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Wade Gibson Profile and Articles
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101). New Laws Make Finding Allergy Treatments More Difficult
Pollen is in the air and a fierce allergy season is underway, affecting an estimated 36 million Americans with seasonal allergies. Many sufferers with stuffy noses or watery eyes will visit their pharmacies for relief, but this year they may not find their familiar medications on store shelves.
Many states have restricted access to some popular over-the-counter treatments for nasal congestion because they contain pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in decongestant medications that has been used to make illegal drugs.
102). The Best Help With The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Could Be Online
No one missed the recent launch of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Countless newspaper and TV stories have chronicled the complex programs and the difficulties that many people have had finding the best plan to help them get the drugs they need.
However, many older Americans aren't using the detailed medical information available on the Internet.
103). New Solutions
There's good, bad and better news about women's health these days.
The good news is since the liquid Pap test was introduced a decade ago, the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased 24 percent.
The bad news: Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STDs).
The better news: A vaccine that protects against the high-risk strains of HPV will soon be available.
104). New Treatment For Blocked Arteries May Save Limbs
There's good news for people at risk for limb amputation due to complications from diabetes: A new laser procedure has been shown to be highly successful in "salvaging" limbs, thus providing a new alternative in the fight against amputation.
More than 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)-a common condition in people with diabetes.
105). A Sleepless Nation 70 Million Strong
A new report by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine shows that between 50 and 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep problems, and according to the United States Surgeon General, sleep deprivation and disorders cost the nation $15 billion in health care expenses and $50 billion in lost productivity each year.
A lack of sleep can take a toll both psychologically and physically, from daytime sleepiness to weakened immune systems.
106). The Facts About Caring For The Fabulous Foot
If several hundred tons of pressure seems like a lot to bear, that sum may help you appreciate how hard your feet work.
An average day of walking brings a force equal to several tons of pressure to bear on your hardworking feet. That may explain why your feet are more subject to injury than other parts of the body.
The human foot is a biological masterpiece.
107). Allergies Can Be A Real Pet Peeve
As many owners will confirm, pets are more than animals living in their house. They are part of the family. For allergy sufferers, this bond often means that it will take more than a stuffy nose and sneezing to separate them from their favorite Fido or feline.
An estimated 10 percent of the population is allergic to pets. But because more than 70 percent of U.
108). New Medicines Available To Treat Rare Diseases
Since 1995, America's pharmaceutical research companies have made great strides in fighting rare diseases. More than 160 new medicines to treat rare or "orphan" diseases have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the last decade alone.
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 6,000 rare diseases afflict a total of 25 million Americans.
109). New Booklet Offers Tips On Back Pain
At some point, back pain affects an estimated 8 out of 10 people. It is one of our society's most common medical problems.
A number of factors can increase your risk for back pain. They include:
• Age: Back pain becomes more common with age.
• Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit.
• Diet: A diet high in calories and fat can lead to obesity, which can put stress on the back.
110). Can Depression Be A Sign Of Something More?
Have you taken more than one antidepressant but are still feeling depressed? Are you frustrated that your depression keeps coming back? You are not alone. Many people are first told that they have depression or anxiety when, in fact, they actually have a different medical condition. Of these people, one in two will first be told they have depression, one in four will be told they have anxiety.
111). Gaucher Disease: Learning The Truth
A simple test could help diagnose and treat a genetic disease that can cause severe debilitation. Yet nine out of 10 people most at risk for the condition do not even know it exists.
The condition, called Gaucher disease, can affect all people, but is primarily seen in Jewish populations of Eastern European descent. The carrier rate for these people may be as high as one in 15 and the rate of the disease in the general population is believed to be about one in 100 to 200 people.
112). Tales From the Gym: "My Personal Trainer Was Killing Me"
Nobody expects to hire a personal trainer and be left in worse shape than when they started, and yet it happens. Most health clubs are careful to check for certifications, but not all do.
There was the Minneapolis trainer, for example, who encouraged his class members to jump three feet into the air. (One person shattered a tibia and another sprained an ankle.
113). Walk Your Way To Better Health
There's a workout that you do every day, even if you don't know it. Of all the ways to stay fit, walking is the easiest, safest and cheapest. If you've been walking most of your life, you may be an expert at it already. It's a natural movement-no fighting the way your body was designed to move-and there's almost no risk of injury. You can start with little more than a good pair of walking shoes.
114). Treating Fibromyalgia
An estimated 11 million Americans are afflicted with fibromyalgia-and 90 percent of them are women.
Symptoms can include aches and pains, fatigue and sleep disorders. Because no one is sure what causes this condition, it has been difficult to treat.
However, there has been some progress in relieving the associated aches and pains. In a recent clinical study, 90 percent of the participants reported significant improvement after using a new spray made from seven essential oils.
115). 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.
116). Resources For Caregivers
If you're an older person who could use a little help or a caregiver helping an older person, knowing where to turn for assistance can make all the difference.
Home repair, transportation, nutritional meals and employment services are just a few of the many resources that can help older persons live independently for as long as possible.
The Eldercare.
117). A New Family Planning Alternative
Deciding when their family is the right size-or how to make sure it stays that size-is a personal decision that many women may find easier to make in the years to come.
For women who have decided that they do not want any more children and feel ready for a permanent form of birth control, "getting your tubes tied," or tubal ligation, is no longer the only option.
118). Revolutionary Treatment Brings Hope To Sufferers Of Osteoporosis-Related Spinal Fractures
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, yet for the 44 million Americans at risk for osteoporosis, many are often unaware that they have the disease until they fracture a bone.
Imagine experiencing back pain so severe that daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs or grocery shopping are no longer possible. For Nancy Zacherl and many of the 700,000 others suffering from spinal fractures each year, this is a reality.
119). Cycling Legend Greg LeMond Champions The Fight Against Diabetes
In 1986, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the largest single annual sporting event in the world, the Tour de France. LeMond went on to taste victory again in the 1989 Tour de France, and again one month later in the 1989 World Championships. Then, as a final coup before retiring from competitive cycling, LeMond won another historic Tour de France for the third time in 1990.
120). Providing Respite For The Family Caregiver
Progress is being made on the homefront for those caring for family members suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. Currently, about two-thirds of Americans with those conditions are cared for at home.
As the disease progresses it carries with it a tremendous burden, both physically and psychologically on the family members-usually the husband, wife or partner--who are doing the caregiving.
121). A Workout For People Who Don't Want To Work Out
There's good news for people who want to watch their weight without giving up watching TV. Now there's a new workout for couch potatoes and people who think they're too busy to find time to stay fit.
With time at a premium, many Americans are turning to creative forms of exercise. In a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the North American.
122). New Technology Breaks Through Cancer Pain
Cancer patients fraught with painful flare-ups, or breakthrough pain, may soon receive assistance in the form of a new, easy-to-use oral adhesive disc.
Chronic cancer patients frequently experience two types of pain: persistent and breakthrough. Persistent cancer pain is defined as continuous pain present for long periods of time.
Breakthrough pain is brief and often severe, and can afflict patients already taking medication for persistent pain.
123). Breathe Easy: Control Allergens In The Home
Mention respiratory allergies and asthma and most people think of the outdoors. The bad news is the allergens that affect most people are actually indoors and cause problems year-round. The good news is people allergic to indoor allergens can often control them.
Dr. James Meyer, a pulmonologist who treats allergy and asthma patients in Iowa, says in addition to obtaining treatment, patients should keep floors and other surfaces clean and dust-free, capture as many airborne particles as possible and control the relative humidity of the home.
124). Joint Discomfort And Flexible Thinking
For millions of Americans, joint pain means more than just discomfort. It can prevent sufferers from doing such common, everyday activities as opening a jar and typing on a keyboard; in extreme cases, even walking becomes difficult and painful. When the joints ache, it doesn't matter if you're 35 or 65, it's hard to be at your best.
Fortunately, it's possible to promote joint comfort and movement by nourishing and protecting your joints.
125). Tips On Interacting With The Blind
Blindness affects one in every 30 Americans, meaning that chances are you're going to encounter someone who has impaired vision. Not everyone knows the proper way to behave around people with impaired vision.
The most important thing to remember about the blind is that they're just like anyone else, only they can't see. That, first and foremost, should determine how you treat them.
126). A Fighting Chance Against Ants In Your Home
No matter where you live in the United States, you have probably encountered ants in your home. In fact, with nearly 12,000 ant species roaming nearly every landmass on earth, there are few places ants have not been.
Like many insects, ants are not picky eaters. Most rely heavily on both plants and animals for food; some are especially attracted to sugary and greasy foods.
127). Think You Need New Glasses? You Might Have Cataracts
Many seniors think that new glasses and a stronger prescription are all they need to regain the vision of their youth. In fact, cataracts may be the cause for the decline in vision. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 and older. More than half the people over age 65 have some degree of cataract development.
If you think you might have cataracts, call EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program.
128). Protect Your Family And Pets Against Shared Threats
On one hand, there are many ways having a pet can contribute to your health. Pets offer emotional support, help people exercise and assist the disabled.
On the other hand, pets (and other animals) can also spread diseases to people. Called zoonotic diseases or zoonoses, they can be especially dangerous for young children and people with certain medical conditions.
129). Knowing And Reducing Your Risks For Stroke
You can protect yourself from stroke. That's just as well, considering every 45 seconds, someone in the U.S. has one. It kills about 160,000 people a year, mostly women; annually, about 40,000 more women than men have strokes and over 60 percent of all stroke deaths occur in women.
It's important to know the risk factors, some of which are preventable and controllable, and to recognize the symptoms so that many of the serious side effects can be avoided.
130). Eliminating Barriers To Colon Cancer Screening
There is good news for those concerned about colon cancer. Physicians know that colon cancer screening saves lives. Yet an estimated 148,000 Americans, both women and men, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and every year approximately 55,000 will die-the nation's second deadliest cancer. Yet, it's believed most of these deaths could be prevented through proper screening.
131). New Effort To Verify Supplement Labels
There's news that may make concerns about the safety of dietary supplements easier to swallow. While millions take them each year, many consumers don't realize that supplements, which include vitamins, minerals and other nutritional products, are not regulated by the government as stringently as medications.
Fortunately, steps are being taken to make sure that what's stated on the label is what's actually contained in the product.
132). After Cancer Treatment:Health Tips Everyone Needs To Know
If you or someone you know has a history of cancer, it is important to be aware of the potential health consequences from cancer and its treatment. Frequently, patients and families are not informed or do not recall discussions that occurred during the stress-filled days after diagnosis about such potential problems as pain, depression, infertility and other physical and emotional changes.
133). Stand Up For Your Feet
Most people walk nearly 115,000 miles in their lifetimes-the equivalent of walking around the world five times.
One person who knows the toll life can take on someone's feet is Katy Rowland.
"Foot care should be a number-one priority, especially for the more than 20 million Americans with diabetes," she said. "Diabetes can cause changes in the skin of the feet and nerve damage which impairs the sensation of feeling.
134). Relieving Headache Pain
Pressure around the eyes, throbbing pain, a tight band around your head-we can all recognize the onset of common headache symptoms, but did you know that different types of headaches should be treated differently?
"Headache pain can be disabling and make it difficult to accomplish the simplest of tasks," said Lindsey Stephens, pharmacist and director of best practices for Medicine Shoppe International, Inc.
135). Increasing Accuracy and Patient Comfort With Digital Mammography
There's encouraging news for women. Not only is it becoming easier to catch and treat breast cancer in its earliest stages, but new technologies are making the process of diagnosing the disease more comfortable for the patient-and more accurate as well.
The National Cancer Institute recommends mammography screenings every one to two years for women over 40 and annually for women over 50.
136). Care For Caregivers
If you're caring for an aging parent or facing the challenges of assisting a loved one or friend who is chronically ill, disabled or elderly, you are not alone. You are one of the 22 million Americans who care for an older adult. Caregivers provide 80 percent of in-home care, but unlike nurses and home health aids, they are unpaid for their labor of love.
137). A 10-Year Drive To Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a highly treatable disease that now has a survival rate of 85 percent. Yet more than 212,000 women are still diagnosed with the condition each year.
Since early diagnosis is an important key to successful treatment, doctors say it's important that all women over the age of 18 do a Breast Self-Exam (BSE) every month, two or three days after their menstrual cycle.
138). Hollywood Heart Attack: A Potentially Deadly Myth
It is often said that a very important matter is "serious as a heart attack." This is rather ironic, since many Americans don't take heart attacks seriously enough-by knowing the warning signs or how to respond.
About 1.2 million Americans a year suffer a heart attack and more than 40 percent of them die. Nearly half of all heart attack deaths occur before the person reaches the hospital.
139). New At-Home Test Aids In Cancer Screening
There's encouraging news for the millions of Americans at risk for colon cancer. A new, easy-to-use fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is available for at-home screening and is designed specifically to detect colon cancer at its earliest stages.
Hemoccult ICT is a new, safe and affordable FOBT screening option for colon cancer-the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
140). Try These Warm-Weather Foot Health Tips
With more opportunities to feel the grass beneath your feet and take barefoot walks along the sand, the warmer months of the year can also be an excellent time to lavish some extra care on your feet.
During the warmer months, people are reminded to protect and prepare the entire body and that includes the feet, which are often the most neglected part of the body.
141). Have You Had A Conversation Of The Heart With Your Doctor?
It's time for women to start doing more of what they're already good at-talking. But even though most women think they have the gift of gab, there's always room for improvement. Especially when it comes to talking to your doctor about an issue close to your heart-heart health.
A conversation of the heart may be one of the most important conversations you can have with your doctor.
142). Putting Together Pieces Of The Heart Disease Puzzle
Despite many advances in heart disease, it continues to be a large public health threat in the United States.
More than 70 million Americans have heart disease. One American dies from heart disease every 34 seconds. Nearly half of the population will suffer a heart attack or stroke in his or her lifetime. As the American population ages, the number of people with heart disease will likely increase.
143). Picking A Prescription Plan: You Can Do It!
If you have decided to sign up for Medicare Part D, here's some healthy advice: "The first thing to do," says Judy Cahill, executive director of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, "is make a list of all the prescription drugs that you currently take, either on a regular basis or from time to time." If you have any questions, call your pharmacist.
144). Preventing Medication Errors In Radiological Services
With over 300 million radiological procedures performed in the U.S. each year and "X-ray" and "MRI" now household terms, a trip to radiological services may seem trivial to many people. However, don't take these visits lightly. There is a high percentage of harmful medication errors associated with visiting such diagnostic and treatment centers.
In.
145). Kidney Disease Risk Factors Go Unaddressed
Significant risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not being addressed in the United States, according to a report of the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP).
This report summarized health information of 37,000 individuals who are at risk for kidney disease. Risk factors include diabetes, hypertension or a family history of kidney disease.
146). Mixing Pain Medicines Is Risky For The Stomach
Many people as they age take aspirin to help prevent heart attack and stroke. But a recent study found that mixing pain medicines may be risky. It showed that taking aspirin with common pain relievers may harm the stomach. These include Advil® (ibuprofen) and Aleve® (naproxen).
This study looked at health records of close to 50,000 people with pain.
147). Exploring The Benefits Of Visiting A Radon Spa
Vacationers travel the globe in search of pleasant retreats that offer fitness and rejuvenation. From mud baths to sweat lodges, health-inspired getaways include the hollowed mountains of the American west. Here, radon spas occupy old mineral mines for underground relaxation.
Bedrock throughout much of the U.S. and the world often contains small amounts of uranium.
148). Clinical Trials Offer Hope For Parkinson's Patients
More than six million people worldwide, including one million in the United States, live with Parkinson's disease-a chronic, degenerative, neurological disorder that is characterized by symptoms that typically progress from mild tremors to significant physical incapacitation.
Despite modest advances in pharmaceutical and surgical therapies, there is no known cure for Parkinson's.
149). National HIV Testing Promoted By AmeriCorps
The idea of taking control of your own health is a big part of the National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps program. It was the first national AmeriCorps Program focused solely on HIV/AIDS. The program grew out of President Clinton's initiative to encourage young people to serve communities in exchange for educational awards and a small living stipend. The program is funded through a unique partnership between the federally funded Corporation for National and Community Service and private supporters including the MetLife Foundation.
150). Health And Wellness
By reading food labels and making nutritious choices for their dogs, "pet parents" can help ensure that their canine companions enjoy longer, healthier and allergy-free lives.
More than 50 percent of dog owners feel their pet suffers from some sort of allergy. While such reactions can be caused by seasonal environmental factors, they are more likely caused by food sensitivities year-round.
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