HealthyLife Articles

Tag: warning

Know The Red Flags Of Stress

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Everyone has stress in their lives. But when high levels of stress go on for too long, it takes a toll on the body. Is stress taking a toll on your health? If it is, don’t ignore it. This is a chance to find healthy ways to tackle stress before the problem becomes worse.

The following are some “red flags” or signs that your stress levels may be too high.

* Muscles feel tense and sore. You have a sore back or neck. You are getting tension headaches or migraines.

* Your heart feels like it’s beating faster. Your palms are sweaty.

* You are breathing shallow, quick breaths.

* You have more heartburn or acid reflux than usual.

* Your stomach feels upset or you have vomiting or diarrhea.

Other effects of stress are harder to notice. Stress can affect reproductive hormones, which can disrupt a woman’s period. In men, it can cause reduced fertility. Both men and women may have lower sexual desire. Stress can also raise your risk of a heart attack if it’s ignored for too long.

If you notice warning signs of stress, it’s a sign that you need some extra care. Talk to someone you trust, your doctor or a mental health professional.

Self-harm or thinking of suicide

Wanting to hurt yourself is a medical emergency. Go to a hospital, call the National Suicide Hotline or call 9-1-1 right away if you have these feelings. If someone you know says they want to die or talks about suicide or hurting themselves, get them help right away. Most people who commit suicide tell someone about it before they attempt to do it.

National suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK

Sources: American Psychological Association, National Institute of Mental Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Stress & Self-Harm

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

People deal with stress in different ways. But in some cases, stress may cause a person to harm themselves. Self-harm often shows up in the form of cutting. A person may cut themselves repeatedly with a razor blade or other sharp object. This often starts in the teenage years, but it can happen to people of all ages.

Why does it happen?

Even though cutting may hurt, it helps a person feel less stressed for a while. Teenagers may do it when they are feeling overwhelmed about school or their social life. Adults may do it when they are under pressure at work or at home.

Whatever the reason, cutting is a sign of emotional distress.

What to look for

It’s not always easy to tell if someone is using self-harm. Signs that a person may be cutting include:

* Multiple cuts on the skin, usually in one area of the arms, legs or torso

* Wearing long sleeves or long pants when it’s hot outside

* Having sharp objects like razors without an obvious reason

* Changes in behavior, such as being unpredictable or talking about feeling worthless

What to do

If you think your loved one or friend is cutting, offer your help and support. Don’t tell them to “just stop.”

In the case of your child, contact their doctor to ask for help. If it’s an adult, encourage them to find a therapist or to talk to their doctor.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Spot A Possible Suicide

Mental Health

If someone you know talks about suicide, take them seriously. Comments like “They’re better off without me,” “I won’t have to worry about my life much longer,” or “I wish I were dead” are warning signs of desperation. Also, watch for these suicidal signs and gestures.

* Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness.

* Standing on the edge of a bridge, cutting the wrists with a dull instrument, driving recklessly on purpose.

* Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.

* Spending time alone or not associating with others.

* Giving away personal possessions; getting legal matters in order.

Suicide prevention “don’ts” include:

* Don’t ignore a threat of suicide.

* Don’t keep someone’s threat of suicide a secret.

* Don’t dare or challenge someone who has threatened to commit suicide.

* Don’t leave a person alone if they talk about suicide.

What to do instead.

* Ask how the person plans to carry out the suicide. Has he or she acquired a gun or pills?

* Waste no time in finding help. Contact friends, family members, a family doctor, a member of the clergy, a crisis intervention center, and/or a suicide prevention hotline.

* Let the person know you care. Reassure the person that treatments are available to help him or her work through problems, no matter how hopeless they seem.

* Encourage the individual to continue to work or participate in hobbies, sports, or other activities.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Angina

Heart & Circulation Problems

Angina is chest pain or discomfort. It occurs when the heart muscle does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs for a given level of work.

Signs & Symptoms

* Squeezing pressure, heaviness, or mild ache in the chest (usually behind the breastbone)

* Aching in a tooth with or without squeezing pressure in the chest

* Aching into the neck muscles, jaw, one or both arms, or back

* A feeling of gas in the upper abdomen and lower chest

* A feeling that you’re choking or shortness of breath

* Paleness and sweating

* Nausea and vomiting

Many people who experience angina for the first time fear they’re having a heart attack. A heart attack damages or injures the heart muscle. Angina does not. Pain from angina is a warning sign that heart attack can occur, though.

Causes

Angina is caused by blocked or narrowed blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.

Episodes of angina are often brought on by anger, excitement, or emotional shock. Exertion or heavy physical work, hurrying up the stairs, or walking rapidly uphill can also bring on an angina episode.

If you have angina, your doctor or a cardiologist should follow you closely. He or she may prescribe:

* Medications, such as nitroglycerin, beta- blockers, and a low- dose daily aspirin

* Daily physical exercise specific for you

* Surgery, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery

Self-Care

Medical care is needed to treat angina. If you have angina, these self-care measures can be part of your treatment plan.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Follow a low-saturated fat, low cholesterol diet.

* Eat 5 to 6 small meals instead of 3 large meals a day.

* Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, lose weight.

* After you eat, rest or do a quiet activity.

* Minimize exposure to cold, windy weather.

* Take medication(s), as prescribed.

* Avoid sudden physical exertion, such as running to catch a bus.

* Avoid anger whenever you can.

* Manage stress.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* You have been diagnosed with angina and there is a change in your angina symptoms. You may, for example, start to feel symptoms at rest.

* You have minor chest pain that is not due to an injury or strain, does not let up, and/or is not relieved by rest.

Get Immediate Care When:

* You have symptoms of a heart attack.

* You have been diagnosed with angina and your chest pain does not respond to your prescribed medicine or the pain does not go away in 10 to 15 minutes.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Breast Cancer And Rashes

MEDICAL NEWS

When you spot a rash on your skin, you probably don’t worry too much about it. After all, most rashes are simply due to minor problems like a mosquito bite, chafing, or an irritating skin care product. Though most rashes are not dangerous, it’s important to pay attention to your skin. A rare, dangerous form of breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) often starts with a rash or skin changes on the breast. IBC doesn’t cause a telltale “lump” that many people expect from breast cancer. It may not show up on a mammogram either.

What rashes should be checked?

Many things can cause rashes on the breast, but some signs should be checked by a doctor. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes on the breast:

* Pain, tenderness or itching on the breast

* Skin that looks or feels thicker

* An area that feels hard

* Skin that has pits or ridges or looks like an orange peel

* A nipple that turns inward or changes shape

* Swelling that makes one breast look larger than the other

* Skin that is swollen

* A breast that feels warm or heavy

Don’t panic – but get checked

It’s important to know that IBC is very rare. It makes up about 1 to 3 percent of all breast cancer cases.

Some less serious problems like mastitis (an infection of the milk ducts) can have some of the same symptoms as IBC. If you notice any changes in your breasts, be sure to contact your health care provider.

The many types of breast cancer

There are several different kinds of breast cancer. Some start in the milk ducts, glands or other tissue, such as muscle or fat.

The most common type of cancer is invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma. This type of cancer makes up about 80 percent of all breast cancer cases. It starts in a milk duct and spreads into the fatty tissue in the breast.

Be aware of these other breast cancer signs and call your doctor if you notice them:

* A lump or mass in the breast

* Nipple discharge (not breast milk for nursing mothers)

* Pain or swelling in the breast or nipple

* Any unusual changes to the breast or nipple, including new moles

Seeing your doctor for regular visits and getting mammograms as recommended is the best way to detect breast cancer early.

Source: American Cancer Society

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Suicide: Signs And Getting Help

WELL-BEING

Suicide can happen to people of any age, ethnicity or gender. Everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs and how to help. Many people who commit suicide have a mental health condition such as depression, bipolar disorder or addiction. But, some people who commit suicide were never diagnosed with a mental health issue.

A person thinking about suicide may have a sudden change in behavior or start saying things they don’t normally say. Sometimes, these things happen after a painful event, a loss or a major life change. It also can be due to a brain chemical imbalance, even if the person’s life seems normal. Watch for these possible signs:

* Talk about wanting to die or looking for ways to kill themselves

* Search online about suicide

* Say they feel empty, trapped or hopeless

* Think they are a burden to others

* Avoid family and friends

* Start sleeping too much or not enough

* Eat more or less than usual, have appetite changes

* Talk about death often

* Have major mood swings such as anger, rage, anxiety, shame or sudden relief

* Give away some of their things

A person may seem happy, but even one of these symptoms could be a sign of mental health issues. Suicide and severe depression can affect anyone. If you see even one of these signs, try to help the person or get them help.

What to do

If you think someone might be thinking about suicide:

* Ask them if they are thinking of suicide or harming themselves. Studies show that asking this question does not “put thoughts in their head.”

* Try to get them away from things that could harm them. If possible, get them away from weapons, substances or other things that could be used to commit suicide.

* Listen. Let them talk about how they are feeling.

* Get expert help. Have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The TTY line for deaf/hard of hearing is 1-800-799-4889.

* Connect them with helpful people. Maybe a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional can help.

* Keep in touch with them. If the person receives treatment, follow up with them afterward.

If the person is actively trying to commit suicide or has already tried, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Grapefruit Effect

MEDICAL NEWS

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

January 23, 2026