HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Healthcare

  • Rx Painkiller Deaths On The Rise

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of open pill bottle with 3 pills next to the bottle.

    From 1999 to 2010, deaths from prescription pain relief drugs increased more than 400 percent in women and 265 percent in men. These facts are from a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    “Prescription painkiller deaths have skyrocketed in women (6,600 in 2010), four times as many as died from cocaine and heroin combined,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Stopping this epidemic in women – and men – is everyone’s business. Doctors need to be cautious about prescribing and patients about using these drugs.”

    Use Rx pain relief medicines wisely

    *  Let your doctor know about all prescribed and OTC medicines you take. This includes ones that treat depression, anxiety, or sleep problems. It includes vitamins and herbal products, too.

    *  Ask your doctor the risk of addiction when he or she prescribes sleeping pills, strong painkillers, etc. Find out how long you should take the medicines. Ask if there are ways to help treat your problem without them.

    *  Find out how much alcohol, if any, can be taken with your prescribed medicines.

    *  Follow the guidelines that your doctor and pharmacist provide with every prescription.

    *  Do not take another person’s prescribed medicines.

    *  Do not share your medicines with others.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Save Money On Health Expenses

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of stethoscope and money on top of paper work.

    Unexpected health care costs can be hard on any budget. To help manage your own health care costs:

    *Get preventive care.Well visits and checkups often cost a lot less than treating a disease or illness. Talk to your doctor and dentist about how often you should be seen, and stick to this schedule.

    *Use generic medicines.Name brand medicines can cost hundreds of dollars more than generic ones. Ask your doctor if a generic medicine is available for your condition. Tell your doctor if you are having trouble paying for medications. Drug makers sometimes offer coupons or savings cards for people who need them.

    *Shop around for your prescriptions.Medicine costs can vary widely among pharmacies. Call pharmacies and ask for the cost of your prescription medicine. Some websites also have prescription medicine costs available for pharmacies in your area. You may also wish to look into mail-order pharmacies.

    *Check your medical bills.Make sure there are no mistakes on your doctor, hospital or prescription bills. And, be sure your insurance covered services it is supposed to cover. If you have questions, or think you may be over-billed, call the number listed on your bill.

    Source: Consumer Federation of America

    Watch those late fees!

    A few dollars here, 20 dollars there… late fees can add up. Whether it’s your credit card bill or a service you received, make an effort to pay your bill on time. Avoid late fees by getting bills set up on automatic payment plans. Or, have a special slot on the wall to place bills that haven’t been paid. Then, they won’t get buried under junk mail or other papers on your desk.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Grapefruit Effect

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of pill bottle with warning about grapefruit.

    Grapefruit can interact with your drugs. And your doctor may not be aware of it. An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal points out that drug interactions with grapefruit were noted more than 20 years ago.

    Recently, more and more commonly prescribed newer drugs are found to interact with grapefruit (the fruit and the juice) and can cause serious side effects. Problems can occur even if the grapefruit is eaten hours before taking certain medications.

    Adverse effects include sudden death, acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, bone marrow suppression in ill people, and other serious side effects.

    There are more than 85 drugs that may interact with grapefruit, and 43 can have serious side effects. Other citrus fruits such as Seville oranges, often used in marmalade, limes and pomelos also contain the active ingredients (furanocoumarins) that interact with grapefruit.

    The best advice is to discuss all your medications with your doctor and pharmacist and ask about interactions with grapefruit.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Use Antibiotics Wisely

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of mother with sick child in bed.

    Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses such as colds, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections. Instead, symptom relief might be the best treatment option for viral infections, advises the CDC.

    Get smart about when antibiotics are needed-to fight bacterial infections. When you use antibiotics appropriately, you do the best for your health, your family’s health, and the health of those around you.

    Know that antibiotics

    *  Will not cure a viral infection

    *  Will not keep other people from getting sick

    *  Will not help you or your child feel better

    *  May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects

    *  May contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria are able to resist the effects of an antibiotic and continue to cause harm

    Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter products may be your or your child’s best treatment option against viral infections.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Using Decongestants Safely

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of man sneezing into a tissue.

    As we approach the peak season for colds and flu, many people turn to over-the-counter medicines for relief. And if you have a stuffy nose (known as nasal congestion), you may be thinking about taking a decongestant.

    What are decongestants?

    Decongestants are medicines designed to relieve stuffiness and pressure in the nose and sinuses. The two over-the-counter decongestants available are phenylephrine (i.e., Sudafed PE) and pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine are stocked behind a pharmacy counter, but you don’t need a prescription. Both medicines work by shrinking blood vessels in the nose, allowing air to pass through more easily.

    Are decongestants safe?

    Decongestants are safe when they are used properly. Here’s what to know before you take one:

    *  Read the label and be sure you understand how much you can take and how often to take it. If you’re not sure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

    *  Know the active ingredients. Many cold and flu products contain several active ingredients. They are listed on the drug facts label at the top. Be sure you don’t accidentally take too much of one ingredient. For instance, many cold products contain acetaminophen, a pain reliever that can be toxic in high doses. If you’ve already taken a pain reliever with acetaminophen and you take the cold medicine too, you could take too much acetaminophen.

    *  Talk to your doctor before taking a decongestant if you have diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, glaucoma, prostate problems or thyroid disease.

    *  If you take other over-the-counter or prescription medicines, ask your doctor if decongestants can be safely taken with your other medicines.

    *  Do not give decongestants or any cough or cold product to kids under 4 years of age. Ask your child’s pediatrician before giving them any medicines.

    *  Talk to your doctor if you need to take a decongestant for longer than a week.

    What about nasal sprays?

    Saline nasal sprays with no medicine in them are safe to use daily, as often as needed. These can help flush out allergens and mucus so you can breathe easier. Not sure if it’s just saline? Look at the drug facts label and be sure it contains only sodium chloride as the active ingredient.

    But, decongestant sprays that contain active ingredients are not safe to take for more than three days in a row. This is because your body can become dependent on them. When this happens, your nose may become even stuffier over time, and you’ll have to use more and more spray to get relief.

    Medicines can help you cope with bothersome cold and flu symptoms. But, be safe and savvy before you take them – and keep them in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach!

    Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, Food and Drug Administration

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 4 Questions To Ask Before Having Surgery

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of doctors.

    Millions of people have surgery every year. No matter what your reason is for having surgery, be sure you ask your surgeon these questions in advance:

    1.Do I have other options?Surgery is safer today than ever before. But, there are still risks to having any surgery. Find out if other treatments, such as medicine or therapy, may be tried first. This will depend on how serious your health condition is. With any treatment, you and your doctor should discuss any possible risks and benefits.

    2.What will happen during the procedure?Ask your doctor to explain how and why the surgery will be performed. Where will your incisions be made? What kind of anesthesia is used? How  will you be monitored  during surgery?

    3.What should I do before surgery?Tell your doctor about all supplements, vitamins and medicines you take. You may need to stop taking some or all of these things a few days or weeks before surgery. Plus, you may need to follow a special diet and/or stop using tobacco for a period of time.

    4.What is the recovery like?Many of today’s minimally invasive procedures mean that you can go home the same day. Major surgeries may require you stay more days in the hospital. Ask your doctor about which activities you should avoid and when you can get back to things like work, driving, exercise, and a regular diet.

    Sometimes, surgery must be performed in emergency situations. In these cases, you may not be able to talk with your doctor beforehand. But, be sure to talk afterward about what you can expect from your recovery and how to take care of yourself in the days and weeks ahead.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Vaccinations For Adults

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of nurse giving a patient a shot.

    Do you think shots are only for kids? Actually, there are several important vaccines you need as an adult.

    Vaccinations protect yourself from disease, but also protect people around you. Young babies who aren’t yet vaccinated or people with weak immune systems can benefit from your vaccination. You will be less likely to spread an illness, such as whooping cough, to someone who is more likely to get sick.

    Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask your doctor about which vaccines you may need at your next well visit.

    Adults may get shots for a variety of reasons:

    *  You need to be vaccinated for something that affects adults, such as the flu.

    *  You need boosters of vaccines you got as a child. This is because many vaccines start to lose their protection over time.

    *  You didn’t receive the complete set of vaccines in your youth and want to be protected now.

    The CDC says that all adults should get:

    *Influenza vaccine.This helps prevent influenza, or the flu. You get this every year.

    *Td vaccine.This protects you from tetanus and you should get one every 10 years.

    *Tdap vaccine instead of Td vaccine (one time only).This protects against tetanus and diphtheria plus whooping cough (pertussis). Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy.

    *Pneumonia vaccine.This helps prevent certain bacteria that can cause pneumonia. Ask your doctor when you should get this vaccine.

    *Shingles vaccine.This can prevent shingles, a painful rash that can develop from a previous chickenpox infection.

    Other shots may also be recommended for you. Not every adult needs the same vaccines. Some will depend on your past vaccines, your age, lifestyle and health. Talk with your doctor about whether you need other shots.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Next Checkup

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of doctor and patient with thumbs up.

    Got a checkup coming up? Don’t let your doctor do all the talking. Speak up – and ask these important questions to get the most out of your visit. If you don’t understand an answer, always ask him or her to clarify. Your doctor wants to be sure you leave the office knowing how to get – or stay – healthy.

    Are there any vaccines I should get?

    Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Many important vaccines are

    given in the adult years, including:

    *  Influenza (flu)

    *  Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)

    *  Shingles

    *  Pneumococcal (Pneumovax or Prevnar 13)

    *  Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

    The vaccines you need will depend on your age and health status. Your doctor is the best person to help you get fully protected from many diseases.

    Do you have my most recent family history?

    Tell your doctor if you have a family member with health conditions. This history helps you and your doctor think about what health conditions could affect you in the future. Catching problems early boosts your chances of successful treatment.

    Am I due for any cancer or health screenings?

    Your age, gender, family history, and current health all play a role in what tests you may need. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, certain cancers, and diabetes are just a few of the conditions that can be found through preventive care.

    What can I do to feel my best?

    Whether it’s quitting smoking, weight loss, stress management, or other health tips, ask your doctor about your health concerns. Even if you’ve tried in the past to manage these issues, your doctor may have some fresh ideas or tips that could help. Or, if you’re feeling great and in excellent health, talk about ways you can maintain healthy habits in the months and years ahead.

    When should I have my next doctor’s visit?

    Follow-up visits may be needed if you’re managing certain health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. Even if you don’t have health issues, regular checkups are important. Your doctor can tell you when you should come back for your next visit based on your age and any health concerns.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Do You Know About Organ Donation?

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of male doctor.

    Every year, thousands of Americans die waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant because there just aren’t enough organ donors. What do you know about donating organs? The Organ Transplantation experts at New York-Presbyterian Hospital give some facts:

    *  Very few medical conditions disqualify you from donating organs and tissues. It may turn out that while certain organs are not suitable for transplant, other organs and tissues are fine.

    *  It is possible to donate to someone who is not a relative and to someone from another racial or ethnic group. But transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.

    *  There are no costs directly related to donation.

    *  Although it is important to join a donor registry and indicate that you are an organ donor on your driver’s license, it is equally important to make your family, friends, and doctors aware of your wishes.

    *  The organ transplant waiting list is blind to wealth and celebrity status. People receive organs based on the severity of the illness, time spent on the waiting list, and blood type.

    *  For more information, go to the United Network of Organ Sharing (www.unos.org).

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 6 Things To Know Before Taking Any Medicines

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of women reading medication information.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that adverse drug events (ADEs) are a serious public health problem. An ADE is when an injury occurs after taking medicine. With 82 percent of Americans taking at least one medication, ADEs could happen to almost anyone.

    ADEs can be serious, and even deadly. They may include:

    *  Side effects from a medicine

    *  Interactions with other medicines or supplements

    *  Allergic reactions to a medicine

    *  Overdoses

    *  Taking the wrong dose or type of medicine

    You can avoid ADEs with a few simple steps. Do these things today to keep yourself and loved ones safe:

    1.Be aware of any interactions before you take a medicine.Some medicines should not be taken with certain foods, such as grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Others can cause side effects if taken with certain herbs and supplements. Because of possible interactions, be sure your doctor knows everything you take, including natural supplements, vitamins and herbs. If you’re caring for an aging family member, keep track of all their medications and show the list to their doctors during appointments. If you see more than one doctor, make sure all your doctors know which medications you take.

    2.Keep them secure, out of reach from others.Something that’s safe for you to take could be dangerous – or even deadly – to a child or pet. Keep all medicines out of reach of kids and pets, preferably with child-proof packaging.

    3.Take only the dose you are prescribed.If you feel your medication isn’t working, talk to your doctor about options. Taking a higher dose than what’s prescribed or mixing it with other medications can lead to serious side effects or overdoses.

    4.Don’t share your medicines.It can be dangerous to give someone a prescription drug that wasn’t prescribed to them. Even over-the-counter medicines should be used with caution, especially if a person has health conditions or is taking other medicines.

    5.Keep medicines in their original bottles.Putting medicines in other containers could lead to someone accidentally taking the wrong medicine. It also makes it more difficult to keep track of what you’re taking.

    6.Dispose of expired or unneeded medicines correctly.Using a drug “take-back” program is a safe option. If you must throw them away, don’t flush them. Put them in the household trash with kitty litter or coffee grounds. For complete information on medicine disposal, visit the FDA website atwww.fda.gov.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine