Rheumatoid Arthritis

19th of April, 2017

Rheumatoid Arthritis:


Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints and causes inflammation in major joints of the body such as knees, hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis is common in older adults and is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system confuses the healthy tissues for foreign invaders and begins to attack them. The body begins to attack and destroy joints, causing severe pain as well as other symptoms. Some other symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are tender and stiff joints, aches and pains, fatigue and on occasion fever.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Unfortunately, Rheumatoid Arthritis does not have any treatment that would reverse the progress of the disease. However, through physical therapy and medication, the progress can be slowed down significantly.  

Warm compresses and heating pads can be used to decrease pain. Physical therapy is important and can diminish the pain in the joints. A medical professional is likely to prescribe DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). These type of medication do not reverse arthritis but do slow down the progress. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to help one live a life of mobility. 

There are ways of decreasing the likelihood of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis:

If you feel swelling or inflammation in your joints, immediately see a healthcare professional. The earlier Rheumatoid Arthritis can be detected, the better. Treatment should be started early.

Exercise also helps prevent all types of arthritic diseases. Start exercising young to build better bone density.

Quit smoking and do not over use alcohol. This can be said for any disease though. If you want to decrease your risks, you need to avoid cigarettes and alcohol as much as possible.

Maintain a good diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and avoid junk food as much as possible. 

Alcohol Dependence Doesn't Have a Face

18th of April, 2017

Alcohol Dependence Doesn't Have a Face:

Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, affects around 18 million Americans per year.*

Alcohol dependence doesn't have a face. People from all economic backgrounds, races, genders and countries can experience it. There are many factors affecting alcoholism including genetic predisposition, history of depression, and binge drinking regularly. If someone in your family suffers from alcoholism, then you are more likely to develop the same problem.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence include: inability to stop drinking, constant thoughts about alcohol, binge drinking until you feel sick or throw up. Binge drinking is considered 5+ drinks in an hour for a male and 4+ drinks in an hour for a female, approximately.

Treating alcoholism is difficult but not impossible. There are many recovering alcoholics who lead normal lives. Therapy (group or individual) is helpful in treating alcoholism, as most people are not unable to kick the addiction themselves. Some individuals choose to join 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
It is very important to seek medical help when going through withdrawal from alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal causes the following symptoms: shaking, sweating, insomnia, increased depression and anxiety, seizures, suicidal thoughts, decreased appetite, anger and irritability, nausea. Everyone's withdrawal symptoms will be different but will require some form of medical supervision. A hospital stay and an IV may be needed in severe cases to replenish the body and keep the individual stable.  In worst case scenarios, alcoholism can be treated with certain medications.

If you feel like you may have an alcohol addiction, please contact a professional to get an assessment. To get more help you can visit the following websites:

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/treatment/treatment.htm

http://www.aa.org/

https://aidinrecovery.com

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https://medlineplus.gov/alcoholismandalcoholabuse.html*

UTI Infections: Causes and Prevention

18th of April, 2017

UTI Infections: Causes and Prevention


A Urinary Tract infection (UTI) is the infection of the urinary system. Although both genders can be affected, the risk of getting a UTI is higher in women than men because women have a shorter urethra. A shorter urethra means the bacteria have less distance to travel and infect the urinary system.

The symptoms of a UTI include but are not limited to: a constant need to urinate, dark or cloudy urine, burning during urination, painful pelvic cramps in women, nausea, fever.
The most common type of bacteria that causes UTI is E. coli. UTIs are all different depending on where E. coli takes up residence. E. Coli  can be found in any part of the urinary system: the urethra, the bladder (where urine is stored), and kidneys. The symptoms will vary depending on where the bacteria is.



Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics but prevention is the best thing to practice to avoid the pain and discomfort.

Here are some ways to prevents UTI infections:

Urinate as frequently as you need. Do NOT "hold it" and wait for the last possible minute to urinate. Your bladder needs to be emptied soon after you feel the need to urinate.

During defecation, wipe from front to back so not to bring in germs from the anus into the urethra.

Urinate immediately after sex to flush out any bacteria that may be stored by the urethra.

Stay constantly hydrated with water (soda and sugary drinks DO NOT count and should be avoided).

Keep your genital area clean and avoid scented products as they can increase genital irritation.

Osteoporosis in the Aging Population

11th of April, 2017

Osteoporosis in the Aging Population:


Osteoporosis is a condition of the skeletal system where bones become brittle, weak and porous. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men but can occur in both genders. It is more likely to develop in the aging population and in people 50 and older. The bones in people with osteoporosis become more brittle, soft and have a porous appearance.

Osteoporosis is more likely to occur in people with Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies. The biggest danger of osteoporosis is the increased likelihood of broken bones. This can be extremely painful and irreversible because the bones are not able to repair very well.

Osteoporosis can also cause a decreased height in the individual and severe back pain. These are the primary and only signs of osteoporosis. Factors that can increase osteoporosis are aging, vitamin deficiency, lack of exercise, excess soda consumption and frequent tobacco and alcohol use.


There are ways to prevent osteoporosis:

Resistance exercise like walking, swimming and weight lifting. Exercise increases bone mass. The peak time to build bone mass is in your 20's. The higher your bone mass the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis.

A healthy and balanced diet. Most of us know what a healthy diet needs to consist of, but very few people can keep it up for long periods of time. Try to make it a lifestyle change. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink more water and less soda. Eat less processed foods and more fresh, whole foods. If it comes out of a box or a drive-through, it is not good for you.

Getting enough Vitamin D. Getting enough sunlight is important because vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption by the bones, making the bones stronger. Try exercising outside - it is a great way to get resistance training as well as sunlight.


Take all these factors into consideration and create a healthier lifestyle. Do it for the future you and to keep your bones strong and healthy for a long time!

Dealing with Depression

11th of April, 2017

Dealing with Depression:

 Depression, also known as clinical depression, can affect people from all backgrounds and genders. Depression is a mood disorder that causes negative feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety and worthlessness.

These are just some of the feelings that occur during depression. There are other factors that occur with depression and it varies from person to person.

Some of the other symptoms of depression are: trouble sleeping (sleeping too much or too little), loss of appetite or overeating, irritability, lack of energy, loss of interest in hobbies or people, thoughts of death, anxiety, low energy, fatigue.

An individual can not just "get over" depression. It is a difficult feeling that some people may not even be able to recognize themselves until confirmed by a healthcare professional. The direct causes are unknown but the link seems to be genetic as well as environmental. Certain medications and life traumas can induce depression in someone who has never had it before. Depression is also most likely to occur in those individuals whose family members had a history of depression. Depression is also very common in the geriatric population and those with dementia.

Some ways of dealing with depression can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, anti-depressant medications and Electroconvulsive therapy. Exercise and getting a lot of sunlight can increase feel-good neurotransmitters and can also help fight depression. If you feel like you may be experiencing some of these symptoms, talk to a mental health professional. Not all individuals require medications or intensive therapy. Every person will require a different combination of treatment to help you live a happier and healthier life.

What are Shingles?

6th of April, 2017

What is Shingles?

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a virus that occurs in individuals who had chicken pox as children. The chicken pox is dormant in your body, but once in awhile it travels down the nerves in the body and creates a very painful rash called shingles. This can happen to anyone but the likelihood increases with age. Individuals who take immunpsuppressing drugs or have HIV are also at an increased risk for shingles.

Shingles cannot be passed down from person to person, but it can pass on chicken pox to someone who has never had it before.

Shingles is incredibly painful but it presents other signs and symptoms as well. The most common ones are fever, nausea, red rash on body, itching, chills and aches all over the body. As the virus progresses, the blister-like rashes burst and crust over. 

Shingles can last anywhere between 2-5 weeks and although the recovery is not pleasant, most people get better.

The best way to prevent shingles is by getting a vaccine, especially if you are over 60 years old. Talk to your doctor and discuss getting a shingles vaccine. To treat shingles one must take anti-viral medication such as acyclovir or famciclovir. Pain medicine may also be provided to those who experience severe pain from the shingles virus.

The best way to diagnose and treat shingles is by seeing a trusted healthcare professional!

Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

5th of April, 2017

Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention


Diabetes is a disease that involves problems with insulin.  The pancreas releases insulin to help your body utilize and store sugar for energy. Unfortunately in people with diabetes, this does not work the way it should and insulin is either not produced at all, not enough, or the body doesn't respond to insulin. Diabetes can affect people of all ages, races and sizes.  

There are genetic factors that cause diabetes. If a family member has diabetes, then you are more likely to develop it too. Constant weight fluctuations, excess sugar consumption and obesity are also factors that can cause diabetes.

There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs in young adults and children.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women who were previously not at risk for diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more common. This occurs when the body doesn't make its own insulin or does not respond well to insulin that is being made.

Some warning signs of type 2 diabetes are poor eyesight, intense thirst, weight loss, constant urination.
Warning signs for type 1 diabetes are similar and include constant urination, weight loss, nausea, constant hunger, lethargy, numbness in lower extremities,
Gestational diabetes usually does not present any signs or symptoms and must be tested by a professional. A blood test would reveal if a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes.


Although in many cases diabetes is genetic as well as environmental, there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Here are some ways of preventing diabetes before it even happens:

Maintaining a healthy weight/proportional to your height.
Getting regular exercise (cardio and resistant training).
Keeping sweets to a minimum (an occasional treat)
Keeping stress to a minimum.
Making healthy food choices and limiting sugary drinks.

In some cases, diabetes can be reversed with a healthy diet that is limited in animal products and regular exercise and stress management. Seek advice from a healthcare professional in this regard, as results vary for every individual. 

Bunions: what are they and how to fix them.

3rd of April, 2017

Bunion: what are they and how to fix them:

Bunions can occur at any age but usually worsen as a person ages. Bunions are not life threatening but can certainly be very inconvenient during walking, exercising or purchasing footwear.

The medical term for a bunion is Hallux Valgus. There are several causes for bunions. The main cause is the genetic structure of the foot. You may notice that other close family members also have bunions as well. This is because foot shape and structure is determined by your genetics so bunions fall under that category.

Another cause for bunions could be due to arthritis, as inflammation in the joints can change its shape and cause it to protrude.

Sometimes uncomfortable footwear can also rub against a small bunion and cause it to inflame and become bigger.


Some ways to prevent bunions are by wearing comfortable footwear and by watching for growth.

Once a bunion has grown, the best way to treat is through surgery. Please see a health care professional if you feel like a bunion is preventing you from leading a normal, pain-free life. Often doctors will perform surgery if no other option is available. During mild cases of bunions, the doctor might prescribe a pain reliever and some heated foot creams to ease the discomfort.


Seeing an orthopedist is the best course of action if you have questions or concerns about your bunions!