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The skinny on skin

Read more about The skinny on skin

Taking care of the largest organ in your body is about more than just avoiding age spots and wrinkles. While the appearance of your skin can affect how you feel about yourself, it can also be an indication of an underlying condition.

If you notice a change in your skin, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Many common skin problems, such as rashes, hives and contact dermatitis, can be resolved with a visit to your doctor. While not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer, it’s important to get them checked out since early detection offers a better chance at successfully treating it.

Your skin:

Protects germs from entering your body
Helps regulate body temperature
Plays a role in keeping our immune system healthy
Permits the sensations of touch, heat and cold
Makes up about 15% of your body weight
Consists of about 300 million cells

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. More than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year. Most skin problems are not cancer, but they can be

aggravating. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for common skin conditions can help resolve them sooner and more effectively than waiting it out or trying to treat them on your own.

Your healthcare provider may suggest the following treatments to help with common skin problems:

Topical creams
Oral antibiotics
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Laser treatments

One common skin problem is contact dermatitis, which is contact with an irritant or allergen that causes redness, itching, swelling, scaling or small blisters. Poison ivy is a classic cause, but dryness can result from something as simple as contact with detergents or hair dyes. Regular moisturizing can help avoid dryness and flare-ups.

Another common problem is eczema (atopic dermatitis). This is characterized by red, itchy bumps that often starts in childhood. The cause of eczema is unknown, so the best bet for dealing with it is to make sure your skin stays moisturized. Medications can also help with the itching.

Psoriasis is the result of immune system miscommunications that cause skin to regenerate too quickly. It is identified by elevated red lesions with a silvery coating. Triggers for psoriasis include infection, stress and simple environmental factors. It’s important to diagnose psoriasis early, because up to one-third of sufferers also develop psoriatic arthritis, which can be disabling.

Many people suffer from hives at some point in their lives. These are raised red or white welts and are usually short-term, but they can become chronic. Antihistamines can be an effective weapon against them. Hives in the mouth or throat that result in swelling, however, can disrupt swallowing or breathing and require emergency department care.

Another common skin condition – rosacea – is the presence of enlarged blood vessels, usually on the face. Early diagnosis and treatment can control and prevent progression. You may have rosacea if you have skin pinkness or redness with a “flushed” feeling. Rosacea may be caused by heredity, environment, or immune system problems. Heat, stress and the tannic acids in alcoholic beverages can also aggravate rosacea.

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Beauty

Tue, 06/08/2021 - 08:00

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The benefits of walking: follow these easy steps

Read more about The benefits of walking: follow these easy steps

You’ve been doing it almost your whole life – taking steps. Most of us take the ability to walk for granted, but in the last few years the number of steps we take has become a feat to track. Do you know the benefits of walking and tracking the steps you take? Walking is one the of best things you can do to be more active, and you don’t have to take one long walk all at once for it to benefit your health. Tracking steps from an app on your phone, a pedometer or other wearable devices are ways to monitor your activity. If you start to track your steps, you may be surprised to learn how little exercise you were getting before you began counting steps.

Any physical activity, including walking, is a benefit to your overall health, but walking comes with some surprising benefits.

1. It counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes. Harvard researchers looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much these genes actually contribute to body weight. They discovered among the study participants who walked briskly for about an hour a day, the effects of those genes were cut in half.

2. It helps curb cravings. A pair of studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations.

3. It reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. An American Cancer Society study that focused on walking found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or less per week. This protection included women with breast cancer risk factors, such as being overweight or using supplemental hormones.

4. It eases joint pain. Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place. Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.

5. It boosts immune function. Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder.

6. Improves your mood. Walking releases natural painkilling endorphins to the body – one of the emotional benefits of exercise.

When you take steps to track your steps, find your activity level. In the first week, don’t change your routine but track your activity level. Set a goal for the second week. At first, try to add 300 to 500 steps to your day. Then work toward 2,000 more steps a day, which adds about one mile, or 20 minutes of walking to your routine. Compare how well you’re doing from one week to the next, and work to increase the number of steps.

Talk to your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.

Fitness

Thu, 06/10/2021 - 08:00

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Fight the bite

Read more about Fight the bite

Who wants to scratch for days when you can prevent the itch in mere minutes? And what is it about bug spray that keeps the mosquitoes off? How can such a tiny nuisance cause so many diseases? It’s worth your time to fight the bite. View the list below for helpful tips.

There are 200 types of mosquitoes that live in the continental United States; of these 200, about 12 types spread germs that can make people sick. Because you can’t tell which mosquito could be spreading germs when it bites, it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

To protect yourself against diseases spread by mosquitoes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Mosquitos can’t smell you if you use one of the following repellents:

DEET
Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
IR3535
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone

Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness.

If you happen to get a mosquito bite, don’t scratch, the bites can become infected. There are optional ways to relieve the itch. 

Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Reapply ice pack as needed.
Apply a mixture of baking soda and water, which can help reduce the itch response.
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with just enough water to create a paste: 1. Apply the paste to the mosquito bite. 2. Wait 10 minutes. 3. Wash off the paste.
Use an over-the counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream to help relieve the itch. Follow the product label directions.

How can one small insect that weighs 2.5 milligrams carry disease? When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a special mouthpart (proboscis) to suck up blood. Female mosquitoes bite people and animals to get a blood meal. Male mosquitoes do not bite people and animals.

As the mosquito is feeding, it injects saliva into your skin. Your body reacts to the saliva resulting in a bump and itching.

Mosquitoes spread germs through bites. A mosquito gets infected with a virus or parasite when it bites a person or animal that is infected. The infected mosquito can spread germs to other people or animals through bites. Mosquitoes spread viruses like West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, dengue and parasites like malaria that can make you sick. Not everyone infected with a mosquito-borne germ gets sick.

It’s worth your time to wear bug repellant and/or long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Then go enjoy the great outdoors.

Lifestyle

Thu, 06/17/2021 - 08:00

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5 Instant Beauty Boosts for All Occasions

Read more about 5 Instant Beauty Boosts for All Occasions

There’s nothing like a little beauty TLC to give you a lift before a big day. Maybe it’s a wedding, birthday party or just because it’s Tuesday. We have some beauty boosts that will help you look and feel your best, no matter what the occasion.

Shape it up

Getting rid of a few stray hairs is always helpful, but a professional can help you avoid over-tweezing your eyebrows and find a shape that’s perfect for your face. A professional should always ask about the type of skincare products you’re using, as well as any allergies, in order to avoid potential reactions you may have to the procedure. Whether you opt for waxing or threading, be sure to schedule your appointment a few days before the event to allow for any swelling to disappear.

Show those pearly whites

One of the best beauty boosts is a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, yellow teeth can keep even the most confident woman from smiling from ear to ear. An in-office session at your dentist is your fastest option, for results in about an hour. But your dentist can also provide custom-made bleaching trays to take home and use over the course of a week or so. If investing in professional teeth-whitening is a little out of your price range, many over-the-counter products can also give you the pearly whites you’re looking for in just hours.

Treat your tresses

Your hair deserves some love too. To give your hair a little more oomph than your standard haircut, try an invigorating scalp treatment and deep conditioning, which can stimulate the hair follicles and add both volume and shine to your hair. A professional can assess your locks to determine which type of treatment is best for your hair texture.

Give yourself a little face time

Put your best face forward with a facial at your favorite spa. A great facial treatment will open your pores, moisturize your skin and stimulate circulation, leaving your skin supple and with a beautiful glow. If you’re hoping to get rid of a few blackheads, you can also ask for extractions as part of your treatment. Always make sure to mention any allergies or sensitivities you have so that your aesthetician can help you decide which facial is best for your skin type.

Say yes to the mani/pedi

Special occasions usually mean photos will be taken, and pictures may show more than just your face. Add a manicure and pedicure to your next salon visit to make sure your hands and feet are picture prefect. For a long-lasting polish option, check out the salon’s selection of gel polish, which can last two to three weeks without chipping.

Beauty

Thu, 06/24/2021 - 08:00

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Finding the Unsinkable, Unflappable, Bulletproof You

Read more about Finding the Unsinkable, Unflappable, Bulletproof You

You’ve probably heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But is that really the case?

For some it may be. But for others, it’s not true. What makes the difference? Is it simply the luck of the draw, and some people are just born more resilient?

“Even though it may seem like some people are just naturally better at bouncing back quickly after tough times, that’s only partially true,” explains Christina Parr, director, Genesis Behavioral Health. “Everyone can take steps and build new habits that will help them become more resilient.”

Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” approach to building resilience. However, one way to home in on what to do is recognize your own areas of weakness so you can strengthen them.

For instance, if you look back on past experiences, you may recognize you’re fairly strong mentally in times of difficulty. But physically, you find yourself feeling tired or plagued by achy muscles, stomachaches or shortness of breath. In this example, focusing more on improving your physical health can contribute to your overall resilience.

Ten Steps to Help Build Resiliency

Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you work to build positive mental, physical and emotional habits that contribute to your overall resiliency. Most are very basic, but many people don’t follow them. Do you?

Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.
Stretch, take walks every day and move your body.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar and junk food.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, too. Only take medications as prescribed.
Get involved in a cause you care about. It not only helps the cause; it helps you build strengths in yourself.
Remind yourself of things you’ve achieved in the past. You did it before, and you can do it again!
Discuss issues with friends who are not just close, but who are helpful and supportive.
Choose to focus on solutions, not problems.
Instead of worrying, attack problems head-on and make lists of things you can do and people you can talk to who can help.
Whenever you notice yourself feeling stressed, stop where you are and focus on taking several slow, deep breaths.

“Remind yourself that building resilience is an ongoing process,” says Parr. “There will be days that you may feel defeated—and that is normal. However, if the feeling isn’t going away and you are becoming increasingly stressed or overwhelmed, be sure to contact your doctor or talk to a trusted friend who can help guide you to the help you need.”

Behavioral Health

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 08:00

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Better exercise

Read more about Better exercise

You exercise more often than most people clean their bathrooms. You don’t have any more time to dedicate to fitness. However, you might be able to exercise better … and save time. As with any exercise routine, consult your doctor before you begin. He or she can provide recommendations for starting an exercise program and alert you to warning signs of when you should take it easy.

Take our quiz to learn more.

Fitness

Quiz

Tue, 06/29/2021 - 08:00

You exercise more often than most people clean their bathrooms. You don’t have any more time to dedicate to fitness. However, you might be able to exercise better … and save time.

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Does any good ever come from sinuses?

Read more about Does any good ever come from sinuses?

We have a lot of pressure in our day-to-day life, like work, home, kids, traffic. And annually, for one out of eight adults, there is the added pressure from sinuses. If you get a headache that feels like it’s in your forehead, on either side of your nose, in-between your eyes or in your upper mouth, it might be your sinuses.

What purpose do sinuses serve?

You know they serve a purpose, but when the only time you notice your sinuses is when they are causing pain, you wonder why they exist. Our sinuses lighten the weight of our head, humidify and heat the air we inhale, and keep out potentially harmful dirt, allergens and other particles in the air. They are hollow air spaces in the bones behind your eyes and nose that connect to the nose through small, narrow channels.

How do sinuses get infected?

For many, the inflammation starts when viruses or bacteria infect your sinuses (often during a cold) and begin to multiply. Part of the body’s reaction to the infection causes the sinus lining to swell, so the sinuses cannot function properly. The infection is referred to as sinusitis and can also be called rhinosinusitis because the symptoms involve both the nose and the sinuses.

Simple tips to prevent infections are similar to ways to prevent catching a cold. Drink plenty of fluids; frequently wash your hands; consume vitamin C; blow your nose frequently instead of sniffing; avoid cigarette smoke; and don’t let your nasal passages get too dry. Try to keep your nose cleared out but not dried out by using a nasal spray or humidifier.

How to treat

There are many over-the-counter medications for the sinus infection that is not getting worse and lasts less than 10 days.

To help ease the symptoms, there are home remedies such as:

Drink plenty of fluids
Run a humidifier in your bedroom at night while you sleep
Inhale steam by bending over a bowl of boiling water and put a towel over your head
Put a warm towel over your nose

If you feel worse or the symptoms are prolonged, call your doctor.

Lifestyle

Tue, 07/06/2021 - 08:00

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Chili lime corn on the cob

Read more about Chili lime corn on the cob

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Recipes

Video

Thu, 07/08/2021 - 08:00

Watch this video to learn how to make this delicious chili lime corn recipe.

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Cholesterol: The good, the bad and the great news

Read more about Cholesterol: The good, the bad and the great news

Cholesterol is a silent disease and common enough that Stephen Knox, M.D., board-certified family medicine, Genesis Primary Care, addresses the problem with patients every day.

“Without testing, we can’t tell if our cholesterol levels are too high or too low until we have a big problem,” Dr. Knox said. “That’s why I talk about this multiple times per day. The great news is, with the right steps, we can prevent and correct issues and have healthier lives.”

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, yellowish fatty substance found in the blood. While the body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, too much of it can accrue over time. As extra cholesterol gathers, plaque forms within blood vessels and arteries and increases the chances of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

The liver, the largest gland in the body, makes and clears cholesterol for our bodies. We also get cholesterol from foods we eat, specifically animal-based products.

The good, the bad and the great news related to cholesterol.

Although bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, leads to fatty buildups in arteries, not all cholesterol deserves a bad rap. Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, carries bad cholesterol back to the liver, so it can be broken down and removed from the body.

To determine good and bad cholesterol levels, everyone over the age of 20 should have a routine blood test once every five years.

“Ideally, we want high HDL and low LDL, and that can take effort,” Dr. Knox said. “But don’t worry. You can lower your cholesterol. A good place to start is with your family doctor.”

Lifestyle upgrades to lower cholesterol.

Treatments for high cholesterol include medication and lifestyle changes. Your family doctor will work with you to identify the best pathways to better health while considering medical history, risk factors and health goals.

Risk factors for having high cholesterol include gender (males tend to have higher levels than females), age (cholesterol levels commonly increase with age), poor diet, obesity, smoking and diabetes.

“We can’t control all of the risk factors for high cholesterol like genetics, but we can take control of our diet, activity levels and smoking habits,” Dr. Knox said. “Lifestyle changes can make a major difference in our cholesterol level and overall health.”

Dr. Knox suggests these three lifestyles changes to lower cholesterol levels:

1. Quit smoking. A non-smoking 55-year-old non-diabetic male with low good cholesterol and high total cholesterol has a 10.8 percent chance of having heart disease or a stroke in the next 10 years. If that same person is a smoker, the risk of heart disease or stroke jumps to almost double at 19.5 percent.

2. Improve diet choices. Eating less high-processed sugary foods and carbohydrates and consuming more fruits and green vegetables will help lower cholesterol levels. Also, when choosing to eat animal products, pick leaner meats like fish and chicken instead of fatty red meats.

3. Increase activity levels. When it comes to exercise, Dr. Knox said anything is better than nothing. A recent study showed that 60 minutes per week of moderate activity levels improved cholesterol levels. So, take your activity to the next level and spur cholesterol improvement.

To schedule an appointment and have your cholesterol levels tested, call your family doctor. If you don’t have a family doctor, call Genesis OneCall at 740-455-7500.

Primary Care

Mon, 07/12/2021 - 08:00