April 17, 2012
If you’re thinking, “This is the worst allergy season ever,” you are correct!
“Pollen levels are increasing, pollen seasons are getting longer, and more people are developing allergies,” says Estelle Levetin, Ph.D., chairwoman of the aerobiology committee for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
In fact, it is estimated that this year’s fall allergies will most likely last up to 27 days longer than average in the northernmost parts of the country. So why is this happening?
1. The seasons are longer
Spring allergies now start sooner and fall allergies end later, thanks to global warming, says Jeffrey G. Demain, M.D., director of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center of Alaska. The carbon-based fuels we use continue to generate greenhouse gases that trap heat from the sun in our atmosphere (causing higher temperatures and increased pollen spread).
2. There’s more pollen than ever
Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere kick-start pollen production and boosts the amount each plant produces as well. Pollen is even more potent than ever, containing more allergen.
3. More people are developing allergies
The number of Americans with allergies has grown to be 2-5 times higher than thirty years ago. Because we are too clean (exposed to less dirt and bacteria), our bodies overreact to harmless substances like pollen. At the same time, pollution is worse than ever, which can also trigger allergies.
However, the good news is that treatment options for allergies are a lot more efficient than they used to be. Strong mixes of non-sedating antihistamines, eyedrops and steroid sprays help target today’s increased symptoms. Yet, getting re-acquainted with nature– by skipping hand sanitizer and eating whole, fresh foods– may be the true defense against nature itself.
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April 10, 2012
Improved technology has allowed scientists to delve deeper in the study of DNA to search for answers. Recent research provides new answers about genetic glitches that may be linked with autism.
From studying specific areas of DNA in families affected by autism, scientists have identified approximately 1,000 genes that may be linked to the disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, a person’s entire genome consists of about 3 billion nucleotides of DNA. Yet, a portion called the exome (1.5%) only produces proteins. The exome also harbors 85% of disease-causing mutations. Studies found that spontaneous genetic mutations in the exome lead to the risk of children developing autism.
One study headed by Even Eichler, a professor of genome studies at the University of Washington, proved that 39% of spontaneous mutations increase the risk of autism since they interfere with biological developments that are important for brain communication. The study also suggested that these mutations were highly paternal, originating in the father’s sperm.
Yes, this research is useful, but it still proves that we haven’t found a single gene that connects to autism. What we do know is several genetic mutations increase the risk of autism and that they may affect people in different ways.
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April 5, 2012
What is autism?
- A neurological disorder that disrupts a child’s learning and socialization
- The third most common developmental disability
- A spectrum disorder, meaning it has a very wide range of symptoms and/or characteristics
-Children with this disorder range from very high functioning to extremely impaired
- It is 4x more prevalent in boys than girls
- Usually diagnosed during the first 3 years of a child’s life
- There is no medical test for autism
-Autism is determined only through observation and testing of a child done by a team of professionals, coupled with guardian interviews
- In order for a diagnosis to be made, child must exhibit all 3 of the following symptoms:
-Qualitative impairments in social interaction
-Qualitative impairments in communication
-Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities
- It is estimated that 1,500,000 people in the US today have autism
- Unfortunately, to date, no single cause or cure for autism has been identified
Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the autism community this April.
April 3, 2012
What the scale shows is just a number. It does not necessarily tell you if you’re at a healthy weight. Here are 2 useful weight-wise numbers to know:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight. Having too much excess fat raises your risk of health problems, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease and stroke
- Certain types of cancer, including breast and colon
- Osteoarthritis
And, where you carry your extra weight may be important, too. For example, if it’s mostly around your middle, you’re at a higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
1. Calculate your BMI
To find yours, you can use an online BMI calculator. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers one at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi
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18.5 — 24.9 |
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2. Measure your middle
Here’s how to check your waist circumference:
- Place a measuring tape around your middle — just above your hip bones.
- Make sure the tape rests directly on your skin. Check in a mirror to see if the tape is level all the way around.
- Relax, exhale and measure your middle. The tape should be snug, but not too tight.
You are at risk if you’re a man with a measurement over 40, or a woman with measurements over 35.
Talk with your doctor about these numbers. Ask how they might affect your health.
It is important to keep in mind that these numbers are a part of a much bigger picture. Other factors — your family history, health habits, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, for example — also matter a lot.
March 30, 2012
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING
The Purpose of the Program and How it Works
Billions of federal dollars are lost annually due to health care fraud, error and abuse. Since 1997, the Administration on Aging has funded SMP projects to recruit and to train retired professionals and other senior citizens about how to recognize and report instances or patterns of health care fraud. In addition they are made aware of how threats to financial independence and health status may occur when citizens are victimized by fraudulent schemes. These SMP projects partner with the aging network, as well as community, faithbased, tribal, and health care organizations. Together they utilize a variety of outreach strategies to educate and empower their peers to identify, prevent and report health care fraud. The SMP program empowers seniors through increased awareness and understanding of healthcare programs. This knowledge helps seniors to protect themselves from the economic and health-related consequences of Medicare and Medicaid fraud, error and abuse. SMP projects also work to resolve beneficiary complaints of potential fraud in partnership with state and national fraud control/consumer protection entities, including Medicare contractors, state Medicaid fraud control units, state attorneys general, the Office of the Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Senior volunteers undergo several days of training, reviewing health care benefit statements and outlining the steps seniors can take to protect themselves. Volunteers work in local senior centers and other sites where Medicare beneficiaries gather teaching such skills as:
1. How to treat their Medicare number as they would their credit cards
2. How to use journals to keep track of their medical services and health care instructions
3. How to read their Medicare Summary Notices, and
4. How to get answers to billing questions.
Pima Council on Aging will be holding an orientation meeting for interested volunteers on Monday, April 9 from 8:30 to noon at 8467 East Broadway Blvd (north side of the street, between Sarnoff and Camino Seco). Training sessions will be held on the following three consecutive Mondays, April 16, 23, and 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Senior Patrol Program is a vital and important part of the senior community. You can get involved by volunteering, hosting a presentation or attend a training.
For further information or to schedule a presentation, call Lydia Baker at Pima Council on Aging at 546-2011
