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Mr. Pedometer, with all due respect, don’t you think you are exaggerating the supposed “dangers” of this year’s flu?

Jan 29, 2018 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Info

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, with all due respect, don’t you think you are exaggerating the supposed “dangers” of this year’s flu?  I haven’t had the flu since childhood, so I don’t bother to get the flu shot.

A:  You must be very optimistic to be willing to gamble on your health and lifespan. Nearly 100 people in California have died of the flu so far this season.  Those victims all were under the age of 65, and many of them were in excellent health…until they got the flu.

Perhaps you missed the article in the local newspaper this past week that cited a new study linking the flu to a dramatic increase in the chance of heart attack for older people.  Mike Stobbs of the Associated Press reported that “a new Canadian study found that risk was six times higher in the first week after flu is diagnosed, compared with the year before and after the flu bug hits.”  Results were published this last Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“How does the flu, a respiratory ailment with fever, coughs, and aches, trigger a heart attack?” asked the article.  “Flu can cause swelling or inflammation in the coronary arteries, which can shake loose plaque and cause blockages, cutting off blood flow….  Lung infections make it harder for people to breathe, so the heart has to pump harder to get oxygenated blood out to every part of the body.”

Consider yourself very fortunate if you have not had the flu in decades. However, you might also consider the fact that by not getting a flu shot, you might be endangering not only yourself, but others for whom the flu could be fatal.

EAT RIGHT,

MOVE MORE,

AND SLEEP WELL,

FOR A HEALTHY, LONGER LIFE!

How to help avoid this year’s flu

Jan 23, 2018 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Info

Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

Published: January 24, 2018

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, recent news stories have been warning us that this season’s flu may be more deadly than most.  Any advice on how to avoid becoming one of the statistics?

A:  Speaking as one who has already experienced the unpleasantness of this current flu — despite having gotten my flu shot – I can share some of the tips I should have paid more attention to.  The online Money Talks News listed the following:

  • GET THAT FLU SHOT! I’m told my recent illness would have been worse, and likely lasted longer, if I had not had my flu shot.  If your health insurance does not cover it, the cost is usually $20-$40 – and I can tell you that’s a worthwhile investment, to avoid the misery!  The article by Melissa Neiman says some places are offering “bonuses” for getting the shots at their stores:  Target gives a $5 coupon; CVS offers $5 off the next purchase of $25, and Safeway offers 10% off of groceries purchased that day.
  • WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY (AND OFTEN). The article says you should lather up for at least 20 seconds, which the author claims is how long it takes to sing or hum “Happy Birthday.” (Mr. Pedometer does not recommend singing aloud in public restrooms  (-;  )
  • AVOID TOUCHING YOUR NOSE OR EYES. This might not be as easy as it sounds. A 2012 survey observed that people touched surfaces in public places an average of 3.3 times per hour…and they touched their faces 3.6 times per hour.
  • GET MORE SLEEP. This may have been Mr. Pedometer’s  downfall since I was keeping long hours at multiple business conferences before becoming ill. It turns out that sleep deprivation can weaken one’s immune system.
  • EXERCISE REGULARLY. Those who manage 2.5 hours of exercise per week reduce their chances of getting the flu by 10%.  (Walking on Saturday mornings is a great start!)

I sincerely hope that none of our readers will experience the flu that is going around.  Take it from me:  it’s no fun!

EAT RIGHT,

MOVE MORE,

AND SLEEP WELL,

FOR A HEALTHY, LONGER LIFE!

Is it safe to donate blood?

Jan 16, 2018 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Uncategorized

Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, is it safe to be a blood donor?

A:  Good question, since January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month.  Donating is a safe, pain-free (except for a needle prick) process that takes about an hour.  Most of that is spent filling out a questionnaire and having blood pressure and blood iron level checked. According to the American Red Cross (which provides about 40% of the blood needed in the USA), if you are at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health, you likely will be eligible to donate blood.  The questionnaire will ask about your health history and medications to ensure that your blood is safe for a recipient.

All blood types are needed, but Stanford Hospital recently notified the news media that they are particularly in need of Type O negative.

Good news: Blood donors now can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive or donor location.  To get started, and learn more, visit www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass and follow the instructions at that site.

You need to bring your driver’s license (or blood donor card, or two other types of identification) when you check in to donate blood.  You also can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or to get more information.

The reason this is the month of a national blood donor drive is that winter weather tends to decrease the number of donors making appointments or dropping in to donate, right at a time when there continues to be a great need for these life-saving contributions.

Can you spare one hour to possibly save someone’s life?

EAT RIGHT,

MOVE MORE,

AND SLEEP WELL,

FOR A HEALTHY, LONGER LIFE!

Staying Warm while in Freezing Temperatures

Dec 12, 2017 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Safety

Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

Published December 13, 2017

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, my family’s winter gathering for the holidays will be in snow country.  I’m always cold, even in milder climates. Any advice on staying warm while in freezing temperatures?

A:  The older you are, the harder it is to stay warm.  That’s because our metabolism slows, and the fat layer under our skin thins.  The current edition of Consumer Reports on Health offers these tips:

  • DRESS RIGHT – Wear loose layers of clothing, since tight garments can impair your circulation. Wool or silk will hold heat better than cotton and won’t absorb moisture.  For outdoors, wear a winter coat, plus a hat scarf, and gloves, since extremities get coldest first.
  • AVOID ALCOHOL – “Alcohol can feel warming, but it actually has the opposite effect: It lowers your core body temperature and can cause you to lose body heat more quickly.  So opt for hot beverages like cider, but skip the brandy.”
  • WATCH FOR DANGER SIGNS – “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cold causes a higher proportion of deaths among older adults, who are especially susceptible to hypothermia (when the body’s temperature falls to dangerous levels).”
  • Have your phone with you at all times so that you can call for help if you fall on ice or get stuck in snow while driving.
  • Keep your home thermostat set at 68 degrees or higher.
  • Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia, which include confusion, slurred speech, shivering, arm and leg stiffness, and slow reaction times. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you suspect you have it.

I hope you can enjoy your holiday by staying warm while you take in the beauty of snowy surroundings.

Especially between Thanksgiving and, say, Groundhogs Day, Mr. Pedometer advises…

EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE, BE WELL.

Type 2 Diabetes and Weight

Nov 21, 2017 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Nutrition, Type 2 Diabetes

Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, you have provided lots of valuable advice on how to avoid getting Type 2 diabetes.  However, you have not stressed weight loss.  Isn’t that important, too?

A:  Yes, one’s weight can be an important factor regarding Type 2 diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter (August 2012), the “simple prescription for staying diabetes-free” includes the following three steps:

  • “Consume fewer calories and cut back on fat.
  • “Take a brisk 30-minute daily walk (or the exercise equivalent to it) five days a week.
  • “Lose at least seven percent of body weight (14 pounds for a 200-pound person).”

According to one large study, the modest lifestyle changes listed above reduced the risk of progression from pre-diabetes to Type 2 diabetes by 71% among people ages 60 and above.

That’s why Mr. Pedometer repeats…

“EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE, BE WELL.”

Avoid Being A T2D Statistic

Nov 16, 2017 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Type 2 Diabetes, Wellness

Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, I am thankful not to have any symptoms of type 2 diabetes…yet.  However, many in my family tree have had this dreadful disease.  What can I do to avoid becoming one of the statistics?

A:  Kaiser Permanente has simplified their advice about avoiding Type 2 diabetes to these three actions:

  • “POUR yourself a glass of water instead of soda, fruit juice, or sports drinks.
  • “EXERCISE for 30 minutes on most days. Routine activities like walking the dog or raking leaves count.
  • “SERVE yourself half a plate of vegetables and equal portions of whole grains and lean sources of protein like fish and chicken.”

Their “Partners in Health” e-mail noted that “obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes….  Call your doctor if you have these symptoms of diabetes – frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, unexplained fatigue.”

Or, as Mr. Pedometer summarizes…

EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE, BE WELL.