We all get tired. The feeling comes when we haven’t had enough sleep, are stressed or we are simply getting ready for bed. The feeling can be so relaxing but also inconvenient during the middle of the day. To fix this inconvenience some people might drink pop, coffee or energy drinks.
Energy drinks do exactly what they say, they give you energy. This energy that we all love, does come at a cost. Australian Genetic Heart Disease Registry determines “There are three main effects energy drinks can have on the heart: increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and evidence of increasing blood thickening that can lead to clots forming in the heart and other parts of the body.”
All these side effects are dangerous for your health. An increased heart rate alone could lead to Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or, in some extreme cases, ventricular fibrillation. These side effects are something that should be taken seriously. Your heart is vital to your life.
Along with all the effects on your heart, energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. Hint, why the drinks are filled with energy. Some advice to remember when drinking caffeine, do not mix with alcohol, kids/teenagers should have limited caffeine and pregnant women are advised to drink caffeine in small amounts. There are also negative effects to drinking too much caffeine.
According to Sutter Health, too much caffeine side effects include:
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Insomnia
Dehydration
Restlessness
Some alternative solutions to gaining more energy throughout the day are getting more sleep the night before, exercise frequently, drink more water or change your diet to include more high protein foods.
Energy drinks: Do they help …or harm? | Genesis Healthcare System (genesishcs.org)
How does coffee really make you feel? | Genesis Healthcare System (genesishcs.org)
Caffeine: A Blessing or a Curse? | Genesis Healthcare System (genesishcs.org)
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.
Along with all the effects on your heart, energy drinks are loaded with caffeine.
Would you drink milk with last year’s date on the carton?
How about snack on a rotten banana?
Just like our favorite food and drinks, makeup products also expire.
Beauty products can make people feel fresh-faced and put together. But let’s make sure we dispose of them properly.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refers to a product’s shelf life as the time you can safely use “a product to look and act as expected.” Makeup can go bad for different reasons, such as added bacteria from your fingers, products drying up from poor storage and even fungi transferring to applicators.
According to Mayo Clinic Press, as products expire, your skin can react to the bacteria, causing irritation, breakouts or redness. Liquid cosmetics also change color over time from oxidation.
Cosmetics are generally usable for at least one year. Eye products have a shorter shelf life. Take mascara, for example. It’s recommended to dispose of your favorite lash lifter every two to four months. If the bottle dries up, throw it away. Do not add anything liquid to it, which will cause new bacteria to grow.
Powders are safe for two years if stored away from moisture.
For foundations, water-based products are safe for a year. Oil-based cosmetics can be used for 18 months. Cream foundations and blushes are good for up to one year. Apply with tools instead of your hands.
Lipsticks can be used for up to two years, while glosses should be tossed after one year.
Steer clear of those tempting testers at cosmetic counters. If you must try products before purchase, find clean applicators.
Sales are great for pricey cosmetics but beware of second-hand sellers marketing products that have already surpassed their shelf life.
Remember your tools. Wash brushes and sponges weekly. Change your makeup bag regularly, as it also becomes unsanitary.
Avoid sharing cosmetics with friends unless you also want to pass around infections.
The FDA notes that there aren’t U.S. laws requiring printed expiration dates on makeup, but manufacturers are accountable for safety. But products doubling as sunscreens with SPF labeling, such as foundations or powders with sun protection, are considered cosmetics and drugs. Manufacturers are required to ensure they are safe to use until expiration. These products need to be tested and have expiration dates printed on labels.
Grab your makeup bag and start doing some math. Better yet, set phone reminders to keep you accountable for replacing favorite items. Although squeezing out the last drops of the foundation you bought three years ago may benefit your budget, remember that it’s not the best for your health.
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.
Just like our favorite food and drinks, makeup products also expire.
Vicci Biles noticed that she was short of breath, tired from walking to one side of the house from the other and was not able to work in her flowers like she used to. Her smartwatch notified her that her heart was 100% in A-Fib. After consulting her sister, who works in healthcare, she called her doctor to see what was happening. Vicci took action, and because of this, she was able to go on a two-week-long vacation with her husband, Lee Biles, like they used to.
Atrial Fibrillation, better known as A-Fib, is a diagnosis that Grant V. Chow, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Electrophysiologist at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute works with most days. Dr. Chow immediately diagnosed Vicci with a heart flutter when he first saw her. Ultimately, he inserted a pacemaker to align Vicci’s heartbeat.
Placing a pacemaker is a simple procedure. General anesthesia is used so you do not feel any pain during the procedure, it is similar to being in a light sleep. The doctors insert the pacemaker through a small incision and to make sure that the leads (wires) are placed in the correct spot they use a X-Ray machine.
“When your heart is out of rhythm, in A-Fib, it causes your body to not pump as much blood as it should,” said Dr. Chow. “This is because there is a problem with the electrical system that controls the pumping of blood. The pacemaker can solve this problem by putting the heart back into rhythm, therefore enabling the electrical systems to pump a normal amount of blood.”
"I never would have been able to do everything on the trip if I hadn’t received the pacemaker."
After the pacemaker procedure was complete, Vicci immediately felt better. She was up and walking that night. She could not thank Dr. Chow enough.
“The pacemaker made me feel like I was in my 50s instead of in my 80s,” Vicci stated.
After Vicci returned home from the hospital, she and her husband immediately booked a two-week trip overseas to the Netherlands. One of the sites on Vicci’s bucket list was to see the tulips in bloom in Holland. Every day on their vacation Vicci and her husband took about 12,000 to 15,000 steps.
“I never would have been able to do everything on the trip if I hadn’t received the pacemaker. I became winded so quickly before. During our vacation, we were able to walk all day,” said Vicci.
When she is not traveling overseas Vicci is active at home. She notices that she has a lot more energy. She recently baked 150 cookies and did not get tired while baking or icing them.
She and her husband have been married for 63 years, and now that Vicci has a pacemaker, her husband jokes that he wants one.
“I want a pacemaker now because I have seen how much better my wife feels,” said Lee.
“This procedure is done to help you stay out of the hospital and live longer,” Dr. Chow explains. “We are so happy to hear that Vicci is doing well and traveling the way she used to. Vicci is just one of the patients with A-Fib we have treated at Genesis. She is a great example that the pacemaker works for patients with A-Fib and that you can be more active after the procedure.”
On pace to a better life.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting millions of women around the globe. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is a condition where the ovaries produce an abnormal number of androgen (male sex hormones), which women typically have a small amount of. If you're dealing with irregular periods, stubborn acne or unexplained weight gain, PCOS might be the culprit. But don't worry. With the correct information and a few lifestyle tweaks, you can manage PCOS effectively and live your best life.
1) Healthy diet and exercise:
Balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains while avoiding processed foods and sugars.
Regular exercise: Incorporate aerobic activities like walking, cycling and strength training to improve insulin sensitivity and manage weight.
According to the Mayo Clinic, losing 5% of your body weight will substantially impact the effectiveness of medications and help with infertility.
2) Medical treatments:
Medications with estrogen and/or progestin can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels, while metformin can improve insulin sensitivity.
Fertility treatments: Options such as clomiphene, letrozole or other medicines to support conception may be recommended for those facing infertility issues.
3) Stress management:
Mindfulness and counseling: Meditation and support groups can help manage stress and provide emotional support.
Educating yourself about PCOS is empowering. Dive into online resources, attend workshops and do not hesitate to ask your doctor questions. Connect with others who are going through the same thing.
Living with PCOS doesn't have to be a solo journey. With the right tools and support, you can take charge of your health and live a fulfilling, vibrant life. So, embrace your journey, stay positive and remember, you've got this.
Walter W. Randolph, M.D., FACOG, discusses polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and treatment options.
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.
Living with PCOS doesn't have to be a solo journey. With the right tools and support, you can take charge of your health and live a fulfilling, vibrant life.
Welcome to our self-care quiz. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your physical, mental and emotional well-being. It's about taking time to nurture yourself and prioritize your needs. Let's see how well you're doing with your self-care routine.
How often do you take time for yourself during the week?
a. Every day, I make self-care a priority.
b. A few times a week when I can squeeze it in.
c. Once a week or less, I'm always on the go.
How do you prioritize your mental health?
a. I regularly practice mindfulness, meditation or other mental health activities.
b. I try to check in with my emotions and mental state regularly.
c. I often ignore my mental needs. There's just too much to do.
What does your sleep schedule look like?
a. I consistently get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
b. I get enough sleep most nights, but sometimes I stay up late.
c. My sleep schedule is irregular, and I often feel exhausted.
How do you handle stress?
a. I have a healthy coping mechanism that helps me manage stress effectively.
b. I try to relax and take breaks when I'm feeling stressed.
c. I often feel overwhelmed and struggle to cope with stress.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
a. I have hobbies or activities that help me relax.
b. I try to relax but often feel guilty for taking time for myself.
c. I rarely take time to unwind and relax.
Mostly A's: Congratulations, you're a self-care superstar. Keep up the fantastic work.
Mostly, B's: You're on the right track with your self-care, but there's always room for improvement. Keep taking those moments for yourself.
Mostly C's: It sounds like you could use more self-care. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish. It's necessary for your well-being.
Self-care is not a luxury. It's a necessity. Use the results of this quiz to identify areas for improvement in your self-care routine and start prioritizing yourself today.
Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.
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.
Use the results of this quiz to identify areas for improvement in your self-care routine and start prioritizing yourself today.
Chronic pain persists, sometimes for years. How individuals experience pain varies widely. For some, it can feel like a dull ache; for others, a burning or throbbing sensation. Regardless of how you describe it, chronic pain is debilitating and can interfere in daily activities. It also causes other functional and psychological symptoms, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping and mood changes.
Move. We know: You hurt. You don’t want to move. However, physical activity helps in several ways. Exercise builds strong muscles and bones. Exercise also releases endorphins—feel-good hormones—so you can better cope with pain. Finally, being active prevents obesity.
Try physical or occupational therapy. Physical therapy treats pain through movement, with strengthening and range-of-motion exercises, and occupational therapy gives you skills and strategies to manage pain.
Relax. Meditation and other relaxation techniques help you better manage stress (being in pain is stressful) and reduce tension that can aggravate pain.
Stay engaged. Spending time with family and friends, and engaging in activities that bring you pleasure, help take your mind off pain and remind you of the positive aspects of life.
Explore complementary health modalities. Medical literature provides some support that complementary approaches, such as acupuncture, massage and yoga, may be helpful in alleviating lower back and arthritis-related pain, and relaxation training and biofeedback may reduce pain associated with migraines and chronic headaches.
Stop smoking. It’s bad for your health, and nicotine can make some pain medications less effective.
Practice good self-care. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and limit sugar, saturated fats and alcohol. Maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of sleep.
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.
Are you living with chronic pain? Here are some tips to help manage it.
If you’ve watched more weight loss workouts than you’d like to admit or eaten grapefruit for breakfast lunch or dinner, then read on to learn tips for successful weight loss.
Do you:
Eat too many refined grains (white bread or rice)?
Eat big portions?
Skip meals?
Eat a lot of meals away from home?
Graze all day on high-calorie snacks?
Frequently drink high-calorie coffee drinks, juice drinks or regular soda?
Consume too much alcohol?
Eat for emotional reasons?
Eat in front of the screen like your phone or computer?
OK, let’s get real. Pick at least one habit from above and work on changing this habit. For example, try limiting sweets and treats to only 200 calories a day, cutting out fried foods or only eating out once per week.
Replace the old habit with a new lower calorie habit, such as trying new fruits or vegetables or a new type of exercise class.
Self-monitor. You can do it. Studies show that people who self-monitor their meals lose more weight and keep it off.
Weigh yourself. The most successful “losers” tend to weigh themselves about once a week.
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.
If you’ve watched more weight loss workouts than you’d like to admit or eaten grapefruit for breakfast lunch or dinner, then read on to learn tips for successful weight loss.
If you find yourself on the verge of vomiting or are rushing to the bathroom with a bad case of diarrhea, you’re probably not analyzing what caused it – you just want to get it over with and feel better.
Taking care of bathroom business is clearly the first priority. But finding out whether you have a stomach bug (caused by a virus) or food poisoning caused by a bacteria, like E. coli or salmonella, is important.
Why? Knowing what made you feel rotten can reveal a few things, namely: how long the illness is likely to last, how you can care for yourself at home and how to know if things are bad enough that you should seek medical care.
Food poisoning: Caused by eating food that’s been contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites. E coli and salmonella are two types of food poisoning.
Stomach virus: Caused by viral infection that targets your digestive system.
If you’re trying to figure out what happened to you, know this: many symptoms of food poisoning and stomach bugs are the same – vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and fever. But there are some differences, such as:
If you have food poisoning like E. coli, symptoms usually appear just a few hours after eating contaminated food.
If you’ve recently had a meal with others and they’re feeling sick, too, you probably have food poisoning.
If you have a stomach bug, you’ll probably feel better in a day or two: food poisoning can last much longer, up to 10 days.
If you have food poisoning or a stomach bug, staying hydrated should be a top priority. Take small sips of water, suck on ice chips or sip broth throughout the day to stay hydrated. Just make sure to avoid sugary drinks – although it seems like they might help, they can actually cause dehydration. Also, on the road to recovery, take your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer as needed. And make sure to take advantage of one of the best remedies there is – lots of rest.
Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days
Fever over 100.4°F (in adults) or above 101°F (in kids)
Are noticing signs of dehydration, like extreme thirst
Vomiting
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.
Here are the key differences between the two illnesses.