HealthyLife Articles

Tag: treatment

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
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness

MEDICAL NEWS

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects 70,000 people worldwide. People who have CF have a gene mutation. This gene mutation causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky.

With CF, thick mucus in the lungs can cause infections and make it hard to breathe. The pancreas, which helps digest food, becomes clogged. Then the body can’t absorb nutrients from food. This can cause malnutrition and poor growth. CF affects other organs, too.

CF and genetics

People with CF have two copies of the CF gene. They get one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the CF gene.

People with only one copy of the CF gene are called carriers. They don’t have the disease and may not know that they have the CF gene. Each time two CF carriers have a child, the chances are:

* 25 percent (1 in 4) the child will have CF

* 50 percent (1 in 2) the child will be a carrier but will not have CF

* 25 percent (1 in 4) the child will not be a carrier and will not have CF

People with CF can also pass copies of their CF genes to their children. If someone with CF and a CF carrier have a child together, the chances are:

* 50 percent (1 in 2) the child will be a carrier but will not have CF

* 50 percent (1 in 2) the child will have CF

Getting tested for the CF gene

People who are considering pregnancy may wish to get a CF genetic test. This tells you if you have CF or if you could be a carrier. This test looks for the most common CF genes, but it doesn’t test for all of them. If you’re not sure if you need the test, ask your doctor. The decision to get CF testing is a personal one and is different for everyone.

Longer lives for CF

There is no cure for CF. But with proper medical care, people with CF are living longer than ever before. Today, more than half of people who live with CF are over age 18.

Sources: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Disappearing Hair: Know About Alopecia

SELF-CARE CORNER

Hair loss is a normal part of life and aging. The average person loses 100 strands of hair from their scalp every day. Usually, these hairs grow back as part of a hair follicle’s lifecycle.

However, as people get older, hair loss usually outpaces hair regrowth. In addition, some people may be susceptible to losing their hair early in life.

Alopecia, another name for hair loss, can be frustrating, embarrassing, and tough to manage. But, there may be options available to slow, halt, or reduce the appearance of thinning hair.

Causes of alopecia

There are many different types of alopecia, each with a different cause.

For example, androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness, is linked to your genetics. If your dad or mom experienced pattern baldness, the likelihood is you will too.

Other causes include:

* Aging

* Genetics

* Hormones

* Stress

* Thyroid dysfunction

* Medications

* Chemical hair treatments

* Autoimmune reactions

Treatment options

The best way to manage hair loss depends on the cause. While some forms of alopecia may be slowed or halted, others are irreversible. Your medical doctor or dermatologist is your best resource when exploring treatments for alopecia.

Options may include:

* Topical medications or shampoos

* Oral medications

* Corticosteroid injections

* Hair transplant

* Wigs or hairpieces

Caring for your hair

How you treat your hair may contribute to alopecia in some cases. The better care you take of the hair you have, the healthier it will be.

* Use a gentle shampoo that won’t remove moisture from your hair.

* Apply conditioner after every shampoo.

* Limit how long and how often you blow-dry your hair.

* Avoid wearing your hair in a tight bun, ponytail, or braid.

* Brush or comb your hair gently. Avoid tugging.

If you are dealing with alopecia, talk to your doctor to find out the cause and discuss the best treatment options for you.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Erectile Dysfunction Facts

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026
How To Treat Cat & Dog Bites

SELF-CARE CORNER

Family pets, stray dogs and cats or neighborhood animals can all bite. Do you know what to do if you or your child gets a bite?

What to do now

Right away, you should:

* Wash the skin wound with soap and water.

* If it’s bleeding, use a clean towel to gently press down on the area.

* Once bleeding has stopped, apply a sterile bandage.

Should I call a doctor?

Some bites may need medical care. Call your doctor if:

* You think it might be infected. Look for fever, redness, swelling, warmth and drainage.

* You can’t get the bleeding to stop after pressing on it for 15 minutes.

* You think the injury is serious or it looks deep.

* You think there might be a broken bone.

* You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

* Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. Or, you don’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot.

* You were bit by a wild or stray animal.

* The bite was on the face.

* The bite happened to a child.

* You don’t know if the animal is up to date on all its vaccines (shots).

Do I need a rabies shot?

Most cats and dogs in the U.S. don’t have rabies. So most people who get bit by a cat or dog don’t need to get a rabies shot. Many wild animals can have rabies, though. Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats and coyotes may have it.

If you know the owner of the cat or dog that bit you, ask for their health records. Sometimes the pet needs to be isolated so they can look for signs of rabies. If any signs show up, they will test the animal for rabies. If the animal tests positive, then you need a rabies shot.

If you were bit by a stray animal, call animal control. They will try to find the animal so they can test it for rabies. You may need to report the bite to animal control or your local health department too. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stop Snoring

SELF-CARE CORNER

Almost everyone snores sometimes. But some people snore a lot, and it may be disruptive to their sleep and those around them. Snoring may just be a nuisance, but it could also be a sign of a serious problem.

What is snoring?

Snoring is the harsh sound made when air vibrates the tissue around your airway while you breathe. When you sleep, it’s normal for your throat to relax and your tongue to slide back into your mouth. However, if anything obstructs the flow of air, you get vibrations known as snoring.

The sound can range from gentle to grating, depending on the degree of obstruction or the specific structure of your airway.

Causes

* Stuffy nose from a cold or allergies

* Sleep position

* Bulky throat tissue from large tonsils or adenoids

* Your unique mouth anatomy

* Being overweight

* Poor muscle tone due to age, alcohol consumption, or sleep deprivation

* A serious condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What makes snoring dangerous?

Excessive snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition occurs when breathing is fully or partially obstructed for more than 10 seconds during sleep. You may wake with a snort or gasp and then fall back to sleep for another cycle of snoring, followed by breath obstruction.

People with OSA often sleep poorly due to multiple cycles of apnea disrupting deep sleep. They are also at higher risk for high blood pressure, heart conditions, and stroke.

Talk to your doctor if you or your partner notice you are frequently snoring.

Warning signs for OSA:

* Feeling very drowsy during the day

* Morning headaches

* Gasping or choking at night

* High blood pressure

* Snoring disrupting your bed partner’s sleep

* Chest pain at night

If your doctor determines you do not have OSA, you may want to try other strategies to reduce snoring:

* Sleep on your side.

* Avoid alcohol and caffeine at night.

* Lose some weight.

* Treat nasal congestion.

* Try devices such as nasal strips or nasal dilators.

* Explore ways to get better sleep.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

MEDICAL NEWS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common condition affecting millions of people across the world.

What is MS?

MS is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is designed to fight off invaders like viruses and bacteria. Autoimmune means the immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake.

With MS, the immune system attacks a protective coating on the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. When this coating, called the myelin sheath, is damaged, the nerves have trouble sending signals.

Types of MS

Most people with MS have relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). RRMS causes MS symptoms over a few days or weeks, known as a relapse. Then, MS symptoms go away for months or even years. When symptoms go away, this is called remission. The relapse and remission cycle repeats itself over time.

Other people may have symptoms that slowly get worse. They don’t have periods of remission. This is known as primary progressive or secondary progressive MS.

Symptoms of MS

MS symptoms are very different from person to person. They can also change over time. Symptoms include:

* Feeling tired (fatigue)

* Weakness

* Loss of balance

* Numbness or tingling

* Stiff muscles or spasms

* Blurry vision

* Dizziness

* Loss of control of bladder or bowels

* Trouble with memory, learning or attention

* Speech problems

* Shaking

* Seizures

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have MS. However, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.

How is MS treated?

If you have MS, see your doctor regularly. Treatment can help slow the disease and manage symptoms. There are different medications available to treat MS, and physical therapy is helpful for some people. A doctor who specializes in treating MS can recommend the best treatment for you.

While there is no cure, treatments for MS continue to improve. With a doctor’s help, many people with MS can manage their symptoms and feel their best.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
What Is Lymphoma?

MEDICAL NEWS

There are several different types of blood cancers. About half of all blood cancers are lymphomas. Lymphoma is cancer in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system that fights off illnesses and infections. It also helps control the flow of fluids in the body.

Lymphoma is not one type of cancer. It is a group of many types.

Hodgkin lymphoma is one type. It was named after the doctor who discovered it. All other lymphomas are called non-Hodgkin lymphomas. There are more than 60 types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

What’s the difference?

Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas affect lymphocytes, which are cells in the lymphatic system. Doctors can tell which type of lymphoma a person has by looking at their cells under a microscope.

Hodgkin lymphoma has a special cell with two centers, or nuclei. These are known as Reed-Sternberg cells, and they only occur in people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Similar signs

Even though there are different types of lymphoma, the signs look alike. Some signs include:

* A painless lump in the neck, armpit or groin

* Excessive sweating

* Fever

* Trouble breathing

* Weight loss

* No appetite

* Feeling weak

* Itching

Know the risk

Lymphoma can attack almost any area of the body. Often its symptoms are hard to spot, or they may be blamed on other health issues. That’s why it’s good to know if you’re at a higher risk of getting lymphoma. Risk factors include:

* Having a close relative with lymphoma

* Previously being exposed to radiation or chemotherapy

* Long-term exposure to chemicals

* Having a weakened immune system

Talk to your doctor

There is no surefire way to prevent lymphoma. However, you can get regular checkups and talk to your doctor about your health. Ask them about your risk of cancer and ways you can lead the healthiest life possible. If you notice changes in your health or symptoms, tell them.

Sources: American Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Where To Get Help For A Drinking Problem

Substance Use & Abuse

Problem drinkers have many options to help conquer their problem.

* Psychotherapy. Counseling, one-on-one with a therapist or in group sessions, focuses on feelings and situations related to drinking. The goal is to help an individual cope with emotional problems and other stresses so that he or she no longer relies on alcohol.

* Support groups. Organized groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide assistance, encouragement, and guidance (including a 12-step recovery plan) for members who share an alcohol problem.

* Medication. One type blocks the craving for alcohol and the pleasure of getting high. A second type reduces the physical distress and emotional effects people usually get when they quit drinking. A third type causes physical reactions, such as vomiting, when drinking alcohol.

* Alcohol treatment centers. Affiliated with hospitals, medical clinics, or community health centers, alcohol treatment centers generally combine more than one approach. People who need help are either treated as an outpatient or admitted as an inpatient, depending on how serious the problem is.

For help, consult the following resources.

* Your family physician. A doctor who knows the drinker (and the drinker’s family) can determine what type of treatment would be appropriate. Also, anyone with a history of heavy drinking should have a thorough medical exam to uncover any medical conditions that may have been caused or aggravated by alcohol abuse.

* Family service agencies. Most communities have agencies that run outpatient alcoholic treatment programs or can refer you to one. Look in your telephone directory or contact your local social services department.

* Your religious adviser. Talk with your priest, minister, or rabbi.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Get Help For Addictive Behaviors

Substance Use & Abuse

Don’t let drug or alcohol dependence rob you of a quality life.

You know you can’t go on this way much longer. Your drug or alcohol addiction is destroying your relationships, your career, and your health.

Reasons to get help:

* Calling in sick at work, showing up late, or making errors could cause you to lose your job.

* You can destroy relationships with your family and friends.

* You risk injuring yourself or others.

* You are destroying vital organs in your body that cannot be fixed.

* You are putting yourself at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

* Using non-sterile needles increases your risk of hepatitis or blood poisoning.

* You could die due to an overdose.

You’re not alone

* If you are working, find out if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). With this, you can get help at work with a counselor. You do not need to give your employer a reason for your request. The information you share with your counselor remains private.

* Ask your doctor or health care provider for referrals.

* Find out about substance abuse services in your area from 1.800.662.HELP (662-4357) orwww.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

* Admit yourself into a drug treatment clinic.

* Look for area support groups, such as:

– Alcoholics Anonymous atwww.aa.org

– Cocaine Anonymous atwww.ca.org

– Narcotics Anonymous atwww.na.org

Action Step

Don’t wait. Seek help. Take it one step at a time and be prepared to fight for your life. Believe that you and the people who love you are worth it.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026