Newswise — The Texas A&M Health Science Center is pleased to provide the latest installment of "Hometown Health" with the following tips:
College of MedicineSimple steps can control asthma
Air pollution. Pollen. Cold weather. Stress. For those with asthma, any of these factors could be the trigger for the next attack.
Some of the strongest asthma triggers are in the home, such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold and tobacco smoke. Fortunately, taking some simple steps can reduce exposure and the chances of another attack.
"Allergens in the home can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms throughout the year and be the cause of chronic asthma symptoms," said Sandra McMahan, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine with the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. "Some asthmatics have seasonal flares of asthma due to pollen or outdoor molds, which may be intensified by a priming effect from year-round indoor allergy."
Dr. McMahan suggests removing trigger sources as best as possible. For dust mites, keep humidity low; remove wall-to-wall carpeting; encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in airtight, zippered plastic or allergen-proof fabric covers; wash all bedding weekly in hot (at least 130-degree Fahrenheit) water and dry in a hot dryer; and vacuum weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
To avoid animal dander, remove pets from inside or at least out of bedrooms; wash pets weekly; remove carpet and use a HEPA-filter vacuum; and use a HEPA air cleaner. Steps against cockroaches, responsible for the greatest increase in asthma morbidity, include blocking areas where they can enter the home; repair leaky faucets; use a professional exterminator; put away pet food bowls; and wash dishes immediately and keep the kitchen clean.
For mold, decrease moisture and humidity; improve ventilation through vent fans; and clean with a solution containing 5 percent bleach and detergent. Your doctor also can help you figure out what specific asthma triggers may affect your family and proper remedies.
"Avoidance of allergens that are known to trigger asthma in an individual may result in decreased frequency and severity of asthma, decreased dependency on rescue medicines, decreased work and school absence, and decreased long-term complication of chronic asthma," said Dr. McMahan, a physician at Scott & White Hospital in Temple.
College of MedicineClearing up the confusion on women's health
It seems that everywhere women turn, there's news about ways to prevent breast cancer or a new miracle drug for osteoporosis. Sometimes, the latest health craze even goes against common sense.
After being constantly barraged with information, it's no wonder women get confused about how to ensure optimum health.
According to gynecologist William Rayburn, M.D., associate professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, women need to trust their instincts.
"The older I've gotten, the more I've realized how little I know, and how much women truly know about themselves," Dr. Rayburn said. "Women have too much information coming at them from too many directions. Diet and exercise are still two of the most important factors in women's health. Calcium and vitamin D are important in preventing osteoporosis, and a balanced diet is the best source."
And, although there is no current cure for breast cancer, Dr. Rayburn tells his patients they can take heart in knowing the new treatments are better than ever.
"There are no clear-cut risk factors or methods to prevent breast cancer," Dr. Rayburn said. "However, the diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence any more. The survival rate after five years is up to 87 percent, and breast cancer survivors are able to live longer, more fulfilling lives."
Baylor College of DentistrySpace maintainers keep teeth in place
One of the most important roles of baby teeth is to serve as natural space maintainers for the permanent teeth.
Children who lose their baby teeth too early can develop problems with spaces between their teeth. When a primary tooth is lost early, other teeth may drift out of position and begin to fill the vacant space. Then, when the child's permanent teeth come in, there is not enough room for them.
As a result, the child may develop crowded and crooked teeth that are out of alignment. This frequently occurs if the prematurely lost tooth is a molar.
Fortunately, a trip to the dentist can easily correct the problem.
If a child has lost his or her teeth too soon, dentists at Baylor College of Dentistry-Texas A&M Health Science Center recommend a space maintainer. Space maintainers are temporary metal or plastic devices that hold the space vacated by the baby teeth until the permanent teeth emerge.
School of Rural Public HealthFish a healthy choice, but selection and preparation is important
When it comes to eating healthy, fish is a top choice. It's packed with vitamins and minerals, and several studies have shown its benefits in lowering the chance of a heart attack, fighting off dementia and stroke in the elderly, and more.
But, there's a catch " mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other potentially harmful environmental chemicals. Women who are pregnant or about to become pregnant are especially at risk.
"PCBs and methyl mercury may cause low birth weight and developmental problems in babies of women who eat polluted fish while pregnant," said Anne Sweeney, Ph.D., associate professor in the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health. "These chemicals don't make you feel sick but will build up in the body over time. They may also affect the child's neurological development and learning ability."
Choose fish that do not consume other fish. Instead, eat smaller, younger fish, Dr. Sweeney said. Remove skin and fat to eliminate PCBs, and broil, grill or bake. Do not use any dripping fat for sauces or gravy.
Dr. Sweeney also is one of the principal investigators for the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE). This federally-sponsored study among licensed anglers along the southeast Texas coast and in Michigan is looking at the effect of environmental chemicals on infertility and time required for conception, along with preterm delivery, birth weight and other outcomes.
"This is a very important and exciting study, as it is one of the few that follow couples before pregnancy occurs and will be able to determine the impact of these chemicals on many critical aspects of reproduction," Dr. Sweeney said.
For more information on the LIFE study, call (877) 970-LIFE (5433) or visit http://www.lifestudy.us.
The Texas A&M Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach, and research. Its six components located in communities throughout Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology, the School of Rural Public Health, and the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy.
RSS