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Thank you for subscribing to In Great
Health, an Avera eNewsletter that provides
you with information to help you live a healthy
lifestyle. To learn more about what Avera
can do to partner with you to improve your
health, visit www.Avera.org.
To your
health,
The Avera
Staff | | |
Manage
Asthma for Better Quality of Life
Did you know that more than 23 million
Americans have asthma?
While many asthma sufferers continue to have
problems with the condition, some strategies may
help to reduce symptoms.
Asthma is caused
when airways become inflamed and less air passes
through to the lungs. Dust, pollen, mold,
exercise, animals and even stress can trigger
asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and
shortness of breath.
To help avoid asthma
symptoms, it's important for patients to follow
medication instructions carefully. Some
medications help relieve immediate symptoms,
while others help control asthma attacks in the
future. It's important for asthma patients to
know what triggers attacks.
If you do
have asthma, make sure you've had your lung
capacity tested, says Rachel Haigh-Blume,
director of Respiratory Care at Avera St. Luke's
Hospital in Aberdeen, S.D. "Proper screening
ensures patients are prescribed the best
medication to keep asthma in control," she
says.
Besides being screened, people with
asthma should be on controller medications. Work
to recognize symptom patterns, possibly with the
help of a peak flow meter. Asthma patients
should have a written asthma action plan and
follow up regularly with their doctors to adjust
treatments as necessary.
If you don't
have asthma but a loved one does, learn the
person's triggers and help the person avoid
them. For example, smoke commonly triggers
asthma attacks, so take steps to quit if you're
a smoker. Also consider avoiding environmental
triggers such as pets, other animals and
pollen.
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Plenty
of Sleep Helps Children Learn Better
Getting a good night of sleep is essential
for children to start the school year right. The
following tips can help children get enough
quality sleep, which they need for optimal
health, safety, academic performance and good
behavior.
Children need more
sleep than adults. The amount of sleep
you need per night varies by age. Children ages
5 to 12, for example, need 10 to 11 hours of
sleep a night, according to the National Sleep
Foundation. Teenagers need about nine hours of
sleep per night.
Keep TVs and computers
out of children's rooms. Children are
tempted to stay up later when these devices are
in their rooms. Instead, turn off televisions
and computers an hour before bedtime, and offer
a more calming alternative, such as
reading.
Teach children healthy
sleep habits. Enforce a consistent
bedtime routine even on the weekends, and let
children know it helps keep them healthy. Be a
good example by having good sleep habits
yourself.
Exercise and eat well.
Research shows that sleep, exercise and
diet go hand-in-hand to keep people feeling
their best. Additionally, limit caffeine,
especially later in the day, to help children
sleep better.
If you or a family member
has sleeping
difficulties even after making lifestyle
changes such as the ones listed above, talk to
your doctor. Several Avera facilities have sleep
labs that can help determine the cause of
sleep problems.
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Easy
Substitutions for Healthy Lunches
Packing healthy food doesn't mean lunches
have to be boring. Prepare wholesome sack
lunches for yourself or for your family to maximize
the nutrition you get throughout the
day.
Increase fruits and
vegetables in lunches. Stick with what's
in season for maximum flavor and freshness. In
September, peaches, plums, cantaloupes, green
beans and potatoes are in season. If you don't
have a lot of time in the morning, consider
using pre-packaged or pre-sliced fruits and
vegetable cups.
Incorporate more whole
grains. Substitute whole-grain bread for
white bread, which has fewer nutrients. For a
simple switch, try a whole-grain
pizza crust.
Drink more water.
Staying hydrated helps your whole body
stay healthy by improving digestion, helping to
maintain weight and improving memory.
Make healthy
substitutions. Instead of potato chips,
try carrot sticks. Milk is a much better
alternative than a can of soda. For dessert,
pack fruit with a yogurt dip. Keep lunches safe
by packing nonperishable items or putting an ice
pack in a insulated lunch bag to keep cold foods
fresh.
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In Great Health is one in a series
of Avera eNewsletters that gives readers
valuable information about health and wellness
at Avera facilities. It is not intended to
replace personal medical advice, which should be
obtained directly from a
physician.
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