Category Archives: Health

Join In Supporting National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month

09 Wednesday Mar 2011

Posted by in education, family, Health, news, women's interest

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What does “autoimmune disease” mean to you? Do you know how it affects the people in your life? Or maybe even yourself? The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), is reminding folks that during March we celebrate National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month.  This is a category of disease which affects more Americans than Cancer and remains one of the top 10 killers of women under the age of 64.  I kindly ask for your help in this mission to spread awareness among Americans by encouraging your friends and family to learn more about autoimmune diseases this month.

During the awareness month, we ask supporters to take notice of the 50 million of our friends, family, and co-workers who suffer every day with one or more of the 100+ autoimmune diseases and introduce you to the “We are 50 Million” campaign.  “We are 50 Million” will spotlight autoimmune patient stories from around the country answering the question, “How Many of the 50 Million Does Your Family Represent?”  The answers to this question highlight important facts about autoimmune diseases which everyone should be aware of.  Supporters of this mission are also encouraged to text A-A-R-D-A to 20222 to donate $5 for the benefit of AARDA research by the Mobile Giving Foundation in order to help future research.

Did you know that?

  • 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease comprising a major U.S. health crisis
  • There are 100+ autoimmune diseases including: lupus, Crohn’s disease, celiac, Addison’s disease, vasculitis, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis.
  • Autoimmune diseases tend to “cluster” in families, for example, if your grandmother had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or lupus, you could be at greater risk for developing an autoimmune disease.
  • Less than 13 percent of American’s can name an autoimmune disease and yet it ranks as deadly as Cancer and Heart Disease.
  • Autoimmune diseases target women 75 percent more often than men and they are one of the top ten killers of women under the age of 64.

For more information visit the official website at www.aarda.org or find AARDA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/American-Autoimmune-Related-Diseases-Association-AARDA/128417011188.

You can also visit www.westglen.com/online/videoURL to watch a special announcement from AARDA.

VitaTrack iTunes App Helps Make Folic Acid Tracking Easy

07 Friday Jan 2011

Posted by in family, Health

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Planning for a pregnancy can be both an exciting and stressful time for a couple.  Whether it’s the first, second or third time around, the mom-to-be wants to do everything she can to protect her baby before it comes into the world.  In honor of January’s Birth Defects Prevention Month the Spina Bifida Association is introducing readers to the VitaTrack Folate Tracker App available on iTunes and a very worthy challenge program that goes along with it!

  • What exactly is VitaTrack Folate Tracker? VitaTrack is an easy way to give your baby the best possible start by consuming and tracking the required amount of folic acid prior to and during pregnancy.  And the great part about it… the App is free!

  • Folic Acid Facts: You may already know that folic acid is essential for a baby’s development.  And that for women who could become pregnant, doctors recommend 400 mcg/day of folic acid in addition to folate in food.  Maintaining an adequate intake prior to pregnancy can reduce the risk of serious birth defects like Spina Bifida by up to 70%. Studies also show that folic acid may also help prevent some congenital heart defects and pre-term delivery.
  • Some benefits and features of the App:
  • ­Helps ensure that you get enough folic acid for your baby’s health and development
  • ­Enters the food and vitamins you consume by simply selecting menu items and portion size
  • ­Easy-to-read graphs tell you if you are meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance for folic acid

Ready for the challenge program? During Birth Defects Prevention Month, VitaPath, the creator of VitaTrack Folate Tracker, is announcing a “DOLLAR PER DOWNLOAD” challenge program. VitaPath will make a $1.00 donation to the Spina Bifida Association for each download and registration of the app in the U.S. during the month of January 2011. Even more reason to get out there, share and download!

To get involved, learn more and download simply visit:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vitatrack/id364355699?mt=8#

Marfan Syndrome- A Frequently Undiagnosed Genetic Disorder

23 Thursday Dec 2010

Posted by in Campaigns, children's health, education, family, Health, news, parents

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Long arms or legs may provide an advantage when playing sports, but did you know that these characteristics can be caused by a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening? Approximately 200,000 Americans have Marfan syndrome or a related disorder, yet experts say that about half of those are not diagnosed! The National Marfan Foundation is spreading awareness about how to recognize the signs of Marfan syndrome so those who think they may be affected can seek an evaluation and proper treatment.

So what is Marfan syndrome you ask? Marfan syndrome is a disorder of the connective tissue. Connective tissue holds all parts of the body together and helps control how the body grows. As a result, Marfan syndrome features can occur in many different parts of the body, including the eyes, bones and joints, and heart and blood vessels.

People with Marfan syndrome frequently have telltale signs that are easy to see.

  • They are often taller than unaffected family members, with disproportionately long arms and legs.
  • They may have an indented or protruding chest bone and a curved spine, flat feet and loose joints.
  • They may be nearsighted and have dislocated lenses in their eyes.

What can’t be seen is the effect of the condition on the aorta. It is prone to enlarge and could tear or rupture – leading to a sudden, early death – if it’s not treated.

It is a genetic condition, so people are born with Marfan syndrome, but outward signs may not be evident until the teens or 20’s. However, even if the outward signs are not evident, the aorta may be enlarged and needs to be treated and monitored from a young age. Three-quarters of people with the condition inherit it from a parent, but one-fourth are a spontaneous mutation, which means they are the first in their family to be affected.

If you or someone you know has any of these features, an evaluation is necessary. New diagnostic criteria have been defined for those with a family history of the condition and for those who may be a sporadic case.

By simply spreading awareness, you can help reduce deaths from Marfan syndrome. For even more information, tips and resources, you may visit: www.marfan.org/marfan.

Don’t Forget to Share the Christmas Seals Tradition with Your Family This Season

20 Monday Dec 2010

Posted by in education, Health, Holiday, news, parents, women's interest

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Did you know that Christmas Seals was created in 1907 as a fundraising effort to save a hospital aiding those with tuberculosis? The hospital had fallen on tough times but the Christmas Seals fundraiser helped to raise ten times the goal needed to save it!  And thus, the American Lung Association Christmas Seals was born. Over one hundred years later here we are — still passing down the Christmas Seals tradition. While the Lung Association still helps people battling lung disease, they also combat air pollution and second hand smoke to make the air we all breathe healthier.

Many who stand behind Christmas Seals openly share their own, personal stories year after year. Kate has had asthma since childhood which unfortunately went uncontrolled for many years.  She now has permanent damage to her lungs. When Kate was blessed with a baby boy this year, he too was diagnosed with asthma at 11 months. So Kate and her family are starting a new tradition in the household this year by supporting Christmas Seals and hoping that a cure can soon be found for this and other lung diseases. I now also encourage you and your readers to give back to the American Lung Association by introducing Christmas Seals into your own households this season.

On ChristmasSeals.org you can:

  • Read more about the history of the Christmas Seals
  • View a gallery of Seals, including the very first seal created in 1907
  • Shop for a cause, including Christmas Seals cookie cutters, wrapping paper and greeting cards
  • Send an Ecard and share the 2010 Seal with a loved one
  • Get your children involved by introducing them to a game and coloring sheet for even more holiday fun

For even more information about how you can get involved, please visit www.christmasseals.org

A New Reliable Resource for Veterans and their Families

13 Monday Dec 2010

Posted by in Campaigns, family, headache, Health, migraine, military veterans, Veterans

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Did you know that studies have shown veterans suffer from extreme headaches, commonly known as migraines, at more than double and as much as four times the prevalence of the general population? It’s unfortunate to see that at a rapidly increasing rate, military personnel are experiencing migraines, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other illnesses linked to traumatic brain injury. The National Headache Foundation (NHF), a volunteer non-profit organization, is shedding light on this serious condition by introducing the War Veterans Health Resource Initiative.

The War Veterans Health Resource Initiative provides military personnel with comprehensive information on dealing with migraines and their associated symptoms. Details can be found at www.headaches.org/warveterans/index.html, where other free resources are readily available as well.

Thousands of veterans return home suffering from invisible wounds that result from brain injury, emotional trauma, or both. In fact, 19 percent of soldiers returning from Iraq have migraine and migraine is suspected in another 17 percent! Few people realize that these wounds can disable even the most physically fit and mentally resilient men and women who serve in our armed forces. The NHF wants to do its part in helping them find the treatment and services they need.

The NHF is also encouraging our returning veterans and their healthcare providers to attend a 2011 regional conference to help fight the battle against migraine & headache and traumatic brain injury & posttraumatic stress disorder on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in Augusta, GA.

Join in the effort by spreading awareness regarding this initiative to your friends and family. To learn more visit the NHF website at www.headaches.org or call 1-888-NHF-5552 (M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT).

NY Times Best-selling Author Offers Caregiving Support

08 Wednesday Dec 2010

Posted by in Campaigns, caregivers, family, Health, seniors, Veterans

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Did you know experts estimate that pain affects 53 million Americans?1 Unfortunately, there has been little information available to help family caregivers cope with the problems pain can inflict – until now. Partners Against Pain®, a national pain management education program, and NY Times best-selling author Lee Woodruff – caregiver to her husband, Bob Woodruff, ABC news anchor critically injured in Iraq in 2006 – are teaming up to offer support to those in need!

As co-author of the best-selling In an Instant, Lee Woodruff garnered critical acclaim for the compelling and humorous chronicle of her family’s journey to recovery following her husband Bob’s roadside bomb injury in Iraq. Appearing together on national television and radio since the February 2007 publication of their book, the couple has helped put a face on the serious issue of traumatic brain injury among returning Iraq war veterans, as well as the millions of Americans who live with this often invisible, but life-changing affliction. In addition, they have founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation (www.remind.org) to assist wounded servicemen and their families receive the long-term care that they need and help them successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Lee and Partners Against Pain® are hoping to educate others further by spreading awareness about the Caregiver Cornerstones resource which provides information, encouragement and tools to help family caregivers meet the unique challenges they may face.

Want to find out more information about the Caregiver Cornerstones program?

Visit www.partnersagainstpain.com for tips on how to help your friends and family better understand or even prepare for ways in which they may need to take on caring for a loved one suffering from pain.

 

Music Icon Naomi Judd Offers Insight about Chronic Pain

24 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by in Campaigns, caregivers, chronic pain, entertainment, Health, news, seniors

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Singer, songwriter and patient advocate Naomi Judd is speaking up for the estimated 53 million people struggling with pain. Pain is still greatly overlooked or misunderstood by patients and healthcare professionals though it is the top reason people seek medical care. For this reason, music icon Naomi Judd has teamed up with Partners Against Pain®, a national pain management education program provided by Purdue Pharma L.P., in hopes to provide support to those in need.

As a former nurse, Naomi understands how destructive pain can be.  She’s also seen how pain has impacted those close to her – she recently witnessed a dear friend battle excruciating pain from terminal cancer.  Because Naomi knows there are millions of others out there who are coping with unrelieved pain caused by a variety of health conditions, she is working with Partners Against Pain® to raise awareness about integrative medicine and the urgent need to address untreated and under-treated pain in America.  Naomi hopes her involvement will help to change the way pain is perceived, and inspire those in pain to stay determined to get relief.

Since each person’s pain is unique and different, Naomi is encouraging patients to learn as much as they can and act as their own advocate to get proper care.  Through www.partnersagainstpain.com, people with pain, their caregivers and professionals can access a wide array of information and resources to help better understand and manage their condition.

Want to learn more? Visit www.partnersagainstpain.com.

We encourage you to share this information with your family and friends to help them better understand ways in which they can make sure loved ones are receiving the proper care they need.

The Easter Seals Living with Disabilities Study

10 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by in autism, children's health, family, finance, Health, special needs, women's interest

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Many of us take the basics of daily adult life for granted. In most cases, we have a place to live access to transportation, money and an education that helped prepare us for the adult world. But what happens if you’re one of the millions of adults living with a developmental disability in this country? How is your life different? Are the basics covered?  As a leading provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities and other special needs, Easter Seals knows how challenging life for someone living with a disability – and his/her family – can be.

The Easter Seals Living with Disabilities Study, made possible by MassMutual Financial Group, provides insight into the lives of individuals with disabilities and the everyday challenges their families face. Some key findings from the study show that parents of adults with disabilities are very concerned about the following aspects of their adult child’s lives:

 -Finances 74% of parents don’t see their adult child with a disability as financially independent; while more than half (52%) of parents say their adult children without disabilities are financially independent.

 -Employment Only 11% of parents of adult children with disabilities report their child is employed full time (or 19% part time), while 48% of parents of adults without disabilities report the same (or 24% part time).

Easter Seals is using key findings from this study to help raise awareness of the life-long services families desperately need – including school to work transitions, employment support and financial planning. You can find out more about the study by visiting a special webcast where actor Joe Mantegna of the hit TV series “Criminal Minds” tells his story about his own adult daughter who is living with autism.

Learn more about the Living with Disabilities study by checking out this special webcast in the link below: http://www.westglen.com/online/easter_seals.htm

Families living with individuals with disabilities can also check out MassMutual’s SpecialCareSM Program, which gives families with individuals with special needs access to information, specialists, and financial strategies that can help improve their quality of life.

Get Involved with Spina Bifida Awareness Month

11 Monday Oct 2010

Posted by in children's health, family, Health, parents, Spina Bifida, women's interest

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Did you know that birth defects occur in 7 out of every 10,000 live births in the U.S.? And Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect? In honor of October being Spina Bifida Awareness Month, the Spina Bifida Association is asking folks to take a few minutes today and get involved in the awareness month by educating loved ones.

The first question many have: What exactly is Spina Bifida? In short, Spina Bifida happens when the spinal column doesn’t close completely.

And how many births each day are affected? Well, it’s hard to believe, but eight births each day are affected by Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. If you think about it, there are currently over 65 million women in the U.S. who could become pregnant and each one of these ladies is at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida. So because Spina Bifida occurs during the first month of pregnancy (that’s even before most women know they’re pregnant!) it is that much more important to take proper precautions to help try to prevent it now.

Okay. So what type of precautions can help in prevention, you may wonder?
Although at this time there is no known cause of Spina Bifida, research has shown that if a woman takes 400 mcg of folic acid every day and before she becomes pregnant, she reduces her risk of having a baby with Spina Bifida or another neural tube defect by as much as 70%! That fact is reason enough to encourage women (and men) to get out there this month and spread awareness.

Families with a history of Spina Bifida should take extra dosages of folic acid prior to pregnancy. Hear one mom’s message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qshRfegnGD4

And in honor of October’s Spina Bifida Awareness Month, SBA will also be launching some great new online resources, including:

  1. SB University (SBU) (www.sbuniversity.org), a new online educational program featuring taped sessions from the 2010 National Conference as well as monthly live seminars conducted by Spina Bifida medical professionals from around the country. During Awareness Month, SBU will debut new sessions each Monday.
  1. SBTween2Teen (www.sbtween2teen.org) a new Web site for tweens and teens with Spina Bifida. Complete with blogs, videos, real stories, fact sheets, and an Ask the Expert feature, the interactive site helps tweens and teens navigate the difficult road to adulthood. There is even a social networking component run through Facebook, allowing tweens and teens to interact with one another and build peer-to-peer relationships!
  1. Preparations, a new transition-focused Web site launching in late October allowing parents, caregivers, and clinicians to answer specific questions with regard to a child’s developmental milestones. This tool can even help young adults remedy some transitional challenges.

For even more information, tips and resource, you may visit: www.spinabifidaassociation.org
And be sure to join the Spina Bifida Association on Facebook: www.facebook.com/spina.bifida.learn

EyeCare America Honors Save Your Sight Month by Exposing Common Eye Care Myths

20 Monday Sep 2010

Posted by in Campaigns, family, Health, seniors, women's interest

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In honor of September’s Save Your Sight month EyeCare America, a national non-profit organization that provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients is exposing common eye care myths.

Perhaps you have heard some of these common eye care myths:

- Using computers or reading or sewing in dim light can cause damage to your eyes. False! The truth is none of these actions will actually harm your eyes.

-Eye exams are only needed if you notice a change in your vision. False again! Did you know that there are actually a bunch of vision conditions and diseases that lack clear warning signs?

Would you like to see if you or your loved ones qualify for sight-saving eye exams and care at no out-of-pocket cost?  EyeCare America encourages you to visit the online referral center at: www.EyeCareAmerica.org.

And to learn more about those who have benefited from EyeCare America, check out this special video PSA:

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