HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • Should You Join A Mlm?

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Tier made of blocks with paper cut out of people.

    Multi-level marketing companies, or MLMs, are companies that sell their products or services through person-to-person sales.

    People who join MLMs can make money by:

    *  Selling the product or service to friends, family and other customers.

    *  Earning more money if you get someone else to sign up as a representative or distributor for the company.

    Many people try MLMs as a side business to make extra money. Unfortunately, many people who join MLMs make very little money. They may even lose money. Be wary of promises to “get rich fast” or make huge amounts of money from MLMs.

    If you are thinking about it, ask yourself:

    1.  Do I want to be a salesperson? People in MLMs have to sell their product or service. They have to ask people they know to invest time or money in their product. They may also ask others to join and become a salesperson too. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s probably not for you.

    2.  Do you have a sales plan? Think about whether you know enough people who will buy this product from you. They will need to buy from you over and over again if you want to make long-term money.

    3.  Think about the product and how easy it is to sell. Can people get a similar product in a store by spending less money?

    4.  How much money do you want to earn? Is this amount possible with the number of people who may buy it?

    5.  Do you have money and time to invest? Usually, you spend money to get product samples or equipment. Do you also have time to spend selling to people at parties or meetings? Are there training events that require travel? What about website fees?

    Finally, be careful about using a credit card to pay for your start-up expenses or other costs. This could backfire if you have to pay high interest rates and can’t pay it off right away.

    It’s your money and your life. Don’t let big promises or convincing marketing try to talk you into an MLM if you’re not sure about it.

    Source: Federal Trade Commission

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Mend Your Spending

    Financial Health

    Use your money wisely.

    You have probably asked or heard the question, “Do you really need that?” It is a good question to ask when you are thinking of making a purchase. Buying on impulse can be a big budget buster. Getting by with less is a budget saver.

    Use credit cards wisely:

    *  Keep cards to a minimum.

    *  Pay your bill on time to avoid a late payment fee and a higher “penalty” interest rate. Stay below your credit limit.

    *  Pay the balance in full. If you can’t, make more than the minimum payment.

    *  Try to avoid getting cash advances, which have very high interest rates.

    *  Ask for a lower interest rate on credit cards you currently have.

    Trim costs for tech services:

    *  Choose a cellphone plan that avoids hefty fees for extra minutes and texts. Consider dropping your landline phone or just using it for basic services.

    *  Shop around for best prices and services for Internet, phone, and cable. Bundle services if this saves money. Contact your current provider and ask if it will match a competitor’s lower price.

    *  Evaluate your use of cable, especially premium channels. Check out cheaper ways to get movies and programs, such as through your local library, Netflix for movies, and Hulu for TV.

    Other savings tips:

    *  Refinance your mortgage if you can lower the interest rate enough to make it worth your while. Use the extra money for other bills or to apply to the principal to pay your mortgage off sooner.

    *  Shop for items, even cars, online. Compare prices.

    *  Take advantage of employer sponsored programs and services. Examples are matching your 401(k) contributions and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical and child care expenses.

    *  Clip and download coupons for free, as well as reduced prices on groceries, restaurant meals, retail items, and home improvement services. Send in rebates that come with products you buy.

    *  Eat out less. Take your lunch to work.

    Action Step

    Have fun at little or no cost. Attend free community events, such as concerts and picnics. See movies at discount theaters or swap DVDs with family and friends. Go for hikes and bike rides as a family.

    Ways to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Kind To Your Kidneys

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of person holding plastic kidneys.

    Did you know that your kidneys are responsible for many important body functions? Kidneys are designed to:

    *  Keep the body’s fluid levels in check

    *  Remove extra fluid and waste from the blood, which exits the body as urine

    *  Activate vitamin D for healthy bones

    *  Balance minerals in the blood

    *  Direct the making of red blood cells

    *  Make a hormone that keeps blood pressure within a normal range

    Kidney disease: a hidden danger

    Chronic kidney disease, sometimes called CKD, can interfere with the kidneys’ important jobs. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, weak bones, anemia and other life-threatening problems.

    One of the problems with CKD is many people don’t find out that they have it until the later stages. Then, there could be more severe kidney damage and complications. About 1 in 7 people have some form of CKD.

    But there is good news. Getting treated early means kidney damage can be slowed or even stopped. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and get kidney tests if needed.

    Know your risk

    If you have one of the following conditions, it means you may have a higher chance of getting CKD. Talk with your doctor about your kidney health if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

    Tests are best

    If you have one of the risk factors listed below, your doctor may want to perform one or more of these tests:

    *  Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

    *  Protein in urine test: If a person’s urine contains a certain type of protein, it may be an early sign of CKD.

    *  Creatinine in blood test: If the kidneys aren’t working well, they can’t take a waste product called creatinine out of the blood.

    *  Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test: This measures creatinine levels and calculates other CKD risk factors too.

    What to do

    If you find out you have CKD, your doctor may recommend:

    *  Lowering high blood pressure

    *  Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes

    *  Eating less sodium (salt)

    *  Not taking NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

    *  Eating only a moderate amount of protein

    *  Getting a flu shot each year

    Even if your kidneys are healthy, you can help keep them that way by:

    *  Not smoking or getting help to quit

    *  Working toward a healthy weight

    *  Getting blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly

    *  Annual blood sugar testing

    *  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

    *  Seeing your doctor as recommended

    *  Knowing your family medical history

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Kidney Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Infertility: When To See A Doctor

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Young couple talking to doctor.

    It is not uncommon for some couples to have trouble conceiving. If a couple has been trying for one year without success, they are said to be dealing with infertility.

    While infertility may be common, it is not hopeless. Many effective treatments are available. Knowing when to talk to your doctor about fertility can help you get closer to your goal of getting pregnant.

    What causes infertility?

    Infertility is not just a woman’s issue. It can affect one or both partners.

    Men require healthy sperm to be fertile. Anything that impacts the number, shape, and movement of sperm may cause infertility. These may include:

    *  Unhealthy habits

    *  Trauma to the testes

    *  Certain medications or supplements

    *  Cancer treatment

    *  Medical conditions

    Women need functioning ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a uterus to get pregnant. A condition that affects any one of these organs can cause infertility issues. These may include:

    *  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

    *  Diminished ovarian reserve

    *  Blocked fallopian tubes

    *  Menopause

    *  Abnormal uterine shape

    When to see a doctor

    Every couple should talk to their doctor to let them know they are trying to get pregnant. Your doctor may have specific recommendations and screenings that would be of benefit.

    Some couples may be at a higher risk of infertility. If you have any of the following risk factors, you should talk to your doctor right away when trying to conceive:

    *  Irregular or no menstrual periods

    *  Painful periods

    *  Endometriosis

    *  Pelvic inflammatory disease

    *  History of miscarriage

    *  Any suspected male factors, such as cancer treatment, history of teste trauma, etc.

    Women over the age of 30 may experience age-related declines in fertility. Once a woman is over 35, infertility becomes more common. While this doesn’t mean someone at that age will not be able to conceive, it does mean you should talk to your doctor sooner if you do not become pregnant.

    Any couple who has been trying to conceive for one year without success should talk to their doctor. Couples over the age of 35 should talk to their doctor after six months of trying.

    Your doctor may refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in infertility. Never hesitate to talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about yourself or your partner’s fertility.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Talking About Oral Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of dentist with illustration of a tooth.

    More than 10,000 people will die of oral cancer this year. Oral cancer is not one type of cancer.

    It is a group of cancers that may affect the:

    *  Lips

    *  Inside of the cheeks

    *  Gums

    *  Tongue

    *  Inside the mouth (roof or floor of the mouth)

    *  Tonsils

    *  Middle of the throat

    Watching your mouth

    Knowing the signs of oral cancer is important. If it’s caught early, the outcome is better. So, look regularly for any changes in your mouth and see a dentist if you notice anything.

    Signs of oral cancer may include:

    *  Numbness, pain or tender areas in the mouth or lips

    *  A sore or irritated area in the mouth that doesn’t go away

    *  A white or red patch

    *  A lump in the mouth or throat

    *  An area that feels thicker or rougher than normal

    *  Trouble with chewing, swallowing or speaking

    *  Trouble moving the tongue, mouth or jaw

    *  Teeth that appear to have moved or don’t fit together properly anymore

    *  Feeling like something is in your throat

    *  Change in voice not due to a cold or common illness

    Many of these symptoms are due to simple, treatable problems. But, it’s important to get them checked by a dentist quickly. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and get you started on the treatment you need.

    Am I at risk?

    Certain things can make oral cancer more likely to happen. Researchers say that men are more than twice as likely to get oral cancer than women. People who smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol are also at a higher risk. This is especially true if they are over 50 years old.

    Some oral cancers are caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV). You can catch HPV through sexual contact, which can cause certain cancers in the throat and back of the mouth.

    What can I do?

    *  Get regular dental checkups. Your dentist can check for symptoms of oral cancer.

    *  Tell your dentist about any changes to your lips, teeth, gums, mouth, tongue or throat.

    *  Don’t smoke – or quit if you do smoke.

    *  Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol or less. This is usually two drinks for men per day, and one drink for women per day.

    *  Talk to your doctor about whether you should get the HPV vaccine.

    Source: American Dental Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Which Std Tests Do You Need?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Couple embracing each other.

    Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can occur when people have sexual contact with a person who also has an STD.

    People of all ages can get STDs. If you have unprotected sexual contact with someone who is infected, you risk getting an STD. This includes oral, anal and vaginal sex.

    Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask a health care provider about STDs. Getting tested is important so you can get treatment for STDs. The most common ones include:

    *  Human papilloma virus (HPV)

    *  Chlamydia

    *  Gonorrhea

    *  Syphilis

    *  Herpes

    *  Trichomoniasis

    *  HIV/AIDS

    Why do I need tests?

    Testing is the only way to know for sure if a person has an STD. Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms. This means people could spread STDs to others without knowing. They could also have long-term health problems.

    Risks of STDs include:

    *  Spreading STDs to others

    *  Infertility (trouble getting pregnant)

    *  Long-term pain in the pelvic area

    *  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause pain and infertility

    *  Serious health and immune system problems (from HIV infection)

    Who needs to be tested?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following recommendations for testing:

    *  Everyone ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.

    *  Anyone who has unprotected sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.

    *  All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

    *  Some women 25 years and older should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. This includes women at a higher risk. They may have multiple sex partners or have a partner who has a known STD.

    *  All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B. Some pregnant women may also need tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Pregnant women may need more than one test throughout pregnancy.

    *  Sexually active gay and bisexual men may need HIV tests every 3 to 6 months.

    *  All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Some men may need to get tested more often if they have multiple partners.

    Many health departments offer STD testing or can help people find a testing site. To find STD testing sites near you visitgettested.cdc.gov.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Ready To Donate Blood

    WELL-BEING

    Arm with bandaid and heart where he gave blood.

    When you donate blood, you are potentially saving a life. The American Red Cross estimates that someone needs blood every two seconds. Your donation makes that possible. The donation process is pretty simple, but there are a few things you should know in advance to prepare.

    Donation eligibility

    To donate blood, you must meet specific criteria. These include:

    *  Being healthy and not currently ill

    *  Over the age of 16 (in most states)

    *  Weigh at least 110 pounds

    *  Have not given blood in the past 56 days

    When you go to donate

    It can help relieve any nervousness if you know what to expect before you go. Most donation centers follow a standard process.

    *Registration:verification of eligibility, checking your driver’s license, and providing your address.

    *Health history:information on health conditions, medications, and recent travel.

    *Health screening:checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

    *The donation:takes about 8-10 minutes, during which time you will sit or lay comfortably.

    *Recovery:takes 10-15 minutes, during which time you’ll receive a snack and drink and make sure you feel ready to go.

    When You Should Not Donate

    In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, there may be other things that could temporarily disqualify you from donating.

    *  You are not feeling 100%. Only donate blood if you are feeling your best. If you are sick, you should wait until 24 hours after your symptoms pass.

    *  Certain kinds of medications and vaccinations may require a waiting period before giving blood. Check with the American Red Cross before you go.

    *  Low iron may cause anemia or a low blood count, making you ineligible to donate blood that day. Once your iron levels have improved, you may be able to donate.

    *  If you have traveled to certain countries outside the U.S., you may need to wait to donate blood.

    Source: The American Red Cross

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Weighted Blankets – A Sleep Saver?

    WELL-BEING

    Bed with weighted blankets.

    Weighted blankets have become popular – but do you need one?

    Weighted blankets are designed to feel very heavy. They are usually filled with glass or plastic pellets that add weight. Some people believe the extra weight can feel like a hug. This may have a calming effect.

    Before you invest in a weighted blanket, here’s what to know:

    *  No large studies say that weighted blankets have proven health benefits. But some smaller studies have found that they can help a person calm down when stressed. They may also help some people with insomnia and anxiety, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

    *  Weighted blankets come in different sizes and weights. You may wish to use one that weighs around 10 percent of your body weight.

    *  Never use a weighted blanket on a baby or toddler.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine