www.planetree-sccl.org

June 2016

In this issue

Check out our new looks!

Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin

Succinctly...
Controlling Pain

Breast Biopsy / Head & Neck Cancers / Binge Eating Disorder

Community Events

Check out our new looks!

PlaneTalk now features a smartphone-friendly format, plus a larger font to make it easier for everyone to read. We hope you'll enjoy the new design.

And here's another big change: our website has been redesigned and the content expanded. You'll find it very easy to locate health and medical information in our well-organized selection of trustworthy websites.

Explore Our NEW Health Links

Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin

These drugs and their generic equivalents are benzodiazepines, a class of drug often prescribed for insomnia or anxiety. If you take one of them, be aware that -

daily long-term use (more than a few weeks) often leads to dependence and is associated with cognitive and emotional difficulties
the risk of accidents and overdosing increases dramatically if they are taken in combination with alcohol or an opiate
use by seniors is considered unsafe

Learn more about benzodiazepines. If you believe you may be dependent and want to quit, consult with your doctor. This information on withdrawal may also be helpful.

Succinctly...

From a medical standpoint, what are the pros and cons of circumcision?

Worrying occasionally can be productive. Chronic worrying isn't, as this article describes. It includes tips for limiting excessive worry.

Some folks say skipping breakfast makes you less productive or that it leads to weight gain. What does the research say?

Here's what is known about the safety of e-cigarettes, their effectiveness in helping smokers quit or cut back, and the effects of second-hand vapors.

Learn whether paper towels or hand dryers are better at helping you avoid germs and illnesses.

How does the nutrition of smoothies compare to eating whole fruit?

Controlling Pain

Whether you experience occasional or chronic pain, recent Consumer Reports articles may help you figure out how to safely be more comfortable. The pros and cons of various treatments, from aspirin, opiates, and marijuana to massage and biofeedback are addressed. Two overview articles, five specific to common causes of pain, and another on the safe use of opiates are included.

Breast Biopsy / Head & Neck Cancers / Binge Eating Disorder

The benefits and risks of certain procedures or treatments are occasionally summarized by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Recently released reports addressed these topics:

Breast biopsy (for patients & doctors)
Radiation for head and neck cancers (for patients & doctors)
Binge eating disorder (for patients & doctors)

Community Events

All events are open to the public. Some require pre-registration.

.....* Fee for participation

.....^ Scroll down the linked page

Living well with a chronic condition

Santa Clara - 6-week class begins Thurs., June 2

Posture & body mechanics for new moms
Mountain View - Thurs., June 2
Los Gatos - Fri., June 3

Parkinson's disease
San Jose - Fri., June 3

Family health fair

San Jose - Sat., June 4

Free skin cancer screening
Redwood City - Sat., June 4

Community resources for seniors
San Jose - multiple dates in June & July

Mindfulness/meditation
Mountain View - Mon., June 6

Introduction to Medicare
Palo Alto - Tues., June 7

Picnic for stroke & head injury survivors*
San Jose - Tues., June 7

Psychosis - film & discussion (see p. 1)
San Jose - Wed., June 8

Venous disease^
Palo Alto - Thurs., June 9

Senior health & community resources fair
Mountain View - Fri., June 10

Arthritis
Morgan Hill - Sat., June 11

Accepting the end of life - film & discussion in Chinese & English
Mountain View - Sat., June 11

Conference/fair for cancer patients, survivors, & family members

San Jose - Sun., June 12

Preparing a child for a new sibling*
Mountain View - Sun., June 12

Repetitive stress injuries
Morgan Hill - Mon., June 13

Helping your child lose weight
San Jose - Tues., June 14

Local mental health services (see p. 1)
San Jose - Tues., June 14

"Hearing Voices Across Cultures" (see p. 1)
Palo Alto - Wed., June 15

Deceptive marketing of health products & services to seniors
Saratoga - Wed., June 15

Eczema in infants & kids
Sunnyvale - Wed., June 15

Exercises for postpartum back pain, pelvic pain, or incontinence
Mountain View - Thurs., June 16

Senior eye health
Cupertino - Thurs., June 16

Men's health fair
Los Gatos - Sat., June 18

Depression (in Spanish)
Santa Clara - Mon., June 20

Social Security & other federal benefits for seniors
Sunnyvale - Tues., June 21

Feeling in control when you have cancer^

Palo Alto - Tues, June 21

Sensible snacking
Santa Clara - Tues., June 21

Healthy aging
Los Altos - Thurs., June 23

Aging, memory loss, & dementia
Sunnyvale - Thurs., June 23

Infant & toddler safety*
Mountain View - Sat., June 25

Complementary therapies during & after cancer
Palo Alto - Sat., June 25

Heart disease & healthful choices
Sunnyvale - Tues., June 28

Infant massage*
Mountain View - 4-week class begins Thurs., June 30

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