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Social Media and Health: The Good, the Bad, and the Future

by WellbeingWellness

For many people, focusing on and filtering information can be a challenge. Gutenberg opened the information floodgates first with the invention of the printing press.1 Similarly, all the devices and channels now used to access that information, with social media playing a starring role, made information more available—and removed social restrictions on who publishes new content.2

So, why would having more access to information be a problem? As career coach Penelope Jones observes, “If the majority of our inbox is overly full of things that are not important, not relevant and often not interesting, it can be easy to miss the things that are genuinely important or interesting, or to see something, get distracted and then mentally move on.”3

As more and more information is published more frequently and in new, more invasive ways, attention spans diminish.4 Then, there’s the dilemma of whether sources and their information are credible. The irony of this is, though researchers warn of social media’s potential ill effects on health, it’s also one of the newest vehicles healthcare professionals can use to connect with their patients.5,6

Side Effects of Social Media: Pros and Cons

The average person spends nearly two and a half hours a day on social media.7 But research suggests that level of use isn’t healthy for everyone.

A 2021 study conducted by Brigham Young University (BYU) found that teenage girls who were logged in for 2-3 hours a day were more at risk for the negative influence of extended social media use. “Research shows that girls and women in general are very relationally attuned and sensitive to interpersonal stressors, and social media is all about relationships,” said BYU professor and study author Sarah Coyne. “At 13, girls are just starting to be ready to handle the darker underbelly of social media, such as FOMO (fear of missing out), constant comparisons and cyberbullying. A 13-year-old is probably not developmentally ready for three hours of social media a day.”8

But social media is not necessarily a bad thing. It can also be used to satisfy unmet needs for people. Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, research scientist in the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said “We know that having a strong social network is associated with positive mental health and well-being. Routine social media use may compensate for diminishing face-to-face social interactions in people’s busy lives. Social media may provide individuals with a platform that overcomes barriers of distance and time, allowing them to connect and reconnect with others and thereby expand and strengthen their in-person networks and interactions.”9

Social media does have some proven benefits for mental health.

  1. Fosters community and togetherness, giving even those who live alone more potential connections10
  2. Allows users to keep in touch with friends and family members from great distances11
  3. Makes it easy to share knowledge and information12

However, the reverse is also true for some who use social media.

  1. Decreases number and quality of in-person interactions13
  2. Encourages dependency on devices, which can cause anxiety for those trying to keep up with notifications and alerts9
  3. Causes depression and anxiety in younger users9

As with anything in life, moderation and balance are key. Social media has become such an ingrained part of our existence that it isn’t realistic or necessarily beneficial to cut it out completely. The 2020 study “Social Media and Mental Health: Benefits, Risks, and Opportunities for Research and Practice” explains “Being aware of [social media] risks is an essential first step, before then recognizing that use of these popular platforms could contribute to some benefits like finding meaningful interactions with others, engaging with peer support networks, and accessing information and services.”14 One potential positive use would allow patients to connect with their healthcare providers on these platforms.

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Self(ie) Help

There are a few steps you can take to help yourself navigate social media in your personal life with less stress.15

  1. Turn down the notification noise.
    “You don’t need to see everyone’s opinion on every single issue,” writes researcher Renee Goyneche. “Use your filters and lists liberally and turn off notifications so that you’re not tempted to respond to every post or comment.”
  2. Introduce a level of purpose.
    Focus on who and what you follow on social media feeds. Eliminate the things that increase your anxiety. “We often default to surfing the internet out of habit rather than for an actual purpose, and wind up falling down the rabbit hole, reading article after article that doesn’t really address any specific need for information,” Goyneche says.
  3. Take a step back.
    Find an activity that removes you from the temptation of social media access. “Take a walk or get a coffee. Grab a book and read over your midday meal instead of playing on your phone,” says Goyneche. “Go to the gym. Pick up a paintbrush. Any activity that engages your mind and body in a different way helps to break the overload cycle.”

The Social Media and Healthcare Connection

Some health professionals are beginning to use social media and other new technologies to meet the general populace where they are and bring healthcare to them.

“In recognizing that many individuals living with mental illness use social media to search for information about their mental health, it is possible that they may also want to ask their clinicians about what they find online to check if the information is reliable and trustworthy,” the previously mentioned ‘Social Media and Mental Health’ study states. “Therefore, mental health clinicians may be ideally positioned to talk with their patients about using social media and offer recommendations to promote safe use of these sites while also respecting their patients’ autonomy and personal motivations for using these popular platforms.”14

Here are just a few of the ways healthcare professionals are using social media and other new technologies to connect with patients.

Using the Internet as the world’s largest medical library. The wealth of information online, and the ease with which it’s updated, means doctors can stay up to date on the latest research, technology, and treatments.16

Encouraging accountability between patients and providers. Reviews are ubiquitous on social media, and doctors work with the knowledge that any patient can publish their experience in a matter of minutes. Eighty-seven percent of consumers read online reviews for local businesses.17

Producing apps so patients can track progress toward health goals. Around 42% of U.S. consumers use health and fitness apps. These apps can help encourage patients to achieve their goals or track progress between doctor’s appointments. Approximately half of app users share their data with their physician.18

Creating accurate, credible resources. Because anyone can publish information online, some healthcare providers feel a responsibility to provide their patients with content they can trust—and to share that content on social media.19 Many doctors are becoming social media influencers and amassing an online following.20,21

Scheduling appointments and following up with patients. When patients can use social media to request appointments, and doctors choose this channel for follow-up conversations, agile response time is a big benefit.

Social media may just be a powerfully effective way for providers and patients to communicate, and to combat misinformation. “Doctors may be able to help to mitigate the medical misinformation mess by curating and disseminating evidence-based content to the general public via social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook,” states Dr. Samuel P Trethewey.22

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Watsu

What is watsu? 13 surprising health benefits of aquatic therapy

by WellbeingWellness

What is watsu, and what can it do for you?

Ever felt the discomfort of tight muscles, aching joints, or tension from stress in your life? Chances are pretty good you’ve looked for ways to find relief.

You know…

  • Deep breathing
  • Exercise
  • Meditation
  • Massage
  • And sometimes even medication

But there’s at least one more way to beat stress and tension: watsu.

  • Watsu is a combination of massage and aquatic therapy created by practitioner Harold Dull.1 When Dull began using shiatsu (a kind of Japanese massage therapy) in water, he called it “watsu.”

What does watsu therapy look like? 

Imagine a massage therapy session in water. That’s essentially watsu (water + shiatsu therapy).

Here’s how it works:1

  • A patient and practitioner enter a pool of chest-deep water heated to about 95 degrees.
  • The patient floats in the water in a supine position, while the practitioner moves the patient around using gentle circular movements.
  • Stretching and massage therapy is also applied to joints, muscles, and tissue during a watsu session.

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Watsu therapy to treat chronic pain & other health conditions

Watsu has been widely used as a homeopathic way to treat chronic pain and boost relaxation, but watsu is being used to treat other health conditions, like:

  • Sleep disorders. Researchers found that a combination of watsu therapy and physical therapy may help improve sleep quality and duration for people living with Parkinson’s disease.2
  • Cerebral palsy. Research shows that watsu therapy may help children with cerebral palsy improve head control and movement functions more than traditional physical therapy.3
  • Lower back pain. Watsu therapy is frequently used to treat and reduce lower back pain in pregnant women and those with chronic lower back pain.1
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder. Researchers found that regular aquatic therapy for children with autism may help improve communication, social skills, and physical coordination.4
  • Osteoarthritis. One study found that aquatic therapy may help reduce joint pain and improve mobility associated with osteoarthritis.5 

Research shows watsu may also help in other ways, like:6 

  1. Reduce neck, back and muscle pain
  2. Reduce inflammation
  3. Relax muscles
  4. Increase blood circulation
  5. Promote recovery
  6. Improve flexibility
  7. Reduce anxiety
  8. Lower stress
  9. Reduce joint pain
  10. Improve mobility
  11. Reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis
  12. Treat mood disorders such as anxiety or PTSD
  13. Aid in recovery from a spinal cord or brain injury due to trauma, stroke, or degenerative disease

Who provides watsu therapy?

In most cases, watsu is performed by private health practitioners who specialize in alternative and naturopathic therapies.

Watsu therapy is typically performed at a health spa or naturopathic clinic in a heated pool. Watsu may also be performed in a private heated pool or hot tub by a trained professional.

While watsu may not always be covered by insurance, you may be able to use health savings account funds to pay for watsu therapy with a letter of medical necessity from your doctor.7

You can find watsu professionals through the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association.

People should not take part in watsu if any of the following apply.8

  • Contact a medical professional if you have reason to believe that time spent floating in warm water presents a health concern.
  • People who currently exhibit a fever or temperature instability should not participate in Watsu.
  • If your eardrum is perforated, do not take part in Watsu without a medically approved earplug.
  • You’ll need a doctor’s permission, and likely some extra safety measures, if you have spinal cord injury, are neurologically compromised, or experience epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
  • If you’re sensitive to chemicals used in pools, such as chlorine or bromine, Watsu may not be for you.
  • Heart conditions, such as blood clots, cardiac failure, or unstable angina, mean you shouldn’t practice Watsu.
  • People with active skin infections, or who are prone to developing skin infections, shouldn’t participate in Watsu sessions.
  • If you have uncontrolled diabetes or kidney issues, you shouldn’t practice Watsu until your condition is stable.

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5 ways to treat sleep problems as you age

by WellbeingWellness

Antares Insurance Solutions helps you figure out why you’re not getting enough shut-eye — and what you can do about it.

Healthy sleep is important at any age. But as you get older, it may feel more challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep. You may even find that you’re drowsy during the day.

However, sleep problems aren’t something that always happen to a person as they age. The issue may have to do with prescription drugs you’re taking or even be a sign of something more serious. But there are things you and your health care provider can do to improve your sleep.

Here are 5 strategies to help you get a better night’s rest.

You can help pay for the care you need to get better sleep with a health plan. Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113 to discuss available plans, or browse your options online today.

1. Pay attention to snoring

Or rather, ask your spouse or someone else to watch you while you’re sleeping. If you’re snoring and gasping for air as you sleep, you may have a health condition called sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles of your upper airway relax too much during sleep, making it harder to breathe.

“As you age, the degree to which your muscles relax changes, including when you sleep,” says Joshua Lennon, M.D. He’s the facility director for the Neurology Clinic Sleep Center in Memphis, Tennessee. (He’s also an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.) So, that’s why you see more people getting sleep apnea as they get older, he adds.

Doctors typically treat the condition by having you wear a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine while you’re sleeping. A CPAP machine prevents your airway from closing by providing continuous pressurized air through tubing that connects to the mask.

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2. Consider insomnia therapy

Often, treatments for sleep problems don’t involve prescription drugs. For example, if you have insomnia, which becomes more common as you age, your doctor may recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

“CBT-I is the go-to [treatment] for sleep difficulties,” says Dr. Lennon. It’s a short, structured, evidence-based approach to dealing with insomnia. It focuses on identifying and addressing thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are contributing to the symptoms of insomnia. In addition to the ones listed above, symptoms can also include waking up too early.

“CBT-I is highly effective in older adults,” says Kelly Glazer Baron, Ph.D. She’s a professor, clinical psychologist and the director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine program at University of Utah Health. “It involves usually 4 to 6 sessions, meeting with a therapist individually or in a group. There are also online versions and workbooks that walk people through it.”

If you want to try any of these treatments, find a health plan with mental health coverage. Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113 to discuss available plans, or browse your options online today.

3. Review which prescription drugs you’re taking

If you’re having sleep problems, review your list of medications with your doctor or pharmacist. “Medications very commonly could impact sleep in one way or the other, either by affecting your alertness during the daytime or by directly impacting the brain’s ability to achieve one or more different stages of sleep across the night,” says Dr. Lennon. Ask your doctor if your sleep issues could be a side effect of a medication.

“Many common medications, such as those used to control blood pressure, for example, are known to cause sleep disruption,” says Baron. If a medicine is affecting your sleep, your doctor may be able to make an adjustment to your prescription that can improve your sleep.

4. Get more exercise to help with sleep problems

How active you are during the day impacts your sleep at night. The less active you are during the daytime, the more active and restless your sleep will be at night. The opposite is true, too: The more physically active you are during the day, the less active and more restful your sleep will be at night, Dr. Lennon says.

As a result, if you stop exercising or being as physically active when you retire, it can be bad for your sleep. “There’s a tremendous amount of data that people who are more active have better sleep at night, so physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your sleep,” Baron says. This puts an even greater emphasis, she notes, on activities like:

  • Walking
  • Gardening
  • Light activity such as gentle yoga or tai chi

To improve the quality of your sleep, Dr. Lennon advises trying to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. That’s what is recommended for by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (It can be broken down into 30-minute chunks of exercise, 5 days a week.)

If you’re not able to do that much exercise, keep in mind that any amount of physical activity is better than none. For example, one of the goals for older adults in the guidelines is to sit less and move more. But before you start any new exercise regimen, be sure to talk to your doctor.

5. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time daily

A person’s inner clock runs on roughly a 24-hour cycle, which is known as your circadian rhythm. Going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time consistently helps you stay in sync with that rhythm, which also helps support healthy sleep, explains Dr. Lennon. That means maintaining the same sleep-wake schedule on the weekends as on weekdays.

“Staying in a good rhythm and routine is really critical,” agrees Baron, who ranks establishing a consistent wake-sleep schedule as her top piece of advice for healthy sleep.

When figuring out what your ideal sleep schedule is, keep this in mind:

  • You need the same recommended amount of sleep as other adults — 7 to 9 hours each night.
  • Your circadian rhythm is sensitive to light, especially sunlight, which affects your sleep. Dr. Lennon recommends bright light upon waking and for most of the day, then reducing light exposure at night. “Optimal timing for sleep is to wake up sometime between about 5 and 7 a.m., right around or just before sunrise, and to go to sleep sometime between about 9 and 11 p.m.,” he says.
  • Only spend time in bed when you’re sleeping, so that you only associate your bed with sleeping, Baron says. In contrast, activities like watching TV, texting or staying in bed when you can’t sleep can create an association with being awake or stressed in bed. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, get out of bed and engage in a quiet activity such as reading until you feel drowsy enough to fall asleep.

Any additional questions about plans? Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113 to discuss available plans, or browse your options online today.   

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Can smoking cause chest pain?

by WellbeingWellness

If you’re a smoker, it’s important to know how it affects your body. Here’s what to know.  

If you smoke, you increase your risk of disease, plain and simple. That includes heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and even certain eye diseases. In some cases, smoking can also cause chest pain.

Chest pain from smoking usually doesn’t come directly from your lungs. “Your lungs don’t have any pain fibers in them,” says Neil Schachter, M.D. He’s a lung specialist at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “When somebody tells you their lungs hurt, it’s usually something else.”

For instance, it might be inflammation in the membrane that separates your lungs from your inner chest wall. And cigarette smoking, along with other facts, may provide clues to the underlying causes of this condition.

So, here’s a closer look at how cigarettes may cause chest pain — plus what to do about it.

Looking for an insurance plan? Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113 to discuss what’s available, or browse your options online today.

Why a smoker might experience chest pain

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. If you don’t know what that “something” is, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

If you’re a smoker, the discomfort you feel could be one of the following.

Strained chest muscles
If you smoke, you’re probably familiar with the classic “smoker’s cough,” which is due to irritation and inflammation in your airways.

“Sometimes, if you cough, you can move your chest muscles so violently that you strain them,” says Dr. Schachter. “If you’re older, you may also have started to develop arthritis, or inflammation of your chest cartilage, which can cause pain.”

Heart disease
Heart disease causes 1 in 5 smoking-related deaths, according to the American Heart Association.

This is because cigarettes increase the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. (Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol deposits.) When that happens, it can cause chest pain. It also raises the risk that you’ll have an actual heart attack.

If you have pain in the center or left side of your chest, it could be a symptom of a heart attack. You’ll want to call 911 right away — or have someone take you to the emergency room.

Blood clots
Nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of arteries and hardens arterial walls, increasing the likelihood that blood clots will form. (Nicotine is the highly addictive substance found in tobacco products.) When one of these clots occurs in your lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism. It can cause chest pain that worsens when you breathe in.

Asthma
Cigarette smoke is a known trigger for asthma, which can lead to wheezing, breathlessness, coughing and chest tightness.

Pneumonia
Smoking does not directly cause pneumonia. But if you smoke, your pneumonia risk increases. The hallmark symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain while coughing or breathing.

If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy, call (818) 8057113 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Or you can browse your options online.

Not sure which plan is best for you?

Speak to a licensed insurance agent

Call (818) 8057113

How to get rid of chest pain from smoking

The best way to get rid of chest pain from smoking is to quit smoking. The CDC and Smokefree.gov reports that when you quit smoking:

  • The nicotine level in your blood drops to zero in 24 hours.
  • The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops within a few days.
  • Your risk of a heart attack drops dramatically in 1 to 2 years.

One of the first things that start to regrow and function normally are the tiny hairlike structures in your lungs called cilia. This helps move mucus out of your lungs and reduces the risk of infection. As the months go by, you should experience decreased coughing and shortness of breath.

After 15 years without smoking, your risk of heart disease is close to that of a nonsmoker.

Of course, quitting can be difficult. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your provider may be able to assist you. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that people who combine behavioral treatments and medications have higher success rates than those who don’t.

Behavioral treatments include therapy, meditation and smoking-cessation telephone hotlines. And the common medications include:

  • Over-the-counter nicotine replacement products such as skin patches, gum, lozenges, and prescription inhalers and nasal sprays.
  • Varenicline (Chantix), a prescription medication that works in your brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin), an antidepressant that is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help with quitting smoking.

Remember, if there’s a chance your chest pain may be a heart attack, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. And whether you’re experiencing an emergency or not, you should make a plan to stop smoking.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for a new health plan, let us help. You can speak with a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113, or you can browse your options online today.

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Asthma vs. COPD: How can you tell the difference?

by WellbeingWellness

Have you found that you’re short of breath more often than normal? Maybe when doing simple things such climbing the stairs or walking from your car to the supermarket?

You might have one of 2 common lung conditions: asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They’re both conditions that affect how well your lungs function (more on each below).

Specifically, you might be asking yourself, “What causes asthma and COPD? And what are the symptoms I should know about?”

While asthma and COPD have a lot in common, there are some important differences, says Neil Schachter, M.D. He’s a lung specialist at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Here’s what to know.

Get coverage for the care you need with the right health insurance plan. Call a licensed insurance agent at (833) 340-1222, or compare plans online today.

What are asthma and COPD, exactly?

Both asthma and COPD are chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the lungs.

Asthma is slightly more common than COPD. Nearly 8% of Americans have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can develop it at any age, but it most often starts in childhood.

One telltale sign of asthma is that it’s often triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites, says Dr. Schacter. Additional triggers include:

  • Cold air
  • Emotional stress
  • Exercise
  • Mold
  • Pet dander (dead skin cells)
  • Viral infections

As a result, people with asthma may notice that their breathing is more difficult during certain activities or at certain times of year.

COPD, on the other hand, is a broad term for a group of conditions that damage your airways. It affects roughly 6% of Americans, according to the CDC.

The 2 main types of COPD are:

  • Emphysema, where there’s damage to the walls between the air sacs in your lungs
  • Chronic bronchitis, where there’s constant airway irritation and inflammation

Unlike asthma, which often comes on quickly due to triggers, COPD symptoms start mild and progress over time.

“The typical COPD patient is someone over the age of 50 who begins to experience shortness of breath that worsens slowly,” explains Dr. Schachter. “Asthmatics, on the other hand, have symptoms that get dramatically worse frequently and are usually related to triggers like allergies. Their symptoms frequently (but not always) begin at an early age.”

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What are the symptoms of asthma and COPD?

The symptoms of asthma and COPD are very easy to confuse. Both asthma and COPD cause shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightening and wheezing. But there are a few specific signs to look for:

  • A daily morning cough that produces phlegm is more common with COPD. This is likely to indicate chronic bronchitis.
  • Wheezing and chest tightness that worsen at night are more common with asthma.
  • People with allergies such as hay fever or eczema (a skin rash) are more likely to have asthma.

If your doctor thinks you have asthma or COPD, they’ll likely give you a lung-function test known as spirometry. This measures how much air your lungs can physically breathe out after a deep breath and how fast that air can be exhaled. This test is repeated several times in order to select your best effort.

After the first test, you maybe be given a bronchodilator, which is an inhaled medication that relaxes the muscles in your airways. Then you’ll test again. “People with COPD tend to be less responsive to the bronchodilator than people who have asthma,” says Dr. Schachter. Other lung function testing may also be done to characterize your illness.

In addition to these tests, your doctor will also take a thorough medical history. This frequently involves questioning whether your symptoms worsen with specific triggers, whether there is a family history of lung disease, whether you smoke (or have smoked) cigarettes, and what occupational or environmental exposures you have had. All of this will help your doctor make a diagnosis.

In some cases, people have features of both conditions. “About a quarter of COPD patients also have features of asthma,” says Dr. Schachter. “This is sometimes referred to as asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. These tend to be people who have a history of both smoking and allergies.”

Having health insurance can help you pay for treatment for chronic conditions. Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113, or compare plans online today.

How are asthma and COPD treated?

Doctors often use the same drugs to treat both conditions, but “the way they are applied is often very different,” says Dr. Schachter. The 2 main types of medication are:

  • Bronchodilators. These relax the muscles around your airways, opening them up to make breathing easier. Short-acting bronchodilators last about 4 to 6 hours, and long-acting ones last for up to 24 hours.
    “Both groups of patients respond well to bronchodilators,” says Dr. Schachter. “But COPD patients tend to respond best to certain types, like long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) or long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) or a combination of both. Short-acting bronchodilators are often used as rescue medications when symptoms suddenly increase.
  • Steroids. These are medications that reduce airway inflammation. “For people with asthma, inhaled steroids are usually the bedrock of treatment, and then we add on a bronchodilator if their symptoms aren’t well controlled or get worse,” says Dr. Schachter. “On the other hand, we tend to reserve steroids for severe cases of COPD,” he adds — or for asthma-COPD overlap or in the case of COPD exacerbations, where they are usually given in pill or injected form.

There are also other treatments your doctor may recommend to help you treat your COPD. These include:

  • Pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a supervised program where you’ll learn breathing techniques and exercises to help keep your lungs strong.
  • Oxygen therapy. This is a treatment that delivers oxygen for you to breathe. You usually get it from tubes that rest in your nose, a face mask, or a tube placed in your trachea (windpipe).
  • Surgery. Traditionally, this has been reserved for patients with very severe COPD, but it’s being used more frequently. It includes lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation, as well as valve surgery, where valves are placed in your airways to help you breathe better.
    More recently, airway valves have been used, which involves placing small valves in the airways with a bronchoscope to help improve your lung function so that you can breathe better. “Some people have localized, overexpanded areas in their lungs from COPD damage, and the one-way valves help to deflate these overinflated areas,” says Dr. Schachter.

How do you manage asthma and COPD?

If necessary, your doctor will work with you to pinpoint triggers and figure out a plan to avoid them. You’ll also receive the appropriate medication and counseling on lung health.

With both asthma and COPD, you may become more vulnerable to lung infections. So, you’ll want to stay up to date with yearly flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.

If you smoke, it’s critical that you quit. You’ll also want to avoid secondhand smoke. While smoking itself doesn’t cause asthma, it can make symptoms worse. And smoking does cause — and can intensify — symptoms of COPD. If you need help quitting, reach out to your doctor or visit smokefree.gov.

Get coverage for the care you may need with the right health insurance plan. Call a licensed insurance agent at (818) 8057113, or compare plans online today.

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Summer-Heat

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion: Hot-weather tips to stay safe

by WellbeingWellness

Warm-summer days, lots of sun, and outdoor activities can be fun. But when the temperature rises, so do cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

A day at the beach, working outside, or confined indoors without a fan or air conditioning on a hot day could be dangerous.

  • An estimated 9,200 people a year are hospitalized for heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and another 67,500 are treated in emergency room departments.1
  • About 702 deaths per year are caused by heat-related illnesses.1

Ever experienced heat stroke and heat exhaustion, or know someone who has?

In the beginning, it might not seem like a big deal. But what happens when “just cool off,” “drink some water,” or “sit in the shade,” isn’t enough or too little too late?

That carefree summer day could change in an instant, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Why? Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are largely preventable.

In this article, you will learn:

  • How to spot the warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
  • The difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
  • Tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.
  • How to treat heat stroke and heat exhaustion. (Sometimes it’s a health problem that starts suddenly and needs care right away.)

Ready to enjoy summer with a little extra info about how to prevent and treat heat-related illnesses to stay safe?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is heat exhaustion?2

Heat exhaustion occurs when you’re exposed to high temperatures. The first sign is usually excessive sweating, then salt and water levels drop dangerously low. Without a way to cool off, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Not sure which plan is best for you?

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Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion

Playing sports or working outside on a hot day? Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and those around you.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

  • Cramping
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Heavy sweating
  • Pale or cold skin
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Elevated body temperature

5 tips to treat heat exhaustion

Taking action to treat heat exhaustion as soon as possible is important. Why? Symptoms could get worse and lead to heat stroke. Don’t let that happen.

Follow these five tips to treat heat exhaustion:3

1. Get out of the heat 

  • If you suspect heat exhaustion, get out of the heat. An air-conditioned area is ideal. A fan can help. If those aren’t at hand, look for a shady spot under a tree or next to a building.

2. Remove any needless clothing…

  • Such as shoes, socks, hats or extra layers.

3. Try to lower body temperature

  • Use a fan. Douse the face and head with cool water from a hose or water bottles. Use a cool compress, or take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

4. Hydrate

  • Drink water, sports drinks, or other fluids, the colder, the better. Stay away from alcohol or caffeine.

5. Seek medical attention

  • If symptoms get worse or don’t improve, seek medical attention.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke comes in two forms.4

  • Classical heat stroke. You’re in hot weather. Your body temperature keeps rising. You’re sweating a lot, but it’s still not enough to lower your body temperature.
  • Exertional heat stroke. It’s similar to classical heat stroke. But it’s triggered by exercise or strenuous physical activity in hot weather. Research shows this type of heat stroke most commonly affects student athletes during hot-weather. It’s also among the top three causes of athlete deaths.5

Sweating is a natural response your body uses to regulate body temperature. But in hot conditions, sweating may not be enough, and it could lead to heat stroke.

The danger zone

When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 104°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or disability if emergency care is not given.6

Know the warning signs of heat stroke

How can you tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

  • Their symptoms can overlap.
  • While heat exhaustion typically occurs before a heat stroke, heat stroke can also happen without warning.

Signs of heatstroke include:6

  • Body temperature of 104°F or higher
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or changes in behavior
  • Racing heart rate
  • Rapid breathing
  • Drop in sweat production
  • Flushed skin
  • Headache

Act fast: heat stroke is a medical emergency

With heat exhaustion, you’ve got time on your side to cool off with a fan, air conditioning, ice, cold water and shade.

  • Heat stroke is a medical emergency. You need to act fast to prevent damage to the body and brain and even death.6

Follow these steps to treat heat stroke:7

  • Call 911 for emergency medical care as soon as possible.
  • Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive.
  • Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
  • Cool the person as soon as possible with cold water or ice bath if possible. You could also wet the skin, place cold wet cloths on the skin or soak clothing in cool water.
  • Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling.
  • Place cold wet cloths or ice on head, neck, armpits and groin. Or soak the clothing with cool water.

Note: In extreme cases:8

  • Watch for signs of vomiting to prevent choking.
  • If the person has a seizure, help move them lower to the ground and clear the area to avoid injuries.
  • If the person stops breathing, begin Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).9

5 tests for heat-related illnesses

Visual signs are the most common method used to identify heat stroke and heat exhaustion. But there are tests a doctor may recommend to confirm a diagnosis or measure potential organ damage caused by heat stroke. These include:10

  1. Rectal temperature. It’s the most accurate way to measure core body temperature.
  2. Blood test. A blood test can show low levels of sodium or potassium and other biomarkers of damage to the body.
  3. Urine test. It’s an effective way to measure kidney function, which can be affected by heat-related illnesses.
  4. Muscle function tests. These tests check for muscle function and tissue damage caused by heat stroke.
  5. X-rays and imaging tests.  These tests can check the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and brain for damage caused by heat stroke.

Risk factors for heat stroke & heat exhaustion

Watch out for hot weather to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion. That makes sense, right? Here are a few more things to know that could raise your chance for heat-related illnesses:11

  • A heat index of 91°F or higher means you should take precautions to stay cool.12 The heat index is a measure of humidity and temperature. When both are high, so are the risks for heat-related illnesses.
  • Sudden heat waves or traveling to a warmer area than you’re used to will raise the chance of heat-related illness.
  • People over the age of 65 and children under 4 have a higher chance of suffering heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
  • Medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, beta blockers, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics may inhibit your body’s ability to stay hydrated and regulate its temperature.
  • Certain illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can raise the body’s core temperature.
  • Alcohol consumption can add to dehydration and temperature regulation problems.
  • Engaging in strenuous activity when it’s hot outside is a major risk factor.
  • Wearing too much clothing, or tight-fitting clothing, can inhibit sweat evaporation and body temperature regulation.

How to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are largely preventable. Want to enjoy a cooler, carefree summer?

Here are some things to keep in mind during hot weather:13

  • Pay attention to the weather. On hot days, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day. Stay inside where it’s cooler with the help of air conditioning or a fan. If you’re outside, stay in the shade as much as you can.
  • Limit strenuous activity when it’s hot. If you can’t, take plenty of breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Drink extra fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol or other recreational drugs that can inhibit body temperature regulation.
  • Talk to your doctor about medications if you take them. Ask specifically whether hot weather will affect you.
  • Wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun. Sunburn can make it difficult for your body to cool down when it needs to.
  • Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when spending time in the heat.
  • If there is a sudden spike in temperature or you travel to a warmer climate, let your body get acclimated to the heat before spending too much time in it.

If you keep these things in mind, you can enjoy hot-summer days, lots of sun, and outdoor activities, and do it safely.

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