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'Tis the Giving Season
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 Are you struggling with gift-giving this year? Here are articles to help you -
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We hope your gift list includes one particular recipient that will be very appreciative: PlaneTree!
Do you appreciate having our health information services in the South Bay? Do you learn about health topics and events that interest you by reading PlaneTalk? Do you rely on our recommended health and medical websites? Enjoy our Facebook page? Look forward to our spring health lectures?
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we depend on your help to provide these resources. To contribute using your credit card, click the "Donate" button on our home page; you do not need a PayPal account to use this online service. You may also send a check made out to "PlaneTree" at the mailing address below.
For almost 25 years, grateful patrons and dedicated donors have helped sustain our various services. We are looking forward to your support this year! |
 You are invited to shop at the Los Gatos Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, December 17, when 5% of net sales will be donated to Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC). Your purchases will help support eating disorders awareness, recovery, and advocacy programs. The timing is perfect: you can do your regular Whole Foods shopping, select gifts, lay in supplies for your winter celebrations, and help a local nonprofit, all in one trip! |
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News You Can Use
Acetaminophen
We have all seen advertising that suggests acetaminophen - Tylenol™ - is very safe. Unfortunately, believing this leads many of us to treat it with less respect than it deserves. Acetaminophen  annually sends more people to the emergency room (about 78,000 Americans) and causes more deaths (over 300) than any other over-the-counter medication. Learn how to avoid an accidental overdose. For over three decades, experts have recommended the FDA institute regulations to protect consumers. A report by ProPublica suggests intense pressure from McNeil, the manufacturer of Tylenol, might be related to the agency's sluggish response.
You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone
Because of our increasingly noisy lives, the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss ( NIHL) has doubled in the last 30 years. It now affects over 15% of American adults and, alarmingly, nearly as many school-age children. Each exposure to excessive noise typically causes only a small permanent change in hearing acuity, so we rarely notice when our hearing is damaged. The damage gradually accumulates and is irreversible.
From infancy on, our ears need consistent protection  from loud sounds. How loud is too loud? Both the decibel level and the length of exposure are important, as described here. Children's ears are especially vulnerable to loud noise. Children who attend noisy events (such as arena sports and heavily amplified concerts) or who recreate with noisy equipment (such as jet skis and firearms) need ear protection. Sounds that adults find enjoyably thrilling can be both damaging and painful to small children's ears. This can cause parents to be mystified by a toddler's tearful distress at, for example, firework displays. You may want to turn down the volume of music on personal listening devices. Learn how MP3 players can be safely enjoyed. Hearing experts particularly recommend parents set and lock the maximum volume on youngsters' devices. (CNET has instructions for Apple products.)  Cheap audio devices with poor fidelity may particularly encourage listeners to turn up the volume. (A holiday hint: Provide your plugged-in family members with more musical enjoyment now and better hearing in the future with gifts of better quality ear buds or headphones.) When you and your loved ones are exposed to loud sounds at work or play, protective devices can safeguard your hearing. To select the best protection for your circumstances, read about the pros and cons of various types of devices. This video shows how to install foam ear plugs for maximum effectiveness and comfort. Our ears are invaluable and irreplaceable. You can prevent hearing loss by caring for your ears, and the ears of those you love.
Anal Issues
 Hemorrhoids are the most well-known of several conditions which can cause anal discomfort. Learn about the four most common problems. If you have anal pain that does not resolve promptly with self-care measures, see a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you have a chronic anal fissure, you will find additional information in a recent article.
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Events
All events are open to the public; pre-registration may be required. There is a fee for events marked with an *asterisk.
Multiple San Jose locations & dates
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Health insurance for small business ownersCampbell - Fri., Dec. 6 Morgan Hill - Wed., Dec. 11 .
Santa Clara County Libraries - multiple dates .
San Jose Public Library branches - multiple dates .
Exercise for men with cancerMountain View - every Tuesday .
Painting for people with cancerMountain View - two Wednesdays per month .
Foot careMountain View - Tues., Dec. 10 .
Siblings of kids with special needs* San Jose - Sat., Dec. 14 .
Mountain View - Sat., Dec. 14 .
Baby safety* Mountain View - Thurs., Dec 19 (Classes also offered in 2014) .
Eye health for seniorsCupertino - Fri., Dec 20 .
Palo Alto- classes begin Sat., Jan 4 .
Introductory class on mindfulness for adults (fee for subsequent sessions) Mountain View - Mon., Jan. 6 .
San Jose - Tues., Jan. 7 .
Parenting a child with special needs* San Jose - classes begin Fri., Jan. 17 .
Caring for a mentally ill family member This 12-week class is taught several times per year. Call Jennifer at 408-453-0400 to learn about the next session available in the language you prefer (English, Spanish, or Chinese).
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