Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Recent studies show that the number of skin cancer cases is growing each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million people are treated each year for skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, causes 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
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If you are one of millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, there are some things you can do to improve your cholesterol levels. While your doctor may prescribe medication such as a statin drug, there are lifestyle changes that may also be beneficial. Eating a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity, and losing unwanted pounds can all help reduce high cholesterol levels and lead to improved overall health.
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Over the past several years, you may have noticed an increase in the number of gluten-free products on grocery shelves. More and more restaurants are featuring gluten-free options on their menus. This recent awareness surrounding gluten and its effects on many people has led to questions such as these: What is gluten? Where is it found? Why are some of us adversely affected by it?
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Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that causes blockages or blood clots and can lead to a heart attack. If the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is completely cut off due to a blockage or clot, that part of the muscle begins to die. The risk of a heart attack increases with age. While men have a greater risk of suffering a heart attack earlier in life, a woman’s risk increases after menopause.
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Men of any age can develop testicular cancer, but it is the most common type of cancer for men ages 15-35 years. More than 8,500 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Testicular cancer is among the most curable cancers, especially if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. For men receiving treatment for early testicular cancer, the five-year survival rate is greater than 95 percent.
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Spring is a wonderful time of year in Georgia. It signals longer days, the end of cold weather, and an array of colorful flowering trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, spring also means allergy season for many people. Warm weather and growing plants indicate the beginning of itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms commonly associated with hay fever and allergies.
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Many women experience weight gain after menopause. While there may seem to be a direct correlation, weight gain at this time of life is usually due to a combination of factors related to aging. Hormonal changes, including lower estrogen levels, may make women more susceptible to weight gain around the abdomen. However, our metabolism naturally slows down as we age. Genetic factors may also play a part in weight gain later in life.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common disorder of the large intestine. Between 25 million and 45 million people in the U.S. suffer from IBS. All age groups are affected including children. More women than men are diagnosed with this disorder. IBS is different from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It doesn’t cause changes in the bowel tissue or increase one’s risk of developing colon cancer.
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and complications can be significant. You can minimize your risk of contracting the flu by getting a flu shot. It is not too late to get protected this winter, although it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be most effective. Often flu season does not reach its peak until February.
Many people make annual resolutions to live a healthier life. We may do well for a few weeks or maybe a month or two. Then typically, most of us will slip back into old habits that don’t help us reach our goals for better health. If we start with small steps and build over time, it will be easier to incorporate these changes into our daily routines. Here are a few areas on which to focus.
