HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

When Blood Pressure Is Low

MEDICAL NEWS

High blood pressure gets a lot of attention. But low blood pressure can cause health problems as well.

If blood pressure is too low, your organs will not receive enough blood. This can quickly become dangerous. While a one-time low blood pressure reading is not usually concerning, a doctor should address chronic low blood pressure that occurs with other symptoms.

Symptoms

The normal range for blood pressure is between 90/60 mm/Hg to 120/80 mm/Hg. However, some people naturally have lower blood pressure than others. Low blood pressure is a problem when accompanied by any of these symptoms:

* Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

* Nausea or vomiting

* Blurry vision

* Confusion

* Fainting

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Clammy, pale skin

* Rapid, shallow breathing

* Sleepiness

* Depression

Causes

Low blood pressure can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed right away. Causes may include:

* Severe allergic reaction

* Sudden loss of blood volume due to dehydration, injury, or internal bleeding

* Septic shock caused by infection impacts the blood vessels causing blood pressure to drop

* Heart problems such as heart attack or changes in heart rhythm, which may prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently

* Certain medications or substances can lower blood pressure

* Orthostatic hypotension which is temporary and happens when you change position quickly

* Endocrine or hormone imbalances

Treatment

If you have low blood pressure, your doctor is your best resource for treatment. Depending on the specific cause, treatment may include:

* Changing or switching medications if recommended by your doctor

* Drinking more fluids to stay well hydrated

* Moving slowly when going from sitting to standing

* Wearing compression socks to prevent blood from pooling in the legs

* Medicines to increase heart strength and improve blood pressure

* Avoiding alcohol

* In severe cases, receiving blood through an IV

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Back In Action

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Drugs That May Affect Your Driving

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Is Your Home Safe From Radon?

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Ovarian Cancer: Know The Signs

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Stroke Signs

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Understanding Psoriasis – A Misunderstood Skin Condition

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Bad Air Day

MEDICAL NEWS

Ozone. It’s an invisible gas but it pollutes the air and may make it harder for you to breathe.

Ozone is created when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction between oxygen-containing molecules and pollution that comes from cars, power plants, factories, and other sources, says the NIH News in Health. Hot weather is one of the triggers for the creation of ozone. It’s not as much of a problem in winter, say the NIH scientists.

High levels of ozone might cause you to cough or have throat irritation. Your eyes might water, and you may have trouble breathing. The ozone irritates the lining of your airways and lungs. If you have a lung condition such as asthma, the damage can be greater.

Adjust your activities on a bad air day to reduce your exposure to air pollution and stay indoors. Limit outdoor activities. Even if you’re in good health, mow the lawn or take a run or walk later in the evening or first thing in the morning. Ozone levels tend to peak between mid-afternoon and early evening. You can track air quality atwww.airnow.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ebola Facts

MEDICAL NEWS

Although the risk of Ebola spreading in the U.S. is low, the CDC offers this information about a scary disease. A person infected with Ebola-a disease outbreak in countries in West Africa and isolated cases in the U.S.-can’t spread the disease until symptoms appear.

The time from exposure to when signs or symptoms of the disease appear (called the incubation period) is 2 to 21 days, but the average time is 8 to 10 days. Signs of Ebola include fever (higher than 101.5ºF) and severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood and body fluids.

Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or through your eyes, nose, or mouth) with:

* Blood and body fluids (like urine, feces, saliva, vomit, sweat, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola.

* Objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with the blood or body fluids of a person sick with Ebola.

There is no FDA-approved vaccine available for Ebola. Experimental vaccines and treatments are under development. You can protect yourself against Ebola.

* DO wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

* Do NOT touch the blood or body fluids of people who are sick.

* Do NOT handle items that may have come in contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids, such as clothing, bedding, needles, or medical equipment.

* Do NOT touch the body of someone who has died of Ebola.

Ebola is NOT spread through the air, water, or food.

If you have traveled to an area with an Ebola outbreak or had close contact with a person sick with Ebola, you may be at risk.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
6 Steps To A Healthier Heart

MEDICAL NEWS

It’s never too late to start living a healthier life. A few simple steps can put you on the path to a younger heart age and better overall health. Consider these tips to get started:

1.If you smoke, quit.Quitting can be hard and often requires help and support. Talk with your doctor or go online to find a number of free resources to help you. Check outsmokefree.govorlung.org/stop-smoking.

2.See your doctor to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.Uncontrolled high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. You won’t know if you’re at risk until you get tested because there are no symptoms.

3.Take your medicines as your doctor advises.You may have medicines to control high blood pressure or cholesterol. Don’t stop taking them without talking with your doctor.

4.Get regular exercise.Walking, biking, and swimming are great choices to keep your heart healthy. Try to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week.

5.Focus on a heart-healthy diet.This includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein like chicken and fish. Minimize foods like fried foods, fast food, and sugary desserts.

6.Aim for a healthy weight.Calculate your BMI online, or talk with your doctor. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds has heart benefits.

By adopting these heart-healthy habits, you can reduce your heart age. You’ll have a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026