VOL. 34, NO. 10 : t by efi u yo en . to B nc ed id er , I ov Pr gh es la ic al rv G Se Educational Benefit Cooperative “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Learn to decipher health lingo According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, nearly nine out of 10 adults may struggle with health literacy. Health literacy is more than reading health information. Health literacy involves reading, listening, analyzing, and making decisions about health situations to manage your health and prevent disease. Just how important is health literacy? The American Medical Association concluded that “poor health literacy is a stronger predictor of a person’s health than age, income, employment status, education level, and race.” “Even well educated people with strong reading and writing skills may have trouble comprehending a medical form or doctor’s instructions regarding a drug or procedure,” according to the Institute of Medicine. To improve your health literacy, ask your healthcare providers to: • Slow down when speaking to you • Use plain, non-medical language • Show or draw pictures related to conditions and procedures • Repeat information you don’t understand or explain it differently OCTOBER 2014 Quick-Read! Fiber-licious foods What if you could eat an easy-to-find, inexpensive nutrient to reduce your risks of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes? Good news: You can. Pg. 2 Fueling your fitness — sorting fact from fiction Find answers to questions such as, “Will protein grow my muscles?” Pg. 3 ‘Rakes’ and pains Pick up leaves without soreness or injury. Learn more. Pg. 4 Taming a texting habit Do you control use of the technology or does it control you? Pg. 5 Interviewing health plan options What questions should you ask to get the best coverage for you and your family? Pg. 6 Boot camp: Try it; you might like it At the end of office visits, you should be able to answer the “AskMe-3” questions identified by the Partnership for Clear Health Communication: Looking for a high-energy workout that offers variety and camaraderie? Check out this strength training and aerobic activity. Pg. 7 • What is my main problem? Smart snacking • What do I need to do (about my problem)? What you eat between meals can either make or break weight-control efforts. Choose wisely. Pg. 8 • Why is it important for me to do this? © HHI OuterAisleFresh: Fiber-licious foods A pomegranate primer Pomegranates are gaining in popularity, with many nutrition experts labeling the unusual looking fruit a superfood thanks to its high levels of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium. You consume the tiny jewel-like arils (or seeds) found inside the fruit. To get the most nutritional benefit, opt for eating the arils rather than drinking pomegranate juice. To choose a pomegranate, pick up one and examine the skin. It should be firm and bright red. The fruit should feel heavy for its size, which is a sign the arils are plump and full of juice. Store pomegranates on the countertop for two to three days or in the refrigerator for up to three months. Once the arils are harvested, they are only good for about three days in the refrigerator. Add a handful of arils to your nonfat Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a different spin on breakfast. Source: Pomegranate Council What if you could eat an easy-to-find, inexpensive substance that may reduce your risks of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes? You’d eat it, wouldn’t you? Well, such a substance does exist. It’s called fiber. However, most Americans eat only half the recommended amount of fiber daily. Getting enough fiber is easier than you may think. Fiber is found in: • Whole grains • Beans • Fruits • Vegetables Recommended daily amounts of fiber vary by gender and age. • Women under age 50 should get 25 grams daily. • Men under age 50 should get 38 grams daily. • Women age 50 and older should get 21 grams daily. • Men age 50 and older should get 30 grams daily. To get more fiber in your diet: • Add vegetables to stews and casseroles. • Add oats to meat loaf, breads, and cookies. le o m a c a u G e t a n a r g Pome , and , serrano chilies ic rl ga , n io n o e e juice and Finely chop th owl, and add lim b a in ce la P os, and place cilantro. pit the avocad d an el Pe e. id dos with a salt. Set as ash the avoca m ly ow Sl l. ow dd the them in a b ranate juice. A eg m o p e th g in ake fork, while add it together to m ld fo ; re tu ix m ic ranate arils. onion and garl fold in pomeg tly en G . lp u p a coarse ips. adas, or corn ch st to , as ill rt to m Serve with war fat (2 g 8 calories, 10 g 14 g: in rv se Serves 6. Per 4 mg sodium, g cholesterol, m 0 , t) fa d te utritional satura 3 g protein (n s, te ra d hy o rb 14.1 g ca ly, doesn’t r guacamole on information fo or chips) include tortillas os • 2 large ripe avocad opped • ½ large onion, ch ped • 2 garlic cloves, chop ilies, • 2 fresh serrano ch ed seed tro • 2 Tbsp. fresh cilan lime • 1 freshly squeezed • ½ tsp. salt te juice • 1 Tbsp. pomegrana te arils • 3 Tbsp. pomegrana 2 • Add fruit to cereal. • Eat, rather than drink, your fruits and vegetables. When either is processed to make juice, most of the beneficial fiber is left behind. • Don’t peel edible skins from fruits and vegetables, when possible. To limit pesticide exposure, wash skins thoroughly before eating, and go for organic varieties when you can. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Oct. 2008, pgs. 1716-1731 © HHI GetMoving: Taking your workout to the max If you take the time to exercise, you want to make it count, right? Here’s how to get more out of your workout sessions. • Have a plan: Map out your exercise sessions for a week, giving yourself flexibility to change things if needed. • Fuel up first: If you’re running on empty before you start exercising, you may end up working out less intensely, which can decrease your calories burned and the overall effectiveness of your session. • Rest, but not too long: Short rests between activities during a workout allow your body to recover, but don’t lollygag for too long. Doing so could cause your heart rate and body temperature to drop back to normal resting levels. For muscle conditioning, spend no more than 30 to 60 seconds resting between sets. Question: Will protein grow my muscles? Answer: Protein is important to a balanced diet. However, eating more protein is not a magic pill to make you stronger. Question: Should I use sports drinks, gels, and energy bites while working out? Answer: It depends. Some people have trouble eating solid food during and after exercising. For these athletes, easily consumed sports drinks, gels, or chews may help. However, “real” foods such as apples or bananas with some water provide the same benefit. Question: Should I work out on an empty stomach? Answer: Your body needs fuel to function. Studies have shown that eating before exercise, instead of working out on an empty stomach, improves performance. • Roll with it: Rolling muscles over a foam roller or tennis ball can relieve tension and increase blood flow. This can reduce stress, improve mobility, and enhance overall movement quality. • Quality, not quantity counts: Don’t focus on doing the most repetitions or lifting the heaviest weight, which can lead to poor form and possible injury. Fueling your fitness — sorting fact from fiction Question: If I exercise regularly, can I eat what I want and not gain weight? Answer: Unless you’re training for a triathlon or another extremely strenuous activity that requires upping your calorie intake considerably, stick with a normal, healthy, balanced diet to avoid weight gain. Source: American Council on Exercise Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Use your weight to your advantage There are many body-weight exercises that you can incorporate into your fitness routine. Here’s one of them: The Superman • Lie face down with arms and legs extended. Body-weight exercises don’t require any special equipment or apparel. All you need is the weight of your own body to help strengthen it. • Keeping your mid-section as still as possible, raise your arms and legs at the same time to form a small curve in the body. Hold for 10 seconds. • Bring arms and legs back to the floor. Rest a few seconds. Repeat. For more body-weight exercise options, do an online search of Websites such as AceFitness.org. 3 © HHI TheWholeYou: PHYSICAL HEALTH Are you practicing proper vocal hygiene? Preventing a pinkeye epidemic Although pink eye (Conjunctivitis) from allergens is not contagious; viral and bacterial pink eye can easily spread from person to person and can cause epidemics. If you are around someone with contagious pink eye: • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, during and after contact with an infected person or items he or she uses. • Do not touch or rub your eyes, nose, or mouth. • Do not share items — such as pillows, washcloths/ towels, or makeup — used by as infected person. If you have pink eye, limit its spread by: • Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, especially after applying eye drops or ointment. • Not touching or rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth. • Washing discharge from your eyes several times a day. • Washing pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels in hot water and detergent. • Not sharing items such as towels, blankets, pillowcases, makeup or makeup brushes. • Not using swimming pools. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‘Rakes’ and pains Raking leaves is a common autumn chore that can lead to back and upper body strain and other problems, unless you: • Use a rake that is comfortable for your height and strength. • Wear gloves or use a rake with a padded handle to prevent blisters. • Vary your movement, alternating your leg and arm positions often. • Bend at the knees, and not your waist, when picking up leaves. • Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles. Source: Orthopaedic Specialists (oaaortho.com) © HHI 4 Here are ways to take better care of your voice: • Limit alcoholic drinks, which can make your vocal folds and larynx dry. Alcohol also bothers the mucous membranes lining the throat. • Use a humidifier in your home, especially in winter or in dry climates (30% humidity is recommended). • Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke, which can irritate the vocal folds. • Avoid caffeine, chocolate, and spicy foods, which can cause stomach acid to travel to your throat or esophagus, causing heartburn. • Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods contain vitamins A and E, which help keep the mucous membranes lining the throat and connective tissue of the vocal chords healthy. • Avoid mouthwash or gargles containing alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you want to use an alcohol-based mouthwash, limit use to oral rinsing. For gargling, use a saltwater solution. • Avoid using the extremes of your vocal range, such as screaming or whispering. Talking too loudly and too softly can stress your voice. • Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise can strain your voice. Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders TheWholeYou: EMOTIONAL HEALTH Go with your own ‘flow’ Chatting with someone who has cancer If someone you know has cancer, it can be tough to know what to say and how to say it. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Psychological “flow” is the extra positive energy boost you get from some activities. Everyone has his or her own sources of flow. To figure out what gives you flow, think about activities that completely absorb you, challenge you without overstressing you, and make you feel fulfilled. Then, vow to add more flow to your life. To get more flow: • Determine the high points of your day. These are times when you feel “in the zone” and good about what you are doing. Once you’ve identified these times and what you were doing, try to do those activities more. • Let the other person take the lead. If the person wants to talk, be a good listener. • Be comfortable with silence. Constantly talking because you’re nervous can be annoying. • Find flow in active activities. For example, watching TV doesn’t challenge you and spark flow. If you no longer find flow in areas you once did, maybe it’s because you need to raise the difficulty level in some way. • Maintain eye contact to let the person know you’re listening carefully. • Avoid giving advice. Instead, ask questions or listen. • Don’t say, “I know how you feel,” even if you’ve suffered from cancer yourself in the past. • People with cancer don’t necessarily want to think or talk about their disease. Talking about other things is often a refreshing distraction from their condition. • Don’t be a stranger. Continue to regularly visit and call the person. • Be yourself. Let your words and actions come from your heart. • Add flow to regular activities. Inject more meaning or creativity into routine tasks, which can make them more rewarding and give you that flow. In a study of hospital cleaning staff, some employees were unhappy with their jobs. Others increased their enjoyment by creating new challenges, such as working more efficiently or helping patients. Source: Mental Health America Source: American Cancer Society Taming a texting habit Texting can evolve from a convenience to an addiction if we’re not mindful. Warning signs you’re texting too much may include: • Decreased fulfillment/performance at work • Marriage/relationship suffering • Sleeping with your cellphone close by • Tendon issues/pain in thumbs • Texting while driving, at work, in bed Source: Brigham Young University Cut down on texting by: • Leaving your phone on the charger after a certain time of day • Taking the pledge to not text while driving (NoPhoneZonePledge.org). • Keeping your phone in a different room during sleeping hours • Silencing your phone while at work • Setting texting restrictions on your phone plan 5 © HHI FiscalFitness: Interviewing health plan options Fall is traditionally open enrollment time for health plans offered by employers or through federal and state health insurance exchanges (Healthcare.gov). Having the money talk with mom and dad Talking to elderly parents about their finances can be uncomfortable. To make money discussions go as smoothly as possible, be clear that you respect your parents’ needs and concerns. You may want to find out: • Where they keep their personal records To figure out which plan will best suit you and your family, ask yourself some important questions as you read open enrollment materials. If you can’t get answers there, ask your company benefits person or call any phone number listed on the enrollment materials. • Housing, healthcare, and budgeting issues • What steps they have taken to plan their estate Ask questions such as: If your parents are adamant about not discussing money issues and are capable of managing their finances for now, drop the topic and approach your parents later or suggest they talk to another family member, a trusted friend, or a professional advisor. • Do I have the right to go to my preferred doctors, hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies? • Are specialists such as eye doctors and dentists covered? • Does the plan cover special conditions or treatments I may need? • Does the plan cover home care or nursing-home care? If you think your parents are no longer competent to manage their finances, or they have financial problems, get professional advice right away. You can call the Eldercare Locator — an information and referral service sponsored by the federal government — at 800-677-1116 for a list of local and national organizations that can help. • Will the plan cover all medications my physician might prescribe? • What are the deductibles? Are there any co-payments? • What is the most I will have to pay out of my own pocket to cover expenses? Source: American Institute of CPAs • If there is a dispute about a bill or service, how is it handled? In some plans, you may be required to have a third party decide how to settle the problem. Source: USA.gov Fighting the urge to splurge “A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.” — Charles Gordy Temptations to spend are everywhere. Even now, your e-mail inbox probably has at least a couple limited-time-only offers sitting in it. To combat the craving to spend: • Reduce exposure to advertising. Watch less television (or watch in ways that cut out commercials). Use an ad blocker for your Internet browser. Unsubscribe to store e-mails. • Avoid temptation. Stay away from stores/ Websites that are particularly hard to resist. • Be mindful. Take 30 seconds to ask yourself if you truly need what you’re about to buy. For large purchases, wait 30 days. Source: GetRichSlowly.org 6 © HHI IssueInsight: Source for Tool Your Cool Tools & Box Resources Boot camp: Try it; you might like it Go to Oct.HopeHealth.com to find: • More information on boot-camp workouts • Long-term care calculator • Breast cancer risk assessment tool • The answer key to this issue’s crossword puzzle Jennie Schuman is probably a lot like you. She juggles work and family commitments and tries to squeeze healthy living into her hectic schedule when she can. Follow along on Jennie’s Health Journey. Scan the QuickResponse Code with your smartphone. “If you’re looking for a high-energy exercise that offers variety and camaraderie, boot-camp workouts may be just what you need. “Boot-camp workouts can vary, but they generally include a fairly intense mix of strength training and aerobics. One boot-camp workout might stress calisthenics, while another stresses military-style drills. Some even incorporate martial-arts moves. These classes are a type of interval training — bursts of intense activity alternated with intervals of lighter activity. “Like me, when I started thinking about joining this class at 5:30 a.m., you may be asking,‘How is this workout different from others? What benefits can I gain from this type of activity?’” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 DOWN 1. A fruit with high levels of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium 3. To fight impulse buying, wait this number of seconds (number, spelled out) 4. For smart snacking, look for foods that are low in this 5. Boot-camp workouts often combine strength training and this 11. A body-weight exercise For the crossword puzzle 12. Wear these when raking answer key, go to Oct.HopeHealth.com For the rest of Jennie’s story, go to Oct.HopeHealth.com Crossword Workout — Find out how well you know the health topics covered in this issue of the newsletter. ACROSS 2. The technical name for pink eye 6. Nine out of 10 people may struggle with this type of literacy 7. The name for pomegranate seeds 8. A substance that may reduce your risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes 9. Doing this before exercise improves performance 10. Using a foam roller can relieve this 13. The term for the extra positive energy boost you get from some activities 14. Do this to your cellphone while at work to cut down on texting 15. Use this in your home to help with vocal hygiene 16. Avoid giving advice to someone with this condition 7 find us on Facebook Facebook.com/HopeHealthToolbox If you have a question or comment on a story, or a suggestion for topics you’d like to see covered in a future issue of the newsletter, leave a comment on our Facebook page. The information in this publication is meant to complement the advice of your healthcare providers, not to replace it. Before making any major changes in your medications, diet, or exercise, talk to your doctor. © 2014 by the Hope Heart Institute, Seattle, WA Institute Founder: Lester R. Sauvage, MD Material may not be used without permission. To view or make comments on this publication, visit HopeHealth.com/comments.asp For subscription information, or reprint permission, contact: Hope Health, 350 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 225 Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3853 Phone: 269-343-0770 • E-mail: [email protected] Website: HopeHealth.com Printed with soybean ink. Please recycle. Medical Editor: William Mayer, MD, MPH Managing Editor: Jennifer Cronin Medical Advisory Board: Victor J. Barry, DDS • Renee Belfor, RD • Patricia C. Buchsel, RN, MSN, FAAN • Kenneth Holtyn, MS • Reed Humphrey, PhD • Gary B. Kushner, SPHR, CBP • Patrick J.M. Murphy, PhD • Barbara O’Neill, CFP • Lester R. Sauvage, MD • Wallace Wilkins, PhD When selecting a pumpkin for carving, choose a pumpkin with a flat bottom, sturdy stem, and a hollow sound when tapped. © HHI HEALTHLETTER Weight Control: Smart snacking What you eat between meals can either make or break weightcontrol efforts. It all depends on what you choose, so choose wisely: “In giving advice, seek to help, not to please, your friend.” — Solon • Include an 8-ounce glass of water with your snack. • Choose foods with mono- or polyunsaturated fats (such as nuts) rather than saturated or trans fats (found in many chips). • Look for foods with the lowest sodium and sugar content. • Include food groups you might otherwise miss throughout the day. Many people fall short of the daily recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Opting for these types of food at snack time can lead to a more balanced diet. • Plan and schedule snack time. Planned snacks may prevent poor food choices made at vending machines or convenience stores. Also, having designated times to eat can keep you from waiting too long to eat, which may cause you to overeat. 175027 8 “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” — Scott Adams “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why.” — Bernard Baruch “The more you eat, the less flavor; the less you eat, the more flavor.” — Chinese Proverb © HHI
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