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Wade Gibson Profile and Articles
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51). Consumers Urged To Learn More About Their Eye Care Providers
Melissa Baker was diagnosed with nearsightedness early in childhood-an unremarkable diagnosis. But with each regular visit to her family optometrist, she became more nearsighted and her glasses became thicker. It wasn't until a skiing accident led Melissa to an ophthalmologist at age 15 that she learned her true diagnosis: glaucoma, a disease that rarely affects the young.
52). Caring For A Loved One With Alzheimer's Disease
The majority of the 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease live at home, where family and friends provide most of their care. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that not only affects memory, but gradually destroys a person's ability to learn and carry out daily activities, can be emotionally and physically challenging.
53). Information To Help You Make Health Care Decisions
Armed with good information, you can be your own best advocate when it comes to making health care decisions. That means not only gathering information on specific medical conditions and the latest treatments, but asking questions and seeking advice during your doctor visits.
But where can consumers get reliable and accurate health care information? In many cases, it's from prescription drug advertisements.
54). Cool Ways To Combat The Common Cold
Yes, it's that time of year again-cold season. The typical cold is an upper respiratory infection that can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. Symptoms include sinus pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, body aches and sometimes fever and cough.
Recent statistics have shown that adults average two to four colds a year, which amounts to one billion colds nationwide.
55). Expert Advice On Staying Healthy This Flu Season
While fears about a bird flu pandemic have grown recently overseas, an increasing number of people right here at home are falling ill with this winter's seasonal flu bug. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu incidence has been on the rise since late December, spreading from the Southwest corner of the U.S. and making its way eastward.
56). Tips To Help Get You In The Running
If you want to shape up, walking, jogging and running can all provide a step in the right direction. Experts say these activities are not only excellent aerobic exercise but they can be the easiest and natural route to fitness.
Running or walking outside, however, may not always be a natural choice. If you're not enthusiastic about running or walking in winter weather or summer humidity, or if you live somewhere where there are few sidewalks or where there's a lot of traffic, you may want to invest in a state-of-the-art treadmill.
57). The Prescription For Lowering Health Care Costs
It can be easy to save money on medicine. Experts say following doctors' orders can save more than lives; it can save a health care system spiraling out of control.
"One of the key factors in rising health care costs is the failure of patients to take their medicines properly," says Matt Hartwig, President of the Missouri Pharmacy Association. "Not following a prescribed regimen means it takes longer to get well-which has economic as well as physical costs.
58). Clearing The Calcium Confusion by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D.
Recent news reports about taking calcium may have confused women, but it is important to go beyond the headlines for your health care. Two recent studies confirmed that women who consistently took calcium and vitamin D reduced their risk for fractures, reinforcing the importance of optimal daily calcium intake.
It is recommended that adults over the age of 19 should consume between 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day.
59). Making Prescription Drug Information Easier To Read
If reading those confusing and wordy inserts that come with prescription medications has been a hard pill to swallow, there's good news. A recent Food and Drug Administration law is going to make this information easier for consumers to read and understand.
According to the Partnership for Clear Health Communication, this law is a big step toward improving information about medications.
60). Knowing Your Cancer Risk
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men after skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Based on this statistic, most people might assume that the majority of American men are well educated about how best to fight prostate cancer, where to turn for more information and what support group an uncle or golf buddy relied on during their respective battles with the disease.
61). An Easier Type Of Medical Care
More and more, medical advances are cutting down on cutting people open. Improved imaging procedures make diagnostic and even surgical procedures less invasive.
Medical imaging enables a range of less-invasive, highly targeted medical therapies that translate into better and more comfortable care for patients. Because they are less invasive, these treatments mean fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and, in many cases, no incisions or surgery.
62). Keeping Allergies At Bay
Seasonal allergies affect over 35 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. To keep your allergies at bay, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends these tips for a fresh, pollen-free indoor environment.
• Keep windows closed. If needed, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries.
63). Ready, Set, Summer: Tips For Stress-Free Adventures
Filled with sunny days and dispositions, summer is for the lighthearted. For many, it's the season for camping trips and barbeques. Here are some suggestions that will help take you seamlessly through this traditional vacation-time season.
Set yourself up for success and avoid burned skin, blisters and back pain. There's no better time to pick up a new backpack with enhanced shoulder and back support, the best sun protection gear available today, and a versatile pair of all-terrain footwear.
64). Medicines In Development: Hope For The Future
According to a report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), more than 900 new medicines are now in the research and development pipeline to treat the diseases of aging.
The new medicines include 146 medicines for heart disease and stroke and 399 for cancer. Alzheimer's disease alone could afflict 16 million people by the middle of this century; America's research-based pharmaceutical companies are currently developing 27 medicines to treat it.
65). Exciting New Clinical Research on Arthritis Supplement
For the millions of Americans who suffer from arthritis, the search for relief is often long and confusing.
For many, the recall of the arthritis medication Vioxx served as a wake-up call. To avoid side effects, many people looked for an alternative source of relief in supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
However, a recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that these supplements used alone have not delivered hoped-for results in alleviating arthritis.
66). Arthritis Advantage
There could be news for many of the more than 43 million Americans who suffer with arthritis.
In two clinical studies on Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis, it was found that a drug-free arthritis treatment provided a substantial decrease in pain and inflammation. The treatment is a product that does not cause the side effects associated with many other products.
67). Digestive Disorders, Safer Alternatives
There's encouraging news for people who suffer from Crohn's and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Recent double-blind, placebo-controlled studies show that there are effective drug-free alternatives to aggressive prescription treatments, which are costly and may have dangerous side effects.
Those alternatives resulted in a significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating in 57 percent of IBS patients in one study.
68). Understanding Medicare Prescription Coverage
The prognosis for Medicare Part D seems to be good. Nearly half of physicians recently surveyed said they think the program will result in improved quality of care.
Yet many of those same professionals said the program can be hard to understand and particularly confusing for patients. In fact, according to the survey, doctors and pharmacists report that 95 percent of their senior patients have difficulty understanding the Medicare Part D program and more than 50 percent of patients have trouble understanding how much their drugs will cost.
69). Help For Cancer Patients
Scientists have discovered new ways to help people combatting cancer handle one of the worst impediments to getting the treatment they need.
The problem, according to the Journal of Oncology Management, is nausea, an often uncomfortable side effect of chemotherapy. In fact, it can be so bad that it can keep patients from eating properly, which drains their strength when they need it to fight the disease.
70). Help For Uninsured Women Who Need Medicine
Many American women are in charge of their family's routine health care. They take their children to see the doctor regularly, schedule checkups for their husbands and care for sick relatives. Many women, however, put themselves last and often do not seek care simply because they do not have health insurance.
Without insurance, women often cannot get the care they need, making everyday tasks more stressful.
71). Investing For Retirement While Saving For Health
Any time of year can be the right time to consider setting up a Health Savings Account (HSA). If you need a new way to reduce taxes while you put money away, an HSA may be just the thing for you.
These high-deductible health insurance plans coupled with IRA-style savings accounts are really pretty easy to understand, offer a number of benefits and are becoming more popular.
72). Fighting Allergens On The Home Front
While asthma and allergies are nothing to sneeze at, there could be good news for the families of the 8.9 million American children currently diagnosed with asthma and the millions more who suffer from allergies. They may all be able to breathe easier by fighting dirt and dander at home. Here are hints on how:
• Wash bedding regularly in hot water.
73). An Innovative Treatment For Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a slow-growing, life-threatening cancer of the immune system that develops when white blood cells grow uncontrollably in the lymph nodes. Each year in the U.S. alone, 55,000 new cases are diagnosed. Fortunately, novel, highly personalized treatments are being produced. With a recent medical breakthrough, patients can now receive individualized treatment that kills cancerous cells while sparing normal, healthy cells.
74). Leading Scientists Discuss: What Does The Future Hold For Alzheimer's?
Presently, 4.5 million people have Alzheimer's. This number is expected to increase as millions in the baby-boom generation approach their senior years. The disease strikes an estimated one in 10 people aged 65 and older, and 50 percent of those 85 or older. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. Without a cure, the Alzheimer's Association estimates that between 11 million and 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2050.
75). What You Need To Know If Your Mother Had Breast Cancer
If your mother had breast cancer, you have an increased chance of developing it yourself. Knowing your family history, understanding your personal risk, getting appropriate screening tests and making lifestyle choices are important steps toward good breast health, according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
"If breast cancer runs in your family, understanding your risk and how to approach your breast health is important to both your physical and emotional well-being," says Cheryl Perkins, M.
76). Single-Dose Oral Antiviral Therapy Found To Accelerate Healing Time Of Cold Sore Outbreaks
You sense a tingling on your lip that, in a day or two, turns into a red blister. It's a cold sore and it's difficult to hide or get rid of easily.
With approximately 100 million episodes of recurrent cold sores occurring annually, all too many Americans are familiar with this common condition. Cold sores, medically known as herpes labialis, are an infection of the mouth area with the herpes simplex virus.
77). Breaking Mold's Grip On Your Home
Your walls may be alive-and not with music. Mold spores growing in your home can cause allergic reactions in you, your pets and your kids. Fortunately, it can be easy to banish mold from your house.
The issue of mold continues to be an important topic to builders, homeowners and governmental agencies. Of late it has reached an even higher level of awareness, as plans are made for rebuilding the Gulf Coast.
78). The Image of MS
What does multiple sclerosis (MS) look like? The answer is not simple. However, a new photo exhibit is challenging public perceptions about MS, and helping put the disease in focus. In doing so, the exhibit is meant to encourage those with symptoms of MS to seek early diagnosis and treatment.
The exhibit, called "The Image of MS," was photographed by famed photographer Joyce Tenneson and was recently on display at New York City's Grand Central Terminal.
79). Triathlete Triumphs Over Epilepsy
Like its name suggests, the Ironman Triathlon is a race for only the most extraordinary, iron-willed athletes. The grueling individual endurance event begins with a 2.4-mile swim, is followed by a 112-mile bike race and culminates in a 26.2-mile run.
Between April and October of 2005, Mark Ashby completed the Ironman Arizona and the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, in addition to five half-Ironman triathlons.
80). Caring For Mom And Dad As They Grow Older: What Baby Boomers Need To Know About Geriatric Health Care
I often get letters, like the two below, from Baby Boomers who are caring for aging parents and trying to find health care that meets the unique needs of older people. Finding the right kind of care can seem daunting, but a little information and some key resources can help tremendously.
Q: My 81-year-old mother recently fell and was rushed to the emergency room.
81). New Drug May Offer Ways To Tame Menopause
Since it was discovered that the risks of hormone therapy outweighed the benefits, scientists have been searching for a safe, natural way to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
Participants are currently being recruited for a follow-up clinical trial of a treatment known as MF101 developed by Bionovo, Inc. In its initial clinical trial, MF101 provided women in the study with preliminary evidence of relief from such symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats, without the risks associated with hormone therapy.
82). Tips For Choosing Boat Insurance
Unlike home or auto insurance, boat insurance policies can vary widely from one company to the next. So which type of boating insurance is best for you? Try these tips. They come from experts at the nation's largest recreational boat owners association, BoatU.S.
• Know Thy Insurer-One way to find a good insurer is to ask friends who have had a claim in the past.
83). Sisters Help Cancer Research
Lois Catrambone's sister Norma died of breast cancer. Now, Lois is joining with thousands of other women to help researchers find the causes of breast cancer through the Sister Study.
Is breast cancer caused by something women come in contact with at work, at home, in their communities or in the products they use? That's what the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, is trying to answer.
84). A Mother's Battle With Advanced Colon Cancer
In the fall of 2003, Bridget Beranek, a 44-year-old wife and mother of two young girls, was gearing up for a busy holiday season filled with family functions, parties and shopping. So when she began to lose her appetite and energy, Bridget initially chalked it up to holiday stress.
When the New Year came and went, but Bridget's symptoms were still present, she knew it was more than stress.
85). Skipping Or Stopping Pills Could Be Risky Business
In today's world, a visit to the doctor can be more complicated than a simple checkup. Patients often leave the doctor's office with a laundry list of information, medications and unanswered questions.
It can be confusing to understand how and why to take your medications.
Sometimes people do not take their medicine as directed by their doctor, or fail to keep taking it for as long as they should.
86). Will There Be A Boom In Eye Diseases As Boomers Turn 60?
In a year where an estimated 2.8 million baby boomers will celebrate their 60th birthday, age-related eye disease has become an important health issue.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) reminds Americans 60 and older that early detection through a comprehensive eye exam can prevent or slow vision loss due to cataracts and other age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
87). New Free Guide Highlights How Uninsured Americans Can Get Free Or Discounted Medicine
More than 45 million Americans, or one in seven, need help paying for their medicine, and many are not aware that there are programs available that can help people get the medicines they need-programs that may provide medication at a fraction of the cost or even for free.
To help consumers learn about these government and private programs, Merck & Co.
88). Your Antibiotic: One Day to 10 Day Options
When you're sick, listen to your mother: go see your doctor and find out what illness you have and how to get better. If you're diagnosed with a bacterial infection, your doctor can provide a host of treatment options, which may include antibiotics.
To treat a bacterial illness such as sinusitis or an ear infection, your doctor might prescribe a regimen of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and help you feel better faster.
89). Cutting Prescription Drug Costs
There are a number of ways to cut prescription drug costs-without sacrificing safety or effectiveness. Try these tips:
• What's In A Name?-Finding generic versions of name-brand drugs can cut costs by a significant percentage. For instance, people who take one of the more popular cholesterol-lowering drugs could save about $175 per prescription if they stuck to the generic versions.
90). Exercise: Your Good Health Is Counting On It
Did you know that everything that gets you moving can and will contribute to your health-from walking to a high-intensity aerobics class?
Research shows that regular exercise can lower the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and certain cancers. And exercise helps people manage a great number of other health issues, including depression and anxiety, arthritis, osteoporosis and maybe even dementia.
91). Medication And Therapeutic Activities Can Make An Important Difference In The Lives Of People With Alzheimer's Disease
Many people understand that getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and treatment with an FDA-approved prescription medication may help slow the progression of the disease's symptoms. But did you know that caregivers can complement treatment with activities that may help reconnect their loved ones to daily life?
"In addition to obtaining a diagnosis and beginning medication, it's important that caregivers plan activities to share with their loved one, like playing games and going on outings," explained Eric Pfeiffer, M.
92). What You Know About DVT Could Save Your Life
Learning more about deep vein thrombosis, or DVT-a condition that affects two million Americans every year-could save your life.
DVT is a blood clot that develops in the deep veins of the legs or pelvic area or, on rare occasions, the arms.
It is not usually life threatening but it can become so if a blood clot breaks loose, becoming a pulmonary embolism (PE).
93). New Resource For Information On Genetic Or Rare Diseases
An unexpected diagnosis of a serious illness often comes as a shock to people receiving the news, as well as their families and friends. When the disease is rare or genetic, information is hard to find and even harder to understand. Patients and their loved ones may waste hours sorting through outdated, unreliable information before finding anything useful.
94). Tips For Getting Over Colds
People in the U.S suffer about one billion colds annually, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While that statistic is nothing to sneeze at, there is news that may bring many cold sufferers at least some relief: The right steps can help make colds easier to bear. Try these tips:
Catching A Cold?
A cold usually comes on slowly.
95). Annual Water Well Checkup And Water Test Make Sense
What if your doctor never did an examination or test until you became critically ill?
That may sound crazy but in much the same way, many water well owners rarely, if ever, have their wells checked until something goes wrong-even though occasional maintenance might prevent problems.
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends that well owners get an annual maintenance checkup and water test.
96). Make Sure You Know The Rules
One goal you may want to set this year is to understand your health plan rules, especially those for prescription medicines. Even if you didn't change health plans, your plan's rules may change at any time and in ways that impact your access to medicines and how much you'll have to pay for them.
While most people have a sense of how to use their insurance for doctor's visits, many overlook the benefits that cover prescription medicines.
97). Assessing Your Health: Sleep May Be More Important Than You Think
If counting sheep is not working for you, here are some facts you may want to sleep on-chronic sleep deprivation can do more than make you tired. It can significantly affect your health, safety, performance, and lifestyle.
Most people are surprised to learn that sleeping less than six or seven hours a night can increase their mortality risk more than smoking, high blood pressure or heart disease.
98). Diabetes And Blindness
More than 18 million Americans suffer from diabetes. But, some may not be aware of the serious damage it can have on the eyes. With more than 5.3 million Americans already diagnosed, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people aged 20 to 74.
Diabetic retinopathy weakens the small blood vessels in the retina. Retinal blood vessels can break down, leak, or become blocked, impairing vision over time.
99). Careful! Those Extra Pounds Could Hurt Your Eyes
Here's news that may inspire many to look to lose weight. You've probably heard a lot about the dire consequences of being overweight-which 60 percent of Americans are-and now research from Harvard suggests that those extra pounds may be bad for your eyes.
Researchers think some nutrients needed in the retina in the eye may not get there because people are either not eating enough foods that contain these nutrients or, when these nutrients are consumed, they stay stored in body fat.
100). Is There A Preferred Way To Detect Breast Cancer? Both Digital And X-Ray Film Mammograms Can Help Save Lives
In 2006, more than 250,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This deadly disease will claim the lives of more than 40,000 friends, neighbors, mothers and daughters. These are staggering statistics.
However, breast cancer death rates are going down. This decline is largely attributed to the benefits of annual mammograms that enable physicians to detect cancer at its earliest stages, and improved treatment programs that help patients better manage their cancer.
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