HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Couple jogging on side walk.

    A risk factor is something that changes your chances of getting a disease. Knowing which risk factors you have can be helpful.

    You may be able to make changes that lower your risk of breast cancer. Also, you can have screenings done to catch it early, when it is easier to treat and cure. Talk with your doctor about getting regular mammograms to detect breast cancer.

    These are risk factors that a person may be able to change.

    Alcohol

    Drinking alcohol raises your risk of breast cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher the risk.

    The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women have no more than one drink a day. If you don’t drink, don’t start. The lowest risk is in women who don’t drink alcohol at all.

    Manage weight

    Having more body fat after menopause can make estrogen levels higher. Higher estrogen raises the risk of breast cancer. Being overweight can also raise insulin levels. Higher insulin levels are linked to breast cancer.

    The ACS recommends people work to stay at a healthy weight or lose weight if they are overweight. Weight loss can be difficult, so ask your doctor if you need help.

    Using hormone therapy

    Some women use hormone therapy after menopause. Hormone therapy may also be called HRT, HT or menopause therapy. This can help with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

    Hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. But, the risk may go back down after about five years of stopping treatment. Hormone therapy can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots.

    If you need hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor about it. Usually it’s best to use it at the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time.

    Smoking

    Smoking increases the risk of cancer, including breast cancer. Ask your doctor if you need help quitting.

    Not being active

    Getting regular exercise can lower your breast cancer risk. While exercising five days a week is best, try to exercise whenever you can. Even a small amount of exercise is better than none.

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

    © 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

  • E-Cigarettes: Are They Safer?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Man with hoodie vaping.

    Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are often advertised as a “safer cigarette.” E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that contain liquid. The liquid heats up when it’s turned on. When someone smokes an e-cigarette, they inhale the vapor from the liquid inside.

    E-cigarettes are also called JUULs, vapes, vape pens, e-pens and e-hookahs. Smoking e-cigarettes is often called “vaping.”

    Is vaping safe?

    E-cigarettes don’t contain tar or tobacco like regular cigarettes.

    But, the liquid inside an e-cigarette contains high levels of nicotine. Nicotine is addictive, so it’s hard to stop using it. It also raises blood pressure and can lead to a heart attack.

    The liquid in e-cigarettes also contains other chemicals, which may include:

    *  Acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde, which can cause lung and heart disease

    *  Acrolein, a weed killer that can cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    *  Diacetyl, which can cause serious lung disease

    *  Benzene, which is found in car exhaust

    *  Volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that can cause cancer

    *  Propylene glycol, which is toxic to cells

    *  Heavy metals, including nickel, tin and lead

    The vapor that a person breathes out of an e-cigarette is called secondhand emissions. It may also contain some of these chemicals. This can make e-cigarettes harmful to people who are nearby, even if they’re not smoking it.

    A major problem with youth

    The American Lung Association says e-cigarette use among teens is becoming an epidemic. E-cigarette fruit and candy-like flavorings often appeal to kids and teens. They may think that e-cigarettes are safe. According to the U.S. Institutes of Health, most kids believe the liquid inside is for flavor only.

    Nicotine contained in the vaporized liquid is especially harmful to young people. Nicotine can damage a teens’ developing brain. It also makes them more likely to smoke regular cigarettes later.

    Get help quitting

    The Food and Drug administration says e-cigarettes are not a safe or effective way to quit smoking. Instead, you may be replacing one unhealthy habit with a different one.

    If you want to quit smoking or vaping, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go tosmokefree.gov

    Sources: American Lung Association, National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Medical News 2

    MEDICAL NEWS

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Epilepsy

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Purple ribbon and brain to represent epilepsy awareness.

    Epilepsy is a broad term that encompasses a variety of brain disorders that cause seizures. It is one of the most common brain conditions and can affect people of any age.

    Signs & symptoms

    The primary symptom of epilepsy is seizures. A seizure is a brief change in brain activity. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

    Someone may be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two or more seizures unrelated to another cause, such as a fever or low blood sugar.

    Seizures can look different in different people. Signs may include:

    *  Confusion

    *  Staring

    *  Rapid blinking

    *  Twitching or shaking

    *  Falling to the ground

    *  Loss of consciousness

    *  Body stiffening

    Causes

    While the cause of epilepsy is unknown for many people, certain conditions impact the brain and may lead to the development of epilepsy:

    *  Brain tumor

    *  Traumatic brain injury

    *  Infection in the brain from a virus, bacteria, or parasite

    *  Stroke

    *  Oxygen deprivation of the brain

    *  Certain genetic disorders

    *  Certain neurological diseases

    Treatment

    If left untreated, recurring seizures impact quality of life, increase the risk of injury, and may shorten life expectancy.

    Common treatments include:

    *  Medicine: Anti-seizure medication works by controlling improper brain signals.

    *  Surgery: This can remove the affected area if seizure activity occurs in only one part of the brain.

    *  Diet: A specialized ketogenic diet may be effective for some types of epilepsy, especially in children.

    *  Nerve stimulation: An implanted device stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce seizures.

    Self-care

    Successful epilepsy treatment takes the combined efforts of healthcare professionals and the person with epilepsy. Many self-care practices aid in reducing seizure triggers and keeping the body healthy:

    *  Take all medications as prescribed.

    *  Keep a record of seizures and any potential triggers.

    *  Get plenty of sleep every night.

    *  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

    *  Get regular physical activity and movement.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Erectile Dysfunction Facts

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Older couple cuddling with a blanket.

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man cannot get an erection or cannot keep an erection long enough to have sex. It can happen at any age but it is more common in men over the age of 75.

    While it may seem like a symptom of aging, erectile dysfunction is not caused by the aging process. Instead, it may be a symptom of another health condition.

    Causes

    *  Diabetes

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Some prescription medications

    *  Alcohol and tobacco use

    *  Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

    *  Fatigue

    *  Stress, anxiety, or depression

    *  Stroke

    *  Low testosterone

    *  Chronic kidney disease

    *  Multiple sclerosis

    *  Injury to the penis, bladder, prostate, or pelvis

    *  Being overweight

    *  Emotional or psychological factors

    Treatment

    Your doctor is the best resource to diagnose and treat ED. Proper treatment of ED depends on the exact cause. If a health condition causes ED, treatment to bring that condition under control may improve ED.

    In the absence of a medical cause, it may be beneficial to explore psychological or emotional issues. Working with a licensed therapist can help.

    Other treatment options include:

    *  Medication such as Viagra or Cialis

    *  Testosterone replacement

    *  Devices that assist in getting and maintaining an erection

    *  Surgery

    Prevention

    Some causes of ED are preventable. Protecting your overall health may decrease your chance of developing ED later in life.

    Healthy habits may improve health issues such as being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. Your doctor may recommend some of these healthy habits to address or prevent ED.

    *  Stop smoking

    *  Avoid excess alcohol intake

    *  Eat a healthy, balanced diet

    *  Maintain a healthy weight

    *  Be physically active

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Myths About Underactive Thyroid

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women holding her neck with an illustration of the thyroid gland on top.

    One of the most common thyroid problems is hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.

    Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland isn’t making enough thyroid hormones. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Trouble with learning or remembering

    *  Dry hair, nails or skin

    *  Constipation

    *  Sore muscles

    *  Weight gain or bloating

    *  Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

    Although hypothyroidism is a common problem, there are many myths about it. Read on to learn about some common myths – and what you should know and hypothyroidism.

    Myth:You can’t lose weight if you have a thyroid problem.

    Fact:Many people can get to a healthy weight with hypothyroidism after getting on the proper dose of thyroid medication. They may need to work with a nutritionist or other health provider and get plenty of exercise. But losing weight is doable.

    Myth:You can’t get pregnant if you have hypothyroidism.

    Fact:Many women can get pregnant with an underactive thyroid. They should work with their doctor to make sure they are on thyroid medication that is safe and effective. It’s important to take thyroid medication consistently and carefully throughout pregnancy.

    Myth:Only older women have hypothyroidism.

    Fact:Thyroid problems can affect anyone, of any age. But women older than 60 years are at an increased risk for hypothyroidism.

    Myth:People with underactive thyroid need to take iodine.

    Fact:People with hypothyroidism should be on a medication that their doctor prescribes. Taking iodine supplements is usually not needed.

    Myth:High doses of thyroid medicine are better.

    Fact:Having too much thyroid hormone can lead to health problems like rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, bone loss and can even become life threatening. Work with your doctor to be sure your thyroid blood levels are within a healthy range.

    Myth:I can manage underactive thyroid with a healthy diet.

    Fact:A healthy diet is great for everyone, including people with underactive thyroid. However, even the best food choices cannot replace missing thyroid hormones. A person needs to take their thyroid medication as their doctor prescribes to replace these hormones.

    Source: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women in wheel chair.

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common condition affecting millions of people across the world.

    What is MS?

    MS is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is designed to fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria. Autoimmune means the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake.

    With MS, the immune system attacks a protective coating on the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When this coating, called the myelin sheath, is damaged, the nerves have trouble sending signals.

    Types of MS

    Most people with MS have relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). RRMS causes MS symptoms over a few days or weeks, known as a relapse. Then, MS symptoms go away for months or even years. When symptoms go away, this is called remission. The relapse and remission cycle repeats itself over time.

    Other people may have symptoms that slowly get worse. They don’t have periods of remission. This is known as primary progressive or secondary progressive MS.

    Symptoms of MS

    MS symptoms are very different from person to person. They can also change over time. Symptoms include:

    *  Feeling tired (fatigue)

    *  Weakness

    *  Loss of balance

    *  Numbness or tingling

    *  Stiff muscles or spasms

    *  Blurry vision

    *  Dizziness

    *  Loss of control of bladder or bowels

    *  Trouble with memory, learning or attention

    *  Speech problems

    *  Shaking

    *  Seizures

    If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have MS. However, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

    How is MS treated?

    If you have MS, see your doctor regularly. Treatment can help slow the disease and manage symptoms. There are different medications available to treat MS, and physical therapy is helpful for some people. A doctor who specializes in treating MS can recommend the best treatment for you.

    While there is no cure, treatments for MS continue to improve. With a doctor’s help, many people with MS can manage their symptoms and feel their best.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Polypharmacy: What To Know

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Wooden spoon filled with variety of pills.

    Medications improve the quality of life for many people. When you have a medical condition, the right medication can make all the difference.

    Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications, generally in the range of 5-10 each day. It is common in older adults; however, anyone who struggles with more than one chronic condition may be at risk.

    While taking medication to protect your health is essential, you should be aware of the danger associated with polypharmacy and how to prevent it.

    The danger of polypharmacy

    Every drug is studied to make sure it is safe and effective to treat the condition it is used for. But, once you start mixing multiple medications together, the side effects may be less known and hard to predict.

    Anyone taking more than five medications is at risk for:

    *  Adverse drug reactions

    *  Balance issues

    *  Cognitive impairment

    *  Harmful drug interactions

    *  Drug-disease interactions

    Taking a lot of different medications also creates a burden on you, the patient, to manage and keep track of everything you are taking.

    Ways to decrease your risk

    *  Keep an updated list of all your medications. Take it with you to every doctor’s appointment. If you see multiple doctors, this is especially critical.

    *  Talk to the pharmacist every time you are prescribed a new medication. Make sure to show them your medication list so they can check for any drug interactions.

    *  If possible, fill all your prescriptions at one pharmacy.

    *  Don’t stop taking a medication on your own. Always talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the amount of medicine you are taking.

    Questions to ask your doctor

    Your doctor is your best resource to decrease your risk of polypharmacy. Always review your medications with them at each visit and ask detailed questions. Here are some questions to ask:

    *  Is there one medication that could help with multiple conditions?

    *  Do the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks?

    *  Should I keep taking a medicine that doesn’t seem to be working?

    *  Can the dosage be adjusted to decrease the risk of side effects?

    *  Could a new symptom be a side effect of my medication?

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine