T.J. Samson | Destination Health | April 2020

April 2020 7 Wellness Diabetes Workshop Registration is required! Call 270-781-8039, ext 219 or toll free 1-877-641-5822 by Apr 23 rd at noon to sign up! April 27, 28, 29 4:30p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (all days) at TJ Health Pavilion, Community Room 312 N L Rogers Wells Blvd., Glasgow, KY 42141 *Refreshments provided **Please plan to attend all sessions Join us to learn the latest information on managing diabetes, including healthy eating, developing an active lifestyle, taking medications and reducing health risks. Little to no cost to you. GIVEAWAYS & DOOR PRIZES!!! SPECIAL COOKING SEGMENT! What to know about sepsis Every year at least 1.7 million adults in the U.S. develop sepsis, a potentially deadly condition that is striking more and more Americans. Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system triggers an extreme response to an ongoing infection.This response—a release of immune chemicals into the blood—creates widespread inflammation in the body, which causes blood clots and leaky blood vessels. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to or- gan damage, multiple organ failure and, in some cases, death. Sepsis is a result of infection, and any- one can get an infection. But sepsis is more likely to occur in people with chronic conditions like diabetes, lung disease, cancer, kidney disease or AIDS. Other people at high risk for sepsis include adults 65 or older, people with compromised immune systems, and children under the age of 1. The symptoms of sepsis are similar to many other illnesses, which can make it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. If you have any reason to suspect that you have sepsis and are exhibiting any combination of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: ●  ● Fever or feeling very cold. ●  ● Clammy or sweaty skin. ●  ● Extreme pain or discomfort. ●  ● High heart rate. ●  ● Shortness of breath. ●  ● Confusion or disorientation. People with sepsis are typically treated in a hospital intensive care unit.They’re often given antibiotics and fluids. Some patients may also need a breathing tube, kidney dialysis or surgery to remove tissue damaged by the infection. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health Don’t ignore that snore I t may be hur t i ng your hea r t Sometimes snoring is more than just snoring. Sometimes it’s a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition that, among other things, can be hard on your heart. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstruc- tive sleep apnea (OSA). It causes someone to stop breathing as much as 30 times or more during sleep.These pauses momen- tarily wake a person up, although they may not remember being awake. Breathing pauses also cause oxygen levels to go up and down, which puts a big strain on the heart. OSA also can increase the risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), type 2 dia- betes and stroke. WHAT CAUSES OSA? OSA is caused by the collapse of the airway in the back of the nose, mouth and throat during sleep.The vibration of the relaxed airway triggers the snoring. When the airway closes completely, it cuts off oxygen to the lungs.That’s what wakes someone up, gasping for air: Oxygen can’t get to the lungs and brain, and the body becomes oxygen-deprived. COULD I HAVE OSA? Loud snoring is the most obvious hallmark of OSA. But if you live alone, you may not have had anyone tell you that you snore. Other signs and symptoms you might have OSA include: ●  ● You stop breathing while you’re sleeping. ●  ● You wake up from sleep gasping or choking. ●  ● You wake up frequently. ●  ● You have headaches in the morning. ●  ● You feel sleepy or tired during the day or have problems concentrating. HOW IS OSA TREATED? Your first step is to talk with your doctor if you suspect you may have OSA. The condition can be diagnosed by a sleep study or with an at-home sleep apnea test. OSA can be treated with a continu- ous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which involves wearing a mask while sleeping that keeps air pressure flowing in your airways so they don’t close down. It’s important to not shrug off OSA as just a snoring problem. Treatment is vital to your heart—and your overall good health. Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; American Heart Association