HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

Resolve To Get Ready For Retirement

Financial Health

It’s never too early or too late.

Whether you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or even your 60s, plan for your retirement. Research shows that people who think about and plan for retirement save more than those who don’t.

Add up all sources of monthly income.

* Social Security. Find out how much you will get, monthly, from the Social Security. This depends on your work history and if you choose to start getting benefits at age 62 or your full retirement age (65, 66, or 67) or wait until age 70. A yearly statement mailed to you gives this information. Or, find out from Social Security benefit calculators atwww.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/index.htmandwww.socialsecurity.gov/planners/index.htm#a0=1. Do the same for a partner who will also receive Social Security benefits. In general, the amount you receive for Social Security retirement accounts for about 40 percent of your pre-retirement earnings. $____

* Private pensions from all employers $____

* Personal savings. This includes money you have in the bank and earnings on 401(k)s, 403(b)s, traditional and Roth IRAs, and other investments: $____

* Cash value life insurance. These are whole life or variable life policies. $____

* Part-time income you and/or your partner expect to make. $____

Total monthly sources of income: $____

You do the math:

Total monthly income needed: $______

Subtract total monthly sources of income: – $______

How much you’ll need to make up for each retirement month: = $______

Plan, now, ways to earn and/or save more for retirement.

Figure out how much you’ll need.

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 56 percent of workers have no idea how much they need to save for retirement. On average, people need at least 70 percent of their yearly pre-retirement income. This can vary, depending on your age and needs. You will need more if you need to pay for your medical care. To estimate how much you might need, use a tool atwww.choosetosave.org/ballpark. Other calculators to help you plan can be found atwww.choosetosave.org/calculators. Include estimates for health care and other costs, such as a new car and home repairs. {Note: It will be easier to get a car loan if you buy the car while you are still employed.}

Total monthly income needed: $____

Action Step

Make an appointment with a financial planner at work or on your own to discuss retirement saving options that best meet your needs.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Blood Cancer: Key Facts

MEDICAL NEWS

Your blood is made up of many different types of cells. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells protect the body from harmful substances and prevent infections.

Blood cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells do not work properly, preventing them from carrying out their essential functions. As the dysfunctional cells accumulate in the blood, they crowd out healthy cells.

It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. Be sure to check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about blood cancer.

Three main types of blood cancer

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer that affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made. From the bone marrow, it spreads to the blood and can affect other organs.

Lymphoma

This type of blood cancer impacts the white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin, which spreads directly from one lymph node to another, and Non-Hodgkin, which spreads erratically through the lymph nodes.

Multiple myeloma

Myeloma affects plasma cells. These are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. When the plasma cells don’t function correctly, the body’s immune system doesn’t work properly.

Symptoms of blood cancer

Talk to your doctor if you experience the following:

* Fatigue

* Fever

* Unexplained weight loss

* Bone pain

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Frequent infections

Survival rates have steadily increased

Fifty years ago, there were few successful treatments for blood cancer. Now, there is a range of treatment options available, and more people achieve remission than ever before. Early detection and improved treatments have increased five-year survival rates and provide hope for the future.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping An Eye On Mental Health

MEDICAL NEWS

We all have good days and bad days. We all have moments where we feel down or cannot tap into the joy or happiness we once had. But what happens when these days grow into weeks or months? Do you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from a mental health issue?

Signs to Look For

* Excessive worry or fear

* Feeling excessively sad

* Confused thinking or concentration

* Extreme mood changes

* Prolonged feelings of irritability or anger

* Avoiding social activities

* Changes in sleeping habits

* Overuse of substances, such as alcohol or drugs

* Thoughts or mentions of suicide

* Intense fear of weight gain or changes in appearance

Where to Get Help

Although there is no medical test that can diagnose mental illness, a professional can assess any symptoms and provide the help you or a loved one needs. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a professional can identify whether a mental health condition exists. They follow a set list of criteria, including feelings and behaviors and time limits, to make the determination.

Treatment Options

Every person is different and may not respond to the same treatments as someone else. But a professional may use one or a combination of things to help the person recover. This may include:

* Medication

* Therapy (counseling)

* Lifestyle changes

If you believe someone may need help, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264). Or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741.

Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Facts About Donating Organs

MEDICAL NEWS

Thousands of children and adults are in need of an organ transplant. The biggest needs are for kidneys, followed by livers.

Being an organ donor

Adults over the age of 18 can register at organdonor.gov. Select your state and register. Organ donors who are under age 18 will need authorization from their parents. You can always go back to the website later and change your organ donation status, too.

People with health conditions can donate

Having a health issue doesn’t mean you can’t be an organ donor. People with many different health conditions have been successful organ donors. The transplant team can decide which organs can be used – and even one organ can save a life.

Tell friends & family

Sometimes a person is registered to be a donor, but their loved ones don’t know. Then, they don’t allow the organs to be donated when a person dies. If you’re serious about donating your organs, make sure you tell your close relatives and friends.

Medical care

The medical team who cares for a person at a hospital is separate from the organ transplant team. Every possible effort is made to save a person’s life, regardless of their organ donation wishes.

No costs to an organ donor’s family

Any costs related to an organ transplant are paid by the recipient. Their costs are usually paid by their insurance.

Organ donation doesn’t interfere with funeral wishes

Organs are carefully removed with surgery. People who are organ donors can still have an open casket funeral.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Perimenopause

MEDICAL NEWS

Before a woman reaches menopause, she first goes through perimenopause. It is a time of adjustment as the body shifts away from the reproductive years. Preparing for these changes allows you to plan how to manage symptoms and find support.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the period of time when a woman’s body is gradually transitioning to menopause. It signals the end of the reproductive years and involves many physical and hormonal changes. When a woman’s period has been absent for a full 12 months, she has reached the end of perimenopause and is in post menopause.

Every woman’s experience of perimenopause is different. Perimenopause can last for as little as four months to as long as ten years. The average length is about four to eight years. Many women begin perimenopause in their mid-forties though it can begin as late as their mid-fifties or as early as their mid-thirties.

Symptoms

* Irregular or skipped periods

* Heavier or lighter periods

* Needing to urinate more frequently

* Hot flashes

* Vaginal dryness

* Difficulty sleeping

* Mood changes

* Changes in sexual desire

* PMS-like symptoms

* Trouble concentrating

* Headaches

Manage Symptoms

* Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

* Exercise regularly and include weight training at least two days a week to protect bone health.

* Watch for hot flash triggers such as alcohol or coffee.

* Establish healthy sleep habits.

* Seek ways to reduce stress, such as meditation, tai chi, or yoga.

Treatment

If symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend additional treatment such as:

* Antidepressants to stabilize mood

* Low-dose birth control for irregular or heavy periods

* Hormone therapy to manage symptoms

* OTC or prescription medicine to address vaginal dryness or painful sex

Pregnant during perimenopause

Fertility naturally declines during perimenopause; however, it is still possible to conceive. The ovaries release fewer eggs, and fertility hormones gradually decrease, causing periods to become irregular. But, as long as you continue to have periods, it means you are still ovulating, and pregnancy is possible.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Build Social Connections

WELL-BEING

Humans need social contact. Having good social connections can help you feel better and live a healthier life. These are some ways to meet people and have fun with others.

* Join a group or class. Book clubs, wood carving, music and hiking are a few options.

* Get involved. Attend a neighborhood clean-up or gardening effort.

* Volunteer. A local charity, library or hospital may need your help.

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Prevent Firework Injuries

WELL-BEING

Fireworks are all fun and games until someone gets hurt. In fact, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year and cause thousands of injuries. However, those facts still don’t deter many people from buying and setting off fireworks each summer. To keep yourself and your family safe, practice these fireworks safety tips.

Leave it to the professionals

If you can, allow professionals to set off any fireworks. Attend a public fireworks event over trying to set up your own fireworks display.

Keep children away

If you are setting off your own fireworks, do not allow children to help and make sure everyone is at a safe distance.

Say no to drugs and alcohol

Do not set off any fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Or, ask someone else who is not impaired to set off the fireworks for you.

Handle with care

Do not hold the fireworks in your hands or set off indoors. Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material. Do not point or throw fireworks at another person and never ignite devices in a container.

Stay away from defective fireworks

Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or use in case of fire.

Sparklers are scary

This popular pastime for children has proven to be one of the most dangerous. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. They can ignite clothing and severely burn children who drop them on their feet. Safer alternatives to consider are glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers.

Source: National Safety Council

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get Involved With Wellness

WELL-BEING

Staying motivated to make healthy choices can be challenging. That’s why connecting with others who share your goals can be so effective. Getting involved in a wellness program helps you stay on track and successfully make positive changes.

* Take advantage of your workplace wellness activities and programs.

* Take an exercise class at a local fitness center or park district.

* Look for wellness offerings through local churches, libraries, and community centers.

* Start your own group by gathering like-minded friends, family, and coworkers.

* Remember, wellness isn’t just exercise! Look for programs on cooking, gardening, mindfulness, spirituality, emotional health, book clubs, and self-care, and more!

* Ask your doctor to recommend wellness programs.

* Set yourself up for success by choosing programs that fit comfortably into your schedule.

* Connect with an online wellness community or program.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Command Yourself To Relax

Stress Management

Imagine scraping your nails across a blackboard or biting into a raw lemon. Either thought probably made you cringe-the power of suggestion is that strong. Used correctly, suggestion is yet another effective stress-management tool.

A technique called autogenic training is based on the power of suggestion and was developed many years ago to reduce muscle tension in chronic headache sufferers. Basically, you give yourself a series of verbal commands geared to induce feelings of either heaviness or warmth. “Heaviness” commands promote muscle relaxation; “warmth” commands relax the blood vessels, so blood flows more freely, triggering sensations of warmth. Together, the two sensations promote relaxation. Here’s how it’s done.

1. Choose a quiet environment with no distractions. Dim the lights and wear comfortable clothing. Sit in a comfortable chair and close your eyes.

2. Start with your right arm (if you’re right-handed) or your left arm (if you’re left-handed), and slowly give yourself these verbal cues:

– My arm is heavy. (Repeat three times for each arm.)

– My leg is heavy. (Repeat three times for each leg.)

– Both my arms and legs feel heavy. (Repeat three times.) It might help to visualize small weights attached to your arms and legs.

3. Follow the same sequence for the “warmth” commands:

– My arm is warm. (Repeat three times for each arm.)

– My leg is warm. (Repeat three times for each leg.)

– Both my arms and legs feel warm. (Repeat three times. It might help to imagine your arms and legs submerged in warm bath water or basking in sunlight.)

4. To complete the exercise, take a deep breath and say, “I am calm.”

Note: People with certain medical or psychiatric conditions (like severe depression) shouldn’t practice relaxation without first checking with their physicians.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make Stress Work For You

Stress Management

Slay your dragons and eat them for lunch! (Figuratively speaking, that is.) Lots of people have learned to tame stress by refusing to accept defeat in the face of negative forces. Instead, they meet stress head on, with a positive outcome. In other words, if you can use a negative event (like losing your job) to motivate you to take positive action (like getting a better job), you can beat stress at its own game.

Here’s how you can make stress work for you, not against you.

* Try not to think of setbacks as defeats.

* View stress as an energizer. Consider each new demand as a challenge, no matter how forbidding it may seem.

* Always ask yourself, “What’s the best that can happen?” rather than “What’s the worst possible outcome?”

* Pause between skirmishes. Allow for rest and recuperation before facing each challenge.

* Take charge. Although you can’t control other people’s actions, you can control your response to what comes your way. When it comes to managing your emotions, you’re the boss.

* Don’t try to please everyone-you can’t. (Do aim to please yourself occasionally, though.)

* Get the big picture. Think in terms of long-range goals, not just day-to-day problems.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026