HealthyLife Articles

Tag: awareness

Keeping An Eye On Mental Health

MEDICAL NEWS

We all have good days and bad days. We all have moments where we feel down or cannot tap into the joy or happiness we once had. But what happens when these days grow into weeks or months? Do you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from a mental health issue?

Signs to Look For

* Excessive worry or fear

* Feeling excessively sad

* Confused thinking or concentration

* Extreme mood changes

* Prolonged feelings of irritability or anger

* Avoiding social activities

* Changes in sleeping habits

* Overuse of substances, such as alcohol or drugs

* Thoughts or mentions of suicide

* Intense fear of weight gain or changes in appearance

Where to Get Help

Although there is no medical test that can diagnose mental illness, a professional can assess any symptoms and provide the help you or a loved one needs. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a professional can identify whether a mental health condition exists. They follow a set list of criteria, including feelings and behaviors and time limits, to make the determination.

Treatment Options

Every person is different and may not respond to the same treatments as someone else. But a professional may use one or a combination of things to help the person recover. This may include:

* Medication

* Therapy (counseling)

* Lifestyle changes

If you believe someone may need help, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264). Or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741.

Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What To Know About Irradiated Food

Nutrition

Have you seen the Radura symbol on fruits or vegetables in your supermarket? If so, do you know what it means?

This symbol indicates that the food has been irradiated, a method of food preservation approved for use on produce by the Food and Drug Administration. Irradiation kills microorganisms that spoil food. Irradiated food isn’t radioactive. Irradiation leaves no residue on food and it doesn’t affect flavor. Proponents of irradiation say it reduces the need for chemicals typically used to keep food fresh longer.

Those who oppose irradiation say essential nutrients in food may be destroyed, that eating food that’s been irradiated may cause cancer or other debilitating conditions, and that irradiation may be hazardous to the employees and residents of the area surrounding a food irradiation site. But studies haven’t conclusively identified any harmful effects of food irradiation.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Know The Different Heart Disease Types

MEDICAL NEWS

You’ve probably heard the terms cardiovascular disease, heart disease and coronary heart disease. But did you know each of these terms means something different?

Let’s learn some of these “heart” terms and what they mean for your health. If you have a type of cardiovascular disease, work with your doctor to come up with a heart health plan. Your plan might include a healthy diet, exercise and medications.

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is any type of disease that affects the heart or blood vessels. “Cardio” refers to the heart, and “vascular” refers to the blood vessels.

Types of cardiovascular disease include:

* Coronary heart disease

* High blood pressure

* Stroke

* Heart failure

* Peripheral artery disease

What is heart disease?

Heart disease is any type of condition that affects the heart’s function or structure. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease. Heart disease also includes:

* Heart rhythm disorders known as arrhythmias

* Cardiomyopathy

* Congenital (present at birth) heart defects

* Coronary artery disease (CAD)

* Heart failure

Heart disease is a type of cardiovascular disease.

What is coronary heart disease?

Coronary heart disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary heart disease happens when a fatty substance called plaque builds up in the arteries. Sometimes people call this clogged arteries or atherosclerosis.

The plaque reduces the amount of blood getting to the heart. This can cause angina, or chest pain. It can also cause blood clots and can lead to a heart attack.

Sources: American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Connect With Caution

Social Health

Be smart using cellphones and smartphones.

Cellphones, smartphones, computers, and tablets make it fast and easy to get and stay in touch with family and friends. They also let you express your love and best wishes through text messages, videos, emails, and email greeting cards. But with these benefits come risks. To protect yourself, your kids, and personal data, practice cellphone and smartphone safety:

* Password-protect your phone, but don’t store your password on your phone.

* Install security software and anti-virus protection. Download updates for these, too.

* Shop and do banking at home instead of when you are using a public Wi-Fi zone. Use only secure sites (https://) when giving personal data.

* Keep from storing credit card and banking information on your phone. Delete emails that contain this information after they are sent, too.

* Clear your inbox and sent messages on a regular basis. Delete “Spam” or “Bulk Mail” messages without opening them. Then delete your “Trash.”

* Turn off your “Bluetooth” when not in use.

* Backup data and photos you store on your smartphone. You can sync the data on your phone to an external hard drive on your personal computer.

Keep from losing your phone! If you do lose it:

* Find out how to remotely lock and wipe data from it.

* Call your cellphone or smartphone carrier to report the loss. Ask about options to cancel your service.

Teach your kids to use their phones within limits:

* Set rules and limits for the usage of their devices. Discuss what is okay and not okay to do to protect their identity and address bullying issues.

* Use parental controls to keep your children from getting improper content on websites.

* Monitor the use of their phones.

* Set limits for calls, texts, internet usage, and costs for app downloads to avoid extra charges at the end of each month’s billing cycle.

Don’ts:

* Don’t talk, text, or read text messages while driving. Use a hands-free device if this is legal in the state you are driving in.

* Don’t reach into the backseat to search for your phone while driving.

* Don’t “sext” (take, send, or accept nude photos on your phone). You can become the target of scandal, bullying, job loss, or expulsion from school.

* Don’t lend your phone to others. They can easily send a damaging text message attached to your number.

* Don’t give your number to strangers or post it on Facebook or Twitter.

Action Step

If your phone has GPS tracking, learn about privacy features so other people can’t stalk you or your children.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Know The Red Flags Of Stress

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Everyone has stress in their lives. But when high levels of stress go on for too long, it takes a toll on the body. Is stress taking a toll on your health? If it is, don’t ignore it. This is a chance to find healthy ways to tackle stress before the problem becomes worse.

The following are some “red flags” or signs that your stress levels may be too high.

* Muscles feel tense and sore. You have a sore back or neck. You are getting tension headaches or migraines.

* Your heart feels like it’s beating faster. Your palms are sweaty.

* You are breathing shallow, quick breaths.

* You have more heartburn or acid reflux than usual.

* Your stomach feels upset or you have vomiting or diarrhea.

Other effects of stress are harder to notice. Stress can affect reproductive hormones, which can disrupt a woman’s period. In men, it can cause reduced fertility. Both men and women may have lower sexual desire. Stress can also raise your risk of a heart attack if it’s ignored for too long.

If you notice warning signs of stress, it’s a sign that you need some extra care. Talk to someone you trust, your doctor or a mental health professional.

Self-harm or thinking of suicide

Wanting to hurt yourself is a medical emergency. Go to a hospital, call the National Suicide Hotline or call 9-1-1 right away if you have these feelings. If someone you know says they want to die or talks about suicide or hurting themselves, get them help right away. Most people who commit suicide tell someone about it before they attempt to do it.

National suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK

Sources: American Psychological Association, National Institute of Mental Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Depression Is A Real Disease

Mental Health

If you have signs of it, seek treatment.

Depression is more than just having a bad day. It’s a constant feeling of sadness or anger, inability to concentrate, and lack of interest in anything. Unlike diabetes, a blood test may not be able to detect depression, but it is a medical illness, just the same. It should be diagnosed and treated by a health professional. Over 80 percent of people with depression can be treated with success. Treatment includes medication, counseling, and self-care measures.

Causes:

The exact cause of depression is not known. Most likely, it is caused and triggered by a combination of factors.

* Brain chemicals are not in balance.

* Having a family history of the illness

* Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss

* Physical or mental abuse or neglect

* Alcohol or drug abuse

* Medical conditions, such as cancer or chronic pain

* A side effect or withdrawal of some medications, such as steroids

* Sleeping problems

* Hormone changes, such as after having a baby or with menopause

Signs & Symptoms:

* Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, or angry

* Fatigue. Loss of interest in life.

* Having a hard time concentrating or making decisions

* Feeling worried or anxious

* Changes in eating and sleeping habits

* Headaches, stomachaches or other aches and pains

* Thoughts of suicide or death

To a depressed person, there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Action Step

See your doctor if you have had a lot less interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Mindful Eating Can Boost Your Health

HEALTHY EATING

If you want to eat healthier without a strict diet, try mindful eating. Mindful eating is a way to fully focus on your food as you eat. When you eat mindfully, you may:

* Eat less

* Avoid eating when you’re bored or stressed

* Stop when you feel full

When you practice mindful eating, you eat more slowly. You’ll enjoy your food more without overeating.

How to do it

You don’t need any special equipment or classes to practice mindful eating. Take these steps at your next meal:

*Avoid distractions:Make your meals an event. Don’t eat while driving, working, watching TV or doing other activities.

*Ask yourself how you feel:Are you actually hungry? Or are you thirsty, bored, stressed or lonely?

*Leave some space:If you’re used to filling your plate, leave about a quarter of your plate empty for now. You can always go back for seconds if you are still truly hungry.

*Chew slowly:Take small bites. Put your fork, spoon and knife down between every bite.

*Enjoy:Experience the smell, taste and texture of your food with each bite.

*Watch the time:Wait at least 20 minutes before you get another helping. By then, your stomach may realize it’s full.

*Know when to stop:When you’re full, stop eating. You don’t need to clean your plate.

Sources: American Heart Association, Veterans Health Administration

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Health Screenings Can Save Lives

Medical Exams

You take your children for regular health checkups to protect their health. You, too, need preventive health screenings to increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life. For example:

* A colonoscopy can find and remove polyps. These overgrowths of tissue on the lining of your colon may turn into cancer.

* Cervical cancer can be prevented nearly 100 percent of the time with regular screenings and early treatment, if needed.

* Schedule health screenings you need this year. Write when you will have these.

* Don’t use excuses, such as “I don’t have time” or “That illness doesn’t run in my family” to keep you from getting health screenings you need.

Approximately one half of all cancer deaths may be prevented by not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and being physically active.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Mindfulness In Daily Life

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. When you are mindful, you focus on what is happening right in front of you without worrying about the past or future. This helps you experience life to its fullest. Try these tips to be more mindful in your daily life.

Learn to pause

Take time to pause and observe. When you pause, it is a chance to mindfully reflect on what is happening. Instead of rushing through life, you can truly experience the moments that matter. These mindful reflections can help you answer:

* What matters most in this moment?

* What is the situation asking of me?

* Looking back in a year, how will I wish I had acted?

* Are my feelings in proportion to the situation?

Focus on what is in front of you

Cultivate the skill of giving your undivided attention to what is going on right now. Intentionally notice your surroundings and what you are feeling in the moment by connecting with your senses. Ask yourself:

* What do I hear?

* What do I see?

* What do I smell?

* What do I feel?

The more you practice focusing on the present, the easier it will become.

Practice mindful breathing

Focusing on your breath is a tangible way to increase mindfulness. Your breath only happens in the now. When you focus on breathing you can’t be anywhere but in the moment, connected to your body.

Mindful breathing trains your brain to stay connected and focused. Allow 5 minutes every day to be still and observe your breath.

* Close your eyes if you can.

* Let your breath become smooth and steady.

* Observe each inhale and exhale.

* Stay relaxed and unrushed.

If 5 minutes is too long to focus on your breath, start with one or two minutes and work your way up.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Steer Clear Of Drunken Drivers

Personal Safety

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a common cause of auto accidents. If you can spot a drunken driver and stay out of his or her way, you may be able to avoid an accident. Watch out for drivers who:

* Drive too fast or too slow.

* Make jerky starts or stop abruptly.

* Overshoot stop signs.

* Ignore traffic signals.

* Follow cars too closely.

* Pass other cars too quickly or too slowly.

* Change lanes frequently.

* Drive without their lights on after sundown.

* Drive with their windows rolled down in cold or wet weather.

* Are obviously partying and having a good time with their passengers when they should be paying attention to the road.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026