Health Tip
Health Risk Assessment
We offer this Health Risk Assessment link to EAP Work-Life Resources (external to our web site) for your consideration as a personal assessment tool. Official permission has been granted to Niceville United Methodist Church by EAP Work-Life to link to their site, July 2009.
February Health Tip: Higher Vitamin D Levels Improve Blood Sugar Control
(American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2011)
Several of our past articles have shown the value of increased vitamin D blood levels. A recent study involving middle-aged men and women found that those who consumed the most vitamin D had lower blood sugar levels and fewer signs of insulin resistance.
Many other studies have suggested that vitamin D may help improve insulin sensitivity and may be involved in helping regulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. The study participants were receiving supplemental vitamin D consisting of 1000 international units (IU) each day.
For additional information, contact: Herstel Carter, 678-4411, ext. 130 or by e-mail at hcarter@nicevilleumc.org
January Health Tip:
Potassium-Rich Foods May Cut Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
(Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 1 March 2011)
A meta-analysis of 247,510 men and women concluded that a diet containing 1.64 grams or more of potassium each day resulted in a 21 percent lower risk of stroke and heart disease. It also resulted in lower blood pressure which might be the protective effect of this dietary finding.
Five or more servings of fruits and vegetables will provide the amount of potassium necessary to achieve this result.
Good sources of potassium include:
- Bananas and other fruits and vegetables
- Fish, poultry, and dairy
- Ounce per ounce – sweet potato and tomato paste
December Health Tip:
Prostate Cancer (Part 3 of 3)
A recent study appeared in the August issue of the Journal of Urology regarding side effects of prostate cancer surgery. One hundred fifty-two men undergoing standard and robotic prostate cancer surgery were counseled for twenty to forty-five minutes regarding the surgical procedure with a focus on the side effects such as incontinence and impotence. The procedure can lead to urinary incontinence, sometimes to the point where they need to wear padding, as well as impotence problems.
One year after surgery, forty-six percent reported that urinary incontinence and impotence was worse than expected. The remainder said their experience was about what they expected.
The significance of this study is that surgical removal results in a higher incidence of side effects than do the other treatment choices. Several studies have shown that IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation
Therapy) using Proton radiation has resulted in the lowest incidence of side effects compared to the other modalities of treatment.
For additional information, contact: Herstel Carter at 678-4411, ext. 130, or by e-mail at hcarter@nicevilleumc.org
November Health Tip:
High Cholesterol?
Several factors may trigger High Cholesterol.
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute cites these risk factors that can be controlled:
- Eating foods that contain too much fat and cholesterol.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Getting insufficient exercise.
- Having a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia.
October Health Tip:
Prostate Cancer (Part 2 of 3)
Last month we discussed the facts regarding the incidence of prostate cancer in men. Here are some facts regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
Symptoms:
• The most common symptom – NONE
• Urine flow problems – starting, stopping, weak, and interrupted
• Increased frequency or urge – especially at night
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain and/or burning while urinating or with ejaculation
• Blood in the urine and semen
• Recurrent, persistent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Diagnosis:
• PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) blood test
• DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) Physical exam performed by Doctor
• Biopsy – Specimen removed by Doctor if indicated by PSA and DRE
Treatments:
There are many treatments available which include various types of surgery and radiation.
Each treatment has its advantages and disadvantages regarding cure rates and post-treatment side effects. In order to inform yourself about prostate cancer and the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatments obtain a copy of an excellent book: You Can Beat Prostate Cancer by Robert J. Marckini.
For additional information, contact: Herstel Carter at 678-4411, ext 130 or by e-mail at hcarter@nicevilleumc.org.
September Health Tip:
Prostate Cancer
(Part 1 of 3)
We hear a lot about breast cancer in women; however, not nearly as much information is given about prostate cancer in men. So here are some facts:
- Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second leading Cancer death in men.
- Each year approximately 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and approximately 35,000 die from this condition.
- 1 of every 6 men will be diagnosed with the condition and 25% of these will be under the age of 65.
- In the 1990’s over 350,00 men in the United States died as a result of prostate cancer. This is the same approximate number as the number of breast cancer deaths in women and three times the number of deaths from AIDS. This is interesting considering that breast cancer and AIDS receive 10-25 times the amount of research dollars.
- Diagnosis is achieved through a simple blood test (PSA), a digital rectal exam (DRE), and if indicated a biopsy.
MEN, DON’T PROCRASTINATE, SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
For information about support groups, contact Herstel Carter at 678-4411, ext. 130 or by
e-mail at hcarter@nicevilleumc.org.
August 2011 Health Tip:
A Fiber-Rich Diet Improves General Health
(Archives of Internal Medicine, February 14, 2011)
A recent nine year study involving 388,122 men and women concluded that
those who ate the most fiber were twenty-two percent less likely to die
during the nine years than those who ate the least fiber.
The amounts of fiber ranged from 11 grams to 29 grams per day.
Benefits of a higher fiber diet include:
- Lower risk of heart disease, respiratory disease, and some cancers
- Lower risk for diabetes and obesity
- Normal bowel movements
- Lower cholesterol and blood sugar
- Lower blood pressure
- Promotion of weight loss and less inflammation
A high fiber diet can be achieved by a diet rich in high fiber fruits, vegetables,
and whole grains.
Health Tips are provided online by:
Congregational Care Ministry, Wellness Council.
Content used by permission.
Contact:
Dr. Herstel Carter, Congregational Care pastor.