| Health Bytes
By Joan Wiseman, R.N., B.S.N.
Health and Wellness Coordinator
General Council of the Assemblies of God
Didja Know?
Approximately 3 million people are allergic to nuts. Peanuts
and walnuts are the most likely to cause problems. Symptoms may
be anything from itching of the mouth, hives, wheezing, respiratory
difficulty to anaphylactic shock, which, if not treated appropriately
leads to death. To the severely allergic even minute amounts of
nuts found in cookies or other foods can cause an allergic reaction.
Live Longer
If all major forms of heart and blood vessel disease were eliminated,
U.S. life expectancy would rise by almost seven years and the nations
would be more that $300 billion richer!
Source: American Heart Association's 2000
Heart & Stroke Statistical Update.
Smile
It takes 43 face muscles to frown and only 15 to smile. Give
your face a rest and smile!
Take Five
It is recommended that people should eat 5-9 servings of fruit
and vegetables per day, however, most people eat only an average
of 3 serving per day. You may increase your fruit and vegetable
intake by adding fruit to your cereal in the morning, snack fruits
or raw vegetables instead of chips, add extra vegetables to casseroles,
or serve fruit as the dessert.
Bike Safety
Wearing a bike helmet can reduce your chances of suffering
a head injury by 85%. This only works if you wear your helmet instead
of storing it on a shelf at home.
Lyme Disease
The deer tick carries many diseases including Lyme disease.
Avoiding tick bites is the best prevention for the disease. Ways
to avoid tick bites are:
- Keep your lawn short and shrubs trimmed.
- When in the woods or in long grass wear a hat, a long sleeved
shirt, and pants tucked in your socks. Wear light colored clothing.
- Spray clothing with a product containing permethrin, which will
kill the ticks. (Don't spray permethrin on the skin.)
- Check twice or three times a day for ticks on the body
- Products containing DEET may be used on the skin. These products
should not be used on the face.
Note: DEET products should not be
used on children without consulting their physician.
The tick must be imbedded in the skin for a day
or two to transmit the disease. Checking for ticks frequently and
immediately removing ticks will prevent transmission of the disease.
Check our site regularly for health-related advice.
Joan will offer helpful suggestions on a regular basis to assist
Royal Ranger leaders in the health and safety of our boys for the
classroom, the outdoors, and camping events.
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