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1 4 2 ON THE GO WITH LITTLE TIME TO SPARE? TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO ABSORB THESE FIVE DIGEST VERSIONS OF th r ive's FEATURED ARTICLES FROM THIS ISSUE. GETTING A HANDLE ON ASTHMA Asthma symptoms tend to worsen with exercise, cold or hot dry air, and springtime airborne allergens, placing asthma sufferers at risk of an asthma attack. People with asthma should track when symptoms worsen and use a peak flow meter to measure the ease of oxygen flow into the lungs. For patients whose asthma symptoms worsen with exercise or allergies, medications may help prevent symptoms and/or reduce the severity of an attack. What's more, warming up before exercising and participating in workouts that involve short, intermittent periods of movement can help reduce asthma symptoms or the risk of an asthma attack. Discover more about allergy- and exercise- related asthma on page 8. THE WORD ON CONTRACEPTION Birth control options have come a long way since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved birth control pills more than 50 years ago. Choices include barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms to intrauterine devices, hormone-releasing implants, quarterly hormone injections and birth control pills. Emergency contraception is available to women in pill form to help prevent pregnancy if they've had unprotected sex or failed contraceptive measure like a broken condom. For best results, emergency contraception should be taken within 24 to 72 hours of intercourse. Read about all forms of contraception starting on page 10. TONSIL TALK If a child has chronic throat infections like tonsillitis or strep throat or snores due to sleep apnea, a tonsillectomy may help. Children with chronic throat infections tend to miss a lot of school and require multiple rounds of antibiotics— things most parents want to avoid. The cause of sleep apnea in children is often large tonsils. While a tonsillectomy is rarely a necessary procedure, it can provide relief from throat infections or breathing issues during sleep that manifest as sleep apnea. A tonsillectomy can be frightening for children, so preparing them for it through activities like reading children's books about the procedure or touring the hospital can be helpful. Find more information about tonsillectomy on page 16. THYROID DISORDERS The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is responsible for generating hormones that regulate body temperature, metabolism and some organ functions. Serious health issues can occur if the thyroid's hormone levels are imbalanced or a nodule or tumor develops on the gland. Two common issues with the thyroid are hypothyroidism— the underproduction of thyroid hormone—and hyperthyroidism— the overproduction of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with a daily oral dose of thyroxine, while hyperthyroidism is treated either by anti- thyroid drugs or surgery to remove the thyroid, followed by hormone replacement. Thyroid cancer and large nodules are surgically removed, then the patient takes thyroid hormone replacement. Turn to page 18 for additional details about thyroid disorders. ON FIRM GROUND As people age, they're at an increased risk of falling. In fact, one in three people over the age of 65 is at risk of falling and potentially sustaining serious injuries. While bruises and broken bones are possible after suffering a fall, more severe traumas—such as brain injuries—are also a concern. To reduce the risk of falling, use nightlights, secure rugs to the floor with double-sided carpet tape, install grab-bars in the bathtub and shower, and wear nonslip footwear. If a fall occurs, stay calm and evaluate injuries. When there are signs of a broken bone or a concussion, it is important to immediately seek medical attention. Read the full article about balance and aging on page 24. SP RIN G / SUMMER 2 016 / / W W W.N Y M.O RG 30 T A K E F I V E / YO U R H E A LT H C H E AT S H E E T