HealthyLife Articles

Tag: General Health

Sepsis: Spot It, Save A Life

MEDICAL NEWS

Sepsis can happen when a person has an infection like pneumonia, an infected cut in the skin or a urinary tract infection. Then, the body’s immune system releases a strong response that can get out of control. This immune response is so powerful that it can damage the body’s organs and cause blood clots.

Sepsis can cause blood pressure to get extremely low and heart rate to get faster. This can trigger septic shock. With septic shock, the body becomes starved for blood and oxygen. It is a life-threatening emergency.

Most who get an infection will not get sepsis. But experts don’t know why some people get it and others don’t. It seems to affect older adults, babies and young children the most. People who have a weakened immune system or a long-term illness like diabetes, liver disease or cancer are also more likely to get it.

Spot sepsis signs

Sepsis can be hard to spot. At first, symptoms may look like a mild illness. Sometimes a person has an infection and doesn’t know it. Signs include:

* Fever or a low body temperature

* Chills

* Fast heartbeat

* Trouble breathing or fast breathing

* Blotchy skin or rash

* Being confused

* Feeling faint or lightheaded

Even if you don’t have an infection, or don’t think you have one, ask yourself:

* Was I recently around someone who was ill?

* Did I recently have surgery or a medical procedure?

* Do I have any cuts or breaks in the skin?

Getting treatment

If you think a person might have sepsis, it’s important to get them medical care right away. Doctors will look at symptoms and may order blood tests. Sometimes other tests, like an x-ray or CT scan, may be needed.

Sepsis is serious, so doctors often treat it in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and getting fluids.

Fortunately, most people who recover from sepsis often contine to have a normal, healthy life.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Sepsis Alliance

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Autoimmunity

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
What To Do When Your Heel Hurts

SELF-CARE CORNER

Heel pain is the most common foot and ankle problem. Often, a sore heel is not serious. But if you ignore it and keep using the foot, it could get worse.

When it comes to heel pain, the first clue is where the heel hurts. Pain at the bottom of the heel is different from pain behind the heel.

Pain underneath the heel

* Plantar fasciitis. This happens when activity inflames the tissue band that runs along the bottom of the foot. Sometimes, people get plantar fasciitis from wearing shoes that don’t properly support their foot. It’s often worse when you first get up in the morning. It can usually be resolved with rest, wearing special inserts in the shoes and/or physical therapy.

* Heel spur. A heel spur is a buildup of calcium that causes a bony bump on the heel bone. It usually happens if a person has plantar fasciitis for a long time. Treatment is usually similar to plantar fasciitis treatment.

* Stone bruise. Stepping on a hard object like a stone can injure the bottom of the heel. If you stepped on something recently, try to rest and protect the foot for a few days until it feels better. Wear shoes when you go outside to prevent this from happening in the future.

Pain behind the heel

Pain in the back of the heel is usually due to a problem with the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. Heavy activity or exercise can put too much stress on the tendon too quickly. This can cause Achilles tendinitis, which includes small tears and inflammation in the tendon. Treatment may include:

* Physical therapy

* Rest

* Ice

* Orthotic(s) (shoe inserts)

* Night splint (device worn at night to protect the foot and tendon)

People who have Achilles tendinitis may need to avoid the activity that caused it, such as running or jumping.

Respect your feet

Many people ignore heel pain, hoping it will go away. But, untreated problems with the foot may only get worse over time without treatment. If your heel pain lasts more than a couple of days, or if you have a health condition like diabetes, see a doctor right away.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What To Know About Blood Clots

SELF-CARE CORNER

Healthy blood is designed to clot. When blood clots, it prevents heavy bleeding. But, if a clot happens inside a vein, it can be dangerous. This is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sometimes, the blood clot may move through the body and get stuck in the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Up to 100,000 Americans die from a DVT or PE every year. These clots kill more people than breast cancer, car collisions, and HIV/AIDS combined.

Signs of a clot

Signs of a DVT or PE include:

* Swelling, tenderness, redness or warmth in one area of the body

* Chest heaviness or pain

* Sweating

* Feeling out of breath

* Weakness or fainting

* Fast heart beat

* Feeling of impending doom

Know your risk

Certain things make you more likely to get a blood clot. They include:

* Recent surgery or an injury

* Being in bed for long periods

* Not moving a certain body part, such as a broken leg

* Sitting for a long time, including during travel

* Higher levels of estrogen from birth control pills, pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy

* Medical conditions, such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, heart disease, blood clotting disorders or lung disease

* Obesity

* Smoking

* History of atrial fibrillation (A-fib)

Reduce your risk

Talk about your risk with your doctor. You can lower your risk of getting a blood clot by:

* Getting up from sitting at least every two hours

* Moving around after surgery or being in bed for a long time

* Moving legs and feet while on plane trips

* Wearing loose-fitting clothes while sitting for a long time

* Exercising regularly

* Wearing compression stockings if recommended by your doctor

What to do?

If you think you or a loved one might have a blood clot, see a doctor right away. A blood clot can be treated if it’s caught early. Sometimes, doctors use medicines that dissolve the clot. Other times, doctors will perform surgery to remove the clot.

Sources: American Society of Hematology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What You Need To Know About Measles

MEDICAL NEWS

In 2019, the U.S. has seen the biggest measles outbreak since 1994. Measles was declared eliminated in the year 2000, but in recent years measles has come back.

This outbreak is due to two main factors:

1. Many people travel abroad. They may travel to a place where measles is common. They catch measles there and bring it back to the U.S. with them. They may not even know they have measles until several days after they return.

2. Some people in the U.S. do not get the measles vaccine. If they are exposed, they get sick and can spread measles to others.

Dangerously easy to catch

Measles is highly contagious. It spreads through the air. An infected person can simply breathe and spread measles. It can also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

You don’t even have to be near a person with measles to catch it from them. Measles stays in the air for a long time. In fact, you could go into a room two hours after an infected person has left and still catch measles.

Many times, people spread measles before they even know they have it.

Almost everyone who hasn’t gotten the measles vaccine will catch measles if they are exposed.

Know the signs

* Very high fever (this usually comes first)

* Cough, runny nose and red eyes

* Diarrhea

* Ear infection

* Rash of tiny red spots, usually starting at the head and spreading all over

Serious complications

Serious problems can happen to a person who catches measles, especially babies and young children. This includes:

* Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)

* Brain swelling (encephalitis)

* Permanent brain damage

* Deafness

* Death

Get the shot

The best way to avoid getting measles is to get the measles vaccine. This can also keep you from spreading it to babies who are too young to get the shot.

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot are 97 percent effective in preventing measles. Children should get the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age. They get the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

Some adults have not received the MMR shot. Even adults who have received it may need a booster shot. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to see if you are immune to measles.

Ask your doctor if you need the measles vaccine or if you should have the blood test done. The MMR vaccine is very safe and it works. Most health insurance covers the cost of the vaccine. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Sources: American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When Blood Pressure Is Low

MEDICAL NEWS

High blood pressure gets a lot of attention. But low blood pressure can cause health problems as well.

If blood pressure is too low, your organs will not receive enough blood. This can quickly become dangerous. While a one-time low blood pressure reading is not usually concerning, a doctor should address chronic low blood pressure that occurs with other symptoms.

Symptoms

The normal range for blood pressure is between 90/60 mm/Hg to 120/80 mm/Hg. However, some people naturally have lower blood pressure than others. Low blood pressure is a problem when accompanied by any of these symptoms:

* Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

* Nausea or vomiting

* Blurry vision

* Confusion

* Fainting

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Clammy, pale skin

* Rapid, shallow breathing

* Sleepiness

* Depression

Causes

Low blood pressure can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed right away. Causes may include:

* Severe allergic reaction

* Sudden loss of blood volume due to dehydration, injury, or internal bleeding

* Septic shock caused by infection impacts the blood vessels causing blood pressure to drop

* Heart problems such as heart attack or changes in heart rhythm, which may prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently

* Certain medications or substances can lower blood pressure

* Orthostatic hypotension which is temporary and happens when you change position quickly

* Endocrine or hormone imbalances

Treatment

If you have low blood pressure, your doctor is your best resource for treatment. Depending on the specific cause, treatment may include:

* Changing or switching medications if recommended by your doctor

* Drinking more fluids to stay well hydrated

* Moving slowly when going from sitting to standing

* Wearing compression socks to prevent blood from pooling in the legs

* Medicines to increase heart strength and improve blood pressure

* Avoiding alcohol

* In severe cases, receiving blood through an IV

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Insomnia 3

SleepWell® Program

Week 1

Insomnia includes problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. It is normal to have a bad night of sleep every now and then. Occasional poor sleep becomes insomnia when this pattern continues for several weeks AND fatigue or feeling drowsy during the day occurs due to lack of sleep.

There are many causes of insomnia. Too much caffeine, travel, taking care of an ill loved one, or stress can affect your sleep. Quite often, insomnia is a result of conditioning your body to be awake in bed, even if you feel tired or know you need sleep. Having trouble sleeping over several nights may lead to worrying about being able to fall asleep or expecting to lie awake for hours.

Whether your sleep issues are transient (come and go) or chronic (occur all the time), this guide can help to improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Sleep Problems & Health Conditions

If you have trouble sleeping or have daytime sleepiness for longer than three weeks, consult your doctor.

Any condition, illness, injury, or surgery that interrupts sleep due to pain, discomfort, or waking to urinate can cause sleep problems. Health conditions that affect sleep include: arthritis, asthma, COPD, fibromyalgia, narcolepsy, and thyroid disorders. Sleep problems are also linked to many mental illnesses. These include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance abuse. Over-the-counter medicines, such as decongestants and diet pills can affect sleep, too.

Sleep Apnea Signs:

* Loud snorting sounds while sleeping on the back

* Repeated periods when breathing stops for 10 or more seconds during sleep

* Waking up many times during the night and excessive daytime sleepiness

* Exhaustion and having a hard time concentrating during the day

Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS) and Restless Leg Syndrome Signs:

* Creeping, crawling, pulling and/or painful feelings in one or both legs

* Jerking or bending leg movements that you can’t control during sleep

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Insomnia 4

Sleep Well

Do You Have Insomnia?

Answer these questions:

1. Do you have trouble falling asleep?

2. Do you have problems staying asleep?

3. Do you wake up too early and can’t get back to sleep?

4. Do any of these problems last at least 3 weeks?

If you answered yes to number 4, answer these questions about problems that occur when you are awake:

5. Do you feel like you do not get enough refreshing sleep?

6. Do you yawn and feel tired?

7. Do you lack energy or have fatigue?

8. Do you have a hard time concentrating?

9. Do you feel depressed and/or cranky?

If you answered yes to question number 4 and yes to any question from number 5 through 9, you could have insomnia.

Why You Need Sleep

Getting enough sleep and good quality sleep helps you maintain good health and function your best during the day. You need sleep to:

* Have energy.

* Think clearly.

* React quickly.

* Be productive.

* Learn and remember things.

* Help your immune system fight infections.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 50% of adults in the U.S. have problems with sleep at least a few nights a week. And recent studies find that the average person gets less than 6 hours of sleep per night. (On average, adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.)

A lack of sleep or getting poor quality sleep can lead to a wide range of health problems.

Health Problems from a Lack of Sleep

* Anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse.

* Obesity.

* Heart disease.

* High blood pressure.

* Diabetes.

* Stroke.

* Gum disease.

* Accidents and an increased risk for injury and death. About 20% of all serious car crashes are linked to driver sleepiness. Also, workers with severe insomnia make 2½ times more serious work errors than persons who get proper sleep.

Getting enough, quality sleep is as vital to good heath and long life as are healthy eating and regular exercise.

Do’s & Don’ts for Insomnia

Do’s

* Do regular exercise daily. Physical activity releases muscle tension, relieves anger, and improves mood.

* Do mild exercises four or more hours before bedtime.

* Do relaxation exercises as needed throughout the day and before you go to bed.

* Follow a regular daily schedule for meals and snacks.

* Choose larger meals at breakfast and lunch than at dinner. At each meal, have complex carbohydrate foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables.

* Limit caffeine to 300 milligrams (mgs.) a day. More than 500 to 600 mgs. a day may cause you to be anxious, nervous, and makes it harder to sleep well.

* Cut down on caffeine gradually. Daily usage of caffeine can result in physical dependence. If caffeine is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These include headache, feeling down, having a hard time concentrating, and fatigue.

Don’ts

* Don’t do vigorous exercise within six hours of going to bed.

* Don’t have large meals near bedtime. These may keep you awake, especially if you have heartburn or a similar problem.

* Don’t have caffeine for 6 hours before bedtime.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sleep Disorders & Snoring 2

Sleep Well

Not getting enough sleep can cause you to be sleepy during the day. It can make you less able to function. Snoring and sleep disorders can cause these problems, too.

Insomnia

Signs & Symptoms

* Having trouble falling asleep. Waking up in the middle of the night. Waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep.

* Feeling like you didn’t get enough sleep.

Causes

* Too much caffeine. Drinking alcohol and/or smoking before bedtime.

* Too much noise when falling asleep.

* Emotional stress. Depression. Anxiety. The manic phase of bipolar disorder.

* Fibromyalgia.

* Over active thyroid gland.

* Any condition, illness, injury, or surgery that causes enough pain or discomfort to interrupt sleep. Heart or lung conditions that cause shortness of breath when lying down. Side effects of some medicines, such as over-the-counter diet pills or decongestants.

* Changes in sleep/wake schedules, such as with work shift changes and jet lag.

* In children, nightmares or bed-wetting.

Treatment

* Self-care and prevention tips.

* Treating the problem.

* Prescribed short-acting sleeping pills.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Avoid caffeine for 8 hours before bedtime.

* Avoid long naps during the day.

* Have no more than 1 alcoholic drink with or after dinner.

* Avoid using electronic devices, such as a laptop computer before falling asleep and in the middle of the night. The type of light that emits from these devices makes it hard to fall asleep.

* Avoid nicotine. Don’t smoke. Stay away from secondhand smoke.

* Get regular exercise, but not within a few hours of going to bed.

* Before bedtime, take a warm bath or read a book, etc. Avoid things that hold your attention, such as watching a suspense movie.

* Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.

* Follow a bedtime routine. Lock or check doors and windows, brush your teeth, etc.

* Count sheep! Picture a repeated image. Doing this may bore you to sleep.

* Listen to recordings that help promote sleep.

* Take over-the- counter sleep aids, (e.g., melatonin, Tylenol PM, etc.) as advised by your doctor. Don’t take anyone else’s sleeping pills.

* If you wake up and can’t get back to sleep or can’t fall asleep, after 30 minutes, get out of bed. Read a relaxing book or sit quietly in the dark. In about 20 minutes, go back to bed. Do this as many times as needed.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS)

Signs & Symptoms

* Creeping, crawling, pulling and/or painful feelings in one or both legs.

* Jerking or bending leg movements that you can’t control during sleep.

Causes

The cause is not known. These factors play a role:

* Family history of RLS.

* The last months of a pregnancy.

* Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment

* Self-care and prevention tips.

* Prescribed medicines to control symptoms.

* A type of electric nerve stimulation.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications as prescribed. Let your doctor know if the medicine no longer helps.

* For relief, move the legs. Walk, rub, or massage them or do knee bends.

* Limit or avoid caffeine.

* Take a warm bath before bedtime.

Sleep Apnea

Signs & Symptoms

* Loud snoring and snorting sounds while sleeping on the back.

* Repeated periods when breathing stops 10 or more seconds during sleep.

* Waking up many times during the night. Excessive daytime sleepiness.

* Exhaustion. Hard time concentrating. Acting very cranky. Depression or other mental changes.

* Early morning headaches.

Causes

* Too much muscle tissue is in the airway or the tissue relaxes and sags. These things narrow or block the airway. Persons who snore loudly and are overweight are more prone to these problems.

* A physical problem in the nose or upper airway.

Treatment

The goal is to keep the airway open during sleep. This is done with self-care measures and one of these treatments:

* A mouth guard dental device custom made by a dentist. This is worn during sleep. It pushes the lower jaw forward to open the air passage behind the tongue.

* A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. Pressure from an air blower forces air through the nasal passages using a mask worn over the nose during sleep.

* Surgery to correct the cause of the airway obstruction.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Lose weight, if you are overweight.

* Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t use tobacco products.

* Don’t take sleeping pills or sedatives.

* Use methods, such as those listed under Self-Care / Prevention – For Snoring to keep from sleeping on your back.

Snoring

Signs & Symptoms

* Loud sounds. Harsh breathing. Snorting sounds. These occur during sleep.

Causes

* Sleeping on the back. The tongue falls back toward the throat and partly closes the airway.

* Nasal congestion from allergies or colds. Smoking. Drinking alcohol. Taking sedatives. Overeating (especially before bedtime).

* Sleep apnea or chronic respiratory disease.

* An obstructed airway. This can be due to enlarged tonsils or being overweight.

* Changes in hormones, such as during menopause or the last month of pregnancy.

Treatment

Self-care treats most cases. Other options are:

* Wearing a dental device that holds the jaw in a forward position.

* Surgery, if needed, to correct the problem.

* Treatment for sleep apnea, if needed.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Sleep on your side. Prop an extra pillow behind your back so you won’t roll over. Sleep on a narrow sofa for a few nights to get used to staying on your side.

* Sew a large marble or tennis ball into a pocket on the back of your pajamas. This can help you stay on your side when you sleep.

* If you must sleep on your back, raise the head of the bed 6 inches on bricks or blocks. Or buy a wedge that is made to be placed between the mattress and box spring to elevate the head section.

* Lose weight, if you are overweight. Excess fatty tissue in the throat can cause snoring. Losing 10% of your body weight will help.

* Don’t smoke. If you do, quit. Limit or don’t have alcohol, sedatives, or a heavy meal within 3 hours of bedtime.

* To relieve nasal congestion, try a decongestant before you go to bed.

* Get rid of allergens in the bedroom. These include dust, down-filled (feathered) pillows, and down-filled bed linen.

* Try over-the-counter “nasal strips.” These keep the nostrils open and lift them up. This helps lessen congestion in nasal passages.

Questions to Ask

How Much Sleep is Needed?

* Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.

* Teens need at least 8-1/2 to 9-1/4 hours of sleep each night.

* After 6 months of age, most children sleep between 9 and 12 hours at night. Up to age 5, children may also take daytime naps for a total of 1/2 to 2 hours a day.

Resources

National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR)

301.435.0199

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr

National Sleep Foundation

703.243.1697

www.sleepfoundation.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Memory Loss

Brain & Nervous System

With short-term memory loss, you can’t recall things learned in the past seconds to minutes. With long-term memory loss, you forget things learned in the distant past, such as in childhood. It is normal to have some memory loss as you age. It is common to forget where you put your eyeglasses or keys. You may have a hard time recalling the name of a person or place, and say, “It is on the tip of my tongue.” This memory loss is temporary and not severe. When it persists or interferes with your daily life, it can be a sign of a problem.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of serious memory loss, such as amnesia, depend on the cause. The memory loss can be partial or complete. It can occur for a short time or persist. It can also come on suddenly or slowly.

Causes

Other than the normal memory loss that comes with aging, causes include:

* Depression.

* Excess alcohol. Drug use.

* Side effects of some medicines.

* Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementias result in a decline of all areas of mental ability. This includes learning, problem solving, language, behaviors, and memory loss.

* Mild cognitive impairment. This is a medical illness. With this, people have abnormal memory for their age and education. They have a harder time learning new information or recalling things.

* Posttraumatic stress disorder.

* Seizures. Head trauma.

* Stroke.

* Brain infections or tumors.

Treatment

Memory loss that persists, is severe, or that interferes with daily life needs a medical diagnosis. When another problem is the cause and is treated with success, memory loss improves. For other causes, such as Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure. The goal is to treat symptoms and provide safety and comfort.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Help Prevent Memory Loss

* Keep the brain active. Read, do puzzles, etc.

* Eat a balanced diet. Take vitamins and minerals, as advised by your doctor.

* Get regular exercise.

* Protect the head from injury.

* Follow tips under Prevention for Stroke (Brain Attack).

* Don’t smoke or use illegal drugs. Limit alcohol.

* Manage stress.

* Get regular eye exams. Get your hearing checked. If needed, wear eyeglasses and/or a hearing aid.

To Help Remember Things

* Follow a routine for daily and weekly activities.

* Listen carefully. Link newly learned things to past memories.

* Repeat what you want to remember out loud. Write it down if you need to.

* Keep track of important things to do, phone numbers, etc. Use a calendar, planner, PDA, etc.

* Set up a system to remind you of daily medications to take, bills to pay, appointments to keep, etc.

* Put your keys, eyeglasses, etc. in the same place.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026