RSS Feedhttp:// RSS Feeden{2628C33D-B17D-4ABF-A336-0900316C9064} Normal Newborn Behaviors and Breastfeeding Patterns<p>As a new parent to be, you imagine and hope for the perfect &ldquo;Gerber&rdquo; baby, right?&nbsp; Your baby will eat for 10-15 minutes every 3-4 hours, will sleep through the night by the time he is a week old, and will only cry a little when&nbsp; getting his diaper changed.&nbsp; You envision lots of beautiful hair, no rashes or birthmarks, and you are certain he/she will be the cutest baby ever born.&nbsp; Well&hellip;. as far as the eating, sleeping, and crying go, you may find the information below to be very helpful.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are prepared for and know ahead of time about normal newborn behaviors and breastfeeding patterns, you will know that there is nothing wrong with your newborn and will be less inclined to believe it is all related to a hunger issue and that &ldquo;formula&rdquo; will fix it all.</p> <p>This first 24 hours is when we see this &ldquo;GOOD&rdquo; baby.&nbsp; He will eat, sleep, and cry a little, but then after 1-3 days, reality sets in and babies will want to eat more. They cry more and are more aware of their environment. Moms are stunned at the difference in a baby&rsquo;s behavior and feel that they are doing something wrong, that they aren&rsquo;t feeding their babies enough, or that all this crying and fussiness is related to you not having enough milk.&nbsp; However, this is not the case.&nbsp; It is normal for babies to feed frequently.&nbsp; It is normal for babies to go through these changes.&nbsp; It will not last.&nbsp; Patience and understanding is key.&nbsp; Also important are monitoring and knowing the recommended guidelines for the number of breast feedings and counting the number of wet diapers and messy diapers in the first couple of weeks.</p> <p>Baby&rsquo;s newborn behavior will fluctuate between different &ldquo;sleep and awake infant states,&rdquo; in the first 24 hours or so.&nbsp; &ldquo;These infant states influence the way an infant will respond at any given time,&rdquo; (1) and they will help you as a new mother to understand and respond better to his needs.&nbsp; For example, in the quiet sleep state, a baby can and will generally sleep through any kind of noise, such as vacuuming, for example.&nbsp; This may not be the best time to try and feed him.&nbsp; Alternately, if your baby is in the awake infant state and drowsy, you might be able to awake him enough to feed.&nbsp; The quiet alert state is the best time to offer a feeding since he/she is more attentive to the environment.&nbsp; This is why it is encouraged to do feedings within the first 30-60 minutes after delivery.&nbsp; Crying is an infant state but this is also the newborn&rsquo;s form of communication and a signal that something must change.&nbsp; It isn&rsquo;t always related to hunger, but if he is hungry, it is a late sign and babies will generally have a more difficult time latching on and will need to be calmed down prior to an attempt to breastfeed.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Sleeping behaviors will also be a little different than anticipated.&nbsp; Here are some general guidelines:&nbsp; </p> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 95.4pt; border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>2-6 Weeks</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 5.25in; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-top-color: windowtext; border-right-color: windowtext; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-top-width: 1pt; border-right-width: 1pt; border-bottom-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>Able to sleep <strong>2-4 hours</strong> at a time</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 95.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-right-color: windowtext; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>6-8 Weeks</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 5.25in; border-style: none solid solid none; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>Sleep becomes more concentrated during the nighttime.&nbsp; Baby more awake during the day.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 95.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-right-color: windowtext; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>3 months</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 5.25in; border-style: none solid solid none; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>Able to sleep <strong>up to 4 hours</strong> at one time-typically with the longest stretch at nighttime.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 95.4pt; border-style: none solid solid; border-right-color: windowtext; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-left-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>6 months</p> </td> <td valign="top" style="width: 5.25in; border-style: none solid solid none; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt;"> <p>Able to sleep <strong>up to 6 hours</strong> at one time. </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>(1)</p> <p>Knowledge of newborn behaviors and breastfeeding patterns will prepare you for that sweet, cuddly, perfect baby that you pictured in your mind.&nbsp; </p> References:&nbsp; Lactation Seminar given by Wendy Wright, MBA, IBCLC, RLC.&nbsp; &ldquo;<em>Breastfeeding:&nbsp; New Strategies for Improved Outcomes</em>&rdquo;.&nbsp; Lactation seminar sponsored by:&nbsp; PESI HealthCare.Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{DDBC3419-B7DA-434C-8744-28E29E6F2024} ways you&#39;re sabotaging your salad and how to fix it<p class="p1"><strong>Problem: The wrong salad dressing.</strong> Creamy salad dressings like blue cheese, ranch, Caesar, and thousand island&nbsp; are high in fat, especially saturated fat, and calories. Too much is not only bad for your heart, but&nbsp; for your waistline.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Solution: Choose an oil based dressing, like a light vinaigrette</strong>. You can make your own with oil and vinegar and your favorite herbs and spices. Some of my favorite light dressing brands to recommend are Newman&rsquo;s Own and Bolthouse Farms because they're low in fat and calories, but still have great taste.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Problem: Too much salad dressing</strong>. Most people like their veggies COATED with dressing. Even when we choose a healthier salad dressing, too much dressing will always mean too much fat and calories.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Solution: Always get your dressing on the side.</strong> Even if you plan to drizzle your dressing on top, when you start with it on the side, you control how much dressing you use. You can try the dab and stick method, where you take your dressing on the side, dab in your fork, and then stick it in your lettuce. Another thing you can do to add lower levels of calories and fat to your salad is add moisture before adding your dressing &mdash; use salsa or pico de gallo, vinegar, or the juice from a lemon or lime.&nbsp; You get a ton of flavor without a lot of calories and sodium and you're able to use less dressing.</p> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Problem: Too many high-calorie toppings</strong>. They include fried wontons, tortilla strips, croutons, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, candied nuts, cheese and avocados. Not all of these foods are unhealthy per se (some are great for your health!), but we need to take all of them in small doses.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Solution: </strong><strong>Use smaller portions</strong>. Always ask for toppings on the side, or take some off the top right when you get your salad. If you like crunch, use gold fish or a whole wheat cracker instead of croutons. Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of bacon bits and try to use only one or two tablespoons of other toppings (or the size of about two poker chips). Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, avocados are awesome &mdash; but an entire avocado has about 40 grams of fat, which is more than half of the recommended fat the average person needs in a day!</p> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Problem: Too much meat, especially high-fat meats</strong>. Think crispy chicken salad or a loaded chef salad. While protein, especially lean meat, is healthy, too much is too much. Extra protein, especially if it's deep-fried adds extra fat and calories and can add a lot of sodium.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Solution: Choose less meat</strong>. Remember: You're having a salad, not a sandwich! Try to limit your portions to about 3 oz, or the size of a deck of cards, and consider choosing a hard-boiled egg or egg whites. Incorporate more plant-based proteins like beans, tofu or edamame and always choose a grilled protein, like grilled chicken or fish.&nbsp;</p>Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{55D3E2AD-CE2D-4DCF-9F7F-6C330EBB56E3};s More Than One Reason to Visit Labor and DeliveryThe first thing I do when I walk into a patient's room <a>in the Labor and Delivery Department </a>is ask, "What brought you here today?" Some people look at me like I'm crazy because they think the only reason you'd come to the hospital is for contractions. In fact, there are many reasons a pregnant woman might visit Labor and Delivery, and here are four of them: <p> </p> <ol> <li>You have contractions: Contractions are the most obvious reason. However, many women aren't sure when it's time to head to the hospital. If you are preterm, or less than 37 weeks, you should go to Labor and Delivery if you are having 4-5 contractions an hour, which is only every 10-15 minutes. You should also go if you're having other signs of preterm labor, such as constant or intermittent lower abdominal pain or lower back pain, any kind of&nbsp;<a></a><a>pressure</a>, leaking of fluid, bleeding, or increased vaginal discharge associated with pain.<br /> <br /> If you are full term, or over 37 weeks, it's time to go to Labor and Delivery once your contractions are 4-5 minutes apart. You increase your chances of staying at the hospital if your contractions have been going on at that rate for at least two hours.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </li> <li>Your water breaks: When this happens, it's not always obvious. You may or may not be contracting when it happens. A woman's water will break spontaneously 10 percent of the time, meaning that usually it has to be done for you in the hospital.<br /> <br /> When your water breaks, it will probably feel like you just peed your pants. This is totally normal! If you are at home and the fluid is clear, empty your bladder, put on a pad or a panty liner, and see what happens over the next 30 minutes. If you continue to leak, go to Labor and Delivery. If the fluid coming out is yellow-green, that means go right away...don't wait around to see what happens next.<br /> &nbsp;</li> <li>You experience vaginal bleeding: If this happens, definitely come in to be evaluated. A Labor and Delivery nurse or doctor will check out you and your baby and will determine what needs to be done next.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </li> <li>You feel decreased fetal movement: The Labor and Delivery team are huge believers in a mother's intuition. If you don't feel your baby move as much as usual, get rid of all distractions, lay down on your side, and count movements. If you get 10 or less in two hours or are just concerned after one hour, come in.&nbsp;</li> </ol> No matter your reason for coming, the Labor and Delivery team is ready to help you feel at ease. If you ever feel concerned, a safe motto to follow is when in doubt, get checked out! There are no unwelcome questions, and it is very common for women to come in one or more times before they actually deliver. <div> <div> <div id="_com_3" language="JavaScript"> <div> <div> <div id="_com_3" language="JavaScript"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{1CE6BFF4-6059-4425-96C0-A79906F18D17} Can You Beat Colorectal Cancer? Regular Screening is Key to Saving Your Life<p class="p1">Larry Weber knew he should get a colonoscopy.</p> <p class="p1">After all, he turned 60 last May, and the American Cancer Society recommends getting a colonoscopy when you turn 50.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">His wife Terry got her first colonoscopy at 51, and again in February of this year when she turned 56.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;I knew I had to get him in and he kept saying, &lsquo;After I retire.&rsquo; Well, he retired in August and it was time,&rdquo; she says.</p> <p class="p1">It turned out Terry&rsquo;s good example (and gentle nagging) led to an early diagnosis for Larry.&nbsp;After Terry got her regularly scheduled colonoscopy with Christian Capener, MD, at Riverton Hospital, Larry went in for his first colonoscopy. Dr. Capener found the early stages of colon cancer and recommended that Larry get surgery.&nbsp;Terry put her own scheduled hip surgery on hold so Larry could get his cancer removed immediately.</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;The hardest part was waiting a couple days for the lab to come back and let us know if it spread or if they got it all,&rdquo; says Larry.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">The surgery was a success and Larry is cancer-free. He doesn&rsquo;t have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation.&nbsp;Larry plans on enjoying a long retirement with Terry, their children, and their nine grandchildren. He now plans to get regular colonoscopies so he can make sure the cancer doesn&rsquo;t return. &ldquo;I plan to tell all my friends and family to get their colonoscopies,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;It saved my life.&rdquo;</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;Larry is a success story because colon cancer is preventable and treatable when it&rsquo;s detected early,&rdquo; says Dr. Capener.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>March is National colorectal cancer awareness month</strong></p> <p class="p1">Here are some important facts on colorectal cancer:</p> <ul> <li>Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It affects men and women equally; everyone needs to be screened.</li> <li>Colorectal cancer arises from pre-cancerous growths or polyps that grow in the colon. When they&rsquo;re detected early, polyps can be removed, which prevents them from progressing to colorectal cancer. While early detection of any cancer is important, PREVENTION is powerful.</li> <li>Many people don&rsquo;t realize that colorectal cancer is highly preventable. And unlike other cancer screenings, which can only detect a problem, a colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps during the exam.</li> <li>One in three adults &mdash; almost 23 million Americans between ages 50 and 75 &mdash; is not getting tested for colorectal cancer as recommended.</li> <li>According to the American Cancer Society, the colon cancer death rate in this country could be cut in half if Americans simply followed recommended screening guidelines. Last year alone, more than 50,000 people died of colorectal cancer in the United States.</li> <li>You should get your screening colonoscopy beginning at age 50, sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer.</li> <li>Schedule your screening colonoscopy today.&nbsp;It could save your life!&nbsp;</li> </ul>Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{385F0023-5D0E-4C5B-B0A1-CC9C10B931FA} Meditation Can Help You Better Manage Daily Stress<p class="p1">Life is stressful, and it&rsquo;s not getting any easier.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">That&rsquo;s one of the reasons that so many Americans are incorporating 20 minutes of meditation into their daily schedules.</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;Meditation doesn&rsquo;t get rid of stress or the grief, but it helps individuals change their relationship to it,&rdquo; said Marc Potter, a licensed clinical social worker for Intermountain Healthcare. &ldquo;It gives you the ability and the strength to cope with the stress you deal with everyday, whether it&rsquo;s in the workplace or at home.&rdquo;</p> <p class="p1">A lot of people get into meditation involuntarily, said Potter. Something drastic happens to them; they feel like they&rsquo;re hit with the final straw that breaks the camel&rsquo;s back.</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what happened to me,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I was at the height of my career, and I broke down. I went from helping mentally ill homeless addicts to becoming one. For those who come to me for help, they&rsquo;re stressed out of their minds. Meditation brings a deep sense of calm and self compassion.&rdquo;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>What is meditation?</strong></p> <p class="p1">According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, a molecular biologist and meditation pioneer, mediation &mdash;which is also referred to as mindfulness &mdash; is the process of quieting the mind&rsquo;s constant chattering, including its thoughts, anxieties, and regrets.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>How do I meditate?</strong></p> <p class="p1">The best way is to learn from a teacher; however, you can sit in a comfortable chair while focusing on your breathing. Pay careful attention to when your mind wonders. When you divert to another thought, don&rsquo;t judge yourself. Simply escort your attention back to your breath over and over again.</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Do I have to be Buddhist to meditate?</strong></p> <p class="p1">The answer is no. Though meditation is tied to Buddhism, the origins of meditation date back to 5,000 B.C. and can be found in most cultures throughout the world. You can be a wonderful Catholic, Mormon, Buddhist or atheist and still meditate. Everyone can benefit.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Speaking of benefits of meditation, what are they?</strong></p> <ol> <li>It alleviates stress -&nbsp;In addition to giving you time to relax, meditation affects the whole nervous system by reducing the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) the body produces.</li> <li>It improves concentration - Once we learn to focus on our breath, recognize when our mind wanders, and return our focus to our breathing, we can use that skill in everything we do such as work, family time, and play.</li> <li>It leads to better health - Researchers have linked meditation to decreasing your blood pressure, sleeping more peacefully, managing chronic pain, and even to extending your life.</li> <li>It changes your brain - Research has proven that meditating impacts the brain as well. MRI scans show the amygdala shrinks after participating in a meditation course. As the amygdala shrinks, the pre-frontal cortex thickens.</li> <li>It improves creativity - Blocks in creativity can have multiple causes, but whatever the cause, the result is usually because we get caught in a routine. Taking time to meditate allows us to unwind and reset allowing us to push through the blocks.</li> </ol> <p class="p1"><strong>So what&rsquo;s the moral of this story? What should you do now?</strong></p> <p class="p1">Stop cruising the internet, step away from your computer, and take 20 minutes to meditate.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;One of the highlights throughout my career,&rdquo; said Marc, &rdquo;is when a few people have approached me and said &lsquo;meditation changed my life.&rsquo;&rdquo;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Need additional guidance?</strong></p> <p class="p1">If you need some guidance, visit <a href="" target="_blank"></a> and listen to CD #3<em> (scroll to the bottom of the page)</em>, which was created to help people in the workplace.</p>Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{547A0C46-1B74-48ED-B9F2-C86FC489BCEC} and Intermountain Trauma Team Collaborate to Save LivesChase Tribe is a 29-year-old male who was involved in a life changing motor vehicle collision. When medics arrived on scene, they found Chase unresponsive and close to death. Because of the severity of his injuries Chase was not able to maintain his own airway. The medics tried a field intubation in order to ventilate his organs, however due to his injuries this was impossible. The decision was then made to perform a cricothyrotomy. This procedure requires much skill and is not performed commonly in the field. Chase was then brought to Intermountain Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with many injuries. His most significant injuries included a skull fracture, multiple facial fractures, subdural hematoma, and contusions of the brain. Chase spent months in the hospital, had many surgeries, and at times was close to death. <br><br> “It is a miracle that Chase is alive,” said Chase’s mother. “Everybody that cared for him did everything right to save him.”<br><br> Brad Morris, a Trauma APC at Intermountain Medical Center, presented this case review to the medics who saved Chase’s life. Brad gave them an in depth discussion and education about Chase’s hospital treatment. <br><br> Chase and his family were contacted about the case review and were invited to attend. They were excited for the opportunity to express their gratitude. Chase’s mom tearfully conveyed her appreciation to the medics by saying, “You didn’t have to do what you did. You saved his life.”<br><br> We as a trauma service are honored to work and collaborate with all the disciplines involved in caring for our trauma patients. And as for Chase, he is on the road to recovery with is family by his side. <br><br> Chase’s dad pointed out that Chase has a sense of humor about his accident and can be heard trying to negotiate deals with his parents — while simultaneously leveraging his traumatic brain injury (TBI). For example, he recently said, “Dad will you get me a puppy? Please, I have a TBI.” Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{388D274D-2755-4529-87E7-CE1C4E67D695} Smart Watches Can Help Improve Your HealthThe Apple Watch has garnered a considerable amount of attention in recent weeks, and has brought the spotlight back on the young wearables industry, but you may be wondering, &ldquo;What does a smart watch actually do?&rdquo; It&rsquo;s a worthwhile question, especially considering the hefty price tag of many smart watches.<br /> <br /> At the most basic level, smart watches are an extension of a smartphone &mdash; they receive notifications, answer phone calls from your wrist, allow you to use apps, and tell time. But the major advantage of a smart watch is you&rsquo;re almost always wearing it. This allows smart watch wearers to be connected in ways never before possible.<br /> <br /> This always-on feature has great implications for changing the lifestyles of watch owners, even their health. Here are nine ways smart watches could help improve your health:<br /> <br /> <strong>Steps Tracker. </strong>One of the easiest ways to improve your health and boost your activity level is to take 10,000 steps a day. Smart watches have built-in pedometers, which makes it easy to see the number of steps taken. While the degree of accuracy of these pedometers is questionable, the fact that you&rsquo;re moving to meet your steps goal is the more important thing.<br /> <br /> <strong>Sleep monitoring. </strong>The <a href="" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports</a>&nbsp;more than a third of adults in the United States get fewer than 7 hours of sleep a night. A sustained lack of sleep can have long-term negative consequences for the body. Smart watches, when worn at night, can track sleep patterns. They can let you know how many hours of sleep you&rsquo;re getting and how many uninterrupted hours. While not a substitute for a professional sleep study, these sleep statistics can help you identify patterns and set goals to improve the quality and quantity of sleep.<br /> <br /> <strong>Goal Setting. </strong>Many smart watches have built-in apps with goal-setting abilities. For example, you can set a goal to take a certain number of steps, or sleep a certain number of hours, and the goal tracker will let you know how you&rsquo;re doing on your goal today and over time. This provides an incentive and reward for meeting your health goals.<br /> <br /> <strong>Workout reminders. </strong>We all know we should workout, but so often the hardest part of working out is making it a habit. Setting workout reminders is a great way to turn a good goal into a great habit. The advantage to a reminder on a smart watch rather than on a smartphone is it&rsquo;s harder to dismiss. It&rsquo;s easy to miss a reminder notification if you don&rsquo;t have your phone on you, but a smart watch will vibrate on your wrist, letting you know it&rsquo;s time to hit the gym.<br /> <br /> <strong>Timers and stopwatches. </strong>While this isn&rsquo;t necessarily a new feature to smart watches, having been available on digital watches for years, timers and stopwatches are incredibly useful for runners, swimmers and cyclists.<br /> <br /> <strong>Fitness apps.</strong> Just like smartphones, smart watches can have apps. While limited in features, there are health and fitness apps available that can meet your individual health goals and needs.<br /> <br /> <strong>Easier listening to jams while working out.</strong> You may have your favorite tunes on your smartphone, but it&rsquo;s often awkward to workout with a large phone. Many smart watches allow you to load a limited number of your favorite songs directly onto the watch, independent of the smartphone. Combined with Bluetooth headphones, this allows for greater convenience and comfort while working out. While music itself won&rsquo;t improve your health, it can provide motivation to workout.<br /> <br /> <strong>Custom watch faces.</strong> One of the most popular features of smart watches is the ability to customize watch faces, allowing you to express your individuality. In addition to fun, colorful watch faces, many smart watches allow you to add health tracking features to the main watch face. Adding steps taken or goals to the watch face puts health front and center. The more you see it, the more you&rsquo;re reminded to take an active role in your health.<br /> <br /> <strong>Data syncing for analysis.</strong> While smart watches have limited processing ability on their own, they are always connected to smartphones, which allows your collected health stats (sleep, steps, etc.) to be synced with your phone. On your phone you can use native apps like Apple Health or other third-party apps to analyze the data. This helps you understand your habits and progress and set future goals.<br /> <br /> Smart watches are in their infancy, but already show great promise for the future. Health tracking has been included from the beginning, showing the focus of these companies and suggests future growth in this area.<br /> <br /> For many people, a dedicated tracker like a Jawbone or a FitBit is the way to go, but by shelling out a little more money you can get many more health features with a smart watch.<br /> <br /> Of course, even with the greatest features in the world, a smart watch still relies on one very important thing: you to make the most of it.<br /> <div><br /> </div>Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{7038942D-D2A6-4319-9194-2536DF40CCCD} Hacks<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nutrition Hacks</span></strong><br /> <br /> <ol> <li>Swap out sour cream, oil, butter, mayonnaise, or cream cheese for non-fat, plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories in your favorite recipes.&nbsp; Using 1 cup of Greek yogurt in place of 1 cup of butter or oil could decrease the calorie content of your recipe by 1400 calories!</li> <li>Do you love peanut butter but cringe when you read the nutrition label and realize there are 100 calories per tablespoon?&nbsp; Try low-fat powdered peanut butter.&nbsp; It provides the peanut butter flavor and protein with only a fraction of the fat and calories.</li> <li>If you are trying to reduce your intake of added sugars try using half the sugar that your favorite recipe calls for and add a little vanilla, nutmeg or cinnamon.</li> <li>Fat-free evaporated milk is a great substitute for heavy cream in creamy soups and sauces.</li> <li>Moderate your carbohydrate intake by using spaghetti squash in place of pasta with your favorite pasta sauce.</li> <li>For you bacon lovers who are trying to reduce your intake of saturated fat, try Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, or prosciutto as a delicious alternative and save the bacon for special occasions.</li> <li>Try roasting your vegetables!&nbsp; This cooking method is so flavorful that you will want to go back for seconds of only veggies!&nbsp; I love roasting cauliflower, asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, and more.</li> <li>Don&rsquo;t eat in front of the TV or computer.&nbsp; Eating should be a pleasurable experience &ndash; even if you are trying to lose weight.&nbsp; To get the maximum amount of satisfaction from your food, allow yourself to focus on eating without other distractions.</li> <li>Plan a menu.&nbsp; If you find yourself always overwhelmed at figuring out what to prepare for dinner (and instead opt to just grab take-out on your way home from work) try planning a menu.&nbsp; It may take a little time at the beginning of your week but you will save time in the long run as well as eat healthier.&nbsp; An added bonus &ndash; you&rsquo;ll spend less on groceries than you do on eating out.</li> <li>Go for variety.&nbsp; Steamed broccoli at dinner and an apple at lunch every single day can get old.&nbsp; Try a variety of fruits and vegetables &ndash; even some you&rsquo;ve never tried before.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s not only healthier but it&rsquo;s also more fun.&nbsp;</li> </ol>Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{3E9F527C-852C-46E3-B164-1CEE5672CD56} Promise of Cardiovascular Research<p>Cardiovascular medicine has advanced tremendously during the last 30 years with groundbreaking advances in medicines, procedures, and surgeries. Despite major steps forward, however, heart disease stubbornly remains the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States. </p> <p>At the Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center, physicians and researchers work diligently in many branches of research to improve the ways they predict, detect, and treat heart disease. Just as importantly, they are dedicated to applying this new knowledge to personalized care for each unique patient. </p> <p><strong>Genetic Research</strong></p> <p>Twenty years ago, the team began collecting DNA from cardiac patients and searching for the inherited, genetic factors that cause heart disease. Now, the research laboratory is home to one of the world&rsquo;s largest cardiovascular DNA and plasma bank repositories, which includes samples from more than 27,000 consenting patients. </p> <p>Intermountain has an extensive collection of computerized health data, first pioneered by physicians and scientists beginning in the 1950s. Because of this trove of patient records and DNA and plasma specimens, along with the latest technology, they&rsquo;re uniquely equipped to conduct studies that combine real-time clinical data with a patient&rsquo;s unique genetic and biomarker information. </p> <p>A recent international study on the genetics of coronary heart disease included the Intermountain Heart Institute as a main contributor to this science. The study, the largest ever of its kind, included DNA samples and follow-up data from a total of 150,000 patients and discovered 23 genetic markers linked to coronary heart disease. These findings are just the beginning, however. Although each of these 23 genetic markers are significant in predisposing to heart disease, each of them plays only a modest role. It&rsquo;s the job of researchers now to discover the missing genetic risk factors and determine the interaction among these markers and our patient&rsquo;s environment. </p> <p><strong>Patterns of Cardiovascular Disease</strong></p> <p>In population studies, researchers examine medical record data (stripped of personal identifiers) to unlock patterns that identify the causes of and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Intermountain has a high volume of heart patients and a robust collection of electronic medical records that make them exceptionally suited to perform these types of studies. </p> <p>For example, they performed a population study that revealed the relationship between vitamin D and heart disease. The study looked at more than 41,000 patients whose vitamin D levels were normal, moderately low, or severely low. Patients with severely low levels of vitamin D were most likely to have been diagnosed with heart disease or stroke. Further follow-up also showed that these patients were more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or die in the future. </p> <p>Further studies confirmed vitamin D as a major risk factor for heart disease. Now, vitamin D levels are tested in at-risk patients. If needed, clinicians add a vitamin D supplement to their personal care plan. </p> <p>The Intermountain Risk Score is the product of another one of our population studies that gives physicians a tool to predict which heart patients may have an adverse outcome, such as returning to the hospital, developing heart failure, or dying prematurely. The study looked at a population of 4,000 heart patients, and analyzed 51 factors including age, gender, common blood test information, other health problems, a history or depression, body mass index, and more. </p> <p>All this information is compiled by a new tool &ndash; a sophisticated computerized algorithm &ndash; that calculates a risk score for each unique patient. The tool gives physicians a way to measure their patients&rsquo; risk and possibly manage their care differently. </p> <p><strong>Clinical Trials</strong></p> <p>During the past four years, the Intermountain Heart Institute has participated in a series of clinical trials, called The PARTNER Trials (Edward Lifesciences), that provide a new treatment opportunity for patients needing aortic valve replacement. In PARTNER, doctors use a catheter, a narrow tube, to place a new aortic valve inside the heart. The trial compares the new catheter-based methods to traditional open-heart surgery. </p> <p>The first study in the series, now complete, enrolled patients who were either unable to undergo open-heart surgery, or who were considered to be at high risk by their medical team. The study concluded that catheter-based aortic valve replacement was safe and effective for these patients and is now approved by the Food and Drug Administration. </p> <p>Recently, scientists moved into the second phase of the PARTNER series and are currently enrolling patients of medium-risk for traditional open-heart surgery. This is just one example of clinical research that has advanced the care we provide to our patients. </p> <p>Cardiovascular medicine is rapidly evolving, and at Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center , we are very excited about the potential for scientific advances that will personalize medicine and overcome cardiovascular disease. Our research will adapt what we know today into even more powerful treatments and therapies of tomorrow. Indeed, our efforts will finally knock cardiovascular disease down from the No. 1 killer in our country.&nbsp;</p>Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600{93020BD9-E594-4E2A-A40B-C360F56390DC} from Sinus Problems? Here&#39;s Everything You Need to Know<p class="p1">The sinuses are one among a dozen or so body parts that are, as Darwin puts it, &ldquo;useless or nearly useless.&rdquo; Though there isn&rsquo;t much to go off of, science has come up with a few best guesses as to why we have sinuses. Some of these guesses include resonance in our voices, reduced weight in the skull, protection of the brain against blows to face, and according to Charles Katz, MD, an allergy specialist at Alta View Hospital, keeping ear, nose and throat doctors in business.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;The question of why we have sinuses may still be a mystery,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but luckily for us, medicines and procedures to help people with sinus problems are improving every day. There&rsquo;s relief for those who are suffering.&rdquo;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>What are common sinus problems?</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong><em>Sinus blockages.</em></strong> Each sinus has a narrow spot that&rsquo;s responsible for drainage. If a blockage occurs in the transition of any of the sinuses, mucus backs up.</li> <li><strong><em>Deviated nasal septum.</em> </strong>People get a deviated nasal septum when the thin wall between your nostrils is displaced to one side. Such a problem may lead to other problems such as obstructed breathing and snoring.</li> <li><strong><em>Narrow sinuses.</em> </strong>Many people have variations in their anatomy that creates a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain.</li> <li><strong><em>Sinus allergies.</em> </strong>This sensitivity triggers a dilation of blood vessels in the nose, and sometimes releases chemicals from cells in the nose that cause swelling.</li> <li><strong><em>Sinusitis or sinus infections</em></strong><em>.</em> Sinusitis is caused by virus, bacteria, or fungus, which grows within a sinus and causes blockage of the sinus. It also causes inflammation in the air cavities of the nose.</li> </ul> <p class="p1"><strong>How do sinus problems begin?</strong></p> <p class="p1">Many sinus problems, especially sinusitis, begin due to a cold and usually appear after seven to 10 days. Physicians usually diagnose a person with chronic sinusitis if the symptoms have lingered for more than three months. Some of the symptoms include fever, constant nasal discharge that is often yellow or green, puffy eyes, and bad breath.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><strong>What are the cures?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p class="p1">As with most problems and diseases, many things can be done to give you the relief you&rsquo;re looking for, many of which can be done at home.</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;Even when people come see us at the hospital, we recommend several home remedies they may have overlooked that will help them avoid the unnecessary risks associated with decongestants, antihistamines, antibiotics, and steroids,&rdquo; said Dr. Katz. &ldquo;We take things in steps, and if nothing else works, surgery is a great option.&rdquo;</p> <ol> <li>Try putting a warm cloth on your face</li> <li>Drink a lot of water</li> <li>Sit in the bathroom while a hot shower is going</li> <li>Use a nasal saline spray</li> <li>Wash the nose with a combination of salt and distilled water</li> <li>Try a humidifier</li> </ol> <p class="p1">If you feel your problems are connected to allergies, consider the following:</p> <ol> <li>Avoid things in your house and outside that trigger your allergies</li> <li>Try over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants</li> <li>Another option is allergy shots. Some clinics like the one at Alta View Hospital have allergists on their campus you can talk to</li> <li>The last option is surgery.</li> </ol> <p class="p1">&ldquo;If and when your sinus problems aren&rsquo;t getting better and we start talking about surgery, we&rsquo;ll investigate more by getting a CT scan done,&rdquo; said Dr. Katz. &ldquo;The images we retrieve from the scan give us a better picture of what&rsquo;s going on and how to proceed.&rdquo;</p>Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0600