According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Zika virus is mainly spread to people when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Zika virus can also be spread through sex and from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby.
Most people infected with Zika virus have mild symptoms if any at all.
 Symptoms usually occur 2 to 14 days after a person is infected with the virus.
 Symptoms may include fever, headache, pain in the joints (particularly in the hands and feet), rash and/or red eyes.
One of the major concerns regarding Zika is when pregnant women are infected by the virus. In April 2016, the WHO and the CDC concluded that
Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other fetal brain defects.
Microcephaly is a birth defect that results in a baby’s head being smaller than normal due to underdevelopment of the brain during pregnancy. Since the baby’s brain is underdeveloped, he or she is at increased risk for developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and other physical problems. These issues can be mild to severe and are usually present for the rest of their lives.
There is also concern that Zika virus is related to an increase of
Guillain-Barre syndrome cases in areas where there are Zika outbreaks.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition often triggered by a bacterial or viral infection.
Guillain-Barre is marked by muscle tingling or weakness in the arms and legs and can sometimes cause difficulty breathing and/or temporary paralysis. Other symptoms are listed in the picture on the right.
In April 2016, the WHO stated that initial research suggests the Zika virus can cause
Guillain-Barre syndrome. The Mayo Clinic encourages people who suspect they have Guillain-Barre to seek immediate medical treatment because the condition can worsen quickly. When under the care of a doctor, most people fully recover from
Guillain-Barre regardless of severity.

Currently, there is a Zika virus outbreak in
Central and South America, Mexico and the
Caribbean.
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have also reported cases of Zika virus. In addition, there have been cases of Zika virus in the United States.
To date, the United States cases are mostly a result of travel to other countries. The CDC believes Zika virus will continue to spread to new areas.
Dr. Golovan, Medical Director at Be Well Solutions, states, “the key to reducing risk is implementing the prevention measures outlined by UpToDate Doctors below.”
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Stay inside when mosquitos are most active. This includes the very early morning, daytime and the hours before sunset.
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Wear shoes, long-sleeves and pants when you go outside.
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Wear bug spray or cream that contains DEET or picaridin. DEET repellents should not be used on babies until they are over 2 months of age.
 Drain standing water when possible because mosquitos breed in water.
For additional information on the Zika virus, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/ or the WHO at http://www.who.int/topics/zika/en/ .
Recipe from simpleandsavory.com
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400

F.
2. Scrub the potatoes and pierce them with a fork.
3. Place the potatoes in the pre-heated oven for 30 minutes.
Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil + more to oil muffin pan

3 medium sized potatoes (partially baked)
 3 eggs

3/4 cup skim milk
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2 tablespoons onion, chopped
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10 spears of Asparagus, chopped

4-5 medium to large white mushrooms, chopped

Pinch of nutmeg
 1/4 cup of goat cheese
4. Remove the potatoes and cool about 1/2 hour to an hour.
5. Heat olive oil in a pan and add the onions. Cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the asparagus and mushrooms to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until well combined and add the nutmeg.
8. Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and shred them using a grater or food processor.
9. Coat the muffin pan with olive oil.
10. Press about 1/4 cup of potato into each cup.
11. Place back in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes.
12. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes in each cup and top with cheese.
13. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn brown and eggs are done. Once they are cool, remove from muffin pan.
Nutrition Facts
Total Servings - 4
Per 1 serving
Calories: 203 / Total Fat: 8g / Saturated Fat: 2g / Sodium: 86mg / Carbs: 25g / Fiber: 2g / Protein: 11g
For more information, contact Be Well Solutions at (888) 935-7378 or info@bewellsolutions.com.
© Copyright Be Well Solutions, 2016

5.2016
At least 20% of U.S. adults use mobile technology to track their health data (mHealth), according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
The most popular health apps support boosting exercise, healthy eating, weight management, quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
>> Self-monitoring is a core strategy for changing health behaviors, according to a 2015 AHA Scientific Statement. One example: Mobile phone apps with text messaging designed to help people quit smoking nearly doubled their odds of quitting.
>>
Health app choices are very broad and offer programs such as general medical information, symptom checkers, CPR, first aid, mental health coaching and chronic condition managers.
>>
Keep in mind that any app may have limitations. For example, apps connecting wearable blood pressure and heart rate tracking monitors to mobile devices need further research. However, the AHA Statement’s authors say that apps targeting heart disease risk factors can potentially help you be heart healthy.
>>
Before you use mobile health apps, do your research. The American
Health Information Management Association recommends safeguarding personal health information by:
1.
Reviewing privacy settings on apps and devices.
2.
Reading the apps’ privacy policies and learning who can access your data.
3.
Using lock screen security.
4.
Avoiding texting confidential health data.
Your health care provider can also help you choose an app that meets your needs.
National Women’s Health Week is May 8 to 14.
The theme: It’s never too late to lead a healthier life. First step for everyone: Maintain regular checkups and consult your health care provider about major health changes such as quitting smoking. National Women’s Checkup Day is
May 9 . Learn more at WomensHealth.gov
.
QuikQuiz
TM
:
Test your knowledge of this condition:
1.
❑ True ❑ False Food allergies are relatively rare in the U.S.
2.
❑ True ❑ False Food allergy is an immune system reaction.
3.
❑ True ❑ False A reaction to food allergy is exclusively digestive.
4.
❑ True ❑ False Food allergy and asthma rarely occur together.
5.
❑ True ❑ False Food intolerance is usually less serious than food allergy.
>>
Answers on the other side.
May is Food Allergy Action Month.
Years of exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays may contribute to eye and vision problems as you age.
Wearing sunglasses can lower your risk for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
When choosing sunglasses, you don’t need to spend a lot, but you should be picky about the lenses. Here are some guidelines:
UV protection is a must. Both plastic and glass lenses can absorb UV light, which is further blocked by adding certain chemicals to the lens material. However, sunglass makers aren’t required to disclose or guarantee 100% UV protection.
For added assurance, the Glaucoma Research Foundation suggests choosing sunglasses labeled as blocking 99-100% of
UV rays, or UV absorption up to 400 nm.
Polarized lenses work well to reduce glare at the beach, on the water and in the snow, but don’t guarantee UV protection.
Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes can help block stray
UV light.
Keep in mind that wraparound glasses can reduce your peripheral vision, and pose a risk especially when driving.
If you already have eye damage, ask your eye care provider for guidance in choosing the most protective lenses.

By Cara Rosenbloom, RD
Vegetables get top marks, sugar should be limited and plant-based eating is encouraged for Americans.
Those are the headliners from the new U.S. 2015-2020 Dietary
Guidelines, which are updated every 5 years to reflect evolving nutritional science.
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
– have you had your blood pressure checked recently?
Experts recommend having your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years by a health care professional. Generally, the lower your blood pressure, the better. But your health care provider should investigate unusually low readings to rule out heart failure, severe infection or other illness.
Healthy blood pressure numbers: under 120/80.
“But I keep on making what I can’t do yet in order to learn to be able to do it.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
>> The newest version has 5 goals:
1.
Follow a healthy eating pattern for life.
2.
Focus on variety, nutrient density* and amount.
3.
Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats, and reduce sodium intake.
4.
Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.
5.
Support healthy eating patterns for everyone.
* Nutrient-dense foods contain a large number of nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.) and relatively few calories.
>>
The new guidelines represent a shift from detailed nutrient recommendations to more general eating patterns, which include:
• A variety of vegetables, including legumes.
• Fruits, especially whole fruits.
• Grains (at least half of which are whole grains).
• Fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese and soy beverages.
• Protein-rich foods: seafood, lean meat, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.
>>
The Guidelines encourage limiting the big 3: sugar, salt and saturated fat. Per-day recommendations:
1.
Consume less than 10% of calories from added sugars.
2.
Consume fewer than 2,300 milligrams of sodium.
3.
Consume less than 10% of calories from saturated fats.
Steps that will help: Limit processed foods, including soft drinks, candy, pastries, salty snacks, bottled sauces, fried foods, frozen dinners, fatty meats and high-fat dairy. Focus on fresh, whole foods for your best chance at disease prevention, weight management and healthy living.
May is Mental Health Month.
Q:
Stress-weight gain link?
A:
When stressful events trigger anxiety or depression, many of us turn to food for comfort.
Food may lift your mood briefly, but it won’t solve your problems. You may be an emotional eater if you:
• Crave specific comfort foods.
• Keep eating after you’re full.
• Mindlessly binge on unhealthy foods.
• Eat and then feel guilty about it.
• Repeatedly fail in weight-loss attempts.
Fortunately, you can change this pattern.
Whenever you feel the urge to eat (but are not truly hungry), identify the preceding thought, emotion or event. Keep a food and mood journal or use an app.
Distract yourself: Talk with a friend or take a walk. Try chewing gum or drinking a large glass of water.
In general, exercise daily, take time to relax, socialize and get adequate, quality sleep. – Eric Endlich, PhD
QuikQuiz TM Answers : >>
Continued from the other side.
1.
True – The CDC reports that true food allergies affect only about 4% to 6% of children and 3% to 4% of adults. While there’s no cure, many children outgrow their allergies as they get older.
2.
True – Most food allergies are triggered when the immune system reacts to certain proteins – common in shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, milk, soy, wheat and eggs – as threats.
3.
False – Symptoms also may produce skin irritation (itching, rash, hives), respiratory problems (coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath) and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
4.
False – They commonly occur together and are more likely to be severe.
5.
True – Food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system, may be caused by an absence of enzymes needed to fully digest food (such as lactose intolerance), irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning or stress.
Smart Moves toolkit is at www.personalbest.com/extras/16V5tools.
5.2016
TopHealth ® is published to provide readers with the information and the motivation needed to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The content herein is in no way intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice. Executive Editor: Susan Cottman. Medical Editor: Zorba Paster, M.D. Sources available on request. © 2016 Ebix Inc. DBA Oakstone Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized reproduction in any form of any part of this publication is a violation of federal copyright law and is strictly prohibited. Personal Best® is a registered trademark of Oakstone Publishing, LLC.
2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35242 • 800-871-9525 • fax 205-437-3084 • e-mail: editor@personalbest.com • website: www.personalbest.com.

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© Copyright Be Well Solutions, 2016