HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

  • First Aid Kits: Stay Up To Date

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Women helping wrap man's foot and ankle with sprain wrap.

    A first aid kit is an essential self-care item that should always be handy. A well-stocked kit prepares you for any situation or emergency that may arise.

    If you don’t have a first aid kit, you can purchase ready-made kits at most pharmacies. Ideally, you should have a kit for your home as well as your vehicle, so you’re covered anywhere you go.

    First aid kits should be updated every six months to keep supplies stocked and replace expired items. Now is a good time to go through your kits to ensure they are up to date and stocked with everything you need.

    What should be in your kit?

    *  2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

    *  25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

    *  1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

    *  5 antibiotic ointment packets

    *  5 antiseptic wipe packets

    *  2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

    *  1 emergency blanket

    *  1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

    *  1 instant cold compress

    *  2 pairs of nonlatex gloves (size: large)

    *  2 hydrocortisone ointment packets

    *  1 3-inch gauze roll (roller) bandage

    *  1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

    *  5 3 x 3-inch sterile gauze pads

    *  5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

    *  A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

    *  2 triangular bandages

    *  Tweezers

    *  A first aid guide or reference book

    Personalize your kit

    Depending on the needs of yourself and your family, you should add special items unique to your situation. For example:

    *  If someone in your family has diabetes, include glucose tabs/gels, quick glucose snacks, and a glucagon injection kit.

    *  If someone in your family has a severe allergy, include an epi-pen and some antihistamine medication.

    *  Include a list of medications that each family member takes, as well as contact information for their doctors.

    *  Include your address in a prominent place in your first aid kit. This will allow the person who is helping you in an emergency to give this information to first responders.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Myths About Underactive Thyroid

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women holding her neck with an illustration of the thyroid gland on top.

    One of the most common thyroid problems is hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.

    Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland isn’t making enough thyroid hormones. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:

    *  Fatigue

    *  Trouble with learning or remembering

    *  Dry hair, nails or skin

    *  Constipation

    *  Sore muscles

    *  Weight gain or bloating

    *  Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

    Although hypothyroidism is a common problem, there are many myths about it. Read on to learn about some common myths – and what you should know and hypothyroidism.

    Myth:You can’t lose weight if you have a thyroid problem.

    Fact:Many people can get to a healthy weight with hypothyroidism after getting on the proper dose of thyroid medication. They may need to work with a nutritionist or other health provider and get plenty of exercise. But losing weight is doable.

    Myth:You can’t get pregnant if you have hypothyroidism.

    Fact:Many women can get pregnant with an underactive thyroid. They should work with their doctor to make sure they are on thyroid medication that is safe and effective. It’s important to take thyroid medication consistently and carefully throughout pregnancy.

    Myth:Only older women have hypothyroidism.

    Fact:Thyroid problems can affect anyone, of any age. But women older than 60 years are at an increased risk for hypothyroidism.

    Myth:People with underactive thyroid need to take iodine.

    Fact:People with hypothyroidism should be on a medication that their doctor prescribes. Taking iodine supplements is usually not needed.

    Myth:High doses of thyroid medicine are better.

    Fact:Having too much thyroid hormone can lead to health problems like rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, bone loss and can even become life threatening. Work with your doctor to be sure your thyroid blood levels are within a healthy range.

    Myth:I can manage underactive thyroid with a healthy diet.

    Fact:A healthy diet is great for everyone, including people with underactive thyroid. However, even the best food choices cannot replace missing thyroid hormones. A person needs to take their thyroid medication as their doctor prescribes to replace these hormones.

    Source: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • When Blood Pressure Is Low

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Man taking his blood pressure at home.

    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

  • Foot Health Matters With Diabetes

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Patient having his foot examined by a doctor.

    People with diabetes have a higher risk of getting certain foot problems. This usually happens because diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet. This is known as diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to tingling, burning or weakness in your feet.

    Why does neuropathy matter?

    Diabetic neuropathy isn’t just painful. It also means that you may not feel things like cuts, injuries or heat or cold on your feet. Your feet could get hurt or burned and you wouldn’t know it. Then, with reduced blood flow, your body may not be able to heal the skin very well.

    Keeping skin healthy

    Wash, dry and moisturize the skin on your feet every day. Also, check for problems. Here’s how:

    *  After bathing, dry your feet gently with a towel.

    *  Look for corns, calluses, blisters or cuts. If you notice any of these, call your health care provider. Don’t try to remove corns or calluses yourself.

    *  If your skin looks healthy, you can moisturize. Apply a skin cream to dry areas.

    *  Don’t apply cream between your toes. This can cause fungus to grow. Keep the area between toes clean and dry.

    *  If you can’t trim your toenails easily, have this done by a podiatrist or other health provider.

    Good shoes are your friend

    Poorly fit shoes can cause sores, or ulcers, on your feet. These can lead to infection. Even if you don’t feel pain, see your doctor about any sores on your feet. You should also stay off your feet until your doctor says it’s ok. Don’t walk in your bare feet because this can put your feet at risk.

    You can avoid many foot ulcers by getting comfortable, supportive shoes. A podiatrist or foot specialist may help you find a pair that fits your feet well without rubbing. Wearing socks that wick moisture, such as wool socks, can also help. Wearing wet socks or shoes can lead to fungal infections.

    Helpful ways to avoid foot problems with diabetes:

    1.  Go to regular checkups.

    2.  See your doctor if you have any foot injuries or skin changes on your feet.

    3.  Follow your diabetes plan to keep blood sugar under control.

    4.  Check your feet every day.

    Source: American Diabetes Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Say Goodbye To Winter Rash

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Female using face cream on cheeks.

    Winter weather can create havoc for your skin. Cold air, low humidity, and the use of central heating all contribute to skin becoming dry, red, and itchy. A winter rash is a common skin condition that develops in the cool months.

    In addition, cool temperatures and dry air create a condition ripe for flair-ups for people who have skin conditions. This includes eczema or psoriasis.

    If you are prone to winter rashes, there are simple steps you can take to protect your skin and keep you comfortable all winter long.

    Keep your skin moisturized

    A thick, cream-based moisturizer is often a good choice in the winter. Because winter rashes are usually caused by dryness of the skin, find a lotion or cream that keeps your skin soft and smooth.

    Moisturize right after you bathe while your skin is still damp. For patches of skin that are dry, red, or itchy, you can apply lotion as often as needed.

    Avoid hot showers or baths

    Soaking in a steaming hot bath or shower might sound nice, but all that hot water can dry out your skin. When you bathe or shower, keep the water warm and limit your time to five or ten minutes.

    For some people, bathing every other day can aid in keeping the skin moisturized by allowing the skin’s natural oils to accumulate.

    Use a humidifier

    In cooler months, the air is cold and it also contains less water. If your home heating system does not have built-in humidity control, you may choose to purchase a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

    Ideal indoor air humidity should be between 30-50%. If you are using a humidifier, aim to stay in that range to prevent dryness.

    When to seek treatment for a rash

    Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

    *  You develop open cuts or sores

    *  Your dry skin keeps you from sleeping

    *  You have itching without a visible rash

    *  Your self-care efforts do not relieve your dry skin

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Work-Related Skin Problems

    WORK LIFE

    Electrician wearing gloves while working.

    Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and it has important functions. When it’s healthy, your skin helps:

    *  Regulate your body’s temperature

    *  Keep invaders like bacteria and fungus out

    *  Protect you from the elements, such as cold and sun

    Your job & your skin

    Your skin needs care and protection to stay healthy – at home and at work. Do you work with chemicals or harmful substances? Do you wash your hands often? People who work in these fields are more prone to work-related skin problems:

    *  Manufacturing

    *  Food production

    *  Construction

    *  Machine tool operation

    *  Printing

    *  Metal plating

    *  Leather processing

    *  Engine service

    *  Landscaping

    *  Farming

    *  Forestry

    *  Health care

    Healthy skin at work

    Take precautions to prevent skin irritation and injury at work. If you work with chemicals, follow these steps:

    *  Store all chemicals safely and label them correctly.

    *  Use proper waste containers.

    *  Have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every dangerous substance used at work.

    *  Wear protective gear like gloves, aprons, hats and masks.

    *  Take off oil- or chemical-soaked work clothes before you leave work.

    *  Know what to do if your skin comes in contact with a harmful substance.

    *  When possible, use tools to handle dangerous materials so they don’t touch your skin.

    *  If you work with radiation, wear protective clothing and gear to prevent exposure.

    If you wash your hands frequently at work:

    *  Do not clean your skin with chemicals. Use only cleansers designed for the skin.

    *  Apply lotion, cream or petroleum jelly after washing hands to prevent dryness, cracking and eczema.

    If you work outdoors, take sun protection seriously. Make sure you:

    *  Apply sunscreen at least every two hours if you’re in the sun.

    *  Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your body.

    Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Get The Facts About Stuttering

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Adult helping child with speech.

    Speech is an important part of communicating. Yet millions of people cope with a speech disability every day.

    What is stuttering?

    Stuttering is a problem that affects how your speech flows. People who stutter may:

    *  Stretch words out for too long when speaking

    *  Have pauses where they can’t get a word out

    *  Repeat whole words or parts of words

    *  Have uncontrolled movements when speaking, such as trembling in the jaw or excessive blinking

    Scientists don’t fully understand why stuttering happens. But we do have plenty of facts about this speech disorder. Learn more about what it is and how you can help someone who has it.

    FACT #1: Stuttering isn’t related to intelligence.

    Stuttering isn’t a problem with being confused or less intelligent. In fact, many intelligent and successful people have dealt with this speech disorder.

    FACT #2: Finishing a word or sentence for someone is not helpful.

    People who don’t understand stuttering may get frustrated or impatient when someone stutters. They may just want to say the word for them so they can keep talking. This is not helpful and could make stuttering worse.

    FACT #3: Stuttering is not caused by stress or being tense.

    Experts believe that people who stutter may have some brain differences. These  differences affect how a person’s brain works when they speak. But it’s not caused by anxiety, stress or a mental health condition. However, being stressed could make stuttering worse for a person who already has the disorder.

    FACT #4: Stuttering is more common in children.

    Many children stutter while they are learning how to speak and understand others. Most of the time, children stop stuttering before they become adults. They may need help from their doctor and a speech-language pathologist. If you’re concerned about your child’s stuttering, talk to their pediatrician.

    If you have concerns about stuttering, finding words or other speech issues, talk to your doctor about seeing a licensed speech-language pathologist.

    Sources: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Self-Care For Your Brain

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Photo illustration of brain with hands reaching out to touch it.

    Your brain needs care just like any other part of the body. As you age, your brain naturally shrinks, and certain hormones and neurotransmitters decline. It’s not uncommon for people to notice changes in their memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities.

    Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce cognitive decline. When you care for your brain, you protect your ability to focus, remember, and learn new things.

    Your brain needs

    A healthy brain relies on a healthy lifestyle:

    *  Quality nutrients that support brain cells

    *  Omega 3 fats from fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils such as flaxseed

    *  Vitamins D, E, K, and B vitamins from a variety of fruits, vegetables, and sunshine (Vitamin D)

    *  Minerals such as iron, copper, and magnesium from leafy greens and other plant foods

    *  7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night

    *  Regular exercise and movement to promote blood flow and protect blood pressure

    *  Time to relax and de-stress

    *  Regular mental stimulation and challenge

    Brain drainers

    Some unhealthy choices or physical conditions can worsen mental decline over time. Anything that negatively impacts the health of the body affects the health of the brain, such as:

    *  Smoking and other tobacco and nicotine products, such as chewing tobacco

    *  Excessive alcohol intake

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Being overweight or obese

    *  Lack of physical activity

    *  Poor diet, especially processed foods and lots of red meat

    *  Social isolation and loneliness

    Brain self-care

    Eating a healthy diet that focuses on plants, getting enough physical activity, and sleeping well is good for every part of your body. But, your brain also benefits from self-care to meet its unique needs. Here are some ideas:

    *  Meditate to promote calming brain waves

    *  Learn an instrument to introduce a new skill

    *  Read daily to expand your knowledge

    *  Do a crossword or other type of puzzle to challenge your brain

    *  Pick up a new hobby

    *  Explore a new place

    *  Volunteer for a cause you believe in

    *  Be social and meet new people

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Do A Skin Self-Exam

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Man looking at himself in mirror.

    The skin is the largest organ of the body. Yet, it is easy to overlook what is literally right in front of you when you look in the mirror every day.

    Regularly examining your skin, including the hard-to-reach places, gives you early notice that you should visit a dermatologist. Catching concerns early makes diagnosis and treatment easier and more effective.

    Common conditions

    Few people have flawless skin. It’s normal to experience skin issues, and the risk of skin disease increases with age. Common dermatological concerns you may experience include:

    *  Acne

    *  Psoriasis

    *  Eczema

    *  Rosacea

    *  Skin cancer

    *  Nail fungus

    *  Hair loss

    *  Wrinkles and other cosmetic skin concerns

    Skin Self-exam

    Many skin conditions are highly treatable when caught early. A regular skin self-exam lets you examine your whole body and monitor any moles, blemishes, or areas of concern.

    1.  Do a skin exam about once a month after exiting the shower or bath.

    2.  Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Check your front, back, and each side with your arms raised.

    3.  Bend your elbows and examine your forearms, underarms, and palms.

    4.  Using a hand mirror, check the back of your neck and scalp. Part your hair to look closer at your scalp.

    5.  Check your back and buttocks using a hand mirror.

    6.  Sit down and thoroughly examine your legs, the soles of your feet, and between your toes.

    When to seek care

    A dermatologist is a medical professional specially trained in diagnosing and treating hair, skin, and nail conditions. Regular visits to a dermatologist should be part of routine adult healthcare. But, in between visits, be on the lookout for these signs:

    *  A mole or patch of skin that changes color, size, or shape

    *  Severe or persistent acne

    *  Rash, itching, or hives that do not clear on their own

    *  A skin condition that does not heal

    *  Long-lasting skin irritation

    *   Persistent dry skin patches

    *  Nails that appear yellow or brittle

    *  Increasing hair loss

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Gut Check: Tips For Healthy Digestion

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Person holding a paper with a stomach illustration, one half happy stomach the other half a sick stomach.

    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