Health in a Minute
Looking for quick answers to frequently asked healthcare questions? Health in a Minute is here to help. Here, professionals provide insight on topics from medical and dental care to mental health, aesthetics, and more. Read on for the latest round of expert advice.
Q. My husband suggested couples counseling to address our marital challenges. I’m considering separation but want to be sure before making such a significant decision. Can counseling help us explore our options and find the best path forward?
A. Separation or divorce is a life-altering decision with ripple effects on finances, parenting, and more. Couples counseling is typically for those committed to growing together, but it may not be the right fit if one or both of you are uncertain. In such cases, discernment counseling might be a better option. It helps couples decide whether to separate, divorce, or intentionally work on the relationship. Since marital issues often persist for years, the goal is to reflect on your reasons for ending or saving the relationship. This process clarifies whether to invest in ongoing couples counseling focused on restoration. Though it requires time and financial resources, discernment counseling can help you avoid emotional distress and legal costs – offering peace of mind as you thoughtfully explore all options.
Amy Fowler, MA, LPC-MHSP (Temp), NCC
Counselor, Scout Counseling, PLLC
Q. My father recently had a stroke and is having difficulty swallowing when he eats. How can speech-language pathology assist in his recovery, and how can I help him outside of rehabilitation sessions?
A. Swallowing therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) typically includes exercises to improve the swallow and strategies to compensate any deficits. The SLP will complete an interview regarding your father’s current problem and related history, then perform a clinical evaluation of his oral musculature. If appropriate, they will also administer different foods and liquids to assess his tolerance. An instrumental swallow evaluation may also be recommended to assess his swallowing mechanism and determine if food is entering the windpipe. Based on the findings, the SLP will create a therapy with targeted exercises, strategies, and monitored food/liquid trials. His therapist can provide handouts of these exercises and strategies. At home, encourage your dad to use these strategies during meals to promote independence and safety. You can also support him by helping him practice exercises daily to strengthen his swallowing muscles.
Sara Tinter, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Speech-Language Pathologist, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation
Q. Insomnia is starting to affect my health and quality of life. Sleep aids no longer help, and I’m at my wits’ end. What could be an effective solution for this?
A. Our bodies are designed to spend roughly one third of our lives sleeping, and when we don’t get enough, there’s a price to pay. Lack of restful sleep can extract a considerable toll on our personal lives in the form of stress, anxiety, irritability, poor decision-making, and impulsive behavior. Regularly getting less than seven hours of sleep may cause poor health and increased risk of disease. Cereset’s patented Brain Echo technology is noninvasive, safe, proven, and highly effective to help the brain relax to support restful sleep. Your Cereset tech coach will arrange high-resolution, read-only sensors on the scalp to read the brain’s waves and reflect those rhythms back. You will experience that process in the form of tones heard through a set of earbuds. In the five-session package, clients typically experience more restful sleep in as little as one or two sessions.
Chase Whitmire
Owner, Cereset Chattanooga
Learn More: Sleep Disorders, Microcurrent Neurofeedback
Q. As someone who has struggled with having a healthy relationship with food, the term “dieting” feels so restrictive. How can I introduce healthier habits into my diet in a way that feels achievable?
A. First, I inform my patients that an unhealthy relationship with food is a widespread problem, and they are not alone. Addiction to carbs often stems from a lifetime of unhealthy habits from our childhood. I explain that sugar is highly addictive. Second, I explain that fat storage is a result of insulin levels rising. So, rather than “diet,” which feels restrictive, one must simply change their mindset to manage their insulin levels. Fortunately, there are many ways to lower insulin, which will result in weight loss. I develop a strategy with the patient to incorporate the things they love in a healthy manner. For example, simply increasing their protein intake to decrease cravings and hunger is a realistic way to shift your palate to a healthier place. Knowledge is power, and knowing how and why the body stores fat makes it easier to be successful. Early success ensures that my patients will have long-term results.
Karla Hammonds, MSN, APRN
Nurse Practitioner, Restored Health and Beauty
Q. I’ve heard that cryotherapy facials can help slim your face and reduce inflammation, but I have skin sensitivities and often get flareups. Are cryofacials safe for sensitive skin, and if so, how long do the results typically last?
A. Cryotherapy facials involve the application of extremely cold liquid nitrogen vapors to rapidly cool the skin. The cold temperatures can stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of skin. Results can be immediate and generally last a few days to a week. If done regularly, more long-term benefits can be achieved. While cryofacials are generally safe, exposure to extreme cold temperatures can damage skin and potentially result in discoloration or scarring. Anyone with sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea should consult with their dermatologist before undergoing cryotherapy treatment.
Kate Shuster, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, Galen Dermatology
Meet the Author
Lindsey Clute, BA
Lindsey Clute is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in international studies. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Lindsey worked in social media marketing, managing social media accounts and supporting various marketing initiatives. In addition, she worked as an editorial intern for a local media group. Today, Lindsey leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
Lindsey Clute, BA
Lindsey Clute is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in international studies. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Lindsey worked in social media marketing, managing social media accounts and supporting various marketing initiatives. In addition, she worked as an editorial intern for a local media group. Today, Lindsey leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
