HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

Brca Gene For Breast Cancer

MEDICAL NEWS

You may have heard of the BRCA gene for breast cancer. But many people don’t understand what this gene is, or what it really means for breast cancer risk.

What BRCA really means

“BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer.” There are two types: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone has both of these genes. Having them does not mean you will get breast cancer.

In fact, BRCA genes actually help prevent breast cancer. They can stop or slow breast cancer growth.

When BRCA genes aren’t good

In some people however, the BRCA genes don’t work properly. This is called a BRCA gene mutation.

When this happens, the BRCA genes can’t prevent breast cancer. This makes the person more likely to get breast cancer. They may also develop breast cancer at a younger age. Those with BRCA mutations have a higher risk of developing other cancers too, including ovarian and pancreatic.

Up to 65 percent of women with a BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer before age 70. About 45 percent of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70. People who have a mutated BRCA gene may also pass this along to their children.

What to do

Women who have one of the following should talk with a doctor:

* A family history of breast cancer

* History of ovarian cancer

* History of two or more cancers of any type

In some cases, you may need a test to look at the BRCA genes. If the test finds that you have a BRCA mutation, talk with your doctor about next steps. This may include:

* Watching closely for breast cancer signs and getting regular screenings

* Taking certain medicines that can reduce estrogen, which can lower breast cancer risk

* Having a mastectomy, which is surgical removal of the breasts

Screening is key

Even without a BRCA gene mutation, all women should talk with their doctors about breast cancer risk. They should get regular breast cancer screenings. Finding breast cancer early is key. It means you have the best chance for successful treatment.

Sources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Know The Different Heart Disease Types

MEDICAL NEWS

You’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary heart disease. But did you know each of these terms means something different?

Let’s learn some of these “heart” terms and what they mean for your health. If you have a type of cardiovascular disease, work with your doctor to come up with a heart health plan. Your plan might include a healthy diet, exercise and medications.

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is any type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. “Cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

Types of cardiovascular disease include:

* Coronary heart disease

* High blood pressure

* Stroke

* Heart failure

* Peripheral artery disease

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is any type of condition that affects the heart’s function or structure. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Heart disease also includes:

* Heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmias

* Cardiomyopathy

* Congenital (present at birth) heart defects

* Coronary artery disease (CAD)

* Heart failure

Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease.

What is coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease happens when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Sometimes people call this clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

The plaque reduces the amount of blood getting to the heart. This can cause angina, or chest pain. It can also cause blood clots and can lead to a heart attack.

Sources: American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Autism

MEDICAL NEWS

Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders that impacts how a person learns, communicates, behaves, and interacts socially. While boys are more likely to be affected, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can develop in people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

Health professionals believe ASD is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Autism presents differently in each individual and ranges from very mild to requiring extensive support.

Signs of ASD

Screening is a routine part of well-child visits during the first few years of life. However, those with only mild impairments from ASD may remain undiagnosed until later in life. Signs include:

* Poor eye contact

* No babbling or pointing before age 1

* Not responding appropriately to name

* Poor social responsiveness

* Preferring to play alone

* Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping

* Delays in skill development

* Loss of previously acquired skills

* Preoccupation with certain objects or subjects

* Inflexible adherence to routine

Diagnosing ASD

There is no blood test or other medical diagnostic test. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on observation of the child’s behavior and developmental history. Screening tools a physician may use include:

* Developmental screening

* Developmental monitoring

* Comprehensive developmental evaluations

If a child has additional risk factors for autism, your doctor may recommend additional screenings. Risk factors include:

* Preterm delivery

* Low birth weight

* Lead exposure

* Sibling with ASD

* Other factors

Treatment for ASD

There is no cure for ASD. However, treatment can significantly improve symptoms. Many people with autism benefit from a combination of therapies that help them develop language and social skills and encourage positive behaviors. Common treatment includes:

* Speech therapy

* Occupational therapy

* Educational interventions

* Intensive behavioral interventions

* Family counseling

* Skill-oriented training

* Medication

* Physical therapy

* Cognitive behavior therapy

* Nutritional therapy

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Campfire Safety

WELL-BEING

Whether roasting marshmallows or sitting up late to tell ghost stories, a campfire is a comforting and enjoyable way to spend time together. However, a fire should always be handled with caution. It’s essential to be smart when dealing with open flames. Here are three ways to stay safe around the campfire:

1.Choose the campfire spot wisely.If possible, always use a fire pit designed for proper fire containment. Campfires should be located at least 15 feet away from any buildings, tents, or shrubs.

2.Keep the area clear.There should be 10 feet of cleared space around the campfire, so remove any branches or debris. Keep all clutter clear of the site. And, of course, watch the kids closely. It’s never too early to teach them how to be safe around a fire.

3.Douse the fire correctly at the end of the evening.Pour water over the fire until all coals are extinguished. Once the fire is completely out, stir the ash and test by carefully holding your hand above the area to be sure there is no residual heat. Repeat the process if needed.

Source: Recreation.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Protect Your Pet From Toxins

WELL-BEING

Many substances that are safe for people may be toxic to pets. To care for your pet’s health, be aware of these hidden dangers.

* Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be highly toxic to animals. Store them in sturdy containers that cannot be chewed through.

* Prescription animal medications are made to be tasty. Keep them well out of reach.

* Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, are toxic to pets.

* Products intended to kill rodents are particularly dangerous to pets. Choose pet-safe traps instead of chemicals.

* Paint, glue and cleaning products are toxic. Curious pets may mistake them for food. Keep these products safely stored and out of their reach.

* Bug spray and foggers are poisonous to pets. Because they have smaller bodies, it takes less of a product to cause problems.

* Certain house and garden plants may be toxic or irritating when consumed, depending on your pet. Check online to find out what plants are safe.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What To Know About Rainbow Fentanyl

WELL-BEING

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain. However, illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

Rainbow fentanyl is an illegally manufactured drug dyed in bright colors and shaped to mimic legitimate medication. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to overdose.

* It’s impossible to know how much fentanyl may be present in a rainbow fentanyl pill.

* Fentanyl-laced drugs are among the most common drugs implicated in overdose deaths.

* The bright colors of rainbow fentanyl may increase the appeal among teens and young adults.

* Rainbow fentanyl is extremely dangerous. All it takes is one to be at risk for overdose.

* Signs of an overdose include pinpoint pupils, limp body, choking or gurgling sounds, loss of consciousness, and slow or weak breathing.

* Call 911 at the first sign of overdose.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cope With Emotional Fender Benders

Stress Management

Use quick fixes to release the pressures of daily life.

Stress is the reaction to change – good, bad, real or imagined. Some stress helps keep you alert and ready to tackle life’s little surprises. But, too much stress, worry, and anxiety can put you at risk of health problems. Your body reacts by pumping up adrenaline, increasing blood pressure, and triggering rapid breathing.

Progressive Relaxation Technique:

1. Sit in a chair and close your eyes. Rest your forearms on the sides of the chair, palms downward.

2. Take a few slow, deep breaths.

3. Concentrate on your muscle tension.

4. Tense and tighten a muscle group for five seconds; then relax for 30 seconds. Follow this sequence for each body part listed below:

a. Bend both arms at the elbows and wrists. Make a fist with each hand. Relax.

b. Press your back against the chair. Relax.

c. Tighten your abdomen. Relax.

d. Lift and extend your lower legs. Relax.

e. Tighten your jaw. Relax.

f. Tuck your chin against your chest. Relax.

5. Breathe slowly and deeply.

6. Concentrate on the relaxing sensation and allow your body to go limp like a ragdoll. Let your head and shoulders drop forward.

7. Imagine warmth flowing through your body.

8. Slowly open your eyes and enjoy the refreshed feeling.

Buffer the impact:

* Sing out loud to your heart’s content.

* Talk about your stress with family or friends.

* Do something that makes you happy.

* Get enough rest. Take care of your health.

* Focus on the positive aspects of your life.

* Do regular exercise.

* Take a warm bath or shower.

* Sit quietly and focus on relaxing your muscles.

* Listen to soothing music.

* Paint. Draw. Color.

* Find reasons to smile and laugh.

Action Step

Big boys may not cry, but healthy boys and girls do. Researchers say the release of tears – whether happy or sad – helps release stress.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Manage Your Stress

Stress Management

Stress is a fact of life, but the affect it has on your health makes stress management techniques worth a second look. Unchecked stress can lead to weight gain, mood disturbances, and chronic disease. It can cause symptoms of illness, and prompt anxiety, irritability, and feelings of sadness and restlessness.

But stress doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learning one or two tools to manage stress can put you back in charge of your health. Check outapa.orgfor stress tips to try.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Think Positive

Stress Management

Retrain your brain to wipe out negative thoughts.

If negative thoughts keep running through your head, it may be time to put on a pair of rose-colored glasses. Looking at life’s challenges in a more positive way can improve your physical well-being and even increase your life span! People who see the glass as half full, have lower rates of depression, stronger immune systems, a reduced risk of heart disease, and better coping skills during hard times.

Retrain your brain.

* When a negative emotion pops into your head, put a positive spin on it.

* Quit trying to rationalize negative thoughts.

* If you can’t control it, don’t worry about it.

* Surround yourself with positive people.

* Find things to laugh about, especially during difficult times.

* Create lists of accomplishments, favorite memories, things to be thankful for, and future possibilities.

* Quit blaming yourself for every bad thing that happens.

* Take positive steps to improve a negative situation.

* Don’t let one minor problem in the morning ruin your entire day.

* Accept that life is not all black and white.

* Take care of yourself: Exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.

* Cut yourself some slack.

* Get lost in a hobby that you enjoy.

Rule your emotions.

Don’t let your emotions rule you. Once you start to recognize situations that put you in that negative cycle, create pointless worry, or break down your confidence, you can take control with active thinking. If you tend to be a negative thinker, keep practicing. Like any other habit, changing your thought process will take time.

Action Step

Make a list of areas in your life that keep you dwelling in negative energy; then write out a few positive statements for each. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Immunization Schedule

Medical Exams

1. For updates, contact CDC Immunization Program at 800.CDC.INFO (232.4636) orwww.cdc.gov/vaccines. Ask your child’s doctor what vaccines, health screenings, and checkups your child needs.

2. Catch-up vaccines should be given to children and teenagers who have not already had them.

3. PCV vaccine protects against meningitis and some pneumonias. One dose is needed for all healthy children aged 24-59 months who are not completely vaccinated for their age.

Vaccines for Traveling Abroad

Before you travel to other countries, find out if you need certain vaccines. Get information from the CDC Travelers’ Information Line. Call 800.CDC.INFO (232.4636) or use thewww.cdc.gov/travelWeb site. Discuss your needs with your doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026