Healthy Holidays!

While the winter holiday season can be the most magical time of the year, it is also a time when many engage in not-so healthy behaviors. Large amounts of holiday treats, stress over holiday spending and being in large groups as cold and flu season hits can all have a negative effect on your health. The CDC has created a fun holiday song called "The Twelve Ways to Health" , providing a great way to remember all the things we sometimes forget in the rush of the holiday season. On the CDC's page, along with the lyrics, are resources to learn more about every topic are provided. Take some time to sing along and get information about a topic you may want to know more about. When you make the holidays healthy, the happiness come naturally!

               

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS!

Links: 

Twelve Days of Health Lyrics and Resource Page

Twelve Days of Health song/video

BRAIN CORNER: A Clinical Trial to Help Control Emotions

Many individuals who have experienced a brain injury, stroke, or dementia/memory loss have difficulty regulating their emotions.  Sufferers find they have exaggerated emotions or have the urge to express an emotion at an inappropriate time. The common types of emotions include crying and laughing; some may experience both laughing and crying, while others experience just one of the two.  This happens because  brain injury, stroke and dementia can damage the pathways in the brain responsible for emotional regulation.  The medical term for this exaggerated or out of context laughing and crying due to a neurological event is called Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) or emotional liability. 

   

            An example of PBA includes sobbing during a slightly sad event, while someone with a healthy brain would merely respond to the sad event with a sigh. Another example of PBA would be laughing uncontrollably during a casual conversation at the dinner table. To learn more about PBA and to get a free “PBA Facts Kit” click here. You can also see what is is like to have a PBA episode by clicking on the following link https://www.pbafacts.com/ and selecting the "view our commercial" tab. 

Dr. Carol Lippa at DrexelUniversity College of Medicine  is hosting a clinical trial for individuals with a brain injury, stroke, or dementia/memory loss that is associated with PBA.  Participants in this clinical trial will take a medication that is fully (FDA) approved for PBA due to other causes.  This is a 3 month, open label study so everyone receives the medication.  It requires only 3 visits to the clinic and all costs are covered, including the cost of the medication.  Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel expenses.  Additional details can be found here. Nuedexta has been previously studied in MS and ALS populations and a scientific paper describing the results of previous clinical trials can be found here.  To learn more about this clinical trial, please contact Kate Bowen at 215-762-1776.  If you are unfamiliar with a clinical trial, visit our previous BrainCorner Blog Post that describes exactly what a clinical trial is and what you can expect.  http://philadelphiaujima.blogspot.com/2013/09/brain-corner-clinical-trials-and-memory.html

Balancing Diabetes This Holiday Season

The end of the year brings major holidays from a variety of backgrounds. And a large majority of these holidays will bring families around tables for some of the most impressive - and fattening - dinners of the year. While the high carb, calorie and sugary foods may be tempting and delicious, we should all limit our intake of holiday treats. This can be especially difficult for those with diabetes, as the typical holiday foods do not cater to dietary restrictions. However, you can still have a wonderful time eating with your family this holiday season. Here are some tips from the CDC to help you eat well during the holidays:

At parties and gatherings:

• You can still enjoy some of your favorite foods, just watch the portion sizes. Load your plate with good things with very small portions of the more fatty foods! 
• Watch out for "healthy" options with disguised added fats. Hams coated with glazes and vegetables packed with butter or sour cream can hide major calories. Instead, look for plain fresh vegetables and if there are no alternative options, cut the skin off of meats.
• Choose no sugar added fruit over cakes and pies. 
• In addition, if you do not know what options will be served, take the initiative to bring your own healthy options. Not only will you give yourself options, you will introduce your family to more healty choices!

In addition, If you are traveling, make sure to get a flu vaccine before you go. Make sure travel with double your medication just in case there are traveling issues or delays. In addition, make sure you keep up with your exercise regime, and don't be tempted to skip out on them! A little management can go a long way, helping you to still fully enjoy the holidays in a healthy way!

Click here http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesmanagement/ to read the full list of tips provided the CDC

A Great Visual for Pregnancy Nutrition

MyPlate is a visual for nutrition designed by ChooseMyPlate.gov that shows the ideal composition for a meal. It can be a useful tool for people of all ages, in helping them to understand what a healthy meal looks like. Now, Oregon Health and Science University has come out with "My Pregnancy Plate" to help pregnant women visualize their recommend intake of each food group. In addition, they also answer questions and give suggestions about snacks, sweet and food safety. Check out this great resource!

To see the full version Click Here

See the original MyPate at choosemyplate.gov , the site also includes many resources for healthy living and eating!

Diabetes Checklist

Written By: Renee E. Amori, MD

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to review your diabetes list of “Things to Do.”  Taking your medications, having diabetes education classes, and checking blood sugars are very important, but not the only things that people with diabetes need to remember.  Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you have to do some regular “maintenance” to reduce your chance of having complications develop.

Here are a few things that you should be doing as part of your regular diabetes care plan:

Have you had you had your eye exam?
Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss.  You should have a dilated eye exam once a year

Do you check your feet daily or see a Podiatrist?
Daily foot care decreases the chance of infections, which can lead to amputations.  If you don’t know how to care for your feet, then seeing a Podiatrist for care is helpful.

Have you seen the dentist?
Regular dental visits reduce the chance of gum disease and tooth loss from high blood sugars.

Did you get your flu vaccine?
We recommend everyone with diabetes get the flu vaccine yearly.

Are you do for any other vaccine?
You may benefit from vaccines against other medical conditions.  Check with your doctor or health care provider to see if this applies to you.

It is important not only to do these things in November but all year long. Make sure your are keeping up with all of these and continue living a healthy life!

A Partnership Worth “Liking” – Facebook and NNEDV

The National Network to End Domestic Violence and Facebook have partnered up in an effort to keep survivors of domestic violence safe when using social media. In many stages of the domestic abuse cycle, using social media can be dangerous to the victim. Things an abuser finds online can cause further abuse, violence and stalking. Once the victim and abuser are no longer together, social media also can still allow an abuser access to the survivor’s life.

Some say that abusers should simply stop using social media if they are worried about abusers following their activities. However, NNEDV and Facebook feel that this solution is unacceptable and isolating.  Survivors should have the same safety as anyone else when using social media. To help survivors, NNEDV and Facebook have created a guide to Facebook privacy and security settings. They hope that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for survivors who want to continue to connect with individuals who care about them. This guide could also be useful for those who are currently experiencing cyber bullying or other forms of virtual abuse.

Links:

NNEDV Privacy and Safety on Facebook : Guide for Survivorsof Abuse

Orignal NNEDV article about the guide

If you or anyone you know could benefit from reading this, please share it and help combat domestic violence! 

The Costs of Childcare in America

 Having children is an event that many in Americans choose to embark upon and has been built into the "typical" model of the American dream. While there are many factors that contribute to the decision to have a child, early child care costs from infancy to the start of grade school may be a large deterrent. According to Census Bureau, the cost of child care has almost doubled in the last 25 years. This burden falls heavily on working mothers as they are more likely to leave their jobs to take care of children if they make less than their partner. And once children reach grade school, these women find it difficult to get back into, and become a competitive force in the workplace again.

Regardless of income, many feel the strain of childcare. However some of the hardest hit are those right above the income bracket to receive government assistance and those living in poverty. While the average percent of household income spent on childcare is about 7%, It can be much higher for low income families (about 30%!). This can impact the families ability to pay for other things such as housing, utilities and food; which can effect the health and wellness of every family member.

Planning is an essential part of being prepared. If you are planning to have a child, start early (even before you are pregnant!) and figure out what options you have availible and what would work best for your family. Availible childcare services may even play a role in where you choose to live. Of course, almost half of pregnacies in the US are unplanned, giving parents less time to setup a gameplan. Once you discover you or your partner is pregnant it is time to start looking at options. Make sure to ultilize some of your most valuable resources... family and friends who have recently gone through the same thing! For those in the Philadelphia area http://www.philadelphiachildcare.org/ is a resources that helps parents find childcare. If you are not in the Philadelphia area, simply type "childcare" followed by your area for results. Good luck parents!

Read the Story : Crushed By the Cost of Child Care

Childcare Infographic by the US Census

Rising childcare costs; US Census

Cyberbullying... A Trend That's Getting worse?

Bullying has always been a concern in schools, but the growth of technology allows for a new dimension of bullying called cyberbullying. On top of in-person verbal or physical abuse, a child may continue to receive hurtful messages or be slandered online even after the school day ends.  This gives bullies the ability to harm their targets at times that used to be safe and many states with bullying laws do not include actions performed off campus. 

It is also apparent that this is an issue we are seeing more in young girls.  Girls are more likely to both be cyberbullied and cyberbully someone else. And while many student suicide cases are not based solely on cyber bullying, we have been seeing an increase of (girls especially) suicide in which cyberbullying is involved.  In some of the worst cases, students are sexually assaulted only to have it posted on the internet where they are further humiliated and sometimes blamed for what happened.  Examples like this have come to light recently with cases such as the Stubenville, Ohio rape case. ( As we mentioned in our "Rape Culture Around the World?" entry)

What does this mean? As technology and social media remains an integral part of our lives, usage needs to be talked about more frequently between parents and children. Making sure that children and teens are safely using social media is very important. Moderation at younger ages may be an esstenital part of developing healthy online habits early on. Teaching children how to address different online situations and how to present themselves can be valuable not only in childhood, but for the the rest of their lives.

While less common, adults can also experience cyber bullying and virtual slander and should also be cautious when using different forms of social media. If you see these things happening, don't "like" it and make sure to talk to friends who you suspect could be vicitms of cyber bullying.

Want more info on Cyber Bullying? Visit the Cyberbullying research center website  

Cyber-bullying in the news: 

-Audrie Pott, Rehtaeh Parsons suicides show sexual cyber-bulling is "pervasive" and "getting worse," expert says

The Healthcare Marketplace is Open! - Affordable Care Act 101

The Government may be in a gridlock right now, but the new Healthcare Marketplace developed by the Affordable Care Act opened yesterday! You can access it here at https://www.healthcare.gov/. Many people still have questions about what these changes mean for them and what steps they should take next.

We will try to answer some of your questions here:

What is the Affordable Care Act?
On March 23, 2010 the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. The Affordable Care Act is essentially a remodel of the current US healthcare system that strives to:
-Make healthcare affordable to all US citizens.
-Encourage greater utility of preventative care and screenings.
-Have almost every citizen covered by some health insurance plan.

What is the Healthcare Marketplace?
The healthcare marketplace allows you to shop for an insurance plan that works best for you and your family. The marketplace application will let you know what you are eligible for based on your income, and allows you to compare coverage options side by side.

How to I access the Marketplace? 
You can access the Marketplace online:  https://www.healthcare.gov/
Over the Telephone: 1-800-318-2596
and in person. To find a location near you, call the number listed above or type your zip code into the "find local help" section on the following linked page https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/

Who can buy insurance through the online marketplaces?

Individuals and families who are not offered affordable health insurance through their employer, those who are uninsured or under-insured and businesses with fewer than 50 employees can buy health insurance through the exchanges. “Unaffordable” insurance through an employer is considered to have premiums that are more than 9.5 percent of household income.

Will this be costing me money? 
It depends, but probably not as much as you've heard in the news.  If you already have insurance through your job, this probably won’t directly affect your monthly premiums — and could actually end up saving you money in the long run by eliminating your co-pays for preventative care, like regular check-ups and STD screenings. If you don’t have insurance, on the other hand, you’ll be eligible for a plan in the new marketplaces and you’ll have to pay a premium for it. That’s more expensive than paying no monthly premium, but arguably cheaper than going uninsured and having to pay out of pocket for all of your health services, plus the penalty for not getting insurance. Depending on your income (and whether or not your employer offers an insurance plan), you could receive federal subsidies to help cover part of that premium.

 What if I can’t afford any health coverage?

If you can’t afford health coverage right now, the Affordable Care Act hopes to change that for you. There are two ways the health reform law could accomplish that. If your income falls below 138 percent of the federal poverty line (for reference, that’s about $15,415 for an individual and $26,344 for a family of three), you could be eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage under the law. But it depends on where you live. Although the Affordable Care Act initially intended for the Medicaid expansion to be universal, the Supreme Court ruled that it should be optional — so now, not every state is participating.

You could be eligible for federal assistance to afford an insurance plan in the new insurance marketplace  in your state. federal subsidies are also available to help Americans buy plans on the newly-created marketplaces, most of the options will be relatively inexpensive.

How Long do I have to sign up for a plan?

The initial open enrollment period started yesterday, October 1st, 2013 and ends on March 31, 2014 with some coverage plans projected to begin as early as January 1 2014. 

Still want more information?
the following is a short clip that gives additional information on the changes that will be happening due to the Affordable care act. It is also available Spanish by clicking here.

Don't wait! Start talking about your options for healthcare today!
And don't forget to visit https://www.healthcare.gov/

Rape Culture Around the World?

Recently, India has been making headlines around the world for what has been called a rape "epidemic". Rapes of the very young, foreign tourists and violent gang rapes have been causing mass protests in a call for women's rights. One of the stories that sparked the most controversy was the gang rape of a medical student who later died of her injuries (Read Here) Despite protests, cities are still seeing a rise in reported rape cases which is leading to the creation of new anti-rape laws. Bad exposure is definitely effecting their economy as well. Since December, tourism has decreased by 25%, mostly with Western female travelers. Many have criticized India, expressing that their patriarchal culture is to blame. But it has also been argued that there is a culture of rape in the U.S.

From 2004-2008, the U.S was the world leader for reported rapes with about 80,000. however, since so many rapes go unreported. The US Department of justice estimates an actual 300,000 per year (making the 80,000 figure more like 1.3 million).

What is meant by rape culture? One is example  is the recent high school rape case in Stubenville, Ohio. A young women was raped by two football players after she became overly intoxicated at a party. Instead of coming to her aid, many students joked and posted pictures of her on the internet. Following the event the town was torn. While some did support the young girl, many felt that she was to blame and shunned her for giving the football team and the town a bad name. And these incidents are not uncommon. Studies show that college students believe about 50% of  reported rapes are false claims, while the real number is about 2-8%.  And while the issue of false rape gets a a lot of attention, 97% of rapists will never spend a day in prison.

 Many people who are raped or sexually harassed internalize the issue and begin to blame themselves. 73% of rapes in America are committed by non-strangers and 28% happen between intimate partners. Especially in the case of intimate partners, some people may not understand how to escape a dangerous situation and it may not be easy.

If you or someone you know has been a victim or living in a dangerous situation, there are resources to help! For those in the Philadelphia area, the nonprofit organization Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR) provides physical, mental and legal assistance. They also have a 24 hour hotline for round the clock assistance (number available on their website). Nationwide the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) also has a 24 hour hotline and online hotline services for those in need. There are also options for volunteers to help if you are looking to be part of the solution. No matter your reason, do not hesitate to take advantage of these resources!

More in India:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-22901918

50 Interesting facts about rape... you'll keep reading!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/soraya-chemaly/50-facts-rape_b_2019338.html

Rape in America and Statistics:
http://www.policymic.com/articles/22035/steubenville-rape-case-does-america-have-an-unadmitted-rape-culture-problem

http://www.rainn.org/get-information/statistics/sexual-assault-offenders

Stress and Poverty: An issue of Public Health

In an article recently published in the New York Times entitled Status And Stress, author Moises Velasquez-Manoff discusses chronic stress, its correlation with poverty and the impact it has on public health in the United States.

There are different types of stress that effect the people in various ways both mentally and physically. Scientists have found that some of the most dangerous types of stress arise when individuals feel that they have little to no control over their daily responsibilities. This feeling of helplessness is most often found in people with lower socio-economic statues, with income being a major determining factor. Not being able to pay bills, put food on the table, no control within the work environment among other things can lead to constant chemical stress reactions from the body.

This type of stress does not only wear a person down mentally, but can also adversely effect ones' health. Those living with chronic stress tend to live shorter lives than those who do not. They are also significantly more likely to develop health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The "American Dream" implies that anyone can overcome hardships through hard work and determination. While the article explains that predisposition does not have complete control over an individuals future, among more affluent people, those who were never poor still have better health outcomes than those who once were. Why is this? Chronic stress can have a major effect on cognitive function and the brains' nervous system development, sometimes creating lasting effects even if chronic stress is no longer a problem.

This issue goes beyond the individual level because the effects of chronic stress are costly. Some of the conditions those who face high stress and prone to are some of the most expensive to treat. And the extent of inequality may be getting worse. The original article suggests that by investing more time and energy into this population (especially children), in the future, we will start to see an economic return. In addition, this could mean improvement in the quality of health for many who need it.


Additional Info on stress in America:
Stressed in America: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/stressed-america.aspx

How stress effects your health : http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress.aspx

BRAIN CORNER: Clinical Trials and Memory Disorders: Your Top Questions Answered

WHAT IS A CLINICAL TRIAL AND WHY IS IT CALLED A TRIAL?

“Clinical” is the word used to describe all things patient related, while “trial” is the word used when in the process of proving or trying something.  Together, a clinical trial is essentially a research study that involves human volunteers as the participants.  The volunteers try a treatment, which may include new or updated drugs, devices, procedures, or action plans.  The side effects, safety, optimal dosage, and the overall effectiveness of the treatment are determined as a result of the clinical trial.  Clinical trials are a vital component of the research process; without them, we would not have safe, regulated, and effective drugs available for disease treatment.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?
Some participants may significantly benefit from the study. They may have see that their condition is developing at a slower pace or experience an ease of symptoms. In some cases, a cure may even be found. Some trials do not result in direct, immediate benefits, but they help researchers to continue to develop treatments.  Participants that do not receive any direct benefit should understand that their participation will further the medical community’s knowledge of the disease and hopefully, lead to a cure. 

HOW DO I DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME OR MY FAMILY MEMBER?

When deciding whether or not a clinical trial is right for you, it is important to be both an informed and savvy participant.  There are many places where you can find information about your condition as well as current trials. Organizations like the NIH and Drexel Medicine are great places to find  up to date information about diseases and current initiatives (specific links included at the end of the post). Also do not be afraid to express your concerns and hesitations to the research study team. Keep in mind the following questions: What options do I currently have for treatment?  Am I comfortable with the conditions of the trial?  Are both my caregiver and I willing to fully commit to this process attending scheduled appointments, following directions, and adhering to all procedures?  What are the risks associated with this study?  Are the risks worth the potential reward?  Does my doctor and family support and encourage my participation in this trial?

WON'T I JUST BE PART OF AN EXPERIMENT? 

A common myth is that clinical trials are “science experiments” and the participants are “guinea pigs”.  An informed participant will tell you, this is not the case.  Volunteers are respected individuals and valued within the scientific community; often regarded as heroic. A new drug is not just created on a whim and immediately given to a volunteer; the new drug must first go through a number of carefully carried out tests. The Drug Development Plan is strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Click here for a deeper explanation of the drug development process and how the drug gets from the lab to the person.

HOW SAFE IS CLINICAL RESEARCH?

Researchers take a number of steps to make clinical trials as safe as possible, both medically and ethically.  Trials are well regulated to make sure potential side effects are not missed. Throughout the trial, all volunteers report any adverse events.  This includes both minor issues, such as a headache or dizziness, or serious problems, including hospitalizations and death.  If patterns of serious problems arise, the clinical trial may be stopped to prevent any further medical issues.  Clinical trials are also ethically sound, as they must first be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRBs’ mission is to protect the safety and welfare of the volunteers.  The IRB oversees the study procedures, ensures all staff have been properly trained, and ensures responsible conduct of the study.  Click here to learn more about Drexel’s IRB and patient protection.

WHO WILL I BE WORKING WITH?

Clinical trials include a team of people with important, individual roles.  The “Principal Investigator”, or PI, is the doctor who supervises the trial at a certain location.  The PI is responsible for all aspects of the research.  The “Study Coordinator” is your main point of contact.  The coordinator works directly with the PI and schedules appointments, draws blood for labs, takes vital signs, administers drugs, and collects and reports data.  The “Sponsor” is the company that develops the specific drug.  Typically, a pharmaceutical company develops a drug and picks different sites to carry out the study.  As a volunteer you will have limited to no contact with the sponsor.  The “Participants” are the patients that volunteer to be in the study.  The participants are a key aspect to the clinical trials team.  All members of the clinical trials team work together to reach the ultimate goal of a productive and worthwhile clinical trial experience.

SOUNDS GOOD...HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

The Memory Disorders Program at Drexel University College of Medicine, directed by Carol Lippa, MD( https://www.drexelmedicine.org/find-a-doctor/l/carol-lippa-f/), hosts a variety of clinical trials.  The trials explore different interventions for memory disorders including mild memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and the common symptoms associated with memory loss (agitation, aggression, emotional changes).  Examples of previous trials include vaccines, immunotherapies, vitamins, nutritional supplements, genetic screens, and technology research.  The clinical trials team members have extensive experience managing trials and they encourage patients and their caregivers to participate. Visit the following link to see what Memory Disorder Trials are underway at Drexel:  http://www.drexelmedicine.org/patient-services/neurology/clinical-studies/memory-disorder-studies/.  If interested in learning more about the clinical trials in the Memory Disorders Program, contact Carolyn Edwards at 215-762-7783 or cedwards@DrexelMed.edu

Resources for conditions mentioned in this blog post:

Alzheimer's Disease : http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers 

http://drexel.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=000760

Dementia: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/detail_dementia.htm 

http://drexel.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=000739

Frontotemporal Dementia (Pick Disease): http://drexel.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=000744 

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month!! Youth sports teams around the city can lace up with the Philadelphia Union in supporting the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s annual Get Real with Teal campaign. Laces are provided free of charge to youth sports teams while supplies last. Please join us in wearing teal shoelaces for games during September to help spread awareness about ovarian cancer!

Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer:

- Bloating

- Pelvic pain or abdominal pain

- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

- Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

* These symptoms are persistent and are a change from a woman’s normal body*

For more information on how your sports team can participate:

http://www.sandyovarian.org/get-involved/

Also, mark your calendars! September 15th is the Turn up the Volume Walk on Ovarian Cancer in Harrisburg, PA. Check out this and other great events that are upcoming on the Sandy Rollman events calendar.

How to find the perfect (healthy!) smoothie

In the summer, smoothies are a great way to cool down and can also be a great alternative to other snacks. However, not all smoothies are created equal. Here are tips to find the perfect and healthy smoothie to give you a cool boost in the last leg of summer.

• Choose REAL FRUIT - Many places advertise smoothies with "real fruit", but this simply means that the juice they use was made with real fruits. These are usually packed with extra sugar that you don't need. Go to places where the fruit is on display.
• Be picky, and watch your smoothie being made - Every new smoothie place is worth a try but be critical. Are those canned pineapples? Do the fruits look fresh?  Did they pour in A LOT of extra juices and only add a small amount of fruit?  These are factors that will determine if you will be coming back. 
• Decide on the Dairy - Be aware that adding dairy products will increase the fat and calorie content of your smoothie. If it is included, ask for low fat milk or yogurt instead of whole milk or ice cream. Make sure you know the options at your favorite places. 
• Customize! - Don't feel limited by the choices that are on the menu. Mix fruits to your preference, specify how much you want of something ( "just a few strawberries") and tell them how thick or thin you would like your smoothie to be.
• Dare to "go green" - If it is offered, don't be afraid to add vegetables to your smoothies. Veggies like fresh spinach and carrots are easily masked, and give you an added boost of vitamins. 
• Beware of boosters-  You may want to add a fat burner or protein boost to your smoothie. Just be aware that these can sometime change the taste, consistency and calories. Get details if you are not sure about your choice. 

While these tips may seem like a lot, it is all trial and error. To get the best tasting healthy smoothie you will have to shop around. However it will be well worth it. Real fruit smoothies can be filling, and serve as a sizable snack (often 20 oz) for under 400 calories. With blended coffees and juices, you must sacrifice size if you want to limit the calories

Fun Fact: A 24 oz Caramel Frappaccino is 510 calories,  has 50% of your daily saturated fat and 81 g of sugar!! Always  Be sure check the nutrition facts of any new smoothie place if they are available.

Have fun and Happy Smoothies!

Authors Choice:  Pineapple / Banana with a splash of coconut

Healthy Picnics

Having a picnic this summer is a great way to bring the family together and incorporate some nutritious items into your diet, but if you’re not careful you can have some uninvited friends at your picnic. Keep your food as cool as possible during transport to prevent bacteria from growing. Full coolers stay colder longer than a cooler that is only partially full, so pack in your favorite foods and fill to the top with ice. Once you’ve set your food out, make sure it doesn’t stay out for more than 2 hours if it’s 90 degrees or warmer out.

Staying Cool When It’s Hot

With the dog-days of summer quickly approaching, we want to make sure you’re aware of several ways to help cool down with the sun heating things up.

• Drink, Drink, Drink- Water is a great way to cool your body down and replace the fluids you lose through sweating.
• Stay Inside- As much as we want you to get outside and enjoy the nice weather, there are days when it’s just too hot and better for your health to stay inside.
• Take a cool shower: A cool shower is a great way to bring your body temperature down if you’ve been outside doing strenuous activity for the day or if you’re uncomfortable in the heat.
  

Introducing our NEW BRAIN HEALTH CORNER

 

Welcome to our new Brain Health Corner!

Dr. Lippa

Every month our expert – Carol Lippa, MD will address your questions!  She is the interim Chair and Professor of Neurology and is the Director of  the Memory Center at Drexel University College of Medicine.

5 TIPS FOR HEALTHY BRAIN AGING

Deterioration of the brain as we age is a true concern for many adults. Many of us have a friend or loved one who has faced Alzheimer’s disease and realize the devastating effects the disease can have on the person and family. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help decrease the risk factors involved in developing a memory disorder.  Here are 5 tips to keep your brain in tip-top shape as you age!

1. EXERCISE  In order for your body to feel and function at its best, you must exercise.

Physical activity not only keeps your body in shape, but also helps to maintain your brain health. Regular exercise decreases the risk of developing a memory disorder, especially vascular dementia.                                       

VASCULAR DEMENTIA is a very common type of dementia. Caused by a disruption of blood flow to the brain which results in killing brain cells.  This cell death can occur in the centers of our brain responsible for things like memory, thinking, orientation, and learning.  Dedication to exercise will result in a stronger and healthier cardiovascular system and will make the heart, arteries, and blood vessels better at carrying nutrient rich blood to the brain. Here's a help guide for vascular dementia

GOAL: Aim for 30 min of moderate activity per day.  

Want some ideas for workouts and activities?

Visit the following link http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/

2. NUTRITION

Healthy eating as we age is very important for managing and preventing all different types of chronic diseases, not just memory disorders.  Healthy means eating a balanced diet - one high in vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and healthy fats. Decrease saturated fats, limit sugars and salt, and drink water.  More tips here.  Want  information on portion control, required calories, food groups, diet plans, and guided label reading? Visit the following link here

3. BRAIN CALISTHENICS 

Your brain must be exercised in order for it to function optimally, just like the rest of the body.  Since your brain cannot pick up a weight or run on the treadmill, brain exercises are found in the form of memory tests, word puzzles, math problems, and board games (chess, checkers, Scrabble).  Click on the following link for free online brain exercise activities http://www.mindgames.com/

 

4. RECOGNIZE HEALTHY AGING VERSUS ONES TO WORRY ABOUT

Keep in mind that mild memory loss is normal as you age. The number of brain cells in our brain peaks during our mid-20s. From that point on, we are losing brain cells. 

 VERSUS

Misplacing your keys or accidentally calling an acquaintance the wrong name is typical, especially when we are distracted, stressed, multi-tasking and not fully focused on the present situation.  How to figure out if it is a problem is to first answer this question: Does the memory loss affect daily functioning (doing what you need to do, day-to-day)?  If you or your loved ones feel as though your memory loss is an issue, visit a neurologist for a memory work-up.  If you want info about Dr. Carol Lippa and the Memory Disorders Program at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, visit HERE.  Think YOU need a memory evaluation? Call 215-762-6915.

5. KEEP THE MIND BUSY! Use it or lose it!

It is important to keep the brain active and stimulated throughout the day.

 *Take up a new hobby, such as learning how to play an instrument.

  *Visit a department store, look at the percent off tags, and calculate the new prices.

  *Get involved with a volunteer organization or become active in your church. 

  *Schedule weekly outings with friends and family. 

These are just a few activities that not only keep the brain stimulated, but also decrease stress and help to maintain a sense of importance and purpose in life.

*WHAT DO YOU TO HELP DEAL WITH STRESS?

** HAVE A QUESTION OR A TOPIC SUGGESTION?   Send your questions and ideas about brain health and memory disorders to Kate Bowen, our Ujima Neurology blogger at kbowen@DrexelMed.edu . She and Dr. Lippa work together to spread awareness and answer your questions about brain health and memory disorders. 

HAVE A GREAT MONTH!

Post by Kate Bowen; Layout & Editing AEN