Health Care News

Tips for Healthcare Workers Wishing to Hone their Fitness

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

woman exercising By Lucy Peters

Compared to other professions, staff in some healthcare professions (for instance, nurses) have a six times higher prevalence of back pain. Tasks such as transferring patients and operating in awkward postures can cause lumbar tissue damage and back pain, but this is only one of many health risks associated with the health profession. Employees working in healthcare can also face high rates of stress and tiredness owing to factors such as long working hours, shift work, and working in times of risk (as is the case during the global health crisis). How can physical activity help quell stress and pain and reduce injury and how can healthcare workers ensure they get the recommended number of minutes of exercise per week?

Exercise Reduces Pain and Stress

As stated in a study by Ann-Kathrin Otto and colleagues, published in the journal BMJ, the efficiency of ergonomic training and exercise when it comes to reducing pain, is well-documented. Previous studies have shown that moderate exercises (including cardiovascular and stretching exercises) reduce musculoskeletal problems, boost muscular strength, and enhance cardiovascular fitness among nursing staff. Research published by the Mayo Clinic shows that employees in medical centers report high levels of stress. Of the many natural modes of quelling this stress, just a few found to be particularly effective include general physical activity, mindfulness-based activities such as yoga, and time spent in nature.

Exercise and the Immunity

A 2020 study by researchers at the University of Bath found that regular, daily exercise benefits one’s immunity, even during tough times. It helps the immune system “find and deal with pathogens, slowing down changes that happen to the immune system with aging.” Equally important is diet. Certain foods strengthen the immune system. These include healthy Omega-3 fats, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and probiotic and fermented foods. When you eat is equally important; the gut has a memory and when it is expecting food, it ramps up the activity of immune cells to attack incoming ‘bad bacteria’. Sticking to regular meal times ensures these cells are able to exercise their function.

Exercise at Work

Over 50% of employees report that they have little time to exercise because of their busy work and home lives. As stated in a recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, one solution is to include more activity at work. In one study, ‘treadmill workstations’ – in which employees were made to work while walking, significantly increased fitness levels and BMI measurements. Another study assigned participants a mandatory activity of middle-to-high intensity workouts for around 2.5 hours a week during work hours. These incentives clearly need to be offered and organized by work organizations, but what can you do if your place of work does not adopt programs that boost employee fitness?

Individual Efforts

The key to making the most of the little time you may have is to do as much as you can. Did you know that running for just 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of major depression by 26%? Official recommended guidelines stipulate that all individuals should complete at least half an hour of moderate intensity exercise every day. The good news is that these 30 minutes do not need to be continuous. That is, you can complete 10 minutes on your way to work, 10 minutes at lunchtime, and 10 minutes at the end of the day. You can also embrace activity in small but significant ways – including taking the stairs instead of the lift when you can. For extra health benefits, engage in vigorous activity (think cycling, jogging, or interval training) for half an hour at least three times a week. Vigorous exercise is particularly effective because it improves the efficiency of your heart and lungs, and more oxygen is delivered to your muscles.

Even if you are very inactive, becoming slightly more active can help you reap big benefits in terms of fitness and pain reduction. At the very least, aiming for around 30 minutes of moderate activity per day can help strengthen your cardiovascular system. So, too, can finding practical ways to be more active – including walking while working when possible, stretching throughout the day, and taking advantage of work breaks to be more active instead of taking a sedentary pause.

 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consultant Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals and Coronavirus Safety

Posted on by Mark Moran

Please note this article was written in 2020, the information is most likely out of date. The relevant link has been redirected to the CDC’s homepage on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Thank you.

AIHCP staff.

 

There seem to be multiple over-reactions and under-reactions to the Coronavirus, known as COVID-19.   On one side, we have individuals referring to it as a hoax and not lethal.  They site the common flu kills more people.  While this is true, it diminishes the reality of how dangerous the Coranavirus is.   Secondly, we have individuals from the other extreme, preparing for a zombie apocalypse buying out toilet paper, water and basic needs.

The Coronavirus is far more deadly than the average flu but it affects primarily the elderly at a 2.5 to 3 percent death rate. Please also review our Healthcare Certification programs

 

The reality while not as bleak as the Black Death of the Dark Ages is still one that should not be underestimated.  The Coronavirus unlike the common flu has a far more deadly death rate, ranging from 2% to 3.5%.   Furthermore, it has a more deadly affect on the elderly.  Those over 60 are at a far higher risk of serious illness and possible death.  Anyone over 70 to 90 faces a even more daunting illness.  While the common flu has killed more people, its death rate is .01% and has infected far more people.  If  the Coronavirus was able to run free and infect as many people, millions would die.

In retrospect, the 1920’s Spanish flu had a very similar death rate as Coronavirus and it infected over 500 million people, leaving millions dead.   It was also a respiratory disease but unlike Coronavirus killed people also in their prime.  The Spanish flu due to the time and medical advances as well as a killer of those in their prime was a far more terrifying flu than the present situation, yet if Coronavirus was allowed to spread like the Spanish flu, it would have a very similar death rate.  This is something that we cannot permit as a society.

In response, we see travel restrictions.  We see the suspensions of parades,  sport venues and concerts.  We see individuals practicing more caution with hand washing and masks.  This may have negative effects on the economy but life is more important than dollars.    Younger people need to realize that while the virus may effect them moderately,  barely or maybe not all, there are still potential health risks as with any illness and cases of severity differ among young adults.  They must also realize that spreading this virus to the elderly could be a death sentence to a parent or grand parent.

Unlike other flu, the Coronavirus has the ability to exist longer on flat surfaces for days instead of hours.  It hence is very contagious and can be spread very easily.  This is why it is so important for infected individuals to self quarantine and stop the spread of this illness.  It is also important for individuals to wash their hands for over 20 seconds with the appropriate disinfectant soaps that have over 60 percent concentration of alcohol.   Individuals need to wipe down counters, door knobs and steering wheels, as well as spray down certain areas of the home.  When out in public, they need to wipe down grocery carts and wash their hands immediately upon returning home.   Individuals must also keep unclean hands away from the face.

The article, “Steps to Prevent Illness on Coronavirus COVID-19” from the CDC gives clear and precise instructions on how to protect oneself and others from this virus.  It states,

“There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.  Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.”

The article lists a variety of ways to protect oneself with informative charts and ways to prevent its spread.  To review the article, please click here

In regards to symptoms, be on the look out for cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing.   The symptoms can vary in severity from age group or be dependent upon preexisting conditions.  Some may have a slight episode while others may require hospitalization.  With such a broad range of severity, one may wish to dismiss it but this would be a very dangerous attitude to employ considering the danger it can pose to others within the population.  Furthermore, equally frustrating is the fact symptoms do not appear for up to nine days but the person can still be contagious.

To stop this pandemic, it is important to not to over react or under react.  Appropriate response is necessary to avoid panic but also to stop its spread.  By applying the standards set by the CDC and not the opinions of arm chair disease control experts, this situation can eventually become resolved but it will involve temporary life style changes and self sacrifice.  This involves showing basic cold and flu courtesies while in public.  Coughing into a tissue or one’s elbow, keeping hands clean and avoiding close proximity with individuals is critical in addition to the further preventative measures of wiping things down and avoiding public settings.

Basic cold and flu courtesies may not be enough to stem the tide of this contagious virus. Some may have to pursue more diligent measures, such as masks.

 

Please also review the many certifications offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals for healthcare professionals and behavioral health professionals. AIHCP has a variety of Healthcare Certification Programs that are useful to expand upon nursing and behavioral health fields.  The programs are online and self paced independent study.  They are open enrollment and the courses that lead to certification offer to some CE earning potential.  If you meet the pre-requisites for the programs, then please review and see which ones can help enhance your career and academic and professional goals.

In the meantime, be safe and follow the proper procedures to protect thousands of others and yourself from the Coronavirus.

 

Nursing Certifications Article on Programs Offered by AIHCP

Posted on by Mark Moran

The field of nursing is a very diverse field.  While it is primarily thought of only a career of caring for patients in a hospital or primary practice, the opportunities go well beyond these basic nursing ideals.  With so many opportunities, nurses find themselves in a unique position to branch their careers beyond the basic and into multi disciplined practices that can enhance their patient care or put them in entirely different situations aside from patient care.

Nurses have numerous opportunities to diversify their career through nursing certifications and licenses

Nurses first of all can enhance their careers through licensed specialties.  Many of these specialties are licensed while some are only certified, but most require more advanced education that merely a RN license.  Nurses who look to pursue higher positions and better wages usually must pursue their Bachelors in Nursing, and in some cases, their Masters in Nursing.

Some specialties that require higher education include neonatal nursing, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist. Nurse practitioners in some states are able to even prescribe medication and see patients due to the high profile status of the position.  Most usually work within a primary care facility.  Nurse anesthetists are one of the highest paying nursing fields and deal with the administration of anesthesia. Nurse midwives deal with helping and aiding women through pregnancy. (1)

These positions increase annual wage considerably, with nurse practitioners earning over $100,000 a year and and nurse anesthetists earning over $160,000 a year. Nurse midwives earn slightly over $100,000 a year.   As one can see these positions considerably increase the annual pay but come with more intense training and patient care. (2)

In addition to these positions, there are also pediatric nurses who care for children, critical care and trauma nursing, and also various titles within the nurse practitioner field, involving geriatrics, as well as psychiatric health nurse practitioner.  Again all of these fields lead to far higher pay raises than the basic RN. (3)

Some positions do not require higher degrees but are merely certifications.  Certifications differ from licenses.  Certifications unlike licenses are not issued or regulated by the state but through an independent for profit or non profit professional organization.  Certifications are not mandatory to operate but are are voluntary awards from a third party reputable organization that can verify a person’s excellence and knowledge within a certain discipline.  Many healthcare professionals as well as nurses seek to utilize certifications as a way to validate their career and help them find a particular niche.  The certifications are sometimes required by employers and help advance many nurses into specialized non licensed fields.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals has sought to meet this certification demand, as well as CE demand of nurses by offering certification programs particularly designed for nurses.  The programs are all online and for some nurses in various states, not only offer a certification, but also offer CE hours through the required courses to attain certification.  The certifications are all four years and are renewable after that period.  The courses to achieve certification are all online and independent study.   This formula is beneficial to the working professional and affords them the necessary freedom and time to concentrate on their career while also completing course work towards their certification.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers a wide variety of nursing certifications that do not require license. These programs are open to registered nurses.  While an undergraduate is always preferred, one can enter these courses with only an RN license and achieve a professional certification that can serve them in their career.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers a variety of healthcare and nursing certifications that can help enhance any nursing career

One of the most popular certification programs is the Healthcare Case Management Program.  Consisting of five core courses, the nurse can complete this program easily within a few months if preferred and be able to operate in the field of Case Manager.  As a Case Manager, the nurse will be able to coordinate patient information with various branches of care and also ensure that proper care in and after treatment is given to the patient.

Another popular program is the Legal Nurse Consulting Program.  This program helps nurses learn how to take their bedside skills to the courtroom.  In doing so, the nurse is able to combine medical procedural knowledge with legal case law and become an important party in legal malpractice cases, helping either the patient or defending the healthcare provider.   The Legal Nurse Consultant is sometimes part of a legal team and offers expert testimony or behind the scenes with the legal team.

One program that is gaining more popularity is Forensic Nursing.  This certified field trains nurses to deal with cases of rape and other crimes.  The Forensic Nurse is able to aid the police and other law enforcement agencies in identifying key evidence in prosecuting criminals.

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals also offers a certification in Nurse Patient Educator. As a Nurse Patient Educator, a nurse is able to better educate patients about their diagnosis and also guide them through their treatment plans.  In many ways, they can also ease the fears of many patients through education on what they are facing and what to expect.  Numerous hospitals find this role to be very valuable in patient relations and also in follow up care.

Another program that is also growing popularity is Holistic Integrative Care Specialist.  As a Holistic Nurse, one is able to guide patients with other alternative and holistic healing methods, while ensuring these methods do not interfere with any conventional medications the patient may be using.  It is very dangerous for a person to pursue alternative methods without first consulting with a healthcare professional who understands both Eastern and Western medications.  The Certified Holistic Nurse meets those needs.

Finally, The American Institute of Health Care Professionals has created its newest certification, the Healthcare Manager Certification for nurses.  This program is designed for nurses who are seeking to become managers within their department.  This program prepares them to enter into management and how to lead departments to success.  This should not be confused with an healthcare executive position, but is only a healthcare manager position.  With so much competition for advancement within the healthcare ladder, sometimes a certification in Healthcare Management can be the difference between one candidate and another in advancement.

With so many certifications offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, nurses have many different opportunities to diversify and enhance their careers

As one can see, healthcare professionals in nursing have an array of options to diversify their career and also earn thousands more.  Through higher education, licenses, and in some cases, certifications as well, nurses can diversify and earn more than their basic base salary and duties offer.  In seeing this, the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, has in the last 20 years answered that call and certified thousands into these fields.

If you would like to learn more about the nursing certifications offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, then please review our programs and see if they match your academic and professional goals.

 

Resources

  1. https://nursejournal.org/community/20-best-nursing-career-specialties-for-the-future/
  2. https://www.ameritech.edu/blog/highest-paying-nursing-specialties/

 

Healthcare Case Management Article on Health Insurance Costs

Posted on by Mark Moran

Health Insurance can be expensive.  Families spend millions each year in America on health insurance.

Cost of health insurance for a family is a big concern. Please also review our Healthcare Case Management program

The article, “Here’s how much a family with good health insurance spent last year” Megan Cerullo looks at annual averages for families and how much they pay.

The article states,

“The millions of Americans who have health insurance through their jobs are often viewed as fortunate, shielded from soaring medical costs as well as financial calamity if serious illness strikes. But the cost of those undeniable benefits is climbing—and fast.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Health insurance is a big issue for many families.  It dominates elections and is a pivotal issue.  How much a family pays is a big issue.  Please also review our Healthcare certifications especially in Healthcare Case Management and see if it meets your academic and professional needs.

Healthcare Nursing Certifications Article on Treating Illegals

Posted on by Mark Moran

Good article for healthcare professionals regarding the care of illegal immigrants by physicians.   All humans deserve respect and dignity in their care and even though undocumented, immigrants still need a standard of excellence in their care.   How to go about this is addressed in this article.

How should healthcare providers treat and deal with undocumented immigrants? Please also review our healthcare nursing certifications
How should healthcare providers treat and deal with undocumented immigrants? Please also review our healthcare nursing certifications

The article, “How can physicians care, and advocate for, undocumented immigrants?”  from the American Medical Association states,

“About 11 million undocumented people are living in the U.S. today. This is one of the country’s most vulnerable populations because they frequently do not have access to health insurance and can be afraid to present for care.  Physicians should understand the ethical issues that arise when supporting and caring for undocumented immigrants, refugees and asylees. Just as important, physicians and other health professionals should be aware of how to advocate for these patients, including through self-education, education of trainees, in the exam room and on Capitol Hill.”

To read the entire article, please click here

With the issue of illegal immigration being center stage in our nation, this will continue to be a subject in the healthcare sector.  It is important that healthcare providers are up to date on their legal and ethical obligations.   Please also review our Healthcare Nursing Certifications offered at AIHCP.  The programs range from Nursing Case Management to Legal Nurse Consulting.

 

Healthcare Nursing Certifications Article on Nurse Practitioners and Their Role

Posted on by Mark Moran

A licensed Nurse Practitioner plays an important role between that of a simply nurse and a doctor.  The Nurse Practitioner is able in some states to prescribe and treat while in other states, is able to work in conjunction with a doctor.   This article looks at the opportunities for Nurse Practitioners.

A nurse practitioner plays an important role in modern healthcare. Please also review our healthcare nursing certifications
A nurse practitioner plays an important role in modern healthcare. Please also review our healthcare nursing certifications

The article,  “Nurse practitioners can make a difference patient by patient” by Joyce Knestrick states.,

 

“Nurse practitioners’ model of care focuses on the patient, family and community. To put the patient as the center of care, there needs to be involvement of the patient and family, which sometimes involves members of the community. They all bring personal knowledge and information to the treatment plan equation.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s healthcare nursing certifications and see if they match your professional and academic goals.

 

Career Nurses: How to Advance Your Healthcare Career

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Career Nurses: How to Advance Your Healthcare Career

 

Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding career for thousands of individuals across the country. Many seek to advance their careers to a higher level in healthcare, whether that be in the field of nurse management or elsewhere. If you’re a career-minded nursing professional and seek a higher calling, use the following tips to help you advance your nursing career:

Advance your Education

Like any profession, education is often the key to success. For the nursing field, if you started out with an Associate degree, go back to school for your Bachelor’s degree. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, look into getting a health care law degree online. Your current employer might offer tuition incentives for those seeking a higher education.

Once you’ve obtained an advanced degree, you’ll be able to move into a management or administrative level position

Seek Different Certifications

Medical and healthcare employers are always looking for nurses who have obtained various specialized certifications. Some popular certifications include dialysis treatment, MDS (coding and billing), phlebotomy and more. There are over 26 different certifications that are available for nurses who are looking to advance their careers.

Nurses who have recently graduated from school normally choose a specialty and seek an entry level position within a hospital, nursing home or medical clinic.

Look for a Mentor

Mentors can be great for helping aspiring nurses advance their careers. The best mentors will have years of experience as a manager or director, and can meet with you on a regular basis to discuss issues within the workplace and offer hands on training in management areas, if necessary.

Many employers offer mentorship programs that can lead directly to a promotion if the nurse successfully completes the program.

Grow your Network

Like any other career field, nurses must always focus on growing their network of healthcare professionals. Connect with other nurses online, stay in touch with classmates from college, and mingle with people at work. Personal networking can lead to numerous potential opportunities in specialty areas and in management.

The road to becoming a nurse is not an easy one. Those who successfully complete their college education and on-the-job training have a rewarding career to look forward to. Those who put in the extra time and effort into professional development will give themselves the opportunity to enjoy higher salaries and a fruitful career in nursing or healthcare management.

 

About the Author

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball.

 

 

You can also diversify your nursing career with a variety of healthcare certifications for nurses.

Please review the programs at AIHCP

Nursing Patient Education News – Tracking Medical Records

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Delicate Info: How Can Patients Track Their Medical Records for Better Health?

By – Rachelle Wilber 

Topic – Nursing Patient Education

Doctors usually have too many patients to keep a close eye on any individual’s medical records over time. Rather than relying on your doctor to track your records for better health, you can do it yourself. These four options provide you with different solutions to tracking your medical records and improving your overall health.

Personal Health Binders

Setting up your own personal health binder is a simple process and does not require the use of any technology. Choose a sturdy, three-ringed binder and label it with a title such as “health records.” You can use dividers to separate the binder’s contents into sections, such as procedures, tests and general checkups. When you visit the doctor, ask the office staff to print out your visit summaries and lab test results. Use a three-hole puncher to make holes into the left side of the printouts. Insert your printouts into the binder as desired. When you want to track your medical records, just refer to your binder. This is a helpful solution if you have different doctors that are not connected to each other through an electronic network or if you prefer to bring your medical history with you to your medical exams.

Patient Access Portals

Many medical provider networks offer electronic patient access portals. With portal access, you can log into your account and track each visit’s procedures and diagnoses. These portals also feature sections for your laboratory test results and your active prescriptions. This allows you to track you results over time and get a picture of your overall health. The portal access is encrypted to protect your confidential information. Many electronic portal services allow you to check on the date of your next appointment, send your doctor a message or request a prescription refill.

Using Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program that can be used on your home computer to track your medical records. You can use Excel to sort rows and columns, create charts and develop graphs to monitor your health situation. For example, if you are diabetic and check your A1C and daily blood sugar level results, you can monitor your test results over time. Microsoft Excel reporting tools can also be used for health record reporting. Physicians and office staff may use Excel to monitor symptoms and implement a watchful waiting or treatment program for you. Excel is also used in infectious disease reporting, such as if a patient develops a case of whooping cough, which is reportable to most local and state health departments. If you are skilled in data analysis, you can export Microsoft Excel spreadsheets in a .CSV format or a comma delimited format for in-depth analysis of your health.

Google Drive

Google Drive is free software that is accessible through the cloud. You can access it at any time by setting up your own Google account. It connects your email, a calendar, spreadsheets, word processing and other programs. With Google Drive, you can track your medical records by implementing your own spreadsheet. It allows you to perform basic calculations and sort by rows or columns in order to track your test results and visits. You can link the different parts of Google Drive together, such as updating your calendar with the next appointment and having it email you a reminder. There are storage limitations to Google Drive and its spreadsheet system is not as powerful as Microsoft Excel.

These four health-tracking solutions allow you to look in-depth at your health and take action for improvements. You can also use them to get an overview of your medical care. Consider using these systems to track the health of each person in your household.

 

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

How to Make Sure You’re in Good Hands Before Going Into Surgery

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Even with some amazing breakthroughs in the healthcare industry, going into surgery can be quite stressful for patients. Many are unsure of what they can do to find the best surgical team or prepare themselves for the physical stress of a medical procedure. Whether you are getting ready for a life-altering operation or recently decided to take a look at your options for plastic surgery, here are a few tips that you can use to make sure you are in good hands.

Start with Referrals and Reviews

The easiest way to begin this process is to start asking for referrals and taking a look at online reviews. While you don’t want to choose a surgeon based entirely on reviews and referrals, they should help you narrow your options down. One of the best people to ask about medical specialists is your primary doctor. These individuals know the most about your general health, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Take a Look at Their History

After you have narrowed your choices to a few surgeons or medical centers, you can then begin researching them individually. The most important information you are looking for is how often they have carried out your particular surgery. You want to have a surgical team that is extremely familiar with your operation. They don’t need to focus on your type of procedure exclusively, but they should be carrying it out at least a few times every year.

Interviewing the Surgeon

Before having any procedure carried out, patients have the right to speak with the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. In addition to asking them about their experience, you should also inquire about the state of their facility. Their medical center should have cutting-edge safety features, such as smoke evacuation machines and an on-site emergency support space (ESS). Depending on your insurance and what type of procedure is being carried out, these initial consultation might be covered by your policy. Patients who would like to make these consultations easier can write down their questions beforehand. With the questions written down, you can be sure that you do not miss any key points.

Pre-Op Instructions

Your surgical team should supply you with a full set of instructions for before and after your procedure. These instructions often include basic information such as what to wear and when you need to stop eating. There should also be suggestions on how you can prepare your home so that you remain as comfortable as possible during your recovery. If the instructions are unclear, then you should schedule another consultation with the surgeon to clarify the information. Even though every procedure is slightly different, you will also be given a basic timeline to follow during your recovery. That includes when you can begin bathing, exercising, and working.

A Second Opinion

Patients have the option to get a second opinion before any procedure is carried out. No matter how experienced your surgeon might be, it doesn’t take much for them to overlook small details regarding your medical history or overall health. As a general rule, patients should always seek out a second opinion if they have been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. You might also want to consider seeing another doctor if your original surgeon has suggested a major procedure for a medical issue that is not an emergency.

When it comes to invasive medical procedures, it is always better to err on the side of caution. All patients should feel completely confident that they are in good hands before, during, and after their operations.

 

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.

 

If you would like to learn more about healthcare certifications then please review our programs

Restless Nights: How Your Sleep Apnea Affects Your Overall Health

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

There are many things that can impact your sleep from your position throughout the night to whether you sleep a full 8 hours. Sleep apnea has an impact on more than sleep patterns, though. It actually can have a very negative affect on your health. The following ways are just a few examples of that.

High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea causes a person to wake continuously throughout the night, which results in less restorative sleep. Due to this, the body can become stressed and that causes blood pressure levels to become elevated. When you can’t breathe, the level of oxygen in the blood can drop, which is also a serious problem that impacts blood pressure.

Depression

Lack of sleep can create irritability, frustration and crankiness that can turn into depression in the long term. When a person never gets a good night’s sleep, it takes a toll on their mental health. They’re always fatigued and sleepy. This leads to a sense of unhappiness and an impact on their sense of well-being.

Heart Disease

The stress of not getting a full night’s sleep combined with low oxygen levels throughout the night can make it hard for the heart to work properly. It impacts how the blood flows through the arteries as well as the brain and heart. This sleeping disorder can put undue pressure on the circulatory system of the body as well as other problems with the heart and brain.

Dental Health

Part of sleep apnea can involve teeth grinding throughout the night. This can have a serious impact on a person’s dental health. It can lead to broken teeth, clenched jaw pain and pain when chewing. Mitcham Dental Clinic and other dentistry services can treat the results of sleep apnea as it impacts your dental health. You might even be able to get a night guard to help decrease the impact of grinding on your teeth.

Greater Risk of Sickness

A person with sleep apnea has a greater risk of becoming sick. This is because they’re not getting enough sleep, which causes the body to become tired and unable to effectively fight off germs. This leads to many colds as well as an overall sense of fatigue. Sleep is a restorative process, but when it’s not complete, it can lead to greater problems.

Sleep apnea may be a sleeping disorder, but it has a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life as well as their overall health. People with sleep apnea are prone to more colds, circulatory issues, high blood pressure, diabetes and weight issues. It can have a serious impact on their dental health as well, which can often be surprising to sleep apnea sufferers. Seeing a doctor as well as a dentist is recommended.

 

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She graduated from the University of California-Sacramento with a degree in Journalism.

 

 

Please also review our certifications for healthcare professionals.

Our programs help qualified professionals diversify their career.