Bahamas Local Health & Fitness Page
June: Men’s Health Month and Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
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Click Below For More Information on Covid-19/Corona Virus
What Is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
COVID-19 Prevention Tips
As the spread of coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, has evolved in recent weeks, all are encouraged to use several effective measures to prevent any virus. They include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get a flu shot - it’s not too late!
- Stay home if you are sick... [Read More Here].
How to Manage Blood Pressure
Understand Readings
Make smart choices and swaps to build an overall healthy eating style. Watch calories and eat smaller portions.
Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio like this: 117/76. Read as “117 over 76” millimeters of mercury.
Systolic: The top number, the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).
Diastolic: The bottom number, the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between heart beats.
Blood Pressure Categories
Normal: systolic lower than 120 mm Hg and diastolic lower than 80 mm Hg
Elevated Blood Pressure: diastolic 120 to 129 mm Hg and diastolic 80 mm Hg.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: systolic 130 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic 80 to 89 mm Hg.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: systolic 140 or higher mm Hg or diastolic 90 or higher mm Hg.
Hypertensive Crisis (Call your doctor immediately): systolic higher than 180 mm Hg and/or diastolic higher than 120 mm Hg.
Track Levels
A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings. Health care professionals can take blood pressure readings and provide recommendations.
Tips for Success
Eat Smart: Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins like fish and seafood. Limit sugary foods and drinks, red or processed meats, salty foods, refined carbohydrates and highly processed foods.
Move More: Physical activity helps control blood pressure, weight and stress levels.
Manage Weight: If you’re overweight, even a slight weight loss can reduce high blood pressure.
No Nicotine: Every time you smoke, vape or use tobacco, the nicotine can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure.
Sleep Well: Short sleep (less than 7 hours) and poor-quality sleep are associated with high blood pressure.
HEALTH HEADLINES
MARCH 2023: National Kidney Month
What can you do for your kidneys?
Kidney diseases are silent killers, which can largely affect your quality of life. There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.
Keep fit, Be active
This can help to maintain an ideal body weight, reduce your blood pressure and the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.
The concept “On the move for kidney health” is a worldwide collective march involving the public... [Read more]
JANUARY 2023: January is National Stalking Awareness MonthJanuary is National Stalking Awareness Month, and it is so important to know the facts. For instance, 76% of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked first.
Stalking generally refers to harassing or threatening behavior that an individual engages in repeatedly, such as following a person, appearing at a person’s home or place of business, making harassing phone calls, leaving written messages or objects, or vandalizing a person’s property. These actions may or may not be accompanied by a credible threat of serious harm, and they may or may not be precursors to an assault.
Stalking is most common after a victim has left the relationship... [Read more]
November 2022: Movember – Men’s Health Awareness MonthOur fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent.
That’s why we’re taking action. We’re the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round. We’re addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention... [Read more]
OCTOBER 2022: October Is Healthy Lung MonthOctober is a month set aside for lung awareness. It’s National Healthy Lung Month, and Lung Health Day is October 28. National Respiratory Care Week is October 25-30.
It may seem arbitrary to set aside a particular month for health awareness, but it’s useful to remind ourselves of the things in our environment that can harm us and to act with compassion toward those who have already been harmed... [Read more]
Top 10 Facts Every Woman Should Know About EndometriosisWhereas endometriosis is a complex hormonal and immune chronic disease causing multiple symptoms, including pain, which disrupt the lives of an estimated 89 million women and girls worldwide; Whereas there is no known cure for endometriosis and treatments are often problematic; Whereas lack of knowledge of the disease combined with stigma causes an average delay of ten years from onset of symptoms... [Read more]
How to Check Yourself for Testicular CancerMen…how often do you perform a self-exam to check yourselves for testicular cancer?
While it’s a relatively rare form of cancer, young men aren’t exempt – in fact, testicular cancer occurs most often in young and middle-aged men. The good news is, it can usually be treated successfully... [Read more]
OCTOBER 2021: Breast Cancer SymptomsBreast cancer can cause a number of signs and symptoms. See your general practitioner if you notice a change to your breast that’s new or unusual for you.
On its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer. But look out for pain in your breast or armpit that’s there all or almost all the time... [Read more]
JUNE 2021: 7 Tips To Celebrate Men's Health WeekIt's all about Men’s Health this month, but the second week in June is always allocated to celebrate and bring awareness globally to men’s physical and mental health.
This year the week starts today, June 14th - 20th.
For those who don't know, Men’s Health week originated in America and became a national awareness campaign by the U.S. Congress in 1994. It was picked up globally by European nations and Australia in 2002... [Read more]
Taking Care Of Your Mental HealthTaking care of your mental health, selfish or not?
The simple answer is no. But let's go a little deeper.
The conversation concerning mental health in The Bahamas is improving but there is still a long way to go. There needs to be more serious, informative and non-judgmental conversations about mental health.
More are inquiring about their mental health, but are still faced with ridicule, disbelief or not taken as seriously. It's very uncommon for Bahamians to admit they need help mentally and even less common to seek professional help.... [Read more]
Address
- Address:#149 Shirley Street
- Island:Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas
- Town:Nassau
Categories
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Doesn't Discriminate
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness.
Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
Early Warning Signs & Symptoms
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
Tips for Living Well with a Mental Health Condition
Having a mental health condition can make it a struggle to work, keep up with school, stick to a regular schedule, have healthy relationships, socialize, maintain hygiene, and more.
However, with early and consistent treatment—often a combination of medication and psychotherapy—it is possible to manage these conditions, overcome challenges, and lead a meaningful, productive life.
Today, there are new tools, evidence-based treatments, and social support systems that help people feel better and pursue their goals. Some of these tips, tools and strategies include:
- Stick to a treatment plan. Even if you feel better, don’t stop going to therapy or taking medication without a doctor’s guidance. Work with a doctor to safely adjust doses or medication if needed to continue a treatment plan.
- Keep your primary care physician updated. Primary care physicians are an important part of long-term management, even if you also see a psychiatrist.
- Learn about the condition. Being educated can help you stick to your treatment plan. Education can also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.
- Practice good self-care. Control stress with activities such as meditation or tai-chi; eat healthy and exercise; and get enough sleep.
- Reach out to family and friends. Maintaining relationships with others is important. In times of crisis or rough spells, reach out to them for support and help.
- Develop coping skills. Establishing healthy coping skills can help people deal with stress easier.
- Get enough sleep. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and overall health. Consistently poor sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Source: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
Why are vaccines so important?
- Vaccines protect against serious diseases.
- These diseases still exist and outbreaks do occur.
- Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives.
- Vaccines are very safe.
Remember the Flu Vaccine:
- Vaccines protect you all year round, but August is a great time to get vaccinated! August is also a good time for you and your family to make plans to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine usually becomes available in mid- to late-August. Getting the vaccine early can help prevent you and your family members from getting the flu throughout all of flu season. You can learn more about the flu and flu vaccine at Flu.gov.
- When taking yourself and your family for your flu shots, you can also ask your health care provider about other routinely recommended vaccines you might need. Make sure that the whole family is up-to-date on their DTap/Tdap and MMRV boosters too!
Remember, it’s NAIM! Vaccines are the best defense we have against these and other serious diseases, and it’s important to make sure that you’re up to date on all recommended vaccines. Use National Immunization Awareness Month as your chance to make sure that all your vaccinations are current!
