Archive for the ‘Disease Awareness’ Category

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.

Diabetics Who Sleep Poorly Have Higher Insulin Resistance

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Two new studies on individuals with diabetes have found a potentially troubling link between sleep quality and insulin resistance. The results of both studies suggest that diabetics with poor sleep are more likely to have higher insulin resistance and more trouble controlling their condition.
The lead author of the first study, Kristen Knutson, said, “Poor sleep quality in people with diabetes was associated with worse control of their blood glucose levels.” Diabetics that have problems controlling glucose levels are known to have a higher risk of complications, which leads to a reduced quality of life. These individuals are also shown to have a lower life expectancy than diabetics that have well-controlled blood glucose levels.

Easily Distracted? Learn a Few Tips to Get Focused

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

Focusing on something for an extended period of time may be difficult for you. If you are experiencing a lack of concentration and are feeling overwhelmed by distractions, you may be able to improve your focus following these simple tips:focus

  • The world can wait

Your laptop glares at you across the desk while your phone dings with a new text. The Facebook feed updates so fast that you can’t take your eye off the screen or you’ll miss a brand new status. All these priorities never give you a rest, and your brain is constantly urging you to take one. Technology is changing the world for the better, but it also could be stressing you out without you realizing it. Close your laptop or turn your phone on silent for a while. Take a breather. Even a quick walk can help you refocus.

Dangers of Dementia: Wandering

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

elderly man wanderingDementia is common in elderly people, and if you are responsible for taking care of an aging parent with signs of dementia, it is important to be proactive against the dangers associated with this disease. One of the biggest dangers is wandering. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s wander away from their home or caregiver at some point. Whether the person simply can’t remember the way back home or is looking for something familiar, wandering can be scary for everyone. But with some preparation, you  can help your loved one navigate through this disorder safely.