RSS Feedhttps:// RSS Feeden{DF40542A-935E-49B9-AD3A-CA1551799503};t Take Statins to Lower Your Cholesterol? New Class of Drugs Offers New Hope<p class="p1">If approved, the new injectable drugs would be the first in a new class of drugs &mdash; known as PCSK9 inhibitors &mdash; to treat high cholesterol.. The drugs block the PCSK9 protein found in the body, which then allows the liver to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Studies show the drugs can drastically reduce bad cholesterol to extremely low levels without producing the side-effects suffered by some people who take statins.</p> <p class="p2">&ldquo;Blocking the PCSK9 that&rsquo;s naturally produced allows the body&rsquo;s cholesterol to go way down,&rdquo; says Brent Muhlestein, MD, a cardiologist at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. &ldquo;The LDL cholesterol is then able to drop by 60-70 percent when you take these injections."</p> <p class="p1">Right now, patients with high cholesterol depend on statins like Lipitor, Mevacor, and Crestor to keep their cholesterol levels low. However, some patients with high cholesterol don&rsquo;t respond well to statins.</p> <p class="p1">Max Kunzler is one of them.</p> <p class="p1">Max suffers from hereditary high cholesterol, so eight years ago he started taking statins to bring his LDL cholesterol down. However after experiencing some bad side-effects from the statins, like cramps in his legs that prevented him from walking, he stopped taking them.</p> <p class="p2">&ldquo;While I haven&rsquo;t been able to take any statin drugs to get my cholesterol down, I&rsquo;ve actually ended up having two heart attacks,&rdquo; says Kunzler.</p> <p class="p1">People who are intolerant to statins or can&rsquo;t get their cholesterol low enough even with statins would be the biggest benefactors of these new drugs once they&rsquo;re approved.</p> <p class="p1">&ldquo;If your body produces too much cholesterol you&rsquo;re just stuck at the present time,&rdquo; says Dr. Muhlestein. &ldquo;However cases like Max make me excited about the possibility of having these new injectable drugs. They will really make a difference in the way we treat their cholesterol and allow them to live a better life.&rdquo;</p> <p class="p1">For more information on these new drugs and to see how they&rsquo;ll benefit people who are intolerant to statins, watch this <a href="" target="_blank">Check Your Health KUTV report</a>.</p>Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{B133A34B-DA72-46D4-BBFA-0BD85F16D056} Will Experience Back Pain, but What Can be Done<p>Whether working in the garden or shoveling snow, back pain can happen at any time of the year.&nbsp; It is important to know what to do and what to expect.&nbsp; For many people back pain is a constant thing, there is help for those individuals as well.&nbsp; </p> <p> </p> <p>Most low back pain is acute, or short term, and lasts a few days to a few weeks. It tends to resolve on its own with self-care and there is no residual loss of function. The majority of acute low back pain is mechanical in nature, meaning that there is a disruption in the way the components of the back (the spine, muscle, intervertebral discs, and nerves) fit together and move.</p> <p> </p> <p>A recent poll found 40 percent of Utahns had no idea where to go when their back isn't feeling well, and bed rest is often a bad idea. Doing nothing sometimes does not help, laying in bed is sometimes the worst thing you can do for a back problem.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What to do when you experience a back injury?</strong></p> <p>Get in to see your doctor or physical therapist soon after the injury. Treatment started quickly after the injury has a better chance for quicker results. Most of the time bed rest is one of the worst things you can do after a back injury and leads to longer more severe pain.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>What causes of back pain?</strong></p> <p>There are many causes of back injury however it is very common to occur when lifting something with poor body mechanics. There is usually a combination of factors related to flexibility, core strength, and general posture. People who get back pain vary from elite athletes with high demands on their back, to sedentary individuals who lack the strength and posture to properly support their spine.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Do most people need an MRI for their back pain?</strong></p> <p>Your doctor can determine the need for an MRI however, an MRI is not necessary for the vast majority of people suffering from back pain. Imaging often does not show the cause of back pain and treatment is typically best determined by a physical exam.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>What can be expected when someone is treated for back pain?</strong></p> <p>Therapists will identify motion restrictions as well as areas of weakness in supporting muscles. Treatment often consists of the therapists proving techniques to restore joint mobility as well as specific exercises targeted at the core muscles.&nbsp; Early restoration of joint mobility has been shown to yield very positive improvements. Posture and proper instruction in lifting mechanics is very important as well.&nbsp; For a sudden bout of low back pain resolution can often be expected between 4-6 weeks</p> <p><strong>What can People do to prevent back pain?</strong></p> <p>Weight management and keeping a good fitness level is important. Maintaining proper lifting techniques and avoiding repetitive bending and lifting through the back is also important.&nbsp; Back braces should never be worn long term as they create dependency and weaken the muscles making it more likely to have a more serious injury.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p><a href="" target="_blank">TOSH Back and Neck Center</a> in Murray can help. It's kind of an InstaCare for back and neck pain patient. The center tries to see most patients within one to two days. The idea is to get people in immediately, diagnose their pain and get them the help they need in less time.</p> <p> </p> <p>Staffed by a nurse practitioner, a physical therapist and an educational psychologist, the TOSH Back &amp; Neck Center uses a multi-faceted approach to evaluate and treat patients. Rapid, triage-style assessments help determine the source of pain, and patients can then immediately transition to the appropriate spine care specialist who establishes a plan for pain management through medication, physical therapy and education. Because the center is located within TOSH, patients are able to obtain same-day or next-day access to the facility's state-of-the-art diagnostic services, including X-ray, MRI and CT scanners.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{83BA7048-6555-4325-8B9C-E082C6658EF8} Moms Share How They LiVe Well and Feel Healthy<p class="p1"><strong>Sheri L.</strong></p> <p class="p1">"In the past I have typically dreaded exercise. I have struggled with constantly feeling fatigued, and that fatigue made me want to avoid being active. However, since starting the My Heart Challenge, I have come to look forward to the exercising. I have found that moderate-intensity exercising makes me feel good in several different ways&hellip;. The challenge has been nice because it has given me new exercises to try and has even motivated me to take swimming lessons for the first time in my life."</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Kimberly V.</strong></p> <p class="p1">"The My Heart Challenge has been a lot of fun, but not without its challenges. The biggest challenge for me has been trying to not let the numbers on the scale discourage me. Weight loss has been slow, but I can tell I&rsquo;m getting stronger. My overall mindset has changed, and I believe THAT to be the biggest success I could ask for. I&rsquo;ve been happier, more active and more adventurous."</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Amy H.</strong></p> <p class="p1">"My biggest success was being able to complete in 18+ mile pioneer trek last week without feeling overly exerted or out of breath &ndash; even during the harder parts. In the past, when I have gone walking or hiking, I would have a hard time breathing as I would go up hills. This week I was able to complete this very physically demanding trail and keep pace with everyone. I didn&rsquo;t feel out of shape."</p> <p class="p1"><strong>Molly D.</strong></p> <p class="p1">"One major epiphany I had recently came in the form of a realization that I can push through mild fatigue &ndash; that feeling of drudging through the day, unmotivated and sluggish &ndash; by getting out the door early for my run. Because regardless of how I feel before, I will invariably feel refreshed and satisfied to have locked in the run before most people start kicking off their covers."</p> <p class="p1">You can access the same weekly exercise and nutrition tips as the 40 Play at Home contestants by visiting the <a href="" target="_blank">My Heart Challenge blog</a>.</p> <p class="p1">Regular updates are also shared on <a href="" target="_blank">Intermountain Medical Center&rsquo;s Facebook page</a>.</p> <p class="p1">The contestants in My Heart Challenge are spending 100 days working to become more fit and heart-healthy. In addition to the 40 play-at-home contestants, another 15 moms &mdash; who were selected from more than 750 applicants &mdash; are participating in the live challenge by working with experts from the Intermountain Heart Institute to learn long-term lifestyle strategies that will help them maintain optimal weight, eat healthy, be fit and active, and manage their stress. They represent the spectrum and diversity of mothers found throughout Utah: young moms with young families, older moms with high school and college-age children, single moms, stay-at-home moms, and working moms.</p> <p><br /> </p>Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{8F031740-4876-4354-A4E9-2AB528505FA2} Recipe: Ginger Lime Chicken Skewers<p>I've shared this recipe with the 15 Utah moms I am working with as part of the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute's <a href="" target="_blank">My Heart Challenge: Moms Edition</a> and invite you to try this recipe as well.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut lengthwise into three strips)</li> <li>NOTE: You can also use chicken tenders</li> <li>For the marinade:</li> <li>1 T canola oil</li> <li>1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes</li> <li>2 T soy sauce</li> <li>1 t fresh ginger (minced)</li> <li>1 clove garlic (minced)</li> <li>lime juice (1 lime)</li> </ul> <p><strong>DIRECTIONS</strong></p> <ol> <li>Place a wooden (or metal) skewer through each chicken strip. Place on a plate or in a plastic container.</li> <li>Whisk all marinade ingredients together and pour over chicken skewers.</li> <li>Cover and refrigerate chicken for 1-2 hours.</li> <li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</li> <li>Roast chicken skewers until cooked through (roughly 15 minutes). Grilling is also a great option.</li> </ol>Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{408338E9-7BC8-40FA-8B7B-BB128DBB2565} do Dietitians Eat?<p>At Intermountain Healthcare, our mission is helping people live the healthiest lives possible. Intermountain employs over 165 dietitians who work every day to share their knowledge of healthy eating with people in our hospitals, clinics, and communities. <a href="" target="_blank">Our dietitians</a> are a great example of how healthy eating can still be an enjoyable experience.&nbsp; We asked Intermountain dietitians from all over Utah what their favorite foods were and here are some of our favorite responses:</p> <p><strong>Greek Yogurt</strong></p> <p>Light Greek yogurt is a tasty way to boost protein intake, stabilize blood sugar, and help with satiety! &nbsp;You can make ranch dip with it and serve with veggies for a fat-free, high-protein snack.&nbsp; Flavored varieties of Greek yogurt are great with oatmeal in the morning (instead of milk) for a filling breakfast to keep you going until lunchtime. ~<em>Jenessa Henrie, Primary Children&rsquo;s Hospital dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Nuts</strong></p> <p>A handful of raw or dry-roasted nuts!&nbsp; These make a great, easily-portable snack anytime you have the munchies as they are really satisfying and are full of heart-healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.&nbsp; ~ <em>Margaret Braae, Primary Children&rsquo;s Hospital dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Black Beans</strong></p> <p>I love black beans or any beans for that matter.&nbsp; My kids make fun of me because I eat them ALOT!&nbsp; They are tasty, easy to throw together, very satisfying, and a good source of fiber and protein. <em>~Valery Shaw, Riverton Hospital dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Sun Dried Tomatoes</strong></p> <p>Lately, one of my go-to foods has been sundried tomatoes. They work great on paninis, pasta, or pizzas (especially ones cooked on the barbecue grill). By using the dehydrated fruit, you retain the yummy tomato flavor while reducing some of the water content, which can cause sogginess in some recipes. They are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Some of the ones you buy at the store can be higher in sodium, so make sure to check the label! <em>~Jessie Hatch, McKay-Dee dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Berries</strong></p> <p>My favorite food is berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc.)&nbsp; Not only are they colorful and delicious, they are also high in antioxidants and polyphenols &ndash; which help fight chronic disease.&nbsp; Have a &frac12; cup for a snack or add to yogurt, a green salad or a smoothie!&nbsp; <em>~Kathryn Kauffman, Dixie Regional Medical Center dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Arugula</strong></p> <p>When I&rsquo;m cooking Italian at home, baby arugula in a salad is one of my favorite ingredients. Its peppery flavor is like nothing else and with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, some olive oil and some parmesan cheese slivers, it is a wonderful, authentic Italian addition to any meal. <em>~Regan Wilson, Valley View Medical Center dietitian</em></p> <strong>Chocolate</strong> <p>I love chocolate &ndash; the darker the better!&nbsp; Not only does a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate go a long way in satisfying my sweet-tooth, but I love that a dessert can give me a boost of healthy antioxidants and flavenoids! <em>~Joy Musselman, McKay-Dee Hospital dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Fruit Salad</strong></p> <p>Fruit salads are the perfect side at family mealtime &ndash; quick, colorful, and delicious!&nbsp; Simply cut 2 to 4 different fresh fruits (about 1 piece of fruit per person) into bite-sized pieces and mix together.&nbsp; Any combination of fruit can work.&nbsp; Some of my favorite combinations are a traditional blend of apple, orange, and banana or try a&nbsp;summer variety of watermelon, cantaloupe, and blueberries or even a tropical mix of mango, kiwi, and pineapple<em>.&nbsp; ~Katie McDonald, Primary Children&rsquo;s Hospital dietitian</em></p> <p><strong>Cucumbers </strong></p> <p>One of my favorite foods is garden fresh cucumbers.&nbsp; I can eat them like candy, and they really are a better alternative for the afternoon munchies.&nbsp; They are also great in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.&nbsp; <em>~Mary Brown, Dixie Regional Medical Center dietitian</em> (Editor&rsquo;s note: Mary also shared that doughnut holes are another favorite, &ldquo;I only buy them 2-3 times a year, but I do love them!&rdquo;&nbsp; As dietitians we believe all foods can fit in a healthy diet &ndash; even less nutritious foods when eaten in moderation.)</p> <p><strong>Apples</strong></p> <p>Although they may seem cliche as a stereotypical "health food", this fruit is a must-have in my life. There are&nbsp;many varieties of flavors and textures to appeal to individual preferences.&nbsp;Apples&nbsp;hold up especially well as a travel snack or in a packed lunch, so&nbsp;I&nbsp;usually have one close at hand. <em>~Marie Stevens, McKay-Dee Hospital dietitian</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{3E81C40B-94FD-4DC8-978B-D4B4845EC8F4} Exercises to Stay Active at Your Desk Job<p class="p1">I recommend that people who sit a lot in their jobs, do gentle exercises throughout the day. It's a great way to help the fluids in the body move a little better, as well make your inactive job a little more active.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1">Do the following exercises twice a day to help you maintain flexibility and strength.</p> <ol> <li>Marching:&nbsp; While sitting, lift one knee, then put it down.&nbsp; Then, lift the other knee and put it down.&nbsp; Do this 10 &ndash; 15 times.</li> <li>Kicks: While sitting, straighten one leg at the knee and return it to the starting position.&nbsp; Then, straighten the other leg at the knee and return in to the starting position.&nbsp; Do this 10 &ndash; 15 times.</li> <li>Ankle Alphabet: Move your feet to spell the letters of the alphabet.&nbsp; Go through the alphabet at least 2 times with each foot.</li> <li>Calf Stretch: Sit with your legs straight out in front of you.&nbsp; Loop a towel around the ball of one foot.&nbsp; Gently pull the towel, keeping your knee straight.&nbsp; Hold this position for 30 seconds.&nbsp; Repeat 5 times.&nbsp; Then, switch legs and repeat.</li> <li>Hamstring Stretch: Sit with your legs straight out in front of you.&nbsp; Reach to touch your toes, keeping your knees and back straight.&nbsp; Hold this position for 30 seconds.&nbsp; Repeat 5 times.</li> </ol>Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{12161090-04DF-4E18-86B8-AB472CAE4172} Pinch of Salt or LessSalt &ndash; and more particularly the sodium component of salt &ndash; has come under increasing fire of late for its role in exacerbating certain health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), &ldquo;about 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet. Too much sodium increases a person&rsquo;s risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure often leads to heart disease and stroke.&rdquo;&nbsp; <p><strong>How much sodium do I need?</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>Americans typically consume more than 3,000 mg of sodium per day. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans limit their sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Adults who should be especially cautious with sodium intake, include:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Those 50 years of age or older&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; African-Americans&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Those with a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or fluid retention&nbsp; </p> <p>To give you some perspective, <strong>one teaspoon of salt contains just over 2,300 mg of sodium!</strong> Even adding a pinch of salt, roughly 1/8 teaspoon, to a dish adds about 300 mg of sodium.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>What foods are high in sodium?</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>According to the CDC, 44% of the salt we consume comes from ten specific foods:&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Breads and rolls&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Cold cuts and cured meats such as deli or packaged ham, or turkey&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Pizza&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Fresh and processed poultry&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Soups&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Sandwiches such as cheeseburgers&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Cheese&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Pasta dishes&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Meat-mixed dishes such as meatloaf with tomato sauce&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Snacks such as chips, pretzels, and popcorn</p> <p>Too much sodium increases a person&rsquo;s risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure often leads to heart disease and stroke. &nbsp;</p> <p>Manufacturer-prepared foods and restaurant-prepared dishes are significantly higher in salt than home prepared foods, generally speaking. Some foods can be surprising in their salt content. For instance, a &ldquo;healthy&rdquo; sandwich made of two slices of whole wheat bread, deli turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, and light mayo provides a total of 2,100 mg of sodium &ndash; an entire day&rsquo;s worth even without the salty potato chips on the side!&nbsp; </p> <p>You can find more tips for low-sodium eating at My favorite online resources for low-sodium recipes include:;; and; </p> <p>Also, keep in mind that your taste preferences for salt will change with time. While you may miss the saltiness of a dish initially, continuing to cook and eat low-sodium foods will allow you to start to recognize the other wonderful flavor nuances in foods. Eventually, you won&rsquo;t even miss that pinch of salt! Americans typically consume more than 3,000 mg of sodium per day. &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>How do I decrease my salt intake?</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>Decreasing your salt intake doesn&rsquo;t have to be hard. Here are some easy tips to get started:&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; When grocery shopping, purchase &ldquo;No Salt Added&rdquo; or &ldquo;Low Sodium&rdquo; varieties of foods.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Cook at home more often. Making your own pasta sauce, for instance, can really be quite simple and it tastes great!&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Add flavor without adding salt &ndash; experiment with salt-free herbs, spices, vinegars, and extracts.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Read food labels to become more familiar with the sodium content in the foods you regularly eat. Limit foods with more than 200 mg per serving.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Watch the ingredient list for any ingredient containing the words sodium, baking soda, or baking powder.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Skip the salt in recipes whenever possible.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Don&rsquo;t add extra salt at the dinner table. Choose to add pepper instead.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Ask restaurants to not add salt when preparing your order.</p>Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{E40C46CB-AC5C-4559-8085-F571AE8B8AB4} Importance of Treating Sleep ProblemsUntreated sleep problems are clearly linked to a greater chance of having obesity/overweight, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, depression, anxiety, and getting into car accidents. And, don&rsquo;t forget excessive daytime sleepiness, low energy, bad sleep, and constant poor quality of life!&nbsp; <p>None of us need more risk for these problems than we already have. Patients who already have these health problems often find that successful treatment for the sleep problem can improve their condition or allow them to use less medication. With successful treatment, you will likely sleep better, feel better, have more energy, live longer, and be more healthy! Please consider seeking treatment if you or someone you care about has signs or symptoms of sleep apnea.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Sleep Apnea Treatment Options</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>We take a comprehensive approach at McKay Dee Sleep Center. Many patients ask me to review their options for the treatment of their sleep apnea. The following treatment options are for obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common variety of sleep apnea. Another variety, central sleep apnea, may be treated with some of these options but may also require different treatment. Consult with your doctor about your specific needs.&nbsp; </p> <p>Basically, obstructive sleep apnea happens because the upper throat is closing off when a person is trying to breath during sleep. Therefore the treatment is often directed at keeping the throat open. There are various ways of doing this.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>1) PAP</strong> (also known as CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, BiPAP, ASV, APAP, VPAP, BiLevel PAP, etc.) is a small, quiet air compressor, which sits at your bedside and blows some air into a mask on your nose. In most patients a minimal stream of air pressure keeps their throat from closing off and it eliminates snoring and sleep apnea. It is the most popular treatment for snoring and sleep apnea because it works very well for most people and has very low risk. The drawback is&mdash;just like wearing eyeglasses&mdash;PAP only works if you are wearing it. Thankfully, sleep apnea only happens when you are sleeping so you only wear PAP while sleeping.&nbsp; </p> <p>Most people get used to PAP quickly and are able to use it for most of each night. Some people struggle to get used to it and then stop using it. We have found the large majority of these people did not have a professional helping them. There are many things we can do to make PAP treatment successful. There are many types of masks. It&rsquo;s like finding a comfortable pair of shoes; they might feel fine in the store, but the real test is to wear them for a while.&nbsp; </p> <p>Most health plans will cover PAP, but some may not pay for the more expensive types of machines. If our doctors prescribed a type of PAP your insurance does not pay for, we recommend that you speak with your insurance company and try to convince them to change their minds. Our doctors only recommend what they believe is best for your medical treatment.&nbsp; </p> <p>If you select PAP as your treatment, your physician will send a PAP prescription to a local durable medical device (DME) company. This DME company functions like a pharmacy for medical equipment, and they will give you the PAP device and mask, etc. They will help you get comfortable with PAP and provide maintenance as needed. Once you are all set, chances are you only have to return to the sleep clinic for a doctor visit once a year, and maybe get a another sleep study in five to ten years. If you gain weight, you may need those visits sooner &ndash; which is just more motivation to keep the weight off!&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>2) Weight loss &ndash;</strong> People who have sleep apnea are much more likely to be overweight. The weight problem may actually be causing part of the sleep apnea! Weight loss is regularly recommended as a way to help reduce sleep apnea. Once an overweight person reaches their ideal body weight, their sleep apnea might be gone! It is also a good idea to be at your ideal body weight for many other health reasons. However, losing weight on your own can be very difficult. Weight management programs recommended by your doctor are a great place to get started. Weight management programs can greatly increase your odds of reaching and staying at your most healthy weight. Some weight management programs include surgery (bariatric weight loss surgery) as an option, which can be quite effective at helping to reduce weight and sleep apnea&mdash;but may not be covered by insurance.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>3) Dental Appliances</strong> (aka: dental device, oral appliance, mandibular advancement device, etc.) are like retainers that are fitted to your teeth and hold your jaw slightly forward and slightly open while you sleep. By doing so, dental appliances pull the tongue forward, help keep the throat open, and prevent snoring and sleep apnea. They are usually made by a dentist. The do-it-yourself ones are not recommended because they have less of a chance of working and more of a chance of side effects (problems with teeth, gums, bite, jaw discomfort, etc.). Also, not all dentists are equally qualified to make these. Try to see someone who has a lot of experience in this area. It is easy to make these devices, but it is hard to make really good ones&mdash;that takes an expert.&nbsp; </p> <p>If you can you answer positively to three or more of these questions you are in the high-risk category for sleep apnea:&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?&nbsp; </p> <p>&bull; Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during daytime?&nbsp; </p> <p>&bull; Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?&nbsp; </p> <p>&bull; Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Is your BMI more than 35 kg/m2?&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Are you 50 years of age or older? &bull; Is your neck circumference greater than 17 inches?&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Are you a male?&nbsp; </p> <p>The dental device is worn during sleep and is removed when you are awake. It is usually only recommended for folks who have at least eight teeth on the top and eight on the bottom. After the device is fitted to you, a follow-up sleep study is recommended to find out if it sufficiently reduces your sleep apnea. It works in about half of the cases that are considered mild or moderate sleep apnea. Some people will use a dental appliance when they travel and a PAP machine when they are sleeping at home. This treatment may or may not be covered by your insurance. (It is usually part of your medical coverage, not dental coverage.)&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>4) Surgery &ndash;</strong> There are various surgeries that can help open up the throat and reduce snoring and sleep apnea. Surgery is the first choice for sleep apnea treatment in most children, because the results are often very good and kids often have a tough time tolerating PAP. In adults, surgery may or may not work well. The best way to find out if surgery can help you is to see a surgeon for a consultation. We recommend seeing someone who is very experienced in this specific area, because the results depend greatly on the type of surgery chosen for you and the surgeon who is doing the procedure. A sleep study is often done several months after surgery to see how well it worked for you.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>5) Provent &ndash;</strong> This device is like a small oval Band-Aid, with a valve, that sticks to the end of your nose and prevents some of the air from escaping when you breathe out. This produces a type of back pressure in your throat, and this back pressure tends to keep the throat from closing off while you sleep. It may or may not work and tends to be recommended for mild or moderate sleep apnea only. Sleep doctors usually recommend a follow-up sleep study to make sure it works well enough for you. If your insurance does not cover this treatment, it costs about a dollar or two per night.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Provent oval devices are discarded after each nights use.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>6) Newly Approved Treatments &ndash;</strong> Inspire is like a pacemaker for your throat muscles. It senses when you breathe in while sleeping and will send a message to the throat muscles to keep them firm. This helps keep the throat open and reduces sleep apnea. It is FDA approved. Visit to learn more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Winx is like the opposite of PAP. It has a mouth piece that produces suction rather than positive pressure and has shown some encouraging results. The manufacturer&rsquo;s website is; </p> <p><strong>7) Body Position &ndash;</strong> Certain body positions can help reduce snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back can increase the chance of these problems, and sleeping on your side can reduce the chance of these problems. Of course you are unconscious when you are asleep, so it can be hard to reliably stay off your back all night. Also, during REM (dreaming) sleep, studies have shown that some people lose the beneficial aspects of sleeping on their sides. Before you rely on positional treatment, you should discuss it with your doctor because it is not as straightforward as it seems.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>8) Nasal Passages &ndash;</strong> Although sleep apnea does not happen in the nose, it can be worse if the nasal passages are clogged. If you have regularly congested nasal passages, please consider discussing treatment for them with your doctor as this may help snoring and sleep apnea. Clearing your nasal passages may help you get greater benefit from some of the other treatments like PAP.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>9) Pillows &ndash;</strong> At least one pillow has been approved for snoring and even mild sleep apnea, but many pillow marketers just make unsubstantiated claims. Although the position of the head and neck can make a difference to healthy sleep and breathing, beware of false claims.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>10) Other Remedies &ndash;</strong> Many other treatments have been suggested for sleep apnea like strengthening the throat muscles with exercises or using homeopathic sprays, etc. To date, none have been shown to reliably treat sleep apnea. Throat exercises are being looked at again and may be promising, so stay tuned! Review any sleep apnea treatment you select with your doctor before using it.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Finally:</strong> The bottom line is you really need to consider successfully treating your sleep apnea if you want to be healthy and enjoy your life and family, to the fullest. At the very least, take the first step and see your doctor or visit a sleep specialist in your area. We&rsquo;re anxious to help out!&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Here are some good websites for more information to help your decision:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; National sleep foundation:; </p> <p>&bull; Harvard Medical School sleep; </p> <p>&bull; National Institutes of Health:; </p> <p>&bull; American Academy of Sleep Medicine:</p>Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{1AEA97CB-D037-442B-83EF-866992FF6E49} Aortic AneurysmNew Treatment Speeds Recovery&nbsp; <p>An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, or AAA, is an abnormal enlargement or bulge in the abdominal section of the aorta, the body&rsquo;s largest artery that carries blood from the heart to all parts of the body. An aneurysm can cause the aorta to grow to several times its natural size, weakening it, and possibly causing it to rupture.&nbsp; </p> <p>Until the last decade, invasive surgery was the primary recourse to prevent abdominal aortic aneurysms from becoming deadly. A less-invasive technique called endovascular stent graft repair, however, is changing the treatment protocol and resulting in less blood loss, fewer days of hospitalization and a potentially faster recovery time for patients with AAA.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Open Surgery</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>In conventional or open surgery, the surgeon reaches the aneurysm through a large incision in the abdomen. The weakened section of the vessel, where the aneurysm has formed, is usually surgically removed and replaced with a synthetic material. Open surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes about four to five hours to complete. Repairing the aneurysm surgically is complex and requires an experienced vascular surgical team. After surgery, the patient usually stays in the Intensive Care Unit a day or two, and then another five to seven days in the hospital. The full recovery time may be about three to six months.</p> <p><strong>Endovascular Stent Graft Repair</strong></p> <p>Endovascular Abdominal Stent-Grafting was invented in the early 1990s as a less-invasive endovascular method of repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and has rapidly expanded as the treatment of choice due to its clinical benefits.&nbsp;</p> <p>The procedure involves two skin punctures or small incisions in the groin area, where the stent-graft is inserted into the femoral artery through a catheter to reline the abdominal aorta. The stent graft is a woven fabric tube supported by a tubular metal scaffold. The device is placed inside the diseased abdominal aorta without a major surgical incision and seals off the aneurysm by fitting inside the diseased part of the aorta, making a new path for blood to flow.&nbsp; </p> <p>The procedure can be done under general, regional or local anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours to complete. The hospital stay is generally one to two days, and patients can expect to resume normal activities in one to two weeks after the procedure. Regular follow-up is needed to evaluate and ensure the success of the stent graft treatment over time. The endovascular treatment of AAA has become the treatment of choice at McKay-Dee Hospital, where surgeons have been performing this procedure successfully for the past 10 years.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Risks and Symptoms for Aortic Aneurysm</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p>Abdominal aortic aneurysms are most often caused by a weakening in the aortic wall, resulting from vascular disease, traumatic injury or a genetic defect. In addition, as we age, high blood pressure can cause the aorta to bulge out, thin and weaken, resulting in an aneurysm. Men older than 60, smokers, and those with a family history are most at risk.&nbsp; </p> <p>The risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm increases for patients who:&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Smoke.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Have high blood pressure.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Have high cholesterol. &bull; Are overweight.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Have a family history of aneurysms, cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels).&nbsp; </p> <p>Abdominal aortic aneurysms may go unnoticed initially because patients may not feel any symptoms. Frequently, an AAA is discovered incidentally on an imaging study such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen.&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>When symptoms are experienced, the most common are:</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Pain in the abdomen, chest or lower back, possibly spreading to the groin, buttocks or legs. The pain may be deep, aching, gnawing and/or throbbing, and may last for hours or days. It is generally not affected by movement.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; A pulsating sensation in the abdomen.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Back pain, if the aneurysm is pressing on the spine.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; A &ldquo;cold foot&rdquo; or a black or blue painful toe if an AAA produces a blood clot that breaks off and blocks blood flow to the legs or feet.&nbsp;</p> <p>&bull; Fever or weight loss, if the AAA is an inflamed/infected aortic aneurysm.</p>Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600{660B2B53-833A-4BC8-8972-F1E95925DD98} wrong ways to run and their solutions&ldquo;One practice runners fall into is the tendency to &lsquo;heel strike&rsquo; or land too severely on the heels of their feet during a run,&rdquo; said Chad Allred, physical therapist at American Fork Hospital. &ldquo;If your stride is too far out when you heel strike, the heels then act like a brake, and the momentum is transferred up through the joints rather than the muscles, causing potential joint injuries in the legs.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> Allred suggested runners&rsquo; feet should be more under their center of gravity when running so their leg muscles take the force rather than the joints. He advised shortening stride length to land with a slight heel-foot strike, mid-foot or even a subtle forefoot strike, keeping away from a full-force land on the heels.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> Another common problem to look out for is trunk rotation, or how much the upper body is twisting from side to side. Excessive trunk rotation can negatively affect speed and efficiency during a run.&nbsp;<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> Allred said one strategy to address this is to pay attention to changes in speed, which may give runners queues to think about form and try to correct it. He recommended trying a phone app to help such as TempoRun, which allows you to keep track of your pace, or AudioStep, which measures your cadence (how often your feet touch the ground) while running.&nbsp;<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> A third common mistake for runners is under-training or failing to prepare their bodies for the extent of the race. &ldquo;One of the biggest mistakes in preparing for a long run is not training adequately for the distance of it,&rdquo; Allred said. &ldquo;If you&rsquo;re preparing for a half-marathon (13.1 miles), and train by running only six or seven miles, you set yourself up for injury because the race is significantly more mileage than your training distance.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> <br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.6000003814697px; line-height: 20.4000015258789px; background-color: #ffffff;" /> The physical therapist said it&rsquo;s also critical to prepare for the terrain of a race. If the course includes downhill terrain, the participants need to have some of that in their training.Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0600