Longmont United Hospital

7 CLASSES AVAILABLE at Longmont United Hospital: 303.651.5111 LUHCARES.ORG BETWEEN 10 AND 15 percent of Americans have IBS, a condition that causes constipation, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, and abdominal pain. Research is still being conducted into the cause of IBS, but symptom management techniques are available to help make life more comfortable for those who have the condition. SEEK RELIEF Physicians may recommend IBS patients eat smaller meals, avoid certain trigger foods such as those high in fat or that contain caffeine, and take supplements or medications such as fiber, probiotics, muscle relaxers, or laxatives. In cases that do not respond to these treatments, female patients are sometimes prescribed medication such as alosetron hydrochloride or lubiprostone, but these are not considered the first line of defense due to potential side effects. Similar medications for male patients have not been approved. Relaxation techniques and mental healthcare are also parts of many IBS treatment plans. Unchecked anxiety and depression are thought to make symptoms more severe. Managing your mental health is an important part of staying well if you have IBS. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, therapeutic counseling, and medication are just a few ways to manage stress, which can contribute to IBS. At Longmont United Hospital, our Health Center of Integrated Therapies offers the Arvigo Technique™ Maya Abdominal Therapy, a relaxing one-hour massage specifically designed to help with abdominal problems like IBS. To make an appointment at the Health Center of Integrated Therapies, call 303.651.5188. Your Brain and IBS Effective stress management plays a surprising role in controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). RESEARCHERS AT THE Mayo Clinic surveyed nearly 1,000 adults regarding their exercise habits and computer use. Participants who engaged in a moderate amount of both activities every day were 64 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who did neither. EVERYTHING IN MODERATION Researchers aren't sure why a combination of both activities seems to have the most benefit, but one thing is clear: Moderate computer use is key. So, what constitutes "moderate"? There's no recommended daily limit on computer use for adults. Since so many jobs require spending the workday in front of a computer, it's safe to assume you should limit after-work computer time as much as possible—especially before bed. Previous research shows excessive nighttime technology use disrupts sleep and raises stress levels, both of which can contribute to cognitive impairment. CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN It's also worth noting that all the participants in the Mayo Clinic study were at least 70 years old. Basic computer tasks may be more mentally challenging for seniors than for younger, more computer- savvy adults. The quality and complexity of content you read on the Internet could also affect its impact on cognitive health. Call 303.485.4184 to register. • Breastfeeding and new baby care • Childbirth preparation • Diabetes self- management • Much more We know physical activity helps protect against cognitive decline later in life. According to a recent study, sitting in front of a computer might not be as bad an idea as you might think. Away? Click Better Brain Health— Just a

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