4 tips to prepare for natural disasters that can negatively impact physical and mental health

(Family Features) As you’re making your emergency preparedness checklist, it’s also important to protect your heart and overall health in the wake of a hurricane, tornado or other natural disaster.

The experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict an above-average Atlantic Ocean hurricane season for the seventh year in a row. Research shows it’s not only physical devastation that impacts the health and safety of people in the path of a natural disaster.

In fact, in a study presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2021 Scientific Sessions, researchers found there were higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity and pre-diabetes among survivors of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017, as well as increased incidences of heart disease and stroke two years after the storm compared to two years prior to the hurricane.

It’s not only hurricanes that can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. A study published in the journal “Hypertension” found a significant increase in blood pressure levels and the incidence of high blood pressure among people who were forced to evacuate following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2012.

Gustavo E. Flores, M.D., a member of the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care committee, said there are several factors that may lead to increased cardiovascular disease and risk after a natural disaster.

“During and after a storm, many people experience extreme stress and trauma, which research shows can lead to an increase in cardiovascular disease risk,” he said. “The impact can be more intense for heart disease and stroke patients. Additionally, in the aftermath of a significant natural disaster, property destruction and evacuations affect many basic support resources. This can make it challenging to see a health care professional for routine check-ups or refill or adjust medications, especially for more vulnerable populations.”

Flores, chairman and chief instructor for Emergency & Critical Care Trainings, LLC, said it’s important for people to be prepared and plan ahead. Consider these quick tips from Flores and the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all:

• Take time to write down any medical conditions, allergies and medications, including doses and the time you take medications, along with your pharmacy name, address and phone number. Keep the information with any other “go-kit” items you have handy for quick evacuation.
• If you need to evacuate, even temporarily, bring your medications and health information with you in a resealable plastic bag to help keep it dry.
• If your medication is lost, damaged by water or was left behind when you evacuated, research open pharmacies and seek a refill as quickly as possible. Some states allow pharmacists to make medically necessary exceptions on certain types of prescription refills during an emergency.
• Use the Patient Preparedness Plan if you have diabetes and use insulin. There you’ll find a checklist of supplies and guidelines to prepare for an emergency.

Another way to prepare for a possible medical emergency is to learn how to perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator until help arrives. If performed correctly, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

Visit Heart.org for the latest on heart health and the Disaster Resources page for a wide range of helpful information.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

(Family Features) Stroke can happen to anyone – it happens to more than 800,000 people every year in the United States. Knowing the signs of stroke and how to prevent it can help protect you or your loved ones from disabilities caused by stroke.

That’s why the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health, created the “Know Stroke”campaign to disrupt stroke and help people in your community who might be at risk of stroke through prevention, treatment and research.

“Seconds are critical when someone is having a stroke,” said Dr. Clinton Wright, vascular neurologist and director of the Division of Clinical Research at NINDS. “It’s important to know the signs.”

Know Stroke
Most strokes happen when the brain stops getting the blood supply it needs to work properly. Without enough blood flow, the brain starts to lose function. Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, which is why stroke prevention is important. Preventing stroke protects you from developing disabilities that stroke may cause like speech problems, limited movement and memory loss.

Know the Signs of Stroke
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and can be easily missed. Treating stroke by getting to a hospital quickly is critical to prevent brain damage. If you see these signs, act F.A.S.T.:

• Face drooping: One side of the face droops when smiling
• Arm weakness: If both arms are raised, one drifts down
• Speech difficulty: Slurred or strange speech
• Time to call 911: Do not drive yourself or your loved one – call an ambulance immediately if you notice one or more of these signs

Learning these stroke symptoms can help disrupt stroke before it disrupts your (or someone else’s) life. Other signs to look for include sudden numbness, confusion, difficulty seeing, difficulty walking and severe headache, especially one that occurs in a split second, called a thunder-clap headache. Remember stroke is alwaysan emergency that requires fast action and medical treatment.

Know How to Prevent Stroke
Some medical conditions and lifestyle considerations can put you at higher risk for stroke. For example, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. Stroke can be prevented by effectively treating high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, smoking and obesity. There are several ways to lower your risk for stroke:

• Treat high blood pressure
• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight
• Manage diabetes
• Quit smoking
• Control cholesterol

Doing your best to prevent stroke from happening is the No. 1 way to lower your risk of disabilities caused by stroke. Even if you have had a stroke before, you can still take steps to reduce your risk of more strokes. Treating these risk factors may also reduce the chance of developing age-related dementia. For more information on the connection between stroke risk factors and dementia, visit mindyourrisks.nih.gov.

Know How to Recover from Stroke
As much as prevention helps lower the chances of having a stroke, it can still happen. Rehabilitation therapy is usually started in the hospital within 48 hours after a stroke. Health care workers help stroke patients relearn skills that were lost from the stroke or teach them new ways to compensate for remaining disabilities. Researchers continue to investigate how patients can restore blood flow to the brain and how to protect brain cells after stroke to improve recovery.

Know More
When you know the signs of stroke, you can help prevent a life-changing disability for yourself or someone you care about. You could even save a life. Visit stroke.nih.gov to learn more about stroke risks, prevention and research.

Photo courtesy of iStock

SOURCE:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

In a world where health has become an increasingly important issue, TIME magazine has taken a step towards recognizing the individuals who are leading the way in creating positive change. Today, they reveal their inaugural TIME100 Health list, a compilation of the 100 most influential people in the field of health.

To create this list, TIME reporters and editors worked tirelessly, consulting experts and sources from around the world. The result is a community of leaders from various industries, including scientists, doctors, advocates, educators, and policy-makers, who are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world of health.

TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs writes in his letter to readers, “Their work is enough to inspire the belief that the world of health is in the middle of a golden age of accomplishment and transformation.” This list serves as a reminder that amidst all the chaos, there are people out there using their resourcefulness and ingenuity to improve the lives of others.

The 2024 TIME100 Health list features CEOs, founders, and co-founders who are at the forefront of health innovation. Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen of Novo Nordisk, Albert Bourla of Pfizer, and Dave Ricks of Eli Lilly are just a few of the notable names on the list. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field, revolutionizing healthcare and pushing boundaries.

Women also play a prominent role on the list, with names like Sumbul Desai, Vice President of Health at Apple, and Raluca Cohen, Chief Science Officer at Salignostics, being recognized for their exceptional work. The list aims to highlight the achievements of women who have made a lasting impact in the field of health.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the TIME100 Health list is the age range of the individuals recognized. From 28-year-old Dale Whelehan, CEO of Four Day Week Global, to 99-year-old Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, who has been fighting to eradicate Guinea worm for decades, these individuals prove that age is not a barrier to making a difference.

The list also includes creatives and entertainers, showcasing the diverse range of people who are involved in shaping the future of health. Actors Michael J. Fox, Halle Berry, and Olivia Munn, authors Alua Arthur and Peter Attia, and professor and author Jonathan Haidt are just a few of the notable names on the list.

Scientists, doctors, and researchers who are at the forefront of health innovation are also recognized for their groundbreaking work. Cancer researcher Thomas Powles, research scientist Jenna Forsyth, and neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch are just a few of the exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Policy-makers and government officials are also acknowledged for their role in shaping health policies. President of France Emmanuel Macron, CDC Director Mandy Cohen, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy are just a few of the influential figures who have made a significant impact in the field of health.

To celebrate the individuals on the TIME100 Health list, TIME will be hosting the TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Health on May 13th in New York City. This event will bring together leaders from various sectors to discuss innovation and trends in healthcare. The event will feature notable speakers such as Halle Berry and Marlena Fejzo, who will provide valuable insights into the future of health.

The TIME100 Health list serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress being made in the world of health. It highlights the individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact and creating a healthier world for all. Whether you are familiar with the names on this list or not, their work is undoubtedly changing lives and shaping the future of health.

About TIME

TIME is a renowned media brand that has been in existence for over a century. It has a vast global audience of more than 120 million across its magazine and digital platforms. TIME has unparalleled access to influential individuals, earning the trust of both consumers and partners worldwide. Its unmatched ability to gather people together is aimed at sharing significant stories about individuals and ideas that shape and enhance the world. In addition to its core offerings, TIME also encompasses TIME Studios, an Emmy Award-winning film and television division, as well as a thriving live events business centered around the highly regarded TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises. TIME for Kids provides reliable news tailored for children, along with valuable resources for educators and families. The branded content studio, Red Border Studios, and the website-building platform, TIME Sites, have received accolades for their quality work. Furthermore, TIME is actively engaged in sustainability and climate action through its division, TIME CO2. With the recent launch of TIME Stamped, an e-commerce and content platform, TIME continues to expand its reach and offerings.

SOURCE TIME

https://time.com/collection/time100-health

https://stmdailynews.com

Please leave this field empty

Want more stories
"Your morning jolt of Inspiring & Interesting Stories!"

Sign up to receive awesome articles directly to your inbox.

Email Address *

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Please check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.