Category: Health

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest

CPR-compressions1-300x300Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. Sudden cardiac arrest usually results from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body.

Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it causes sudden cardiac death. With fast, appropriate medical care, survival is possible. Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) — or even just compressions to the chest — can improve the chances of survival until emergency personnel arrive.

via Sudden cardiac arrest – MayoClinic.com.

Concussion in Youth Sports

8241c8b83c8f42ddc5baba363bb31735A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports

via CDC – Family Health – Parents: ABCs of Raising Safe and Healthy Kids.

Key to Healthy Aging

8667379_l_t750x550People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there’s no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age:

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Keep your mind and body active
  • Don’t smoke
  • Get regular checkups
  • Practice safety habits

via Healthy Aging: MedlinePlus.

Cardiac Rehab Crucial for Women

351154A new Canadian study says women with coronary artery disease (CAD) who complete a 12-week rehabilitation program are two-thirds less likely to die than those not referred to a program. Even more interesting, women with CAD who complete rehabilitation programs reduce their chances of dying early significantly more than men with CAD who complete the same 12-week program.

via Cardiac Rehab Crucial for Women with Coronary Artery Disease » UC Health Women’s Center.

What To Do If You Think You’re Depressed

depressed_xlargeYou may be worried about depression for many reasons:

  • You can’t stop feeling sad or crying.
  • You often feel angry.
  • You’ve lost interest in things you love.
  • You’re having a hard time dealing with stress.

Depression affects one in 10 — or nearly 15 million — adults in the U.S. If you think you might be depressed, don’t try to tough it out. Make an appointment with a doctor or therapist.

via Depression Symptoms: What To Do If You Think You’re Depressed.

What is Peanut Allergy?

Peanut AllergyPeanut allergy is common, especially in children. Peanut allergy symptoms can range from a minor irritation to a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis). For some people with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction.

If you or your child has had a reaction to peanuts, tell your doctor about it. Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks.

It’s important to get even a minor reaction to peanuts checked out. Even if you or your child has had only a mild allergic reaction in the past, there’s still a risk of a more serious future reaction.

via Peanut allergy – MayoClinic.com.

Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention

bloodborne-pathogen-training-image2What are bloodborne pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first aid team members, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel may be at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

What can be done to control exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the worksite with details on employee protection measures. The plan must also describe how an employer will use a combination of engineering and work practice controls, ensure the use of personal protective clothing and equipment, provide training , medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and signs and labels, among other provisions. Engineering controls are the primary means of eliminating or minimizing employee exposure and include the use of safer medical devices, such as needleless devices, shielded needle devices, and plastic capillary tubes.

via Safety and Health Topics | Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention.

Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight

kid_12A healthy lifestyle involves many choices. Among them, choosing a balanced diet or healthy eating plan. So how do you choose a healthy eating plan? Let’s begin by defining what a healthy eating plan is.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, a healthy eating plan:

  • Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
  • Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
  • Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
  • Stays within your daily calorie needs

via Healthy Weight: Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight | DNPAO | CDC.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

aed

Approximately 890 deaths from coronary heart disease occur outside of the hospital or emergency room every day. Most of these deaths are due to the sudden loss of heart function or sudden cardiac death.1 In 2001 and 2002, there were 6628 workplace fatalities reported to OSHA; 1216 from heart attack, 354 from electric shock, and 267 from asphyxia. A number of these victims, up to 60 percent, might have been saved if automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were immediately available. Chances of survival from sudden cardiac death diminish by 7 – 10 percent for each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation. After 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely succeeds. An AED is an electronic device designed to deliver an electric shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation may be restored to normal rhythm up to 60 percent of the time if treated promptly with an AED, a procedure called defibrillation.

via Safety and Health Topics | Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).