How is Depression Different for Older Adults?

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.

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"Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defense, and as courageous as either one.”

As you approach your due date, you will be looking for any little sign that labor is about to start. You might notice that your baby has “dropped” or moved lower into your pelvis. This is called “lightening.” If you have a pelvic exam during your prenatal visit, your doctor might report changes in your cervix that you cannot feel, but that suggest your body is getting ready. For some women, a flurry of energy and the impulse to cook or clean, called “nesting,” is a sign that labor is approaching. READ MORE…

Will Your Child Mimic Your Body Image?

“On a diet, you can’t eat.” That is what one 5- year-old girl had to say in a study on girls’ ideas about dieting. This and other research has shown that daughters are more likely to have ideas about dieting when their mothers diet. Children pick up on comments about dieting concepts that may seem harmless, such as limiting high-fat foods or eating less. Yet, as girls enter their teen years, having ideas about dieting can lead to problems. Many things can spark weight concerns for girls and impact their eating habits in potentially unhealthy ways:

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This is The Way We Plan Our Meals, Plan Our Meals, Plan Our Meals

You eat in a variety of places - your home, work, restaurants, maybe even your car. For some of these places, you have more control over what choices are available than others. Since high-calorie foods are everywhere, it’s important to take the time to plan ahead to make sure you have healthy options available.READ MORE…

What's Your Eating Plan?

A healthy lifestyle involves many choices. Among them, choosing a balanced diet or eating plan. So how do you choose a healthy eating plan? Let’s begin by defining what a healthy eating plan is. READ MORE…

Dem Bones

Bones play many roles in the body - providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles and storing calcium. While it’s particularly important to take steps to build strong and healthy bones during childhood and adolescence, you can take steps during adulthood to protect bone health, too.

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Overweight and Obesity in Children

Overweight and obesity in children are significant public health problems in the United States. The number of adolescents who are overweight has tripled since 1980 and the prevalence among younger children has more than doubled. According to the 1999-2002 NHANES survey, 16 percent of children age 6-19 years are overweight. Not only have the rates of overweight increased, but the heaviest children in a recent NHANES survey were markedly heavier than those in previous surveys.  READ MORE…

HIV: Am I at Risk?

HIV - the human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that kills your body’s “CD4 cells.” CD4 cells (also called T-helper cells) help your body fight off infection and disease. HIV can be passed from person to person if someone with HIV infection has sex with or shares drug injection needles with another person. It also can be passed from a mother to her baby when she is pregnant, when she delivers the baby, or if she breastfeeds her baby.  READ MORE…

Women of all Ages, Races and Ethnicities Can Get HIV

Young women in the United States are at risk of getting HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than half of 13- to 24-year-olds living with HIV infection are undiagnosed. Some factors put young women at higher risk of HIV than older women. They include:  

• Biological reasons, such as how the vagina has a large area through which HIV can pass from semen. Also, young women and adolescents have immature reproductive systems, which may be more likely to receive HIV. Researchers are still studying the reasons that younger women get HIV easily.

 

• You may not know about HIV or how to prevent it

 

• You may have less power in your relationships. It may be hard to convince your partners to use condoms.

 

• You may not know your partners’ risk factors, such as a history of unprotected sex or injection drug use

 

• You are more likely than older women to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having an STI can make someone more likely to get HIV. Small cuts on the skin of the vagina are hard to notice but may allow HIV to pass into a woman’s body.

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Women and HIV

Women have a higher risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex   Women are more likely to get HIV during vaginal sex than men are for several reasons.  

• The vagina has a larger area (compared to the penis), that can be exposed to HIV-infected semen.

 

• Semen can stay in the vagina for days after sex, while men are only exposed to HIV-infected fluids during sex. Semen left in the vagina means a longer exposure to the virus for women.

 

• Having untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) makes it more likely for a person to get HIV. This is especially true for women. Small cuts on the skin of the vagina are hard to notice but may allow HIV to pass into a woman’s body.

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AIDS Worldwide

Prevention efforts and treatment are helping to stabilize the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. But progress is uneven. Infection rates are still unacceptably high, and women in many parts of the world are increasingly becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. Women accounted for almost half (47 percent) of people living with the disease as of the end of 2007. And only about one-third of pregnant women with HIV received medicines to prevent passing HIV to their babies. READ MORE…  

HIV and AIDS Refresher Course

While there have been great strides in the prevention of HIV transmission and care of HIV infection and AIDS since AIDS was first recognized in 1981, many people still have questions about HIV and AIDS. The information below is designed to answer some of these questions based on the best available science.

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Childhood Obesity is a Growing Problem

There are a variety of environmental factors that determine whether or not the healthy choice is the easy choice for children and their parents. American society has become characterized by environments that promote increased consumption of less healthy food and physical inactivity. It can be difficult for children to make healthy food choices and get enough physical activity when they are exposed to environments in their home, child care center, school, or community that are influenced by:  READ MORE…

Childhood Obesity Facts

• Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.

 

• The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.

 

• In 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.

 

• Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors. Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.

 

• Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance” - too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed - and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

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Over 60 Percent of U.S. Adult Women Are Overweight

Over 60 percent of U.S. adult women are overweight, according to 2007 estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Just over one-third of overweight adult women are obese.

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You're Pregnant, But Are You Healthy and Safe?

Eating healthy foods is more important now than ever! You need more protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid than you did before pregnancy. You also need more calories. But “eating for two” doesn’t mean eating twice as much. Rather, it means that the foods you eat are the main source of nutrients for your baby. Sensible, balanced meals combined with regular physical fitness is still the best recipe for good health during your pregnancy.

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Teen Pregnancy

In the United States in 2009, a total of  409,840 infants were born to 15−19 year olds, for a live birth rate of 39.1 per 1,000 women in this age group. Nearly two-thirds of births to women younger than age 18 and more than half of those among 18−19 year olds are unintended.The US teen birth rate fell by more than one-third from 1991 through 2005, but then increased by 5 percent over two consecutive years. Data for 2008 and 2009, however, indicate that the long-term downward trend has resumed. The U.S. teen pregnancy and birth, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and abortion rates are substantially higher than those of other western industrialized nations.

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The Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners

If you’re trying to reduce the sugar and calories in your diet, you may be turning to artificial sweeteners or other sugar substitutes. You aren’t alone. The popularity of artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes is on the rise as manufacturers and consumers seek lower calorie alternatives to regular white sugar without sacrificing sweetness.  

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Infertility

Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying. Or, six months, if a woman is 35 years of age or older. Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile.   Pregnancy is the result of a process that has many steps. To get pregnant:  

• A woman’s body must release an egg from one of her ovaries (ovulation).

 

• The egg must go through a fallopian tube toward the uterus (womb).

 

• A man’s sperm must join with (fertilize) the egg along the way.

 

• The fertilized egg must attach to the inside of the uterus (implantation).

  Infertility can happen if there are problems with any of these steps. 

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Protect Your Child From Electronic Aggression

Technology and youth seem destined for each other. They are both young, fast paced, and ever changing. In the last 20 years there has been an explosion in new technology. This new technology has been eagerly embraced by young people and has led to expanding knowledge, social networks, and vocabulary that includes instant messaging (“IMing”), blogging, and text messaging.  READ MORE…  

Teen Dating Violence

Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime.  Dating violence often starts with teasing and name calling. These behaviors are often thought to be a “normal” part of a relationship. But these behaviors can lead to more serious violence like physical assault and rape. 

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Mold and Your Health

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.

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What Are Triglycerides?

If you've been keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, there's something else you might need to monitor: your triglycerides. Having a high level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in your blood, can increase your risk of heart disease. However, the same lifestyle choices that promote overall health can help lower your triglycerides, too.

 

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All Women Face The Threat Of Heart Disease

Although heart disease is often thought of as a problem for men, more women than men die of heart disease each year. One challenge is that the heart disease symptoms in women can be different from symptoms in men. Fortunately, women can take steps to understand their unique symptoms of heart disease and to begin to reduce their risk of heart disease.


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The Truth About Metabolism

While it’s true that metabolism is linked to weight, it may not be in the way you expect. In fact, contrary to common belief, a slow metabolism is rarely the cause of excess weight gain. Although your metabolism influences your body’s basic energy needs, it’s your food and beverage intake and your physical activity that ultimately determine how much you weigh.

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Temper, Temper

Do you find yourself fuming when someone cuts you off in traffic? Does your blood pressure go through the roof when your child refuses to cooperate? Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion - but it’s important to deal with it in a positive way. Uncontrolled anger can take a toll on both your health and your relationships.   


Ready to get your anger under control? Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.


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How Do You Handle Anger?

Anger itself isn't a problem - it's how you handle it. Consider the nature of anger, as well as how to manage anger and what to do when you're confronted by someone whose anger is out of control.

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Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a test to look at the fluid (amniotic fluid) that surrounds your baby (fetus). Amniotic fluid has cells and other substances that can give clues about the health of your fetus.

Amniocentesis is done by gently putting a needle through your belly into your uterus. About 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of the amniotic fluid is taken out and looked at. Amniocentesis is generally done between weeks 15 and 20 (usually around week 16) to look at genetic information. It can also be used later in pregnancy to see how the fetus is doing.

Amniocentesis is offered to women who would like a test to find problems with the fetus.

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Let's Go For a Walk

If you crave solitude, walking on your own might be the perfect workout. But if you’d rather not go it alone, bring others along for your walking adventures. Getting support from others by walking together can actually help you stick with your health and fitness goals. To do that, consider starting a walking group. Starting a walking group isn’t that hard, and the rewards may well be worth a little extra trouble. READ MORE…

And We're Walking

Walking is a gentle, low-impact exercise that can ease you into a higher level of fitness and health. Walking is a form of exercise accessible to just about everybody. It’s safe, simple and doesn’t require practice. And the health benefits are many. Here’s more about why walking is good for you, and how to get started with a walking program. READ MORE…

Water Does a Body Good

How much water should you drink each day? It’s a simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

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Vegetarian Diet

You may follow a vegetarian diet for cultural, religious or ethical reasons. Or you may eat a vegetarian diet to stay healthy and prevent health problems, such as cardiovascular disease. Whatever your reasons for choosing a vegetarian diet, this guide will help you make smart choices to ensure that you meet your daily nutritional needs. READ MORE…

Mediterranean Diet

If you’re looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you. The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating – plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine - among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.  READ MORE…

Hold The Meat, Please

It can be challenging to serve healthy meals on a budget, but with planning you can eat better for less. Many people save money by adding meatless meals to their weekly menus. Meatless meals are built around vegetables, beans and grains - instead of meat, which tends to be more expensive. Meatless meals also offer health benefits.   The next time you are planning a meal, you might want to think: READ MORE…

Fight The Flu

The Center For Disease Control and Prevention recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu). The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year. But if you get the flu, there are prescription antiviral drugs that can treat your illness. Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. Finally, everyday preventive actions may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu. 

We explore how you can: READ MORE…

Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. READ MORE…

The Gift of Holiday Stress

For many, the first signs of holiday stress emerge around Halloween, when stores start stocking shelves with Christmas decorations and candies. People begin to feel the clock ticking and that there is not enough time to fit in everything. We often have higher expectations for this time of year than for any other, which places even more pressure on us and increases the likelihood we may end up disappointed. READ MORE… 

Make Like a Cobra and Try Yoga

Your kids are demanding the latest video game, your boss wants that report done yesterday, and your partner wants to know what’s for dinner. Stress and anxiety are everywhere. If they’re getting the best of you, you might want to:

“Make Like a Cobra and Try Yoga”  READ MORE…

To Stretch or Not To Stretch?

Stretching may take a back seat to your exercise routine. You may think that stretching your hamstrings and calves is just something to be done if you have a few extra minutes before or after pounding out some miles on the treadmill. The main concern is exercising, not stretching, right? READ MORE…

When you work out, are you working hard or hardly working?

Exercising at the correct intensity can help you get the most out of your physical activity - making sure you’re not overdoing or even underdoing it. Here’s a look at what exercise intensity means and how to make it work for you. 

Understanding exercise intensity 

When you’re doing aerobic activity, such as walking or biking, exercise intensity correlates with how hard the activity feels to you. Exercise intensity also is reflected in how hard your heart is working. READ MORE… 

Want to Feel Better, Have More Energy and Live Longer?

You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life.

Want to Feel Better, Have More Energy and Live Longer?

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Can I Prevent Preterm Labor?

Why is preterm labor a concern? If preterm labor can’t be stopped, your baby will be born too soon. And the earlier preterm birth happens, the greater the risks for the baby - including low birth weight, breathing difficulties, underdeveloped organs and potentially life-threatening infections. Children who are born prematurely also have a higher risk of learning disabilities, developmental disabilities and behavioral problems. READ MORE…

How To Be Happy

Do you know how to be happy? Or are you waiting for happiness to find you? Despite what the fairy tales depict, happiness doesn’t appear by magic. It’s not even something that happens to you. It’s something you can cultivate. So, what are you waiting for? Start discovering how to be happy. Read More…

What Are The Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy?

Most people know that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and other major health problems. But women who smoke during pregnancy put themselves and their unborn babies at risk for other health problems. The dangers of smoking during pregnancy include premature birth (being born too early), certain birth defects, and infant death. We explore this topic with: READ MORE

What is a High Risk Pregnancy?

What is a High Risk Pregnancy?

Being called “high-risk” may sound scary. But it’s just a way for doctors to make sure that you get special attention during your pregnancy. Your doctor will watch you closely during your pregnancy to find any problems early. 

The conditions listed below put you and your baby at a higher risk for problems, such as slowed growth for the baby, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and problems with the placenta. But it’s important to remember that being at high risk doesn’t mean that you or your baby will have problems. 

Your health plan may have its own list of what makes a pregnancy high-risk. In general, your pregnancy may be high-risk if: READ MORE…

Diabetes and Exercise

Click For Fitness Newsletter

Diabetes and Exercise

Exercise is very important in managing type 2 diabetes. Combining diet, exercise, and medicine (when prescribed) will help control your weight and blood sugar level. We explore this with: READ MORE…

How Do I Maintain My Health If I Have Diabetes?

Click For Fitness Newsletter

How Do I Maintain My Health If I Have Diabetes?

Welcome to our first Newsletter in November. 

Click For Fitness celebrates American Diabetes Month.

Please Visit our Diabetes section in Click Health. 

How Do I Maintain My Health If I Have Diabetes? Read More…

Every Mother Counts

Every Mother Counts

Click For Fitness has been celebrating Maternal Health in the month of October. We have partnered with Every Mother Counts to increase education and support for maternal and child health.

Visit our page benefiting Every Mother Counts.


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