How to prevent drownings

life line

The Daily Herald reports that drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. On average, 3,533 people die as a result of drowning each year, and most of those deaths are children under the age of 4 who drown in backyard swimming pools.

Many drowning deaths are preventable. So, it is vital that parents and children know how to react when someone is struggling in the water. A proper response could save a life.

The United States Swim School Association has created guidelines that can be followed during a critical water incident to prevent drowning.

Throw, don’t go:

A young child struggling in the water can easily cause an adult attempting a rescue to drown as well. Panic can cause a child to obstruct an adult from being able to swim or stay above the water. It is safer to throw a lifesaving device, towel, rope or even a pool noodle to the person in the water, wait until he or she grabs hold and then tow the person safety.

Call for help:

Alert others around you that a possible drowning is occurring before you take action to try to save the victim. In case something goes wrong it is vitally important that other people know you may need assistance with the rescue.

Approach from behind:

If you need to enter the water to save someone from drowning, it is best to approach the person from behind to lessen the likelihood the person will grab on to you and pull you under the water as well.

Open water swimming:

Never swim alone. A lifeguard (or another adult who knows about water rescue) needs to be watching children whenever they are in or near the water.

Make sure your child knows never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects.

Never let your child swim in canals or any fast moving water.

Ocean swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.

Teach children about rip currents. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you escape the current, and then swim back to shore.

Wear a life jacket:

If you are attempting to rescue a victim in an open body of water like a river or lake, put on a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket before you enter the water and if possible secure yourself to your boat or shore with a rope. Conditions in the water will be unknown and you will not know if you will be fighting currents or an underwater log. The life jacket could save your life and the victims.

Watch for signs of secondary drowning:

People who experience a drowning incident can still have water in their lungs hours after and need to be watched closely for signs of trouble breathing, which could indicate a secondary drowning emergency. If difficult breathing is noted, immediately seek medical help and call 911.

Creating a safe environment for swimming is important. The American Academy of Pediatrics offer the following water safety tips.

Supervision:

Never leave children alone in or near a pool or spa, even for a moment; close supervision by a responsible adult is the best way to prevent drowning in children.

Whenever children under age 5 are in or around water, an adult — preferably one who knows how to swim and perform CPR — should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.”

Fences and gates:

Install a fence at least 4 feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through. Check with your town, too, since it may have a different requirement.

Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach. Consider alarms on the gate to alert you when someone opens the gate. Consider surface wave or underwater alarms as an added layer of protection.

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Walgreens adds safe medicine disposal kiosks to pharmacies

drugsBusiness Wire reports that in the first national effort of its kind by a retailer, Walgreens has installed safe medication disposal kiosks at 288 pharmacies across 21 states and Washington D.C.

Walgreens is now more than halfway toward its goal, announced in February, of installing medication disposal kiosks at 500 locations around the country.

The kiosks provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications at no cost. As part of Walgreens drug take-back program, the kiosks make the disposal of medications easier and are available year-round to help reduce the misuse of medications and the rise in overdose deaths.

“Walgreens has taken an important first step to curb the misuse of medications throughout the country and continues to make progress in offering easy and convenient medication disposal,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Everyone has a role to play in minimizing prescription drug abuse, and we are committed to being part of a comprehensive solution to reverse this epidemic.”

The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours (24 hours a day at most kiosk locations) and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.

Walgreens is also helping to curb the rise in opioid overdose deaths by making naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without requiring a prescription in more than 2,600 pharmacies across 14 states. On Aug. 1, Walgreens will begin offering naloxone without requiring a prescription in North Carolina and Wisconsin as the company continues toward its goal of offering naloxone without a prescription at more than 7,000 of its nearly 8,200 pharmacies. In states where a prescription is required, Walgreens is available and eager to work with regulators to help update rules to allow for dispensing of naloxone without a prescription.

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The Secret Behind Sweating and Weight Loss

man sweatingJessica Smith, certified wellcoach, fitness instructor and personal trainer, shared in Hello Healthy  that if you just had a seriously sweat-filled workout you’re already feeling lighter. You step on the scale, and your suspicions are confirmed — you’ve actually lost a pound! Yes!

This proves sweating helps you lose weight, right? Not exactly.

While you did step on the scale and see that your “weight” has dropped, it’s due to fluid loss, not permanent weight loss. In other words, as soon as you rehydrate (which you should do, stat, especially if you’ve seen a drop in your scale weight since before your workout), your weight will return to the level it was prior to the start of your session. For proper rehydration, the general recommendation is to drink 16–24 ounces of water per pound lost during exercise, which is important because dehydration can cause everything from muscle cramps to dizzinessif not addressed quickly.

OK, but doesn’t sweating a lot mean you’re burning more calories, and that will help you lose weight faster?

That isn’t exactly true either. Despite what some brands or products claim, those heated yoga classes or sweat suits won’t help you permanently drop pounds by increasing your sweat level alone. Why not? Your calorie burn isn’t measured by the amount of sweat you shed during a workout but rather by the amount of intensity or effort you put into it. Measuring your heart rate or tracking your perceived exertion level during your workout is a much more accurate way to track your expenditure than by how sweaty you are by the end.

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6 Signs A Sudden Dizzy Spell Could Be Something More Serious

headacheSELF Magazine shared that if you’ve ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or like your head is spinning, congratulations: You’re a normal human being. We used to spin because dizziness seemed fun (ah, the good ol’ days), but not so much once adulthood rolled around.

There are so many things that could make you dizzy–like medications and dehydration—and most of them are minor and nothing to worry about, Catherine Cho, M.D., clinical associate professor in the departments of neurology and otolaryngology at NYU Langone Medical Center, tells SELF.

Psst! Want more? Shape up, eat clean, and live healthy. Subscribe to SELF for $5.

In some situations, though, dizziness can be a sign of something more serious. Here is how to tell the difference between a minor spell of the spins and when it’s time to consult a neurologist to figure out what’s making you so faint.

1. Your dizzy spells are frequent or last longer than a few minutes.

A common condition called vertigo causes an “illusion of movement,” Cho explains. It’s caused by a disconnect between your ears and your brain, which results in a spinning sensation. Brief episodes can be triggered, most commonly, by rapid change in head movement, according to the Mayo Clinic. In most cases, especially in younger patients, the condition will resolve on its own, Cho says. But if you have it constantly, episodes that last hours at a time, or it’s accompanied by ringing in the ears or hearing loss, it could be a sign of a more serious ear disorder or undiagnosed migraines.

2. You’re also experiencing symptoms like numbness, weakness, speech problems, clumsiness, or vision problems.

Vertigo can actually be a sign of a stroke. If you feel a spinning-dizzy sensation that hits suddenly and also experience any other symptoms of stroke at the same time (for instance, weakness especially on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, or trouble speaking, seeing, or walking), you should see a doctor to rule it out. Cho urges a visit to the emergency room where doctors can do a quick check to make sure. Some other neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis) can cause similar symptoms—they may not be as life-threatening, but it’s important to get them diagnosed so you can treat them.

3. You feel dizzy when you stand up.

Orthostatic hypotension—low blood pressure that happens when you stand up—can make you feel faint, but is usually nothing to worry about. The most likely cause is dehydration. “Especially in the summer months, people forget to drink more. You don’t have to be dripping sweat to become dehydrated,” Cho says. If loading up on H2O doesn’t stop these dizzy spells, there are some other disorders that could be causing low blood pressure or poor circulation, leading to dizziness. Cardiovascular disease (arrhythmias or congestive heart failure), and conditions that are most typical in diabetics—such as neuropathy (nerve damage) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)—can all cause this dizzy or lightheaded sensation.

4. You have a history of migraines.

If your dizziness feels like your head is spinning (not the room), it could mean you’re suffering from migraines without knowing it, Cho says. Some people don’t realize their headaches are actually migraines if they don’t also see flashing lights or auras—but those symptoms are not always necessary.

5. You recently hit your head.

Cho says that you can also experience dizzy spells after getting a concussion. If you hit your head and never got it checked out, but sometimes feel like your head gets a little spinny, there’s a chance that bump did more than you thought.

6. You get dizzy during your workouts.

In this case, dehydration is the most likely culprit. It may not seem like a big deal, but if you’re constantly feeling this way during physical activity, focus on hydrating more to see if the problem stops; getting dizzy in the gym or out on a run is a good way to fall and injure yourself. Though not as common, exercise so intense that you’re gasping for air can cause hyperventilation, rapid breathing that causes carbon dioxide levels in the blood to drop, resulting in lightheadedness.

Bottom line: If a dizzy spell is so bad you can’t function, it’s worth seeing a doctor, even if it only happens once. As for those times every now and then that you get dizzy or lightheaded and it goes away? Stop worrying, and take a few slugs from your water bottle instead.

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Kids Week at DuPage HEALTHCARE LTD.

superheroes

What does every Super Hero need?  A healthy spine!

From July 25 – 29, DuPage HEALTHCARE LTD., located at 45 Park Street, Glen Ellyn, IL, is transforming kids into SUPER HEROES by making sure their spines are in SUPER HERO shape.

Dr. Sally Pepping, who is also featured on this month’s edition of SchoolScape,  is offering FREE Exams and FREE Posture Screenings.  If an adjustment is needed, the clinic is providing that as a reduced rate of $15.   Every child will receive a cape and mask in celebration of the discovery of their super power.

Any child who participates also is eligible, after registration, to earn a  Healthy Lombard Flat Apple Raffle ticket.  Another ticket will also be entered in the child’s name if a photo is sent to [email protected] for posting on the Healthy Lombard Selfie Facebook page.

To make an appointment or find out more details, call 630-238-8200 and/or download the attached flyer.

DuPage HEALTHCARE LTD.

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USDA releases new information

healthy snacksRecently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released four final rules on Smart Snacks, local school wellness policies, school meal program reviews, and the Community Eligibility Provision. These rules finalize changes initiated with the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and strengthen the commitment to creating healthier school environments. Read the  full press release from the USDA.

These rules help to make healthy choices the easy choice for schools and students by:

  • aligning snack foods sold in schools with the nutrition standards for school breakfast and lunch;
  • ensuring robust implementation of updated nutrition standards for school meals, snacks, and beverages;
  • providing consistent messaging and marketing about healthy food and beverage choices in schools;
  • fostering a collaborative approach to local school wellness policies to improve access to healthy food and physical activity;
  • expanding access to school meals;
  • maintaining school meal program integrity through accountability and standards; and
  • strengthening efforts of parents, teachers, coaches and school partners to help students reach their potential in a healthy school environment.
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How to Reverse Cavities Naturally

teethDr. Axe, from Food is Medicine,  shared that in addition to brushing and flossing daily, there are several ways you can reverse cavities naturally and maximize your oral health without resorting to taking in fluoride. Here are just a few ways to reverse cavities naturally for you to consider, while also avoiding fluoride:

 

1. Remove Sugar

Probably the worst culprit of them all for anyone who desires healthy, cavity-free teeth, sugar should be avoided like the plague. So kick that sugar addiction stat. Not only does sugar feed oral bacteria that prevents a healthy flow of dental fluids, but it’s highly acidic and can literally decalcify or demineralize the structural content of teeth that create dental decay. (4)

This means staying away from soda, candy and baked goods with sugar. Additionally, use raw honey and maple syrup, and drink juices sparingly, as too much sugar can contribute to cavity formation. Be careful of artificial sweeteners because of their health risks as well. Bottom line: Make stevia your new best friend along with raw honey in moderation!

2. Eliminate Phytic Acid

Phytic acid (phytate) is a mineral blocker and enzyme inhibitor found in grains, nuts, seeds and beans that can cause serious health problems in our diets. The main reason phytic acid has become an issue today is because we have stopped ancient food preparation techniques, such as sprouting or sourdough fermentation, which kills off the phytic acid.

According to research published in the The Lancet, a diet high in phytic acid creates mineral deficiencies and causes osteoporosis. About 80 percent of phosphorus in grains and beans is bound to phytic acid so it’s completely unabsorbable. In addition to blocking phosphorus availability in humans, these molecules bind minerals necessary for oral health, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc — thus causing them to be unavailable for proper utilization. Consuming foods high in phytic acid decreases magnesium absorption by 60 percent and zinc by 20 percent. (5)

Phytic acid not only prevents you from absorbing minerals in your food, but it also leaches minerals out of your body, bones and teeth! (6) Continue reading

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A poor diet can stress your body

stressJoshua Steckler, owner of Push Fitness, a personal training studio located in Schaumburg specializing in weight loss, muscle toning, and nutrition, posted in the Daily Herald on July 18 that perhaps your commute to work, paying all the bills this month, or trying to function on four hours of sleep. We all have a good understanding of what stress feels like and where it comes from, and many of us even practice techniques to manage that stress.

Other types of stress may not be as apparent, or we just don’t recognize the signs. For example, food can act as either an ideal fuel for the body or a poison that should be avoided. When you eat certain foods, they may be causing stress within your body — also known as inflammation.

Inflammation is our body’s response to illness, injury, or stress. Inflammation can actually be beneficial when it’s short-term. Sprain an ankle and it will become inflamed to begin the healing process. But, if inflammation is long-term and systemic, it could lead to many diseases and health problems.

Diseases associated with long-term systemic inflammation include cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases. So it would seem logical to try to minimize or at least control inflammation.

Taking control of systemic inflammation begins with the digestive system.

Changing the types of foods you eat will have a dramatic effect on the health of your digestive tract. Cutting out processed foods, sugary foods, chemical-laden foods, and trans fats is a good place to start.

Adding healthy fats such as fish oil while limiting certain plant oils such as soybean oil may help balance out your Omega 3 to Omega 6 fat ratio. Continue reading

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