INSIDE. Eye Care DON T FORGET TO STAY ACTIVE THIS WINTER! please enjoy! Depression Guide; Mouth Care; Eye Care; Diet & Fiber

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1 HealthyU A Newsletter to Promote Wellness presented by Akeso Care Management VOL. 02 NO. 01 ACM 01, Eye Care DON T FORGET TO STAY ACTIVE THIS WINTER! INSIDE Depression Guide; Mouth Care; Eye Care; Diet & Fiber Great Tips and Information Inside please enjoy!

2 2 HealthyU January 2011 Happy New Year from HealthyU! We hope 2012 is a happy, healthy year for you! In this edition of HealthyU our goal is to shed some light on some conditions and body systems that may seem mundane but still need our attention and focus. The New Year usually starts out with some kind of New Year s resolution or promise. Many times the resolution has to do with losing weight, getting more exercise, living healthier, stopping smoking, joining a gym, etc. While many people move forward with positive changes, there are also many who face personal demons, family issues and health worries. Often, the holidays seem to bring extra focus to these areas that can cause unhappiness. Add to it the winter weather with ice, wind and snow and fewer hours of daylight, and you can see why depression can be so difficult in the winter months. Depression Guide Everyone can have a bad day, or feel blue or sad, but these feelings are usually short-lived and pass within a couple of days. When you have depression it persists and interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you. Depression is a common but serious illness. Major depressive disorder, or major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person s ability to work, sleep, study, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime. More often, though, a person may have multiple episodes. Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is characterized by long-term (two years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes. Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for two weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression. Without treatment, people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depression. FAST FACT: Positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as one s depression responds to treatment.

January 2011 HealthyU 3 Depression Guide continued... Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances.

They include: Psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions) or hearing

3 January 2011 HealthyU 3 Depression Guide continued... Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not everyone agrees on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include: Psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). Postpartum depression which is much more serious than the baby blues that many women experience after giving birth, when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after childbirth. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with Broad/Natural Spectrum light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy. Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes from extreme highs (e.g. mania) to extreme lows (e.g. depression), usually over a period of weeks, but sometimes as short as three to four days. Even the most severe cases of depression can be effectively treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. The first step is to visit a doctor and mental health specialist. Certain medication, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. If the doctor can find no medical condition that may be causing the depression, the next step is a psychological evaluation. The doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, who should discuss with you any family history of depression or other mental disorder, and get a complete history of your symptoms. Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated in several ways. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy. Medication Antidepressants -Some of the newest and most popular antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI s). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI s) are similar to SSRI s for depression. Tricyclics are older antidepressants. They are powerful but not used as much today because their potential side effects are more serious. MAOIs are Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. This is the oldest class of antidepressant medications. They can be especially effective in cases of atypical depression, such as when a person experiences increased appetite and the need for more sleep rather than decreased appetite and sleep. They also help with anxious feelings or panic and other specific symptoms. There can be serious side effects and drug interactions from these medications, so your doctor will want to monitor you closely if these SOURCE: medications are initiated. Psychotherapy Several types of psychotherapy-or talk therapy - can help people with depression. Two main types of psychotherapies--cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are effective in treating depression. CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns. Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way. It may also help them recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help change behaviors that may be making the depression worse. IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse. Many patients do not fully appreciate the extreme value that psychotherapies hold, and they are hesitant to pursue this option. We would encourage all with a diagnosis of Depression or Anxiety to utilize this helpful treatment modality. If you feel depressed or have a loved one you think may be depressed, please discuss your feelings and concerns with your or their family doctor. You can also contact hospitals, mental health programs, employee assistance programs, private clinics and facilities, community mental health centers, etc. Just be sure and get help. Do not wait.

4 4 January 2012 HealthyU HealthyU in 2012 Mouth Care People used to think as you got older you naturally lost your teeth. We now know that s not true. By following easy steps for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and seeing your dentist regularly, you can have your teeth for a lifetime! PLAQUE: What is it? Plaque is made up of invisible collections of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay. Other types of plaque cause gum disease. Dental plaque is difficult to see unless it s stained. You can stain plaque by chewing red disclosing tablets found at grocery stores and drug stores, or by using a cotton swab to smear green food coloring on your teeth. The red or green color left on the teeth will show you where there is still plaque, and where you have to brush again to remove it. Stain and examine your teeth regularly to make sure you are removing plaque. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist if your plaque removal techniques are okay. STEP ONE - Floss Use floss to remove germs and food particles between teeth. Rinse. Ease the floss into place gently. DO NOT snap it into place-this could harm your gums STEP TWO - Brush Teeth Use any tooth brushing method that is comfortable, but do not scrub hard back and forth. Small circular motions and short back and forth motions work well. Rinse well after brushing. To best prevent decay, what s on your toothbrush matters as much as having a nice soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste, because fluoride is what protects teeth from decay. Brush the tongue to a fresh feeling. Rinse again. REMEMBER: Food residues, especially sweets, provide nutrients for the germs that cause tooth decay, as well as those that cause gum disease. That s why it is important to remove all food residues, as well as plaque from teeth. Remove plaque at least once a day, twice a day is better. If you brush and floss only once daily, do it before going to bed. Eye Care If you haven t had a dilated eye exam lately, now is the ideal time to make an appointment for one. You should have your eyes checked regularly by an eye care professional-either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. During this exam, the eye care professional should put drops in your eyes that will widen (dilate) your pupils so that he or she can look at your inner eye. This is the only way to see some common eye diseases that have no early signs or symptoms. If you wear glasses, your prescription should be checked too. See your doctor regularly to check for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if not treated. See an eye care professional right away (or consider going to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital) if you: Suddenly cannot see or everything looks dim See flashes of light Have eye pain Experience double vision Have redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid

5 Eye Care continued... COMMON EYE PROBLEMS Presbyopia is a slow loss of ability to see close objects or small print. It is normal to have this as you get older. People with presbyopia often have headaches or strained, tired eyes. Reading glasses usually fix the problem. Floaters are tiny specks or cobwebs that seem to float across you vision. You might see them in well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters can be a normal part of aging. But sometimes they are a sign of a more serious eye problem such as retinal detachment. If you see many new floaters and/ or flashes of light, see your eye care professional right away. This is a medical emergency. Tearing (or having too many tears) can come from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes or having dry eyes. Wearing sunglasses and trying eye drops may help. Sometimes tearing is a sign of a more serious eye problem, like an infection or a blocked tear duct. Your eye care professional can treat these problems. Eyelid problems can come from different diseases or conditions. Common eyelid problems include red and swollen eyelids, itching, tearing, and crusting of eyelashes during sleep. These problems may be caused by a condition called blepharitis and treated with warm compresses and gentle eyelid scrubs. EYE DISEASES AND DISORDERS The following eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness. They may have few or no symptoms early on. Regular eye exams are your best protection. If your eye care professional finds a problem early, there are things you can do to keep your eyesight. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye s lens causing blurred or hazy vision. Some cataracts stay small and don t change your eyesight a lot. Others become large and reduce vision. Cataract surgery can restore good vision. It is a safe and common treatment. Dry eye happens when tear glands don t work properly. Dry eye is more common as people get older, especially for women. Your eye care professional may tell you to use a humidifier, special eye drops (artificial tears) or ointments to treat dry eye. Some eye professionals also recommend Fish Oil for this condition. Check with your eye care professional for his/her recommendations. Glaucoma comes from too much fluid pressure inside the eye. If not treated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. People with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain. You can protect yourself by having regular dilated eye exams. It can be treated with prescription eye drops, lasers, or surgery. Retinal disorders are a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Some retinal disorders include: Age related macular degeneration, or AMD. Diabetic retinopathy. Retinal detachment. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. When the retina separates from the back of the eye it s called retinal detachment. If you have new floaters or light flashes, seek eye care right away. QUICK TIP: Protect your eyes from too much sunlight by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a hat with a wide brim when you are outside. Diet & Fiber January 2012 HealthyU 5 Fiber. You know it s good for you. But if you re like many Americans, you don t get enough. In fact, most of us get less than half the recommended amount of fiber each day. Dietary fiber is found in the plants you eat, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It s sometimes called bulk or roughage. You ve probably heard that it can help with digestion. It may seem odd to eat fiber, since it is a substance that your body can t digest. It passes through your digestive system practically unchanged, but it still offers many benefits to your health. Fiber can relieve constipation and normalize your bowel movements. Some studies suggest that highfiber diets might also help with weight loss and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Experts suggest that men get about 36 grams of fiber a day, and women about 25 grams. Unfortunately, in the U.S. we take in an average of only 14 grams of fiber each day. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are also packed with vitamins and other nutrients, so experts recommend that you get most of your fiber from these natural sources. The bottom line is that most of us need to fit more fiber into our day, no matter what its source. Increase you fiber intake gradually, so your body can get used to it. Adding fiber slowly helps you avoid gas, bloating and cramps. Getting plenty of fluids can help this as well. A fiber-rich diet can help your health in many ways. Bulk up your breakfast. Choose a high-fiber cereal (five or more grams per serving) or make a bowl of oatmeal and top it with nuts and fruit. Switch to whole grains. Look for bread that lists whole-grain flour as the first ingredient. Experiment with barley, wild or brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta and bulgur. Add a vegetable. Keep a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, spinach or broccoli florets for a quick addition to any pasta sauce or rice dish. Start dinners with a tossed salad. Don t forget legumes. Try peas, different kinds of beans (pinto, kidney, lima and garbanzo) and lentils. Snack on fruit, nuts and seeds. Grab a piece of fruit such as an apple, pear or banana. Keep some almonds, sunflower seeds and pistachios handy. Low-fat popcorn or sliced vegetables and hummus also make great snacks.

AgePage. Aging And Your Eyes. Steps To Protect Your Eyesight

AgePage. Aging And Your Eyes. Steps To Protect Your Eyesight National Institute on Aging AgePage Aging And Your Eyes Are you holding the newspaper farther away from your eyes than you used to? Join the crowd age can bring changes that affect your eyesight. Some