Check the latest health information on the links above & below.

HEALTH ALERT CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS

1. 2013-2014 Flu Vaccine Information (Click symbol to Download and Print)
2. Extreme Weather Health Alert
3. Flu Questions & Answers
4. Take the FLU IQ Quiz!
5. Watch Your Weight!
6. Health Recommendations!
7. Heart Health!
8. Are you at risk for Diabetes? Check yourself with this tool!
9. The Naughty List of Holiday Foods
10. 10 High-Calorie Holiday Drinks
11. Benefits of Handwashing
12. US General Health News
13. Women's and Men's Health News
14. Allergy News
15. Medical Word of the Day
16. Great American SmokeOut - Nov 17

Watch Your Weight! (return to top)

Click here for important ways you can keep a healthy weight. Talk with your physician about which recommendations are right for you.

Check your heart health! (return to top)

Click here for tips on checking your Cholesterol. Click here for tips on keeping your Heart Healthy. Click here for talking with your doctor about Aspirin. Click here for talking with your doctor about Abdominal Aoritc Aneurysms. Click here for tips on checking your Blood Pressure.

Benefits of Hand Washing (return to top)

Hand Washing
Washing your hands is the single most important thing that you can do to prevent the spread of infection. Having small open scratches or cuts on your hand could lead to infection entering your body if not kept clean. So wash your hands often.

We harbor many kinds of serious germs on our hands and for many of us, having contact with many people over the course of a day can expose and spread many types of cold, flu, and infectious germs.

Anywhere you come in contact with the masses of the people, there is an unknown source of “cleanliness” and all of us are equally exposed to infectious diseases and sickness.

Hand Washing on Location
A recent study was completed that only 3 in 10 people washed their hands after using the toilet, making inside doorknobs of bathrooms and other rooms potentially the most dangerous thing.

When in someone’s home where there is sickness or illness you should be cautious of using the toilet facilities. NEVER wash your hands using a patient or sick persons facilities, towels or soap. Using liquid hand sanitizers or disposable hand wipes are a better alternative when soap and water are not available to disinfect your hands. Be sure that these materials provide germicidal activity and use them often. Dry with paper towels and dispose in the waste container.

Hand Washing Procedure
You should wash your hands frequently during the day following this procedure:
1. Use a hand-washing sink.
2. Use hot running water.
3. Use antibacterial soap. Scrub hands and forearms aggressively for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use paper towels to dry hands, turn off water and open the door. Air dry machines are not effective for drying your hands completely.
5. Place used paper towels into the trash can before leaving.

Many hand sanitizing products contain high levels of alcohol (60%+) which can cause a serious drying effect, and may also require the use of a moisturizer. Consider a multipurpose, low alcohol product. It is important to remember that using hand sanitizers only sanitize (kills germs) and does not clean the hands.

If you work or have much contact with the public and need to wash your hands often, make sure you clean your hands with soap and water after every 4-5 applications of sanitizer. If tap water is not available, carry or have a bottle of bought water to use. Be sure to use antibacterial soap and dry your hands with paper towels.

Great American SmokeOut - November 17 ... (return to top)

The American Cancer Society is marking the 36th Great American Smokeout on November 17 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By doing so, smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Read more...

Exercise Information 

1. Kettlebell Workouts - Stay Motivated
2. Count Your Calories
3. Check your Body Mass Index
4. Get Active!
5. How Fit Are You!
6. Be Active Your Way...Check this out!
7. 10 tips to start an Exercise Habit
8. 11 Ways to Sneak In an Exercise
9. BMS Walking Challenge
10. Benefits of Walking
11. 12 Ways to an Active Lifestyle

BMS Walking Challenge (return to top)

Get in shape...start walking...walk with BMS! Our employees are walking for health and you can too!

Kettlebell Exercises (return to top)

OK...your Kettlebell classes are over, now what?! Keep motivated with your Kettlebell workouts by visiting these websites for more exercises. Have an iPhone or Android device...check out the Kettlebell apps! Keep checking back...we'll add additional resources as available.

Fitness Magazine - Kettlebell Exercises

Kettlebell Workout Spot

Kettlebell Workout Wizzard - Android Market

Kettlebell Workout Wizzard - iPhone

The content provided on these websites is NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or starting any exercise program.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. BMS does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on these websites.

Benefits of Walking (return to top)

1) Walking at a brisk pace is really good for you. Especially if you enjoy your surroundings and breathing in fresh air. Make it a point to walk and spend more time with a friend or family member. Walk with your children and find out what they did in school today.

2) A diabetes prevention program for people who are overweight showed that walking 150 minutes a week can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by nearly 60 percent.

3) Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis put a group of men and women, ages 60 to 70, on a nine- to 12-month exercise program that consisted of walking or jogging. On average, the subjects exercised 45 minutes several times a week. By the end of the study, both the men and the women had lost weight, and primarily from the abdominal area. It goes to show that a simple exercise program such as walking can melt off abdominal fat, which creeps on as we get older, and help reduce the risk of diseases linked to abdominal fat. *

4) Walking is one of the easiest activities for burning calories and tuning up the cardiovascular system. If you walk, walk as long as you can. In most studies of overweight people who progressively increased their periods of walking over a year’s time, no weight loss occurred until their walking exceeded 30 minutes a day. And all the weight they lost was pure fat. *

5) Walking one mile burns approximately 100 calories. *

6) Begin the first week by walking 20 minutes three times a week. For the next few weeks, increase your time to 30 minutes. As you feel more energetic and fit, add an extra session or two to your weekly walking program. Try to work up to five sessions a week, for 30 to 45 minutes each time, especially if you’re trying to pare off fat pounds. *

7) Walking can help you achieve a number of important health benefits **:

• Lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
• Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
• Lower your blood pressure
• Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes
• Manage your weight
• Improve your mood
• Stay strong and fit

8) Walkers have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. They live longer and get mental health and spiritual benefits.

* Excerpts taken from AARP: Walking: The Easiest Exercise by Martina Navratilova
** Excerpts taken from The Mayo Clinic: Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health.

12 Ways to an Active Lifestyle (return to top)

You don't have to belong to a gym, or alter anything drastically to make your lifestyle more of an active one:

• Walk around the block.
• Mow or rake the lawn.
• Work in the garden.
• Dance to a DVD or Video.
• Walk up and down the stairs.
• Do housework.
• Laugh and play with your kids.
• Laugh and play with your pets.
• Lift weights with cans of soup or jugs of milk

1) Be Realistic: Fit your activity to your lifestyle. If you don't belong to a gym or hate running, try walking around your neighborhood instead.

2) Start Slow: Small changes can make a big difference. Choose one item to start, like walking more...and do it. When you feel comfortable that it fits in your lifestyle, add a second...like drinking more water instead of soda, and so on.

3) Be Consistent: Try to keep a regular schedule. If you decide to walk, walk every day and make it a habit.

4) Stick With It: It takes about 21 days for a behavior to become a habit, so if you start walking, stay with it for 21 days.

5) Make a Commitment: Usually, putting a promise in writing helps us to commit to it. Write down the reasons for wanting this commitment, whether it is to exercise more, drink more water, eat healthier snacks, etc. and all the positive reasons to substantiate it. Tell your friends and family about your commitment so they can support your effort.

6) Be Flexible: If you have committed to walking more every day and want to walk in the evening, be flexible, in case your schedule doesn't allow it. On the day of the conflict, walk in the morning or at lunchtime.

7) Forget About Fads: If you read about some new diet or exercise equipment, make sure it is what you want to do or spend the money on and that it validates what it is supposed to do before you commit to it. You don't have to spend money to walk around the block and it could have the same benefits as some new fad.

8) Plan for Activity: Make fitness a primary activity in your busy schedule. Plan on it.

9) Make a list of Options: List your alternative options so your fitness or diet plan does not fail. If it's raining and you can't walk outside, make an alternative list like going and walking in the mall. If your diet plan is to drink more water, list some other alternatives, like flavored water, to change it up.

10) Be Creative: If you decide to walk more everyday, choose different ways that you can keep it fresh and different so you will be more mindful to complete your goal. Walk with a friend, walk your pet, walk at the mall, take a nature walk, etc.

11) Forgive Yourself: If you mess up and miss your exercise or diet schedule, just start again. Don't fret or make excuses, start walking or start that diet again and keep going.

12) Reward Yourself: If you've stuck with your diet or exercise program, even for a day, congratulate yourself for starting! And, congratulate yourself on each milestone, each day, each week, each month, etc. that you've kept up with your plan you deserve a reward. Try to reward yourself with something that won't jeopardize your results, ie: if you are changing your diet lifestyle, try not to celebrate with a big piece of cake and ice cream...how about a relaxing bath instead.

Nutrition Information 

1. Take the Snack Test
2. Count Your Calories
3. Check your Body Mass Index
4. What's growing in your lunchbox!
5. Are you consuming too much sodium? Take this quiz!
6. Tips for Smarter Snacking
7. Nutrient Rich Snacks
8. Make the Most of your Munchies
9. "Sweet - Creamy - Salty - Crunchy" Snacks

Take the Snack Test (return to top)

Get healthier...eat wiser...eat better with BMS! Our employees are eating better for health and you can too!

Eating habits, physical activity and your general lifestyle all have a great impact on your well being. And, being aware of your habits is essential to determine how healthy you are. We at BMS are encouraging everyone to take this simple quiz to become more aware of your health habits. Answering honestly to these questions will only help YOU!

Do you know what your "Sodium" intake is? (return to top)

Smarter Snacking Tips (return to top)

1) Are you actually hungry? Or, are you just eating because of other outside influences, like being tired or lonely or even happy, or watching tv. If you are not hungry, don't eat until you are, it's that simple. If you must eat something, try a serving of raw vegetables or fruit to hold you until your next meal.

2) Are you thirsty rather than hungry? It is easy to confuse the signals between hunger and thirst. Try drinking a glass of water first. If you are still hungry...then eat a healthy snack to curb your appetite.

3) Are your portion sizes too big? Most restaurants and fast food chains use the "super size" snack that are loaded with extra fat, sugar and empty calories. Start with a small size or share with a friend. Also, for snacks at home, transfer the big pretzel bag into individual sandwich bag single serving sizes.

4) Do you read the food labels? If you aren't reading the food labels you better start. What might look like a lean cuisine, may end up being 600+ calories. That's almost a third of a 2000 calorie diet from just 1 item.

5) How much snack are your eating? Pay attention to the quantity of snacks you consume. Are you eating while watching a 2 hour movie, and eating the whole time. Slow down on chewing and enjoy your snack, you'll eat less, your system will absorb the nutrients better. Or make individual serving sizes and be sure to have only your 1 serving.

6) How much protein are you getting from your snack? Most snacks are low in protein and high in sugar and fat. Better alternatives with protein are meat, dairy, nuts and soy products. They are better for you and keep your hunger satisfied longer.

7) Are you NUTS? A handful of nuts can satisfy your craving for something salty with a good nutrition value.

8) Eat your Vegetables! A great fast food snack is raw vegetables. Keep sliced vegetables in individual serving size sandwich bags for a quick on the go snack. Sliced carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, oh my!

9) Eat your Fruit! Fresh, dried or canned fruit is a great treat any time of day. Make up single serving sizes or grab and orange or apple for a quick snack on the go.

10) Are you drinking your calories? Soft drinks have lots of sugar and excess calories. Try low-fat milk or flavored water instead.

Nutrient Rich Super Snacks (return to top)

Here are some quick and easy ideas for you to make your own healthy snack. A balanced snack can make all the difference in how hungry you feel. Have one of these super snacks during your day and you'll get an extra boost of energy that will satisfy your hunger cravings!

1) Oatmeal with low-fat milk: Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and it only takes a minute to heat up in the microwave.

2) Low Fat Yogurt with Berries: Stir in fresh strawberries, blueberries or raspberries into some low fat vanilla yogurt. Experiment with different flavors of yogurt for even more flavor.

3) Nuts and Dried Fruit: Mix up your own trail mix of a handful of nuts with raisins, dried apricots or bananas or apples. Dried fruit has more concentration of sugar, so be mindful of the serving size.

4) Cheese and an Apple: Make an elegant snack of low-fat cheese with a sliced apple. Serve it up on a silver platter and serve with sparkling water in a champagne glass...prop your feet up and enjoy! Need an on the go snack, grab an apple and a low-fat string cheese in a wrapper.

5) Beef Jerky and Pea Pods: You can make home made beef jerky by very thinly slicing a lean cut of beef, marinate in soy sauce and place in a low oven to dry, or use a dehydrator. Pair it up with edamame, sugar snap peas, or pea pods. Put it in a chinese carry out container for the full effect of eating chinese take out.

6) Turkey Sandwich: Whole grain bread and a slice of turkey, lettuce, tomato and mustard! Low-fat, lean and full of protein.

7) Banana Snack: Slice a banana and spread with smooth or chunky peanut butter. Place between two pieces of whole grain bread for a wholesome sandwich.

8) Cottage Cheese and Fruit: An old favorite, 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese with juice packed fruit. Great with fresh or canned pineapple, peaches or pears.

9) Tomato and Cheese Kabobs: Cut up a mozzarella or low-fat cheese stick and skewer on a kabob alternating with cherry tomatoes!

10) A Classic Salad: Use your favorite salad greens and sprinkle with a tablespoon of sunflower seeds, dress lightly with vinegar and olive oil.

11) Cheese Tortilla: Use your favorite cheese and roll up with a whole wheat tortilla, plain, spinach or tomato.

11) Microwave Soup: Check the instant soup isle in the grocery for your favorite bean, or bean and rice combo. Make some easy chicken broth with bouillon in the microwave and add some cooked noodles and fresh parsley. These make a quick and hearty light soup to keep you warm and cozy.

Make the most of your Munchies (return to top)

The key to healthy snacking is the effort on your part to make wise food choices. MINIMIZE snacking on candy, chips and soda and MAXIMIZE snacks low in fat, low in sodium, and low in added sugar!

1) Fresh Fruit and Vegetables: Fresh fruit is a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates and are packed with vitamins and minerals.

2) Yogurt and Cottage Cheese: A great source of protein, vitamins, calcium and other minerals. Look at the labels and lean toward 1 percent low-fat or fat-free.

3) Raisins, Whole Grain Crackers, High Fiber Cereal: All are nutritious snacks, but watch your portion control.

4) Snack Substitutes: Choose healthful choices rather than high-fat choices. Baked over fried usually has less fat. Air-popped popcorn is low in fat and calories and also a good source of fiber. Try a yogurt shake instead of one made with fat filled ice cream.

5) Don't Skip Meals: If you skip a meal, you will be hungrier the next with the temptation to eat more, eat faster, or choose less healthy, quick meals.

6) Eat in the Dining Room: Watching TV or talking on the phone while eating distracts you from eating the proper proportions. People have a tendency to overeat while performing another activity while eating.

7) Don't eat on a Break: Walk, Jog, or do exercises while on a break, instead of eating a cookie or pizza or eat an apple as a healthy alterative if you are having hunger signals.

8) Drink Water: Drinking water all throughout the day will help you feel full and less likely to grab that unhealthy snack.

9) Choose Healthy Snacks: Choose snacks low in fat, low added sugar, low in added sodium, and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Choose snacks that don't stick to your teeth and are low in added sugar.

10) Eat in Moderation: Eating in smaller portions, means eating less calories. Save part of a larger meal to eat later as a snack.

Disease Management

We have listed some of the major disease risks here:

1. What is a COPD?
2. What is Diabetes?
3. What is Chronic Nasal Congestion?
4. What is Cardiovascular Disease?
5. What is Glaucoma?
6. Download Now - Cholestrerol-Blood Pressure-Weight Checklist
7. What is High Blood Pressure - Hypertension?
8. What does High Blood Pressure do to your body?
9. How can you reduce your risk of High Blood Pressure?
10. What is the DASH diet?
11. What is Depression?
12. What is a Stroke?

What is Diabetes? (return to top)
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. Having sleep apnea can also bring on symptoms of Diabetes.

What is Chronic Nasal Congestion? (return to top)
Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels. It is also known as nasal blockage, nasal obstruction, blocked nose, stuffy nose, or stuffed up nose.

Chronic nasal congestion that occurs is actually a symptom of chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis treatment can be accomplished by first understanding the underlying cause of the condition. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with sleep apnea.

What is Cardiovascular Disease? (return to top)
Heart disease or cardiovascular disease are the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels - arteries and veins. While the term technically refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, it is usually used to refer to those related to arteriosclerosis or arterial disease. These conditions usually have similar causes, mechanisms, and treatments. By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (arteriosclerosis) is usually quite advanced, having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing arteriosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of smoking. Having sleep apnea can increase your chances of having cardiovascular disease.

What is Glaucoma? (return to top)
Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye(s) and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. The term 'ocular hypertension' is used for cases having constantly raised intraocular pressure (IOP) without any associated optic nerve damage. Having sleep apnea can increase your chances of having glaucoma.

What is High Blood Pressure - Hypertension? (return to top)
Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure is a cardiac chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension; About 90–95% of cases are categorized as "primary hypertension," which means high blood pressure with no obvious medical cause.The remaining 5–10% of cases (Secondary hypertension) are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system. Having sleep apnea can put you at risk for hypertension.

What does High Blood Pressure do to your body? (return to top)
Blood pressure is the force of blood that travels through your arteries. If pressure is too high, it can damage your blood vessels and organs in your body. The higher your blood pressure is, and the longer it stays untreated, the greater your risk for serious medical problems, including:

Heart Failure: High blood pressure puts extra demand on the heart. Over time, the heart grows bigger to make up for the extra work and it eventually weakens. Heart failure occurs when the weakened heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. High blood pressure is the biggest predictor of heart failure. One study found that 90 percent of people with heart failure had high blood pressure.

Heart attack: High blood pressure can damage the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. If these vessels become narrowed and damaged, a blood clot can form and lead to a heart attack.

Stroke: The biggest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage arteries that supply blood to the brain. A clot can form and block the artery and prevent blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. High blood pressure can also cause arteries in the brain to burst. This also results in another type of stroke called hemorrhagic or bleeding stroke.

Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the arteries that supply the kidneys. This leads to kidney damage and kidney failure. This is especially dangerous because kidney damage raises blood pressure even more.

Vision problems: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels that supply the eye. The blood vessels can burst or bleed, causing blurry vision and blindness.

Memory loss: High blood pressure can restrict blood flow to the brain. If too little blood reaches the brain, the brain cannot work well. One study found that this may lead to memory loss.

How can you reduce your risk of High Blood Pressure? (return to top)

To prevent complications, follow your high blood pressure treatment plan as directed by your doctor:

Take all medications as prescribed - Never stop taking a medicine without talking to your doctor first. Blood pressure medication can cut your risk of heart failure and other complications in half.

Reach or maintain a healthy weight - If you are overweight, lose weight. A weight loss of just 10 pounds can help lower blood pressure.

Follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet - Studies show that the DASH diet helps control high blood pressure. The diet is rich in vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy. Foods high in saturated and total fat and cholesterol are limited.

Limit sodium (salt) intake - Eating a diet low in salt can help keep your blood pressure in check. Keep sodium intake to less than 2,400 mg per day.

Get Active - Work up to 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Check with your doctor before you start or increase your level of exercise.

Avoid Alcohol - Drinking too much or too often raises the risk for high blood pressure.

Don't Smoke - If you do, quit.

What is the DASH diet? (return to top)
The "DASH" eating plan, is short for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension". If your first thought is that the DASH is bland and boring, think again. The DASH is as much about adding tasty, nutrient-rich foods as it is about limiting fats and sugars. Two large studies, both supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, have offered proof that DASH works. The first study looked at the effects on blood pressure of eating a varied, wholesome diet versus the typical American diet. Results showed that blood pressure could be lowered by eating combinations of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, as opposed to the typical American diet.

Up your vegetable intake • Add a variety of veggies to lunch or dinnertime salads and soups, • Have cut-up veggies such as carrots, colored peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and celery for snacks, with a low-fat yogurt dip, • Increase vegetable portions of casseroles and stir-fries while decreasing meat portions, • Add beans/legumes to salads, soups and casseroles.

Go Whole Grain • Choose whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas, • Instead of white rice or potatoes, experiment with brown rice, quinoa, barley and bulgur.

Go Nutty • Sprinkle nuts into whole-grain cereal, yogurt or salads, • Add natural peanut or almond butter to whole-grain bread with sliced banana, • Snack on small amounts of nuts and dried fruit.

Do it with Dairy • Use skim or low-fat milk in smoothies with fresh fruit and 100 percent juice, • Add skim or low-fat milk to coffee for lattes, • Choose low-fat yogurt for breakfast or snacks. • Use low-fat cheese on whole-grain bread, sprinkled on salads, or topped on a baked potato with broccoli. DASH isn’t just for people with high blood pressure. It’s an overall healthy, wholesome, high-fiber eating plan that can also help reduce cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss.

What is Depression? (return to top)
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being. It may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, or restlessness.

Depressed people may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, or suffer cognitive impairments (e.g., difficulty concentrating, remembering details, making decisions). They may contemplate or attempt suicide. Their weight may change dramatically. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, change in sleep patterns (e.g., waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and being unable to fall asleep again), fatigue, loss of energy, and aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may be present.

It is important, if you suspect that you may be suffering from depression and/or are contemplating suicide or have suicidal thoughts to immediately seek medical attention.

What is a Stroke? (return to top)
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the rapidly developing loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) caused by blockage (thrombosis, arterial embolism), or a hemorrhage (leakage of blood). As a result, the affected area of the brain is unable to function, which might result in an inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, inability to understand or formulate speech, or an inability to see one side of the visual field. A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent neurological damage, complications, and death. Risk factors for stroke include old age, hypertension (high blood pressure), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke.

Here are the early signs of a stroke. If you think you or someone near you are having these symptoms, call 911 immediately as time is of the essence for early correction:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

You can also have a person perform the FAST TEST:

• FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Treatment within 1-3 hours or less is critical.

What is COPD? (return to top)
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulminary Disease) is also known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and it is a very serious disease. According to the American Lung Association, it is the third leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is often preventable and treatable.

If you already have COPD or want to help prevent the devastating effects of this disease, there are several things you can do:

• If you smoke, stop.
• Avoid dust and fumes.
• Stay inside on bad air days.
• Wash your hands often.
• Get a flu shot - Avoid being around people with colds or flu.
• Eat a well balanced diet.
• Stay active.

(Click symbol to download PDF)

(Click symbol to download PDF)

(Click symbol to download PDF)

Dealing With Stress

1. What is Stress?
2. Yoga as a Stress Reducer
3. Meditation as a Stress Reducer
4. Simplify your life and reduce stress!
5. Tips to Manage Stress!