Category: Medical News

Hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver. If a person has hepatitis, their liver may be inflamed or damaged.

What causes hepatitis?

Many different things can cause hepatitis. They include:

*  A virus

*  Contaminated objects like needles or medical equipment

*  Heavy alcohol use

*  Certain medications

*  Some medical conditions

Different types of hepatitis

Hepatitis A:

*  Is spread through contaminated food, drinks or objects.

*  Can make you sick for weeks or months, but most people recover.

*  Can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis B:

*  Is spread through blood, semen or other body fluids.

*  Can spread through sex, sharing personal items or sharing needles.

*  Can cause long-term liver problems like liver failure and cancer.

*  Can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis C:

*  Is spread through blood.

*  Can spread when people share needles or other equipment.

*  Causes long-term infection in about half of all cases.

*  Can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.

*  More than 90 percent of people can be cured with proper medical treatment – new treatment has very few side effects.

Ask your doctor about hepatitis

Many people may have hepatitis and don’t know it. You may not have any symptoms at first. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can find out if you need a vaccine or if you should get tested for hepatitis. Proper medical care can help prevent, treat or cure this disease.

Today many people are living longer than ever. Part of this is because of advances in medical care. But there are things you can do to live a long, healthy life too. Here are some tips that could help you live longer.

Exercise

Experts in aging and health say exercise may be the most important thing you can do to live longer. But why?

As we age, we lose some muscle. This can lead to less energy and achy joints, which may cause you to exercise less and sit more. This, in turn, raises the risk of disease as well as death.

People of any age can learn to get active. Not sure how to start? Talk to your doctor about options that are safe and healthy for you.

Shed extra pounds

Having a BMI higher than 30 raises the risk of all causes of mortality (death). It can lead to health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

You may not need to lose a lot to improve your health. Even losing 10-15 pounds can make a difference.

Losing weight isn’t easy. But there are safe and healthy ways to do it. Eating healthier foods and getting regular exercise will help, but ask your doctor for advice.

Quit smoking (or don’t smoke)

Smoking increases the risk of lung disease, cancers, heart disease and diabetes. The good news is that when you quit smoking, your risk of smoking-related death starts to decrease. It can add years to your life if you quit today!

Many people are able to quit smoking with help from a doctor or therapist. They may also use nicotine replacement products like patches, gum or an inhaler. Ask your doctor for help with your plan to quit.

Do I need good genes?

We may think a long life is all in our family history. But genes are only a piece of the health puzzle.

Experts in aging say that your own healthy behaviors mean much more than genes. In fact, many people could live to 90 with a healthy lifestyle, regardless of genes, according to experts at the National Institutes of Health.

Harness the power to live longer by starting healthy habits!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health

Most of us don’t think about bladder health unless there’s a problem like an infection or leakage. Millions of people live with overactive bladder (OAB). OAB is not a disease. It’s a name for a group of symptoms that affect urination.

What is OAB?

Normally, a person might feel like they need to urinate, so they hold it until they reach the toilet. But with OAB, you suddenly feel like you have to go right now – you can’t hold it. This can happen even if your bladder isn’t full. The bladder muscles may be overactive, which leads to the urgent feeling.

Some people with OAB may have to go to the bathroom too often during the day or at night. They may go more than once per night or more than 8 times during the day.

OAB doesn’t always cause leaking or accidents, but it can. This is called urge incontinence, and about half of people with OAB have this bladder condition.

Treatments for OAB

Many people don’t get treatment for OAB because they are embarrassed. But talking with a doctor means you can get treatment. Many people are able to control OAB with one or more of the following:

*  Diet changes

*  Kegel exercises, pelvic floor physical therapy

*  Medications

*  Bladder Botox

*  Nerve stimulation procedures

Most people do not need surgery for OAB. But doctors may suggest it if other treatments didn’t work and your OAB is severe.

Just a ‘weak bladder’?

OAB becomes more common as we age. But this doesn’t mean it’s part of getting older and that we should ignore it. OAB can interfere with your social and professional life. You don’t have to live with it.

Speak up about bladder problems

If you notice bladder trouble, your doctor can help. Make an appointment to talk about your symptoms. It’s the first step to getting relief so you can get back to living your life.

Sources: National Association for Continence, Urology Care Foundation