WARM UP:

One Joke: 

Why did the two podiatrists hate each other? (Answer at bottom)

One Fact: 

If you were to stretch out your blood vessel system, it would extend over 60,000 miles. That’s more than twice the distance around the world!

One Quote:

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

– Mae West

One Guess…Name That Disease: (Answer at bottom)

• Description: Autoimmune condition resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormone. It’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. More common in women and people <40 years of age.

• Signs and Symptoms: Palpitations, anxiety, irritability, fine tremor, heat sensitivity, sweating, weight loss, bulging eyes, fatigue, reddish and thick skin can be seen.

• Diagnosis: Blood tests for thyroid levels and antibodies, radioactive iodine uptake test, thyroid scan, doppler ultrasound.

• Treatment: May include beta blockers, anti-thyroid medications, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery.

• Prognosis: Generally responds well to treatment. If left untreated, can cause problems related to arrhythmia, osteoporosis, fertility, vision, thyroid storm.

HEALTHCARE HEADLINES:

** Open enrollment for 2024 coverage starts November 1st. Federal health officials are limiting the number of ACA marketplace plans health insurers can offer to reduce “choice overload.” Shoppers will have an average of 100 plans to choose from this year, down from 114.

** Speaking of open enrollment, make sure you brush up on terms that you should understand before choosing your plan for next year.

TOGETHER WITH VERB:

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WATER COOLER WONDERS…the stuff we found interesting this week:

** Stat: Deodorant sales are up 15% post-pandemic. Meaning sales were down 15% when people were working from home. That would explain why it smelled like an armpit when you visited your WFH friends any time last year.

** Question: Chain restaurants are back! Inflation may be driving the trend, leading hungry Americans to go with a sure thing at a known price rather than take a chance at the new place in town. Texas Roadhouse is the fastest growing restaurant chain in the world. What’s your favorite chain?

** Big Spender: Got an extra $1.4M to treat yo self? This 96 year old Macallan 1926 single malt is the world’s “most sought after Scotch whisky,” and is going to auction. Only 40 bottles were made.

** Kitchen Tips: Still not sure if you’re loading your dishes right? You’re not alone. Check out this useful guide on the correct way to load your dishwasher. No need to pre-rinse!

FITNESS FRIDAYS:

Walking is easily one of the most underrated and effective ways to maintain health.

Walking has been shown to:

• Decrease all cause mortality by 45%

• Promote neuroplasticity and prevent Alzheimer’s.

• Improve mood.

• Decrease stress.

But how much do you need to walk? Did you know the often cited 10,000 steps a day is not based on scientific research, but rather was started as part of a marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer company in the 1960’s that advertised a “10,000 step meter”?

The average American walks only about 3,000 steps a day. Studies have shown that the health benefits of walking increase until you hit about 7,500 steps a day. So a reasonable goal is 6,000-8,000 steps per day for most of us.

How can you increase the amount of time you walk each day? Try these simple strategies:

• Walk while watching TV. Turn that three hour football game or millionth rewatch of Friends into a great workout!

• Catch up with loved ones while walking. If you can’t find an IRL walking partner, call a friend or family member while going for a walk outside!

• Schedule a walk as part of your meal. Walking after eating is a great way to improve digestion!

So don’t stress out about 10,000 steps a day. The benefits of walking are undeniable and you’ll notice so many improvements in your life if you consistently hit 6,000-8,000 steps a day.

By the way, what’s the laziest mountain to walk up? Mount Ever-rest :)

THANKS FOR READING!

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Joke Answer: They were arch enemies.

Disease Answer: Graves’ Disease