HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • Small Changes Your Heart Will Love

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a basket filled with fruits and vegetables.

    You may know the basics of heart health that include a healthy diet, exercise, healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco. But, don’t let these major goals overwhelm you. Instead, take small steps each day that add up to big heart-healthy benefits.

    Say bye-bye to beige and eat the rainbow.

    Look at your plate’s color before you eat a meal. If it’s mostly browns, such as breads, pasta and meat, see if you can brighten it up with fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens, yellow peppers, carrots, blueberries and strawberries are just a few of the brightly colored foods that are great for your heart.

    Cut back on sodium when you can.

    If you’ve been eating salt for years, it can be hard to cut it out completely. But you may not taste the difference if you gradually replace some of the salt in your diet with herbs and spices without sodium. Cutting back on sodium can reduce your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Many processed foods already contain high amounts of sodium, and adding salt to food greatly increases sodium intake for many people.

    Walk, if you can’t run.

    For many people, jogging, running, or other high-intensity workouts aren’t possible. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose a tough workout to get heart benefits. Start walking just a few minutes a day. Increase the amount of time you walk when you can until you are walking 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Brisk walking can be just as beneficial to your heart as running.

    If you use tobacco, keep trying to quit.

    Quitting tobacco is hard, and many people struggle to succeed. You may have strong urges to use tobacco or you may slip up and start again after you’ve quit. When this happens, be patient with yourself. Understand that many people have to quit several times before they’ve quit for good. When you quit, your heart – and your entire body – will start to heal. You’ll reduce your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and many other serious diseases. Talk with your health care provider about prescription medication or nicotine replacement therapy.  Many of these treatments are now covered by insurance.

    Source: American Heart Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Top Excuses For Not   Getting A Flu Shot (And Why You Should)

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of blocks that spell out "flu vaccine".

    Seasonal flu is caused by a virus that can fly through the air, hitch a ride on a handshake, hug or kiss, and is extremely good at infecting people and making them sick.

    It can spread by person-to-person contact or it can land on a surface, such as a doorknob, handrail, or elevator button, only to be picked up by the next unsuspecting person to come along. Maybe even you.

    The best way to avoid the flu this year is to get the widely available flu vaccination from your family doctor, pharmacy, or one of the many flu vaccine clinics sponsored by local health departments, says Dr. Katharine Garnier, a family physician at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine.

    Still, some people routinely avoid this annual shot. For those who are looking for a reason not to get inoculated, Dr. Garnier (humorously) gives her top 10 unwise reasons not to get a flu shot this year:

    1. I’m feeling incredibly lucky this year.

    2. The vaccine is inexpensive so it probably doesn’t work.

    3. I’m not afraid of body aches … or headaches … or sore throats … or dangerously high fevers … and I never get sick!

    4. I like the idea of having a real reason to call in sick for work.

    5. That cute little paper mask over my nose and mouth is a trendy fashion statement.

    6. Getting really, really sick is a great way to lose a few pounds without dieting.

    7. I’m not planning to leave my house, or let anyone in, for the next six months anyway.

    8. I’m anxious to find out if my insurance company really will cover a hospital stay.

    9. I went to the county fair and didn’t get swine flu, so I must have a natural immunity.

    10. Getting sick with the flu will give me a reason to visit relatives I don’t really like so that I can share the virus with them!

    Protect yourself and others. Get a flu shot.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • You May Need To Get Tested For Hepatitis C

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of doctor talking to a patient.

    An estimated 3.2 million Americans are infected with chronic hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Among those are larger numbers of Veterans and baby boomers.

    The CDC recently recommended that all baby boomers in the U.S. (those born between 1945 and 1965) get a simple one-time blood test for hepatitis C. They estimate that this testing could identify more than 800,000 additional people with the disease.

    Here’s what we know:

    *  Chronic hepatitis C won’t go away on its own.

    *  Many people living with hepatitis C are not aware they have the condition and may go years without showing symptoms. Hepatitis C is treated with a combination of medications.

    *  The rate of hepatitis C among people born in 1945 through 1965 is about 4%, compared to about 1% among other Americans. That difference is likely due to risky behaviors among this group.

    *  You can get hepatitis C from infected blood or body fluids. Today, the most common way people get infected is by needle-sharing during intravenous drug use. Most new infections occur among drug users. In addition, an infected pregnant woman can infect her unborn baby.

    *  Since 1992, when reliable blood screening procedures became available, the risk of transmission of hepatitis C by blood transfusion has fallen to less than one per million units of transfused blood, according to the CDC. Rarely, the virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

    *  Hepatitis C is not transmitted through shaking hands, coughing, sneezing, breastfeeding, or sharing cups and utensils.

    *  Hepatitis C can cause serious liver problems.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Abcs Of Hepatitis

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of liver.

    Millions of Americans are living with hepatitis today, and many don’t know they have it. Hepatitis can be serious and can lead to lifelong health problems. To help fight this dangerous disease, it’s important to know how it is spread and what you can do to prevent it.

    What is hepatitis?

    Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Without the liver, the body cannot process nutrients, fight infection, or filter the blood. Hepatitis can make someone very sick. Some people with viral hepatitis can get liver cancer or severe scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.

    How does someone get hepatitis?

    The three most common types of viral hepatitis are spread in different ways:

    *  Hepatitis A can spread if a person eats or drinks something that has been contaminated with the virus. A person with hepatitis A spreads the virus through their stool.

    *  Hepatitis B can spread when blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person get into the body of another person. This can happen during childbirth, sexual contact, getting tattoos or piercings, sharing needles or medical equipment, or sharing personal items, such as razors.

    *  Hepatitis C spreads through blood. Sharing needles or personal equipment that comes into contact with blood is the main way it gets spread. It may also spread during sexual contact. Like hepatitis B, Hep C can infect a baby during childbirth if the mother has it.

    How do I prevent hepatitis?

    Many people don’t have symptoms of hepatitis and don’t know they are infected. This means they can spread it to others without knowing it.

    The best ways to help prevent the spread of hepatitis are:

    *  Getting the vaccine, if needed. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.

    *  Getting screened for hepatitis if you are at risk and getting treatment when available.

    *  Being aware of risk factors and avoiding them whenever possible. This may include not sharing needles or other personal equipment as listed on this page. Use latex condoms during sexual activity.

    Is there a cure for viral hepatitis?

    Most people who get hepatitis A will recover after a few weeks or months. People with hepatitis B may need to be checked regularly for liver damage, and the infection may be lifelong. Hepatitis C can often be cured with today’s advanced medications.

    Ask your doctor if you are at risk for hepatitis and whether you should be screened or vaccinated.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Decoding Sunscreen Labels

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a man placing sunscreen on his face.

    You may already know you should wear sunscreen to decrease your risk of skin cancer and sun damage. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation says that wearing sunscreen regularly can decrease your chance of getting melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50 percent. Wearing sunscreen regularly will also help you avoid signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots.

    But the sunscreen aisle at the store leaves many people feeling overwhelmed. There are so many choices, different labels, numbers and ingredients. How do you choose one?

    The best sunscreen is one you like, because you should use it every day, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Here’s how to narrow it down and choose the sunscreen that’s right for you:

    BROAD SPECTRUM

    Always look for the words “broad spectrum.” This means it protects against both kinds of UV rays, and it’s important for proper protection.

    SPF

    Choose an SPF of at least 30.

    SPF NUMBERS

    Don’t let high numbers fool you. The Skin Cancer Foundation says higher SPF sunscreens do protect more, but not by much. No matter what the SPF number says, you still need to reapply at least every two hours, and always after toweling off, sweating or swimming.

    WATER RESISTANT

    If you’re going to be sweating or swimming, choose one that says “water resistant.” There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. The bottle will say how long the sunscreen will remain water resistant. It may say “40 minutes” or “80 minutes.” That’s how often you need to reapply it when you’ve been in the water.

    LIPS

    Choose a sunscreen for your lips too. A lip balm with broad spectrum SPF 30 is also important. Skin cancer can – and does – affect the lips.

    GELS vs CREAMS

    Sunscreen gels are great for oily skin, while creams work well for dry skin.

    SENSITIVE SKIN

    If you have sensitive skin, consider a physical-only sunscreen. This means the active ingredients on the bottle will only include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or both. While chemical sunscreens work well, they can irritate some sensitive-skin types.

    PRICE TAG

    Expensive doesn’t always mean better. A higher price tag may be due to the brand name or certain extra ingredients that make it feel nicer or smell good. It doesn’t mean it will protect you more than a cheaper bottle.

    NO COMBINATION

    Don’t choose a combination sunscreen and insect repellant. The AAD says sunscreen should be reapplied liberally every two hours. But insect repellant should only be applied lightly every several hours as needed.

    BABIES

    Most sunscreens are only approved for babies over 6 months of age. Look for a physical-only sunscreen or one formulated for babies. Babies younger than 6 months should be kept in the shade and covered with lightweight protective clothing and hats, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Immunize Your Child

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of child receiving a shot by a doctor.

    As summer comes to a close, it’s time to think about going back to school. One of the most important things you can do for your child’s health is to make sure he or she is up-to-date on vaccines, which can protect against many dangerous diseases.

    Vaccine requirements

    Many states require that kids have certain vaccines (shots or immunizations) before they can come to school. The best way to ensure your child is fully protected is to talk to your child’s doctor. You can also find information about vaccines on the Centers for Disease Control website atwww.cdc.gov/vaccines.

    Some diseases, such as mumps and polio, have become very rare thanks to vaccines. But outbreaks of some diseases are still happening, and immunization is the best way to protect your child from a serious illness. For instance, 2014 had a record number of measles cases and many outbreaks of whooping cough have been occurring in schools across the U.S.

    Start vaccines on time

    Babies, toddlers and preschoolers get a number of vaccines early in life to help protect them from 14 life-threatening illnesses. This includes measles, mumps, whooping cough and more, which used to be common – and very dangerous – for young children.

    But vaccines aren’t just for little ones. As children get older, they may need “boosters” to help protect them as the first vaccine begins to wear off. And, certain vaccines like the flu shot need to be given every year for protection.

    Vaccines protect everyone

    When disease outbreaks happen, a vaccinated person is much less likely to get sick. If they do get it, they usually get a much milder case.

    Getting all vaccines on time means you are protecting your own child and others around them. This is known as “herd immunity.” When 90 to 95 percent of people in a community are vaccinated, it’s almost impossible for these dangerous diseases to spread. But when vaccine rates go below 90 percent, diseases can take hold and spread. This weakens the immunity of an entire community.

    If you’re not sure if your child needs vaccines, call your child’s doctor today and beat the back-to-school rush. Catch-up vaccines can be given, if needed, even if your child missed some shots before.

    Concerned about vaccines?

    The U.S. supply of vaccines is extremely safe and effective. When reading something about vaccines, be sure the information comes from a credible source with data to prove the statements. Many false claims have been made about vaccines. Some of these false claims can be found on the Internet even after they’ve been proven wrong. If you have questions, ask your child’s doctor or visithttps://ivaccinate.org

    to get answers to many common concerns.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Numbers To Know: Your Blood Pressure

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of scale shaped as a plate with fruits shaped as a heart.

    High blood pressure is a common problem. About half of American adults have it. In fact, many people have dangerously high blood pressure and don’t even know it. This is because high blood pressure often has no symptoms and puts you at risk of having a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

    What is high blood pressure?

    When your heart beats, it pumps blood through the blood vessels. High blood pressure means the force of your blood against the blood vessels is too high. Over time, this strains the heart and damages blood vessels.

    What the numbers mean

    Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

    *  Systolic blood pressure is the upper number. This measures how much pressure the blood is putting against blood vessels when the heart beats.

    *  Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number. This is how much pressure the blood is putting against blood vessels between heartbeats.

    Both numbers are important signs of heart health. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (upper number) and less than 80 (lower number). If either one is higher, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure.

    Can high blood pressure be avoided?

    In many cases, a healthy lifestyle and medical care can control or prevent high blood pressure. This can lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke or other problems.

    To keep blood pressure in check, follow these guidelines:

    *  Lose excess weight if needed.

    *  Don’t smoke.

    *  Eat a healthy diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein.

    *  Get exercise regularly. A minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days a week is best.

    *  Avoid too much salt in your diet.

    *  Avoid or limit alcohol.

    *  Manage stress and use relaxation methods if needed.

    *  Manage other health conditions like diabetes.

    You don’t have to do this alone. Your doctor can help you with a plan to lower blood pressure. He or she may help you find ways to lose weight, and may give you diet and exercise guidelines to follow.

    Sources: American Heart Association, American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Smoking And Pregnancy

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of pregnant women breaking a cigarette in half.

    According to researchers at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, nearly 50% of pregnant women who smoke will quit during their pregnancies, but more than half of those will start smoking again after they give birth.

    Not only is smoking harmful for new mothers, but their babies could also be exposed to dangerous secondhand smoke or thirdhand smoke which is left on clothing, furniture, curtains and there surfaces.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ulcers Not Caused By Stress

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of man holding this stomach.

    The lining of your stomach makes acid and enzymes that help break down food into the nutrients you need. The lining protects itself from acid damage by releasing mucus. But sometimes the lining gets inflamed and starts making less acid, enzymes, and mucus. This type of inflammation is called gastritis.

    You may have gastritis if you have pain or an uncomfortable feeling in your upper stomach. You could have nausea or vomiting. Or you may have no symptoms at all.

    Untreated, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers. These are sores in the stomach lining.

    Some people think ulcers are caused by stress and spicy foods. But according to the NIH in Health, bacteria called H. pylori are often to blame. These bacteria break down the inner protective coating in the stomach and can cause inflammation.

    H. pylori can spread by passing from person to person or through contaminated food or water. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.

    One type of gastritis, called erosive gastritis, wears away the stomach lining. The most common cause of erosive gastritis is long-term use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. Stop taking these pain relievers and the gastritis usually clears up.

    Less common causes of gastritis include digestive disorders (such as Crohn’s disease) and autoimmune disorders in which the body’s protective immune cells attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.

    Gastritis can be diagnosed with an endoscope. A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through the patient’s mouth or nose and into the stomach. The doctor looks at the stomach lining and may remove some tissue samples for testing. Treatment will depend on the type of gastritis found.

    Although stress and spicy foods don’t cause gastritis and ulcers, they can make symptoms worse. Milk might provide brief relief, but it also increases stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms. Your doctor may advise taking antacids or other drugs to  reduce acid in the stomach.

    Gastritis can lead to ulcers over time. Symptoms of ulcers include pain between the belly button and breastbone that starts between meals or during the night. It briefly stops if you eat or take antacids, lasts for minutes to hours, and comes and goes for several days or weeks.

    Contact your doctor right away if you have sudden sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away, black or bloody stools, or vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Zika Virus: What To Know

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Infograph showing the zika virus.

    According to the CDC, Zika has not yet been spread by mosquitoes in the U.S., but cases have been reported here. These occurred in people who recently traveled to one of the known Zika areas.

    Graph showing symptoms of zika virus.

    Treatment

    At this time, there is no vaccine for Zika.

    *  Rest

    *  Drink water

    *  Take medications for pain and fever

    *  Call your doctor

    Prevention

    *  Use an insect repellent regularly on yourself and your children. Use one registered with the EPA.

    *  Wear light-colored clothes that cover as much of your body as possible.

    *  Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are sleeping outside or not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

    *  Get rid of standing water. This is where mosquitoes breed. Cover rain barrels and other containers that store water.

    *  Protect windows and doors with screens or mosquito nets. Use air conditioning, if possible.

    *  If you’ve recently been to a known Zika area, are pregnant or are having symptoms of Zika, call your doctor.

    Sources: World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine