More Information on ‘Cardiac Risk Factors’ in Honor of February ‘Heart Month.’

#1- STOP Smoking if you smoke. There are resources to help! (Contact us privately for confidential information on how to stop.)

This winter as people were out in the cold shoveling, I have overheard a number of them say as they were huffing and puffing, – “I wish I had never smoked!” Stopping smoking at any age can help improve your overall health! (www.lung.org)

#2- Control Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (HBP) has sometimes been called “the silent killer.” People typically do not have symptoms when they have HBP and may not be aware that it is damaging arteries, heart and other organs.

Have your physician check your blood pressure. Follow their advice for treatment. If they prescribe medication to treat HBP, take as directed. Do not stop taking your medication unless you discuss with your physician first. If you experience symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness while on the medication, have your blood pressure re-checked and any medication adjustments under the guidance of your physician.

High blood pressure if left untreated can result in:

Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Aortic Dissection and Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Stroke
Peripheral Artery Disease
Vision Loss
Erectile Dysfunction
Angina
Kidney Damage

Contact Your Physician if you have further questions about high blood pressure, other cardiac risk factors and how to stop smoking. (For more information about cardiac risk factors – www.aha.org)

Take Good Care of Your Heart All Year Round! ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

At Dreamtime Wellness™, we offer education and tools for self-care, relaxation and stress management that are helpful for ‘heart health.’ Contact us with any questions – info@dreamtimewellness.com. or www.dreamtimewellness.com.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

February 27, 2015 by Katelyn

Manchester Athletic Club is hosting our 11th Annual Pedal to End Cancer Event!

February 26, 2015 by sleland

Wonderful New Member Special at MAC!

Come visit us at MAC before 2/28!

February 25, 2015 by Joey Ciaramitaro

Local Business Owner Reopens Photoshop Fred Bodin received cancer treatment at Addison Gilbert Hospital

For more than 40 years, photography has been Fred Bodin’s life. The Rockport resident started as a freelancer before getting regular work at local colleges, newspapers and magazines. Eventually he opened his own classic photography shop – Bodin Historic Photo – in downtown Gloucester.

“It’s like having a hobby, but I get paid for it,” said Bodin, who has run his Gloucester shop for nearly two decades.

But for 10 months last year, from January to October, Bodin’s shop was dark. There was no developing films and no interacting with customers. Instead, Bodin was at Addison Gilbert Hospital receiving cancer treatment.

In January 2014, Bodin was unable to walk and was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital. There he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.

“When Fred first came in, he was pretty sick,” said Joanne Gibbs, RN. “Cancer cells can infiltrate other areas of your body, but he was relieved to be treated close to his home.”

“Just the word ‘cancer’ scares the willies out of you,” Bodin said. “I was confused and in disbelief that this could be happening to me.”

But after the initial shock wore off, Bodin found solace turning back to his camera. Lying in his hospital bed, Bodin could still indulge his passion.

“Even though I was limited to what was in my room, I never stopped taking pictures,” Bodin said.

Bodin received chemotherapy and physical therapy through Addison Gilbert and Beverly Hospital as his care team worked to get him back to his passion.

“He has a great love for this town and his community,” Gibbs said. “His photos really capture Cape Ann. He promotes local artists in his windows and I believe Fred makes the most of every day.”

And now, a year after his diagnosis, Bodin has returned to his Gloucester shop, continuing to enjoy his hobby.

“It’s great to be back at work,” Bodin said. “I wanted to come back; I knew I still had the skills.”

To learn more about the Addison Gilbert and Beverly Hospitals’ cancer program, please call 978.283.4000, extension 559.

February 24, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

‘American Heart Month’ – Recognize the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

“Knowledge is Power” ~ Francis Bacon *More on Cholesterol and Heart Health in Upcoming Blog. (The irony of the source of this quote does not escape me)

Continuing to Bring You Health Information during ‘American Heart Month.’

Working as a nurse in intensive care units at Cape Ann’s Addison Gilbert Hospital, University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, and St. Anthony’s in Denver, Colorado, it seemed that the cold winter season, and especially shoveling after snow storms brought increased complaints of chest pain, difficulty breathing, and even heart attack.

Extreme winter weather conditions along with exertion (outdoor exercise, shoveling and snow removal) can lead to heart attack. Those with cardiac risk factors* (*Smoking, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Lack of Exercise, Family History, Genetics, History of Previous Heart Attack or Heart Disease) are at higher risk.

The strain and exertion of shoveling and snow blowing can lead to plaque rupture and cause heart attack.

*See my earlier GMG/Cape Ann Wellness Blog Post for more information on cardiac risk factors, safe shoveling and snow blowing.)

Atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis) is a disease in which plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood) leads to clogged arteries and decreased blood flow. This can happen in any of the major arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other vital organs. Narrowed and blocked arteries in the heart can result in angina (chest pain from lack of oxygen to the heart) and heart attack (where the lack of oxygen results in tissue damage.) Blocked arteries in the neck can result in stroke. (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/…/atherosclerosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.) Knowing the Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke and Prompt Treatment can Save Lives

Know the Symptoms of a Heart Attack and Call 9-1-1 Without Delay! “Time is Muscle!”

The sooner you get treatment, the less potential damage to heart muscle tissue!

(**The emergency services access # may be different in other parts of the country. It’s important to know the phone # to access emergency services where you live.**)

Symptoms of a Heart Attack:

Chest discomfort: pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that does not go away after resting 3 minutes.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Unusual pain in the teeth, throat and little finger have also been reported.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Rapid or irregular heart beat
Other signs: cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, weakness, anxiety, or light-headedness.

Men and women can experience heart attack symptom as chest pan or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Celebrate Women’s Heart Health

Ladies, note that the warning signs for men and women can be different! For more information – http://www.womenheart.org/?page=support_amihaving

Strenuous activity in extreme weather conditions can put you at an increased risk of heart attack. Especially if you have existing cardiac risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, prior history of heart disease or heart attack, etc.)

Check with your doctor to determine your cardiac risk factors and make the necessary changes to decrease your risk of heart disease and heart attack. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Coronary-Artery-Disease—Coronary-Heart-Disease_UCM_436416_Article.jsp

If you have Chest Pain or Pressure that ‘comes and goes’ or is relieved by rest, let your doctor know! You could be experiencing ANGINA, or lack of oxygen to the heart.
If you are taking antacids daily and increasing amounts, this could be heart related; follow-up with your physician.
If you are experiencing increased fatigue, especially with exercise or even walking up a flight of stairs, let your doctor know. This could be an early sign of heart disease and blocked arteries.

When in doubt…CHECK IT OUT! Early intervention can help prevent heart attack and damage to heart tissue and other vital organs.

Here is important information from the NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Information That Could Save a Life! – http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/signs has information on when to call emergency services.

Contact your physician to assess your cardiac risk factors. Contact your physician prior to exercise and exertion, especially in extreme weather conditions. Contact your physician with any of the symptoms mentioned above. Call 9-1-1 when symptoms are severe and/or do not go away with rest. Even if you experience symptoms that go away with rest, follow-up with your physician.

Be Safe, Healthy and Well! ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on Decreasing Cardiac Risk Factors and How to Prevent and Recognize Stroke. If there are health issues you want to hear more about, contact me through the blog, or privately at http://www.dreamtimewellness.com or call 978.283.4258. Thank you for following!

February 19, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Winter Ice Safety Tips

  
This in from the National Weather Service - 
URGENT- WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1258 PM EST THU FEB 19 2015
  
ANOTHER BLAST OF ARCTIC AIR IS ON THE WAY!

Temperatures have been below freezing for a number of weeks, but CAUTION 
is still needed when considering going out onto ponds and rivers for ice 
skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling or walking on the ice. 

TAKE PRECAUTIONS! Here is a link for some 'ice safety' tips -   
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/ice-safety.html.

When walking on icy sidewalks and driveways, ‘walk with grace and ease.’ When walking around buildings, be mindful of potential falling ice and snow! Here are ‘safe walking’ tips from Mayo Clinic – The frozen harbors and rivers may look beautiful and inviting, but avoid walking on them! Teenagers in New Jersey had to be rescued when they ventured onto the icy harbor!! Don’t let that happen to you! Be Safe, Stay Warm and Take Precautions During Extreme Winter Weather. There’s an end in sight! Only 30 more days until spring! ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Annisquam River Freezes Over – Not Safe to Walk on. Take only photos, leave no footprints behind! Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

February 16, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Safe Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Tips

The birds are singing a joyful song today! Gloucester and Cape Ann are buried under a blanket of snow, but also lucky!

Neptune has blown through and with less snow and wind than originally predicted, the snow is light, and today we have sunshine and blue sky.

As many people begin to venture outside and begin to unbury homes and cars, be careful out there! With high snow banks and limited side walks, visibility is limited. If you have to get out, drive slow! Walk safe and wear bright colors. Hopefully, it will be ‘business as usual’ soon. In the meantime, stay safe and warm!

Extra precautions are needed during extreme temperatures.With subzero temperatures and severe wind chill, there is added risk for frost bite and heart attack.

People with heart, lung and other illnesses should ask their physician for advice and recommendations before shoveling or snow blowing.

Avoid Heart Attack and Injury

Here are some tips from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Shoveling-Snow-Health-Hazards_UCM_426562_Article.jsp

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00060

People at Increased Risk

Have had prior heart attack
Have heart or lung disease
Have cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use
Haven’t been exercising

Ask for Help if You Are at Increased Risk

Whenever possible, seek the help of family, friends, neighbors or professional snow removal companies! Check on elderly and ill neighbors to be sure they are safe.

If you do venture outside –

Dress appropriately; cover skin
Limit your time outdoors
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Drink appropriate amounts of water to stay hydrated
Wait at least 90 minutes after eating before exerting yourself

Be Safe! When shoveling/snow blowing or exerting yourself outdoors follow the advice of your physician, physical therapist or chiropractor and check out safety tips (above links) from the American Heart Association and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Remember – Patience, Kindness, and Neighborhood Support Go a Long Way in Times Like These. We’re All in This Together. ~ Karen Pischke BSN, RN

February 14, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrating Valentines’s Day and Heart Month

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Loving Others Begins With Loving Your Self. Self-Love Begins with Self-Care.”

February is ‘Heart Month’ and Valentine’s Day is a great time to remind everyone to take good care of themselves. This month Dreamtime Wellness™ is focused on ‘Heart Health’ because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. (http://www.cdc.gov)

YOU CAN Control Some of the Risk Factors, Such as –

High Blood Pressure; when uncontrolled is the #1 Cause for Heart Disease
- THE GOOD NEWS- You can better control blood pressure through diet, exercise, healthy weight, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Tobacco Use; Smokers are at 2-4 x the Risk for Developing Heart Disease (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Within minutes of stopping smoking you experience health benefits! Contact us with advice on how to stop.

High Cholesterol – levels are affected by affected by age, gender, heredity and diet. Recent news reports remind us that a diet high in saturated and trans fats that raises the unhealthy LDL cholesterol. (Good News for our local fishermen and lobstermen!)
- THE GOOD NEWS – You can help control your cholesterol levels through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding saturated and trans fats.

Obesity – People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – By losing even 10% from your current weight, you can lower your risk of heart disease.

Inactivity – Studies show that 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every week will reduce your risk of heart disease by about 30%.(www.world-heart-federation.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Regular, moderate physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.
- THE GOOD NEWS – The risks are lessened through healthy diet, healthy weight, exercise, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribe by your doctor.

Notice, ALL of these risk factors helped through EXERCISE! On Cape Ann there are plenty of places to enjoy indoor and outdoor activity. We’ll be sharing more health tips on GMG in the coming days, weeks, and months. And local CSA’s help provide ‘farm to table’ fresh food. The Farmer’s Markets and http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm are great resources for local healthy food.