HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

Bloated Belly: Ways To Get Relief

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people have felt a bloated stomach after a big meal. Usually, the belly feels overly full. It can make clothing feel tighter. The belly may look swollen. Bloating is usually caused by too much food or air and gas getting trapped in the intestines.

But some people get bloated even when they didn’t eat too much. In some cases, it can be downright painful. The best way to address painful bloating is to find the cause and know how you can treat it.

Bloating culprits

The most common causes include:

* Dairy foods. If you notice bloating after eating cheese, ice cream, or drinking milk, you could have lactose intolerance.

* Gum. Swallowing air while chewing can cause bloating.

* Eating too much fiber at once. Fiber is great for you, but if your body isn’t used to it, you can get bloated and uncomfortable. Increase the amount you eat gradually.

* Bowel problems. Being constipated or having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause painful bloating. Drinking plenty of water can help with constipation and fiber absorption.

* Menstrual cycles. Some women get bloated because their body holds extra water before or during their periods.

Treat bloating at home

Many times, bloating can be managed at home. Here’s how:

* Write down what you eat and drink. Record when you get stomach pain or bloating.

* Cut back on gum.

* Avoid carbonated drinks.

* Drink plenty of water to keep the bowels moving. Don’t use a straw when drinking.

* Eat enough fiber. Start with fruits and vegetables. Eat only small amounts of beans, lentils and other gas-causing foods until you get used to them.

* Watch out for sugar-free foods. Some artificial sweeteners can cause bloating and gas.

* Ginger, peppermint, chamomile or fennel herbal teas may help. Always ask a doctor before using herbs if you have a health condition or take any medicines.

* Over-the-counter anti-gas medicines with simethicone help move gas bubbles out of the body.

When to see your doctor

Call a doctor or seek immediate medical care if you notice bloating with:

* Blood with bowel movements (stool)

* Losing weight without making an effort

* Nausea or vomiting

* For women: menstrual bleeding between periods or after menopause

* Fever

* Severe pain that won’t go away

These could be signs of a serious health issue that needs treatment.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping Your Brain Healthy

WELL-BEING

Brain health is your ability to learn, remember, plan and concentrate on things. Exercise is good for your brain – but it’s a different type of workout. Here are some things to know about boosting your own brain health.

Puzzles are great – but they don’t fight dementia.

There is no evidence that crosswords and sudoku puzzles can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. But they’re still great brain exercise, so keep doing them!

Bring out your creative side.

Recent studies show that doing a creative art can help improve memory, comprehension and problem-solving abilities as you age. So pick up that musical instrument, paintbrush or whatever is fun and creative for you to do.

Talk to your doctor.

If you’re worried about memory loss or brain changes, talk to your doctor. They can help you find out the cause of any brain changes and work toward a solution. For instance, lack of sleep and certain medications can cause changes in mood or memory.

Source: National Institute on Aging

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

MEDICAL NEWS

Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Up to 1 in 3 people with the skin condition psoriasis will go on to develop PA.

Most people who experience PA have had psoriasis for ten or more years. However, it is possible to develop PA without showing symptoms of psoriasis. PA is most likely to develop in middle age, though it can occur at any age. It can even occur in children.

Signs & symptoms

The most common symptom of PA is pain and swelling of the joints. The joints most likely to be affected include the fingers, ankles, wrists, and knees.

Swelling of the fingers and toes is also common. This is called dactylitis, which causes discomfort and difficulty bending or using the fingers. In addition, the swelling can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion, especially in the morning.

Other symptoms of PA include fatigue, redness of the eyes, and pitting of the nails.

Though PA is predominantly a joint condition, some organs of the body may be affected. For example, the digestive system, lungs, and heart can be damaged if the condition is left untreated.

Diagnosis & treatment

While there is no diagnostic test for PA, doctors make a diagnosis based on their observation, a health history, and by ruling out other possibilities. Tests that may be used include X-rays to assess the bones and joints and blood tests to look for markers of inflammation.

Prompt treatment of PA is essential to prevent damage to the joints or organs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for PA, but many treatment options are available to manage pain and decrease inflammation.

A primary care doctor, rheumatologist, and dermatologist may all be part of the care team for treating PA.

Living with PA

Thanks to the many effective treatments available, people with PA can reduce the side effects of the condition and lead active, healthy lives.

In addition to medical resources, lifestyle habits such as exercise and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms.

If you have PA, always talk to your doctor to find out what activities or lifestyle choices are right for you.

Sources: Arthritis Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Caring For Toe Injuries

SELF-CARE CORNER

Toes are an important part of walking and balance. And their bones and ligaments are small, so they can be easily injured.

Many people think doctors won’t do anything about an injured toe. This is not true. A broken or sprained toe may need medical attention. But minor toe injuries may get better with some simple home care.

What to do if you hurt your toe

* If the pain is not severe, try putting ice on it for 10 minutes at a time. Be careful not to get the toe too cold.

* If needed, take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

* Stay off the foot if possible. Try to elevate it when sitting down.

* Look for signs of bruising and swelling, which could mean a possible sprain or broken toe.

* If the pain is severe, contact your doctor or seek urgent medical care.

* If pain and swelling don’t get better within two days, see a health care provider.

* Elevate the affected toe to help with swelling.

Sprained vs. broken toe

A sprain means that the ligaments in the toe have been injured. You can usually walk on a sprained toe, but it may still be very sore from swelling and bruising.

Sprains may happen when you overstretch the toe during sports, running or jumping. “Turf toe” is a sprain of the big toe that is quite common in athletes.

If you have a broken toe, you may not be able to move the toe or put weight on it. It may have a lot of swelling and bruising. The pain may not get better, even after a couple of days. Broken toes can happen during sports and activities. They also occur with falls and accidents or when you drop something heavy on your foot.

Should you get medical care?

Some minor toe injuries can be treated at home. But toe sprains and breaks can be more serious. Don’t ignore toe pain that lasts more than two days. See a health care provider if you think your toe is sprained or broken.

If you have diabetes

Always see a health care provider for any kind of foot or toe injury.

Sources: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Listen To Your Ears

SELF-CARE CORNER

It’s easy to take hearing for granted. But without proper care of your ears, you could end up with hearing loss or ear problems.

Worried about wax

Your body makes ear wax to protect your ears. Wax keeps dust and other particles from getting inside.

Only clean the outside of your ears with a tissue, washcloth or cotton swab. Never stick anything, including a cotton swab, in your ear. This will push wax farther down into the ear and can create a harmful blockage.

If you feel that there’s a lot of wax in the ear, you can safely try to soften it with a drop of mineral oil or glycerin. Your doctor can also remove ear wax blockages without damaging your ear.

Saying no to noise

One of the most common reasons people lose their hearing is exposure to loud noises. This can happen very quickly after a loud sound like an explosion. Or, it can happen over time if a person is exposed to loud sounds for months or years.

You can help prevent noise-induced hearing loss with one simple tool: ear plugs. Wear them when going to a loud concert, watching fireworks or attending loud events. Wear them when mowing the lawn or using loud power equipment at home.

If you have a job where you are exposed to noise, make sure you are using the right hearing protection. You may need something more powerful than ear plugs for certain jobs. Talk about this with your employer.

Use headphones with care

The World Health Organization says people should limit how much they use headphones. Don’t use them more than one hour a day. Keep the volume as low as possible, but no louder than 60 percent.

Noise-cancelling headphones help you keep the volume low because they block out sounds around you. But, you should not use these when driving, cycling or walking because you won’t be able to hear possible dangers nearby.

Talk to your doctor about your hearing health. Together, you can decide when you may need a hearing test.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Uv Safety 2

SELF-CARE CORNER

Sitting in the warm sun can be great for your mental health and your daily dose of vitamin D. But too much sun exposure can pose a big problem. Before you get some rays, plan ahead so your fun in the sun doesn’t end with a painful sunburn.

*Find shade:You don’t want to be in direct sunlight for too long. Find a shady area or an umbrella to sit under for some respite from the sun.

*Wear clothing:The right clothes can help reduce sun damage. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your arms, legs, chest and back. Find a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and neck and buy sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Choose clothes with built-in UV protection, as well.

*Rub in sunscreen:Wearing sunscreen is a habit you should practice year-round. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 – SPF 30 is a better choice. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming.

How to soothe a sunburn

It’s fun to play in the sun. But what do you do when the sun bites back? First things first, get out of the sun! Cover up your skin if you’re outside and find a cool, dark place. Then, get to work helping your skin recover.

1.Take a cool bath or shower to cool down your skin.Avoid using harsh soaps or body washes, as these could make your skin dry out even more.

2.Apply a moisturizer or aloe vera to the burn.This helps to trap moisture in your skin, which can help with healing. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation and may help stop bacteria from growing.

3.Drink water.Your body fights a sunburn by drawing water to the surface of your skin. This could lead to dehydration, so be sure to replenish your fluids often.

4.Take extra care.After a sunburn, it is very important that you stay out of the sun for the next few days so your skin can heal. Wear loose clothing and avoid any itchy fabrics.

5.See a doctor if…you get severe blistering, develop a fever and chills, or see signs of infection, such as oozing pus or red streaks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cataracts Can Be Treated

MEDICAL NEWS

The eye has a clear lens inside that allows you to focus on things. But, as we get older, the lens may not be clear anymore. Proteins inside the lens stick together, causing a cloudy spot. This is a cataract.

Cataracts are common. More than half of people age 80 and over have cataracts or had cataract surgery.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts cannot always be prevented. Many people get them simply from getting older. This is because proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down with time.

But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cataracts:

* Get regular eye exams.

* Don’t smoke – or quit if you do smoke.

* Limit or avoid alcohol.

* Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and hats that shield the sun.

* Eat a healthy diet and get exercise. This can help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, which may cause cataracts.

Do I have cataracts?

Many people don’t realize they have cataracts. This is because changes in vision happen very slowly over time.

People who have cataracts may notice:

* Colors look faded or yellowed; things look blurry or cloudy

* Seeing a “halo” around lights

* It’s harder to read without a very bright light

* Trouble with night vision

* Double vision in one eye

What can I do about cataracts?

While cataracts may take away your clear vision, there is good news. Many cataracts can be corrected with surgery.

The operation usually takes less than an hour. The doctor will replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. Usually, no stitches are needed. You may also have the surgery without general anesthesia, or being put to sleep. The doctor will numb the eye area so you won’t feel anything.

People usually have only minor pain afterward. You may need to use eye drops after surgery to help the eye heal, or wear a protective eye shield when you sleep. Your doctor can let you know when it is safe for you to drive and do other activities.

In most cases, the eye is totally healed within a few weeks and vision is much better.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Living Well With Sickle Cell

MEDICAL NEWS

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders. With SCD, red blood cells are crescent or “sickle” shaped. They are also stiff, which makes it hard for them to move throughout the body. This can block blood flow, causing severe pain, infections, eye problems and stroke.

Can SCD be cured?

Some people with SCD can be cured with a blood and bone marrow transplant. There are also medications that help lower symptoms and problems from the disease.

People with SCD should work with their doctors to find out which treatment is best for them. With the right medical care, many people with SCD can live full lives.

Healthy living tips

If you or your child has SCD, follow these tips to feel your best and avoid complications:

* See your doctor: Regular health checkups are essential when you have SCD. Ask your doctor how often you should have checkups.

* Prevent infections: Infections like the flu can be dangerous for people with SCD. Take steps to prevent them, like frequent handwashing, avoiding people who are sick and getting recommended vaccines.

* Drink plenty of water: Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.

* Eat a healthy diet: Good nutrition is important. Your doctor or nutritionist can help you create a healthy eating plan that works for you.

* Get exercise: Stay active, but don’t do strenuous or very difficult exercise. Take breaks when you need to, and drink plenty of water.

* Avoid extreme heat and cold: Sudden changes in temperature can cause problems like severe pain. Don’t jump into very cold or hot water.

Get emergency care when needed

If you or your child has SCD with these symptoms, seek emergency medical care:

* Severe anemia: Signs include shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat or extreme tiredness.

* Fever: A fever higher than 101.3 requires antibiotics right away.

* Acute chest syndrome: Symptoms of this complication include chest pain, coughing, fever and trouble breathing.

* Stroke: Signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion or trouble seeing, talking or walking.

Sources: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What To Do When Your Heel Hurts

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

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

Pain underneath the heel

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

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

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

Pain behind the heel

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

* Physical therapy

* Rest

* Ice

* Orthotic(s) (shoe inserts)

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

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

Respect your feet

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

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

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Clear Facts On Eye Drops

SELF-CARE CORNER

Staring at a computer, dry winter air, cold temperatures, allergies, medications. A number of things can make eyes red, dry or uncomfortable.

Many people turn to a bottle of eye drops for quick relief. But, if you use eye drops often, there are a few things you should know.

Seeing red

Redness relief eye drops contain an ingredient that shrinks blood vessels in the eye, giving you that bright-eyed effect. But, these drops can be harmful if you overuse them.

Using redness drops frequently can cause a “rebound” effect, making the redness even worse. Then you feel like you have to use the drops more and more to control the redness.

Don’t use redness relief drops on a regular basis. If your eyes are often red, you should see an eye care professional to get to the root cause.

Artificial tears

Artificial tear eye drops are generally safe to use regularly. They don’t contain any active ingredients. Instead, they are designed to mimic your own tears. These work well for occasional dryness or discomfort.

Keep an eye on preservatives

Many eye drops contain preservatives. These keep germs from growing in the drops. They allow you to use the same bottle of drops for a longer period of time.

Some people find that the preservatives in eye drops make their eyes itchy or irritated. If you notice any burning or stinging after using eye drops, even artificial tears, stop using them.

Preservative-free eye drops are available. These work well for people who are sensitive to preservatives. They are usually in small single-use vials that come in a pack. You use the vial once and throw it away.

Eye health red flags

The best way to keep eyes healthy is to see your eye health professional regularly. Ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist how often they should see you. It will depend on your age, any health issues and your eye health history.

Call your eye professional right away if you notice:

* Pain or itching in the eye

* Redness that won’t go away

* Dry eyes that aren’t relieved with artificial tears

* Changes in vision, such as not seeing as well

* Cloudy or blurry vision

* Floaters or other spots in your vision

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026