HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • Ouch! Arm And Shoulder Pain

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of skeleton shoulder highlighted in red for pain.

    Any of these symptoms sound familiar?

    *  Sudden, sharp pain in the upper arm

    *  Popping or snapping you can hear in the shoulder or elbow

    *  Cramping of the biceps muscle with strenuous use of the arm

    *  Bruising from the middle of the upper arm down toward the elbow

    *  Pain or tenderness at the shoulder and the elbow

    *  Weakness in the shoulder and the elbow

    *  Difficulty turning the palm of the hand up or down

    Could be a torn or painful biceps muscle. And if you have that, you may also have a shoulder problem or a rotator cuff tear. Because a torn tendon can no longer keep the biceps muscles tight, a bulge in the upper arm above the elbow (“Popeye Muscle”) may appear, with a dent (signifying absence of muscle) closer to the shoulder.

    The first line of treatment for these types of injuries, according to orthopedic specialists, is a variety of nonsurgical options, such as rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, changing your activity, and physical therapy. Surgery can also be considered. But the best advice is to see your doctor, say experts at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stis And Infertility:Get The Facts

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of couple looking out a window.

    Millions of people in the U.S. contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year. In fact, the CDC reports that in 2014, a staggering 2.86 million new cases of chlamydia and 820,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported.

    Many of these cases occurred in teenagers or young adults. In addition, thousands of people have chlamydia or gonorrhea and don’t know it. If these diseases go untreated, a woman can get pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is an infection in a woman’s reproductive organs that can become serious. Not only can it cause pain, fever, bleeding, and other issues, but women with PID may not be able to get pregnant.

    Fortunately, PID can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. But waiting too long to get treatment can lead to permanent damage.

    All sexually active men and women should talk to their doctors about their risk for STIs, and get tested and treated for these infections as needed.

    Early treatment for STIs could save your fertility and your health.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Enlarged Prostate

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older male smiling.

    Benign prostatic hyperplasia, sometimes called BPH or enlarged prostate, is a condition where a man’s prostate gland gets larger. It is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 50. And, up to 90 percent of men over age 80 have it.

    An enlarged prostate is not cancer, and for many men, it’s not serious. But, it can cause some symptoms that are bothersome, such as urinating too frequently, trouble starting or stopping urinating and incontinence. This happens when the prostate gets too large and blocks the urethra, which lets urine out of the body. Or, it can stress the bladder as it tries to force urine past the blockage.

    In rare cases, an enlarged prostate can cause serious problems such as kidney damage. That’s why it’s important to talk with a doctor about enlarged prostate and to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

    Don’t ignore these signs

    Enlarged prostate is usually not serious. But, some symptoms could signal a more serious problem. Get medical care right away if you notice any of these signs:

    *  Complete inability to urinate

    *  Fever and chills along with frequent and painful urination

    *  Blood in urine

    *  Severe pain in lower belly and/or urinary tract

    How enlarged prostate is treated

    Treatment is based on symptoms and lifestyle. Many men who have mild symptoms find that lifestyle changes can help. Some recommendations include:

    *  Drink less fluids, especially before bedtime or when you won’t be near a bathroom.

    *  Avoid caffeine and/or alcohol. These can irritate the bladder and increase urination, which can worsen symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

    *  Avoid medications that can cause urination problems, including cold medicines with decongestants, antihistamines for allergies, diuretics and some antidepressants.

    *  Train your bladder, which means to gradually hold urine for longer periods.

    *  Exercises to strengthen muscles in the pelvic floor region of your body.

    *  Prevent and/or treat constipation, which can irritate a stressed bladder.

    Lifestyle changes usually help improve quality of life for men with an enlarged prostate. But if they don’t, your doctor may discuss medications or minimally invasive procedures. Surgery is usually not needed, but it is an option for severe cases.

    Fortunately, this common health issue can be managed and treated. Get regular checkups with your doctor or urologist to keep symptoms under control.

    Sources: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • All About Red Blood Cells

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Lab tube with blood.

    Blood nourishes every part of the body. Red blood cells are a major component of blood and a key player in how the body receives the oxygen it needs.

    What they do

    Red blood cells contain a special protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs and delivers it to the organs and tissues. Once a red blood cell drops off oxygen, it picks up carbon dioxide and returns it to the lungs to be exhaled when you breathe out.

    Every cell in the body relies on oxygen delivery from red blood cells. To keep a constant supply of healthy red blood cells, the bone marrow produces an impressive 2 million cells every second.

    Measuring red blood cells

    When you go to the doctor, they often order a complete blood count (CBC) to assess the health of your blood. Several of those values provide information about your red blood cells:

    *  Red blood cells (RBC) – the number of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood

    *  Hemoglobin – the amount of hemoglobin (by weight in grams) per the volume in blood (in deciliters)

    *  Hematocrit – how much of the blood is made up of red blood cells

    *  MCV – the average size of red blood cells

    *  MCH – the amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell

    *  MCHC – the average amount of hemoglobin in a group of red blood cells

    When red blood cells are high

    Common causes include:

    *  Dehydration

    *  Kidney disease

    *  Heart disease

    *  Lung disease

    *  Smoking (causes scarring of lung tissue)

    *  Conditions of the bone marrow

    What to do:

    If your doctor finds your red blood cell values are higher than normal, they may do further testing to identify a cause. Staying well-hydrated keeps your blood cells healthy and in the right concentration.

    When red blood cells are low

    You may experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rates. Common causes include:

    *  Anemia

    *  Malnutrition

    *  Certain types of cancer

    *  Kidney disease

    *  Liver disease

    *  Certain medications

    What to do:

    A healthy diet high in iron and other vitamins and minerals is essential for red blood cells. Leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, fish, meat, and iron-fortified foods keep blood cells healthy. Your doctor may also recommend supplements or medications.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Back In Action

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older women holding her back in pain.

    Back pain. In the last 3 months, about 1 in 4 adults has had at least one day of back pain, mostly in the lower back, according to NIH in Health.

    The good news is that most back pain goes away by itself-in time. If pain continues for more than 3 months, you have chronic back pain. If doctors can find out the source of your pain, you may be treated effectively with certain surgeries.

    But even chronic pain can clear up without surgery. Don’t let the pain take over. Doctors advise:

    *  Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.

    *  Stretch before exercise or other strenuous physical activity.

    *  Don’t slouch when standing or sitting.

    *  Make sure your work surface is at a comfortable height for you.

    *  Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

    *  Lift, if you must, with your back straight, bend at the knees, and put the stress on your legs and hips.

    *  Don’t smoke.

    *  Talk with your doctor to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Drugs That May Affect Your Driving

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women at store reading the medicine label.

    Certain over-the-counter medicines, known as OTC or nonprescription drugs, may affect your ability to drive.

    Read the Drug Facts label and use the medicine exactly as directed, advises the FDA.

    Look for such statements as “you may get drowsy,” “marked drowsiness will occur,” “be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery,” or “do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when using this product.”

    Some of these seemingly harmless drugs for allergies or an upset stomach are not harmless at all, even though you can buy them without a prescription.

    Certain medications may make you drowsy fairly quickly. Their effects can last several hours. Others may cause “hangover-like” effects, even the next day.

    Common OTC medicines that can cause drowsiness or impaired driving are antihistamines (often used for a runny nose or watery eyes), antidiarrheals (used to treat or control diarrhea), and anti-emetics (taken for nausea, vomiting, or dizziness).

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is Your Home Safe From Radon?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of hand holding an illustration of a home.

    Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Breathing it over long periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.

    Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that seeps into homes undetected through foundation cracks. It can reach harmful levels if trapped indoors. It travels up from underground sources of uranium in the earth’s crust.

    The radon threat is preventable with some simple steps. In existing homes, families can begin protecting themselves by buying an easy-to-use radon test kit to find out if a high level exists. If so, a high level might be lowered simply with a straight-forward radon venting system installed by a contractor.

    In new homes, builders can easily and economically include radon-resistant features during construction. Home buyers should ask for these. The EPA also recommends that home buyers ask their builder to test for radon gas before they move in.

    According to the EPA, 1 in every 15 homes nationwide has a high radon level. Test your home for radon every 2 years. Retest for it any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of a house.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ovarian Cancer: Know The Signs

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women holding cancer patient.

    The ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs on either side of the uterus (womb). Because they are deep inside the abdomen, many women don’t feel or see symptoms of ovarian cancer. In fact, less than 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages, when it is more treatable.

    Signs are hard to spot

    Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be confusing. They may seem like other illnesses. Sometimes, a woman has no symptoms at all. When signs do appear, they may include:

    *  Bloating

    *  Pelvic or stomach pain

    *  Appetite changes or feeling full without eating much

    *  Having to urinate more often or more urgently

    *  Feeling very tired

    *  Heartburn

    *  Nausea

    *  Constipation

    *  Back pain

    *  Pain during sex

    *  Menstrual changes

    Usually, these symptoms don’t mean a woman has ovarian cancer. They may be signs of a digestive problem, hormonal imbalance or another illness. But, if the symptoms don’t go away, it’s best to see a doctor.

    How is ovarian cancer detected?

    There is no single test to check for ovarian cancer. But, women who have symptoms or who are at high risk may need one or more of the following tests:

    *  Pelvic Exam: All women age 18 and up should have an annual pelvic exam from their primary care provider or gynecologist.

    *  Transvaginal ultrasound: An ultrasound wand is used to look at the ovaries and other organs.

    *  CA-125 blood test: A protein called CA-125 is produced by ovarian cancer cells. If a blood test shows higher levels of this protein, a woman may need more tests to check for cancer.

    Additional tests may include Computed Tomography (CT) scans or laproscopy, which uses a lighted tube inserted in a small incision. If there is a risk that cancer has spread, further testing is done.

    Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to find ovarian cancer early. The key is to talk with your doctor, have regular checkups and be sure to discuss any symptoms you are having. If anyone in your family has had ovarian cancer – or any other cancer – be sure your doctor knows about this. Some cancer types can run in families.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Stroke Signs

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of elderly man with stroke symptoms.

    Seek immediate medical care for someone who shows one or more of the following warning signs: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

    To remember the signs of stroke, the National Stroke Association recommends using the acronymFAST:

    Face:Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

    Arms:Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

    Speech:Ask the person to speak. Does the person have slurred speech or trouble speaking?

    Time:If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Psoriasis – A Misunderstood Skin Condition

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Close up image of psoriasis on arm.

    Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic skin disease that’s not contagious. It results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to redevelop too quickly, causing red, scaly areas that crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and torso but can appear anywhere on the body.

    Psoriasis affects far more than the skin. It can have serious physical and emotional effects. Research shows that psoriasis can cause as much disability as other major diseases. Some people with psoriasis develop a type of arthritis.

    Often, people with psoriasis wear long sleeves and clothing that can cover the itchy and painful patches of skin to avoid embarrassment.

    There’s no cure but treatment with medications from a dermatologist can help.

    The National Psoriasis Foundation (www.psoriasis.org) is leading the drive to educate others about this condition that affects more than 7 million Americans.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine