HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • Be Kind To Your Kidneys

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of person holding plastic kidneys.

    Did you know that your kidneys are responsible for many important body functions? Kidneys are designed to:

    *  Keep the body’s fluid levels in check

    *  Remove extra fluid and waste from the blood, which exits the body as urine

    *  Activate vitamin D for healthy bones

    *  Balance minerals in the blood

    *  Direct the making of red blood cells

    *  Make a hormone that keeps blood pressure within a normal range

    Kidney disease: a hidden danger

    Chronic kidney disease, sometimes called CKD, can interfere with the kidneys’ important jobs. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, weak bones, anemia and other life-threatening problems.

    One of the problems with CKD is many people don’t find out that they have it until the later stages. Then, there could be more severe kidney damage and complications. About 1 in 7 people have some form of CKD.

    But there is good news. Getting treated early means kidney damage can be slowed or even stopped. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and get kidney tests if needed.

    Know your risk

    If you have one of the following conditions, it means you may have a higher chance of getting CKD. Talk with your doctor about your kidney health if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

    Tests are best

    If you have one of the risk factors listed below, your doctor may want to perform one or more of these tests:

    *  Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

    *  Protein in urine test: If a person’s urine contains a certain type of protein, it may be an early sign of CKD.

    *  Creatinine in blood test: If the kidneys aren’t working well, they can’t take a waste product called creatinine out of the blood.

    *  Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test: This measures creatinine levels and calculates other CKD risk factors too.

    What to do

    If you find out you have CKD, your doctor may recommend:

    *  Lowering high blood pressure

    *  Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes

    *  Eating less sodium (salt)

    *  Not taking NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

    *  Eating only a moderate amount of protein

    *  Getting a flu shot each year

    Even if your kidneys are healthy, you can help keep them that way by:

    *  Not smoking or getting help to quit

    *  Working toward a healthy weight

    *  Getting blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly

    *  Annual blood sugar testing

    *  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

    *  Seeing your doctor as recommended

    *  Knowing your family medical history

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Kidney Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 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

  • Talking About Oral Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of dentist with illustration of a tooth.

    More than 10,000 people will die of oral cancer this year. Oral cancer is not one type of cancer.

    It is a group of cancers that may affect the:

    *  Lips

    *  Inside of the cheeks

    *  Gums

    *  Tongue

    *  Inside the mouth (roof or floor of the mouth)

    *  Tonsils

    *  Middle of the throat

    Watching your mouth

    Knowing the signs of oral cancer is important. If it’s caught early, the outcome is better. So, look regularly for any changes in your mouth and see a dentist if you notice anything.

    Signs of oral cancer may include:

    *  Numbness, pain or tender areas in the mouth or lips

    *  A sore or irritated area in the mouth that doesn’t go away

    *  A white or red patch

    *  A lump in the mouth or throat

    *  An area that feels thicker or rougher than normal

    *  Trouble with chewing, swallowing or speaking

    *  Trouble moving the tongue, mouth or jaw

    *  Teeth that appear to have moved or don’t fit together properly anymore

    *  Feeling like something is in your throat

    *  Change in voice not due to a cold or common illness

    Many of these symptoms are due to simple, treatable problems. But, it’s important to get them checked by a dentist quickly. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and get you started on the treatment you need.

    Am I at risk?

    Certain things can make oral cancer more likely to happen. Researchers say that men are more than twice as likely to get oral cancer than women. People who smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol are also at a higher risk. This is especially true if they are over 50 years old.

    Some oral cancers are caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). You can catch HPV through sexual contact, which can cause certain cancers in the throat and back of the mouth.

    What can I do?

    *  Get regular dental checkups. Your dentist can check for symptoms of oral cancer.

    *  Tell your dentist about any changes to your lips, teeth, gums, mouth, tongue or throat.

    *  Don’t smoke – or quit if you do smoke.

    *  Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol or less. This is usually two drinks for men per day, and one drink for women per day.

    *  Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the HPV vaccine.

    Source: American Dental Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Which Std Tests Do You Need?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Couple embracing each other.

    Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can occur when people have sexual contact with a person who also has an STD.

    People of all ages can get STDs. If you have unprotected sexual contact with someone who is infected, you risk getting an STD. This includes oral, anal and vaginal sex.

    Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask a health care provider about STDs. Getting tested is important so you can get treatment for STDs. The most common ones include:

    *  Human papilloma virus (HPV)

    *  Chlamydia

    *  Gonorrhea

    *  Syphilis

    *  Herpes

    *  Trichomoniasis

    *  HIV/AIDS

    Why do I need tests?

    Testing is the only way to know for sure if a person has an STD. Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms. This means people could spread STDs to others without knowing. They could also have long-term health problems.

    Risks of STDs include:

    *  Spreading STDs to others

    *  Infertility (trouble getting pregnant)

    *  Long-term pain in the pelvic area

    *  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause pain and infertility

    *  Serious health and immune system problems (from HIV infection)

    Who needs to be tested?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following recommendations for testing:

    *  Everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.

    *  Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.

    *  All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

    *  Some women 25 years and older should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. This includes women at a higher risk. They may have multiple sex partners or have a partner who has a known STD.

    *  All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B. Some pregnant women may also need tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Pregnant women may need more than one test throughout pregnancy.

    *  Sexually active gay and bisexual men may need HIV tests every 3 to 6 months.

    *  All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some men may need to get tested more often if they have multiple partners.

    Many health departments offer STD testing or can help people find a testing site. To find STD testing sites near you visitgettested.cdc.gov.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © 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

  • Is It Overactive Bladder Or Just ‘Normal’?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Close up of hands holding toilet paper.

    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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Telehealth: What To Know

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Phone and stethoscope.

    Telehealth or telemedicine uses video calls or other technology to help you see your doctor. This allows you to have medical appointments from home instead of going to the doctor’s office.

    Getting ready

    If you want to use telehealth, but don’t know how, contact your doctor’s office. Different doctors and hospitals use different apps and technology for their telemedicine appointments. Ask them for instructions on how to get set up.

    Before your appointment, check with your insurance company about coverage for telehealth appointments. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor so you’ll be sure to cover everything.

    If you need help

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a tech-savvy friend or family member to help. Usually, you only need:

    1.  A strong internet connection. Your connection needs to be fast enough for video chats.

    2.  A smartphone, tablet or computer that connects to your wi-fi and has a working microphone, speaker and camera. Most newer devices have all of these built in.

    Telehealth can be a safe and convenient way to have your medical appointments. Don’t be intimidated by technology. With a little help, you can be up and running – and it may become your favorite way to have your doctor visits!

    Source: National Institutes on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stroke Faq’s

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Purple background with paper cut out of head and brain.

    A stroke occurs when oxygen flow to the brain is disrupted. Within minutes of a stroke, brain cells begin to die from lack of oxygen. As more cells die, parts of the brain become damaged and may no longer function properly.

    Three main types of strokes

    *  Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels of the brain. It is the most common type of stroke.

    *  Transient ischemic stroke (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, is a type of ischemic stroke in which blood flow is blocked for only a few minutes. TIA’s are often a warning sign that a more severe stroke may occur.

    *  Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel in the brain leaking blood or bursting. The buildup of blood puts pressure on brain cells, which causes damage.

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Numbness or weakness in the face, limbs, or body on one side

    *  Sudden vision trouble

    *  Confusion and difficulty speaking

    *  Severe headache

    *  Dizziness and trouble with balance or walking

    Early identification of a stroke is essential to minimize harm to the brain. Every minute is critical for getting fast and effective treatment.

    Knowing the warning signs of a stroke means you can quickly seek medical help. Getting medical attention within the first few hours of a stroke ensures the best possible outcome and recovery. If you suspect a stroke, call 911 right away.

    Effects of a stroke

    The brain controls many essential body functions, including movement, speech, breathing, digestion, memories, and emotions. The damage caused by a stroke can lead to long-term disability or even death.

    The exact impact of a stroke depends on the area of the brain affected, the length of time between the start of the stroke and treatment, and any underlying conditions.

    Possible side effects of a stroke include:

    *  Weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the body

    *  Difficulty forming or understanding speech

    *  Impairment of memory, concentration, thinking, and judgment

    *  Trouble chewing or swallowing

    *  Bladder and bowel control issues

    *  Depression

    © 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