If diagnosed early enough, it can be successfully treated. Lack of screening awareness and access is why 90% of all cervical cancer-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. To promote awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of screenings, January was named Cervical Health Awareness Month. Here are five facts you should know about cervical cancer screenings: Cervical cancer continues to be a problem – It’s estimated approximately 13,240 women will have developed invasive cervical cancer in 2019 alone. There will have been about 4,170 deaths from cervical cancer this year. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV – Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cells to become cancer cells. There are over 150 strains of HPV, but only 13 of them can lead to cervical cancer. HPV vaccinations are available – An HPV vaccination can protect you from HPV infection and help greatly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Routine pap tests help detect cervical cancer – A pap test can identify precancerous conditions of the cervix. This means if conditions are present, they can be monitored and treated to prevent cervical cancer from developing. Women should begin having pap smears done at the age of 21 and continue to get them as recommended by their doctors. Safe sex can reduce risk – Because HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, practicing safe sex can help prevent HPV. This greatly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer continues to be an issue among women even though it is preventable and treatable. Make sure you and the women you love schedule a cervical cancer screening regularly. For more health news, visit The Benefits Store today. #cervicalcancer #cervicalcancerawareness #cervicalcancerscreening

Babies in the Womb Can Detect Light It seems babies begin developing their vision much earlier than we thought. Researchers at the University of California in Berkeley have recently discovered evidence babies can detect light in the womb by the second trimester, long before they can see images. Before, the light-sensitive cells in the developing retina of a baby (which are basically thin sheets of brain-like tissue situated near the back of the eye) functioned as little more than on/off switches. The cells were thought to help establish the day/night rhythms parents wanted their babies to follow after birth. The new research revealed that, by the second trimester, the light-sensitive cells in a baby’s retina communicate with each other as part of an interconnected network. This means the retina has more light sensitivity than previously thought. Scientists now believe babies may be more sensitive to light and their behavior and brain development could be influenced by exposure to light while in the womb. Headline Here? A baby’s developing eyes contain 3% ganglion cells. These ganglion cells send messages to the brain via the optic nerve and are sensitive to light. So far, researchers have discovered six different subtypes that communicate with various places in the brain. For example, some ganglion cells send signals to the part of the brain that makes the pupils constrict when exposed to bright light. Others communicate to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in order to tune the baby’s internal clock to the day/night cycle. Essentially, the babies in the womb not only detect light, but their eyes are developing by coding for the different intensities of light to which they are exposed. For more health news and updates on new scientific breakthroughs, continue visiting us at The Benefits Store. #babiesinthewomb #fetus

Most people are taught to brush their teeth regularly at an early age to prevent cavities from developing. While brushing your teeth will certainly help achieve this (as well as prevent other issues, such as gum disease), it turns out teeth-brushing can also help lower the risk of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and heart failure. How Brushing Your Teeth Can Improve Heart Health The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology recently published a study linking oral health to atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Previously, it was believed poor oral hygiene would lead to bacteria in the blood. This would result in inflammation, which would increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The study was performed to define the link between oral health and these two heart issues more clearly. The study involved: 161,286 participants of the Korean National Health Insurance System Participants between ages 40-79 Participants had no history of atrial fibrillation or heart failure Between 2003 and 2004, participants underwent routine medical exams collecting information that included illnesses, oral hygiene behaviors, oral health, and more. During a median follow-up exam of 10.5 years, 7.971 participants experienced heart failure, while 4,911 participants developed atrial fibrillation. Based on the information collected, participants that brushed their teeth three or more times a day had a 12% lower risk of heart failure and a 10% lower risk of atrial fibrillation. The study did not investigate mechanisms. One reason brushing your teeth could improve heart health is because it reduces the bacteria between the teeth and the gums. This prevents the bacteria from entering the bloodstream. The findings were independent of other heart-risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, sex, age, body mass index, and more. Additionally, the study was limited to one country. However, a very large group of people were studied over a long period of time, which strengthens the findings. Learn more about heart health and all the latest health news by keeping up-to-date with The Benefits Store. #atrialfibrillation #brushingyourteeth #hearthealth #oralhygiene

Because of how addictive it is, it can be incredibly difficult to stop smoking. That’s why the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to stop – even if only for a day – with the Great American Smokeout. November 21, 2019: The Great American Smokeout The Great American Smokeout is on the third Thursday of November every year. On that day, all smokers throughout the country are encouraged to stop smoking for that day. Even quitting for one day can be helpful. The idea behind it is that by not smoking for a day, some smokers will decide to stop smoking altogether. One day without cigarettes can jumpstart an effort to quit altogether. Getting Ready to Quit If you’re a smoker and you’re trying to quit, these 4 tips can help: Save the date – Have a date in mind to quit smoking. This can help to mentally prepare you to quit and can help motivate you. It’s why the Great American Smokeout is such a success: It gives smokers a date to quit. This year it’s Thursday, November 21, 2019. Tell everyone your plan – Tell everyone in your life you’re preparing to quit smoking. The loved ones in your life will provide you with emotional and moral support which can help motivate you even more. If you tell them the date you’re going to quit, you’ll be more likely to follow through. Be prepared for the challenge – Quitting is tough! Figure out a few ways to cope with the urges you will feel. Plan to: Contact a friend Drink water Exercise Find a support group online Make yourself a goody bag with gum, gummies, hard candies, etc. Play games Remove all cigarettes – Get rid of cigarettes and smoking-related items from your home, your car, and your workplace. Out of sight; out of mind. If you’re a smoker, quit during the Great American Smokeout. Stay up-to-date on the 2019 Great American Smokeout and other health news by visiting us at The Benefits Store today. #GreatAmericanSmokeout

Celebrating National Family Caregiver Month If you are a caregiver, here are a few things you should know: Don’t forget about your own health – Being a family caregiver is an amazingly selfless act. But it’s important not to jeopardize your own health. In order to provide the best possible care to your family member, you should make sure you keep yourself physically and mentally healthy as well. It’s okay to take a break – Caregiving is like a fulltime job. If you need a break, take one. Respite care can be provided from a few hours to a few weeks at local senior communities or even at home. What you do is valuable – Even if you may not always feel like your work is appreciated, the work that you do is incredibly valuable. In fact, the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare estimates that the unpaid care that millions of caregivers throughout the U.S. provide is worth around $375 billion. You are not alone – It can get quite stressful taking care of someone who needs it, especially if they are unable to show their appreciation. Remember there are millions of Americans struggling with the same challenges. It’s why there are many caregiver support groups throughout the country that you can join. You should be able to find a support group locally or online. It’s important to support family caregivers in your family. They are sacrificing a lot in order to ensure that family members who are chronically ill, aged, or disabled receive the care they need. Stay up-to-date with all the latest health news by continuing to visit us at The Benefits Store.

Researchers recently discovered a scorpion toxin that may finally unlock the mystery of chronic pain. This could lead to more effective treatment options in the near future. How Scorpion Toxins Could Solve the Mystery of Chronic Pain The scorpion toxin, nicknamed the “wasabi receptor” is a protein found in nerve cells. It’s that protein which causes the “sting” to the sinuses you feel when you taste wasabi. It’s also what causes you to cry tears when chopping an onion. The scorpion poison triggers a pain response through a previously unknown mechanism, which is why it’s believed it could be key to the mystery of chronic pain and inflammation. This toxin was discovered in the Australian Black Rock scorpion during the research of animal venoms. Scientists were searching for compounds that could activate the wasabi receptor. When the wasabi receptor is activated, a passageway opens, allowing sodium and calcium ions to enter the cell. This is what causes pain and inflammation associated with wasabi, onions, and even cigarette smoke. The point of the wasabi receptor is to let you know you’re being exposed to something dangerous. The wasabi receptor toxin is a defensive response meant to deter mammal predators. It is unique in the way it forces itself into the cell through its membrane, which few proteins are capable of. The discovery of this toxin could allow scientists to research the processes that lead to pain hypersensitivity, which could be useful in better understanding the mystery of chronic pain. Stay up-to-date with the latest health news and trends by continuing to visit us at The Benefits Store. #chronicpain #chronicpainstudies #treatmentofchronicpain

That’s why the Great California Shakeout event is held every October 17 to increase earthquake safety awareness. More than 9 million people have registered for the 2019 twelfth annual Great California Shakeout. Here are 3 earthquake safety tips you should know: 1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On Remember these three steps you should follow when an earthquake hits: Drop – Because a serious earthquake could knock you over (causing injury), you should drop to the floor on your hands and knees immediately. Cover – Using one arm, cover your head and neck from potential debris falling from the ceiling. If possible, crawl under a nearby desk or table for shelter. If there’s no cover, crawl to an interior wall away from any windows. Bend your body over your knees to protect vital organs. Hold On – Remain dropped and undercover until the shaking stops. 2. Create a Family Emergency Plan Make sure you create a family emergency plan so you know what to do following an earthquake. First of all, establish an out-of-town contact. This contact should be willing to act as a communication coordinator for your family and everyone in your family should have the contact’s phone number in their cellphones. This contact can help you know everyone’s okay and can get help if you need it. 3. Subscribe to Alert Services ShakeAlert and other warning apps can text you alerts about bad weather, local emergencies, road closings, and more. Learn how to prepare yourself for an earthquake by signing up for October’s Great California Shakeout. Keep up-to-date with the latest health news and emergency preparation tips by visiting us at The Benefits Store. #earthquakesafety #earthquakesafetytips

Since this month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are ten things you should know about breast cancer: Although breast cancer lifetime risk has increased over the past five decades, this is in part because of longer life expectancy. Although men can develop breast cancer, it’s 100 times more common in women. Women are also 200 times more at risk of developing breast cancer than men. Around 0.10 percent of all U.S. men are diagnosed with breast cancer as well. Around 80 percent of breast lumps are discovered during monthly breast self-exams. Around 85 of all breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women in the U.S. Despite the progress in breast cancer treatment, breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related death. There are currently 2.8 million women who have breast cancer or who had breast cancer at one time in the U.S. Women who are overweight are 1.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer after they have experienced menopause. Women who are obese are twice as likely to develop breast cancer after menopause. Women who were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40 are 4.5 times more likely to develop another breast cancer. Be sure to schedule a mammogram and spread awareness about breast cancer for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For all the latest health news about the advancements being made to treat breast cancer, continue visiting us at The Benefits Store. #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #breastcancerawarenessmonth

Severe Weather Damage and Poor Mental Health APMS (Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey) is a primary source of data on the mental health of people living in England. One of its studies uses diagnostic criteria to assess mental disorders. It’s long been known people who live in disadvantaged areas are more at risk of experiencing mental health issues. It turns out people whose homes have been damaged due to severe weather are at a similar disadvantage. The damage caused to a home doesn’t even have to be catastrophic to affect the mental well-being of the people living there. The information collected by the APMS was gathered throughout 2014. One of the questions participants were asked was whether their home had been damaged as a result of weather within the past six months. This included damage caused by flooding, snow, wind, and/or rain. In addition to storm damage to properties, researchers also took into consideration other factors associated with poor mental health, such as physical health, debt, and social disadvantages. Using this information, researchers came to the conclusion that people who had experienced storm damage to their homes were 50 percent more likely to experience poor mental health. The findings are considered extremely important because of the increase in frequency and intensity of storms and climate change flooding in the UK and around the world. Based on the research, mental health support for people affected by storms should be included in future emergency planning for extreme weather. For continuing updates about mental health, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store. #mentalhealth #poormentalhealth #severeweather #severeweatherdamage

Aspirin is commonly used to relieve pain caused by headaches, muscle aches, toothaches and other ailments or conditions. It can even help reduce fevers as well as pain and swelling. For a while, medical experts recommended those at-risk for cardiovascular disease take low-dose (80mg) aspirin daily prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, there may be a major health risk in doing so. Taking Too Much Aspirin is Risky The idea that aspirin can help prevent strokes and heart attacks has been accepted as fact. But last year, three clinical trials revealed taking aspirin every day could result in some serious health problems, including bleeding risks. As a result of these findings, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology changed their clinical practice guidelines by recommending that individuals over the age of 70 or those that have an increased bleeding risk avoid taking aspirin on a daily basis. In one of the studies, researchers discovered many Americans over the age of 40 were taking aspirin every day to prevent cardiovascular disease, and the majority of them did it without the knowledge or advice of their doctors. Researchers found almost 25% of these Americans (roughly 29 million people) were taking daily aspirin despite the fact they didn’t have cardiovascular disease. Additionally, roughly 50 percent of adults over the age of 70 without a history of heart disease or stroke were also taking aspirin every day. Ask Your Doctor When Aspirin Should be Taken There’s usually no harm in taking aspirin sporadically as a mild pain reliever, which is its intended use. If you’re considering taking aspirin daily to prevent heart attacks or strokes, you should speak with your doctor first. If you’re not at risk for cardiovascular disease or if you have an increased bleeding risk, don’t take aspirin daily without your physician’s recommendation. To remain up-to-date with the latest health research and studies, keep visiting us at The Benefits Store. #AspirinBenefits #AspirinRisks #Aspirinuse

A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry focused on how the aging process works by observing cell aging. Researchers are optimistic; their findings could help pave the way for new drugs and treatments that could improve the health of people as they age. What Causes Cell Aging? One of the main reasons why people age is senescence. Senescence is a process in which cells stop creating new cells. It’s a natural process that often leads to age-related diseases, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Senescence cells are essentially the opposite of stem cells, which have the unlimited potential to divide or self-renew. Senescent cells can no longer divide. The study revealed the reason behind this: Senescent cells do not produce nucleotides; also known as “the building blocks” of DNA. During experiments, researchers discovered nucleotides are vital to the ability to divide when they forced young cells to stop producing nucleotides. As a direct result, young cells become senescent cells. It appears nucleotides are what keeps cells young. The research team also discovered senescent cells often have two nuclei and they don’t synthesize DNA. Previously, senescence had mostly been studied in fibroblasts, which are the most common cells that compose the connective tissue in animals. The research team focused on senescence in epithelial cells instead, which are the cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures where cancer is more likely to develop. Is Preventing Cell Aging Possible? One might think a better understanding of cell aging could help prevent many age-related conditions as a result. But senescent cells actually have a benefit as well. Senescence cells act as a protective barrier against cancer. Completely preventing senescence cells would promote the growth of cancer cells. The development of certain drugs could help to remove enough senescent cells to promote healthy aging without increasing the risk of cancer. Stay up-to-date with all the latest health news by continuing to visit us at The Benefits Store. #aging #agingprocess #cellaging #scienceofaging

There are certain medical conditions that can cause unexpected medical emergencies. This can be very dangerous, especially if you lose consciousness. If this happens, you won’t be able to tell first responders about your condition. That’s why you’ll want to wear a Medic Alert bracelet. What is a Medic Alert Bracelet? A Medic Alert bracelet will inform first responders and medical professionals about any medical conditions you may have. The bracelet contains an individual ID number and MedicAlert’s toll-free phone number. This number allows medical professionals to reach MedicAlert 24 hours a day, seven days a week to obtain your vital health information which is stored on their secure database. This information includes: Allergies Emergency contact Medical conditions Personal identification Prescribed medications and dosages Surgical history Who Requires a Medic Alert Bracelet? A medic alert bracelet is needed if you have any kind of medical condition that can be difficult to diagnose, like diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, and even severe allergies. It’s estimated roughly 20% of people have special medical problems that can be difficult to identify. By wearing a medic alert bracelet, you help prevent mistakes. For example, if you’re allergic to penicillin and unconscious, a medic alert bracelet should ensure you’re not given a penicillin shot. August is Medic Alert Awareness Month. Medic alert bracelets speak on your behalf by providing your information and medical history when you can’t speak yourself. If you suffer from a specific medical condition, you should consider wearing one. For more health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today.