HealthyLife Articles

Category: Medical News

  • Ways To Improve Brain Health

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older couple dancing.

    Dancing

    Dancing offers social interaction and a distraction from the day’s stress. It’s also a great way to get aerobic exercise. Dancing challenges the mind, which supports a healthy brain.

    Running

    Studies have shown aerobic exercise like running reduces anxiety and depression. Being active may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Sleeping

    Lack of sleep hurts reasoning and problem-solving skills. Some studies suggest that sleep helps clear out toxins from the brain, helping it to stay healthy and sharp.

    Relaxation

    Deep breathing, prayer and meditation can help relax the mind and lower stress levels. Long-term stress can damage how the brain works, so coping with stress in healthy ways gives your brain a boost.

    Sources: National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer’s Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Questions To Ask Before Having Surgery

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of doctors.

    Millions of people have surgery every year. No matter what your reason is for having surgery, be sure you ask your surgeon these questions in advance:

    1.Do I have other options?Surgery is safer today than ever before. But, there are still risks to having any surgery. Find out if other treatments, such as medicine or therapy, may be tried first. This will depend on how serious your health condition is. With any treatment, you and your doctor should discuss any possible risks and benefits.

    2.What will happen during the procedure?Ask your doctor to explain how and why the surgery will be performed. Where will your incisions be made? What kind of anesthesia is used? How  will you be monitored  during surgery?

    3.What should I do before surgery?Tell your doctor about all supplements, vitamins and medicines you take. You may need to stop taking some or all of these things a few days or weeks before surgery. Plus, you may need to follow a special diet and/or stop using tobacco for a period of time.

    4.What is the recovery like?Many of today’s minimally invasive procedures mean that you can go home the same day. Major surgeries may require you stay more days in the hospital. Ask your doctor about which activities you should avoid and when you can get back to things like work, driving, exercise, and a regular diet.

    Sometimes, surgery must be performed in emergency situations. In these cases, you may not be able to talk with your doctor beforehand. But, be sure to talk afterward about what you can expect from your recovery and how to take care of yourself in the days and weeks ahead.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Busting Myths About Alzheimer’s

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of eldery man in wheelchair with daughter and granddaughter.

    More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and many myths still exist about it.

    MYTH: Alzheimer’s and dementia mean the same thing.

    FACT:Dementia is a group of symptoms that can be caused by Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Up to 80 percent of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. But, dementia can be caused by other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.

    MYTH: Everyone gets forgetful with age, so Alzheimer’s is no big deal.

    FACT:Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time. Eventually, someone with Alzheimer’s will be unable to have a conversation or do normal everyday tasks. The earlier Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start. This may help delay the disease’s progression.

    MYTH: Alzheimer’s won’t hurt you physically. You can live with the memory loss and other symptoms.

    FACT:Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Some people may live up to 20 years after diagnosis, but there are no survivors.

    MYTH: Medicine can cure Alzheimer’s.

    FACT:Treatments can help slow down the disease, but there is no cure. Alzheimer’s will eventually progress, even with treatment. The treatments may help improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Research is underway to find ways to prevent the disease and hopefully cure it.

    Source: Alzheimer’s Association

    Look for early signs of Alzheimer’s

    Detecting Alzheimer’s early is important. Since everyone forgets things from time to time, it can be hard to know what’s normal forgetfulness and what’s something more serious. People in the early stages may still work, drive and do daily tasks. They may think they are fine, and deny they have any memory issues.

    Look for these signs as possible flags that could mean early Alzheimer’s and talk to a doctor if you notice them:

    *  Problems coming up with the right word for something

    *  Can’t remember names when introduced to new people

    *  Trouble performing tasks at work or home

    *  Forgetting something that was just read or told

    *  Losing a valuable or important item

    *  Having trouble planning or organizing

    Though these signs don’t mean a person has Alzheimer’s for sure, it’s best to see a doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Get Out Of Your Seat

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women standing and talking on the phone.

    There are lots of things you can do to keep your body healthy. Eat nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, get exercise, and see your doctor as needed for checkups. But the American Cancer Society says there’s something else we need to do: don’t sit so much.

    A large study showed that women who sat for more than six hours per day had a higher risk of cancer than those who sat for three hours or less. In addition, studies have found links between sitting for long periods and dying younger, the ACS says.

    But what if you have to sit for your job? There are some ways you can reduce your sitting time:

    *  Stand during conference calls.

    *  Take a quick standing or walking break every hour if you can.

    *  Park farther away from the building.

    *  Walk during your lunch break.

    Remember, every little bit helps. A few minutes of walking here and there can add up to big health benefits.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know The Signs Of Autism

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of father and young son.

    Autism affects about 1 in 68 children in our country today, according to the CDC. Autism is a developmental disability that can affect how a person interacts with others, learns, and behaves. For some people, the symptoms are severe. Others can lead fairly normal, independent lives.

    Although experts don’t know what causes autism in many cases, they do know that treating it early can help improve symptoms. Many children with autism show some signs between one and two years of age.

    Now is a great time to learn the early signs of autism and talk to your child’s physician if needed. Some signs to watch for are if your child:

    *  Doesn’t respond to his or her name

    *  Doesn’t point, wave, or gesture

    *  Doesn’t look people in the eye or respond to facial expressions

    *  Doesn’t like physical contact with others

    *  Repeats words or phrases over and over, often without knowing what they mean

    *  Performs repeated body movements such as rocking, spinning, or twirling hands or fingers

    *  Has obsessive interests in only a few activities

    *  Gets very upset with change or differences in routines

    *  Is very interested in organization, such as lining things up in a certain way

    *  Talks in a “robot-like” voice with no emotion or change in tone

    If your child has one of these signs or you notice any unusual behavior, it doesn’t mean your child has autism. But, you should talk with your child’s doctor if you are concerned or have questions about your child’s well-being.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Protect Yourself From Medical Identity Fraud

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of money and a stethoscope.

    It’s America’s fastest growing identity crime. DHHS says health care data hacking has affected more than 34 million Americans. Stolen records provide information for tax and insurance fraud.

    “When someone steals your medical identity, they corrupt your individual health record, so the next time you receive care your doctor can be working off a file riddled with bad information,” say ID Experts, a medical software provider.

    Use these wise fraud protection tips.

    *  Protect your health insurance card as carefully as you would your Social Security or credit cards. Theft of these cards allows someone to assume your identity to receive care. Treat their loss as seriously as a missing credit card; notify your insurance company and include it on any police report you file.

    *  Never share your insurance with a friend or family member. When someone pretends to be you to receive health care, your lifetime medical records become compromised. This can lead to a future misdiagnosis, a prescription mistake, or other inappropriate treatment.

    *  Use strong passwords on patient portals and change them often.

    *  Be observant in medical offices. Don’t just fill out the HIPAA policy form and then assume your provider is being careful. Raise concerns, like medical records sitting open on desks or unattended and unlocked computer terminals.

    *  Do NOT provide your medical information to someone who calls or emails you about your “possible involvement in a recent breach.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Condition Men Don’t Talk About

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of elderly man stretching.

    Men who are physically active are at lower risk of waking up at night to urinate (a condition called nocturia), according to a study led by a Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher and published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

    Nocturia is the most common and bothersome lower urinary tract symptom in men. It can be due to an enlarged prostate known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-as the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze down on the urethra. Other causes include overproduction of urine, low bladder capacity, and sleep disturbances. Nocturia increases with age and is estimated to occur in more than 50% of men 45 and older.

    Among the thousands of men in the study group, those who were physically active one or more hours per week were 13% less likely to report nocturia and 34% less likely to report severe nocturia than men who reported no physical activity. (Nocturia was defined as waking 2 or more times during the night to urinate; severe nocturia was defined as waking 3 or more times to urinate.)

    Physical activity may help manage this symptom, researchers said, because exercise might reduce body size, improve sleep, decrease some nervous system activity, and lower levels of inflammation.

    However, if you are experiencing nocturia, it’s something to discuss with your doctor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of doctor with child patient.

    Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in a way that the antibiotics that used to treat them are less effective or not effective at all. As a result, stronger, more expensive antibiotics are needed to kill the same bacteria. People who develop antibiotic-resistant infections are more likely to need treatment in a hospital and are at increased risk for death. Using antibiotics the wrong way contributes to the rise in antibiotic-resistant infections.

    How do I use antibiotics the right way?

    Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, not viruses. Do not ask for antibiotics for symptoms of colds and flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses. Often, antibiotics are not needed for ear infections, sore throats, and sinus infections because these can be viral infections, too.

    If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, take it as prescribed. Do not skip doses. Take the entire course to make sure that no pesky bacteria linger because this can lead to a more serious infection.

    Source: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Read more at www.cdc.gov/getsmart.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Reasons To Get Your Colonoscopy

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of doctor's hand with the word "Colonoscopy."

    If you’re age 50 or older, your doctor may have recommended you get a colonoscopy. This test, which uses a thin, lighted tube to view inside the colon and rectum, checks for:

    *  Polyps, which are growths or bumps that could turn into cancer

    *  Colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon and/or rectum)

    A colonoscopy gives the doctor a chance to remove polyps and possible cancerous growths during the test.

    Even though a colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, many people put off getting one. This is often because they are nervous about the test or they don’t want to do the “prep.” Preparing for a colonoscopy usually means you take medicines that cause diarrhea the day before the test. This can be inconvenient, but it’s worth the hassle.

    Here are 4 good reasons you should call your doctor about scheduling it today:

    1.Early colon cancer has no symptoms.Many people have polyps or even colon cancer for months or years and don’t know it. A colonoscopy can find these things early and increase the chances of a good outcome. The earlier colon cancer is found, the higher the likliehood of successful treatment.

    2.One day of prep could save your life.No one likes to have diarrhea. But, one day of prep means you’re getting a test that checks for a common and sometimes deadly cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society says more than 50,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer in 2018. It is the third most common cancer in the U.S.

    3.There are ways to make the prep easier.Ask your doctor about adding certain flavorings to your medicine to make it taste better. Also, there are many clear liquids other than water you may be able to drink. Sports drinks, tea, coffee, popsicles and some broths may be allowed. Usually, red, blue and purple dyes need to be avoided, but other flavors are fine.

    4.Can’t put a price on peace of mind.With so many people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, isn’t it worth a day of discomfort to know that you’ve been screened? Even if a polyp or possible sign of cancer is found, you can get on the path to treatment that could be life-saving.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Busting The Myths About Breast Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of doctor and patient.

    One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Experts are still learning about this disease and what causes it.

    There are many myths related to the origins of breast cancer. The following items do not cause breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

    *  Antiperspirants and deodorants

    *  Caffeine

    *  Dairy products

    *  Microwaves

    *  Cell phones

    *  Being around others with cancer

    Truth about breast cancer risk

    There are some things that can increase the chances of getting breast cancer. These are called “risk factors.” The following risk factors are things you cannot change:

    *  Being a woman

    *  Being over age 55

    *  Caucasian race

    *  Family history of breast or ovarian cancer

    *  Having abnormal breast cells in the past

    *  Starting menstruation (periods) before age 12

    *  Going into menopause after age 55

    *  Gene mutations with BRCA1 or BRCA2

    *  Having dense breast tissue

    Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer. The best thing to do is talk with your doctor about your risk factors. Together, you can come up with a plan for breast cancer screening or other testing, if needed.

    Ways you can lower your risk

    *  Get plenty of exercise.

    *  Eat a balanced & healthy diet.

    *  Get & stay at a healthy weight.

    *  Avoid or limit alcohol.

    *  Avoid tobacco, including second-hand smoke (research is ongoing)

    Sources: American Cancer Society, National Breast Cancer Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine