JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT! 9Health Fair's Blog

How Often do You Take Your Heart on a Walk?

2012-03-01T15:30:00.001-08:00

Our heart is very vulnerable to stress, many times brought on by poor diet, lack of exercise and uncontrolled stress. Do you know that your heart is the main battery driving the circulation in your body to supply you with nutrients and oxygen? The only thing it is lacking is your reciprocation to help improve the circulation. According to a study at UT Southwestern Medical Center, some people with a low risk of heart disease over the next 5 to 10 years may still have a high lifetime risk.

Find out about assessing long-term heart disease risk. Then take your heart I.Q. to discover how much you know about your health and what you need to do to stay healthy.

Do you think occasional stress can cause heart disease or just long-term, uncontrolled stress? What do you do to prevent heart problems? Share with us on Facebook.

What if Someone Close to you Struggled with this Silent Killer?

2012-02-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

There may be someone you know who is affected by an eating disorder. It might not be your relative or a close friend, but it may be someone you see often enough to recognize that person needs help. February 26^th through March 3^rd is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week… a time for public awareness, an opportunity to learn more and perhaps a moment to help someone who is in need.

According to National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) there are 10 million women and 1 million men struggling with eating disorders. Most commonly observed among college aged students, eating disorders are considerably increasing among middle school aged girls and boys.

There is more to eating disorders than food and body image, as it might initially seem. Most often they are a way to control one’s feelings and emotions that otherwise take over a person’s life. Those feelings usually stem from a variety of factors with genetics and family relationships being the highest on the list. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, the four major factors that contribute to eating disorders include psychological, interpersonal, social and biological measures.

Yes, the condition is more complicated than one might initially think, but becoming aware and showing your support provides a great chance to save another life. Parents are the most important resource and support for those struggling with an eating disorder and friends are next in line.

What do you think is being done to better understand and treat eating disorders, especially in the world of teenagers? Share your opinion with us on Facebook and tell us what you think should be done differently to put an end to this disorder.

Has Your Healthcare Provider Suggested More Exercise?

2012-02-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

More healthcare providers are telling their patients to get out and exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2000 to 2010, the percentage of adults receiving advice to exercise from their physician or other healthcare providers rose about 10 points. The benefits of exercising are huge when it comes to reducing the risk of chronic health conditions, but as a society, we are slipping in that important area. Find out more about what the statistics show and whether men or women are mostly the ones falling short. Then tell us if you think your exercise routine will ward off chronic health conditions. Join the conversation on Facebook.

Do You Know the Signs of a Heart Attack?

2012-02-20T21:14:00.000-08:00

Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack? It seems we would know when we are having problems, but many of the symptoms are similar to other, less serious illnesses. So how do we decipher? Especially since not all people who have heart attacks experience the same symptoms or experience them to the same degree. The earliest warning of a heart attack may be recurrent chest pain that's triggered by exertion and relieved by rest.

So what other warning signs should we look for? According to the Mayo Clinic, common heart attack symptoms include:

Pressure, fullness or a squeezing pain in the center of your chest that goes on for more than a minute or two
Pain in your shoulder, arm, back, or even in your teeth and jaw
Increasing occurrences of chest pain
Pain in the upper abdomen
Shortness of breath
Perspiration
Imminent sense of doom
Fainting
Nausea and vomiting

Sometimes the symptoms for women may be different or in additional to the ones above according to the Mayo Clinic. These signs to watch out for include:

Heartburn or abdominal pain
Moist skin
Dizziness
Abnormal or unexplained fatigue

Paying attention and watching for one, many or all of the above symptoms is the best way to know if there is an oncoming problem. As the #1 killer in the U.S., there are steps you can take to help avert heart problems. The Mayo Clinic has 5 strategies to help prevent heart disease.

One of the strategies includes getting regular health screenings to check blood pressure, cholesterol levels and to check for diabetes. Each of these screenings can all be found at the upcoming spring 9Health Fairs for little or no cost. Our traditional 9 days are April 21^st through April 29^th, but some start as early as March and run as late as mid-May. Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings are important as they tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action. Find a fair near you to take preventative action against heart disease.

JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT! 9Health Fair's Blog: Do You Know Where America's Salt Intake Stands?

2012-02-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT! 9Health Fair's Blog: Do You Know Where America's Salt Intake Stands?

High Blood Pressure Awareness is on the Rise

2012-02-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

High blood pressure — or hypertension— is often called the "silent killer" because it doesn't have symptoms, so many people don't know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Luckily, more American adults are aware if they have high blood pressure and are taking medication to control it, and the percentage of people with this condition is holding steady according to the CDC. Do you know what to do to keep your blood pressure at a normal level? If you have high blood pressure, tell us what you are doing to control and lower your number. Find out more and share with us on Facebook.

How Healthy Will Your Valentine's Day Be?

2012-02-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and with February being American Heart Month, this is a great time to take steps toward heart health. Make your Valentine’s Day present to yourself and your loved one a gift of awareness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests 7 gifts of health for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

· Be Healthy: Prevent and control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Also avoid smoking, limit alcohol use, maintain a healthy weight and be active.

· Be Nutritious: Eat healthy and consume less salt.

· Be Germ-Free: Protect yourself from the flu and colds.

· Be Prepared: If you are going on a romantic getaway, be prepared and know what health related information you need for the area you are traveling.

· Be Sensible: According to the CDC, alcohol misuse is now the leading risk factor for serious injury in the U.S. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and don’t get behind the wheel.

· Be Safe: Protect yourself from injury and violence, watch the sparks from the kitchen, candles and fireplace, and be aware of your surroundings.

· Be Sensible: Find out if your valentine has allergies, asthma or other health conditions that may affect the gift you’re giving.

If one of your plans for Valentine’s Day is to prepare a meal for your special someone, EatingWell.com has an enticing Valentine’s Day collection of healthy and delicious recipes. Check out the healthy dinner recipes for two, as well as decadent deserts that won’t add inches to your waist.

Whether you plan to celebrate on your own or with a loved one, make it a safe and healthy Valentine’s Day.

Do You Know Where America's Salt Intake Stands?

2012-02-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Americans still consume more salt than they should; however, the intake is about the same as it was 50 years ago. According to research done at Harvard University School of Public Health, researchers found that people consistently consumed about 3,700 milligrams of sodium per day. Current sodium guidelines advise up to 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon) a day for adults, and 1,500 milligrams for those who have or are at risk for high blood pressure. For more information and tips on how to cut back your usage of salt, see what this USA article has to say. Do you or your kids struggle with controlling salt intake? Share with us on Facebook.

An Hour a Day Keeps the Weight Away

2012-02-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

We’ve all heard, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but here’s a new one to think about, “an hour a day keeps the weight away”. Walking that is. According to a new study in the October issue of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, American adults walk less than adults in some other countries with lower obesity rates.

Researchers compared 1,136 U.S. adults wearing pedometers with adults involved in similar studies in Australia, Japan and Switzerland. The mean number of steps Americans take in a day is 5,117, compared with 9,695 for Australians, the walking leaders among the four countries. The USA's 34% adult obesity rate is more than double Australia's 16%.

What can we do? Walk more! According to the same study, fewer than 5,000 steps are considered sedentary. So we need to walk 10,000 or more steps a day to be considered active adults. Put your shoes on and head outside for a walk or a game of your favorite sport. Take a stroll around the mall before you start your shopping. While a work, get up and walk around the office every 20 or 30 minutes. There are lots of ways to get your steps in and it doesn’t take a lot of time. Since most of us spend our days at work, have you ever counted to see how much you really walk during the day? If so, tell us what you do and what part of your job gives you the most steps. We want to hear; share with us on Facebook.

Let’s work together and bring the obesity rate down in America. USA Today has more tips on how to increase your steps and reasons why a pedometer can be beneficial.

Healthier School Menus

2012-02-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

For years, school cafeterias have been working on serving healthier foods. Now a bill before the state legislature would give Colorado the nation's toughest limits on unhealthy fats in school food. The bill would make margarine, vegetable shortening and other traditional trans-fats off limits, forcing schools to look at healthier food selections. Some say the ban goes too far. What do you think? See what Dr. John from 9News has to say and then share your opinion with us on Facebook.

Do You Know the Effects of Nitrous Oxide?

2012-02-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

They are known as Whip-its, Poppers or Snappers. They are steel chargers filled with nitrous oxide that are often found in whip cream canisters. Nitrous oxide is being used by some teens and adults who are looking for a cheap way to get high. What many don’t know is how dangerous this can be. It displaces oxygen, leaving less of it in the bloodstream. Because the blood carries oxygen throughout the body, diminished oxygen can result in brain damage, loss of consciousness or even death. As recently reported, actress Demi Moore was hospitalized due to nitrous oxide inhalation. Dr. John Torres from 9News shares important information regarding this dangerous addiction. Do you know anyone who has tried this? Share with us on Facebook.

How Are You Doing on Your Resolutions?

2012-01-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Now that we’re a month into the New Year, how well are you sticking to your resolutions? Health clubs are usually packed and families prepare healthier menu items during the month of January. But what happens during the other eleven months of the year?

We often have the best intentions, but it’s no surprise that most of us slip away from our resolutions and head right back into our comfort zone. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have four suggestions on how to stick with your goals for the New Year. Start by making your goal specific and choosing a realistic one. Then make a reminder list, and go for it! If your selections don’t seem too far out of reach, they will be much easier to obtain. Healthfinder.gov has some examples of how to meet these four goals.

How well are you doing? Are your New Year’s Resolutions about improving your health? Share with us on Facebook.

How Do You Feel about Current Medication Safety Practices?

2012-01-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest challenges in treating afflictions is assessing and monitoring safety of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses has released a new recommendation about medication safety practices. Medication error reduction has become increasingly important as state and federal inspections focus on safe practices. Find out about these recommendations and what could cause potential controversy. If you’ve experienced medication safety issues, we want to hear about it. Join the conversation on Facebook.

New Guidlines for Cancer Prevention

2012-01-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

The American Cancer Society has updated their guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention. Creating social and physical environments that support healthy behaviors within communities can make a big difference. See the four major recommendations and what responsibilities we have as a society to make it easier to accomplish these goals. What are your ideas about making health and prevention a community responsibility? Share with us on Facebook.

Do You Know When Antiobiotics Work?

2012-01-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

Do you know when antibiotics work and when they don’t? We would all like to hear that they will kick out any illness, but that’s not the case. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds, flu, runny noses, sore throats other than strep, and most coughs. Taking them when you have a virus actually may do more harm than good. Every time a person takes an antibiotic, most of the bacteria are killed, but some germs may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper uses are primarily the cause of the increase in drug-resistant antibiotics.

When you use them properly, you do the best for you, your family and those around you. "We want Americans to keep their families and communities healthy by getting smart about the proper use of antibiotics," said Lauri Hicks, D.O., medical director of CDC's Get Smart campaign.
Take this quiz from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and find out how well you know antibiotics. For more information, check out the CDC’s Get Smart campaign.

Brain Scans Show Meditation Calming Pain

2012-01-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know meditation may be able to help you deal with pain? Brain scans show how people who routinely practice meditation are in less agony because their brains are less focused on anticipating pain. This practice can cut down on the use of medication and help reduce stress levels at the same time. Could meditation then cure the ailment while in the process of reducing pain? Tell us what you think on Facebook.

Children Remain Vulnerable to Drug Poisoning

2012-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

Prescription medication poisoning remains a serious childhood problem despite efforts to make products safer and educate parents on the dangers. According to a study done by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati, the problem is getting worse, not better. Find out more about the results and how some solutions may go beyond the job of the caregiver. Has a child you know experienced an accidental medication poisoning? If so, we’d like to hear from you on Facebook.

Warding off Winter Weight

2012-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

With the way winters are in Colorado, paying attention to what you eat and avoiding weight gain can be tricky, even after the holidays. Let’s face it, with the number of snow storms we’ve already had, it is hard to get outside and exercise, and it’s a whole lot easier to stay inside eating comfort foods.

What is a person to do? These 5 tips will help you stay healthy and keep your weight down during the long winter months.

Prepare healthy meals for your family: The healthier and lighter the meal, the better you’ll look and feel.
Avoid heavy snacks before mealtime: Eating heavy appetizers or snacks before your meal can take you down the path of overfill and more calories than you need. Grab a light, healthy snack if you can’t wait, that way you will have plenty of room left for the meal.
Serve one helping and no more: You’ve been cooking all day and can’t wait to dive in. Make sure to eat one serving and save the rest for dinner the next night.
Don’t run to the couch after eating: After mealtime, put some dance music on and get your family moving.
Exercise 30 minutes to 1 hour each day: Exercising every day will keep your metabolism moving faster. Even if it is too cold or snowy to get outside, come up with an indoor exercise routine and stick to it!

Another way to keep an eye on your health and find out how well you made it through the winter season is to attend a 9Health Fair this spring. With over 150 fairs conveniently scheduled, now is the time to plan to attend in 2012. Our traditional fair dates are April 21-29, but we have additional fairs running as early as March and as late as mid-May. Check 9healthfair.org for a complete list of available screenings including Height/Weight/BMI.

Do You Know What to Say to Your Doctor?

2012-01-13T11:23:00.000-08:00

What you tell your doctor may determine how correct your diagnosis will be and if the right medication will be prescribed. Tackle medical services the same way you would any other purchase, by doing your research, having your list of symptoms and having your list of questions. Find out what you should ask, and tell, your doctor, and then share your health care stories with us on Facebook.

Yoga May Help Your Backache

2012-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Yoga may keep you from taking pain medication for your backache. A new study suggests that for typical back pain, patients who take stretching classes or yoga classes geared for back pain may get better results than taking meds and toughing it out. Find out how to beat the burn and avoid the medicine.

Are You One of Those Facing Medical Barriers?

2012-01-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Pilio, who is in his mid 50’s and lives in Denver, was injured on the job some years ago, and has not been able to work since. He took pride in his job, and has had to make the mental transition that life as he knew it, has changed. Like most of us, he never imagined he would be in this situation. But, every day in America, 12 people go to work and never come home. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Workers’ Compensation Division, each year, 3.3 million people suffer a workplace injury from which they may never recover. Pilio is one of the numbers in these statistics.

Because Pilio was injured on the job, he is insured through workers’ compensation. Therefore, all his medical matters are under the coverage of this particular service. Workers like Pilio have to undergo an intricate process and a lot of red tape in order to obtain benefits after suffering an accident at work. The process can be tedious, long, and sometimes very difficult.

To avoid the red tape, Pilio attended a 9Health Fair this past fall to check on his health. He monitored his cholesterol levels at the fair because he suspected they were very high. At 9Health Fair, he continues to monitor his cholesterol levels, and every day he works at eating healthier, walking intensively and keeping a positive attitude.

9Health Fair provided Pilio with an opportunity for access to health, and the ability to side step the cumbersome red tape. You should be able to get the care you need to stay healthy and see a doctor when you need to without unpredictable costs and other barriers. Your voice matters, because decisions about your health are too important to be left solely to others. Working together, we can move Colorado closer to that common-sense goal. Do you think workers’ compensation is too burdensome? What if you weren’t able to work like Pilio? Share your opinions with us on Facebook.

9Health Fair is coming up in April this year with the traditional 9 days from April 21-29, and fairs starting as early as March and going as late as May. Go to 9healthfair.org/findafair for specific dates and locations.

Make Your Day Better with "D"

2012-01-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Do you get enough of the “sunshine vitamin”? The National Center for Health Statistics says that more than one-third of Americans are vitamin D deficient, and other research suggests that figure could be as high as 50%. Find out why Vitamin D is so crucial and how to get the right amount.

9Health Fair now offers a “Vitamin D Blood Test” which checks your Vitamin D level. Please check our website at 9healthfair.org this spring for locations offering this test.

Smile... It Just Might Save Your Life

2012-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

It’s all about the power of positive thinking. One of the keys to a longer, healthier life may just be in your smile. According to a recent study, scientists found those who look at the bright side are more likely to reduce their risk of a stroke, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Check out these four strategies to help brighten your outlook and boost your health. Then share your ideas with us on Facebook.

New Year, New You

2012-01-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Have you made your list of New Year’s Resolutions? Now that 2012 is here, it’s time to take that list and put those resolutions into action. This has always been a time for looking back into the past, and more importantly, looking into the future. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want, or need, to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

According to USAWeekend.com, there are some New Year’s Resolutions that continue to be popular from year to year. Exercising is one of the top resolutions on those lists. After eating all the delicious meals and goodies at the holidays, getting back to a regular exercise routine sits at the forefront of the to-do list. Losing weight is also close to the top, again, probably due to holiday celebrations. Find out the other common resolutions and tips on how to get started.

Short Workouts Beneficial to Diabetics

2011-12-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

Exercise is beneficial for a number of reasons, but for people with health issues, working out can be life changing or even life-saving. A new study focusing on patients with diabetes shows brief, high-intensity workouts encompassing as few as six sessions over two weeks rapidly lowers blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. Learn more about these findings and what you can do to help yourself and your loved ones.

9Health Fair now offers a “Body in Balance Screening” which checks body position and posture, and evaluates flexibility, strength and balance to help prevent injuries. Please check our website at www.9healthfair.org this spring for locations offering this screening.

Study Shows Many Women are Sleep Deprived

2011-12-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

Nearly half of U.S. women are sleep deprived according to a National Sleep Foundation survey. A startling 67% of respondents polled reported sleep problems a few nights a week and 46% had trouble sleeping every night. Find out what is causing this epidemic of sleep loss for women.

9Health Fair now offers a “Sleep Apnea Screening” at selected sites. Please check our website at www.9healthfair.org this spring for locations offering this screening.

Advanced Directives - Understand Your Rights and Be Prepared

2011-12-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

As the New Year approaches and you consider creating your list of New Year’s Resolutions, consider adding “create Advance Directive documents” to your list. Some of you might be asking yourself, “What is an Advance Directive?” Advance Directive documents, such as living wills, are a set of instructions given by an individual specifying what end-of-life actions should or should not be taken. Other Advance Directive Documents, such as a Medical Durable Power of Attorney, appoint a person to make end-of-life health care decisions on your behalf.

While end-of-life decisions can be a difficult topic, it is important to discuss your wishes with your family and those close to you. Discussing your desires, wishes and values will help those close to you understand what is most important to you and make appropriate decisions on your behalf. Once you bridge the topic with your family, completing the actual required paperwork is simple and there are many forms available.

CHIMA, the Colorado Health Information Management Association, has posted the “5 Wishes” document as well as the “Colorado Declaration for Medical and Surgical Treatment” document on their at http://www.chima.org/news/news.html. If you would like to print out the “5 Wishes” document, you will need to save it first, as it will not print from the website itself.

Some things to consider as you approach this process with your family and loved ones:

1. Include your family, friends and physicians as you prepare your advance directive documents. Ensure the person you appoint on your behalf understands the responsibility and understands your individual wishes.

2. Once you have completed your forms, be sure to make photocopies and give them to your family, friends, physician, etc – and ensure the documents are available in the event of an emergency.

3. You may also want to retain a copy of your Advance Directive documents in a Personal Health Record (PHR). The American Health Information Management Association hosts a website dedicated to PHR resources – www.myphr.com. If you are interested in maintaining a Personal Health Record you may want to take a look at this site.

CHIMA will be participating in 9Health Fairs during the 2012 season. Please stop by our booths next year for access to these forms. Health Literacy starts with each of us. Get informed, understand your rights and play an active role in your health!

Written By:

Jennifer Bowen is a Manager, Healthcare Accounts at Iron Mountain. A graduate of Regis University’s HIM Certificate program and received her Registered Health Information Management (RHIA) credential in 2006. She is an active member of the Colorado Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) and serves as the Public Relations Committee Chair.

Keep Your Holiday Light Display Safe

2011-12-23T08:55:00.000-08:00

Driving through neighborhoods this time of year looks a little different. The amazing display of lights on most every house can be breathtaking, but it’s important to remember to display them safely in order to avoid a disaster. Xcel Energy has compiled a list of safety recommendations to keep your holiday season safe.

Sleeping Problems Can Bring on Many Issues

2011-12-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of not sleeping? It is estimated that 40 million Americans experience chronic sleep problems and another 20 million people experience some kind of temporary sleep difficulty. There are more than 80 sleeping disorders, but just a handful of ailments are really common. Learn about these disorders and why diagnosis is such a complicated process.

Top Tips for Choosing Safe Toys

2011-12-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and seeing as this is one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year, toy safety is a top concerns. It is estimated that about 50% of toys purchased each year are bought between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and many shoppers wait until the last week. That means people are in a hurry and may not make the best choice or pay attention to the appropriate age recommendation on the package.

With the federal toy safety standards passed by Congress in 2008, parents can be more assured that toys and electronics on the shelves are safe, but it is still important to pay attention to your purchase and stay informed about harmful products. We think of young children the most when we think about toy safety, but it is a good reminder that many pre-teens and teenagers can run into issues as well. Make sure to read all instructions and to discuss proper use of the item.

Children’s Hospital Colorado has 5 tips for making sure you’re keeping your child safe this season, among other helpful holiday information. Check out what they have to say before heading to the store for your last minute shopping. Make it a safe and joyful time.

One Simple Way to Lower Your Risk of Diabetes

2011-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Regular or decaf? Either way, you may be warding off diabetes according to The George Institute for International Health. Individuals, who drink caffeinated or decaf coffee or tea, appear to have a substantially lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Find out more about how coffee and tea consumption can keep you healthy.

Are You Prepared for an ER Visit?

2011-12-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had to visit the ER? On top of the treatment you are there for, you may also experience stress, frustration and fear because of not knowing what to expect. You wait, you’re in pain, you’re worried, but you have rights you probably don’t even know about. Check out these tips for making the most of your ER visit. Even though you hope you will never end up in the ER, be prepared just in case.

Do You Have Your Holiday Menu Planned?

2011-12-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Do you have your menu planned for that special holiday gathering? Before you finalize your food selections, stop and think about how to take some of the unhealthy ingredients out and put some of the healthy ingredients in.

According to the Nurses’ Health Study, the foods that contribute the most to weight gain are french fries and other fried foods, potato chips, sugar-sweetened drinks, red meats and processed meats, sweets and desserts, refined grains, and butter (these results were published in June 2011 in the New England Journal of Medicine). According to the American Heart Association and World Health Organization, a person shouldn’t consume more than 7% of total calories from saturated fat. With all of this information, a little ingredient modification and you’ll be on your way to a healthy holiday season.

Some simple ways to modify a recipe without changing it altogether are to decrease the sodium, use fat-free or low fat milk and serve fruits and vegetables without butter or sauce. For more ideas, check out these tips on how to make your meal healthier.

Some favorite healthy recipes you might want to try this season are Pumpkin Bread with Cranberries, Simple Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs, and for dessert Handmade Granola, which by the way, has no refined sugar!

You can still enjoy the holidays and feel good about the healthy changes you’ve made.

Does Your Teen Get Enough Sleep?

2011-12-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

It comes as no surprise that most teens don’t get enough sleep, which puts them at greater risk for many unhealthy behaviors. The National Sleep Foundation recommends eight or more hours of sleep a night for this age group, but they have found that nearly 70% of American teens get much less. Learn more about this epidemic and the risks associated with the lack of sleep for growing teens.

Are You Sleep Deprived?

2011-12-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

How much sleep do you get? If you are one of the 35% of Americans who sleep less than seven hours a night, portions of your brain are going “off-line” even though you are still awake. Sleep is crucial to physical and mental health, and it is clearly visible in the brain activity. When we sleep, slow-wave activity appears in our brains as the neurons in the cortex switch themselves off and go silent. Wakefulness is when our neurons are on and generating spikes of electrical activity. Find out more about how sleep deprivation makes people and animals less functional.

Colorado Gives Day Extended until Noon Today!

2011-12-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

It's now Colorado Gives Day and a Half! Colorado Gives Day has been extended until noon today to compensate for any delays you have experienced with the website today. Go to www.givingfirst.org/9healthfair between now and noon tomorrow to donate. 100% of your donation goes to 9Health Fair! And spread the word to your friends and family!

Today is Colorado Gives Day! Donate to 9Health Fair!

2011-12-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! Make you donation to 9Health Fair through GivingFirst.org and do your part to help participants like Karen, who discovered a rare form of cancer through a routine blood screening at last year's 9Health Fair. You have all day to donate... until midnight tonight! Go to www.givingfirst.org/9healthfair and donate now!

Donate to 9Health Fair Tomorrow

2011-12-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the Big Day, Colorado Gives Day! It is a 24-hour state-wide campaign to encourage online giving to some of Colorado’s most notable non-profits, including 9Health Fair. Online giving is simple; just visit www.givingfirst.org/9healthfair tomorrow to donate.

With your generous contribution during Colorado Gives Day, 9Health Fair will continue to be able to offer health screenings and education to Colorado and beyond. 100% of donations go directly to 9Health Fair to help people like Wiley. He went to the health fair for the first time in 2010 weighing in at 300 pounds only to discover he had high cholesterol and high thyroid levels. Wiley gained the knowledge and motivation at 9Health Fair to change his life. He has since dropped the excess weight and is now living a healthy and active life. Wiley thanks the 9Health Fair for helping him “own his health”. By giving to 9Health Fair through Colorado Gives Day tomorrow, you can ensure that vital services will continue in our community.

Visit www.givingfirst.org/9healthfair anytime tomorrow to donate! A little goes a long way, for example, every $25 donation provides a free Pap Smear for one woman. Remember to donate and help spread the word about this opportunity to your friends and family. 9Health Fair would not be possible without the generous support of people like you. Getting the care you need, when you need it, is important and 9Health Fair is glad to be able to provide an opportunity for health care options. Working together, we can move Colorado closer to that common-sense goal.www.givingfirst.org/9healthfair

Have Questions about Health? There's an App for That!

2011-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

The days of using a cell phone simply as a means of making telephone calls are long gone. A wealth of information is at your fingertips through Smartphone apps including the latest in fitness, first aid and general health topics. For more information and a list of health-related apps on the market, check out this USA TODAY article.

Giving Thanks Even After Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season in full force, make sure to give thanks. Did you know that giving thanks is not only important to one’s enjoyment at the holidays, but gratitude also improves sleep, fights depression, and cuts heart disease risk? Appreciation is the emotion of friendship and can help us better manage stress. As the doctors at USA TODAY have done, take a moment out of your day to make a list of those things that make your life a joy. Also, remember that reaching out to others in their time of need is a marvelous way to help celebrate the season of giving. What a wonderful way to improve your health!

Living with Epilepsy

2011-11-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes living with epilepsy can be lonely. Despite how many of us are out there, people don't talk about it, and it can leave you feeling like you're the only one. I promise you're not. I know that one random girl in Denver telling you you're not alone might not mean much, but it's true. We're all around. We just need to open up and talk about it. When I started to tell people about my epilepsy and how I deal with it in my own life, people started to come out of the woodwork; it was amazing and truly touching, and it continues today. When you share yourself, you help others to do the same, and a bond is created; a bond that can't break, because you helped each other stop hiding a piece of yourselves and thereby live life to its fullest. You can't really live if you're busy spending your time and energy trying to keep yourself a secret. As soon as you can come to terms with your epilepsy and accept yourself for all that you are, a weight lifts off of your shoulders and suddenly you feel free.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado has an ongoing series called, Share Your Story. In each newsletter, people with epilepsy talk about living with it - the struggles, the challenges, the silver linings. Check out the most recent edition (I'm in it, too!): http://www.epilepsycolorado.org/index.php?s=10796. And always Share Your Story with 9Health Fair on their website and on Facebook.

Erica Egge moved to Denver from St. Paul, MN in 2009. Erica was diagnosed with simple partial epilepsy when she was seven years old. She spent eighteen years trying various combinations of medications with minimal success and at age 25 decided that she had a long life left to live and owed it to herself to try anything she could to beat her epilepsy. After extensive testing, Erica had brain surgery in January of 2011. She has now been seizure-free for almost nine months. Erica has kept a blog throughout the experience, which she is currently turning into a book.

What's on Your Donation List?

2011-11-23T09:50:00.001-08:00

It’s the season of giving and food drives are in full force asking for healthier donations this year. Rice and tuna are much healthier options than Ramon Noodles and canned soups. What types of donations are on your list? After reading this USA TODAY article, you may head to the store for some different options.

Holiday Foods May Trigger GERD

2011-11-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

It’s National GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) Awareness week. With the holidays just around the corner, delicious feasts can cause trouble for the estimated 30 million Americans who suffer from GERD. Learn about the symptoms and find out if you are at risk by answering seven simple questions. Don’t let GERD go untreated as it can increase your risk for esophageal carcinoma.

Shedding Light on Seasonal Depression

2011-11-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Winter brings on different meanings for different people. Some see it as a calming time with a beautiful white blanket draped lightly over the land. Others see it as a dark, dreary, endless existence.

Many people are negatively affected by the changes brought on by winter, experiencing low energy or even feeling blue now and then. However, some suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, appropriately acronymed SAD, a condition brought on by shorter, colder days where depression, social withdrawal, overeating and weigh gain can become the norm.

“It's a fairly large problem," said Randall Flory, a SAD researcher at Hollins University in Roanoke, Va. "It's estimated that in the U.S. about 6% to 7% of people have a pretty severe form of SAD." Interestingly enough, it is also estimated that between 60% and 90% of people with SAD are women between the ages of 15 and 55.

SAD is believed to relate to daylight, more than temperature, although they both bring on symptoms. Some experts believe that a lack of sunlight increases the body’s production of a chemical called melatonin, which helps regulate sleep and can cause symptoms of depression.

Luckily, light therapy has been successful in treating individuals with SAD. “We estimate that 80% of people affected will find benefit from [exposure to] bright light," said Flory, who first presented his findings at the 2003 annual meeting of the American Psychological Association. Aside from light therapy, what can you do to avoid symptoms of SAD? One idea is to plan your vacation in a warm, sunny part of the country during the winter.

This is not something to take lightly. If you feel like the winter months are a struggle, maybe it is worth checking with your doctor. To find out more about this disorder and how light treatment works, check out this USA TODAY article.

Have You Checked Your Blood Pressure Lately?

2011-11-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know about 1 out of every 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure? The condition itself usually has no symptoms and you can have it for years before it becomes a problem. Take this Blood Pressure Quiz and challenge your HBP knowledge.

Do You Know What a TIA is and What Signs to Watch For?

2011-11-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

TIAs or transient ischemic attacks, resemble a stroke, but don’t cause permanent brain damage and only last a matter of minutes. They may cause brief symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness or loss of speech, with the effects lasting no longer than one to two hours. About 200,000 to 500,000 people suffer from TIAs each year, but many don’t know they’ve had one and end up not reporting it to their doctor. Find out more about the causes and symptoms of this brief attack, and what the statistics show.

Is It Just the Calories that Count?

2011-11-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

Usually, we think about the calories, when we are trying to maintain a healthy weight, but there are other factors that can make a big difference. This is where food labels become important. Add up the amount of sodium and fat from each package within a day, and you might be shocked to see the numbers. The American Heart Association recommends you eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day. In addition to causing weight problems, high sodium and fat can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

For example, did you know that bread is one of the most common sources of sodium? Sodium is added to bread to help with the texture and rising action of the dough. The amount of sodium differs by bread type and can add up quickly when you eat more than one slice.

Check out these four educational and interactive tools from The American Heart Association. Take the quizzes to check your nutrition knowledge and find ways to make more informed choices.

Learning to control your weight and live a healthy lifestyle can be an important ingredient in lowering your risk for many common health problems.

9Health Tip: Making Healthy Choices Can Be Challenging

2011-11-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

Do you have a difficult time getting your kids to think about healthy choices? Eating the right foods, limiting the use of television and electronics, and talking to your child’s pediatrician about their health are a few of the important pieces to healthy decision making. Check out these nine strategies to help you do your job as a parent and keep your children healthy.

9Health Tip: How Many Vegetables Do You Eat?

2011-11-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

How many vegetables do you eat in a day? Sometimes it seems hard to eat the correct amount, but adding more veggies to your diet may be easier than you think. Follow these 10 tips to help you put more color into your daily diet.

How Healthy is Your Holiday Menu?

2011-11-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Are you starting to think about the holidays? They are coming upon us fast which means it is time to start planning. If you are like most people, planning holiday meals and deciding what types of desserts to have on hand are at the top of the list. Cheese covered casseroles, scrumptious cinnamon rolls, a plump pumpkin pie or a tray of chocolate truffles. Nothing sounds better than the ones loaded with sugar, salt and fat.

This is a challenging time of year for adults and children to stay on the healthy track, but with a little bit of effort, it can be done. With obesity on the rise in the US, it’s important to set good examples and teach our children the importance of eating well. Did you know that the typical amount of weight a person gains around the holidays is just one pound? That doesn’t seem like much, but if the weight isn’t taken off before the next holiday season, each pound adds up. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, nearly two our of every three Americans are overweight or obese; however, Colorado being the nation's leanest state, one in every five Coloradoans is overweight or obese.

To make sure you avoid that one extra pound this season, check out this list of healthy holiday recipes or modify the ones you already have. That way you can still enjoy your favorite foods, without all the unhealthy ingredients.

Make sure to share your favorite holiday meals and traditions with us by commenting below!

9Health Tip: Do You Fuel Your Body Properly When Exercising?

2011-11-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Running and exercising place heavy demands on the body, especially when training for long distance events. The amount of calories and carbohydrates you need, and how much water you should drink depends on how long and hard you workout. Check out these nutrition and hydration tips that can give marathon runners and other athletes a leg up.

9Health Tip: New ADHD Guidelines

2011-11-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

The American Academy of Pediatrics has set new ADHD guidelines, including a broader age group. The guidelines say doctors should follow up on certain kids ages 4 to 18, where previously the guidelines covered ages 6 to 12. Find out more about this important information from USA Today.

Guest Blog of the Month: Is Your Tween Resistant to Play Team Sports?

2011-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Article Written by Theresa Byrne

For adults that loved sports as a kid, it just seems unimaginable that any kid wouldn’t jump at the chance to play sports! In the health & fitness industry we know that playing sports is great for kids on many levels… their test scores are higher, they are healthier, they are more comfortable socially, they learn the value of working with a team, and they are less likely to fall into negative habits or with negative people.

The issue can be one of learning to understand WHAT motivates your tween, and helping them to find those things.

· Many kids are not natural athletes or “team sports oriented” and they don’t see anything to get excited about.

· They may have memories of things they weren’t good at doing and think team sports will feel that way.

· Your tween may not understand they value of trying new things just for the sake of trying.

Part of your job as a parent is to approach your children as separate little individuals with their own set of interests.

· Study them.

· See what lights them up.

· It’s about learning those things that motivate and inspire your child…and usually they are quite different than what motivates and inspires YOU!

In martial arts we use a concept called “PreFraming”. It’s helping a student consider a positive perception BEFORE they allow the negative thought programming to run their choices.

So instead of just saying something like “Well you are going to play a sport, it won’t kill you” a parent could find something the tween might find positive about playing sports and discuss it that way.

“Since you love hanging out with your friends, this is just one other fun thing for you to try together. You may have so many laughs learning this sport together.”

The first step toward getting your child to play a sport is uncovering what comes up for them when they THINK about team sports (hopefully they’ll tell you). And if it’s negative then you know they are avoiding a perceived challenge or difficulty they have created about team sports.

Most of us are driven to avoid pain or seek pleasure.

Often times the pain is in our perception of what COULD go wrong, more than the thing itself. Your job as a parent would be to help them shift that thinking and find some positive things to focus on, things that inspire and motivate them.

In asking some simple questions you may uncover some very interesting insights.

· Is your tween social…do they have a wide circle of friends?

· Are they shy or have just one or two close friends?

· Do they make friends easily or do they wait to check others out first?

· Is your tween a perfectionist?

· Do they take it personally when they think they’ve “messed up”?

· Is he/she likely to try new things in other areas of their life or do they like to play it safe?

· Has your child ever struggled with their coordination or are they more naturally athletic?

Some ideas to help you understand:

· Some kids struggle with how they’ll look if they don’t know how to play that sport.

· Your child may be highly competitive and hate to lose. Trying a new sport and not being good at it may feel like losing.

· They think everyone else on that team knows what they’re doing.

· Your child may think others will tease them or make fun of them.

· The idea of playing a sport brings up thoughts of being the last one picked, messing up, or looking stupid.

· Sports look hard, and when you don’t know what to expect that can seem insurmountable.

· They don’t have anything positive to attach to that sport; we like to build on our successes.

· They fear “Dork Factor”. Each of us has gone through that uncomfortable feeling of feeling like a dork at something new. But until someone says it’s ok to feel that way, we may fight to try to new things.

· Children aren’t often taught the value of using mistakes as learning opportunities and they believe if they make a mistake it means there’s something wrong with them.

Idea: talk to your tween about these things. See what is really going on with them. Share times when you’ve had struggles with something new and how you overcame them, and how overcoming that challenge helped you in other areas. Create a learning environment where things aren’t “good” or “bad”, but “interesting” or “challenging”. Help teach your tween about the value of using our experiences to help us grow and become more of the person we are meant to be.

Theresa Byrne is the national health and defense experts seen on SPIKE TV’s recent series, Don’t Be a Victim. She is a fitness instructor, trainer, motivational speaker, life/empowerment coach and creator of “Finding Your Voice”, “Practical Self Defense”, and “Holistic Power for Healthy Living”, which are self-empowerment programs for kids and adults. As a Black Belt in martial arts, she is also the director of United Martial Arts Center in Englewood, CO. When Theresa isn’t out trying to change the world, she enjoys meditating, reading, writing, creating inspiring videos with kids and napping.

9Health Tip: Is There a Cure for the Common Cold?

2011-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Do you think there is a cure for the common cold? See what this USA Today report has to say and whether or not supplements and cold remedies actually help.

Soda Tax May Reduce Weight, Raise Revenue

2011-10-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Would you continue purchasing soda and sugar-sweetened beverages if large taxes were tacked onto those products? A soda tax could actually reduce weight and increase revenue. USA Today published an article that talks about how a tax would affect people and what the increased tax money could be used for.

What are your thoughts about a soda tax?

JUST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT! Blog - Find Time to Fit in Exercise!

2011-10-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Let’s talk about exercise and fitness. With our busy lives, who has time for fitness, right? It’s difficult to schedule time to work out, but it’s important to your health! Scientific research continues to show that consistent physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it actually helps improve the quality of life in many other areas including your lungs, weight, flexibility, immune system and much more. Yet, nearly half of all Americans report that they are not active at all, usually because they can’t find time to exercise.

Finding easy ways to work in just thirty minutes of exercise a day is feasible with the right attitude and activities you enjoy. USA TODAY has many suggestions for activities that fit into a daily routine. And what a better time of year than now to get into a routine; the weather is cool, the air is crisp and the fall colors are breathtaking. Get that jump on exercise before the holidays!

9Health Tip: Some Health Experts Believe Women Should Use a New Formula to Determine Heart Rate

2011-10-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Kelsey Christofferson, a senior business management major at CSU, runs on a treadmill in the rec center in 2010. V. RICHARD HARO/COLORADOAN LIBRARY

Do you pay attention to your heart rate when working out? Changes in target heart rates for women may help determine how hard a workout needs to be. Exercise intensity should be high enough to help your health, but not so high it endangers your health. Check out this Coloradoan.com article to find out how to determine your new target heart rate, and then share your workout stories with us. Join the conversation.

Do You Run Into Health Care Barriers?

2011-10-20T16:28:00.001-07:00

Do you run into barriers when it comes to health care? Access is important and you should be able to get the care you need to stay healthy without access issues or unpredictable costs. At 9Health Fair, we provide the opportunity for access to health through our 9Health fairs. Attending a fair is a great way to get information about your family’s health, learn about healthy habits, and then take the conversation into your home.

We have two Family 9Health Fairs to still attend this fall featuring many free and low-cost health screenings for the entire family. The free screenings include a variety of tests such as blood pressure, vision, lung function, oral health and more. You can also talk to a professional about your specific health questions. There are many free screenings for kids and low-cost flu shots for adults and kids.

Join us at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument on Saturday, October 29^th, and at Adams City High School in Commerce City for a two-day “Feria de Salud” 9Health Fair on November 5^th and 6^th. Each fair runs from 7:00am to 12noon. For addresses and a list of screenings, go to www.9healthfair.org/findafair for all the information you will need.

We hope to see you there! After your visit, comment below and tell us about your experience! Have you been to a 9Health Fair before? Tell us about that too!