HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Abdominal & Urinary

Be Kind To Your Kidneys

MEDICAL NEWS

Did you know that your kidneys are responsible for many important body functions? Kidneys are designed to:

* Keep the body’s fluid levels in check

* Remove extra fluid and waste from the blood, which exits the body as urine

* Activate vitamin D for healthy bones

* Balance minerals in the blood

* Direct the making of red blood cells

* Make a hormone that keeps blood pressure within a normal range

Kidney disease: a hidden danger

Chronic kidney disease, sometimes called CKD, can interfere with the kidneys’ important jobs. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, weak bones, anemia and other life-threatening problems.

One of the problems with CKD is many people don’t find out that they have it until the later stages. Then, there could be more severe kidney damage and complications. About 1 in 7 people have some form of CKD.

But there is good news. Getting treated early means kidney damage can be slowed or even stopped. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and get kidney tests if needed.

Know your risk

If you have one of the following conditions, it means you may have a higher chance of getting CKD. Talk with your doctor about your kidney health if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Tests are best

If you have one of the risk factors listed below, your doctor may want to perform one or more of these tests:

* Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

* Protein in urine test: If a person’s urine contains a certain type of protein, it may be an early sign of CKD.

* Creatinine in blood test: If the kidneys aren’t working well, they can’t take a waste product called creatinine out of the blood.

* Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test: This measures creatinine levels and calculates other CKD risk factors too.

What to do

If you find out you have CKD, your doctor may recommend:

* Lowering high blood pressure

* Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes

* Eating less sodium (salt)

* Not taking NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

* Eating only a moderate amount of protein

* Getting a flu shot each year

Even if your kidneys are healthy, you can help keep them that way by:

* Not smoking or getting help to quit

* Working toward a healthy weight

* Getting blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly

* Annual blood sugar testing

* Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

* Seeing your doctor as recommended

* Knowing your family medical history

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Kidney Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bloated Belly: Ways To Get Relief

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people have felt a bloated stomach after a big meal. Usually, the belly feels overly full. It can make clothing feel tighter. The belly may look swollen. Bloating is usually caused by too much food or air and gas getting trapped in the intestines.

But some people get bloated even when they didn’t eat too much. In some cases, it can be downright painful. The best way to address painful bloating is to find the cause and know how you can treat it.

Bloating culprits

The most common causes include:

* Dairy foods. If you notice bloating after eating cheese, ice cream, or drinking milk, you could have lactose intolerance.

* Gum. Swallowing air while chewing can cause bloating.

* Eating too much fiber at once. Fiber is great for you, but if your body isn’t used to it, you can get bloated and uncomfortable. Increase the amount you eat gradually.

* Bowel problems. Being constipated or having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause painful bloating. Drinking plenty of water can help with constipation and fiber absorption.

* Menstrual cycles. Some women get bloated because their body holds extra water before or during their periods.

Treat bloating at home

Many times, bloating can be managed at home. Here’s how:

* Write down what you eat and drink. Record when you get stomach pain or bloating.

* Cut back on gum.

* Avoid carbonated drinks.

* Drink plenty of water to keep the bowels moving. Don’t use a straw when drinking.

* Eat enough fiber. Start with fruits and vegetables. Eat only small amounts of beans, lentils and other gas-causing foods until you get used to them.

* Watch out for sugar-free foods. Some artificial sweeteners can cause bloating and gas.

* Ginger, peppermint, chamomile or fennel herbal teas may help. Always ask a doctor before using herbs if you have a health condition or take any medicines.

* Over-the-counter anti-gas medicines with simethicone help move gas bubbles out of the body.

When to see your doctor

Call a doctor or seek immediate medical care if you notice bloating with:

* Blood with bowel movements (stool)

* Losing weight without making an effort

* Nausea or vomiting

* For women: menstrual bleeding between periods or after menopause

* Fever

* Severe pain that won’t go away

These could be signs of a serious health issue that needs treatment.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Gut Check: Tips For Healthy Digestion

SELF-CARE CORNER

Your digestive system plays a big part in your overall health. It breaks down food and drinks into nutrients. These nutrients are used for energy, growth, cell repair and more.

But, we all know how digestive problems can be uncomfortable or downright dangerous. Problems like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn and bloating can quickly sideline your day. Stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bowel problems like Crohn’s Disease can lead to more serious health issues too.

Help keep your digestion running as smoothly as possible.

Fiber is first

One of the best things people can do for better digestion is to eat more fiber. Getting enough fiber is needed to keep bowel movements regular.

A low-fiber diet can lead to constipation, which can make you feel sluggish and bloated. It can also stretch out the colon over time and lead to serious bowel problems, especially in older adults.

Get more fiber by eating foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes and whole grains. Aim for 20-30 total grams of fiber each day. But, increase the amount slowly or you could have bloating and gas.

Drink plenty of water. Taking fiber without enough water can make constipation worse. And, dehydration in general isn’t good for digestion.

Talk to your doctor about a fiber supplement if you’re not having regular, soft bowel movements.

Eat less processed foods

Processed foods often contain very little fiber. Try to shop the four walls of your grocery store. This means avoid the middle grocery store aisles with packaged foods. Instead, buy fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains and dairy products.

Some food additives may be linked to digestive problems. Research has shown that some food additives may cause inflammation in the gut or may affect its healthy bacteria. Studies are ongoing to find out more about this.

Probiotics – do they work?

Probiotics, or friendly gut bacteria, may be helpful in some cases. But experts say we need to learn more about these supplements. There are many different kinds of probiotics and we don’t yet know which ones are the most helpful. Some foods like yogurt with live active cultures, kefir and fermented foods like miso also contain probiotics.

Ask your doctor before taking probiotic supplements.

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is It Food Poisoning Or A Virus?

SELF-CARE CORNER

Many people know the awful feeling of an upset stomach. It happens to almost everyone at least a few times in our lives. Many times, we blame the last thing we ate. But this is not always the cause.

It can be hard to know what made you sick. If you got food poisoning, it can take 24 hours or more to get sick from some germs. And if you caught a virus, it can take several days to get sick after you were exposed.

‘stomach flu’ isn’t the flu

Many people will say they had the “stomach flu” if they had a stomach virus. But the flu, or influenza, is not the same thing. The real flu rarely causes stomach problems in adults. Instead, it causes fever, coughing, headache and body aches.

Norovirus is a virus that often causes stomach symptoms. It spreads easily in crowded places, schools and daycares.

What is food poisoning, anyway?

Food poisoning happens when you eat or drink something that contains harmful germs.

If you were with others who ate the same food as you, they could get sick too. This is where it becomes hard to know if you have food poisoning or a viral infection. You can only get food poisoning through contaminated food. You get norovirus from other people.

Symptoms look the same

Both viruses and food poisoning can cause:

* Stomach pain

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Fever

* Headache

* Body aches

* Tiredness

Which one is it?

If there is a large outbreak of food poisoning, you may find out about it. It could be in the news if many people got sick. But often, you may never know if you had a stomach virus or food poisoning. The symptoms are very similar.

Sometimes doctors may run tests to find out what kind of illness you have. Usually, however, this isn’t necessary.

Talk to your doctor

Most people get better on their own after a stomach illness. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor. They can tell you what you should do based on your symptoms, age and health history.

If you’re worried about serious dehydration or if the illness is severe, you should get medical help right away.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Microbiome: What It Can Do

SELF-CARE CORNER

Inside your digestive system lives a diverse community of organisms called the microbiome. Your microbiome contains bacteria and other microbes which carry out health-promoting functions. It’s a unique symbiotic relationship that has a substantial impact on your well-being.

A good balance of bacteria in your digestive tract will help your body systems work optimally.

Immunity

An incredible 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. The microbiome plays a critical role in immunity and resistance to disease. When the microbiome is balanced, your immune system will be at its best. The job of beneficial intestinal bacteria is to:

* Ward off foreign invaders

* Rid the body of toxins

* Enhance immune cell production

* Prevent the growth of cancer cells

* Decrease inflammation

Digestion

The microbiome helps you get the most out of the food you eat. Microorganisms in the gut are responsible for the breakdown and fermentation of some fibers. Bacteria turn these otherwise undigestable foods into usable nutrients.

In addition, the food you eat can help or harm the balance of bacteria in your intestines. A healthy diet promotes the growth of more beneficial microorganisms. Conversely, a diet high in sugar and processed foods encourages the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Brain health

Your digestive system is connected to your brain by millions of nerves. If you’ve had the sensation of butterflies in your stomach or a sinking feeling in your gut, you know how complex the relationship is between your digestive system and your brain.

The microbiome of your gut influences the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Bacteria of the microbiome may even affect your behavior and emotions by influencing the vagus nerve, an important brain messenger.

An out-of-balance microbiome

A well-balanced microbiome can promote optimal health. However, some lifestyle habits can disrupt this diverse ecosystem. When this happens, the microbiome may become unable to carry out essential functions. Habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, eating a poor diet and being sedentary all negatively influence the microbiome. To keep the microbiome balanced, focus on these healthy habits:

* Regular exercise

* Adequate sleep

* A healthy high-fiber diet

* Stress management

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Peptic Ulcers

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the stomach or first part of the small bowel.

Peptic Ulcers

Signs & Symptoms

* A gnawing or burning pain is felt in the abdomen between the breastbone and navel. The pain often occurs between meals and in the early hours of the morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours and may be relieved with eating or antacids.

* Appetite and weight loss.

* Nausea or vomiting dark, red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.

* Bloody, black, or tarry stools.

* Paleness and weakness if anemia is present.

Causes

* An infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. This is the main cause.

* The repeated use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

A small percentage of peptic ulcers are caused by Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. With this rare disorder, the body makes excess acid.

Family history, smoking, caffeine, and making excess digestive acids play a role in peptic ulcers. So does stress, especially some types of physical stress (e.g., severe burns and major surgery).

Treatment

Treatment includes medicines to treat the problem and surgery, if needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications as prescribed.

* Eat healthy foods. Include foods high in fiber.

* Don’t have coffee (regular and decaffeinated); tea and soft drinks with caffeine; and fruit juices high in acid like tomato juice. Don’t have alcohol or foods that bother you.

* Don’t use aspirin and other NSAIDs. Follow your doctor’s advice for prescribed NSAIDs.

* Try over-the-counter antacids or acid controllers (with your doctor’s okay). Use them on a short-term basis. Don’t try to self- medicate an ulcer.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cirrhosis: Be Kind To Your Liver

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

The liver is probably the most versatile organ you’ve got. It performs many tasks, including:

* Producing bile (a substance that aids digestion of fats).

* Producing blood proteins.

* Helping blood clot.

* Metabolizing cholesterol.

* Maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

* Forming and storing glycogen (the body’s short-term energy source).

* Manufacturing more than 1,000 enzymes necessary for various bodily functions.

* Detoxifying substances such as alcohol and many drugs.

Liver with Cirrhosis

The liver is equipped to handle a certain amount of alcohol without much difficulty. But drink too much alcohol, too often, for too long, and the vital tissues in the liver break down. Fatty deposits accumulate and scarring occurs. This is known as cirrhosis. It’s most commonly found in men over 45, yet the number of women developing cirrhosis is steadily increasing.

To make matters worse, people who drink too much generally have poor nutritional habits. Since alcohol replaces food, essential vitamins and minerals are missing from the diet. Malnutrition aggravates cirrhosis.

While alcohol abuse is the most common cause of cirrhosis, hepatitis, taking certain drugs, or exposure to certain chemicals can also produce this condition.

Doctors recognize the following as signs of advanced cirrhosis.

* Enlarged liver.

* Yellowish eyes and skin, and tea-colored urine (indicating jaundice). Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

* Itching.

* Hair loss.

* Swelling in the legs and stomach (indicating fluid accumulation).

* Tendency to bruise easily.

* Mental confusion.

Cirrhosis can be life threatening, so get medical attention if you suspect your drinking habits may have gotten out of hand or you have any of the above symptoms. And needless to say, you (or anyone you suspect of having cirrhosis) should abstain from alcohol.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Rectal Problems

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

The rectum is the lowest part of the large bowel (colon). The opening of the rectum is the anus. Stool are passed from the anus.

Signs & Symptoms

* Rectal pain.

* Rectal bleeding.

* Anal itching.

* Redness, swelling, or a rash in the rectal area.

Causes

Often there is no clear cause. Persons with diabetes and liver disease are more prone to rectal itching.

For Anal / Rectal Pain and/or Bleeding

* Constipation. Straining to pass stool. Hemorrhoids.

* Anal fissures. These are splits or tears in the skin around the anus.

* Polyps or small growths.

* Injury due to anal intercourse or the insertion of a foreign object.

* Blockage in the intestines.

* Colon or rectal cancer.

For Anal / Rectal Itching

* Dry skin. Products that irritate or cause a skin allergy in the anal area. Examples are over-the-counter anesthetic ointments that end in “caine,” such as benzocaine.

* Hemorrhoids.

* Psoriasis. This is a chronic skin disease. With this, itchy, scaly red patches form on a part of the body.

* Pinworms. These are intestinal parasites. They usually affect children. The anal itching is at night and can be painful.

* A fungal infection.

Treatment

Treatment for rectal problems depends on the cause. Any sign of rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor. This includes blood on toilet paper. Colon cancer should be checked for, despite the person’s age or family history of this disease.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Anal / Rectal Bleeding

* Don’t lift heavy things.

* Stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines and/or aspirin (unless prescribed and monitored by your doctor).

* Don’t strain to pass stool.

For Anal / Rectal Itching

* Practice good hygiene. Clean the rectal area daily.

* Use an over-the-counter ointment, such as one with zinc oxide or one for hemorrhoids, such as Preparation H. Follow package directions.

* Wear clothes and undergarments that fit loosely.

* Take a warm bath or sitz bath. A sitz bath is a shallow, warm water bath. You can get a sitz bath device from a medical supply company and some drug stores. Then dry the rectal area well. Use talcum powder, as needed.

* Take warm tub baths.

* Lose weight if you are overweight.

* If you are diabetic, keep blood sugar under control.

* For pinworms:

– Check for pinworms in this way: In a dark room, a few hours after bedtime, shine a flashlight on the anus. Pinworms, if present, will go back into the anus when the flashlight is shined on them.

– Wash the hands often.

– Keep fingernails closely trimmed.

– Try to get your child to not suck his thumb and not bite his nails.

– Wash underwear and bed linen in hot soapy water.

– If medication for pinworms is prescribed, use it as directed.

For Rectal Pain

* Take warm baths.

* Use a warm water sitz bath for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.

* Put towels soaked in warm water on the anal area. Or, apply a cold compress to the painful area, if this helps with the pain. You can buy a sitz bath from a medical supply or drug store.

* Follow measures to prevent constipation.

* Don’t strain to pass stool.

* Keep the rectal area clean.

* Use soft, plain, unscented, two-ply toilet paper. Take your own toilet paper to work or other places that may use harsh paper. Use wet, not dry, toilet paper, if that helps.

* Use an over-the-counter wipe, such as Tucks, after using toilet paper.

* Don’t sit for long periods of time. When you do sit, raise your legs, as often as you can.

* If needed, take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Colon & Rectal Cancers

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

The colon and rectum form the large bowel. The colon is the upper 5 to 6 feet. The rectum is the last 6 to 8 inches. When abnormal cells grow in the colon, a cancerous tumor may form. Colon tumors grow slowly. They may get big and block the bowel.

Signs & Symptoms

Colon and rectal cancers can occur without clear symptoms. For this reason, screening is important. When symptoms occur, they include:

* A change in bowel habits for 2 or more weeks or constipation or diarrhea for 1 or more weeks.

* Frequent gas pains, cramps, bloating, or feelings of fullness in the abdomen

* Red or dark blood in or on the stool or rectal bleeding. Pencil thin stools.

* Fatigue and/or iron deficiency anemia in men and older women

* A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

* Weight loss for no known reason

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

Risk factors for colon and rectal cancers:

* Polyps (benign growths that can become cancerous over time). Most colon and rectal cancers develop from polyps.

* Family history of colon or rectal cancer. Unless it is treated, an inherited condition called Familial Polyposis puts a person at a very high risk.

* Having ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

* Aging. Colon and rectal cancers occur most often in people over age 50.

* Smoking. Heavy alcohol use.

* Eating a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber

* Lack of exercise and/or being very overweight

Finding and treating the cancer early is vital. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Self-Care / Prevention

Self-Care:

* Schedule and go to follow-up exams.

* Join a cancer support group.

* Follow a high fiber, low-fat diet. Eat whole-grain breads and cereals. Have at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day.

Prevention

Colon and rectal cancers are completely curable if found early. Have screening tests as advised by your doctor.

* High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test

* Flexible sigmoidoscopy

* Colonoscopy

How often testing needs to be done depends on the test(s) given. {Note: If you have a family history of colon polyps or colon or rectal cancers, screening tests may need to be started sooner than age 50.}

* Have colon polyps removed.

* Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* You have any symptoms of colon and rectal cancer listed on this page.

* You need to schedule screening tests for colon and rectal cancer. Follow the schedule your doctor advises.

Resources

The National Cancer Institute

800.4.CANCER (422-6237)

www.cancer.gov

The American Cancer Society

800.227.2345

www.cancer.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Urinary Incontinence

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Urinary incontinence means you lose bladder control or can’t store urine like you should. This problem is not a normal part of aging. It often affects older persons because muscles used in bladder control don’t work as well with aging.

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

For Acute Incontinence

This form comes on suddenly. Often, it is a symptom of a new illness or problem. Examples are a bladder infection, diabetes (new or out-of- control), and inflammation of the prostate, urethra, or vagina. It can also be a side effect of some medicines, such as water pills.

This form is often easily reversed when the problem that caused it is treated.

For Persistent Incontinence

This form comes on gradually over time. It lingers or remains, even after other problems have been treated. There are many types of this form. The ones below cause 80% of cases.

* Stress Incontinence. Urine leaks out when there is a sudden rise in pressure in the abdomen. This can happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift, jump, run, or strain to pass stool. This type is more common in women than in men.

* Urge Incontinence. With this type, the urge to pass urine is so strong and comes on so fast, that the urine is released before you can get to the toilet. This type can be caused by an enlarged prostate gland, a spinal cord injury, or an illness, such as Parkinson’s disease.

* Mixed Incontinence. This type is a mix of stress and urge types of incontinence.

* Overflow Incontinence. This is the constant dribbling of urine because the bladder overfills. This may be due to an enlarged prostate, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.

* Functional Incontinence. With this type, you have trouble getting to the bathroom fast enough, even though you have bladder control. This can happen in a person who is physically challenged.

* Total Incontinence. This is a rare type with complete loss of bladder control. Urine leakage can be constant.

Treatment

The first step is to find out if another problem causes the incontinence and to treat that problem. Other treatments include:

* Pelvic floor exercises, called Kegel exercises. (SeeSelf-Care/Prevention.)

* Medication.

* Collagen injections. These treat a certain type of stress incontinence.

* Surgery, as needed, to correct the problem.

Overactive Bladder

With this condition, you have at least 2 of these problems:

* An urgency to pass urine.

* Urge incontinence.

* You pass urine 8 or more times a day and 2 or more times during night.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t have caffeine. Limit or avoid fluids 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

* Limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus juices, greasy and spicy foods, and items with artificial sweeteners.

* Empty your bladder before you leave the house, take a nap, or go to bed.

* Go to the bathroom often, even if you don’t feel the urge. When you pass urine, empty the bladder as much as you can. Relax for 1 to 2 minutes. Then try to pass urine again.

* Keep a diary of when you leak urine. If you find that you have accidents every 3 hours, empty your bladder every 2 hours. Use an alarm clock or wristwatch with an alarm to remind you.

* Wear clothes you can pull down easily when you use the bathroom. Wear elastic-waist bottoms. Wear items with velcro closures or snaps instead of buttons and zippers.

* Wear absorbent pads or briefs, if needed.

* Keep the pathway to your bathroom free of clutter and well lit. Leave the bathroom door open until you use it. Use a night light in the bathroom when it is dark.

* Use an elevated toilet seat and grab bars if these will make it easier for you to get on and off the toilet.

* Keep a bedpan, plastic urinal (for men), or portable commode chair near your bed.

* Ask your doctor if your type of incontinence could be managed by using self-catheters. These help to empty your bladder all the way. A doctor needs to prescribe self-catheters.

Kegel Exercises

* Kegel exercises are pelvic floor exercises. These help treat or cure stress incontinence. Persons who have leaked urine for years can benefit greatly from these exercises. How do you do them?

* First, start to urinate, then hold back and try to stop. If you can slow the stream of urine, you are using the right muscles. You should feel muscles squeeze around the urethra and the anus. The urethra is the tube through which urine is passed. The anus is the opening through which stool is passed.

* Next, relax your body, and close your eyes. Imagine that you are going to pass urine, but hold back from doing so. You should feel the muscles squeeze like you did in the step before this one.

* Squeeze the muscles for 3 seconds. Then relax them for 3 seconds. When you squeeze and relax, count slowly. Start out doing this 3 times a day. Gradually work up to 3 sets of 10 contractions. Hold each one for 10 seconds at a time. You can do them when you lie down, and/or stand.

* When you do these exercises, do not tense the muscles in your belly or buttocks. Do not hold your breath, clench your fists or teeth, or make a face.

* Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles right before and during whatever it is (coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc.) that causes you to lose urine. Relax the muscles once the activity is over.

* Women can also use pelvic weights prescribed by their doctor. A women inserts a weighted cone into the vagina and squeezes the correct muscles to keep the weight from falling out.

It may take several months to benefit from pelvic floor exercises. They should be done daily.

Resources

National Association for Continence (NAFC)

800.BLADDER (252.3337)

www.nafc.org

Urology Care Foundation

www.urologyhealth.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026