Augusta Health's Faith Community Nursing
Nurse’s Health Corner
The Real Deal on Electronic Cigarettes
Krystal D. Moyers, M.Ed., CHES
National Healthy Lung Month is observed each October. Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and the majority of lung cancers are directly linked to smoking. One of the newest and most controversial topics in regards to lung health and lung cancer is electronic cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes are known by a variety of names including e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-hookahs, vape pens and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Using an e-cigarette is often referred to as ‘vaping’. E-cigarettes come in a multitude of shapes and sizes and most contain a battery, heating element, and container to hold a liquid. Some resemble regular cigarettes or cigars, or even everyday items such as pens. In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes can be used for marijuana and other drugs.
E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other harmful chemicals. Users inhale the aerosol into their lungs. The harmful chemicals in the liquid could include ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, flavorings such as diacetyl (a chemical linked to lung disease), volatile organic compounds, heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead, and other cancer-causing chemicals. However it is difficult to know specifically what an e-cigarette contains. Some e-cigarettes marketed as ‘zero percent nicotine’ have been found to contain nicotine.
Since e-cigarettes are relatively new, medical experts are still determining the long-term health effects. Here is what scientists have determined so far:
E-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes, but that does not mean they are safe. The aerosol from e-cigarettes contains fewer toxic chemicals than the mix of chemicals in regular cigarette smoke. However, e-cigarette aerosol contains many harmful substances and cancer-causing agents.
Just like regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes have an increased risk for youth, young adults and pregnant women because of the effects of nicotine exposure on brain development. Use of e-cigarettes by youth is associated with an increased use of other tobacco products. Currently youth in the United States are more likely to use e-cigarettes than adults, and e-cigs are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. In 2016, 11.3% of high school students used e-cigarettes. Among e-cigarette users aged 18-24 years of age, 40% had never been regular cigarette smokers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not approved e-cigarettes as a quit smoking aid. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has determined that there is insufficient evidence to recommend e-cigarettes for smoking cessation in adults. The potential for adult smokers who are not pregnant to benefit from e-cigarettes as a complete substitute from other tobacco products is still being investigated.
So what is the bottom line for lung health? If you have never smoked or used other tobacco products or e-cigarettes, don’t start!
Source: Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Krystal D. Moyers, M.Ed., CHES
National Healthy Lung Month is observed each October. Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and the majority of lung cancers are directly linked to smoking. One of the newest and most controversial topics in regards to lung health and lung cancer is electronic cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes are known by a variety of names including e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-hookahs, vape pens and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Using an e-cigarette is often referred to as ‘vaping’. E-cigarettes come in a multitude of shapes and sizes and most contain a battery, heating element, and container to hold a liquid. Some resemble regular cigarettes or cigars, or even everyday items such as pens. In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes can be used for marijuana and other drugs.
E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other harmful chemicals. Users inhale the aerosol into their lungs. The harmful chemicals in the liquid could include ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, flavorings such as diacetyl (a chemical linked to lung disease), volatile organic compounds, heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead, and other cancer-causing chemicals. However it is difficult to know specifically what an e-cigarette contains. Some e-cigarettes marketed as ‘zero percent nicotine’ have been found to contain nicotine.
Since e-cigarettes are relatively new, medical experts are still determining the long-term health effects. Here is what scientists have determined so far:
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which has known health risks, especially for pregnant women and children.
- Besides nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol can contain substances that harm the body and cause cancer.
- E-cigarettes can cause unintended injuries from defective battery fires and explosions or toxic acute nicotine exposure from swallowing the e-cigarette liquid.
E-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes, but that does not mean they are safe. The aerosol from e-cigarettes contains fewer toxic chemicals than the mix of chemicals in regular cigarette smoke. However, e-cigarette aerosol contains many harmful substances and cancer-causing agents.
Just like regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes have an increased risk for youth, young adults and pregnant women because of the effects of nicotine exposure on brain development. Use of e-cigarettes by youth is associated with an increased use of other tobacco products. Currently youth in the United States are more likely to use e-cigarettes than adults, and e-cigs are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. In 2016, 11.3% of high school students used e-cigarettes. Among e-cigarette users aged 18-24 years of age, 40% had never been regular cigarette smokers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not approved e-cigarettes as a quit smoking aid. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has determined that there is insufficient evidence to recommend e-cigarettes for smoking cessation in adults. The potential for adult smokers who are not pregnant to benefit from e-cigarettes as a complete substitute from other tobacco products is still being investigated.
So what is the bottom line for lung health? If you have never smoked or used other tobacco products or e-cigarettes, don’t start!
Source: Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Catherine Raines, CHES
September is Blood Cancer/Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. One cancer that falls under this category is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). This is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes, and the most common sites are in the neck, chest, and under the arms. The American Cancer Society estimated that there would be about 8,500 new cases of HL in 2018, and it is identified as one of the most curable forms of cancer.
There are two main types of HL which are Classic HL and Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant HL. Classic HL is more common and accounts for more than 9 in 10 cases of HL. These cancer cells are called Reed-Sternberg cells, an abnormal type of B lymphocyte. There are four subtypes which fall under Classic HL: 1.) Nodular Sclerosis HL, 2.) Mixed Cellularity HL, 3.) Lymphocyte-rich HL, and 4.) Lymphocyte-depleted HL. Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant HL is less common and only accounts for about 5 percent of cases. This type is characterized by large cells called popcorn cells (because they look like popcorn) and grows more slowly. This type is also more common in men than women.
Although doctors and researchers do not know for sure what causes Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, there are a few risk factors associated with the disease. People who have had the Epstein - Barr virus (often called mono) are at an increased risk of developing HL. However, the chance is still low (about 1 in 1,000), and researchers do not know exactly why this virus is associated with HL. Age and gender are also risk factors. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is more common in early adulthood (especially in a person’s 20s) and later in adulthood after age 55. It occurs slightly more in males than in females. Those who have weakened immune systems already due to other causes are also at a higher risk of developing HL. Few of these risk factors can be changed, so it is not possible to prevent most cases of HL at this time. However, eating well, getting regular physical activity, and not smoking can contribute to your overall well-being and may lower your risk for developing many cancers and other diseases.
There are several signs and symptoms that are associated with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Some who are diagnosed may have one symptom, several, or none depending on when they are diagnosed. These include:
If you have any of these symptoms, it obviously does not guarantee that you have HL, so don’t worry! It’s always best to consult with your doctor so that the cause can be found and, if needed, treated.
Treatment depends on the exact type of HL and the staging. It could include chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both. If the HL is recurrent, immunotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant may be options.
For more information on Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, visit the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Catherine Raines, CHES
September is Blood Cancer/Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. One cancer that falls under this category is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). This is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes, and the most common sites are in the neck, chest, and under the arms. The American Cancer Society estimated that there would be about 8,500 new cases of HL in 2018, and it is identified as one of the most curable forms of cancer.
There are two main types of HL which are Classic HL and Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant HL. Classic HL is more common and accounts for more than 9 in 10 cases of HL. These cancer cells are called Reed-Sternberg cells, an abnormal type of B lymphocyte. There are four subtypes which fall under Classic HL: 1.) Nodular Sclerosis HL, 2.) Mixed Cellularity HL, 3.) Lymphocyte-rich HL, and 4.) Lymphocyte-depleted HL. Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant HL is less common and only accounts for about 5 percent of cases. This type is characterized by large cells called popcorn cells (because they look like popcorn) and grows more slowly. This type is also more common in men than women.
Although doctors and researchers do not know for sure what causes Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, there are a few risk factors associated with the disease. People who have had the Epstein - Barr virus (often called mono) are at an increased risk of developing HL. However, the chance is still low (about 1 in 1,000), and researchers do not know exactly why this virus is associated with HL. Age and gender are also risk factors. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is more common in early adulthood (especially in a person’s 20s) and later in adulthood after age 55. It occurs slightly more in males than in females. Those who have weakened immune systems already due to other causes are also at a higher risk of developing HL. Few of these risk factors can be changed, so it is not possible to prevent most cases of HL at this time. However, eating well, getting regular physical activity, and not smoking can contribute to your overall well-being and may lower your risk for developing many cancers and other diseases.
There are several signs and symptoms that are associated with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Some who are diagnosed may have one symptom, several, or none depending on when they are diagnosed. These include:
- Having a lump in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin
- B symptoms: fever without infection, drenching night sweats, and weight loss without trying
- Itching, fatigue, loss of appetite, cough, trouble breathing, chest pain
If you have any of these symptoms, it obviously does not guarantee that you have HL, so don’t worry! It’s always best to consult with your doctor so that the cause can be found and, if needed, treated.
Treatment depends on the exact type of HL and the staging. It could include chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both. If the HL is recurrent, immunotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant may be options.
For more information on Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, visit the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Fun Family Fitness
Stephanie Mims PT, DPT, MBA
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which is equal to 30 minutes of activity five days per week. Broken down, it is much more achievable. Children are recommended to get 60 minutes of daily exercise. Being physically active for 30 minutes together as a family will allow you to meet your goal and your children will have a head start meeting their target.
It used to be the exception for both parents in a household to work fulltime, but it has now become the norm. With hectic schedules, it can be difficult for adults to keep both themselves and their children physically active. Going for a nature hike, a family bike ride, or swimming on a hot summer day are great ways for families to stay active. On days when free time is short, here are few tips to sneak in physical activity:
Stephanie Mims PT, DPT, MBA
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which is equal to 30 minutes of activity five days per week. Broken down, it is much more achievable. Children are recommended to get 60 minutes of daily exercise. Being physically active for 30 minutes together as a family will allow you to meet your goal and your children will have a head start meeting their target.
It used to be the exception for both parents in a household to work fulltime, but it has now become the norm. With hectic schedules, it can be difficult for adults to keep both themselves and their children physically active. Going for a nature hike, a family bike ride, or swimming on a hot summer day are great ways for families to stay active. On days when free time is short, here are few tips to sneak in physical activity:
- Park in the parking spot that is furthest from the entrance.
- This is a good way for both you and your children to incorporate some more physical activity into an errand that you must already do. Talk about multitasking!
- Track your steps
- Many people have electronic fitness tracking devices these days, but even a simple pedometer will do the trick. Set daily, weekly, or monthly step goals as a fun family competition. It helps you to hold each other accountable and if the winner picks a fun family activity at the end of the day, week, or month it makes it much more enjoyable.
- Take the steps instead of the elevator whenever you can.
- This gives you a chance to get your heart rate up a little bit throughout the day while helping save electricity.
- Have an outdoor family game night.
- Instead of playing board games that require you to be sedentary play all the outdoor games you played as a child. Freeze tag, Red Light Green Light, “Mother/Father May I”, and Duck Duck Goose are fun examples. Not only will you fit physical activity into your schedule, it will allow you act like a kid again!
Mental Health – Support Groups
Individuals need emotional and also social support when going through medical treatments, disease diagnoses and progression, rehabilitation, caretaking, addiction, remission, and more. When one has traumatic or difficult medical and nonmedical experiences, it is important for individuals to have social and emotional support which can come in the form of a support group. One may be comforted by others when one feels alone, depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or hopeless. While everyone has different experiences and ways of coping with their situation, everyone can gain from emotional support and hope from others and develop comfort in knowing that others have experienced the same or a similar situation. If you or someone you know has a disease or disorder, is struggling with a diagnosis, is strained as a caretaker, or needs the comfort of others, consider attending a support group related to your situation. You may find strangers who become friends, practical advice for your disease or your loved one’s disease, and also hope. Having others around you may benefit your mental health and well-being. Please see a health care provider for a proper diagnosis as well as seek professional counseling for support of any mental, physical, or emotional health diagnosis.
Below is a list of support groups provided by Augusta Health and in the surrounding area:
Diabetes Support Group
For those with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes and their family and friends. For information, call the Diabetes & Nutrition Self-Management Education Program at 540.941.2537 or 540.213.253.
Friends Listening to Friends
For newly diagnosed cancer patients who have fears, questions or concerns. For information, call Leigh Anderson at 540.245.7105
Stronger Together – Breast Cancer Support Group
For patients diagnosed with breast cancer. For information, call Leigh Anderson at 540.245.7105
Continuing Survivorship Group
For cancer patients who have completed treatment but still feel the need for continued support. For information, call Leigh Anderson at 540.245.7105.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
For those who are impacted by Parkinson’s disease and their family members, partners, and friends. For information, contact Joyce Huddle: joyce229@comcast.net , 540.943.2229 or Ashley Reibel: AReibel@AugustaHealth.com.
Shenandoah Valley Stroke Club
For those who have experienced a stroke and their family members, and friends.
For more information contact Shelley Payne at 540.332.4047.
Grief Support Group
For individuals and families who have lost a loved one. For information, contact Debbie Brown, Bereavement Counselor of Hospice of the Shenandoah at 540.932.4911 or dbrown@augustahealth.com.
Diversions Ostomy Support Group
This group meeting is designed to share ideas and improve quality of life following ostomy surgery. For information and hear the dates and times, contact 540.245.7236
GriefShare
For individuals suffering the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling, child, family member, or friend. For information, contact Nancy Jo Gibson, Director of Soul Care and Biblical Guidance at 540.886.2015.
The Compassionate Friends
This is a self-help organization that provides support to families after death of a child. For information, contact Zora Jenkins at jenkins.zora@comcast.net or 540.463.4558.
Caregivers Support Group
For caregivers of elderly adults. For more information, call 540.949.4151
Mental Health America of Augusta
MHA-A offers a number of programs to educate the public about mental health and mental illness, to provide practical information and referral, and to enable mental health professional enrichment. Advocacy, education, and other programs can be found by visiting or contacting www.mha-augusta.org, mhaa@lumos.net, 540. 886.7181, or MHA-A, the Professional Building Suite 206, 101 W. Frederick Street, Staunton VA 24401.
For information about ongoing or upcoming support groups on coping with death, grief, or mental illness, Dr. Cynthia Long of Western States is a Certified Grief Counselor and Chaplain. Dr. Long facilitates support groups based on request. For more information or upcoming groups, contact Dr. Long at 540.332.8004
Information provided by Lishey Dent, Intern from JMU, working with Community Outreach at Augusta Health. Contact Dana Breeding, RN related to the above information at 332-4988 or 932-4988.
Individuals need emotional and also social support when going through medical treatments, disease diagnoses and progression, rehabilitation, caretaking, addiction, remission, and more. When one has traumatic or difficult medical and nonmedical experiences, it is important for individuals to have social and emotional support which can come in the form of a support group. One may be comforted by others when one feels alone, depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or hopeless. While everyone has different experiences and ways of coping with their situation, everyone can gain from emotional support and hope from others and develop comfort in knowing that others have experienced the same or a similar situation. If you or someone you know has a disease or disorder, is struggling with a diagnosis, is strained as a caretaker, or needs the comfort of others, consider attending a support group related to your situation. You may find strangers who become friends, practical advice for your disease or your loved one’s disease, and also hope. Having others around you may benefit your mental health and well-being. Please see a health care provider for a proper diagnosis as well as seek professional counseling for support of any mental, physical, or emotional health diagnosis.
Below is a list of support groups provided by Augusta Health and in the surrounding area:
Diabetes Support Group
For those with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes and their family and friends. For information, call the Diabetes & Nutrition Self-Management Education Program at 540.941.2537 or 540.213.253.
Friends Listening to Friends
For newly diagnosed cancer patients who have fears, questions or concerns. For information, call Leigh Anderson at 540.245.7105
Stronger Together – Breast Cancer Support Group
For patients diagnosed with breast cancer. For information, call Leigh Anderson at 540.245.7105
Continuing Survivorship Group
For cancer patients who have completed treatment but still feel the need for continued support. For information, call Leigh Anderson at 540.245.7105.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
For those who are impacted by Parkinson’s disease and their family members, partners, and friends. For information, contact Joyce Huddle: joyce229@comcast.net , 540.943.2229 or Ashley Reibel: AReibel@AugustaHealth.com.
Shenandoah Valley Stroke Club
For those who have experienced a stroke and their family members, and friends.
For more information contact Shelley Payne at 540.332.4047.
Grief Support Group
For individuals and families who have lost a loved one. For information, contact Debbie Brown, Bereavement Counselor of Hospice of the Shenandoah at 540.932.4911 or dbrown@augustahealth.com.
Diversions Ostomy Support Group
This group meeting is designed to share ideas and improve quality of life following ostomy surgery. For information and hear the dates and times, contact 540.245.7236
GriefShare
For individuals suffering the loss of a spouse, parent, sibling, child, family member, or friend. For information, contact Nancy Jo Gibson, Director of Soul Care and Biblical Guidance at 540.886.2015.
The Compassionate Friends
This is a self-help organization that provides support to families after death of a child. For information, contact Zora Jenkins at jenkins.zora@comcast.net or 540.463.4558.
Caregivers Support Group
For caregivers of elderly adults. For more information, call 540.949.4151
Mental Health America of Augusta
MHA-A offers a number of programs to educate the public about mental health and mental illness, to provide practical information and referral, and to enable mental health professional enrichment. Advocacy, education, and other programs can be found by visiting or contacting www.mha-augusta.org, mhaa@lumos.net, 540. 886.7181, or MHA-A, the Professional Building Suite 206, 101 W. Frederick Street, Staunton VA 24401.
For information about ongoing or upcoming support groups on coping with death, grief, or mental illness, Dr. Cynthia Long of Western States is a Certified Grief Counselor and Chaplain. Dr. Long facilitates support groups based on request. For more information or upcoming groups, contact Dr. Long at 540.332.8004
Information provided by Lishey Dent, Intern from JMU, working with Community Outreach at Augusta Health. Contact Dana Breeding, RN related to the above information at 332-4988 or 932-4988.
Physical Activity – YouTube As Your Tool
While many people might associate going on the internet and watching YouTube videos with inactivity and being a couch potato, YouTube and other internet resources can really aid a physical activity routine. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity with a notable heart rate increase every day. YouTube can help you enjoy those 30 minutes each day or introduce you to a new activity.
YouTube was launched in 2005 and has enriched lives all over the world through cat videos, TV clips, educational videos, how-to instructions, and much more. Another enrichment from YouTube has been instructional exercise videos. Many types of exercise videos exist on YouTube like instructional exercise classes, yoga classes, proper exercise or weightlifting form, full workout routines, and dance routines, to name a few.
YouTube can be a great way to start a new physical activity routine right from your home which comes with many benefits.
Many other health-improving videos can be found on YouTube as well. The challenge is to search for those healthy resources and use YouTube as a tool in addition to a place to relax and be entertained. YouTube has many other videos to aid other aspects of health. You can find guided meditations at any lengths of time depending on how much time you have in your day to help your mental health. You can find instructional cooking videos with healthy recipes. A large benefit to using YouTube here is the ability to pause, rewind, and re-watch the videos. You can also see how other people deal with their chronic diseases such as diabetes, giving you tips on ways to benefits yourself or simply acting at a reminder that you are not alone in your chronic condition.
YouTube can be a great and useful tool to get moving to a healthier lifestyle. Make sure to talk with your health care provider first about your physical activity limits or concerns before starting a new physical activity routine. Follow any guidelines or recommendations that they present for you. Lastly, remember all of these health-improving videos that are at your fingertips, just as long as you have access to the internet!
Augusta Health is not responsible for YouTube content and encourages you to consult your health care provider before starting any exercise program.
Yoga with Adriene – Instructional yoga classes ranging from five minutes to an hour and ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Also includes yoga videos for specific conditions including back pain, stress relief, digestion, wrist pain, flexibility, and weight loss, to name a few.
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Popsugar Fitness – Wide range of workout-along videos for complete beginners and more advanced or fit individuals. The videos range from 5 minutes to an hour with many topics including cardio dance, high intensity interval training (HIIT), muscle-targeting workouts, pilates, boxing, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit/featured
FitForceFX – A slightly more advanced channel where you can work hard, have fun, and get fitness results. Includes REAL-TIME workouts that you can do anywhere, with or without equipment. Workouts range from quick 5 min muscle targeting blitzes to 1.25 hr full body mega workouts. The majority are 15-30 mins and stackable to your time constraints and fitness level. Every workout and exercise can be modified to you fitness level.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wkhjMDu9rwOhjoMnOalnQ
The Mindful Moment – Guided mindfulness meditation videos for varying times of day, moods, and personal comfort levels. Includes guided meditations for beginners and also for specific needs. Videos are geared toward reducing stress and anxiety, finding peace, loving kindness, self-acceptance, improving health, and relaxation. Videos vary in length from about five minutes to an hour, but most are between 10 and 20 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu_mPlZbomAgNzfAUElRL7w/featured
Information provided by Lishey Dent, Intern from JMU, working with Community Outreach at Augusta Health. Contact Dana Breeding, RN related to the above information at 332-4988 or 932-4988.
While many people might associate going on the internet and watching YouTube videos with inactivity and being a couch potato, YouTube and other internet resources can really aid a physical activity routine. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity with a notable heart rate increase every day. YouTube can help you enjoy those 30 minutes each day or introduce you to a new activity.
YouTube was launched in 2005 and has enriched lives all over the world through cat videos, TV clips, educational videos, how-to instructions, and much more. Another enrichment from YouTube has been instructional exercise videos. Many types of exercise videos exist on YouTube like instructional exercise classes, yoga classes, proper exercise or weightlifting form, full workout routines, and dance routines, to name a few.
YouTube can be a great way to start a new physical activity routine right from your home which comes with many benefits.
- You can try something new or challenging without any of the self-consciousness that might come with being at a gym or other public exercise area. You can gain a sense of freedom by trying something new alone or with a partner.
- You can pause and rewind to see an exercise or routine again to make sure you understand it correctly.
- It’s free! As long as you have internet and a way to access it, you do not need to pay anything extra to watch YouTube videos.
- It’s fun! Have you ever tried a boxing class? Have you ever tried yoga? Have you ever learned an entire dance routine? All of these are great ways to be physically active and all can be found on YouTube.
- You can find your comfort level to begin. YouTube is home to over a billion videos. You can find the right physical activity level for you with great quality and move up gradually from there.
- There are specific niches of exercise videos. You can find exercise videos aimed at your age, chronic condition, injury, or other condition.
Many other health-improving videos can be found on YouTube as well. The challenge is to search for those healthy resources and use YouTube as a tool in addition to a place to relax and be entertained. YouTube has many other videos to aid other aspects of health. You can find guided meditations at any lengths of time depending on how much time you have in your day to help your mental health. You can find instructional cooking videos with healthy recipes. A large benefit to using YouTube here is the ability to pause, rewind, and re-watch the videos. You can also see how other people deal with their chronic diseases such as diabetes, giving you tips on ways to benefits yourself or simply acting at a reminder that you are not alone in your chronic condition.
YouTube can be a great and useful tool to get moving to a healthier lifestyle. Make sure to talk with your health care provider first about your physical activity limits or concerns before starting a new physical activity routine. Follow any guidelines or recommendations that they present for you. Lastly, remember all of these health-improving videos that are at your fingertips, just as long as you have access to the internet!
Augusta Health is not responsible for YouTube content and encourages you to consult your health care provider before starting any exercise program.
Yoga with Adriene – Instructional yoga classes ranging from five minutes to an hour and ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Also includes yoga videos for specific conditions including back pain, stress relief, digestion, wrist pain, flexibility, and weight loss, to name a few.
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Popsugar Fitness – Wide range of workout-along videos for complete beginners and more advanced or fit individuals. The videos range from 5 minutes to an hour with many topics including cardio dance, high intensity interval training (HIIT), muscle-targeting workouts, pilates, boxing, and more.
https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit/featured
FitForceFX – A slightly more advanced channel where you can work hard, have fun, and get fitness results. Includes REAL-TIME workouts that you can do anywhere, with or without equipment. Workouts range from quick 5 min muscle targeting blitzes to 1.25 hr full body mega workouts. The majority are 15-30 mins and stackable to your time constraints and fitness level. Every workout and exercise can be modified to you fitness level.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wkhjMDu9rwOhjoMnOalnQ
The Mindful Moment – Guided mindfulness meditation videos for varying times of day, moods, and personal comfort levels. Includes guided meditations for beginners and also for specific needs. Videos are geared toward reducing stress and anxiety, finding peace, loving kindness, self-acceptance, improving health, and relaxation. Videos vary in length from about five minutes to an hour, but most are between 10 and 20 minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu_mPlZbomAgNzfAUElRL7w/featured
Information provided by Lishey Dent, Intern from JMU, working with Community Outreach at Augusta Health. Contact Dana Breeding, RN related to the above information at 332-4988 or 932-4988.
Archived articles
| 2018.05_faith_community_nursing.pdf |
| 2018.04_fcn_national_humor_month.pdf |
| 2018.03_fcn_the_organized_kitchen.pdf |
| 2018.02_faith_community_nursing_article.pdf |