HealthyLife Articles

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Save More, Spend Less

FINANCIAL HEALTH

According to the American Psychological Association, finances are the number one cause of stress in America. Whether it’s meeting the monthly bills or trying to build a retirement fund, financial worries can be difficult to deal with.

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your monthly budget, the Federal Trade Commission offers some tips that may help you save more and spend less without feeling the pinch.

Start with a budget.

This may not be fun, but it doesn’t have to be long and difficult. You can use something as simple as a two-column sheet of paper. In one column, write your net income for the month. In the other column, record all your expenses: basic monthly bills (mortgage, food, transportation), lifestyle choices (entertainment, eating out, personal care, pets), and other expenses. This will give you a clear idea of how much you need to save or cut back on spending. The FTC website offers a free budget worksheet atwww.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet.pdf.

Consider direct deposits into savings accounts.

Have part of your paycheck go directly into a 401 savings or other type of retirement account. Have additional money put into another savings account for an emergency fund and major expenses as needed.

Pack lunches.

A daily $6 spent on lunch adds up to $800 a year. Instead, make extra food for dinner and take leftovers or make your own sandwich. Or, purchase healthy frozen meals when they’re on sale.

Use free community services.

Most cities have well-stocked libraries that have books, magazines, music, games, and movies. You can check these items out for free.

Know that every little bit helps.

Make small, manageable goals to help you save. Even just $1,000 less on your credit card bill could save you hundreds of dollars in interest each year. Eating out one fewer time each week adds up to big savings in a few months. Rather than being discouraged by a goal that seems impossible, look for small, doable ways to save a few dollars here and there.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Are Payday Loans Worth It?

FINANCIAL HEALTH

When you need money, payday loans may seem like a quick, easy option. But these loans may not be worth the money they cost you.

Payday loans are also called cash advance loans. They’re a short-term loan. You pay a fee – often a big one – to borrow money for a short amount of time.

How does a payday loan work?

* You give the lender a check for the amount of money you want to borrow plus the fee to borrow it. For instance, if you borrow $500 and their fee is $75, you give the lender a check for $575.

* The lender keeps your check and gives you $500 cash.

* On your next payday, you pay the lender $575. You can have the lender cash your original check or you can pay in cash.

If you can’t pay back the $575 on your next payday, you may have to roll over the loan. This means you may pay another fee. The high fees for these loans add up quickly. It can get so expensive that you end up paying back an amount much higher than what you borrowed.

Other loan options

Payday loans are often not worth the cost. Consider borrowing money from your bank or credit union or use your credit card instead. Even if your credit card interest rate is 20%, this may still be lower than a payday loan.

Sometimes you can ask for more time to pay your bills. A credit counselor may be able to help with this.

Compare loan costs

If you need a loan, ask about these things before you sign and agree:

* What is the annual percentage rate (APR)?

* What are the fees?

* When do I pay it back?

* What happens if I can’t pay it back on time?

Sometimes things happen and you need some money quickly. If you’re in this situation, try to find a loan with low fees. Think about the amount you need. Only borrow what you know you can pay back with your next paycheck.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Alcohol – Know Your Limits

MEDICAL NEWS

Drinking too much, even just one time, can harm your health. Take a look at what too much alcohol can do to the body.

Brain:Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication signals. This causes problems with thinking clearly and making decisions. It can also affect mood and behavior. These effects can be long-term.

Heart:Alcohol can cause an irregular heartbeat and can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood. Too much alcohol may increase the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.

Liver:Drinking too much can permanently damage the liver. In some cases, heavy drinking can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and death.

A moderate amount of alcohol may be safe for most people who don’t have health problems. For people who drink alcohol, a moderate amount is:

* Women: No more than 1 drink per day

* Men: No more than 2 drinks per day

Drunk driving

Driving after you’ve had too much alcohol can be deadly for you and others. Just two alcoholic drinks can affect your ability to drive. One person in the U.S. dies every 53 minutes due to an alcohol-related car crash. Help prevent these tragedies by:

* Choosing a designated driver

* Calling a cab when you’ve had too much alcohol

* Not letting friends drink and drive

* Offering non-alcoholic drinks at parties and reminding guests not to drink and drive

Behavior Problems

Drinking too much can lead to violence, risky behavior, and even suicide or homicide.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, American Liver Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Diabetes-Related Vision Loss Increasing

MEDICAL NEWS

More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes today. Living a healthy life with diabetes is possible, but it is a serious disease that requires proper medical care.

Diabetic retinopathy is a possible complication of diabetes. It is caused by damage in the blood vessels of the eye’s retina. It is also a leading cause of vision loss and blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy rates are rapidly increasing, according to the National Eye Institute. From 2000 to 2010, diabetic retinopathy cases increased 89 percent from 4.06 million to 7.69 million. And, that number is expected to nearly double by the year 2050.

Keeping eyes healthy

If you have diabetes, there are ways to lead a healthy life and avoid problems like diabetic retinopathy. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease recommends:

*Keep blood glucose (blood sugar) levels under control.High blood glucose damages the blood vessels on the retina over time. The blood vessels may become blocked, cutting off blood supply to the retina. Work with your doctor to set a target blood glucose number. Get clear instruction from your medical team on how you can meet your goal. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and certain diabetes medicines may be needed.

*Track your blood pressure.Many people associate blood pressure with heart disease, but it matters for diabetes too. Long-term high blood pressure also harms your retina’s blood vessels. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Ask your doctor how often it should be checked. If you need blood pressure medicine, take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Early signs of eye problems

Diabetic retinopathy may not have any early signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s important to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, even if you feel fine.

If you notice any of the following problems, see your doctor:

* Double vision

* Blurry vision

* Seeing rings, flashes or spots

* Eye pain or a feeling of pressure in the eye

* Trouble seeing out of the corner of your eye

You can take steps to manage diabetes. Talk to your doctor, nutritionist, and medical team about keeping your eyes – and your entire body – as healthy as possible.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is It The Flu?

MEDICAL NEWS

Influenza, or the flu, circulates every winter and leaves thousands of people sick with a cough, aches, fever, and fatigue. The flu is much more serious than a cold: thousands of people die each year from flu-related complications. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have the flu until it’s too late. By then, they may have exposed people at work, school, or other public places. Here’s how to know if you have the flu, or just a cold:

When you come down with a cold, your symptoms usually appear very gradually over a few days. They often start with a sore throat followed by a runny nose. The flu often hits hard, very quickly. Symptoms appear suddenly and the exhaustion and aches can quickly become severe.

If in doubt, try to stay home and stay away from others when you’re sick. In particular, try to avoid exposing young children and older adults, who may be more likely to suffer from flu-related problems. Wash your hands frequently and encourage others in your household to do the same.

If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. You may be able to take an antiviral medication (brand name: Tamiflu), which can decrease your symptoms and the amount of time you are sick. Antiviral medications should be taken within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.

Finally, talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot each year: it’s the number one way to help avoid getting – and spreading – the flu!

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Opioid Addiction And Overdose

MEDICAL NEWS

Opioid misuse is one of the biggest health problems facing the U.S. today. The National Institutes of Health says about 2 million people in the U.S. have an opioid misuse disorder.

Opioids are powerful medicines used to treat pain. They may be prescribed to people after they have surgery or get injured. Some of the most common prescription opioids are oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine and morphine.

Opioid medicines affect the brain and can make the user feel relaxed and happy. When used for short periods and as directed, they are considered safe. But sometimes, people can become addicted to them. They may also build up a tolerance over time, which means they need higher and higher doses of the medicine to feel its effects.

If a person builds a tolerance and/or becomes addicted, they can overdose on opioids. This can lead to brain damage, coma and death. About 30,000 people die each year from opioid overdose in the U.S.

Treating opioid use disorder

Help is available for people who are addicted to opioids. Two medicines, buprenorphine and methadone, work to lower cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Another medicine, naltrexone, blocks opioids from working and can reduce cravings for the medicine.

Behavioral therapy for addiction to prescription opioids can help, too. It works by changing people’s thoughts and behaviors about opioid use. Behavioral therapy is a proven treatment, especially when used with medicines.

Emergency overdose treatment

When someone overdoses on opioids, their breathing may slow down or stop. Their pupils may be small like pinpoints. A medicine called naloxone (Narcan®) can reverse an opioid overdose and save their life.

Naloxone is a prescription drug that stops opioid overdose if given in time. Paramedics, emergency room doctors and other first responders have naloxone available to treat people with opioid overdose. In some states, you may need a prescription. Other states will sell naloxone without a prescription. It is available in nasal spray and a shot (injection).

If you or a loved one has an opioid misuse disorder, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor today to get help.

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse, World Health Organization

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
So Do You Really Need That Vitamin?

MEDICAL NEWS

Before taking a daily vitamin or dietary supplement, you might want to think about what you’re really consuming, suggests a Kansas State University human nutritionist.

“Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration like other drugs are regulated, which is something I think a lot of people don’t realize,” said Brian Lindshield, assistant professor of human nutrition.

Lindshield researches supplements to see if the ingredients listed on the label actually match what is found in the bottle. You don’t always get what you pay for and think you’re getting.

If you want to get the most accurate product, look for the bottles with the more descriptive labels. Also, paying a little extra will usually get you the ingredients you are seeking.

“You should probably avoid buying the cheapest supplement available because if the manufacturer is cutting corners to get the price really cheap, they probably are not using the same standards that the manufacturers of more expensive products are,” Lindshield said.

Another tip: Don’t expect supplements to make up for a poor diet. “Vitamins and minerals will prevent deficiency, but it’s not going to make up for a lot of the chronic disease risks that come with an unhealthy diet,” Lindshield said.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Under Pressure: What To Know About Glaucoma

MEDICAL NEWS

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60, so it’s important to know what you can do about it.

Glaucoma happens when too much fluid builds up in the eye. This extra fluid causes pressure that damages the optic nerve. This damage cannot be undone once it happens. It can lead to loss of all or part of your vision. But, glaucoma can be managed and the damage to vision can be decreased with proper medical care.

People at highest risk for glaucoma

Anyone can get glaucoma. But certain groups of people may be more likely to get it, including:

* People with a family history of glaucoma

* African Americans over age 40

* Anyone over age 60, but Mexican Americans are especially at risk

* People who have high eye pressure, thin corneas or optic nerve problems

* People with high blood pressure that’s not well controlled

Signs and symptoms

Glaucoma often doesn’t have early signs and symptoms until damage has already been done. That’s why getting regular eye exams is so important. For many people, the first sign of glaucoma is loss of their peripheral (side) vision.

Don’t assume you don’t have glaucoma because your eyes “feel fine.” Many people develop glaucoma without any symptoms.

What can you do about glaucoma?

Glaucoma has no cure, but there are things you can do to slow it down and save your vision:

* If you have glaucoma, take your medicines every day. Ask your eye doctor how often you need to be seen, and stick to your appointments.

* Get a complete eye exam at least every 2 years or as often as recommended. This includes a dilated eye exam.

* Even if you don’t have glaucoma, ask your eye doctor about your risk. This includes telling your doctor about any family history of glaucoma.

People with certain risk factors for glaucoma may be given special eye drops. These drops can lower the risk of getting glaucoma but they must be used regularly to be effective.

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you and your doctor will discuss what treatment is best for you. It may depend on what type of glaucoma you have and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

* Eye drops that lower pressure in the eye

* Surgery done with a laser that helps the eye drain fluid better

* Traditional surgery that may include placing a new drainage tube in the eye

Save your sight – see your eye doctor to get checked for glaucoma!

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Alcohol And Meds Don’t Mix

MEDICAL NEWS

You may have heard that you shouldn’t drink alcohol and take medicines together. This combination is very dangerous because:

1. If you take aspirin and drink alcohol, this raises the chances of bleeding in your stomach.

2. Drinking alcohol with cold or allergy medicines can make you very sleepy.

3. Even small amounts of alcohol taken with sleeping pills can cause dizziness or fainting.

4. Alcohol combined with some pain relievers can cause liver damage.

5. Taking alcohol with certain blood thinners can cause bleeding.

If you take any medicines and drink alcohol, even occasionally, talk to your doctor.

Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Institute on Aging

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Breaking Bad Habits

WELL-BEING

Bad habits may be hard to change, but it can be done. Smoking, for example, can be stopped. So can alcohol abuse.

If you could only … but why don’t you? Scientists at the NIH study what happens in your brain as habits form. They come about through repetition. Brushing your teeth in the morning is a good habit. Reaching for a cigarette-bad habit.

Habits trigger pleasure centers in your brain. First, focus on becoming more aware of your bad habits. Then try these strategies to counteract them:

* Avoid tempting situations. If you don’t buy candy bars, it won’t be as easy to eat one.

* Prepare mentally. Think about how you want to handle it and mentally practice what you plan.

* Enlist support. Ask friends, family, and coworkers to support your efforts to change.

* Replace unhealthy bad habits with healthy ones. Exercise or try a new hobby.

* Reward yourself for small steps.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026