In Florida, the most common pool injuries include slip-and-fall accidents and tragically, drowning. Slipping and falling on a slippery concrete surface can cause extensive physical trauma which can vary depending on how the individual falls. Someone who hits their head when falling may suffer a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion. This can lead to more serious injuries or even drowning if the unconscious person falls into the pool, particularly if it is unsupervised.

Draper Law Office is encouraging the community to remember that it only takes a brief moment for a swimming or pool-related accident to happen. Never allow children near or around a pool unsupervised, and remember, swimming and drinking alcoholic beverages is never recommended.

Diving board injuries are also common, and can range from sprained ankles to much more severe. This can be caused by pairing an incorrectly sized diving board with a pool that is not deep enough, failing to accurately label the depth of the pool or missing safety marks to distinguish the shallow end from the deep end, failing to warn of the dangers associated with diving, or neglecting to properly maintain the diving board and pool equipment, as well as other possible causes.

If you have been injured as a result of a pool injury that was caused, in whole or in part, by another’s negligence, you are likely to have the right to recover damages. Negligence occurs when an individual or business breaches their duty of care to you and, as a result, injury and damages occur.

A successful lawsuit for a pool-related injury will allow you to recover costs associated with the injury, as well as for lost wages, reduced earning potential, and for the pain and suffering associated with the injury.

If you have been injured in a preventable pool-related injury that was not your fault, the experienced Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Draper law Office are ready to advocate on your behalf and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. Call 407.846.0075 today to schedule a consultation, or visit DraperLawOffice.com.

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Todd Jeremy Sontag, DO
Family Medicine
Orlando Health

The best way to deal with any medical condition is by using prevention. It’s important that we do whatever we can to avoid getting sick, and that includes washing our hands thoroughly, regularly, and effectively. Many viruses are transmitted by your own hands.

Strengthen Your System
Here are 7 ways to fight off possible infections by boosting your immune system:

1. Establish (or continue) an exercise routine. Regular exercise has been shown to keep your immune system functioning at top levels. When you’re physically active, you can keep pathogens out of your lungs and airways, minimizing illness. If you have a current routine you’re following, don’t let up on it. If you don’t, it might be a good time to begin.

2. Minimize stress. When you experience stress, it can release the hormone cortisol, boosting inflammation and actually suppressing your immune system, making it less effective. Many studies have shown those reporting the least amount of stress were also the least likely to get infections.

3. Maintain an adequate amount of sleep. This doesn’t only mean getting the right number of hours of shuteye, but also doing what you can do to ensure quality sleep as well. One reason for this: Sleep-deprived patients are more likely to develop an illness after exposure to a virus. Aim for 6-7 hours of quality sleep per night.

4. Drink less alcohol. Limiting alcohol consumption may mean a more restful night, but that’s not all. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption leads to an increase in respiratory infections and impaired immune responses. Consider drinking moderately, up to one drink a day for women or two per day for men, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

5. Vaccinate against other infections. It is possible to get more than one infection simultaneously — and it’s also dangerous. If you contracted the flu on top of COVID-19, for example, it would mean a much more complex medical situation. Vaccines are currently available for protecting against the flu, pneumonia and pertussis (among others).

6. Stop smoking/vaping. As a general rule, anything you put in your lungs unnecessarily is going to lead to a higher likelihood of respiratory infection.

7. Support a healthy immune system. Eating healthy is important. A healthy gut will allow you to fight infections more effectively. Support your immune system by adding foods rich in vitamins A, C and D as well as zinc into your dietary regimen. Consume them often — at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Know Your Fruits and Vegetables
Wondering what the differences between a serving of fruit and a serving of vegetables are?

A serving of fruit amounts to either a medium-sized piece of fruit (roughly the size of a tennis ball) or a half cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruit that’s packed in either water or 100 percent juice.

A serving of vegetables can be one cup of raw, leafy vegetables; a half cup of fresh, frozen or canned vegetables (look for those with “no added salt” on their label); or a half cup of vegetable juice (such as V8 Vegetable Juice).

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your nutrition. You have options. In fact, there are many ways to get your five recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

From A to Zinc
Some healthy (and delicious!) suggestions include:

Vitamin A

• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Fortified cereals
• Green, leafy vegetables
• Pumpkin
• Red peppers
• Sweet potatoes

Vitamin C

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cantaloupe
• Citrus fruits
• Kiwi
• Peppers
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

Vitamin D

• Eggs
• Fish liver oil (such as cod liver oil)
• Fish (herring, mackerel, salmon, trout, tuna)
• Fortified products such as cereals, dairy products, orange juice, soy milk

Zinc

• Beans and peas
• Beef
• Dairy products
• Fortified cereals
• Nuts
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Whole grains

The post Orlando Health: Seven Ways to Boost Your Immune System appeared first on Positively Osceola.

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How often do scenarios like this one play out? You’re trying to get a quick start on a busy day, so you grab fast-food for breakfast on the way to work. A quick lunch with your kids involves canned tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. And in the evening, you cap off an exhausting day by reaching into the refrigerator and pulling out hot dogs for dinner.

We’ve all been there. So, it’s no wonder the average American eats so much salt — more than one-and-a-half teaspoons per day on average, or a half teaspoon more than recommended. The problem isn’t limited to adults — 90 percent of American children eat more sodium than recommended, with 1 in 9 having raised blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Too Much Salt Harms the Kidneys and Heart
Our kidneys maintain the balance of salt in our bodies. When that balance is off, it can be dangerous for people with hypertension, heart disease (particularly congestive heart failure) and chronic kidney disease. Salt causes water retention, which increases blood volume, forcing the heart to work harder and increasing pressure in the arteries. It also can cause high blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease and kidney failure.

Cutting Back
The average American diet contains 3,400 mg of sodium per day — well above the recommended intake of less than 2,300 mg. And you may be surprised to learn that you can go over the limit without ever reaching for a saltshaker. If you want to reduce your intake, here’s where to start:

Most of our sodium comes from processed foods, such as fast food, frozen TV dinners, processed meats (bacon, ham, hot dogs) and canned goods. Cut down or cut out these foods and buy fresh meats instead.

Buy fresh produce and look for “fresh frozen” vegetables instead of the canned variety.

Prepared meals such as soup, pasta, meat assortments, and seafood dinners also are high in sodium. Read food labels, avoiding products with more than 200 mg of sodium per serving.

Restaurant meals are loaded with salt and often contribute to this excess. Cut back on dining out, take-out and delivery.

Do your best to make healthier choices. Faced with a choice between a deli sub, chips and soda or a fresh gyro wrap, side salad and water — the Greek meal is the healthier option.

Cook at home to control the amount of salt in your diet.

Avoid salting your foods with table salt, using a substitute if needed.

Alternatives
In many cases, you can improve the taste of food by using dried or fresh herbs, zests and juices that are not salted.

Salt substitutes are another option, though you need to understand the terminology, as some of them still contain salt:

“Reduced” or “less sodium” means the product contains at least 25percent less sodium than the regular version.

“Lite” or “light in sodium” means the sodium content has been reduced by at least 50 percent from the regular version.

“Unsalted” or “no salt added” means no salt is added to a food that normally contains salt.

Other substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can be harmful to those with congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and kidney problems. Be sure to read labels and compare brands.

Reducing salt in your diet helps decrease blood pressure as well as the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Certain patients with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension will benefit greatly from reduced salt intake. Prevention of these diseases by reducing salt intake will give you a chance of a better, healthier, and longer life.

The post Orlando Health: Are You Consuming Too Much Salt? appeared first on Positively Osceola.

You are increasing your overall coordination and strengthening the muscles you use to breathe. And because you are supporting almost none of your body weight while in the water, your joints are less stressed than they would be on solid ground running or cycling.

Swimming is also one of the only exercises you can do while recovering from surgery when you have additional pain or injuries to accommodate for.

Give Your Heart a Workout

As with any form of cardiovascular exercise, you reap significant benefits to your long-term health by swimming regularly. It can make your heart work more efficiently by making it stronger. A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently, meaning you’ll gain improved circulation throughout your body (even your brain!). And because our blood is how we receive nutrients to our bodies, swimming helps improve circulation and cardiac efficiency, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In addition to lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke, swimming can improve the number, size, and efficiency of mitochondria you have. These are the energy-producing engines we all have inside our muscle cells. When they’re more efficient, other day-to-day tasks require less effort.

When you experience less stress on your heart, muscles, and brain, overall longevity is the result. Some studies have discovered master swimmers who swim at least an hour a day for five days a week can have a biological age that is about 20 years less than their chronological age. That’s a long way of saying swimming helps slow down the aging process.

Along with the possibility of building more muscle, you can stave off the worst effects of age-related diseases (like sarcopenia) as long as you’re also including a well-balanced diet.

No Age Limit

Because very minimal effort is required to move your body through water, swimming is a welcome opportunity for people of all ages to improve their fitness. People of all fitness levels swim, each for different reasons.

For example, athletes can use pool running to stay fit when they have a lower-body injury. Children can improve their coordination; the pressure of the water on their skin provides feedback to the brain, letting it know where they are in space. Called proprioception, this is a huge benefit to anyone who works out in the water.

Older individuals at risk of falling can improve their strength and balance without fear of getting injured while in the water. Rehabilitation patients can work toward preventing the atrophy of their muscles while they work back to full strength. Even though you have to support less of your body weight while in the water, you can still get a great workout because of the resistance provided.

Treading Water Helps Too

And remember, to benefit from swimming as an exercise, you don’t need to swim thousands of meters of repetitive laps. Simply walking through the water can provide some people with enough stimuli to improve themselves. For others, there are classes like Aqua Zumba® and aerobics, the latter using foam weights to increase the resistance of moving in the water. And by treading water, you do far more than just challenge your cardiovascular system: It’s a fun way to relieve stress and even a way of bonding with friends or family. For the more adventurous, different plyometric exercises like jumping in the pool or running underwater with weights can help increase strength and power without the danger of overtraining your body.

As with any sport or activity that you may be new to, please consult a qualified professional for coaching assistance or lessons when you start. It helps you build a good foundation. One word of caution, though: Wherever you choose to swim, do so safely, never doing so alone and always near a lifeguard.

Of course, keeping a pool clean and safe for you and the family is extremely important. Positively Osceola recommends Pinch a Penny Pool Patio Spa in St. Cloud for all your pool supplies, pool equipment, and pool service needs.

The post Orlando Health: Why Swimming Might Be the Best Form of Exercise There Is appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Colorectal cancer cases among younger adults are rising in the United States. In 2020, 12 percent of those diagnosed with colon cancer were under 50. Colorectal cancer cases have been increasing in younger adults for decades, but the misconception remains that the disease only affects older adults. What is particularly concerning for oncologists is the frequency of very advanced cancers in younger patients.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently updated guidelines to recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45, rather than age 50, and every five to 10 years after. The hope is that by lowering the recommended age to begin screening, growths in the colon and rectum, called polyps, can be detected earlier and removed before they become cancerous.

How Colorectal Cancer Develops

Colorectal cancer occurs in the last part of the gastrointestinal tract, where what we eat becomes solid waste.

Cancers begin as polyps, but they can change over time if left untreated. Once a polyp becomes cancerous, it can spread through the wall of the colon and to other parts of the body.

As with many other cancers, the earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. The prognosis for early-stage colon cancer is far superior to cancers that have spread.

The Dangerous Myth of Colorectal Cancer

The elderly shoulder the greatest burden from colorectal cancer, with nearly 70 percent of cases diagnosed in people older than age 65. But the report from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force called the increase in cases among younger people “alarming.”

A few reasons younger adults tend to dismiss the early signs of colorectal cancer include embarrassment, assuming their symptoms are due to something less serious or thinking that colon cancer is something only older people experience.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:

● Abdominal pain/cramping

● Bleeding from the rectum

● Blood in the stool

● Changes in the shape/type of stool or the frequency with which you have a bowel movement

● Decreased appetite

● Weight loss

The causes of colorectal cancer are varied. Risk factors include:

● Heavy alcohol consumption

● Eating less fiber and/or more processed foods

● Diets with a high proportion of animal protein, particularly red meat

● Genetics (particularly if a family member has had the disease)

● Obesity

● Sedentary lifestyle

● Smoking

Now that colorectal cancer guidelines recommend screening for adults 45 and older, the testing will be covered by insurance providers, making screening in younger age groups more widespread and saving more lives.

How Doctors Screen for Colorectal Cancer

The new screening recommendations include two types of tests to detect polyps and early signs of colorectal cancer: colonoscopies and stool-based tests.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera that allows a gastroenterologist to check for polyps or cancer growing inside the intestinal tract. If a polyp is detected, the doctor will remove it during the colonoscopy procedure for further testing. If cancer is detected, a referral is made to a surgeon for removal.

There are a few stool-based tests to screen for colon cancer, including:

Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): Used to detect blood in the stool. For this test, you receive a kit from your doctor, which you can take home. You use a stick or brush to obtain a small sample of your stool and return the sample to your doctor or a lab where the stool sample is inspected to look for the presence of blood.

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Tests for hidden blood in stool, which may be an early sign of cancer.

FIT-DNA test: Detects altered DNA in the stool. For this test, you’ll be asked to collect an entire bowel movement (rather than just a sample) and send it to a lab where it is tested to detect cancer cells.

Colorectal Screening Saves Lives

According to the American Cancer Society, rates of colorectal cancer in people 50 and older fell during the past 20 years, primarily because more people were getting the recommended screening tests.

When colorectal cancer is detected early and hasn’t yet spread to other parts of the body, it’s easier to treat and has a better prognosis.

With early detection critical for improved patient outcomes and survival rates, it’s essential to get screened as early as you can. If you have a family history of the disease, talk to your doctor, who may want you screened at a younger age and at shorter intervals.

The post Orlando Health: Colorectal Cancer Screening Should Begin at Age 45, New Guidelines Say appeared first on Positively Osceola.

Jacqueline Griffiths, RD

Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors can help you manage the risk of developing or worsening uncontrolled high blood pressure. This is important because when we have hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), we increase our risk of developing additional health-related complications.

The Silent Killer

Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer because many patients with high blood pressure do not have any obvious symptoms to alert them or they ignore micro symptoms which may naturally occur, such as headaches. Left unchecked, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of several medical conditions.

• High blood pressure is considered a significant risk factor for:
• Angina
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease or failure
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Stroke
• Vision loss

Doing It Naturally

Lifestyle changes such as consuming a low sodium diet, selecting minimally processed or refined foods and maintaining regular physical activity are all good starting points to help control your blood pressure naturally.

The alternative — uncontrolled high blood pressure — can lead to damaged arteries throughout your body. These can eventually cause blocked or obstructed blood flow to some of your most vital organs such as your kidneys, heart, brain and eyes.

With increased awareness of how to naturally control hypertension, you can gradually develop mindful eating habits and sustained healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Here are a dozen ways to do that:

• Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, with no added juices or sauces.
• Use the saltshaker less often while eating, cooking, and dining out.
• Limit your salt consumption to no more than 2300mg/daily, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• Choose food options that have less than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving.
• Always check the nutrition label for sodium content. A 20% or greater daily value per serving size is considered high.
• Look for low-sodium options of condiments like ketchup or barbecue sauce.
• Choose more fresh, whole foods versus processed foods.
• Opt for fresh meats, which are lower in sodium than processed meats like hot dogs and bacon).
• Use sodium-free seasonings for recipes that call for salt.
• Add flavor to food with fresh herbs, lemon juice or vinegar.
• Choose food items that read “salt-free” or “low sodium” on the label.
• When dining out:
• Select meat and fish options that are grilled, baked or broiled
• Limit salad dressings that are high in sodium/calories
• Pass on items with thick gravy or sauce
• Don’t be shy — request that your food is prepared with limited or no salt.

A DASH Will Do

I recommend a healthy eating pattern like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat and low-fat dairy foods. It also places limits on red meat, added fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Get creative and try some low-sodium recipes such as roasted kale salad, chili-lime chicken kabobs, or even or a chocolate pudding made with avocado and banana.

Chances are you won’t miss the salt and you’ll be on your way to controlling your blood pressure naturally.

For more information visit OrlandoHealth.com

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What do a sizzling steak, a salty potato chip and chewy cookies fresh from the oven all have in common? They each trigger a strong dietary impulse, or craving, for food laden with excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. But why do these foods get such a bad rap, and is there a way to still include them in a healthy diet?

Fat, Salt, and Sugar Equal Flavor
Physical responses to foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats lead us to make unhealthy choices. Feeling stressed? Our brains tell us to “treat” ourselves to that pastry or cheeseburger. A busy lifestyle keeps us eating on the run — hello, fast food — or dining out with friends, where the pasta looks way better than the salad. We shop for prepared or processed food out of habit or convenience.

Lurking in the shadows of each of these choices is your body’s chemical reaction that says, “It felt great last time I ate that. Let’s eat it again.”

However, studies show that diets high in saturated fats (such as cheese and red meats) trigger the same parts of your brain as cocaine, creating an addictive scenario. Additives in fast food, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) or sodium, suppress the hormone that tells your body that you’re full. And a snack or dessert high in sugar releases dopamine, the hormone and chemical neurotransmitter that sends pleasure signals to your brain. In small doses, sugar, salt and saturated fats aren’t harmful. The problem lies in repetition and volume.

“Bad” Foods Trigger Health Problems
Along with obesity, the three most common health issues that accompany a diet high in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar are:

High cholesterol – Cholesterol is a fat naturally found in body tissue. It’s essential in building cells and making vitamin D. But when eating too much saturated fat, such as meat, eggs, and cheese, cholesterol levels rise, which can cause arterial plaque buildup that leads to heart disease or stroke.

High blood pressure – This is the result of high levels of sodium in your diet, whether hidden in processed and frozen foods or added during cooking. Excess salt intake can lead to health issues such as kidney disease, heart attack, or vascular dementia.

Diabetes – A chronic disease defined by having abnormally high blood sugar, or glucose, levels. Normally, your pancreas receives a signal to make insulin, which then works to help turn glucose into fuel. But issues such as obesity and high blood pressure can combine with genetics and a sedentary lifestyle to cause insulin resistance. This reduces the body’s natural response, creating a diabetic condition. Diabetes (and prediabetes) have direct links to kidney and heart disease, eye and gum disease, foot problems, sleep apnea, and even cancer.

Change Your Diet Without Feeling Deprived
It’s fine to enjoy an occasional doughnut or steak, but when unhealthy diet decisions outweigh good ones, you’re setting yourself up for potential health problems down the road. To help you stay on track while still occasionally indulging in your favorite foods, consider a few simple shifts:

Change your shopping habits. Fill your list primarily with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, and whole grains. A rule of thumb is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store, avoiding prepackaged or processed foods. When in doubt, always choose the option with the least number of ingredients.

Choose flavorful substitutions and replacements. Replace butter with olive oil when cooking or baking. Substitute sugar and salt with dried herbs or spices. Consider fresh or frozen fruit as a dessert alternative instead of cakes or pies.

Find moderation and balance. Reduce portion sizes and rebalance your meal plate, prioritizing fiber-rich vegetables and lean proteins that keep you feeling satisfied. Choose carbohydrates with low glycemic index (GI) ratings to keep blood sugar from spiking. Eating more slowly not only helps with digestion, but you’ll feel full faster and eat less overall.

With these easy steps, plus a regular exercise or fitness routine, you’ll keep your body healthy, process your food properly, and still be able to enjoy a guilt-free slice of birthday cake.

The post Orlando Health: Why Bad Food Tastes So Good – and What To Eat Instead appeared first on Positively Osceola.

The move by Amazon comes after a year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic where consumers greatly increased how much they cooked and snacked at home.

Some of the Aplenty items include parmesan, garlic, and herb pita chips that are twice-baked, small-batch pink Himalayan salt kettle-cooked potato chips, slow-baked cornbread crackers, salted caramel chip mini cookies, and honey Dijon mustard.

In the next year, Amazon will be adding hundreds of Aplenty products as in confections, salty snacks, cookies, crackers, frozen foods, condiments, sauces, seasonings, baking mixes, and pantry staples will be introduced under the Aplenty name.

“As with all things at Amazon, we innovate on behalf of our customers across all of our businesses and that includes the food category,” an Amazon spokesperson said in an email. “With Aplenty, we set out to create a delicious line of food products made from high-quality ingredients and cooking methods to deliver abundant flavor.”

Aplenty products are made with ingredients like butter, sugar, honey, and stoneground mustard seed, while eliminating artificial flavors, synthetic colors, and high-fructose corn syrup.

Each product has been taste-tested, Amazon said, and if customers don’t love the product, the company will refund the price.

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