Category: Health and Wellness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many women and men have had, know or lost someone with breast cancer. Although support in the fight against breast cancer remains year-round, October brings attention to the continued fight and serves as a reminder for women to get breast cancer screenings.

Of all the cancers diagnosed in women in the United States, breast cancer is the most common and the second leading cause of cancer death. There is a 1 in 8 chance for a woman to have invasive breast cancer in her life, and a 1 in 37 chance of dying from breast cancer. It is important to recognize that these death rates have been decreasing, largely due to early detection and better treatment.

Finding the cancer early is essential. Women should start to get yearly screenings and mammograms around the age of 45. Be sure to check if your health insurance plan offers free mammography screenings.

You too can join the fight against breast cancer. On Saturday, October 22, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will be taking place at the State Capitol Building. Support the cause and satisfy your sweet tooth with Gwen’s bagels and pink swirl cupcakes from MSU Bakers. With every purchase of the pink, dried cranberry bagels, $1 will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

MSU Human Resources extends its support to all of the fighters and individuals working to find the cure.  

 

 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by deer ticks that affects more than 300,000 North Americans per year. However, because diagnosing Lyme disease can be difficult, many people who actually have Lyme disease may be misdiagnosed with other conditions, and many experts believe the actual number of cases may be much higher.

Lyme disease affects people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control notes that it is most common in children, older adults, and others such as first responders and forest rangers who spend time engaging in outdoor activities and have higher exposure to ticks.

Because misdiagnosis of Lyme disease is particularly common, the need for a comprehensive approach to your care becomes even greater. If you have flu-like symptoms and other circumstances that could indicate the prospect of Lyme disease, you should be skeptical about any diagnosis and open to the value of a second opinion.

As part of your Best Doctors benefits, an in-depth review of your case by our experts gives you access to a clear, straightforward report that will help you take control of your health care and determine the best approach for your ongoing treatment.

To learn more about the symptoms of Lyme disease and other conditions the disease may be confused with, view the entire Best Doctors article.

According to the American Heart Association, about 2,200 Americans die each day from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Learn the best ways to stay heart-healthy in the upcoming Best Doctors webinar Heart Health Topics: Prevention and Intervention.

The free webinar will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 18. Dr. Corey Goldman, director of Cardiovascular Imaging at HeartVein NYC, will educate attendees on prevention and staying heart healthy. He will also touch on the different conditions people most commonly run into and the ways that they are being treated today.

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A session.

Register online.

Look no further than Abrams Planetarium to let you mind unwind in the middle of a busy day.

The planetarium hosts two Health4U events: Relaxing Under the Stars  and Rest with Music. MSU faculty, staff, retirees and students can gaze upon drifting constellations in the night sky projected on the planetarium’s dome from the state-of-the-art Digistar projector. Both sessions are held on weekdays from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m.

The Relaxing Under the Stars sessions feature a short star talk before ambient music plays for the remainder of the hour.

Rest with Music brings a new musician to the planetarium every month. Some past musical genres include folk, jazz piano, Celtic harp, African instrumental music, and even electronic ambient music. Through all of these varieties, the Rest with Music sessions have always been soothing.

The next Relaxing Under the Stars session, provided by Health4U and Abrams Planetarium, is Monday, July 11, 2016.

Rest with Music sessions, which are provided by University Physician’s Office, Health4U, Abrams Planetarium, and Student Health Services, are held approximately once a month on weekdays. The next performance is July 21, 2016, by guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto.

Take a well-deserved break during the lunch hour to relax, close your eyes and even nap!

Pulmonary embolisms are a blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, and they are usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or (more rarely) from other parts of the body.

Although anyone can develop blood clots (also known as deep vein thrombosis) and pulmonary embolisms, factors such as immobility, cancer, and surgery increase the risk for this life-threatening condition. Taking prompt, proactive measures to prevent blood clots in your legs, particularly if you are already in the hospital, is the best way to prevent pulmonary embolisms.Continue Reading… Health Matters: Pulmonary embolisms

We all know MSU’s campus is beautiful in the summer, and now is the time to take advantage of it. Get out of the office and get moving with RecSport’s Fresh Air Fitness program! This program offers three classes during the week that take place in the middle of the day, from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. This gives participants in the classes not only physical exercise, but also a great mental break during a busy day.

Thanks to generous sponsors Health4U, The Department of Theatre, and The Department of Horticulture, all of these classes are at no charge for all MSU faculty, staff and students. Fresh Air Fitness classes are offered in June, and you have the opportunity to attend the last classes of the season. Be sure to register.

Tai Chi at Summer Circle Courtyard

Tai Chi has been called a “moving meditation” and has great health benefits for both the mind and body. It is a gentle form of exercise that can aid in alleviating stress and anxiety. The class is held on Tuesdays in the Summer Circle Courtyard east of the Auditorium. The last classes this season will be offered June 21 and 28. In case of rain, go to the Auditorium lobby.

Yoga in the Garden

Take in the sights, sounds and smells of the beautiful Horticulture Gardens in a chair yoga session that will stretch and strengthen your body while relaxing your mind on Wednesday, June 22. Chairs and benches are provided. In case of rain, head indoors at the south entrance to the Plant and Soil Sciences Building.

Pilates on the Green

For a more challenging class that improves flexibility and core strength, attend the Pilates class on the luscious lawn of the Beal Botanical Garden, meeting at the east end near the pergola. You should bring a towel or mat for this class, the last of which is offered on Thursday, June 23. In case of rain, go to IM Circle (first building west) for class in the Dance Studio.