HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

The Latest On Mammograms

MEDICAL NEWS

Our understanding of cancer has expanded rapidly in recent decades. As a result, cancer treatment continues to improve. However, prevention and early detection are important steps to fight cancer.

Identifying breast cancer before it has the chance to spread is one of the best ways to improve breast cancer survival. In general, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Mammograms are a critical tool for early detection.

How a mammogram works

A mammogram is an x-ray specially designed to look at breast tissue. The amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram is low, and the benefits usually outweigh any risk.

While the images from a mammogram cannot tell you if you have cancer, they can show if there is abnormal tissue in the breast. The presence of abnormal tissue could indicate the need for further testing.

When used as a routine screening tool, a mammogram may detect breast cancer before it presents any symptoms and while it is too small to feel.

When to get a mammogram

A woman’s risk of breast cancer increases over their lifespan. Past a certain age, a mammogram should be a regular part of routine healthcare.

If and when you should get a mammogram is a decision to be made in consultation with your doctor. The general guidelines for women are:

* Women who are 50-74 years of age and at average risk of breast cancer should have a mammogram every two years.

* Women between the ages of 40-49 may benefit from early screening if recommended by their doctor.

* Women at high risk of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about how often to get a mammogram.

Recent Advances in Mammography

The FDA recently approved a computer-assisted and detection (CAD) program to aid doctors in identifying and diagnosing breast cancer using data from mammographies. The advances in CAD have the potential to improve the early detection of breast cancer. This could mean a big step forward in the fight against breast cancer.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Crohn’s Disease

MEDICAL NEWS

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that impacts the entire digestive tract. Most commonly, it causes inflammation and dysfunction of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.

While there is no cure, effective treatments can manage symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the part of the digestive tract affected and the degree of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

* Diarrhea

* Abdominal pain and cramping

* Weight loss

* Anemia

* Fatigue

* Fever

* Nausea and loss of appetite

* Joint pain

* Eye redness

* Skin changes

Causes

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown. In some cases, it may be caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the digestive tract.

Risk factors include:

* Family history

* Smoking

* Medications such as birth control, antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen may slightly increase risk.

* High-fat diet

* Age. Those in their 20s are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease.

Treatment

Treatment aims to decrease the inflammation in the intestines and prevent complications. A doctor is the best resource for treatment options and an individualized plan. They may recommend:

*Medications:These may be used to decrease inflammation and reduce the activity of the immune system. Some medicines can also relieve symptoms, such as antidiarrheals and pain medication.

*Bowl rest:If the digestive tract is very inflamed, it may need time to rest and heal. Avoiding solid food and drinking only liquids may be required for a brief time. To maintain nutrition, a doctor may recommend liquid supplements or IV nutrition.

*Diet:Specific foods may cause discomfort or pain during a flare-up. Following a healthy diet and paying attention to foods that cause trouble can help manage symptoms.

*Surgery:If other treatments are ineffective, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove a part of the intestines that has become damaged. This is not a cure but may improve quality of life.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer?

WELL-BEING

Many people have their phones in pockets or purses all the time.

Is this safe?

Cell phones and RF waves

When they are turned on, cell phones give off radiofrequency (RF) waves. When a person holds a cell phone up to their ear, they are exposed to the RF waves from the phone.

At very high levels, RF waves can cause heat. This is how microwave ovens heat food. But the energy given off by a cell phone isn’t enough to cause a person’s body to heat up.

Most stuides say “NO”

Studies on rats have found that exposing their entire bodies to RF waves for long periods of time may increase the risk of a certain type of tumor. The levels used in this study were much higher than what a person would experience from normal everyday cell phone use.

Most studies on humans have found that people who have brain tumors do not use cell phones more than people who don’t have tumors. Other human studies have found that brain tumors don’t happen more on the side of the head where people hold their cell phones. Both results seem to suggest that cell phones do not cause brain tumors.

But a few studies have found an increased tumor risk on the side of the head where a person usually holds their cell phone.

Researchers believe we need more studies to find out for sure whether cell phones could be linked to cancer.

What should I do?

The American Cancer Society says RF waves are not as strong as different types of radiation like x-rays and UV light. X-rays and UV light can damage DNA. RF waves from cell phones are much weaker and don’t cause DNA damage. This means they would not make changes that could cause a tumor to form.

But, if you want to avoid exposure to RF waves, you can:

* Keep your phone away from your body. Don’t keep it in your pocket when it’s turned on.

* Use the speaker function or an earpiece when talking on the phone.

Source: American Cancer Society

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Quick Healthy Heart Habits

WELL-BEING

A heart healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These little changes can make a big difference:

1. Lower blood pressure with fruits and veggies. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Swap out sweets or deep-fried foods for fruits and vegetables. They contain plenty of potassium, which is a mineral that helps to naturally lower blood pressure. Try to get 2.5 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit each day.

2. Favor healthy fats. The right kind of fats can be good for your heart. Fatty fish such as salmon contain omega-3 fats, which may prevent sudden death from a heart attack. Olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds all contain heart healthy unsaturated fat that can help lower bad cholesterol and may raise good cholesterol.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
10 Stress Tamers

Stress Management

1. Exercise and move your body at least 30 minutes a day.

2. When you get a surge of stress, count to 10.

3. Take a 5-minute walk to help clear your mind.

4. Squeeze a foam or rubber ball 5 to 10 times.

5. Close your eyes. Imagine a calm scene.

6. Allot at least 10 minutes a day to clear clutter in your house and at work.

7. Help someone in need. Call or text a friend.

8. Meditate at home or at work.

9. Take a warm bath or shower.

10. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

Take Action: Sigh for Relief

Purifying sighing exercise:

1. Keep shoulders erect.

2. Let out a big sigh. Make a sound of relief as the air leaves your mouth.

3. Do this 10 to 15 times in a row, as needed, to relieve stress.

Note: If you are prone to hyperventilating, do not do this breathing exercise.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Deal With Bullies

Stress Management

Get help and stand up for yourself.

Bullying or being bullied is not a rite of passage. It’s not just kids being kids or a phase they’ll grow out of. For those who bully, it’s a way to be in control with the intent to cause harm to others. Being bullied can cause serious and lasting emotional damage, such as poor self-esteem, lack of motivation, alcoholism, and depression. And over and over, news shows have featured suicides due to being bullied.

Forms of bullying:

* Verbal − Name-calling or teasing

* Social − Spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships

* Physical − Hitting, punching, shoving, tripping

* Cyber bullying − Using the Internet, mobile phones, or other technologies to harm others

Profile of the bully:

* Overly concerned about his/her popularity

* Likes to dominate or be in charge of others

* Aggressive and/or impulsive

* Hot-headed and easily frustrated

* Doesn’t like rules

Profile of the bullied:

* Doesn’t get along well with others

* Has few or no friends

* Has low self-esteem

* Is depressed or anxious

Take quick action:

Most bullies and their victims will not come forward on their own. Parents, teachers, and other adults need to intervene. If you suspect your child is bullying or being bullied:

* Talk to them without delay.

* Get to know their friends and social networks. Pay attention to their online activities.

* Talk with their teachers to find out how they interact with others in school.

* Set and enforce rules about how digital technology can and cannot be used.

* If you suspect your child is being bullied, report this through the appropriate steps – teachers, administrators, police, and the State School Department, as needed.

* If your child is repeatedly sick, stressed, not sleeping, or having other problems because of bullying, contact a counselor or other health care professional.

Action Step

Set up a daily time to check in with your kids. Ask questions and listen to their responses. Allow them to share stories without judgment so they’ll know they can trust you in times of crisis.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Reduce Outdoor Air Pollution To Breathe Cleaner Air

Stress Management

* Plant trees and other greenery to add oxygen and help lower carbon dioxide in the air. Replace some lawn with shrubs and trees that shade the house to save on cooling and heating costs.

* Create a garden and maintain it. Use manual tools for lawn and garden work, if possible. If not, use electric equipment. If you use gas powered equipment, avoid spilling gas at the gas station and when pouring it into the mower.

* Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling.

* Drive green to lower emissions of pollutants from your car. Obey the speed limit. Don’t accelerate hard and brake hard. Get regular tune-ups. Keep tires inflated. Open windows and use the vents to cool off before you turn on the air conditioner. When buying a new car, choose a low-polluting vehicle.

* Get air conditioners and heat pumps serviced by technicians who are EPA-certified to handle refrigerants. If you buy these items new, choose ones that use non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Tune Out To Tune In

Stress Management

Meditate to alleviate anxiety and stress.

Meditation is a stress management technique that allows you to be in the present moment without interruptions from the kids, deadlines, meetings, and the long to-do list swimming through your mind. It can be practiced anytime in short spurts to relieve immediate stress or for longer periods to help reduce the risks of stress-related illnesses.

How meditation can help

Meditation does not replace proper diagnosis and treatment for a medical problem, but it can promote well-being and may also reduce symptoms of the following conditions:

* Anxiety

* Pain

* Depression

* Stress

* Insomnia

* Chronic back pain

* Asthma

* Hot flashes

* Physical or emotional symptoms that may occur with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer and bothersome side effects of their treatment.

Guru advice:

* Practice meditation two times a day, preferably morning and night. Five to 10 minutes a session is good for starters.

* Choose a quiet place – not a place that you work, exercise, or sleep, if possible.

* Get rid of distractions. If you are worried about the phone ringing or the kids waking, you won’t relax.

* Assume a comfortable position. Focus on your breathing.

* Pay attention to your slowing heart rate and your relaxed muscles.

* Focus on a single point in the room. Good props include candles, incense or quiet music.

* Once the mind quiets, focus on your body. Start at your feet, then move slowly upward, noticing how everything feels.

Action Step

Take at least 10 minutes every morning to calm your mind. Sit or lie down. Breathe slowly and deeply. Focus on the feeling in your lungs and chest.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ask “Is This X-Ray Really Necessary?”

Medical Exams

Most of the time X-rays are necessary, but it’s up to the patient to question them anyway. You must stay alert to the possibility of being exposed to harmful levels of radiation through unnecessary X-rays, both medical and dental. The risks of overexposure can include sterility, birth defects, and the development of cancer in certain sensitive tissues.

If you’re pregnant, or even suspect you might be, further precautions become even more imperative. Dental X-rays might be postponed or, if a medical X-ray is needed, a lead shield should cover the abdominal and pelvic area. Ask your doctor if an ultrasound examination might substitute.

If you have switched to another doctor or dentist, it’s not always necessary to start fresh with new X-rays. Have your previous X-ray records sent to the new office.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
A Cure For The Winter Doldrums

Mental Health

Many people start to feel depressed in November and continue to feel as dark and dreary as the weather until the spring thaw. Scientists call severe depression that sets in during winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Light and temperature play a significant role in SAD. Daylight prompts the brain to release chemicals that spark feelings of energy. For about 5 percent of the population, their mood grows darker when days grow shorter. Daily exposure to full-spectrum fluorescent light, which resembles sunlight, can help cure SAD. Other tips for overcoming SAD include:

* Get outside as much as possible. SAD sufferers report they benefit more by exposure to early morning light than to light later in the day.

* Keep the drapes in your house open and the window shades raised during daylight hours.

* Sit near windows and gaze outside periodically.

* On cloudy days, turn on bright lights.

* Don’t isolate yourself during winter. Visit friends, go to museums, see shows-anything to get out and about.

* Try to take your vacation in the winter instead of in the summer.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026