HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • Cataracts Can Be Treated

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Elderly women getting her eyes checked by a doctor.

    The eye has a clear lens inside that allows you to focus on things. But, as we get older, the lens may not be clear anymore. Proteins inside the lens stick together, causing a cloudy spot. This is a cataract.

    Cataracts are common. More than half of people age 80 and over have cataracts or had cataract surgery.

    What causes cataracts?

    Cataracts cannot always be prevented. Many people get them simply from getting older. This is because proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down with time.

    But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cataracts:

    *  Get regular eye exams.

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

    *  Limit or avoid alcohol.

    *  Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and hats that shield the sun.

    *  Eat a healthy diet and get exercise. This can help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, which may cause cataracts.

    Do I have cataracts?

    Many people don’t realize they have cataracts. This is because changes in vision happen very slowly over time.

    People who have cataracts may notice:

    *  Colors look faded or yellowed; things look blurry or cloudy

    *  Seeing a “halo” around lights

    *  It’s harder to read without a very bright light

    *  Trouble with night vision

    *  Double vision in one eye

    What can I do about cataracts?

    While cataracts may take away your clear vision, there is good news. Many cataracts can be corrected with surgery.

    The operation usually takes less than an hour. The doctor will replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. Usually, no stitches are needed. You may also have the surgery without general anesthesia, or being put to sleep. The doctor will numb the eye area so you won’t feel anything.

    People usually have only minor pain afterward. You may need to use eye drops after surgery to help the eye heal, or wear a protective eye shield when you sleep. Your doctor can let you know when it is safe for you to drive and do other activities.

    In most cases, the eye is totally healed within a few weeks and vision is much better.

    Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know Your Heart Risk

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Winter image of hands wearing red gloves making a heart shape.

    One reason heart disease is so deadly is due to its silent nature. Often, people do not know they have heart issues until they experience a heart attack or stroke.

    There’s plenty of good news, though. The risk factors for heart disease are fairly easy to spot. Taking steps to understand your heart numbers and manage your risk can decrease your chance of heart disease. And even if you already have heart disease, you can improve your odds by addressing your risk factors.

    Numbers to know

    Regular check-ins with your doctor are key to monitoring heart health. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, blood lipids, and overall health to determine your heart disease risk. Here are some numbers that could signal cause for concern:

    *  Blood pressure equal to or higher than 130/80 mm/Hg

    *  Total blood cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL

    *  LDL cholesterol  ≥100 mg/dL

    *  HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women

    *  Fasting blood sugar equal to or higher than 100 mg/dL

    *  Waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women

    Habits that put you at risk

    While the numbers your doctor tests for can indicate your heart disease risk, they are not the only factors to watch out for. Your lifestyle habits can tell you a lot about the health of your heart. Here are some habits that can increase your risk:

    *  Smoking

    *  Drinking more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men

    *  Eating too much salty food

    *  Not eating enough fruits and vegetables

    *  Consuming a diet high in red meat and processed foods

    *  Being sedentary, or getting less than 150 minutes of exercise a week

    What to do next

    If any of these risk factors apply to you, talk to your doctor about your heart health. A long and healthy life requires a healthy heart.

    There are many effective treatments for heart disease, but the best plan is prevention. Taking steps to address your risk factors can make all the difference. Your doctor may recommend:

    *  Changes to your diet

    *  More exercise

    *  Cutting back on alcohol

    *  Quitting smoking

    *  Getting more sleep

    *  Medication

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Autoimmunity

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Smiling female.

    The immune system is a finely tuned network of organs and cells that protect you. When the body senses a threat, such as an injury, bacteria, or virus, the immune system swings into action. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets your own tissues, causing damage.

    Common autoimmune conditions

    *  Type 1 diabetes

    *  Lupus

    *  Rheumatoid arthritis

    *  Irritable bowel syndrome

    *  Graves’ disease

    *  Hashimoto’s disease

    *  Multiple sclerosis

    *  Psoriasis

    *  Celiac disease

    *  Alopecia areata

    Symptoms

    The specific symptoms vary by type of autoimmune condition. However, many autoimmune diseases share some common symptoms:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Dizziness

    *  Redness and swelling

    *  Muscle aches

    *  Low-grade fevers

    *  Symptoms that come and go, called flares and remission

    Causes

    No one knows exactly why some people develop an autoimmune disease. However, they are more common in some groups of people:

    *  Women are more likely than men to develop an autoimmune condition.

    *  Genetics may predispose a person to certain autoimmune diseases.

    *  Exposure to certain viruses, bacteria, or chemicals may trigger an autoimmune reaction.

    *  Some autoimmune disorders are more common among certain racial or ethnic groups.

    Treatment

    Your doctor is your best resource to properly diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases. The exact treatment depends on the type of autoimmune condition, the areas of the body affected, and your own health and medical history.

    Treatment goals include:

    *  Suppress or slow down the immune system to prevent it from damaging tissues.

    *  Control symptoms, including pain, inflammation, rash, etc.

    *  Replace any substances your body can no longer make, for example, insulin if you have type 1 diabetes.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Colorectal Cancer: Don’t Wait For Signs

    MEDICAL NEWS

    A plastic model of the colon being held by a women.

    Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. And, it kills thousands of people each year. But getting screened can prevent many of these deaths. Plus, screening can catch colon cancer in the early stages when it’s easier to treat.

    Many people don’t have any signs or symptoms of colon cancer at first. If you wait until you have symptoms, the cancer may be more advanced.

    Polyps and the cancer link

    Polyps are clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Having polyps does not mean you will get colorectal cancer. Some polyps are harmless, while others can turn into cancer.

    Polyps usually don’t hurt. People don’t know they have them until they have a colon cancer test.

    Screening matters

    Colorectal cancer may not have any signs, especially at first. That’s why many people should get screened for colorectal cancer even if they don’t have any symptoms.

    Ask your doctor about colorectal screening. Your doctor can talk with you about whether you need a test and which test to get. This depends on many factors, such as:

    *  Your age

    *  Family history of colorectal cancer

    *  Any risk factors you have, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

    *  Lifestyle risk factors, like smoking or being overweight

    There are several different screening tests for colorectal cancer. Some tests will check for blood or other signs of colon cancer in the stool.

    Other tests use special tools to see directly inside the colon and rectum. During these tests, a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube and a special camera. The test may be:

    *  A colonoscopy, which looks inside the entire colon and rectum

    *  A flexible sigmoidoscopy, which looks inside the rectum and lower part of the colon

    During a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, the doctor gives you medicine to help keep you comfortable. In most cases, you will go home after the test, but will need someone to drive you.

    If you see any changes with your stool, talk to your doctor.

    Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Latest On Mammograms

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Female doctor smiling.

    Our understanding of cancer has expanded rapidly in recent decades. As a result, cancer treatment continues to improve. However, prevention and early detection are important steps to fight cancer.

    Identifying breast cancer before it has the chance to spread is one of the best ways to improve breast cancer survival. In general, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Mammograms are a critical tool for early detection.

    How a mammogram works

    A mammogram is an x-ray specially designed to look at breast tissue. The amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram is low, and the benefits usually outweigh any risk.

    While the images from a mammogram cannot tell you if you have cancer, they can show if there is abnormal tissue in the breast. The presence of abnormal tissue could indicate the need for further testing.

    When used as a routine screening tool, a mammogram may detect breast cancer before it presents any symptoms and while it is too small to feel.

    When to get a mammogram

    A woman’s risk of breast cancer increases over their lifespan. Past a certain age, a mammogram should be a regular part of routine healthcare.

    If and when you should get a mammogram is a decision to be made in consultation with your doctor. The general guidelines for women are:

    *  Women who are 50-74 years of age and at average risk of breast cancer should have a mammogram every two years.

    *  Women between the ages of 40-49 may benefit from early screening if recommended by their doctor.

    *  Women at high risk of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about how often to get a mammogram.

    Recent Advances in Mammography

    The FDA recently approved a computer-assisted and detection (CAD) program to aid doctors in identifying and diagnosing breast cancer using data from mammographies. The advances in CAD have the potential to improve the early detection of breast cancer. This could mean a big step forward in the fight against breast cancer.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Crohn’s Disease

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Man holding abdomen in pain.

    Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that impacts the entire digestive tract. Most commonly, it causes inflammation and dysfunction of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.

    While there is no cure, effective treatments can manage symptoms.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms may vary depending on the part of the digestive tract affected and the degree of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

    *  Diarrhea

    *  Abdominal pain and cramping

    *  Weight loss

    *  Anemia

    *  Fatigue

    *  Fever

    *  Nausea and loss of appetite

    *  Joint pain

    *  Eye redness

    *  Skin changes

    Causes

    The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. In some cases, it may be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the digestive tract.

    Risk factors include:

    *  Family history

    *  Smoking

    *  Medications such as birth control, antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen may slightly increase risk.

    *  High-fat diet

    *  Age. Those in their 20s are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease.

    Treatment

    Treatment aims to decrease the inflammation in the intestines and prevent complications. A doctor is the best resource for treatment options and an individualized plan. They may recommend:

    *Medications:These may be used to decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of the immune system. Some medicines can also relieve symptoms, such as antidiarrheals and pain medication.

    *Bowl rest:If the digestive tract is very inflamed, it may need time to rest and heal. Avoiding solid food and drinking only liquids may be required for a brief time. To maintain nutrition, a doctor may recommend liquid supplements or IV nutrition.

    *Diet:Specific foods may cause discomfort or pain during a flare-up. Following a healthy diet and paying attention to foods that cause trouble can help manage symptoms.

    *Surgery:If other treatments are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove a part of the intestines that has become damaged. This is not a cure but may improve quality of life.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Cystic Fibrosis Awareness

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Girl in bed with breathing mask on while holding a teddy bear.

    Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects 70,000 people worldwide. People who have CF have a gene mutation. This gene mutation causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky.

    With CF, thick mucus in the lungs can cause infections and make it hard to breathe. The pancreas, which helps digest food, becomes clogged. Then the body can’t absorb nutrients from food. This can cause malnutrition and poor growth. CF affects other organs, too.

    CF and genetics

    People with CF have two copies of the CF gene. They get one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the CF gene.

    People with only one copy of the CF gene are called carriers. They don’t have the disease and may not know that they have the CF gene. Each time two CF carriers have a child, the chances are:

    *  25 percent (1 in 4) the child will have CF

    *  50 percent (1 in 2) the child will be a carrier but will not have CF

    *  25 percent (1 in 4) the child will not be a carrier and will not have CF

    People with CF can also pass copies of their CF genes to their children. If someone with CF and a CF carrier have a child together, the chances are:

    *  50 percent (1 in 2) the child will be a carrier but will not have CF

    *  50 percent (1 in 2) the child will have CF

    Getting tested for the CF gene

    People who are considering pregnancy may wish to get a CF genetic test. This tells you if you have CF or if you could be a carrier. This test looks for the most common CF genes, but it doesn’t test for all of them. If you’re not sure if you need the test, ask your doctor. The decision to get CF testing is a personal one and is different for everyone.

    Longer lives  for CF

    There is no cure for CF. But with proper medical care, people with CF are living longer than ever before. Today, more than half of people who live with CF are over age 18.

    Sources: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Living Well With Sickle Cell

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Two couples walking and laughing along the beach.

    Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders. With SCD, red blood cells are crescent or “sickle” shaped. They are also stiff, which makes it hard for them to move throughout the body. This can block blood flow, causing severe pain, infections, eye problems and stroke.

    Can SCD be cured?

    Some people with SCD can be cured with a blood and bone marrow transplant. There are also medications that help lower symptoms and problems from the disease.

    People with SCD should work with their doctors to find out which treatment is best for them. With the right medical care, many people with SCD can live full lives.

    Healthy living tips

    If you or your child has SCD, follow these tips to feel your best and avoid complications:

    *  See your doctor: Regular health checkups are essential when you have SCD. Ask your doctor how often you should have checkups.

    *  Prevent infections: Infections like the flu can be dangerous for people with SCD. Take steps to prevent them, like frequent handwashing, avoiding people who are sick and getting recommended vaccines.

    *  Drink plenty of water: Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.

    *  Eat a healthy diet: Good nutrition is important. Your doctor or nutritionist can help you create a healthy eating plan that works for you.

    *  Get exercise: Stay active, but don’t do strenuous or very difficult exercise. Take breaks when you need to, and drink plenty of water.

    *  Avoid extreme heat and cold: Sudden changes in temperature can cause problems like severe pain. Don’t jump into very cold or hot water.

    Get emergency care when needed

    If you or your child has SCD with these symptoms, seek emergency medical care:

    *  Severe anemia: Signs include shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat or extreme tiredness.

    *  Fever: A fever higher than 101.3 requires antibiotics right away.

    *  Acute chest syndrome: Symptoms of this complication include chest pain, coughing, fever and trouble breathing.

    *  Stroke: Signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion or trouble seeing, talking or walking.

    Sources: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Dyslexia

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Boy spelling DYSLEXIA with wood blocks.

    Dyslexia is a learning disability that impacts the ability to read. While the condition can be frustrating, people with dyslexia have more resources available than ever before. With proper support, they can build the skills needed to adapt and learn.

    Causes

    Dyslexia is neurobiological, meaning it is caused by how the brain is “wired.” Many people with dyslexia are born with a brain that has difficulty interpreting written information. However, dyslexia can develop as a result of a brain injury or dementia.

    Dyslexia isn’t related to a person’s intelligence. People of all intellectual abilities may be affected by dyslexia. Just because someone has difficulty processing written information doesn’t mean they don’t understand the concepts.

    Genetics may play a role in the development of dyslexia. While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, research is ongoing to further clarify its origin and treatment.

    Signs

    While no single test can diagnose dyslexia, a doctor will look at a range of signs and symptoms. Information from family history, medical history, reading evaluations, psychological testing, and other factors provide the basis for a diagnosis.

    Here are some common signs of dyslexia:

    *  Reading or writing slowly

    *  Writing letters in the wrong order

    *  Difficulty telling similar letters or words apart

    *  Problems spelling

    *  Difficulty planning and organizing

    *  Avoidance of activities that involve reading

    *  Problems remembering sequences

    Support

    Early identification of dyslexia is vital, especially for young children. With the right support, most individuals can be successful in school and at work. Effective treatment involves providing a supportive environment and individualized instruction to teach techniques that make reading easier. These include:

    *  Helping a child use multiple senses to identify written words

    *  Tutoring sessions with a reading specialist

    *  A school Individual Education Program (IEP) that guarantees learning support

    *  Reading aloud to children and having them practice reading aloud

    *  Utilizing technology to aid reading and writing

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Do Genetic Tests Really Work?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women holding a swab near her mouth.

    You may have seen ads for genetic tests. These tests claim to tell you about your health. They might tell you if you’re at risk for a certain disease or if you should eat a certain diet.

    Big promises from companies

    At-home genetic tests may sound exciting, and companies advertise them as “the answer” to many health issues. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say you should be careful about using these tests.

    Before you spend a lot of money on one, keep in mind that the test may not have any science to back up its claims. Others may give you some good information, but the information is only useful if you also have a complete medical exam.

    The FDA and CDC say that genetic tests are complex. They say that the results can be hard to understand without having appropriate medical knowledge.

    Just a snapshot

    Many genetic tests look at a few of your body’s genes. But you have more than 20,000 genes in your body. If you get a “positive result” for certain genes, it could mean:

    *  You have a certain disease.

    *  You have a higher risk of getting certain diseases.

    *  You are a carrier for a certain disease.

    But even a positive result doesn’t tell the whole story. You may never get the disease that comes back “positive.” Or if you do, it may not be severe enough to cause any serious health problems.

    A negative result means the lab didn’t find any unusual changes in your genes. While this can be good news for certain diseases, it’s not foolproof. It doesn’t mean you’ll never get a disease or have health problems. It’s also possible that the test didn’t look at other genes that could be important.

    Many factors at play

    Genes are only one piece of each person’s health story. Your environment and your lifestyle also play huge parts in your physical and mental health. Don’t rely on genetic tests to make any health promises. Instead, see your doctor regularly and follow a healthy lifestyle. That can mean more than a few genes.

    When genetic tests are part of a medical exam, they can be helpful. Your doctor can help you decide if you need genetic tests. If you do need them, make sure a medical professional reads your results.

    Source: Federal Trade Commission

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine