Protection from cancer-causing tanning devices

February 18, 2013, 2:15 pm

Even with our limited months of sunshine, Oregon has the nation’s fourth highest death rate from skin cancer. Using tanning beds at an early age is linked to premature skin cancers and many states are taking steps to limit minor’s access to these skin cancer producing beds.

Relax! You'll Be More Productive

February 12, 2013, 9:40 am

More and more of us find ourselves unable to juggle overwhelming demands and maintain a seemingly unsustainable pace. Paradoxically, the best way to get more done may be to spend more time doing less.

It's not too late to get a flu shot!

February 4, 2013, 8:04 am

It’s not too late to get a flu shot!

The flu epidemic is hitting harder and faster this year than in the last decade. So far, Oregon has been spared a severe outbreak, but we’d sure like to keep it that way. OHSU’s Doernbecher Children's Hospital is doing its part to limit the spread of the flu by offering free vaccinations to anyone who is in close contact with a Doernbecher patient.

Attention Job seekers!

February 1, 2013, 8:49 am

HireLive will be hosting a professional hiring event in Portland next week at the Embassy Suites Portland – Washington Square.

How to quit smoking in 2013

January 28, 2013, 5:43 am

Smoking kills nearly half a million people in the U.S. every year. It’s the largest cause of preventable death in the world. Most smokers now realize they are inhaling over 4000 chemical compounds in cigarette smoke and they would love to quit. If your New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking, OHSU’s doctors and scientists can help. THE OHSU smoking cessation program has been successful in helping thousands of people quit smoking.

OHSU’s 96K blog offers several tips and tricks to help you quit smoking. There are also dozens of great suggestions for improving your overall health in the new year. Head on over there to find your support team for a healthier new you!

-Sheila

Why do women suffer more strokes?

January 22, 2013, 9:40 am

Thanks to our friends at OHSU, I'm learning more about strokes every day. First, there's the risk factors: High blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. Secondly, there are the warning signs: Slurred speech, inability to move a limb, confusion, and difficulty forming sentences.

Many people incorrectly assume that men suffer from strokes more than women. Woman are at a higher risk of strokes but scientists and doctors still don't completely understand why. Could it be statistical? Women outlive men and the risk of stroke increases with age. Maybe it's stress or hormone related? OHSU is hoping to understand stroke and have posted a great article on its On the Brain Blog.

Read more on OHSU's On the Brain Blog and let me know what you think.

-Sheila.

When kids get stomach bugs

January 14, 2013, 8:00 am

The cold and flu season has officially arrived and this one is a doozy. Hospitals across the country are reporting widespread outbreaks and as of this writing, forty four states have been affected. This is also the time of year nasty stomach bugs hit kids. When children can’t keep down food or water, dehydration is a big concern. Dr. Ben Hoffman at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital reports seeing an uptick in the number of children being treated for dehydration.

To help parents caring for kids who've been hit with a nasty tummy bug, Dr. Hoffman has posted some helpful tips and tricks on the OHSU Doernbecher's Healthy Families blog. Here’s a hint: Don’t worry about making sure kids eat. When they feel crummy, fluids are THE most important thing.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

-Sheila

Tips for eating right in 2013

January 7, 2013, 9:00 am

If you’re resolving to get healthy in 2013, you're off to a better start than most Americans. People who go on crazy fad diets to shed winter weight or start off without a specific game plan are much more likely to abandon their New Year's resolutions than those who make specific resolutions. It's the difference between "I'm going to try to lose 100 pounds," versus "I'm going to eat a balanced healthy breakfast and bring fruit to work."

The OHSU effect has so much good information to offer for people who are serious about health in the coming year. An Oregon Health and Science University dietitian recommends setting clear, achievable goals in order to improve your health and gets back to the basics of good nutrition: 1. Eat breakfast. 2. Don't drink your calories (Ask how much that Frapuccino costs you!) 3. Plan your meals. You'll be thrilled with the money and time you save by planning ahead.

Do you remember New Year's Eve?

December 31, 2012, 9:00 am

Here’s to a festive and joyous New Year’s celebration! If you have trouble remembering New Year’s celebrations of the past it could be because you’ve been enjoying too much alcohol. Binge drinking is common among young people and it has a profound impact on the portions of the brain that control memory. The best tips for avoiding blackouts from OHSU's On the Brain Blog---eat before drinking, drink in moderation, and for every glass of wine or spirits, have two glasses of water. That strategy will keep you hydrated, happy and capable of enjoying family and friends well past midnight.

Read more about staying safe and healthy this New Year's at OHSU's On the Brain Blog.

Happy New Year and to a healthy new you in 2013!

-Sheila