HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

  • Infertility: When To See A Doctor

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Young couple talking to doctor.

    It is not uncommon for some couples to have trouble conceiving. If a couple has been trying for one year without success, they are said to be dealing with infertility.

    While infertility may be common, it is not hopeless. Many effective treatments are available. Knowing when to talk to your doctor about fertility can help you get closer to your goal of getting pregnant.

    What causes infertility?

    Infertility is not just a woman’s issue. It can affect one or both partners.

    Men require healthy sperm to be fertile. Anything that impacts the number, shape, and movement of sperm may cause infertility. These may include:

    *  Unhealthy habits

    *  Trauma to the testes

    *  Certain medications or supplements

    *  Cancer treatment

    *  Medical conditions

    Women need functioning ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a uterus to get pregnant. A condition that affects any one of these organs can cause infertility issues. These may include:

    *  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

    *  Diminished ovarian reserve

    *  Blocked fallopian tubes

    *  Menopause

    *  Abnormal uterine shape

    When to see a doctor

    Every couple should talk to their doctor to let them know they are trying to get pregnant. Your doctor may have specific recommendations and screenings that would be of benefit.

    Some couples may be at a higher risk of infertility. If you have any of the following risk factors, you should talk to your doctor right away when trying to conceive:

    *  Irregular or no menstrual periods

    *  Painful periods

    *  Endometriosis

    *  Pelvic inflammatory disease

    *  History of miscarriage

    *  Any suspected male factors, such as cancer treatment, history of teste trauma, etc.

    Women over the age of 30 may experience age-related declines in fertility. Once a woman is over 35, infertility becomes more common. While this doesn’t mean someone at that age will not be able to conceive, it does mean you should talk to your doctor sooner if you do not become pregnant.

    Any couple who has been trying to conceive for one year without success should talk to their doctor. Couples over the age of 35 should talk to their doctor after six months of trying.

    Your doctor may refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in infertility. Never hesitate to talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about yourself or your partner’s fertility.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Blood Cancer: Key Facts

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of cancer attacking blood cells.

    Your blood is made up of many different types of cells. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells protect the body from harmful substances and prevent infections.

    Blood cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells do not work properly, preventing them from carrying out their essential functions. As the dysfunctional cells accumulate in the blood, they crowd out healthy cells.

    It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about blood cancer.

    Three main types of blood cancer

    Leukemia

    Leukemia is cancer that affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made. From the bone marrow, it spreads to the blood and can affect other organs.

    Lymphoma

    This type of blood cancer impacts the white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin, which spreads directly from one lymph node to another, and Non-Hodgkin, which spreads erratically through the lymph nodes.

    Multiple myeloma

    Myeloma affects plasma cells. These are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. When the plasma cells don’t function correctly, the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly.

    Symptoms of blood cancer

    Talk to your doctor if you experience the following:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Fever

    *  Unexplained weight loss

    *  Bone pain

    *  Swollen lymph nodes

    *  Frequent infections

    Survival rates have steadily increased

    Fifty years ago, there were few successful treatments for blood cancer. Now, there is a range of treatment options available, and more people achieve remission than ever before. Early detection and improved treatments have increased five-year survival rates and provide hope for the future.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Beating Jet Lag

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man sleeping on plane.

    Summer travel plans may take you to places across the globe. While this can be exciting, switching to a different time zone can take a toll on the body.

    The body has its own internal clock that tells you when to be awake and when to sleep. This is your circadian rhythm.

    If you travel to a different time zone, the clock gets disrupted:

    You may be awake when it’s nighttime or want to sleep during the day. This can make you exhausted. Jet lag can also cause:

    *  Headaches

    *  Feeling irritable

    *  Trouble concentrating

    *  Loss of appetite

    *  Upset stomach

    *  Diarrhea

    There are some ways to fight jet lag so you can enjoy your trip:

    *  Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your arrival.

    *  Avoid alcohol. Some people think a nightcap will help them sleep. But alcohol actually disrupts sleep and makes you more tired.

    *  Use your travel time wisely. If you’ll be on a plane during the “new” night time, try to rest. Use a sleep mask and ear plugs. Avoid staring at TV screens or other devices.

    *  Be careful with caffeine. If you must have caffeine, drink it in the new time zone’s morning hours. Avoid it after lunch.

    *  Get out in the sun. When you get to your destination, go outside if it’s daytime. This will help to tell your body when to be awake.

    *  Skip naps if possible. Napping could make it harder for you to fall asleep at the correct time. If you take a nap at 6 p.m., you could be awake most of the night.

    *  Consider melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes to tell you that it’s time for sleep. Taking melatonin at your new bedtime can help you sleep better. It is available over-the-counter, but ask your doctor before trying it.

    Source: National Sleep Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Smart About Seizures

    MEDICAL NEWS

    A brain model.

    A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause a person to have uncontrolled movements. A grand mal seizure or tonic-clonic seizure is the most serious. It usually involves jerking movements, shaking and the inability to talk or communicate.

    When it comes to seizures, there are plenty of myths. Knowing the truth about seizures could save someone’s life.

    Myth:A person having a seizure could swallow their tongue.

    Truth:This is not possible. Never put something in a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure.

    Myth:You should hold the person down.

    Truth:Do not try to hold or move the person unless they are in immediate danger of getting hurt. You can help get them on the floor and turn on their side. This keeps the person from injuring themselves or falling.

    Myth:You should always give mouth-to-mouth or CPR during a seizure.

    Truth:People usually start breathing normally after the seizure is over. But if the patient stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, call 911 and begin CPR.

    Should you call 911?

    Call 911 if:

    *  The person has never had a seizure before.

    *  The person stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, or has trouble breathing after the seizure.

    *  The seizure happened in the water.

    *  The person is pregnant.

    *  The person doesn’t wake up after the seizure.

    *  The person has a health condition like heart disease or diabetes.

    *  The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

    *  The person is hurt.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Lift Weights The Safe Way

    BE FIT

    Grandfather and grandson exercising by lifting weights.

    Lifting weights is great exercise. But if you don’t do it properly, you can get hurt. Here’s how you can get started, get stronger and avoid injuries.

    Learn good technique

    Have an instructor show you how to lift. You can use books, videos or virtual instruction if you can’t see a trainer in person.

    Keep your back straight when lifting, and wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping. Stop the exercise if it hurts and wait a few days before trying it again.

    Set doable goals

    Don’t work the same muscles more than three times per week. Let muscles rest for 24 hours before working them again. Don’t try to do too much, too quickly. You’ll likely feel soreness for a day or two after lifting, and that’s normal.

    Warm up and cool down

    Warm up your muscles with active stretching, light jogging/walking or leg squats before you lift. When you’re done lifting, cool down and  stretch again.

    Stretching should not hurt. Hold the stretch steady – don’t bounce.

    When to see your doctor

    If you have ongoing pain or you think you hurt yourself while lifting, talk to your doctor.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know Your Rights With Rebates

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Person holding a bag of gifts.

    The holiday shopping season is here, and with it comes big sales and big purchases. Some stores and companies advertise big rebate offers to get you to buy. These offers may promise you a certain amount of money back, either immediately or after you send in a form.

    Usually, you buy the item, fill out and send in some paperwork, and wait for the rebate money to come in the mail. You probably need the sales receipt, a form and the packaging from the item. Sometimes you get a rebate within a month, but many rebates take longer – up to 12 weeks.

    The Federal Trade Commission says people should beware of rebates that take too long to show up – or never come at all. Companies are required by law to send the rebate within the promised timeframe. If there’s no timeframe listed, the timeframe is usually 30 days.

    Follow these tips if you buy a product with a rebate:

    *  Make sure you follow all the steps on the rebate form. Enclose all of the required paperwork.

    *  Make a copy of all your paperwork. You’ll want these records if your rebate doesn’t show up or if there’s a problem.

    *  Keep track of the date you sent the rebate. Contact the company if your rebate doesn’t show up when they promised it.

    If your rebate is late or never shows up, you can file a complaint. Contact the Federal Trade Commission, your state Attorney General or your local Better Business Bureau.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know The Different Heart Disease Types

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Heart on a blue background.

    You’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary heart disease. But did you know each of these terms means something different?

    Let’s learn some of these “heart” terms and what they mean for your health. If you have a type of cardiovascular disease, work with your doctor to come up with a heart health plan. Your plan might include a healthy diet, exercise and medications.

    What is cardiovascular disease?

    Cardiovascular disease is any type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. “Cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

    Types of cardiovascular disease include:

    *  Coronary heart disease

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Stroke

    *  Heart failure

    *  Peripheral artery disease

    What is heart disease?

    Heart disease is any type of condition that affects the heart’s function or structure. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Heart disease also includes:

    *  Heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmias

    *  Cardiomyopathy

    *  Congenital (present at birth) heart defects

    *  Coronary artery disease (CAD)

    *  Heart failure

    Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease.

    What is coronary heart disease?

    Coronary heart disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease happens when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Sometimes people call this clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

    The plaque reduces the amount of blood getting to the heart. This can cause angina, or chest pain. It can also cause blood clots and can lead to a heart attack.

    Sources: American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Kid-Friendly, Healthy Snacks

    HEALTHY EATING

    Kids hands cutting out star shaped watermelon.

    A simple way to encourage your kids to eat healthy is to have healthy foods on hand and easily available to them.

    *  Put fruits and vegetables within reach on the counter or in the refrigerator.

    *  Save cookies and sweets as occasional treats, not everyday snacks.

    *  Avoid buying chips, crackers and other high-calorie, high-sugar packed foods. Or buy less of them and keep them in a less convenient location. Out of sight, out of mind.

    *  Purchase easy but healthy “packaged” snacks like no sugar added fruit cups, raisin packs, cheese sticks, Greek yogurt and popcorn (choose “light” popcorn without too much added butter or salt).

    Popcorn treats

    Ingredients

    2 tablespoons soft margarine or butter (melted)

    5 cups popped popcorn

    3/4 cup raisins

    1 cup shredded wheat cereal (bite-size)

    1 tablespoon sugar  (brown or white)

    1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon

    Directions

    1.  Pop popcorn. You can use microwave or stovetop, but choose one without added butter, sugar or salt.

    2.  Mix popped corn, raisins, and cereal in a large bowl.

    3.  Mix sugar and cinnamon in small dish.

    4.  Drizzle melted margarine or butter over mixture.

    5.  Add sugar and cinnamon mixture.

    6.  Shake or stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

    Nutrition per serving: Servings 4. Calories 265; Total Fat 10 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Sodium 118 mg; Total Carbohydrate 46 g; Dietary Fiber 5 g; Protein 4 g

    Source: USDA ChooseMyPlate

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is Lasik Right For You?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Female getting her eyes examied.

    If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s possible you may be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which simply means laser vision correction.

    The procedure uses a laser to correct the shape of your cornea and improve your vision. This type of surgery is used to treat:

    *  Myopia (nearsightedness)

    *  Hyperopia (farsightedness)

    *  Astigmatism (an imperfection in the shape of the cornea)

    Undergoing LASIK eye surgery may reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. But, it’s not right for everyone.

    How to qualify

    To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, you first need to talk to your eye doctor. They will do a comprehensive eye exam and make sure you meet certain criteria such as:

    *  Stable vision for at least a year

    *  Eye prescription within the range LASIK can correct

    *  Thick healthy corneas

    *  18 years of age or older

    Some conditions may disqualify you from the procedure. These include:

    *  Severe dry eye

    *  Eye infections

    *  Cataracts

    *  Glaucoma

    *  Poorly controlled diabetes

    *  Pregnancy or breastfeeding

    The procedure

    During the procedure, you will be awake, resting comfortably on a table, and able to see for the majority of the time. It is painless and over in just a few minutes.

    1.  Drops will be put in your eyes to numb them.

    2.  An eyelid holder will be put in place to keep your eyes open.

    3.  A suction ring will be placed on your eye to hold it still. You will feel some pressure, and your vision will briefly fade.

    4.  The ophthalmologist will use a laser to cut a flap in your cornea.

    5.  A laser will precisely reshape your cornea, and the flap will be smoothed back into place.

    After LASIK surgery

    You will need to wear special glasses at first for eye protection and use several types of eye drops for the first few days to weeks until your eyes are healed.

    Side effects from the procedure are often temporary and may include:

    *  Dry eyes

    *  Light sensitivity

    *  Blurry vision

    *  Halos around lights, especially at night

    *  Glare

    Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine