Tag Archives: There are 72 Hours in a Day

Straight, No Chaser: Tips on Safe Toys and Gifts

December 20, 2017Pediatrics/Kids Health, Trauma844-SMA-TALK, Disorders, health, Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

At Straight, No Chaser, we review the literature and give you the goods. While you’re out and about shopping for toys, print out this list to help you select safe toys, then post it in your home to be reminded of how to keep your kids safe. People tend to think such things aren’t necessary until after something horrible has happened. Be smarter than that; after all, it’s Safe Toys and Gifts Month (of course it is – when else could it possibly be?).
Let’s review shopping tips, adopted from recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, The National Safe Kids Campaign and the National Safety Council. We’ll keep this short and sweet.

Falls and choking cause most toy-related deaths and injuries in children. Choking alone causes one-third of all toy-related deaths – most often from balloons.
Children younger than age 3 are at the greatest risk of choking because they tend to put objects – especially toys – in their mouths.
Children 4 years old and younger account for almost half of all toy-related injuries and almost all deaths.

Remember…the best way to keep your child safe while playing with toys is to BE THERE!
Consider the child’s age, interests and skill level. Actually pay attention to what you’re buying. Look for quality design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels. They’re not just pulled out of thin air!
Use a small parts tester to determine whether toys may present a choking hazard to children under age 3. Small parts testers can be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores. Here’s a simpler way to decide: use the cardboard core of a toilet paper roll – if a toy can pass through, it is too small for young children and may cause them to choke if swallowed.
Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud noises, and projectiles (e.g., darts).
Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches. These may pose a risk for strangulation for young children.
Avoid electrical toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
Avoid cap guns that use caps that can be ignited by the slightest friction and can cause serious burns.

The selection of gifts and toys you bring into your home should be taken seriously. Let’s keep the holiday season happy!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Fiber and Weight Loss

December 19, 2017Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Here’s a sterlingmedicaladvice.com “health care basic.” All week, we’re switching to a vlog format to give you tips to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. So grab a seat, give us two minutes of your time, and let’s see if you’re on track with your healthy habits! Happy Holidays!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Colorectal Cancer Screening via Colonoscopy

December 18, 2017Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Colon cancer, colonoscopy, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction

This post discusses screening for colorectal cancer via colonoscopy.

The last two posts have highlighted recommended screening examinations for men and women between ages 40-64. In today’s Straight, No Chaser, I want to pay special attention to one examination in particular. The screening colonoscopy seems to generate large amounts of fear (and homophobia).

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in the United States after lung cancer (stop smoking!). As previously noted in the post on recommended screenings, everyone should have a screening colonoscopy at least by age 50. Certain groups of individuals, such as African-Americans and those with positive family history for colon cancer should have the test done earlier. Simply put, colonoscopy is definitive in screening and diagnosing colorectal cancer. Furthermore, it is one of the most successful ways to both prevent and treat early cancer.

How a colonoscopy is done

First, you have to do a bowel prep. Over a few days, you’ll eliminate certain foods (e.g. corn, nuts) from your diet. Next, you’ll progress to an all liquid diet. This will be followed by taking a few doses of a very strong laxative to completely clean out the contents of your intestines (those of you looking for a good detox should be so lucky). I actually lost 3.5 pounds doing this.

The exam involves using a tube (colonoscope) to view your digestive tissue from your rectum all the way up the large intestine (approximately 5 feet). It includes cleaning away and suction stool that blocks the view, direct visualization of the intestines and real-time removal of suspicious tissue (e.g. polyps) that could be cancerous or early signs of cancer. You may or may not choose to be sedated (put to sleep) during this. Of course, my medical curiosity was such that I wanted to see everything on the screen in real time. Subsequently, I went without any medications. Fortunately, I lived to tell the story. The level of discomfort never got higher than a 3 on a scale of 1-10.

A few words about colorectal cancer

The point here is simple and straightforward. Most people in whom colon cancer is found and treated early survive another five years. Also, many live a normal life span. On the other hand, when it’s not, colorectal cancer is very dangerous. Unfortunately, it often doesn’t cause noticeable signs or symptoms until the cancer is advanced. At this point, it is much more difficult to treat. The screening colonoscopy gives you the best chance to know where you stand.

Your risks

So this isn’t that complicated. The following conditions are associated with advanced risk.

Advanced age
African-American
Positive family history for colon cancer or inflammatory intestinal conditions
Live a sedentary lifestyle
You have a low-fiber, high-fat diet

Here are a few words about your diet. You should know that according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, just 1.7 ounces of processed meats consumed daily (equivalent to less than two strips of bacon) roughly increase a person’s risk for colorectal cancer by 21 percent. More definitely, no amount of processed meat is considered safe for consumption.

Thankfully, my colonoscopy was perfectly normal: I keep telling you diet is 75% of health (unless you’re either lucky or unlucky in your genetic makeup)! The actual colonoscopy took just over 10 minutes, and I won’t have to go through this for another 10 years. Isn’t that investment of time worth giving yourself the best chance for a clean bill of colon and rectal health?

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.

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Health Screenings for Women

December 17, 2017General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Health screening, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Typically, this is the time of the year when you start to inventory all the things for which you’re thankful. In the event health or your family comes to mind, you might be interested in preserving your health. This and the previous Straight, No Chaser looks at current health screening recommendations. Whether it’s an ounce of prevention or early detection, you’re much better off knowing what your health status is. Today, let’s focus on women’s health. Women are much more likely to have encountered a physician, so that results in longer life expectancies, but to be clear, here’s what you should be protecting against. Please remember: these recommendations are in effect regardless of “how you feel!”

Health Screening For Women – Ages 40 to 64

Blood Pressure Screening:

At age 40, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you’re seeing a physician at any point during the year, this will be done. Be sure to ask for and document your numbers. If you aren’t seeing a physician, these days local pharmacies and various other opportunities through communities will allow you to stay aware of your blood pressure.
If you’re getting it checked on your own, remember the following numbers: if the top number (systolic) is above 140 or the lower number is more than 90, you should schedule an appointment with a health care provider.

Breast Exam

Although opinions are evolving about the benefits of breast self-exams in finding cancer or saving lives, it still remains the case that the benefits of early detection without much risk in performing exams render monthly exams harmless. You should discuss this with your physician, and contact him or her immediately if you notice any change in your breasts.

Cholesterol Screening

Cholesterol levels should be checked no less than every 5 years.

Colon Cancer Screening

All men between 50-75 should be screened along one of these guidelines:
- A stool test for blood every year
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy test every 5 years with a stool test for blood every 3 years
- A colonoscopy at least every 10 years, and perhaps more often with risk factors such as ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal adenomas
Men under 50 years may need screening if a strong family history of colon cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease exists.

Diabetes Screening

After age 45, all men should be screened every 3 years.
If your blood pressure is more than 135/80 mm Hg, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, you may be checked at any age.
If you are overweight, you likely will be screened at younger ages; ask if you should be checked whenever you engage the healthcare system.

Dental Exam

At these ages, you should be visiting the dentist once or twice a year for an exam, cleaning and screening for oral cancer.

Eye Exam

At ages 40-54: an exam every 2-4 years
At ages 55-64: an exam every 1-3 years
Exams may be needed more frequently if you have visual difficulties or a significant risk for glaucoma. If you have diabetes, you need an annual eye exam.

Heart Disease Prevention

At these ages, an examination is needed to quantify your risks for heart disease.
When you have a physical examination, specifically ask if you should be taking a daily aspirin.

Immunizations

Influenza: you should get a flu shot every year.
Shingles (herpes zoster): you may get a shingles vaccine once after age 60.
Tetanus-diphtheria: you should get a booster ever 10 years, assuming you’ve received the primary vaccine series – if not, you’ll need that first.

Lung Cancer Screening

You will receive annual screening for lung cancer if between ages 55-80 and you have a 30 “pack-year” smoking history and if you either are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.

Mammogram

Ages 40-49: Your physician may or may not choose to have a mammogram performed every 1-2 years.
Ages 50-75: You should have an exam performed every 1-2 years (frequency based on your risk factors).
Mammograms may be recommended at earlier ages with strong family histories (e.g. mother or sister) of breast cancer.

Osteoporosis Screening

If you are under age 65 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, you should be screened.
All women over 50 years of age should have a bone density test after a fracture.

Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

Women should have a Pap smear every 3 years, unless your physician is performing both a Pap smear and a human papilloma virus (HPV) test. If so, you are likely to be tested every 5 years. If you have had a total hysterectomy you will no longer receive Pap smears in the absence of a previous diagnosis of cervical cancer.
If you are having high risk sexual activity you should be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea and other considerations at the physician’s discretion.

Physical Exam:

Yes, this is a very important and basic screening tool. Every year if not more often with every exam, your height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiratory (breathing) rate) should be checked.
Your annual exam will also assess your risks due to alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drug use, depression, inadequate diet and exercise, and improper use of seat belts and smoke detectors. You should expect to receive a skin exam as part of your physical exam.

If this seems like a lot, well, you’re worth it. You can always print this out and compare notes with your physician; odds are they’ll have all of this covered. The most important thing is to get checked!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

The Straight, No Chaser Guide to Health Screenings for Men

December 16, 2017General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Typically, this is the time of the year when you start to inventory all the things for which you’re thankful. In the event health or your family comes to mind, you might be interested in preserving your health. This and the next Straight, No Chaser looks at current health screening recommendations. Whether it’s an ounce of prevention or early detection, you’re much better off knowing what your health status is. Today, let’s focus on men’s health, as men are much less likely to have encountered a physician. Please remember: these recommendations are in effect regardless of “how you feel!”

Health Screenings For Men – Ages 40 to 64

Blood Pressure Screening:

At age 40, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you’re seeing a physician at any point during the year, this will be done. Be sure to ask for and document your numbers. If you aren’t seeing a physician, these days local pharmacies and various other opportunities through communities will allow you to stay aware of your blood pressure.
If you’re getting it checked on your own, remember the following numbers: if the top number (systolic) is above 140 or the lower number is more than 90, you should schedule an appointment with a health care provider.

Cholesterol Screening

Cholesterol levels should be checked no less than every 5 years.

Colon Cancer Screening

All men between 50-75 should be screened along one of these guidelines:
- A stool test for blood every year
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy test every 5 years with a stool test for blood every 3 years
- A colonoscopy at least every 10 years, and perhaps more often with risk factors such as ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal adenomas
Men under 50 years may need screening if a strong family history of colon cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease exists.

Diabetes Screening

After age 45, all men should be screened every 3 years.
If your blood pressure is more than 135/80 mm Hg, or you have other risk factors for diabetes, you may be checked at any age.
If you are overweight, you likely will be screened at younger ages; ask if you should be checked whenever you engage the healthcare system.

Dental Exam

At these ages, you should be visiting the dentist once or twice a year for an exam, cleaning and screening for oral cancer.

Eye Exam

At ages 40-54: an exam every 2-4 years
At ages 55-64: an exam every 1-3 years
Exams may be needed more frequently if you have visual difficulties or a significant risk for glaucoma. If you have diabetes, you need an annual eye exam.

Heart Disease Prevention

At these ages, an examination is needed to quantify your risks for heart disease.
When you have a physical examination, specifically ask if you should be taking a daily aspirin.

Immunizations

Influenza: you should get a flu shot every year.
Shingles (herpes zoster): you may get a shingles vaccine once after age 60.
Tetanus-diphtheria: you should get a booster ever 10 years, assuming you’ve received the primary vaccine series – if not, you’ll need that first.

Lung Cancer Screening

You will receive annual screening for lung cancer if between ages 55-80 and you have a 30 “pack-year” smoking history and if you either are a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years.

Osteoporosis Screening

Discuss with your healthcare provider if you’re between ages 50-70.

Physical Exam:

Yes, this is a very important and basic screening tool. Every year if not more often with every exam, your height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiratory (breathing) rate) should be checked.
Your annual exam will also assess your risks due to alcohol, tobacco and other illicit drug use, depression, inadequate diet and exercise, and improper use of seat belts and smoke detectors.

Prostate Cancer Screening:

Discuss with your physician at age 45 if you’re African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer in a first-degree relative younger than age 65.
Discuss with your physician otherwise if your older than 50.
In case you’re wondering, prostate exams are no longer routinely done on men without symptoms. Furthermore, the PSA test is falling out of favor; the potential benefits of PSA screening haven’t been shown to outweigh potential harm done by treatment.

Testicular Exam

Testicular self-exams are no longer recommended (source: US Preventive Services Task Force). Your physician may choose to examine you based on risks and/or symptoms.

Straight, No Chaser: The Cancer Vlog

December 15, 2017General Health and Wellness, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Cancer, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Introduction – The Cancer Vlog

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today, we offer the Cancer vlog. When it comes to “The Big C,” early detection is paramount. Learn to take CAUTION with cancer. We’re wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season!

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Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Diabetes

December 14, 2017Diet and Nutrition, Endocrine/Metabolic, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Diabetes, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today’s Straight, No Chaser addresses diabetes. Learn about the early indicators of diabetes, over 18 Million people are undiagnosed. Please don’t let that be you! Have a healthy and Happy Holidays!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Basic Questions and Answers about Anemia

December 13, 2017Diet and Nutrition, Hematology & Oncology/Blood Disorders/Cancer844-SMA-TALK, anemia, Behind the Curtain, Folic Acid, iron deficiency, Sickle Cell Anemia, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, Thalassemia, There are 72 Hours in a Day, Vitamin B12, Vitamin CJeffrey Sterling, MD

What is anemia?
Anemia is a condition defined by blood containing a lower than normal number of red blood cells or if the blood cells present don’t contain sufficient hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body). Anemia from iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency.

What causes anemia?
There are many causes of anemia and many different types of anemia, but the most common causes are blood loss (the moss common cause), a lack of red blood cell production and higher than normal rates of destruction of red blood cells.

What are the symptoms of anemia?
One of the major points of blood is it is the vehicle for carrying blood and removing carbon dioxide (waste) from your body. The presence of anemia means the absence of sufficient oxygen through the body. This produces symptoms such as fatigue (the most common symptom), weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, cold feeling in the hands and feet, pale skin and chest pain. Severe or long-lasting anemia can cause actual damage to your heart, brain, and other organs in your body and can lead to death.

Are there risk factors?
Practically, the biggest risk factor is being a woman of child-bearing age because of the ongoing blood loss that occurs from menstruation. Additional major risk factors include a poor diet (meaning one low in iron, vitamins or minerals), blood loss from surgery or an acute injury, long-term or serious illnesses and infections, and a family history of inherited anemias (e.g. sickle cell anemia or thalassemia).
How is anemia diagnosed?
It’s important to note that all anemia is not created equal. Whether or not suggestive symptoms are present, anemia is rather easily identified with a simple blood test (the complete blood count, aka CBC). In many instances, that’s the beginning of the assessment. Additional tests may be needed to identify the specific test of anemia.
How is anemia treated?
Believe it or not, in many instances, the treatment of anemia isn’t as simple as taken an iron supplement, and thus medical assessments should be considered essential. Treatment for anemia depends on the type, cause, and severity of the underlying condition. Anemia treatment may involve dietary changes and/or supplements, but it may require other medicines, procedures, or surgery to treat blood loss.

What can I do?
Focus your efforts on these specific actions:

Prioritize getting routine evaluations and evaluations as needed in the midst of suggestive symptoms.
If you fall into a risk category, your diet and iron supplementation matters, as iron is needed to make hemoglobin. You can enhance iron absorption by eating red meats, chicken, turkey, pork, and fish/shellfish. If you don’t eat meat, foods that are good sources of iron include dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, tofu, peas, dried fruits (prunes, raisins and apricots), prune juice and iron-fortified cereals and breads. Maintaining Vitamins B12, Vitamin C and folic acid, are also important in maintaining healthy cells and absorbing iron.

The good news is quite often anemia can be easily identified, treated and controlled. As with many other conditions, early diagnosis and treatment are key for improving one’s quality of life and life expectancy.
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Hypertension: A Ticking Time Bomb

December 13, 2017Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Straight, No Chaser has addressed high blood pressure (hypertension) on many occasions, simply because it’s just that important. Hypertension is a common denominator for so many additional illnesses and in many deaths. We address it in today’s vlog because it is a health care basic. Learn what’s needed to keep yours under control. Happy Holidays!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Stroke – How to Save a Life

December 12, 2017Neurology, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, cerebrovascular accident, CVA, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, thrombolytics, TIA, Transient ischemic attackJeffrey Sterling, MD

The Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Today’s topic is stroke (cerebrovascular accidents). Please take 60 seconds to learn how to save a life. It may even be your own. Happy Holidays!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Heart Disease

December 11, 2017Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Cardiovascular disease, Heart disease, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

This week, the Straight, No Chaser vlog (video blog) series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. Heart disease has been the number one cause of death in the US for quite a while. Protect your heart! Happy Holidays!
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser Vlog: Sexually Transmitted Infections (Diseases)

December 10, 2017General Health and Wellness, Genital/Urinary, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics and Gynecology844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sexually transmitted disease, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

The Straight, No Chaser vlog series presents “health care basics” to keep you safe, healthy and out of the emergency room. If you’ve been a regular or even an infrequent follower of Straight, No Chaser, you know we’ve had a lot to say on sexually transmitted infections (diseases). Today we revisit the topic because out of sight is not out of mind when it comes to these. So give us two minutes of your time, and let’s see if you’re up to speed with your healthy habits! Happy Holidays!
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.
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Straight, No Chaser In The News: The Life Expectancy of Americans Drops for the First Time in 20+ Years

December 9, 2017General Health and Wellness, Public Health, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, accidents, Behind the Curtain, Cancer, Diabetes, drug overdose, high blood pressure, Hypertension, life expectancy, National Center for Health Statistics, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, Stroke, There are 72 Hours in a Day, TraumaJeffrey Sterling, MD

This is not a quirk, coincidence or mistake. Accordingly to the National Center for Health Statistics, for the first time in over two decades, life expectancy for Americans declined last year. This information is as shocking as it is rare.

Death rates increased in eight of the top 10 leading causes of death, including the following:

Heart attacks
Strokes
Diabetes
Drug Overdoses
Accidents

Deaths from Alzheimer’s disease represented the largest rate increase for any disease.

Even more concerning, these findings extend across all age groups and follow a five-year trend in which improvement in death rates were among the smallest improvements seen in 40 years. Death rates increased for white men and women and Black men, roughly staying the same for Black women and Hispanics. In case you were wondering, this increase in death rates is not being reproduced in other Western nations. The message here is there is a clear recent reduction in the health of the American citizen.
Many are confused and speculating about the causes for the near global reduction in life expectancy. Instead of guessing when the answers aren’t yet clear, I’d advise you to look for answers in the reporting on the only real positive finding: cancer showed a reduction in the death rate from cancer. The public health community would agree that specific innovation increase better prevention (specifically, fewer people are smoking), earlier detection (self-exams and adherence to screening regimens) and the development of new treatments that work best with good baseline health and early detection.

Straight, No Chaser has previously published a guide on how to live longer. Use these evidence-based pointers to buck the tide. Remember, misinformation and opinions are every bit as bad as bad health habits. Be informed and empowered.
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.
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Straight, No Chaser: Questions About High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

December 8, 2017Cardiology/Heart, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Conditions and Diseases, high blood pressure, Hypertension, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

High blood pressure (hypertension) is so prevalent and such a consequence of the way we live that you must already have an understanding of some basic principles if you care at all about your health. Feel free to offer your own questions or comments.

1. How do I know if I have high blood pressure?
You know by the numbers. Consider these defining blood pressure levels.
Normal – Systolic: < 120 mmHg, Diastolic: < 80 mmHg
At risk (pre-hypertension) – Systolic: 120–139 mmHg, Diastolic: 80–89 mmHg
High Systolic – Systolic: 140 mmHg or higher, Diastolic: 90 mmHg or higher
If you don’t already have a diagnosis of hypertension and are anywhere at or above the pre-hypertension stage, get checked by your physician.
2. But when should I get go to the emergency room for high blood pressure?
I’ll always want to see you if your bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) is at or above 110-115, regardless of whether you appropriately take your medication. Don’t look for symptoms to guide you. High blood pressure is called “the silent killer.”
3. If I do have high blood pressure, will I be placed on medication?
I really hope not, but honestly, approximately two-thirds of individuals in the U.S. who have high blood pressure are poorly controlled – even on medication. This means medication will be necessary for most. That said, theoretically, medication should be viewed as necessary only when necessary and only when other measures don’t work. You should discuss this with your individual physician and make every effort to improve your diet and exercise regimens. If and when you’re placed on medication, the choice of medication will be based on your age, sex, ethnicity, mobility, existing health profile and other considerations.
4. You mentioned I could have a heart attack or stroke from this? How would I know if that’s happening?
Check here for Heart Attack Recognition and here for Stroke Recognition where I discuss signs and symptoms. Remember, time is tissue, meaning you must not delay if you develop these symptoms.
5. What else can I do?
Be healthy! Don’t smoke. Limit alcohol intake. Lower your stress level. This is only a broken record if you’ve received the message and have implemented the recommendations.
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

December 7, 2017Cardiology/Heart, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Blood, Blood flow, Blood pressure, Heart failure, Hypertension, Kidney, Muscle, Myocardial infarction, Organ, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser (composition), There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

High blood pressure is called the silent killer. It’s common for me to see someone who thought they were ‘fine’ drop dead from its effects, never knowing it was about to happen and not having been aware of the warning signs and risk factors.
In lay terms, your heart is just a muscular pump pushing blood (containing oxygen and nutrients) around the body keeping stuff alive. The more you poison that pump (by ingesting unhealthy foods and inhaling other toxins) and strain the muscle by adding weight and clogging its vessels so it has to pump against more force (by being obese, not exercising and engaging in other unhealthy behaviors), the more likely that muscle is to strain until it gives out. Once it does, blood isn’t delivering what’s needed to your vital organs, and that’s when bad stuff happens.
The vital organs in question and those bad effects include the following:
• The heart itself (no blood flow and no oxygen = heart attack; when the heart’s not strong enough to pump blood around the body = congestive heart failure)
• The blood vessels, especially the heart’s main offshoot, the aorta (too much strain = aneurysm, an outpouching from the main tubular system, stealing valuable blood from the rest of the body)
• The brain (no blood flow and no oxygen = stroke; aneursyms also occur in the brain)
• The kidneys (not enough blood flow or adequate enough function to clear the toxins from the kidney = renal failure)
• The eyes (poor blood flow and/or diseased eye blood vessels leads to vision loss)

Bottom line: The heart is a muscle best thought of as a machine. Here’s three easy things you can do to reduce your risks.
• Get off your butt. Any exercise helps to get your heart pumping and blood flowing; strive for 20” three times a week at the very least.
• Close your mouth. Everything in moderation is cool, but introduce some fruits and vegetables into your life.
• Lose the salt shaker. At least taste your food first. It’s likely the food was already prepared with salt.
Did I mention stop smoking? Any questions?
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Ruptured Eardrums

December 6, 2017Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Ear, Ear Nose and Throat, Eardrum, health, Otitis media, Perforated eardrum, Sound, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

The manufacturers of Q-Tips used to run a commercial in which they said “Never place anything in your ear smaller than your elbow.” I wonder why they stopped the commercial, because it pretty much summarizes how your physicians feel about the practice.
Perforated tympanic membranes (aka ruptured eardrums) are holes in the sheet-like tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. They are not a lot of fun. Because the ear is responsible for both hearing and balance, rupture can cause decreases of both. Common symptoms include pain, decreased hearing and bleeding.
Several different things can causes this, including the following:

infections (otitis media)
a pressure imbalance between the two sides of the eardrum (if it becomes too severe, you’ll suffer what’s known as barotrauma), as seen in diving and air travel
direct trauma from placing objects in your ear (Put those cotton swabs and down!) or from a severe blow to the head/face
blast injuries (called acoustic trauma), caused by sudden, loud noises (e.g. explosions and gun shots; what’s actually happening here is a sound wave is damaging the ear drum)

Most tympanic membrane perforations heal spontaneously. If the injury causing this was penetrating, your physician may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist within 24 hours. If this ever occurs, you must be careful to avoid getting water in the ear. Finally, you won’t typically receive antibiotics for a ruptured eardrum unless the rupture is due to infection or forceful water injury, such as is seen in water skiing.
Just remember: the ears have been cleaning themselves for at least thousands of years prior to cotton swabs. Chasing that itch isn’t worth the consequences of the pain of a ruptured eardrum.
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Influenza Prevention

December 5, 2017Infectious Disease844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

It’s time to get your flu shots! Of course, many people choose not to get the influenza vaccine (the “flu shot”) for various reasons, some more reasonable than others (including an allergy to eggs). This Straight, No Chaser reviews some of the better options left for you should you choose not to get vaccinated.

The best way to avoid the flu is prevention. Consider adopting these healthy habits before you ever get exposed:

Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water. You know when they’re dirty. Most certainly wash your hands before you use them to eat or put anything else in your mouth.
If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If your hands are dirty and neither soap nor sanitizer is available, still rinse and dry your hands with warm water if you can.
Use disinfectant to clean surfaces.
Avoid unnecessarily touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Politely limit close contact with people who are ill, coughing and sneezing.
When coughing or sneezing use the bend of your elbow or a facial tissue to help cover your nose and mouth. Learn to avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands.
When you become sick, stay home. It’s the proper thing to do to avoid spreading your infection to others.

Vitamin C, echinacea and zinc have long been touted to prevent colds and influenza. There are no studies confirming or refuting this claim. Despite assurances that these and other herbal medicines are safe alternatives because they’re “natural”, the active ingredients in them are the same as found in certain prescription medicines. Thus they too may interact with other medications and worsen certain medical conditions. Given this, you should discuss your use of supplements with your physician or pharmacist prior to use.

Another level of defense for you involves use of certain antiviral prescription medications. If you are exposed to someone (e.g. a family member) with influenza, and especially if you begin having flu-like symptoms, immediately contact your physician to discuss taking medicines to prevent catching the flu. Such medications include Tamiflu® (generic name: oseltamivir), Relenza® (generic name: zanamivir), Flumadine® (generic name: rimantadine) and Symmetrel® (generic name: amantadine). If you make the request more than 24-48 hours after the onset of symptoms, you likely won’t be given the medication, since it isn’t likely to be effective outside of this time frame.
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Flu Myths and Questions

December 4, 2017General Health and WellnessBehind the Curtain, CDC, Center For Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disease, health, Influenza, Influenza vaccine, Influenza-like illness, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a Day, Vaccination, Vaccine, WordPressJeffrey Sterling, MD

Every year 36,000 people die and over 200,000 are hospitalized each year due to the flu—in the U.S. alone. If you’re not getting a vaccine every year, you are subjecting yourself to a significantly higher risk and allowing fears and myths to get the better of you. Knowledge is power. Learn the facts.
Does the flu shot give you the flu?
No, no, no. The influenza vaccine cannot cause flu illness. There are vaccines that involve the delivery of live virus, including mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox and polio. Influenza is not in that category. Flu shots are made either with ‘inactivated’ vaccine viruses that are not infectious or they contain no flu vaccine viruses at all (and instead have recombinant particles that serve to stimulate your immune system).
The most common side effects from the influenza shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur. These symptoms are among the same symptoms you see with influenza, so it’s easy to confuse them as flu symptoms. They are not.
Controlled medical studies have been performed on humans in which some people received flu shots and others received shots containing salt water. There were no differences in symptoms other than increased redness and soreness at the injection site for those receiving influenza vaccine. The flu shot does not give you the flu.

I swear I’ve gotten the flu right after getting the flu shot! How is that possible if I can’t get the flu from the flu shot?
I always remind people that the flu vaccine does an even better job of preventing you from dying from the flu than it does in preventing you from catching the flu (and it does that at a 70–90% rate). It primes your immune system to better fight off the influenza virus when you’re exposed to it.
There are several reasons why someone still might get a flu-like illness after being vaccinated against the flu:

Influenza is just one group of respiratory viruses. There are many other viruses that cause similar symptoms including the common cold, which is also most commonly seen during “flu season.” The flu vaccine only protects against influenza, so any other infection timed correctly can give you similar symptoms.
When you get immunized against influenza, it takes the body up to two weeks to obtain the desired level of protection. There is nothing preventing you from having been infected before or during the period immediately before immunity sets in. Such an occurrence will result in your obtaining the flu despite being vaccinated.
An additional reason why some people may experience flu-like symptoms despite getting vaccinated is that they may have been exposed to a strain of influenza that is different from the viruses against which the vaccine is designed to protect. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the match between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those causing illness among the population that same year.
It is also the case that the flu vaccine doesn’t always provide adequate protection against the flu. This is more likely to occur among people who have weakened immune systems or people age 65 and older. Even if the vaccine is 90% effect, some individuals will contact the flu despite having been vaccinated.

Please don’t get the wrong message from this section. These explanations are the exceptions, not the rule. In the overwhelming number of cases, the influenza vaccine does an excellent job of protecting against and prevent disease from the influenza virus.
Is it better to get the flu than the flu vaccine?
No. Influenza causes tens of thousands of deaths every year. If you have asthma, diabetes, heart disease or are especially young or old, you are placing yourself at significant risk by not getting vaccinated. Even if you aren’t in one of the above categories and are otherwise healthy, a flu infection can cause serious complications, including hospitalization or death.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone six months and older. Once vaccinated, your immune protection decreases over time. These boosters are scheduled and dosed to help you maintain the best level of protection against influenza. Additionally, the virus mutates (changes) every year, so what you were covered for this year may not apply next year.
You can make a decision not to get vaccinated, but frankly, that’s accepts a risk that you flies in the face of a reasonable risk/benefit analysis, and you would be doing so in the face of the solid consensus of medical evidence and research. You should seriously question the motives or knowledge of someone who suggests that you should not get vaccinate for influenza, particularly if they profess to be involved in healthcare. Get vaccinated.
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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Health Promotion – Introducing “Invisible Health”

December 3, 2017General Health and Wellness844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

Good habits are just as addictive as bad habits, but they’re much more positively rewarding.

Good health is a journey, not a destination. Stop acting like what you are is what you will be now and forever. Look, the easiest way to change your life is to change your life. But how? When it comes to health, sometimes it can seem like work. For many, the idea of exercise is a big to do. You have to pack. You have to drive. You have to shower. Who has time for all of that? Dieting is just as bad, it seems. Do I need to go find a special store? It always takes time to cook a special meal. It seems like work to count calories! I don’t like the taste of this or that…
Well, at Straight, No Chaser, we want to introduce you to Invisible Health. Today, we offer you a series of ten simple tips (and one admittedly not so easy one) that will promote your health without all the fuss (although we fully endorse the fuss and know that over time, it’s not a fuss). Feel free to expand the list. More importantly, implement the list. You’ll be amazed how just a few minor modifications in regular activities can produce large improvements in your health. Everything is relative. Don’t just sit there. Do something!

One thing you’ll notice about these tips is you’re producing health benefits without the active grind of “working out ” or “dieting.” We just want you to develop some new habits or increase the frequency of some things you may already be doing.

Take a walk. You’re exercising and didn’t know it. Walk the stairs. Take a walk in the park with your loved one. Walk while you talk with your kid. Regular walkers have less heart attacks and strokes, better sex lives and less stress. Walking improves your immune system and reduces all manners of unhealthy cravings. It’s easy. Just do it.
Learn to like to dance. Hear your favorite song? Go for it. Have a child? Teach them and dance with them! I’ll bet while you’re having fun, you’re breaking a sweat, losing calories and getting your heart pumping without the worry of reps or time spent.
Are you hungry and about to shove something unhealthy in your mouth? Drink a glass of water. Your body needs it. The majority of you don’t drink nearly enough water. Learn to appreciate water. Have you heard that you need eight glasses of water a day? You’ll never get there by sipping on a hot beverage. It’s refreshing and replenishing, plus it makes your body function optimally. Besides, if you’re drinking water, you’re not drinking high calorie, sugar-laden soft drinks. Speaking of which…
Stop. Drinking. Sodas. Today. I’d bet the easiest “diet” many of you could go on would be just eliminating soda. Even without doing anything else you’d lower your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, and you would start losing weight. One can delivers 150 calories. Any amount of water is zero calories.
Still hungry and still looking at that donut? Go brush your teeth. You probably don’t brush enough anyway, and brushing and flossing intermittently throughout the day provide numerous health benefits as well as serve as suppressing your appetite in a simple way.
Wack some weeds. Getting in your yard and doing most any kind of cleaning is going to be beneficial to your health. Stop riding your lawnmower. Walk! Pull some weeds (with both hands), rake some leaves, plant some flowers or sod some grass. You’re burning several hundred calories an hour!
Stand for something. If you think about it, you spend a lot of time sitting during the day. Could you perform a lot of what you’re doing standing or moving? Give it a try. Just develop the habit of getting up and moving around intermittently. For example, learn to pace while you’re on the phone. It’s activity, and you probably need more of it.

Snack healthy. Find a favorite fruit. Eat a handful of nuts. A handful of carrots or almonds, a few slices of an apple or a bowl of grapes is an infinitely better approach to those cravings. Lose the potato chips and the empty calories. This is both addition by subtraction and addition by addition!
Play! Have a kid of any age? Throw the football around. Shag fly balls with each other. Shoot some hoops. You’ll love the benefits to your heart and lungs. Plus, it’ll keep your brain sharp.
Find a healthy friend. Having a companion with whom you share your health aspirations gives you a much better chance of success across the board, as opposed to that friend of yours that you just get together with to eat or drink. It’s true in health as well. You’re probably the average of the five people you most hang around!
Stop smoking. You didn’t really think I would leave smoking off the list, did you? Speaking of invisible health, the more invisible smoking is, the better. I don’t care how you do it, just do it. Every cigarette is costing you about seven minutes of your life. In one fell swoop, eliminating cigarettes from your life will produce as many benefits as most anything else you’ll do.

Give it a try. See how many of these 10 tips you can incorporate into your life.

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 © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Hygiene and Illness

December 2, 2017General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention844-SMA-TALK, Behind the Curtain, Gastroenteritis, Hand sanitizer, handwashing, Influenza, MRSA, Sterling Medical Advice, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, There are 72 Hours in a DayJeffrey Sterling, MD

There are things you know, there are things you know but don’t really know, and there are still other things that you think you know that you don’t know at all. When it comes to colds and influenza (both or which are simple to understand, prevent and treat), all of the above apply.
Are you sickly or do you get colds more frequently than others? Respectfully, a big part of that is because you have habits that put you at risk. Common things happen commonly.

Of course this is not an actual photo, but it’s a good depiction of what’s happening. Simply put, most of the day, your hands are pretty disgusting. You handle money that’s been handed hundreds if not thousands of times and never cleaned. You grab handles and door knobs all day long. You cough and sneeze throughout the day, spewing germs into the air to be inhaled by others. And you spend time in the restroom. Your unclean hands contribute to many ailments, including colds, influenza, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) and skin infections.
The important points are simple things you can do to lower your risk for infections. First, you have to stop assuming you know more than you do about basic hygiene and allow yourself to start practicing better habits. For example …

When you sneeze, do you sneeze into your hands or into the air around you? Please learn the habit covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough by sneezing/coughing into your elbow and not your hands.
How often do you wash your hands? You must wash every time you begin to cook, before you eat, after you use the rest room, before you change a diaper and before you apply any topical medicine.
Have you ever noticed how much you keep your hands on parts of you that can become infected by doing so? Keep your hands out of your eyes, mouth and nose, and stop picking at your skin!

Yes, you wash your hands, but do you do so effectively and when you need to? Hand washing must be the easiest and most effective ways to prevent disease. Let’s start with this: from now on, whatever you do to clean your hands, do it for twenty seconds. Of course, antimicrobial soap and water are what we all learned to do way back when. It works! If that’s not available, use hand sanitizers or disposable hand wipes. It that’s not available, just rinse your hands! Be sure to rub your hands vigorously during the process as if you’re trying to get someone off of your hands, because you are!

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