May is Better Sleep Month, a time to raise awareness about the benefits of better sleep and how it affects your overall health. While you’re asleep, your body restores itself allowing muscles to repair and get rid of waste. Not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease and depression. Keep reading to learn more about how sleep impacts your overall health.

Heart Health

When it comes to heart health, adequate sleep is critical to staying healthy. When we sleep, our heart rate and blood pressure go down, allowing our heart and vascular system to rest and repair. When we aren’t getting sufficient sleep or our sleep is interrupted, our blood pressure and heart rate stay elevated.

Obesity

Lack of sleep can lead to unhealthy weight gain and obesity. Various hormones like ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry, and leptin, which makes you feel full, are regulated during sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, these hormones can become irregular causing you to feel hungrier and overeat. Another reason for weight gain caused by lack of sleep is because you don’t have enough energy to get the exercise you need. On the other hand, obesity can also be the culprit of sleep issues. Extra weight around the neck can cause sleep apnea, temporarily restricting or blocking airflow as you sleep.

Mental Health

Mental health and good sleep go hand in hand. Lack of sleep can affect brain activity, which can affect your mood and cause depression and anxiety. Insomnia is one of the main causes of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Anxiety and depression can also cause sleep problems, including insomnia or getting too much sleep. Treating anxiety and depression can lead to greater sleep and overall health.

Immune System

Not getting enough sleep reduces the levels of antibodies, cells and proteins that your body uses to fight off viruses. This can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. Lack of rest can also increase the time it takes to recover from an illness, because your body is not getting the time it needs to recover.

Tips for Better Sleep

  • Stay active and get regular exercise
  • Limit blue light exposure in the evening
  • Consume caffeine in the morning and don’t eat late
  • Reduce the frequency and length of naps
  • Stay on a regular sleep schedule
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet

Increasing your quality of sleep can increase the quality of your day, maximize productivity and improve overall health. If you have tried many different ways to improve your sleep and still are having trouble, you may have a sleep disorder. If left untreated, these disorders can lead to potentially serious health conditions. If you suspect you have a sleep-related disorder, you can call the Southwoods Sleep Centers at 330-729-9480 to schedule a consultation.

The month of May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a great time to educate yourself and spread awareness on the leading cause of disability in America that affects over 50 million adults and 300,000 children. Arthritis can lead to debilitating pain and stiffness in joints, affecting a person’s overall function and limiting mobility. There are over 100 types of arthritis, with the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout. Keep reading to learn more about early signs and symptoms of Arthritis.

Joint Pain

One of the most common signs of arthritis is pain in your joints, which can also be referred to as arthralgia. People often complain of a burning sensation or a dull ache that comes first thing in the morning or when it’s rainy or humid. When it comes to arthritis, early detection and prevention is key, so finding out if your pain is a result of overexerting yourself, age or something more serious is very important.

Swelling

As you experience pain in your joints, you will likely also experience some swelling. This occurs when there is increased synovial fluid within the joint. In a normal joint, this acts as a cushion, but with arthritis, your body may produce too much of the fluid causing the joints to swell. This can cause discomfort, as well as restrict movement and mobility.

Grating Sound or Sensation

If you hear or feel a grating or grinding noise or sensation when a joint moves, this is a very common sign of arthritis. The sound comes from the cartilage in the joints wearing away, leading the bones to no longer smoothly glide against each other.

Joint Redness

If you notice redness around joints, without rubbing them, it is likely caused from inflammation brought on by arthritis. Your healthcare provider will run tests to pinpoint the cause of the inflammation and rule out joint infection.

Chronic Fatigue

While it is normal to get tired from time to time, if you are persistently experiencing fatigue along with joint pain and other symptoms, it may be a sign of arthritis. Fatigue can be a result of the effects of joint pain, inflammation, swelling and other common arthritis symptoms.

Other Symptoms

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, may present symptoms that include:

  • Pain during or after movement
  • Joint stiffness right after waking up or after inactivity
  • Joint tenderness
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Bone spurs
  • Malaise

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, your primary care physician can assess you and recommend the right treatment plan to help you manage arthritis. Treatment will depend on the severity, its symptoms and your overall health. Most people can manage arthritis and still do the activities they love.

Spring is finally here! While the warmer weather and sunshine is welcomed by all, many people find themselves struggling with seasonal allergies. Also known as hay fever, seasonal allergies happen when your body overreacts to environmental stimuli, like tree pollen. Common symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes and sore throat. Read below for tips on how to soothe your seasonal allergy symptoms.

Avoid Triggers

Although it may be easier said than done, one of the most effective ways to avoid symptoms from seasonal allergies is to avoid triggers as much as possible. During times that pollen and ragweed are in the air, spend as little time outside as possible and when you do have to be outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. After coming inside, take a shower to wash off any pollen that may have gotten on your skin. Trying to avoid allergens and triggers as much as possible is the best way to avoid allergy symptoms.

Try Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antihistamines, like Claritin, or nasal corticosteroids, like Flonase, are typically very effective at treating allergy symptoms. They work to ease symptoms and get you back to feeling your best. If you’ve tried OTC options at the pharmacy and nothing seems to help, call your primary care physician to discuss prescription allergy medication or a referral to an allergy specialist.

Close Your Windows

While it is tempting to open all the windows and get a breeze through your house when the weather warms up, it probably isn’t the best idea when it comes to allergies. Keeping your windows closed will help limit the amount of allergens that get into your home. If you need some fresh air, try taking a walk when pollen counts are at their lowest, typically late morning or early afternoon.

Use a Nasal Rinse

A nasal rinse, like the Neti Pot, can be extremely beneficial in soothing allergy symptoms. Nasal rinses clear the mucus and allergens from your sinuses, helping manage congestion and post nasal drip. When using a nasal rinse, it is extremely important to use distilled water or saline solution, never tap water.

Try Home Remedies

If you don’t want to rely on allergy medication, or it simply doesn’t work for you, there are home remedies that have been known to help soothe symptoms. Here are a few of the most effective:

  • Take a steamy shower
  • Sip hot tea
  • Add local honey to food and drinks
  • Use an air purifier
  • Take a Vitamin D supplement
  • Use eye drops
  • Exercise regularly

At Southwoods, your health is our top priority. These tips can make springtime easier by minimizing your allergy symptoms. If you have tried everything and still need medical care to ease your allergies, talk to your doctor. Don’t have a Primary Care Physician? Click the link below for a complete list of Southwoods Health PCP’s.

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The month of April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about types of stress and how it can impact your overall health. Whether it is positive, like planning a wedding, or negative, like having financial issues, everyone experiences stress throughout their lives. We all know stress affects your mental health, but it also negatively affects your physical health. While stress is pretty much unavoidable, there are ways it can be managed. Keep reading to learn more about how stress can impact your overall health.

Affects Your Heart

When it comes to heart health, stress can negatively impact the way your heart functions, and lead to serious issues. Long-term stress increases inflammation in your body, which can damage blood vessels and create a higher risk for heart disease. Chronic stress causes your heart to work too hard for too long, raising your blood pressure as well as your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Weakens the Immune System

While small amounts of stress can actually stimulate the immune system and help heal wounds and fight infection, long-term stress can weaken the immune system and reduce the body’s response to antigens that cause illnesses like flu and the common cold. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is known to drastically suppress the immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness and infection.

Disrupts Blood Sugar

Glucose is your body’s main source of fuel, and it is important to keep levels balanced to stay healthy. When you are chronically stressed, your body has a harder time regulating blood sugar, leading to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and many other health issues.

Upsets Digestive System

It is very common for people who suffer from chronic stress to have digestive system issues. Stress hormones, rapid breathing and increased heart rate can lead to heartburn and acid reflux, due to higher levels of acid in the stomach. Stress can also affect the way food travels through the body leading to stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

Impacts Mental Health

Long term stress can lead to a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The burden of stress can wear you down mentally, negatively impacting your mental health. This can often manifest as aggression, irritability, a feeling of no control, extreme sadness, brain fog, insomnia and exhaustion, among other health concerns. Stress management can improve your quality of life and mental health.

Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, acid reflux and diabetes. While a busy lifestyle can make it hard to reduce stress, it is important to make your mental health a priority. Stress relieving activities such as yoga, journaling, connecting with others, meditation and reading can help you restore calm, relax and de-stress.

As we near the end of March and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, it’s important to remember what symptoms you should be watching out for and how to know when to call your doctor. Colorectal Cancer is often found once it has progressed, since many people don’t have symptoms or ignore the symptoms that they do suffer from. Many common signs can also be caused by other less serious problems, such as infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. Keep reading to learn what symptoms to look out for, ways to prevent, and when to see your doctor.

Common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:

  • A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
  • Feeling like you need to empty your bowels
  • Blood in stool
  • Cramping or pain in the abdomen
  • Rectal Bleeding
  • Weakness or Fatigue
  • Unexplained Weight Loss

When to Call Your Doctor

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, or are having any bowel issues, it is important to visit your Primary Care Physician to explain your symptoms and discuss the possibility of colorectal cancer. If your doctor suspects the possibility of cancer, or you are over the age of 45, they will suggest a screening.

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

With symptoms often being minor, or possibly having no symptoms at all, it is common for people to not find out they have colorectal cancer until it has progressed and spread. Because of this, it is crucial to get screened, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Doctors recommend getting screened if you are over the age of 45, or if you have a family history of colon cancer. Finding cancer early often allows for more treatment options and a higher rate of survival. Colorectal cancer screenings can help find cancer in people that don’t have symptoms, which can be life saving. Screenings can not only detect cancer, it can help prevent by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths called polyps. Lifestyle changes like exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, not using tobacco, cutting out alcohol, etc., can also help prevent colorectal cancer.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, take the opportunity to learn more about the disease and share what you know with others. Colorectal cancer is typically slow growing, so with proper screening and early diagnosis, there are many treatment options and hopeful outcomes. Take this time to talk to your doctor about screening options for colorectal cancer.

For a complete list of Southwoods Health physicians who perform colonoscopies, click the “Learn More” button below.

 

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate yourself and others about the disease that affects about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women according to the American Cancer Society. While anyone can get colon cancer, there are some factors that can put you at a higher risk.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle plays a prominent role in your overall health, and is no different when it comes to colorectal cancer. Things like staying active, eating a healthier diet, and visiting the doctor regularly for screenings can ensure you stay healthy and reduce your chances of getting colorectal cancer.

Age

Unfortunately, the number one risk factor of colorectal cancer is one you cannot control – age. About 90% of colon cancer patients are over the age of 50. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings start at age 45 and continue through age 75. For patients between 76 and 85, screening decisions should be made jointly with your doctor based on patient preference, life expectancy, health status and prior screening history.

Weight 

If you’re overweight or obese, you are at a much higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet combined with exercise can help you stay at a healthy weight and reduce your risk. Eating fruits and vegetables is a vital part of a healthy diet and has been linked to lowering the risk of colon cancer and other diseases. A diet rich with foods that are nutrient packed and high in antioxidants and fiber can help decrease your risk and benefit your overall health.

Family History

If a family member, especially a parent or sibling, has had colon cancer, you are at a much higher risk because you share genetics and the same environment. If colon cancer is in your family, be sure to tell your doctor. It is important to pay attention to possible symptoms and get screened regularly.

Alcohol & Tobacco Use

Drinking alcohol in excess can be a risk factor for colon cancer. Drinking can increase the workload on the liver, which causes more toxins to build up and pass through the colon. It is important to drink in moderation or cut out alcohol completely. Smoking has also been linked to colon cancer, among many other types of cancers and health issues. It is best to quit smoking altogether to lower your risk. Quitting can be tough, so consult your doctor to create a plan that works for you.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, take the opportunity to learn more about the disease and find out how you can take steps to keep your colon healthy. Finding colorectal cancer early, when it’s small and hasn’t spread, often allows for more treatment options and more successful outcomes. Talk to your doctor today!

For a complete list of Southwoods Health physicians who perform colonoscopies, click the “Learn More” button below.

 

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