HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Healthcare

4 Questions To Ask Before Having Surgery

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
Vaccinations For Adults

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
5 Must-Ask Questions For Your Next Checkup

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
What Do You Know About Organ Donation?

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
6 Things To Know Before Taking Any Medicines

SELF-CARE CORNER

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

January 23, 2026
What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

MEDICAL NEWS

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in a way that the antibiotics that used to treat them are less effective or not effective at all. As a result, stronger, more expensive antibiotics are needed to kill the same bacteria. People who develop antibiotic-resistant infections are more likely to need treatment in a hospital and are at increased risk for death. Using antibiotics the wrong way contributes to the rise in antibiotic-resistant infections.

How do I use antibiotics the right way?

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, not viruses. Do not ask for antibiotics for symptoms of colds and flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses. Often, antibiotics are not needed for ear infections, sore throats, and sinus infections because these can be viral infections, too.

If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, take it as prescribed. Do not skip doses. Take the entire course to make sure that no pesky bacteria linger because this can lead to a more serious infection.

Source: Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Read more at www.cdc.gov/getsmart.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Better Health Is In Your Pocket

SELF-CARE CORNER

Most people spend time every day on their smartphone or tablet. Why not put that time to good use by downloading an app that can help you improve your health? There are thousands of health apps available to suit many different health goals and personality types. Check out some of these health apps you can start using today:

Relax Melodies by Ipnos Software(for iPhone and Android)

Quality sleep and stress management are an important part of good health. This app lets you choose your favorite sounds to create a personalized relaxing song that helps you relieve stress and sleep better.

Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal(for Android)

For those trying to make better food choices or lose weight, sometimes knowing how much you eat can make a big difference. This app allows you to track food intake and exercise with a large food database. Connect with other users for encouragement and support.

Diet Controller by Margaret Dangerfield(for iPhone)

This app can help you view your eating and fitness activities on your devices. Log and track your daily food intake with a USDA-based food database. Users also can create charts and reports while tracking nutrients, calories and exercise.

Hydro Coach by Codium App Ideas(for Android) orWater App by Inspiring Life Technologies(for iPhone)

Drinking water is an easy, healthy way to fight fatigue and may help you consume fewer calories. These apps are designed to help you track how much you’re drinking and to offer reminders when it’s time for another glass.

Quitter’s Circle by Pfizer Inc. and the American Lung Association(for iPhone and Android)

For those trying to quit smoking, this app allows you to create a personalized quit plan, connect with others for support, get quitting tips, and celebrate milestones.

Hundreds of health-related apps are available today – and many of them cost less than $10. Try an app that suits your life for a high-tech way to be healthier!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Drugs That May Affect Your Driving

MEDICAL NEWS

Certain over-the-counter medicines, known as OTC or nonprescription drugs, may affect your ability to drive.

Read the Drug Facts label and use the medicine exactly as directed, advises the FDA.

Look for such statements as “you may get drowsy,” “marked drowsiness will occur,” “be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery,” or “do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when using this product.”

Some of these seemingly harmless drugs for allergies or an upset stomach are not harmless at all, even though you can buy them without a prescription.

Certain medications may make you drowsy fairly quickly. Their effects can last several hours. Others may cause “hangover-like” effects, even the next day.

Common OTC medicines that can cause drowsiness or impaired driving are antihistamines (often used for a runny nose or watery eyes), antidiarrheals (used to treat or control diarrhea), and anti-emetics (taken for nausea, vomiting, or dizziness).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Due Date

SELF-CARE CORNER

Although we think of pregnancy as lasting 9 months, in reality most pregnancies last nearly 10 months. Research shows that babies are born healthier if they have at least 39 weeks to grow in the womb.

The NIH in Health offers these wise choices for a healthy pregnancy:

* See your doctor for regular care while you are pregnant.

* Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take. Some may not be safe during pregnancy.

* Follow a healthy diet.

* Take folic acid-at least 400 micrograms each day. This B vitamin can help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Make sure you take folic acid for at least one month before you get pregnant, too.

* Stay active. Ask your doctor which physical activity is safe for you.

* Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking (and being around anyone smoking).

* Control any existing conditions such as diabetes.

* If you have no medical reasons to deliver early, wait until at least 39 weeks for delivery. A woman’s body will go into labor when the baby is ready to enter the world.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Keeping Track Of Medicines

WELL-BEING

Did I take my medicine? If you find yourself asking that question often, try these tips to help you keep track.

*Keep them in an accessible spot.As long as they’re out of reach of children or pets, the best place for your medicine is a place you’ll see it.

*Write it down.Purchase a small notebook and write down each medicine as you take it. Be sure to record the date, time, and what you have taken.

*Use technology.Today’s smartphones have alarms you can use to remember your medicines. Set separate alarms for each medicine and have them repeat daily. Don’t have a smartphone? Check out “talking” pill boxes. Take the medicine as soon as the alarm goes off. Don’t wait – or you may forget!

*Know what to do if you miss a dose.Some medicines should be “made up” at the next dose, but others should not. It may be dangerous if you forget certain life-saving medicines.

Medicines we use the most

The most frequently prescribed medicines in the U.S. are:

* Pain relievers

* Lipid-lowering medicines (to lower cholesterol or triglycerides)

* Antidepressant medicines

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026