Helpful Stories on Health Topics

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

mental health

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.