HealthyLife Articles

Category: Uncategorized

  • 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

  • Health Tests For Men

    Medical Exams

    Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

    Why you need this:

    The aorta is the main artery in the body. It extends upward from the heart, curves behind the heart, and runs downward through the chest and into the abdomen. The part in the abdomen is called the abdominal aorta. An aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling in a blood vessel wall. If this gets too big, the aorta can burst or tear. This is life threatening. Major risk factors for an aneurysm in the aorta are: being male; Being age 65 years or older; and a history of smoking at least 100 cigarettes over a lifetime. An ultrasound test is used to screen for an AAA. This test uses sound waves to get an image of your aorta and other structures in the upper abdomen to check for problems.

    What to do before the test:

    You may need to avoid eating for 8 to 12 hours before the test.

    What to expect:

    The test is usually painless. It does not involve the use of needles, injections, or radiation. You will be given a gown to wear. You lie on your back on an exam table. A warm gel is applied to the skin on your abdomen. The technician firmly presses a hand-held instrument (a transducer) in a back and forth motion over the skin of your abdomen. The test takes about 30 minutes. The gel is wiped off. The test is done.

    What the results mean:

    A radiologist looks at the images and sends a report to your doctor. If a problem is found, your doctor will order follow-up testing or treatment, as needed.

    Prostate Cancer Screening – Digital Rectal Exam

    Why you need this:

    Used as a screening tool for an enlarged prostate gland and for the possible presence of prostate cancer and tumors in the rectum.

    What to expect:

    The doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the anus to feel the prostate gland through the front wall of the rectum. The doctor feels for lumps or hard areas and for an enlarged prostate. This can feel uncomfortable, but does not usually cause pain.

    What the results mean:

    If a lump or other problem is felt, the doctor may prescribe follow-up tests.

    Prostate Cancer Screening – Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

    Why you need this:

    Used as a screening tool for the possible presence of prostate cancer.

    What to do before the test:

    Avoid having sex 24 hours before the test. Find out ahead of time, from your doctor, if you need to delay or skip any medicines you take until after the test.

    What to expect:

    A blood sample is taken, usually from a vein in the arm. The sample is sent to a lab.

    What the results mean:

    The results give the blood level of prostate-specific antigen, (a protein made by the prostate gland) in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The upper limit of “normal” is 4.0 ng/mL. Levels above this do not mean prostate cancer is present for sure.

    Elevated PSA levels can also be from an enlarged prostate and prostate gland infections. Also, cancer can be present at levels below 4.0 ng/mL. Discuss the benefits and risks of PSA testing with your doctor. How much your PSA level changes from year to year, your age, and other medical problems you have are factors your doctor may consider in deciding about extra tests, such as a biopsy for prostate cancer.

    Men's and Women's Self-Care Book. Published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Never Cycle Without A Helmet

    Personal Safety

    (and Other Tips for Safer Biking)

    Image of family riding bikes with helmets on.

    Wearing a helmet is the single most important thing you can do to prevent serious injury from bicycle accidents. Other injury-preventive measures include wearing gloves, choosing the right size bike, and riding on well- maintained roads. But wearing a helmet is still critical.

    Not just any helmet will do, however. Look for the following features.

    *  Outer layer or shell that is bright yellow, white, orange, or red (so motorists can see you more easily), and is constructed of hard plastic or polycarbonate.

    *  Waterproof finish.

    *  Stiff polystyrene lining.

    *  Securely attached nylon strap and fastener.

    *  A label signifying that the American Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation has certified the helmet as safe.

    Whatever your cycling style, don’t sacrifice safety for thrills. To be sure your equipment is safe and reliable:

    *  Choose a bike that’s right for your size. When seated, you should be able to put one foot on the ground without leaning the bike to one side or the other.

    *  Brakes should be in good working order-that is, enabling you to stop within 15 feet while riding at 10 miles per hour.

    *  Check tires for worn spots, punctures, or other signs of wear. Fix or repair, as needed.

    *  By law, all bicycles must have red reflectors, visible for 500 feet, on the sides, rear, and pedals.

    *  The bicycle should have headlights.

    *  Rearview mirrors are optional, but helpful.

    Additional tips every bicyclist should bear in mind:

    *  Obey all traffic laws, just as you would if you were driving a car. (Ride with traffic, not against it; observe traffic signs and signals; stay to the right; maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you; and use hand signals for turning.)

    *  Look behind you before turning or changing lanes.

    *  Consider walking your bike across intersections not governed by traffic signals, especially if traffic is heavy.

    *  Whenever possible, choose routes over smooth pavement.

    *  Drive defensively, anticipating the actions of motorists, pedestrians, and other bikers.

    *  Keep your eyes on the road. Watch for potholes, parked cars, and children or animals entering your path.

    *  Pay attention. Don’t listen to a portable radio or tape player while riding.

    *  Don’t B.W.I.-bike while intoxicated. It’s just as risky as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    The above rules apply whether you’re biking for exercise, sport, or transportation.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine