Thank you for coming to the Good Health Blog Spot to get health related information.  At this time we are experiencing a transition, so please check back with us at the end of January for any new updates.

The Results Are In!

Voting has ended, and we have ourselves a winner! Congratulations to Bill S, whose Movember moustache has been deemed the fairest in all the land (or at least in the competition). Bill wins a prize pack that includes a T-shirt, movie downloads and books galore, and some sweet Movember swag.

We at St. Louis Public Library would like to thank everyone who participated (and voted!) for making our inaugural Movember celebration a success. All competitors will receive a prize pack that can be picked up at any time from The Studio at Central Library, 1301 Olive St.

While you're at Central, stop in the Science and Technology Room (right next door to The Studio) to pick up some information about men's health, including a guide of recommended screenings.

Movember Voting Starts Now!

The final photos are in, and voting is now open for the 2014 Movember Moustache Challenge! Check out the photos below, and then swing over to the Movember Voting page to weigh in on your favorite moustache. Voting is open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, so tell your friends to rally behind your favorite!

Two More Moustaches!

Two more competitors have checked in with their moustaches! Check them out below!

Today's Movember fact:
One in five adults experience an anxiety disorder each year. Symptoms of anxiety include hot and cold flashes, racing heart, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, tightening of the chest, and snowballing worries. For more information about anxiety disorders and effective treatment, visit the American Psychological Association's page on anxiety treatments.

Mo Moustaches!

In recognition of being three-quarters of the way through Movember, here are two-thirds of our competitors, showing off their moustaches. Next week, we'll post their final mustachioed photos and ask you to vote for your favorite. Voting will be open for one week, after which our winner will receive a fantastic prize pack of books, movies, T-shirts, and more Movember swag than you can shake a stick at. (Don't worry, all of our participants will walk away with something!) Check out the Movember page for photos of the fabulous prizes!

Today's Movember fact:
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting one out of seven men. Some of the risk factors include: age (more than 65% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65); race (African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer than Caucasian men, and 2.5 times more likely to die of the disease); tall height; a sedentary lifestyle; a family history of prostate cancer; and exposure to Agent Orange. For more information about risk factors and screening for prostate cancer, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation's website.

Two More Movember Updates

For your viewing pleasure, here are our last two competitors' moustaches. Voting on this fantastic facial hair begins soon, with fabulous prizes to be announced. Stay tuned for more details!

Today's Movember Fact:
We've been talking about Movember all month, but what exactly is Movember? It's a worldwide organization dedicated to raising awareness about men's health issues and funding programs to help prevent prostate cancer and testicular cancer, and to treat men's mental health issues. Check out the Movember Foundation's website for more information on their mission and methods.

Two Weeks In, And The Moustaches Are Flourishing!

Check out the progress on our competitors' moustaches! Remember, aside from growing fantastic moustaches, Movember is a time to discuss men's health, so take the opportunity to talk to the men in your life about getting routine health exams and screenings.

Today's Movember Fact:
According to studies by Harvard Medical School, men are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, drinking excessively, not wearing a seatbelt, and skipping routine health checkups, than women are. Check out the men's health page at BetterMedicine.com for tips on living a healthier life.

Open Enrollment Starts Today!

Health Insurance Enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace opens today! While those who had some qualifying event (for example, the loss of a job, death in the family, or divorce) were able to enroll before now, anyone who doesn't currently have health insurance is now able to enroll through Healthcare.gov. Open enrollment continues through February 15, 2015.

A few things to keep in mind:

• If you can afford healthcare and choose not to buy it, most people must now pay a penalty when they submit their 2014 taxes in April. Healthcare.gov has a page dedicated to fees and exemptions that explains everything in detail.
• If you already purchased health insurance through the Marketplace last year, it's likely you'll be automatically re-enrolled in your existing plan or a similar plan if you do nothing this year. However, you can always log in to Healthcare.gov and switch plans if you want to. For information on keeping or changing your plan, visit this page.
• While open enrollment continues through February 15, 2015, if you want coverage to start on January 1, 2015, you must enroll by December 15, 2014.

For more information, including links to application forms, visit our updated page on the Affordable Care Act.

Also, don't forget that Certified Application Counselors from Grace Hill Health Centers will be on hand at Central Library, 1301 Olive St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday through the end of open enrollment. No reservations or appointments are required; just stop by with your questions!

Another Movember Update

The rest of our competitors have sent in their updated moustache photos. Check 'em out below, and don't forget to share some info about men's health!

Today's Movember Fact:
More than 6 million men in America have depression each year. Several factors may contribute to a diagnosis of depression, including stress, hormones and brain chemistry, and a family history of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health has some great information about men and depression, including some real stories of living with the mental health condition.

Moustache updates!

We're 10 days into Movember, and our competitors have varying degrees of moustaches appearing. (Scott would like it known that he had to shave for a military event, but is starting over this week and intends to catch up with everyone else.) We're still waiting for a few competitors to submit their updated photos, but in the meantime, take a gander at what has transpired over the last week.

Today's Movember Fact:
The easiest way to stay healthy is to know and track your numbers for BMI (body mass index) and weight, waistline, blood pressure, both HDL (healthy) and LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol, and blood glucose (AKA sugar). Keeping track of these and keeping them in a healthy range helps lower your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and many types of cancer.

Even More Competitors!

Another day, another Movember participant (or two)! While they may be a couple days behind, or at least a couple days late taking their starting line photos, they're certainly welcome to compete! And so are you! Just send your beginning photos to kkrekeler@slpl.org to get started.

Today's Movember Fact:
Men are four times more likely to die from suicide than women are; however, women are three times more likely to report suicide attempts. To learn more about suicide prevention including warning signs, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

More Movember Competitors!

A hearty welcome to three new participants in the Movember moustache competition! It's still not too late to sign up! Just send a photo of your clean-shaven mug to kkrekeler@slpl.org and check out the Movember page for all the rules!

And don't forget to stop by Central Library this Thursday as we kick off our Movember movie month with Smokey and the Bandit. Representatives of Siteman Cancer Center's Prostate Cancer Community Partnership, the Testicular Cancer Society, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness will be on hand starting at 5:30 outside the auditorium; the movie starts at 6:30. Come by to show off that growing mo' and learn about men's health!

Today's Movember fact:
While testicular cancer is rare, accounting for just 1 percent of all male cancers, it is also the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. For more information on testicular cancer, including how to do a self-exam, visit the Testicular Cancer Society.

Movember Has Begun!

Movember has officially begun! Check out these six fine gents who started Saturday morning off with a close shave in preparation for growing a moustache the rest of the month. If you didn't start on November 1, you're only a few days behind and can definitely participate! Just check out the Movember page for participation rules, and send a photo of your clean-shaven face to kkrekeler@slpl.org to join in.

Today's Movember fact:

One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and one in 36 men will die from prostate cancer, accounting for 22 percent of all male deaths from cancer. Learn more about prostate cancer and its prevention from the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Get Ready to Grow that Mo!

Movember is nearly upon us, so now is as good a time as any to start prepping that face for a month ofmoustache-growing! Check out our Movember page for participation rules.

So you may be wondering... what does growing a moustache have to do with health? This is a health blog, after all. Led by the international Movember Foundation, Movember is a month-long event to raise awareness for men's health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. It's a simple premise: grow a moustache for a month, and when people comment on your changing face, use it as an opportunity to open up a conversation about men's health. (Women can participate too, without the moustache. Just help raise awareness!)

So here are a few talking points (courtesy of the Movember Foundation) to bring up when people start pointing at your furry upper lip:

• The average life expectancy of men (76.2 years) is almost five years shorter than that of women (81 years).
• Half of men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States; more than 233,000 men will be diagnosed with it in 2014.
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 35, and about 8,820 new cases are diagnosed each year.
• One in four adults will experience a mental health problem in a given year.
• More than four times as many men as women die by suicide in the United States.

So remember to Shave the Date on November 1! Start off with a clean-shaven face and let that moustache grow throughout the month. And don't forget to send in your pics to kkrekeler@slpl.org. We'll post them on this blog, and if your peers are suitably impressed by your facial masterpiece by the end of the month, you may win a prize!

Psst! There's more to Movember than just the moustache photos. Visit Central Library in November to compare moustaches while enjoying some great moustache-themed movies. The series kicks off November 6 with Smokey and the Bandit at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a visit from three health organizations focusing on mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

See No Evil, Speak No Evil: Learn About Your Eyes and Mouth at the Library

Join the St. Louis Public Library for our final installment in the 2014 Consumer Health Speaker Series, "Can I Catch That?," as we discuss eye and mouth health, and what they can indicate about your overall health.

"See No Evil, Speak No Evil: The Story Your Eyes and Mouth Tell About Your Health" will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 in the Carnegie Room at Central Library, 1301 Olive Street, 63103. The discussion will feature an intimate conversation with ophthalmologist Dr. Michael Donahoe, dentist Dr. Candace Wakefield, and pharmacist Dr. Jamie Shelly.

This event is free and open to the public, and no reservations are required. Free parking is available at the Library's parking lot at the corner of 15th and Olive streets, a block west of the Library. For additional information, call 314.539.0390.

Stop by the Baden Branch this Saturday!

The Library's Baden Branch, 8448 Church Road, is once again hosting its Living Life Expo this Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seventh annual expo will feature a wealth of health information, including routine screenings, referrals, a Zumba class, acupressure demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to get your health questions answered by professionals! There will even be face painting for kids!

Participating organizations include:

• Bernard Becker Medical Library (of Washington University School of Medicine)
• Barnes-Jewish Care
• CLAIM, a state health insurance assistance program through Primaris
• Grace Hill Health Centers
• OASIS
• Riverview West Florissant Development Corporations
• St. Louis Children's Hospital's Family Resource Center
• St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's 6th District
• Siteman Cancer Center's Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities

While representatives from each of the above organizations will be available throughout the event, there are a couple of special presentations during the event.

First, from 11 a.m. to noon, licensed massage therapist Rachel Davis will introduce relaxation and meditation techniques (including the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT) to help eliminate stress and improve your health. Then, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., fitness instructor RJ will lead a heart-pumping Zumba class, suitable for having a blast dancing while getting some exercise.

The entire day is free and open to the public. For additional information call Jan at 314.388.2400.

Hot Topic: Ebola

We at St. Louis Public Library have received several questions about the Ebola virus over the last few months, as the hemorrhagic fever has infected and killed thousands in Africa. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control announced that a patient in Dallas, Texas, was diagnosed with the disease, following a trip to Liberia. That patient is being treated in isolation at a hospital in Dallas, in the hopes of decreasing the chance of exposure to other people.


While this is certainly a scary disease, it is well worth taking a moment to step back and learn about what exactly Ebola is and how it is spread.

According to the National Library of Medicine, Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a virus that affects humans and other primates, and is spread through direct contact to blood and other secretions from an infected individual, thus making it not nearly as contagious as other diseases (such as the flu or measles). A couple of things make this virus a bit scarier though:

• First, the early symptoms of Ebola are similar to other, less severe conditions and include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure to the virus. The fact that these symptoms also occur in several milder viruses makes it hard to diagnose someone in the early stages of Ebola. However, the CDC has urged those who have any reason to suspect that they may have been exposed to Ebola and is experiencing these symptoms to be treated in isolation and get blood tests done.
• Second, there is no cure for Ebola, and approximately 50% of those infected die of the disease. There have been some experimental treatments developed, although they have not been tested in humans, nor have they been produced in significant quantities. Right now, the CDC is urging healthcare workers to treat symptoms as they appear.

It is important to remember that there has been just one diagnosed case of Ebola in the United States, and the CDC has stressed that the chances of an outbreak here are low: "Ebola is not spread through casual contact; therefore, the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. is very low. We know how to stop Ebola’s further spread: thorough case finding, isolation of ill people, contacting people exposed to the ill person, and further isolation of contacts if they develop symptoms."

For additional information on Ebola, visit the CDC's page dedicated to the virus, which includes tips on preventing exposure. Another great resource is Kidshealth.org, which has a page devoted to explaining the disease to children.

Upcoming Events From Our Community Partners

The St. Louis Public Library's community partners have some great events coming up. Make sure to check them out!

Our partners at Siteman Cancer Center's Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities will be participating in a free health fair this Saturday, September 27. The Shalom Church HealthFest will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hazelwood East High School, 11300 Dunn Road, 63138, and will feature a wide variety of health screenings and resources. PECaD's Prostate Cancer Community Partnership will be providing free prostate cancer screenings. To pre-register for the health fair call 314.653.2322.

On Tuesday, October 7, the Washington University School of Medicine will host a lecture by Dr. Goldie Byrd, who will discuss engaging the community in the recruitment of African Americans for genetic studies in Alzheimer's Disease. The lecture is the 9th annual Norman R. Seay Lecture, named in honor of the civil rights leader and advocate for Alzheimer's research. The lecture will take place from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. October 7 in the Connor Auditorium at WUSM's Farrell Learning & Teaching Center, 520 S. Euclid Ave. Reservations are required. Call 314.286.0930 to RSVP.

Come see TEDMEDLive2014 at Central Library!

Through a partnership between TEDMED and St. Louis Public Library, the Library is pleased to offer a free opportunity to view a live-stream of the TEDMED 2014 conference this week, September 10-12, at Central Library, 1301 Olive St., 63103.

For those who are not familiar with TEDMED, the three-day conference is a meeting of more than 2,200 creative leaders from medical and non-medical fields, coming together to shape a better future for health and medicine. The conference will take place simultaneously at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco; the event at Central Library will feature a live feed of speakers as they present on stage at those locations.

Live-streaming will take place throughout the day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, but feel free to come and go as you please. A brief description of the sessions is below; each session features several speakers discussing similar topics. For more information on speakers and sessions, visit www.tedmed.com/event/stage2014. For information about the live-streaming sessions at Central, call 539.0390. Hope to see you this week!

Wednesday, September 10
We Just Don't Know     11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.   
This session explores the liberation that can happen when we recognize the limits of our knowledge – those transformational moments when we realize that the more we know, the more we realize how little we know.

Flat Out Amazing     3:45-5:30 p.m.
This session focuses on imagination at the far edge of possibility, featuring stories of the seemingly impossible acts, facts or events that should inspire and dazzle even the most cynical or sophisticated listener.

Turn It Upside Down     6:45-8:30 p.m.
This session introduces surprising insights that flip beliefs, question standard operating procedures, discard some closely held assumptions and lead to fresh insights about health and medicine.

Thursday, September 11
Don't You Dare Talk About This     11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
This session will raise controversial issues in health and medicine that many people are reluctant to discuss publicly.

Play is Not a Waste of Time     3:30-5:20 p.m.
This session reveals the many ways that imagination rewards us, specifically how health and medicine are enhanced through the extraordinary power of play.

Stealing Smart     6:30-8:30 p.m.
The session demonstrates how some of the best solutions to problems in health and medicine come from other worlds than the domain where the problem originated or is usually addressed.

Friday, September 12
Weird and Wonderful     10 a.m.-noon
This session offers a joyful survey of surprising combinations and remarkable results. It’s about science and health trends that came out of left field, defied expectations or simply seem completely off the wall, in a good way.

I Was Just Thinking Too Small     1:30-3:20 p.m.
This session encourages us to step back and see the full picture, realizing that a narrow focus can be as limiting as it is productive.

Health Insurance Enrollment Opportunities at Central Library

Although open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace doesn't start until November 15, the Library is offering opportunities to discuss health insurance enrollment on the first Saturday of each month at Central Library. Starting this Saturday, September 6, certified application counselors from Grace Hill Health Centers will be at Central Library, 1301 Olive St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These application counselors can answer questions about the health insurance marketplace, as well as offer information about Gateway to Better Health, a program that temporarily helps uninsured adults in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County access affordable healthcare options.

The application counselors can also help you enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace, if you qualify for a special enrollment period outside of open enrollment. Qualifying circumstances include losing a job that supplied health insurance, divorce, or death of a family member. To find out if you qualify, take this quick survey at Healthcare.gov.

In the coming months, keep an eye on our Affordable Care Act page, as we update it to reflect the 2014/2015 open enrollment period! If you have questions, please call 314.539.0390.

Talking About Depression

There has been a lot of talk about depression in the media since the death of actor and comedian Robin Williams last week. Several reports note that Williams suffered from depression before he took his own life. But what exactly is depression, and who gets it?

The National Library of Medicine notes that "depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a longer period of time." Go here for a easy-to-read printable pamphlet from the National Library of Medicine that explains the basics of depression.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 10 percent of American adults report experiencing depression; major depression especially affects those between the ages of 45 and 64, women, people with less than a high school education, blacks, Hispanics, those of mixed race, the unemployed, people who used to be married but no longer are, and those without access to health insurance coverage.

There is a lot of good information online about depression, including this page from the American Psychiatric Association, which features videos of people describing their personal experiences with depression. If you think that you may be experiencing depression, check out this page from the Centers for Disease Control, which offers ways to discuss depression with your doctor.

While there are several possible causes of depression (everything from stress to hormones to life changes and a multitude of other things), it's important to note that depression often accompanies other illnesses. For information on depression and its relationship to other specific conditions, visit this link list from the National Library of Medicine. In this list, you'll find everything from dementia to HIV/AIDS to chronic pain.

For more depression information, check out the links below:

• Helping a loved one cope with depression, from the Mayo Clinic
• Information about the medications used to treat depression, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
• Ways to stay motivated and active while experiencing depression, from the Mayo Clinic
• Depression in the workplace, from Mental Health America (Note that this website includes phone numbers and helplines for those who may be experiencing depression; scroll to the bottom of the page to find them.)

As always, the St. Louis Public Library has several books that focus on depression. Check the Dewey Decimal call number 616.8527 in the non-fiction section of your branch, or take a peek at the titles listed below:

• Depression Sourcebook, edited by Amy L. Sutton
• Breaking Free From Depression: Pathways to Wellness by Jesse H. Wright and Laura W. McCray
• Depression and Bipolar Disorder: Your Guide to Recovery by William R. Marchand
• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions: Self-Management of Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Depression, Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema and Other Physical and Mental Health Conditions by Kate Lorig
• The Feel Good Factor by Patrick Holford
• First Steps Out of Depression by Sue Atkinson
• Dealing with Depression: Understanding and Overcoming the Symptoms of Depression by Caroline Shreeve
• The 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques: Understanding How Your Brain Makes You Depressed & What You Can Do to Change It by Margaret Wehrenberg
• Climbing out of Depression: A Practical Guide to Real and Immediate Help by Sue Atkinson
• The Depression Answer Book: Professional Answers to More Than 275 Critical Questions About Medication, Therapy, Support & More by Wes Burgess

Prostate Cancer Walk This Weekend!

Check out this event featuring one of our community partners!

This Saturday, August 9, 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis will host its annual Community Health Day at Harris-Stowe State University. The event will feature the 12th annual Prostate Cancer Survivor and Awareness Run/Walk, as well as a Zumba session, family workshops, and prostate cancer screening from the Prostate Cancer Community Partnership through our partners at the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities.

Pre-registration for the event is $20, while registration the day of the event is $25 and starts at 7 a.m. on Saturday. For information, call 314-367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl2014.kintera.org.

Free Health Screenings for Kids on August 2

Join the St. Louis Public Library for a free Back-to-School Health Fair next Saturday, August 2. The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Locust Street on the north side of Central Library, 1301 Olive St. downtown.

We'll have demonstrations on water safety and plenty of health screenings available, including vision, hearing, lead, and asthma screening, as well as dental, nutrition, ADHD, health insurance, and general health information from a wide variety of partners.

We'll have lots of fun at the fair too, with popcorn, a visit from the St. Louis Fire Department, face painting, and a visit from Snowbaby the Clown. Best of all, everything is free and no registration is necessary!

For more information, call Kara at 314-539-0390. We look forward to seeing you next Saturday!

Join the Library for a Chat About Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes. What’s even more startling is that, of those, more than 8 million don’t know they have it.

To help raise awareness about the disease, the St. Louis Public Library and its partners will present “Diabetes: What’s New, What Works, and How Can I Prevent It?” The program will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 in the Carnegie Room at Central Library, 1301 Olive Street. It will feature Certified Diabetes Educator Jennifer Markee and pharmacist Amy Drew, who will discuss this increasingly prevalent disease and the ways in which it can be treated and managed.

A consultant for the St. Louis Diabetes Coalition and the OASIS Institute, Markee is a medical social worker and a certified diabetes educator through the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Drew is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and a practicing pharmacist at the Ambulatory Clinic at Mercy Clinic Family Medicine.

“In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been such an increase in the diagnosis of diabetes. It’s becoming more pervasive,” Markee said. “One out of five Americans has diabetes so this is important for people to look at and not sweep under the rug.”

Markee said that a diabetes diagnosis often comes with a dose of guilt, as people often automatically assume that they did something wrong to deserve the diagnosis. However, diabetes is part lifestyle and part hereditary. “It becomes this elephant in the room, and people think it’s not valid enough to talk about in conversation,” she said.

At the July 22 event, Markee said she hopes to remove some of that stigma, and to help people learn about the symptoms and warning signs of diabetes, as well as how it is diagnosed, and help them get started on developing a support system to learn more about this chronic disease. She and Drew will also discuss some of the ways that diabetes can be controlled, including exercise habits and reading nutrition labels.

“Diabetes: What’s New, What Works, and How Can I Prevent It?” is the third presentation in “Can I Catch That?,” the St. Louis Public Library’s 2014 Consumer Health Information Speaker Series. The fourth presentation, “See No Evil, Speak No Evil: The Story Your Eyes and Mouth Tell About Your Health,” will take place on Tuesday, October 28 at Central Library. For more information on this series and other health events at the Library, call 314.539.0390.

Are You At Risk for Diabetes?

All month on the blog, we're talking about diabetes. And we know that some of you are thinking, "Well, I don't have diabetes. Why should I care about this?" Well, considering how many people across the country do have Type 2 diabetes, chances are you know someone who does have diabetes, whether it's a friend, co-worker, or family member.

And then there's the fact of prediabetes, a condition in which someone's blood sugar levels are elevated, though not enough to JUSTIFY a diagnosis of diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 79 million Americans, and half of those over the age of 65, have prediabetes. The truly scary part though is that just 7% of those with diabetes know that they have it, and many of those with prediabetes show no symptoms. If only for that reason, it's worth taking a look at prediabetes and the risk factors associated with diabetes.

For good, easy-to-print information on prediabetes, check out this handout from the American Diabetes Association. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse also has some great information on prediabetes, including a list of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to be tested for prediabetes. Among those factors are being over the age of 45 and being overweight in combination with any of the following:

• being physically inactive
• having a parent or sibling with diabetes
• having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• having a history of gestational diabetes
• being African American, Latino, Pacific Islander, Native American, or Asian American (these populations typically have higher concentrations of those with diabetes)

There are also several interactive tools online that can help you determine your risk for diabetes. While these should not be considered definitive, they can help you figure out what to talk to your doctor about in regard to diabetes. Here are a couple tools to try:

• The Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine's Your Disease Risk covers diabetes, as well as several other diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
• The American Diabetes Association has a page devoted to tools to help determine Type 2 diabetes risk, including a short questionnaire.

If you think you might be at risk of diabetes, check out the American Diabetes Association's website, which has a whole section devoted to ways in which you can lower your risk through exercise, eating right, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Stay tuned this month for more information about diabetes!

Type 1? Type 2? An Introduction to Diabetes

This month, The Good Health Blog Spot is focusing on diabetes. To kick that off, let's start at the beginning: So what exactly is diabetes?

The National Library of Medicine defines diabetes as "a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there is a high level of sugar in the blood." The definition goes on to explain that diabetes is related to insulin, a hormone created in the pancreas to control blood sugar by breaking down glucose in food; diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, a resistance to insulin, or a combination of both. "People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy."

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1
• Type 2
• Gestational

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, and is generally diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. Those with Type 1 diabetes have immune systems that attack and destroy cells in the pancreas, blocking the creation of insulin. For this reason, those with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day in order to survive. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, scientists don't yet know what causes Type 1 diabetes, though it may have something to do with autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors.

The JDRF is an excellent source of information on Type 1 diabetes, especially this list of symptoms and warning signs and this page devoted to common myths and misconceptions about Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, occurring when your body does not produce enough insulin to convert glucose into energy. While this type of diabetes occasionally occurs in younger people, it is most often diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults; it is also the type most commonly associated with obesity and inactivity.

There are several excellent online resources for those who have, or are at risk for, Type 2 diabetes, including the American Diabetes Association (which has a large section of its website dedicated to Type 2 diabetes) and the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Gestational diabetes is the third, and least common, form of the condition. This form of diabetes occurs only in women who have elevated levels of blood glucose while pregnant, even though they did not have diabetes or high glucose levels before becoming pregnant. The NDIC is a good introductory resource for information on gestational diabetes.

For more information on diabetes, join the St. Louis Public Library and our partners for "Diabetes: What's New, What Works, and How Can I Prevent It?" at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 in Central Library's Carnegie Room. And keep checking the blog during July!

Let's Talk About Diabetes at the Library

As we head into July, the St. Louis Public Library is turning its focus to diabetes. Diagnoses of the chronic condition is on the rise nationwide, with more than more than 29 million cases across the country, according to the American Diabetes Association. Having diabetes can have an impact on all aspects of your health, including increasing your risk for other serious health problems.

To help raise awareness and educate about diabetes, the Library has partnered with OASIS to provide free 6-week classes to help those with diabetes manage their disease. Led by certified diabetes educators, these classes will take place at several branches throughout the city, starting July 10 at the Schlafly Branch. Registration is required; to secure a spot, call 1-855-805-6168. For a full list of times, dates, and locations, check out our page of Upcoming Events.

On July 22, the third event in our Consumer Health Information Speaker Series will also focus on diabetes. Can I Catch That? Diabetes: What's New, What Works, and How Can I Prevent It? will feature Certified Diabetes Educator Jennifer Markee and pharmacist Amy Drew discussing the best ways to prevent and treat diabetes. The event will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 in the Carnegie Room at Central Library.

Check back to the blog throughout July as we offer more insight into diabetes!

Stay Cool This Summer!

Summer is officially upon us, and with it come temperatures in the 90s and a heat index higher than that. As St. Louis turns itself into a big brick oven, we all need to stop and figure out ways to beat the heat, and that means staying indoors as much as possible (especially if you're very young, very old, or have a heart condition) and drinking lots of water.

For some good general information on heat-related illnesses, check out these pages from the Centers for Disease Control, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the American Red Cross. The Missouri DHSS also has a handy printable guide to help you manage extreme heat conditions, while the CDC has some tips on helping handle the heat if you work outside.

Also, it's incredibly important to remember the effect of hot cars on kids and pets. Temperatures can skyrocket inside a closed vehicle (and cracking the windows doesn't do much), so don't leave them in the car. Safercar.gov has some some good information on the effects of hot cars on kids, as well as some tips on what to do if you see a child trapped in a locked vehicle.

But what happens if the preventative measures don't work? The CDC has a page devoted to warning signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, the latter of which is a potentially fatal (and largely preventable) condition. The heat can also cause heat rash, which isn't as serious a condition, is still uncomfortable and can lead to infection if it goes untreated.

Finally, if nothing else, get into a cool environment! The St. Louis metro area has cooling sites available to the public, including all branches of the St. Louis Public Library. Click here for a printable list of all cooling sites in the metro area, or go to this site for a map searchable by ZIP code.

Take a Moment to Think About Alzheimer's

Every day, we hear about Alzheimer's Disease, yet for many of us, we only have a vague notion of what it is. According to the National Library of Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia, a brain disorder that first affects thought, language, and memory. "In AD, over time, symptoms get worse. People may not recognize family members or have trouble speaking, reading or writing. They may forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need total care." While Alzheimer's generally affects older adults, early-onset Alzheimer's can affect people much younger.

So why is it something we should care about? Frankly, because it affects a lot of people. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's Disease, and more than 500,000 people a year die of the disease, making it the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, one out of every three senior citizens dies with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Check out the video below for a quick rundown on the state of Alzheimer's today.

The St. Louis Public Library has lots of resources for those dealing with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, and for those who hope to stave off the disease through maintaining social and mental stimulation. Check out the list below for some examples.

• The Handbook of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
• Encyclopedia of Alzheimer's Disease by Elaine A. Moore with Lisa Moore
• The Validation Breakthrough: Simple Techniques for Communicating with People with Alzheimer's and Other Dementias by Naomi Feil and Vicki de Klerk-Rubin
• The Alzheimer's Answer: Reduce Your Risk and Keep Your Brain Healthy by Marwan Sabbagh
• Alzheimer's in America: The Shriver Report on Women and Alzheimer's
• The Alzheimer's Action Plan by P. Murali Doriaswamy and Lisa P. Gwyther with Tina Adler
• 100 Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's and Age-Related Memory Loss by Jean Carper
• Loving Someone Who Has Dementia: How to Find Hope While Coping with Stress and Grief by Pauline Boss
• Memory Books and Other Graphic Cuing Systems: Practical Communication and Memory Aids for Adults with Dementia by Michelle S. Bourgeois

You can also check out these online resources.

• The Alzheimer's Association has a great section that gives an overview of the different risk factors, treatments, and stages of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. There's also a page explaining preventative measures that can help decrease your risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease.
• The National Institute on Aging has a downloadable and printable booklet explaining the basics of Alzheimer's, as well as another booklet on prevention of the disease.
• The Washington University School of Medicine's Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Facility provides a lot of great information on the research being done locally on Alzheimer's Disease, including how to get involved in clinical studies.
• The Alzheimer's Project is a four-part documentary series created by HBO, in partnership with the National Institute on Aging, the Alzheimer's Association, the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, and the Geoffrey Been Gives Back Alzheimer's Initiative. The entire series can be viewed free of charge on HBO's website.
• The Nemours Foundation has a great page discussing how to explain Alzheimer's to children.
• Finally, any list of Alzheimer's Disease resources must include some sites to help support caregivers. Check out these pages from the National Library of Medicine, the Alzheimer's Association, and the National Institute on Aging.

Cardio Time at Central Library!

Don't forget that tonight is the second event in the Library's 2014 Consumer Health Information Speaker Series, "Can I Catch That?" Tonight's program focuses on cardio health, and features cardiologist Angela Brown and clinical pharmacist Anastasia Armbruster. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at Central Library, 1301 Olive St., 63103. See the posts below for more information on the event.

Additionally, the event will feature herbalist and massage therapist Rachel Davis, and Lisa Hays of the Million Hearts Campaign talking about various ways in which you can take care of your heart at home. On your way in, please stop by their tables outside the auditorium.

See you at Central tonight!

Learn About Heart Health at the Library

Everyone has heard that having a healthy heart is part of living a healthy life. But how can you tell if your heart is healthy? And if it’s not, what can you do to make it healthy?

These are some of the questions the St. Louis Public Library and its community partners hope to answer on Tuesday, May 27, during a program called “Cardio Health: Risks, Intervention and Prevention.” The event, which will feature cardiologist Dr. Angela Brown and pharmacist Anastasia Armbruster, and will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Central Library, 1301 Olive St., 63103.

Dr. Angela Brown

Brown is an associate professor of medicine in the cardiology division at Washington University School of Medicine and director of the school’s section on hypertension. Armbruster is an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology and internal medicine at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

The Library and its partners have chosen to focus on cardio health because it is something that affects

everyone. “It’s not just old people — it’s young people too,” Brown said. “This is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S.”

During the May 27 event, Brown and Armbruster will discuss what exactly constitutes heart disease, as well as risk factors and the lifestyle interventions that can decrease someone’s chances of developing heart disease. Brown said that after the event, she hopes people will feel empowered to take charge of their own heart health, noting that there are things people can do to improve their overall heart health and live a good-quality life.

Anastasia Armbruster

“It’s all about understanding your risk factors and knowing what you need to know to live that long, healthy life,” Brown said.

Fortunately, there is a lot that individuals can do on their own to improve their heart health. Both Brown and Armbruster suggest simply talking to your doctor about your personal risks for heart disease, and making sure you get the right screenings.

“Talk to your doctor about your risk. Have a yearly checkup, and ask about your blood pressure,” Armbruster said. “Heart health is a big deal. It is important, and something you want to put at the forefront.”

“Cardio Health: Risks, Intervention and Prevention” is presented as part of “Can I Catch That?,” the 2014 Consumer Health Information Speaker Series. The series is presented by St. Louis Public Library and its community partners: HealthStreet, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, and Washington University's Bernard Becker Medical Library. For more information about this event or about health information, call 314-539-0390.

*This article was originally published in the May 2014 issue of The Healthy Planet.