May 9, 2018
The thought of a tick burrowing into your skin and sucking your blood is enough to give anyone a case of the creepy crawlies. These pests are more than just a minor nuisance. The blacklegged tick, sometimes called a deer tick, carries bacteria that can infect humans with Lyme disease. Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease. Ninety-five percent of Lyme disease cases come from: Virginia Vermont Wisconsin Rhode Island Pennsylvania New York New Jersey New Hampshire Minnesota Massachusetts Maryland Maine Delaware Connecticut Diagnosing Lyme disease can be... Continue Reading
May 7, 2018
Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is often a silent killer. The disorder can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure may cause disabilities, a poor quality of life, or even be fatal. Hypertension may also be called the silent killer since nearly half of people that go untreated die of heart disease and another third die of stroke. Understanding this important health indicator is essential for good health. Understanding Blood Pressure Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls... Continue Reading
May 2, 2018
Mental Health of America is focused on helping Americans live physically and mentally healthy lives. Considering May is Mental Health Month, they have released special tools, materials, and fact sheets about mental health. There are many components to mental health, many of which are tied to physical health as well. All parts of a healthy lifestyle improve the health of the whole person. Below is an outline of Mental Health America's focus points for achieving a fit mind and body as well as some information about them. Have a healthy diet. Individuals who have diets rich in fruits, vegetables... Continue Reading
April 25, 2018
That morning cup of coffee may be doing more than serving up a needed caffeine jolt. For many years, scientists have debated whether caffeine is helpful or harmful to human health. It turns out, the answer may not be so simple. Caffeine is a crystalline compound that is found primarily in tea and coffee plants and is a stimulant of the central nervous system. In fact, this stimulant is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the world. It works by stimulating the brain and central nervous systems, helping you to stay alert and preventing tiredness. Today, 80% of the world's population... Continue Reading
April 23, 2018
Smoking causes more deaths each year than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. Because of this, the FDA is working to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, the portion that causes the smoker to become addicted. What are the real health risks of smoking, and why is the legislation being processed now? An Overview of Smoking An estimated 37.8 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000... Continue Reading
April 18, 2018
After a season of cold temperatures and overcast days, it's nice to think about the blue skies and warm sunshine of spring. This seasonal transition inspires a new appreciation for the outdoors and a more active lifestyle. Spring is also the perfect time to anticipate seasonal health needs and make sure to check off important prevention items. Take Action Against Allergies Do you relate spring with sneezing, wheezing, and general discomfort? If so, you're part of the 10-30% of the population that are affected by seasonal allergies. Luckily, there are many ways to take charge of your seasonal... Continue Reading
April 16, 2018
Most people know that April 15 is 'Tax Day'—the day taxes are due to the IRS. But many don't realize that April 16 is a day just as important. It's National Healthcare Decisions Day, a day that highlights the importance of letting healthcare providers, family and friends know what measures you want taken—or don't want taken—at the end of your life. National Healthcare Decisions Day is a collaborative effort between national, state and local community organizations to be sure that all adults have the resources they need to communicate their wishes about future healthcare decisions. These... Continue Reading
April 11, 2018
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a very broad field that involves assisting patients in living life to their maximum capability. Patients may include people who are recovering from surgery, have disabilities, or older adults dealing with vast cognitive changes such as Alzheimer's. Every OT patient is recovering from something whether it is physical, emotional, or mental. Patients may be recovering from a surgery, need help with a disability, dealing with a trauma, and more. Common Types of Patients Surgical or Accident Recovery The road to recovery is usually not an easy one. The recovery process... Continue Reading
April 9, 2018
What do Dan Aykroyd, Susan Boyle, and Temple Grandin have in common? Even though these famous people have different talents, they all live with autism! In their own ways, they’ve also helped shed light on this often misunderstood condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children in the United States have autism. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. A total of 1.5 million American adults fall within the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, several stereotypes about autism contribute to misguided generalizations about the condition that can be... Continue Reading
April 4, 2018
Congratulations to Augusta Health’s March DAISY Award winner, Hayley Fix!!! My husband had a colon resection on Friday morning and Hayley was his nurse. He had been in a great deal of pain and she cared enough to check with the on-call doctor to see if there was something else that could be done. I had gone to get a bite to eat and when I came back I found my husband much better, joking like normal. I was very impressed by how she always spoke to him using our last name. She was very respectful. Fast forward to Saturday night. I had been staying in the room with my husband. I suffer with... Continue Reading
