HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • What Makes Your Head Hurt?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women with a headache.

    Headaches are one of the most common health complaints.

    About 95% of headaches are primary headaches, meaning they are not caused by some other medical condition. Most people can relieve headache pain by making lifestyle changes, learning how to relax, and taking pain relievers. Your doctor may have more suggestions.

    Here are the 3 main types of headaches, according to the National Institutes of Health:

    *Tension headachescan be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Stress management, relaxation exercises, or a hot shower may  also help.

    *Migraine headachescan be treated with over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Migraines often happen again and again but may be prevented with prescription drugs. Avoid food and drinks that can trigger migraines, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed meats. Relaxation practices may reduce the number and severity.

    *Cluster headachescan be treated or prevented with prescription drugs. Nasal sprays that numb the nose and nostrils may help. Doctors also recommend avoiding alcohol.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Steps To Prevent Colorectal Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of a colon.

    Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in our country. It takes the lives of about 50,000 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Many of these deaths, however, could be prevented. Here’s what you need to know:

    1.Take care of your heart.Avoiding colorectal cancer is like getting a two-for-one deal. If you follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, you’ll also be lowering your risk of colorectal cancer. Don’t smoke, get regular exercise, and lose weight if you’re overweight. Limit red meat to no more than two servings per week. Finally, drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, or two drinks per day for men.

    2.Know the symptoms.Signs of colorectal cancer usually include blood in your stool or stomach pain that doesn’t go away. See your doctor if you notice these signs.

    3.Find out your family history.If you have a close blood relative with the disease, you may be at a higher risk of getting it. Talk with your doctor about your risk.

    4.Get screened.Tests include stool blood tests that you do at home, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Follow your doctor’s advice for screening tests and how often you need them. If you are at normal risk, begin screenings at age 50 and have them up to age 75. If you have risk factors for or a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, you may need tests sooner and more often. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings can save your life!

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Can An Aspirin A Dayprevent A Heart Attack Or Stroke?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of aspirins shaped into a heart.

    Scientific evidence shows that taking an aspirin daily can help prevent a heart attack or stroke in some people, but not in everyone. It also can cause unwanted side effects.

    According to Dr. Robert Temple at the FDA, one thing is certain: You should use daily aspirin therapy only after first talking to your doctor, who can weigh the benefits and risks.

    Who Can Benefit?

    “Since the 1990s, clinical data have shown that in people who have experienced a heart attack, stroke or who have a disease of the blood vessels in the heart, a daily low dose of aspirin can help prevent a reoccurrence,” Dr. Temple said. (A dose ranges from the 80 mg in a low-dose tablet to the 325 mg in a regular strength tablet.) This use is known as “secondary prevention.”

    However, after carefully examining scientific data from major studies, FDA has concluded that the data do not support the use of aspirin as a preventive medication by people who have not had a heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular problems, a use that is called “primary prevention.” In such people, the benefit has not been established but risks-such as dangerous bleeding into the brain or stomach-are still present.

    If your doctor recommends daily aspirin to lower the risk of a heart attack and clot-related stroke, read the labels carefully to make sure you have the right product. Some drugs combine aspirin with other pain relievers or other ingredients and should not be used for long-term aspirin therapy.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Great American Smokeout

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a man breaking a cigarette in half.

    Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society asks tobacco users to make a plan to quit on this day, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day.

    Earlier this year, the Surgeon General’s office released The Health Consequences of Smoking-50 Years of Progress. The report showed that adult smoking rates have fallen from about 43% in 1965 to about 18% today, but more than 42 million American adults and more than 3.5 million middle and high school students continue to smoke.

    Get help to quit

    Quitting tobacco is not easy. Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin.

    *  Use a nicotine replacement product, such as a patch, gum, or lozenges. Use as directed.

    *  Ask your doctor about prescribed medications that can help you quit.

    *  Take part in a non-tobacco use program  and events at work or in your community.

    *  Use the “Get Help to Quit” resources listed on this page.

    Ready, set, go…

    *  Set a quit date. The CDC advises doing this within 2 weeks.

    *  Write down the top reasons you want to quit.

    *  Tell others so they can encourage you. Ask others not to smoke around you.

    *  Get rid of tobacco products and related items from your home, car, and workplace. This includes matches, lighters, and ashtrays.

    *  Avoid drinking while you’re quitting cigarettes. Drinking alcohol can trigger cravings for a cigarette.

    *  When you get the urge to smoke, dip, or chew, take a deep breath through your mouth. Slowly exhale through pursed lips. Repeat 5-10 times.

    *  Have sugarless gum or mints or drink water.

    *  Hold a pen, stress ball, or other small object to keep your hands busy.

    *  Put the money you used to spend on tobacco products in a “ciggy” bank.

    *  Don’t give up if you relapse. Most people try several times before they succeed!

    Get help to quit

    American Lung Association

    800.LUNG.USA (586.4872)

    www.lungusa.org/tobacco

    National Cancer Institute’s Smoking Quitline

    877.44U.QUIT (448.7848)

    www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/smoking

    National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines

    800.QUIT.NOW (784.8669)

    Smokefree Women

    www.women.smokefree.gov

    U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

    www.smokefree.gov

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Life After Stroke: 9 Tips For Caregivers

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older women in wheelchair being helped by relative.

    A stroke can impact a person’s life in many ways. If you are caring for someone who recently had a stroke, you may be overwhelmed. With more than 7 million stroke survivors living today, you’re not alone. You can make life after a stroke a little easier for yourself and your loved one with these tips.

    1. Ask questions. If you’re not sure about a medication or other needs, talk to the doctor, nurse or therapist. Take notes, if possible.

    2. Focus on stroke prevention. People who have a stroke may be at higher risk of having another one. A healthy diet, exercise, regular doctor visits and taking medications as prescribed can help reduce this risk.

    3. Take falls seriously. People who have had a stroke may be more likely to fall. Seek medical care right away if a fall causes severe pain, a head injury, bruising or bleeding. Talk to a doctor if a fall happens more than once, even if it’s minor.

    4. Keep an eye out for problems like dizziness, balance problems or trouble walking. This may mean the person needs physical therapy to help with their recovery and improve their mobility.

    5. Keep track of progress. Stroke recovery may happen quickly, or it may take months or years. Write down progress your loved one has made each day or week. This can be helpful to the doctor during follow up visits.

    6. Be aware of depression. Up to 50 percent of stroke survivors get depression. This can harm their recovery. Talk to your loved one’s doctor if you notice they have symptoms like a loss of interest in activities, sadness or hopelessness.

    7. Don’t go it alone. A number of resources can help both you and your loved one with stroke recovery. Many support groups for survivors and their caregivers are available. Ask your case manager or social worker for help finding these groups.

    8. Know your loved one’s insurance benefits. There may be limits to how long insurance will pay for stroke rehabilitation. Be sure you are aware of the coverage limits and any costs. Ask your case manager or social worker if you’re not sure how to do this.

    9. Take a break when you can. Even the best caregiver needs some time off. Find a trusted friend or family member who can fill in for you. Try to get exercise, such as walking, to help combat stress and improve your sleep. A regular meditation practice may also help.

    Source: American Stroke Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Rx Painkiller Deaths On The Rise

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of open pill bottle with 3 pills next to the bottle.

    From 1999 to 2010, deaths from prescription pain relief drugs increased more than 400 percent in women and 265 percent in men. These facts are from a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    “Prescription painkiller deaths have skyrocketed in women (6,600 in 2010), four times as many as died from cocaine and heroin combined,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Stopping this epidemic in women – and men – is everyone’s business. Doctors need to be cautious about prescribing and patients about using these drugs.”

    Use Rx pain relief medicines wisely

    *  Let your doctor know about all prescribed and OTC medicines you take. This includes ones that treat depression, anxiety, or sleep problems. It includes vitamins and herbal products, too.

    *  Ask your doctor the risk of addiction when he or she prescribes sleeping pills, strong painkillers, etc. Find out how long you should take the medicines. Ask if there are ways to help treat your problem without them.

    *  Find out how much alcohol, if any, can be taken with your prescribed medicines.

    *  Follow the guidelines that your doctor and pharmacist provide with every prescription.

    *  Do not take another person’s prescribed medicines.

    *  Do not share your medicines with others.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Grapefruit Effect

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of pill bottle with warning about grapefruit.

    Grapefruit can interact with your drugs. And your doctor may not be aware of it. An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal points out that drug interactions with grapefruit were noted more than 20 years ago.

    Recently, more and more commonly prescribed newer drugs are found to interact with grapefruit (the fruit and the juice) and can cause serious side effects. Problems can occur even if the grapefruit is eaten hours before taking certain medications.

    Adverse effects include sudden death, acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression in ill people, and other serious side effects.

    There are more than 85 drugs that may interact with grapefruit, and 43 can have serious side effects. Other citrus fruits such as Seville oranges, often used in marmalade, limes and pomelos also contain the active ingredients (furanocoumarins) that interact with grapefruit.

    The best advice is to discuss all your medications with your doctor and pharmacist and ask about interactions with grapefruit.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • When Allergies Get Real Serious

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of candy bar with warning "Not suitable for Nut allergy sufferers."

    A severe allergic reaction can be life threatening. It’s called anaphylaxis. The symptoms begin within minutes of eating a trigger food or after a bee sting or touching poison ivy. Some drugs can cause these serious reactions too. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers this safety advice:

    *  Know the symptoms: flushed skin, rash, tissue swelling, stuffy nose, sweating, panting, nausea, stomach cramps, rapid pulse, wheezing, convulsions, or fainting.

    *  Know what you’re allergic to: check food labels and ingredients. Ask at restaurants if you’re unsure if a menu item contains something you’re allergic to. Skin or blood tests done by a specialist can confirm that you’re sensitive to certain substances that can cause a severe reaction.

    *  Carry an auto-injectable epinephrine device that allows you to use a rescue medication until emergency help arrives.

    *  Wear a medical alert bracelet to let others know of your allergy.

    *  Anaphylaxis is a 9-1-1 medical emergency.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Ways To Help Others With Diabetes

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of man holding a sign that says 'sugar free.'

    Diabetes affects millions of Americans. Although diabetes can be challenging, it can also be managed with proper health care.

    People with diabetes often need to change the way they eat and may need to exercise more and make other lifestyle changes. These changes can be hard for many people. But support from family and friends can make these things easier for them.

    If you have a loved one with diabetes, try supporting them with these tips.

    1.Learn about diabetes.If you understand the disease, you’ll be able to better understand what they’re going through. Use reputable sources like government health websites and the American Diabetes Association.

    2.Eat what they eat.Talk with your loved one about their diabetes eating plan, and buy foods they can eat. Avoid buying or eating foods that are “off limits” for them. This makes their diet easier and can also help improve your own health!

    3.Try exercising together.Walks, swimming, bike rides and trips to the gym can be more enjoyable with another person. Be sure the exercises you choose are safe for both of you, and ask your doctor first if you have any health conditions.

    4.Recognize signs of a problem.Get to know the signs and symptoms of blood sugar that is too high or too low (see sidebar on this page). You’ll be able to help your loved one get the help they need if this happens.

    Recognize blood sugar problems

    Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia):

    *  Sudden mood changes or anger

    *  Feeling very tired, yawning

    *  Sweating or twitching

    *  Loss of coordination

    *  Inability to talk or think clearly

    *  Seizures

    *  Feeling faint or passing out

    If you notice signs of low blood sugar, offer the person a piece of sugary candy and take them to the emergency room. Or call 911.

    Signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia):

    *  Feeling very thirsty

    *  Extreme fatigue

    *  Blurred vision

    *  Having to urinate more than normal

    If a person is having high blood sugar too often, they should call their doctor right away. It needs medical attention.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Can Birth Defects Be Prevented?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of pregnant women.

    Birth defects can be devastating for parents and their baby. Sadly, many birth defects happen without an obvious cause and cannot be avoided. But, doctors know there are some things a woman can do before and during pregnancy to help lower the risk of birth defects. They include:

    Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

    This is a B vitamin that can reduce the risk of certain brain and spine defects. Experts recommend taking it even before you get pregnant.

    Get good medical care.

    See your doctor regularly and tell him or her if you plan to get pregnant. Begin prenatal care as soon as possible after you become pregnant. It’s important to talk about any health problems you may have and any medicines you take. You’ll also need tests to check for high blood pressure, blood sugar, and other possible pregnancy problems. You may also need certain vaccines (shots) to prevent illness and avoid some birth defects.

    Avoid alcohol, tobacco products, and any street drugs including marijuana.

    These can harm a developing baby.

    Work toward a healthy weight.

    Overweight women have a higher risk of birth defects. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to achieve a healthy weight. Ask your doctor how much weight you should gain during pregnancy.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine