Washington Health System

3 2 CALMING For You r Do you have a cough that you just can't shake? Chocolate lovers will be happy to hear that their favorite snack contains a chemical compound called theobromine, which was more successful in studies than many codeine cough syrups at easing a chronic cough. Other natural cough treatments might be stocked in your kitchen as well. CHOCOLATE eobromine is a derivative of cacao and has been proven by researchers to be successful in suppressing a persistent cough. Chocolate also has far fewer side eects than traditional cough medicine. GINGER Most people who use ginger as an at-home cure turn to it for soothing upset stomachs and aren't aware of its cough- suppressant capabilities. Combine it with honey for a homemade cough syrup. HONEY AND LEMON Whether you use honey alone or mix it into warm lemon water, this natural cough remedy is widely used for a reason. In fact, studies have shown straight honey may be more eective than dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, both ingredients in popular cough syrups, at soothing scratchy throats. » IF YOU HAVE A COUGH AND ARE CONSIDERING VISITING AN URGENT CARE FACILITY, TRY CALLING YOUR WHS PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP) FIRST. MOST OF THE TIME, HE OR SHE CAN GET YOU IN, AND THEN YOU CAN AVOID A HIGH CO-PAY. IF YOU NEED A PCP, CALL THE WHS PHYSICIAN REFERRAL LINE AT (724) 250-4310. In August 2015, the Lancet published the largest study to date regarding the link between long working hours and the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. It found that employees who work more than 55hours a week are at a 33percent increased risk of stroke, in addition to a 10 percent increased risk of a heart attack. e study also found that working more than 40hours a week can increase the risk of stroke by as much as 10percent. "Working long, stressful hours can also increase the risk of depression, back and muscle pain, headaches and arthritis," says Brian Staub,MD, Board-Certied Cardiologist at Washington Health System. Dr.Staub oers the following four strategies for a more eective workday so that you—and your heart—can relax at the end of a long day: » IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HEART, CONTACT WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM'S CARDIOVASCULAR TEAM. VISIT WHS.ORG TO FIND A CARDIOLOGIST NEAR YOU. A COUGH GOOD NEWS—THE MEANS TO EASE YOUR COUGH MAY ALREADY BE IN YOUR KITCHEN CABINET. 1 CHOCOLATE 1 CHOCOLATE SYSTEM'S CARDIOVASCULAR TEAM. VISIT WHS.ORG TO FIND A CARDIOLOGIST Hear' Sak THE MORE HOURS YOU WORK, THE MORE AT RISK YOU ARE OF DEVELOPING HEART DISEASE OR HAVING A STROKE. » Map out your workday and set a realistic plan for the day as well as reasonable times to complete each task. » Build in 10 minutes every three hours or so to take a mental break—maybe go for a quick walk to get some fresh air and sunlight. » Minimize time spent talking with colleagues, browsing the internet, and answering phone calls and emails that can wait until a more appropriate time. » Track your time to see how it's being spent and where you can adjust for increased eciency. "In addition to managing your time more eciently, it's important to focus on your health by taking time to exercise, get enough sleep and follow up regularly with your physician to keep a check on cardiovascular risks," Dr.Staub says. whs.org 3 W I NTE R 2017 | connections

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