December 20, 2008 at 11:59 am (General)
Tags: American Cancer Society, Consumer Health, National Institutes of Medicine, weight loss
Just in time for the holidays, here are some health check tools you can use as you plan your 2009 New Year’s resolutions. As the number of Americans of all ages suffering from weight related diseases and illnesses continues to increase, looking out for #1 (you and your family) should be #1 on your list for 2009. These tools can help you assess where you are and each offers tips for improving your health.
A BMI (body mass index) calculator is available from the U.S. Health & Human Services Department, National Institutes of Health. BMI is an indicator of body fat based on height and weight for both men and women. Also included are links to tips for healthy eating and recipes.
A Calorie counter from the American Cancer Society lets you see how many calories you need to maintain a current weight and gives tips for loosing weight. One simple change of eliminating a 20 ounce regular soda each day can shave off 1,750 calories per week. It only takes a reduction of 3,500 calories a week to lose one pound! This little change puts you ½ way there.
Not interested in these calculators? Have a concern about some other aspect of personal health? Check out the health calculators offered at the MedlinePlus website. Over 100 calculators are available in an A to Z list.
A Happy and Healthy New Year to you!
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December 17, 2008 at 12:17 pm (General)
Tags: Consumer Health, Michigan, uninsured
The Michigan Department of Community Health has a site that offers links to web pages with information and phone numbers for places with low cost or free health care, or help with health insurance. The website is very comprehensive and includes information on locating free or low cost medical, dental, mental health care, and prescriptions among others.
Locally, Ingham County has a health plan for low income uninsured residents. Programs offered are NOT insurance but a means for obtaining basic medical care and low cost prescriptions.
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December 11, 2008 at 10:29 pm (General)
Tags: Capital Area District Library, Libraries, Michigan, technology
NBC Nightly News recently aired a piece that highlights how in tough economic times, more and more people are turning to their local libraries to get books, internet access, magazines, help in finding jobs, and many other services all for free. According to the report, there are more people in the United States with library cards now than at any other time since the ALA (American Library Association) started keeping statistics. Library usage is up all over the country, including here in Michigan where a 33% increase has occurred.
Recognizing this trend, the Capital Area District Library in Ingham County Michigan is conducting an online survey to find out how to improve online services. CADL is working to improve your online experience with their website and invites feedback from current library patrons as well as those not currently being served. Please share your feedback in this short survey, and be sure to enter to win a $25 VISA gift card.
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December 8, 2008 at 10:53 pm (General)
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Consumer Health, Dementia, Michigan, Reference
A group called the Michigan Dementia Coalition has created a very helpful website for those of us who are worried about changes in memory for ourselves, our parents, or someone we care about. The Coalition is composed of consumers, community groups, universities and state agencies. They offer help for caregivers with a Caregiver Stress Check , a list of partner websites, the Top 10 Warning Signs, and an email list for updates. The Media Center provides press releases and an archive of E-Blasts , the email updates they issue. Look for their ads and billboards in Michigan.
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December 3, 2008 at 6:06 pm (General)
Tags: Consumer Health, technology
Telemedicine is a technique for providing diagnosis and treatment recommendations remotely using the telephone or internet to transfer information, test results, photographs, x-rays, etc., between clinicians and patients. The Swinfen Charitable Trust located in Wingham, England links doctors in about 140 hospitals and clinics in 39 nations by email to help diagnose and recommend treatments for sick people in poor, remote or dangerous parts of the world. Started in 1998, the system has handled almost 1,800 cases and was profiled recently in the Washington Post. To find out more about telemedicine, visit the American Telemedicine Association which provides links to education resources, a buyer’s guide, current news, and much more.
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