HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain & Nervous System

This type of brain injury may happen when there is a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Sports injuries are a common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Of all injuries, ones to the brain are most likely to result in death or disability for life.

It may not look cool to wear a helmet when you ride a bike, rollerblade, etc., but doing so is the best way to prevent a severe head injury. Find out about protective helmets for the sport(s) you do from the Consumer Product Safety Commission atcpsc.gov.

Learn more from the Brain Injury Association of America atbiausa.org.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Trichomoniasis

Sexual Health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are ones that pass from one person to another through sexual contact. This can be from vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and from genital-to-genital contact. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Signs & Symptoms

For Females

Symptoms may not be present for years. If they do occur, symptoms include:

* Vaginal itching and burning.

* A yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge with an odor.

* Burning or pain when passing urine.

* Pain during sex.

For Males

Symptoms are not usually present. Males can infect their sexual partners and not know it. When present, symptoms in males include:

* Discomfort when passing urine.

* Pain during sex.

* Irritation and itching of the penis.

Causes

A protozoan.

Treatment

* The oral medication metronidazole (Flagyl).

* Treating sexual partners to prevent spreading the infection and getting it again.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Safer Sex To Help Prevent STIs

* The only sure way to avoid STIs is not having sex. This includes intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, and genital-to-genital contact. Caressing, hugging, dry kissing, and masturbation are no risk or extremely low-risk practices. So is limiting your sexual contact to one person your entire life. This is if your partner does not have an STI and has sex only with you.

* Latex and polyurethane condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading HIV and other STIs (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis). To do this, they must be used the right way for every sex act. They do not get rid of the risk entirely. Barriers made of natural membranes, such as from lamb, do not give good protection against STIs.

* Females and males should use latex or polyurethane condoms every time they have genital-to-genital contact and/or oral sex. Use polyurethane condoms if either partner is allergic to latex. You don’t need condoms to prevent STIs if you have sex only with one partner and neither of you has an STI.

* For oral-vaginal sex and oral-anal sex, use latex dams (“doilies”). These are latex squares.

* Latex condoms with spermicides, such as nonoxynol-9 (N-9) are no better than other lubricated condoms for preventing HIV/STIs. Spermicides with N-9 do not prevent chlamydia, cervical gonorrhea, or HIV. on’t use spermicides alone to prevent HIV/STIs. Using spermicides with N-9 often has been linked with genital lesions which may increase the risk of spreading HIV. Also, N-9 may increase the risk of spreading HIV during anal intercourse.

* Use water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Brand Jelly. Don’t use oil-based or “petroleum” ones, such as Vaseline. They can damage latex barriers.

* To lower your risk for HPV, use latex or polyurethane condoms. These work best at covering areas of the body that HPV is most likely to affect. A diaphragm does not prevent the spread of HPV.

* Don’t have sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You are less likely to use “safer sex” measures.

* Limit sexual partners. Sexual contact with many persons increases the risk for STIs, especially if no protection is used.

* Discuss a new partner’s sexual history with him or her before you start having sex. Know that persons are not always honest about their sexual past.

* Avoid sexual contact with persons whose health status and health practices are not known.

* Follow your doctor’s advice to check for STIs.

For Trichomoniasis

Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours before, during, and 24 hours after taking metronidazole. The combination causes vomiting, dizziness, and headaches.

Resources

American Social Health Association (ASHA)

www.ashastd.org

CDC National STD Hotline

800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)

www.cdc.gov/STD

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Toxic Shock Syndrome

Women’s Health

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a form of blood poisoning. It rarely occurs, but it can be fatal.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms come on fast and are often severe.

* High sudden fever. Sore throat.

* Flat, red, sunburn-like rash on the trunk of the body that spreads. The skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet peels. Redness of the lips, eyes, and tongue may also occur.

* Muscle aches. Extreme fatigue and weakness.

* Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Vomiting.

* Rapid pulse.

* Dizziness. Confusion. Fainting.

Causes

Toxic shock syndrome is caused when certain bacteria release toxins in the blood. It can result from wounds or an infection in the throat, lungs, skin, or bone. Most often, though, it affects women who use super absorbent tampons. These trap and allow bacteria to grow and spread. Though not common, TSS can also occur after surgery, including a C-section.

Treatment

Toxic shock syndrome requires emergency medical care.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Practice good hygiene.

* Keep wounds clean. See your doctor for signs of an infection (increased redness, swelling, and/or pain, pus, and/or fever).

* Don’t use tampons if you’ve had TSS in the past.

* Change tampons and sanitary pads every 4 to 6 hours or more often. When you can, use sanitary napkins instead of tampons. Alternate tampons with sanitary pads or mini-pads during a menstrual period. Lubricate the tampon applicator with a water-soluble (nongreasy) lubricant, like K-Y Jelly®, before insertion.

Resources

National Women’s Health Information Center

www.womenshealth.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Urinary Incontinence

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Urinary incontinence means you lose bladder control or can’t store urine like you should. This problem is not a normal part of aging. It often affects older persons because muscles used in bladder control don’t work as well with aging.

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

For Acute Incontinence

This form comes on suddenly. Often, it is a symptom of a new illness or problem. Examples are a bladder infection, diabetes (new or out-of- control), and inflammation of the prostate, urethra, or vagina. It can also be a side effect of some medicines, such as water pills.

This form is often easily reversed when the problem that caused it is treated.

For Persistent Incontinence

This form comes on gradually over time. It lingers or remains, even after other problems have been treated. There are many types of this form. The ones below cause 80% of cases.

* Stress Incontinence. Urine leaks out when there is a sudden rise in pressure in the abdomen. This can happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift, jump, run, or strain to pass stool. This type is more common in women than in men.

* Urge Incontinence. With this type, the urge to pass urine is so strong and comes on so fast, that the urine is released before you can get to the toilet. This type can be caused by an enlarged prostate gland, a spinal cord injury, or an illness, such as Parkinson’s disease.

* Mixed Incontinence. This type is a mix of stress and urge types of incontinence.

* Overflow Incontinence. This is the constant dribbling of urine because the bladder overfills. This may be due to an enlarged prostate, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.

* Functional Incontinence. With this type, you have trouble getting to the bathroom fast enough, even though you have bladder control. This can happen in a person who is physically challenged.

* Total Incontinence. This is a rare type with complete loss of bladder control. Urine leakage can be constant.

Treatment

The first step is to find out if another problem causes the incontinence and to treat that problem. Other treatments include:

* Pelvic floor exercises, called Kegel exercises. (SeeSelf-Care/Prevention.)

* Medication.

* Collagen injections. These treat a certain type of stress incontinence.

* Surgery, as needed, to correct the problem.

Overactive Bladder

With this condition, you have at least 2 of these problems:

* An urgency to pass urine.

* Urge incontinence.

* You pass urine 8 or more times a day and 2 or more times during night.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t have caffeine. Limit or avoid fluids 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

* Limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus juices, greasy and spicy foods, and items with artificial sweeteners.

* Empty your bladder before you leave the house, take a nap, or go to bed.

* Go to the bathroom often, even if you don’t feel the urge. When you pass urine, empty the bladder as much as you can. Relax for 1 to 2 minutes. Then try to pass urine again.

* Keep a diary of when you leak urine. If you find that you have accidents every 3 hours, empty your bladder every 2 hours. Use an alarm clock or wristwatch with an alarm to remind you.

* Wear clothes you can pull down easily when you use the bathroom. Wear elastic-waist bottoms. Wear items with velcro closures or snaps instead of buttons and zippers.

* Wear absorbent pads or briefs, if needed.

* Keep the pathway to your bathroom free of clutter and well lit. Leave the bathroom door open until you use it. Use a night light in the bathroom when it is dark.

* Use an elevated toilet seat and grab bars if these will make it easier for you to get on and off the toilet.

* Keep a bedpan, plastic urinal (for men), or portable commode chair near your bed.

* Ask your doctor if your type of incontinence could be managed by using self-catheters. These help to empty your bladder all the way. A doctor needs to prescribe self-catheters.

Kegel Exercises

* Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises. These help treat or cure stress incontinence. Persons who have leaked urine for years can benefit greatly from these exercises. How do you do them?

* First, start to urinate, then hold back and try to stop. If you can slow the stream of urine, you are using the right muscles. You should feel muscles squeeze around the urethra and the anus. The urethra is the tube through which urine is passed. The anus is the opening through which stool is passed.

* Next, relax your body, and close your eyes. Imagine that you are going to pass urine, but hold back from doing so. You should feel the muscles squeeze like you did in the step before this one.

* Squeeze the muscles for 3 seconds. Then relax them for 3 seconds. When you squeeze and relax, count slowly. Start out doing this 3 times a day. Gradually work up to 3 sets of 10 contractions. Hold each one for 10 seconds at a time. You can do them when you lie down, and/or stand.

* When you do these exercises, do not tense the muscles in your belly or buttocks. Do not hold your breath, clench your fists or teeth, or make a face.

* Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles right before and during whatever it is (coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc.) that causes you to lose urine. Relax the muscles once the activity is over.

* Women can also use pelvic weights prescribed by their doctor. A women inserts a weighted cone into the vagina and squeezes the correct muscles to keep the weight from falling out.

It may take several months to benefit from pelvic floor exercises. They should be done daily.

Resources

National Association for Continence (NAFC)

800.BLADDER (252.3337)

www.nafc.org

Urology Care Foundation

www.urologyhealth.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Use Choosemyplate.Gov

Student Health

Find out about this at:www.choosemyplate.gov. At this Web site, you can:

* Get a Daily Food Plan based on your age, gender, height, weight, and physical activity level. Your plan shows how many calories you need each day and the number of servings from basic food groups, subgroups, and oils to meet your calorie needs. Serving sizes are given in cups; ½ cups, etc. (See an example for a 2,000 calorie plan in the chart below.)

* Use SuperTracker to help you plan and track your food intake and physical activities.

* Use Food-A-Pedia to look up nutrition information for over 8,000 foods. You can also compare foods side-by-side to help you make healthy choices.

* Get nutrition tips.

* Find out about healthy eating on a budget.

Resources

ChooseMyPlate.gov

www.choosemyplate.gov

www.choosemyplate.gov/MyPlateOnCampus

Go Ask Alice

www.goaskalice.columbia.edu

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Uterine Cancer

Women’s Health

The uterus (womb) is a hollow, pear- shaped organ in a female’s lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. Cancer of the uterus most often affects the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, so is also called endometrial cancer. It is the most common reproductive cancer in women. Most women diagnosed with uterine cancer are between the ages of 50 and 70. When found and treated early, though, more than 90% of cases can be cured.

Signs & Symptoms

* Abnormal bleeding, spotting, or discharge from the vagina is the most common symptom.

* Any vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause. The bleeding can begin as a watery, blood-streaked discharge. Later it can contain more blood.

{Note: Some cases of uterine cancer can be detected by a Pap test, but this is used to detect cervical cancer. Even if you have had a recent normal Pap test, see your doctor if you have post menopausal vaginal bleeding.}

Cancer of the uterus does not often occur before menopause. It can occur around the time menopause begins, though.

When bleeding stops and starts up again, let your doctor know. If you are on hormone therapy, you may have regular cyclic bleeding.

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

The risk for uterine cancer is greater if you have had increased exposure to estrogen from one or more of the following:

* Late menopause or early menstruation

* Irregular periods or ovulation

* Polycystic ovarian disease. The ovaries become enlarged and contain many cysts due to hormone imbalances.

* Obesity. Women who are obese make more estrogen.

* Estrogen therapy. {Note: Estrogen therapy increases the risk for uterine cancer. Giving progestin with estrogen can dramatically reduce the risk.}

Other risk factors include:

* A history of infertility

* A history of endometrial hyperplasia. This is abnormal thickening of the endometrium.

* A history of breast, colon, or ovarian cancer

* Diabetes

Treatment includes one or more of the following:

* Surgery. Most women have a total hysterectomy. This removes the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

* Radiation therapy

* Chemotherapy

* Hormonal therapy

* Clinical trials

Self-Care

Medical care, not self-care, is needed for uterine cancer.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When

* You have any “Signs & Symptoms” of uterine cancer.

* You need to schedule your yearly pelvic exam.

Resources

National Cancer Institute

1-800-4-CANCER (422-6237)

www.cancer.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Urinary Tract Infections

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are ones that occur in any organs that make up the urinary tract. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and make urine. Ureters connect the kidney to the bladder. This holds urine until it is passed.

Signs & Symptoms

* A strong need to pass urine.

* You pass urine more often than usual.

* A sharp pain or burning feeling when you pass urine.

* Bloody or cloudy urine.

* It feels like your bladder is still full after you pass urine.

* Pain in the abdomen, back, or sides.

* Chills. Fever.

* Nausea or vomiting.

* A change in mental status, especially if you are over age 70.

Sometimes there are no symptoms with a UTI.

Causes

UTIs result when bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract. The bladder is the most common site.

Persons at Greater Risk for UTIs

* Sexually active females.

* Females who use a diaphragm for birth control.

* Males and females who have had UTIs in the past.

* Anyone with a condition that doesn’t allow urine to pass freely. An enlarged prostate gland (in males) and kidney stones are examples.

Treatment

An antibiotic is prescribed to treat the specific infection. Pain relievers are taken as needed. If you get UTIs often, your doctor may order medical tests to find out the problem.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Treat a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

* Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

* Don’t have alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine.

* Get plenty of rest.

* Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for pain or one that relieves pain and spasms that come with a bladder infection (e.g., Uristat). {Note: Uristat helps with symptoms, but doesn’t get rid of the infection. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.}

* Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Empty your bladder all the way.

* Don’t have sex until the infection is cleared up.

To Help Prevent UTIs

* Drink plenty of water and other fluids every day.

* Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge.

* Drink a glass of water before you have sex. Go to the bathroom as soon as you can after sex.

* If you’re prone to UTIs, don’t take bubble baths.

* If you’re female, wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This helps keep bacteria away from the opening of the urethra. If you use a diaphragm, clean it after each use. Have your health care provider check your diaphragm periodically to make sure it fits properly.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

www.niddk.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Urinary Problems

Women’s Health

Common urinary problems in women are urinary incontinence, overactive bladder (OAB), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Signs & Symptoms

Urinary incontinence means you lose bladder control or can’t store urine like you should. Although there are many types, the most common ones in women are stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

For Stress Incontinence

Urine leaks out with a sudden rise in pressure in the abdomen. This can occur when you cough, sneeze, lift, jump, run, or strain to pass stool.

For Urge Incontinence

Urine is released before you can get to the toilet due to a sudden and intense urge to urinate.

For Overactive Bladder

You urinate often (8 or more times during the day and at least 2 times during the night) and you have a sudden and urgent need to urinate.

For Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder Infection Symptoms

* You urinate more often than usual. It burns or stings when you urinate.

* Your urine is bloody or cloudy.

* You have pain in the abdomen or over your bladder.

* Confusion or other change in mental status, especially if you are over age 70.

Kidney Infection Symptoms

* Fever and shaking chills. Nausea and vomiting

* Pain in one or both sides of your mid back.

Sometimes, there are no symptoms with a UTI.

Causes & Risk Factors

For Urinary Incontinence

Problems occur with bladder muscles and nerves that help you hold or release urine and structures that support the bladder. This can be due to many factors:

* Physical changes due to aging or injury.

* Pregnancy and childbirth.

* Menopause.

* Multiple sclerosis.

* Spinal cord injury.

For Overactive Bladder

Abnormal nerves send signals to the bladder at the wrong time. This causes spasms in the bladder muscles to squeeze without warning.

For Urinary Tract Infections

Bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract – the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder).

Treatment

For Incontinence:

* Bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training, or Kegel exercises.

* Medications.

* Medical treatment, such as an electric or magnetic stimulation device.

* Surgical procedures.

For Overactive Bladder

Medications that help relax muscles of the bladder and prevent bladder spasms.

For Urinary Tract Infections

An antibiotic is prescribed to treat the specific infection. Pain relievers are taken as needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

* Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Drink juice made from unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate. Take cranberry tablets.

* For pain, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or Uristat®, an over-the-counter medicine for bladder infection pain.

* Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting slacks.

* Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

For Urinary Incontinence

* Avoid caffeine. Limit or avoid fluids 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

* Limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus juices, greasy and spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.

* Empty your bladder before you leave the house, take a nap, or go to bed.

* Try to urinate often, even if you don’t feel the urge. When you urinate, empty your bladder as much as you can. Relax for a minute and try to go again.

* Keep a diary of when you leak urine. If you do this every 3 hours, empty your bladder every 2 hours. Use an alarm clock or wristwatch with an alarm to remind you.

* Wear absorbent pads or briefs, as needed.

* Ask your doctor if your type of incontinence could be managed by using self-catheters. These help to empty your bladder all the way. A doctor needs to prescribe self-catheters.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises. These help treat or cure stress incontinence. Follow these steps:

1. Start to urinate, then hold back and try to stop. If you can slow the stream of urine, even a little, you are using the right muscles. You should feel muscles squeezing around the anus and the urethra (the tube through which urine is passed).

2. Relax your body. Close your eyes. Imagine that you are going to pass urine and then hold back from doing so. You should feel the muscles squeeze like you did in step 1.

3. Squeeze the muscles for 3 seconds. Then relax them for 3 seconds. When you squeeze and relax, count slowly. Start out doing this 3 times a day. Gradually work up to 3 sets of 10 contractions. Hold each one for 10 seconds at a time. You can do Kegel exercises when you lie down, sit, and/or stand.

4. When you do these exercises do not: Tense the muscles in your belly or buttocks; hold your breath; clench your fists or teeth; or make a face.

5. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles right before and during whatever it is (jumping, etc.) that causes you to leak urine. Relax the muscles once the activity is over.

6. You can also use pelvic weights prescribed by your doctor. You insert a weighted cone into the vagina and squeeze the correct muscles to keep it from falling out.

Do pelvic floor muscles daily. It may take several months to benefit from them. Get help to do them from:www.medicinenet.com/kegel_exercises_for_women/article.htm.

FYI: Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Note: Symptoms of a condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC) mimic those of an acute UTI. Intense pain and pressure in the lower abdomen come with the need to urinate. (This can be more than 50 times a day.) Nine out of 10 persons who have IC are women. Antibiotics do not give relief, because bacteria is not present with IC. This condition needs medical diagnosis and treatment.

Resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

www2.niddk.nih.gov

National Association for Continence (NAFC)

800.BLADDER (252.3337)

www.nafc.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Uv Safety

Skin Conditions

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays causes most skin cancers. Even a few serious sunburns can raise the risk.

Limit exposure to the sun. When in the sun, wear sun screen and lip balm with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB rays cause skin and eye damage. UVC rays don’t reach the earth.

UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, sand, and snow.

Use sun screens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose eyewear that absorbs 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

High doses of UVA radiation comes from tanning beds.

For the look of a tan, use sunless tanning lotions, sprays, and bronzers, instead of sun bathing, tanning beds, and sun lamps.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Facts And Fallacies About Vasectomies

Men’s Health

Sterilization is the ultimate method of birth control. Vasectomies are safe and can be performed in about 30 minutes under local anesthesia. (The procedure involves surgical removal of part of the vas deferens or sperm duct.) You don’t even have to go to the hospital.

Some common misconceptions make many men reluctant to consider a vasectomy. Having a vasectomy does not lower your sex drive, leave you impotent, or cause hardening of the arteries. And a vasectomy won’t reduce pleasurable sensations during sex.

If you’re considering a vasectomy:

* Consult a urologist who specializes in genitourinary surgery.

* Make sure all your questions are answered satisfactorily.

* Think the matter over carefully before you take action.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026