Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. It can cause cells on the cervix to grow abnormally and develop into cancer. It’s not unusual for women to develop HPV since about 60 percent of them will contract the virus sometime in their life. Although a woman’s immune system typically allows the virus to remain dormant, it can survive for years in some women and eventually become cancerous if not detected. A Pap screening can detect HPV before it becomes cancerous. A Pap test, performed by swabbing the cervix, detects changes in the cells that may lead to cervical cancer.
Most of the women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer are over age 50. That’s when women tend to stop seeing their gynecologist because they are no longer having children and don’t need prenatal care or birth control pills. That’s why it’s very important to continue to see your gynecologist and to talk to them about getting a Pap test.
Before the Pap test was introduced in 1941, cervical cancer was the number-one cause of death for women in the U.S. Many of them died in their 30s. Pap screenings have helped reduce the death rate by more than half. According to the CDC, six out of 10 cervical cancers occur in women who have never received a Pap test or have not been tested in the past five years. About 90 percent of women whose cervical cancer is detected by a Pap tear will survive.
Gardasil and Cervarix, two HPV vaccines approved within the last few years, have proven to be the most effective defense against cervical cancer.
The vaccines, however, are not intended to replace Pap tests because they don’t protect women from all types of HPV. So doctors continue to stress the importance of getting screened for cervical cancer every three years for most women. Pap tests and the HPV vaccines are benefits of most HMSA health plans.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, HKH provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
Breastfeeding and Cancer Sources:
When detected early, Colorectal Cancer is one of the most curable and preventable of cancers
Many people are embarrassed to talk about Colorectal Cancer, even with their doctors. But silence can be deadly. When detected early, it’s one of the most curable and preventable cancers, yet it’s the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States when men and women are combined, and 23 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 75 are not being regularly screened. Call your Hamakua or Kohala clinic to schedule an appointment.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal Cancer forms in the tissue of the colon or rectum. It affects men and women equally. It develops when abnormal cells in the colon and rectum grow into polyps, which eventually turn into cancer. It usually takes about 10 to 15 years for polyps to turn into cancer, and there are often no visible symptoms until the disease is in its late stages. Getting screened is the only way to help curb this deadly cancer.
Why should I get screened?
Colorectal Cancer is one of the slowest-progressing cancers. Since it takes so long to develop, polyps can be easily detected and removed with a colonoscopy. Even if the polyp has already turned into cancer, it’s much easier to treat in its early stages. Preventing Colorectal Cancer or finding it early doesn’t have to be expensive. There are simple, affordable tests available.
How do I get tested?
There are several screening methods for Colorectal Cancer, including simple take-home options. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be tested and the right method for you:
How often should I get tested?
Based on national guidelines, most men and women should begin routine screenings at age 50 (or age 45 for African Americans). Those with a family history or risk factors for Colorectal Cancer should get tested earlier or more often. Inflammatory Bowel Disease and disorders that cause frequent polyp growth are major risk factors.
FOBTs are usually performed annually. Sigmoidoscopies are usually done every five years. Colonoscopies should be performed every 10 years, but your doctor may recommend more-frequent procedures if they discover abnormalities in an earlier test.
Most health insurance plans cover lifesaving preventive tests. Use the health benefits you are paying for to get screened.
What else can I do?
Colonoscopies are the best weapon against Colorectal Cancer. But you can help lower your risk of developing it and many diseases by eating a healthy diet and staying physically active.
High-fiber diets rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains have been linked to lower risks of colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Several studies have shown that excessive alcohol use and obesity can increase your risk.
Does it hurt?
During a colonoscopy, you may be given a sedative and the procedure only takes about 30 minutes. Most people are back to work the next day. The most unpleasant part is preparing for the test by cleaning out your bowels. Even this process has become much easier over the years, and the other two screening methods are simple.
Why don’t people get tested?
People give lots of excuses to avoid colonoscopies. Some are too busy, don’t like the preparation involved, or are afraid that it will hurt. Many people are uncomfortable exposing or discussing their bottoms. But with a nearly 100 percent success rate of preventing or treating early stages of Colorectal Cancer with colonoscopies, no excuse is good enough.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
The Right Diagnosis and Treatment of COPD
Can Help you Breathe Easy
Take a deep breath. Do you feel tightness in your chest or shortness of breath? Do you often wheeze or cough up mucus? Do you smoke or have you ever smoked cigarettes? Do you spend a lot of time with people who smoke? Do you get respiratory infections frequently?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s probably a good idea to get tested for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD encompasses several diseases — mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema — and is the fourth leading cause of death in America.
Talk to your doctor about COPD. It could be a breath of fresh air.
Since COPD is often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, develops gradually, and is so common, it’s important to understand the two types of COPD. It’s most common to have a combination of the two:
Talk to your doctor about being tested for COPD if you have any of these symptoms. Many people with COPD experience:
COPD can’t be cured and is irreversible, but early detection and treatment can make managing the disease much easier. If you experience COPD symptoms, talk to your doctor about spirometry testing; it is as easy as blowing up a balloon and can go a long way in helping you breathe better. This simple, non-invasive test measures the amount of air you can breathe out in a short period of time, shows how well your lungs are working and helps your doctor determine the appropriate level of treatment, if necessary.
A spirometry test is the only test that can confirm COPD. Early detection can help make managing the disease much easier.
More than 85 percent of COPD cases are due to smoking tobacco
Other causes of COPD include second-hand or environmental smoke, asthma, prolonged exposure to dust and chemicals, frequent respiratory infections, or a rare genetic condition, according to the National Lung Health Education Program. The best way to help prevent COPD is not to smoke.
It’s important to note that asthma and COPD are not the same thing. Although both affect the lungs, they are different conditions and need different treatments. COPD often develops after age 40; asthma can start at any age, often during childhood. COPD is a long-lasting disease that usually gets worse over time; asthma attacks come and go. COPD is often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to pollution or chemicals; asthma is caused by a sensitivity to food, pollen or some drugs, or because of a family history of asthma. Talk to your doctor if you think you have one of these diseases or to ensure that you’re being treated for the right condition.
With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people with COPD can live a normal, active life. To reduce your chances of developing COPD, don’t smoke.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
Clinical Depression is a Medical Condition
The goal of Hamakua-Kohala Health is to serve the total healthcare needs of each patient. In addition to your physical health, we recognize that your mental and emotional state can also enhance or hinder your treatment and recovery. We provide comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare regardless of ability to pay or health insurance status.
Clinical Depression, the most common mental health problem, affects nearly 20 million Americans each year. And that number is probably significantly higher because, nationally, fewer than half of those suffering from Clinical Depression seek treatment. Here in Hawai’i, the percentage of those who seek treatment is even lower.
What is Depression?
Depression is a medical illness, and like many other illnesses, it can be managed effectively with the appropriate treatment. It is more than being sad or discouraged, which are normal feelings that typically pass in a few days. Depression is a persistent condition that can make daily activities difficult, affecting your physical health and well-being as well as those around you. Its severity can range from a mild, depressive mood that is experienced almost daily to persistently intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or significant loss of interest and pleasure.
What causes Depression?
The exact causes of Depression are not fully understood. What we do know is that Depression is a medical condition, not a character or personality flaw. The most common conditions that can accompany Depression are:
Did you know?
These are staggering statistics.
Who’s at risk?
Though anyone can suffer from Depression, individuals with other medical conditions are at greater risk. Depression affects as many as one-third of all patients with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease.
How can you recognize symptoms of Clinical Depression? Look for these signs:
If you have five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you could have Clinical Depression and should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help.
Again, remember that Clinical Depression is treatable. Treatment usually includes antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Of course, treatment depends on the severity of the condition. In some cases of mild to moderate Depression, increasing your physical activity, taking up a new hobby, or joining a social group or club, or calling a friend may help alleviate some of your Depression symptoms.
And remember, there’s no shame in seeking help.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
References:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Live a Healthy Lifestyle!
Having Diabetes can be tough, but there are lots of things you can do to make managing the disease easier. By living a healthy lifestyle and getting all of the recommended screenings and tests, you can reduce the possibility of complications from Diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body does not use it properly, thus allowing blood sugar, or glucose, to enter cells. Excess glucose builds up in the blood and causes damage throughout the body. Cells starve during the buildup of glucose in the blood, leading to symptoms of Diabetes.
What are the two main types of Diabetes?
How serious is Diabetes?
Diabetes has no cure. It is a progressive disease that can lead to chronic medical conditions that lessen quality of life and can lead to death, including:
Who’s at risk for developing Diabetes? Risk factors for Diabetes include:
What should you do if you have Diabetes?
By taking control of Diabetes, you’ll help ensure that it doesn’t control you.
You can help keep your A1C level low by:
Blood Pressure
People with Diabetes are also two to three times more likely to develop heart and kidney disease. Since the cardiovascular risks are so great, it’s important to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg. You can help keep your heart healthy by understanding your blood pressure numbers and goals, testing it regularly and taking hypertension medication if necessary. Eating a diet low in sodium and maintaining a healthy weight will also help lower your blood pressure.
For many people with Diabetes, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) can help control your blood pressure and prevent or slow the progression of Diabetes and kidney disease. These oral medications open the blood vessels and reduce fluid retention — two main factors in hypertension. Talk to your doctor about which medications are right for you.
Schedule an Annual Eye Exam
Since Diabetes can affect your vision, it’s also important to have an annual eye exam. Diabetic retinopathy, or damage to blood vessels in the retina, is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. Adults with Diabetes are also nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma. Timely treatment and follow-up care can help reduce the risk of blindness by nearly 95 percent, according to the National Eye Institute. Despite these benefits, many people with Diabetes do not receive a dilated retinal exam as often as needed. Your doctor can refer you to an eye care specialist or you may contact an eye doctor directly to schedule your next dilated retinal exam.
Oral Health
Oral health and the control of Diabetes are also related. Studies have indicated that people with Diabetes can control their blood sugar better if they have good oral health. Specifically, the improvement of a patient’s periodontal, or gum, condition may lead to better Diabetes control. Additionally, better control of Diabetes can lead to a decrease in oral inflammation and periodontal disease.
Living with Diabetes can be tough, but by staying on top of screenings and tests, keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level, taking necessary medications, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, you can help limit its harmful effects.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
_______
11 Foods to Leave out of Your Diabetes Diet
Things like fried fish, candy, and too much alcohol are poor choices for anyone, but diabetics have a longer list of foods to avoid than the average person – and some of those foods may not be so obvious. Schedule an appointment to discuss your diet with your medical provider today!
In order to sidestep serious complications, people with insulin resistance and blood sugar problems need to craft a menu with the right amount of carbohydrates, the right type of carbohydrates, and a careful balance of the other nutrients necessary for good health. Straying too far from your diabetic diet plan can burden you with more than a few unwanted pounds, so be sure to keep these foods far away from your kitchen table.
The glycemic index is a scale from 0 to 100 that measures the rate that sugars are released into the bloodstream from carbohydrate foods. A rating low on this scale between 0 and 55 correlates to a food that is not a problem to diabetics. When these low glycemic index foods are eaten, blood sugar stays low in diabetics. Examples include cherries, apples, lettuce, celery, beans and chickpeas.
On the other hand, foods high on the glycemic index that are rated 70 to 100+ are ones that cause an exceptionally high burst of insulin after the blood sugar levels skyrocket. This reaction will eventually wear out the pancreas and may even cause the need for insulin at a later date.
Crafting a healthy menu can be easier said than done. Start by eliminating these big offenders, but don’t limit your choices too much. Variety is the key to enjoying your healthier diet – try fresh seasonal dishes, new cuisines, and different styles of preparation to keeps things interesting while you stay on track.
1. Flavored Water
With more calories and sugars than some juices or sodas, it’s about as far away from pure and healthy water as you can get. Even though the label might advertise a relatively low amount of carbs and calories, keep in mind that the values are for one serving, and there are typically at least two servings in a bottle. Sports drinks are off-limits for the same reasons, as are most other energy drinks. Luckily, you can spruce up plain old water with fruits and herbs that add fresh and interesting flavor without the huge portion of carbohydrates.
2. Juice
Juice technically comes from fruit, but it leaves behind the best parts of the produce. Essentially, juice is the sugar and water from the fruit without any of the fiber, and fiber is the component that slows calorie absorption and blunts the effect of carbohydrates. So, even if it’s 100% natural with no added sugar, fruit juice is a recipe for a big spike in blood sugar, and should really only be used to quickly bring glucose levels up in cases of hypoglycemia. Stick with a glass of water with a piece of juicy, high-fiber fruit on the side.
3. Dried Fruit
Although it is still fruit, your body cannot handle dried fruit nearly as well as fresh fruit. The reason is the concentration of sugars: when fruit is dehydrated, all the water is drained and the relative sugar content shoots sky-high. Although they have some vitamins and minerals, dried cherries, blueberries, currants and raisins are essentially candy, a sugar delivery system that sends your blood sugar soaring out of control. Beware of snacks like trail mix, which may seem like a healthy alternative to salted nuts or potato chips on the surface, but could be a calorie-packed sugar-fest on further inspection.
4. Sweet Condiments
Ketchup, relish, even mayonnaise may seem like savory additions to hearty meals, but they’re actually packed with sugar – corn syrup, cane juice or fructose is often the second or third ingredient on the label. Just like soda and candy, this sugar will elevate your blood glucose, but because these condiments often have a good deal of salt as well, you may not realize just how significantly they impact your metabolism. Sauces of all sorts are also usually high in calories, so it’s best to give them a pass; lemon juice, grainy mustard, or plain Greek yogurt are healthy, low-sugar and low-fat substitutes.
5. Energy Bars
In most cases, energy bars are simply candy bars with better marketing. The sugar count and carbohydrate haul is typically through the roof – a glycemic load upwards of 49, which is well above a healthy allowance. Granola bars and breakfast granola raise the same concerns, with far too much refined flour and sugar to be considered a “healthy” snack. The lesson here is to watch out for clever marketing ploys – buzzwords like “healthy,” “natural,” and “organic” – and look deeper into the ingredient list before purchasing any processed food.
6. White Rice
All refined grains bring too many simple carbohydrates to the table, but white rice is particularly bad for diabetics. The problem is that all the fibrous husk has been removed, leaving just the starch, and starch has a major effect on blood sugar.
Jasmine rice and diabetes should not be combined. Brown rice is a good substitute, or better yet, opt for wild rice: lower in sugar and calories, wild rice (which is actually a seed from marsh grass) is packed with an array of wholesome nutrients and minerals without the starch. Jasmine rice has a glycemic index higher than 100.
7. Artificial Sweeteners
They might not be sugar, but that doesn’t mean artificial sweeteners don’t carry some similar risks. Research shows that sugar substitutes like aspartame, sucralose and saccharin are worse for diabetics than they may seem: there may be fewer calories in a serving, but they’ll slow down your metabolism and encourage your body to store fat, leading to a greater diabetes risk and setting the stage for complications. Even though too much sugar can be dangerous, if you need to have something sweet, it’s best to have natural sugars in moderate amounts – your body can process them much better than artificial sweeteners.
8. Pasta
White pasta is at the top of the list of offenders when it comes to blood glucose, since it’s so high in starch and so easily digested. Not only does the huge helping of simple carbohydrates interrupt your metabolism, it also tends to move quickly through your digestive system, which leaves you feeling hungry and ready for more before you know it. Whole wheat pasta or brown rice pasta is better since the fiber ensures a steadier rise in blood sugar than the refined varieties, but you should still be careful about your serving size. Limit yourself to a half cup of cooked pasta at any meal, and top it with plenty of fresh veggies and a handful of nuts to round out the dish.
9. Coffee Drinks
Caffeine isn’t necessarily bad for your diabetes management, but how you take it in could be sabotaging your efforts. Fancy coffee drinks are tempting, with their whipped cream and flavor shots, but many have far too many calories and carbs – a medium sized coffee drink with cream and chocolate can have more than 400 calories and 15 grams of fat! It’s alright to have a comforting full-fat cappuccino or hot chocolate on occasion, but try to stick to coffee with a dash of 2% milk or else switch to herbal tea with a drizzle of honey. It may be challenging at first, but after a week or two of trimmed-down beverages, you’ll likely lose the taste for super-sweet drinks.
10. Cured or Processed Meat
Protein is an important part of any diet, but poor quality proteins can complicate your diabetes management. For instance, bacon, cold cuts, and store-bought burgers, meatballs or chicken strips are packed with sodium and fat – two major players in heart disease. Diabetics are already at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems, so it’s important to limit your salt intake and stick to lean proteins. In addition to skipping the deli counter, try going vegetarian a couple of days each week, swapping meat for chickpeas, eggs, or tofu: you’ll get a big boost of important minerals and save on fat and calories.
11. Fried Foods, Trans Fat Foods and Vegetable Oils
The problem with many types of fat is that their chemical structures aren’t stable when heated. The type of fat they have is called unsaturated, and the more unsaturated bonds these fats have (polyunsaturated fats are the worst), the more damage they do to the body.
The damage occurs via an excess amount of free radicals that then age the body rapidly. Diabetes is known to increase the aging in the body, and by adding fried foods, trans fat foods, and vegetable oils, you will speed up aging even faster.
The types of vegetable oils that are the worst are the standard American ‘vegetable oil’, corn oil, soy oil, and any seed oil (canola, pumpkin, walnut, almond, etc.). If you want to stay healthy, eat a handful of nuts rather than use the oils in cooking.
Use more stable oils such as butter, coconut oil and palm oil. Olive oil is monounsaturated and produces fewer free radicals than polyunsaturated oils.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
Hypertension Control Champion
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly a third of American adults have high blood pressure and nearly half of those don’t have their blood pressure under control. Millions go undiagnosed or untreated. Just like all the nearly 1200 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) nationwide, Hamakua-Kohala Health works to reduce barriers to health care and help patients live a healthy lifestyle
Cholesterol
Not having enough good cholesterol (HDL) and having too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can put you at risk for heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. There are some risk factors you can’t do anything about, such as age or family history. But there are things you can do to help improve your cholesterol levels:
Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is high, your heart must work harder to move blood through your body. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, blindness or kidney disease.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, often has few symptoms. One in three adults has it, but many don’t know it. The only way to know if your blood pressure is in a healthy range (120/80 for most people) is to have it checked regularly by your doctor.
Hypertension is caused by a number of factors. Some, like genetics, cannot be controlled. However, there are many risk factors you can change to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
If changing your lifestyle habits doesn’t reduce your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have questions or experience adverse side effects; many options are available and they may be able to prescribe another medication.
Know your blood pressure numbers. This could save your life:
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
What is the Flu?
The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious viral infection that sickens millions of people each year. It is unpleasant to have and places those with weak immune systems at high risk for serious flu complications such as pneumonia, heart attack and stroke, which may lead to hospitalization or even death. Flu season begins around October and can last until May.
Flu Symptoms:
What is the Flu Shot?
The flu shot is the single most effective way to guard yourself against the flu. A flu shot contains three inactive (dead) influenza viruses that are selected based upon what is expected to hit during the flu season. The three viruses include two influenza A viruses and an influenza B virus. The flu shot is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Viruses for the flu shot are grown in chicken eggs.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
When Should I Get a Flu Shot?
October to November is the best time to get a flu shot. If you missed getting a flu shot then, you may still be able to get one year-round. Check with your doctor.
How Can I Get My Flu Shot?
For eligible HMSA members, flu shots are covered at 100 percent. Visit your doctor or an HMSA-sponsored clinic for your flu shot. You can also check with your local pharmacist to see if they are offering flu shots. If you plan on attending an HMSA-sponsored clinic, you must:
For a list of HMSA’s flu shot clinics, go to hmsa.com September through December.
How Does the Flu Shot Work?
Around two weeks after getting your flu shot, your body develops antibodies. These antibodies protect you against circulating viruses that were given in the flu shot.
Can the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?
No. During the process of making the flu vaccine, manufacturers kill the viruses so they cannot infect you. Batches of the vaccine are also tested to make sure they are safe.
Why Am I Sick, When I Received My Flu Shot for the Year? How Effective is a Flu Shot?
When the viruses in the vaccine closely match the viruses that are circulating, the flu shot is:
Who Shouldn’t Get a Flu Shot?
Consult your doctor if you have any questions.
What Are Possible Side Effects From the Flu Shot?
The following side effects can begin immediately after the shot and last one to two days:
Why Do I Need it Every Year?
Since flu viruses change from year to year, a new flu vaccine is created each year to offer the most current protection. The previous year’s flu vaccine wasn’t created to combat the virus strains circulating this year, making it ineffective.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
Why Focus on the Prostate?
Many men don’t like going to the doctor. Why get a checkup anyway? One good reason is because men have a prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This gland surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Why aren’t men standing in line to get their prostates checked? One reason is the widespread existence of some myths that either scare men or lead them to believe that they can safely ignore their prostate.
Myths
Other myths are frightening, but false:
The same good news applies to new radiation techniques like implanting tiny radioactive seeds to radiate a tumor, and “mapping” tumor size, shape and location so external radiation can be delivered only where it’s needed. Both techniques spare surrounding tissue, meaning side effects are generally minimal and temporary.
How Do You Screen for Prostate Cancer?
Most men are familiar with one test, the digital rectal exam, or DRE. In this test, the doctor feels the prostate gland to see if it’s enlarged or abnormal in any way. The other commonly administered test, usually used in conjunction with the DRE, is a blood test that measures a man’s PSA, or prostate specific antigen, which is an enzyme in the blood.
If the prostate begins to make too much PSA, it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate, inflammation, or possibly cancer. So a rise in PSA could signal the need for a doctor to investigate further.
Since every man’s PSA will change over time, the rate of change is often more important than any single PSA score. If you are in a higher-risk group, including men with a family history of prostate cancer or African American men, talk to your physician about routine PSA testing.
Signs and Symptoms
The following symptoms should not send a man into panic mode, but they should send him to his doctor. It may not be cancer, but if it is, the earlier it is discovered, the better chance of treating it successfully. Call for an appointment if you have:
Healthy Habits – The odds of getting Prostate Cancer are lessened if certain daily practices are adopted:
Shatter the Silence and Get Screened
Unlike women who run races, raise money for research, advocate mammograms, and talk about breast cancer in every public forum they can find, men remain largely silent about prostate cancer. Consequently, although prostate cancer is about as common as breast cancer, prostate cancer awareness among men is much lower than breast cancer awareness among women. If men want their life expectancy to be as long as it is for women, they need to speak up, raise awareness about prostate cancer, and get screened.
If you have symptoms and are worried, or if you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may feel alone in this situation, but you’re not. You can call the Hawaii Prostate Cancer Coalition (HPCC) Hotline or the ACS and talk to another man who has gone through the same thing. Be proactive by learning more about prostate cancer screening, support groups, and other resources for men who have survived or are living with prostate cancer.
MOST HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS COVER LIFESAVING PREVENTATIVE TESTS. USE THE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR TO GET SCREENED! As a community-based health center, Hamakua-Kohala Health provides comprehensive primary and preventative healthcare to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status.
The HPCC hotline number on Oahu is 1-808-487-3295. The toll-free number on the Neighbor Islands is 626-4722. The ACS number on Oahu is 1-808-595-7544.
References:
ark-marketing.com