In Support and Understanding - Memorial Day

As we prepare to celebrate the holiday in our own way, we need to take a moment or two to recognize those who serve and protect our country. We salute you!

While we have lost many soldiers to war, many have returned with the traumatic reflections that continues to haunt them long after they have left the combat zone. Those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, find it difficult to adjust to living their lives as they once did before being deployed. Although some are able to sustain through medical and psychotherapy treatments, others have either entered into psychiatric facilities or have committed suicide.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not only touch the lives of the soldiers, we must also consider the families and friends who are also affected by the changes of their loved ones. It is also a loss even for those who have survived combat but are no longer the same, it really changes the dynamics of their relationships with their loved ones.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatments and advances discussed in the following videos:



Researchers Discover Biological Pathway Linked to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Is It Your Job?

Who doesn't love a party especially when it means that you don't have to go out to buy lunch? Almost everyone loves to have a treat every now and then. However, many offices are finding just about every reason to celebrate a birthday, the company or team has met a goal, someone is leaving, having a baby, graduating, being promoted, you name it - it's celebrated which is a good thing (in concept). On the other hand, it can be hazardous to your health. I know it sounds dramatic but I had to get your attention.

More festive moments on the job may produce happier employees which in turn increases the morale and more work gets done. However, while some jobs offer an onsite gym, many employees bypass the gym and head on to every eating event. The gym offers an opportunity to burn the calories, increase energy and improve your health but making the time to exercise even though it could not be any more convenient is a different challenge.

Pizza parties are also big on the job. Some jobs have Friday Pizza Parties while others may have Pizza day as an incentive for meeting a goal. Of course a slice wont hurt but do you really eat just one slice?

While we're on a roll, let's talk about caffeine. Yes caffeine has it's benefits as it can improve memory, speed up your reaction time, decrease fatigue but sodas are also loaded with sugar and we know that sugar has to be used at a minimum. We all love the sweet taste, it can be so addictive and can make us fat, but are we also aware that those who have high blood sugar have a higher risk of dying than stroke patients with normal blood sugar levels.

Yummy, yum, yum.......... Cupcakes are loaded with calories. Think of the sugar, the frosting, the sprinkles all piled onto this seemingly harmless round hand held treat but you should know that it can range from 200 - 600 calories. That tasty treat which no one cuts in half can add to your weight gain. Obesity can slowly creep up on you. Once you notice you are no longer fitting into your clothes, get into action. Do not allow a few moments of tasty pleasure ruin your health.

So while you are eating - Spring Into Wellness

Hope You Feel Better?

What are the first words that most people use to comfort or console someone who is not feeling well? "Hope you feel better." All the best wishes and intentions are behind the words "feel better." Feeling better and getting better can make the difference as there are subtle symptoms that may go away but are indications that something is seriously wrong.

It all happened so suddenly - Aneurysm

Symptoms

A cerebral aneurysm occur when the aneurysm pushes on a structure in the brain. In the case of a cerebral aneurysm, the symptoms for an aneurysm that has ruptured and one that has not ruptured are different.

Symptoms for an aneurysm are not common, however when they do occur you may experience the following:

Difficulty with speech
Fatigue
Series of headaches that may come and go
Loss of perception
Unable to balance

At the point where the aneurysm has ruptured, the response may be one that shows the person is in extreme pain and they may react like someone who is having a serious breakdown as they scream for help. "Make it go away!" "Stop!!!" "Stop talking!!!" My head! My head!!!" etc.

Symptoms for a ruptured aneurysm:

An intense headache
Vision impairment (double vision/loss of vision)
Pain or stiffness in the neck
Pain above and/or behind the eyes


What on earth is an Embolism?

An embolism is a blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot or foreign matter that has been transported from a distant site by the blood stream. A block in an artery caused by blood clots or other substances, such as fat globules, infected tissue, or cancer cells.

An Arterial Embolism can occur in one or more clots that deprives the tissue of blood and oxygen which may affect the brain, heart, legs or feet and in some rare instances, the eyes, intestines and kidneys. The symptoms are similar to a pulmonary embolism except the following:

Cold arm or leg
Fingers and hand feels cool
Color is pale arm or leg
A lack of pulse in the arm or leg
Weakness or lack of movement in the arm or leg

Furthermore in later stages the skin may begin to shed in the affected area, you may have blisters or an ulcer may develop on the skin.

A Pulmonary Embolism usually occurs when a blood clot travels from a vein in the leg and enters the artery in the lung and suddenly creates a blockage.

Symptoms

Coughing/Coughing up blood
Increased heart rate
Problems breathing (shortness of breath/rapid breathing)
Fainting (feeling light head)
Sweating
Swelling in the leg (pain in the area of swelling, heat in the area of swelling, discolored area of the skin)


Could it be a Stroke?

A stroke is a serious matter which once it occurs, the brain cells begins to die.

Symptoms

Sudden loss of balance, dizziness
Slurring your words, knowing what you want to say but the words are not forming or translating accordingly
An incredibly painful headache
Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
Paralysis on one side of your face or body

Having a Heart Attack?


Early Heart Attack Symptoms —powered by eHow.com

Be on the alert and remember you are your biggest advocate. Do not self diagnose or dismiss your symptoms. If you are experiencing unusual pains, get yourself checked!