Phillips Health Care Newsletter
PHILLIPS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
by Phillips Clinic on 11/24/21
Thanksgiving
Thursday 11.25.21-11.28.21 Return Monday 11.29.21
Christmas
Friday 12.24.21-Monday, 12.27.21 (return the 28th)
New Years
Friday 12.31.21 - Monday 1.3.22 (return the 4th)
SEPTEMBER: WORLD ALZHEIMER'S MONTH
by Phillips Clinic on 11/24/21
WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is not just a disease of old age. Approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also known as early-onset Alzheimer’s).
Alzheimer's worsens over time. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Those with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.
Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.
WARNING SIGNS
OF ALZHEIMERS
MEMORY LOSS THAT DISRUPTS DAILY LIFE
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently
learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids or family members for
things they used to handle on heir own.
CHALLENGES IN PLANNING OR SOLVING PROBLEMS
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
DIFFICULTY COMPLETING FAMILIAR TASKS AT HOME, AT WORK OR
AT LEISURE
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
CONFUSION WITH TIME OR PLACE
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING VISUAL IMAGES AND SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Vision problems may be a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.
NEW PROBLEMS WITH WORDS IN SPEAKING OR WRITING
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.
MISPLACING THINGS AND LOSING THE ABILITY TO RETRACE STEPS
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.
DECREASED OR POOR JUDGMENT
People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. They may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
WITHDRAWAL FROM WORK
OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports.
CHANGES IN MOOD AND PERSONALITY
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset.
Memory Problems?
Ask your provider for a Cognitive Assessment.
AUGUST IS ADULT HEART DISEASE MONTH
by Phillips Clinic on 11/24/21
What are the different types of heart disease?
Arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm abnormality.
Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a hardening of the arteries.
Cardiomyopathy. ...
Congenital heart defects. ...
Coronary artery disease (CAD). ...
Heart infections.
What Causes Heart Disease
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease.
Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:
Diabetes. Overweight and obesity.
What Are the Signs of An Unhealthy Heart
Chest Discomfort. It's the most common sign of heart danger. ...
Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain. ...
Pain that Spreads to the Arm. ...
You Feel Dizzy or Lightheaded. ...
Throat or Jaw Pain. ...
You Get Exhausted Easily. ...
Snoring/Sleep Apnea
Sweating.
Diagnosing Heart Disease
A number of different tests are used to diagnose heart-related problems, including:
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Exercise stress tests.
X-rays.
Echocardiogram.
Blood tests
Coronary angiography
Radionuclide tests
MRI scans
Carotid ultrasound
Holter monitor
Treatments for Heart Disease
Lifestyle changes, including heart healthy diet, weight loss, getting regular exercise and smoking cessation.
If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe medications to control your heart disease.
Medications can include
Blood-thinning medicines
Blood thinners are a type of medicine that can help reduce the risk of a heart attack by thinning your blood and preventing it clotting.
If you have high cholesterol, cholesterol-lowering medicine called statins may be prescribed.Statins work by blocking the formation of cholesterol and increasing the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors in the liver.
This helps remove LDL cholesterol from your blood, which makes a heart attack less likely.
Not all statins are suitable for everyone, so you may need to try several different types until you find one that's suitable.
Beta blockers
Beta blockers, including atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol and nebivolol, are often used to prevent angina and treat high blood pressure.
They work by blocking the effects of a particular hormone in the body, which slows down your heartbeat and improves blood flow.
Nitrates
Nitrates are used to widen your blood vessels. Doctors sometimes refer to nitrates as vasodilators.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Examples include ramipril and lisinopril.
They block the activity of a hormone called angiotensin-2, which causes the blood vessels to narrow.
As well as stopping the heart working so hard, ACE inhibitors improve the flow of blood around the body.
Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)
Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors.
They're used to lower your blood pressure by blocking angiotensin-2.
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers also work to decrease blood pressure by relaxing the muscles that make up the walls of your arteries.
This causes the arteries to become wider, reducing your blood pressure.
Diuretics
Sometimes known as water pills, diuretics work by flushing excess water and salt from the body.
Questions or concerns. . call to make an appointment with your Phillips Clinic Family Practice provider.
April is Stress Awareness Month
by Phillips Clinic on 03/27/21
Depression Symptoms & Types
Do you know the common depression symptoms? Do you know about different types of depression? Learn more about depression so you can talk openly with your doctor. Find out the warning signs of more serious depression problems so you can prevent depression complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Depression
Are you depressed? The symptoms of depression may surprise you. Read more and see if you or a loved one suffers with depression.
Health Check: Are You More Than Just Sad or Down?
The WebMD Depression Health Check explores and evaluates your personal health and lifestyle history to help you manage your health and your family’s health better.
Types
Depression Types
All depression types are not the same. Learn about the different types of depression, the signs and symptoms, and talk to your doctor about treatment.
Major Depression
Read about the causes and symptoms of major depression and the available treatments. Talk openly with your doctor if you have these major depression symptoms because help is available.
Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
Chronic depression or dysthymia is a milder form of depression that affects millions. Find out if you or a loved one has chronic depression.
Atypical Depression
Many people with depression don't have the typical symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of atypical depression, with symptoms that include weight gain, sleeping too much, and feeling anxious.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is increasingly common. Discover the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and seek early medical treatment to keep it from affecting your life.
Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)
Learn all about the mood swings of bipolar depression (manic depression) from the elated highs of mania to the major depression lows.
Seasonal Depression (SAD)
Do you get depressed during certain times of the year? Learn when seasonal affective disorder is most likely to affect people and what your doctor can do to help you manage the symptoms.
Psychotic Depression
Learn all about psychotic depression -- psychosis, hallucinations, and other signs -- and know when to call the doctor for a medical evaluation.
What Is Serotonin Syndrome?
Get information about serotonin syndrome including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Complications
Depression Complications
From chronic illnesses such as heart disease to pain perception, sex, and sleep -- discover how untreated depression can complicate your life.
Sexual Problems
What does depression have to do with sex? Learn how depression and depression medicines can affect sexual desire and sexual performance.
Sleep Problems
Find out how depression disturbs sleep and get some effective tips to help your sleep problems.
Warning Signs
Untreated Depression
Learn the dangers of untreated depression and how this may lead to serious and life threatening problems, even suicide.
Depression and Suicide
Learn more about suicide, including who is at risk, warning signs, and when to call for medical assistance.
Everyday Foods That May Help Fight Depression
Turkey
The traditional Thanksgiving bird has the protein building-block tryptophan, which your body uses to make serotonin. That's a brain chemical that plays a key role in depression, researchers say. In fact, some antidepressant drugs work by targeting the way your brain uses serotonin. You can get the same mood-boosting effect from chicken and
soybeans.
Carrots
They’re full of beta-carotene, which you can also get from pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe. Studies have linked this nutrient to lower levels of depression.
Leafy Greens
They’re packed with folate, which your brain cells need to work well and which may help protect against depression. You can also get folate from lentils, lima beans, and asparagus.
March is Sleep Awareness Month!
by Phillips Clinic on 02/28/21
Scrimping on sleep can make you groggy and GROUCHY!
But the negative effects are not just limited to these short term consequences.
Not enough sleep can also effect heart health, interfere with blood sugar levels, endurance levels, immune system response and can potentially result in mood disorders.
Getting both enough sleep and deep sleep can result in a healthier, happier you. Optimal sleep is generally considered to be 7-8 hours a night.
BUT WHY?
Effects on your heart:
When you sleep, blood pressure and heart rates drop. This allows your heart and blood vessels to rest.
But, when you get less than an optimal amount of sleep for a long period of time, your blood pressure, heart rate and pressure on your veins remains higher, for longer periods during the 24 hours of the day.
This can cause elevated blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke.
Effects on blood sugar:
During the deep sleep cycle, blood sugar drops, also allowing your body’s response to rest.
Limited sleep reduces the this slow down time, resulting in a slower response time to blood sugar levels.
Getting adequate amounts ot sleep can help prevent Type 2 Diabetes,
Sleep helps your brain rest too, so it’s easier to grasp, react, store and evaluate information. Without enough sleep, it’s like running on empty.
Lack of sleep also slows down immune response. Your body is less likely to quickly identify (and attack!) threats such as foreign bacteria and viruses.
TIPS FOR RESTFUL SLEEP
YES
· Maintain A Comfortable
· Temperature.
· Reading
· Regular Bedtime
· Meditation and
· Relaxation Exercises
· Some studies have shown a small high carb snack about 30 minutes before bedtime can help.
· A relaxing, warm bath or shower
NO
· Limit Coffee or other Caffeine drinks late in the day.
· Avoid alcohol.
· Limit Blue Light Exposure (TV, Cell Phones, Tablets).
· Don’t workout last in the day or close to bedtime.
Sleep helps your body repair itself, replacing older, worn out cells with new. (Too much, though—more than 9 hours a day can be as bad as not enough!)
