Medicine.org - General Senior Health Issues

Are You A Smoker? Take 20 Years Off Your Life Span

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:08:52 -0500

It is estimated that smokers take at least 20 years off their life span. Although, cigarette smoking has decreased, it is still prevalent in our American Society. Very sad is that fact that 4000 children start smoking every day, and 1000 of them will go on to become life time smokers. Cancer is one of a myriad of diseases which smoking causes, and contributes to a higher death rate.

• Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and is responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and bladder.

You Can Survive Your Kidney's Death; But Not Well

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:03:22 -0500

Do your kidneys ever die, independently of the rest of your body? Yes, and it happens frequently. It is estimated that 26 million people in America have kidneys which are dying (or chronic kidney failure). This is almost 13% of all Americans. This number represents a significant increase over the past 10 years. It is anticipated that the number of people with diseased kidneys will continue to rise in the future: The data system predicts that by 2020 nearly 785,000 people will be receiving treatment for kidney failure, costing $53.6 billion.

Diabetes: A Rising Epidemic

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:57:01 -0500

Blindness, Amputation of Limbs, or dialysis for the rest of their lives; these are the consequences of diabetes. Almost everyone with diabetes could anticipate that one of these catastrophic disabilities would happen to them. However, the Centers for Disease Control report that today, the complications are decreasing, even though the rates of diabetes are increasing. For the first time, heart decrease has decreased by almost 16%. This decrease is a result of new knowledge within the past decade that controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol levels, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels staves off the eventual outcome of diabetes.

Are Supplements Safe?

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:45:11 -0500

Today’s Health Craze is good. Hopefully, it is a fad that turns into a lifestyle for most of us. But along with our new found interest in diet and exercise, we have renewed interest in what supplements can we take to make us even healthier. Therefore, one should have knowledge about their use and safety prior to purchase.

The need for dietary supplements

Because many products are marketed as dietary supplements, it is important to remember that supplements include vitamins and minerals, as well as herbs, botanicals and other substances.

Deprivation and Dieting

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 10:27:51 -0500

Deprivation feeds desire and leads to over-indulgence in the future. This should be a ‘motto’ (or an epitaph) on everyone’s refrigerator. It is a fact. Years of research have born out that a main reason for diets not working is the deprivation one feels during this ‘restricted semi-fast’. So, if you have always loved potato chips; you occasionally should have a small amount of chips.

The American Heart Association Announces Good News for Smokers

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:04:23 -0500

Cigarettes are one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the U.S.
Nicotine is highly addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker's risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.

Can Being Overweight Be Healthy for You?

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:56:48 -0500

Physicians, Scientists and Other Health Care Professionals charged into the emotional fires which were initiated when the prestigious Centers for Disease Control stated being overweight was good for your health. Americans have been bombarded with fears that the increasing rates of obesity or overweight raised the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

• Hypertension

Lead Poisoning Is Still a Reality for Many American Citizens

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:51:33 -0500

Lead Poisoning is still a reality for many American citizens. Children, particularly those younger than 5, are especially vulnerable. What makes lead poisoning so alarming is no symptoms present themselves, no cues, such as sight or smell detect the substance, and even dirt and dust which are omnipresent may contain lead. Additionally, once lead is ingested it may remain in one’s body for years, and in the case of bones (where it prefers to reside) may last for decades What is a parent to do? Is there anything a parent can do?

Be Careful with Folk Medicines: They May Contain Lead

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:45:15 -0500

Your latest friend from India gives her child a ‘very effective’ Indian herb when they have a slight tummy ache. It has been used for centuries in her country, and has been very helpful in soothing the stressed infant. She offers you some, when you discuss your own baby’s colic. This may be the god-sent you have been waiting for! Should you take it? Read the following, and then make a decision.

Toxic Sugar and the Holidays

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:59:28 -0500

With all the Holidays right around the corner, it is time to watch your sugar intake. If you don’t, you will regret it Mid-January.
Sugar not only increases ones weight exponentially, it also takes its toll on almost every body system. Cavities, high cholesterol, obesity (with all the diseases associated with being fat), bone loss and fractures are all areas adversely impacted by one’s excessive intake of sugar. .

Arthritic Patients, Although Painful, Require Exercise Daily

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:54:14 -0500

Nearly 1 in 3, or 66 million Americans suffer with arthritis, or some undiagnosed joint pain. These staggering figures urge Researchers to seek a cure, as the quality of life and ability to live independently is significantly impaired.

What can help in the interim? Pills all have their adverse side effects. Surgery is feared or unavailable. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture are severely limited in their effectiveness.

Have a Healthy Happy Thanksgiving

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:48:00 -0500

It’s difficult to worry too much about food at Thanksgiving; as this traditionally has been a day of food excess (when else would you have more than one vegetable dish at a setting?). Most people gain 1-2 pounds over Thanksgiving, and most of it caused by an increase in fat intake. All those delicious veggie dishes come laden with fattening sauces, coatings, and added ingredients. Turkey, like any fowl, has all the fat directly under the skin. Mashed potatoes, even sweet potatoes are made with heavy creams and other goodies made especially for our grand feast. Last, but not least, are the delicious, but fattening, desserts. The smells alone on Thanksgiving are enough to put a few pounds on all of us. What is a person to do? Is there any hope? Or should we just give in to the inevitable, and maybe exercise more than we usually do?

Acetaminophen Overdoses

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:13:06 -0500

Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body, and the largest in your abdomen. Its reddish color is due to its ability to contain a pint of blood at any one time. Every time we eat, breathe, drink or absorb anything, the liver is responsible for detoxifying, integrating, secreting, storing, digesting and many other processes to provide a homeostasis or balance to the rest of your body.

Want to Lose Weight? Do So Slowly for Permanent Loss

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:59:00 -0500

Are you discouraged with dieting? Yes, you lose pounds rapidly, but at what cost? You deprive and sacrifice to reach your magic goal; but then put it all back on again (way too easily). Part of the problem is your style of dieting. Scientists now say that you can easily lose weight, and not gain it back, by simply following a few steps. The goal is to lose one pound per week (maybe two at the most, but not more). By slowly losing weight, you will adapt a new and healthier lifestyle that will be easy to maintain, once your goals have been achieved. True, it won’t happen over night: but then, you didn’t gain it over night. So let your loss of weight be like the turtle and not like the hare. Speed is not of the essence, or even desirable, when it comes to losing weight. Some experts in the field state that yo-yo dieting is actually unhealthy in the long run, as you lose muscles in the process, but regain fat.

Want to Quit Smoking: 37 Things to Consider

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:39:26 -0500

By now, all acknowledge that smoking is not healthy. Ask any smoker, and they will tell you they would like to quit. However, far too many smokers become discouraged ‘early on’ in the game. The list below identifies 37 things you may not know about smoking, which may motivate the smoker to keep trying to quit. Sources have been identified for each of these 37 cues, if the reader is interested in gaining more information. Some of these ideas may surprise you!