HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

Shopping Around For Contact Lenses

FINANCIAL HEALTH

Many people wear contact lenses. But you don’t have to buy your contacts from your eye care provider. You can choose to get your contacts prescription from your provider and then shop around for lenses.

Get an eye exam

Before you go shopping for lenses, make sure your eyes are healthy. See your eye care provider regularly. Your provider might be an optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on your needs.

During your visit, your provider will check your eyes and determine your contact lens prescription.

Getting your prescription

Your eye care prescriber can give you your prescription after your exam. Your provider cannot charge you for your prescription. You may have to pay for the eye exam and contact lens fitting.

What should my prescription include?

Your contact lens prescription must include:

* Your name

* Date of your eye exam

* Date of prescription

* Doctor’s name, mailing address, phone number and fax number

* Power, material, and/or manufacturer of the prescribed lens

* Base curve of the lens

* Diameter of the lens, when needed

Source: Federal Trade Commission

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make Thrifty Count

Financial Health

Building personal wealth starts with making wise financial decisions. Be strategic about where you save money, so it is sustainable. Make it fun and economical, such as cooking a gourmet meal at home with your family and then turning off the lights to have a “candlelit” dinner. Or, get an annual state or national park pass and plan outdoor weekend adventures with your family, saving money while also making memories!

Be More Earth-Friendly

Many products we use regularly consume more energy than is needed. Choose energy-efficient products, such as ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy than standard bulbs and last 15 times longer.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hepatitis: Causes & Types

MEDICAL NEWS

Hepatitis is a condition that affects the liver. If a person has hepatitis, their liver may be inflamed or damaged.

What causes hepatitis?

Many different things can cause hepatitis. They include:

* A virus

* Contaminated objects like needles or medical equipment

* Heavy alcohol use

* Certain medications

* Some medical conditions

Different types of hepatitis

Hepatitis A:

* Is spread through contaminated food, drinks or objects.

* Can make you sick for weeks or months, but most people recover.

* Can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis B:

* Is spread through blood, semen or other body fluids.

* Can spread through sex, sharing personal items or sharing needles.

* Can cause long-term liver problems like liver failure and cancer.

* Can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis C:

* Is spread through blood.

* Can spread when people share needles or other equipment.

* Causes long-term infection in about half of all cases.

* Can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.

* More than 90 percent of people can be cured with proper medical treatment – new treatment has very few side effects.

Ask your doctor about hepatitis

Many people may have hepatitis and don’t know it. You may not have any symptoms at first. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can find out if you need a vaccine or if you should get tested for hepatitis. Proper medical care can help prevent, treat or cure this disease.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stop The Spread Of Respiratory Infections

MEDICAL NEWS

The winter months are a peak time for the spread of infectious respiratory diseases. Cold weather often keeps people indoors, where it is easier for infections to spread.

Infectious respiratory diseases include the common cold, as well as other respiratory illnesses that can be more serious. Some people may be at increased risk of severe side effects from respiratory disease, including the elderly, children, and the immunocompromised.

Preventing the spread of respiratory disease helps keep everyone in your family and community safe. A few simple precautions can make all the difference. Once you know how these diseases are spread, you can take steps to contain them and make this winter a healthy one.

Airborne transmission

The most common way infectious respiratory diseases spread is by small aerosols that become airborne when an ill person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. These tiny aerosols can hang in the air for hours and easily travel to the lungs when inhaled.

Surface transmission

Contact with a surface that is contaminated with droplets from an infected person is another route of transmission. If you touch something that has saliva or mucus on it and then later touch your mouth or face, you can become infected with the virus.

Close contact transmission

Being in close contact with someone infected with a virus can result in exposure to large virus-laden respiratory droplets. In contrast to the tiny aerosols that can hang in the air for an extended period, larger droplets fall quickly and most likely to spread when people are less than 3 feet apart.

Types of infectious respiratory viruses

* Chickenpox

* Coronavirus infections (including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV)

* Diphtheria

* Influenza (flu)

* Legionnaires’ disease

* Measles

* Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

* Mumps

* Pneumonia

* Pneumococcal meningitis

* Rubella (German measles)

* Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

* Tuberculosis

* Whooping cough

Prevent the spread

* Minimize close contact with ill people.

* Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

* Don’t share personal items such as food and utensils.

* Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you, including the flu and COVID vaccines.

* Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow and tissues (not your hands!).

* Stay home if you are ill.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
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
Misinformation & Social Media

WELL-BEING

While social media can be an easy way to catch up on the latest, it is not always a reliable source of factual information.

Social media sites tend to amplify sensationalized messages. Information that contains an emotional appeal, quotes a supposed expert, or points to a deeper conspiracy is more likely to catch our attention. The result is that plain facts are often ignored or disbelieved.

Six ways to prevent misinformation

Avoid the sensational

The headline or title of a social media post can be the first clue to its reliability. Avoid catchy, overly sensationalized headlines. Don’t fall for clickbait.

Check the source

Watch out for anecdotal stories or information heard from a friend of a friend of a distant family member. Look for real experts from reputable organizations.

Verify the facts

Double-check when you hear new information to see if other reputable sources support the facts. Misinformation goes viral all the time, so verify before you share.

Ask questions

Before you believe something you read on social media, ask yourself if you truly think the information is accurate. A moment to reflect may save you from falling prey to fake news.

Notice your feelings

A lot of misinformation is designed to tap into frustration and outrage. Look for information that encourages you to think objectively and acknowledge nuance.

Limit time on social media

The more time you spend on social media, the more likely you will run into misinformation. Keep your time on social media brief and focus on meaningful connection, not information surfing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Warning Signs Of Mental Illness

WELL-BEING

Mental illness affects many people. It can include conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Many times, a person will show early signs of mental illness. This means they can get medical help before the condition becomes serious.

Changes in behavior

Sometimes a person’s actions or personality seems to change when they have a mental illness. Some signs include:

* Mood swings. Mood and attitude may shift back and forth from happy to sad or angry.

* Fear or feeling uneasy. A person may feel afraid, anxious or panicked about everyday things.

* Lack of interest. They may not want to do activities or be around people.

* Trouble with work performance or schoolwork.

Changes in thoughts

* Feeling out of control. They may be unable to manage daily tasks or stress.

* Clouded thinking. It may feel like they can’t concentrate on tasks or remember things.

* Feeling numb. They may have trouble feeling emotions about anything.

* Not being connected with reality. A person’s thoughts or actions may not be logical or make sense.

Physical changes

Mental illness can affect the body, too. Some changes to watch for include:

* Feeling very tired or sleeping much more than usual.

* Getting very little sleep or an inability to sleep.

* Eating much more than usual.

* Eating less than usual or not at all.

* Changes in senses like smell, touch or sight.

* Unexplained injuries, like repeated cuts or scratches. These can be signs of self-harm.

Get medical care

If you notice these signs in yourself, talk with your doctor. Mental illness is a real illness, and there are treatments available to help. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell someone.

If these changes happen to a loved one, talk with them about getting medical care. Tell them you are here for them and want to help.

If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, seek emergency care or go to an emergency room.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Can We Talk?

Stress Management

Counseling can help relieve life’s stresses.

You don’t have to have a mental illness or lie on a couch and confess your dark secrets to benefit from counseling. Sitting upright and talking about everyday stresses, phobias, or life changes with a professional therapist can help you learn how to take control of situations that bother you.

Talk therapy can help you:

* Resolve conflicts

* Relieve anxiety and stress

* Deal with phobias

* Cope with major life changes or physical health problems

* Deal with a substance abuse problem, past trauma, sexual issues, grief or loss

Types of talk therapy:

There are different types of psychotherapy, also called counseling, psychosocial therapy, or simply − therapy.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type focuses on teaching problem-solving skills to deal with negative thoughts and behavior.

2. Psychotherapy. This uses face-to-face discussions to talk about, define, and resolve problems. It can help you understand the issues that may be behind your thoughts and feelings.

3. Support groups. A therapist conducts treatment in a group setting in which people in similar situations listen to and support one another and share coping techniques.

What you can expect?

During your first appointment, or intake interview, you will describe your reason for being there. The counselor may ask questions for more detail to outline a treatment plan that may include number of visits, how many times a week or month to meet, and type of therapy that will be most helpful to you. Your sessions will last about an hour at a time. Family members or friends may be asked to participate in certain sessions. Don’t feel obligated to stick with the plan if you feel confident enough to deal with situations on your own. On the other hand, speak with your therapist if you feel you need more visits than what was initially advised.

Action Step

Therapists are not all alike. Some may specialize in addictions or phobias while others work best with children and families. Ask questions to make sure the fit is right.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Remember:Kids Are People, Too

Stress Management

Don’t think for one minute that kids lead stress-free lives. Carefree as childhood may seem to adults, children experience stresses that are as real to them as car payments and broken water heaters are to you.

Coach your children in stress management so they can learn to handle setbacks and disappointments. Here’s how:

* Find a calm, quiet time to discuss with your children what it feels like to be stressed. Choose simple examples that are appropriate to their age levels.

* Ask your children about any physical signs of stress they may be experiencing, like upset stomach or sweaty palms.

* Teach your children that they can calm down, and show them how to make themselves feel better.

* Tell your children to take a slow, deep breath and imagine that they are sucking in air down to their feet. Then tell them to exhale all the “stressed” air out of their bodies and let go of tense feelings.

* Tell your children to imagine a comforting mental image. Suggest they picture themselves somewhere associated with relaxation-safe in bed, at a favorite playground, on the sofa with the family pet, sitting in Dad’s lap, or something similar. Encourage them to include as many details as possible in this image, to make it clear and memorable.

* Encourage your children to practice deep breathing or conjure up a comforting mental image whenever they feel stressed.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stress Less

Stress Management

Stress in small doses can help you develop coping skills for life challenges. Too much stress can make the heart work harder, raise blood cholesterol, trigger headaches, and increase the risk of depression, heart disease and other serious health problems. To help manage stress, follow the tips below.

Action Steps:Loosen tense muscles with simple stretches several times a day. Reach for the sky, bend and touch your toes, lean from side to side. Repeat.

Do:

* Rank order tasks

* Plan ahead for stressful situations

* Avoid situations that cause you stress

* Learn to say “no”

* Think positive

* Take time to play

* Share your feelings

* Chisel the chip off your shoulder

* Accept the things you cannot change

* Get regular exercise and movement

Don’t:

* Try to juggle more than you can handle

* Drown your sorrows in alcohol

* Go outside for a smoke

* Try to prove that you are superhuman

* Lash out at everybody who crosses your path

* Bring work home everyday

* Keep emotions bottled up until you explode

* Bury your face in a bag of chips

* Be so hard on yourself

* Be a couch potato

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026