HealthyLife Articles

Tag: health

  • Reduce Environmental Risk Factors For Chronic Diseases

    Personal Safety

    Women walking dog.

    Chronic diseases include arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. An unhealthy diet, inactivity and overweight, and tobacco use are common risk factors for many chronic diseases.

    *  Live a healthy lifestyle. Be active. Walk. Rake leaves.

    *  Limit exposure to air pollution to reduce the risk for problems with asthma, heart disease, stroke, emphysema and other respiratory diseases.

    *  Choose organic foods. Pick apples at an apple orchard. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

    *  Reduce exposure to pesticides. Chronic, low-dose exposure to pesticides has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD), brain tumors, lymphomas, asthma, and birth defects. Pesticides are in lawn and garden sprays, insect repellants, flea collars, and non-organic foods. Find out about earth-friendly fertilizers from a fertilizer specialist at your local Extension Office. Ask your vet how to keep your pet from getting fleas without the use of pesticides.

    *  Use a digital or ear thermometer. Find out what to do about mercury spills, disposal, and cleanup fromepa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Home Safe Home

    Home Safety

    Protect your family from accidents, injuries, and intruders.

    You should feel safe, protected, and comfortable in your home, even when things go wrong. Make sure you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and your family. Lock the doors, even when you are home. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Plan an escape route in case of a disaster.

    Safety Tips:

    *  Use a peephole at the front door.

    *  If you live alone, arrange for daily contact with a neighbor or relative.

    *  Post emergency numbers and teach children how to call 9-1-1.

    *  Stock first-aid supplies.

    *  Keep chemicals out of your children’s reach.

    *  Lock guns in one place and bullets in another.

    *  Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

    *  Use grab bars and safety mats or nonskid tape in your tub and shower.

    *  Keep stair areas well-lit. Keep all walkways clear  of clutter.

    *  Make sure there is a clear path for walking from room to room.

    *  Never leave young children alone in the bathtub or on a bed or table.

    Ways to get through a disaster faster:

    Write down a plan. Rehearse it and hope you never need it!

    *  Create separate plans for different disasters, such as a house fire, flood, tornado, etc. Practice drills for each plan with the family.

    *  Take a first-aid course.

    *  Choose a check-in person who is unlikely to be involved in the same event.

    *  Plan two places to meet. Choose one at or near your home. Choose another one at a location farther away, in case you can’t get home.

    *  If you have kids in school, find out about the school’s crisis plan. Make sure the school has current phone numbers for you and other caregivers. Sign forms that allow the release of your kids to family members or friends.

    *  If you have pets, plan for their safety.

    Action Step

    Set up plans to be ready for weather disasters. Contact your cell phone carrier to see if you can get free Wireless Emergency Alerts.

    Ways to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Be Kind To Your Kidneys

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of person holding plastic kidneys.

    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

  • Do Genetic Tests Really Work?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Women holding a swab near her mouth.

    You may have seen ads for genetic tests. These tests claim to tell you about your health. They might tell you if you’re at risk for a certain disease or if you should eat a certain diet.

    Big promises from companies

    At-home genetic tests may sound exciting, and companies advertise them as “the answer” to many health issues. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say you should be careful about using these tests.

    Before you spend a lot of money on one, keep in mind that the test may not have any science to back up its claims. Others may give you some good information, but the information is only useful if you also have a complete medical exam.

    The FDA and CDC say that genetic tests are complex. They say that the results can be hard to understand without having appropriate medical knowledge.

    Just a snapshot

    Many genetic tests look at a few of your body’s genes. But you have more than 20,000 genes in your body. If you get a “positive result” for certain genes, it could mean:

    *  You have a certain disease.

    *  You have a higher risk of getting certain diseases.

    *  You are a carrier for a certain disease.

    But even a positive result doesn’t tell the whole story. You may never get the disease that comes back “positive.” Or if you do, it may not be severe enough to cause any serious health problems.

    A negative result means the lab didn’t find any unusual changes in your genes. While this can be good news for certain diseases, it’s not foolproof. It doesn’t mean you’ll never get a disease or have health problems. It’s also possible that the test didn’t look at other genes that could be important.

    Many factors at play

    Genes are only one piece of each person’s health story. Your environment and your lifestyle also play huge parts in your physical and mental health. Don’t rely on genetic tests to make any health promises. Instead, see your doctor regularly and follow a healthy lifestyle. That can mean more than a few genes.

    When genetic tests are part of a medical exam, they can be helpful. Your doctor can help you decide if you need genetic tests. If you do need them, make sure a medical professional reads your results.

    Source: Federal Trade Commission

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Erectile Dysfunction Facts

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Older couple cuddling with a blanket.

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man cannot get an erection or cannot keep an erection long enough to have sex. It can happen at any age but it is more common in men over the age of 75.

    While it may seem like a symptom of aging, erectile dysfunction is not caused by the aging process. Instead, it may be a symptom of another health condition.

    Causes

    *  Diabetes

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Some prescription medications

    *  Alcohol and tobacco use

    *  Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

    *  Fatigue

    *  Stress, anxiety, or depression

    *  Stroke

    *  Low testosterone

    *  Chronic kidney disease

    *  Multiple sclerosis

    *  Injury to the penis, bladder, prostate, or pelvis

    *  Being overweight

    *  Emotional or psychological factors

    Treatment

    Your doctor is the best resource to diagnose and treat ED. Proper treatment of ED depends on the exact cause. If a health condition causes ED, treatment to bring that condition under control may improve ED.

    In the absence of a medical cause, it may be beneficial to explore psychological or emotional issues. Working with a licensed therapist can help.

    Other treatment options include:

    *  Medication such as Viagra or Cialis

    *  Testosterone replacement

    *  Devices that assist in getting and maintaining an erection

    *  Surgery

    Prevention

    Some causes of ED are preventable. Protecting your overall health may decrease your chance of developing ED later in life.

    Healthy habits may improve health issues such as being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. Your doctor may recommend some of these healthy habits to address or prevent ED.

    *  Stop smoking

    *  Avoid excess alcohol intake

    *  Eat a healthy, balanced diet

    *  Maintain a healthy weight

    *  Be physically active

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Kids, Puberty & Sports

    BE FIT

    Adult and teen playing basketball.

    Sports can be a great way for kids to develop social skills, teamwork and resilience. But it’s important to know that athletic ability changes as kids grow.

    Growth affects performance

    During puberty, boys and girls have a growth spurt that can change their athletic ability. After going through puberty:

    *  Boys may notice more muscle strength and overall bigger body size.

    *  Girls often lose some muscle mass. They may temporarily lose some of their speed or agility.

    *  Kids could feel “clumsy” as they adjust to being taller. The brain hasn’t yet adjusted to this new height and may affect balance skills or body control.

    *  It may be harder to throw or hit a ball with longer arms.

    *  Girls may have headaches, mood swings or cramps during menstruation.

    Puberty & knee injuries

    As kids get taller and heavier, they have a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The ACL is an important ligament that supports the knee.

    ACL injuries can be serious. They may require surgery and can increase the risk of knee arthritis later in life.

    Most ACL injuries happen when a person suddenly stops, changes direction, jumps or lands on the ground. They don’t usually happen from a blow to the knee. Sometimes an ACL injury causes a “popping” sound as it occurs.

    ACL injuries may cause swelling, severe pain, and inability to put weight on the knee. If your child injures their knee, see a doctor right away.

    Positive support is key

    Coaches who know about the effects of puberty can help kids. In addition, parents can help their kids by being positive and supportive. Yelling at kids or being put down may cause them to quit their sport. Remember that changes caused by puberty are only temporary.

    Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Your Fingernails Reveal About Your Health

    Skin Conditions

    Image of fingernails.

    You may see your hands hundreds of times a day, but do you ever examine them? Probably not. Yet taking a closer look – especially at our fingernails – may not be a bad idea. They’re a good indicator of overall health.

    Spoon-shaped nails, for example, may simply be an inherited trait – or they can be a clue to a thyroid deficiency or iron deficiency anemia. Nails that have no “moon” or white crescent at the base and are thin and brittle might indicate an underactive thyroid. Still other changes – like brittleness or pitting – may be signs of other nutritional deficiencies or injury to the nail bed. While no one can diagnose a health problem on the basis of nail irregularities only, the table on next page may tip you off to possible health problems. (Consult your doctor if you see any significant changes in your nails.)

    Barring any medical explanation for nail problems, the following tips can help your nails look healthier and more attractive.

    *  Eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.

    *  Wear gloves when you do household chores or hobbies to avoid contact with detergents or harsh chemicals that can dry or damage nails.

    *  Clean nails with a nail brush, especially if you garden or work with messy materials. Clip cuticles and rough skin to prevent tears. File nails in one direction only. Use an emery board, not a metal nail file.

    *  Don’t use your nails as tools, such as to remove staples. If you polish your nails, use polish remover sparingly.

    Nail Symptoms and What They Could Mean

    Brittleness: Frequent immersion in hot water; generally poor health; impaired circulation; possible deficiency of vitamins A, C, B6, or niacin, deficiency of calcium or iron; thyroid deficiency

    Clubbing: Chronic lung disease or lung cancer; congenital heart disease; congenital or hereditary defect

    Pitting (may be normal): Eczema; psoriasis; trauma

    Ridges: Emphysema; heredity; kidney failure; old age; rheumatoid arthritis, traumas

    Separation (when nail plate lifts off nail bed): Allergy to nail lacquer and hardeners; fungal infection; iron deficiency anemia; pregnancy; psoriasis; trauma

    Splitting at top edge: Immersion in water for long periods, nail polish removers

    Spoon shaped: Thyroid deficiency; iron deficiency anemia

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Men’s Health 2

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of oler man at the doctor's office.

    Increasing awareness of health problems that can be prevented among men and encourage men and boys to get early detection and treatment of disease and injury.

    6 health tests men need

    Here are 6 essential screening tests all men should receive during their lifetime, according to pathologist and men’s health expert Dr. Thomas Wheeler, Baylor College of Medicine.

    1.Prostate cancer:The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test was developed to help detect prostate cancer in men, but experts now disagree about treating the cancer if detected. Men, starting at age 50, should speak with their docs about the pros and cons of screening. For those in high-risk categories, this conversation should begin at age 45 or earlier.

    2.Blood pressure:It’s a simple and painless test for the “silent killer.” Why? Because high blood pressure has no symptoms. Often, simple diet changes and regular exercise can lower blood pressure. If not, the medications to control blood pressure are well tolerated and do not cost a lot.

    3.Cholesterol:A cholesterol test also is a simple screening test and is advised for men at least every 5 years, or yearly if abnormal.

    4.Colon cancer:This is the third most common cancer in Americans. Beginning at age 50, men should be screened for precancerous polyps and colon cancer. Screening tests include the fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

    5.Skin cancer:Limiting sun exposure and receiving regular check-ups can help men avoid this common cancer including melanoma – a potentially deadly form.

    6.Diabetes:Men 45 years and older should be tested for type 2 diabetes every 3 years. Common screening blood tests are fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c. Diabetes can be detected early before complications of more advanced disease set in.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Men’s Health

    Men’s Health

    Older man smiling.

    Common reasons men give for not seeing a doctor or getting health screenings are, “I feel fine” and “I’m afraid of what the doctor will find.”

    Don’t wait until you get sick to find a doctor. It is better to prevent a health problem than to get it. The next best thing is to detect and treat an illness early.

    Testicular cancer is very curable, especially when it is found and treated in its early stages. Do a testicular self-exam monthly.

    Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by blood vessel diseases, diabetes, and other physical problems.

    An enlarged prostate gland is common. Signs of this are the need to pass urine more often, especially at night and delay in onset and/or slow stream of urine flow. If you have these signs, see your doctor. They can also be signs of a prostate infection or prostate cancer.

    Discuss prostate cancer screening with your doctor if you are a male aged 50 to 69; starting at 45 if you are an African American male; 40 and older if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

    Though rare, men can get breast cancer.

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine