Tag Archives: Department of Health and Human Services

September is Pain Awareness Month

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , ,

Introduction

This Straight, No Chaser acknowledges that September is Pain Awareness Month.

Pain Awareness Month

In the midst of all the conversation about the national opioid epidemic, many of those suffering from acute and chronic pain are finding themselves lost in the struggle. Better public education regarding expectations, beliefs, and understanding about pain are all important. Additional measures include professional education and training for better, comprehensive, and integrated pain management.

The Scope of Ongoing Pain

Recent reports on chronic pain estimate that chronic pain affects approximately 50 million U.S. adults. Furthermore, high-impact chronic pain (i.e., interfering with work or life most days or every day) affects approximately 20 million U.S. adults. Are you part of this statistic?

Better Pain Awareness Strategies

Pain Relievers and Drug Overdose Deaths

More than even, patients need to be educated about expectations and consequences of accepting different forms of treatment for pain management. Start with understanding that even as your pain is real, it doesn’t necessarily require narcotics. Also, appreciate that the use of narcotics come with risks and consequences.

Better Pain Management Strategies

Pain Awareness Month

Understand that physicians are balancing competing concerns. Your treatment for pain involves more than just the dispensing of narcotics.

In fact there are national strategies emerging.

Better pain management is also a major element in addressing the current opioid crisis. Additional information is available  from the US Department of Health and Human Services here.

Wait, There’s More

Read these additional Straight, No Chaser posts to round out your knowledge during Pain Awareness Month.

Follow us!

Ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic. Also, take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. Additionally, as a thank you, we’re offering you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!

Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.jeffreysterlingbooks.com. Another free benefit to our readers is introductory pricing with multiple orders and bundles!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK. Likewise, please share our page with your friends on WordPress! Also like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com! Follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Copyright ©2013- 2019 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips – Learn the ABCDEs of Hiccups

Neurology, Medical Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , ,

hiccups-enHD-AR1

Three question sets on hiccups of all things

Why do I get hiccups?
You get hiccups because everyone gets them.  You get them because basically you’ve agitated your main breathing muscle (You have one on both sides, between the chest and abdominal cavities.).  Something’s caused it to spasm, which produces a reflex vocal cord closure.  That sound you hear is the reflex air going down your windpipe.  Here’s some of those ‘somethings’…
You smoke too much.
You’re overstressed.
You’re agitating your stomach.

  • You eat too much too quickly.
  • You drink too much.
  • You swallow too much air.
  • You alternative between hot and cold foods too quickly.

Are hiccups ever serious?
Absolutely.  In fact, hiccups can go on for more than 48 hours.  In these instances, you need to get evaluated.  Several things can cause this, but I’ll be particularly worried about your nerves and nervous system.

hiccup-460_1215860c

What about all those hiccup cures?
Some things never hurt to try.  What you’re actually trying to accomplish through multiple variations of the same theme is to increase your carbon dioxide level (the gas you exhale in breathing), which tends to stop the hiccups.  Here’s a few oldies but goodies – think ABCDE.

  • Achoo!  Sneeze even if you don’t need to.  It may additionally stimulate the diaphragm out of hiccupping.
  • Breathe into a paper bag for 30-60 seconds.
  • Count to 10 while holding your breath.
  • Drink a cold glass of water – fast (Notice you’re holding your breath while doing this, and no, you don’t need a pencil in your mouth.).
  • Eat a teaspoon of sugar or honey.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2018 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser US Dietary Guidelines

Health Prevention, General Health and Wellness, Diet and Nutrition, , , , , , ,

Dietary-Guidelines-16-x-9

The guidelines on eating recommendations are jointly released every five years by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Overall, these guidelines advise Americans to follow an eating pattern that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains (at least half of which should be whole), a variety of proteins (including lean meats, seafood, nuts), and oils. However, these recommendations come with a bit of nuance to which you’d be well advised to pay attention.

dietary-guidelines

Here are the details, with simple rationale attached:
Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption now can be quantified up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. The recommendation is you stay at or under this amount.
Dairy products: If you’re eating dairy, the guidelines continue to recommend low and no-fat dairy products.
Dietary cholesterol: In a new recommendation, the guidelines no longer recommend a specific limit for dietary cholesterol. Among the foods you may frequently eat, dietary cholesterol is present in eggs and other animal products.
Fruit juice: The guidelines say one cup of 100% fruit juice counts as 1 cup of fruit. However, be advised that fruit juice is lower than whole fruit in dietary fiber and other nutrients, and it is typically very high in sugar, which you are now advised to limit, as noted below.
Red meat and processed meat: In an interesting reversal of the recommendation of its Guidelines Advisory Committee, the final recommendations suggest no limit is recommended for the consumption of red meat or processed meat. Be advised that recent evidence strongly link these foods with heart disease and cancer.
Saturated fats: The guidelines do not encourage a low total fat diet, but do recommend a low saturated fat diet. You should consume less than 10% of your calories per day from saturated fats. The evidence is clear that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Sodium (Salt): The guidelines recommend you limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day.
Sugar: For the first time, the guidelines advise Americans to consume less than 10% of your daily calories from added sugars. You certainly are aware of sugar’s impact on the development of diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases.

diet guidelines-pmpng-208055af61a3dd99

Eat healthy and be healthy. That’s the simplest recommendation I can offer. Here’s to your health!
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2018 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips – Learn the ABCDEs of Hiccups

Neurology, Medical Treatment, , , , , ,

hiccups-enHD-AR1

Three question sets on hiccups of all things

Why do I get hiccups?
You get hiccups because everyone gets them.  You get them because basically you’ve agitated your main breathing muscle (You have one on both sides, between the chest and abdominal cavities.).  Something’s caused it to spasm, which produces a reflex vocal cord closure.  That sound you hear is the reflex air going down your windpipe.  Here’s some of those ‘somethings’…
You smoke too much.
You’re overstressed.
You’re agitating your stomach.

  • You eat too much too quickly.
  • You drink too much.
  • You swallow too much air.
  • You alternative between hot and cold foods too quickly.

Are hiccups ever serious?
Absolutely.  In fact, hiccups can go on for more than 48 hours.  In these instances, you need to get evaluated.  Several things can cause this, but I’ll be particularly worried about your nerves and nervous system.

hiccup-460_1215860c

What about all those hiccup cures?
Some things never hurt to try.  What you’re actually trying to accomplish through multiple variations of the same theme is to increase your carbon dioxide level (the gas you exhale in breathing), which tends to stop the hiccups.  Here’s a few oldies but goodies – think ABCDE.

  • Achoo!  Sneeze even if you don’t need to.  It may additionally stimulate the diaphragm out of hiccupping.
  • Breathe into a paper bag for 30-60 seconds.
  • Count to 10 while holding your breath.
  • Drink a cold glass of water – fast (Notice you’re holding your breath while doing this, and no, you don’t need a pencil in your mouth.).
  • Eat a teaspoon of sugar or honey.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

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Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips – Learn the ABCDEs of Hiccups

Neurology, Medical Treatment, , , , , ,

hiccups-enHD-AR1

Three question sets on hiccups of all things

Why do I get hiccups?
You get hiccups because everyone gets them.  You get them because basically you’ve agitated your main breathing muscle (You have one on both sides, between the chest and abdominal cavities.).  Something’s caused it to spasm, which produces a reflex vocal cord closure.  That sound you hear is the reflex air going down your windpipe.  Here’s some of those ‘somethings’…
You smoke too much.
You’re overstressed.
You’re agitating your stomach.

  • You eat too much too quickly.
  • You drink too much.
  • You swallow too much air.
  • You alternative between hot and cold foods too quickly.

Are hiccups ever serious?
Absolutely.  In fact, hiccups can go on for more than 48 hours.  In these instances, you need to get evaluated.  Several things can cause this, but I’ll be particularly worried about your nerves and nervous system.

hiccup-460_1215860c

What about all those hiccup cures?
Some things never hurt to try.  What you’re actually trying to accomplish through multiple variations of the same theme is to increase your carbon dioxide level (the gas you exhale in breathing), which tends to stop the hiccups.  Here’s a few oldies but goodies – think ABCDE.

  • Achoo!  Sneeze even if you don’t need to.  It may additionally stimulate the diaphragm out of hiccupping.
  • Breathe into a paper bag for 30-60 seconds.
  • Count to 10 while holding your breath.
  • Drink a cold glass of water – fast (Notice you’re holding your breath while doing this, and no, you don’t need a pencil in your mouth.).
  • Eat a teaspoon of sugar or honey.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser In The News: A Nearly 3% Increase in the Number of Child Abuse Cases

Pediatrics/Kids Health, Trauma, Public Health, , , , , ,

child-abuse

Child Abuse prevention month is in April, and Straight, No Chaser will perform a thorough review of the topic. However, it’s never too early to be aware of important trends. In the news is a report from the US Department of Health and Health and Human Services showed that the estimated number of child abuse victims in fiscal year 2014 was “702,208 – up from 682,307 in 2013.” Additionally, the report also showed that the “estimated fatalities attributable to child abuse and neglect” were “1,580 – up from 1,530 in 2013.”
I will take this space to remind you of a few points.

  • The developing human body (especially its brain) doesn’t distinguish between what you may describe as discipline and what it receives as assault. A developing body is more susceptible to permanent injury than the adult body, and permanent damage is not influenced by your intent.
  • If you are aware of environments in which abuse occurs, please get help. In this day and age a nearly 3 percent increase in the number of US children victimized by abuse and neglect should be shocking to us all.

Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser In The News: New US Dietary Guidelines

General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention, Diet and Nutrition, , , , , , , ,

Dietary-Guidelines-16-x-9

In the news are the 2015 guidelines on eating. The recommendations are jointly released every five years by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Overall, these guidelines advise Americans to follow an eating pattern that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains (at least half of which should be whole), a variety of proteins (including lean meats, seafood, nuts), and oils. However, these recommendations come with a bit of nuance to which you’d be well advised to pay attention.

dietary-guidelines

Here are the details, with simple rationale attached:
Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption now can be quantified up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. The recommendation is you stay at or under this amount.
Dairy products: If you’re eating dairy, the guidelines continue to recommend low and no-fat dairy products.
Dietary cholesterol: In a new recommendation, the guidelines no longer recommend a specific limit for dietary cholesterol. Among the foods you may frequently eat, dietary cholesterol is present in eggs and other animal products.
Fruit juice: The guidelines say one cup of 100% fruit juice counts as 1 cup of fruit. However, be advised that fruit juice is lower than whole fruit in dietary fiber and other nutrients, and it is typically very high in sugar, which you are now advised to limit, as noted below.
Red meat and processed meat: In an interesting reversal of the recommendation of its Guidelines Advisory Committee, the final recommendations suggest no limit is recommended for the consumption of red meat or processed meat. Be advised that recent evidence strongly link these foods with heart disease and cancer.
Saturated fats: The guidelines do not encourage a low total fat diet, but do recommend a low saturated fat diet. You should consume less than 10% of your calories per day from saturated fats. The evidence is clear that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Sodium (Salt): The guidelines recommend you limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day.
Sugar: For the first time, the guidelines advise Americans to consume less than 10% of your daily calories from added sugars. You certainly are aware of sugar’s impact on the development of diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases.

diet guidelines-pmpng-208055af61a3dd99

Eat healthy and be healthy. That’s the simplest recommendation I can offer. Here’s to your health!
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Straight, No Chaser: Quick Tips – Learn the ABCDEs of Hiccups

Neurology, Medical Treatment, , , , , , ,

hiccup-460_1215860c

Three question sets on hiccups of all things

Why do I get hiccups?
You get hiccups because everyone gets them.  You get them because basically you’ve agitated your main breathing muscle (You have one on both sides, between the chest and abdominal cavities.).  Something’s caused it to spasm, which produces a reflex vocal cord closure.  That sound you hear is the reflex air going down your windpipe.  Here’s some of those ‘somethings’…
You smoke too much.
You’re overstressed.
You’re agitating your stomach.

  • You eat too much too quickly.
  • You drink too much.
  • You swallow too much air.
  • You alternative between hot and cold foods too quickly.

Are hiccups ever serious?
Absolutely.  In fact, hiccups can go on for more than 48 hours.  In these instances, you need to get evaluated.  Several things can cause this, but I’ll be particularly worried about your nerves and nervous system.
What about all those hiccup cures?
Some things never hurt to try.  What you’re actually trying to accomplish through multiple variations of the same theme is to increase your carbon dioxide level (the gas you exhale in breathing), which tends to stop the hiccups.  Here’s a few oldies but goodies – think ABCDE.

  • Achoo!  Sneeze even if you don’t need to.  It may additionally stimulate the diaphragm out of hiccupping.
  • Breathe into a paper bag for 30-60 seconds.
  • Count to 10 while holding your breath.
  • Drink a cold glass of water – fast (Notice you’re holding your breath while doing this, and no, you don’t need a pencil in your mouth.).
  • Eat a teaspoon of sugar or honey.