Below are the most commonly asked medical questions in a few seasonally-relevant topics.  We hope you find this helpful.  Please note:  to properly diagnose your medical condition, it is necessary that you consult with a physician.  If you are in need of a primary care provider, please call (812) 332-4468.  If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Heart Health Awareness
Smoking Cessation
Diet and Exercise
More

 
Heart Health Awareness

What is coronary heart disease (heart disease)?
Heart disease is a disorder of the blood vessels of the heart that can lead to blocked arteries and ultimately a heart attack. 

Heart Disease only affects men, right?
Wrong.  One in four women in the United States dies of heart disease.  

What are other cardiovascular diseases?
Stroke, high blood pressure, chest pain, and rheumatic heart disease. 

What are the risk factors of heart disease?
Risk factors that you can control include:  high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, or physically inactive.  Other risk factors that are not preventable include family history of heart disease and age. 

What can I do to lower my risk for heart disease?
Quitting smoking, eating right, and exercising can help you lower your risk for heart disease.  You can also talk to your doctor about assessing your risk and ways to reduce it. 

To learn more, and to see a complete listing of information, please follow the link below:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/lower-risk/index.htm

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Smoking Cessation

To successfully quit smoking, the following steps are recommended by the CDC:

• Set a goal date to quit smoking.
• Consult with your physician or join a group program to learn the skills and behaviors needed to deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Get support and encouragement from friends and family.
• Get nicotine replacement products and use them correctly. 

What is the best way to quit?
There is no fail-proof method to smoking cessation and results may vary by individual.  In general - individual, group, or telephone counseling by trained health professionals increases your chance of successfully quitting.  Nicotine replacement products and certain other medications also increase the chance that a person can successfully quit smoking.

How much harm does smoking cause to my body?

• Smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, causing many diseases and suppresses your immune system.
• Smoking is related to chronic coughing and wheezing among both adults and children, and chronic bronchitis and emphysema among adults.
• Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to have upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

*Research shows that within 20 minutes after you smoke your last cigarette, your body begins a series of positive changes that will continue for years.

To learn more, and to see a complete listing of information, please follow the link below:
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/you_can_quit/index.htm

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Diet and Exercise

Diet: 

How can I watch my calorie intake when eating out?

• Ask for whole-wheat bread on sandwiches
• Ask for salad dressing served on the side
• Order steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of fried or sautéed
• Avoid foods with cream sauce or gravy
• Eat half of your meal and take the rest home 

How can I watch my calorie intake when cooking at home?

• Choose whole grains for bread, pasta, and rice
• Add vegetables to every meal
• Use low-fat or fat-free milk
• Use low-fat yogurt instead of cream cheese
• Grill, broil, or steam your meal instead of frying or sautéing  

Exercise:

The benefits of physical activity include:

• Increased chances of living longer 
• Improved self-esteem 
• Decreased chance of depression 
• Improved sleep
• Improved strength of muscles and bones
• Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight

What is physical activity?

Aerobic activity – increases your heart rate and can range from moderate to vigorous in intensity.  Examples include walking, running, and swimming.

Muscle-strengthening activities – make your muscles stronger.  Examples include lifting weights, push-ups, and sit-ups. 

Bone-strengthening activities – make your bones stronger by creating force on your bones that promotes growth and strength.  Examples include jumping, hiking, and dancing.

Balance and stretching activities – increase your flexibility and stability, which in turn reduces your risk of injury.  Examples include stretching, dancing, and yoga.

How much exercise do I need?
Adults 18 years and older are recommended to do at least 2.5 hours of aerobic physical activity each week.  Strengthening activities are recommended at least 2 days a week.

To learn more, and to see a complete listing of information, please follow the link below:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

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Previous Months' Health Tips

Beginning a New Exercise Routine 
Holiday/Winter Safety
Cold and Flu Season
Eating Healthy for the Holidays
Fall Allergies
Breast Cancer Awareness