ADULT HEALTH CARE

The topic for the March resource training was about adult heath care. Betty Elliott, a local certified nurse midwife, provided information on common health problems and suggested some preventative health measures to help clients stay healthy.

Preventative Health Care Measures

"Prevention is worth a pound of cure"

  • Hygiene is important.
  • Keep hands clean. Good hand washing is the best prevention against the spread of illness. Always wash hands before you eat or touch your face.
  • Take good care of your feet.
  • Eat a good diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise 30 minutes a day, four to five times per week. Exercise does not have to be strenuous. Just do anything that will help increase your heart rate.
  • Avoid smoking. Smoking constricts the blood flow in your body.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol hurts your liver and can affect all body functioning.
  • Get plenty of fluids. Drink at least 2 quarts of water per day.
  • Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks. You can occasionally drink pop but it should not be an every day occurrence. Caffeine causes your heart to beat faster and interferes with your sleep. Carbonation can cause osteoporosis for women and intestinal problems for both men and women.
  • Get plenty of sleep. You should go to bed early and wake up early. A lack of sleep can cause a variety of health problems as well as depression.
  • Maintain good dental health. Dental infections can spread to your entire body.

Testing

Utah County Health Department offers annual physicals and testing for free or at reduced cost for low income individuals. The Health Department also offers free STD testing and treatment.

  • Women
    • Should have a physical and Pap smear and breast exam on an annual basis.
    • Mammogram testing should start at age 40 and should continue every 1-3 years after that. IHC and the Utah County Health Department offers free mammogram vouchers for low-income women.
  • Men
    • Men under the age of 30 should have a physical every 2-3 years.
    • After 30, men should have a physical and a PSA test on an annual basis.

Immunizations

  • Adults should have a tetanus immunization every 10 years.
  • A Hepatitis B vaccination is important. The immunization is a series of three shots and is good for a lifetime.
  • Adults should receive a flu shot every year.
  • After 45-50 years of age, adults should have a one time pneumonia vaccine.

Common Health Problems

  • High Blood Pressure
    • High blood pressure has very few symptoms.
    • Men are at risk more than women.
    • Can cause stroke, heart disease and liver damage.
    • Exercise is helpful in reducing blood pressure.
  • Diabetes/Hypoglycemia
    • Diabetes symptoms - frequent urination, thirst and tingling in toes and fingers.
    • Hypoglycemia symptoms - dizziness and nausea.
    • To reduce your risk for these diseases, you should avoid sugars and complex carbohydrates. Protein should be eaten along with any sugars.
  • Hearing Loss
    • Avoid loud music.
    • Use ear plugs when working in noisy area.
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD'S)
    • Growing problem in Utah County.
    • The best prevention is abstinence.
    • Condoms can help prevent the spread of some STD's.
    • If you have a partner that has had other partners, do not sleep with them until they get tested for STD's.

It is important to go see a health care provider if you notice any major changes in your health, activity or lifestyle.