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Is it true that extended flights can be a health hazard?  

Feb 20, 2018 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Health, Travel

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, I am planning a vacation that will include very long airplane flights.  Is it true that extended flights can be a health hazard?

A:  Yes, but that also is true of extended time spent sitting in a car or on a train or bus…or even at home.  A recent newspaper article entitled “Clot Work,” by Ilene Raymond Rush, calls attention to venous thromboembolism (VTE), the medical terminology for formation of blood clots inside blood vessels or veins where they should not form.

The main cause of VTE is immobility. Ironically two-thirds of the cases result from hospitalization, or just after hospitalization.  That is why doctors now prescribe low doses of blood thinners to prevent blood clots.  Being immobile, for whatever reason, causes blood to pool in the veins, can lead to blood clots, particularly in the legs.  Other causes can be damage to a vein or blood vessel due to injury or surgery or problems with proteins in the blood that balance bleeding and clotting.

This is a serious problem:  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 900,000 Americans per year are   VTE, and 100,000 Americans die each year from this condition!

The article concludes by saying, “To combat clots, experts suggest moving around every two or three hours if you’ve been sitting in a car, plane or train; maintaining a healthy weight; and quitting or avoiding smoking.”

Mr. Pedometer knows from experience that moving around during a long flight may not be easy – especially if your airplane seat is in the middle of a row – but it is well worth the effort, to avoid potential blood clots.

And if you are more of an armchair traveler, preferring to stay at home, don’t forget to get up and move around at least once an hour.

EAT RIGHT,

MOVE MORE,

AND SLEEP WELL,

FOR A HEALTHY, LONGER LIFE!

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day…that’s 1 death per 38 seconds!

Feb 14, 2018 | Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends..., Cardio Vascular Disease, Health

ASK MR. PEDOMETER & FRIENDS

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, is it true that an American dies every hour from heart disease?

A:  No, the truth actually is even scarier:  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day…that’s 1 death per 38 seconds!

The good news is that healthy lifestyle choices can reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 80%.  This happens to be American Heart Month, and AHA lists as its top healthy lifestyle choice PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.  Here’s why:

  • It’s a natural mood lifter
  • It keeps you fit and able
  • It keeps the doctor away!

Their American Heart Month information states that “being more active can…

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Boost levels of good cholesterol
  • Improve blood flow (circulation)
  • Keep weight under control
  • Prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis.”

 

At your annual physical — you do get one, right? – you likely will be asked if you are active for at least 150 minutes per week.  That modest amount could keep you from becoming a heart disease statistic.

EAT RIGHT,

MOVE MORE,

AND SLEEP WELL,

FOR A HEALTHY, LONGER LIFE!

Never Too Old To Move

Jan 31, 2018 | Lifestyle Stories, Move More, Walking, Wellness

Never Too Old To Move More

By: Bob Hughes, RPh retired, director of Wellness Ministry OLOL Church, Bettendorf, Iowa

I have been given a not previously used Accusplit Pedometer by a so far anonymous friend. Does it have any features other than counting steps?

At 96 years of age, I feel very blessed to have an interest in keeping track of my movement.  I was disappointed when my grandson snapped a $160.00 Garman counter on my wrist and discovered it did not count steps when I was pushing a stroller.

I have been directing a “Wellness Ministry”, that I founded in 1985, for these 32 years, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bettendorf, Iowa.  I have also assisted the director of the Wellness Committee for the last 12 years in a “Walking for Jesus,” walking program. We count and report steps as well as the number of servings per day of fruits and vegetables.  I live in an independent living facility that also has its own ongoing “Tour of the United States., One Step At a Time”,  so I will make good use of the Accusplit.

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!