Twenty Things I Learned from Reading the Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health

By Nancy Kennedy

In 2005, Nancy Carroll Lammie  published the first issue of a new quarterly regional magazine, the Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health. Her goal was to provide  information to area residents about wellness, healthcare resources and practitioners, and to offer hospitals and healthcare organizations an opportunity to inform the public about their services. Two decades later, the magazine continues to educate readers about the excellent healthcare resources in the Pittsburgh region, and shares vital and current information about how to achieve and maintain good health.

Every issue of the Guide to Good Health is filled with features about nutrition, exercise, new technologies, physician profiles, medical advances, senior living and much more.

Here are twenty examples of how the Guide to Good Health has educated the community over the past two decades, helping us all to live longer, healthier and happier lives:

1. Your heart health is your job, not your doctor’s job. Most of the factors that lead to heart disease are lifestyle choices and can be modified by behavior change. Don’t smoke, limit unprocessed food and alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and be as active as possible. Most heart disease is preventable if you make smart choices.

2. To reduce your risk of cancer, reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a proven carcinogen that can contribute to the development of cancer of the liver, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus and pharynx.

3. Recovery from substance abuse and addiction is possible, and there are excellent programs throughout the region that offer humane, comprehensive treatment. Recovery is facilitated by care that addresses the medical and mental health complexities of addiction. There is expert, compassionate help available and there is hope for anyone struggling with addiction. When you achieve recovery, you can restore your life and relationships.

4. In the U.S., 30 million adults have Type 2 diabetes. That’s almost 10% of the adult population, and that number rises to 25% in the over-65 group. Diabetes can result in major complications, including heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease and amputations. To prevent such complications, people with diabetes must commit to comply with medical management and to practice meticulous self-care. 

5. Consumption of “ultra processed” food is very popular in the U.S., but it does not provide quality nutrition. These food products are often snack foods and are high in sodium, fat and sugar. They also contain additives, preservatives and chemicals. The convenience, low cost, and taste appeal of ultra processed food is hard to resist, but reducing your intake and replacing it with home prepared, natural food can greatly improve health.

6. Advanced technology in cardiac imaging and treatment of heart disease have made heart surgery a minimally invasive procedure for people with valve disease and other problems. These procedures relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

7. Keeping track of a complex medication regimen can be a challenge for anyone. Non-adherence with medication can result in illness, setbacks and hospital readmission. Consider using a customized medication management system to avoid negative outcomes.

8. Skin cancer screening is every bit as important as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate screening and, for smokers, lung CT scans. Add an annual skin screening to your list of essential preventive care practices. Early detection is the key to cancer survival. 

9. Lifestyle influences your health more than genetics. Know your family history but remember that your behavior is more predictive of your future health. Simple actions have great benefits: go for a walk, eat produce, hydrate well, get enough sleep, watch your weight, get a pet and put down your phone.

10. Parkinson's disease is increasing at alarming rates. It is projected that the number of cases of Parkinson’s will double by 2040. Research studies focus on the effects of pesticides and other toxins on the development of Parkinson’s. You can reduce your risk by becoming aware of the many toxins in our homes and workplaces. Filter your drinking water, wash your produce with anti-pesticide solutions, and don’t use pesticides. 

11. Autism cases continue to rise in the U.S. In 2006, 1 child in 110 was diagnosed with autism; in 2023, that rose to 1 child in 36. However this change may be attributed in part to better diagnostic practices.

12. The transition from independence to assisted living is not an easy one for older adults or their families. It can be eased by careful advanced planning that includes visits to facilities to assess the environment. Downsizing in preparation for relocating should be gradual and gentle, with respect for the person’s losses.

13. Joint replacement can not only give you new knees and hips, but also a new lease on life. For many people, joint replacement transforms their lives, improves their longevity and strengthens their heart health, thanks to the renewal of mobility.

14. Palliative and hospice care is underutilized by healthcare professionals and consumers, but it offers numerous benefits for patients and their families. It enables people to die at home with family support, and offers clinical, spiritual and psychosocial care from a multidisciplinary team. Hospice care means quality of life at the end of life.

15. Stroke is the third leading cause of death for women, but most women do not recognize stroke symptoms. Possible signs of stroke include headache, dizziness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, change in vision and one-sided weakness.

16. Autoimmune diseases are rising and occur more frequently in women. Symptoms can be non-specific, and diagnosis is often delayed. If you are concerned that you have an autoimmune condition, ask your PCP for a referral to a rheumatologist.

17. Pain is common as we age but is not a normal part of aging. There are many options for identifying the source of pain and treating chronic pain, including but not limited to medication. Ask your doctor to help you find relief so that you can enjoy life free of pain. 

18. Colorectal cancer is a woman’s cancer. More women will die of colorectal cancer than cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers combined. When diagnosed early, 90% of colorectal cancers can be cured with surgery. The key to early diagnosis is colonoscopy, which is not the ordeal that it once was.

19. Food allergies and food sensitivities are not the same thing. With allergies, eating the offending food triggers an immediate reaction, such as hives. Food sensitivities are limited to the digestive system and may appear over time rather than immediately.

20. Residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities are fortunate to have access to the highest quality, most advanced health care resources. Navigating those resources can be a challenge, but the Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health provides the answers to your questions plus all the information you need. Subscribe today!