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  • Uv Safety 2

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man's sun burn face popping out of swimming tube.

    Sitting in the warm sun can be great for your mental health and your daily dose of vitamin D. But too much sun exposure can pose a big problem. Before you get some rays, plan ahead so your fun in the sun doesn’t end with a painful sunburn.

    *Find shade:You don’t want to be in direct sunlight for too long. Find a shady area or an umbrella to sit under for some respite from the sun.

    *Wear clothing:The right clothes can help reduce sun damage. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your arms, legs, chest and back. Find a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and neck and buy sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Choose clothes with built-in UV protection, as well.

    *Rub in sunscreen:Wearing sunscreen is a habit you should practice year-round. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 – SPF 30 is a better choice. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming.

    How to soothe a sunburn

    It’s fun to play in the sun. But what do you do when the sun bites back? First things first, get out of the sun! Cover up your skin if you’re outside and find a cool, dark place. Then, get to work helping your skin recover.

    1.Take a cool bath or shower to cool down your skin.Avoid using harsh soaps or body washes, as these could make your skin dry out even more.

    2.Apply a moisturizer or aloe vera to the burn.This helps to trap moisture in your skin, which can help with healing. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation and may help stop bacteria from growing.

    3.Drink water.Your body fights a sunburn by drawing water to the surface of your skin. This could lead to dehydration, so be sure to replenish your fluids often.

    4.Take extra care.After a sunburn, it is very important that you stay out of the sun for the next few days so your skin can heal. Wear loose clothing and avoid any itchy fabrics.

    5.See a doctor if…you get severe blistering, develop a fever and chills, or see signs of infection, such as oozing pus or red streaks.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women's arm rash.

    Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Up to 1 in 3 people with the skin condition psoriasis will go on to develop PA.

    Most people who experience PA have had psoriasis for ten or more years. However, it is possible to develop PA without showing symptoms of psoriasis. PA is most likely to develop in middle age, though it can occur at any age. It can even occur in children.

    Signs & symptoms

    The most common symptom of PA is pain and swelling of the joints. The joints most likely to be affected include the fingers, ankles, wrists, and knees.

    Swelling of the fingers and toes is also common. This is called dactylitis, which causes discomfort and difficulty bending or using the fingers. In addition, the swelling can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion, especially in the morning.

    Other symptoms of PA include fatigue, redness of the eyes, and pitting of the nails.

    Though PA is predominantly a joint condition, some organs of the body may be affected. For example, the digestive system, lungs, and heart can be damaged if the condition is left untreated.

    Diagnosis & treatment

    While there is no diagnostic test for PA, doctors make a diagnosis based on their observation, a health history, and by ruling out other possibilities. Tests that may be used include X-rays to assess the bones and joints and blood tests to look for markers of inflammation.

    Prompt treatment of PA is essential to prevent damage to the joints or organs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PA, but many treatment options are available to manage pain and decrease inflammation.

    A primary care doctor, rheumatologist, and dermatologist may all be part of the care team for treating PA.

    Living with PA

    Thanks to the many effective treatments available, people with PA can reduce the side effects of the condition and lead active, healthy lives.

    In addition to medical resources, lifestyle habits such as exercise and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms.

    If you have PA, always talk to your doctor to find out what activities or lifestyle choices are right for you.

    Sources: Arthritis Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women in wheel chair.

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common condition affecting millions of people across the world.

    What is MS?

    MS is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is designed to fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria. Autoimmune means the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake.

    With MS, the immune system attacks a protective coating on the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When this coating, called the myelin sheath, is damaged, the nerves have trouble sending signals.

    Types of MS

    Most people with MS have relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). RRMS causes MS symptoms over a few days or weeks, known as a relapse. Then, MS symptoms go away for months or even years. When symptoms go away, this is called remission. The relapse and remission cycle repeats itself over time.

    Other people may have symptoms that slowly get worse. They don’t have periods of remission. This is known as primary progressive or secondary progressive MS.

    Symptoms of MS

    MS symptoms are very different from person to person. They can also change over time. Symptoms include:

    *  Feeling tired (fatigue)

    *  Weakness

    *  Loss of balance

    *  Numbness or tingling

    *  Stiff muscles or spasms

    *  Blurry vision

    *  Dizziness

    *  Loss of control of bladder or bowels

    *  Trouble with memory, learning or attention

    *  Speech problems

    *  Shaking

    *  Seizures

    If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have MS. However, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

    How is MS treated?

    If you have MS, see your doctor regularly. Treatment can help slow the disease and manage symptoms. There are different medications available to treat MS, and physical therapy is helpful for some people. A doctor who specializes in treating MS can recommend the best treatment for you.

    While there is no cure, treatments for MS continue to improve. With a doctor’s help, many people with MS can manage their symptoms and feel their best.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Epilepsy

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Purple ribbon and brain to represent epilepsy awareness.

    Epilepsy is a broad term that encompasses a variety of brain disorders that cause seizures. It is one of the most common brain conditions and can affect people of any age.

    Signs & symptoms

    The primary symptom of epilepsy is seizures. A seizure is a brief change in brain activity. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

    Someone may be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two or more seizures unrelated to another cause, such as a fever or low blood sugar.

    Seizures can look different in different people. Signs may include:

    *  Confusion

    *  Staring

    *  Rapid blinking

    *  Twitching or shaking

    *  Falling to the ground

    *  Loss of consciousness

    *  Body stiffening

    Causes

    While the cause of epilepsy is unknown for many people, certain conditions impact the brain and may lead to the development of epilepsy:

    *  Brain tumor

    *  Traumatic brain injury

    *  Infection in the brain from a virus, bacteria, or parasite

    *  Stroke

    *  Oxygen deprivation of the brain

    *  Certain genetic disorders

    *  Certain neurological diseases

    Treatment

    If left untreated, recurring seizures impact quality of life, increase the risk of injury, and may shorten life expectancy.

    Common treatments include:

    *  Medicine: Anti-seizure medication works by controlling improper brain signals.

    *  Surgery: This can remove the affected area if seizure activity occurs in only one part of the brain.

    *  Diet: A specialized ketogenic diet may be effective for some types of epilepsy, especially in children.

    *  Nerve stimulation: An implanted device stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce seizures.

    Self-care

    Successful epilepsy treatment takes the combined efforts of healthcare professionals and the person with epilepsy. Many self-care practices aid in reducing seizure triggers and keeping the body healthy:

    *  Take all medications as prescribed.

    *  Keep a record of seizures and any potential triggers.

    *  Get plenty of sleep every night.

    *  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

    *  Get regular physical activity and movement.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Dyslexia

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Boy spelling DYSLEXIA with wood blocks.

    Dyslexia is a learning disability that impacts the ability to read. While the condition can be frustrating, people with dyslexia have more resources available than ever before. With proper support, they can build the skills needed to adapt and learn.

    Causes

    Dyslexia is neurobiological, meaning it is caused by how the brain is “wired.” Many people with dyslexia are born with a brain that has difficulty interpreting written information. However, dyslexia can develop as a result of a brain injury or dementia.

    Dyslexia isn’t related to a person’s intelligence. People of all intellectual abilities may be affected by dyslexia. Just because someone has difficulty processing written information doesn’t mean they don’t understand the concepts.

    Genetics may play a role in the development of dyslexia. While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, research is ongoing to further clarify its origin and treatment.

    Signs

    While no single test can diagnose dyslexia, a doctor will look at a range of signs and symptoms. Information from family history, medical history, reading evaluations, psychological testing, and other factors provide the basis for a diagnosis.

    Here are some common signs of dyslexia:

    *  Reading or writing slowly

    *  Writing letters in the wrong order

    *  Difficulty telling similar letters or words apart

    *  Problems spelling

    *  Difficulty planning and organizing

    *  Avoidance of activities that involve reading

    *  Problems remembering sequences

    Support

    Early identification of dyslexia is vital, especially for young children. With the right support, most individuals can be successful in school and at work. Effective treatment involves providing a supportive environment and individualized instruction to teach techniques that make reading easier. These include:

    *  Helping a child use multiple senses to identify written words

    *  Tutoring sessions with a reading specialist

    *  A school Individual Education Program (IEP) that guarantees learning support

    *  Reading aloud to children and having them practice reading aloud

    *  Utilizing technology to aid reading and writing

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Crohn’s Disease

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Man holding abdomen in pain.

    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

  • Understand Bitcoin

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    A digital gold bitcoin.

    The recent popularity of Bitcoin may have you wondering what it’s all about. Here’s what you need to know.

    *  Digital currency. Bitcoin is not linked to any physical representation of value. It is used as a medium of exchange or a store of value.

    *  Decentralized. No bank or organization controls Bitcoin, and it is not backed by any government or economy.

    *  Mined. Bitcoins are generated through a process called “mining.” It takes massive computer systems (and a lot of electricity!) to mine Bitcoins.

    *  Blockchain. Mining uses complex math puzzles to create a new “block” that is added to the Bitcoin chain. The blockchain is recorded in a public ledger.

    *  Stored in a “wallet.” A digital wallet is required to store the encrypted key that accesses your Bitcoin. It’s like a virtual bank account.

    *  Unregulated. No government or organization has regulatory oversight of Bitcoin. Bitcoin is anonymous and there is no recourse if stolen.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Autoimmunity

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Smiling female.

    The immune system is a finely tuned network of organs and cells that protect you. When the body senses a threat, such as an injury, bacteria, or virus, the immune system swings into action. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets your own tissues, causing damage.

    Common autoimmune conditions

    *  Type 1 diabetes

    *  Lupus

    *  Rheumatoid arthritis

    *  Irritable bowel syndrome

    *  Graves’ disease

    *  Hashimoto’s disease

    *  Multiple sclerosis

    *  Psoriasis

    *  Celiac disease

    *  Alopecia areata

    Symptoms

    The specific symptoms vary by type of autoimmune condition. However, many autoimmune diseases share some common symptoms:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Dizziness

    *  Redness and swelling

    *  Muscle aches

    *  Low-grade fevers

    *  Symptoms that come and go, called flares and remission

    Causes

    No one knows exactly why some people develop an autoimmune disease. However, they are more common in some groups of people:

    *  Women are more likely than men to develop an autoimmune condition.

    *  Genetics may predispose a person to certain autoimmune diseases.

    *  Exposure to certain viruses, bacteria, or chemicals may trigger an autoimmune reaction.

    *  Some autoimmune disorders are more common among certain racial or ethnic groups.

    Treatment

    Your doctor is your best resource to properly diagnose and treat autoimmune diseases. The exact treatment depends on the type of autoimmune condition, the areas of the body affected, and your own health and medical history.

    Treatment goals include:

    *  Suppress or slow down the immune system to prevent it from damaging tissues.

    *  Control symptoms, including pain, inflammation, rash, etc.

    *  Replace any substances your body can no longer make, for example, insulin if you have type 1 diabetes.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Understanding Autism

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Blue teddy bear holding heart with autism puzzle icon.

    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