Reading Resources – Techniques to manage stress

Have you known that reading is one of the best techniques to manage stress? In fact, reading was proven as a quick healthy escape from daily stress – even faster than listening to music. In particular, it can relieve stress by up to 68% according to a study at the University of Sussex.

Techniques to manage stress

Although we’ve built many techniques for work-life balance and stress relief in our work-life balance app with a long list of healthy activities, we know such limited resources do not work for all. However, the app allows you to design custom activities to meet your identical talents, expectations, and demands. Additionally, we launch this page as a synthesized reading resource for three purposes: relaxing, finding your hobbies, and getting ideas to design healthy activities that fit your own life.

  • If You Think You Can or Can’t: You’re Right (LYRICS) Fearless Motivation, R Reed
    on November 3, 2024 at 7:32 pm

    If You Think You Can or Can’t: You’re Right (LYRICS) Fearless Motivation, R Reed Listen to the song “YOU’RE RIGHT” now, on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon or YouTube Music YOU’RE RIGHT (Official Lyric Video) Fearless Motivation, R Reed – WATCH: LYRICS: If You Think You Can or Can’t: You’re Right – Fearless Motivation, R Reed The post If You Think You Can or Can’t: You’re Right (LYRICS) Fearless Motivation, R Reed appeared first on Fearless Motivation – Motivational Videos & Music.

  • Don’t Ever Call Me Lucky (Official Lyric Video) Fearless Motivation, Pendo46, R Reed
    on October 27, 2024 at 5:28 pm

    Don’t Ever Call Me Lucky (Official Lyric Video) Fearless Motivation, Pendo46, R Reed Listen to the song “Don’t Ever Call Me Lucky” now, on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon or YouTube Music Don’t Ever Call Me Lucky (Official Lyric Video) Fearless Motivation, Pendo46, R Reed – WATCH: LYRICS: Don’t Ever Call Me Lucky – Fearless The post Don’t Ever Call Me Lucky (Official Lyric Video) Fearless Motivation, Pendo46, R Reed appeared first on Fearless Motivation – Motivational Videos & Music.

  • No One Believed in Me (Motivational Speech)
    on September 29, 2024 at 6:27 pm

    No One Believed in Me (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation Listen to the speech “No One Believed in Me (Motivational Speech)” now, on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer or YouTube Music No One Believed in Me (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation on YouTube – WATCH: LYRICS: No One Believed in Me (Motivational Speech) When I was younger The post No One Believed in Me (Motivational Speech) appeared first on Fearless Motivation – Motivational Videos & Music.

  • YOU CHOOSE (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation
    on September 22, 2024 at 4:07 pm

    YOU CHOOSE (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation Listen to the speech “YOU CHOOSE” now, on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer or YouTube Music YOU CHOOSE (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation on YouTube – WATCH: LYRICS: YOU CHOOSE (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation You choose. In life… you choose.
 If you win or lose…
 FIGHT or surrender…
 Give up The post YOU CHOOSE (Motivational Speech) Fearless Motivation appeared first on Fearless Motivation – Motivational Videos & Music.

  • Vitamin D Test: Everything You Need To Know
    on November 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDAlexRaths / Getty ImagesA vitamin D test is a blood test that measures the level of vitamin D (calciferol) in your blood. It can indicate whether the vitamin D levels in your body are low or high.Low vitamin D levels can weaken bones and increase the risks of falls and fractures. High vitamin D levels are rare but can cause serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, kidney stones, or irregular heartbeat.Your healthcare provider may recommend the vitamin D test if you’re experiencing signs of low vitamin D levels, such as bone pain, muscle weakness, or low bone density, or if you are at risk for developing vitamin D deficiency.Purpose of a Vitamin D TestThe vitamin D test helps detect whether vitamin D levels in your blood are high or low. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, which is essential for developing strong bones. Vitamin D also helps your muscles, nerves, and immune system function properly.Before the body can use vitamin D, the liver needs to turn the nutrient into a form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D. The vitamin D test usually measures the level of 25(OH)D in your blood.Your healthcare provider may recommend the test if you have signs of low vitamin D levels, such as:Muscle weaknessSoft bonesBone painDeformed bonesLow bone density (osteoporosis or osteopenia)Providers may also recommend the test if you have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, even if you’re asymptomatic. You could be at a higher risk if you:Are 65 years or olderHave a darker complexionAre overweight or have obesityHave a condition (e.g., celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease) that makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from foodAre rarely exposed to the sun or have low sun exposure during the winter season (December-February)Had a recent weight loss surgeryLow vitamin D levels can also affect newborns and children. Children with darker skin tones who live in areas with less sun exposure and children with diets low in vitamin D may be at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. Healthcare providers may recommend the test for nursing newborns since breastmilk is low in vitamin D.PreparationThe vitamin D test does not require any special preparation. If you are getting any other blood tests done at the same time, those might require preparation, such as fasting. Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure.A vitamin D test generally occurs at a healthcare provider’s office or a diagnostic clinic. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before going for the test:Wear loose-fitting or short-sleeved clothes to your appointment so that the person drawing the blood can access the vein in your arm more easilyTell your healthcare provider if you take any medications or supplements since these products can interfere with your test resultsBring your photo ID and insurance card to the appointmentAsk your healthcare provider if you can bring a family member or friend for emotional supportTalk to your insurance company to check if they’ll cover the test’s costHow Does It Work?The vitamin D test involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes.During the TestDuring a vitamin D test, your healthcare provider or a phlebotomist (a medical professional trained in drawing blood) takes blood from a vein in your arm. You can sit comfortably in a chair or lie down for the test. The provider will do the following steps when drawing blood for your vitamin D test:Locate a vein in your arm suitable for blood drawingClean the area with an antiseptic solutionTie an elastic band on the upper area of your arm to increase blood flow to the veinInsert the needle into the vein and collect blood in an airtight vial or tube attached to the needleTake the needle out and remove the bandPlace a bandage over the needle siteIn the case of newborns or children, healthcare providers will use a sharp tool called a lancet to puncture the skin and draw blood. The blood is collected on a slide or test strip, and a bandage is placed over the area to prevent further bleeding.After the TestAfter your appointment, you should be able to go home and resume your daily activities. If you experience dizziness, extreme sweating, or nausea, your healthcare provider may ask you to stay at the office until you fully recover.If your results show that routine vitamin D tests are medically necessary, you should have them every 3-6 months. Retesting ensures you receive proper treatment and lowers the chance of vitamin D toxicity from overtreatment.Risks and PrecautionsLike most blood tests, the vitamin D test is generally safe with no significant risks. You may feel slight pain or bruising at the needle site after the test, but these symptoms should disappear quickly.In rare cases, people can experience serious complications from a blood test, including:Infection and pain at the needle siteNerve damageExcessive bleeding from the needle siteHematoma, which is a collection of blood clots outside the blood vesselsThrombosis, which is the blockage of blood vessels due to the formation of blood clots within the vesselsResultsVitamin D test results, similar to other blood tests, should be available within a few days or weeks after your test. Contact your healthcare provider if you haven’t received your test results after a couple of weeks.Interpreting Your ResultsYour vitamin D results may include your overall vitamin D level or separate results for vitamin D2 and D3. These two types of vitamin D work similarly in the body, and their sum in your test results is your total vitamin D level. The total vitamin D level is the most important number and what your healthcare provider will use to give you a diagnosis.Your vitamin D test results will show whether your levels are low, normal, or high. The level ranges can vary slightly depending on the lab used to analyze the test.Low Vitamin D LevelsLow vitamin D levels of less than 12 nanograms per milliliter may indicate a vitamin D deficiency. Levels between 12-20 nanograms per milliliter are considered inadequate, meaning you aren’t deficient, but your bones and overall health may be affected. If you have low vitamin D levels, it could be due to:An unbalanced dietNot enough exposure to sunlightDifficulty absorbing vitamin D from your food Vitamin D deficiency can also increase the risk of certain severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and autoimmune diseases.Normal Vitamin D LevelsNormal vitamin D levels can range between 20 and 50 nanograms per milliliter, which is ideal for bone and overall health.High Vitamin D LevelsAlthough rare, high levels of vitamin D can occur when you take too much vitamin D. High vitamin D levels are over 50 nanograms per milliliter, and very high levels are 150 nanograms per milliliter.Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood can cause:NauseaVomitingMuscle weaknessLoss of appetiteConfusionKidney stonesIn some cases, excessively high levels of vitamin D may cause calcium buildup in soft tissues, kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, and even death.A Quick ReviewThe vitamin D test helps determine the vitamin D level in your blood. Your healthcare provider may recommend the test if you have symptoms of low or high vitamin D levels.Vitamin D tests are quick, safe, and have minimal risks, such as soreness or bruising in the area where blood was drawn. Most people can resume normal activities immediately after the test, and test results are typically available within a few days.Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your vitamin D intake, experience symptoms, or have questions about the test or your results.

  • Vitamin D Test: Everything You Need To Know
    on November 6, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDAlexRaths / Getty ImagesA vitamin D test is a blood test that measures the level of vitamin D (calciferol) in your blood. It can indicate whether the vitamin D levels in your body are low or high.Low vitamin D levels can weaken bones and increase the risks of falls and fractures. High vitamin D levels are rare but can cause serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, kidney stones, or irregular heartbeat.Your healthcare provider may recommend the vitamin D test if you’re experiencing signs of low vitamin D levels, such as bone pain, muscle weakness, or low bone density, or if you are at risk for developing vitamin D deficiency.Purpose of a Vitamin D TestThe vitamin D test helps detect whether vitamin D levels in your blood are high or low. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, which is essential for developing strong bones. Vitamin D also helps your muscles, nerves, and immune system function properly.Before the body can use vitamin D, the liver needs to turn the nutrient into a form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D. The vitamin D test usually measures the level of 25(OH)D in your blood.Your healthcare provider may recommend the test if you have signs of low vitamin D levels, such as:Muscle weaknessSoft bonesBone painDeformed bonesLow bone density (osteoporosis or osteopenia)Providers may also recommend the test if you have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, even if you’re asymptomatic. You could be at a higher risk if you:Are 65 years or olderHave a darker complexionAre overweight or have obesityHave a condition (e.g., celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease) that makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from foodAre rarely exposed to the sun or have low sun exposure during the winter season (December-February)Had a recent weight loss surgeryLow vitamin D levels can also affect newborns and children. Children with darker skin tones who live in areas with less sun exposure and children with diets low in vitamin D may be at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. Healthcare providers may recommend the test for nursing newborns since breastmilk is low in vitamin D.PreparationThe vitamin D test does not require any special preparation. If you are getting any other blood tests done at the same time, those might require preparation, such as fasting. Talk to your healthcare provider to make sure.A vitamin D test generally occurs at a healthcare provider’s office or a diagnostic clinic. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before going for the test:Wear loose-fitting or short-sleeved clothes to your appointment so that the person drawing the blood can access the vein in your arm more easilyTell your healthcare provider if you take any medications or supplements since these products can interfere with your test resultsBring your photo ID and insurance card to the appointmentAsk your healthcare provider if you can bring a family member or friend for emotional supportTalk to your insurance company to check if they’ll cover the test’s costHow Does It Work?The vitamin D test involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out, but the procedure usually takes less than five minutes.During the TestDuring a vitamin D test, your healthcare provider or a phlebotomist (a medical professional trained in drawing blood) takes blood from a vein in your arm. You can sit comfortably in a chair or lie down for the test. The provider will do the following steps when drawing blood for your vitamin D test:Locate a vein in your arm suitable for blood drawingClean the area with an antiseptic solutionTie an elastic band on the upper area of your arm to increase blood flow to the veinInsert the needle into the vein and collect blood in an airtight vial or tube attached to the needleTake the needle out and remove the bandPlace a bandage over the needle siteIn the case of newborns or children, healthcare providers will use a sharp tool called a lancet to puncture the skin and draw blood. The blood is collected on a slide or test strip, and a bandage is placed over the area to prevent further bleeding.After the TestAfter your appointment, you should be able to go home and resume your daily activities. If you experience dizziness, extreme sweating, or nausea, your healthcare provider may ask you to stay at the office until you fully recover.If your results show that routine vitamin D tests are medically necessary, you should have them every 3-6 months. Retesting ensures you receive proper treatment and lowers the chance of vitamin D toxicity from overtreatment.Risks and PrecautionsLike most blood tests, the vitamin D test is generally safe with no significant risks. You may feel slight pain or bruising at the needle site after the test, but these symptoms should disappear quickly.In rare cases, people can experience serious complications from a blood test, including:Infection and pain at the needle siteNerve damageExcessive bleeding from the needle siteHematoma, which is a collection of blood clots outside the blood vesselsThrombosis, which is the blockage of blood vessels due to the formation of blood clots within the vesselsResultsVitamin D test results, similar to other blood tests, should be available within a few days or weeks after your test. Contact your healthcare provider if you haven’t received your test results after a couple of weeks.Interpreting Your ResultsYour vitamin D results may include your overall vitamin D level or separate results for vitamin D2 and D3. These two types of vitamin D work similarly in the body, and their sum in your test results is your total vitamin D level. The total vitamin D level is the most important number and what your healthcare provider will use to give you a diagnosis.Your vitamin D test results will show whether your levels are low, normal, or high. The level ranges can vary slightly depending on the lab used to analyze the test.Low Vitamin D LevelsLow vitamin D levels of less than 12 nanograms per milliliter may indicate a vitamin D deficiency. Levels between 12-20 nanograms per milliliter are considered inadequate, meaning you aren’t deficient, but your bones and overall health may be affected. If you have low vitamin D levels, it could be due to:An unbalanced dietNot enough exposure to sunlightDifficulty absorbing vitamin D from your food Vitamin D deficiency can also increase the risk of certain severe conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and autoimmune diseases.Normal Vitamin D LevelsNormal vitamin D levels can range between 20 and 50 nanograms per milliliter, which is ideal for bone and overall health.High Vitamin D LevelsAlthough rare, high levels of vitamin D can occur when you take too much vitamin D. High vitamin D levels are over 50 nanograms per milliliter, and very high levels are 150 nanograms per milliliter.Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood can cause:NauseaVomitingMuscle weaknessLoss of appetiteConfusionKidney stonesIn some cases, excessively high levels of vitamin D may cause calcium buildup in soft tissues, kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, and even death.A Quick ReviewThe vitamin D test helps determine the vitamin D level in your blood. Your healthcare provider may recommend the test if you have symptoms of low or high vitamin D levels.Vitamin D tests are quick, safe, and have minimal risks, such as soreness or bruising in the area where blood was drawn. Most people can resume normal activities immediately after the test, and test results are typically available within a few days.Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your vitamin D intake, experience symptoms, or have questions about the test or your results.

  • For Older Adults, Dementia Risk and Falling Could Be Linked—Experts Explain Why
    on November 6, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Fact checked by Nick BlackmerToa55 / Getty ImagesA new study found that older adults who have experienced a fall are at a 21% increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia.The cause of this finding is unclear—whether the fall happened because of undiagnosed dementia or if the fall somehow contributed to cognitive decline later remains unknown.Experts advise adults over age 65 to take steps to prevent a fall and to consider undergoing cognitive screening if they do experience a fall.Older adults who experienced a fall have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia after their accident as compared to seniors with other injuries, according to a new study.The study, published on Sept. 30 in JAMA Network Open, evaluated Medicare data from nearly 2.5 million adults over age 66 who were hospitalized or visited the emergency room due to an injury between 2014 and 2015. About half of those injuries were falls.After one year, researchers followed up and found that 10.6% of participants who fell were diagnosed with dementia. But only 6.1% of patients who had other injuries developed dementia.“Our study highlights that older adults who fall are at increased risk for developing dementia,” study author Alexander Ordoobadi, MD, a general surgery resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told Health. In fact, falling was linked to a 21% increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia in the future, the data showed.In particular, this association between falling and dementia diagnosis was greater for those who had been admitted to the hospital for their injury as compared to those just visiting the emergency room. Additionally, about 22% of the study participants had been admitted to a nursing home in the year before their injury—this group was more likely to experience a fall over other injuries.In the U.S., more than 14 million older adults—about one in four—fall each year.“Falls may be able to act as precursor events that can help us identify people who need further cognitive screening,” Molly Jarman, PhD, MPH, assistant professor and deputy director of the Center for Surgery and Public Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said in a statement.Related: How To Recognize the Early Warning Signs of DementiaWhich Comes First: Dementia or a Fall?The results of the study are interesting, as “the relationship between falls and dementia appears to be a two-way street,” Jarman said in a press release.On the one hand, this higher risk of dementia after falling could mean that people who fell had undiagnosed dementia at the time of their accident, the authors noted. Of the new cases of dementia diagnosed during the study, 11% happened while the patient was hospitalized, meaning they likely had dementia when they fell.Even if they didn’t actively have dementia at the time of their injury, it’s possible that these older adults who fell did have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Ordoobadi said. Research suggests MCI can raise a person’s risk of falling.People with MCI or early cognitive decline “may not yet have noticeable physical symptoms, but could already be experiencing subtle issues with balance, decision-making, or attention, including issues with fully assessing safety and the ability to react fast enough to navigate obstacles,” Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, clinical assistant professor of neurology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and chief medical officer at Isaac Health, told Health.However, another potential explanation is that the fall itself could be causing cognitive issues—falling could lead to brain injuries that speed up cognitive decline, Salinas explained.At this point, though, “the study can’t definitively separate whether the fall happened because of undiagnosed dementia, or if the fall somehow contributed to cognitive decline later,” he said.It’s even possible that both are to blame, but “more research is needed to understand the exact relationship,” Salinas said.A Call for Cognitive Screening and Fall PreventionThe risk for falls goes up around the age of 65, Jarman told Health. You may not be able to prevent falling entirely, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.“Some medications increase risk of falls, so older adults should ask their primary care provider or pharmacist to review their medications list,” Jarman said.“Simple steps like regular exercise, keeping the home safe, and staying mentally active can make a big difference in reducing fall risk and maintaining brain health,” Salinas added.But if a fall does happen, the study authors said older adults should consider undergoing cognitive screening—particularly if they’ve been hospitalized or brought to the emergency room.“While not every fall means a person has dementia, it might be worthwhile to assess memory, attention, and decision-making after a fall to identify early signs of cognitive issues before they progress,” Salinas noted.These screenings can sometimes be difficult to organize, however. Providers may not have time to do an assessment while the patient is in the hospital or may not follow up after the injury. Plus, many older adults don’t have a primary care provider or access to a geriatrician.“Currently, it is not routine practice to perform cognitive screening for older adults who experience a fall,” said Ordoobadi. “We hope that the results of our study will encourage clinicians to monitor the cognitive health of older adults who fall.”Related: Most Older Adults Don’t Know You Can Test for Alzheimer’s Disease

  • For Older Adults, Dementia Risk and Falling Could Be Linked—Experts Explain Why
    on November 6, 2024 at 9:00 am

    Fact checked by Nick BlackmerToa55 / Getty ImagesA new study found that older adults who have experienced a fall are at a 21% increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia.The cause of this finding is unclear—whether the fall happened because of undiagnosed dementia or if the fall somehow contributed to cognitive decline later remains unknown.Experts advise adults over age 65 to take steps to prevent a fall and to consider undergoing cognitive screening if they do experience a fall.Older adults who experienced a fall have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia after their accident as compared to seniors with other injuries, according to a new study.The study, published on Sept. 30 in JAMA Network Open, evaluated Medicare data from nearly 2.5 million adults over age 66 who were hospitalized or visited the emergency room due to an injury between 2014 and 2015. About half of those injuries were falls.After one year, researchers followed up and found that 10.6% of participants who fell were diagnosed with dementia. But only 6.1% of patients who had other injuries developed dementia.“Our study highlights that older adults who fall are at increased risk for developing dementia,” study author Alexander Ordoobadi, MD, a general surgery resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told Health. In fact, falling was linked to a 21% increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia in the future, the data showed.In particular, this association between falling and dementia diagnosis was greater for those who had been admitted to the hospital for their injury as compared to those just visiting the emergency room. Additionally, about 22% of the study participants had been admitted to a nursing home in the year before their injury—this group was more likely to experience a fall over other injuries.In the U.S., more than 14 million older adults—about one in four—fall each year.“Falls may be able to act as precursor events that can help us identify people who need further cognitive screening,” Molly Jarman, PhD, MPH, assistant professor and deputy director of the Center for Surgery and Public Health at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said in a statement.Related: How To Recognize the Early Warning Signs of DementiaWhich Comes First: Dementia or a Fall?The results of the study are interesting, as “the relationship between falls and dementia appears to be a two-way street,” Jarman said in a press release.On the one hand, this higher risk of dementia after falling could mean that people who fell had undiagnosed dementia at the time of their accident, the authors noted. Of the new cases of dementia diagnosed during the study, 11% happened while the patient was hospitalized, meaning they likely had dementia when they fell.Even if they didn’t actively have dementia at the time of their injury, it’s possible that these older adults who fell did have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Ordoobadi said. Research suggests MCI can raise a person’s risk of falling.People with MCI or early cognitive decline “may not yet have noticeable physical symptoms, but could already be experiencing subtle issues with balance, decision-making, or attention, including issues with fully assessing safety and the ability to react fast enough to navigate obstacles,” Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, clinical assistant professor of neurology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and chief medical officer at Isaac Health, told Health.However, another potential explanation is that the fall itself could be causing cognitive issues—falling could lead to brain injuries that speed up cognitive decline, Salinas explained.At this point, though, “the study can’t definitively separate whether the fall happened because of undiagnosed dementia, or if the fall somehow contributed to cognitive decline later,” he said.It’s even possible that both are to blame, but “more research is needed to understand the exact relationship,” Salinas said.A Call for Cognitive Screening and Fall PreventionThe risk for falls goes up around the age of 65, Jarman told Health. You may not be able to prevent falling entirely, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.“Some medications increase risk of falls, so older adults should ask their primary care provider or pharmacist to review their medications list,” Jarman said.“Simple steps like regular exercise, keeping the home safe, and staying mentally active can make a big difference in reducing fall risk and maintaining brain health,” Salinas added.But if a fall does happen, the study authors said older adults should consider undergoing cognitive screening—particularly if they’ve been hospitalized or brought to the emergency room.“While not every fall means a person has dementia, it might be worthwhile to assess memory, attention, and decision-making after a fall to identify early signs of cognitive issues before they progress,” Salinas noted.These screenings can sometimes be difficult to organize, however. Providers may not have time to do an assessment while the patient is in the hospital or may not follow up after the injury. Plus, many older adults don’t have a primary care provider or access to a geriatrician.“Currently, it is not routine practice to perform cognitive screening for older adults who experience a fall,” said Ordoobadi. “We hope that the results of our study will encourage clinicians to monitor the cognitive health of older adults who fall.”Related: Most Older Adults Don’t Know You Can Test for Alzheimer’s Disease

  • How Is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Treated?
    on November 6, 2024 at 4:00 am

    Medically reviewed by Rafle Fernandez, MDTravelCouples / Getty ImagesPostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic dysfunction. Your autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.The autonomic nervous system doesn’t respond appropriately in people with POTS, so actions like standing and exercising are more challenging and may be accompanied by high heart rate, dizziness, or fainting. You may also experience exercise intolerance, fatigue, digestive problems, and trouble sleeping. POTS is a chronic (long-term) condition that is relapsing and remitting, meaning you may have periods of worse symptoms and periods of relatively few symptoms. There is no cure for POTS, but symptoms can be managed through physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medicine.TherapiesPhysical therapy or exercise training may help improve your POTS symptoms. While these therapies may seem counterintuitive given that POTS can cause exercise intolerance, POTS symptoms can actually worsen with physical deconditioning (physical decline due to inactivity). Specialized exercise protocols, such as the Levine Protocol, have been developed to help with symptom management.The Levine Protocol involves mild to moderate intensity endurance training, first performed in a semi-reclined position and progressing into an upright position over three months.Lifestyle ChangesSeveral lifestyle modifications may improve or manage symptoms. You can try the following: Maintain an active lifestyle: POTS can worsen with deconditioning. Staying as active as possible, whether through swimming, rowing, biking, or walking, can help manage POTS symptoms. Wear compression garments: These specialized socks, pantyhose, or abdominal binders can help prevent blood from pooling and help blood return to your heart more easily when standing. Increase fluid intake: If you have low blood volume, drinking more fluids can help maintain blood pressure in POTS. Increase sodium intake: Consuming salty foods and snacks such as pretzels, pickles, and soy sauce can increase your sodium intake and help stabilize your blood pressure.MedicationsPrescription medications are not the go-to when treating POTS. They may instead be reserved for cases where symptoms are severe or continue to return. When used, the goal of the drug is to get your symptoms under control enough so that you can continue with the physical activity portion of treatment.Medications help manage POTS by targeting specific symptoms like a high heart rate, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. Many medications can be tried under the guidance of a healthcare professional to help improve symptoms; the most common are listed below.These medications are drugs that increase blood volume and blood pressure or that reduce heart rate. There are currently no medications for POTS approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and these medications are all used off-label for the condition.Off-LabelBeing prescribed a drug for a purpose different from what the FDA approvedBlood Volume and Blood Pressure MedicationsIf you stand up or exercise with POTS, you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blood pooling in the lower hands and feet, and, in some cases, fainting. Healthcare providers may address these symptoms by prescribing medications that help raise your blood volume or stabilize blood pressure.Midodrine, sold under brand names like Orvaten and ProAmatine, is a prescription medication that targets certain receptors in your blood vessels and causes them to constrict. Midodrine is indicated for symptomatic low blood pressure but is used off-label for POTS. Side effects may include high blood pressure (especially when lying down), scalp tingling, and headache. Florinef (fludrocortisone acetate) is a steroid that works by helping expand your blood volume, which may be low in some people with POTS. Side effects of the drug may include swelling, headache, and abnormal electrolyte balance. Heart Rate MedicationsTo be diagnosed with POTS, your heart rate must increase by at least 30 beats per minute within 10 minutes after you stand. A high heart rate can be challenging, so your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help lower it. These include:Inderal (propranolol): This beta blocker targets specific receptors in your heart to help lower heart rate and blood pressure. Propanolol is indicated for several health conditions, such as chest pain, migraine, and high blood pressure (hypertension). It may be also be used to reduce heart rate in POTS (typically at low doses). Side effects include low blood pressure, low heart rate, worsening exercise tolerance, and worsening asthma. Corlanor (ivabradine): This prescription medication targets a unique ion channel that is involved in maintaining your heart rate. Ivabradine is indicated for certain people with heart failure but has been used off-label to lower heart rate in POTS without also lowering blood pressure. Side effects may include atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heart rhythm) and low heart rate.Mestinon (pyridostigmine): This prescription medication increases the concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in your body, which can lower your heart rate and help with muscle fatigue. Pyridostigmine is indicated for an autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis but has been used off-label for POTS. Side effects include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and worsened asthma.Prognosis and Life ExpectancyAlthough there is no cure for POTS and managing symptoms can be challenging, the condition does not limit life expectancy. It is estimated that people with POTS can have a quality of life similar to those with heart failure.One study showed that approximately 30% of the 42 participants were unable to work or study due to their POTS symptoms, meaning that most people were able to go about their daily lives.POTS symptoms can fluctuate, leading to periods where lifestyle modifications are sufficient but other times when medications are needed to manage symptoms. POTS symptoms typically improve over time.Living With and Managing POTSLiving with POTS can be challenging, but there are actions people can take to make life with the condition easier to manage:Use mobility devices like rollators (a walker with a seat) so a seat is always available to youRequest accommodations at work or school Pace your work to conserve energy Use a stool to sit on while completing tasks such as cookingInvest in cooling vests to help with worsening symptoms when hotEat frequent small meals rather than larger meals to avoid worsening of symptoms after eatingPerform counter-maneuvers such as calf raises when you feel dizzy while standingAbout 90% of people with POTS are women, and many of them are initially misdiagnosed with anxiety as the primary cause of their symptoms. POTS symptoms are varied, leading many people with the condition to consult multiple medical specialties to receive a diagnosis and treatment, which can take several years. Building a strong support system can help some individuals navigate a POTS diagnosis.

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  • Gardening as a Lifeline: Coping with Heartache Through Nature’s Cycles
    on November 6, 2024 at 5:30 am

    Heartbreak is not often treated with the same compassion as loss or illness, but it can be just … Read More The post Gardening as a Lifeline: Coping with Heartache Through Nature’s Cycles appeared first on Garden Therapy.

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