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Am I Too Young for Shingles?

Am I Too Young for Shingles?

November 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

shingles vaccine

From 1992 to 2010, cases of shingles in people over 65 have increased by 39%. As baby boomers flip over the 65 mark, it’s not surprising to see an increase in cases of the virus. Most people don’t realize people under 65 years old report 50% of all cases.

Researchers propose multiple theories from lack of exposure to the virus due to an effective chicken pox vaccine to lower immune systems due to diabetes and heart disease. Most evidence rules out both of these possibilities, which leaves us with no real reason for the increase in cases of the virus, especially among younger adults.

What you need to know

Shingles arises from the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. When a person contracts chickenpox, the virus lays dormant in their nerve cells. Typically the virus “reawakens” as a person’s immune system decreases with age. Shingles appear as a painful, blistering rash. For some sufferers, shingles leaves behind long term pain called postherpetic neuralgia on the site where the blisters erupted. Most people experience one bout of the virus, but some may suffer through two or three recurring cases.

Antiviral medications started within 72 hours of symptoms may shorten the duration of the rash and pain and decrease the chances a person will suffer from long-term pain. Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also help.

Shingles Vaccine

Insurance companies typically cover the cost of a two-dose shingles vaccine for patients 50 years of age and older and may be found at local pharmacies. Patients under 50 who wish to take the vaccine often must pay the nearly $300 cost out of pocket.

If you’ve experienced a rash with or without pain, make an appointment to see your medical provider.  

Learn more about research into the rise in young adult shingles cases.

 

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Five Ways to Tame Your Sugar Craving

November 1, 2018 By Leave a Comment

sugar craving

This morning you promised yourself you’d eat healthier, but you forgot Jane’s birthday was today and somebody brought cake. It’d be rude not to eat a slice. Before you know it, a mid-afternoon donut calls your name and a bowl of sugary cereal wraps up the day as your bedtime snack.

What happened?

Our brains rely on a steady supply of sugar in order to function. Sugar, in and of itself, isn’t our problem, its the added sugars in those breakroom confections and processed foods that send our brains into overload leading to increased sugar craving. Sugar triggers the release of feel-good hormones called Serotonin. These hormones help us relax. Combine those benefits with the fact sugar tastes good and it’s no wonder we want to dive right into a vat of chocolate.

Overdoses of sugar, however, lead to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and a slew of other health problems. To reduce your body’s sugar craving, start small and make deliberate steps to choose healthier foods.

Distance Yourself

Instead of grabbing the mid-day snack to snap you from your afternoon slump, take a stroll around the office. Anticipating a sweet treat often makes us feel better than actually eating it. Adding distance between you and the temptation allows you time to consider why you really wanted that soda or bag of chips (or both).

Dish Out Smaller Portions

Some folks prefer going cold turkey and cutting out all added sugar at once. If you aren’t that self-disciplined, allow yourself a bite-sized candy bar or combine your sugar craving with a healthy treat. For instance, dip a high-fiber fruit like strawberries into a chocolate. The fiber slows the absorption of the sugar and keeps you full longer.

Chew Over It

Chewing aids in making your body feel full. Instead of giving into a sweet treat and feeding your sugar craving, pop a piece of sugarless gum into your mouth.

Go Bananas

Fruits include natural sugars. While too much fruit increases your blood sugar like foods with added sugar, eaten in moderation fresh fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth and provide your body with fiber and other nutrients that slow down sugar absorption. Dried fruit added to an assortment of nuts covers your craving while keeping proportions in check. Remember, too much fruit can overload your sugar system too, so don’t use this as a blank check.

Eat Mindfully

Do you crave that cheesecake because you’re celebrating a unique occasion or because you’re stressed over work? Understanding why you choose specific foods may help you steer toward healthier options. If stress drives you to sugar, it might be time to schedule time with a counsellor instead. Eating a donut after a stressful encounter offers no long term solutions, but it may very well create long-term problems.

Most people find quitting sugar “cold turkey” difficult. Choose one or two of these steps to reduce the amount of added sugar in your diet this week. Once you’ve cut back on your sugar consumption, your mind and body will more willingly choose healthier options.

 

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Opioid Prescriptions in Mississippi Decrease by 40%

October 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

decrease in opioid prescriptions

Earlier this year, the American Medical Association (AMA) reported an overall 22% decrease in opioid prescriptions in the U.S. between 2013 and 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) found prescriptions among their members decreased by an average of 29% in that same time frame.

In Mississippi, BCBS reported a 43% decrease in opioid prescriptions from 2013 through 2017. They also found more than 50% of new opioid prescriptions in Mississippi met the dosing and duration guidelines set by the CDC.

While these numbers show promise, they do not mean the opioid crisis is over. It does show doctors recognize the problem and are initiating a decrease in opioid prescriptions and opioid addiction. Mississippi continues to have one of the highest opioid use disorder rates in the nation. In Mississippi, 6-9 people out of every 1,000 reporting the disorder.

Reducing the number of opioid prescriptions and avoiding long-term high doses of opioids especially with first prescriptions paves the way to reducing new cases of opioid addiction cases. However, we must continue the work to care for those in our state who suffer from this addiction. Talking about opioid addiction, removing the stigma of getting help and providing more comprehensive counseling to addicts and their families continues to be a priority for our behavioral health team.

We’d like to talk to your community, church or school group about the advances in the opioid epidemic as well as what you can do to help us fight for affected community members. Please contact our community educator, Debbie Pannell, LMSW, in our behavioral health center to schedule a time for her to speak to your group.

 

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What is gluten?

October 18, 2018 By Leave a Comment

what is gluten

Have you noticed the letters GF next to menu items at your favorite restaurants? Those letters stand for Gluten Free, a designation virtually unheard of in the United States before 2000. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. When water and wheat combine, gluten gives the mixture its tacky, glue-like texture. This “glue” bonds your favorite breads, crackers, and pastries together.

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder in which gluten causes gut inflammation, traces back to 100 AD. It wasn’t until the 1940s when a shortage of wheat caused improvement in celiac patients that doctors connected this protein with gut problems.

Only 1% of the U.S. population holds an official celiac diagnosis although 30% of Americans eat a reduced gluten or GF diet.

Why do people eat gluten-free if they don’t have to?

For Celiac patients, gluten causes an autoimmune response in the gut which prevents absorption of nutrients. In these patients, this protein may also cause bloating, diarrhea, headache, tiredness, skin rashes, and anemia. Removing this protein from their diet allows their intestines to heal, restores absorption and clears other symptoms.

Since 2000, claims abound about how the protein affects other autoimmune diseases like diabetes and how a gluten-free diet may benefit people with autism. People may attempt a reduced or GF diet in order to lose weight, because it’s a fad or because they believe it may relieve inflammation symptoms from other diseases.

Should I consider a gluten-free diet?

Before beginning any new diet, visit your healthcare provider. If you have symptoms of celiac, tests to confirm the diagnosis must be made before a patient begins a GF diet. No diagnosis may be made if the gut heals because of the lack of gluten before testing is completed.

Manufacturers fortify bread products with fiber and vitamins necessary for healthy living. By cutting this protein from your diet without a celiac diagnosis, you may do more harm than good. A visit with your provider and a nutritionist can help you decide if GF living would benefit your health.

Is gluten-free eating healthy?

Yes and no. If you replace gluten-containing junk food with gluten-free junk food, it’s still junk food. Diets based on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, legumes and grains like corn can improve your nutrient intake, but these foods are always recommended whether you’re eating GF or not.

If you’re experiencing inflammation, digestion problems or unexplained weight loss, make an appointment with one of our providers today. Whether gluten is your culprit or not, our providers can help you find the way back to health.

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Benefits of family counseling for opioid addiction

October 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

family counselling for opioid addiction

Addiction sneaks up on people. For people battling opioid addiction, it may begin as one extra pill to manage pain from an accident or injury. Soon the patient feels sick if they miss one dose of medication. While the pain has subsided, the effects of stopping the pain medication create as much or more pain as the original problem.

While a person suffers through the torturous cycle of needing more pain medication and a desire to quit taking the medication, their family watches the person they love lose interest in family, activities, work, and school.

Families respond differently to the effects of opioid addiction. Some distance themselves from the addict. Other enable the addict in an effort to hide the addiction. Arguments, dishonesty, and fear replace family relationships.

 

When an opioid addict seeks out treatment, many families feel a rush of relief. Finally, the addiction is being recognized, discussed and addressed. Treatment for the addicted family member isn’t the end of the addiction, but rather the beginning of a lifelong recovery. A recovery that affects all family members.

Family Therapy Benefits the Addict

While those seeking treatment need interaction with their peers in treatment, it’s also important to reconcile family relationships. Addiction often fosters distrust, anger, fear and other negative emotions between family members. Recovering addicts need the support of their family in order to continue through the hard days of temptation and cravings. Family therapy allows an addict to recognize how their addiction affected their family and what family dynamics may have enabled their addiction.

Family Therapy Benefits the Family

In addition to providing the recovering addict with a safe place to connect with their family, therapy allows all family members to discuss their goals, how the addiction has affected their lives and what reconciliation looks like for them. Burying the hurt and disappointment of watching a loved one succumb to addiction does not facilitate healing of the family. A trained family therapist can help families reconcile their emotions and find ways to provide the support a recovering addict needs in order to stay sober.

Family therapy offers encouragement and healing for families whether the person they love has sought treatment for their addiction or not. If your loved one has signs of opioid addiction, contact our behavioral health center today. Our trained counselors can assist you in dealing with the addiction of your loved one.

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Best Breakfast Ideas for Diabetics

October 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment

breakfast ideas for diabetics

When we think breakfast, we envision syrup covered pancakes or waffles, biscuits loaded with gravy, omelets smothered in cheese, or our favorite childhood cereal. For diabetes, these breakfast foods spike blood sugar and may complicate an entire day. However, skipping breakfast sabotages blood sugar numbers as well. Studies show people who skip breakfast increase their risk of obesity and insulin sensitivity.

Without a morning pastry, where do you turn for healthy, easy and tasty breakfast ideas? We’ve scoured the web and have some ideas and recipes to share with you.

First, let’s talk about the main components of a healthy breakfast.

The USDA replaced the food pyramid of the 1990s with its Health Plate icon. To create a Healthy Plate fill half with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with whole grains and one quarter with protein. Add a side of low-fat dairy if desired.

For diabetic patients, protein combined with fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains keeps them full longer, which reduces the temptation to snack throughout the day. Substituting whole grains for white bread or muffins provides more nutrients. Considering proteins other than sausage and bacon reduces sodium and fat intake, more important in heart health.

Carb goals vary from patient to patient. Before creating your ideal breakfast menu, know your numbers.

No time to cook eggs every morning? No problem. Try one of these ideas for a change to your usual morning breakfast routine.

Smoothies:

The classic breakfast smoothie becomes a diabetic’s go-to breakfast when it combines protein powder or plain, Greek yogurt, frozen or fresh fruit, ice and low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk. Watch for added sugar in protein powders, yogurt and milk. Add in handful of spinach or kale for more nutrients or some chia seeds for fiber. Neither will change the taste of your smoothie.

Eggs:

Ah, the classic breakfast meat.

Did you know you can scramble an egg in the microwave? True story. Skip the cheese and add garlic powder or top with onions and peppers. You can also layer these eggs in a whole wheat tortilla with tomatoes or salsa for a breakfast burrito.

Yogurt:

Unsweetened plain Greek yogurt contains more protein and less sugar than flavored varieties. You can sweeten your yogurt with fruit such as strawberries, peaches, blueberries or raspberries, which also increase your fiber.

Whole Wheat Toast:

Dress up your plain toast with avocado, peanut butter, almond butter or low-fat cream cheese.

Oatmeal:

Whether you choose quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats cooked in the crockpot overnight, oatmeal packs protein and fiber into your diet. Look for unsweetened varieties and add your own flavor with fresh fruit, dried fruit, and nuts.

Eating out:

Breakfast in restaurants usually ensure you’ll consume more calories and carbs than you intended. If you know ahead of time you’ll eat out for breakfast, check the menu ahead of time for low-calorie, low-carb options. Oatmeal and omelets without vegetables in places of cheese, bacon and sausage are often safe options.

If you’re struggling to manage your diabetes, our providers and nurses are ready to help you create a plan to get your health back on track. Call our office for an appointment today.

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Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Recovery

September 27, 2018 By Leave a Comment

suicide and addiction

Statistics paint a bleak picture when it comes to suicide and addiction. A Psychology Today article cites drug and alcohol abuse as the second most common risk factor for suicide. One in three people who take their own lives are under the influence of drugs. Poisoning composes the third leading method of suicide and three-fourths of those deaths by poisoning use drugs. The article points to drug or alcohol abuse as the leading indicator of suicide risk over depression or mental illness.

Links between attempted suicide and addiction include depression resulting from an inability to fight an addiction, the loss of relationships due to addiction and the use of drugs and alcohol to mask mental illness. Persons who abuse drugs may also have lowered inhibitions and show a readiness to take more risks.

Addiction Recovery Key to Suicide Prevention

Treatment for opioid addiction addresses not only the known addiction but also the mental illnesses and mental trauma triggering the addiction or depression caused by the addiction. It’s important for addicts and family members to expect a holistic approach to drug treatment. Managing both underlying mental illnesses and addiction improves an addicts chances at recovery and reduces the risk for suicide.

When an addict seeks treatment, family, friends and their medical team should ask the hard questions “have you considered or attempted suicide or are you considering suicide?”. Asking the hard question does not give your loved one ideas about suicide, but rather opens a conversation about an otherwise stigmatized subject.

Signs to Know

Not every person considering suicide shows signs of depression. Often family and friends piece together signs of a loved one’s suicide plan after the fact. Because of the increased risk of suicide related to drug addiction, it’s imperative for the addict to seek treatment and for friends and family to ask the hard questions.

Signs a person is considering suicide include:

  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Increasing drug or alcohol use
  • Talking about feeling trapped
  • Displaying increased anger or rage
  • Talking about not wanting to be a burden to others
  • Behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping less or more
  • Isolating themselves

If someone you know is discussing suicide, whether they have an addiction or not:

  • Ask them if they plan to commit suicide.
  • Listen without judgment.
  • Remove objects that could be used for suicide
  • Stay with the person or leave them in the care of someone else while you get help.
  • Call the suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Call 9-1-1 if self-harm is imminent.

Parents, spouses, children, and friends of addicts worry about overdoses and violence involving their loved one. Suicide and addiction adds another line to the worry. Treatment isn’t just about the addiction but about healing behavioral and mental health issues contributing to or caused by the addiction.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call our behavioral health clinic at 662-282-4359 for an appointment or in case of a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

 

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Ovarian Cancer: The Hidden Cancer

September 20, 2018 By Leave a Comment

ovarian cancer

Masked by the busyness of everyday life symptoms of ovarian cancer lurk unnoticed. Although this cancer normally strikes women over 50 the disease has surprised women of all ages. Like most cancers, ovarian cancer is most easily treated in its earliest stages, however, only 20% of cases are detected in stage 1.

Unlike uterine and breast cancer, ovarian cancer lacks tests for early detection. Combined with few obvious symptoms, even women who keep their yearly wellness exams find themselves ambushed by a mid or late-stage cancer diagnosis.

Although this cancer produces few symptoms, the most common indicators include:

  • Abdominal bloating, pressure, and pain
  • Abnormal fullness after eating
  • Difficulty eating
  • Increase in urination
  • Increased urge to urinate
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area

Because these ailments may also indicate less benign illnesses, it’s important to see your provider especially if you notice a combination of these symptoms that do not go away or recur often.

To diagnose ovarian cancer, your provider may perform a pelvic exam, order imaging test such as ultrasounds or CT scans and test your blood for tumor markers. Some ovarian cancers prove harder to diagnose than others and may require surgery in order to remove your ovary and test it for cancer.

Cancer survivors encourage other women to become their own best advocate. Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you are unsatisfied that your provider listened to your concerns and treated them seriously, make an appointment with another provider for a second opinion.

Ovarian cancer may strike any woman but your risks may increase if you fit into any of these scenarios:

  • Between the ages of 50-60 years, although ovarian cancer can occur at any age.
  • Inherited gene mutations. Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), also known to increase the risk of breast cancer, increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Family history. If one or two close relatives have experienced ovarian cancer you are at higher risk.
  • Long term use of estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
  • Age when menstruation started and ended. If your cycles started early or you experienced a later menopause, you may be at higher risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Obesity
  • Personal history of breast, uterine or colon cancer
  • No history of pregnancy
  • Endometriosis

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, do not wait to contact your medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider, schedule an appointment with one of our providers. Your health is worth pursuing.

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Lice: The Back-to-School Hitch Hiker

September 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

lice prevention

Go ahead and scratch your head, we know you want to. In fact, we’re scratching our head as we write. Nobody wants to talk about lice, but they exist as an unfortunate reality anywhere multiple children gather especially in schools and daycares.

What are Lice?

Formally known as Pediculus humanus capitis, head lice use their six claws to crawl along strands of hair. As a parasite, they feed on human blood by clinging to a person’s neck or scalp. They exist in three stages: eggs, nymph, and adult.

Eggs gestate for 8-9 days before hatching and adult lice may live 40-45 days unless they are removed from their food source (i.e. a human scalp). Once removed, a louse lives 24-48 hours.

How do you get these parasites?

Contrary to popular belief, these parasites do not jump from head to head. They may, however, fall onto the backpack of their human host, who hangs said backpack next to your child’s backpack. The louse crawls from one backpack to another and when your child straps on her bag at the end of the day, voila, a new host.

They also move from one host to another when children come in head-to-head contact, hang scarves, coats and other clothing in close spaces together, share earbuds or headphones or use the same combs and brushes.

Because lice cannot live more than 24-48 hours after falling from their host, it’s rare to become infested with lice from carpets or furniture.

More importantly, how do you get rid of lice?

Most pharmacies sell over-the-counter treatments. Because their eggs or nits hatch 8-9 days after the mother lays the eggs, a second treatment once those eggs hatch may be necessary. Treatment will not kill the eggs because they have not yet hatched, so it’s important to remove all nits during the treatment process.

A deep clean of your home isn’t necessary, but you should wash all bedding and clothing the child wore in hot water. Favorite stuffed animals can be run in the dryer for 30 minutes to kill any parasites that may have fallen onto them. Dry clean unwashable items or tie them in a plastic bag for 48 hours. This method serves to smother lice. You’ll also want to vacuum your floors.

Once lice are discovered on one child, every family member should be checked for quick detection and to prevent from further spreading.

Some lice do not respond to over-the-counter medications. In this case, contact your medical provider.

The good news is these parasites do not spread disease. The bad news is completely preventing them is next to impossible. The bugs can survive underwater for 6 hours, which means even frequently bathed children can still become victims of an infestation.

 

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How to Protect Your Feet with Diabetes

September 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment

protect your feet

 

If you’re diabetic or know someone who is diabetic you’ve likely heard the horror stories about the effect of diabetes on a person’s feet. Uncontrolled blood sugar affects multiple body systems which can lead to a lot of trouble for your feet.

First, it can reduce blood flow to your feet, which makes healing from what should be a small blister or scrape much harder than you expected. Second, peripheral neuropathy, which develops with diabetes affects the nerves in your feet, reduces the sensations in your feet, which means you may not feel the start of a blister or a scratch until it’s infected. Finally, uncontrolled blood sugar can cause dry skin. Cracks in dry skin are breeding grounds for bacteria and infection.

But cheer up, buttercup, it’s not all bad news. Many small injuries can be treated successfully if found early. And the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more applicable. Read on to learn how to prevent infections with your feet and how to spot problem areas fast.

Inspect and clean your feet every day

Washing your feet sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s important to wash with warm — not hot — water. Test the water with your hand first. Neuropathy makes it difficult for your feet to distinguish between hot and cold. Also skip the foot soak. Soaking for a long time can make your skin weaker and more susceptible to injury.

When you’ve finished washing your feet, dry them well, especially between the toes. Do a complete inspection of your feet every day. If you have trouble, place a mirror on the ground or ask a family member or friend for help.

Soothe dry feet with lotion

Dry, cracked feet open the door for infection. Use a light lotion to keep your skin soft. Do not lotion between the toes because lotion here can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure your feet are soft but not wet from lotion when you finish.

Don’t go barefoot

Summer days running barefoot through the yard make for great childhood memories, but it’s time to let them stay where they are. Even going barefoot in the house opens your feet to scrapes, scratches and other injuries you may not notice until they become infected. Wear shoes both inside and out to protect your feet.

See a podiatrist

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, and hammertoes can change the way your favorite pair of shoes fit. Add a podiatrist to your medical team to ensure all your foot ailments are treated before they affect the way your shoes fit.

Find the right shoes

Ill fitting shoes or shoes with seams on the inside can cause blisters and injuries to your feet. When the nerves in your feet weaken you may not notice a blister until it’s become infected. Any redness on your feet is an indication your shoes aren’t fitting correctly. A podiatrist can help you choose shoe inserts called orthotics or orthopedic shoes. Always ensure you wear good socks, with no seams, to protect your feet from rubbing the inside of your shoe.

Stick with low-impact exercise

Exercise helps you manage your blood sugar levels. High impact exercise, however, poses risks to your feet especially if you suffer from neuropathy. Choose a low impact exercise such as walking, biking, swimming or yoga to keep your body strong and reduce the stress to your feet. Before you begin a new exercise check in with your provider.

Quit smoking

Cigarettes damage and constrict your blood vessels which impacts blood flow throughout your body, especially to your feet where blood flow may already be slow due to diabetes. Putting down your cigarettes benefits your whole body, so talk to your provider about a program to help you stop smoking. Your feet (and lungs and blood vessels) will thank you.

Control your blood sugar levels

We can’t talk about the effects of diabetes on your feet without talking about your blood sugar. You can delay and possibly even prevent problems with your feet by controlling your blood sugar. A combination of exercise, diet, and medication can help you keep your numbers where they need to be. If you’re struggling to maintain your blood glucose levels talk to your provider.

Your medical provider is a key player in your fight to keep your blood sugar under control. Make sure to mention any odd sensations in your feet and legs including numbness, tingling or pain. No change is too insignificant to mention to your provider. If you do not have a regular provider to help you manage your diabetes, click the appointment button below and request a time to talk to one of our providers.

 

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