Is Gluten Unhealthy? What To Know

Find out if gluten is unhealthy for everyone.

While gluten-free diets are popular, they aren’t the same as elimination diets that must be used by individuals with celiac disease. Gluten is not inherently bad, but for people with celiac disease, it can cause a variety of serious symptoms and complications. Learn more about celiac disease and the foods that contain gluten.

What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease isn’t an allergy or sensitivity to wheat. It’s an autoimmune disorder. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, celiac disease damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?
The symptoms of celiac disease can vary drastically. Celiac disease is considered highly under-diagnosed because symptoms are so difficult to pinpoint and can be attributed to other issues. The Celiac Disease Foundation reports that common symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Intestinal gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatty stools
• Anemia
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Problems with dental enamel
• Fatigue
• Miscarriage

How is celiac disease diagnosed?
To properly diagnose celiac disease, doctors begin with basic screenings. This can include blood tests and looking for symptoms like vitamin deficiency. If there are markers for celiac disease, the final diagnosis involves an intestinal biopsy using an endoscope. The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center does not recommend going on a gluten-free diet without a diagnosis.

What is a gluten-free diet?
The only way to treat celiac disease is with a true gluten-free diet. There is no cure and no other way to treat the symptoms of celiac disease. A true gluten-free diet can be very trying for individuals and families due to the scope of ingredients that contain gluten and the wide range of products and foods that contain gluten. It is recommended that those with celiac disease work with a nutritionist or registered dietician.

Find a health care professional who can help you diagnose celiac disease or fine tune a gluten-free diet. Call North Hills Hospital at 1-855-5NHILLS for a physician referral.

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Top Healthy Habits for Women

Find out what habits can boost your health and lower your risk of disease.

Both genders can benefit from the same general health advice, but it's important to know the best ways to take care of certain aspects that are specific to women. Learn which habits to adopt in order to live a long, healthy life.

Eat a balanced diet
Dieting isn’t always about losing weight, although you should talk to your doctor about safe ways to get fit if you are currently overweight. To focus on health, you need to focus on a diet that offers you balanced nutrition, reasonable portions and meets your dietary needs. Learn how to read nutrition labels.

Get your annual exams and screenings
Check in with your healthcare provider every year for a basic exam, including a pap smear. These crucial screenings are an excellent way to stay on top of your health. Use this appointment as an opportunity to bring up any concerns you might have.

Even if you’re not at the age that doctors begin recommending mammograms and colonoscopies, you can still get screened for cancer. Talk to your dermatologist or general practitioner about screening for signs of skin cancer. Perform self-exams on your breasts.

Prioritize sleep
There are many proven health benefits when it comes to getting enough rest. Make it a priority in your life to get enough sleep at night. This means talking to your doctor if you’re experiencing chronic sleep issues.

Seek mental health care
If you’re frequently stressed, depressed or anxious, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to your doctor about finding the right kind of therapist or counselor to get support from. Open up to friends and practice self-care. Sometimes this means saying no to obligations.

Stay active
It’s crucial to stay active as you age. It’s recommended that adults get about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, so find ways to get moving that don’t feel like work. It may take some experimenting to figure out what kinds of physical activity are right for you.

Take control of your health with North Hills Hospital and schedule your yearly exams. Call 1-855-5NHILLS for a physician referral to get started today.

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I’m Healthy, Could I Have a Stroke?

Learn how to identify your risk of stroke.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. During this time, the National Stroke Association strives to raise awareness to help victims of stroke and their families promote research and reduce the risk and rate of stroke. In honor of this effort, take time to learn how to identify your own risk.

Defining health
Do you consider yourself healthy? What is your criteria? When doctors evaluate stroke risk, they look at a spectrum of factors, some of which you may not have considered. In general, you should be getting plenty of rest and regular physical activity. You should be eating a well balanced diet and you should strive to maintain a healthy weight.

Considering behaviors
There are preventable risk factors of stroke. Smoking is a major one. If you’re otherwise in good health but you’re a smoker, you’re at greater risk of stroke. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are also factors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you drink alcohol excessively or smoke, you should quit today.

Understanding risk factors you can’t prevent
Even if you’re in great health, there are some risk factors. Age, race and ethnicity can affect your stroke risk. The CDC reports that African Americans have nearly twice the risk of stroke. While stroke can occur at any age, risk increases as you age.

Know to act quickly
Even if you don’t consider yourself at risk of stroke, you should be familiar with the signs and symptoms. Fast action is crucial when it comes to recovery. Learn when you should seek emergency attention for yourself or a loved one.

Please watch our video and learn what happens when a patient arrives at North Hills Hospital with stroke symptoms.

Concerned about your stroke risk? Learn more about Stroke Care at North Hills Hospital online or call 1-855-5NHILLS for a physician referral.

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Join us for WBAP’s Live Remote Broadcast at North Hills

What To Expect After Delivery

Find out what you can expect after labor and delivery.

Many pregnant women focus on labor and delivery and don’t think about what happens afterwards. Don’t fret. We’ve got the basics on what to expect once you’ve met your little bundle of joy.

Early breastfeeding
Before your milk comes in, you’ll produce a substance called colostrum. This is nutrient-rich and exactly what your baby needs. Begin nursing as soon as you can if you are able. WomensHealth.gov recommends telling your doctor or midwife that you would like to nurse immediately. Your brand new baby will have the instinct to suck and when your milk comes in, your breasts may be very enlarged and tender. Talk to a lactation consultant to help with any struggles you may have. It’s normal to need assistance.

Your body
After delivery, you’ll experience what feels like a heavy period. It will start out as heavy bleeding and over the course of a few days will change in color and consistency. This discharge is called lochia, and it’s totally normal. Stock up on menstrual pads or even adult diapers. You cannot use tampons after delivery. Your doctor or midwife should send you home with a squirt bottle to assist with hygiene and comfort. If you’ve had stitches, your medical care provider will give you aftercare instructions.

Your mood
Most women have heard of postpartum depression. When you learn about it, you may think it’s something that would never happen to you. Keep in mind that women can have postpartum depression or anxiety even if there’s no previous history of mental health issues. It’s normal to be fearful, crying, anxious or moody after delivery. According to Medline Plus, if these feelings persist beyond the first month or begin later, you should talk to your doctor. Don’t be ashamed of your feelings. Help is available and the symptoms can be relieved.

At our Women's Center, our experienced medical staff is committed to your care before, during and after the birth of your baby. If you would like to set up an appointment or find a doctor to speak with, call 1-855-5NHILLS for a physician referral.

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Top 10 Crazy Things People Say to Pregnant Women

I’ve officially entered my third trimester, and after six months of almost round-the-clock nausea, no energy and feeling like my body has been invaded by aliens, I must say that now I feel pretty good. I’m actually starting to enjoy this whole pregnancy experience, especially when I feel my baby girl kick and am reminded that I have a special life inside of me.

But in the midst of my newfound pregnancy enjoyment, I’ve also encountered something new. It’s the everyone wants to comment on your baby bump stage. And I mean EVERYONE.

Most people are very kind. In fact, it’s kind of like being a celebrity – I’m now big enough that it’s very obvious I’m pregnant, so people open doors for me, dote on me, tell me I’m glowing and that motherhood suits me. I love these people.

But then there are the others… the ones who make comments that in any other circumstance would be highly inappropriate. Like the two people last week who told me, “You’re so big, you MUST be having twins!”

Nope, there’s just one precious baby girl in there.

And then there are the others who insist on telling me I’m too big, not big enough, that I waddle, that I’m carrying high or low. Or, simply, that I’m so much bigger than (insert name of other person due around the same time as me).

I know I’m not the only one who gets this, so I asked some friends on Facebook to help me come up with a list of the:

10. When I told someone I wasn’t having twins she replied, “Maybe there are THREE in there.” – Kelly

9. During my last pregnancy, my own mother told her friend I was starting to resemble Shamu… right in front of my face! – Adriane

8. (Stranger): “You look like you are about to pop.”
    (Me): “I still have 10 weeks left.” – Camille

7. “We’re going to have to wheel you out of here in a wheelbarrow.” – Jean

6. “Oh, you are having twins! Wow, better you than me!” – Kimberly, mom of twins

5. “Are your twins natural or did you take hormones?” Not sure how this would be anyone’s business. –Kimberly, mom of twins

4. As a mother of two boys, when people found out my third was also a boy, the sad voiced/disappointed, “Awww…” or the “Are you going to try again for a girl?” question really made me mad. As if I was not as happy and blessed with my last boy as I was with the first. – Callie

3. A lady told me, “You know, I have a pregnant mare at home that looks just like you… she is about to have her colt any day.” I still had at least four months to go. – Stacy

2. “My daughter-in-law is due almost exactly the same day as you and she’s not NEARLY that big!” – Ashley

1. After looking at how VERY large I had become, someone bragged to me, “I only gained 18 pounds during MY pregnancy.” – Vicky

My favorite post came from Stacy, mom of two. She told me:

“The last two months of my pregnancy I would wait to go to the grocery store until late in the evening, in hopes of avoiding as many people – and their comments – as possible. One particular evening, I was walking into the store and a lady went out of her way to tell me I was the most beautiful pregnant woman she had ever seen. Whether she meant it, or not, it sure did boost my spirits. Since then, I have tried to make an effort to compliment pregnant women I see.”

Wouldn’t we all benefit if we took the same approach? Pregnancy is such a miracle – and a blessing – but it’s also a lot of hard work, and the more we can band together to encourage one another through it, the better we’ll all be.

What about you? What’s the craziest – or nicest – thing someone has said to you during your pregnancy?

————————————–

Bethe Wright is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at North Hills Hospital, a wife, and a first-time mom-to-be in July who will be delivering right here at North Hills.

Need an OBGYN? Check out our “Meet our OBs” section on the blog.

Top Three Ways You Can Prevent Breast Cancer

Learn how to lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

According to the National Cancer Center, over 230,000 women will develop breast cancer. An estimated nearly 40,000 women will die from breast cancer in 2013. In the face of these sobering statistics, discover the top three ways you can lower your risk of breast cancer.

1. Screen for breast cancer regularly
While this won’t prevent you from developing cancer, it can help you catch cancer while it is still in a more treatable state. Perform a self-exam on your breasts regularly. If you’re not sure if you’re doing it right, ask your doctor to guide you through an exam during your next well visit. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms in addition to having a clinical breast exam during annual visits. If your genetic risk is high or you’ve had breast cancer before, your doctor may also want you to have an MRI to screen for breast cancer.

2. Limit your risk factors
While many risk factors of breast cancer are unavoidable, such as race, age and family history, there are factors you can control. According to WomensHealth.gov, the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her risk of breast cancer. Limit alcohol use. If you’re of childbearing age, consider breastfeeding. This can lower your risk.

3. Keep your body healthy
Obesity and limited physical activity can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Exercise regularly and talk to your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Focus on ways to lose weight that are gradual and sustainable. Consider working with your friends to establish fun ways to work out that you’re more likely to stick with throughout your life.

You have the power to take control of your health. Learn more about breast cancer from North Hills Hospital's online health library. If you would like to find a doctor to speak with about your risk factors, please call 1-855-5NHILLS for a physician referral.

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Emergency Preparedness Drill – Cancelled

Due to the events in West, Texas last night, North Hills Hospital and the NCTTRAC have chosen to cancel today’s emergency preparedness drill. Many of the same resources planned for the drill have already deployed to West to help care for the victims down there. We appreciate your patience during this evolving situation.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, loved ones, and first responders affected by this terrible tragedy.

This is only a drill…

Update on the drill (posted 4/18): Due to the events in West, Texas last night, North Hills Hospital and the NCTTRAC have chosen to cancel today’s emergency preparedness drill. Many of the same resources planned for the drill have already deployed to West to help care for the victims down there.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, loved ones, and first responders affected by this terrible tragedy.

 

North Hills Hospital is proud to be hosting one of the largest emergency preparedness drills ever held in the state of Texas this week. We will be partnering with the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCTTRAC) and first responders from throughout North Texas to test our equipment and processes so that when a real disaster happens, we’re all ready to respond.

This drill is even timelier in the wake of the bombings at Monday’s Boston Marathon. Our prayers go out to the victims involved, and we are proud of the first responders – EMS, fire, police, race workers, and hospital staff - who so bravely cared for the injured.

If you live near North Hills Hospital, you will see a lot of activity in our parking lots over the next three days as the NCTTRAC sets up a mobile 140-bed hospital, along with dozens of ambulances, several AMBUS (multi-patient ambulances), and helicopters. This is only a drill and will simulate a hospital evacuation, something that might be necessary in the event of a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or prolonged power failure.

Set-up for the drill will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, with the drill occurring on Thursday. At no time will regular patient care be affected, as the drill will use only “actor” patients and be confined to non-patient care areas and the parking lot. Tune in to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/northhillshosp)  and Instagram feed (@NorthHillsHospital) for pictures of the drill throughout the week.

Easy Safety Tips for Aging Seniors

Discover tips for aging seniors to stay safe.

Whether you’re a senior citizen or you have an aging loved one, it pays to stay on top of useful safety tips for aging seniors. We’ve put together some simple tips to help out around the house, on the road and even online.

1. Be aware of common schemes. Sadly, there are many who prey on the elderly with fraudulent ways to take their money. The FBI lists common schemes to be aware of. Help your loved one avoid getting duped on the phone, online and by door-to-door solicitors. Be an advocate for your loved one when it comes to fraud and solicitors.

2. Be safe on the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 5,500 older adults were killed and more than 183,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2008. To avoid danger on the road, the elderly should wear seat belts, avoid difficult driving situations and stop driving if the ability to drive safely is impaired. Distractions like loud music, cell phones and food should be avoided on the road.

3. Be careful about falls. According to the CDC, one in every three adults ages 65 or older falls. Regular exercise can help, as well as being aware of the side effects of medication and symptoms of existing health concerns. Try to fall-proof the home by removing hazards and using aids like handles, walkers or canes. Remove throw rugs that can slip and keep areas of the home well lit during the day and at night.

North Hills Hospital offers patients over 65 a specialized Senior Health Clinic for their needs. If you would like to find a doctor to speak with, please visit us online or call 1-855-5NHILLS for a physician referral.

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