Cholester-uh oh!

Posted by getPHYT in Nutrition and tagged with , , , ,

Cholesterol? Isn’t that something only my parents worry about? Actually, if your family has a history of cholesterol problems you may have to worry too. The CDC recommends preventative blood cholesterol screenings in young teens who are at high risk of developing heart disease; those who smoke, are obese, have diabetes and a family history of heart disease. If you have high cholesterol your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes and medication to lower your levels.

There are two sources of cholesterol in our bodies. The first source is our bodies themselves. Your genes and family history determine how much it makes of the good and the bad cholesterol.  The second source is the foods we eat.

Cholesterol in your body

Seventy five percent of the cholesterol in your body is made by your body, mainly by your liver and other cells. Your genes decide how much of the good and the bad cholesterol your body will make. The bad cholesterol is called Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Too much LDL can build up in your arteries and create something called “plaque,” a thick, hard deposit that restricts blood flow; this condition is known as arteriosclerosis. The danger of arteriosclerosis is that it can cause a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) the “good” cholesterol (think “hero” for “H” to remember the difference between the two) moves the bad LDL cholesterol out of arteries to the liver where it can be excreted from the body. Still a little confused? Check out this animation by the American Heart Association

Checkpoints:

  • Too much LDL cholesterol in your body is bad because it can lead to heart disease, stroke and heart attack.
  • Your body itself, influenced by your family genetics, determines how much of the bad and the good cholesterol your body will make.

Dietary cholesterol

Photo by Luke Yu

Photo by Luke Yu

About 25% of the cholesterol found in your body comes from the food you eat. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 300mg of dietary cholesterol daily. If you’re like me and enjoy starting off your day with eggs you should know that 1 egg has 186mg of cholesterol. What the yolk?! So if you’re getting a “2 over easy egg special”, know that you are consuming above the recommended intake of dietary cholesterol. Now don’t run to the fridge and begin chucking eggs yet. Eating those two eggs aren’t going to go straight to your arteries.  It depends on your body (think genes) how much of that dietary cholesterol will actually raise the bad LDL cholesterol in your body. Also, there is an easy solution to get rid of cholesterol in eggs:  just eat the egg whites. The egg yolk, the yellow stuff, is where all the cholesterol is found. Don’t know how to separate an egg yolk? Here’s a creative instructional video how: How to Separate Egg Yolk From Egg White? 

What can I do?

To maintain a healthy heart, you should make sure you are eating a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and limited amounts of trans fats, saturated fats and dietary cholesterol. Fruits, veggies and whole grains have fiber, which aid in the prevention of cholesterol building up in your body.

Remember fats? If you don’t, read up on them here: Reading a Nutrition Label:  Part II. Trans fats, the worst fat for you are bad for two reasons; they raise your LDL and lower your HDL at the same time. Saturated fats are also bad for you for similar reasons. If you are concerned about cholesterol levels in your body you should stay away from trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol. It is the combination of the three that affects your heart health the most.

Image Source: Gag Cartoons

Quiz:

1)     Dietary cholesterol is the only thing that raises cholesterol levels in my body.

False! Only about 30% of people’s cholesterol levels are affected by the levels of dietary cholesterol they eat. Remember! Your body itself, influenced by your family genetics, determines how much good and bad cholesterol your body will make.

2)     If I eat eggs I am more likely to have a stroke or develop heart disease.

False! Although 1 egg has around 180-200mg of dietary cholesterol, studies show that eating eggs daily did not elevate risks of heart disease or stroke.  

3)     Cholesterol is found only in animal products

True

4)     I am worried about my cholesterol; I only need to worry about dietary cholesterol on the nutrition label.

False! Trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol together are all important to look at.

For more information on cholesterol and heart disease, check out the American Heart Association.

By HEATHER KOWALSKI

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6 Degrees of Herpes

Posted by getPHYT in Reproductive & Sexual Health and tagged with , , ,

Image Source: Quick Blog Cast

Have you heard of the 6 Degrees of Separation theory? Everyone in the world is separated from everyone else by six links. For example, I am indirectly BFF’s with at least one of last night’s Oscar winners. How? I have a friend who’s an assistant at a film company. Her supervisor’s boss is friends with the director of one of the movies featuring an Oscar winner (I think). And the director is great friends with at least one of the Oscar winners. Make sense? Hopefully your answer is YES.

Now, have you heard of the 6 Degrees of Herpes theory? Probably not, because I just made it up. Theoretically, you know someone who knows someone (times 5) that has genital herpes. While my theory may not be scientific, here’s something that is: In the United States, about one out of six people, aged 14 to 49 years, have genital herpes. So it really is possible that you do know someone who knows someone (times 5) that has genital herpes. Also, keep in mind that most people infected show no symptoms or mistake genital herpes for a skin condition.

Genital herpes is not an STD that you can make disappear with the snap of a finger or an antibiotic. Once you’re infected, you have it forever (forever, ever, forever, ever?). Since there is no cure for herpes (fingers crossed that the future doctors and scientists discover one asap), the best thing to do is to prevent yourself from getting it in the first place.

Genital herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), but most cases are caused by HSV-2. Most people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 have no or only minimal signs or symptoms. Usually, one or more blisters form on or around the genitals or rectum. The blisters break and then POOF! tender ulcers (sores) are left, which can take 2-4 weeks to heal the first time they occur.

Usually, another outbreak can appear weeks or months after the first, but it almost always is less severe and shorter than the first outbreak.  Although the infection can stay in the body indefinitely, the number of outbreaks tends to decrease over a period of years. The first outbreak usually occurs 2 days to 2 weeks after the infection. If you think you got infected or experience any symptoms, get checked out by your health provider asap.

For the most part, a person can only get HSV-2 during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. The infected partner may or may not have a visible sore. So choose wisely my friend. On the other end, HSV-1 generally causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called “fever blisters.” Genital HSV-1 infection is caused by (you guessed it!) oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person infected with HSV-1.

Complications with herpes can happen. Genital herpes can cause recurrent genital sores in many adults. For people with suppressed immune systems, a herpes infection can be severe. Also, it’s very important that pregnant women avoid contracting herpes because it puts the baby at risk of getting the virus as well. If a pregnant woman has genital herpes, a cesarean delivery is usually performed. Fortunately, the chance of a baby getting herpes from the infected mother is rare. In addition to the physical discomfort, herpes also causes psychological distress for those who know they’re infected.

Like I said earlier, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, there is medical treatment. Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.  In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

With all that said, one question remains: How can herpes be prevented?

  1. Abstinence
  2. Be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected
  3. Use latex condoms correctly and consistently (Note: genital herpes can also occur in both male and female genital areas that aren’t covered by a condom)

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

The Result

Posted by getPHYT in Diseases & Conditions and tagged with , , ,

He said “I am broken. No one is ever going to love me.”

You see, it was my job to let him know he had HIV. He had just turned 23.

The room had stopped, he took several deep breaths. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

“Positive” read the results on the confirmatory and this young man felt it was the end of his journey.

In 7 minutes I witnessed a person go from feeling whole to feeling deeply incomplete.

His back hunched over, he continued to look down at his feet.

But you see, it was not only about him, his partner had been a virgin… until they slept together.

No protection was used, so my patient’s worries ensued.

How does he tell his partner his results?

Where does he begin?

What if the results held the same fate as him?

All he could feel was guilt and confusion.  Reality trickled in for him; this was no dream or illusion.

His aura was filled with strife. He wondered if he had put a death sentence on his partner’s life.

It was no longer about him, but the life of another.

Someone he cared deeply about, a friend and a lover.

We think of love and we think trust; But what about lust?

We tend to see the surface alone when it comes to people. But everyone has a reason and a story.

We’re living in the 21st century, but the HIV rates are still rising.

You and I, we have the power to keep the death rate declining.

There is no face to HIV, there is no look, no special walk nor talk.

HIV doesn’t discriminate; but it continues to eliminate.

It could greet your mother or your little brother.

Sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or religion does not exempt you.

As long as the antibodies infect the blood, this diseases wrath still holds true.

When it comes to HIV, it is not just about you or me, but it is about “us”, the “we” … educating our community.

So take control of your life when you can; know your status like the back of your hand.

By FIONA HARVEY

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

The 3 B’s of Superbowl XLVII

Posted by getPHYT in Public Health Preparedness and tagged with , , ,

photo

Beyonce. Baltimore. Blackout.

Let’s start with Beyonce. Is it obvious where my priorities are? My name is Alyssa and I watched the Superbowl only for the halftime show. The group text with my friends about Beyonce’s performance looked something like this: “Don’t tell me queen B isn’t AMAZING!!!! Ahh she’s sooo cool!! She is the ultimate woman. I WANT TO BE HER.” We love her.

Next, Baltimore. Congratulations to all Ravens fans and 49ers enemies on the big win.

Last but certainly not least (this is the most important part), the blackout. How did that happen? According to NFL and Superdome officials, Beyonce’s halftime show did not cause the 33-minute power outage. Apparently, there was “a problem in one of the two feeder lines…” (USA Today). Anyways, the blackout caused some craziness and confusion at the Superbowl. Can you imagine what would have happened if there was a power outage that lasted several hours? Or what about a blackout that lasted several days? And what if it was really cold (not California cold)?

Losing electricity can happen anywhere and can be very dangerous, so it is important that you’re prepared and know what to do in case there is a blackout. Follow these tips from the American Public Health Association!

Preparing for a Blackout

  1. Store emergency supplies in your home, including a first aid kit, canned food (and a manual opener), bottled water, flashlight, batter-operated radio and any essential prescription drugs.
  2. Make sure you know how to shut off gas, water and electric supplies at the source in your house.
  3. Keep a fire extinguisher in the house.
  4. Tell the police department and fire department ahead of time if you have a person living in your home who needs special assistance.
  5. Locate emergency shelters in your community in case you need assistance during a power outage.

During a Power Outage

  1. If power is out for a long time, don’t eat any food in your refrigerator that is warmer than 40 degrees (°F) as measured by a food thermometer.
  2. Drink plenty of water if the weather is hot. But first call your local water company to make sure the water from your faucet is safe to drink while you are waiting for the power to go back on.
  3. If it’s cold outside, wear lots of clothing to keep warm.
  4. Don’t touch any power lines either on the roof of your home or on the ground.
  5. Don’t use the following inside of your home without ventilation: barbeque or camp grills, gasoline engines, generators, lanterns and gas ranges. Using these indoors could lead to a poisonous buildup of air (carbon monoxide) in the house. If you must use any of these appliances, be sure to open lots of win- dows first. Even though you can’t see it or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you.
  6. Don’t burn any charcoal and wood in your home with the windows shut.
  7. If someone in your home gets an electrical shock, don’t touch them or the source of the shock! Use cardboard, wood or plastic to move the live wire away from the person. Once you have moved the electrical source, check the person’s pulse, call 911 and start CPR if necessary. If a person looks weak, lay her or him down and elevate the person’s legs.

After the Power Comes Back On

  1. Check with your neighbors and see if they have power turned back on. If not, offer to assist them in any way you can.
  2. Make sure that your water is clean before drinking or bathing in it.
  3. Check the temperature of the food in your refrigerator before eating it: When in doubt, throw it out.

For more information, visit What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly and Blackouts (FEMA).

And if you haven’t seen Beyonce’s performance, here you go! Singing and dancing along as if you were the fourth member of Destiny’s Child is perfectly normal.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

PHAP 2013

Posted by getPHYT in Uncategorized and tagged with , ,

Image Source: Blogspot.com

  1. After watching Contagion, did you leave the theater thinking, “Wow, I wanna work for the CDC!”
  2. Are you interested in a career in public health, but don’t know where to start?
  3. Are you trying to figure out your post-grad plans?
  4. Don’t want to go grad school right away?
  5. Need a job with benefits?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then YOU should apply for CDC’s Public Health Associate Program (PHAP). PHAP is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) development program that provides opportunities for promising future public health professionals to gain broad experience in the day-to-day operation of public health programs. PHAP is perfect for recent college grads (BA/BS) who want a career in public health.

PHAP Program Highlights:

  • PHAP is a competency-based training and service program
  • The competitive, two-year fellowship is a paid federal position and includes benefits
  • Provides on-the-ground entry level jobs in the public health field for recent college graudates who are US citizens
  • Includes experience in at least two different program areas including: STD; TB; HIV; Other Communicable Diseases; Chronic Disease, Environmental Health; Public Health Preparedness; Immunization; Injury Prevention; Maternal and Child Health
  • It is anticipated that PHAP will hire 133 associates in FY 2013 and will receive well over 1000 applications for those positions

Public Health Associates are assigned to a state, tribal, local or territorial public health agency and work alongside local public health professionals. This is also a great opportunity for those of you who want of change of scenery and want to work in a completely new environment. You’ll gain hands-on, frontline experience in the public health field.

As an associate, you’ll get all of the benefits of working for the CDC (and I’m not just talking about health care). You’ll have access to all of CDC’s resources (training courses, library, etc.) and you’ll get the chance to meet and network with other CDC professionals (if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet the CDC Director, Dr. Frieden). You will also have a CDC supervisor and CDC mentor who will both help guide you along your path to becoming a successful public health professional.

After completing the program, PHAP graduates will be qualified for future jobs with federal, state, tribal, local and territorial public health agencies, and will be uniquely prepared to pursue an advanced degree in public health.

More reasons to apply for PHAP:

  • Employees of CDC are recognized as part of the nation’s leading public health agency, and receive a salary, paid sick and vacation leave, health insurance, and access to a variety of support services and resources.
  • Assignments give associates a portfolio of public health experiences and the opportunity to demonstrate competency in a wide variety of activities related to the delivery of public health services.
  • Associates receive extensive supervisory and mentoring support throughout the entire program.
  • Associates develop valuable career skills, on-the-job training, and become well-rounded public health professionals.
IMG_4634

Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Application is open through February 5, 2013. Take advantage of this great opportunity! Visit www.cdc.gov/phap to apply!

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

 

Boys Allowed – The HPV Vaccine is for Guys Too!

Posted by getPHYT in Immunization and tagged with , , , ,

A few years back, 2006 to be exact, you might have seen those catchy, melodic commercials urging all girls to become “one less” woman affected by cervical cancer. Whoever watched these TV ads most likely became convinced that this vaccine only prevents cervical cancer and that ONLY GIRLS were allowed to have it.

Well the truth is that WAS correct…the Gardasil vaccine was not FDA approved for males until a few years later in 2009. It wasn’t until 2012 that the CDC decided to extend the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine routine vaccination recommendation to boys.Why guys you might ask–boys don’t have a cervix! Why would they need a vaccine that protects against cervical cancer?! Good question! Here are a few statistics that might help you understand the reasons:

  • 75-80% of sexually-active adults will have been infected with HPV before the age of 50.
  • 20 million U.S. residents currently have genital HPV.
  • HPV causes CANCER: Cervical, Vulvar, Vaginal, Oropharyngeal (oral), Anal, and Penile.
    • Yes, the last three on that list affect MEN too.
  •  HPV is now the leading cause of oral cancer — after smoking and sun exposure
    • Oral cancers account for 37.7% of HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancers account for only 32.7%.
    • The death rate for oral cancer is three times higher than that for cervical cancer.
  • About 40% of penile cancer cases are HPV-related, but these rates have basically remained the same.
  • HPV also causes genital warts. Gross.
    • That can affect ANYONE regardless of sex.

These stats can be pretty scary. I mean…who knew that your chances of getting HPV might be higher that the score you’re going to get on that next calculus test? The good news is most of the time your body’s immune system can fight off HPV and get rid of it all on its own. The bad news…you don’t get to choose whether or not you’ll get rid of it on your own. The solution? BOYS and GIRLS need to all get vaccinated and get it done sooner rather than later!

Photo by Cristina Sansone

Photo by Cristina Sansone

So HPV vaccine rates among women are increasing. 20.7% in 2010 to 29.5% in 2011 reported receiving at least one or more doses. More men are getting the vaccine too (1.5% in 2010 to 2.1% in 2011). BUT the amount of guys getting vaccinated doesn’t even compare to the amount of girls getting vaccinated! The fact is most guys don’t think that they need it. But now YOU know better, right?!

So GUYS and GIRLS, here’s what you can do to save your self from the evil Human Papilloma Virus:

  1. If you haven’t already asked for the HPV Vaccine, talk to your parents, your doctor, or your school nurse and tell them that you want it!
  2. The recommended age to be vaccinated is around 11 or 12, but if you’re older Not To Worry! You can still get the vaccine until you’re 26! But it is most effective to get the vaccine well before you experience any sexual encounters. So get it as early as you can just so you can get those 3 shots over and done with.
  3. Make sure you get ALL 3 doses of the HPV vaccine. Yes, there are 3 :( . You should get the 2nd dose a month after the first, and the 3rd dose 6 months after the first. Remember you can still pick up wherever you left off if you don’t follow this time line exactly, BUT try your best to follow the timeline
  4. The HPV can be pretty pricy, BUT the good news is that if you and your family have health insurance, the vaccine should be covered if you are 26 or younger. If you don’t have health insurance and you’re under 18 DON’T WORRY there is something awesome called the Vaccines For Children Program (VFC) that will provide free vaccines for children who are eligible. Just ask your mom or dad to look them up!
  5. Finally, SPREAD THE WORD! Tell all of your friends, GUYS and GIRLS to get vaccinated! Help protect them from HPV related cancers later in life.
Photo by Cristina Sansone

Photo by Cristina Sansone

P.S.
If you happened to watch that episode of HBO’s Girls where they talked about HPV, just throw everything you heard out the window. Most of their facts were just…not factual. During this episode Hannah played by Lena Dunham is diagnosed with HPV after being given an HPV test. This in reality would not be approved for women under 30 unless abnormal cells are present during a pap smear, which is not the case for Hannah. Needless to say, this is not the only statement about HPV that would lead viewers to false beliefs. Check out this article from the NY Times.

Image Source: CNN

BUT yes there is an actual HPV test… for women. There is not an FDA approved test for men yet. However, great strides are being made in this HPV DNA testing. Women should remember to get pap smears regularly (every two years) beginning either at age 21 or after having sex for the first time, whichever comes first. GUYS… remember to stay vigilant. Be aware of the symptoms.

P.P.S.
Two Quick Disclaimers– Gardasil is the only vaccine approved for both males and females and to protect against certain strains of genital warts. Cervarix is only approved for women. Also the HPV Vaccine does not protect against ALL strains of HPV so in addition to getting the vaccine. The BEST thing you can do is practice SAFE SEX!

By CRISTINA SANSONE

The Notorious Norovirus

Posted by getPHYT in Diseases & Conditions and tagged with , , , ,

Image Source: The Buglish

Google “norovirus” and you’ll probably come across headlines such as New Norovirus Strain Rips Through the US, Norovirus: Why washing your hands isn’t enough, or ‘Super Bug’ Norovirus Invades U.S., Symptoms Appear in 48 Hours. Sounds terrifying.

So what’s the deal with the norovirus? It seems like within a few days the norovirus has managed to steal the spotlight from influenza (flu virus). While “norovirus” may sound unfamiliar, most of us have probably gotten sick because of the notorious norovirus. According to the CDC, there are about 20 million norovirus cases each year in the United States. That means about 1 in 15 Americans will get the norovirus this year!

The more common names of norovirus illness are “food poisoning” and “stomach flu.” However, not all food poisoning cases are caused by the norovirus. Also, the stomach flu is not related to the flu (influenza). Norovirus causes gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Image Source: healthwise-everythinghealth.blogspot.com

You can probably guess the symptoms for norovirus illness: diarrhea, throwing up, nausea, and stomach cramping! Ew. Fortunately, most people get better in 1-2 days. Other, less common symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and general sense of fatigue.

In addition, norovirus can cause dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. If infected, make sure to drink plenty of fluids like water and Gatorade. Try to stay with your normal diet as much as possible, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have disappeared.

Aside from eating foods or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus, you can also get it by:

  • Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
  • Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them).
Don't Infect. Disinfect. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Don’t Infect. Disinfect. Photo by Alyssa Llamas

People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they feel sick until at least 3 days after they recover. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, hide in your room. I’m kidding, but not really. Stay home and get better! Unfortunately, there is no vaccine nor treatment for norovirus.

So, what are we supposed to do? Do we stand a chance against this SUPER BUG that has RIPPED THROUGH THE U.S.? Follow these tips from the CDC and hopefully you won’t catch the norovirus (or it won’t catch you!).

  1. Wash your hands! I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: Clean Hands Save Lives! Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom (#1 AND #2) and before eating!
  2. Take care in the kitchen! Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them. Check out A Recipe for Safe Cooking!
  3. Do not prepare food while infected! People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.
  4. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces! After throwing up or having diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. Clorox wipes? Buy them. Use them.
  5. Wash laundry thoroughly! Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool. Handle soiled items carefully—without agitating them—to avoid spreading virus.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Book Club Time!

Posted by getPHYT in Healthy Living and tagged with
4 chapters in and I already feeling so inspired! Photo by Alyssa Llamas

4 chapters in and I already feel so inspired! Photo by Alyssa Llamas

Everyone loves a good book, especially about public health…right? Or is that just me? I sure hope not! Whether you’re an aspiring public health professional or someone just looking for a good book to read, I think you’ll find these books a great read. Hey! It might even inspire you to switch over to public health!

  1. Betrayal of Trust, Laurie Garrett
  2. Level 4 Virus Hunters of the CDC, Joseph McCormick
  3. House on Fire: The Fight to Eradicate Smallpox, Bill Foege
  4. Beating Back the Devil, Maryn McKenna
  5. Mama Might Be Better Off Dead: The Failure of Healthcare in Urban America, Laurie Kaye Abraham
  6. Shadow on the Land, Thomas Parran
  7. And the Band Played On, Randy Shilts
  8. Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder
  9. Will to Live: AIDS Therapies and the Politics of Survival, João Bieh
  10. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

Happy Reading!

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Always Unique Together Interesting Sometimes Mysterious

Posted by getPHYT in Mental Health and tagged with , , ,

The Bravermans. Image Source: NBC

Besides 4 of my friends, are there any Parenthood fans out there? Not to be confused with the popular WB sitcom of the 90′s, The Parent ‘Hood, I’m referring to NBC’s dramedy about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the all-American Braverman family. I could go on and on about why I love Parenthood, but I’ll spare you all. You’ll just have to see for yourself! Just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby!

Max Braverman. Image Source: TV Guide

Max Braverman. Image Source: TV Guide

One of my favorite Parenthood characters is Max Braverman. Though Max can sometimes be impatient and quirky, he’s also smart and kind. He’s got an uncanny attention to detail. If you ask Max, “Which insect has the most number of legs and lives in the northern hemisphere?” he can tell you the insect’s name, it’s Latin name, complete with genus and species. Part of the reason why Max has an amazingly good memory is his Asperger’s.

Asperger’s Syndrome  is a type of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. It’s classified as a spectrum disorder, because ASDs affect each person in different ways and can range from mild to severe.

A person with an ASD might:

  • Not respond to their name by 12 months
  • Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
  • Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
  • Have delayed speech and language skills
  • Get upset by minor changes
  • Have obsessive interests
  • Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
  • Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

According to Autism Speaks,

  • Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
  • Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
  • Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
  • There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Gabby. Image Source: Pop Watch

So what can be done? There are many types of treatment available for ASDs. They fall into 4 main categories: behavior and communication, dietary, medication, and complementary and alternative medicine. As seen on Parenthood, Max had a behavioral therapist named Gabby (played by Minka Kelly). Gabby worked with Max after school, helping him with some of the challenges he faced due to his Asperger’s. She helped Max learn to make eye contact when speaking to others and how to better handle change and be more flexible without having a tantrum or meltdown. For example, Gabby helped Max work through his routine of only wearing his pirate outfit or always having to use the orange frying pan. She also helped Max develop his playskills by bringing him to the park to play with other kids. 

Similar to Gabby, my friend, Caroline, is a Behavioral Therapist. Lucky for me (and you), I got to interview Caroline about the incredible work she does!

Alyssa: Can you tell me about your experience?

Caroline: I am a Behavioral Therapist for the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and provide Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to 9 amazing kiddos. [ABA encourages positive behaviors and discourages negative behaviors in order to improve a variety of skills.] They have become a huge part of my life in such a short period of time. I am so proud of their resilience and incredible progress. Despite their challenges, they motivate me to be the best I can be in ways no other people I have worked with have and am privileged to be able to celebrate their accomplishments each and every day!

Alyssa: What have you learned so far?

Caroline: I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. Working with the kids has been an amazing experience, there is still so much to learn.  I have learned to do a lot of multitasking from this job, calculating data collection, keeping track of behaviors, while playing and making animals out of playdoh  all at the same time!  I have learned that each child has the potential to be the best and it is my job each and every session with them to help them reach that potential.

Alyssa: How has the job been challenging?

Caroline: The job has been challenging because it definitely requires a lot of patience. Every job has its hardships and trials and the kids will definitely test your patience. They may not like something being asked of them and their response may be to throw toys, pull hair, or have a tantrum, because that is the only way they know how to react. They just need to be given the tools of effective communication (ex. I need more time, no thank you, Can you help me?) to use their words or in a way that works for each specific child.

Alyssa: What’s the most rewarding part about being a behavioral therapist?

Caroline: The most rewarding part about being a behavioral therapist is seeing the little “wins” each kid experiences everyday. Each session with the kids is a baby step towards progress. For example, my kiddo and I were working on the steps in takes to put on and zip up a jacket. I saw him through his frustration trying his hardest to complete this task each time, but when he finally was able to get it done and perfect it independently, it was a huge celebration in his honor!

Caroline at work! Photo by Caroline Motus

Caroline at work! Photo by Caroline Motus

For more information, visit Autism Speaks.

By ALYSSA LLAMAS

Reading a Nutrition Label: Part II

Posted by getPHYT in Healthy Living, Nutrition and tagged with , , , , , ,

Fats: The good, the bad and the ugly

The Good- Unsaturated Fats

Photo by Christopher Ubiadas

Photo by Christopher Ubiadas

Unsaturated fats are the “healthiest” fats out of the bunch. They provide essential fatty acids our bodies can’t make and battle out the bad LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in our body. Unsaturated fats are usually found in liquid form like vegetable oils, but can also be found in nuts and fish. If you really want to get technical, you can read up on the difference between polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats here.

The Bad- Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are usually solid like butters, cheeses and fatty meat products, but they can also be in the form of oils like palm and coconut oils. The CDC recommends that 10% or less of your calories should come from saturated fats. To cut down, choose lower fat dairy products like skim milk and trim excess fat and skin off of meats and poultry.

The Ugly- Trans Fat

Blue Bunny Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Image Source: Blue Bunny

Blue Bunny Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. Image Source: Blue Bunny

Trans fats are the ones you want to steer clear of as much as possible because they contribute to cholesterol accumulation in your arteries. Trans fat is naturally found in the fatty part of meat and dairy products, as well as artificially in foods, most commonly as “partially hydrogenated oil”. When looking at a nutrition label you should look for products that have zero grams of trans fat. Here’s a little food product gimmick though. If a product has less than .5 grams of trans fat, the company can label it as zero grams. This is why serving size and reading the ingredients is super important!

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite guilty pleasure ice cream flavors, cookie dough. The label clearly says zero grams of trans fat, but look in the ingredients, right in the middle of the list is “partially hydrogenated oils”. Now I’m not one to precisely measure out ½ a cup of ice cream so if I have 2 servings, that means I could be eating up to 1 gram of trans fat, thinking I’m eating 0!

All in all you should moderate all fats. The CDC recommends that only 25-35% of your calories should come from fats.   Be aware that many “low fat” products are usually substituted with something else like sodium, carbs or sugar so make sure you get in the habit of comparing labels.  Also try to substitute saturated and trans fats with the “healthier” unsaturated fats like using avocado instead of butter or using olive oil instead of lard whenever you can.

By HEATHER KOWALSKI