I wrote this response on a professional forum in reply to an article about Pharma industry developing a market for Asperger's drugs. My response is worth sharing if it will encourage one person to think and question if a teacher or pediatrician is recommending a drug for their child because they are 'different'. If no one speaks up more and more children will be prescribed drugs to curb their behavior. To be like Who? Is sameness good for our future?

Laura O'Reilly - Stanzilis RN, MSM   YouHealth & Wellness for people of all abilities and the aging population. Committed to Creating Healthy OutcomesI may be the contrarian here but many parents are upset and vulnerable when they are told their child is different (rightfully so) and will opt for medication as a first intervention if a teacher recommends it (and some teachers actually do recommend medication for children who don’t fit in their ‘box’ in the classroom. I have personally witnessed this).  *Disclaimer-Teachers are great. They are heroes who dedicate their lives to children.  I am speaking on what I perceive as an attitude of our society.

Many of these children who are 'different' are future artists and performers and innovators and individuals with an alternative perspective. What I would love to see is a movement that identifies unique qualities  in children and fosters their interests and talents.  More and more children are being ‘classified’ in order to have their unique learning needs addressed. (That is not  always ‘stigma free’. They are often pulled out of class for services.)  Medication often comes along with this classification.  

I know of Parents who are not in medicine or mental health  who do not question or push back for fear of being deemed ‘difficult’ or in denial over their child’s...what?...”different-ness”?...place on the spectrum?    I’m a health professional and a believer in modern medicine. I believe that for some with certain  diagnoses that  medications for physical and behavioral health are absolutely necessary. Thank God for modern medicine. It saves lives. I understand this. I value this.

But back to Asperger's...medication is not always the solution for all. When did being different or hyper or socially awkward become a medical condition?  It happened right before my eyes but somehow I missed it. It happened when video games became the norm and seeing kids playing outside became a rare sighting.

Fostering lifelong fitness habits is a great long term stress management, weight management, and health management strategy. We know the science behind that.   Just as exercise and diet may be a first course of treatment for high cholesterol and blood sugar before medication, unique educational interventions ought to be tried before prescribing a medication to a child whose brain is still developing.

I’ve seen children with Aspergers (who by the way are often the wittiest and funniest kids) and ADHD on poor diets and given candy as a reward for good behavior. (Nutrition 101). All that glucose and no way to burn off some energy. SMH, as we say.   

I believe more nutritional education and support  is needed for parents whose children have behavioral issues. Parents and caregivers need support. Forming  good nutritional and physical activity habits is a great place to start. Kids need to be kids. They need to be creative and to run and play and burn off energy. Let’s get behind that. 

I advocate for parents to question the teachers and healthcare providers that suggest medication as a first intervention. Ask about alternate strategies before making a decision. I’ve experienced having a  teacher recommend medication for ‘daydreaming in class’ or because my child made funny faces in a mirror while washing hands, which I thought was appropriate 6 year old behavior.  Clearly she and I were not on the same page. I asked if she had plans to retire. 

I suggest we start first with natural health and wellness strategies (including emotional wellness) and the arts as a first intervention before prescribing medication that has potential short and long term side effects.  And then, only if really, really necessary, prescribe the right medication for the right diagnosis to manage symptoms while still encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and coping strategies. But let's celebrate different. Unique people make unique contributions to our world.
 

Cold and Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when people with a cold and flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. A person might also get infected by touching a surface or object that has a cold or flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose.
 
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual seasonal flu vaccine. To learn about the flu vaccine visit www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination.
 



​Some natural ways to prevent colds and flu:
 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol 
 
based hand rub- especially after you cough or sneeze.
 
•  Don’t cover your coughs and sneezes with 
 
your hands- use a tissue and dispose of it 
 
immediately, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
 
•  Don’t touch your face- cold and flu viruses enter through the eyes, nose and mouth.
 
• Drink lots of fluids- water flushes your system, washing 

out the toxins as it rehydrates you.  A typical, healthy adult 

needs eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day.
 
•  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
 
•  While sick limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
 
• Try to stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, without the use of fever

​reducing medication.
 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
 
There is no guarantee against getting colds or the flu, but practicing healthy lifestyle habits- such as eating nutrient dense foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to keep your immune system strong and help you to heal faster.
 
Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and take medications as prescribed.

Today I'm happy to share a Guest Blog From Sheila Olsen Of Fitsheila.Com 

Prioritizing Self-Care is the Key to an Overall Healthy Lifestyle
​Sheila Olsen
 
The physical and mental benefits of exercise make it one of the best things you can do to reduce stress and improve your overall life. However, overdoing it can cause even more stress on our bodies and minds than we had before establishing our fitness routine. Stress can be detrimental to our health, and making time to minimize it is essential for a balanced life. Alongside exercise and nutrition, self-care must be prioritized to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle.
 
Avoid overworking
Most people know the benefits of a steady fitness routine: weight management, more energy during the day, better sleep at night, boosts in mood and self-confidence, and so on. But it’s easy to overwork in the gym or on the track, and exercise can actually become an addiction that eventually leads to health problems. For instance, exercising too much or too hard can lead to catabolism, tearing of muscle fibers, weakened immune system, and insomnia. It can also cause serious heart problems and even sudden cardiac death. It’s important to learn how to challenge yourself without harming yourself.
 
It’s also essential that you do what you can to prevent injury. No one plans for an injury, and they happen to the best of athletes. But you can make injury less likely by not overworking your muscles and bones, bookending your workouts with warm ups and cool downs, drinking plenty of water, and resting as needed.
 
Create a relaxation regimen
Another way to balance your fitness routine and self-care is to create a relaxation regimen. It may sound a bit paradoxical, but you have to be intentional about relaxing or it won’t happen. Hobbies are a great way to start. Knitting, gardening, journaling, and adult coloring books are all hobbies that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Also, don’t neglect yourself of quality sleep. Lack of sleep will hinder everything else you do in regards to fitness and self-care. Try different pillows and noise machines, make your room darker, see a sleep expert; do whatever it takes to get your Z’s in.
 
Meditation is another great way to minimize stress and refresh your mind. With the right use of color schemes, throw blankets, and enhancement tools, almost any area of your home can function as a meditation space.
 
Try HIIT workouts
Endurance exercise is known to put excessive strain on your heart. This includes running, swimming, cycling, or any activity that increases your heart rate for extended periods of time. The right amount of endurance exercise is beneficial when done safely, but it’s not a healthy fitness routine to practice by itself. An alternative method that offers a better all-around workout is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT has been rapidly growing in popularity over the last decade, largely because it allows for more of a workout in less time than other methods. But another advantage is that the HIIT’s intervals of intense activity and rest also strengthen your heart without putting it through excessive strain.
 
Take extended breaks
Along with not overworking and trying HIIT workouts, it’s important to avoid burnout. If you start to feel exhausted on a daily basis even though you’re consistently working out, you might be experiencing burnout. A good fitness routine is supposed to boost your overall energy, not drain it. You’ll probably experience burnout more than once if you keep a fitness routine, but you can usually fix it pretty easily.
 
The best way to fix it is to take a break—a real break. Don’t go to the gym or even put on your running shoes for a few days. Sometimes, even a week of inactivity can revitalize your body and mind. As long as you don’t take too much time off—say, two weeks—you probably won’t notice any negative changes to your body or aerobic conditioning. Taking breaks is essential for your physical and mental health, and you’ll come back feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer another set of fitness goals.
 
While exercising is one of the most important parts of a healthy routine, overdoing it will only lead to more health problems. In order to live an overall healthy lifestyle, it’s imperative to avoid overworking and to take legitimate breaks. Trying out HIIT and relaxation regimens are other ways that help many people keep a balance between their fitness and self-care habits. Whatever method and approach you take, just be conscious of practicing it with care.
 
Photo Credit: Unsplash
​

Summer is here! Fun in the Sun is a good thing but remember…It is Important to Stay Safe and Healthy in The Summer Heat.

Remember to take precautions against the harmful effects of the suns UV Rays, but don’t forget to stay well hydrated. Staying hydrated is vital year-round, but becomes even more of a concern during the summer months because when it is hot and humid, your risk of dehydration and heat illness increases due to increased sweating and loss of fluids.
Summer is the perfect time of year to get outside, be active and enjoy the sun. But by not taking the right safeguards to avoid overexposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, you could be putting yourself at risk for getting skin cancer.

Also, be sure to talk to your physician about the right amount of fluids for you during the summer months and the medications you take that require you to minimize your exposure to the sun.

When out in the summer heat please heed these tips on preventing Heat Stroke, a dangerous condition when your body fails to regulate its temperature:

​Drink water, homemade juices and lemonade
Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing
Keep yourself covered- especially your head and the back of your neck
Keep cool by using hand fans, wet towels and spraying water on your body
Avoid Spending time in front of a hot stove
Avoid direct sunlight between 12 and 3 pm
Avoid drinking fluids with caffeine and excess sugar

There were two plants sitting on a ledge. Which one drank water?
That's right, the perky one! Be Perky. Drink water.   

May is National Physical Activity and Sports Month and the weather is finally making it a joy to be outdoors!

Don’t let perfection stand in the way of improving your body. Realizing you may never be able to turn back time and have the exact body of your youth is not an excuse to do nothing at all. You can have the body of your life in your middle years- one that’s fit and active- with gradual, healthy weight loss as a result of modifications to the diet and regular exercise.

Be sure to carve out some time to relax and take care of yourself each day—even just 10 to 15 minutes per day can improve your ability to handle life's stressors. Also, remember that exercise is an excellent stress reliever.

Prayer, Creative Visualization, Mindful Meditation and Guided Relaxation are ways that you can escape a hectic schedule, connect with your essence and the divine source of all that is, and go back to your world feeling renewed and restored.

If you were buying a car and you asked 'what kind of mileage does this car get?' and you were told 'it gets good mileage', 'ok mileage' or 'great mileage'--you'd be like, c'mon. 'Cause that answer was kind of lame and you knew it. 

​When you go to the doctor and they take your blood pressure or tell you your  cholesterol and other ‘numbers’ from a lab report, do you now what they mean?

When you ask, how’s my blood pressure?, and they say 'it’s good' or, 'it’s ok' or, 'it’s a little high', do you ask-- how good? how ok? how high? And do you understand that number. Do you know what the RPM and MPH and MPG mean? Sure, because driving is an everyday thing. (Living in your body is an everyday thing too!) 

The human body is our most valuable physical possession in the world. So when you get a tune up-- speak up-- and ask what the numbers mean, what they should be and what you can do to make them better. And if you feel rushed, ask until you understand the answer.

Most of the time a healthy diet (premium fuel) and regular exercise (open highway cruising) is the perfect medicine. 

I love car analogies. Next up: Oil changes and bowel habits. Stay tuned. 

Getting to the heart of the matter here---your heart is your everything. It's where we feel love and joy and it works to the tune of approximately 60 - 100 beats a minute around the clock to keep us going EVERY DAY o four lives. Without it, well, we are nothing. Love it back by eating well, reducing stress and exercising.
Women and men have an equal risk for heart attacks. Check out this great video with the funny Elizabeth Banks. https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=befhp-s&p=my+little+heart+attack+elizabeth+banks#id=2&vid=a814c5c29c4c7aa3110fa080b97bee8b&action=click
 

Flu activity is widespread in most of the United States. Do what you can to stay healthy this season.
A healthy diet and frequent hand washing are things we can do year round to keep healthy, but with the flu rampant across the U.S. we must take extra steps to prevent the flu, and minimize its impact if we do get it.
Some things we can do:
Practice hand hygiene. Dispose properly of dirty tissues. Sneeze into your arm and NOT into your hands (EEW)Spread your love but don't spread your germs!
Stay home if you are sick. Drink plenty of fluids. Sleep and rest. Take all meds as prescribed and finish them even if you feel better. Stay out of crowds if possible.
Questions about the flu shot? Check out these FAQ's from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: : https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2017-2018.htm#effectiveness
Questions about the flu? https://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Stay well people! 

One of the best reasons to exercise is so that you are in good physical condition to confront life’s daily challenges. During the winter months those challenges include digging out of snow that's up to your belly button.

If you haven't been active on a regular basis, please don't try to be Hercules when there's a snow storm. You really have to take it slow.

• National Safety Council recommends the following tips to shovel safely.
  • Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
    
  • Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
  • Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter
  • Push the snow rather than lifting it
  • If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
  • Lift with your legs, not your back
  • Do not work to the point of exhaustion
    

Please check out this engaging and informative article Written by Maria Villeza, Owner of Elder Impact. http://elderimpact.org/

--------------------------Reaching out to help your elderly parent from afar

Assisting an aging parent across the miles can be overwhelming.  You can feel like things are out of control because you can’t be there to help in person.  It can be even more challenging if you have concerns about addiction or have a need to heal a rift.  Here are ways to give terrific long-distance support to your loved one.

Use technology.  According to the experts at Today, technology offers an array of great options for assisting your parent from afar.  

• Websites.  Use websites such as Google Chat, FaceTime or Skype to communicate with your loved one.  You can see and hear your parent at certain times every day, like checking in each morning or saying goodnight at bedtime.

Some websites are especially designed for supporting your aging senior.  Try Lotsahelpinghands for electronic scheduling so that family and friends can sign up for delivering meals, driving to medical appointments, or taking turns caregiving.  

The National Center on Caregiving recently launched FCA CareJourney.  This is an online service offering support, resources, and good information for those caring for adults with chronic cognitive or health concerns such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.  

• Health monitors.  Some experts recommend employing health monitors to help tend to your parent.  Modern versions of traditional medical equipment such as blood pressure, heart rate and glucose meters have internet capabilities.  Some new pill dispensers give visual or auditory signals when it’s time to take medications and notify you via phone, email and text when a dose is missed.  Activity trackers can be attached to clothing, worn on a wrist, or carried in a pocket.

 

• Emergency response and personal safety devices.  These options employ GPS tracking.  They monitor the location of your senior parent and offer two-way communication.  Some can tell if your parent has fallen, and there are options that sense if your loved one has wandered outside of normal boundaries.  Some of these look like a pendant or wrist watch, and some are insoles for shoes.  

When addiction is a worry.  Some studies show there is a growing concern for addiction among seniors.  The impact of drug and alcohol abuse is greater for the elderly, due to risk of injury and dangerous interaction with medications.  The effects of alcohol and drugs is also more debilitating for seniors.  Yet statistics show that over 2.5 million older adults struggle with a drug or alcohol problem.  Here are some signs your parent may have an addiction:

• Drinking alone
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Drinking despite warning labels on medications
• Ritual drinking before, with or after dinner
• Immediate and frequent use of sedatives
• Chronic, flimsy health complaints
• Empty beer or liquor bottles, slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on breath, changes in personal appearance
• Changes in attitude and cognitive ability, such as depression, confusion, memory loss or hostility

When the distance between you is more than physical.  Oftentimes relationships with parents are strained.  It’s no secret that families often suffer with dysfunctional issues.  It’s possible your parent’s addiction isn’t new and your relationship is damaged as a result.  Regardless of how things became broken, here is advice from experts for mending fences with your parent.

• Focus on fixing issues, not blaming or attacking.
• Take your time and don’t try to rush healing.
• Take inventory of your failings and where you contributed to issues.
• Establish boundaries for how the relationship will function now.
• Recognize limits and don’t try things that make you uncomfortable.
• Be realistic and know that no relationship is perfect.
• Be honest with your feelings.

Reach your parent from afar.  Helping your parent from a distance is challenging.  Using technology can bridge the gap.  You may be worried your parent suffers with addiction or need to heal an injured relationship.  Using the advice offered here will help you support your parent across the miles.

We don't need to be health professionals to advocate for the aging. Check out some tips on how to keep your loved ones connected and safe.

On her website Marie Villeza, Owner of Elder Impact states:
Our mission is to empower seniors against ageism by making handy the information they need to keep controlling their own lives.  Our team works to incorporate market research with senior needs.  We want technology to be accessible, we want social calendars to be bustling, and we want everyone to have access to the medical attention and other resources they need.  We want younger generations to see that they can help dismantle ageism.  We don’t want there to be any victims.  We want to impact the elderly so that they can keep impacting the world.
For more info. visit: http://elderimpact.org/

Sometimes we are blindsided by a finding or diagnosis. Especially when it comes out of nowhere. Here's my story...

In my work as a health professional I advise people on a daily basis on the importance of screenings and regular checkups. So, Walking the Walk, I made my appointment for my annual physical last year  thinking that all I needed to do was keep an eye on my higher than usual cholesterol.  To my surprise my numbers were improving, but my doctor had a frown on her face that prompted me to ask what the problem was. She wasn't sure it was a big deal but she felt it was imperative that I get an abdominal ultrasound (that led to a CT Scan) to make sure my kidneys were ok. I was nervous, as most of us can be. (It is normal to be apprehensive, but we still have to get ourselves checked out!).

Knowing my doc would be calling me with results I had my phone with me while out on a jog. So here is where my story got weird...I answered the phone and she asked me how I felt. I told her I was fine, and that I had been jogging. She said my kidneys were ok, to which I replied, 'well that's good". Then, she said, BUT- the scan showed a tumor at the base of my lung next to my heart. It was a pretty big tumor.

It was a nerve wracking period that made me really savor the moments of my life and reflect on the importance of  health (especially when it is threatened). I was prepared to do anything I had to in order to survive the ordeal. It wasn't until after the surgery that I learned that  the tumor was benign, but that it could have caused sudden cardiac arrest or structural damage to my lung had it not been found and removed.

Detection of the tumor is what is known as an 'incidental funding', something that was found by accident. It was a happy accident because it ended well for me. It was found because I was screening for something else as a result of a regular wellness checkup. If my mom were alive she would tell me that God writes straight with crooked lines"; it was a favorite saying of hers for times when things did not make sense at the moment, but would in due time.

I am fortunate that my surgery went well, and this month, one year later, I ran a 5k.

I encourage all to continue to get regular checkups and screenings. Promote awareness to all of your friends and family.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability promotes community health inclusion for people with disabilities. Kudos to them! I am thankful to have been part of their effort while working with Easterseals New Jersey, who was the lead organization in this national effort. We still have a long way to go to improve the health and wellness of people with special needs..

Last month's issue of the Disability and Health Journal published an article about the lack of programs for people with disabilities in health clubs.
In addition to physical access, health clubs need to offer fitness programs that are safe and effective. See this video to learn more about how ability appropriate exercise benefits people with disabilities. And ask me how I can help you to create one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IncqyZwXiw0

Some health club owners say there is not enough interest to justify offering a special needs program. I say, build it and they will come! We all have special needs of some kind. We ALL have bodies, and bodies need safe exercise that will minimize risks for injuries and promote best outcomes.

This newsletter is published by The New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association, of which I am president. There is important and relevant public health inform...ation for everyone. This incldues information on the Zika virus from the Health Commissioner of the State of NJ.
Remember people, knowledge is power!
Stay healthy!

http://www.njlbha.org/Newsle…/BOH%20Newsletterspring2016.pdf

Did you schedule a mammogram this year?

Nurses have the privilege to be with patients and families at their most vulnerable, and no body part or health topic is taboo at Thanksgiving, cocktail parties and other events. Bowel habits, Mom's thrombosis or Dad's COPD...whatever the topic, be confident that I am always interested. People trust nurses and tell us their concerns and ask us questions. And we really, really care. I love helping people and giving them health advice. I'm also not embarrassed to share my own issues. So let it be known that I scheduled my Mammogram today. (Wow! It has been a year since the last one.)
Please, in your personal and professional worlds encourage all women to schedule theirs.  Screenings Save Lives!