Identifying Teen Dating Violence

Because of Valentine's Day, February often conjures images of love & affection. However, many sources estimate that a dating partner:

• physically hurts 1 in 10 HS students on purpose &
• abuses 1 in 3 teens in some fashion.

Studies have shown that both boys & girls use violence in anger, frustration, self defense, or to control their partner. (The Children's Safety Network)

There are 3 major categories of teen dating violence:

• Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking, etc.
• Emotional abuse – threats, name calling, yelling, ridiculing, rumors, isolation, intimidation, stalking, technological harassment or intimidation, etc.
• Sexual abuse – unwanted touching or kissing, forced or coerced sexual acts, etc.

This is not a one-time discussion. It needs to be done early & often for both males & females from childhood on... even through college.

Signs & symptoms may vary. However, any of these should raise suspicion of a potential problem.

• Possessiveness, jealousy, snooping
• False accusations, putdowns
• Isolation or withdrawing from friends &/or activities they like
• Depression, anxiety, fear, or mood swings
• Unexplained (or poorly explained) bruises or other marks

For help or to learn more, check out:
- Families Living Violence Free in Oxford (24/7 Crisis Line 919-693-5700; youth counseling is available.) 
- Love is Respect (Call, text or chat 24/7.)
- TeenHealth's Abusive Relationships
- Centers for Disease Control's Teen Dating Violence
- That's Not Cool Campaign teaching friends & family how to spread the word. 
- Nemours Foundation's KidsHealth in the Classroom (lesson plans for grades 6-8 & 9-12)

Recognizing Heart Disease

Last week, we talked about many behaviors that positively impact heart health. A healthy lifestyle can greatly improve your heart health & lower your risk of heart conditions. This American Heart Association infographic is a great review.

However, as you can see, there are a few risk factors you can't control. Heart conditions are also a leading cause of illness & death in Granville & Vance counties (short version:  2014 SOTCH; more detailed:  2012 CHA page 100). Heart disease is a really broad term so we can't elaborate here... But, it is important to recognize immediately dangerous signs & symptoms PLUS know what to do.

Heart attacks have traditionally been taught as sudden chest pain that radiates into the left arm or jaw; pale & sweaty skin; a feeling of doom; etc. Research now shows that women & people with diabetes (sugar problems) may have different symptoms. Learn more at:
- Go Red for Women's Symptoms of a Heart Attack & Hard to Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms
-National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute's What are the Signs & Symptoms of Diabetic Heart Disease

Stroke symptoms can vary greatly depending on the kind, what part of the brain is impacted, & severity. A quick memory aid is FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech Difficulty, Time to call 911). Another common sign is a horribly severe headache.
- Stroke Association's Stroke Warning Signs & Symptoms  
- Go Red for Women's Myths & Facts About Strokes
- American Diabetes Association's Diabetes

These conditions may be extremely time sensitive.
Seek immediate medical assistance. Strongly consider calling 911. Emergency responders have training to recognize life threatening situations & can treat patients on the way to the hospital.

Learning CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) can make you feel less helpless. Classes are often offered locally through many venues. In the meantime, check out the American Red Cross' Hands Only CPR video.

Be Heart Smart

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Keep reading to learn how to show your heart some love.

- Add in heart healthy foods.
  * WebMD's Top 11 Heart Healthy Foods or 20 Foods That Can Save Your Heart
  * Search our blog to for tips on lowering your salt & how to use spices.

- Be physically active...
  * American Heart Association's Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults & Children
  * Prevention's Give Your Heart a Workout
usually EVEN if you already have a heart condition! Ask your healthcare provider for personalized advice before starting or dramatically changing your activity level. Here are general tips: 
  * US National Library of Medicine's Being Active When You Have Heart Disease
  * American Heart Association's Getting Physically Active

- Reduce stress.
  * Go Red for Women's Stress & Heart Disease
  * Cleveland Clinic's Stress Management & Your Heart (includes assessment & relaxation exercises)

- Go to sleep. (Both quality & quantity count...)
  * US News & World Report's Your Heart Needs Sleep
  * Review 1/15/16's blog post for links & tips.

- Be social & generous.
 * Time's Social Isolation... May Shorten Lives
 * WebMD's The Science of Good Deeds

- Be tobacco free with the Centers for Disease Control's Smoking & Tobacco Use-- Heart Disease & Stroke.

- Get regular check-ups & health screenings. Find out what's recommended with Healthfinder's Get Screened. Take any medications as prescribed.

Germs-- The Worst Spots & How to Limit Your Risk...

Everywhere you go, it seems like someone is sick. Learn:

- how long germs last with the Mayo Clinic's Influenza (Flu). (Clue:  There are a lot of factors but it's longer than you'd think...)

- about the germiest spots you commonly encounter with ABC News' 10 Germy Surfaces You Touch Every Day & WebMD's 12 Places Germs Lurk. (Clues:  Who used that ATM or shopping cart before you? Where have you sat your purse, briefcase, or bookbag down? In a word, yuck!!!)

- how to stay healthier! Check out US News & World Report's How to Kill Office Germs & Stop Cold & Flu.... Or, search "flu" or "hand washing" on our blog.
(A quick list-- Wash your hands properly & often. Cleaning & disinfecting aren't always the same thing. Sleep, healthy foods, & light to moderate physical activity help boost your immune system.)

- if you should limit work, school, or other activities with WebMD's Too Sick to Work? (4 great questions to consider) & Prevention's Should I Exercise While Sick?.