Last updated 6 months ago
National Health Education Week (NHEW) is an annual nationwide initiative that brings greater awareness to the American public regarding the importance of maintaining your health and wellbeing. Since 1995, NHEW has been educating individuals on specific areas of concern, and this year’s theme focuses on adolescent health. The following guidelines provide an outline of the topics that were covered during 2012’s National Health Education Week:
Good Nutrition
One key component to this year’s National Health Education Week was teaching the importance of good dietary practices. Studies show that over 12 million American children ages two to 19 are obese, putting them at risk for numerous health problems such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, unhealthy eating habits developed in childhood often carry over into adulthood; more than one-third of adult Americans are also obese. Therefore, for both your sake and that of your children, make implementing good nutritional guidelines a family priority.
Consistent Exercise
Another contributing factor of obesity is lack of physical activity. Instead of getting the recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, parents and their children watch television or play video games for hours at a time. However, regular physical activity isn’t a deterrent only to excessive weight. Healthcare providers stress the importance of exercise for cardiovascular health, orthopedic strength, respiratory wellbeing, mental vitality, and more.
Health-Conscious Habits
While eating right and exercising are two fundamental components of living a healthy lifestyle, they aren’t the only factors that play a role in maintaining your wellbeing. Avoiding detrimental habits such as smoking and excessive drinking also contributes to your general health. In addition, keep in mind that while teaching your children about the dangers that these behaviors hold is important, leading by example is the most effective way to ensure that they will steer clear of these bad habits.
Do you want to find out more about how you can become more proactive for your health? Then contact West Hills Hospital and Medical Center. Our Center for Fitness and Rehabilitation can help residents in the greater West Hills, California region learn about what to do to safeguard their wellbeing. Call us today at (818) 676-4321 to learn more.
Last updated 6 months ago
If you want to learn more about what it takes to stay healthy, West Hills Hospital & Medical Center can offer you the screenings and resources to help you better understand your own preventive care. Visit our website to see a list of our community classes and events or call our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (818) 676-4321 to learn more.
The Weight-Control Information Network details the different types of bariatric surgery.
Health Day in collaboration with the NIH offers some valuable information about the many benefits of weight loss surgery.
Check out this article from the CDC to learn about the danger of burn injuries in the home.
This factsheet from CPSC.gov can help you improve your home’s safety during the holidays.
Read these statistics reported by the American Heart Association to learn about the impact of heart disease and stroke on public health.
Last updated 6 months ago
Most of us know that smoking cigarettes is hazardous to the smoker's health. The connection between smoking and lung cancer has been well documented for years, but what many people don't realize is that smoking can also increase your risk of developing other types of cancer. In this video we discuss the connection between smoking and your risk of developing types of skin cancer. For more information, be sure to contact West Hills Hospital today at (818) 676-4321
Last updated 6 months ago
Obesity is a significant problem in American adults and children, and it can be a serious threat to an individual’s health. Weight loss surgery is one solution for obesity that has helped many people get back in control of their health, but it is not always the most appropriate method for dramatic weight loss. Below are some indicators that bariatric surgery is the best choice for you.
You have a BMI of 40 or higher
Bariatric surgery is a procedure reserved only for those considered morbidly obese, which means having a Body Mass Index above 40. Some people with a lower BMI in the range of 35-39 may be considered for surgery if pressing health issues like diabetes are present. BMI is a calculation that accounts for height and gender when considering the risks of an individual’s weight.
Other weight loss methods have failed
Those who do get bariatric surgery need to be committed to significant lifestyle changes that last for a lifetime. Therefore, they may have experience with other weight loss strategies that have failed after reasonable effort was put in. You should thoroughly discuss your weight loss efforts with your physician before considering surgery, as your doctor will be able to help you weigh the risks to decide if it’s the right option.
Obesity is damaging your health
Conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, anemia, and hypertension are common among those who get bariatric surgery. These conditions need to be controlled to prevent early fatality due to more serious problems, such as heart disease or stroke. If your health is in a more critical state, surgery may be too risky for you.
November is the perfect time to take bariatric surgery into consideration because it is American Diabetes Month. Start learning about your options to reduce your risk for diabetes and get your weight under control by attending a Weight Loss Surgery Support Group at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center. Sign up for this group and explore our other free health services on our website or by calling (818) 676-4321.
Last updated 6 months ago
Diabetes is not just a concern for blood sugar levels, as it is associated with many health complications that can be life threatening. This video discusses the serious risk of heart disease and stroke in patients with diabetes. In fact, patients with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than those without diabetes.
At West Hills Hospital & Medical Center, we are dedicated to helping the community stay healthy with classes and events for diabetes prevention and screening for heart disease and stroke risk factors. Learn more about these events and register yourself for them at our website or by calling (818) 676-4321.
