Take a Breath

Those who are closest to me know that more often than not I look at the lighter side of life. I think it is important to laugh often and encourage those around us to laugh. Nothing is sweeter than listening to a child’s laughter fill a room. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my Grandmother and my Great Aunt Vicky when I was able to provoke a good ol‘ leg slap of laughter. My grandpa Baker died before I had much time to get to know him; what I do remember is that he was a prankster who was always doing something to someone to entice good humor. My memories of my Uncle Richard include the twinkle in his eye as he would spin a tale of some funny story that caught me off guard and made me laugh; sometimes I didn’t even know what was so funny.

Now, I will be the first to admit that my family is a kind of circus of sorts—I never know who will be wearing the top hat, cracking the whip of wit and evoking laughter. However, I am not writing about the humor, but rather the tragedy of laughter cut short. You see, my grandpa Baker died of a heart attack when I was 8 years old, and my maternal grandmother died with emphysema caused by cigarette smoking before the risks were well known. My Uncle Richard and Aunt Janice both died of lung cancer, caused by the mighty addiction to cigarettes; therefore, the subject of lung cancer hits close to home.

Obviously, those who smoke are at the greatest risk of contracting lung cancer. Of course, the longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you use, the higher your risk. But, even after smoking for many years, you can still significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer by quitting smoking. Although 87% of all lung cancers are in people who smoke or have a history of smoking, there are other risk factors, which include secondhand smoke, age (50 years and older), radon, environmental and industrial chemicals such as asbestos, beryllium and uranium, and air pollution. I think it’s interesting that African Americans smoke at the same rate as Caucasians but have a higher rate of lung cancer. Military veterans have a rate of lung cancer that is 76% higher than the national average.

Early detection and prevention is the key to winning the battle against cancer and especially, lung cancer. It’s recommended that the following people have a detailed discussion with their healthcare providers concerning the benefits and risks of getting a baseline CT scan to screen for lung cancer: those over age 50 with a history of cigarette smoking or exposure to significant secondhand smoke; veterans who were on active duty aboard submarines or in the Vietnam or Gulf Wars; and individuals with exposure to asbestos, nuclear propulsion, herbicides, battlefield emissions, or other carcinogens.

Lung cancer doesn’t have many signs and symptoms in its earliest stages—those typically occur in advanced stages of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include: a new cough that doesn’t go away, changes in a chronic cough or “smoker’s cough,” coughing up even a small amount of blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, hoarseness, weight loss without trying, bone pain, and headaches. It’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.

Smoking cessation is the best thing you can do for your health. Talk with your healthcare provider or call 800-QUIT-NOW for ways to help you kick the habit. Lung cancer isn’t about what you’ll miss; it’s about those closest to you and their reminiscing about how things might have been. A grandchild, nephew, son, or daughter will one day remember the twinkle in your eye and the laughter that once filled the season.

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com

Futurisitic Fat Loss

I have always been intrigued with futuristic ideas and how these advancements change our lives. While growing up, I was a fan of The Jetsons. Today I find it quite interesting how the writers of that animated sitcom reached into the future and how close those 1962 ideas are to our modern everyday lives. Nearly 50 years after the conception of The Jetsons, what have we learned or taken with us into the 21st century?

In the 1960s we had huge clunky vacuum cleaners making housecleaning a dreaded chore. The Jetsons had a robot named Rosie who took care of cleaning and cooking; she helped the children with their homework while dispensing occasional advice on parenting. Today some of us have robots named “Roomba®” that constantly vacuum our carpets, microwave ovens that prepare a meal in minutes, and computers that help our children with homework and provide entertainment. The computers are also a good resource for parenting topics—advice is always at hand.

Microwave ovens, robotic vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and computers are a few of the once farfetched futuristic appliances that are now commonplace in households across America. In the new millennium, we have not fared so well advancing our health. Everyone in the Jetson household was trim and fit with the exception of Rosie, the robot. Even with all the labor saving devices, the show always ended with George Jetson getting his daily exercise by walking his dog Astro on the treadmill.

Future medical advancements and breakthroughs are exciting and add hope to our lives. This week in my readings, I came across an article on cryolypolysis, which is a promising innovative technological approach to fat loss. Dr. Jeffrey Dover at Yale University of Medicine is conducting the research. Cryolypolysis works by freezing fat cells below the surface, and as the fat cells are cooled, they begin a process of natural cell death and the body removes them. This procedure does not require needles, incisions, anesthesia, pain medications, or surgical incisions. The best part is that there is no recovery time; however, the drawback is that it takes three to four months for those fat bulges to flatten out. In the small control group, 100% of the participants averaged a fat layer reduction of 22%. This research shows great promise in the battle of the bulge.

Prevention is the best remedy for any illness or condition, and weight loss is no exception. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” (pun intended). Even the Jetsons took time out of their exhausting 9 hour work week to exercise and stay fit. No matter what the future holds, nothing will take the place of a balanced diet and daily exercise. The Jetsons didn’t realize the impact of conveniences on our waistlines, so until experts perfect cryolypolysis, you might want to say “no” to that second helping of mashed potatoes and gravy this holiday season.

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com

Planning for Holiday Success

Seemingly, Halloween kicks off the beginning of a season filled with too much food, too much drink, too much spending, and too much of the “ideal holiday season” dancing in our heads. The holidays have become a blitz of overeating, socializing, shopping, and decorating—spinning many of us into a frenzy of uncontrolled spending, social commitments, and family obligations as we race to the finish line on New Year’s Day. Knowing the holidays are behind us, we express a sigh of relief; most of us feel drained as we anticipate the clean up and how to pay for it all.

A few days ago my brother and his wife came for an overnight visit, and I observed my cats Pyper and Jasper as they interacted with our guests. My cats had the right idea for socializing. When our company arrived, Pyper and Jasper greeted them with wide eyes and lots of curiosity about tote bags and suitcases, much in the same way that we anticipate Christmas gifts. My cats confiscated keys, earrings, and make-up brushes. Obviously, they were not impressed with money; instead they relished a good game of hide-and-seek or fetch with their new “treasures.” As their excitement wore off, the two felines settled into a more subdued mood—watching, listening, and then retreating to a vacant room for peace and quiet.

For most of us, the holiday season brings to mind images of friends and families enjoying conversation and cheer around an elaborately decorated dinner table overflowing with food and drinks. Advertisers embrace this season by presenting pictures of cars, diamonds, and other expensive gifts.

The reality of the holidays is usually different than those commercial images. Many of us struggle to meet the challenges of a season that should fill us with Joy, but instead can overwhelm us with unrealistic expectations. Here are a few ideas that you might find helpful in dealing with holiday stressors:

• Reality: If you have locked horns with someone over politics, employment, religion, or any topic of controversy, it’s unrealistic to think holiday cheer will bury a bone of contention. Be gentle, be honest, and steer clear of topics that historically have caused stress.

• Gifts: For years within my family, I have advocated an elimination of gift giving during the holidays. To me, time filled with good food, stimulating conversation, and laughter is far more important and rewarding. Trinkets, toys, and expensive gifts will soon be set aside, but memories of laughter and listening to one another will warm our hearts for years to come.

• Sleep: During the holidays many of us eat and drink too much while trying to make the most of every minute of our days by cleaning, decorating, shopping, and attending parties. All of these things increase the chaos of holiday stress. Take time to recharge your bodies and your mind; nothing does that better than a good night’s rest.

The holiday gifts I remember most are enjoying a slice of Aunt Vicky’s apple stack cake and heading out to a turkey shoot with my grandfather. We might be able to learn something from Pyper and Jasper—nothing will take the place of time spent playing fetch or a good game of hide-and-seek. Our pets accept us regardless of political affiliation, waist size, or the cost of a gift. To them, the greatest gift is our presence, affection, and time.

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com

"You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks"

Once I had a horse named Louie, who constantly runs in and out of my mind, but this week more so than usual. When I first got Louie, for some unknown reason, he was terrified of horse trailers; it was a major ordeal to get him in one. Well, one day a horse trainer asked me if I would let him work with Louie for a couple of hours—he guaranteed that when he was finished, all I would have to do would be to simply open the trailer door and Louie would magically jump in. The trainer’s only request of me was to leave so I could not watch the training session. With visions of animal cruelty fueling my reluctance, I fell back on my trust of the trainer and drove away.

Last week a close family friend suffered a stroke. I stood speechless in disbelief as I listened to the course of events leading up to his transport to the hospital. The red flags of warning that whipped in the wind went unnoticed. Then it dawned on me—maybe my friends didn’t heed the warning signs because they couldn’t see or hear them.

Every 53 seconds someone has a stroke, and it’s the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. There are two types of stroke: ischemic (blocking blood flow) and hemorrhagic (break in a blood vessel). It is impossible to distinguish which type of stroke someone is having without diagnostic testing using computerized tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For this reason, it is important not to give aspirin to someone you suspect of having a stroke. Also, a stroke can compromise one’s ability to swallow, causing aspiration and/or choking.
The following are symptoms of stroke:

• Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one
side of the body
• Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
• Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
• Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, you need to call 911 and get to a hospital right away; even if the symptoms resolve quickly, a stroke may have occurred.

Also, it is significant to note the last time the person you suspect of having a stroke was his or her normal self. The physician will need this time line to formulate the most appropriate care. Communicate with the person, determine if he or she is alert, and ask him or her to say “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” A person should respond with no wrong or mixed up words and without slurred speech. Ask the person his or her age and then what month it is. If, however, the person can answer the questions and repeat the “old dog” phrase perfectly but has any of the above symptoms, call 911. A stroke is an emergency and quick medical intervention can be life saving.

I am a firm believer in “You CAN teach an old horse new tricks.” Because when I returned to the horse barn that day, as I opened the horse trailer door, Louie nearly ran me over as he jumped in. The key to better health is learning and applying what we’ve learned. Knowing the signs and symptoms of having a stroke is vital. Also important is knowing and reducing risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or a family history of stroke. Remember, just like Louie, we can learn to do things once thought of as uncomfortable and do them quickly and efficiently.

Do not hesitate if you suspect a stroke. This is not the time to call your healthcare provider or a friend. Every second counts—call 911 immediately!

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com

Dancing With Your Mind

One of the interesting things about working with people is watching how differently they age. I have seen people, and I’m sure you have too, who are in their forties but look like they are in their sixties or seventies. And there are those in their nineties who seem like they are in their fifties or sixties. Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege of caring for a lady who was 100 years old and in basic good health other than having a touch of the flu and some stiff joints. When we first met, she had cookbooks and cooking magazines spread all over the hospital bed. I asked her if she enjoyed cooking, and she replied with a huge grin, “I love to cook but don’t get to do as much as I used to, but you might be surprised by what I can do with a microwave and toaster oven.”

What are the reasons for such vast differences in how we age? In my experience, patients of advanced age all have something in common: a desire to keep working and to stay active while contributing to life. I remember my Great Aunt Vicky, who always insisted on peeling potatoes, sorting beans, or washing the dishes after dinner. Aunt Vicky had to stay active; she had to contribute and she did so with smiles and laughter. To my knowledge she never smoked, always ate a big breakfast, worked in her garden, and raised her chickens. For every holiday dinner Aunt Vicky brought the most wonderful apple stack cake, which she made from scratch on a wood burning stove in a house with no running water.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month. We know the leading causes of death in the United States are cardiovascular disease and cancer. What may not be common knowledge is that Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death. Although we have made great strides in lowering mortality rates caused from heart disease, prostate cancer, and stroke, we have seen nearly a 50% increase in the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

The causes of Alzheimer’s are poorly understood, but most medical experts agree that there is no one factor responsible for the disease. While some researchers believe that clumps of usually harmless protein may interfere with communication between the brain cells, others believe that the brain cells’ internal structures becomes twisted, causing cells to die. But, what causes either or both of these conditions to occur?

The brain is one of the body’s most vascular organs; therefore, it makes sense that what is good for the heart is good for the brain. Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat may be good for overall health.

Prevention is the key, so examine your lifestyle and talk with your healthcare provider about cardiovascular risk factors, such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and excess weight. Management of these risk factors as well as regular physical exercise, social interaction, intellectual curiosity, and mental stimulation may be your best weapons against a disease that has no cure.

I believe that Aunt Vicky’s attitude toward life, her network of friends through her church, the garden, the chickens, and drawing up her own water from the well while cooking her meals on a wood burning stove kept her mind young. So encourage those closest to you to dance, laugh, and challenge their minds—it’s the curiosity about life that keeps us young.

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com