Feel Better Now

-Sometimes we all get stuck in a rut. With the changing of the seasons now is a good time to change ourselves for the better. Check out these four key topics to better yourself.

Nutrition

Have lean protein & two colors at each of your meals.

Lean protein – healthy nuts, fish, chicken, turkey, edamame, all natural peanut butter

Two colors- fruits and vegetables

Bread- if you must have it, look for fiber content of 5 grams per slice. Remember each slice is 80-100 calories, bread raises blood sugar and contributes to weight gain.

Artificial Sweeteners- Avoid. They make you crave carbs and sugars. Since they have been developed the world has not gotten smaller.

Omega 3 Fish Oils- Helps to promote healthy cells in your body.

Improve Work/Life Balance

Rest/Reflection- schedule in rest and thinking time for yourself. Write it on the calendar.

Keep Connected- initiate daily communication with a relative or friend. Keeps you interested and aware of others.

Compliment- Compliment others on their good deeds, accomplishments, and/or good qualities every day.

Listen To Your Heart- if you want something, pursue it.

Exercise

Get Moving- be active throughout your day. Park farther away, take the stairs, walk the long way around….just because you can.

Half-hour power- walk, cycle, swim, hike 30 minutes everyday

Weights- in addition to aerobic activities, weight train to maintain bone density and add muscle strength.

Sleep Better

Caffeine – avoid caffeine and sugary snacks 12 hours before going to bed. They can cause lots of dreams and restless sleep.

Relax- take a 10-15 minute stroll prior to hitting the sack or take a hot bath

Adequate amount- try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

FDA Approves New Medication to Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack in Angioplasty Patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Effient (Prasugrel) in July 2009. Effient is approved to reduce the risk of blood clots from forming in patients who undergo angioplasty. It is a blood thinning drug that prevents platelets from clumping or sticking together, which can result in clogged arteries and may lead to heart attack or stroke.

A study enrolling 13,608 patients which compared Effient to another blood thinning medication, Plavix (Clopidogrel) was completed. These patients presented with a heart attack or threatened heart attack and were about to undergo angioplasty, a procedure where a balloon is used to open the artery that has been narrowed.

Effient is more efficacious than Clopidogrel in preventing deaths from blood clots, non-fatal heart attacks and nonfatal strokes in patients receiving stents. However, those receiving Effient had a greater risk of bleeding than those taking Clopidogrel. Patients who have a history of stroke were more likely to have another stroke while taking Effient.

Effient appears to be an excellent alternative treatment for preventing dangerous blood clots from forming and causing a heart attack in those patients who present with a heart attack and are in need of stenting.

However, it is recommended to not use Effient in those patients who have active pathological bleeding, history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes. Effient should not be used in patients who are in urgent need for surgery-including open heart surgery. Due to the fact, that when possible, patients should discontinue Effient at least 7 days prior to any surgery (as directed by a physician). In general, patients who are 75 years of age or older it is not recommended to use Effient because of increased risk of fatal and intracranial bleeding and uncertain benefit.

As with any treatment, physicians and patients must carefully analyze the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of Effient – as each individualized case is unique.