What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Sitting or lying down does little to relieve leg discomfort in people with restless leg syndrome—sometimes known as RLS—a neurological condition that is characterized by throbbing, pulling, or other unpleasant sensations in the legs. The overwhelming urge to move the legs to stop these feelings is another common characteristic of RLS.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that these feelings often occur at night when a person is relaxing or trying to fall asleep. The symptoms may even worsen during the night, which is why most people with restless leg syndrome have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. RLS-induced insomnia and sleep deprivation can make staying awake at work and even performing normal everyday activities a challenge.

How Restless Leg Syndrome Is Treated

Restless leg syndrome is currently diagnosed by its symptoms because there are no tests available to confirm its presence. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. Although RLS is sometimes seen in cases where a patient is pregnant, has diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or another health condition, its cause is not known in most patients.

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome, but there are a few ways to get relief:

• Stretch. Many people with restless leg syndrome report some relief from stretching before they go to bed.
• Exercise. A combination of lower body resistance training and aerobic exercise will help promote good blood circulation in the legs and may help reduce RLS symptoms.
• Take a warm bath. A warm soak can be soothing.
• Get a massage. Massaging your muscles before bedtime may help calm tingling sensations.
• Eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Many medical experts suggest that patients with restless leg syndrome avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine, such as chocolate, tea, coffee and sodas. Eliminating alcohol may also help ease symptoms.
• Try prescription drugs. According to the RLS Foundation, the Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications for the treatment of restless leg syndrome, and drugs that have been approved for other conditions are sometimes prescribed as treatment.

Want to read more about restless leg syndrome? Visit Blake Medical Center’s free online Health Information encyclopedia. If you need to find a doctor in your area, call our free physician referral service, Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552.

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Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

The only way to know whether or not you have high blood pressure it to have it checked by a health professional with a blood pressure cuff. As explained by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a blood pressure reading is expressed as two numbers. 

The top number, or systolic pressure, represents the pressure when the heart is beating. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, represents the pressure when the heart is resting. A blood pressure reading is considered normal if it stays at or below 120/80. People with a systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89 are considered pre-hypertensive. Systolic blood pressure that is consistently 140 or higher or diastolic pressure that is consistently 90 or higher is considered to be high blood pressure.

Lowering Your Blood Pressure

Although many people require medications to control hypertension, certain lifestyle changes can help lower high blood pressure, especially if you are in the pre-hypertensive range. If you are concerned about your blood pressure readings, these strategies may help lower your blood pressure:

1. Maintain a healthy weight. A high Body Mass Index (BMI) increases your risk for high blood pressure. Losing as little as 10 pounds can help reduce your BMI, lower your high blood pressure, and make your blood pressure medications more effective. Calculate your BMI here.
2. Watch your waistline. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, a waistline greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men puts you at a higher risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
3. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help lower high blood pressure.
4. Follow the DASH diet. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is an eating plan promoted by the National Institutes of Health. It is rich in heart-healthy foods, suggests healthy alternatives to junk food, and has been found to help lower high blood pressure.
5. Reduce sodium. Too much sodium is bad for your health because it can increase risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Lower your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods, limiting restaurant meals, and not putting table salt on your food.

The superior cardiac program at Blake Medical Center’s Heart Institute is comprised of talented cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other skilled cardiac professionals. You can learn more about the comprehensive services we offer online or you can use our Consult-A-Nurse service at 1-888-359-3552.

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We all get headaches from time to time. They are uncomfortable and can be annoying, but they typically go away with a bit of rest or an over-the-counter pain medication. Headaches can be triggered by a variety of things including stress, depression, or anxiety, but they can also be related to foods such as cheese or chocolate and even caffeine.

Tension Headaches

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that tension headaches—pain in the head, scalp or neck associated with muscle tightness—are the most common form of headache. A few typical causes of tension headaches include:

• Alcohol use
• Caffeine use or caffeine withdrawal
• Colds and flu
• Eye strain
• Fatigue
• Sinus infections

Cluster Headaches

NIH explains that cluster headaches involve pain on one side of the head. Cluster headaches are typically chronic, meaning that they occur regularly for periods of time, ranging from as long as one week to one year. Research shows that cluster headaches might be related to the body’s release of serotonin, and the following factors might trigger cluster headaches:

• Alcohol use
• Cigarette smoking
• High altitudes
• Heat
• Exertion
• Certain drugs and medications

Migraines

Migraine headaches are another common type of headache. Migraines are typically accompanied by symptoms like nausea or vomiting and light sensitivity. NIH explains that migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity triggered by stress, foods, or environmental factors. Migraines may be caused by:

• Allergic reactions
• Bright lights
• Odors or perfumes
• Loud noises
• Missed meals

Many people mistakenly assume that any bad headache is a migraine, but this migraine fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health can help you determine whether you are having a migraine or a bad tension headache.

Mental Health America reports that 44% of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 have both living parents and children under the age of 21. Taking care of your own family—and yourself—along with your elderly parents can definitely take its toll, particularly if your mother or father is suffering from dementia or denies the need for support.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when taking care of your aging parents, but the following tips can help reduce your own stress as you deal with the situation:

• Take care of yourself. First and foremost, don’t neglect yourself just because you are concerned about your parents. Try your best to eat right, exercise as much as possible, and get enough sleep. If you become ill, you won’t be able to offer much assistance!
• Know your parents’ medications. It’s very easy for elderly people to forget to take their medications. Keep a chart listing which medications your parents take at what times of day. Make note of the dosage and what the pills or liquids look like. Accidentally missing or intentionally skipping medications can be incredibly harmful to your parents’ health—get a divided pill tray to help them (and you!) remember to take medications.
• Keep track of allergies and medical conditions.  Make note of any allergies your parents may have, as well as medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Keeping a list of any surgeries they have had over the years is also a good idea, particularly if they have had a device such as a pacemaker or prosthetic hip implanted.
• Always keep a list of your parents’ doctors. If you aren’t 100% sure of your parents’ medical history, keep track of their doctors’ names and numbers. This will come in handy in case of an emergency, particularly if you are their main caregiver / support system.
• Ask for help.  Caring for your elderly parents can be incredibly stressful, especially if you still have children at home. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you don’t have siblings or other relatives who can give you a break every now and then, check with the Eldercare Locator, a public service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging. It is a nationwide directory assistance program that helps older people and their caregivers locate local support and resources.

Need to find a general physician or specialist for your aging parents? Blake Medical Center is proud to offer the free telephone physician referral service Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552. Our nurses and referral specialists can help you find a doctor, make an appointment, and even provide helpful answers to many health-related questions.

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Despite its multiple benefits, though, the old saying “too much of a good thing” can be true when it comes to technology. The overuse of computers, televisions, smart phones, and video games can inadvertently lead to a variety of health problems.

Higher Risk for Health Problems

Let’s Move!—the comprehensive initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama that is dedicated to ending the childhood obesity crisis in America—claims that 8- to 18-year-olds spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using televisions, computers, video games, and cell phones.

Earlier this year, the Stanford School of Medicine reported that researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that just two hours of daily television was linked to a 20 percent greater risk for diabetes and a 15 percent higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Sleep Problems and Anxiety 

We’ve all heard about fatal car accidents in which the driver was sending text messages behind the wheel, but excessive texting and social media usage can lead to other problems. According to the non-profit publication TeensHealth, text messages and emails can interrupt sleep, leading to drowsiness and less-than-stellar performance the next day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that excessive social media activity can be a breeding ground for risky behaviors, cyberbullying, and even depression—it’s easy to feel inadequate when other people’s lives appear “picture perfect” online. These technology-related problems are not reserved for young people. They can affect adults as well.

Eye Strain, Headaches and Blurred Vision

Computers are common in nearly all professions. Although it is not completely clear whether or not computers are the only culprit, the American Optometric Association has found that many people who use a computer at work experience extensive eye-related discomfort and visual problems.

If you have concerns about your own health—whether technology-related or not—Blake Medical Center’s Physician Search can help you locate a physician in your area. You can also contact  Consult-A-Nurse®, our free healthcare referral service, at 1-888-359-3552 to schedule a doctor’s appointment or receive answers to your health-related questions.

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In the simplest terms, a joint is the place where two bones come together. Some, such as joints in the skull, do not move, but most others do. Joints that move can become sore when they are inflamed, infected, or injured.

Joints that are commonly affected by pain include:

• arthritis 
• bursitis
• gout 
• hepatitis
• influenza
• tendonitis
• sprains / strains
• Rheumatic fever or other infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria

Joint Pain Relief
Although your doctor will determine your best treatment options, the following things may help relieve your pain:

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Professional caregivers exist, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health reports that more than 44 million Americans provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled adult. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, then you probably understand the stresses associated with the task.

Helpful Advice for Caregivers

Frustration, guilt, anxiety and even total exhaustion are all normal feelings among many caregivers. The following tips for caregivers will come in handy and help you realize you’re not alone:

1. Learn about the illness. The more you know about your loved one’s condition, the more effective you will be as a caregiver. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during doctors’ appointments.
2. Be realistic. One person can’t do everything, and caregivers aren’t miracle workers. Understand and accept your loved one’s health situation. It’s also okay to accept help when it’s offered—a friend or neighbor may be able to run quick errands for you, saving you precious time.
3. Acknowledge your emotions. Occasionally getting frustrated or feeling angry at the situation you’re in does not make you a bad person. As long as you do not put your loved one in danger, it’s okay to acknowledge your emotions.
4. Take breaks. Taking a quick coffee break or walk around the block while another friend or relative visits with your loved one can help clear your head.
5. Talk to others. Joining a support group for caregivers can help you realize that other people understand what you are going through. Sharing a conversation and some laughter with a close friend can help, too.
6. Take care of yourself. It’s easy to neglect yourself when you’re worried about someone else. Make sure that you get enough sleep and eat regularly.

While taking care of your loved one is undoubtedly one of your most important jobs, at Blake Medical Center our job is helping you stay healthy. Make sure you keep up-to-date on all your regular checkups and screenings. If you need a physician referral, you can always dial Consult-A-Nurse® toll-free at 1-888-359-3352.

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We all have good intentions when we declare our New Year’s resolutions, but Psychology Today reports that one psychology professor and his colleagues have identified what is known as the “false hope syndrome,” which means that people often set resolutions that are not realistic. Needless to say, these goals typically go unmet.

Set Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

“I’m going to start walking ten miles a day!” might sound like a good idea on January 1, but it’s not very realistic if you’ve been a couch potato your entire life. Setting unrealistic goals is an easy way to set yourself up for failure. Instead, focus on smaller resolutions that are do-able. Start out by walking half a mile per day, and increase the distance each time it seems too easy for you. Eventually you might really be able to walk (or even run!) ten miles, and you’ll want to go farther each day.

Forgive Yourself

Always remember: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s more than a motivational quote—it’s something you should consider when working on your New Year’s resolutions. If you’re watching your weight but slip and eat a few cookies, don’t beat yourself up—realize that you’re human and get back on track! The same advice is true if you are trying to quit smoking. Few people succeed the first time they try. Forgiving yourself and starting fresh is key when you're trying to turn your resolutions into lifelong habits.

Are you wondering how you should improve your health in 2012? Blake Medical Center can help! Visit our online Health Information Library or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-359-3552. Our nurses and referral specialists can help you find a new doctor, make an appointment, register for events, and more.

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If you occasionally forget where you placed your keys or glasses, don’t fret. We all forget things from time to time, and most people experience some normal forgetfulness as they age. If your inability to remember short-term is becoming a problem, or if you feel you’re in a “fog”, see your doctor. There are many conditions, some reversible with treatment, which include short-term memory loss as a symptom. Occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily mean the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are many risk factors associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some of them—such as family history and your genes—are out of your control, but the following tips can come in handy if you want to keep your mind sharp:

1.     Move your body. Even if you don’t hit the gym, the National Institutes of Health reports that a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has shown that simply moving more—taking the stairs, doing household chores—may lessen your chances of developing memory problems.

2.     Get your antioxidants. Foods that are rich in antioxidants have been found to prevent cholesterol from lining your arteries and slowing blood flow to the brain. You can easily get your antioxidants by snacking on berries, grapes, carrots, tomatoes, and dark leafy green veggies!

3.     Quit smoking. Smoking has multiple health risks, but you may not know that the habit can increase your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease due to tobacco’s toxic effects on blood vessels.

4.     Watch your blood pressure. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke told the Associated Press that controlling high blood pressure is one of the best ways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.

5.     Know when to say when. Excess alcohol not only causes brain fog the morning after you overdo it, but it can lead to memory problems later in life. Every time you overdo your alcohol consumption, some brain cells are lost!

6.     Get your vitamin B-12. A recent study funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging found that too little vitamin B-12 may be associated with smaller brain size and age-related thinking skills problems.

7.     Do puzzles. Number puzzles like Sudoku, old-fashioned crosswords, or a game of Scrabble can help you improve your problem-solving skills. Exercising those mental muscles can help keep your brain in tip-top shape.

8.     Tone your torso. A bigger waistline does more than alter your once-slim physique. Excess belly fat leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the brain—increasing your chances of dementia.

9.     Enjoy healthy fats. Not all fats are bad for you. Studies have found that olive oil can help control blood pressure and help reduce the risk of memory problems later in life.

10.   Take up a new hobby. You’re never too old to learn! Sign up for a free class or try a new hobby. Learning new skills will help keep your mind moving.

For detailed information on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia or any other medical condition, be sure to visit the Blake Medical Center online Health Library. You can also contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® healthcare referral service at 1-888-359-3552.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and other conditions that cause dementia or memory loss, attend a free seminar sponsored by Blake Medical Center: “Is it Alzheimer’s or is it NPH” on Friday, January 27, 2012. Call 1-888-359-3552 for more information or to register.

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Don’t Let the Holidays Stress You Out!

Even though it’s the “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can be stressful. After all, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with get-togethers and parties, family visits, and shopping for gifts in crowded malls—on top of your normal daily activities.

What Is Stress?

In layman’s terms, stress is your body’s reaction to sudden changes. If you ask five different people for their definition of stress, you’re likely to get five different answers. Just as the National Institutes of Health describes, what is stressful for you may not be stressful for someone else.

The holiday season can be stressful due to demands and activities, as well as financial difficulties if you feel like you’re obligated to buy presents. Some people also experience holiday stress because they’re feeling lonely or have mixed emotions about the upcoming New Year. Many people even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the holiday season. SAD is a mood disorder that is related to the shorter daylight hours during winter. It’s estimated to affect nearly half a million people between September and April.

Realistically Deal with Holiday Stress

Mental Health America advises that it is possible to cope with stress during the holidays. These 5 tips will help ensure that you don’t let the holidays stress you out:

1. Be realistic. No one is perfect, and neither are the holidays. If you realize this from the beginning and go with the flow, you’ll most likely save yourself from a lot of unnecessary stress.
2. Plan ahead. Mark your calendar for specific activities and write out your shopping lists before you head to the stores.
3. Have a budget and stick to it. Money can’t buy happiness. Buy only what you can afford—you’ll avoid buyer’s remorse come January when your credit card statements arrive in the mail.
4. Avoid excessive drinking. It might seem like a good idea at the time, but having “one too many” alcoholic beverages can amplify feelings of depression and stress thanks to the accompanying headaches, nausea and general regret for your actions.
5. Realize that it’s okay to say no. Your schedule may be overbooked during the holiday season, but there’s no need to attend every single event to which you receive an invitation. Learn to say no without feeling guilty.

Do you have questions about dealing with holiday stress or other issues? Call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552 for answers to health-related questions or to receive a physician referral. You can also visit the Blake Medical Center Health Library to learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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