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March 9, 2010

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week – Gambling Support Groups

Filed under: Problem Gambling — Karen @ 11:02 AM

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling offers information and links for the 3 types of  gambling support groups.  Here is a snapshot of each section:

Gamblers Anonymous -

  • Questions and answers about Gamblers Anonymous.
  • 5 significant ways Gamblers Anonymous helps the compulsive gambler.
  • Resource Locator to find meetings in Nevada.
  • A link to GamblersAnonymous.com to find meetings in other states.

Gam-Anon-

  • What is Gam-Anon?
  • Letter from a Compulsive Gambler.
  • Resource Locator to find meetings in Nevada.
  • A link to Gam-Anon.org to find meetings in other states.

Professional Treatment-

  • Resource Locator, a searchable database containing current listings of  problem gambling treatment providers. 
  • Printable resource lists available for Nevada treatment professionals, and Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon meeting locations in Nevada.

ParentYourParents.com encourages anyone struggling with a gambling problem, as well as anyone who knows someone struggling with a gambling problem to visit the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling to find help.

March 8, 2010

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

Filed under: Problem Gambling — Karen @ 9:37 AM

In celebration of National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (March 7-13), ParentYourParents.com would like to recognize the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling.  Their mission is “to generate awareness, promote education and advocate for quality treatment of problem gambling in the State of Nevada.” 

When you visit their website, NevadaCouncil.org, you will find information on all aspects of Problem Gambling, including:

  • Understanding Problem Gambling
  • Available Help
  • Public Awareness
  • Education & Training
  • Nevada State Conference
  • National Problem Gambling Awareness Week
  • Books & Publications
  • Informacion En Espanol
  • Resource Locator

You can also learn more about the Nevada Council’s history and goals, as well as how to contact them for information.

If you, or someone you love is experiencing problems related to gambling, we encourage you to call the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700. 

ParentYourParents.com is proud to include the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling as one of our Service Orgs!

March 5, 2010

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Filed under: Problem Gambling — Karen @ 1:27 PM

Problem Gambling Awareness Week is March 7th  – 13th.   The purpose of this initiative is to bring awareness to the consequences of problem gambling and the resources available for help.  It is also a time to celebrate the men and women who are overcoming problem gambling and the problems associated with gambling behavior.

Did you know…

  1. Older adults are considered at increased risk due to factors unique to that population, such as loneliness, isolation, physical or mental illness.
  2. In one study of older adults, the most likely reported motivations to gamble were: relaxation, boredom, passing time, and getting away for the day (McNeilly & Burke, 2000)
  3. Compared to those older adults surveyed from senior centers, older adults surveyed from bingo events had greater gambling frequency and expenditures. (Ladd, Molina, Kerins, & Petry, 2003)
  4. Among adults over 65 years of age, gambling is the most frequently identified social activity. (McNeilly & Burke, 2001)
  5. Some older adults may have cognitive impairment that interferes with their ability to make sound decisions.
  6. Many older adults may not understand addiction, making them less likely to identify a gambling problem; additionally, older adults appear less willing to seek assistance for a gambling problem that younger adults.
  7. There is concern that gambling-related problems may be more difficult to identify because of increased isolation from co-workers, friends and family.

(statistics provided by National Problem Gambling Awareness Week website)

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is holding its 4Th Annual Nevada State Conference on Problem Gambling, March 25-26, 2010 at The Orleans Hotel – Las Vegas, NV.  Find out more info or register to attend.

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling has information and resources available to anyone struggling with gambling.  

“If you or someone you know is experiencing fear, frustration or anger due to a gambling problem, you are not alone. By reaching out to people who understand, you can find the help you need – without shame or fear of judgment.”

You can call them at 1-800-522-4700, or visit their Website.   They also have a page for Seniors & Gambling.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, gambling is all over.  Most people can gamble and not develop an addiction.  However, if you think you are having a problem with gambling, please get help.

March 4, 2010

Top 10 Reasons to Love Your Kidneys

Filed under: Kidney Disease — Karen @ 12:53 PM

The National Kidney Foundation would like to introduce you to two humble, hardworking organs: the Kidneys!  During National Kidney Month, the NKF wishes to raise awareness and appreciation for the vital functions that your kidneys perform by offering 10 reasons to love your kidneys and preserve kidney health:

  1. Filter 200 liters of blood a day, removing two liters of toxins, wastes and water.
  2. Regulate the body’s water balance.
  3. Regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels and making the hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.
  4. Support healthy bones and tissues by producing the active form of vitamin D.
  5. Produce the hormone that stimulates bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells.
  6. Keep blood minerals in balance.
  7. Keep electrolytes in balance
  8. Regulate blood acid levels
  9. Remove drugs from the blood
  10. Retrieve essential nutrients so that the body can reabsorb them

What’s not to love?  Kidneys are amazing and deserve to be taken care of, so love on your kidneys by learning more about them at The National Kidney Foundation.  

(Top 10 list provided by The National Kidney Foundation)

March 3, 2010

Kidney Disease – Part 2

Filed under: Diabetes, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease — Karen @ 10:50 AM

 

Do you know the warning signs of Kidney Disease?  Or how it is detected and treated? 

Major warning signs are:

  1. High blood pressure
  2. Blood and/or protein in the urine
  3. Decreasing GFR
  4. More frequent urination; pain or difficulty urinating
  5. Puffiness around eyes; swelling of hands and feet

Learn about Warning Signs, Symptoms, Detection and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease by reading Part 2 of our Kidney Disease article.

 You will also find out what GFR stands for! ;-)

March 2, 2010

March is National Kidney Month!

Filed under: Diabetes, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease — Karen @ 11:00 AM

March is National Kidney Month and ParentYourParents is exploring your kidneys and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Did you know that:

  1. 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
  2. High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and family history of kidney disease.
  3. African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
  4. Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
  5. High Blood Pressure (hypertension) causes CKD and CKD causes High Blood Pressure.
  6. Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
  7. Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

Learn about your Kidneys and Their Function, and Chronic Kidney Disease in Part 1 of our Kidney Disease article.

National Kidney Month

Happy National Kidney Month!

 

 

February 26, 2010

The Heart and Vascular Disease

Filed under: Heart Disease — Karen @ 11:45 AM

Vascular disease includes any condition that affects the circulatory system. As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels called the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins return it.

Vascular disease ranges from diseases of your arteries, veins, and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation. The following are conditions that fall under the category of vascular disease.

  • Peripheral Artery Disease
  • Aneurysm
  • Renal (Kidney) Artery Disease
  • Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Also Called Raynaud’s Disease or Raynaud’s Syndrome)
  • Buerger’s Disease
  • Peripheral Venous Disease
  • Varicose Veins
  • Blood Clots in the Veins
  • Blood Clotting Disorders
  • Lymphedema

    •  

    Learn about all of these conditions of Vascular Disease.

    February 25, 2010

    Life’s Simple 7- Step #7 Stop Smoking

    Filed under: Heart Disease — Karen @ 8:30 AM

    Impact of Smoking on Health

    Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis — the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries — which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Controlling or reversing atherosclerosis is an important part of preventing future heart attack or stroke.

    Why It’s Important to Quit

    Smoking by itself increases the risk of coronary heart disease. When it acts with the other factors, it greatly increases your risk from those factors, too. Smoking decreases your tolerance for physical activity and increases the tendency for blood to clot. It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol. Your risks increase greatly if you smoke and have a family history of heart disease. Smoking also creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysm. It increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery, too.

    Motivation and Support

    During the quitting process, people often slip and have a cigarette. It’s important not to feel like you failed at quitting; just give it another chance. If you need more support, look for quit-smokingprograms through hospitals and many states have hot-lines with trained staff to help you with quitting.

    Parents should talk to kids about cigarette smoking. Once cigarette smoking is initiated, it can be difficult to stop, even during adolescence.

    The American Heart Association offers help if you are ready to quit smoking.  You can download their “How Can I Quit Smoking”? document.  This information sheet discusses the effects of smoking cigarettes and answers the following questions regarding quitting:

    • Why should I quit smoking?
    • How do I quit?
    • What if I smoke after quitting?
    • What happens after I quit?

    Another program is Smokefree.gov which has an online quit guide and tools to help you quit.

    Of course there are many other programs that can help you kick the habit.  We suggest that you find one that appeals to you and get started!  Best of luck!

    February 24, 2010

    Heart Disease and Aortic Aneurysm

    Filed under: Heart Disease — Karen @ 9:31 AM

    An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery. Normally, the walls of arteries are thick and muscular, allowing them to withstand a large amount of pressure. Occasionally, however, a weak area develops in the wall of an artery. This allows the pressure within the artery to push outwards, creating a bulge or ballooned area called an “aneurysm.”

    Aneurysms can form in any blood vessel, but they occur most commonly in the aorta (aortic aneurysm). The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic aneurysms can occur in two main places:

    1. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in the part of the aorta that passes through the middle to low abdomen.
    2. Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur on the aorta as it passes through the chest cavity. These are less common than abdominal aneurysms.

    Learn more about Aortic Aneurysms, including their causes, symptoms, how they are diagnosed, and how they are treated.

    February 23, 2010

    Life’s Simple 7 – Step #6 Reduce Blood Sugar

    Filed under: Diabetes, Health/Nutrition/Fitness, Heart Disease — Karen @ 8:30 AM

    The American Heart Association considers diabetes one of the six major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In fact, adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes.

    Diabetes is treatable, but even when glucose levels are under control it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, most people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease.

    What Does this Mean?

    Diabetes can cause your blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into our bodies’ cells.

    Why is Reducing Blood Sugar So Important?

    Pre-diabetes and subsequent type 2 diabetes usually results from insulin resistance. When insulin resistance or diabetes occur with other CVD risk factors (such as obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and high triglycerides), the risk of heart disease and stroke rises even more.

    Controlling glucose can slow the progression of long-term complications. Often, many small changes add up to surprising improvements in diabetes control, including less need for medication.

    American Heart Association Guidelines

    When diabetes is detected, a doctor may prescribe changes in eating habits, weight control, exercise programs and medication to keep it in check. It’s critical for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups. Work closely with your health care provider to manage your diabetes and control any other risk factors. For example, blood pressure for people with diabetes should be lower than 130/80 mm Hg.

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