Benefits of Kite Flying

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kiteKite flying is a great way to clear your mind, have fun, and has several health benefits.

1. Eye stimulation – With our constant use of mobile phones and computer screens, our eyes can get tired and unfocused.  Focusing on a distant object against a soothing blue sky can reduce eye strain caused by ever present technology.

2. Neck/Shoulder Exercise – Sitting at a desk doesn’t promote good posture; flying a kite allows us to stretch our neck and shoulder muscles.

3. Stress Reliever – Flying a kite is relaxing.  When watching a kite drift across an open, blue sky, one focuses on the moment, not on the daily stresses of life.

4. Connect to Nature – Being outdoors provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty present in the sky and in surrounding landscapes that is sometimes taken for granted.

5. Fresh Air – Filling your lungs with fresh air can revitalize and refresh.

American Heart Month

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Join us in raising awareness about heart disease.  

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men. According to the CDC, about 600,000 people in the United States die from heart disease every year.

The term “heart disease” refers to several different heart conditions. The most common heart condition in the US is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).  CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. CAD can cause heart attacks, angina, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Heart disease can be controlled and even prevented. Taking small steps towards making better lifestyle choices can make a big difference in your heart health.

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise and be active
  • Quit smoking and tobacco use
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Stress less

Get regular physical exams and discuss with your health care provider whether you have any risk factors that may increase your chances of developing heart disease. Create a plan with your health care provider to actively manage and control any underlying medical conditions you may have such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

For more information on heart disease, visit http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

 

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month

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Symptoms of an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid…

Hyperthyroidism means too much thyroid hormone is being produced by the thyroid gland and the thyroid gland is overactive.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

  • Nervousness, Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Increased perspiration
  • Heart racing
  • Hand tremors
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Thinning of skin, brittle hair
  • Muscle weakness
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Weight loss
  • High energy
  • Fatigue

Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland cannot make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally and the thyroid is underactive.

Symptoms of Hyporthyroidism

  • Intolerance to cold
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Lack of energy
  • Dry skin
  • Forgetfulness
  • Depression
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain

There are many causes of thyroid disorders. For more complete information, visit your doctor or go to the American Thyroid Association website at www.thyroid.org

Slowing It Down During the Holidays

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The busy holiday season is getting into full swing! You may be feeling that urge to want to do everything for everyone else, but it is important to remember to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Since unmanaged stress can lead to many health issues, make it a personal goal to not overcommit yourself and avoid having stress negatively impact your holidays this year.

Accepting responsibility for the role you play in creating and managing the stress in your life is helpful when balancing time spent between work, home, and entertainment. Simplify your “to do” list, focusing on the most important tasks. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Making a plan for each individual week can help keep you organized and on target.Set a strict budget for spending on holiday gifts and stick to it. Write down what you want to purchase for each person, the budget amount, and where to buy it. Having a lot of debt to pay off after the holidays can increase stress levels significantly. Keep gifts simple and thoughtful.

When heading out to hit the stores, take a deep breath before you start driving and take it slow. Try to allot enough time at each stop to avoid feeling rushed. Rushing around and being distracted can lead to careless driving and ultimately increase your risk of getting a traffic violation or worse yet, being involved in a car accident.

These quick tips can also help tame holiday stress:

• Plan a Simple Holiday Menu
• Keep a Relaxed and Positive Outlook.
• Get Enough Sleep
• Exercise Daily for 30 Minutes or less
• Eat Balanced, Nutritious Meals
• Take a Break and Pamper Yourself
• Ask for Help!

So be good to yourself and enjoy all the wonders of the season.
Happy Holidays from Urgent Care of Connecticut!

Cynthia Vanson, MD
Assistant Medical Director, Urgent Care of Connecticut