HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

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
Be Kind To Your Kidneys

MEDICAL NEWS

Did you know that your kidneys are responsible for many important body functions? Kidneys are designed to:

* Keep the body’s fluid levels in check

* Remove extra fluid and waste from the blood, which exits the body as urine

* Activate vitamin D for healthy bones

* Balance minerals in the blood

* Direct the making of red blood cells

* Make a hormone that keeps blood pressure within a normal range

Kidney disease: a hidden danger

Chronic kidney disease, sometimes called CKD, can interfere with the kidneys’ important jobs. It can lead to heart attack, stroke, weak bones, anemia and other life-threatening problems.

One of the problems with CKD is many people don’t find out that they have it until the later stages. Then, there could be more severe kidney damage and complications. About 1 in 7 people have some form of CKD.

But there is good news. Getting treated early means kidney damage can be slowed or even stopped. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and get kidney tests if needed.

Know your risk

If you have one of the following conditions, it means you may have a higher chance of getting CKD. Talk with your doctor about your kidney health if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Tests are best

If you have one of the risk factors listed below, your doctor may want to perform one or more of these tests:

* Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

* Protein in urine test: If a person’s urine contains a certain type of protein, it may be an early sign of CKD.

* Creatinine in blood test: If the kidneys aren’t working well, they can’t take a waste product called creatinine out of the blood.

* Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test: This measures creatinine levels and calculates other CKD risk factors too.

What to do

If you find out you have CKD, your doctor may recommend:

* Lowering high blood pressure

* Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes

* Eating less sodium (salt)

* Not taking NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

* Eating only a moderate amount of protein

* Getting a flu shot each year

Even if your kidneys are healthy, you can help keep them that way by:

* Not smoking or getting help to quit

* Working toward a healthy weight

* Getting blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly

* Annual blood sugar testing

* Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables

* Seeing your doctor as recommended

* Knowing your family medical history

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Kidney Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is Lasik Right For You?

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you wear glasses or contacts, it’s possible you may be a candidate for LASIK eye surgery. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which simply means laser vision correction.

The procedure uses a laser to correct the shape of your cornea and improve your vision. This type of surgery is used to treat:

* Myopia (nearsightedness)

* Hyperopia (farsightedness)

* Astigmatism (an imperfection in the shape of the cornea)

Undergoing LASIK eye surgery may reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. But, it’s not right for everyone.

How to qualify

To find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, you first need to talk to your eye doctor. They will do a comprehensive eye exam and make sure you meet certain criteria such as:

* Stable vision for at least a year

* Eye prescription within the range LASIK can correct

* Thick healthy corneas

* 18 years of age or older

Some conditions may disqualify you from the procedure. These include:

* Severe dry eye

* Eye infections

* Cataracts

* Glaucoma

* Poorly controlled diabetes

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding

The procedure

During the procedure, you will be awake, resting comfortably on a table, and able to see for the majority of the time. It is painless and over in just a few minutes.

1. Drops will be put in your eyes to numb them.

2. An eyelid holder will be put in place to keep your eyes open.

3. A suction ring will be placed on your eye to hold it still. You will feel some pressure, and your vision will briefly fade.

4. The ophthalmologist will use a laser to cut a flap in your cornea.

5. A laser will precisely reshape your cornea, and the flap will be smoothed back into place.

After LASIK surgery

You will need to wear special glasses at first for eye protection and use several types of eye drops for the first few days to weeks until your eyes are healed.

Side effects from the procedure are often temporary and may include:

* Dry eyes

* Light sensitivity

* Blurry vision

* Halos around lights, especially at night

* Glare

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Dyslexia

MEDICAL NEWS

Dyslexia is a learning disability that impacts the ability to read. While the condition can be frustrating, people with dyslexia have more resources available than ever before. With proper support, they can build the skills needed to adapt and learn.

Causes

Dyslexia is neurobiological, meaning it is caused by how the brain is “wired.” Many people with dyslexia are born with a brain that has difficulty interpreting written information. However, dyslexia can develop as a result of a brain injury or dementia.

Dyslexia isn’t related to a person’s intelligence. People of all intellectual abilities may be affected by dyslexia. Just because someone has difficulty processing written information doesn’t mean they don’t understand the concepts.

Genetics may play a role in the development of dyslexia. While the exact cause of the condition is unknown, research is ongoing to further clarify its origin and treatment.

Signs

While no single test can diagnose dyslexia, a doctor will look at a range of signs and symptoms. Information from family history, medical history, reading evaluations, psychological testing, and other factors provide the basis for a diagnosis.

Here are some common signs of dyslexia:

* Reading or writing slowly

* Writing letters in the wrong order

* Difficulty telling similar letters or words apart

* Problems spelling

* Difficulty planning and organizing

* Avoidance of activities that involve reading

* Problems remembering sequences

Support

Early identification of dyslexia is vital, especially for young children. With the right support, most individuals can be successful in school and at work. Effective treatment involves providing a supportive environment and individualized instruction to teach techniques that make reading easier. These include:

* Helping a child use multiple senses to identify written words

* Tutoring sessions with a reading specialist

* A school Individual Education Program (IEP) that guarantees learning support

* Reading aloud to children and having them practice reading aloud

* Utilizing technology to aid reading and writing

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Ready To Donate Blood

WELL-BEING

When you donate blood, you are potentially saving a life. The American Red Cross estimates that someone needs blood every two seconds. Your donation makes that possible. The donation process is pretty simple, but there are a few things you should know in advance to prepare.

Donation eligibility

To donate blood, you must meet specific criteria. These include:

* Being healthy and not currently ill

* Over the age of 16 (in most states)

* Weigh at least 110 pounds

* Have not given blood in the past 56 days

When you go to donate

It can help relieve any nervousness if you know what to expect before you go. Most donation centers follow a standard process.

*Registration:verification of eligibility, checking your driver’s license, and providing your address.

*Health history:information on health conditions, medications, and recent travel.

*Health screening:checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

*The donation:takes about 8-10 minutes, during which time you will sit or lay comfortably.

*Recovery:takes 10-15 minutes, during which time you’ll receive a snack and drink and make sure you feel ready to go.

When You Should Not Donate

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, there may be other things that could temporarily disqualify you from donating.

* You are not feeling 100%. Only donate blood if you are feeling your best. If you are sick, you should wait until 24 hours after your symptoms pass.

* Certain kinds of medications and vaccinations may require a waiting period before giving blood. Check with the American Red Cross before you go.

* Low iron may cause anemia or a low blood count, making you ineligible to donate blood that day. Once your iron levels have improved, you may be able to donate.

* If you have traveled to certain countries outside the U.S., you may need to wait to donate blood.

Source: The American Red Cross

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping An Eye Out For Cataracts

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people will have cataracts by the age of 80. But they don’t have to mean loss of vision. They are treatable.

What is a cataract?

A normal lens inside the eye is clear. Cataracts happen when the proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down. Then they clump together. This causes cloudiness and problems with your vision.

Cataracts may occur with normal aging. But they can also happen after an eye injury or if you had eye surgery.

Signs of cataracts

People often notice changes in vision when cataracts start to form. These changes include:

* Blurry or distorted vision

* Being sensitive to light

* Seeing a “halo” around lights

* Seeing double

* Trouble seeing at night or in dimly lit rooms

* Seeing colors as dull or yellow-tinted

Prevention

The best way to help prevent cataracts is with eye sun protection. Wear sunglasses that block out 100 percent of UV rays when you’re outside during the day. Not all sunglasses offer 100 percent UV protection. Check the packaging to be sure. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep sun off your face.

Smoking increases the risk for cataracts, so quit smoking. Get help quitting if you need it.

Finally, get a dilated eye exam regularly. Ask your eye care specialist or doctor how often you need one.

Seeing a doctor

If you think you might have cataracts, talk to a doctor. You may need an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. During the exam, your eye care specialist can perform tests to look for cataracts.

Treatment options

If your doctor finds cataracts, don’t panic. There are ways to treat them.

First, your doctor may recommend new glasses or contacts for mild symptoms. You may also find that using brighter lights or a magnifying lens is helpful for reading or working.

If your cataracts are interfering with life, you may need surgery. Cataracts surgery involves putting a new artificial lens in the eye. It is a safe surgical procedure and works well for most people.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Epilepsy

MEDICAL NEWS

Epilepsy is a broad term that encompasses a variety of brain disorders that cause seizures. It is one of the most common brain conditions and can affect people of any age.

Signs & symptoms

The primary symptom of epilepsy is seizures. A seizure is a brief change in brain activity. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

Someone may be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two or more seizures unrelated to another cause, such as a fever or low blood sugar.

Seizures can look different in different people. Signs may include:

* Confusion

* Staring

* Rapid blinking

* Twitching or shaking

* Falling to the ground

* Loss of consciousness

* Body stiffening

Causes

While the cause of epilepsy is unknown for many people, certain conditions impact the brain and may lead to the development of epilepsy:

* Brain tumor

* Traumatic brain injury

* Infection in the brain from a virus, bacteria, or parasite

* Stroke

* Oxygen deprivation of the brain

* Certain genetic disorders

* Certain neurological diseases

Treatment

If left untreated, recurring seizures impact quality of life, increase the risk of injury, and may shorten life expectancy.

Common treatments include:

* Medicine: Anti-seizure medication works by controlling improper brain signals.

* Surgery: This can remove the affected area if seizure activity occurs in only one part of the brain.

* Diet: A specialized ketogenic diet may be effective for some types of epilepsy, especially in children.

* Nerve stimulation: An implanted device stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce seizures.

Self-care

Successful epilepsy treatment takes the combined efforts of healthcare professionals and the person with epilepsy. Many self-care practices aid in reducing seizure triggers and keeping the body healthy:

* Take all medications as prescribed.

* Keep a record of seizures and any potential triggers.

* Get plenty of sleep every night.

* Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

* Get regular physical activity and movement.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Smart About Seizures

MEDICAL NEWS

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause a person to have uncontrolled movements. A grand mal seizure or tonic-clonic seizure is the most serious. It usually involves jerking movements, shaking and the inability to talk or communicate.

When it comes to seizures, there are plenty of myths. Knowing the truth about seizures could save someone’s life.

Myth:A person having a seizure could swallow their tongue.

Truth:This is not possible. Never put something in a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure.

Myth:You should hold the person down.

Truth:Do not try to hold or move the person unless they are in immediate danger of getting hurt. You can help get them on the floor and turn on their side. This keeps the person from injuring themselves or falling.

Myth:You should always give mouth-to-mouth or CPR during a seizure.

Truth:People usually start breathing normally after the seizure is over. But if the patient stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, call 911 and begin CPR.

Should you call 911?

Call 911 if:

* The person has never had a seizure before.

* The person stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, or has trouble breathing after the seizure.

* The seizure happened in the water.

* The person is pregnant.

* The person doesn’t wake up after the seizure.

* The person has a health condition like heart disease or diabetes.

* The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

* The person is hurt.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping An Eye Out For Retinal Detachment

SELF-CARE CORNER

Retinal detachment means your retina is pulled away from its normal position at the back of your eye. If a retinal detachment happens, it is a medical emergency. It can cause permanent vision loss.

See the signs

Retinal detachment may cause symptoms that come on suddenly. You may see things like:

* A lot of gray or black “floaters” that look like squiggly lines or specks of dirt

* Flashes of bright light

* A dark area or shadow

Will it happen to me?

Retinal detachment can happen to anyone. But you are more likely to get it if:

* Someone in your family has had a retinal detachment

* You’ve had any kind of eye surgery

* You’ve had a serious eye injury

* You have diabetic retinopathy

* You have other eye diseases

The best way to know your risk is to talk to your eye doctor. Most of the time, retinal detachment happens from aging or an eye injury.

Can I prevent it?

You can lower your risk by protecting your eyes. Wear safety goggles during sports or when using power tools.

You should also get a dilated eye exam regularly. Always see your eye doctor after any eye injury.

Good news

Retinal detachment is treatable. An eye doctor or surgeon can often fix the retina and reattach it. The earlier it is found, the better the outcome. Don’t ignore the signs – save your vision!

Source: National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

MEDICAL NEWS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common condition affecting millions of people across the world.

What is MS?

MS is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is designed to fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria. Autoimmune means the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake.

With MS, the immune system attacks a protective coating on the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When this coating, called the myelin sheath, is damaged, the nerves have trouble sending signals.

Types of MS

Most people with MS have relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). RRMS causes MS symptoms over a few days or weeks, known as a relapse. Then, MS symptoms go away for months or even years. When symptoms go away, this is called remission. The relapse and remission cycle repeats itself over time.

Other people may have symptoms that slowly get worse. They don’t have periods of remission. This is known as primary progressive or secondary progressive MS.

Symptoms of MS

MS symptoms are very different from person to person. They can also change over time. Symptoms include:

* Feeling tired (fatigue)

* Weakness

* Loss of balance

* Numbness or tingling

* Stiff muscles or spasms

* Blurry vision

* Dizziness

* Loss of control of bladder or bowels

* Trouble with memory, learning or attention

* Speech problems

* Shaking

* Seizures

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have MS. However, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

How is MS treated?

If you have MS, see your doctor regularly. Treatment can help slow the disease and manage symptoms. There are different medications available to treat MS, and physical therapy is helpful for some people. A doctor who specializes in treating MS can recommend the best treatment for you.

While there is no cure, treatments for MS continue to improve. With a doctor’s help, many people with MS can manage their symptoms and feel their best.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026