TIPS FROM ASHLEY ALKER, M.D., ON PREVENTABLE DEATHS #5

Today is about motorcycles. Did you know that motorcycles make up just 3% of the registered vehicles in the United States? Yet, they account for 14% of motor vehicle deaths. The sad thing is that many, not all, of those motorcycle accident deaths are preventable. In 2021. one in four motorcycle deaths involved intoxicated drivers. 

The top reasons for motorcycle deaths are alcohol, speeding, lack of helmets and unlicensed drivers. All four of those reasons are preventable and are not worth risking one's life.

Dr Alker emphasizes, "The one thing most proven to save lives in motorcycles accidents is wearing a helmet. It is important to have a good helmet. Choose one that properly fits you and has been approved by the Department of Transportation, which ensures it provides protection against impact. Make sure the chin strap is strong enough to keep the helmet on during a crash.

On a personal note, my late husband had one when my children were young. He was cautious but I was glad when he sold it. My daughter who was in Junior High at the time, loved riding on it with him. They both wore proper helmets. Today that daughter is a licensed medical professional. When she sees a rider weaving in and out of traffic without a helmet on, she shudders and says, "If they could see what I see", or "Go ahead. I may be bagging you one day." It really is that serious.

file photo

TIPS FROM ASHLEY ALKER, M.D., ON PREVENTABLE DEATHS #4

The "silent killer" is the fourth preventable cause of death we are highlighting from Dr. Alker. High blood pressure or hypertension often causes no symptoms, another reason for regular checkups with your doctor. This silent disease is the leading cause of kidney disease, heart disease, and impotence.

Hypertension is considered when a blood pressure reading is 130/80. A top number (the systolic reading) above 190 is a hypertensive emergency and can trigger a brain bleed, heart attack or kidney failure.

Symptoms include headache, decreased urination, chest pain and shortness of breath. Emergency care is required. To prevent a crisis, monitor blood pressure, reduce alcohol intake, stay active and consider the DASH diet. "The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, known as the DASH diet, is the greatest reducer of long-term high blood pressure", according to Dr. Alker.

file photo

TIPS FROM ASHLEY ALKER, M.D., ON PREVENTABLE DEATHS #3

Were you aware that broken heart syndrome can cause death? I've heard it said a few times, "She/he died of a broken heart." I always thought that was kind of silly. but it can be true. The medical term is stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This typically temporary heart condition can be triggered by intense emotional stress, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a shock, according to Dr Alker. 

Here is how broken heart syndrome works on the heart. It causes part of the heart to temporarily enlarge and not pump properly. Unlike a typical heart attack, broken heart syndrome is not caused by blocked arteries, but the resulting chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat mimic a heart attack.

The good news is that most people will recover with medical care. However, this condition can be life-threatening so any chest pain should be evaluated by medical personnel.

TIPS FROM ASHLEY ALKER, M.D., ON PREVENTABLE DEATHS #2

Today is about the Brain -Eating Amoeba. The Naegleria fowleri lives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. It can enter the body through the nose. 

Although infection is extremely rare, it is almost always fatal. Yes, almost always fatal! Only four people in the United States have survived this nasty amoeba. What can you do to protect yourself? When swimming in warm, untreated freshwater, keep your head above water! 

Also, a few infections have occurred when people used tap water to rinse their sinuses. Always use boiled or distilled water when cleaning your nasal passages with a neti pot or other device.

file photo

TIPS FROM ASHLEY ALKER, M.D. ON PREVENTABLE DEATHS #1

Dr Ashely Alker notes that vaccination is one key way to prevent death. A study published in The Lancet estimates that since 1974, vaccines have averted 154 million deaths worldwide, including 146 million in children under age 5. There is controversy from time to time on vaccines and the benefits. I, personally, refused to take the covid vaccine because it was rushed out, not tested, and as time has passed, I am thankful I did not take it. But I agree that time-tested vaccines are necessary and do save lives. 

Dt Alker has said, "Many of the deaths I write about are preventable through public health education." We will touch on a few more of them this week. Tomorrow we will talk about a Brain-eating amoeba.

file photo

TIPS FROM ASHLEY ALKER, M.D. ON PREVENTABLE DEATHS

Dr. Alker is an emergency medicine physician and healthcare advisor. She describes herself as a "death escapologist" because of her experiences in the emergency department watching people die of preventable causes. We will talk about some of her ideas on preventable deaths over the next few posts. She has written a book entitled "99 Ways to Die And How to Avoid Them". We will explore a few of them. This is what Dr. Alker has said about her book, "Many of the deaths I write about are preventable through public health education. If enough people read this book, I do believe lives will be saved."

Stay tuned friends. We will start discussing some of her theories next. 

DIE YOUNG AS LATE AS POSSIBE

Anthropologist Ashley Montagu made the following comment, "The idea is to die young as late as possible." Confused? His remark refers to the value of maintaining good health as long as you possibly can. Perhaps we should pay more attention to his comment, even better pay more attention to our health. Studies show avoidable deaths in the United States are increasing.

Researchers from both Brown and Harvard Universities reported preventable deaths, including road accidents, vaccine-preventable diseases, infections, and conditions that could be caught early through screening, are rising in every state.

To make this personal, are you up to date on your vaccines? Do you visit your doctor when you notice a problem, or do you try to wait it out? Follow your doctors' recommendations for routine checkups and get an appointment at the first sign of a problem.

Remember, "The idea is to die young as late as possible."

file photo

  

HEALTHY CANNELLINI BEANS

Cannellini Beans are an excellent 'white food' that should be included in our diets on a routine basis.  One cup of these beans provides almost half of our daily fiber needs and provides 14 grams of protein.  Fiber is important in so many different health ways and protein is essential to our daily diet.  Protein and fiber are also both great blood sugar stabilizers for diabetics, and both are filling, thus helping to keep us feeling full.  Cannellini beans are easy to work into the diet for those who don't want to sit down to a bowl of beans.  Learn to include them in your soups, salads, etc,

file photo

LIGHTING

Did you know there are approximately 6,000 lightning strikes every minute? That comes out to around 8 million lightning strikes daily. These numbers are from the CDC, saying that while most victims will survive a lightning strike, about 28 people die every year from being struck by lightning. They recommend staying inside, if you can, during lightning. If you are caught outside, stay away from trees and avoid being close to tall structures as they attract lightning.

If someone is struck by lightning, cardiac arrest is the main danger. If this happens call 911 and begin CPR or use an AED, automated external defibrillator, if one is available.

file photo

MEN, DON'T AVOID DOCTORS AND/OR SKIP SCREENINGS

I doubt if anyone really wants to go to the doctor, but men are notoriously known for avoiding doctor visits. A Cleveland Clinic survey found that 72% of men would rather do household chores, such as cleaning the bathroom, than going to the doctor. Avoiding doctor appointments or skipping them can lead to serious health problems. Health screenings detect diseases before they show symptoms. Catching diseases before they start showing symptoms are when treatments are most effective. Below are 5 screenings doctors say every man should get:

• Cholesterol: Healthy men should have this checked every 4 to 6 years.
• Blood pressure: Men 40 and older should have this checked at least once a year.
• Diabetes: Guys, this is a big one. Diabetes can cause so many other problems, especially left unchecked. Starting at age 35, men should be tested at least every three years. If there is a family history of the disease or you are overweight, your doctor may want to check this more often.
• Prostate cancer: Age 50 is the starting age for men at average risk to start talking to their doctor about screening. Men who are black or have a strong family history of prostate cancer, should start earlier at around age 40.
• Colorectal cancer: Regular screenings should start around age 45 for men at average risk.

file photo