T.J. Samson | Destination Health | August 2018

August 2018 3 A routine office visit just might save your life Chronic conditions— like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and stroke—are among the most common and often preventable health problems in the United States. But even with more access to health care and to health insurance, many avoid seeing a primary care nurse practitioner or physi- cian (PCP) regularly. A Harris Interac- tive survey done for the American Academy of Family Physicians found that many people only seek medical care when they are ex- tremely sick and that many avoid preventive care services. But taking the first steps today to establish a relationship with your PCP and making those routine office visits just might save your life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States, 7 out of 10 deaths are from chronic disease, and almost half of these are from heart disease and cancer. In 2014, cancer was the leading cause of death in Kentucky, with heart disease and chronic lower respiratory disease rounding out the top three. But there is good news—studies have shown that seeing your PCP early and routinely can identify risk factors, help to avoid or delay the onset of disease, and slow the progression of chronic disease for a longer, better life. GET STARTED One way to get started is through a wellness exam or a health screening.This is often an opportunity to get to know your health care provider; check your blood pressure, choles- terol, blood sugar and body mass index; and identify risk factors for the most common chronic diseases.These risk factors include uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cho- lesterol, tobacco use, poor diet, inactivity, obesity and excessive alcohol use. It’s also a chance to get the recommended vaccinations and cancer screenings, like mammograms, colonoscopies and prostate cancer screenings. By working together on strategies to reduce your risk factors and identifying disease early, we can prevent or lessen their complications. KEEP GOING If you have a chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease, it is equally important to keep regularly connected with your primary care provider or specialist and follow through with the recommended follow-up appoint- ments. Together we can work to improve your quality of life by reducing disability, limiting or delaying complications, and helping you maintain your independence. Visit your PCP before you feel sick. Have your annual wellness exam. Follow up rou- tinely for regular checkups to monitor things like blood pressure and cholesterol and to get your vaccinations and cancer screenings as recommended. Why berries are a berry good food Hungry for something nutritious and sweet? Then treat yourself to some plump, juicy berries. These colorful fruits are packed with disease- fighting antioxidants, as well as fiber, vitamin C and folate. Enjoy them solo. Or add them to other foods— from cereal to salad to salsa—for extra flavor. At the market, look for containers without stains, moisture or mold. Berries should be firm, plump and dry. At home, check for damaged berries and immedi- ately throw them away; otherwise they’ll spoil the rest. Berries can last about a week in your fridge. But for the most nutrition, try to eat them within three days of purchase. Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics UNHEALTHY Examples: Shortening, stick margarine and some fried foods. Avoid. HEALTHY Examples: Avocado, canola oil, nuts, olive oil and peanut butter. Enjoy in moderation. HEALTHY Examples: Corn oil, sesame oil, sunflower seeds and fatty fish like salmon and trout. Enjoy in moderation. UNHEALTHY Examples: Coconut oil, fatty meats, and whole or 2 percent dairy foods. Limit. MONOUNSATURATED POLYUNSATURATED SATURATED TRANS FATS KNOW YOUR FATS THE BOTTOM LINE: Replace unhealthy fats with healthier options. Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Heart Association Paula West, MSN, APRN, ANP-C T.J. Health Partners Germs begone! Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or as long as it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention