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April Personal Best now online

The April issue of the Personal Best health newsletter is now online.

About 70 percent of accurate medical diagnoses are made as a result of information supplied by patients. Providers rely on their patients to help uncover facts and determine treatment. As a patient, it is important to be open and honest about concerns, even if they may be embarrassing to discuss. This month's cover story has an "Office Visit Checklist" to prepare for making the most of a visit to your primary care physician.

The special report this month features some of the most frequently cited exercise myths. The list of common workout myths was compiled by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) from a survey of 1,500 ACE-certified fitness professionals. We dispel the myths in this month's newsletter. Also, read more on understanding the components of an effective exercise program.

Many of us suffer from varying degrees of anxiety at times. Chronic, exaggerated worry and fear lasting six months or more may be signs of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is a recognized and treatable illness that can occur for no clear reason. The "On Your Mind" section has a list of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. If you have some of these symptom and they interfere with normal daily life, it could be time to seek professional advice. The Lab's Employee Assistance program, part of Occupational Medicine (HSR-2), also can provide help at 7-7339.

Bullying is an increasing problem at school in all grade levels. Public awareness has led several states to adopt anti-bullying laws, and the process is just beginning in New Mexico schools. Do you know if your child has been the victim of bullying? For help, see the list of resources in the "Stop Bullying" article and learn what actions to take against bullying.

Laughter really is the best medicine. It's National Humor Month and Personal Best touches on the benefits of laughter on health. Positive Health Directions/HSR-2 Health Promotion is working with Laffs Comedy Club to bring some laughter to the Lab in a special Comedy Relief presentation at noon, Thursday in the Physics Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3. For more information contact Diane Min Fa of HSR-2 at 7-7166 or write to dianemf@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Are you in harmony with your Circadian Rhythm? Circadian Rhythm comes from the Latin phrase for around the day. It is the body's native rhythm, a natural ebb and flow, influenced by outside factors. Over the course of 24 hours, this biological clock influences many body functions, including sleep, digestion, body temperature and hormone production. Learn more about how this rhythm affects disease and how it can be used beneficially.

April is Cancer Awareness Month and this issue of Personal Best presents some cancer facts and focuses on the harms of smoking. More than one billion people worldwide smoke cigarettes and at least half of them will die prematurely as a result. Half of those deaths will occur in middle age, with an average loss of 20-25 years of life expectancy. If you are looking to quit, need more information, advice and support, contact EAP at 7-7339 for more information.

The recipe of the month is Nutty Bulgur Pilaf.

Also in this issue: wholesome grains; don't drive when drowsy; 6 Cs of burn care; chronic pain help; good posture; National Child Abuse Prevention Month; conquering procrastination; minding your budget; keyboard warm-up; SARS update; compliment yourself; and emergency vaccination program.

Personal Best is published by Scott Publishing in Edmonds, Wash., and is part of the Lab's Positive Health Directions program in HSR-2 and Benefits and Employment Services (HR-B).

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