Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012 - (Page 5)

HELP YOUR HOSPITAL, HELP YOURSELF Seniors who volunteer not only gain satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Studies show that volunteering has these positive health beneﬁts for older adults: ◗ Increased longevity ◗ Lower mortality rates ◗ Greater functional ability ◗ Lower rates of depression overall ◗ Less despair and depression in people who have had heart attacks ◗ A slower decline in overall health If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, contact Central Carolina Hospital’s director of volunteer services at (919) 774-2187. Flu-Free Flights Frequent fliers, rejoice. You’re only more likely to catch the flu on an airplane if a passenger within two seats of you (in any direction) is sick, says research published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If someone this close is coughing or sneezing or looks feverish, request a seat swap. To stay healthy no matter who’s seated nearby: Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute 75 Walking for exercise 75 to 150 minutes a week could reduce your risk of breast cancer by 18 percent. minutes Women who drink 2 to 5 alcoholic drinks per day are about 50 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than nondrinkers. 50% Likelihood that an obese woman will develop breast cancer after menopause, compared with a healthy-weight woman. 1.5 times R Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face. R Use a paper towel to avoid germs on the bathroom doorknob. R Try to keep your hands off the seat backs when you walk to and from your seat. R Get a good night’s sleep and eat healthfully to reduce your odds of getting sick. Are You Sleeping Too Much? Here’s a wake-up call: Sleeping more than nine hours a night can lower your quality of life and increase your risk of depression, according to a two-year study of more than 10,000 people. While sleep needs vary, seven to eight hours a night is sufﬁcient for most people to feel rested. If you’re sleeping nine hours a night or more and you can’t point a ﬁnger at a cause, such as a recent illness, talk to your doctor. R Get a flu shot every year. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR TRAVEL ABROAD To watch a video covering the essential steps to prepare for an international adventure, visit www.cdc.gov/travel and search for “Passport to Health.” SPRING 2012 | 5 http://www.cdc.gov/travel

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012

Central Carolina Health - Spring 2012
From the CEO
Health Beat
Bouncing Back
Welcome to the Network
No Stone Unturned
Heart Smart
Make the Right Call

Central Carolina HEALTH - Spring 2012