1 in 3 people will get Shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. This virus also causes chickenpox. Once chickenpox resolves the virus stays dormant in the nervous system for years. It gets reactivated and travels along the nerves to the skin and causes painful blisters seen in shingles. This […]
We look forward to outdoor activities during summer. However, we should be aware of an important health hazard – bug bites. (Please read my earlier post on bug bites from April 21, 2017). Tick and mosquito bites are capable of transmitting serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Relapsing fever, Spotted fevers, La crosse encephalitis, West […]
1) Prevent health problems. This is, in my opinion, the most important of all reasons for an annual physical. Physicals help identify any new changes or risk factors which could lead to future medical illnesses that can be managed with healthy choices and changes in lifestyle. Basically, it’s nipping any health problem in the bud. […]
Maintain ideal body weight. About 350,000 people die every year due to obesity. Exercise regularly. Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, or on most days of the week. Exercise lowers risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, osteoporosis, and depression. Eat healthy foods. Eliminate “White Foods” from your diet […]
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage skin, joints, and/or organs. Normally our immune systems produce proteins called “antibodies” Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between the foreign invaders(viruses and bacteria)and your own body cells. These autoantibodies cause pain, inflammation, and damage in various parts of the body. More than […]
May is Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The main cause is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning booths, and sunlamps.It is one of the most preventable cancers. Early detection and treatment increase chances of cure. Skin cancer includes basal cell and squamous […]
Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to lack of blood supply (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). In the U.S. stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and about 130,000 people die due to stroke each year. Reduce your stroke risk […]
Fire ants- stinging bite, painful, itchy red rash often on your legs. Black Widow Spider-their bite has two small puncture wounds. Bite is almost never life-threatening and most people recover within 24 hours with proper treatment. Ticks- avoid tall vegetation, use tick repellant, and perform tick checks after you’ve been outdoors. If you’ve had a […]
Like seasonal allergies, asthma can flare up in the spring. Common triggers are pollen, air temperature changes, yard fertilizers, and insect repellants. Potential indoor triggers result from spring cleanings, such as dust and cleaning chemicals. Tree & grass pollens in the spring cause airway inflammation and worsen underlying asthma. There is a marked increase in […]
Spring is the season of outdoor activities. It is also time for certain health concerns and the most common one is seasonal allergies. -Each year, 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. -Seasonal allergies are a reaction to pollen in the air from blooming trees and flowers. -Immune cells react to the pollen and release […]
