Our brains have a normal decrease of serotonin levels in the Winter.  Serotonin is also known as our “happy hormone” giving us a feeling of wellbeing.  These lower levels can lead to SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as well as general “blues”.  JanFeb 2010 CMA Today has tips on avoiding the symptoms that can accompany a decrease in serotonin - fatigue, sadness, mood changes.

• Junk food can increase symptoms by affecting biochemicals in our body.  Eat Healthy!
• Being alone can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness.  Make dates with friends for get-togethers, call and/or email friends regularly.
• Exercise releases other feel- good hormones called endorphins.  Go to the gym, take a brisk walk, jump rope, dust off your Wii.  Get active to increase those hormones.

For people with SAD

• Use a light therapy box.  Many patients get relief from symptoms by using light therapy.  Thes boxes mimick sunlight and help increase serotonin in the brain.

JanFeb 2010 CMA Today reports on a study of vitamin D levels in increased risk of cardiovascular disease presented at the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Sessions.

This study followed 27,000 people over the age of 50 and found that those with low levels of vitamin D were 45% more likely to develop coronary artery disease and 77% more likely to die than those with adequate levels.

The study suggests that many Americans do not have adequate levels of vitamin D but could correct the problem by spending short amounts of time in direct sunlight as well as consuming foods high in vitamin D - like fish, egg yolk, and fortified milk.

A new year and a new semester has begun and I am resolving to do a better job of keeping this blog up to date!

The Washington Post (10/17) published an article reporting that a new more serious pattern if H1N1 cases are emerging.  The new picture shoes that the virus “could pose a greater threat to some young, otherwise vibrant people.”  the H1N1 flu “can cause life-threatening viral pneumonia mush more commonly than the typical flu…”. Also, “the pattern of people getting seriously ill is far different that in typical flu seasons…” with children, teenagers, pregnant women, and young adults being “the most common victims”.

This week is pre-registration advising week for spring semester registration.  All students should be in touch with their advisor to get advice about courses and the access code you will need for registration.  Registration begins on October 12th for students who have completed 30 or more credits.  Students with less than 30 credits completed, can register beginning October 14th.

We had information in the commons last week on the benefits of quiting smoking and helpful resources for the process.  Several reliable references cite the following benefits to quitting:

• After 20 minutes - Your blood pressure and heart rate drop to normal.
• After 8 hours - The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal and oxygen rises to normal.
• After 24 hours - Your chance of heart attack is lower.
• After 48 hours - Your sense of smell and taste improve.
• After 2 weeks to 3 months - Your blood flow improves, your lungs work up to 30% better, you catch colds and flu less often.
• After 1 to 9 months - You have less coughing and shortness of breath, and you have more energy.

• After 1 year:

1. You cut your risk of heart disease in half
2. You lower your risk of cancer and lung disease
3. You have fewer sick days and health problems
4. You reduce the cost of your auto, home, and life insurance.

• After 10 years:

1. Normal cells replace pre-cancerous cells
2. You greatly lower your risk of mouth, larynx, lung, and bladder cancer
3. Your risk of arterial disease is the same as if you had never smoked
4. You - and anyone who was exposed to your secondhand smoke - will have a longer life expectancy

Consider giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of being a non-smoker.  Talk with your doctor about how to successfully break the smoking habit.  You can also call QUITPLAN at 1-888-354-PLAN for free professional phone counseling.

According to the Sept/Oct 2009 edition of CMA Today , compression of the ulner nerve can occur with frequent cell phone use.  “Excessive bending at the elbow, which occurs when talking on the phone or even sleeping awkwardly, can compress the nerve.”  Compression of the nerve leads to numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand.  Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome can be alleviated by using a hands-free headset or changing your sleeping position.

We are back to school where illnesses can spread quickly. It is important to recognize flu symptoms

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• vomiting
• sometimes diarrhea

According to the CDC there are 3 catagories of actions that can help protect us from the flu:

#1: Time to get Vaccinated

• CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine
• Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of complications including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and people over 65 years old.
• Vaccination is also important for health care workers and people who live with or care for high risk people to prevent giving the flu to those at high risk.
• A new vaccine against the novel H1N1 is being produced and will be available in the coming months as an option for prevention - watch for more news about this vaccine.

#2 Take Everyday Preventive Actions.

• Cover your nose and mouth whith a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people if possible.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever reducing medicine). 
• Keep away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the infection.

#3 Take Flu Antiviral Drugs if Recommended

• If you get seasonal or novel H1N1 flu, there are antiviral drugs that can be used for treatment.
• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body.
• Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.  They can also prevent serious flu complications.
• Antiviral drugs are NOT sold over-the-counter and are different from antibiotics
• Antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms.

According to the CDC, there is a possibility that this flu season could be worse than usual because of the new H1N1 strain.  Each year in the U.S., on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from the seasonal flu.  This year we will have both the seasonal flu and H1N1.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.flu.gov

Applications for 2010 testing periods are now available on the AAMA web site.

• www.aama-ntl.org 

The application postmark deadline for “guaranteed” January 2010 testing start dates is September 1, 2009; however, to accommodate diverse back-to-school schedules we are extending the postmark deadline to September 20, 2009

I am busy getting ready for the start of the 2009- 2010 school year!  Students will begin classes next Monday, August 24th.  We have a new group of 34 students starting the first semester here on campus and a returning group of 11 coming back for the online hybrid program.  These 11 students will finish their coursework in December and be ready for their Practicum experience.

This is a very exciting time of year for us as we begin a new school year and meet a new group of students!