The Surprising Link Between Sleep Apnea & Alzheimer's

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine recently published a study from New York researchers that suggest that sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s are connected. Their study found that people with obstructive sleep apnea had higher levels of amyloid beta in their spinal fluid—a protein associated with Alzheimer’s.

Sleep apnea is a condition where patients either take shallow breaths or stop breathing while sleeping. It disrupts the sleep of up to 22 million people in the United States. The study focused on 208 otherwise-healthy sleep apnea patients, over half of which had obstructive sleep apnea. Those with OSA correlated with higher levels of amyloid beta.

The data suggests that sleep disturbance could “accelerate cognitive decline” for those who are at-risk for Alzheimer’s, according to a press release from researchers at the NYU School of Medicine. However, a co-author of the study clarified that the relationship hasn’t been discovered between sleep apnea, amyloid, and cognitive deterioration.

The data does suggest that the severity of sleep apnea is a predictor of cognitive deterioration.

What This Means for Doctors

If there is a relationship, then screening for sleep apnea may help doctors better predict a patient’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s. More importantly, it will motivate doctors to correct any sleep disturbance disorder in order to prevent Alzheimer’s later in life.

4 Ways to Avoid the Common Cold During Holiday Travel

Consider this your warning: these tips are not designed to make you look stylish or fun. In fact, you might think some of these tips are overkill. That’s normal.

But if you actually want to make it through an airport without breathing in the collective germs of millions of harried, exhausted, immuno-compromised travelers, then you’ll need to value your health over your appearance for just a few hours. We promise it will be worth it.

#1: Wear a Medical Face Mask

Remember those masks everyone wore when SARS was a threat? Those are actually famously effective at keeping your body from accidentally breathing in germs and viruses. After all, these are the masks surgeons use while working on patients.

They serve two purposes:

1. They keep you from breathing in everyone else’s germs.
2. They keep your germs to yourself—which is a favor to everyone else.

#2: Drink a Glass of Water Every 1.5 Hours

Drinking water in general is a great practice, but if you’re normally the type of person who hovers near “dehydrated,” drinking water is extra important while traveling. Constantly ingesting fluids and flushing them out of your body keeps your immune system humming at peak levels. If you’re peeing a lot, that’s a good sign—it means what’s staying in your body is supposed to stay in your body.

The classic 8 glasses a day is a little bit daunting for people who don’t normally drink a lot of water daily—instead, drink a glass of water every hour-and-a-half or so.

#3: Put 9 Hours of Sleep on the Calendar

Okay, we know this isn’t always completely under your control, but block out time for sleeping. Consider it an appointment that you need to keep with yourself—if you put it on your calendar, that’s sacred. No one else can touch it, and no other plans can take that space.

The reason we aim for 9 hours? Because we always know there’s last-minute travel tasks, aiming for 9 hours allows us to get at least 7.5 (which is good enough).

#4: Buy a Travel-Size Pack of Disinfecting Wipes

The surfaces at airports, bus stops, and train stations are as bad as bathrooms sometimes. Bring wipes for arm rests, tables, and any other surfaces you come into contact with. You might look a little OCD, but that’s okay. While everyone else is wondering what you’re doing, they’re caught in skin-to-skin contact with millions upon millions of viruses and bacteria.

Avoiding that is a good trade-off for looking a little eccentric.

Need medicine to keep yourself functional through the holidays? Set up an appointment with your Orlando ear nose throat doctor at Florida ENT today! Offices serving Orlando and Kissimmee.

Holiday Events in Florida No Family Should Miss

Four Blocks of Winter Performances + Free Fun & Games

Where: Pensacola (223 S. Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502)

When: Until December 24, 2017

Link: Buy tickets here!

Beautiful performances, warm hot chocolate, and games for kids are only part of what make the Pensacola Winterfest a can’t-miss event. However, you’ll want to act fast—tickets for the Polar Express Tour are selling out fast (but you still have a chance)! Many of the attractions are free, but tickets are on sale now for the Performance Tour, the Winterfest Performance Tour, and other tours.

---

Get a Zoo Tour with Santa for Jolly Days!

Where: Brevard Zoo (8225 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32940)

When: December 21-23, 2017

Link: Get info here!

The animals are getting in on the fun at Brevard Zoo this holiday season! Bring the family from 10 am to 3 pm for animal encounters, games, music, and photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! Zookeepers will also be presenting animals with holiday gifts—something your child won’t want to miss.

---

Explore the World’s Largest Christmas Theme Park

Where: Miami (7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155)

When: Until January 7, 2018

Link: Get tickets here!

Come see the world’s largest holiday theme park! Santa’s Enchanted Forest has South Florida’s tallest Christmas tree, animal shows, and a free carnival with over 100 rides and attractions. The park is open until midnight on all major holidays (including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve).

---

Watch a Christmas Movie & See a Massive Christmas Light Show

Where: University of Central Florida’s CFE Arena (12777 Gemini Blvd. N, Orlando, FL 32816)

When: Until January 7, 2018

Link: Learn more here!

For a musical light show unlike anything you’ve ever seen, come down to the University of Central Florida for the “Light Up UCF” celebration! The show features over 30,000 lights that pulse and strobe in sync with Christmas classics. Afterward, you and your family can curl up and watch your favorite Christmas movies on a two-story screen.

Parking is free! Get your tickets today.

---

Walk Through an International Christmas Ice Sculpture Garden

Where: Lake Buena Vista (6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746)

When: Until January 8, 2018

Link: Get tickets here!

Adventure through a sculpture garden with 2 million pounds of ice sculptures and a 2-story ice slide! Kept at a frosty  9 degrees, the ICE! At Gaylord Palms exhibit features hand-sculpted Christmas scenes from around the world. Don’t worry—a coat and gloves are provided.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Affects People of All Ages

When we say “hard-of-hearing,” you might conjure up an image of an elderly loved one, their hands cupped around their ears while you repeat yourself for the third time. For most people, hearing problems are either genetic (present from birth) or a problem for the elderly.

However, data from the CDC determined that the association between hearing loss and old age is not as strong as we think.

According to data from 2011-2012, between 6 and 24 percent of U.S. adults under 70 exhibited signs of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Up to 40 million U.S. adults barely old enough to retire have permanent damage in their ears. That’s not all—a separate study found that up to 17 percent of teenagers have hearing loss for the same reason.

Why People Are Losing Their Hearing

Noise-induced hearing loss is widespread but preventable. So why doesn’t anyone do anything about it? Because people don’t know they have NIHL until the effects are too far gone.

People unknowingly suffer from NIHL because it’s the result of gradual damage. See, hair cells in your inner ear transmit sound vibrations into electrical signals for your brain. Loud noises kill these hair cells. When loud noises cause hair cells to die, you don’t notice the loss of a few cells. However, over time, voices become more muffled; voicemails are harder to decipher; phone calls become less convenient.

So what noises do you avoid?

Any noises above 85 decibels could potentially cause hearing loss—this includes both impulse noises (one-time and immediate) and ongoing noises. The most common sufferers of NIHL include people who are exposed to loud noises on a daily basis (people in woodworking shops, construction workers, musicians, people who listen to their music too loud). For reference, the sound of a motorcycle engine up close is 95 decibels.

Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

It’s not too late to save your hearing! Here are a few simple steps to prevent further damage:

• Wear ear protection at work or at concerts.
• Turn down your music.
• If possible, situate yourself away from sources of noise.
• Protect your children’s ears while out and about.
• Get your hearing tested to find out how urgent your loss is.

Remember: most people with hearing loss wait until it’s too late before they change their behavior. Making a small change today could radically change your future.

Common Causes, Symptoms & Care for a Bruised Eardrum

Bruised eardrums are an injury caused by trauma or improper cleaning of the ear. Sonic trauma (like an explosion or sustained, high-decibel noises) and physical trauma (like a punch to the side of the head) can both causing bruising of the ear and eardrum. Car accidents are also a common cause of ear trauma.

Cauliflower ear, which is a buildup of fluid in the outer ear, can also lead to bruising.

Common Symptoms of Bruised Eardrum

The symptoms of a bruised eardrum are somewhat similar to a perforated eardrum—with the exception of sudden relief from an earache. Sudden loss of an earache is more likely to be caused by a perforation than a bruised eardrum.

If you experience the following symptoms, see your local ENT doctor quickly:

• Trouble picking up background noise
• Mild or incomplete hearing loss
• Bleeding or discharge of fluid
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Difficulty keeping your balance

What to Avoid If Your Eardrums Could Be Bruised

Keep your ears dry, so avoid swimming. To prevent water from getting into your ears while showering, insert cotton balls into your ear. You can also seal them with petroleum jelly if you’re concerned about water getting past the cotton balls.

Whatever you do, do not insert cotton swabs into your ears to clean them. Using q-tips or other tools to clean your ears could turn a bruise into a puncture. Your ears might be filled with fluid, but it’s better to let a doctor handle your ear care rather than risking the health of your ears.

Treatment

Thankfully, bruised eardrums should heal on their own. If you experience symptoms for longer than two weeks, consider seeing a Florida ENT doctor to check up on you. While healing, avoid exposure to allergens, cigarette smoke, and blowing your nose—blowing your nose alters the pressure of your inner ear and causes discomfort.

4 Things Everyone Can do to Reduce Their Risk of Pneumonia

While the warm temperatures here in sunny Florida make it more difficult for us Floridians to catch pneumonia, even we aren’t immune to the disease. Each year, 1 million Americans seek the care of a hospital for pneumonia, while 50,000 people will die from the disease. As we approach cold, flu, and pneumonia season, we’re sharing a few ways you can best recognize and avoid pneumonia.

Recognizing Pneumonia

Because pneumonia often mimics other diseases, it can be hard to tell if what you’re suffering from is actually the disease. Below are a few of the tell-tale signs of pneumonia:

• Persistent, high fever
• Severe coughing 
• Yellow or brown, thick mucus
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest pains 

Reducing Your Risk of Pneumonia 

Quit smoking. 
People who smoke are more likely to have a more compromised immune system, making them more likely to get pneumonia, as well as the common cold and flu.

Wash your hands. 
Aside from after going to the bathroom, when else do you wash your hands? For most people, the answer is almost never. In addition to after going to the bathroom, you should wash your hands before you eat and when you get home. This will help prevent the spread of viruses.

Avoid people with respiratory issues. 
It makes sense that you’d want to avoid people with pneumonia, but the disease can also be spread from people who have a cold, the flu, or a respiratory infection.

Avoid people with the chickenpox or measles. 
If you haven’t already had chickenpox or measles, or received the vaccine for each, you should avoid people who have the disease.

With locations in Orlando and Kissimmee Florida, Florida ENT is dedicated to the complete medical care of your lungs, nose, throat, and sinuses. To learn more about our sinus institute, give us a call at 407-944-3340.

How it Works: RADIESSE Volumizing Fillers

Do you want to get rid of a few lines around your mouth and nose? I think most of us in our 30s and 40s would be quick to say "yes," but procedures like facelifts and BOTOX injections can be costly and more extreme solutions. But luckily for you, there are other options! RADIESSE volumizing fillers improve the look of wrinkles, creases, and scars by boosting your skin’s natural collagen supply.

What can RADIESSE do for me? 

• RADIESSE fillers can improve the look of a number of areas of your face and body. RADIESSE volumizing fillers can: 
• Correct scars that have left impressions. 
• Lift sagging jowls. 
• Eliminate chin wrinkles. 
• Reduce facial creases and laugh lines. 

Why choose RADIESSE? 

• RADIESSE stimulates the production of your own, natural collagen, so it's safe and effective. 
• Results are proven to last for at least a year in most patients. 
• RADIESSE is FDA-approved. 

What can I expect during the procedure?

Before RADIESSE fillers are injected, your doctor will clean and sterilize the injection site. Your doctor will them mix RADIESSE with anesthetic lidocaine (which is also FDA approved) to make the injections more comfortable. RADIESSE injections take only 15 minutes to inject and are considered an outpatient procedure with little-to-no downtime.

Am I a candidate for RADIESSE? 

Though most people are good candidates for the procedure, there are a few people who do not qualify. RADIESSE injections should not be performed on people who:

• Are allergic to any of the components found in RADIESSE. 
• Have a history of severe allergies. 
• Have a bleeding disorder. 
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding. 
• Are allergic to lidocaine. 

Improve your appearance and boost your confidence with the help of RADIESSE volumizing fillers. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Han of Florida ENT today by calling 1 (877) 327-6673!

6 Ways to De-stress Your Life (in Honor of Stress Awareness Day)

A 2016 national survey reported that Americans are more stressed than ever, with roughly 75 percent of adults reporting feeling moderate to high levels of stress on a regular (at least once a month) basis. It’s statistics like this that encouraged the International Stress Management Association (ISMA) to create Stress Awareness Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness of the negative mental and physical effects stress has on people, as well as ways to reduce stress levels.

This year, we’re celebrating Stress Awareness Day (which falls on November 1) by sharing a few ways you can reduce the amount of stress in your life.

1. Limit caffeine. We all love the morning jolt we get from coffee and energy drinks, but those caffeinated drinks don’t love our body back. Too much caffeine can exacerbate stress levels and leave you feeling overwhelmed.

2. Get a full night’s sleep. We know you’ve heard it all before, but sleep really is so important for your overall health. Lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress, so try to get your eight hours. But if it’s stress that’s causing you to lose sleep, and not the other way around, try combating that by sleeping in a cool, tranquil environment that’s free of electronics and distractions.

3. Fall in love with exercising. We know it’s easier said than done, but exercise is a wonderfully healthy way to cut down on stress. Exercising has also been shown to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer (we’re looking at you, tip #2).

4. Practice deep breathing. Deep breaths fill your lungs, heart, and brain with oxygen, which encourages your body to relax. Once your body has relaxed, your mind will follow.

5. Keep a diary. No, not the kind you had when you were younger, a stress diary. Writing about your stress will help you to:

• De-stress in that very moment.
• Learn about what causes your stress and help you to avoid it in the future. 

6. Learn that it’s okay to say “No.” All too often we hear that people are afraid of saying no. But think of it like this, when you say “yes” to one thing, like working late, you say “no" to a bunch of other things, like spending time with your family or getting a good night’s sleep. So before you say “yes” to something and potentially pile too much on your plate, think about if you actually have the time, money, energy, and desire to do it.

Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center, located in Orlando, FL, is an otolaryngology and facial plastics practice committed to providing our patients with the highest quality and personal care, as well as most advanced technology by a Harvard trained, double boarded facial plastic and head and neck surgeon.

7 Things to Know Before Getting a Lip Augmentation

Perhaps no year was bigger for lips than 2017. If lip liner just isn’t working for you anymore, it may be time to consider lip injections. But like any procedure, there are a few things you should know before heading into the doctor’s office.

1. You can choose between permanent and temporary fillers.

• Permanent: The good thing about permanent fillers is that you only have to have them done once. But, they’re a bigger commitment since they will last forever.
• Temporary: Though you’ll have to repeatedly get them refilled, temporary fillers are less of a commitment because they dissolve within around 6 months.

2. Don’t exercise the day before the procedure.

That pink flushed look most people get in their face after a workout is actually blood rushing to your head. Needless to say, a higher than average amount of blood in your face isn’t something you want right before a facial procedure.

3. You also shouldn’t take any painkillers, fish oil tablets, or vitamin E for 10 days before the procedure.

Supplements and medications like these can thin your blood and cause you to bruise or bleed excessively.

4. You’ll see results almost immediately.

Your lips will be a little swollen for the first 24 hours or so. But after that, you’ll get to see your true results. Meaning you could have the procedure done on Thursday morning and be ready to hit the town by Friday night.

5. Most people describe the actual procedure as a “pinch.”

The initial injection is often described as someone pinching your lips. And while the injection is sometimes described as a mild sting, most people only describe it as a “strange” feeling.

6. The procedure usually takes less than half an hour.

Once the filler has been injected, your doctor will massage your lips and ask you to apply ice for around 10 minutes. Then you’re free to go!

7. They don’t feel any different than natural lips.

The real beauty of lip injections is that they feel no different than natural lips. Whether eating, drinking, or kissing, most people notice no difference.

If you’re considering a lip augmentation, give Dr. Han of Florida ENT a call at (877) EAR - NOSE. We specialize in temporary and permanent lip fillers, fat transfers, and implants.

The Signs and Symptoms of Fall Allergies in Florida

It may be 85 degrees outside, but it’s still technically fall in Florida! Even though we don’t experience quite as drastic weather changes as some of our friends up north, the start of fall can still drum up new allergies for those of us in the Sunshine State. If you’re still sneezing long after summer has ended, these may be a few of the culprits:

3 Most Common Fall Allergies 

• Ratty Ragweed. Ragweed is the most popular fall allergy, with nearly 75 percent of people allergic to spring plants also allergic to ragweed. And unfortunately, even those of you not in ragweed “hot spots” aren’t safe from its effects. Wind can carry ragweed’s light pollen for hundreds of miles. 
• Mountains of Mold. Mold can trigger reactions year-round, however it’s especially common in the fall. Damp areas of your house, like the basement, bathroom, and crawlspaces are a breeding ground for mold spores. Mold also isn’t just found inside. Piles of wet leaves can attract mold and cause your allergies to act up while outside. 
• Dirty Dust Mites. Dust mites love humid weather. Since the weather remains humid all year long here in sunny Florida, dust mites are a concern 365 days a year. 

Symptoms of Fall Allergies 

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should visit a doctor to pinpoint exactly what you’re allergic to. Knowing what you’re allergic to will help you avoid it and properly treat any reaction you may have from it.

• Runny nose 
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing 
• Coughing 
• Sinus congestion 
• Itchy eyes
• Dry nose 

Not sure what you’re allergic to? Contact the experts at Florida ENT! We provide comprehensive allergy screening exams and offer personalized treatment options just for you. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 1-877-327-6673 (1-877-EAR-NOSE) today!

The Strong Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

What does a healthy person look like? If you asked a group of people that, odds are they’d say someone who is young, physically fit, and maybe even has beautiful skin. And while we’re certainly not denying that’s true, what about someone who is happy or laughing?

All too often, we think of health as just physical, but mental health is just as important for your overall health and wellness. But in the words of the World Health Organization, “there is no health without mental health.”

The Link Between Happiness and Physical Health

Though they’re often spoken about as separate entities, mental and physical health are more closely associated than many think. In fact, people who report higher levels of happiness and joy with their lives tend to have:

• Stronger immune systems.
• Lower reported levels of stress and anxiety.
• Fewer aches and pains.
• Longer lives.

How to Boost Your Mental Health

Just like a muscle in your body, your mental health can be strengthened. Taking just a few minutes a day to focus on your health can make world of difference. Starting today, improve your mental health by:

• Surrounding yourself with happy people. Attitudes are contagious. If you want to be happier, spend time with people who are genuinely happy and who make you happy.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress. Stress is a normal part of life, so the goal isn’t to make stress disappear completely, but to conquer it in a healthy way. Yoga, meditation, and reading are all great ways to combat stress.
• Stay active. Just like mental health affects your physical health, the opposite is also true. People who workout regularly are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. It’s also a wonderfully healthy way to deal with stress.
• Set achievable goals. All too often, people set goals that are unrealistic given the time are resources they have. Then when they don’t meet them, people get discouraged. Instead, set smaller goals more frequently that you can achieve.
• Avoid alcohol. In addition to being terrible for your sinus and exacerbating asthma problems, alcohol is a depressant that can severely affect your mental health.

Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center, located in Orlando, FL, is an otolaryngology and facial plastics practice committed to providing our patients with the highest quality and personal care, as well as most advanced technology by a Harvard trained, double boarded facial plastic and head and neck surgeon.

Health and Wellness Apps Every "Techie" Will Love

There’s no denying that most of us would like to workout more. But between running the kids to school, working, and keeping your house in order, getting to the gym or spending money on pricey in-home equipment isn’t at the top of our to-do list. But it’s the 21st century, which means that regardless of what you want to do — there’s an app for that! Whether in the comfort of your own home, a hotel room, or even in the corner of a gym, these apps will help you eat right and get you up and moving in no time.

Edo 

With the quick scan of a food label, Edo users can find out exactly what’s in the food they’re buying. But it’s not just people looking to shed a few pounds who can benefit from this app. With an option to see if food is gluten or lactose-free, it’s also great for people with food allergies or restrictions.

My Fitness Pal

Track not only the foods you eat, but the number of daily calories, carbs, and saturated fats (among many other things) you’re getting with the help of My Fitness Pal. You can also log your water and fitness activity throughout the day.

Jefit

With over 1,300 workouts to choose from, Jefit offers something for everyone. But in addition to their killer workouts and large community of inspiring and encouraging members, Jefit also provides detailed progress reports that compare your month-by-month stats.

The Johnsons & Johnson 7-Minute Workout 

As its name implies, this app provides just seven-minute long, high-intensity workouts — perfect for people who don’t have time to hit the gym. And with a difficulty level that ranges from beginner to advanced, everyone can take advantage of it.

Fitstar Personal Trainer

If you’re looking for a completely customizable workout plan, but don’t have the money to hire a trainer (like most of us) Fitstar Personal Trainer is one of the best options out there. As you work out the app lets you make real time changes to the routine you were given, meaning you can slow it down, repeat exercises, or skip them all together.

Relax Melodies 

After a day of healthy eating, crunches, and squats, it’s time to unwind and take care of your mental health. Relax Melodies lets you choose from a variety of calming sounds, like the rain, wind, and ocean, to help you relax at the end of a long day or to play while you sleep.

If drinking more water, working out, or changing your diet still hasn't improved your asthma or allergies, it may be time to contact the experts at Florida ENT! We provide comprehensive allergy screening exams and offer personalized treatment options just for you. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 1-877-327-6673 (1-877-EAR-NOSE) today!

These 6 Apps Can Help You Quit Smoking Once and For All

From home decor to health and fitness, there really is an app for everything nowadays. And since smoking is the cause of nearly 20 percent of all deaths in America, it’s no surprise that there are numerous apps out there to help people quit smoking once and for all. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best? Luckily for you, we’ve researched the top ones and laid them out below, based on how user-friendly they are and user reviews.

LIVESTRONG MyQuit Coach 

Price: Free
User rating: 4.5/5 stars
Offering one of the most customizable plans out there, LIVESTRONG MyQuit Coach allows you to quit cold turkey or to gradually wean yourself off of smoking over a period of time while tracking your nicotine consumption. It also helps to motivate you throughout the process by setting goals and motivations, and allows you to talk with others trying to quit, through the apps social networking platform.

Quit Smoking with Andrew Johnson

Price: $2.99
User rating: 4.0/5 stars
Developed by clinical hypnotherapist, Andrew Johnson, this app uses audio messages and sounds to help you quit smoking through self-hypnosis.

Kwit 

Price: Free
User rating: 4.7/5 stars
Who says quitting can’t be fun? Embrace the competitive gamer inside of you and use that motivation to help you quit. As you track your progress, including money saved, cigarettes skipped, and willpower, you’ll gradually achieve points and unlock new levels.

Quit Smoking - QuitNow!

Price: Free
User rating: 4.2/5 stars
With over 2 million success stories, Quit Smoking - QuitNow! makes quitting a community effort. In addition to tracking your overall progress, health benefits, and money saved, the app also allows you to communicate with people who have quit and people who are in the process of quitting.

One of the best ways to improve your allergies, keep your lungs healthy, and improve your asthma is to never start smoking or to quit if you do. To speak with a trained professional about your progress, goals, and overall health give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE!