Panic Attacks

Panic disorder is different from the normal fear and anxiety reactions to stressful events in our lives. Panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning. Symptoms of panic disorder include sudden attacks of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart. During a panic attack, the fear response is out of proportion for the situation, which often is not threatening. Over time, a person with panic disorder develops a constant fear of having another panic attack, which can affect daily functioning and general quality of life.

Panic disorder often occurs along with other serious conditions, such as depression, alcoholism, or drug abuse.

What are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?

Symptoms of a panic attack, which often last about 10 minutes, include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pounding heart or chest pain
• Intense feeling of terror
• Sensation of choking or smothering
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Trembling or shaking
• Sweating
• Nausea or stomachache
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes
• Chills or hot flashes
• A fear that you are losing control or are about to die

Beyond the panic attacks themselves, a key symptom of panic disorder is the persistent fear of having future panic attacks. The fear of these attacks can cause the person to avoid places and situations where an attack has occurred or where they believe an attack may occur. 

What Causes Panic Disorder?

Although the exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, studies have shown that a combination of factors, including biological and environmental, may be involved. These factors include: 

• Family history. Panic disorder has been shown to run in families. It may be passes on to some people by one or both parent(s) much like hair or eye color can.
• Abnormalities in the brain. Panic disorder may be caused by problems in parts of the brain.
• Substance abuse. Abuse of drugs and alcohol can contribute to panic disorder.
• Major life stresses. Stressful events and major life transitions, such as the death of a loved one, can trigger a panic disorder. 

How Common is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million adult Americans. Panic disorder most often begins during late adolescence and early adulthood. It is twice as common in women as in men.

How is Panic Disorder diagnosed?

If symptoms of panic disorder are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation oby performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose panic disorder, the doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

If no illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specifically designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for panic disorder. 

The doctor bases his or diagnosis on reported intensity and duration of symptoms, including the frequency of panic attacks, and the doctor's observation of the patient's attitude and behavior.

Source: www.anxietypanic.com

Courtesy of Wellness Proposals

If you are experiencing panic disorder symptoms, please speak with your primary care provider to discuss treatment options. Our providers at Advanced Healthcare Center are available to assist you if needed. We can be reached at 912-427-8433.

Stress Awareness

Americans are known for placing great emphasis on work and career. Working hard, however, should not be confused with overworking at the expense of relationships and physical health. According to a 2007 nationwide poll by the American Psychological Association (APA), three-quarters of Americans list work as a significant source of stress, which over half of those surveyed indicating that their work productivity suffered due to stress. Furthermore, almost half stated that they did not use their allotted vacation time and even considered looking for a new job because of stress. Job stress is also a concern for employers, costing U.S. businesses an estimated $300 billion per year through absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover and direct medical, legal and insurance fees.

Stress can significantly affect physical health. The APA survey found three quarters of people have experienced physical symptoms as a result of stress, such as headache, fatigue, and an upset stomach in combination with feelings of irritability, anger, nervousness, and lack of motivation. 

The stress people are experiencing comes, in part, from the pressures of today's connected world. Because of email, cell phones, and the internet, Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to switch off from the stresses of the workplace and concentrate on their personal priorities - over half of respondents said that job demands interfered with family or home responsibilities.

Increased stress can lead to using unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, comfort eating, poor diet choices, inactivity and drinking alcohol to manage their stress. APA warns that reliance on such behavior can lead to long-term, serious health problems and offers these strategies for managing your work-related stress:

• Know yourself. Be aware of your stress level and know what stresses you out. People experience stress in different ways. You may have a hard time concentrating or making decisions, feel angry, irritable or out of control, or experience headaches, muscle tension or a lack of energy.

• Recognize how you deal with stress. Do you engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking or eating poorly to cope with your stress? Do you lose patience with your children or spouse or coworkers when you feel overwhelmed by work pressures?

• Turn off and tune in. Communication technology can take you to productivity heights never imagines, but it can also allow work to creep into family time, dinner and vacations... Let technology be a tool that works for you, rather than the other way around.

• Keep a "To-Do" list. Worried that you'll forget something important? Constantly thinking through all the things yo need to get done? Clear your head and put those thoughts on paper (or in an electronic task list) by creating a list of work and personal tasks and marking those with the highest priority.

• Take short breaks. Stay energized and productive by taking a minute or two periodically throughout the day to stand up, stretch, breathe deeply and shake off the accumulating tension. Take a 10 - 15 minute break every few hours to recharge and avoid the temptation to work through lunch. The productivity you gain will more than make up for the time you spend on break. 

• Find healthy ways to manage stress. Work to replace unhealthy coping strategies, such as eating junk food, smoking or drinking alcohol with healthy behaviors like exercise, meditation, or talking with friends and family. Some behaviors are very difficult to change and may require the help of a licensed professional such as a psychologist. 

• Take care of yourself. Eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and engage in regular physical activity. Take regular vacations. No matter how hectic life gets, make time for yourself, even if it's just simple things like reading a good book, listening to your favorite album, or enjoying a leisurely Sunday brunch at your favorite cafe.

• Ask for professional support. Accepting help from supportive friends and family can improve your ability to manage stress. Your employer may also have stress management resources available through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including online information, available counseling and referral to mental health professionals, if needed. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by work stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help yo better manage stress and change unhealthy behavior. 

Source: www.apa.org
Courtesy of Wellness Proposals

If you feel overwhelmed by stress and are experiencing side effects from a high stress lifestyle, speak with your healthcare provider about what options are available to you. Acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and exercise have all shown to reduce how a person's body responds to stress and can provide coping tools.  Advanced Healthcare & Spine Center provides medical services, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Call our office at 912-427-8433 to find out how we can help you.

Nuts about... nuts! Part 3

Savor the Flavor

Nuts are high in fat, but the fat in most nuts is healthy, monounsaturated fat, which can help lower blood cholesterol. Good sources of monounsaturated fats include peanuts, pecans, walnuts, and almonds.

 

In addition, research studies have shown that many different nuts are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer and elevated blood pressure.

 

Nuts also provide protein, carbohydrates, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

 

But wait, there's more. New research shows that eating plans that include nuts are more satisfying, leading people to eat less and control their weight. So enjoy nuts in your eating plan. They key is watching your serving sizes.

Produced by ADA's PR Team www.eatright.org
Presented by www.wellnessproposals.com

Nuts about... nuts! Part 2

 

Nuts = Weight Loss?

Despite nuts being high in fat and calories, new research indicates that nuts can also aid in weight loss.

 

Researchers at Purdue University have found that adding almonds to a calorie-controlled eating plan can assist in weight loss. Although the study was short-term and small in sample size, it does demonstrate that people were able to eat nuts and control or lose weight.

 

How? The mechanism is still unclear, but the researchers think that the fat content in nuts may promote satiety, the feeling that you're full, or the protein in nuts may burn more calories during digestion.

 

Nuts are high in calories but are also cholesterol-free and they provide good sources of protein, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamin E and selenium. In small portions, nuts can be a healthful food choice.

Produced by ADA's PR Team www.eatright.org
Presented by www.wellnessproposals.com

Nuts about... nuts! Part 1

 

Nuts to you!

Just a small handful of nuts is packed with protein, other nutrients, fiber and health-protective plant substances. Stick to a small serving so calories don't add up. In fact, 1 1/2 ounces of nuts a day may reduce your chance of heart disease if the saturated fats and cholesterol in your food choices are low!

 

Different nuts have different benefits: almonds for the most fiber, almonds and hazelnuts for the most vitamin E (an antioxidant), pecans for more cancer-fighting ellagic acid, Brazil nuts for more selenium (another antioxidant), cashews and pistachios for more potassium, walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids. Many nuts also have phytic acid, which may reduce cancer risk and help control blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.

 

Wonder about the fat? It's mostly monounsaturated - the kind that doesn't raise your blood cholesterol. And nuts are  cholesterol-free too.

 

Pick an easy nutritious culinary idea today.

Produced by ADA's PR Team www.eatright.org
Presented by www.wellnessproposals.com

Foods To Avoid For People With IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is a digestive condition characterized by chronic stomach pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation. It's estimated that upwards of 15% of the United States suffers from IBS, many of whom do not even realize it. While there's no known cure for IBS, individuals can prevent symptoms from occurring by avoiding the consumption of certain foods. 

Brussels Sprouts

Although they are loaded in beneficial nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, manganese and fiber, brussels sprouts should be avoided by people with IBS. This fun-sized vegetable can worsen the symptoms of IBS by promoting excess gas and abdominal pain. While each and every case of IBS is unique, most people report adverse symptoms after consuming Brussels sprouts.

Broccoli

Another food that you should avoid is broccoli. This crunchy, stalky vegetable is high in fiber and it promotes gas - two elements that can worsen IBS symptoms. It's important to note, however, that cooking broccoli may eliminate some or all of its negative effects. So if raw, uncooked  broccoli triggers a bout of IBS, try steaming or sauteing it. Doing so may allow you to reap the nutritional benefits of this vegetable without irritating your digestive system.

The truth is taht any high fiber vegetable may cause digestive issues in people with IBS, so don't assume that broccoli and brussels sprouts are the only culprits.

Milk

You may want to think twice before eating a milk filled bowl of cereal for breakfast in the morning, as it can worsen IBS symptoms. Normally, the small intestines do a pretty good job of breaking down lactose. If there is not enough enzymes to perform this operation, however, some of it will travel to the large intestine where it ferments. Not only will this cause gas, but it can also cause bloating, cramps, spasms, and diarrhea.

Beans

It should come as no surprise that beans is on our list of foods for IBS sufferers to avoid. Beans (legumes) contain a special type of sugar known as oligosaccharide, which the body is unable to break down. Since they aren't broken down in the same manner as other sugars, oligosaccharides pass through the small and large intestines, at which point bacteria converts them to gas. 

Breakthrough For Back Pain Relief