YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE · Weight Loss For some, surgical options can be the best...
Transcript of YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE · Weight Loss For some, surgical options can be the best...
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YOUR GUIDE TO A
HEALTHIERLIFESTYLE
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Table of Contents
Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle 8
Maintaining a Healthy Weight 8
TheEffectsofWeightonHealth 9
EffectiveDietingStrategiesforWeight Loss 12
EngaginginanExerciseRoutine 17
SurgicalOptionsforWeightLoss 19
MedicalConditionsandWeightLoss 23
Skin Conditions 28
Acne 28
Eczema 31
Rosacea 34
Psoriasis 36
SkinCancer 38
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Melanoma 42
TheImportanceofEverydaySkinCare 43
Sleep Importance & Disorders 45
Insomnia 45
RestlessLegSyndrome 47
SleepApnea 48
Narcolepsy 52
SleepRecommendations 54
EffectsofPoorSleeponHealth 55
TipsforGettingaGoodNight’sSleep 57
Back Pain 61
CommonReasonsforBackPain 61
MuscleandLigamentStrains 62
BulgingandRupturedDiscs 65
SkeletalIrregularities 68
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SpinalOsteoporosis 69
Diabetes 73
Whoismostatriskfordiabetes? 75
PreventingDiabetes 78
DiabetesDiagnosis&Treatment 79
Glaucoma 82
Whoismostatriskforglaucoma? 84
PreventingGlaucoma 85
GlaucomaDiagnosis&Treatment 85
Arthritis 88
WhoismostatriskforArthritis? 89
PreventingArthritis 90
ArthritisDiagnosis&Treatment 92
High Cholesterol 94
Whoismostatrisk? 94
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PreventingHighCholesterol 96
HighCholesterolDiagnosis& TreatmentOptions 97
Hypertension 99
Whoismostatriskfor hypertension? 100
PreventingHypertension 103
HypertensionDiagnosis&Treatment 104
Depression 108
Whoismostatriskfordepression? 112
PreventingDepression 113
DepressionDiagnosis& TreatmentOptions 114
Heart Disease 116
Whoismostatriskfor heartdisease? 122
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PreventingHeartDisease 126
HeartDiseaseDiagnosis& TreatmentOptions 127
Hearing Loss 130
TypesofHearingLoss 132
RiskFactorsforHearingLoss 134
PreventingHearingLoss 136
TipsforAvoidingLoudNoises 137
SymptomsofHearingLoss 138
HearingLossDiagnosis&Treatment 140
GettingHearingAids 141
CaringforHearingAids 144
Symptom Checker 146
Health Insurance 147
CommonHealthInsuranceTerms 148
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PrivateInsuranceandEmployer Insurance 150
CHIP 151
Medicare 153
Medicaid 157
VA Health 160
TRICARE 162
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Achievingandmaintainingahealthylifestylecanimprovequalifyoflifeandincreaselongevity.Youcantakestepstoreducethelikelihoodthatyouwilldevelopcertainconditions,evenifyoucan’tpreventthemall.
Bylearningmoreaboutpreventionmethods,riskfactorsandtreatmentoptions,youcanbettermonitorandimproveuponyourhealth,aswellasgainabetterunderstandingofanyconditionthatyoumayalreadyhave.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
MorethanathirdofAmericanadultsareconsideredtobeobese.Tobeconsideredobese,youmustweighatleast20 percent ofwhatisconsideredtheidealweightforapersonofyourheight.Whenmeasuredusing
Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle
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theBodyMassIndex(BMI),ascoreof30orhigherisconsideredtobeobese.
Obesitycanincreaseaperson’sriskofanumberofhealthconditions.Whilenoteverypersonwillexperiencehealthconditionsduetotheirobesity,thereisarealriskpresent,especiallyforthosewhoalsohaveagenetic-relatedriskortendtohavemostoftheirextraweightaroundtheirstomach.
Someconditionsthathavedevelopedduetoexcessweightcanalsoimproveorbeeliminatedalltogetherafterweightloss.
The Effects of Weight on Health
Havingextraweightincreasesyourlikelihoodofdevelopinghigh blood pressure and high cholesterol.Theseconditionscanincreaseyourlikelihoodofsufferingastrokeordevelopingheart
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disease.
Ifyouareoverweight,youhaveasignificantriskofdevelopinggallbladder disease and gallstones.Itisalsoimportanttoavoidrapidweightloss,asitcansignificantlyincreaseyourriskofhavinggallstones.
Osteoarthritisisatypeofarthritisthataffectstheback,hipsorknees.Theextrapressurefromexcessiveweightcausesthecartilagewithinthejointstobecomeworndown,whichcanresultinosteoarthritis.Youcanreduceyourriskthroughweightlossandroutineexercise.Whilethereisnocureforosteoarthritis,youcanrelievesomeofthepainyoumayfeelfromthestressonyourjointsbylosingweight.
Goutisaformofarthritisthatoccurswhenthereistoomuchuricacidwithinaperson’sblood.Uricacidcausescrystal
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depositsintothejoints.Themoreyouweigh,themorelikelyyouaretobeafflictedwithgout.
Obesitycanincreasetheriskforseriousbreathingconditions,includingCOPD, asthma and sleep apnea.Conditionslikesleepapneacanalsoincreaseaperson’sriskforothermedicalconditions,suchasheart disease or stroke.Weightlosscanoftenimproveandpotentiallyeliminatesomeofthesebreathingconditions,ifalreadydeveloped,aswellaspreventconditionsifoneisnotalreadypresent.
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Effective Dieting Strategies for Weight Loss
Eatingawell-balanceddietisthemosteffectivewaytoachieveweightlossinasafemanner.Healthyeatinghabitshelpyouloseweightandmaintainweightloss.Expertssuggestthatyouaimtolosebetweenone and two poundsofweightperweek.Thereareanumberofpopulardietstoday,butsomeofthemosteffectivedietsinclude:
1. The Paleo Diet.Thepaleodietfocusesoneatingwholefoods, lean protein, fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds. Dieterscutoutprocessedfoods,sugar,dairyandgrainproductsasmuchaspossible.Thereareafewvariationsthatpermitcertaindairyproducts.Weightlossstudiessurroundingthepaleodiethaveshownthatthisdietcanleadtosignificantweightloss,especiallyaround
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aperson’swaist.Thepaleodiethasalsobeenlinkedtootherpotentialhealthbenefits,suchasareductioninbloodsugar,bloodpressureandcholesterol.
2. Vegan Diets.Avegandietexcludesmeat,dairy,eggsandotheranimal-derived products,suchaswhey,casein,gelatinandhoney.Thisdietcanbeaneffectiveweightlossdiet,andithasethicalandenvironmentalbenefitsformany.Thefoodsallowedareoftenlowinfatandhighinfiber,reducingtheneedtocountcalories.ThevegandiethasalsobeenshowntoreducetheriskofheartdiseaseandType2diabetes.However,thedietersmaynotreceiveseveralkeynutrients,includingvitaminD,vitaminB12,iron,iodine,calcium,zincandomega-3fattyacids.
3. Low-Carb Diets.Carbohydrateintakeisrestrictedtobetween20 and 150
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grams per day.Thebodyisforcedtousefatstoresforenergyratherthancarbohydrates.Inadditiontoweightloss,low-carbdietsoftenreduce the risk of highcholesterol,highbloodsugar,highinsulinlevelsandhighbloodpressure.However,somedietersreportfeelingmiserableandnauseouswhenrestrictingcarbohydrates.Inveryrarecases,low-carbdietscanalsoleadtoaserioushealthconditioncalledketoacidosis,whichcanbefatalifleftuntreated.Ketoacidosisismorecommonamonglactatingwomen.
4. Intermittent Fasting.Intermittentfastingmeansyoucanonlyeatduringcertainperiodsofthedayonaconsistentbasisandyoumustfastduringotherperiodsoftheday.
a. Onemethodinvolvesskippingbreakfastandeatingonlywithinasetperiodofeight hours and
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fastingfortheremaining16hoursoftheday.
b. Anothermethodinvolvesa24 hour fastthatisperformedonceortwiceperweekonnon-consecutivedays
c. Duetofasting,yougenerallyconsumefewercaloriesoverallthroughoutyourdayandstudieshaveshownthatmetabolicratescanbeincreasedby3.6to14percentonashort-termbasis,whichcanfurtherboostweightloss.Studieshaveshownthatapersonmaybeabletolosebetween3and8percentoftheirweightoveraperiodof3to24weeks.
d. Additionalhealthbenefitsofintermittentfastingdietsincludeareductionofinflammation,cholesterollevels,bloodtriglyceridesandbloodsugarlevels.However,thisdiethasbeenshowntobe
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moreeffectiveandbeneficialformencomparedtowomen.Youshouldnotattemptanintermittentfastingdietifyouarepregnant,breastfeeding,malnourished,nutrientdeficientorateenagerorchild.
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Engaging in an Exercise Routine
Whileabalanceddietisthemosteffectivewaytoloseweight,routine exercisecanhelppromoteandmaintainweightloss.Exercisecanbeespeciallybeneficialtoolderadultsandseniorcitizensinpreventinginjuriesandkeepingboththebodyandmindactive.
Ifyouwanttoloseweight,expertsrecommendthatyouengageinanaerobic(cardio)exerciseroutineforatleast200 minuteseachweek.Aerobicexercisesincludewalking,jogging,running,cyclingandswimming.However,anythingthatmakesyourheartandlungsworkharder,includingdancingandmowingyourlawn,canallcount.
Strength training exercisescanhelpyoureduceinjurieswhilehelpingwithmusclegrowth.Forstrengthtraining,youcanuseweight,bandsoryourownbodyweight.
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However,whilestrengthtrainingdoesoffernumeroushealthbenefits,itisnotaneffectiveweightlossmeasure.
Youshouldstretch your musclesatleasttwiceaweekafterexercising.However,someexpertsrecommendthatyoutakethetimetostretchbothbeforeandaftereachexerciseinordertoreducethelikelihoodofaninjuryandimproveyourflexibility.
Regardlessofhowyouengageinexercise,itisimportanttoalternate between moderate and high intensity exercises,eitherinthesameworkoutoronalternativedays.Expertsalsorecommendthatyoualternatethetypeofexercisethatyouengagein.Doingsocanfurtherhelpyoutopreventinjuryandpreventyoufromgrowingboredwithyourworkoutroutine.
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Surgical Options to Help with Weight Loss
Forsome,surgicaloptionscanbethebestcourseofactiontoachieveweightloss.Theseoptionsareonlyconsideredforthosewhoareobeseormorbidlyobese,especiallyifobesityiscausingadditionalmedicalconditionsorputtingtheindividualatgreatriskofdevelopingoneormoreconditions.
Restrictive surgeriesareaveryeffectivewaytoachieveweightlossasthesurgeryessentiallyshrinksthesizeofaperson’sstomachandslowsdigestion.Priortosurgery,aperson’sstomachcangenerallyholduptothreepintsoffood.Aftersurgery,thatindividual’sstomachwilllikelyonlyaslittleasanounceinitiallyanduptotwoorthreeounceslater.
Afewtypesofrestrictivesurgeriestakeremoveorbypasspartofaperson’sdigestive
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tract,whichmakesitharderforthatperson’sbodytoabsorbcalories.However,thistypeofsurgeryisrarelyperformed,duetothepotentialsideeffectsofthesurgery.
Thereareanumberofdifferentoptionsforrestrictivesurgeriesthatcanbringaboutsignificantweightloss.Theseinclude:
Adjustable Gastric Banding.Duringsurgery,thesurgeonusesaninflatablebandtosqueezethepatient’sstomachintotwosections.Thesesectionsremainconnectedbyaverysmallchannel,whichallowsfoodtoslowlyemptyfromtheupperpouch.
a. Itisconsideredsimplerandsaferincomparisontomanyoftheothersurgeries.Thebandcanberemovedinasecondsurgery,shouldthepatientdesire.Themostcommon
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sideeffectofagastricbandisvomitingaftereatingeithertoomuchortooquickly,althoughthebandcanslip,becometooloose,orleak.
Sleeve Gastrectomy.Thistypeofsurgeryisonlyavailabletothosewhoareveryobese,sickorwhereotherweightlosssurgeriesmaybetoorisky.Duringsurgery,thesurgeonremovesabout75 percentofapatient’sstomachandshapedintoanarrowtubeorsleeve.
a. Thissurgeryisirreversible,andthelong-termbenefitsandrisksofthisprocedurearestillbeingevaluated.
b. Themostprominentrisksaretypicallyinfection,leakingofthesleeveandbloodclots.Theintestinesarenotaffectedbytheprocedureandisnotlikelytoresultinmalabsorptionconditionsora
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lackofnutrients.
Gastric Bypass.Thestomachisdividedintotwopartsandsealstheuppersectionfromthelowersection.Theuppersectionofthepatient’sstomachisconnecteddirectlytothelowersectionofthesmallintestine.Foodwillbypassasectionofboththestomachandsmallintestinesandreducecalorieabsorption.
a. Dumpingsyndromeisaconditionwherefoodpassesthroughtheintestinestooquickly,beforeithasbeenproperlydigested.Thiscancausebloating,pain,sweating,weakness,nauseaanddiarrhea.
Weightlosssurgerygenerallycausesrapidweightloss.Whilethiscanbebeneficial,itisalsoworthnotingthatacommonsideeffectofrapidweightlossisexcessskinthatisleftbehind.Excessskincanonlyberemovedthroughsurgicalmeans,whichmay
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requireseveralproceduresdependingontheseverity.Thesesurgeriesareoftenconsideredcosmeticandnotgenerallycoveredbyhealthinsurance.
Ifyouareconsideringaweightlosssurgery,itisimportantthatyoutalkwithyourdoctoraboutanyadditionalrisksthatyoumayface,baseduponanycurrentmedicalconditionsthatyoumayhave.
Medical Conditions and Weight Loss
Certainmedicalconditionsandprescriptionmedicationscancauseweightgainorpreventyoufromlosingweight,evenwhenyouaredoingalloftherightthings.Ifthisisthecase,youwillneedtotalktoadoctortocorrecttheproblembeforeyoucaneffectivelyworkonlosingweight.
Conditionsthatcouldinterferewithweight
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lossorevencauseweightgain,include:
Chronic Stress.Chronicstress,anxietyorgriefcancauseyourbodytoproduceachemicalsubstancethatwillmakeyourbodymorelikelytostorefat,especiallyaroundthewaist.
Cushing’s Syndrome.Whenyouradrenalglandsatopofyourkidneysproducetoomuchcortisol,youmayexperiencefatbuildupintheface,upperbackandabdomen.
Hypothyroidism.Anunderactivethyroidcancauseyourbodytoproducelessofthethyroidhormone,whichessentiallyallowsyourbodytoeffectivelyburnstoredfat.Anunderactivethyroidcanalsoresultinaslowedmetabolism,soyoumaystoremorefatthanyoucanburn.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS).
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AffectingmorethanfivemillionwomenintheUnitedStates,thisconditionistheresultofahormonalimbalance.CommonsymptomsofPSOSinclude:
• Irregularorseveremenstrualbleeding,excessivefacialhair,thinninghair,weightgainthatisnotcausedbyexcessiveeating,acneanddifficultiesgettingpregnant.Whilethereiscurrentlynocure,therearemedicationsthatcanhelp.
Syndrome X.SyndromeXiscommonlyreferredtoasinsulinresistanceorhyperinsulinemia.Itisaclusterofhealthconditionsthatarethoughttoberootedininsulinresistance.Ifyourbodyisresistanttoinsulin,hormonesthataidinthecontrolofyourmetabolismwillnotworkastheyshould,potentiallyleadingtoweightgain.
Depression.Depressioncommonlyturns
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theafflictedtoeatingtoeaseemotionaldistress.Additionally,somedepressionmedicationscancauseweightgain.
Expertssuggestthatthereareanumberofprescriptionmedicationsthatcarrypotentialsideeffectsforweightgain.Thesemedicationsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
MedicationsthattreatType2diabetes.
Antipsychoticmedications,includingmedicationstotreatschizophrenia.
Beta-blockersthatareprescribedforhighbloodpressureorspecificheartconditions.
Antidepressants.
Hormonereplacementtherapydrugs.
Birthcontrolpillsandinjections.
Corticosteroidsthatareusedtotreat
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conditionssuchasasthmaandlupus.
Shouldyoufindyourselfhavingsignificanttroublelosingweight,itisimportanttospeakwithyourdoctortoruleoutanycauserelatedtoprescriptiondrugsthatyoumaybetakingoranymedicalconditions.
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Skin Conditions
ManyskinconditionsaffectmillionsofAmericanseachyear.Bylearningmoreabouttheseconditions,youcanfamiliarizeyourselfwiththepreventionmethodsandthetreatmentsavailableforcommonskinconditions.
Acne
Acneaffectsnearlyeverypersonatsomepointinlife.Acneoccurswhengreasysecretionsfromtheskin’soilglandsplugthesmallopeningsforhairfollicles.Theacnemaypresentintheformofablackhead,whicharesmallflatspotswithdarkcenters,orthecloggedporemaytaketheformofawhitehead,asmallflesh-coloredbump.
Inseverecasesofacne,firmbumpswillformbeneaththeskin’ssurface.Thesebumps,also
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knownasnodules,canbecometenderand,attimes,infected.
Acneismostcommoninadolescence,startingduringpubertyyearsandgenerallygoingawayafterfiveto10years.Statistically,teenageboysaremorelikelytodevelopsevereacneincomparisontoteenagegirls.However,itisestimatedthat20percentofallacnecasesoccurinadults.Inadulthood,womenaremorelikelythanmentohavemildtomoderateacne.
Thereareanumberofstepsthatyoucantaketoreducethelikelihoodofdevelopingacne.Youmaybeabletoavoidacneby:
Washingyourfaceatleasttwiceadaytoremovedeadskincells,extraoilfromyourskin’ssurfaceandkeepyourfacegenerallycleaner.
Useover-the-countyacneproductsthat
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aredesignedtocurbbacteriaandreduceoilyskin.
Usemakeupsparinglyandwashitoffattheendoftheday.Whenpossible,useoil-freecosmeticproductsthatdonotcontainaddeddyesandchemicals.
Avoidusinggels,pomades,oilsandfragrancesinyourhair.
Avoidtouchingyourfaceorusingyourhandstopropyourcheekorchinup.
Limittheamountoftimeyouspendinthesunorwearprotectiveclothing.
Ifacneisnotsevere,over-the-countercleanersandnonprescriptiondrugsthatcontainbenzoylperoxidemayhelp.Atopical retinol gel,whichcanpreventpimplestogrowasitaffectthegrowthofcellsandcanassistinunblockingpores.However,thisgelmustgenerallybeusedconsistentlyanditcan
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takeupto12weekstobegintoseeresults.
Ifyouracneissevere,meetwithyourdoctortodiscusstreatmentoptions.Therearemanyprescriptionsforacne,manyofwhicharetopical.
Whentreatingacne,itisimportanttobeawareofpotentialsideeffectsandpotentialinteractions.Forexample,topicalretinoidsandbenzoylperoxidecancausedryandreddenedskin,aswellassunlightsensitivity.Oralantibioticscancausenauseaandsunlightsensitiveaswellasrenderwomenmoresusceptibletoyeastinfectionsiftakenmorethanafewweeks.
Eczema
Eczemaisagroupofconditionsrelatedtotheinflammationoftheskin:
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Eczemacausesitchy,red,dryandcrackedskinduringflareups.Flareupscanaffectaperson’sskinonanypartofthebody.
Foradults,eczemaisoftenachronicproblem.However,theconditionismostcommonlyfoundininfants,manyofwhichwilloutgrowtheconditionbeforeadulthood.
Eczemacanbegenetic,butthosewithsensitiveskinoranoveractiveimmunesystemcarryahigherriskofdevelopingeczema.
Flareupscanbetriggedbyanumberofthings,includingasstress,heatandsweat,contactwithirritatingsubstancesandfabrics,coldanddryclimatesanddryskin.
Flareupscanalsooccurwhenotherconditionsarepresentthathaveaneffect
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onaperson’simmunesystem,suchasthecommoncoldorabacterialinfection.
Goodskincarehabitscanreduceyourriskforeczemaand,inmildeczema,preventflaresinmildcases.Youcan:
Onlyusingmildsoapsorasoapsubstitutethatdoesnotcausedryskin.
Usemoisturizerappliedrightafterashowerorbathandforatotaloftwicedaily.
Takeshort,warmshowers.Longorveryhotshowersorbathsthatcanleadtodryskinandpotentialeczemaflares.
Humidifiershaveproventobebeneficialtothoseafflictedwitheczemathatsufferflaresduetodryair,particularlyincoldermonths.
Ifyouhavesevereeczema,youmustspeakwithyourdoctorabouttheconditionin
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ordertodeterminethebestsolutionforyou.Thereareanumberofmedicationsthatareusedtotreateczema,includingcreams,oralmedicationsandultravioletlighttherapy.
Rosacea
Rosaceaisacommonskindisorderthatcausesrednessand,insomecases,maycausebloodvesselstobecomevisible.Thisconditioncanalsocausethedevelopmentofsolidredbumpsandpus-filledpimples.Thisdisordermainlyaffectstheskinontheface,includingthenose,chin,cheeksandforehead.However,inrarercases,rosaceacanappearonthecheck,backorneck.
Expertstheorizethatitmaybecausebyadisorder of the neurovascular system or the immune system.Statistically,iteffectsmorepeoplewhohavefairskinandwomen.However,menwhoareafflictedwiththe
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conditiontendtoexperiencethemoreseveresymptoms.
Inmanycases,rosaceasuffersmaygointoremissionbyavoidingenvironmentalandlifestylefactorsthattriggertheirrosaceaflare-ups.Common triggers includesunandwindexposure,stress,hotorcoldweather,heavyexercise,spicyfoodsandalcoholconsumption.
Thereiscurrentlyno cureforrosacea,however,treatmentisavailabletocontrolorreversesomeofthesymptoms.Consultwithyourdoctoraboutthebesttreatmentoptionsforthesymptomsthatmaybepresentforyou.Treatmentoptionsrangefromoralandtopicalmedications,tosurgicalproceduresinrareandseverecases.
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Psoriasis
Psoriasisisachronic skin disorder that causesaperson’sskincellstomultipleupto10timesfasterthanwhatisconsideredtobenormal.Duetoexcessskincells,apersonalafflictedwithpsoriasismayexperienceabuildupofbumpy,redpatchesthatappeartobecoveredwithwhite“scales”.Psoriasiscanaffecttheskinanywhereonaperson’sbody,butismorecommononthescalp,elbows,kneesandlowerback.
Whilethereareseveraltheories,expertsarenotdefinitelysureofthecauseofpsoriasis.However,therearehypothesisthatitcouldbecausedbyafaultimmunesystem,causinginflammation,whichresultsnewskincellsformingtooquickly.
Additionally,psoriasisisbelievedtohavegeneticcausesasittendstoruninfamilies,thoughitcanskipageneration.Generally,this
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conditionusuallyappearsinearly adulthood.Itismostcommonforonlyafewareasofthebodytobeaffected,however,inseverecases,psoriasiscancoverlargeportionsofaperson’sbody.
Psoriasismaycomeandgo,dependingontheseverityofanindividual’scondition.Outbreakscanbetriggeredbyanumberofthings,includingcuts,scrapes,surgery,stress,strepinfectionsandsomemedications.
Youshouldtalktoyourdoctoraboutpsoriasisifyoufeelthatyoumayhavethiscondition.Generally,itiseasytodiagnosepsoriasisthroughaphysicalexam.Insomecases,asimplebiopsymaybenecessarytoruleoutskininfections.
Whilethereisno definitive cure forpsoriasis,avarietyoftreatmentsareavailablethatcanrelievediscomfortandslowthegrowth
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ofnewskincells.Commontreatments includesteroidcreams,moisturizers,coaltar,prescriptioncreamsandointmentsandretinoidcreams.Formoderate to severe psoriasis,yourdoctormayrecommendlighttherapyorcertainoralmedications.
Skin Cancer
Skincancerhasbecomethemostcommoncancerintheworldtoday.Itisestimatedthathalfofallfair-skinnedpeoplewholivetoatleast65willhaveatleastoneskincancerwithintheirlifetime.Riskfactorsincludethefollowing:
Fair skin.Whileitispossiblefordark-skinnedpeopletodevelopskincancer,itisrareandgenerallyonlydevelopsonlighterareasofthebody,suchasunderneathfingernailsoronthesolesofthefeet.
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Gender.Menarethreetimesmorelikelytodevelopskincancerthanwomen.
Age.Skincancertendstoappearbetweenthe45and54yearsofage.
Genetics.Yourriskforskincancerwillalsoriseifacloserelativehasskincancer,youarered-headed,youhaveblondhairandblueeyesoryouhaveapigmentdisorder,suchasalbinism.
Location.Skincancerdevelopsmorecommonlyinpeoplethatliveinareaswherethereisintensesunshine,suchasArizonaandHawaii.
Hazardous environment.Ifyouareregularlyaroundcertainchemicals,includingcoaltar,radiumandinsecticidesthatcontaininorganicarseniccompounds,yourlikelihoodofdevelopingskincancerwillincrease.
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Youwillincreaseyourriskfactorsofdevelopingskincancerifyou:
Spendtoomuchtimeinthesun.
Usetanningboothsorsunlamps.
GetfrequentX-rays.Thisriskfactorhasmanycomponents,includingage,genderandtypeofX-ray.
Skincancersalwaysfallintooneoftwocategories:melanoma or nonmelanoma.Skincancerssuchasbasalcellcarcinomaandsquamouscellcarcinoma,themostcommonformsofskincancer,arenonmelanomasandarerarelylifethreatening.
Thesetypesofcancersgrowslowly,areusuallyeasilyfound,seldomspreadbeyondtheskinandcanusuallybecured.Basalcellcarcinomaaccountsfornearly75percentofallskincancers,butithastheslowestgrowthandistheleastlikelytospreadbeyondtheskin.
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Ifyouarediagnosedwithskincancerquickly,youaremorelikelytobecured.Yourtreatmentoptionswilldependonthetypeofskincanceryouhave,whetherornotithasspread(andhowfar)aswellasanyotherhealthconditionsthatyoumaybeaffectedby.Treatment optionsmayincludesurgery,cryotherapy,radiation,chemotherapy,lasertherapy,biologicorimmunotherapyandtargetedtherapy.
Onceyouhavehadskincancer,youareatahigherriskforgettingskincanceragainwithinafewyears.Getyourskincheckedregularlytocatchanydevelopmentsearly.
Whilenonmelanomaskincancershaveanumberoftreatmentsthatarehighlyeffective,melanomaisafarmoreserioustypeofcancerthatisfarmoreaggressive,inclinedtospreadandmaynotbecurableinlaterstages.
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Melanoma
Melanomaisamoreaggressivetypeofskincancerthatcanoftenbelifethreatening.Thistypeofcancergenerallybeginsindark skin tissue,suchasabirthmarkormole,butitcanstartinnormallypigmentedskin.Formen,melanomaismostcommononthehead,neckandback.Forwomen,canmostcommonlybefoundonthearmsorlegs.
However,melanomacanappearinotherlocations,includingthepalmofthehands,solesofthefeet,underneathafingernailortoenail,inyoureyeandinmucusliningssuchasthevagina,anusormouth.
Whilemelanomacangenerallybecuredifcaughtearly,thistypeofskincancergrowsveryfastandcanspreadtootherpartsofthebody,includingbonesandthebrain.Shouldthishappen,themelanomawillbecomeverydifficulttotreatandcannotbecured.
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Melanomatreatmentoptionsincludesurgery,radiationtreatment,chemotherapy,lasertherapy,cryotherapy,biologicalorimmunotherapyandtargetedtherapy.
The Importance of Everyday Skin Care
Adailyskincareroutinecanhavesignificantbenefitsonyourhealthasyouwillbelesslikelytobeafflictedbyskinrelatedconditions.
Expertsrecommendthatyouwashyourfacetwice dailyandfollowupwithatonerandmoisturizer.
Limityourtimeinthesun,especiallyduringthehoursof10AMand2PM,andalwayswearabroad-spectrumsunscreenthatcontainsa sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 orgreaterwheneveryouwillbeexposedtosunlight.
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Bydoingso,youcansignificantlyreduceyourchancesofskincancers,freckles,growths,agespots,colorchangesandwrinkles.
Youshouldneverusetanningbedsorsunlamps,ifpossible,asyouwillsignificantlyincreaseyourchanceofdevelopinganumberofskinconditions,includingskincancer.
Finally,payattentiontoyourskinsothatyounoticeanychangesinpatchesofskinormolesthatmayindicateskincancer.Skincancer,ifcaughtearly,isgenerallytreatableandcurable.
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Sleep,andlackthereof,canhaveasignificantimpactonyourhealthandincreaseyourriskfactorsforanumberofconditions.
Insomnia
Insomniaisaoneofthemostcommonsleepdisorderandonethatpreventspeoplefromeitherfallingorstayingasleep.
Therearetwotypesofinsomnia;primaryorsecondaryinsomnia.Primary insomnia isnotdirectlylinkedorcausedtoanothermedicalconditionwhilesecondary insomnia iscausedbyanothercondition,suchaspain,medication,heartburn,asthmaorcancer.
Insomniacanbepresentasacute,lastingup
Sleep Importance & Disorders
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tothree monthsandoftenlinkedtostress,orchronic,inwhichsymptomscanlastforyearsifleftuntreated.Insomniaisconsideredchronicwhenapersonhastroublefallingasleeporstayingasleepforatleastthreenightsaweekforafullmonthorlonger.
Adiagnosiscansometimesbemadeafteradiscussionaboutyourhealthandsleepproblems.Insomecases,youmaybeaskedtokeepasleepdiaryoryoumaybereferredtoasleepcenterforadditionaltesting.
Treatment for insomniavariesbaseduponthecauseandseverityofthecondition.Inmoremildcases,itcanoftenbecuredbyformingbettersleepinghabits.
However,incasesofmoderatetosevereinsomnia,sleepingpillsmaybeprescribedforalimitedperiodoftime.
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Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)isadisorderofthenervoussystemthatcancauseanurgeforapersontomovetheirlegsand/orarms.
Thesymptomsgenerallyincludeuncomfortablesensationsinaperson’slegsorarms.Thissensationhasbeendescribedas“itchy”or“pinsandneedles”.Symptomscanappearduringdaytimehoursbutaregenerallyattheirworstduringperiodsofrest,especiallywhenlyingorsittingdown.TheseverityofRLSsymptomsrangefrommildtointolerable.
Whilethereisno medical testthatcandiagnoserestlesslegsyndrome,doctorsutilizebloodtestsandothertestingmethodsinordertoruleoutotherconditionsthatpresentsimilarsymptoms.Thereisno cure for RLS,buttreatmentcaneasethesymptoms.Treatmentoptionsincludelifestyle
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changes,theestablishmentofmoreregularsleeppatterns,theeliminationofcaffeineortheeliminationofalcohol.ThereareafewmedicationsthatareusedtotreatthemoreseverecasesofRLS. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apneaisconsideredtobeaserioussleepdisorderthatcandramaticallyimpactaperson’ssleepandoverallhealthassleepapnearaisesaperson’sriskforothermedicalconditions.
Sleepapneaoccurswhenaperson’sbreathingisinterruptedduringsleep.Thisprocesscontinuesthroughoutthenight,sometimesuptohundredsoftimes.Asaresult,apersonnotonlydoesnotgetenoughsleep,buttheymaynotgetenoughoxygen.
Themostcommonformofsleepapneais
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referredtoasobstructive sleep apnea(OSA).IncasesofOSA,aperson’sairwayisblockedwhenthesofttissueatthebackofthethroatcollapsesduringsleep.Theothertypeofsleepapnea,central sleep apnea,occurswhenthebrainfailstosignalaperson’smusclestobreatheduetoinstabilityintherespiratorycontrolcenter.
Anyonecandevelopsleepapnea,buttherearesomefactorsthatwillputyouatahigherriskforthecondition.Youwillbeathigherriskforsleepapneaifyou:
Aremale.
Areoverweight.
Are40yearsofageorolder.
Haveafamilyhistoryofsleepapnea.
Havealargernecksize,tonsilsortongue.
Havenasalobstructionsduetoa
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deviatedseptum,sinusproblemsorallergies.
Ifleftuntreated,youmaybeatahigherriskforconditionslikehighbloodpressure,strokeandvariousheartconditions.
Themostcommonsymptomsofsleepapneaincludewakingupwithaverysore or dry throat,loudsnoring,wakingupgaspingorchoking,fatigue,morningheadaches,forgetfulnessandmoodchanges.
Ifyouthinkthatyoumayhavesleepapnea,itisimportanttotalktoyourdoctor.Insomecases,youmaybeabletocompleteasleepapneatestathome.Thesleepstudytestisdonetorecordspecificphysicalactivitieswhileyousleep.Insomecases,furthertestingmaybeneededwhensleepapneaisdetermined.
In mild casesofsleepapnea,ordependingonthecauseofyoursleepapnea,youmay
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beabletocureyoursymptomsbylosingweight,avoidingalcohol,avoidingsleepingpills,alteringyoursleepingpositionsandbyeliminatingnicotine.
In moderate to severesleepapnea,devicessuchasacontinuouspositiveairwaypressure(CPAP)arecommonlyused.ACPAPdevicehasamaskthatiswornoverthenoseandmouthduringsleep.Thismaskishookeduptoamachinethatdeliversacontinuousflowofairintothenosetoregulatebreathingandoxygenaccess.
Incertaincasesofsleepapnea,surgerymayberequiredtocorrectthecondition.Surgeryisoftenrequiredifyoursleepapneaiscausedbyadeviatednasalseptum,enlargedtonsilsorasmalllowerjawwithanoverbite.Surgeryisdonetocorrectthesefacialproblemsandthroatobstructionsinordertoreduceoreliminatesleepapneasymptoms.
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Narcolepsy
Narcolepsyisatypeofneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthemind’scontrolofsleepandwakefulness.Individualswhoareafflictedwiththisdisordermaynotbeabletooperateavehicleorheavymachineryduetoexcessivedaytimesleepinessandintermittent,uncontrollableepisodesresultinginsuddensleepduringtheday.Episodescanoccuratanytimeofthedayduringanytypeofactivity.
Inanormalsleepcycle,initialstagesofsleeparefollowedbydeepersleepstagesandfinallyrapideyemovement(REM)sleep.REMnormallyoccursafterabout90minutes,butfornarcolepsysufferers,REMoccursalmostimmediatelyinthesleepcycleaswellasperiodicallyduringthewakinghours.REMsleepisthetypeofsleepthatmayincludedreamsandmuscleparalysis.
Expertshypothesizethatthedisordercould
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begenetic,duetobrainabnormalitiesorduetoachemicaldeficiencyinthebrain.
Themostcommonsymptomsofnarcolepsyincludeexcessivedaytimesleepiness,lackofenergyandconcentration,extremeexhaustion,thesuddenlossofmuscletone,hallucinationsandsleepparalysis.
Ifyoubelievethatyoumayhavenarcolepsy,yourhealthcareprovidercanperformaphysicalexamorreferyoutoasleepdisorderclinictohaveadditionaltests.
Thereiscurrentlyno curefornarcolepsy.However,someofthemostdisablingsymptomsofthedisordercanbecontrolledusingavarietyofmedications.Thetypeofmedicationsthatareprescribeddependonthesymptomsthatarepresentintheafflictedindividual.
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Sleep Recommendations
Theamountofsleepthatisrecommendedtoapersondependsonhisorherage.Thecurrentrecommendedsleepamountsare:
Infants (0-3 months) –14-17hoursofsleepperday.
Infants (4-11 months) –12-15hoursofsleepperday.
Toddlers (1-2 years of age) – 11-14hoursofsleepperday.
Pre-School Children (3-5 years) – 10-13hoursofsleepperday.
School-Age Children (6-13 years) –9-11hoursofsleepperday.
Teenagers (14-17) –8-10hoursofsleepperday.
Adults (18-64) –Generally,adultsneed
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between7and9hoursofsleepperday.
Seniors (65 years of age and older) – 7-8hoursofsleepperday.
Inadditiontoagegroups,pregnant women willneedseveralmorehoursofsleepeachdaythanusualduringthefirst3monthsofpregnancy.
Effects of Poor Sleep on Overall Health
Poorsleepinghabitsandfailingtogetenoughsleepeachnightcanhavebothshort-andlong-termeffectsonthebodyandmind.
Withoutenoughsleepoverashortperiodoftime,youmayexperience:
Adecreaseinalertnessandperformance.
Cognitiveabilityandmemory
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impairment.
Agreaterrisktoreceiveanoccupationalinjury,especiallyifyouworkaroundpotentiallydangerousenvironments.
Changesinmood,includingmoodiness,anxietyanddepression.
Asignificantlyhigherrisktobeinvolvedinanautomobileaccident.
Failingtogetenoughsleepforalongperiodoftimecanresultinanincreasedriskofseriousmedicalconditions,including:
Highbloodpressure.
Heartattack.
Heartfailure.
Stroke.
Obesity.
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Depressionandothermoodrelateddisorders.
Mentalimpairment.
Poorqualityoflife.
Studieshaveshownthatindividualswhohavereportedgettinglessthansix or seven hoursofsleepeachnighthaveanincreasedmortalityrisk.Oneofthesenotablestudiesshowedthatfailingtogetenoughsleepforalongperiodoftimeheldagreatermortalityriskthansmoking,heartdiseaseandhighbloodpressure.
Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Thereareanumberofprecautionsthatyoucantakebeforegoingtobedthatcanhelpyoufallasleepquicklyandsleepthroughthenight.Youshouldstillspeakwithyourdoctor
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andfollowanyrecommendationsthattheymayhavetotreatyoursleepdisorder.Togetabetternight’srest,avoid:
Caffeine.Caffeineisastimulantthatcanstayinyoursystemfor12hours.Caffeineisfoundinmanythings,includingcoffee,soda,tea,chocolateandsomeover-the-countermedications.Avoidcaffeinefourtosixhoursbeforebedtime.
Nicotine.Avoiditfourhourspriortobedtimeinordertopreventwakingduringthenight.
Alcohol.Drinkingalcoholbeforebedcancausenighttimeawakeningsandnightmares,interruptingyoursleepcycles.
Heavy meals before bed.Beforebed,avoidprotein-basedsnacksandchoseacarbohydrate-basedsnackinstead.Studiesshowthatsmallsnacksthathave
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alargeamountofcarbsmayimprovesleep.Numerousstudieshaveshownthatasmallportionofmilkordairyproductsbeforebedcanhelpinducesleep.
WatchingTV,listeningtomusic,eatingorreadinginbed.
Minimizethelight and noiseinyourbedroomandmakesuretheroomisnot too hot or too coldduringsleep.Generally,aroomthatisabove75degreesorbelow54degreesFahrenheitcanaffectsleep.
Whileyoushouldwakeupatthesametimeeachday,itisimportanttoonlygotobedwhensleepy.Ifyoufindyourselfunabletofallasleep,getoutofbedanddoadifferentactivitybeforetryingagainin10 to 15 minutes.Dothisasoftenasnecessary.Ifyoufeeldrowsythenextday,avoidnappingifyoucan.Ifyoudotakeanap,donotnapfor
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longerthan20 minutes.
Ifyouhavetrouble falling asleepeachnight,trytoallowyourselfmoretimetounwindbeforebed.Expertsrecommendthatyoucommittorelaxingactivitiesuptoonehourbeforebed.Thisperiodoftimeshouldnotbeaboutrushingnighttimeactivities,suchasbrushingyourteeth,anditshouldnotbeatimewhereyouplaneventsforthefollowingdays.
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Back Pain
Backpainisacommonafflictionthatcanhaveanumberofcauses.Manyofthesecausesmaybepreventable.Otherformsofbackpaincancomeaboutafteraninjuryorduetoamedicalcondition.
Common Reasons for Back Pain
Thereareanumberofcommonlifestyletriggersthatcancausebackpain,including:
Poorposture.
Liftingheavyobjects.
Beingoverweightorobese.
Smoking.
Failingtomaintainanexerciseroutine.
Wearinghighheelsorill-fittedshoes.
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Additionally,studieshaveshownthatstress canleadtomuscletensioninbackmuscles.
Backpaincancommonlybeassociatedwithinjuriesand,insomecases,mayrequiremedicaltreatmenttorepair.Spine-relatedproblemssuchasherniated,slippedorbulgingdiscscanalsocausepersistentpain.
Thereareanumberofmedicalconditionsthatcausebackpain,includingarthritis,tumorsandosteoarthritis.Othermedicalconditionsthatmaycausebackpainincludekidneystones,kidneyinfections,fibromyalgiaandendometriosis.
Muscle and Ligament Strains
Beneathyourskin,aseriesofmusclesandligamentsholdthebonesofyourspineinplace.Thesemusclesandligamentscanbestrainedwhentheyarestretchedbeyondtheir
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means,causingsmalltearsinmuscleandligamenttissues.
Astraincancauseageneralpainthroughoutyourbackorinalocalizedspotthatisnotnecessarilywherethestrainislocated,duetonervepain.
Muscleandligamentback pain symptoms canincludepainandstiffnessintheback,paininthebuttocksandlegs(oftenthebackofthethigh)andpainthatworsenswhenstretching,coughing,sneezingandbending.
Ifyouhaveanysymptomsofnumbness,weaknessinyourlegs,bowelorbladderproblems,orpersistentorseverebackpain,youshouldconsultwithyourdoctorimmediately.Severalligamentandmusclestrainsymptomsarealsosymptomsformoreseriousconditions.
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Ifyouareexperiencingbackpainthatmaybecausedbyamuscleorligamentstrain,consider:
Applyicetoyourbackafteraninitialinjuryforaperiodof20 to 30 minutes.Repeatthisprocessafterthreetofourhoursfortwotothreedays.
Applyheattoyourbackafter 2-3 daysoficingoroncetheswellinghasgonedown.
Takeover-the-counterpainkillersorothernon-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs,suchAdvilorAleve.
Participateinphysical therapy,ifsymptomsaresevereorifrecommendedbyyourdoctor.
Youcanreducethelikelihoodofamuscleorligamentstrainbyutilizingpreventativemeasuressuchas:
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Ifpainoccursduringaphysicalactivity,stopimmediately.
Loseweightifyouarecurrentlyoverweightorobese.
Sleeponyourbackorsidewithawedgeorpillowunderorbeneathyourlegsandavoidsleepingonyourstomach.
Striveforabetterposture.
Bulging and Ruptured Discs
Whileitisestimatedthat80percentofAmericanswillexperiencesomeformofbackpainatleastoncewithintheirlifetime,backpainisusuallyshortlivedwithanumberofcauses.
Insomecases,backpainiscausedbyaherniated disk.Thevertebraeofyourspinearecushionedbyrubberydisksthatcanbreak
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downorteartheinner“jelly-like”materialpressingoutofthediskandcompressingnervesintheprocess.
This“slipped disk”isreferredtoasaherniated disk.Notonlycanslippeddiskscausepain,butifpresseduponthesciaticnerve,paincanescalateandrunfromyourlowerbackorbuttocksallthewaydownyourleg.
Thelevelofpaincanvarybetweenpatientsandtheseverityoftheinjury.Approximately80to85percentofherniateddiskswillhealovertimeusingvarioustreatmentoptions.
Doctorscommonlyprescribeanti-inflammatorydrugs,steroidinjectionsandphysicaltherapytotreatherniateddisks.Restisstronglyencouragedtoallowthebodytohealandavoidfurtherinjury.Generally,aherniateddiskcanhealwithinsix to 12
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weeks.
Inrarecases,surgerymaybenecessary.Microdiscectomyinvolvestheremovaloftheportionoftheslippeddiskthatispushingonanerve.Traditionally,surgeonscompletedthisprocedurewithinch-lingincisionsthatweremoreinvasive.
However,amoreminimallyinvasiveprocedurerequiressmallerincisionsanddoesnotrequiremusclestobedetachedandreattached.Insteadofcuttingintoapatient’smuscle,surgeonsuseatoolcalledadilatorinordertocleartheaffectednerveofherniateddiskfragments.
Microdiscectomiesaregenerallyanoutpatientprocedureandmostpatient’sgohomethesameday.Whiletheprocedureisconsideredtobeofalowerrisk,theprocedurefailsinabout10percentofpatients
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whowillrequireanadditionalsurgery.
Insomecases,physical therapyisrequiredaftertheprocedure.Aftersurgery,apatientcangenerallywalkwithinafewdays,butmostavoidanyvigorousactivityforfour to six weeks.
Skeletal Irregularities
Skeletalirregularities,alsoreferredtoascongenitaldeformities,aredefectsofthespinethataregenerallyidentifiedatbirth.However,somediagnosesmaynotbemadeuntillaterinchildhood.
Thereisnodefinitivecauseforskeletalirregularities.However,expertsbelievethatthecausemaybegenetic and environmental.Manyabnormalitiesareprogressiveandresultinsignificantspinaldeformity,whichcanleadtootherserious
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healthconditions.Congenital deformities includescoliosis,kyphosis,torticollis,lordosisandothervertebraldefects.
Thesymptomsofskeletalirregularlydiseasescanvarybythedisease.However,whensevere,theyareoftenvisibleintheformofadeformedorcurvedspine.Painmaybepresent,andthesedeformitiescanleadtoproblemswithmobility.
Treatmentoptionsareoftenlimitedandbasedupontheseverityofthedisease.Inlessseverecases,exercise,physicaltherapyandbracesmayhelp.However,inmoderatetoseverecases,surgeryisoftennecessaryandmaynotbeabletocorrectaprobleminitsentirety.
Spinal Osteoporosis
Spinalosteoporosisisadegenerativejoint
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diseasethatgraduallybreaksdowntheprotectivecartilagethatcushionsthejointsanddiscsintheneckandlowerback.
Insomecases,spurscandevelopandputpressureonthenervesleavingthespinalcolumn,resultinginweaknessandpainwithinthearmsand/orlegs.
Spinalosteoarthritisismostcommonlyseenin womenwhoareatleast45 years of age.Obesityandemploymentoractivitiesthatputsrepetitivestressonthejointsintheneckandspineincreasetheriskofdevelopingspinalosteoarthritis.
However,thediseasecandevelopinyoungeradultsfollowinganinjuryortraumatoajointorduetoageneticdefect.Incasessuchasthese,menaremorelikelytodevelopthecondition.
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Spinalosteoarthritispresentsnumeroussymptoms,includingchronic stiffness or painintheneckorback.Ifanerveisalsocompressed,theconditioncancauseweakness and even numbnessinthelegsorthearms.Generally,discomfortandpainarerelievedwhenlyingdown.
SpinalosteoarthritiscanonlybediagnosedbyuseofanX-ray.However,aphysicalexamisusuallyperformedbyaphysiciantodeterminewhetherornottotestforthecondition.Whilebloodtestscannotconfirmthiscondition,bloodtestscanruleoutotherdiseasesthatpresentsimilarsymptoms.
Ifyouhavebeendiagnosedwithspinalosteoarthritis,treatmentmaybeabletorelieveyoursymptomsorincreaseyourabilitytofunction.However,thereisnocureforspinalosteoarthritis.
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Dependingonsymptoms,yourhealthandtheseverity,yourdoctormayrecommendweightlossandregularexerciseinorderstrengthenmusclesaroundyourjoints.
Yourdoctormayalsoprescribepainmedication,anti-inflammatorydrugsandotherprescriptions.Surgerymayberecommendedincaseswherebowelandbladderfunctionareimpaired,thenervoussystemisdamagedorifyouhavegreatdifficultywalking.
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Diabetes
Diabetesisalifetimediseasethataffectsapproximately18.2millionAmericanswithanestimated5.2millionAmericansunawarethattheyhavethecondition.Diabetesoccurswhenoneofthefollowingconditionsispresent:
Whenaperson’spancreasdoesnotproduceany(orverylittle)insulin.
Whenthebodydoesnotrespondappropriatelytoinsulinanddevelopsandinsulinresistance.
Therearethree typesofdiabetes.Type 1 diabetesoccursaftertheinsulin-producingcellswithinthepancreasaredestroyedbyaperson’simmunesystem.InType1cases,theafflictedperson’sbodyproducesnoinsulinandthepersonmustuseinsulininjectionsinordertocontrolbloodsugarlevels.
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Type 1 diabeteshasoftensymptomsthatcanbesevereandappearsuddenly,including:
Increasedhunger.
Increasedthirst.
Frequenturination.
Unexplainedweightloss.
Fatigue.
Blurredvision.
Labored,heavybreathing.
Type 2 diabetes,themostcommonformofdiabetes,occurswhenthepancreasdoesnotsecreteenoughinsulinorwhenthebodyhasbecomeresistanttoinsulin.Symptomsoftype2diabetesincludethesymptomsoftype1,butmayalsoincludesymptomssuchas:
Slow-healingsoresorcuts.
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Itchiness.
Yeastinfections.
Weightgain.
Numbnessortinglingofthehandsandfeet.
Finally,gestational diabetesistheonly(usually)temporaryformofdiabetesthatistriggeredbypregnancy.Ararecondition,thoseaffectedbythisdisorderhaveahigherchanceofdevelopingtype2diabeteslaterinlife.Leftuntreated,amother’shighbloodsugarcanaffectthebloodsugarlevelsoftheunbornbaby,whichcanleadtogrowthanddevelopmentproblems.
Who is most at risk for diabetes?
ForType1diabetes,youwillhaveanincreasedriskofthisconditionif:
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YouhaveafamilyhistoryofType1diabetes,particularlyifyouhaveamother,fatherorsiblingthatisafflicted.
Youareafflictedbycertaindiseasesofthepancreas.
An infection or illnesscausesdamagetoyourpancreas.
Type1diabetesgenerallybeginsinchildhoodwiththemajorityofdiagnosesmadebeforeadulthood.
While Type 2diabetesprimarilybeginsinadulthood,itcanbeginatanytimeofaperson’slife.Riskfactorsinclude:
Obesityorbeingoverweight(thehighestriskfactorforthiscondition).
Impaired glucosetolerance.
Insulinresistance.
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EthnicbackgroundssuchasHispanic/LatinoAmericans,AfricanAmericans,NativeAmericans,AsianAmericans,PacificIslandersandAlaskaNatives.
Apreviousgestational diabetes diagnosis.
Sedentarylifestyles.
Afamilyhistoryofdiabetes,particularlyinaparentorsibling.
AdiagnosisofPolycysticOvarianSyndrome(PCOS).
GestationaldiabetesisarareconditionthataffectsaroundfourpercentofallU.S.pregnancies.However,youmayhaveahigherriskforgestationaldiabetesifyou:
Areoverweightorobese.
Haveaglucoseintolerance.
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Haveafamilyhistoryofgestationaldiabetes.
Additionally,theolderthatyouarewhenyoubecomepregnant,thehighertherisk.
Preventing Diabetes
Ifyouareatriskofdevelopingdiabetes,itisimportanttotakethenecessarystepstopreventordelaytheonsetofthislifelongdisease.Regardlessofyourriskfactors,youmaybeabletosignificantlyreduceyourriskofdiabetesby:
Managingyourbloodpressure.
Keepingyourweightwithinahealthyrangeforyourheight.
Gettingatleast30minutesofexerciseonmostdays.
Eatingabalanceddietonaregularbasis.
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Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Inmostcases,diabetesisdiagnosedwithasimplebloodtest.Multiplebloodtestsareavailable,includingafastingglucosetestoranA1C test.
Notonlycanabloodtestdeterminewhetherornotapatienthasdiabetes,butdoctorsareabletodeterminethelikelihoodthatapatientwilldevelopType2diabetesinthenearfuture,aconditioncommonlyreferredtoaspre-diabetes.Thosediagnosedwithpre-diabeteshaveahigherthannormalbloodsugarlevel,butonethatisnothighenoughforadiabetesdiagnosis.
Thereiscurrentlyno curefordiabetes,butdiabetescanbemanagedandcontrolled.Treatmentwillrequireyoutocloselymonitoryourbloodsugarlevelsaswellascombinediet,exerciseandmedication.
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InsomecasesofType2diabetes,theconditioncanbecontrolledthroughappropriatediet and exercisealone.Shouldmedicationberequired,thetypeofdiabetesmedicationthatisprescribedwillvaryonanumberoffactors,includingtheseverityofthecondition.
Whilegestationaldiabetesistreatedinmuchthesameway,bloodsugarlevelsoftenreturntonormalwithinsixweeksofchildbirth.
Ifyouarediagnosedwithanytypeofdiabetes,followyourdoctor’srecommendationsformedication, diet and exercise.Uncontrolleddiabetescancontributetothedevelopmentofanumberofmedicalconditions,includingcardiovasculardisease,nervedamage,kidneydamage,blindness,fooddamage,hearingimpairmentandAlzheimer’sdisease.
Inthecaseofgestationaldiabetes,notonly
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canuncontrolleddiabetesleadtoyourownmedicalconditions,butalsocomplicationsinyourbaby,includingexcessgrowth,lowbloodsugar,deathandthedevelopmentofType2diabeteslaterinlife.
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Glaucomaisaseriousconditionthatcausesprogressivedamagetotheeye’sopticnerve,resultinginsignificantvisionlossorblindness.Glaucomaoccurswhentheaqueoushumorchannelisblockedwithintheeye.Outsideofrarecaseswherethedamageiscausedbyachemicalorbluntinjurytotheeye,thecauseofthisblockageisunknown,thoughexperts’hypothesisthatismaybegenetic.Leftuntreated,glaucomacancausetotalandpermanentblindnesswithinafewyears.
Therearetwotypesofglaucoma;open-angle and open-closure.Open-angleglaucomaisthemostcommontypeofglaucomaasitisoccurswhenthedrainstructurewithintheeyeappearstobenormal,butthefluidwithindoesnotflowoutasitshould.
Incasessuchasangle-closureglaucoma,
Glaucoma
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whichismorecommonlyseeninAsia,theeyedoesnotdraincorrectlyduetothedrainspacebetweentheirisandcorneabecomingtoonarrow.
Thoseafflictedwithglaucomamaynotshowanyinitialsymptoms.However,thefirstsymptomthatisexperiencedisgenerally a loss of peripheral vision.Insomecases,thelosscanbesosmallthatitisunnoticeableuntillateinthedisease.Additionalglaucomasymptomsinclude:
Seeing“halos”aroundlights.
Generalvisionloss.
Rednessoftheeye.
Eyesthatappearhazy.
Nauseaorvomiting.
Alingeringpainwithintheeye.
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Narrowedvision.
Who is most at risk for glaucoma?
Glaucomaismostcommoninadultswhoareatleast40 years of age.Whilemostcommoninmiddleagedandolderadults,thediseasecanaffectyoungadults,childrenandinfants.Otherincreasedriskfactorsforglaucomainclude:
AfricanAmerican,Irish,Russian,Hispanic,Scandinavian,JapaneseorInuitethnicities.
Afamilyhistoryofglaucoma.
Poorvision.
Adiagnosisofdiabetes,especiallyifdiabetesisuncontrolled.
Takingcertainsteroidmedications,includingprednisone.
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Aneventresultingintraumatotheeyeoreyes.
Preventing Glaucoma
Unfortunately,thereiscurrentlynowaytopreventglaucoma.However,catchingthediseaseearlyallowsittobetreatableandcontrolled.Therefore,expertsrecommendthatyougetacompleteeyeexamfromaneyedoctoreveryonetotwoyears.Ifyouhaveahigherriskforglaucoma,orifyouhavediabetes,youmayneedtohaveaneyeexammoreoften.
Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Theonlywaytodiagnosisglaucomaisthroughaneyeexam.Theexaminerusesdropsthatwilldilateyourpupilsandallowanexaminationofyouropticnerve.Ifglaucoma
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issuspected,atestcalltonometryisgenerallycompletedinordertocheckyoureyepressure.
Ifyouarediagnosedwithglaucoma,treatmentoptionsmayvarydependingonhowfarthediseasehasprogressed.Lostvisioncannotberegained,however,treatmentcanhalttheprogressionofthediseaseandfurthervisionloss.
Themostnon-invasiveoptionavailableistheuseofmedicaleyedropsthatcanreducetheformationoffluidwithintheeyesorincreaseitsoutflow,resultinginareductionofeyepressure.
Inmanycases,lasersurgeryormicrosurgerymaybeneeded.Lasersurgeryisaprocedurethatcanincreasetheflowoffluidfromtheeyeorstockfluidblockage,dependingonthetypeofglaucomapresent.Lastersurgerymay
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includeproceduressuchas:
Trabeculoplasty,whichfurtheropensthedrainagearea.
Iridotomy,whichinvolvestinyholesintheiristhatallowthefluidwithintheeyetoflowmorefreely.
Cyclophotocoagulation,whichinvolvestreatingareasofthemiddlelayeroftheeyeinordertoreducetheproductionoffluid
Ifmicrosurgeryisrecommended,aprocedurecalledtrabeculectomywillbeperformed.Thisprocedureallowsdoctorstocreateanewchanneltodrainthefluidwithintheeyeandeasepressure.Insomecases,atubemaybeimplantedinordertohelpthefluiddrain.Withmicrosurgery,thereisariskoffailure,temporaryvisionloss,permanentvisionlossandinfection.
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Arthritis
Arthritisisaninflammationofoneormorejoints,causingjointpainandstiffenthattypicallyworsenovertime.Themostcommonformsofarthritisarerheumatoidarthritisandosteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritisaffectsthecartilage,aprotectivetissuethatcoverstheendsofboneswherejointsareformed,tobreakdown.Rheumatoidarthritisisanautoimmunedisorderthattargetstheliningofjoints.Whilethesecommontypesofarthritisaffectthebodydifferently,symptomscanbesimilarandinclude:
Pain.
Stiffness.
Swellingofjoints.
Rednessaroundjointareas.
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Adecreasedrangeofmotion.
Osteoarthritismostcommonlyaffectsjointsintheknees,hands,hipsandspine.Rheumatoidarthritiswillgenerallybegininsmallerjointareas,suchasinyourfingers,hands,toesandfeet.However,itcanandoftendoesprogressandspreadtootherareas,suchasthewrists,knees,ankles,elbows,hipsandshoulders.Inmostcases,rheumatoidarthritissimultaneouslyaffectsbothsidesofthebodyinthesamejoints(bothknees,bothwrists,etc.).
Who is most at risk for arthritis?
Anyonecanbeafflictedbyaformofarthritis,however,therearesomewhoareataconsiderablyhigherrisktodevelopthedisease.Riskfactorsforarthritisinclude:
A family history.Manytypesofarthritiscanruninfamiliesandthistypeofrisk
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isconsideredhighestwhenaparentorsiblinghasthedisorder.
Age.Riskbeginstoincreasetheolderapersonisasthediseaseprimarilybeginsinmiddletolateadulthood.
Gender.Womenarefarmorelikelythanmentodevelopsometypesofarthritis,includingrheumatoidarthritis.
Previousinjuries to joints,suchasaninjurysustainedinasport.
Obesity.Excessweightputsadditionalstressonjoints,especiallythespine,hipsandknees.
Preventing Arthritis
Whilethereisnowaythatyoucanguaranteeyourselfagainstbecomingafflictedwitharthritis,youcanreduceyourriskfactorsbytakingafewpreventativemeasures.
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Studieshaveshownthatadding more fish toadietmaylowerriskforcertaintypesofarthritis,suchasrheumatoidarthritis,duetotheomega-3fattyacidsthatarefoundinfish.Omega-3shaveseveralhealthbenefits,mostnotablythereductionofinflammationwithinthebody.
Asobesityandbeingoverweightcancausesignificantrisktothedevelopmentofarthritis,youcanreduceyourriskfactorsbyreducing your weightandgettingdowntoahealthierrangeforyourheight.
Notonlycanaroutineexerciseroutineassistinweightloss,butregularexercisecanreduceyourriskforarthritisbystrengthening the musclesaroundyourjoints,thusprotectingthemfromaddedwearandtear.
Avoid injury and protect your joints wheneverpossible.Usepropertysafety
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equipmentwhenplayinganytypeofsportandusetherighttechniqueswheneversitting,liftingorworkinginordertoprotectyourjointsfromstrainrelatedinjuries.
Arthritis Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Generally,aphysicalexamisthefirststeptoadiagnosisasswelling,redness,warmthorlimitedmotionmaybepresent.Imagingtests,includingx-raysandultrasounds,arethemostcommonandaccuratewaytodiagnosisarthritis.
Thereisno cureforarthritis,buttreatmentcanalleviatesomeofthesymptomsorslowtheprogressionofthedisorder.Insomecases,youmayneedtotrymorethanonetreatmentoruseacombinationoftreatments.
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Anumberofprescriptionmedicationsarecommonlyusedtotreatarthritis.However,manysuffererscanalsobenefitgreatlyfromcertainexercisesandphysicaltherapy.
Ifnon-invasivetreatmentoptionsdonotproviderelief,youmaybenefitfromsurgery.Thereareseveralsurgicalproceduresthatcanbeperformedforarthritis,includingjointrepair,jointreplacementandjointfusion.
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Whilecholesterolisneededtobuildhealthycells,havingtoohighalevelofcholesterolcanincreaseyourriskforanumberofmedicalconditions,includingheartdisease.Highcholesterolcancausethedevelopmentoffattydepositsinsideofyourbloodvessels,whichcanleadtoalifethreateningclotthatcausesaheartattackorstroke.
Highcholesteroldoesnotpresentanytypeofsymptomsanditcanonlybedetectedthroughabloodtest.
Who is most at risk for high cholesterol?
Highcholesterolisfairlycommonwhereafamilyhistoryispresent,however,themajorityofriskfactorsinvolvelifestylechoices,makinghighcholesterolpreventable.
High Cholesterol
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Yourriskfactorsforhighcholesterolmaybeincreaseddueto:
Poor diet,especiallyincasesofadietthathashighsaturatedandtransfatoradietthatishighinsalt.
Obesity,especiallyinbodymaxindexes(BMIs)of30orgreater.
Lack of exercise.
A diabetesdiagnosis.
Smoking.
Highlevelsofstress.
Additionally,youaremorelikelytohavehighbloodpressuretheolderthatyouare.Thisisduetothefactthatyourliverbecomeslesscapableofremovingbadcholesterolfromyourbloodstream.
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Preventing High Cholesterol
Highcholesterolisverypreventablethroughahealthy,well-balanceddietandroutineexercise,evenifyoumaybedispositionedtowardshavinghighcholesterolduetoafamilyhistory.Topreventhighcholesterol,try:
Eatingalow-saltdietthatincludesanabundanceoffruits,vegetablesandwholegrains.
Limittheamountoffoodscontaininganimalfatsthatyouingest.
Getdowntoahealthyweightifyouarecurrentlyoverweightorobese.
Quitsmoking.
Learnhowtobettermanageandreduceyourstress.
Ifyoudrinkalcohol,drinkonlyinmoderation.
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Strivetoexerciseonmostdaysoftheweekforatleast30minuteseachday.
High Cholesterol Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Highcholesterolisdiagnosedthroughablood test.Inordertoensurethatyourbloodtestresultsareaccurate,itiscrucialthatyouavoideatingordrinkinganythingotherthanwaterforatleastninehoursbeforeyourbloodtest.
Whilehighcholesterolismostcommoninolderadults,itcandevelopatanyage,includinginchildren.Formostchildren,theNationalHeart,LungandBloodinstituterecommendscholesterolscreeningbetweentheagesof9and11andbetweentheagesof17and21.
Ifyouarediagnosedwithhighcholesterol,
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lifestylechangescanhaveasignificanteffectinreducingyourcholesterollevelsandreducingyourriskforheartdisease.Therefore,yourdoctormayrecommendweight loss, exercise or a change to your diet.
Additionally,prescriptionmedicationsareusuallyusedtotreathighcholesterollevels,dependingonaperson’sriskfactors,ageandoverallhealth.
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High blood pressureiscommonlyreferredtoashypertension,whichcanseriouslyimpactyouroverallhealthandputyouatgreatriskforotherhealthconditions,includingheartdisease,heartattack,strokeanddementia.
Yourbloodpressureisdeterminedbythesizeofyourarteriesandtheamountofbloodthatyourheartpumpswitheachbeat.Thenarroweryourartiesandthemorebloodthatispumpedbyyourheart,thehigheryourbloodpressurelevel.
Hypertensiongenerallydevelopsoverseveralyearsanddoesnotalwayspresentsymptoms.Infact,mostofthoseafflictedwithhypertensionwillnevershowasignorsymptomuntilbloodpressurereachesdangerously high levels.However,someofthesymptomsthatmaybepresentonce
Hypertension
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bloodpressurereachesthoselevelsinclude:
Frequentheadaches.
Shortnessofbreath.
Nosebleeds.
Fortunately,highbloodpressureiseasilydetectedandroutinelycheckedaspartofregulardoctor’sappointments.
Who is most at risk for hypertension?
Therearetwo types of hypertension,eachwithdifferentriskfactorsforthecondition.Themostcommontypeofhypertensionisprimaryhypertension.
Thistypeofhighbloodpressuredevelopsgraduallyoverseveralyearsanddoesnotusuallyhaveanidentifiablecause.However,
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expertssuggestthatriskfactorsforprimaryhypertensioninclude:
Age.Theriskofhighbloodpressureincreasestheolderthatyouget.
Gender.Highbloodpressureismorecommoninmenbelow64yearsofageandmorecommoninwomenatages65yearsofageandolder.
Race.ThoseofAfricanheritagearemorelikelytodevelophypertension,oftendevelopitatyoungeragesandaremorelikelytosuffercomplications.
Family history.
Beingoverweight or obese,asexcessweightrequiresthehearttopumpmorebloodtosupplytissueswithoxygenandnutrients.
A lack of physical activity.
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Useoftobacco.
High sodiumdiets.
Dietsthatlack potassium.
Drinkingtoomuchalcoholonaregularbasis.
Highlevelsofstress.
Certainchronic conditions,suchaskidneydisease,diabetesandsleepapnea.
Secondaryhypertensioniscausedbyanunderlyingmedicalcondition.Incasesofsecondaryhypertension,highbloodpressureappearssuddenlyratherthangraduallyoverseveralyears.Thereareanumberofmedicalconditionsthatcancausesecondaryhypertension,including:
Obstructivesleepapnea.
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Kidneyproblems.
Thyroidproblems.
Adrenalglandtumors.
Congenitaldefectsinbloodvessels.
Illegaldrugs,includingamphetaminesandcocaine.
Certainmedications,includingover-the-counterpainrelievers,certainprescriptiondrugs,birthcontrolanddecongestants.
Preventing Hypertension
Regardlessofyourriskfactors,youcanreduceyourlikelihoodofdevelopinghypertensionbymaintainingahealthyweight,engaginginroutineexerciseandeatingawell-balanceddiet.
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Topreventhypertension,itiscrucialthatyouappropriatelymanageanyotherhealthconditionthatyoumayhavethatcanleadtohypertension.Additionally,itisimportanttohaveroutineannualcheckupswithyourprimarycarephysician.Ifyouareatriskforhypertension,yourdoctormayrecommendmorefrequentbloodpressurechecks.
Incasesofprimaryhypertension,yourdoctorwillmorethanlikelybeabletoseethewarningsignsofhighbloodpressure.Shouldthishappen,correctivemeasures,suchasweightloss,exerciseandabalanceddietcanpreventelevatedbloodpressurefrombecominghypertension.
Hypertension Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Hypertensioniseasilydiagnosedasbloodpressurechecksareacommonandroutine
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checkthatisdonewitheachvisittoadoctor’soffice.Bloodpressureismeasuredusingabloodpressuremachine.Themachineisabletomeasureyourbloodpressurethroughaninflatablecuffthatisplaceduponyourarm.
Abloodpressurereadingcontainstwonumbers.Theuppernumbermeasuresthepressureinyourarterieseachtimeyourheartbeats.Thelowernumbermeasuresthepressurewithinyourarteriesbetweenbeats.Theresultingmeasurementswillfallwithinoneofthefollowingcategories:
Normal blood pressure–Below120/80.
Elevated blood pressure–anuppernumberbetween120to129andalowernumberthatisbelow80.
Stage 1 hypertension–Anuppernumberof130to139withalowernumberbetween80and89.
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Stage 2 hypertension–Anuppernumberof140orhigherandalowernumberof90orhigher.
Ifyourbloodpressuretestresultsinhighbloodpressure,yourdoctorwilllikelyreviewyourmedicalhistorywithyouandconductaphysicalexam.Yourbloodpressurewillmostlikelybecheckedmorethanonce.Yourdoctormayalsorecommendfurthertests,includingaurine,bloodandcholesteroltestbeforegivingadiagnosis.
Dependingontheseverityofyourhypertensionandyourotherhealthconditions,yourdoctormayrecommendseveraldifferenttreatmentoptions.Inalmostallcases,lifestylechangescanhaveasignificantimpactoncontrollingyourhighbloodpressure.Importantrecommendedlifestylechangesmayincludediet,regularexercise,weightlossandlimitingalcohol.
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Inadditiontolifestylechanges,thereareanumberoftypesofprescriptionmedicationsavailablethatcanhelplowerandcontrolyourhighbloodpressure.Thetypeofmedicationthatmayberecommendwillvarybaseduponanumberoffactors,includingthecauseofyourhighbloodpressure,theseverityofyourhypertensionandothermedicalconditionsthatyoumayhave.
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Depressionisacommonmooddisorderthatcancauseanumberofsymptomsintheafflicted,includingpresidentfeelingsofsadnessandalossofinterest.Symptomsvaryinseverityandseverecasesofdepressioncandrasticallyaffectday-to-dayactivitiesandaperson’squalityoflife.
Thereareanumberoftypesofdepressionoutsideofthestandarddisorder.Eachofthesevariationsofmajordepressionaddsoneormorespecifiers,orspecificfeature.Someofthemostcommontypesofdepressioninclude:
Anxious distress,whichisdepressionthatalsopresentsitselfasunusualrestlessnessorworry.
Mixed features,whichisatypeofdepressionthatalternatesbetween
Depression
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depressionandmania,anelevatedself-esteemandincreasedenergy.
Melancholic features,whichisaseveredepressionthatincludesalackofresponsetothingsthatoncebroughtpleasure.Melancholicfeaturesmayalsobeaccompaniedbyworsenedmoodinthemorning,seriouschangesinappetite,guilt,agitationorsluggishness.
Atypical features,atypeofdepressionthatincludestheabilitytobetemporarilyhappyduringcertainevents.Atypicalfeaturesdepressioncanalsoincludeanexcessiveneedforsleep,sensitivitytorejectionandaheavyfeelinginthelegsorarms.
Psychotic features,whichisdepressionthatisaccompaniedbydelusionsorhallucinations.
Peripartum onset,atypeofdepression
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thatoccursduringpregnancyorintheweeksormonthsfollowingpregnancy.
Seasonal pattern,atypeofdepressionthatisrelatedtothechangesinseasonsandareductioninexposuretosunlight.
Depressioncanbepresentedasanumberofsymptoms.Thosewhohavedepressionwilltypicallyhavemultipleepisodesthroughouttheirlifetimewhilesomehavechronicdepressionthat,leftuntreated,couldlastforyears.Someofthemostcommonsymptomsofdepressioninclude:
Feelingsofsadness,hopelessness,emptinessortearfulness.
Angryoutbursts,frequentfrustrationandirritability.
Sleepdisturbances,includingsleepingtoomuchorinsomnia.
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Lackofenergy.
Slowedthinking,bodymovementsandspeech.
Reducedorincreasedappetite,resultinginweightlossorgain.
Anxiety,restlessnessandagitation.
Feelingsofguilt,worthlessnessorself-blame.
Troubleconcentrating,rememberingthingsormakingdecisions.
Frequentorrecurrentthoughtsofdeath,suicide,orsuicideattempts.
Depressionsymptomscanpresent in different waysforyoungchildren,teensandolderadults.Inyoungchildrenandteens,refusingtogotoschoolcanalsobeasignofdepression.Forteens,poorschoolperformance,theuseofrecreationaldrugsor
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alcoholandavoidanceofsocialinteractionsarealsosymptomsofdepression.
Inolderadults,depressionmayalsopresentitselfaspersonalitychanges,physicalachesandpains,wantingtostayhomeandareluctancetotrynewthings.
Who is most at risk for depression?
Aswithmostmentaldisorders,therearemanypotentialfactorsthatcouldincreaseaperson’sriskfordepression.Expertsdonotknowtheexactcauseofdepression.Increaseddepressionriskfactorsmayinclude:
Biologicaldifferences,specificallyinthebrain.
Brainchemistrychangesinfunctionandeffect.
Hormonalchangesorimbalances.
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Geneticsandfamilyhistory.
Certainpersonalitytraits,includingbeingtoodependentorhavingalowself-esteem.
Abuseofalcoholorrecreationaldrugs.
Certainmedications,includingsomesleepaidsandhighbloodpressuremedications.
Depressionismostcommonlyseeninteensaswellasinadultsintheir20s and 30s,butdepressioncanoccuratanyage.Statistically,morewomenhavebeendiagnosedwithdepressionthenmen.However,expertscautionthatthismaybe,inpart,duetothefactthatwomenaremorelikelytoseektreatmentandthusreceiveadiagnosis.
Preventing Depression
Whilethereisnoguaranteedwaytoprevent
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depression,youmaybeabletoreduceyourriskofdevelopingthedisorderby:
Takingstepstocontrolstress.
Reachingouttofamilyandfriendsintimesofcrisis.
Gettreatmentrightawaywhenexperiencinganypotentialsymptomsofdepression.
Considergettinglong-termmaintenancetreatmenttopreventarelapseofsymptomsfollowinganepisodeofdepression.
Depression Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Depressioncanbediagnosedbyreviewingsymptoms,thoughts,feelingsandbehaviorpatternswithamentalhealthprofessional.Yourprimarycareprovidermayalsocomplete
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aphysicalexamororderlabtestsinordertoruleoutotherconditionsthatmaypresentdepressionsymptoms,suchasthyroiddisorders.
Formostpeoplewithdepression,medication,therapyoracombinationofthetwocanbebeneficialinreducingthesymptomsofdepression.Incasesofseveredepressionorsymptomsthatincludethoughtsofsuicide,ahospitalstaymaybewarranted.
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Heartdisease,alsoreferredtoascardiovasculardisease,describesmanyheartconditions,includingbloodvesseldisorders,heartdefectsandheartrhythmconditions.
Manyheartdiseaseconditionscanbepreventedwithhealthylifestylechoicesandaretreatablethroughanumberofmethods.
Heartdiseasethataffectsyourbloodvesselsiscalledatherosclerotic disease.Themostcommonsymptomsofatheroscleroticdiseaseinclude:
Chestpain,tightness,pressureordiscomfort.
Shortnessofbreath.
Pain,numbness,coldnessorweaknessinalimb.
Heart Disease
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Painintheneck,throat,upperabdomen,backorjaw.
Nausea.
Extremefatigue.
Likemanyformsofheartdisease,atheroscleroticdiseasecanleadtoastrokeorheartattack.
Abnormalheartbeats,knownasheartarrhythmias,isanotherformofheartdisease.Thisconditioncausesthehearttobeattooquickly,tooslowlyorirregularly.Symptomscaninclude:
Aflutteringfeelinginyourchest.
Aracingorslowedheartbeat.
Chestpainordiscomfort.
Lightheadedness.
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Shortnessofbreath.
Dizziness.
Fainting.
Infantscanbebornwithsevere congenital heart defects.Whileusuallyevidentshortlyafterbirth,thesedefectsaresometimesdiscoveredinyoungchildrenorlaterinlife.
Symptoms of a heartdefectinclude:
Palegrayorblueishskincolor.
Swellingthatoccursinthelegs,abdomenortheareaaroundtheeyes.
Ininfants,symptomscanbepresentedasshortnessofbreathduringfeedingorpoorweightgain.
Thedefectsthatarenotdiscoveredshortlyafterbirtharegenerallylessseriousand,whilenotimmediatelylife-threatening,can
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leadtoseriouscomplicationslaterinlife.Symptomsoflessseriouscongenitalheartdefectsinclude:
Shortnessofbreaththatisbroughtoneasilyduringactivityorexercise.
Tiringeasilyduringactivityorexercise.
Swellingthatoccursinthehands,anklesorfeet.
Dilated cardiomyopathyisaformofheartdiseasethatiscausedbyweakenedheartmuscles.Intheearlystagesofthisdisorder,anafflictedpersonmaynotexperienceanysymptoms.However,astheconditionworsens,symptomsmayappear,including:
Breathlessnesseitherwithexertionorwhenatrest.
Swellingthatoccursinthelegs,anklesandfeet.
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Persistentfatigue.
Irregularheartbeatsthatarefluttering,rapidorpounding.
Dizziness,faintingandlightheadedness.
Heartdiseasecanbecausedbyaninfectionknownasendocarditis,whichaffectstheinnermembranethatseparatesthevariouschambersandvalveswithintheheart.Symptomsofaheartinfectioninclude:
Fever.
Shortnessofbreath.
Skinrashesorunusualspots.
Dryorpersistentcough.
Changesinyourheartrhythm.
Weaknessorfatigue.
Swellingthatoccursinthelegsor
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abdomen.
Heartdiseasecanalsobecausedbyvalvularheartdisease,inwhichvalveswithintheheartbecomedamagedduetoanumberofconditions.Thedamagetodamagetothevalvesresultinthenarrowing,leakingorimproperclosingofthevalves.Symptomsofvalvular heart diseasemayvarybaseduponthevalvethatisnotworkedproperly,howevergeneralsymptomsinclude:
Fatigue.
Shortnessofbreath.
Fainting.
Chestpain.
Irregularheartbeat.
Swellingthatoccursinthefeetorankles.
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Who is most at risk for heart disease?
AtherosclerosisisthemostcommoncauseofheartdiseaseinAmerica.Whilefamilyhistorycanplayarole,asisthecasewithmanyformsofheartdisease,thosewhoareatahigherriskforatherosclerosisarethosewhohaveanunhealthy diet or lack of exercise.Smokingorbeingoverweight canalsoincreasetheriskofthisconditionconsiderably.
Thereareanumberofcausesofheartarrhythmias,includingheartdefectsthatapersonisbornwith,highbloodpressure,diabetes,coronaryarterydisease,stress,certainmedicationsandvalvularheartdisease.
Congenital heart defectsgenerallydevelopwhileababyisstillinthewomb.Defectscandevelopasearlyasonemonthafter
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conception.Whileanexactcauseofthesedefectsarenotknown,itisbelievedthatsomemedicalconditions,geneticsandmedicationscanplayaroleinthedevelopmentofcongenitalheartdefects.
Cardiomyopathycandevelopforanumberofreasons,dependingonthetypeofcardiomyopathythatapersonisafflictedwith:
Dilated cardiomyopathycausesarerelativelyunknown,howeveritmaybecausedbyareducedbloodflowtotheheart,infections,toxins,certainmedicationsanddamagefollowingaheartattack.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathyisusuallyinherited.Insomecases,itcanalsodevelopovertimeduetohighbloodpressureoraging.
Restrictive cardiomyopathycan
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occurfornoknowreason.Itcanalsobecausedbyotherconditions,suchasconnectivetissuedisorders,abuildupofabnormalproteinsandbycertaincancertreatments.
Aheartinfectioncanoccurwhenabacterium,chemical,parasitesorvirusreachesyourheart.
Valvular heart diseaseisgenerallyaconditionthatyouareeitherbornwithorthatdevelopsduetodamagecausedbyconditionssuchasrheumaticfever,infectionsorconnectivetissuedisorders.
Inadditiontothespecificriskfactorsrelatedtoeachofthespecifictypesofheartdisease,therearegeneralriskfactorsthatcanapplytomostformsofheartdiseases,including:
Age.Thereisanincreasedrisktoheartdiseasetheolderyouare.
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Gender.Menaregenerallyatagreaterriskofheartdiseasebycomparisontowomen.
A family history of heart disease,especiallyifaparentdevelopedheartdiseaseatanearlyage.
Smoking.
Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiationtherapyforcancertreatment.
Poor diet,especiallydietsthatarehighinfat,salt,sugarandcholesterol.
High blood cholesterol levels.
High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Obesity and excess weight.
Lack of exercise.
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Chronic stress.
Poor hygiene.
Preventing Heart Disease
Whilecertainformsofheartdiseasecannotbeprevented,mostformsofheartdiseasearemorelikelytooccurduetocertainlifestylechoices.
Youcanimproveyouroverallhearthealthby:
Notsmokingorquittingifyoudo.
Controlling other health conditions thatyoumayhave,includingdiabetes,highbloodpressureandhighcholesterol.
Exercisingforatleast30minutesadayonmostdaysoftheweek.
Eating a dietthatislowinsaltandsaturatedinfat.
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Losing weightifoverweightandmaintainingahealthyweightforyourheight.
Reducingandmanagingstress.
Practicinggoodhygiene.
Heart Disease Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Thereareanumberoftestsforheartdisease.However,beforerecommendingatest,yourprimarycarephysicianwilllikelyperformaphysicalexamandgooveryourpersonalandfamilymedicalhistory.WhilebloodtestsandchestX-raysarecommontestsusedtodeterminethepresenceofheartdisease,othercommontestsinclude:
Electrocardiogram (ECG).AnECGmonitorsandrecordselectricalsignalsinordertodetectirregularitieswithinaheart’sstructure
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andrhythm.
Holter monitoring.AHoltermonitorworkssimilarlytoanECG,butitisaportabledevicethatisworntorecordECGreadingsforaperiodthatisusuallybetween24and72hours.
Echocardiogram.Anechocardiograminvolvesanultrasoundofthechestinorderforaphysiciantoseedetailedimageryofaheart’sfunctionandstructure.
Stress Test.AstresstestIperformedafterraisingtheheartratethroughmedicineorexerciseinordertodeterminehowwelltheheartresponds.
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan.Acommontestusedtocheckforheartdisease,thepatientliesonatableinsideofamachinethatproducesamagnetic
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field,creatingpicturesoftheheartthatareevaluated.
Heartdiseasetreatmentsoftenvarywidelydependingontheconditionapatientsuffersfrom.Insomecases,lifestylechangesmaybenecessarytocontrolandtreatheartdisease..
Sometimes,lifestylechangesarenotenoughtoeffectivelytreatheartdisease.Inthesecases,medicationmaybeprescribedtohelpcontroltheheartdiseasecondition.Thetypeofmedicationprescribedwilldependonthetypeofheartdiseasepresent.Inrarecase,suchaswhenmedicationisnotenoughorineffective,surgerymayberequired.
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Hearinglossisextremelycommon,especiallyasyouage.One-thirdofpeoplebetween65and75yearsofageexperiencehearingloss,whilehalfofthepopulationover75yearsofagehassomedegreeofhearingloss.Whilethisconditionismorecommonintheolderpopulation,anyonecanexperiencehearinglossatanyage.
Knowingwhatcauseshearingproblemscanhelpyouavoid risk factorsandseekmedicaltreatmentearlyon.Whilesometypesofhearingproblemscannotbereversedorcured,otherscan.Evennon-reversablehearing loss can be managedwithvarioustreatmentsanddevices,suchashearingaids.
Hearinglossiscausedbyanumberoffactors.Someofthesefactorscanbeavoided,whileotherscannot.Knowingthereasonbehind
Hearing Loss
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hearinglosscanhelpyoutakepreventativemeasureswheneverpossible.Mosttypesofhearinglosscanbeattributedtothefollowing:
Aging
Damagetotheinnerear
Buildupofearwax
Infectionsandabnormalgrowths
Rupturedeardrums
Dependingonthecauseofhearingloss,thisconditionmaydevelopslowlyovertimeorhappensuddenly.Forexample,arupturedeardrumcanimmediatelyaffectyourhearing.Earwaxbuildup,ontheotherhand,usuallycausesamoregraduallossofhearing.
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Types of Hearing Loss
Tounderstandthetypesofhearingloss,ithelpstoknowhowtheearisstructured.Yourearismadeupofthreemainparts:
The outer earincludesthevisiblecartilageandopeningoftheearcanal.Itpicksupsoundwavesandfunnelsthemtoyourinnerear.
The middle earisacavityinsideyourearthatcontainsyoureardrum,severaltinybonesandotherimportantstructuresthatamplifyandtransmitsoundwaves.
The inner earismadeupoftinyhairsandseveralchambersthatreceivevibrationsfromthemiddleear,thenconvertthatinformationintoelectricalimpulsesthataresenttothebrain.
Hearinglosscanaffectany part of the
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ear.Thetypeofhearinglossapersonexperiencesdependsonthepartoftheearthatisaffected.Therearethreemaintypesofhearingloss.
Conductive hearing lossoccurswhentheouterormiddleearisdamaged,infectedorotherwiseaffected.Thistypeofhearinglosscanoccursuddenlyorgraduallyovertime.Inmostcases,itiscausedbyamechanicalproblemoranobstruction,suchasearwaxbuildup.
Sensorineural hearing losshappenswhenthetinyhairsorchambersoftheinnerearbecomedamaged.Whenthesepartsoftheeararedamaged,itbecomesdifficultfortheeartotransmitimportantinformationtothebrain.Asaresult,theloudness,pitchormeaningofsoundsmaynotbeproperlyinterpreted.Thistypeofhearinglossisthemostcommon.
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Mixed hearing lossisacombinationofsensorineuralandconductivehearingloss.Itispossibletoexperienceacertaindegreeofdamagetoeachpartoftheearallatonce,whichresultsinamorecomplexhearingproblem.
Risk Factors for Hearing Loss
Therearemanycausesandriskfactorsforhearingloss.Whilesomeriskscanbeavoided,otherscannot.Themostcommonrisksofhearinglossinclude:
Reaching an older age,whichcausestheearstructurestodegradeovertime.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises fromexplosives,gunfire,carpentryorloudmusic.
Working in certain industries,includingfarming,factorywork,constructionwork
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orbeingamusician.
Taking certain medications,suchasViagra,chemotherapydrugsortheantibioticdruggentamicin.Largedosesofpainrelieversoranti-malarialdrugscantemporarilyaffecthearingaswell.
Having certain diseases or illnesses,suchasahighfever,meningitis,someautoimmunediseases,mumpsorMeniere’sdisease.
Having a hereditary condition thatmakesyoumoresusceptibletodegenerationordamageasyouage.
Mostpeopleareatriskforhavinghearingloss,asthisconditionhasahighchanceofdevelopinginorderage.However,someindividualsareatagreaterriskthanothers.Inanycase,itisimportantforeveryonetobeawareoftheirriskfordevelopingahearingcondition.
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Preventing Hearing Loss
Knowingyourriskforhearinglosscanhelpyoutakepreventative measures,suchasavoidingloudactivitieswhenpossibleorprotectingyourears.Ifyouworkincertainindustriesorfrequentlyengageinactivitiesthatexposeyoutoloudnoises,itisevenmorecrucialthatyouthinkaboutyourearhealth.
Youcanhelpprotectyourselffrompermanent ear damagebytakingthesepreventativemeasures:
Wear ear plugswhenattendingconcertsorparticipatinginotherloudactivities,suchasracingeventsorgoingtoashootingrange.
Wear ear protectionwhenusingloudequipmentsuchassnowblowers,lawnmowers,woodchippers,leafblowersorweedwhackers.
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Lower the volumewhenlisteningtomusiconheadphonesorspeakers.
Avoid exposure to loud noisesaroundyourhome,suchasnearbyconstructionwork.Wearearprotectionortrytoblockthesoundinyourhomeifyoucannotavoidthesenoises.
Get your hearing checkedonaregularbasis,suchaswhenyougotothedoctorforacheck-up.
Tips for Avoiding Loud Noises
Sometimes,itishardtoknowwhatnoiselevelcancausehearingdamage.Ingeneral,anynoisethatfallsbelow70 decibels is considered safe.Ifasoundislouderthan70decibels,yourriskofhearingdamageincreasesthelongeryouareexposedtoitandthehigherthedecibelsare.
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Forcontext,anormal conversation is about 60 decibels.Arunningrefrigeratorhasproduces40decibels,whileadishwashercausesabout75decibels.Itdoesnottakemuchtoreachadangeroussoundlevel.Evensomethingascommonasheavycitytrafficorabusyrestaurantcanproducemorethan85decibels.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearinglossmaybegradual or sudden.Itisoftentimeseasiertoidentifythesymptomsofsudden-onsethearinglossbecauseyouwillimmediatelynoticeadifferenceinyourhearing.Incaseswherehearingfadesmoreslowly,youwillwanttopayattentiontothesesymptoms:
Askingpeopletorepeatthemselves.
Difficultycatchingeverywordinaconversation.
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Thinkingthatothersaremumblingallthetime.
HavingtoturnupthevolumeontheTVorradio.
Hearingringingorhissingnoisesthatcannotbeexplained.
Frequentlymisunderstandingwhatotherpeoplesay.
Onaverage,peopleexperiencinggradualhearinglosswaitseven yearsbeforefinallytalkingtoadoctor.However,seeking medical treatment earlyisyourbestoption.Itcanbedifficulttonoticesymptomsrightaway,ortotakeyoursymptomsseriously.Manypeoplebrushoffhearinglossasjustanothersignofaginganddonotrealizethattreatmentsareavailable.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss
Ifyouareworriedthatyoumightbelosingyourhearing,itisimportanttotalktoadoctor.Hearinglossissometimesdiagnosedwithaphysical exam,inwhichadoctorwilllookatyourearsforsignsofinfection,inflammationorexcessearwax.
Doctorsmayalsoconductnoise-basedteststhatevaluatewhatlevelofsoundyoucanhear.Forexample,averysimpletestcanbeperformedbystrikingatuningforkinordertodetectwhichlevelyoucanhear.Anaudiometer testprovidesamoreaccurateassessment.Withthistypeoftest,youwearapairofheadphoneswhileanaudiologistplaysvariouswords,tonesorsoundstodetectthelowestdecibellevelyoucanhear.
Treatmentsforhearinglossvarydependingonthereasonbehindyourcondition.The
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mostcommontreatmentsinclude:
Removingblockagesifyouhaveexcessearwax.
Treatinginfectionsorgrowths.
Surgicallycorrectingabnormalitiesorinsertingtubes.
Usingahearingaid,whichhelpsamplifysound.
Gettingacochlearimplant,whichbypassesdamagedpartsofyourear.
Getting Hearing Aids
Mosttypesofhearingdamageareirreversible.Withtheexceptionofearwaxbuilduporearabnormalities,youcannotusuallycurehearingloss.However,therearemanywaystotreatandmanagepermanenthearingloss.Oneofthebestmethodsisusing
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hearingaids.Anaudiologistwillhelpyoudecideifthistreatmentoptionisagoodideaforyou.
Thereareseveral types of hearing aidstochoosefrom.Ahearingaidisnotmeanttobeaone-size-fits-allsolution.Instead,thetypeofhearingaidyoushouldusedependsonyourindividualneeds.
Completely in the canal (CIC) hearing aids aredesignedtogoentirelyinsideyourearcanalforacomfortablefit.Thesearebestformoderatehearingloss,andaretheleastvisibletype.However,theirsmallsizealsomeansthattheyusetinybatterieswithashorterlifespan.Furthermore,thisstyledoesnotusuallyhavecustomizablecontrols.
In the canal (ITC) hearing aidsarebestformildtomoderatehearingloss.Theyaresmallenoughtofitmostlyinsideyourearcanal,
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whichmakesthemlessvisiblethansomevarieties.Theirsmallsizemeansthattheydonotincludeeveryfeatureofalargerhearingaid.However,theyaremorecustomizablethanCICvarieties.
In the ear (ITE) hearing aidsusuallyhaveanexternalcomponentthatsitsinyourouterear.Theyhaveavarietyoffeaturesduetotheirslightlylargersize.Asaresult,theyalsocanholdalargerbatterywithalongerlife.However,theyaremorevisiblethanCICandITCoptions.Theirpositioningcanalsopickupmoreunwantednoises,suchaswindnoise.
Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aidsareanoptionforjustaboutanytypeofhearingloss.Thesedeviceshaveacomponentthatsitsbehindtheear,whichisconnectedbyatubetoanotherpiecesittingintheearcanal.BTEdevicesaresometimeslargerthanotherstyles,buttendtohavethemostoptions.A
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similartypeofdesignisthereceiver in canal (RIC) hearing aid,whichusesawireratherthanatubetotransmitsoundtotheearcanal.
Open fit hearing aidsaresimilartoBTEdevices,buttheydonotconnecttoapiecethatfillstheearcanal.Instead,thetubeorwireitselfsitsinthecanal.Thisallowsforothersoundstoentertheearcanalnaturally.
Caring for Hearing Aids
Hearingaidsrequiresomecareandmaintenanceinordertoensuretheyworkproperly.Thewayyoutakecareofyourdevicewilldependonthetypeofhearingaidsyouhave.However,youcanmakesureanytypeofhearingaidisworkingwellbydoingthesethingsdaily:
Checkthebatteries.
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Carrysparebatteriesjustincase.
Removedirtandearwaxwithasoft,drycloth.
Keepyourdevicesdry.
Keepdebrisfromtheinnercomponentstoavoidgettingfeedbackinthemicrophone.
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Ifyouareexperiencinganytypeofsymptomsthatmaybelinkedtoamedicalcondition,itcanbebeneficialtoutilizeasymptomcheckerfromareputablesource.Symptomcheckersmatchthesymptomsimputedaswellasotherfactors,suchasyourage,gender,medicationsandotherconditions,tomedicalconditionsthatfityoursymptoms.
Whilesymptomcheckerscanbebeneficial,thesecheckersdonotoverrideanyrecommendations,treatmentoptionsordiagnosisthatyourprimarycarephysicianmayhave.
Sourcesofreliableandreputablesymptomcheckersinclude:
WebMD
MayoClinic
Health Line
Symptom Checker
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MedicalbillsarethenumberonecauseofbankruptcyinAmerica.Withoutadequatehealthinsurance,thecostofhealthcarecanquicklyaddup.
Healthinsurancecansignificantlyreducetheamountofmoneyyouwouldotherwiseneedtopayforhealthcare.Typically,youareresponsibleforacertainamountofthecostsofyourhealthinsuranceandyourinsurancewillpayfortheremainingamount,solongasthemedicalserviceiscoveredunderyourinsuranceplan.
Mostinsurerswillalsoincludeamaximumamountthatbeneficiariesmayberequiredtopayineachbeneficiaryperiod.Aftermeetingamaximumamount,theinsurerpays100percentofthecostfortheremainderofthebeneficiaryperiodforanycoveredservices.
Health Insurance
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Common Health Insurance Terms
Byfamiliarizingyourselfwithcommonhealthinsuranceterms,youwillbebetterpreparedforthecostofyourmedicalbillsandgainabetterunderstandingofwhatyourhealthinsurancewillandwillnotcover.
Covered Costs–Coveredcostreferstothemedicalservices,treatment,suppliesandprescriptiondrugsthatyourhealthinsuranceplanwillprovidepaymentfor.
Premiums–Premiumsrefertotheamountthatyoupaytoyourhealthinsurancecompanyeachmonth(oronaquarterlybasis,dependingontheinsurer)tomaintainyourhealthinsurancecoverage.Whenreviewingplansthatmaybeavailabletoyou,thiscostisusuallythefirstonethatyouseeandhavetheopportunitytoconsider.
Deductible–Adeductibleisaflatdollar
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amountofmoneythatyoumustpayforyourcoveredmedicalservicesbeforeyourhealthinsurancebeginstopayforyourhealthcare.
Copayment–Acopaymentisaflatdollaramountthatyouwillbeexpectedtopaytoyourhealthcareproviderforaservicethatiscoveredbyyourhealthinsurance.Thisisusuallyasmallamount,suchasbetween$10and$50,dependingonyourhealthinsuranceplan.
Co-Insurance–Co-insurancereferstoanamountthatyoumustpayyourhealthinsurancecompanyafteryourdeductiblehasbeenmet,uptoyourmaximumout-of-pocketcosts.Thisamountisgenerallyasetpercentageofthetotalchargesthatyouarebillingtoyourinsuranceforacoveredservice.
Maximum out-of-pocket costs–Yourmaximumout-of-pocketcostisthemaximum
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amountofmoneythatyoumustpayforcoveredmedicalservicesduringasinglebenefitperiod(typicallyoneyear).Thisamountdoesnotincludeyourpremiumoranymedicalservicesthatyoupaidthatyourinsurancedidnotcover.
Private Insurance and Employer Insurance
PrivateandemployerhealthinsuranceplansaresomeofthemostcommontypesofhealthinsuranceinAmerica.Ifyouremployeroffershealthinsurancepackages,youwilllikelybeabletoenrollaftertheminimumperiodoftimehaspassed(90daysofemploymentiscommon).
Whileemployerofferedhealthcareplansmaybecheaperthanobtainingprivateinsurance,youdonotgenerallyhavealotofplanstochoosefromandyoucannotselectadifferent
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insuranceprovider.Therefore,itisimportanttoreviewtheofferedhealthinsurance,includingcostsandcoverageoptions,beforemakingadecision.
PrivatehealthinsuranceplanscanbepurchasedfromHealthcare.gov.Onceyouhavecompletedanapplication,youwillbeprovidedwithanyhealthinsuranceoptionsthatareavailablewithinyourarea.Thewebsiteallowsforside-by-sidecomparisonsofpremiumcosts,coverageoptions,deductiblesandmore.Healthcare.govwillalsoinformyouofanyadditionalassistancethatyouoryourfamilymaybeeligiblefor,suchasMedicaidorCHIP,baseduponyourapplicationinformation.
CHIP
TheChildren’sHealthInsuranceProgram(CHIP)offershealthinsurancecoverageto
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childrenwithfamilieswithtoohighofanincometoqualifyforMedicaid,butnothighenoughincometobeabletoreasonablyaffordprivatehealthinsurance.
LikeMedicaid,CHIPisadministeredbystates,accordingtofederalrequirements.Therefore,coveredservices,costsandeligibilityrequirementshavesomevariationbetweenstateprograms.
CHIPeligibilityisprimarilybaseduponageandincome.Insomecases,pregnantwomenmayalsobeeligiblefortheprogramduringapregnancy.YoucandiscovermoreaboutCHIPeligibilityrequirementsbyclickinghere.
SomeCHIPcoveragebenefitsaremandatedbythefederalgovernment.Othertypesofcareareconsideredoptionalandyouwillneedtocheckwithyourstateprograminordertodetermineadditionalcoverage
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optionsthatmaybeavailable.Youcanlearnmoreaboutmandatedcoveragehere.
YoucanlearnmoreabouttheCHIPprogramthatisavailableinyourstate,includingeligibilityrequirements,benefitsandcostsbycontactingyourstate.YourstatemayallowyoutoapplyforCHIPinperson,online,bymailoroverthephone,dependingonyourstate.
Medicare
Medicareisafederalhealthinsuranceprogramthatprovideshealthinsurancebenefitstoseniorcitizenswhoare65 years of age or olderaswellthoseyoungerthan65whoareafflictedwithcertaindisabilities,permanentkidneyfailureoramyotrophiclateralsclerosis.
Whiletheprogramdoesassistbeneficiaries
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withthecostofhealthcare,itdoesnotprovidecoverageforallmedicalexpensesorforthecostofmostlong-termcare.WhenenrollinginMedicare,applicantswillbeabletobuildtheirownMedicarehealthinsuranceplanbyselectingthepartsofMedicarethattheywishtoenrollinto.
Original MedicareismadeupofMedicarePartAandPartB.Medicare Part Aisprimarilyconsideredhospitalinsuranceandisavailabletomostbeneficiarieswithoutapremium.YoucanlearnmoreaboutMedicarePartAcoverageoptionshere.
Medicare Part Boffersanumberofmedicallynecessaryservicesandsupplies,includingvisitswithaphysician,mentalhealthcareandservicesanddurablemedicalequipment(DME).YoucanlearnmoreaboutMedicarePartBcoverageoptionshere.
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Medicare Part C,alsoreferredtoasaMedicareAdvantagePlan,offersavarietyofcostandcoverageoptionsbasedupontheareathatyoulivewithin.CoveragegenerallyincludescoverageoptionsofferedwithinMedicarePartAandPartB,butmayalsoincludeadditionalservices.YoucanlearnmoreaboutMedicarePartCandreviewtheplansavailablewithinyourareabyclickinghere.
Medicare Part Donlyprovidesprescriptiondrugcoverage,butitcanbecombinedwithanumberofdifferenthealthinsuranceplans,includingMedicarePartAandPartB.YoucanlearnhowMedicarePartDworkswithotherhealthinsurancepolicieshere.
DependingontheMedicareplanthatyouenrollin,youmayhaveamonthlypremiumtoretaincoverageaswellasdeductibles,copaymentsandcoinsurance.Youcanlearn
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moreabout2019Medicarecostshere.
YoushouldapplyforMedicareassoonasyoubecomeeligibleforbenefitsinordertoavoidmonetarypenaltieswhenyoudoenroll.Forseniorcitizens,theinitialenrollmentperiodforMedicarebeginsthreemonthspriortoyour 65th birthdayandendsthreemonthsfollowingyourbirthdaymonth.
Ifyoumissyourinitialenrollmentperiod,youwillnotbeabletoenrollforcoverageuntilthegeneralenrollmentperiod,unlessyouqualifyforaspecial enrollment period.TheMedicaregeneralenrollmentperiodtakesplacefromJanuary1sttoMarch31steachyear.CoveragebeginsonJuly1stoftheyearthatyouenroll.
Youwillbeeligibleforaspecialenrollmentperiodifyoucurrentlyhavemedicalinsurancecoverageunderagrouphealthplanthatis
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baseduponeitheryouroryourspouse’scurrentemployment.
Incasessuchasthese,youcanenrollintoMedicarewithoutapenaltyanymonththatyouremaincoveredunderthegrouphealthplanandyouroryourspouse’scurrentemploymentcontinuesorwithintheeightmonthperiodthatbeginsthemonthafteryourgrouphealthcareplancoverageoremploymentthatitisbaseduponends,whichevercomesfirst.
YoucanapplyforMedicareonline,byvisitingyourlocalSocialSecurityofficeorbycallingtheSocialSecurityAdministrationat: (800) 772-1213.
Medicaid
Medicaidisastateandfederalprogramthatprovidescomprehensivehealthcoverage
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tomillionsofAmericanseachyearthatmeeteligibilityrequirements.Medicaidisadministeredbyeachstateinaccordancetofederalrequirements.Therefore,eligibilityrequirementsandcoveredservicescanvarybetweenstates.
ToqualifyforMedicaid,youmustmeetincomerelatedeligibilityrequirements.Incomelimitsdovaryforsomecoveredgroups,suchasseniorcitizens(ages65andolder)andindividualswithcertaindisabilities.
Notonlymustyoulivewithinthestatethatyouareapplyingforbenefitsthrough,butyoumustalsobeeitheraU.S. citizenorholda lawful, qualifying non-citizen status.Dependingonthestatethatyoulivein,youmayberequiredtomeetadditionalnon-financialbasedeligibilityrequirements.Theserequirementsaregenerallycategorical.Forexample,somestatesdonotofferMedicaid
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coveragetoresidentswhodonothavechildrenwithinthehome,unlesstheapplicantisdisabled,pregnantoraqualifyingseniorcitizen.YoucanlearnmoreaboutMedicaideligibilityrequirementsbyclickinghere.
Thefederalgovernmentmandatessomeofthe covered servicesthatmustbeincludedineachstate’sMedicaidprogram.Theseservicesincludehospitalservices,physicianservices,laboratoryservicesandhomehealthservices.Certaincoverageoptions,referredtoasoptional benefits,aredeterminedbythestate.Youcanlearnmoreaboutmandatoryandoptionalcoveragebenefitshere.
The cost of Medicaidisdeterminedbyanumberoffactors,includingyourincome, categorical qualifications and the state that youlivewithin.WhilestatesdohavesomesayoverMedicaidcosts,thesecostsmustfallwithinfederalguidelines.Costsmayinclude
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monthlypremiums,copayments,coinsurance,deductiblesandsimilarcharges.YoucanlearnmoreaboutcostsharingwithMedicaidhere.
ToapplyforMedicaid,youmustcontactyourstateMedicaidoffice.Applicationmethodsvarybystate.Dependingonthestatethatyoulivewithin,youmaybeabletoapplyonline,overthephone,bymailorinperson.
VA Health
VAhealthcareofferscomprehensivehealthcaretocurrentandretiredactivemilitary,navalorairservicemembersthatdonotreceiveadishonorabledischarge.Generally,minimumdutyrequirementsapply,however,theserequirementsarewaivedforthosewhomeetadditionalqualifications.YoucanlearnmoreaboutVA health eligibility requirementsbyclickinghere.
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OnceapprovedforVAhealth,veteransgainaccesstocomprehensivemedicalbenefitspackages.However,notallpackagesarealikeandcoveredservicesmayvary.Generally,medicalservicesincludedinbenefitspackageincludeservicestotreatillnesses and injuries and preventative care.Somebeneficiariescanreceiveadditionalcoverageoptions,includingbenefitssuchasdental care.
AnumberofveteransqualifyforVAhealthatnocost,dependingonincomeandwhetherornottheapplicanthasaservice-connected disability.Ifcost-freehealthcareservicesarenotavailable,applicantscanbeexpectedtopaysmallcopaysandco-insurancecosts.TolearnmoreaboutVAhealthcosts,clickhere.
YoucanapplyforVAhealthonline,byvisitingyourstate’sDepartmentofVeteransAffairsoffice,bysubmittinganapplicationby-mailor
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bycallingtheVAat(877) 222-8387.Youmayneedtoprovidespecificdocumentsinorderforyourapplicationtobeprocessed,suchasyourmostrecenttaxreturn.
TRICARE
TRICAREisahealthinsuranceprogramthatisavailabletoU.SArmedForcespersonnel,veteransandtheirdependentsandspouses.Theprogramfeaturesanumberofdifferentplans,eachwithvaryingcostsandcoveredmedicalservicesinordertoprovideawiderangeofoptionstoqualifyingapplicants.
YoumustmeeteligibilityrequirementsinordertoenrollinTRICARE.Eligibilityrequirementsarecategoricalandnotonlydeterminewhetherornotyouareeligibleforbenefits,buttheTRICAREplansthatareavailabletoyou.
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CoveredservicebenefitsandthecoststhatyoucanexpectforservicescanbereviewedbycomparingTRICAREplans.Plansmayincludepremiums,deductibles,copayments,coinsuranceandmaximumout-of-pocketcosts.SomeTRICAREenrolleeswillnotbeexpectedtopayforcoveredservices,baseduponcategoricalqualifications.
ToapplyforTRICAREbenefits,youmustselecttheplanthatyouwishtoenrollin.Youcanbeginyourenrollmentprocesshere.OnceyouhaveselectedtheTRICAREplanthatisrightforyou,youcansubmitanapplicationforTRICAREonline,bymailoroverthephone.
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