Herbs are a foundational root in medicine and health treatments, dating back thousands of years throughout every culture around the world. Modern Western herbalism comes from ancient Egypt. The Greeks developed a comprehensive philosophy of herbal medicine by 100 BCE and the Romans built upon it to create a variety of medical practices, some of which are still used today.
Psychological hardiness is an individual’s resistance to stress, anxiety and depression. It includes the ability to withstand grief and accept the loss of loved ones. Alternative medicine is a more popular term for health and wellness therapies that have typically not been part of conventional Western medical approaches but are often used along with conventional medicinal protocols. Coping and dealing with stress in a positive manner play a major role in maintaining the balance needed for health and well-
Interest in complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing as consumers and health care professionals search for additional ways to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. Some of these remedies include:
St. John’s Wort. More than 30 studies show it to be effective for treatment of mild forms of depression,…
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are holistic approaches to healthcare that address the entire body and treat the individual’s mind and spirit, not just symptoms of illness. CAM continues to grow in popularity. More than 30 percent of American adults and 12 percent of children use CAM, according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH).
Leukemia is a form of cancer that occurs in the blood cells. The National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute says with leukemia, cancerous blood cells form and crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says there are four types of leukemia:• acute myeloid leukemia (AML); • chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); • acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); and • chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Pet owners can attest their four-
Mental health is linked to oral health, and vice versa. Good oral health can enhance mental and overall health, while poor oral health can exacerbate mental issues. Likewise, mental conditions can cause oral health issues. The connection between them is direct, cyclical and, when oral health is neglected, detrimental.
Diabetes may cause serious problems with keeping your mouth healthy and having an attractive smile. The disease causes difficulties in the mouth, and problems in the mouth may cause trouble with diabetes. With diabetes, glucose is present in the saliva. When diabetes is not controlled, increased glucose in the saliva allows harmful bacteria to grow. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most widespread chronic inflammatory condition worldwide, says Dr. Wayne Aldredge.
Oral health is often taken for granted. The mouth is a window into the health of the entire body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. Systemic diseases – those that affect the entire body – may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems. Regardless of age, oral health is very important. Positive oral health leads to improved overall health. More Americans today are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives.
Gingivitis is a common, mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. It can lead to a serious gum disease called periodontitis and tooth loss. The American Academy of Periodontology says up to 30 percent of Americans may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene.
Whether your smile needs a little boost or a complete makeover, Adkins Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is your place to be. Dr. Ruth Adkins offers excellence in beautiful, healthy smiles. Adkins Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides a complete range of general, family and cosmetic dentistry. Services range from simple fillings and tooth whitening to implants and complete smile design. No patient is too young and no patient is too old. “We love all ages, and our variety of team members have unique qualities….
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. Joints are places in the body where bones come together. They are crucial to good health because they hold the skeleton together and support movement. Among the bone diseases humans face, bone-
According to hearing health providers, nearly one in five Americans age 12 years and older – 48 million people – experience hearing loss severe enough to hinder communication. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent age-
As you age, you may notice wrinkles and brown spots on your skin. Aging makes skin more prone to dryness. Your skin also becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth. Cuts and bruises might take longer to heal. How skin ages will depend on several factors: your heredity, lifestyle, diet and other personal habits, such as smoking. Sunlight is another major cause of skin aging.
For some seniors,getting a good night’s sleep is an everyday challenge. Some sleep specialists recommend seniors sleep about seven and a half hours on average, while others say seniors need to get as much sleep as they always have to function at their best. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) convened experts from the fields of sleep research, anatomy and physiology as well as pediatrics, neurology and gerontology to reach a consensus from the broadest range of scientific disciplines.
When Anne Combs decided to downsize from her home of 64 years, she knew she wasn’t physically able do it on her own. Her two daughters were more than willing to help, however, one lived and worked in Cincinnati and the other, though living in Lexington, had a busy job and other family obligations. Moving and downsizing was going to be overwhelming for all three of them.
Total body mass includes both fat and muscle. Both have an effect on metabolism. You can distinguish between muscle and fat mass by using a bioelectrical impendence instrument, which measures opposition to the flow of an electric current through body tissues. Muscle and fat have different water content so electrical currents flow through them at different rates of speed. Researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2014 found greater muscle mass and the metabolic….
As we age and life begins to slow down, we enter into a new and exciting chapter of our lives. Yet there are many unknown variables at this stage of life that can quickly take us from new adventures to serious challenges, including health issues, living arrangement changes and more. We are pleased to spotlight a local business dedicated to bringing solutions to help meet these challenges of aging.
Finding a senior living community for a loved one can be difficult and can cause loved ones and family members great frustration and, often times, disappointment. That is what Susan Neville, owner of Lexington’s newest Senior Living Placement service, saw when she was working in the industry over the last 8-
It has been over 35 years since the city of Lexington built its first senior center. This dedication to seniors has continued over the years. On Sept. 15, 2016, a newly constructed senior center opened to meet the needs of a growing senior population. But are you aware this is not the only center built specifically for seniors in our city? Lexington has a rich history of programs that have been set aside for the aging population. Some centers are located in historic buildings.
Life doesn’t have to end with the cessation of driving privileges, does it? I took this thought to a church group that was meeting at my home for a Kentucky Derby party. These members of Guardian Angels Parish in Cincinnati were all seniors, ages 66 to 90 years. These men and women attempt to face life with courage, kindness and consideration for others. Like many of their generation, they have previously experienced their own personal struggles, some with parents who are no longer safe on the road.
Infertility means being unable to get pregnant after at least one year of trying (or six months if the woman is over age 35). Infertility results from female factors about one-
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It reveals itself through symptoms such as hopelessness, pessimism, irritability, guilt, helplessness and decreased energy or fatigue lasting at least two weeks or longer. About twice as many women as men experience depression. Several factors may increase a woman’s risk of depression.
What happens now? That is a question you could ask after surviving a heart attack. How do you take care of yourself afterwards so that there is no repeat? According to Family Doctor (www.familydoctor.org), a heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies because it does not receive enough oxygen. The blood in the coronary arteries carries oxygen to the heart muscle. Most heart attacks occur when a blockage slows down or stops the flow of blood through these arteries.
How do you feel when you look in the mirror? Do you feel confident and comfortable in your body or shameful and insecure? It’s easy to find flaws when you’re trying on new clothes or taking a serious look at your physique, but the way you perceive your body makes a huge difference in your mental health and the way you show up in the world. Height, shape, weight – all your physical features are under your own judgment, and your attitudes toward them make up your body image.
What women tell their daughters about menstruation seems to be a generational thing. If you were born 65 or more years ago, your mother either told you nothing or gave you a lecture in such detail that you had no idea what she was talking about. If you were born in the 1990s or later, your mother probably told you all about it in terms she understood. Maybe you understood, maybe you did not.
During the first five to seven years after menopause, women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density. This increases the risk for osteoporosis, falls, fractures and broken bones. But these risks can be prevented by taking care of your bones through middle age and beyond. This includes taking vitamin D, cutting back on caffeine, not smoking and exercising, especially doing high-
Weight loss, particularly massive weight loss (MWL), may give a person a new lease on life, creating motivation for increased socializing, providing new efforts at work and perhaps bringing an exciting new lifestyle. There is a downside to MWL, which comes in the form of redundant skin and fat everywhere on the body. After MWL, the skin and tissues usually lack the elasticity to keep a shapely figure and reduced body size. Body contouring, a procedure that alters the shape of the body, provides….
Cosmetic procedures can entail surgery, lasers or injections. All come with risks. Approximately 0.5 percent to 4 percent of all patients have some sort of problem. Although this is a small percentage of negative outcomes, when considering nearly 15 million procedures were performed in the United States in 2013, this means there were at least 600,000 patients who had problems, if not more.
Plastic surgery is a specialty involving the restoration, reconstruction or alteration of the body. There are two main categories of plastic surgery. One is reconstructive surgery, which includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery and the treatment of burns. Reconstructive surgery aims to reconstruct a part of the body or improve its functioning. The second type of plastic surgery is cosmetic or aesthetic surgery that aims to improve appearance.
Liking who you are is a critical factor in self-
Plump, augmented lips and blood techniques were all the rage in 2017 for cosmetic surgery. While many of last year’s trends will carry over into this year, 2018 will bring new procedures. Here are a few of them:
Micro-
While exercise has long been known for its positive effects on physical health and its ability to heighten energy and help manage chronic health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, exercise is now being lauded for its beneficial effects on the brain. These benefits touch almost every aspect of life. Exercise helps sharpen short-
Life has numerous turns and twists. Women encounter many stages of growth and change, from puberty and menstruation to giving birth to menopause. All these rites of passage create emotional ups and downs. Because of these factors, women may have a greater susceptibility to depression. Indeed, depression occurs in women at approximately twice the rate of men.
David Brabon is a plastic surgeon. In his practice at Rockcastle Hospital and Respiratory Center in Mount Vernon, Ky. – the largest respiratory care center in the United States – he removes skin cancers from faces and hands and rebuilds shattered noses, among other tasks. He has learned to not only encourage others but to maintain his own mental well-
A calm mind is worth its weight in gold, especially in this day and age. There are more bills, emails, tweets, kids running around and relationships in need of time than ever before. Everybody needs to learn how to catch their breath and relax. Techniques using the breath to calm the mind have been around forever. While these techniques are widely known and accessible, many people feel they don’t even have the time to learn about them, let alone develop a daily practice.
Many people experience depression at some stage in their life. People have stressful and busy lives, and when major events occur that add to that load, they can go beyond just feeling miserable and down. The episode may only last a short time before you return to feeling more like your usual self, but if the stress continues, you may begin to feel overwhelmed.
Discerning whether someone you love has an eating disorder can be complicated. You may easily mistake the warning signs as their good-
If you were told to feed your mind, what would you grab? An apple, a book or sneakers? Grab the apple and sneakers. Eating healthy and exercising act as fuel and protection for mental health. But how do you decide what type of apple or which brand of sneakers to get? Similarly, mental illness comes in many varieties. There are over 200 types of mental illness. Sadly, one in five Americans will suffer from mental illness every year, while around 8 million Americans will have depression.
Almost everyone has fears, but when fears become severe, they cause anxiety and interfere with normal life. This is called phobia. A phobia is an intense fear of something that actually poses little or no real danger. People with phobias have an overwhelming need to avoid any contact with the specific cause of the anxiety or fear.
Americans must develop a better awareness of bone health and wellness. The National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and National Resource Center (2015) suggests by 2020 half of all Americans over age 50 will have weak bones unless people make changes to their diets and lifestyle. People who have weak bones are at higher risk for fractures. With scientific and technological advances, people are living longer, and this means their bones need to stay strong so they can be active and enjoy life as they age.
What scientists know but most patients don’t is that mammography isn’t the infallible tool we want it to be. In fact, the harder one looks, the more cancers one will find – but most will be harmless and will never threaten any woman’s life. When an anomaly is found on a mammogram screening, a biopsy follows. Good news comes for some women when the biopsy results reveal no sign of cancer. But what is the actual screening result?
Every year, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. The majority of these resolutions focus on diet in attempts to lose weight and be healthier. A new year is the perfect time to jumpstart a healthy diet to make the changes you want to see for yourself throughout the year. However, research shows 80 percent of resolutions fail by February. Many people strive for unrealistic goals, which ultimately set them up for failure.
As we kick off 2018, you may be thinking about resolutions pertaining to your health and fitness. It’s easy to determine some ways to improve your physical, mental and emotional well-
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is a very common condition in children. It causes red, irritated, sticky eyes. Its main symptom is swelling and redness of the clear layer (conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eye and the lining of the eyelids. Pinkeye is very contagious, and breakouts can sweep through preschools and playgrounds quickly.
When it comes to planning for a new and improved you in the New Year, it is important to take one step at a time. “You need to transform your brain before you transform your body, so we need to get people to think right,” said Joe Olliges, owner/operator at Trainer Joe’s. Through a 90-
Recent advances in neuroscience have effectively put an end to the nature-
Do you struggle to stick to an exercise plan? Maybe you start out with ambitious fitness goals, such as completing a half marathon or conquering CrossFit, but the fun stops once you’ve got your new running shoes and have stocked up on workout gear. Starting a workout program is motivating and exciting, until all of a sudden ... it isn’t. When you see a workout as hard work, it’s easy to lose momentum and eventually throw in the towel on fitness altogether.
The turn of a New Year is the perfect time to consider what’s on your plate (literally) and set goals for positive change. In 2017, over 21 percent of Americans had “lose weight/healthier eating” as their top New Year’s resolution. Unfortunately, many people tend to set unrealistic weight-
The purpose of any type of stretching is to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Just as there are different types of flexibility, there are also different types of stretching, and each has its own purpose. With static stretching, you elongate your muscle to its fullest – usually until you feel slight discomfort – and then hold that position. This includes touching your toes or pulling your arms across your chest to stretch your shoulder. Basically, you reach the point of tension and hold the stretch in that state.
Yeast has already given us bread, wine and beer, but in the very near future it may be a new painkiller. Researchers at Stanford University have genetically engineered baker’s yeast to act on sugar so that in three to five days the sugar is converted to hydrocodone. In the same general way yeast can work on sugar and turn it into alcohol, the engineered yeast can take sugar, break it down and reassemble it into an opioid drug, according to the researchers.
With the holidays coming up, the highlight for many people during this season is gathering with family and friends and enjoying favorite holiday treats. Here are some tips that will help you enjoy your holidays to the fullest while not increasing your waistline.
Only 8 percent of individuals achieved their resolutions in 2016, according to Statistic Brain. This is likely due to most people having unrealistic expectations about the speed, ease and consequences of the resolutions they make. People attempting self-
The holidays are a wonderful time to gather with family and friends to celebrate. These celebrations often consist of many delicious treats and hardy meals. You can still maintain a healthy diet with a little thought and planning in advance. Research from a recent Web-
This is the year you’re doing it: eating properly while enjoying the holidays. The holiday season is upon us, and with the festivities comes time for renewed effort on the part of the person with diabetes – to eat within the guidelines but still celebrate. The same advice could be given to every American. Twenty-
The holidays bring joy – and sadness – to many people. On the positive side, the holidays boost health for about a month, making people feel better. The holiday spirit helps people rest, relax, improve sleep patterns, reduce blood pressure, strengthen relationships and live longer. They can even work wonders for the libido. Now, in something of a first, scientific principles have been used to explore the extent to which holidays really do make people feel better.
A recent Stress in America survey showed 24 percent of American adults report extreme stress, and more than one-
The holiday season can take a toll on your skin. From non-
Many beloved holiday traditions and products can be toxic. Home decorations are largely unregulated and may legally contain lead or phthalates in quantities the Consumer Product Safety Commission prohibits in children’s products. If a product is not labeled as intended for children, it is not subject to lead, cadmium or phthalate restrictions. Lead exposure is an established risk factor for hypertension, infertility and diminished IQ in children.
On average, people spend roughly half their monthly income – about $830 – on holiday gifts. One in three people use credit cards and add to their personal debt over the holidays. As a country, we spend trillions of dollars during the holiday season. For many years, there has been a growing, worldwide minimalist movement that extends to Christmas consumerism. Nearly one in 10 U.S. families didn’t exchange holiday gifts in 2014, according to MarketWatch.
According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75 percent of adults wear some sort of vision correction. People wear eyeglasses for different reasons. Some people are nearsighted and cannot see objects far away, while other people are farsighted and cannot see objects close by. Eyeglasses offer corrective vision for people who have difficulty seeing.
It is that most wonderful time of the year—no, we are not talking about Christmas. It’s Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Season. Yes, it’s the time of the year when we stress and spend hours on the phone or online shopping for health coverage. The pain of having to shop health coverage, spend hours on the phone or online with one company vs another for our health insurance can be a daunting task. It does not matter if you are on Medicare or looking for your personal insurance, this can be one of the most….
When you consider what defines healthy eyes, among the criteria is good vision. The American Optometric Association says the term 20/20 vision is used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. Visual acuity is usually measured with a Snellen chart. It’s likely everyone has seen the Snellen chart – usually starting with a huge “E,” .....
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fat can benefit your eyes. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal 87 percent of Americans are not meeting vegetable intake recommendations and 76 percent are not eating the recommended amounts of fruits.
If you want to protect your vision, you need to eat more healthy foods. Some of these include:
More than 3 million people in the United States have dyslexia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dyslexia is a cluster of symptoms that results in a language-
“After lung cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer there is for women, and it is on the increase,” said Dr. Art McLaughlin, oncology radiologist at Baptist Health Women’s Diagnostic Center in Louisville.Taking charge of your health is your best defense against this known killer. “The American College of Radiology, the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all recommend annual screenings,” said McLaughlin.
Balance and equilibrium help us know where we are in the world. They are controlled by signals the eyes, the inner ear and the sensory system send to the brain. The relationship between the inner ear vestibular and visual systems begins at birth; the vestibular system is the only fully functioning system we are born with. This system guides movement, which in turn guides the development of the visual system during our first years.
Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders that can damage the eye’s optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can result in vision loss and blindness. It is often linked to a buildup of pressure inside the eye, a condition called ocular hypertension. However, it can also occur when intraocular pressure is normal.
Both opticians and ophthalmologists play a pivotal role in helping you keep your eyes healthy. If you’re not sure how the specialties differ, you’re not alone. The National Consumers’ League conducted a survey that revealed about 30 percent of consumers nationwide don’t know the difference between the two professions. An optician is a specialist who fits glasses and makes lenses to correct vision problems, using prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
Dr. Rick Graebe, OD, FCOVD, and Dr. Regina Callihan, OD, offer the general optometric services, tests and treatments you’ll find at most eyecare facilities, from computerized eye exams for both children and adults to top-
“It’s all in the eye of the beholder,” or so the saying goes. Cataracts obstruct the vision of the beholder. But the condition may be markedly improved by a simple surgical procedure.
As Americans age, some conditions develop that must be treated to live well. One of those is cataracts. A cataract may be present in one or both eyes.
What scientists know but most patients don’t is that mammography isn’t the infallible tool we want it to be. In fact, the harder one looks, the more cancers one will find – but most will be harmless and will never threaten any woman’s life. When an anomaly is found on a mammogram screening, a biopsy follows. Good news comes for some women when the biopsy results reveal no sign of cancer. But what is the actual screening result?
Brain cancer is a very serious form of cancer. Recently, Sen. John McCain revealed he has been diagnosed with a primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – the most aggressive type of brain tumor. GBMs originate in the brain; it does not spread there from another part of the body. The cause is not known. This tumor has no relation to melanoma, the skin cancer for which McCain was treated in the past.
Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for cancer. It kills healthy cells along with cancer cells, inflicting damage on the body and seriously compromising the immune system. Chemotherapy also kills most rapidly dividing healthy and cancer cells, but not all the cells are fast growing. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cancer cells that are slow growing and thus resistant to treatment, do not die. Chemotherapy makes these cells even more numerous as the ratio of highly malignant cells….
For many women facing cancer, the most devastating aspect is learning they may lose their hair due to chemotherapy. “Most women tell me that as soon as they hear the oncologist say, ‘You’re going to lose your hair,’ that’s the last thing they remember hearing,” said Eric Johnson, co-
Some cancers can be found through early detection, which can reduce the chances of the cancer growing and spreading throughout the body, according the American Cancer Society. Cancer screening looks for cancer before the individual displays any symptoms. There are a variety of screening tests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best.
Gastric or stomach cancer begins when cancer cells form in the mucus-
Many people ask what “eating clean” means. This common question has a simple answer. Eating clean is eating foods that are natural and healthy instead of unhealthy, processed foods. It means trying to embrace more whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as healthy proteins and fats. The Mayo Clinic describes eating clean as a way of living that lends itself to improving your health and well being.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The chances of getting cancer increase with age, obesity, tobacco use and many other risk factors. Cancer is caused by the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells that develop from precancerous lesions into malignant tumors. This process is caused by three external agents: physical carcinogens, chemical carcinogens and biological carcinogens.
The pancreas is a 5.9-
Research from several sources indicates vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dietary fiber can protect against a variety of cancers. Studies conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) indicate the benefits of eating mostly foods of plant origin, such as broccoli, berries and garlic. The research showed these foods have some of the strongest links to cancer prevention.
Gluten is a particular kind of protein that is not found in eggs or meat but is in barley, rye, wheat and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). Going gluten-
Just what is in the food we eat? Considering the food chain, did you know adding antibiotics to food dates back to the 1940s? Antibiotic use has led to a dramatic reduction in illness and death from infectious diseases, yet there is a downside to this practice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others encourage health care professionals and patients to use antibiotics more wisely and seek education and understanding about both the risks and benefits of using them.
Are you a person with cancer who wants to create a safe, comforting place to express your feelings about dealing with the disease – a place where you can be yourself and find solace? Perhaps you want to write stories about your experience with cancer and how it is affecting you. Do you want to gain deeper insight into who you are and what this illness is about? For any or all of these reasons and more, a journal may be a satisfying and helpful instrument.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are food crops that have been genetically modified in some way. This is different from cross-
Since 2012, meal kit delivery has become a $400 million market that is projected to increase tenfold in the next five years, according to the food industry research and consulting firm Technomic. Currently, there are more than 100 meal kit delivery services nationwide with new ones starting all the time. Will one of these services work for you? The commonly advertised appeal of these services is convenience: Have all the ingredients and a recipe delivered to your home – no shopping necessary.
Have you noticed? Look around and you’ll see a majority of Americans who are either overweight or obese. Look in supermarkets and you’ll see a plethora of food products, many of them processed or high-
For farmers, free-
Genetically modified foods bring some controversy to today’s consumer. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as plants, animals or microorganisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. When a gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism in a laboratory, the result is a GMO. This is also sometimes called “transgenic” for transfer of genes.
When it comes to snacking, we often think of foods that are high in added fats or sugar. But there are many other snack options if you choose wisely. Regardless of how many snacks your meal plan includes, the key to controlling blood glucose and avoiding weight gain is portion size. Here are some healthy snack ideas for diet success:
Some men look in the mirror and regard a receding hairline with distress, wondering if there is a cure for baldness. Currently, the only truly effective medically proven way to arrest hair loss is to lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. DHT is a form of testosterone that regulates beard growth and hair loss. Higher levels of DHT produce fuller beards at the cost of male pattern baldness. Lower levels of DHT ensure a full head of hair at the cost of the inability to grow a beard.
Many people enjoy visiting various Web sites and apps that challenge the brain by luring them deeper and deeper into cyber space. Cyber addiction comes in several forms, but all impact the brain. The past two decades have acquainted many people with the concept of hacking. It is why people strive to protect their computers and smartphones from outside sources trying to break in to steal information, implant malware and preocupy their lives.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than one in three adult men has heart disease. Men around the age of 55 years are more likely than women to experience a heart attack. Men often ignore the symptoms of a heart attack because they are uncertain about what they are feeling and don’t want to be embarrassed by a simple diagnosis, such as heartburn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 percent of men who die from coronary heart disease....
Here are a couple of important questions for men concerned about their health and wellness: Do you drink too much? Are you able to say “no” after having a few drinks? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 89,0000 deaths in the United States yearly. Men are more likely than women to drink to excess, and men have consistently higher rates of alcohol-
Men, are you feeling sad and withdrawn? Do you notice you are not being social these days or you’re working all the time? Are you drinking too much? These may be clues that you have depression. And you may be at risk for suicide. Depression affects men and women differently. For men, depression may be marked by unhealthy coping or escapist behaviors; too much drinking; or controlling, resistant, abusive behaviors such as reckless driving.
Osteoporosis, which means porous bones, is a condition in which the bones become weak and are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is often called a silent condition because people do not notice any symptoms until a fracture occurs. Although it is often considered to be a woman’s health concern, 12 million men are at risk for osteoporosis and may have early signs of bone loss and low bone density, or osteopenia. While fragility fractures are less common in men, when they occur, they can be associated with higher rates of.....
A person can be addicted to sex just as he can be addicted to alcohol, drugs or gambling, says Paul F. Schmidt, Ph.D., one of only a few licensed clinicians in Lexington who have sex addiction certification. Sex addiction can start with a variety of behaviors that often lead to an increasing amount of deviant behaviors. As with any other addictive substance, some people can engage in these behaviors without becoming addicted to them and others cannot.
The prostate is a walnut-
It is well known men are wired differently than women when it comes to emotions. Emotion is a complex psychological state that involves three distinct components: a subjective experience, a physiological response and a behavioral or expressive component. Are women “wired” to be more emotional than men? Not exactly, but new research provides more evidence that the male and female brain may have very different ways of processing emotions.
Heart disease kills millions of Americans each year. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which leads to heart attacks. One way to reduce your risk of CAD is to make some lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, stress management and physical activity. Physical activity is an essential part of being heart healthy. The American Heart Association (AHA) says you need at least 150 minutes of moderate....
There are an estimated 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, a testament to the more than 25-
If you’re looking for a safe, effective program that will help you get toned, become more flexible or lose weight, personal training could be for you. A personal trainer will teach you proper form and technique to keep you safe and injury free. But first, he or she needs to know what your goals are – whether you want to lose weight, get healthy and tone up or train for bodybuilding, fitness competitions or powerlifting. Perhaps you’re an older person who wants to work on balance and stability.
If you suffer from migraines, you’re not alone. “Migraine is the third most prevalent illness in the world, affecting about a billion people, which is about 18 percent of American women,” said Cathy Glaser, president of the Migraine Research Foundation. Since migraine is a complicated disease, all women are affected differently. “‘Migraine’ is an umbrella phrase,” Glaser said. “A woman might get menstrual migraines during a certain point in her menstrual cycle or a migraine with aura, a hemiplegic migraine,......
Ancient thinkers waxed poetic over how men’s and women’s hearts differ, but there are actual anatomical differences that impact diagnoses and treatments of the heart. Here are some ways men’s and women’s hearts differ: Size and Structure. Women’s hearts are smaller and, at 118 grams, weigh 60 grams less than men’s. Their veins are 1 millimeter thinner than men’s, making them more sensitive and liable to shrivel. The finer veins in a female heart make it work harder.
Cancer that starts in the cervix (the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina or the neck of the womb) is called cervical cancer. It is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but because it develops over time, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancers. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can be caught through sexual contact with someone who has it. (Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer, however.) Other risk factors include....
Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months – the time in a woman’s life when the ovaries cease to function and she can no longer reproduce. It is a gradual process that can occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s, though the average age is 51 years. As a woman reaches menopause, her menstrual periods may occur more frequently or they may get farther and farther apart before stopping altogether. Common symptoms of menopause include fatigue, hot flashes, mood changes, stress, irritability.....
Are you pregnant and planning for the birth of your child? Your pregnancy may be a special experience for you and your husband or partner as you welcome your new baby into the world. You could consider having a midwife assist you with your pregnancy, particularly through labor and delivery. Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) provide for delivery in a birthing center or at home. Using a midwife makes for a less costly experience.
Irregular periods are medically known as oligomenorrhea. A woman may have irregular periods from the time she starts menstruating during puberty until she stops at menopause. Oligomenorrhea can occur due to improper diet, anorexia, weakness, stress and intense exercise. To combat oligomenorrhea, it is best to avoid foods and drinks that contain sugar, caffeine and saturated fats because they can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance.
What is Thermography? You may be surprised to learn that thermography is not a new technology. It’s been around for 30 years and is backed by hundreds of peer review studies. The way thermography, or thermal imaging, works is based on how cancer cells grow. Typically, when cancer cells are growing and multiplying in a tumor, blood flow is very fast in that area. Increased blood flow makes skin temperature increase. This rise in skin temperature is what breast thermography is aiming to detect.
Like many Americans, do you believe heart disease affects mostly men? In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease, according to The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women, written by members of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is one of several cardiovascular diseases that affect the heart and the blood vessel system. Others include stroke, high blood pressure and rheumatic heart disease.
Summer is finally here, and you want to get your weight down and be in the best shape ever. This summer, make it your mission to reach your weight-
There are so many misconceptions about weight loss and diets that it can be hard to know what to believe. Here are some common weight-
You have worked hard and been disciplined with exercise and diet to achieve your ideal weight. However, you may find you have excess skin that lingers as a reminder of how your body was in the past. Excess skin causes many health problems and contributes to poor self-
When it comes to weight loss, what you eat is a far more important factor than exercise. The benefits of exercise can be obliterated by a poor diet. What foods should you eliminate from your diet to ensure you lose weight and keep it off? Refined Sugar and High-
When you are educated about what to expect and have a plan in place, you can look and feel better after extreme weight loss. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports about 70 percent of Americans are overweight, and more than one-
Obesity and weight management are the focus of many people’s lives. Recognizing people have struggled for centuries to manage weight, the challenges continue to present problems in the 21st century, and they are getting worse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an annual increase in obesity at the rate of 11 percent for the past five years. Weight-
You may read all kinds of articles on the Internet about natural weight loss, but not all of the suggestions in these articles work. Here are a few easy ways to lose weight naturally
Avoid processed food. These are usually high in added fats, calories and sugar. They make you eat as much as possible.
“Stubborn” belly fat can be the toughest to lose when you’re working off excess pounds. But sometimes it’s just chronic bloating, not abdominal fat. It’s important to distinguish between fat and bloating because the latter can indicate of a variety of health problems. Addressing a “big belly” with the wrong approach could exacerbate the issue and/or symptoms. Some individuals may have chronic stomach bloating. There are four factors to consider in order to determine whether a large belly is due to fat or bloating.
You have heard the saying that we all need each other. And that is what accountability groups are all about. An accountability group is a collection of people who support and honestly report to each other on the way to accomplishing a common goal – such as making it through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) or sticking to a diet. Do such groups work? The short answer is yes. The Carrot Sticks is a low-
Commercial diets have become all the rage, although they are systemized and often expensive. Weight Watchers is listed among the best of these diets. Pros of this plan include the freedom to eat what you want. No food is off limits, so this gives you the flexibility to shape your own diet. One of the cons is participation can be pricey, though this program is often considered to be a good investment. The program gives every food and beverage a smart points value. Foods with higher saturated fats and sugar levels....
Many people feel like a vibrant spiritual life is out of reach. They aren’t even sure they want to reach for it. We hear friends talk about trusting God, having peace with God, even hearing from God. We have relatives whose lives are shaped in positive ways by their faith. Neighbors have confidence that they will live in a better world after this one. But, at least so far, what transforms others hasn’t convinced us. “Maybe,” we whisper, “God is for other people but just not for me. Perhaps God is like a square peg and I’m a round hole.
Some people love the great outdoors and are willing to pitch a tent in the nearest glade and set up a rustic campsite. Other people prefer to camp with all the comforts of home in an RV or trailer. (This is often called “glamping.”) Whatever your preference, being prepared is essential for a safe and successful camping trip. “Being prepared for emergency situations is critical when people are out in remote areas with limited access to phone service, hospitals and emergency help,” said Don Lauritzen.
Kids these days are heading down the path leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and that makes it important for adults to spark a passion for activity in them. This will keep their bodies, brains and development on track. Summer is the right time to get them moving.
Here are five ways to encourage your kids to live and love an active and healthier lifestyle outdoors.
Are you looking for something that can provide your children a very special opportunity? Something that at the same time will allow them to experience stimulating sensations? The place you seek is right here in Lexington on the campus of the University of Kentucky. The Arboretum is Kentucky’s state botanical garden and includes the Home Demonstration Garden, the Rose Garden and the Fragrance Garden. Start your exploration with a stop at the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Friday....
Lexington doesn’t lack things to do! Check out these fun family activities.
INDOOR FAMILY FUN CENTERS
• Champs Entertainment Complex – roller skating, laser tag and laser maze, black light mini golf and arcade. 297 Ruccio Way
Kentucky state parks offer countless treasures, from world-
Here are some Kentucky sites that are overseen by the National Park Service:
Having fun and beating the heat this summer may mean spending time with your kids swimming. However, before getting into the pool, lake or ocean, it is important to know about swimming safety and to take appropriate precautions to prevent any accident or injuries. “Keep in mind, drowning is silent,” said Chris Vitale, RN, MSN, injury prevention manager at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
With summer quickly approaching, you’re probably looking for family friendly activities in which everyone can participate. Instead of planning a big family vacation, you could choose to take a few fun day trips. These trips are usually less expensive and less time consuming than a full-
It’s time for fun in the sun. But with summer comes some risks. Follow these tips to stay healthy and happy this season. Sun Protection. Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is harmful to the skin. It can cause a sunburn or, worse, skin cancer – the most common type of cancer in the United States. Protect yourself and your children by wearing hats and clothing that cover exposed skin when going to the lake, beach or pool. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and surrounding skin. And don’t forget the sunscreen.
A love of learning and reading will serve your child a lifetime. Reading is one of the essential school components that helps your child reach his or her full potential. Reading encompasses the essences of writing, vocabulary, learning and understanding. That is why it is so important for your child to enjoy reading. Libraries are a great way for children to discover reading.
A healthy, nutritious diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent weight-
A balanced healthy diet should contain a variety of nutritious foods and sufficient vitamins and minerals. Such a diet can help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of many diet-
Sodium is an essential mineral for life. It is regulated in the body by the kidneys. It helps control the body’s fluid balance, affects muscle function and helps send nerve impulses. An Australian study showed the brain responds to sodium in the same way it responds to substances such as cocaine and heroin, which may explain why we tend to overindulge in high-
Larry’s lunch companion watched as he ate a huge hamburger and gobs of French fries. Then he ordered sugar-
“If one simple thing could energize you within hours, soothe crankiness and fatigue within days, allow you to finally shed extra pounds and dramatically reduce risk of heart attack and stroke, you’d say it is magic, would you not?” This simple something is real, says Ann Fittante, MS, RD, in her book, “The Sugar Solution.” The answer, she maintains, is in taking charge of your blood sugar.
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, about 52 percent of Americans take dietary supplements – but should they? Since the 1940s, study after study shows little evidence of any benefits gained from taking vitamins and supplements. They are not intended to replace foods because they cannot provide all the nutrients whole foods do. Whole foods are complex and contain many nutrients.
How many times have you gone out to eat with the intention of ordering a healthy dish, only to change your mind after you’ve heard what everyone else has ordered? There are a few reasons we do this. Sometimes it’s a matter of will power. When everyone else is ordering burgers or pasta, suddenly your salad doesn’t sound as appetizing. You give in because the other options sound too good to pass up.
“Toxic” foods aren’t like instant poison; they have an accumulative affect with long-
Making lifestyle changes is not a task you should complete alone. This is especially true when you change to a healthier diet. “The best success occurs when the entire family is working on it together and supporting each other,” said Dr. Stephen Daniels, pediatrician and spokesman for the American Heart Association. Even your youngest family members can hop on board as you encourage them to emulate you. You are a role model, so your child takes note if you eat healthfully or take an evening walk and is likely to follow suit.
Breakfast, the first meal of the day, is also the most important meal of the day. It helps provide an initial boost of energy. A systematic review concluded eating breakfast is associated with a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese and a reduction in the body mass index of children and adolescents. Let breakfast rule your life. Keep these strategies in mind as you get ready to start your day.
We’re often told how important it is to stay hydrated. Water is one of the essential elements involved in the proper functioning of the body, helping it perform at its optimal level. Instead of sugary beverages such as sodas, drink more water to support a healthier body and brain. Sodas are one of the major sources of added sugars in the diets of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A diet soda seems to be a health-
We all have fitness questions, whether we’re new to working out or have been at it for a while. Here are the answers to some common fitness questions. How Often Should I Work Out? Everyone should commit to working out a minimum of three days a week to see results. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of high-
Do you want to live a long and healthy life? Be strong and agile as you age? Enjoy life into your 90s? The key to a lengthy, prosperous life is exercise. No matter your age – whether you’re 16 or 65 – you should begin now with an exercise program or step up the one you already have. Studies have shown exercising on a regular basis is part of a healthier and more rewarding senior life. Staying active may affect how long you live and how energetic and vital you remain. Exercise provides a kind of health insurance.
Kevin Balcirak is not playing around when it comes to fitness and health.
For the past 20 years, Balcirak (pronounced Ball-
Are you looking for an easy form of exercise that gets you outside and moving? Biking is low impact and causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise. It’s also gentle on the joints and is a good muscle workout because when you pedal, you use all the major muscle groups. Unlike most sports or types of exercise, biking is easy and does not require high levels of physical skill, making it an ideal exercise for any type of body at any fitness level.
When you’re choosing shoes for a particular activity – be it running, tennis or aerobics – being practical and comfortable are the two most important things to consider. “We recommend a gym shoe that is close toed and has a non-
Walking is an ideal, simple and easy way to lose weight, get active and become healthier. People who completed 150 minutes of brisk walking a week – the amount recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) – lived 3.4 years longer than those who didn’t.
Here are five reasons walking is good for your health:....
Your body builds muscles and recovers all through the day, not just at the gym. So eating well-
Researchers at the University of Maryland have found adults with mild cognitive impairment improved their brain function by adding exercise for brain fitness. Dr. Carson Smith, a professor in the department of kinesiology at the University of Maryland School of Public Health in College Park, said, “We found that after 12 weeks of being on a moderate exercise program, study participants improved their neural efficiency.”
Spring is finally here. It is the perfect time to jump start a running program. The weather will be getting warmer so it is a wonderful time to get outdoors and take a run. Half-
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a continual low mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities and a deep feeling of sadness. Depression is a persistent problem, not a passing one; the average length of a depressive episode is six to eight months. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. The WHO estimates 350 million people are affected by depression globally.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and 44,193 Americans die by suicide annually, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Kentucky, which ranked 16th of all 50 states, was slightly above the national average of 13.26 per 100,000 people at 17.06.
Celebrities aren’t the only ones who can utilize the expertise of personal trainers. Whether you are a beginner or advanced when it comes to fitness, there are definite advantages of seeking guidance from a personal trainer. It is even more affordable than you probably believe. The Lexington Athletic Club lists 10 reasons for hiring a personal trainer, including motivation, consistency, safety, individualized instruction, effective workouts, supervision, sports-
Being a teenager is not easy. They are under stress to do well in school, make big decisions, get along with family and friends and be liked. Most of these pressures cannot be avoided, and it is very normal for teens to worry about them. However, feeling persistently hopeless, sad or worthless may be warning signs of a mental health problem.
The term schizophrenia may only be about 100 years old, but the existence of this mental illness can be traced back to 2,000 years before Christ. Schizophrenia is a modern modification of a Greek term that meant “to split the mind” and described the fragmented thinking of people with this disease. Today, schizophrenia is understood as a serious brain disorder in which someone cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imaginary.
Mental health affects how we act, feel and think as we cope with life. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-
Anger is a common emotion everyone experiences. “Anyone can become angry; that is easy,” Aristotle wrote. “But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way … that is not easy.” In most situations, it’s clear why people become angry, but other times, anger stems from an underlying feeling of fear, vulnerability or powerlessness. It can also be a defense mechanism against feeling hurt. Anger, like any other emotion, conveys a message....
Life is emotionally messy. Sometimes we need professional help to work through certain issues. When you need help, how can you know which is the best type of therapy for you and your situation? General counseling is the most prevalent form of therapy because it’s helpful to everyone at some point in his or her life. It involves talking with a therapist. The degree and depth of talking varies between the different types of counseling.
Depression can make you feel helpless, but along with some medication and therapy, you can do a lot on your own to deal with it. Changing your way of thinking, your behavior, your physical activity and lifestyle are all natural ways to cope with depression. It’s more like a Catch-
As the nation continues to face high levels of stressful experiences, families are susceptible to mounting pressures from numerous sources. Raising a family can be rewarding and demanding even in healthy social and economic climates, so stressful times can make it much more challenging. The American Psychological Association (2016) says 73 percent of parents report family responsibilities as a significant source of stress. More than two-
The results of two new randomized and controlled mental health research studies demonstrated that just one dose of psilocybin produces significant long-
Better understanding of the type of depression a person experiences could improve the effectiveness of treatment choices and the management of depressive symptoms. Depression is typically diagnosed based on verbalized symptoms patients experience. This relates to the way the symptoms are assessed and the accuracy of patient reporting.
Did you ever dream of finding the Fountain of Youth? Well, you can discover it, in a way. Look for the next best thing: Exercise. Anxiety disorders are rampant. They are the most common psychiatric illness in the United States, surpassing depression. Exercise figures prominently in the treatment and relief of anxiety and related disorders. It has been touted as a life extender for centuries. You constantly hear or read the message about its many benefits.
That 3-
Emily burst into her parents’ bedroom one night, crying and moaning. “I think I’m dying,” she gasped, clutching her chest. Her heart was pounding wildly and sweat soaked her nightshirt. Her mother called 911 when Emily fell to the floor in a daze. This was not some exotic West African disease; this was a panic attack. Daniel Watson, MSW, LISW, says depression was at one time the most common mental health problem in the United States.
While anxiety brews in your worrying mind, it has many undesirable affects on your body as well. Stomach aches, muscle pain, skin irritation, full-
One of the greatest joys of a person’s life is becoming a parent. Parents enjoy watching their children develop, learn and play. However, those carefree days don’t last forever. Children eventually leave the nest and become adults themselves. They grow up and find careers and their own ways in life. While the children are out creating their own lives, it is the perfect time for parents to begin to explore the activities they always wanted to do, as well as try new things.
Depression is a difficult diagnosis, not only for those who suffer from it, but also for their family members and friends. It’s tough to see a loved one unhappy and unmotivated, struggling with his or her mental state every day. You want to do everything you can to help him or her get back to his or her normal self and find the joy in life again, but what can you say and how much can you intervene without making things worse?
Mark* suffers from depression. “I have times when I am more down than others, but the [down] feeling is always there,” he says. He remembers only two occasions in his life when he was entirely free of that feeling. One was when he was elected to his local school board, a post he held successfully for years. The other was when he was best man at a friend’s wedding. “On those two occasions, I felt I totally belonged and [was] accepted,” he says.
Mental illness is a broad term. It may describe a child born with Down syndrome. Children who develop autism are defined as having a mental health disorder. Schizophrenia is a major public health problem worldwide. Alzheimer’s and numerous other dementias that beset humans as they age are frequently referred to as mental illnesses.
The facts are frightening. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and adolescents are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience bullying, depression and homelessness; to engage in alcohol use and unsafe sex; and to attempt suicide. The facts are also encouraging. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports parental responses to LGBT adolescents can have a tremendous impact on the child’s current and future mental and physical health.
The Louisville Courier-
It’s a real blessing to live in an age where competent dentistry is available to everyone. Poor dental hygiene accounts for many of our ancestors dying by age 40 years and, in many cases, in a lot of pain. Pediatric dentistry has become its own specialty over the years. Infant through adolescent teeth have their own special needs and focus compared to their adult equivalents. Pedodontics, the original term for pediatric dentistry, begins an ongoing dental history from the appearance of the first tooth....
The first set of teeth is mostly formed at birth. These teeth hide under the gums. They hold the space where eventually the permanent teeth will be, allowing them to grow in straight. When your child’s new teeth first appear, clean them by rubbing them gently with a wet washcloth; later you can use a child’s toothbrush. Don’t allow your child to sleep with a bottle; this can leave juice or milk on the teeth, causing cavities known as baby bottle tooth decay.
To floss or not to floss – that is the question. This is the dilemma people are facing, especially after reading about the latest change in dental guidelines for Americans that was released in August 2016. The change is based on certain reports that say the evidence of any benefits of flossing is very low quality or weak and unreliable because of fewer research studies and small sample sizes. Recent reviews concluded flossing is not very effective in plaque removal and reduction of gum inflammation.
Do you smoke? Did you know smoking is one of the most sig-
More and more people are becoming aware not only of the aesthetics but the health benefits associated with a beautiful smile. This has motivated many individuals to seek orthodontic treatment, otherwise known as braces. Braces are about functionality and the way the teeth fit together. “The way the teeth meet affects their wear over a period of a lifetime,” said orthodontist Dr. DeWayne McCamish, who is also president of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Everyone has a dry mouth occasionally, but when dry mouth persists over time, it can become a problem. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is fairly common and can range from being annoying to being a serious source of tooth decay. It can cause infection in the mouth and poor nutrition because of problems with chewing. It may also be an impediment to good overall health, not just oral health.
Do you want to have a brighter smile? Tooth whitening can be an effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of its surfaces. There are various tooth-
Children may not realize it, but parents know bad breath is a matter for concern.
The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. Although this condition may be temporary, it can be a source of embarrassment for your child. Bad breath can have many causes. Here are some of those causes and suggestions for overcoming bad breath problems in your children.
Toothbrushes become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva, oral debris and toothpaste while removing soft debris and plaque from the teeth. So dentists recommend rinsing the toothbrush thoroughly with tap water following brushing, though you still need to disinfect and sterilize tooth-
The decision about whether to invest in dental implants can be a big one. Given the low grade of dental care still rampant in many underde-
Diabetes is linked to increased per odontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone supporting the teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed. It is a serious infection that, if left untreated, leads to tooth loss. For diabetic patients, it can be life threatening. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than others; more than 70 percent of diabetic patients also have periodontal disease.
Oral cancer is often thought of as a disease that strikes older people or heavy smokers. But it is shocking for many people to learn non-
In order to have a healthy, bright smile, it is important to have regular dental exams and practice good dental hygiene. These are necessary for preventing gum disease and reducing the risk of tooth loss or dental problems. Proper dental hygiene not only is good for your teeth, but also has numerous other health benefits. Regular dental care isn’t expensive, but having a dental difficulty can become very expensive. That is why it is imperative to perform one of the main preventative actions: Brushing your teeth.
Dentophobia – fear of the dentist – is fairly common. According the UK Adult Dental Health Survey, about one in 10 people suffers from dental phobia. Significant fear affects 10 percent to 20 percent of U.S. adults. For some, this fear prevents them from seeking proper dental care.
In the quest for good dental hygiene, you may find yourself trying to decide between using a manual or an electric toothbrush. “A hygienist would say everybody should have an electric toothbrush,” said Dr. Patricia Takacs with Beaumont Family Dentistry. “You can’t push it too hard; it does what we can do with our drills; it polishes like we can polish; it can get below the gum line. But I still use manual toothbrushes.”
Some groundbreaking innovations in dentistry will soon be available at a den-
Liquid Diagnostic Technique. Tooth decay, or dental caries, has two stages: an initial non-
Dentophobia – fear of the dentist – is fairly common. According the UK Adult Dental Health Survey, about one in 10 people suffers from dental phobia. Significant fear affects 10 percent to 20 percent of U.S. adults. For some, this fear prevents them from seeking proper dental care.
Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is partly due to a lack of exercise and sugary diets. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes kills more than 71,000 people a year. If the current state continues, one in three Americans will have diabetes by the year 2050. The condition over time can lead to limb amputations, blindness and kidney failure, among many other complications.
One guarantee that comes with diabetes is change, including changes in what you eat, when you eat and how much you eat at a sitting, in addition to taking new medicine(s). And one thing the stomachs and digestive systems don’t like is immediate change. The way the stomach feels, sounds and responds to these changes and the discomfort and pain in the gut caused by diabetes are not often discussed.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. In the United States, it is the most common cause of blindness in people younger than 65 years of age. High blood pressure can lead to many eye problems such as cataracts, blurry vision, glaucoma and retinopathy. Regular visits to an eye doctor are required if you have diabetes.
In 2007, scientists announced plans for a Human Microbiome Project to catalog the micro-
Bacteria in the gut produce vitamins and break down food. Their presence or absence has been linked to obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and the toxic side effect of prescription drugs.
Diabetes is an elusive illness. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes doesn’t matter: Both can kill. Proper education becomes imperative for success in dealing with this silent killer. If the body is unable to produce insulin, elevated glucose levels in the blood can mean drastic life changes, and sometimes even a shortened life.
Women who have never had diabetes but who have high blood glucose levels during pregnancy are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop, but these hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin. This is called insulin resistance. It makes it hard for the mother’s body to use insulin. She may need nearly three times as much insulin than before. Gestational diabetes starts when the body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy.
According to guidelines put in place by nutritionists and medical institutions, everyone needs to eat at least four to five servings of fruit daily. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says fruits are loaded with fiber, minerals and vitamins and should be part of a diabetes-
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s ability to use the energy we get from the food we eat. Glucose fuels the cells in the body. These cells need insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, in order to take in the glucose and use it for energy. Insulin allows the body to use the glucose from the carbohydrates in food for energy. The pancreas plays an essential role in maintaining energy levels by regulating this vital part of the digestive system. It is also a critical controller of blood sugar levels
The old Kentucky adage, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” is as true today as ever. The weather changes constantly in this region, no matter the season. To say our bodies are affected by the weather is an understatement for some people. Many people are more prone than others to environmental shifts.
So many things affect moods, but one certain variable is the change of seasons.
Noticing sudden weight loss, periods of extreme thirst, frequent urination and feeling tired and fatigued, a visit to your primary care physician reveals you have diabetes. This diagnosis can have both an emotional and psychological impact. You must deal with some significant lifestyle changes and dietary restrictions as integral components to diabetes management. The primary purpose of diabete management is to restore carbohydrate metabolism to normal levels.
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-
It staggers the mind to think about how many people have died throughout human history prior to the advent of antibiotics. Also known as antibacterials, these compounds either eradicate or slow disease-
People used to believe the ability to sing was a gift someone was born with. This belief changed with the 1967 publication of the book “Singing, the Mechanism and the Technique” by vocal coach, opera singer and anatomist William Vennard. Vennard studied vocal anatomy and developed a technique to help a singer’s ability. He said singing is not a “natural” skill but an art. The vocal cords are muscles and practice makes them stronger.
Although you may be battling diabetes, you still want to have a tasty but healthy holiday. How can you plan a good diet that will not compromise your diabetes? Here are some holiday hints that are meant for the person with diabetes but are appropriate for everyone:
Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by bacteria and viruses that are present in the air we breathe. The immune system usually fights these invaders off, preventing them from infecting the lungs, but there are occasions when the germs can overpower the immune system.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Usually it follows an upper respiratory tract infection, with symptoms starting after two or three days of having a cold or a sore throat. It then moves to the lungs. Fluid, white blood cells and debris start to gather in the air spaces of the lungs and block the smooth passage of air, making it harder for the lungs to work well.
According to experts, a drug made from tree bark is being combined with radiation therapy to cure cancer. The drug, called combretastatin, is derived from the bark of an African bush willow and leaves normal blood vessels untouched. It works by destroying developing blood vessels, which tumors generate to supply themselves. Used on its own, however, it leaves a “rim” of cancerous cells at the edge, allowing the disease to return.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to recognize and celebrate a nationwide annual campaign to give people more information about the disease. Breast cancer is the mostly commonly diagnosed cancer in women, according to the World Health Organization. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; fortunately, early detection and treatment virtually ensures a high survival rate.
The body is made of billions of tiny cells, and cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within the cells. Cancer starts when cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells, making it hard for the body to function optimally. It can start anywhere in the body and can spread to other parts of the body. Each cancer is different according to its biology and pathophysiology.
According to Richard Béliveau, Ph.D. at the University of Québec in Montreal and author of Foods to Fight Cancer, “All the studies on cancer and nutrition point to eating plant-
According to the American Cancer Society, your doctor can choose from more than 100 chemotherapy drugs to fight cancer. Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells in the body as the medicines target the dividing cells, but the normal cells in the blood, nose, nails, mouth, etc. also divide rapidly because chemotherapy affects them as well. The cancer cells cannot repair themselves well enough, but the healthy cells can repair the damage chemotherapy causes.
Breast cancer is a tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. It can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Detecting breast cancer as early as possible gives you a better chance of successful treatment. You can keep up with your breast health by knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. A sign, such as a rash, can be observed and recognized by a doctor or healthcare professional. A symptom, such as pain or tiredness, is something only the person experiencing it can feel and know.
For many people, their SMART phone has replaced their computer. Checking the weather, reading the news and emails, keeping up with social media and even typing documents are all done on a SMART phone these days. Using any electronic screen can cause eye issues, but staring at these tiny screens can make problems worse because the font is smaller. Here are a couple of difficulties you may encounter and ways to safeguard your vision.
The eye is a marvelous organ. Sight occurs when light rays enter the eye through the cornea. The cornea bends the light, which passes through the pupil, a size-
Once you’re in your 40s, your vision starts to change. You may need glasses to see up close; you may have more trouble adjusting to glare or distinguishing some colors. These changes are a normal part of aging. But you are also at higher risk for developing eye diseases and conditions such as age-
What does it mean to be visually impaired? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a visually impaired person’s eyesight cannot be corrected to a “normal” level. Visual impairment is the functional limitation of the eyes or visual system. Like the term legally blind, visual impairment is not a functional definition; it is a classification system. It does not tells us much about what a person can and cannot see.
What’s on your back-
It’s difficult to imagine life without sight. Each year, thousands of people lose the battle with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. The University of Kentucky Eye Research Fund supports work that helps doctors and scientists better understand and treat these diseases. The Susan Bradley-
About 80 percent of Americans will suffer at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (www.iasp-
Pain takes complex pathways in the body, making it difficult to alleviate. The signals the brain interprets as pain sometimes come from the body’s surface, such as when you get a cut. Other times the source of the pain signals is deeper – from damage to nerves, which can happen with a bad wound. A third type of pain can come from a misfiring in the brain.
The overuse and misuse of opioids is a serious health problem. From 1999 to 2016, more than 630,000 people died from a drug overdose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Around 66 of those deaths involved an opioid. In 2016, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids increased by five times the number of deaths in 1999.
For many people who are living with arthritis, managing pain is a part of daily life. Arthritis is a group of degenerative conditions marked by inflammation in the joints, which causes stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is caused by wear and tear over the years. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joints as if they were foreign tissues. Because of this, rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease.
“We treat all different kinds of pain and pain issues, whether the pain arises from an injury, illness or disease,” said Heather Wright, CEO of the Pain Treatment Center. “If someone has chronic pain and they are referred to us, we will work with them to manage or alleviate their pain. Pain medicine is a necessary specialty.” The Center started in the late 1980s with Heather’s father, Dr. Ballard Wright, an anesthesiologist. At the time, pain management was one of the newer disciplines in medicine.
For more than 50 years, scientists have studied toxins in the animal kingdom to create novel painkillers. The noxious chemicals several animals produce are potent and usually strike pain pathways. Animals produce two types of toxins: poisons and venoms. Poisons cause pain or illness when ingested. Venoms, which are injected via a bite or a sting, cause ill effects. Some of these toxins are analgesic, or pain relieving. Other toxins elicit pain. Researchers have experimented with these compounds....
The skin is the body’s largest organ. Its job is to protect against heat, sunlight, injury and infection. The skin has several layers; the two main layers are the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer). Skin cancer begins in the epidermis. With melanoma, malignant cancer cells form in melanocytes, the cells that cover the skin. The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) says melanocytes make a brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown color.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of many women each year. It is the second leading cause of death among women. In the United States, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Every 19 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with breast cancer. As of January 2018, there are more than 3.1 million women with a history of breast cancer....
Cancer involves abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. This process is very complex because of the multiple ways it affects each individual. More than 100 types of cancer affect human beings today. For some, early treatment may lead to a favorable resolution, while other cancer patients face extended and difficult challenges that do not offer an easy resolution.
Cancer is a devastating disease. You may wonder what is the best way to support a loved one or friend who has cancer. Even though you want to help, it can be tough to know what to say or do. It can be a frightening and stressful time for you as well as the patient. People develop various coping styles during their lifetimes to help them manage difficult personal situations. Some people are quite private, while others are more open and need to talk about their feelings.
One reason cancer is so devastating is it cons the immune system. Immune cells such as T-
I was born and raised in Lexington, Ky. I am a 53-
Men, are you aware of Dupuytren’s contracture? This condition occurs when fibrous tissue under the palm thickens and forms a rope-
With more than 20,000 nerve endings, the foreskin is the most sensitive part of the penis and the most erogenous part of a man’s body. The foreskin protects the glans – the rounded tip of the penis – and keeps it healthy, clean, moist and sensitive. It also protects the urethra from contamination. The foreskin also enables normal gliding during intercourse.
Most men need to pay more attention to their health. Men are more likely than women to smoke, drink too much alcohol, have risky behavior and put off regular check-
Testosterone is a male sex hormone mainly produced in the testicles. It is responsible for making men who they are physically. It gives men the hair on their chest and their deep voices. It regulates the sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength and is important for the production of sperm. Starting in his late 30s or early 40s, a man’s testosterone level begins to wane. Research has shown it drops by 1 percent to 2 percent a year after age 40.
According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org), an estimated 30 million people in the United States will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives, and 10 million of those people are men. If you’re a man who struggles with body image, you’re not alone. Body image may not be as widely talked about with men as it is with women, but since men make up a third of those who suffer from eating disorders, it’s clear plenty of men are….
We are all busy. Work, family, hobbies and daily distractions constantly vie for our attention. The everyday “need-
Here are some main health concerns for men, as well as some that are easily overlooked: Prostate Cancer This is the most common cancer among American men, except for non-
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. The Empowerment Series for Women with Cancer is designed to help free women from stress and fear as much as possible and provide answers to many of their questions.
These free programs, sponsored by Baptist Health Lexington, begin Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 110 Wilson Downing Road in Lexington.
Many people use headphones without knowing the negative health issues the devices can cause. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of headphones and ear buds has led to a major increase in the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents and young adults. Hearing specialist David A. Schessel, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Otolaryngology-
The ear has three main parts. The outer ear picks up the sound waves that travel down the ear canal. They hit the eardrum and cause it to vibrate. The middle ear is a closed space behind the eardrum that is normally filled with air, but sometimes fluid collects there, too. When sound waves hit the eardrum, the vibrations move three tiny bones, which then move sound into the inner ear. The inner ear, or cochlea, sends the sound to the brain as electrical signals via the auditory nerve.
Each person dealing with hearing impairment faces numerous challenges. Among these are psychological issues that may arise. One of the most serious challenges is the potential isolation from social experiences. A person with hearing loss may feel emotions similar to those Elizabeth Kübler-
Sound is measured in decibels (Db), which describes its intensity. Listening to any sounds at or above 85 Db for a prolonged period can damage hearing. About 40 million U.S. adults aged 20-
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines mental illnesses as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior or a combination of these. Mental illnesses are associated with genetic predisposition, biochemical imbalances, learned thinking and behaviors, distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Statistics on mental illness shared by the APA suggest:….
Inflammation, especially systemic inflammation, has been found to be a root cause of nearly every physical malady. Inflammation makes the immune system kick into hyper gear, often leading to damage. This cause-
While it has long been understood how challenging schizophrenia can be for the person suffering from it and for their loved ones, the fact that mental illness runs in families is often forgotten. The inheritance of the disease becomes tricky, as with many genetic diseases, because there is a likelihood of acquiring the altered or duplicated gene that creates schizophrenia. However, this doesn’t automatically mean the disease will manifest in the same way, if at all.
January – the beginning of a new year – is a good time to consider your mental wellness. “We all have mental health,” said Marcie Timmerman, executive director of Mental Health America of Kentucky. “It is a spectrum between how bad it might be, such as one bad day, or something clinically relevant.” Knowing the signs of mental illness is the first step to helping yourself or others. “Typically the line is when sleep, work or day-
It has been established that overweight individuals do not perform as well on tests of memory and visual-
Where are you on the emotional mental health spectrum? Do you feel good about yourself and have good relationships? Are you able to bounce back from setbacks, cope with life’s challenges and keep problems in perspective? Good emotional health is important to overall health and well-
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) strongly urges people to get a mental health screening – the earlier the better. The alliance reports approximately 50 percent of chronic mental health conditions begin by age 14 years and 75 percent begin by age 24 years. NAMI wants to bridge the gap between the time symptoms are reported and when people seek help. Early identification seems to be the clear answer. While you can always ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an….
Sixty percent of those with Alzheimer’s disease will wander at some point during their diagnosis. This is a significant safety concern for the more than 71,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Kentucky. A person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia may not remember his or her name or address and can become disoriented even in familiar places. In cold temperatures and winter weather conditions, wandering can be dangerous – even life-
With a new year in full stride, many of us are resolving to exercise more in 2019. It’s easy to be lured into taking supplements, shakes and other nutritional interventions to aid your fitness goals. Fortunately, sports nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Remember these three tips to assist with your active lifestyle.
Getting preventive screenings is one of the best measures you can take to promote good general health. If you are concerned you have a certain condition because it runs in your family or age group, there may be a test for it. It’s a good idea to have a bone density test if you are a woman approaching senior age.
If you’re not eating after a workout, you are missing a prime opportunity. A post-
Exercise, you say? No way! If you are like many Americans, you’re busy and think you don’t have time to exercise. You no doubt have a sedentary job or you feel it’s just too much of an effort to exercise each day. But exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and it’s never too late to begin.
Benefits of exercise, according to Medline Plus, include:
When we think of fitness, we often think of physical health, but mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. Generally, fitness refers to a state of health and well-
The brain is always working. To do so, it needs a constant fuel supply. This fuel supply is the food we eat. What’s in food matters to the brain. What we eat directly affects its structure and function and ultimately our development, energy and moods. If all the moisture was sucked out of the brain and it was broken down to its nutritional content, most of its weight would be from fats (lipids). The rest would be proteins, amino acids, traces of micronutrients and glucose.
You probably know someone who is affected by arthritis. It may even be you. “There are almost 56 million people, or more than one in five, who have arthritis,” said Marcy O’Koon, senior director in consumer health at the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is a serious disease that requires management because it can become debilitating. There are many kinds of arthritis.
Sports and outdoor leisure activities can be the perfect ways to get in needed exercise without having it become a chore. The best activities for improved fitness build strength and endurance and burn calories and excess body fat. Truthfully, just getting up and out and moving will result in tremendous benefits to both your body and your mood.
The Alzheimer’s Association is front and center when it comes to new discoveries related to Alzheimer’s disease. The majority of the association’s funding goes toward research and there are always new clinical trials starting. “Every year the Alzheimer’s Association hosts an international conference to which researchers and scientists from all over the globe are invited,” said Lisa McKinney, communications coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Kentucky and….
When it comes to common health issues, pneumonia and the flu are at the top of the list for seniors. “The flu is associated with more hospitalizations, co-
“Now where, oh, where, did I put my keys? I can’t find them.” Everyone has memory slips from time to time, and as we get older, we may have more of them. You may have forgotten that doctor’s appointment you didn’t write down. You may frequently have difficulty finding your glasses, your keys or your purse. You may go to the kitchen for something and when you get there, you can’t recall what you came for.
If you are aware of the famous psychologist Abraham Maslow and his theory of “Hierarchy of Needs,” he says for every person to thrive and grow in life, they have some basic needs to feel a level of certainty in life. These include the basic needs for comfort and safety in both our relationships and our physical environment. Maslow also advocates we need variety – opportunities, both emotional and physical, that keep us growing. At the same time, we need a level of significance for our life….
Hearing aids are no longer mere sound amplifiers. Not only do manufacturers continue to try to make them smaller, more attractive and easier to use, they also aim to keep pace with the latest technology by including apps and wireless connectivity. Hearing aids are smaller than ever imagined. Whether worn inside or behind the ear, they are harder for others to detect. Customization of shapes and sizes has also advanced to where there’s no need to have impressions or molds made.
“The Arnold family always hoped for something like this type of care setting to come to Versailles,” said Executive Director Laurie Dorough. “They are still involved with our senior living community.” As a social model, Daisy Hill’s emphasis is on aging in place, spiced with plenty of activities and opportunities for social interaction, in an atmosphere that supports the spiritual, emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs of every resident.
Dementia rates have skyrocketed among the aging population around the world. There are many types and causes of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for between 60 percent and 70 percent of all cases. Alzheimer’s disease results in progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. The condition usually involves the accumulation of two types of proteins in the brain – amyloid and tau. Common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include….
It can be a challenge when looking for a senior living community such as independent living, assisted living, personal care or memory care. Understanding these different levels of care and how each level of care is different as well as the various costs involved can be very overwhelming to family members. That is why Lexington native Susan Neville, owner of Silver Lexington Senior Living Placement Service, started her business three years ago.
In a historic building adjacent to Cheapside in downtown Lexington, a group of women are making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Bluegrass Elderlaw, PLLC is comprised of two partner attorneys, two associate attorneys, and three support staff. Carolyn L. Kenton founded Bluegrass Elderlaw in 2011. Before creating the firm, Carolyn had practiced by herself almost 20 years in an office sharing arrangement with her husband’s former law partners.
Sports are an excellent way to keep your child in shape and socializing with his peers. Be aware of the necessity of the pre-
A day of play could end in mayday depending on the vigor of your child’s physical activity and play environment. Prolonged or high-
Sports are a great way for kids to get out of the house, make new friends and burn off some of that seemingly unlimited energy. But all that energy has to come from somewhere. For a young athlete, most of the energy needed for a soccer match or basketball game (high-
Searches on the topic of phone addiction have risen steadily over the past five years, with social media addiction closely following, according to Google Trends. Phone and social media addictions are closely intertwined, especially for young people. Several studies and former high-
A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to either the head or the body that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. A concussion changes the way the brain normally functions. An estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-
Playing sports can be a lot of fun, but it also requires taking precautions to avoid getting hurt. Taking preventative measures is equally as important as learning how to pitch perfectly or use the best technique when hitting, kicking or throwing a ball. “A lot of the atraumatic injuries can be prevented through exercise programs, but there are sports, like football or wrestling, where, due to contact you cannot prevent injuries,” said Dr. Carolyn Hettrich, associate professor and….
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) (2018) has emphasized the importance of youth participation in physical activity and sport programs. Noted among the benefits is the development of children and adolescents physically, mentally and socially. Paramount is the realization that engaging youth in organized sporting activities should be fun. It contributes to the physical and social development of long-
Swimming is an excellent way to get physical activity. It is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States. Working out in the water is one of the best therapeutic activities you can participate in. It builds cardio, strength and resistance and at the same time it’s easy on the joints. And swimming is fun.
There are many great resources in the community for women preparing to conceive, including gynecologists, internists and healthcare professionals at the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program at the Lexington-
Expecting moms, are you eating a well-
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your answer should be “yes” to each of these questions. Like diet, rest and physical activity, folic acid supplementation can influence the health of your baby.
During pregnancy, blood volume increases by about 1.25 liters. That’s a 50-
For most women, it is a most joyful occasion – letting her husband know she is pregnant. But a women with diabetes needs to prepare for and make specific plans before getting pregnant to ensure the health of mother and baby during the pregnancy. Diabetes is a disease caused by high levels of blood sugar in the body. This happens when the body does not make insulin or does not use insulin correctly. Diabetes can cause serious health problems, including heart disease or….
It may surprise you to know men and women can be affected by infertility almost equally. The American Pregnancy Association names declining sperm counts, testicular abnormalities and decreased reach of climax as causes of infertility in men. For women, the causes include tubal blockage, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and advanced maternal age, which affects egg quality and quantity.
Preeclampsia is serious condition that affects up to 9 percent of pregnant women. Once known as pregnancy poisoning, it is the second most frequent cause of death for pregnant women. About 76,000 of the 10 million pregnant women worldwide die each year from preeclampsia. About half a million babies die annually from preeclampsia – 10,500 in the United States.
The uterus, or womb, houses and nourishes the fetus until birth. But one in five women are born without a uterus. Additionally, absolute uterine factor infertility – an abnormality of the womb that interferes with fetal development – affects 5 percent of women worldwide. Successful uterus transplants over the past five years have made this a viable option for these women as well as women who have had hysterectomies due to cancer or other problems.
Are you working to have a healthy heart? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Twenty-
Before deciding to take birth control pills, do your research and understand what they will do for you. Every woman makes the decision to use birth control for different reasons. “There are women as young as 14 starting birth control pills, all the way up through women who have not gone through menopause yet who just want birth control,” said Trenna Vandergrift, nurse practitioner at the Lexington-
During the last seven to 10 days of the menstrual cycle, many women suffer from a variety of unpleasant physical, emotional and behavioral effects called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint pain, food cravings, mood swings, frequent crying and panic attacks. Women may also encounter fatigue, mood changes, irritability, anxiety and trouble focusing and sleeping.
Menopause is the time when a woman stops having monthly periods. It is also commonly viewed as the end of the reproductive years. It usually occurs around age 50. The North American Menopause Society says menopause is a normal, natural event. Some women do not have any physical symptoms as they approach this time of their life, while others experience a gamut of bothersome issues that can be managed with the guidance of a gynecologist.
Do you have back pain, headaches and stomach issues during your menstrual cycle? If so, you are not alone. Research has shown over 90 percent of women experience premenstrual symptoms, and more than 50 percent of women report pain during their period. The discomfort that can accompany periods is called dysmenorrhea. Some women experience very severe symptoms that interfere with work and school. Recently, nutritional studies have discovered specific….
It’s difficult to imagine life without sight. Each year, thousands of people lose the battle with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. The University of Kentucky Eye Research Fund supports work that helps doctors and scientists better understand and treat these diseases. The Susan Bradley-
Horseback riding is not just a sport for physical body building but also a hobby which brings happiness, great health, and balance. Hopping on to the saddle can guarantee measurable benefits ranging from therapeutic profits, including treatments for cerebral palsy, autism, anxiety, depression and injuries. To an observer enjoying the view from a distance, the rider sits and the horse does all the work. This is a wrong ideology as there is far more to riding a horse than one might expect.
Getting sufficient nutrients every day is important for good health. Nutrients give you the energy to complete daily tasks, build muscles, repair body tissue, prevent infection and maintain a healthy weight. Most people derive enough nutrients by eating a wide variety of foods. Supplements are useful for deficiencies such as those that arise with kidney disease.
The UPS driver looked very confused when he pulled up to The Homeplace at Midway, so Executive Director Tonya Cox came out to ask him if he needed help.
“He said, ‘I have to deliver something to a nursing home and I can’t find it,’” she recalled. “I said, ‘You’re here,’ and he said, ‘You’ve got be joking. This doesn’t look like a traditional nursing home.’”
People looking into alternatives to traditional medicine may want to consider a naturopathic physician. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (www.naturopathic.org) defines them as professionals who diagnose, prevent and treat acute and chronic illness and restore and establish optimal health by supporting the person’s inherent self-
Magnesium is necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heart beat steady, helps bones stay strong, regulates blood glucose and blood pressure and aids in the production of energy and protein, according to MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine of the National Institute of Health (NIH). An abundant mineral in the body, it is naturally present in….
“All that man needs for good health and healing can be found in nature; it is the job of science to find it.” – Paracelsus, the “Father of Toxicology” (1493-
Alternative medicine is a term used to identify medical products and practices that are not part of what is known as standard medical care. Standard medical care is what physicians, osteopaths, nurses, naturopathic health professionals and nontraditional health care providers practice. Alternative medicine is used as an adjunct to or in place of standard medical procedures.
As you get your child ready to go back to school, you probably have a long checklist. Along with school supplies, a fashionable wardrobe and a new backpack, don’t overlook the back-
With so many senior living facilities popping up all over Lexington, anyone looking for a place for their aging loved one certainly wants to focus on the aspects that make a particular property stand out.
Tracy Byrne, Community Relations Manager at Bridgepointe at Ashgrove Woods, believe she knows just what distinguishes this senior care community from all the other offerings out there.
Daily routines can sometimes feel draining. Some people are working and studying; others work and have school-
With a new school year on the horizon, now is a great time to start re-
Preparing for school is a full-
As the new school year begins, one of the best things parents can do for their young learners is to make sure they get enough sleep every night. Sleep makes a difference in school performance. The National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) (NSF) recommends children ages 6-
Drug abuse – whether illicit or prescription medications – is so ubiquitous almost everyone has known someone in its throes: a family member, friend, coworker or classmate, or even themselves. In 2017, 134,704 Americans age 12 years or older used illicit drugs, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is 49.5 percent of all respondents to the national survey.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported about 50 million Americans (one in five) suffered from chronic pain. In 2017, the National Academy of Medicine upped the estimate to more than 100 million Americans. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than a month and does not respond to treatment. Sometimes the underlying problem is due to inflammation and damage to joints from arthritis; other times it is neuropathic pain from damage to nerves that transmit pain signals
According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy (KODCP), addiction has reached epidemic levels in this state due to rampant heroin and painkiller abuse. Heroin is one of the most fatal because in addition to being highly addictive, there is no way to know exactly what you are buying – it is often laced with fentanyl, which the KODCP calls the most addictive and deadliest drug ever seen in this nation.
Alcoholism is a public health issue that affects all ages and does not discriminate, even among youth. “The majority of our statistics regarding underage drinking have decreased in recent years,” said Tara McGuire, statewide alcohol prevention enhancement specialist at Bluegrass Prevention. An evaluation performed among 10th graders that looks at 30-
It is virtually impossible to overcome addiction on your own. You need support and guidance – physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Pinnacle Treatment Centers want you to know they are there to help you create and maintain a clean and sober life. Pinnacle’s mission is to “make recovery possible by transforming lives, communities and the families we serve with treatment that works. ” It envisions a better world where lives and communities are made whole again through ….
Patients living with cancer feel many different emotions, including anxiety and distress. These emotions can affect the quality of life of patients when they are going through post-
The loneliness that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis is rarely talked about. Cancer patients report friends often begin to treat them differently and reduce or even eliminate contact, calls or visits. At the same time, cancer patients may feel cut off because they are not well enough to take part in activities they previously enjoyed. Even if they are surrounded by people who love them, some patients feel isolated because others cannot understand what a cancer diagnosis really means.
The marvelous human brain has a down side where cravings can overcome someone’s ability to control urges for things the brain seeks. Whether it is candy, nicotine, alcohol, uppers, downers, a variety of Smartphone apps and challenging games or social media, brain biochemistry suggests addictions occur at multiple levels. This happens through an interaction between the cellular/ biochemical and neural functioning of the brain’s addiction-
These are the life-
Fall is here, which means Halloween is right around the corner. As a parent, you want to be selective about the Halloween activities in which your child partakes. Kentucky Emergency Management says if you plan to carve a pumpkin, keep tools out of your child’s hands. Instead, suggest letting him clean out the pumpkin by removing the pulp and seeds and then let him draw a face on it that you can carve for him. If you have a jack-
According to KentuckyOne Health, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women today, next to skin cancer. The best defenses against breast cancer are knowing your body and getting appropriate screenings, such as a mammogram and breast ultrasound, so you can detect any issues when they are early and most treatable.
When Justin was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, family encouraged him to leave town for treatment. But after meeting with a Baptist Health Lexington oncologist, “I knew immediately that I wanted to stay here,” he says. With Baptist, Justin received lifesaving care without having to leave his life behind. “As soon as treatment was over, I got to go home, not to a hotel room,” Justin says. He was also able to keep working. “I never took a sick day, and I didn’t have to take a pay cut.
CRISPR-
In today’s do-
Deficits in the process of phonological awareness occurs in the left cortex regions of the brain. Some argue the difficulties in phonological processing originate in the cerebellum. Dr. Harold N. Levinson, a psychiatrist and neurologist, developed the cerebellar deficit hypothesis in the early 1970s. The cerebellum is considered to be involved in motor function, and Levinson attributed dyslexia to inner-
The American Speech-
Scientists from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) studied the relationship between eating various types of seafood during pregnancy and attention capacity in children at 8 years of age. They found eating a seafood-
While most people have heard of occupational therapy, they may not know what occupational therapists (OTs) really do. “Occupational therapists work to help people be more independent in whatever occupation they have,” said OT Camille Skubik-
Distinguishing right from wrong is a very crucial step in learning for all human beings. Morality defines the values of a specific group at a specific point in time. Morality has tended to follow religious traditions, but today its significance must be recognized for a secular world as well.
Americans consume more than 22 million pounds of turkey every holiday season, says the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). But festive feasts don’t need to equal weight gain. It’s not what we eat during the holidays that pack on the pounds; rather, it’s what we eat in between feasts throughout the year, says Nancy Darling, Ph.D. Most people gain about a pound or two during the holidays. To gain a pound, you must eat 3,500 additional calories. Five pounds requires 18,500 extra calories.
Many recipes are special for the holidays. Ham or turkey make a meal festive, and a cheesecake is a perfect dessert. For breakfast, French toast may set the tone for the day. These are three of my favorite recipes for the holidays.
As 2019 comes to a close, many people are making resolutions regarding weight loss and weight management for the new year. Trying a modern fad diet may seem to be an effective way to kickstart your goals, but there are easier, cheaper and safer ways to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Use these tips when approaching your health goals in 2020:
The American Academy of Pediatrics says children can have recurrent abdominal pain just as adults. Causes can include overeating, gas, constipation, food intolerance, intestinal infections, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, appendicitis and serious medical conditions. “Stomach issues can be anything from gastroenteritis to something going on in the abdomen to something psychosocial happening in a child’s life,” said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, commissioner of health and ….
Counting calories was born from the concept of energy balance: When calories taken in are fewer than calories used/burned, then weight loss and eventual weight management are achieved. Good news for anyone trying to lose weight – times have changed. Current research suggests the practice of calorie counting is detrimental to not only weight loss progress but also to behavioral habits. Counting calories and caloric restriction are longstanding recommendations, but how….
Metabolism is the process where the body converts what you eat and drink into energy. It encompasses the way the body expends energy and burns calories. It functions 24/7 to keep the body viable, even when at rest or sleeping – circulating blood, adjusting hormone levels, growing and repairing cells. Metabolism governs basic functioning at the cellular level, fueling the body’s organs and central nervous system so it can run properly.
Fasting has been practiced for thousands of years throughout many cultures for both spiritual and health benefits. All the major religions – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism – incorporate fasting in their practices. Our distant ancestors were often forced to undergo intermittent fasting due to food scarcity. As a result, humans evolved to be able to function without food for extended periods of time. In fact, fasting from time to time is more natural than….
There is no general consensus as to what normal bowel habits are. Many people believe they are constipated if they do not have one bowel movement per day, but that is not a problem as long as your personal pattern is consistent. While more women are affected than men and the incidences increase with age, it may come as a surprise to learn constipation affects 20 percent of the population.
If you wonder how you can know if you are at a healthy weight, figure out your body mass index (BMI).
“Body mass index is a measure that takes into account both your height and your weight,” said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, commissioner of health and a pediatrician with the Lexington-
Carbohydrates are not your enemy. Social media messages or fad diets might suggest otherwise, but carbohydrates can bring a multitude of vitamins, minerals and protective antioxidants to your diet.
However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Specific types of carbohydrates confer health benefits while others fall short. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex.
An eating disorder, according to UK HealthCare, is a dangerous mental illness that affects both men and women. A person is considered to have an eating disorder when eating, exercise, body shape and weight become a preoccupation. Generally speaking, their unhealthy relationship with food is rooted in low self-
A food craving – also known as selective hunger – is different from normal hunger. It is an intense desire to consume a specific food. It is also one of the major roadblocks for individuals dieting with the intention of losing weight. Food cravings can be addictive, according to WebMd (www.webmd.com). This realization is gaining increased interest in the medical and health communities because of research focused on brain imaging and other studies related to….
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 4.7 percent of Kentucky adults live with serious mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression. However, a similar diagnosis does not present the same in different people. What is most alarming is 46.9 percent of adults with mental illness in Kentucky receive treatment from the public system or private providers, leaving 43.1 percent completely untreated.
Health care has benefited from advances in technology. Digital technologies are continually being adopted as an adjunct or additional tool to help health care professionals keep in touch with patients and monitor their compliance with a healthy lifestyle. The digital age has allowed sharing of patient information to reduce redundancy in care, clinical needs both physical and mental and polypharmacy.
With aging, mental sharpness and memory can decline. However, we can and should strive to preserve our physical and mental well-
Mental Health America of Kentucky (MHAK) believes everyone should get a mental health screening. Mental health issues do not discriminate. MHAK believes screenings for mental health should be as common as hearing or vision screenings because a person cannot achieve total wellness without good mental health. It is normal to experience feelings of sadness, stress or anxiety at different points in your life, but you should consider seeking help if these feelings interfere with….
Robocalls are automated voice messages. About 60 percent are legitimate and purely informational – such as pharmacy, delivery or appointment confirmations. But the other 40 percent are from telemarketers and scammers.
With aging, mental sharpness and memory can decline. However, we can and should strive to preserve our physical and mental well-
Social Security has been the financial foundation for American retirees since Franklin Roosevelt signed it into law in 1935. Today the program pays out a whopping $62 billion in monthly benefits to more than 23 million retired workers. The program is responsible for providing at least half of the monthly income of about 62 percent of retired workers, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
One out of every four adults falls every year, and about 20 percent of those falls result in a broken bone, head trauma or similar injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors who fall double their chance of experiencing future falls.
According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (KCHFS), one in two women and one in four men over age 50 years will have an osteoporosis-
With aging, it can be normal to have a harder time recalling names. Or you may find yourself forgetting an appointment only to remember it later. Still, you should keep learning new things and creating new memories. Many people may believe dementia is a regular part of aging, but this is untrue. Dementia is atypical brain aging that impedes short-
We want to introduce you to Victor Robinson. Victor is a Central Kentucky native, born and raised in Jessamine County. He is a man who stepped up to take hold of his life. It was there in Jessamine County that Victor learned what life was all about. It is also where he learned about faith and family – about values that would lead him to rise up when there was a need. For Victor, this meant that the moment he was eligible at age 18 to answer the call, he volunteered to serve in the….
The Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services (KCHFS) reported staggering numbers of people with arthritis: over 1 million adults over 18 years of age, 35.6 percent of women and 28.1 percent of men. These people experience limitations at work, socially and in their daily activities. They rely on research to maintain a good quality of life.
The human body has an internal clockwork called the circadian rhythm. Circadian means “around a day” in Latin and refers to a cycle of about 24 hours. Your circadian rhythm helps control basic physiologic functions, from energy metabolism to the immune system. With a New Year in full stride, many people hope to leave bad eating habits behind. Forget fad diets or cutting out carbs. Instead, take advantage of your internal clock to boost energy metabolism.
Participating in sports is one of the best decisions you can make with your child. It’s a good way to build a hobby they can continue as an adult, whether it’s an individual sport such as swimming or jogging or a team sport such as soccer or basketball. Sometimes it’s about the competition and other times it’s just about self-
For the 14th year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) released its annual worldwide fitness trends survey in its Health & Fitness Journal. More than 3,000 health and fitness professionals in North America, South America, Europe and China ranked 38 possible trends on a scale of 1 (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend). The ACSM distinguishes trends (a development or change) from fads (something taken up with great enthusiasm for a brief period).
The outbreak of coronavirus, or COVID-
As of today, in spring 2020, the United States is facing a serious outbreak of COVID-
Poor posture is often an underlying cause of back pain. For every inch the head moves forward, its weight on the neck and upper back muscles increases by 10 pounds. A head weighing 12 pounds held forward 3 inches from the shoulders equals 42 pounds of pressure on those aforementioned muscles, the equivalent of three watermelons resting on the neck and back. This added force can cause muscle fatigue and joint pain as the day wears on.
Last year, when Kansas State beat the University of Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA regionals, the UK team skipped the post-
“Protein” has become a buzzword, but it is a key component to health. Protein is one of three major macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats. It contains four calories per gram. Protein is made up of amino acids, which form the basic structure of many physical and chemical components of the human body. This is why protein is often called the “building blocks” of the body.
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that hasn’t been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-
With the COVID-
The coronavirus (COVID-
UK HealthCare has named heart disease as the leading cause of death among women in Kentucky. It found Kentucky women are at much higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease than women in other states, since two-
The current lockdown enforced in light of the COVID-
It’s a new phrase for most of us: social distancing. As the coronavirus pandemic widens, health officials have been advocating social distancing as the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. The pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or the cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, so glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells. Symptoms often include frequent urination, lethargy, excessive thirst and hunger.
Diabetes is an all-
It’s estimated that one in 300 adult dogs and one in 230 cats in the United States have diabetes, according to Merck Animal Health. Diabetes can develop in cats and dogs of any age, although it is more common in older pets. There is no clear distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in animals, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. Diabetes in cats and dogs is more fluid. Risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are the same in both dogs and cats.
There are a number of psychological and emotional challenges individuals with diabetes may face. These concerns may include periods of anxiety and depression; a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness; anger directed inwardly and/ or toward their caregiver’s efforts to help them; a reduced tolerance for necessary medical procedures; and periodic refusal to cooperate with testing procedures and treatment compliance. Emotional shifts can occur as well that can ….
All sugars are not the same. Some occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Others are added during processing or preparation. One of the top sources of added sugars in the diet are sugary beverages and sweets. While both natural and added sugar is processed identically by the body, natural sugar is usually digested along with other good nutrients such protein, fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals and does not have negative effects on your health.
Approximately 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5 percent of the population, have diabetes, according to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. This figure includes approximately 7.3 million people who are undiagnosed. Diabetes can affect every part of the body, even when it’s being well-
UK HealthCare, the health system at the University of Kentucky, is dedicated to ensuring women of all ages learn to care for themselves throughout their lifespans. Through education and women-
Coronary artery disease is a major issue in women’s health care – in fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, says Dr. Gretchen Wells, medical director of the University of Kentucky Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Women’s Heart Health Program. Heart disease is also the leading killer of women in Kentucky. And Kentucky women are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease than women in other states.
The UK Midwife Clinic opened in 2017 when the Lexington-
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subscribe to Health & Wellnessmenstruation, pregnancy and menopause. As many as one in seven women experience depression following childbirth, a condition known as postpartum depression.
Depression in teens is evidenced by anger, irritability and agitation. Teens may complain of stomach aches, headaches and other physical pains.
Symptoms of depression in older adults include memory problems, unexplained aches and pains, fatigue and wanting to stay home rather than going out and socializing. These patients may neglect their personal appearance and stop taking medications.
Depression is also manifested in physical symptoms, such as:
• lack of energy;
• loss of libido or low sex drive;
• poor posture and lack of eye contact;
• speaking or moving slower than usual;
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a continual low mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities and a deep feeling of sadness. Depression is a persistent problem, not a passing one; the average length of a depressive episode is six to eight months.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. The WHO estimates 350 million people are affected by depression globally.
In a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found women between the ages of 40 and 59 years have the highest rate of depression (12.3 percent) of any group based on age and gender in the United States.
Depression in men mainly is expressed in self-
Depressed women are more likely to experience symptoms such as pronounced feelings of guilt, weight gain, excessive sleeping and overeating. Hormonal factors impact depression in women during
HARLEENA SINGH
Staff Writer for Health & Wellness Magazine February 2017
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SYMPTOMS OF AND TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION
HARLEENA SINGH
Harleena Singh is a professional freelance writer with a background in teaching and education. She has a keen interest in food and health related issues and can be approached through her website freelancewriter.co. Checkout her blog and network with her on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook.
more articles by harleena singh
• changes in the menstrual cycle;
• constipation; and
• disturbed sleep patterns.
Psychological symptoms of depression include:
• feeling helpless, hopeless, tearful, guilt-
• difficulty making decisions;
• being pessimistic, humorless, lethargic and hypercritical of self and others;
• complaining;
• having thoughts of harming oneself or committing suicide; and
• feeling worried or anxious.
Socially, a person with depression may neglect hobbies and interests he or she previously enjoyed. He or she may not do well at work or have difficulties in his or her family life. The person may avoid contact with friends and participate in fewer social activities.
Usually, the treatment for depression involves a combination of medicines, including selective-
If your depression is very severe, you maybe referred to a mental health team composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and specialist nurses, who provide medication as well as intensive therapy treatments.