Lifestyle
The Importance of Regular Immunizations for Heart Health
(Family Features) While most parents are good at keeping track of vaccines their kids need to stay healthy, many adults don’t realize there are immunizations important for keeping themselves heart-healthy, as well.
immunizations
Adults, especially those with a history of heart disease or stroke, should take steps to stay up-to-date on preventive vaccines, particularly for the flu and COVID-19.
Influenza – While many experience just a few days of aches and chills, the flu can be deadly for some, including young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. There has also been research linking flu infection to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Getting a flu shot can not only prevent the flu, it may also reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
In fact, a study published in “Stroke” found that, among a group of people hospitalized for various reasons, those who experienced a flu-like illness within a month of their hospitalization were 38% more likely to have a stroke. Receiving the flu vaccine within a year prior to hospitalization lowered a person’s stroke risk to 11%.
“Getting an annual flu shot should be part of routine health care for all individuals, especially for people who are already living with chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association chief medical officer for prevention. “The potentially serious complications of the flu are far greater for those with chronic diseases. This is true not just for older people but even those age 50 and younger who have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.”
COVID-19 – At the onset of the pandemic, the American Heart Association established the COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry, which found people with or at risk for CVD were more likely to become infected with and die from COVID-19. Additionally, the research found many people experience heart and vascular disease after getting COVID-19.
A study from the registry published in “Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology” found new-onset atrial fibrillation in 1 in 20 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Additionally, research also found people hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher risk of stroke compared with people who had similar infectious conditions such as influenza or sepsis.
“We can’t stress enough the connections between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease,” Sanchez said. “There is clear evidence that people who have heart and vascular disease and even those with CVD risk factors are more likely to get COVID and to have more severe complications from the virus.”
Other Immunizations – While flu and COVID-19 vaccines are of the utmost importance, there are several other immunizations that can help keep people’s heart-healthy.
- The pneumococcal vaccination protects against a common cause of severe pneumonia and is especially important for people 65 and older, and others with certain underlying medical conditions. This type of pneumonia can be deadly, especially for people already at high risk for health complications, including CVD. One shot is usually good for several years, although you may need a second one later depending on your age at your first shot.
- Shingles, a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. More than 99% of people age 40 or older in the United States may carry the dormant chickenpox virus, also known as the varicella-zoster virus, and not even realize it.
Learn more about important immunizations and find other preventive health tips at heart.org.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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(Family Features) Una caminata no solo es buena para el cuerpo, sino también para el alma. La actividad física, como caminar, es una de las mejores formas de reducir el estrés y mejorar su estado de ánimo. Sin embargo, los informes revelan que las tasas de caminatas están disminuyendo constantemente en los Estados Unidos.
Mejore su salud caminando
En promedio, uno de cada cuatro adultos estadounidenses permanece sentado durante más de ocho horas al día, según la investigación de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC). Esto puede tener consecuencias negativas para la salud física y mental. El ejercicio regular mejora el estado de ánimo, aumenta la energía e incluso puede ayudarle a dormir mejor. Estar activo es una de las mejores maneras de mantener la mente y el cuerpo sanos.
Tome esta recomendación de la American Heart Association (la Asociación Americana del Corazón), que ha trabajado durante décadas para promover políticas y estrategias que faciliten que las comunidades estén y se mantengan activas. Un ejemplo es el Día Nacional para Caminar, que lo estableció la organización para incentivar a las personas a moverse más a lo largo del día. para que puedan pensar, dormir, vivir y sentirse mejor.
De hecho, moverse más puede beneficiar a su cuerpo y a su mente de numerosas maneras, como por ejemplo las siguientes:
Reducir el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades. Realizar la cantidad recomendada de actividad física (al menos 150 minutos de actividad moderada, 75 minutos de actividad intensa o una combinación de esas actividades por semana) está relacionado con un menor riesgo de sufrir enfermedades, tener huesos y músculos más fuertes, una mejor salud mental y función cognitiva, y menor riesgo de depresión, según el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los EE. UU.
Estar más al sol. El ejercicio al aire libre es un manera fácil de mantenerse en movimiento y estar al sol, lo que puede mejorar el estado de ánimo, aumentar la inmunidad y ayudarle a obtener un poco de vitamina D. Pasar tiempo al aire libre es una opción que no tiene costo y se ha demostrado que reduce el estrés, promueve el sentido de pertenencia y mejora el estado de ánimo.
Mejorar la función cognitiva y mental. La actividad física mantiene la mente alerta ahora y en el futuro. Los estudios muestran que niveles más altos de condición física están relacionados con una mejor atención, aprendizaje, memoria de trabajo y resolución de problemas. Es más, un estudio publicado en el “British Journal of Sports Medicine” demuestra que las personas que realizan la cantidad recomendada de actividad física tienen menos probabilidades de desarrollar depresión.
Vivir una vida más larga. La esperanza de vida saludable puede verse afectada positivamente por el aumento de la actividad. Según una investigación publicada en el “American Journal of Epidemiology”, cambiar solo 30 minutos de estar sentado por actividad física de baja intensidad reducía el riesgo de muerte en un 17 %.
Manténgase en movimiento para reducir el estrés y mejorar su salud. Amplía la información en heart.org/movemore.
Inspírese para mantenerse en movimiento
Un poco de creatividad puede ser de gran ayuda para que su caminata sea más divertida. Es posible que piense que caminar es una actividad en solitario, pero hacerlo con compañía la hace aún más placentera. Pida a compañeros de trabajo, amigos o familiares que le acompañen.
Una caminata es una excusa perfecta para tomar un descanso después de un largo día sentado en el escritorio. Si trabaja de forma remota, realice una conferencia telefónica mientras se mueve o considere que la caminata es su recompensa por completar un proyecto.
Utilice su caminata como una oportunidad para escuchar un nuevo audiolibro sin culpa o cree una lista de reproducción con su música favorita para salir a caminar.
Experimente con recorridos alternativas. Intente tomar nuevas rutas para hacer sus caminatas más interesantes. Esto también le ayuda a evitar que se aburra si va por el mismo camino de siempre.
Si hay algo más que puede incentivarle a mantenerse en movimiento es sin dudas una mascota. Su mascota puede ayudarle a ponerse en forma. Quienes tienen un perro tienen más probabilidades de alcanzar sus objetivos de acondicionamiento físico respecto de aquellos que no lo tienen. De hecho, según el “Journal of Physical Activity & Health”, las personas que tienen perros tienen un 34 % más de probabilidades de caminar 150 minutos a la semana respecto de quienes no tienen un perro. Las mascotas también pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés, la presión arterial, el colesterol y el azúcar en sangre y a aumentar su felicidad y bienestar general.
Fotos cortesía de Shutterstock
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
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(Family Features) For those with asthma, understanding what can trigger symptoms is a part of getting the condition under control. Some of the same things that cause allergies can worsen symptoms, but not every allergen is a trigger for everyone with asthma. The places where you live, learn, work and play can expose you to common asthma triggers like pet dander, dust mites, pests like rodents and cockroaches, mold, cigarette smoke, pollen, air pollution and more. Managing triggers is just one part of controlling asthma, however. Work with your health care provider to make an asthma action plan and keep track of your symptoms and where you are when they occur. Learn more at nhlbi.nih.gov/BreatheBetter.
SOURCE:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Mental Health
(Family Features) People with outward appearances of success, productivity and happiness often still deal with internal struggles. Mental health challenges continue to affect Americans, with nearly 3 of 4 (73%) U.S. adults reporting struggles with mental health in 2023.
These findings come from a mental health survey commissioned by RedBox Rx, a telehealth and online pharmacy provider, and conducted by Morning Consult.
“Mental health remains a struggle for many Americans,” said Dr. Daniel Fick, RedBox Rx’s chief medical officer. “The findings from this study demonstrate more resources and support are needed to help individuals manage their mental health, especially younger adults. We are focused on fulfilling this need by offering easy-to-access, affordable, discreet and convenient telehealth care and treatment for those struggling with mental health.”
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, consider these mental health trends identified in the survey:
1. Younger Generations are More Likely to Report Mental Health Struggles, Worsening Mental Health
Gen Zers and Millennials are more likely to report having mental health struggles and more likely to say those struggles worsened in the past year. In fact, 41% of Gen Zers and 36% of Millennials reported more mental health struggles in the past year compared with 21% of adults ages 45 and older.
2. Specific Life Events Affect People Differently
Some life events appear to affect people differently. For example, getting divorced or separated and becoming pregnant or having a child are linked with both worsening and improving mental health. Getting engaged or married and using a dating app are equally likely to be linked with both positive and negative impacts on mental health.
3. Younger Generations Endure Life Events Linked with Worsening Mental Health
Gen Zers and Millennials more frequently experience life events having the strongest links to worsening mental health. They more commonly report loneliness and a failure to achieve life goals, stressors also linked to worsening mental health. For example, 53% of Gen Zers reported feelings of loneliness and 52% shared feelings of failure to achieve life goals, compared with 39% and 34%, respectively, of all adults sampled.
The research also found recent life experiences, whether relational or personal, are linked to the state of one’s mental health. Those suffering from worsening mental health were more likely to have experienced:
- Being a victim of verbal or emotional abuse
- Being a victim of physical violence
- The lack of a healthy home environment
- The lack of a healthy work environment
- Attending college or university
- The breakdown in a relationship with a close family member
According to the study, if you’ve experienced verbal or emotional abuse – which is 12% more prevalent among Gen Zers – you are more than twice as likely to report worsening mental health.
4. Despite Mental Health Struggles, Most Americans Aren’t Seeking Professional Care
Even though mental health struggles are widespread among American adults, more than 6 out of 10 (63%) with consistent or worsening mental health struggles have not sought professional care, such as therapy or medications, in the past year.
Those not seeking care tend to downplay their situations or cite the cost of care as a barrier. Through its discreet, low-cost service model, RedBox Rx’s online platform makes it easy for patients to quickly schedule telehealth visits and privately meet with licensed medical providers to get help with treating a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety and depression, adult ADHD and insomnia.
“Telehealth offers an effective and convenient way for patients to easily access care for mental health conditions,” Fick said.
To view the full report, access infographics from the study and find more information about mental health therapy and medical treatments, visit RedBoxRx.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman using tablet)
SOURCE:
RedBox Rx
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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