HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

Work-Related Skin Problems

WORK LIFE

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

* Regulate your body’s temperature

* Keep invaders like bacteria and fungus out

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

Your job & your skin

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

* Manufacturing

* Food production

* Construction

* Machine tool operation

* Printing

* Metal plating

* Leather processing

* Engine service

* Landscaping

* Farming

* Forestry

* Health care

Healthy skin at work

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

* Store all chemicals safely and label them correctly.

* Use proper waste containers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you wash your hands frequently at work:

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

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

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

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

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

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get The Facts About Stuttering

MEDICAL NEWS

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

What is stuttering?

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

* Stretch words out for too long when speaking

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

* Repeat whole words or parts of words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FACT #4: Stuttering is more common in children.

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

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

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

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Self-Care For Your Brain

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

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

Your brain needs

A healthy brain relies on a healthy lifestyle:

* Quality nutrients that support brain cells

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

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

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

* 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night

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

* Time to relax and de-stress

* Regular mental stimulation and challenge

Brain drainers

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

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

* Excessive alcohol intake

* High blood pressure

* Being overweight or obese

* Lack of physical activity

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

* Social isolation and loneliness

Brain self-care

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

* Meditate to promote calming brain waves

* Learn an instrument to introduce a new skill

* Read daily to expand your knowledge

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

* Pick up a new hobby

* Explore a new place

* Volunteer for a cause you believe in

* Be social and meet new people

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Do A Skin Self-Exam

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

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

Common conditions

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

* Acne

* Psoriasis

* Eczema

* Rosacea

* Skin cancer

* Nail fungus

* Hair loss

* Wrinkles and other cosmetic skin concerns

Skin Self-exam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to seek care

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

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

* Severe or persistent acne

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

* A skin condition that does not heal

* Long-lasting skin irritation

* Persistent dry skin patches

* Nails that appear yellow or brittle

* Increasing hair loss

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Gut Check: Tips For Healthy Digestion

SELF-CARE CORNER

Your digestive system plays a big part in your overall health. It breaks down food and drinks into nutrients. These nutrients are used for energy, growth, cell repair and more.

But, we all know how digestive problems can be uncomfortable or downright dangerous. Problems like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn and bloating can quickly sideline your day. Stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bowel problems like Crohn’s Disease can lead to more serious health issues too.

Help keep your digestion running as smoothly as possible.

Fiber is first

One of the best things people can do for better digestion is to eat more fiber. Getting enough fiber is needed to keep bowel movements regular.

A low-fiber diet can lead to constipation, which can make you feel sluggish and bloated. It can also stretch out the colon over time and lead to serious bowel problems, especially in older adults.

Get more fiber by eating foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes and whole grains. Aim for 20-30 total grams of fiber each day. But, increase the amount slowly or you could have bloating and gas.

Drink plenty of water. Taking fiber without enough water can make constipation worse. And, dehydration in general isn’t good for digestion.

Talk to your doctor about a fiber supplement if you’re not having regular, soft bowel movements.

Eat less processed foods

Processed foods often contain very little fiber. Try to shop the four walls of your grocery store. This means avoid the middle grocery store aisles with packaged foods. Instead, buy fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains and dairy products.

Some food additives may be linked to digestive problems. Research has shown that some food additives may cause inflammation in the gut or may affect its healthy bacteria. Studies are ongoing to find out more about this.

Probiotics – do they work?

Probiotics, or friendly gut bacteria, may be helpful in some cases. But experts say we need to learn more about these supplements. There are many different kinds of probiotics and we don’t yet know which ones are the most helpful. Some foods like yogurt with live active cultures, kefir and fermented foods like miso also contain probiotics.

Ask your doctor before taking probiotic supplements.

Source: National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sepsis: Spot It, Save A Life

MEDICAL NEWS

Sepsis can happen when a person has an infection like pneumonia, an infected cut in the skin or a urinary tract infection. Then, the body’s immune system releases a strong response that can get out of control. This immune response is so powerful that it can damage the body’s organs and cause blood clots.

Sepsis can cause blood pressure to get extremely low and heart rate to get faster. This can trigger septic shock. With septic shock, the body becomes starved for blood and oxygen. It is a life-threatening emergency.

Most who get an infection will not get sepsis. But experts don’t know why some people get it and others don’t. It seems to affect older adults, babies and young children the most. People who have a weakened immune system or a long-term illness like diabetes, liver disease or cancer are also more likely to get it.

Spot sepsis signs

Sepsis can be hard to spot. At first, symptoms may look like a mild illness. Sometimes a person has an infection and doesn’t know it. Signs include:

* Fever or a low body temperature

* Chills

* Fast heartbeat

* Trouble breathing or fast breathing

* Blotchy skin or rash

* Being confused

* Feeling faint or lightheaded

Even if you don’t have an infection, or don’t think you have one, ask yourself:

* Was I recently around someone who was ill?

* Did I recently have surgery or a medical procedure?

* Do I have any cuts or breaks in the skin?

Getting treatment

If you think a person might have sepsis, it’s important to get them medical care right away. Doctors will look at symptoms and may order blood tests. Sometimes other tests, like an x-ray or CT scan, may be needed.

Sepsis is serious, so doctors often treat it in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and getting fluids.

Fortunately, most people who recover from sepsis often contine to have a normal, healthy life.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Sepsis Alliance

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get Your Recommended Daily Calcium

Nutrition

Recommended amounts for some nutrients, such as calcium, are called adequate intakes (AIs). These are the amounts that appear to provide what is needed for good health.

Note: Ask your doctor how much calcium you should get each day. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, ask, too, if you might benefit from medications to prevent further bone loss. Examples are estrogen from hormone therapy (HT), if you are female; alendronate; raloxifene; and risedronate.

What Does Calcium Do in the Body?

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. It is also needed for your:

* Heart to beat

* Nerves to react

* Blood to clot

* Muscles to flex

* Body cells to stick together

Milk, yogurt, cheese, soy milk, tofu, collard greens, and broccoli are good sources of calcium. (See “Calcium Content in Foods” chart.) If you don’t drink milk because you can’t digest the sugar in milk (lactose intolerance), do the following:

* Have milk products that already have lactase added to them.

* Drink milk fermented by certain bacteria (acidophilus milk), if tolerated.

* Take commercial preparations of lactase (which can be added as drops or taken as pills) when you have lactose-containing foods.

* Have soy milk and other food products with added calcium.

Some persons who can’t digest milk sugar (lactose) can tolerate aged cheeses, yogurt with active cultures, and possibly small amounts of dairy foods if eaten with meals and snacks.

If you can’t tolerate milk products at all, eat nondairy food sources of calcium (soymilk, beans, tofu, broccoli, kale, collard greens, spinach, fish with small bones). Have food items that are fortified with calcium, such as some orange and apple juices and calcium fortified cereal products. (See “Calcium Content in Foods” chart and check food labels.)

Labels do not list calcium in milligrams (mg), but as a percentage of the daily value (DV). The DV for calcium is based on 1,000 mg of calcium per day. It’s easy to figure out calcium in mg. Just add zero to the % DV. Examples are given in the chart below.

Calcium Content in Foods

Calcium Supplements

(Check with your doctor or dietitian about taking calcium supplements.)

Calcium supplements should not be used in persons with a history of calcium-containing kidney stones. Supplemental calcium may also worsen chronic constipation and interfere with iron absorption.

If you do take calcium supplements:

* Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.

* Avoid taking more than 500 to 600 mg at one time. Take calcium with meals.

* Avoid bone meal or dolomite. These could contain lead or other toxic metals.

* Avoid taking calcium supplements with iron supplements and laxatives. These can reduce calcium absorption.

There are many forms of calcium supplements. Look for the amount in milligrams of elemental calcium that a source provides. Choose calcium supplements that have calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and/or calcium gluconate.

{Note: Beware of marketing claims for “coral calcium” products which promote them to prevent or treat cancer, heart disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has charged some marketers of this with making false and unsubstantiated claims about the product’s health benefits.}

Should I Take a Vitamin D Supplement If I Take a Calcium Supplement?

Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium. You can get vitamin D, daily, from vitamin D fortified dairy products. Other food sources are salt-water fish, egg yolks, and liver. You can also get vitamin D from direct exposure to sunlight on your skin. In general, about 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day gives you the amount of vitamin D needed for a day. Persons who are elderly or homebound often do not get adequate sun exposure to get enough vitamin D. Also, during winter, sunlight in the Northern U.S. is not intense enough to let the body build up enough vitamin D. Check with your doctor or health care provider about the need for a vitamin D supplement. Some calcium supplements also contain vitamin D.

On the average, American women are getting about half the amount of calcium that’s recommended. Also, surveys show 65% of adult men, 90% of teenage girls, and 50% of children fall short on calcium intake.

How Do I Get My Adequate Intake for Calcium?

You can get your Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium by having good food sources of calcium and by taking calcium supplements, if necessary.

Can I Get Too Much Calcium?

Whether or not you tolerate milk products, if you use calcium supplements, do so wisely. You can easily consume too much calcium with the use of calcium-fortified foods, calcium supplements, and antacids. Long term excessive intakes of calcium might decrease the absorption of other minerals and promote kidney stone formation. Your goal should be to get adequate, rather than, excessive amounts of calcium. Aim to get your Adequate Intake (AI) amount or the amount recommended by your doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bedsores

Skin Conditions

Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are painful ulcers on the skin. Common sites are the head, back, buttocks, tailbone, knees, and ankles.

Signs & Symptoms

* The skin may feel sore in areas where a bone is close to the skin. There may be no feeling at all.

* The skin gets irritated and red and then turns purple.

* The skin cracks and an open sore appears. The skin area can become infected.

Causes & Risk Factors

Bedsores are caused by constant pressure on the skin or frequent rubbing in one area. Factors that increase the risk of bedsores include:

* Being confined to a bed or chair

* Urinary incontinence; poor bowel control

* Poor blood circulation and loss of sensation due to a stroke or spinal cord injury

Infected sores require antibiotics. Chronic or deep sores may also require antibiotics. If infected sores are left untreated too long, a blood infection that threatens life can result. This is rare, though. Bedsores may also need special dressings.

Self-Care / Prevention

A caregiver may need to assist with these.

* Change position every 2 hours if confined to a bed and every hour if confined to a chair or as often as advised by your health care provider.

* Check the skin daily for early signs of bedsores. Use mirrors for hard to see places. {Note: Redness is usually the earliest sign. Once the skin cracks or breaks down, seek medical care.}

* Use a foam or sheepskin mattress cover.

* Use a waterbed or a bed with an air filled mattress, such as a ripple bed. This type of airbed has a small motor that creates a rippling effect by pumping air in and out of the mattress.

* If incontinent, wear absorbent pads or briefs.

* Keep the skin clean and dry. Clean it right away if there is contact with urine or stool. Use soft cloths, sponges, and mild soaps. Avoid hot water. Do not rub the skin.

* Apply cornstarch to the skin.

* Lift (do not drag or slide) an immobile person.

* Don’t sit on donut-shaped cushions.

* Put pillows between knees and ankles so they don’t touch.

* Use sheepskin under heels and buttocks.

* Don’t massage bony body parts.

* Eat well and get adequate fluids.

* Ask your doctor about taking a vitamin C supplement.

* Handle a person with bedsores gently.

* Apply topical medication, as advised.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* The skin is cracked.

* Sores show signs of infection (fever; redness; pain; heat; pus; swelling).

* Sores have not improved after 2 weeks of self-care.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cold Sores

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Cold sores appear on or near the lips. They are painful and unpleasant. Nearly 1 in 3 people will have them. Cold sores are also called fever blisters.

Signs & Symptoms

* Tingling feeling on or near the lips for 36 to 48 hours before the sore appears

* Itching at the site (early sign)

* Small, red blisters with pus-filled centers

* Blisters form a yellow crust that lasts about 10 days

* One sore or a cluster of sores

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

Cold sores are caused by the herpes sim- plex virus (HSV), either HSV-1 (this is most often the cause) or HSV-2 (the usual cause of genital herpes). The virus lies dormant in the body and can return. A fever, cold, stress, cold or windy weather, and strong sun exposure are triggers for outbreaks.

Cold sores are very contagious, especially when the blisters rupture and weep.

Cold sores are treated with self-care and antiviral medications, such as acyclovir and penciclovir. Prompt treatment may reduce the discomfort.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Keep the sore clean and dry.

* Apply antiviral medication, if prescribed, to the affected area at the first sign of a cold sore.

* Try an over-the-counter treatment, such as Abreva antiviral cream, Campho-Phenique, Blistex, or make a paste with cornstarch and water. Dab some on the sore with a cotton swab.

* Dab aloe vera or petroleum jelly on the sore. Use a cotton swab.

* Apply ice to the sore or suck on a frozen popsicle.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.

* Learn to relax. Meditate, practice yoga, etc. Learn to deal with stress, too.

* Avoid foods that are sour, spicy, or acidic. These may irritate the sores.

* Take vitamin C and/or zinc supplements, as directed by your doctor.

* Apply cool compresses when the sores have crusted over.

* Try not to worry or be too self-conscious. This only makes the situation worse.

Prevention

To avoid getting or spreading cold sores:

* Don’t share drinking glasses, towels, or cooking utensils.

* Don’t touch cold sores with your fingers. If you do touch the cold sores, do not touch your eyes. This could cause a serious eye infection.

* Wash your hands often.

* Avoid kissing or direct skin contact with the sores. This includes oral sex. The virus that causes cold sores can cause genital herpes, too.

* When in the sun, wear a hat and use a sunblock with a sun-protective factor (SPF) of 15 or more on the lips.

* Use a lip balm on cold or windy days.

* Ask your doctor about a prescribed antiviral medicine to take or apply when you feel a cold sore coming on.

* Try to figure out what triggers the sores. Once you identify a trigger, do what you can to avoid it.

* Get regular exercise.

Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* You have eye pain with the cold sore. Pain from the sore limits normal activity.

* The cold sore has lasted longer than 2 weeks.

* Cold sores appear 4 or more times a year.

* Cold sores appeared after you started a new medicine or are present while taking steroid medicines.

* Eczema

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Dry Skin

Skin Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.

* Chapped skin.

* Skin cracks, peels, and/or flakes.

Causes

* Aging. The body naturally produces less oil and moisture.

* Cold winter weather. Dry air or heat.

* Washing the skin often. Using harsh skin products.

* Chronic and excessive sun exposure.

* Allergies. An underactive thyroid gland. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

Treatment

Dry skin is not a serious health risk. It can be managed with self-care. When dry skin is a symptom of a health problem, treating the problem treats the dry skin.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

* Apply an oil- based lotion daily.

* Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

* Take showers instead of baths. Use warm (not hot) water. Try sponge baths.

* Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.

* If you do bathe, do so for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub.

* Put soap on a washcloth, not right on the skin.

* Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil lotion 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. When in the sun, use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

* Don’t scratch or rub dry skin.

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

866.503.SKIN (503.7546)

www.aad.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026