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Topic: Health Topics

How to spot the warning signs of a stroke

healthy habits, high blood pressure, medical conditions

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, preventing the tissue from getting the oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Making healthy lifestyle changes and working with your doctor to control your risk factors can greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

5 tips for a safe and healthy summertime

Summer is filled with fun outdoor activities that make the most of the long, lazy days and warm weather. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a picnic in a park, going fishing, or taking the kids on a bike ride, stay safe and healthy with our summer safety tips for the whole family.

Living with asthma: How to keep your asthma under control

medical conditions

If you have asthma, exposure to certain triggers can cause a flare-up or an attack. Avoiding your triggers and making an asthma action plan can help you prevent an attack before it happens—and steer clear of the ER.

Avoid the holiday blues with tips to help you manage stress and anxiety

Many people consider the holidays to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some the added stress of the season may cause feelings of anxiety and depression. Different things can trigger the holiday blues—unrealistic expectations, sentimental memories, the inability to be with friends or family. Planning ahead and taking care of yourself can help you minimize stress and find peace and joy during the holiday season.

Cervical cancer screenings: Early detection may lead to successful treatment

cancer

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Screening tests can find cervical cancer early, when treatment tends to be more successful. Screenings can also detect abnormal cells that may be pre-cancers, so they can be treated before the cells turn into cervical cancer. The most important thing you can do to help prevent cervical cancer is to have regular screenings starting at age 21.

Screen time: How much is too much?

Screens are everywhere these days. From apps and video games to TV, video conferences, and online classes, screen time adds up. More than ever, we connect to the outside world through screens. As a result, managing screen use—for children and adults—can be a challenge. Too much screen time can increase the risk of obesity, interfere with sleep, and prevent the development of healthy relationships. That’s why it’s important to find a healthy balance between screen time and offline time away from the digital world.

9 tips for better sleep: What to do when insomnia keeps you up at night

mental health, sleep

Good quality sleep plays an important role in your physical and mental health. It also boosts your immune system and promotes emotional wellness by giving your mind time to rest and recharge. Stress and anxiety can make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If you already suffer from insomnia, experiencing stressful situations can make it worse. At the same time, lack of sleep can make you feel anxious and tense. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you get the sleep you need.

Building resilience: 7 ways to rebound from setbacks and grow stronger

healthy habits, mental health

Life has its ups and downs. From time to time, we all experience stress, setbacks, and life-changing situations. Resilience can help us react to change in positive ways and emerge from difficult experiences stronger than before. Learning to become more resilient takes time and practice, but following a few simple tips can help you build this essential life skill.

Healthy pregnancy: Why prenatal care is so important

pregnancy

Whether you’re a first-time mom or already have kids, the health care you receive when you’re pregnant is an important part of a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Regular prenatal visits throughout your pregnancy can help catch potential issues early and reduce the risk of complications. These checkups also give you a chance to learn how to manage any discomfort you’re experiencing and ask questions about your pregnancy and the birth of your baby.

5 natural ways to lower your blood pressure

high blood pressure

One in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, but only about half have it under control. High blood pressure—or hypertension—can damage your blood vessels and lead to serious health problems, including kidney failure. It also increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may be able to lower it naturally, without medication. It’s as simple as making five lifestyle changes.

Preventing back pain: Tips for a healthy back

getting care, medical conditions

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the U.S. In fact, 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in life, and it affects men and women equally. Sometimes back pain is sharp and intense, caused by heavy lifting or an accident, and heals in a short period of time. Other times back pain is a dull, constant ache that prevents people from going to work and spending time with family and friends. Fortunately, there are ways to find relief from back pain.

Healthy bones: What you need to know about osteoporosis

getting care, medical conditions

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become more porous, fragile, and prone to fracture as you age. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, some 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and 44 million have low bone density, increasing their risk of breaking a bone. For those with osteoporosis, the most common fractures occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. The good news is that osteoporosis is manageable. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can help slow the loss of bone mass and help prevent fractures.

Prostate cancer screening for men: Should you get a PSA test?

cancer, getting care

For men, the decision to get a prostate cancer screening is personal and complex. Medical organizations offer different recommendations regarding prostate cancer screenings. And, unlike other types of cancer, not all prostate cancers need treatment. Some men may find that the potential risks of screenings outweigh the benefits. Only you and your doctor can decide whether or not prostate cancer screening is right for you.

Breast cancer screenings for women: A guide to mammograms

cancer, getting care

Screening mammograms use low-dose X-rays to find breast cancer early, before it causes any warning signs. These tests are important for women because treatment is more likely to be successful the sooner breast cancer is detected. The chances of survival are higher, too. While national health organizations offer different breast cancer screening guidelines, everyone agrees that women should discuss the benefits and risks of mammograms with their doctors and decide together when to begin screenings and how often to repeat them.

Exercising with arthritis: Managing osteoarthritis pain with physical activity

exercise, medical conditions

Arthritis is a disease that can affect any joint in the body, especially your knees, hips, lower back, neck, fingers, and toes. While there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, about 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA)—or “wear and tear” arthritis—the most common form of the condition. Arthritis can’t be reversed, but physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can slow its progression, reduce pain, and help improve joint function.

Healthy ways to relieve stress

From time to time, everyone experiences stress. It’s a natural reaction to situations where you feel threatened or anxious. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones that raise your heart rate, change the way you breathe, and prepare your muscles to respond. Learning how to manage stress is an important part of taking care of yourself and maintaining good overall mental and physical health.

Colorectal cancer screening tests: Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard

cancer

Turning 50 involves a rite of passage most of us avoid talking about: the dreaded colonoscopy. As a widely used exam that detects changes and abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum, colonoscopies get a bad rap, but screenings for colorectal cancer can save lives. The good news for newly minted quinquagenarians (people ages 50 to 59) is that now you may be able to take an at-home colon cancer test called Cologuard^® instead of getting a colonoscopy, as long as you meet a few requirements.

10 surprising things you can do to keep your heart healthy

healthy eating, healthy habits, heart health

Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart. Eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding tobacco can help prevent heart disease and reduce your risk factors for other chronic conditions. But when it comes to taking care of your heart, there are a number of other surprising things you can do.

Heart disease in women: Take steps to reduce your risk factors

heart health, medical conditions

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease—also known as cardiovascular disease—and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, claiming the life of approximately one woman every 80 seconds. It’s the most common cause of death for men, too, but some of the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease differ between men and women. And, it doesn’t affect all women alike. Fortunately, as a woman, you can take steps to understand the symptoms and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Coping with depression: Understanding the causes and managing the symptoms

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that causes feelings of sadness that won’t go away. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it’s more than just being in a bad mood or having a rough day. The condition can affect how you think and feel and may cause you to lose interest in normal day-to-day activities.

Sleep and weight gain: How much you sleep can affect how much you weigh

sleep, weight loss

You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. Not only does lack of sleep make you feel groggy and irritable, but sleep also plays a critical role in everything from boosting your immune system to improving your memory, promoting learning, and more. But did you know that getting the right amount of sleep can also help you avoid gaining weight?

What you need to know about opioids

medication

Opioids are drugs that relieve pain. Prescription opioids are medications that doctors use to treat moderate to severe pain after surgery or injury or for health conditions like cancer. Common prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin^®), hydrocodone (Vicodin^®), morphine, and methadone. Other types of opioids include fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever, and heroin, an illegal drug.

Preventing diabetes: Small changes, big rewards

diabetes, medical conditions, weight loss

Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood sugar levels to be higher than normal. The most common form of the disease, type 2 diabetes, can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to prevent the complications of diabetes.

10 foods that lower blood pressure

healthy eating, high blood pressure

High blood pressure affects millions of Americans, but many of us don’t even know we have it. That’s because high blood pressure—also known as hypertension—often has no symptoms. The condition makes your heart work harder than it should and can cause serious problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.