HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

Ulcers Not Caused By Stress

MEDICAL NEWS

The lining of your stomach makes acid and enzymes that help break down food into the nutrients you need. The lining protects itself from acid damage by releasing mucus. But sometimes the lining gets inflamed and starts making less acid, enzymes, and mucus. This type of inflammation is called gastritis.

You may have gastritis if you have pain or an uncomfortable feeling in your upper stomach. You could have nausea or vomiting. Or you may have no symptoms at all.

Untreated, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers. These are sores in the stomach lining.

Some people think ulcers are caused by stress and spicy foods. But according to the NIH in Health, bacteria called H. pylori are often to blame. These bacteria break down the inner protective coating in the stomach and can cause inflammation.

H. pylori can spread by passing from person to person or through contaminated food or water. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.

One type of gastritis, called erosive gastritis, wears away the stomach lining. The most common cause of erosive gastritis is long-term use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. Stop taking these pain relievers and the gastritis usually clears up.

Less common causes of gastritis include digestive disorders (such as Crohn’s disease) and autoimmune disorders in which the body’s protective immune cells attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.

Gastritis can be diagnosed with an endoscope. A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through the patient’s mouth or nose and into the stomach. The doctor looks at the stomach lining and may remove some tissue samples for testing. Treatment will depend on the type of gastritis found.

Although stress and spicy foods don’t cause gastritis and ulcers, they can make symptoms worse. Milk might provide brief relief, but it also increases stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms. Your doctor may advise taking antacids or other drugs to reduce acid in the stomach.

Gastritis can lead to ulcers over time. Symptoms of ulcers include pain between the belly button and breastbone that starts between meals or during the night. It briefly stops if you eat or take antacids, lasts for minutes to hours, and comes and goes for several days or weeks.

Contact your doctor right away if you have sudden sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away, black or bloody stools, or vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
All About Red Blood Cells

MEDICAL NEWS

Blood nourishes every part of the body. Red blood cells are a major component of blood and a key player in how the body receives the oxygen it needs.

What they do

Red blood cells contain a special protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs and delivers it to the organs and tissues. Once a red blood cell drops off oxygen, it picks up carbon dioxide and returns it to the lungs to be exhaled when you breathe out.

Every cell in the body relies on oxygen delivery from red blood cells. To keep a constant supply of healthy red blood cells, the bone marrow produces an impressive 2 million cells every second.

Measuring red blood cells

When you go to the doctor, they often order a complete blood count (CBC) to assess the health of your blood. Several of those values provide information about your red blood cells:

* Red blood cells (RBC) – the number of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood

* Hemoglobin – the amount of hemoglobin (by weight in grams) per the volume in blood (in deciliters)

* Hematocrit – how much of the blood is made up of red blood cells

* MCV – the average size of red blood cells

* MCH – the amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell

* MCHC – the average amount of hemoglobin in a group of red blood cells

When red blood cells are high

Common causes include:

* Dehydration

* Kidney disease

* Heart disease

* Lung disease

* Smoking (causes scarring of lung tissue)

* Conditions of the bone marrow

What to do:

If your doctor finds your red blood cell values are higher than normal, they may do further testing to identify a cause. Staying well-hydrated keeps your blood cells healthy and in the right concentration.

When red blood cells are low

You may experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rates. Common causes include:

* Anemia

* Malnutrition

* Certain types of cancer

* Kidney disease

* Liver disease

* Certain medications

What to do:

A healthy diet high in iron and other vitamins and minerals is essential for red blood cells. Leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, fish, meat, and iron-fortified foods keep blood cells healthy. Your doctor may also recommend supplements or medications.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ten Ways To Get Rid Of Winter Itch

Skin Conditions

Oh, that winter itch! Your skin feels as rough and dry as sandpaper. If your skin is chapped, cracked, and inflamed during the coldest months of the year, take heart. Relief is a simple matter of water conservation.

The basic problem is lack of moisture. Anything that steals moisture from the skin will result in dryness and chapping. The drier the air, the more rapidly moisture evaporates. (In winter, heated indoor air tends to be dry.) Also, soap and excessive bathing or showering strips the skin of its natural oils making the problem worse. Add it up and the dehydrated cells begin to shrink and separate like caked mud in a dry lake bed and a network of painful cracks appear on your skin.

Dry skin affects everyone, but older people have it worse because oil production gradually declines with age.

Since you can’t change the weather or your age, try these suggestions if you want to prevent winter itch.

* Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

* Don’t scratch or rub your skin. Do apply moisturizer to your skin daily. Use an oil-based lotion.

* Don’t overexpose your skin to water, such as with washing dishes. Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

* Right after washing your hands, put hand cream on to seal in moisture.

* Use petroleum jelly on very dry skin areas.

* Take a shower instead of a bath. Use warm (not hot) water. Pat your skin dry, but not all the way. Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin. If you prefer to bathe, bathe for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub. Use a bath oil on your skin after bathing. Try sponge baths. Use a washcloth instead of soaping the skin directly. Use a mild liquid cleanser like Cetaphil brand, or use a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.

* Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.

* Use a night cream for the face. Stay out of the strong sun. Do not use tanning salons. Use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

* Lower the setting on your heating thermostat so you’re comfortable, not toasty.

* Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in a room or have a humidifier connected to your furnace. Also, don’t sit too close to fireplace heat – it’s drying.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Being Ready For Medical Emergencies

First Aid

* Learn basic first-aid skills. Take courses in CPR and first aid. These give hands-on practice in giving first aid and CPR the right way. Find out about them from your local Red Cross, police and/or fire department, etc.

* Find out what services your health plan covers and what steps you have to take to get emergency costs paid for.

* Carry the following information with you at all times:

– Your name, address, phone number, and the person to contact if you need emergency care.

– Your health insurance information.

– Important medical information. This could be on a medical alert tag, on a wallet card, or on the back of your driver’s license. Have a list of medications, their dosages, and things you are allergic to.

– Emergency telephone numbers. (Post these near phones, too.)

First-Aid Kit

Keep first-aid supplies handy, but out of children’s reach. Carry a first-aid kit in the car (or boat, wrapped in a waterproof container), as well as in the house. Campers, bikers, hikers, and persons who spend time in remote areas should take a first-aid kit with them. Once a year, check supplies for expiration dates. Restock items when they are used up or when expiration dates have passed.

First-Aid Supplies & Medicines

* Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.

* Adhesive bandages of different sizes.

* Antibiotic ointment.

* Antidiarrheal medicine.

* Antihistamine tablets or syrup.

* Antiseptic ointment or wipes.

* Calibrated medicine spoon & dropper (for kids).

* Cold pack.

* Cotton-tipped swabs.

* Elastic wrap and closures.

* Flashlight and extra batteries.

* Hydrocortisone ointment.

* Safety pins.

* Scissors.

* Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, and tape.

* Sterile nonstick dressings.

* Sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher).

* Tweezers.

Add Extra Items for a Car or Boat

* Clean, folded sheet. Blanket.

* Large flashlight. Extra batteries. Flares. Rope.

* Plastic bottle of water, tightly capped.

* Protective clothing and footwear.

© 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
Earaches

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Mild to severe ear pain.

* Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the ears.

* Tugging at the ear and restlessness in young children.

* Ear pain.

* Some hearing loss.

* Blood or other discharge from the ear (especially after sticking an object in the ear or exposure to extremely loud noise).

Causes

The most common cause of earaches is plugged Eustachian tubes. These go from the back of the throat to the middle ear. Fluid or pressure in a plugged Eustachian tube causes pain. This is caused by an infection of the middle ear, a cold or sinus infection, or allergies. Other things that can cause ear pain include changes in air pressure in a plane, something stuck in the ear, too much earwax, tooth problems, and ear injuries.

Treatment

Treatment includes pain relievers and methods to dry up or clear the blocked ear canal. Self-care can be used to treat many earaches. Severe and/or constant ear pain needs a medical diagnosis. Often, antibiotics are not needed for middle ear infections in children. About 8 in 10 children with ear infections get better without antibiotics. Let your child’s doctor decide if and when an antibiotic should be prescribed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Help Prevent Ear Pain

* Don’t put cotton-tipped swabs, bobby pins, etc., in your ears. This could damage the eardrum.

* Don’t blow your nose with too much force.

* If you can, avoid places that have very loud noises (construction sites, etc.). Wear earplugs when exposed to loud noises.

* Keep the volume on low when using stereos, compact discs (CDs), etc. If someone else can hear the music when you are listening to one of these devices with earphones, the volume is too loud.

To Avoid Getting “Swimmer’s Ear”

* Wear wax or silicone earplugs.

* Wear a bathing cap.

* Don’t swim in dirty water. Swim on the surface not underneath the water.

* Use an over-the-counter product, such as Swim-Ear, as directed.

To Reduce Ear Pain

* Place a warm washcloth next to the ear. Some health professionals recommend putting an ice bag or ice in a wet washcloth over the painful ear for 20 minutes.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed on the label.

To Open Up the Eustachian Tubes and Help Them Drain

* Sit up. Prop your head up when you sleep.

* Yawn. This helps move the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes.

* Chew gum or suck on hard candy. (Do not give to children under age 5.) This tip is especially helpful during pressure changes that take place during air travel, but can also help if you wake up with ear pain.

* When traveling by air, stay awake when the plane takes off and lands. Wear ear plugs.

* Take a steamy shower.

* Use a cool-mist vaporizer, especially at night.

* Drink plenty of cool water.

* Gently, but firmly, blow through your nose while holding both nostrils closed until you hear a pop. This can be done several times a day.

* If okay with your doctor, take a decongestant to help relieve the swelling that causes the pain. (Don’t use a nasal spray decongestant for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor.)

* When you give a baby a bottle, hold the baby in an upright position.

To Treat a Mild Case of “Swimmer’s Ear”

The goal is to clean and dry the outer ear canal without doing further damage to the top layer of skin.

* Shake the head to expel trapped water.

* Dry the ear canal. Get a clean facial tissue. Twist each corner into a tip and gently place each tip into the ear canal for 10 seconds. Repeat with the other ear using a new tissue.

* Use an over-the-counter product, such as Swim-Ear. Drop it into the ears to fight infection. Follow package directions.

* Do not remove earwax. This protects the ear canal.

For an Insect in the Ear

Shine a flashlight into the ear. Doing this may cause the insect to come out.

Resources

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

800.241.1044

www.nidcd.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fishhook Removal

First Aid

A fishhook can nick or cut the skin, get stuck in the skin near its surface, or get deeply embedded in the skin. First aid treats most fishhook accidents.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / First Aid

For a Fishhook Deeply Embedded in the Skin

* Put ice or cold water on the wound area to numb it. Push on the shaft of the hook until the barb protrudes. See image A. With wire cutters, snip the hook at either the shank or the barb. See image B. Pull the hook out. See image C.

* Wash the wound area well with soap and water. Treat for a puncture wound.

For a Fishhook Stuck Near the Surface of the Skin

* Put ice or cold water on the wound area.

* Take a piece of fishing line. Loop one end and tie it to the hook near the surface of the skin. See image D. Grasp the shaft end of the hook with one hand and press down about 1/8th inch to disengage the barb. See image E.

* Keep pressing the hook down and jerk the fishing line in a motion parallel to the skin’s surface to make the shaft of the hook lead the barb out of the skin. See image F. Treat for a puncture wound.

{Note: For nicks or surface cuts to the skin, treat for a cut.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Hearing Loss

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

People over age 50 are likely to lose some hearing each year. The decline is usually gradual. About 30% of adults age 65 through 74 and about 50% of those age 85 and older have hearing problems.

Hearing problems can get worse if they are ignored and not treated. People with hearing problems may withdraw from others because they may not be able to understand what others say. Hearing loss can cause an older person to be labeled “confused” or “senile.”

Signs & Symptoms

* Words are hard to understand. This worsens when there is background noise.

* Certain sounds are overly loud or annoying.

* Hearing a hissing or ringing background noise. This can be constant or it can come and go.

* Concerts, TV shows, etc. are less enjoyable because much goes unheard.

Causes

Presbycusis (prez-bee-KU-sis). This is a gradual type of hearing loss. It is common with aging. With this, you can have a hard time understanding speech. You may not tolerate loud sounds. You may not hear high pitched sounds. Hearing loss from presbycusis does not cause deafness.

* Ear wax that blocks the ear canal.

* A chronic middle ear infection or an infection of the inner ear.

* Medicines (e.g., aspirin).

* Blood vessel disorders, such as high blood pressure.

* Acoustic trauma, such as from a blow to the ear or from excessive noise. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can be from a one-time exposure to an extremely loud sound or to repeated exposure to loud level sounds.

* Ménière’s disease. This is a problem of the inner ear. The hearing loss comes and goes. Dizziness is also a symptom.

* Small tumors on the auditory nerve. Brain tumor (rarely).

Treatment

* Earwax is removed by a health care provider.

* Hearing aid(s). These make sounds louder.

* Speech reading. This is learning to read lips and facial expressions.

* Auditory training. This helps with specific hearing problems.

* Surgery. This can be done if the problem requires it.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Gradual, Age-Related Hearing Loss

* Ask people to speak clearly, distinctly, and in a normal tone.

* Look at people when they are talking to you. Watch their expressions.

* Try to limit background noise when speaking with someone.

* In a church or theater, sit in the 3rd or 4th row with people sitting around you.

* Install a flasher or amplifier on your phone, door chime, and alarm clock.

To Hear Sounds Better

* Use a hearing aid. There are many kinds. Examples are ones worn:

– In-the-Ear (ITE).

– Behind-the-Ear (BTE).

– In-the-Canal (ITC).

* To find the hearing aid that works best for you, see an audiologist. Ask him or her about a trial period with different hearing aids to find one you are comfortable with.

* Use devices and listening systems that help you hear better when you use your telephone, mobile phone, TV, stereo, etc.

To Clear Earwax

Use only if the eardrum is not ruptured. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.

* Lie on your side. Using a syringe or medicine dropper, carefully squeeze a few drops of lukewarm water into your ear (or have someone else do this). Let the water remain there for 10 to 15 minutes and then shake it out. Now, squeeze a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or an over-the-counter cleaner, such as Debrox, into the ear. Let the excess fluid flow out of the ear.

* After several minutes, put warm water in the ear again. Let it stay there for 10 to 15 minutes. Tilt the head to allow it to drain out of the ear.

Repeat this entire procedure again in 3 hours if the earwax has not cleared.

Resources

American Speech-Language Hearing Association

800.638.8255

www.asha.org

Better Hearing Institute

800.EAR.WELL (327.9355)

www.betterhearing.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Insomnia

Women’s Health

Insomnia is having trouble falling asleep. It can last from a single night to a few weeks. It can occur from time to time or be a chronic problem.

Signs & Symptoms

* Waking up during the night and not being able to get back to sleep.

* Waking up too early.

* Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep.

* Fatigue or feeling drowsy during the day because of lack of sleep.

Causes

* Too much caffeine or having it before bedtime.

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

* Going to bed with a full bladder or any problem that causes you to urinate or have a bowel movement during the night.

* Too much noise when you fall asleep. This includes a snoring partner.

* Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

* A lack of physical exercise.

* Lack of a sex partner.

* Side effects of some medicines, such as decongestants, corticosteroids, and stay-awake pills.

* Emotional stress. Depression. Anxiety.

* Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

* Fibromyalgia.

* Any condition, illness, injury, or surgery that causes pain and/or discomfort which interrupts sleep.

* Asthma, allergies, and early-morning wheezing.

* An overactive thyroid gland.

* Heart or lung conditions that cause shortness of breath when lying down.

Treatment

* Self-care and prevention measures.

* Treating the problem.

* Prescribed short-acting sleeping pills.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Avoid caffeine for 8 hours before bedtime. Caffeine is in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, and some other soft drinks. Check labels for caffeine content in over-the-counter medicines.

* Avoid long naps during the day.

* Have no more than 1 alcoholic drink with or after dinner. Even though alcohol is a sedative, it can disrupt sleep. Check with your doctor about using any alcohol if you are taking medicines.

* An hour or two before going to bed, dim the lights in the house.

* Before you go to bed, have food items rich in the amino acid L-tryptophan, such as milk, turkey, or tuna fish. Do not take L-tryptophan supplements, though. Eating foods with carbohydrates, such as cereal, breads, and fruits, may help as well.

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

* Before bedtime, take a warm bath or read a book or do some type of repetitive, calm activity. Avoid things that hold your attention, such as watching a suspense movie.

* Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable. Use clean, fresh sheets and pillows. Keep the room temperature neither too warm nor too cool.

* Ban worry from the bedroom. Don’t rehash the mistakes of the day as you toss and turn.

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

* Count sheep! Picturing a repeated image may bore you to sleep.

* Listen to recordings that help promote sleep. Look for them at a library or bookstore.

* If you’ve tried to fall asleep, but are still awake after 30 minutes, get out of bed. Read a relaxing book or sit quietly in the dark. Do this for about 20 minutes. Then go back to bed. Repeat this as many times as you need to until you are able to fall asleep.

* 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.

Resources

National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr

National Sleep Foundation

www.sleepfoundation.org

© 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