National Family Caregivers Month – Take Time for You
November is a time to support and honor our nation’s caregivers as part of National Family Caregivers Month. These special individuals devote their lives to providing empathetic care for their family members or friends who are elderly, ill, or disabled. The demands of caregiving can be challenging, overwhelming, and tiresome. It can also be rewarding and fulfilling. Caregivers often give so much of themselves to those they care for, that they are often too tired to care for themselves.
Common family caregiver experiences may include:
- Tiredness – Most individuals caring for a loved one also work outside of the home in addition to their caregiving responsibilities.
- Depression – The demands of jugging multiple responsibilities or seeing your loved one age or change due to illness or disability can be upsetting. There is no shame in feeling upset or overwhelmed.
- Diminished relationships – Caregiving is not a 9-5 job. A loved one may need care around the clock. The emotional, physical, and time demands of care giving may interfere with other relationships.
- Lack of self care – Caregivers often neglect their own self-care in order to provide for their loved one. This can include not attending medical appointments and not participating in leisure activities.
Caregivers care for their loved ones due to a sense of responsibility, a cultural norm, self-fulfillment, and love. We honor those who provide and recognize the increased difficulty of caregiving, especially since the Covid pandemic.
If you are a family caregiver, here are some useful tips:
- Seek support from other caregivers: If you have others that are willing to help try to be open to splitting responsibilities. You do not have to do this alone. Also be sure to check out Family Caregiver Support Groups.
- Increase your own self-care: Make your own mental and physical health a priority and reach out to your physician or mental health counselor if needed.
- Take a break when you can: Whether it’s a quick nap, sleeping in, or doing something that is relaxing, be sure to take time for yourself.
- Give yourself credit: You are doing one of the toughest jobs out there. Don’t forget to acknowledge something that went well for you each day and look to that when you need a pick-me-up.
Join us in acknowledging families who are often caregiving for loved ones all day, every day. That means around-the-clock dedication, organization, responsibility, scheduling, and hands-on care. Family caregivers do tremendous work for their family member, neighbor or friend and they deserve support and appreciation. Our team of mental health providers can offer some helpful tools to help. Call 480-882-4545 to schedule an appointment with a NOAH provider.
Sources
- National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. Caregiving in the US 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.caregiving.org/research/caregiving-in-the-us/caregiving-in-the-us-2020/
- AARP. Valuing the Invaluable 2019 Update: Charting a Path Forward. AARP Public Policy Institute. Nov. 14, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2015/valuing-the-invaluable-2015-update.html
Changing the Face of Men’s Health This Movember
Every November, a global phenomenon known as “Movember” takes place, transforming the faces of men around the world. While it might look like a fun excuse for men to grow facial hair, it carries a much more significant message. Movember is a movement that aims to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
Origins of Movember
The concept of Movember began in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003 when a group of friends decided to grow mustaches for a good cause. The idea was simple: men would start clean-shaven on the first day of November and grow a mustache for the entire month, using their facial hair as a conversation starter to raise awareness about men’s health issues.
Over the years, the Movember movement expanded worldwide. What initially started as a small initiative, soon gained international recognition, attracting millions of participants, or “Mo Bros,” and “Mo Sistas” who support the cause.
Raising Awareness for Men’s Health
Movember serves as a tool to spark conversations about men’s health issues. It encourages open dialogue about subjects that are often overlooked or stigmatized. By growing a mustache, men become walking billboards for these important conversations.
Prostate cancer and testicular cancer are two of the most common types of cancer in men. Movember aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular check-ups. In addition to raising awareness about physical health issues, Movember is a time to promote mental health. Men often face unique challenges when it comes to mental well-being, including societal pressures to “be tough” and a lack of open conversations about their emotional struggles. Movember serves as a reminder for men to reach out and seek help when needed, reminding them that it’s okay not to be okay.
Participation and Support
Participating in Movember is easy and fun. Men can start the month clean-shaven and document their mustache-growing journey on social media.
Movember is not just about growing facial hair; it’s a symbol of solidarity and a call to action for men’s health. So, this November, grow that mustache and join the global movement to change the face of men’s health. For additional men’s health and wellness tips, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider.
Tricks to Keep Those Treats from Harming Your Teeth!
Don’t let the sugar in those treats trick you and harm those precious pearly whites! Our dental experts have a few tips to help you sort through all that yummy candy on halloween night so that you reduce your risk of getting cavities.
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Prebiotics and Probiotics: Uncovering Your Digestive Health
By Jason Pawloski, RDN | Registered Dietitian
Let’s talk more about gut health! By gut health, I mean the gastrointestinal tract and primarily speaking of the small and large intestines.
Probiotics
You might have heard about probiotics before. These are special kinds of bacteria that are good for the human body. There are many different types of these helpful bacteria living in our intestines, and we call them the “gut microbiome.”
Not only do these friendly strains of bacteria directly protect the gut barrier with a layer of mucus and help to crowd out problematic “pathogenic” bacteria, but this protective physical layer also helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining. In other words, this additional layer of a physical gut barrier further helps preserve the “tight junctions” that keep our intestinal cells and immune system functioning well.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about probiotics, like which types are best for each person. But some types, like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, seem to be good for our health.
Did you know that certain strains of bacteria (i.e. probiotics) help to produce and regulate:
- Short-chain fatty acids – helps regulate metabolism of blood glucose (sugar) and fats
- B vitamins and vitamin K
- Neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate)
- Hormones
Prebiotics
On the other hand, are certain fibers found in various foods, that have been shown to serve as a direct source of energy for the protective probiotics. In other words, humans do not digest fibers or prebiotics, however, the critically important probiotics do need fiber (provided regularly in the foods we eat daily) and do digest these fibers. In turn, these prebiotic fibers directly help to fuel the probiotics and help with all the roles listed above in bullet points.
So, perhaps instead of commonly asking “are you eating healthful and balanced?”, we should be asking “are you fueling your gut well?”. Schedule an appointment with a NOAH Registered Dietitian for more education on how to manage a healthy gut.
👻 5 Halloween Tooth-Friendly Tips 🎃
These mouth-friendly reminders will be helpful for everyone to follow on Halloween or anytime there are plenty of yummy sweet treats around.
Tips:
1 – Consume treats in moderation, especially while out on the candy hunt.
2 – Drink plenty of water to help flush those sugar buggies out of your teeth.
3 – Allow you child to eat a few healthy choices after trick-or-treating and donate the rest.
4 – Brush your child’s teeth after eating their treats and before going to bed.
5 – Non-candy options like stickers, pencils, necklaces, and straws are great alternatives!
If you haven’t had a recent dental hygiene cleaning appointment, please call 480-882-4545 and schedule with one of our amazing Dentists. For more information about our dental services, go to https://noahhelps.org/services/dental/. 🦷 🪥
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is More Than Pink
Breast cancer and the color pink go hand-in-hand during October. But there’s so much more to breast cancer awareness and NOAH wants you and your loved ones to be aware about breast cancer risks, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and more.
Breast Cancer Awareness Fast Facts:
- Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but according to the American Cancer Society, men can get breast cancer too.
- Breast cancer is often (though not always) detected by a lump in the breast. However, most lumps in the breast are benign (not cancerous), but ALL lumps should be checked by your provider.
- There are different kinds of breast cancer that start in different areas of the breast.
- Alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. An average of 1 drink per day increases risk by 7-10% while 2 to 3 drinks per day increases risk by 20%!
- Being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight are the best things to do to prevent breast cancer. This is especially true for women after menopause.
- Mammograms and breast ultrasounds are the most commonly used, and the most effective screening tool available to detect breast cancer early.
- There is little to no benefit of doing self-breast exams or clinical breast exams, but women should still be alert and see a provider if anything looks or feels different.
Treatments for breast cancer will vary depending on the type of breast cancer and when it is diagnosed. At NOAH, we want to work with you to keep a healthy lifestyle, focus on prevention, answer any questions you have, support you through a diagnosis, and help you during treatment.
To learn more about breast cancer risks, types, treatments, and more, check out the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer section. To talk with your NOAH provider about any questions you have, request an appointment today.
It’s Time For Your Flu Shot
Flu season typically runs from October through February every year. One of the best ways to stay healthy is with the vaccine anytime during the flu season.
Flu symptoms include:
- fever
- fatigue
- sore throat
- body aches
5 common questions about the flu vaccine
- Can I get the flu shot? Everyone over the age of 6 months is eligible for the flu vaccine. This includes special populations such as pregnant women, adults with chronic health conditions, and those over 65 years old. Exceptions to the flu vaccine are very limited, and include children less than 6 months old and those who had severe allergic reactions to the flu vaccine. You may have heard that those with egg allergies cannot get the flu shot, but the CDC recommends that these individuals still get the vaccine, but they may need to be monitored briefly afterward in a healthcare setting for allergic symptoms. There are also egg-free vaccines available.
- Why do I have to get the flu shot every year? The influenza virus changes year to year, so the flu vaccine you got last year likely will not protect you from the specific strain that is widespread this year. Researchers develop vaccines that will fight this year’s particular strain of the virus to maximize your protection. In addition, your immunity decreases over time so getting the vaccine annually helps build up your immunity again.
- When should I get the vaccine? The influenza virus is seasonal, typically starting in mid-October and peaking in winter. Your body will produce sufficient antibodies within two weeks after getting the vaccine. This is why the CDC recommends getting your flu shot sometime between September and late October. However, it’s never too late to get one, even past October. Flu shots will continue to be available well into winter and can protect you from the remainder of the flu season.
- Why do I feel like I have the flu after getting the shot? The flu vaccine contains an inactivated strain of the virus, meaning it cannot cause the flu but it does trigger your body’s immune response. This can result in body aches or a low-grade fever, but these symptoms are significantly less severe than those caused by the actual flu virus and resolve in 1-2 days, if present at all.
- How will the flu season be affected by COVID? Getting the flu shot is important every year, but especially with COVID still present in the community. With the risk of COVID, the flu and RSV, it is even more important to protect yourself by being vaccinated against the flu and reducing the risk of hospitalization this winter. The flu shot will not make you more or less susceptible to COVID since the viruses are completely separate.
Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you but also helps protect your community and ease the burden on hospitals and the healthcare industry. Flu shots are currently available at NOAH clinics, so schedule an appointment today.
Watch Out! Tips to Stay Safe from Ticks and Mosquitoes
Autumn has arrived, signaling the arrival of cooler temperatures, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and a plethora of outdoor activities that us Arizonans eagerly anticipate. However, it’s important to remember that during the wet and warm months spanning from late spring through fall, mosquitoes and ticks become more active. So, before embarking on your autumn adventures, it’s wise to consider these tips to ensure your family’s well-being while enjoying the great outdoors this season.
Protect yourself from ticks
Tickers are carriers of diseases like Lyme disease and are usually found in high grass or wooded areas. Before you go outdoors:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from biting
- Wear light-colored clothes to spot ticks easily
- Use insect repellent
After you come indoors
- Check your clothing for ticks
- Examine gear and pets
- Shower soon after being outdoors
If you find a tick attached to your skin, simply remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers works very well. If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your NOAH healthcare provider.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
West Nile virus (WNV) is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Because it is a virus, there is no cure for this infection. Before you go outdoors:
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear
While outdoors
- Sleep under a mosquito net if outside or when screened rooms are not available
- Avoid standing water such as puddles, bird baths, and pools
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting
Eight out of ten people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your NOAH health care provider.
By following these simple precautions, you can ensure your family’s well-being and make the most of the great outdoors this fall. For more outdoor safety tips to keep you and your family healthy, schedule an appointment with your NOAH provider today.
October is Dental Hygiene Month!
What could be more spine-chilling than Halloween? Neglecting National Dental Hygiene Month! According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, there exists a connection between oral health and broader health issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more. In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, here are four straightforward tips to safeguard your well-being.
Brush
Brushing your teeth is a fundamental aspect of good oral health. By scrubbing tooth surfaces daily, you can help prevent cavities. Stimulating your gums and removing plaque along the gum line can also help prevent gum disease.
Floss
Even the most thorough brushing leaves bacteria in the tight spaces between each tooth and under the gum line. To remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from these areas, be sure to floss once a day.
Use Mouth Rinse for Extra Protection
Your teeth account for less than half of the surfaces in your mouth, so rinsing is important to remove biofilm and bacteria that brushing and flossing leave behind. Mouth rinse isn’t a substitute for either, but it can supplement your other dental hygiene efforts to reduce the chance of tooth decay and infection.
See Your Dentist
At-home oral care is vital for good overall dental hygiene, but you also need regular trips to the dentist. Professional cleanings, exams, and X-rays keep your teeth and gums healthy and help you catch problems when they’re still easy to treat.
While the idea of dental issues might seem scarier than any haunted house, the good news is that with simple yet consistent practices, we can protect our oral health. For more dental tips, schedule an appointment with your NOAH dental provider today.
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