(ARA) – Spring-like temperatures arrived early this year, and with them came early allergy symptoms for many: itchy throats and eyes, stuffy noses, sneezing, teary eyes and more. These developments come on the heels of the fourth warmest winter since record keeping began, according to the U.S. National Climatic Data Center.

With allergists predicting a more intense allergy season than usual this year, it makes sense to take steps to reduce allergy symptoms in your home. Here are some easy things you can do around the house to increase your family’s comfort – not only now, but all summer long.

* Keep windows closed. As much as you may love the new warm temperatures, keeping your windows shut will help keep pollens out. Start your air conditioning system earlier in the season.

* Clean and vacuum often. Mop hard surface floors and vacuum your home often to help minimize dust mites, one of the most common allergens. Wash bedding in hot water (130 degrees F), and use washable throws and curtains.

* Combat mold. Mold spores can cause hay fever symptoms. Repair and replace missing grout, leaky faucets and pipes. Use a mold-proof shower curtain, and wipe shower stalls and tub toys dry after using them. Plants also sometimes carry mold and pollen, so limit the number of plants indoors. Enjoy the season’s colorful blooms on your deck or in the backyard instead.

* Control humidity. Controlling the moisture content in your indoor air is an added measure you can take to discourage mold growth and minimize dust mites. Having a humidifier or variable-speed technology as part of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help control your humidity, and your indoor air.

* Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Allergy season is an ideal time to have your HVAC system inspected to ensure it’s working properly. A dealer can also advise you on how a whole-home air filtration system, such as the AccuClean(TM) from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, can catch up to 99.98 percent of allergens from your home’s filtered air – including dust, dander, pollen and bacteria – so everyone in the home can breathe easier without compromising comfort. To find an independent dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

* Reduce pet dander. Regardless of the season, pets such as cats, dogs and birds shed pet dander, which can also cause allergic reactions. One of the simplest ways to minimize exposure to pet dander is to keep your pet out of your bedroom. Be sure to wash your bedding weekly, at a minimum, to reduce the amount of pet dander that will inevitably be tracked into your bedroom.

By taking these steps you can improve the quality of the air inside your home and help reduce allergy symptoms. So while it may be allergy season outside, inside your family will be breathing cleaner and clearer indoor air.

From the Kent County Health Department

The national County Health Rankings were released last week by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Kent County ranked 15^th in Health Outcomes, which consisted of measures relating to how long people live, how healthy people feel, and emotional well-being. The ranking is a major improvement over 2010, the first year of the report, when we ranked 22^nd in the state.

The Health Outcomes measure put Kent County 15^th out of 82 Michigan counties. The second measure, Health Factors, ranked Kent County 19^th in the state; up from 25^th in 2010. That part of the study looks at measures that affect health, such as access to healthy foods, air pollution levels, education, income, smoking, and obesity. Some of the findings the rankings have determined nationally:

• People are nearly twice as likely to be in fair or poor health in the unhealthiest counties;

• Unhealthy counties have significantly lower high school graduation rates;

• Unhealthy counties have more than twice as many children in poverty;

• Unhealthy counties have much fewer grocery stores or farmer’s markets; and

• Unhealthy counties have much higher rates of unemployment.

*courtesy www.countyhealthrankings.org

More than 80 hospitals, care providers and community groups in Kent County, including the Health Department, just completed a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to determine health concerns that need addressing.  “These rankings, along with the CHNA, are critical in helping us determine where to focus our efforts, to make Kent County a healthier place,” said Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. “The improvement in our Health Outcomes ranking in 2012 is welcome news, and we continue to work towards improving factors that impact health, especially in the areas of education, healthy eating and children living in poverty.”

The annual rankings help health care providers better understand the health problems in our communities. For more information, go to www.countyhealthrankings.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Help for women alcoholics and their families

(Family Features)

It’s just a few drinks with dinner, or some wine to unwind at the end of the day — that’s not a problem, right? For some women, it’s not. But it’s estimated that 5.3 million women in the U.S. drink in a way that threatens their health. It’s a significant women’s health issue that more people need to be made aware of.

Women and Alcohol

Women are at greater risk for developing alcohol-related problems, and some of that is due to simple biology. When alcohol passes through the digestive tract, it gets dispersed in your body’s water. The more water available, the more diluted the alcohol gets.

Alcohol also gets stored in body fat. Pound for pound, women have less water and more body fat than men do. So even with equal consumption, women’s brains and other organs are exposed to more alcohol and more of the toxic byproducts formed when the body breaks down and eliminates alcohol. This means that women get intoxicated faster than men do. Women also develop alcohol-abuse problems, as well as alcohol-related physical health problems, at lower doses and in less time than men.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) says that women who develop alcoholism have death rates nearly 75 percent higher than male alcoholics. Death from alcohol-related accidents, heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide happens more frequently in women.

Barriers to Getting Help

Even with such high risk factors and such dire consequences, fewer women (25 percent) than men (75 percent) are in alcohol treatment programs, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Prevention (NIAAA).

“Women face some significant barriers to getting treatment,” said Molly O’Neill, president and CEO of First Call, (www.firstcallkc.org) an affiliate of NCADD based in Kansas City. “Lack of child care and limited financial resources are two of the biggest practical issues women face. They have a harder time paying for treatment costs and the child care they need in order to attend.”

Getting Help

The good news is that once in recovery, women are more likely to stick with it. And many women take their first steps toward recovery by talking with their healthcare providers.

To make getting access to help easier, and to help other human services agencies manage client care, First Call developed an online program called Community CareLink. “We’ve found that women and children have trouble getting coordinated care,” said O’Neill. “Community CareLink helps facilitate referrals and evaluations, and it gives people access to care they might not otherwise receive. We’re very excited to share this program with agencies all across the country.” (Learn more about Community CareLink at www.mobileccl.org.)

First session March 22

Be an engaged health care consumer! By taking an active role with the health care team, patients and families can impact the quality of health care experiences, their health status and overall life.

Leading the national trend of engaging patients and families by putting them at the center of care, Spectrum Health announces a new health care education series led by its Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC). The Perspectives Series offers participants an opportunity to gain insight into health care from the perspective of current and former patients and families.

The first Perspectives Series session will occur live at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College on March 22, 2012 at 7 p.m.

The event will be broadcast to several locations throughout the region including Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital, Spectrum Health United Hospital, Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital and the Widdicomb Building. Preregistration is required. Please call 616.776.9626 or visit http://perspectiveseries.eventbrite.com to register.

A new camera will aid physicians in making more informed decisions in evaluation of heart, cancer, other diseases at Spectrum Health United Hospital.

The hospital recently announced the opening of a newly expanded nuclear medicine suite, featuring the BrightView nuclear imaging system—or gamma camera—from Philips Healthcare. With the camera, staff can perform non-invasive, highly advanced diagnostic imaging that can be used for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Unlike some imaging tests, nuclear imaging allows clinicians to see how a part of the body is functioning at the metabolic level. This improved diagnostic confidence may alter the course of action and improve patient care. For instance, a patient may be able to avoid a biopsy or an invasive surgical procedure.

Nuclear imaging is an important diagnostic technology for heart and vascular conditions as well as various forms of cancer. It is also extremely useful for other common applications such as bone, pulmonary, brain, thyroid, and renal imaging.

The advanced system allows clinicians to perform a powerful type of nuclear imaging called SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) that allows visualization of activity within structures deep inside the body. SPECT is particularly useful for cardiology, brain, and some orthopedic and oncology applications. It generates 3D images whereas non-SPECT, or planar imaging, consists of 2D snapshots or moving images of physiology.

“The addition of the new nuclear medicine camera broadens our applications for nuclear medicine imaging, including the ability to use the latest technologies, such as concurrent imaging,” said Percy Mahar, Chief Clinical Officer at Spectrum Health United Hospital. “This means we can provide a higher level of diagnostic confidence for enhanced patient care.”

He added that the new nuclear medicine suite will be utilized by all areas of the hospital, including the Spectrum Health United Heart & Vascular Center, scheduled to open this spring. “Technologists will partner with the cardiologists, using the camera to detect heart disorders earlier with clearer, more defined images of the heart.”

United Hospital receives nuclear cardiology accreditation

United Hospital’s Cardiovascular Imaging Lab recently received accreditation of the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL).  This accreditation means that United Hospital has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts.  This accreditation is only granted to facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including case study review.

The ICANL accreditation is considered a seal of approval that patients can expect the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of nuclear medicine.

Northern Physical Therapy, a local physical and occupational therapy rehabilitation facility, will host an open house celebrating good health and the Cedar Springs community on Thursday, March 22 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Feel free to bring a friend to the Northern Physical Therapy Cedar Springs location (308 S. Main) for a casual evening with drinks, appetizers and giveaways. Therapists who specialize in Women’s Health, Office Ergonomics, and Sports & Running will be on hand to inform and answer all of your questions related to these important issues.

RSVP by March 19 by contacting Northern Physical Therapy at 616.696.6555, northernpts.com/rsvp, or rsvp@northernpts.com.

Vaccination best shot for avoiding influenza 

From the Kent County Health Department

Influenza cases generally start peaking in February. The Kent County Health Department notes the trend is rising, so now is a good time to remind everyone how to avoid the flu.

Testing has determined that many of the cases being reported are “Influenza type A,” also known as the seasonal flu.  This is one of the types contained in the flu vaccination. If you haven’t received a vaccination against the flu this year, now is a good time to do it. “You should note that the vaccination can take about two weeks to become effective,” says Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. “Flu vaccines for children and adults are safe, and we have plenty of injection and nasal mist available right now.”

There are other steps you can take to prevent getting the flu other viruses.  Avoid people who are already sick or running a fever if possible, and if you are sick, stay home, to prevent spreading the illness to others.  Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and toss the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer. And remember, germs spread when you touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

While everyone should get vaccinated against the flu virus, we especially recommend people at high risk of serious flu complications (young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older) get vaccinated. Health care workers, and those who care for high-risk people, should also. Children under 6 months are too young to be vaccinated, so people who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

Signs and symptoms of flu include fever (or feeling feverish/chills), cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (very tired), vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults). Not everyone with flu will have a fever, or experience all of the symptoms.

Be sure to check out the Kent County Health Department website, “Stick it to the Flu” at http://www.stickittotheflu.com/ to learn more about flu vaccinations, prevention tips and treatment, or call (616) 632-7200 to make an appointment.

The Alzheimer’s Association is offering a three-part educational series to residents on March 14, 21, and 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Greenville Senior Center, 715 South Baldwin Street, Greenville, Mich.

March 14: A local physician will discuss the latest information, treatment and research developments for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

March 21: A local elder law attorney will discuss legal and financial issues, including Medicare, Medicaid and Veteran benefits.

March 28: Learn strategies for interacting with a person with dementia and practical solutions for the daily challenges of caring for someone with memory loss.

Call the Alzheimer’s Association to register at 1-800-272-3900. A $10 donation per family, per session, is suggested.

GREENVILLE– On Saturday, February 11, the Spectrum Health United Memorial Foundation held its 10th annual Many Hearts, One Mission Charity Ball at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. With over 440 people in attendance, the event featured live music, gourmet dining, live and silent auctions, raffle opportunities and more.

Each year, the proceeds of the Charity Ball are allocated to a specific service area or need within Spectrum Health United or Kelsey hospitals. For 2012, proceeds from the Charity Ball are designated to the Spectrum Health United Hospital Heart & Vascular Center, scheduled to open May 2012. Heart disease is a major threat to the health of Americans.  It is the leading cause of death for men and women. Heart and vascular specialists will treat outpatients in the center and be available for inpatient and emergency consultants. The Heart & Vascular Center includes six physician exam rooms, two cardiovascular ultrasound rooms and two nuclear medicine cameras. The Spectrum Health United Hospital Heart & Vascular Center is a perfect example of collaboration between the hospital, specialists, and community members to open doors to greater care, both now and into the future.

Annually, the Spectrum Health United Memorial Foundation honors a community member who exhibits extraordinary commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy. While announced each October at the Spirit of Caring Dinner, the honoree is celebrated and commended for their dedication to the community at the Charity Ball. William T. Ham is the recipient of the 2012 Fred and Lena Meijer Spirit of Caring Award.

“Bill is truly an asset to our hospitals. We are grateful for the time and dedication he has provided to our organization,” said Tina Freese-Decker, President, Spectrum Health United Memorial.

The Charity Ball plays a vital role in United Hospital’s strategic plan for growth.  “Not only does it raise financial support for services and technology, it brings together members of the community around a common purpose: quality health care that’s close to home,” said Freese.

“To everyone who contributed to the success of the United Hospital Heart & Vascular Center, many thanks for your generosity and dedication.  We will continue to work toward bringing the very best in services, technology and specialists to Greenville, Lakeview and the surrounding communities.”

This Valentine’s Day, give your loved ones a gift that’s really from the heart by taking part in a heart health screening at Family Fare in Cedar Springs on February 13. Early detection of heart disease is vital to the prevention of serious long-term heart complications, and a potentially fatal outcome. The number one method of early detection is a heart health screening. During the month of February, Spartan Store pharmacies will offer heart health screenings as well as Hypertension and pulse rate, and blood pressure checks. Healthy heart product samples are also available for consumers along with our Nutrition Guide.

“As part of Healthy Heart Month, Spartan Stores is pleased to be promoting heart health screenings at our D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Glen’s Markets and VG’s pharmacies,” said Alan Hartline, Executive Vice President Merchandising and Marketing for Spartan Stores. “Our pharmacies are dedicated to enhancing the health of their patients and do much more than fill prescriptions and offer consultation. Value-added health care services such as these heart health screenings provide valuable wellness information and can actually save lives. What better gift to give to the loved ones in your life than a healthy heart and years of being together.”

CEDAR SPRINGS: Monday, Feb. 13, at Family Fare on 17 Mile Rd. Pharmacies will conduct the screenings from 10 am to 1 pm at each location. Check or cash only. Tests are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.