HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

Constipation

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Constipation is having trouble passing stool or having hard stools. “Regularity” does not mean that you have a bowel movement every day. Normal bowel habits range from 3 movements a day to 3 each week. What is more important is what is normal for you.

Signs & Symptoms

* A hard time passing stool. Not being able to pass stool. Having very hard stool.

* Straining to have a bowel movement.

* Abdominal swelling. The feeling of continued fullness after passing stool.

Causes

* Drinking too few fluids. Not eating enough dietary fiber.

* Not being active enough.

* Not going to the bathroom when you have the urge to pass stool.

* Misuse of laxatives.

* A side effect of some heart, pain, and antidepressant medicines, as well as, antacids, antihistamines, and water pills.

* Chronic illnesses that slow the digestive tract. Examples are diabetes and an underactive thyroid.

* Cancer or other diseases of the bowel.

Treatment

Self-care usually treats constipation. You may also need to talk to your doctor about health problems and medicines that could cause the problem.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Eat foods high in dietary fiber. Examples are bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

* Drink at least 1-1/2 to 2 quarts fluids every day. Have hot water, tea, etc. to stimulate the bowel.

* Get enough exercise.

* Don’t resist the urge to pass stool.

* If you take antacids or iron supplements and get constipated easily, discuss the use of these with your doctor.

* Take stool softeners (e.g., Colace), fiber supplements (e.g., Metamucil), “stimulant” laxatives (e.g., Ex-Lax), or enemas, as directed on the label and by your doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Earwax

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Earwax coats and protects the lining of the ear canal. It filters dust and helps keep the ears clean. Normally, earwax is soft and drains by itself. Sometimes it hardens and forms a plug.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of earwax buildup are:

* Blocked or plugged feeling in the ear

* Partial hearing loss (temporary)

* Ringing in the ear

* Ear discomfort or pain

Causes

* Exposure to excessive dust or dirt

* A family history of earwax buildup

Simple earwax build-up can be treated using self-care. If self-care doesn’t take care of the problem, a doctor can clear the earwax with a special vacuum, scoop, or water-pik-like device.

Prevention

* Wear earplugs when exposed to excessive dust or dirt.

* Don’t use cotton swabs in the ear. They tend to pack the earwax down more tightly.

* Don’t push objects into the ear canal.

Self-Care

{Note: Use only if you know that your eardrum is not ruptured or infected. See signs of a ruptured eardrum and ear infection under “When to Seek Medical Care” on this page.}

* Don’t try to scrape out earwax. You could put a hole in your eardrum or damage the skin of your ear canal.

* Use an over-the-counter product, such as Murine Ear Drops, Debrox, etc. Follow package directions.

* Hold a warm, wet washcloth on the blocked ear or, take a warm shower. Let the water gently flow into the ear. Use the tip of a warm washcloth to remove the softened wax. Don’t use cold water. This may cause dizziness.

* Lie on your side or tilt your head sideways. Using a clean medicine dropper, carefully squeeze a few drops of lukewarm water into your ear. Leave the water there for about 10 minutes. Tilt your head to let the water drain out of the ear. After several minutes, do the same thing again. If the ear wax has not cleared in 3 hours, repeat this entire procedure. {Note: Instead of just warm water, you can use a mixture of 1 part warm water and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Keep the drops in the ear for 3, not 10 minutes, though.}

* Rest a hot water bottle on the affected ear for a few minutes. Afterward, use a washcloth to remove the softened wax.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* You have sudden or total hearing loss in one or both ears.

* Earwax has not cleared after using self-care for several days.

* You have signs of a ruptured eardrum:

– Ear pain

– Blood or other ear discharge

– Partial hearing loss

– Ringing or burning in the ear

* You have ear pain with any of these signs of an ear infection:

– Feeling of fullness in the ear that leads to ear pain

– Fever of 101°F or higher

– Blood, pus, or fluid from the ear

– Temporary hearing loss

– Redness and swelling of the skin of the ear canal

– Nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Flatulence (Gas)

Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Flatulence is passing gas through the anus. For the average adult, this happens about 6 to 20 times a day.

Signs & Symptoms

* Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen or anal area.

* Passing gas. A foul odor occurs sometimes.

Causes

Gas is caused by swallowing air and digesting foods. Eating high fiber foods like beans, peas, and whole-grains create more gas than other foods. Dairy foods can create large amounts of gas in some people.

Gas may signal other problems, too. These include lactose intolerance, taking certain antibiotics, and abnormal muscle movement in the colon.

Gas can also be a symptom of celiac disease. With this, the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten. This is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Other symptoms of celiac disease are pain and bloating in the abdomen; diarrhea; weight loss; anemia; and a certain skin rash. Treatment is a gluten-free diet. Find out about celiac disease fromwww.celiac.nih.gov.

Treatment

Self-care treats most cases of gas. If the gas is due to another problem, treating the problem reduces or gets rid of the gas.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Try not to swallow air. Don’t have carbonated drinks and chewing gum. These can cause more air to get into your stomach.

* When you add fiber to your diet, do so gradually.

* When you pass gas, note which foods you have eaten. Eat less of the foods that often cause gas. Common ones are apples, bran, whole-wheat foods, cabbage-family vegetables, eggs, dairy products, prunes, and beans.

* To prevent getting gas from many “gassy” foods, try an over-the-counter product, such as Beano. This helps prevent gas from beans, bran, nuts, onions, soy, and many vegetables.

* Try an over-the-counter medicine with simethicone, such as Gas-X.

* Release the gas when you need to. Go to another room if it will help you be less embarrassed.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Heart Disease

Heart & Circulation Problems

Heart disease is a common term for coronary artery disease (CAD). It is the number one cause of death in the U.S. in both men and women. With heart disease, arteries that supply blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed. Heart disease can lead to these problems:

* Angina. With this, the heart muscle does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs for a given level of work. A heart attack damages the heart muscle. Angina does not. It is a warning sign that a heart attack could occur, though.

* Heart attack.

* Heart failure (HF). With this, the heart “fails” to supply the body with enough blood and oxygen for its needs. This develops slowly. It becomes chronic.

Signs & Symptoms

* Symptoms of angina are pain, discomfort, or a squeezing pressure in the chest. Aching in a tooth, jaw, or neck can also occur. Symptoms usually go away with rest and/or nitroglycerin. Angina attacks may occur with anger, excitement, or exertion, such as walking up a hill.

* Symptoms of a heart attack.

* Symptoms of heart failure are: Shortness of breath; feeling very tired or weak; swelling in the lower legs, ankles, and feet; dry cough or one with pink, frothy mucus; rapid weight gain; and a fast heart beat.

Causes

Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis. This is the buildup of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries. The plaque is made up of blood platelets, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and sometimes calcium. The plaque narrows the arteries. This slows or blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

Some factors increase the risk of heart disease. The more risk factors; the higher the risk.

Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed

* A past heart attack or stroke.

* Being a male 45 years or older.

* Being a female 55 years or older.

* Family history of heart disease:

– A father or brother had heart disease before age 55.

– A mother or sister had heart disease before age 65.

Risk Factors That Can Be Controlled

* High blood pressure.

* High-risk blood cholesterol levels.

* Smoking.

* Being overweight or obese.

* Lack of physical activity.

* Having diabetes and high total and/or LDL (bad) cholesterol.

* Using cocaine or amphetamines.

* Metabolic syndrome.

Other Factors that May Play a Role in Heart Disease

* Waist measurement > 40 inches for men; > 35 inches for women.

* C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. Levels of CRP rise when there is inflammation in the body.

* Elevated blood homocysteine levels.

* Infections, such as chlamydia pneumoniae.

* Elevated blood lipoprotein (a).

* Elevated blood triglycerides.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, control or reduce risk factors, stop or slow further damage to the arteries, and prevent and treat cardiac events. Treatment includes:

* Self-Care / Prevention measures on this page.

* Medications.

* Procedures to open blocked or narrowed arteries or bypass them.

* Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab).

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Have regular medical checkups. Get your blood pressure checked at each office visit or or as advised by your doctor. Get your blood cholesterol tested regularly, as advised by your doctor.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Get to or stay at a healthy weight.

* Take all medications as prescribed.

* If you are 50 to 69 years old, ask your doctor about the benefits and harms of aspirin therapy (e.g., 1 low-dose aspirin daily) to help prevent cardiovascular disease.

* See your doctor if you have any of the Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes.

* Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Limit sodium to 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day. Follow theDASH Eating Plan.

* Get regular exercise. Follow your doctor’s advice.

* Manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques.

* If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Too much alcohol can raise the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Moderate drinking, may be linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease in some persons. Moderation means no more than 2 drinks a day for men; 1 drink a day for women and persons age 65 and older. One drink = 5 oz. of wine; 12 oz. of beer; or 1-1/2 oz. of 80-proof liquor.

* Ask your doctor how much, if any, alcohol you should drink.

* Get your doctor’s advice about taking vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is having at least three of these five conditions:

1. Abdominal obesity. Waist measurement for this varies according to sex and ethnic group. Ask your doctor.

2. High triglycerides:* ≥ 150 mg/dL

3. Low HDL-cholesterol:* < 40 mg/dL for males; < 50 mg/dL for females

4. High blood pressure:* ≤ 140 mm Hg systolic and/or ≤ 90 mm Hg diastolic

5. High fasting glucose:* ≥ 100 mg/dL

* Or taking medication to treat this condition.

Resources

The American Heart Association

800.AHA.USA1 (242.8721)

www.heart.org/HEARTORG

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

www.nhlbi.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Insomnia 2

General Health Conditions

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
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Eye Conditions

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the covering of the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes. The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis. It is called pink eye when the cause is a bacterial or viral infection. This is because the white part of the eye looks pinkish-red. Conjunctivitis can also be due to an allergic reaction.

Signs & Symptoms

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Pink Eye

* Wash your hands often. Don’t share towels, washcloths, etc.

* Avoid contact with other people as much as you can until you have used the prescribed antibiotic eye drops, etc. for 24 hours. Follow the rules of your workplace about pink eye. For children, follow the rules of their school.

* With your eyes closed, apply a cotton ball soaked in warm (not hot) water to the affected eye 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for at least 5 minutes at a time. Use a clean cotton ball each time.

* Throw away any makeup that could be contaminated. Don’t wear eye makeup until the infection is all cleared up. Don’t share makeup with others.

* Don’t share eye drops with others.

* Don’t put a cover or patch over the eye. This can make the infection grow.

* Don’t wear contact lenses while your eyes are infected. Replace contact lenses or disinfect them twice before re-using.

For Allergic Conjunctivitis

* Avoid things you know you are allergic to.

* Use over-the-counter eye drops. These soothe irritation and help relieve itching.

* Apply a washcloth rinsed in cold water to the eyes. Do this several times a day.

* Use protective eyewear when you work with chemicals and fumes.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sinus Problems

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Your sinuses are behind your cheekbones and forehead and around your eyes. Healthy sinuses drain almost a quart of mucus every day. They keep the air you breathe wet. Your sinuses can’t drain right if they are blocked, infected, or swollen. Sinus problems include:

* A sinus infection. This can be acute or chronic.

* Sinus congestion without an infection.

Signs & Symptoms

For a Sinus Infection

* Fever.

* Green, yellow, or bloody-colored nasal discharge.

* Foul-smelling or tasting postnasal drip.

* Severe headache that doesn’t get better when you take an over-the-counter pain reliever. The headache is worse in the morning or when bending forward.

* Pain between the nose and lower eyelid. Cheek or upper jaw pain.

* A feeling of pressure inside the head. Stuffy nose.

* Swelling around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead.

* Cough that worsens at night.

* Fatigue.

For sinus congestion without an infection, drainage is clear and there is no fever.

Causes

* Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Sneezing hard with your mouth closed or blowing your nose too much with a cold.

* Irritants like tobacco smoke, air pollutants, etc. Hay fever or other allergies.

* A nasal deformity. Sinuses that don’t drain well.

Treatment

Sinus congestion without an infection does not need an antibiotic and can be treated with self-care. A decongestant helps break up the congestion.

An acute sinus infection usually clears up in 2 weeks with an antibiotic, a decongestant, and nose drops or a nasal spray. When this is not the case, the problem may be a chronic sinus infection which takes longer to treat and/or may need further investigation to diagnose the cause.

An antifungal medicine helps treat a fungal infection in the sinuses. Surgery may be needed to drain the sinuses. Surgery can be done to enlarge a sinus passage that is too narrow to allow proper drainage.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Use a cool-mist humidifier especially in the bedroom. Put a humidifier on the furnace.

* Put a warm washcloth, warm or cold compress over the sinus area of your face. Use the one that helps most for the pain.

* Drink plenty of liquids.

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

* Take an OTC decongestant or an OTC pain reliever with a decongestant (e.g., Tylenol Sinus). {Note: Some persons should not take decongestants.}

* Use nose drops only for the number of days prescribed. Repeated use of them creates a dependency. Don’t share nose drops with others. Throw the drops away after treatment.

* Nasal washes with salt water. Find out about this technique from the National Jewish Health.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Seal Out Tooth Decay

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Even if you brush, floss, rinse with fluoride, and never eat a sticky sweet, decay-causing bacteria can invade the tiny pits and crevices in your molars, or chewing teeth. To head off that kind of decay, researchers have developed sealants-special plastic coatings that form an effective barrier between bacteria and the chewing surfaces of your teeth, where fluoride is less effective.

Approximately 90 percent of the cavities in school-age children occur in crevices in the back teeth, so sealants are best applied when the permanent molars first emerge. (The American Dental Association reports a significant decrease in cavities in children who have sealants applied to their teeth.) But that doesn’t mean sealants aren’t useful or appropriate for adults who have cavity-prone teeth. So ask your dentist or dental hygienist about sealants the next time you have a dental checkup.

The procedure is simple, pain-free, and won’t interfere with later dental work. Sealed teeth may need to be touched up periodically, though.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Avoid Gum Disease With These Tips

SELF-CARE CORNER

Are you wondering if “a little blood” on your toothbrush is a reason to be concerned? It could indicate the early stages of gum disease, which can lead to serious dental problems later. Almost half of adults over age 30 have gum disease. Plus, 70 percent of people over age 65 have it, too.

The good news is, you can take steps now to prevent it from getting worse. This could save you from tooth loss or gum problems.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease (“periodontitis”) happens when plaque-a sticky film of bacteria-builds up on teeth and hardens. At first, this can cause gums that look red, swollen or that bleed (“gingivitis”). As it gets worse, the gums can pull away from the teeth. This can cause infections in the mouth. The infection can lead to bone loss in the mouth and eventually, tooth loss. Gum disease may also be linked to other health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.

Keep gums healthy

A few tips can help you avoid gum disease and keep your smile feeling and looking great for years to come:

* Brush twice a day. Brush with fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes each time and get all surfaces and sides of teeth. Also brush the tongue. Be sure you replace your toothbrush at least every six months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear or fraying.

* Floss once a day. Plaque hides between teeth, where the brush can’t reach. Remove it each day with floss and you can avoid plaque buildup that hardens and turns to tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.

* Don’t smoke. More than 60 percent of smokers have gum disease. This is one of the many reasons quitting is important for your health.

* See your dentist every six months. A dentist can remove any plaque or tartar and will check the health of your gums. They can work with you to reverse gum disease in the early stages.

* Ask about mouthwash. Some mouthwashes can help reduce plaque and tooth decay. Those at higher risk for gum disease may wish to talk to their dentist about the best options.

If your gums look red or tend to bleed, see your dentist. Early treatment can save your gums and teeth. Even if they are in great shape, regular visits to the dentist will help you keep them that way. Your smile will thank you!

Sources: National Institutes of Health, American Academy of Periodontology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eye-Popping Facts

WELL-BEING

Kids (and adults) are spending hours using electronics such as iPads, video games, computers, and smartphones. How much is too much for your eyes when it comes to digital device use?

Eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a serious condition that can cause back and neck pain, dry eye, and even headaches. Statistics show that 80% of what we learn is through our eyes, which means that digital eyestrain and CVS can have a major impact on productivity and success.

VSP optometrist, Dr. Nate Bonilla-Warford suggests these eye-easing ways to avoid digital eye strain:

*Blink often:When looking at a computer or hand-held digital device, it’s common for you to blink 2 to 3 times less than you normally would. This can lead to “dry eye.” Blinking bathes your eyes in tears, and tears are naturally helpful for the eyes.

*Follow the 20/20/20 rule:When spending long periods in front of a digital device, every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away to allow your eyes to rest.

*Ensure proper lighting:Poor lighting often causes eye strain. To help ease the strain on your eyes, keep bright lighting overhead to a minimum and position your desk lamp to shine on your desk, and not at you.

*Wear it:If you or your child wears prescription glasses-for digital use or otherwise-make sure to have them on.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026