HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • The Facts About Donating Organs

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of organs.

    Thousands of children and adults are in need of an organ transplant. The biggest needs are for kidneys, followed by livers.

    Being an organ donor

    Adults over the age of 18 can register at organdonor.gov. Select your state and register. Organ donors who are under age 18 will need authorization from their parents. You can always go back to the website later and change your organ donation status, too.

    People with health conditions can donate

    Having a health issue doesn’t mean you can’t be an organ donor. People with many different health conditions have been successful organ donors. The transplant team can decide which organs can be used – and even one organ can save a life.

    Tell friends & family

    Sometimes a person is registered to be a donor, but their loved ones don’t know. Then, they don’t allow the organs to be donated when a person dies. If you’re serious about donating your organs, make sure you tell your close relatives and friends.

    Medical care

    The medical team who cares for a person at a hospital is separate from the organ transplant team. Every possible effort is made to save a person’s life, regardless of their organ donation wishes.

    No costs to an organ donor’s family

    Any costs related to an organ transplant are paid by the recipient. Their costs are usually paid by their insurance.

    Organ donation doesn’t interfere with funeral wishes

    Organs are carefully removed with surgery. People who are organ donors can still have an open casket funeral.

    Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Perimenopause

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women outside looking out to the distance.

    Before a woman reaches menopause, she first goes through perimenopause. It is a time of adjustment as the body shifts away from the reproductive years. Preparing for these changes allows you to plan how to manage symptoms and find support.

    What is perimenopause?

    Perimenopause is the period of time when a woman’s body is gradually transitioning to menopause. It signals the end of the reproductive years and involves many physical and hormonal changes. When a woman’s period has been absent for a full 12 months, she has reached the end of perimenopause and is in post menopause.

    Every woman’s experience of perimenopause is different. Perimenopause can last for as little as four months to as long as ten years. The average length is about four to eight years. Many women begin perimenopause in their mid-forties though it can begin as late as their mid-fifties or as early as their mid-thirties.

    Symptoms

    *  Irregular or skipped periods

    *  Heavier or lighter periods

    *  Needing to urinate more frequently

    *  Hot flashes

    *  Vaginal dryness

    *  Difficulty sleeping

    *  Mood changes

    *  Changes in sexual desire

    *  PMS-like symptoms

    *  Trouble concentrating

    *  Headaches

    Manage Symptoms

    *  Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

    *  Exercise regularly and include weight training at least two days a week to protect bone health.

    *  Watch for hot flash triggers such as alcohol or coffee.

    *  Establish healthy sleep habits.

    *  Seek ways to reduce stress, such as meditation, tai chi, or yoga.

    Treatment

    If symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend additional treatment such as:

    *  Antidepressants to stabilize mood

    *  Low-dose birth control for irregular or heavy periods

    *  Hormone therapy to manage symptoms

    *  OTC or prescription medicine to address vaginal dryness or painful sex

    Pregnant during perimenopause

    Fertility naturally declines during perimenopause; however, it is still possible to conceive. The ovaries release fewer eggs, and fertility hormones gradually decrease, causing periods to become irregular. But, as long as you continue to have periods, it means you are still ovulating, and pregnancy is possible.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Brca Gene For Breast Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women wearing pink shirts with pink ribbons.

    You may have heard of the BRCA gene for breast cancer. But many people don’t understand what this gene is, or what it really means for breast cancer risk.

    What BRCA really means

    “BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer.” There are two types: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone has both of these genes. Having them does not mean you will get breast cancer.

    In fact, BRCA genes actually help prevent breast cancer. They can stop or slow breast cancer growth.

    When BRCA genes aren’t good

    In some people however, the BRCA genes don’t work properly. This is called a BRCA gene mutation.

    When this happens, the BRCA genes can’t prevent breast cancer. This makes the person more likely to get breast cancer. They may also develop breast cancer at a younger age. Those with BRCA mutations have a higher risk of developing other cancers too, including ovarian and pancreatic.

    Up to 65 percent of women with a BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer before age 70. About 45 percent of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70. People who have a mutated BRCA gene may also pass this along to their children.

    What to do

    Women who have one of the following should talk with a doctor:

    *  A family history of breast cancer

    *  History of ovarian cancer

    *  History of two or more cancers of any type

    In some cases, you may need a test to look at the BRCA genes. If the test finds that you have a BRCA mutation, talk with your doctor about next steps. This may include:

    *  Watching closely for breast cancer signs and getting regular screenings

    *  Taking certain medicines that can reduce estrogen, which can lower breast cancer risk

    *  Having a mastectomy, which is surgical removal of the breasts

    Screening is key

    Even without a BRCA gene mutation, all women should talk with their doctors about breast cancer risk. They should get regular breast cancer screenings. Finding breast cancer early is key. It means you have the best chance for successful treatment.

    Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know The Different Heart Disease Types

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Heart on a blue background.

    You’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary heart disease. But did you know each of these terms means something different?

    Let’s learn some of these “heart” terms and what they mean for your health. If you have a type of cardiovascular disease, work with your doctor to come up with a heart health plan. Your plan might include a healthy diet, exercise and medications.

    What is cardiovascular disease?

    Cardiovascular disease is any type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. “Cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

    Types of cardiovascular disease include:

    *  Coronary heart disease

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Stroke

    *  Heart failure

    *  Peripheral artery disease

    What is heart disease?

    Heart disease is any type of condition that affects the heart’s function or structure. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Heart disease also includes:

    *  Heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmias

    *  Cardiomyopathy

    *  Congenital (present at birth) heart defects

    *  Coronary artery disease (CAD)

    *  Heart failure

    Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease.

    What is coronary heart disease?

    Coronary heart disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease happens when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Sometimes people call this clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

    The plaque reduces the amount of blood getting to the heart. This can cause angina, or chest pain. It can also cause blood clots and can lead to a heart attack.

    Sources: American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Autism

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Blue teddy bear holding heart with autism puzzle icon.

    Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders that impacts how a person learns, communicates, behaves, and interacts socially. While boys are more likely to be affected, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can develop in people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

    Health professionals believe ASD is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Autism presents differently in each individual and ranges from very mild to requiring extensive support.

    Signs of ASD

    Screening is a routine part of well-child visits during the first few years of life. However, those with only mild impairments from ASD may remain undiagnosed until later in life. Signs include:

    *  Poor eye contact

    *  No babbling or pointing before age 1

    *  Not responding appropriately to name

    *  Poor social responsiveness

    *  Preferring to play alone

    *  Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping

    *  Delays in skill development

    *  Loss of previously acquired skills

    *  Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects

    *  Inflexible adherence to routine

    Diagnosing ASD

    There is no blood test or other medical diagnostic test. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on observation of the child’s behavior and developmental history. Screening tools a physician may use include:

    *  Developmental screening

    *  Developmental monitoring

    *  Comprehensive developmental evaluations

    If a child has additional risk factors for autism, your doctor may recommend additional screenings. Risk factors include:

    *  Preterm delivery

    *  Low birth weight

    *  Lead exposure

    *  Sibling with ASD

    *  Other factors

    Treatment for ASD

    There is no cure for ASD. However, treatment can significantly improve symptoms. Many people with autism benefit from a combination of therapies that help them develop language and social skills and encourage positive behaviors. Common treatment includes:

    *  Speech therapy

    *  Occupational therapy

    *  Educational interventions

    *  Intensive behavioral interventions

    *  Family counseling

    *  Skill-oriented training

    *  Medication

    *  Physical therapy

    *  Cognitive behavior therapy

    *  Nutritional therapy

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 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