Archive for March, 2010

April 2 is National Autism Awareness Day!

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

boys_6265_20090506

 

In December of 2007 the United Nations declared April 2 as National Autism Awareness Day. This is one in only three official disease-specific United Nation Days.

 

By declaring April 2 as the official Autism Awareness Day the UN hopes to bring the world’s attention to autism, which is a disorder that affects tens of millions.

 

For those who are unsure as to what Autism actually is and what are some of the signs & symptoms, please continue to read below:

 

What is Autism?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Autism is a form of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD’s), which are a group of developmental disabilities that cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.  Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically last throughout a person’s lifetime.

 

It is reported that an average of 1 out of 110 children in the United States have some form of ASD.  Studies have shown boys are more susceptible to having autism.  In fact;  one in 70 boys and one in 315 girls are diagnosed with Autism every year.  Government statistics have found the rate of Autism is rising from 10-17 percent annually.  According to the CDC, this is the most prevalent developmental disorder to date.

 

Signs & Symptoms:

To learn the signs & symptoms of Autism, please watch this video: http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/autism/videos/whatisautism.html

 

Screening & Diagnosis:

Since there are no medical test (for example; blood test), to determine if a child has Autism it is sometimes hard to diagnose.  The doctor will look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

 

There are two steps to this screening:

  1. Developmental Screening
  2. Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

 

For more detailed information on this type of screening: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/screening.html

 

Provided is an Autism Fact Sheet:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/AutismFactSheet.pdf

 

Is there a cure for Autism?

According to AutismSpeaks.com unfortunately, experts have been unable to find a cure for Autism just yet.  There is hope though; Scientist are working hard every day to help find a solution for the growing problem. 

 

Due to the Combating Autism Act, which was passed through Congress and signed by the President it ensures that $162 million has been put into a fund for Autism research, services and treatment.

 

Please join Family Medical Walk-In Clinic in wearing blue this Friday, April 2, 2010 to help support National Autism Awareness Day!!!

 

If you would like to help, visit: http://www.lightitupblue.org/

 

Sources:

http://www.theautismnews.com/2010/03/26/world-autism-awareness-day-april-2nd-2010/

http://www.cdc.gov/NCBDDD/autism/videos/whatisautism.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/AutismFactSheet.pdf

http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/faq.php

http://www.lightitupblue.org/

http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/atf/cf/%7B2DB64348-B833-4322-837C-8DD9E6DF15EE%7D/UNResolution_English.pdf

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The Scary Truth About Soda & Our Children…

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

soda pop_4567_20090214

 

I hear so many people say “I only have one can of soda a day, that can’t be bad.” Well sadly enough, it can be bad for you in many different aspects. 

 

Drinking soda can lead to: obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, caffeine dependency, weakened bones, etc.  Now can you tell me that drinking one soda everyday is worth all that risk?

 

These days it seems like anything we drink or eat comes with a certain type of risk and who wants to limit life’s little enjoyments just to be a little healthier?  Well everyone is different but I sure think if cutting soda out of my diet will help prevent my bones from weakening, then I’m on board!!  You take your pick!

 

The shocking reality!

 

Did you know the leading consumers of soda pop today are children and teenagers?  Studies have shown that teenage boys consume 3 or more cans of soda per day and  at least 10% of them drink up to seven cans a day, if not more!!!  Teenage girls aren’t any better, they likely consume at least two cans per day and 10% consume more than five cans a day! (Now guys  these numbers are  outrageous!!!)

 

A quick math equation to put this in better perspective for you:

In a simple 12oz. can of soda it contains around 150 calories.  If you times that by 7 (150 x 7) you would be drinking around 1050 calories just in soda a day!  Based on the Percent Daily Values of a 2,000 a day calorie diet you would be drinking over half of your daily calories just in soda!!!!  Guys, I don’t care what you say, that is terrible!!  This madness must stop!  *Look how much more food you could eat in a day if you were to cut the calories out of your beverage intake.

 

I mean after all, don’t we all say: “Our children are our future?!”  As adults we need to take the initiative to limit, if not cut, soda out of our children’s diet!  According to the National Soft Drink Association more than 60% of middle schools and high schools provide vending machines for their students to have access to.  This is not helping the fight against obesity my friends!!

 

What is so wrong with water?!

Water was pretty much all our ancestor’s ever drank for the first 200,000 years of humans being in existence!  According to Barry Popkin, PhD, “High sugar drinks didn’t even exist until 150 years ago, and they weren’t consumed in significant amounts until the past 50 years.”  So there ya go, you will survive without soda!

 

To learn more about the benefits of drinking water, visit: http://www.health-benefit-of-water.com/benefit-of-drinking-water.html

 

Now tea (if unsweetened) is not bad for you either; read my blog post: on the Benefits of Drinking Hot Tea for more information.

 

Other informative information:

Did you know that if you limited your beverage intake to just water, seltzer, and unsweetened tea or coffee just one day a week, you’d save enough calories to lose more than 6 1/2 pounds per year!!! (According to David Zinczenko: Eat This Not That)

 

Ready to quit drinking soda for good?! 

 

After you watch this video I am sure you will think twice about purchasing a soda pop the next time you stop by the vending machine!  (Warning: This video may make some viewers sick!) http://www.nomorebacon.com/790/the-first-step-to-stop-drinking-soda-get-grossed-out/

 

Learn how many calories you should be consuming per day, visit: http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

 

Missouri is even considering taxing soda pop consumers just for purchasing this “liquid candy”….what are your thoughts?!  We would love to hear them.

 

Sources:

http://preventdisease.com/home/tips43.shtml

http://hubpages.com/hub/ARE-WE-KILLING-OUR-CHILDREN-THE-DANGERS-OF-SODA-POP

http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

http://www.health-benefit-of-water.com/benefit-of-drinking-water.html

http://www.nomorebacon.com/790/the-first-step-to-stop-drinking-soda-get-grossed-out/

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St. Patrick’s Day: Safety Tips

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

St. Patrick's Day celebration_1695_20081103We want to wish you all a very safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day!  Festivities will be running through the weekend here in Springfield, MO due to the 30th annual Pub Crawl being this Saturday, March 20th.

 

For the safety of all residents Springfield Law Enforcement will have added patrol on the streets this week & weekend.

 

 

Helpful information:

 

If you are under 21, under no circumstances should you be drinking any type of alcohol. You will risk getting slammed with an MIP (minor in possession) or an MIC (minor in consumption) & maybe more.  Being fine for drinking as a minor could cost you hundreds of dollars in fines, require you to attend alcohol classes and even put you in jail.  So, please remember: It is not worth it!

 

Parents: To find out more about Young Drivers and Alcohol, please visit: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/YoungDriversAndAlcohol.html

 

Helpful options for those over the age of 21:

 

Visit the Department of Alcohol and Drug Education Prevention website to see an awesome B.A.L. (blood alcohol level) chart. **You can even print it out and keep it in your wallet!**

http://alcoholprev.colostate.edu/bachart.shtml

 

On a lighter note, take this fun fact quiz about St. Patrick’s Day!  How much do you really know about this holiday?http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2791342/st_patricks_day_facts_and_trivia.html?cat=37

 

Most of all we want to wish everyone a great St. Patrick’s Day but please play it safe!!

 

Sources:

 

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100310/NEWS01/3100461/1007/NEWS01/Law-enforcement-to-step-up-stops-for-St.-Pat-s

 

http://alcoholprev.colostate.edu/bachart.shtml

 

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrivingIssues/1109441389.html

 

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/StateAndLocalLaws/MO.html

 

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/YoungDriversAndAlcohol.html

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St. Patrick’s Day: The Healthy Side of It!

Monday, March 15th, 2010

St. Patty's food_12188_20100207

Hosting a St. Patty’s day celebration this year? Here are seven healthy recipes to get your party started off right! And the best part is these recipes are ALL under 400 calories!! What more could your guest want…?

Well if they are still wanting dessert, you are also in luck because I have provided you with a few green desserts as well! (Some of these desserts DO go over the 400 calorie mark- but hey, that’s alright, it is ok to splurge at least once a week!) :)

7 Colorful Yet Healthy Recipes

  1. Red Potato Colcannon
  2. Corned Beef Hash
  3. Whole-wheat Irish Soda Bread
  4. Irish Lamb Stew
  5. Cheddar-Ale Soup
  6. Shandy (this is a drink)
  7. Trio of Peas

For the exact recipes and instructions, please visit: http://www.lifescript.com

Now for the deliciously green desserts!!

How about chocolate-mint grasshopper pie or green grasshopper parfaits?!  Not your cup of tea…then you should try this one!

Jello-O Mojito Granita

What you need:

  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 1 pkg. of Jello (lime flavored gelatin) 3 oz.
  • 3/4 cup carbonated lemon-lime beverage
  • 1/4 cup of rum or water
  • 2 Tbsp. of thinly chopped fresh mint
  • 2 Tbsp. lime juice

How to make it:

STIRthe boiling water into gelatin mix & mix in a medium sized bowl for at least 2 minutes until completely dissolved.  Then stir in the remaining ingredients.

POUR into a 9 inch square pan.  Freeze for at least three hours, until firm.

SPOON frozen gelatin mixture into large bowl.  Beat with a mixer on high speed until smooth.  Store leftovers in airtight container in the freezer.

Nutritional facts:

  • Calories: 90
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Sugars: 16 g
  • Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 1 g

For an extended list of  fun green dessert recipes, visit:  http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-entertaining/holidays/st-patricks-day/Pages/greenrecipes.aspx

Let the festivities begin!!

If you do end up trying any of these recipes for your St. Patty’s day, let me know how they turned out!  I would love to hear your feedback!

Sources:

http://www.lifescript.com/

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/jell-o-mojito-granita-110754.aspx

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Do You Know Your BMI?

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

BMI measurement_10101_20091122

 

BMI stands for body mass index; it is used as a way to calculate how much body fat a person has.  It is important for you to find out your current BMI  because just knowing your current weight won’t tell you if you are completely healthy.  

 

It is also important to test your children’s BMI to help America stop the fight against obesity.  According to Myoptumhealth.com seven in 10 overweight children ages 10-13 will likely have weight problems as adults.

 

If your BMI is too high, you may be at risk for chronic health problems such as; high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, etc.

 

BMI Formula:

 

According to Diane Griffith, staff writer for myoptumhealth.com, the formula for calculating your BMI is:

 

BMI= (Weight in pounds ÷ Height in Inches ÷ Height in Inches) x 703

 

For example if someone weighed 150 pounds  and was 5 foot 7 inches you would take:  (150÷ 67÷ 67) x 703= 23.49

 

Therefore their BMI would be: 23.49

 

Are you curious as to how you can convert your height into inches?  Visit: http://www.ehow.com/how_5369428_calculate-height-inches.html

 

So, what is a healthy BMI?

 

According to WebMD.com:

  • Underweight: Below 18.5
  • Healthy: 18.5- 24.9
  • Overweight: 25- 29.9
  • Obese: Above 30

 

Find out your BMI using this BMI calculator: http://www.webmd.com/diet/calc-bmi-plus

 

Ways towards a healthier BMI:

  • Talk to your doctor before you start any weight loss programs
  • Set realistic weight-loss goals
  • Increase your physical activity level
  • Know what you are eating: reduce your calorie intake
  • Track your daily diet and exercise regime

 

Knowing your children’s BMI:

 

Did you know that 1 in  3 children in America are now considered overweight or obese?  Help us stop this growing rate!

 

How do you calculate children’s BMI?  Is it different than adults?  For more information about children’s BMI, please visit:

 

http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/Information/item/Ask+About+Your+Child%27s+%27BMI%27?archiveChannel=Home%2FArticle&remBrdCrumb=true

 

A children’s BMI calculator:

 

http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/bmi_charts.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle

 

Note: You should have your child’s BMI checked yearly after the age of 2!

 

Guys, I can NOT stress enough how important it is for you to watch your BMI, you have one body, so take care of it!

 

Sources:

 

http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/Information/item/What’s+Your+BMI%3F+It’s+Important?archiveChannel=Home%2FArticle&clicked=true

 

http://www.webmd.com/diet/calc-bmi-plus

 

 http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/bmi_charts.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle

 

http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/Information/item/Ask+About+Your+Child%27s+%27BMI%27?archiveChannel=Home%2FArticle&remBrdCrumb=true

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Know the Signs, Symptoms & Risk Factors of Diabetes

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

diabetes 2_12661_20100218Nearly 24 million Americans are suffering from some type of Diabetes, that is about 8% of our total population. 

 

As many as one quarter of these people don’t even know they have diabetes.  These statistics come from an article published on womenshealth.com.

 

Family Medical Walk-In Clinic wants you to be aware of the signs, symptoms & risks that can come from diabetes.

 

What is diabetes?

 

Your blood glucose (sugar) is too high.  If not controlled diabetes can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.

 

3 main types of diabetes:

 

Type 1:  This type of diabetes does not allow your body to make enough insulin, so you must take insulin everyday. (This is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.)

 

Type 2:  You can get type 2 diabetes at any age, with this type of diabetes, your body creates insulin, but it can’t do it’s job correctly.  With this type of diabetes your insulin levels will begin to decrease overtime relative to your need, so you may have to start using insulin to keep it under control.  (This is the most common type of diabetes.)

 

Gestational diabetes:  This occurs during pregnancy.  According to WebMD.com, it usually develops in  1 out of 20 pregnancies, which accounts for about 4% of pregnant women.  Developing this type of diabetes is caused by the bodies changing hormones during pregnancy.  Gestational diabetes will most likely go away after your pregnancy.

 

Signs & Symptoms:

 

  • Frequent urination
  • Unusual thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Unusual weight loss
  • Extreme fatigue and irritability
  • Frequent infections
  • Blurred vision
  • Cuts/Bruises that are slow to heal
  • Tingling/Numbness in the hands and/or feet
  • Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections
  • Dried mouth
  • Headaches

 

Scary fact:  According to the American Diabetes Association, most people with type 2 diabetes show NO symptoms!

 

Risk Factors:

  • Age over 45 years
  • Race or Ethnic background
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Being very overweight compared to your height (BMI)
  • Low physical activity level
  • High blood pressure
  • History of diabetes during pregnancy
  • More risk factors for gestational diabetes, visit: http://www.joslin.org/info/Gestational_Diabetes.html

 

If you feel you may be at risk for these types of diabetes, contact your doctor right away. 

 

Follow this link to take the “At Risk For Diabetes Online Test”: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/diabetes-risk-test/

 

As of right now there is no cure for diabetes, that is why it is important for you to follow your doctor’s instructions  in order to live a happy healthy lifestyle.

 

Sources:

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/diabetes.cfm

http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-warning-signs

http://www.joslin.org/info/Gestational_Diabetes.html

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Update- $30 Sports Physicals

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

baseballFamily Medical Walk-In Clinic wants to remind everyone that we offer $30 sports physicals for grades: K-12

 

Spring sports are just around the corner, so don’t wait until the last minute!   We understand that life get’s busy that is why we are open late and on weekends at all five of our convenient locations!!!

 

Remember: No appointment necessary

 

For more information visit: http://www.fmwic.com of call (417) 890-5550

 

*Check out our previous sports physical blog to read more about the importance of sports physicals*

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