Archive for the ‘Disease Awareness’ Category

American Medical ID Partners with MedSimple™ during American Diabetes Month

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Are you hearing more about diabetes in the news and online this month? This is American Diabetes Month® when the American Diabetes Association joins with concerned groups around the nation to raise awareness of this ever-growing disease.

Sharing a similar mission, Dr. Anuj Bhargava, MD, MBA, CDE, FACP, FACE is working to improve the health and lives of patients with diabetes through research and technology. Dr. Bhargava is President and founder of the Iowa Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center (IDERC) and is also founder of My Diabetes Home, a company dedicated to simplifying diabetes worldwide online.

Living with Hemophilia: Medical ID

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Hemophilia is a group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair the body’s ability to control blood clotting or coagulation, which is used to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is broken.

Symptoms vary with severity. In general symptoms are internal or external bleeding episodes. Patients with more severe hemophilia suffer more severe and more frequent bleeding episodes, while patients with mild hemophilia usually suffer more minor symptoms except after surgery or serious trauma. Moderate hemophiliacs have variable symptoms which manifest along a spectrum between severe and mild forms.

NBC’s ‘Parenthood’ Takes on A Missing Child With Asperger’s Syndrome

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

As a parent, it is not hard to imagine the fear and panic that sets in when a child goes missing. Where to look, who to call and the police at your door are all quick and common thoughts for any parent of any child, but what if that child also has Asperger’s Syndrome?

parenthood aspergers episode screenshot

Importance of Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

High blood pressure is a common concern for aging adults and individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Whether you are an individual who has been instructed by your doctor to check your blood pressure regularly or you would like to know more about blood pressure readings taken at your doctor’s office, here’s some helpful info:

What is Blood Pressure?

10 Foods that Help Fight Arthritis Symptoms

Friday, May 20th, 2011

According to BHIA.org, over 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis and related symptoms. 285,000 of those affected are children. As a parent, it’s important to provide a diet for your children that keeps them healthy. Plus, by eating the right foods, you could lessen your own chances of having severe flare ups. By including these 10 foods in your diet, you could have fewer arthritis symptoms from now on.

1.  Salmon has Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the chemicals in your body that spread inflammation.

2.  Low-fat milk is a good source of Vitamin D, which helps prevent swelling and soreness. However, it’s smart to limit your daily dairy intake.

Closely Spaced Pregnancies Increase Risk for Autism

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in roughly 111 children from certain testing sites across America have a form of autism. This includes classic autism, pervasive development disorder and Asperger’s syndrome. Just one year later, researchers showed that one in every 91 American children is on the autism spectrum. This developmental disorder is growing at such a rapid pace that medical personnel are shocked, and studies have proven that closely spaced pregnancies have played a part in this phenomenon.

10 Tips for Lowering Your Cholesterol

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Take these diet and exercise tips to heart to watch your cholesterol levels drop.

Has your doctor mentioned lowering your cholesterol? Whether it’s something you’ve been struggling with for a while or if you’ve been recently diagnosed with high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), this quick list can help you lower your levels through diet and exercise. Cholesterol can be a huge problem, especially if you have a family history or are prone to heart disease, clotting or a number of other conditions. Lowering your cholesterol can leave you happier and most of all, healthier.

Food Allergies 101

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Do you know someone with a food allergy? Likely you do. 1 in 25 children are affected by food allergies, and many adults suffer as well. It’s a common, though unsung, problem that many Americans live with. What should you look for, and how can you help? Prevention is much of the battle, and knowing what to look for goes a long way.

Being educated on the matter can only help in the long run if you or someone you may know has an allergic reaction to certain foods. Remember, if someone appears to be having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction may not seem bad at first, but it can progress quickly. It’s not possible to cure allergies, only avoid the triggers and be prepared in the event of a reaction.

New Genetic Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Friday, May 13th, 2011

For those of you unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), it is a neurological or brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking ability. Eventually, the disease progresses to the point that a person can’t carry out basic, everyday tasks. Mostly, symptoms of AD appear after age 60; however, AD can also affect younger patients in early-onset cases. Researchers believe that the disease may begin affecting a patient 10-20 years before symptoms are noticeable.

Taking Blood Thinners? Learn the #1 Safety Precaution

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

What is the #1 safety precaution if you are taking a blood thinner? A medical identification bracelet. It’s a simple, but effective intervention that all patients should consider.

If you are currently taking a blood thinner, your doctor has probably recommended it to help prevent a stroke or heart attack. Common blood thinners include: Coumidin, Plavix and Warafin, although blood thinners are marketed under a variety of different pharmaceutical names. In general, they are all considered anticoagulants because they can prevent clotting in the arteries and the veins. They are important and life saving medications.