Six Common Diseases You Might Not Know About

There are many different disease that people have to live with, some of which are quite common and well known, while others are little known and sometimes not well understood. These six diseases commonly occur in human populations around the world though many people may not have heard of them.

 

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan Syndrome is a disease that affects the connective tissue of the body that helps to support organs and skeleton. Those who have this disease are usually tall and slender, with very long arms, legs, fingers and toes. The disease can worsen as the person ages, with increased heart problems, eye problems and skeletal problems. No cure exists for this disease, but it is treated with blood pressure medications, eye implants to assist vision and surgery to correct heart problems.

 

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a condition of the lymphatic system of the human body. It causes swelling of an arm or leg and is often associated with cancer treatment. It occurs when a lymph gland becomes blocked and cannot drain lymph fluid from the body. Treatment is done by massaging the area, wrapping the area, exercising the body part to help drain fluid and compressing the area with special bandages. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve swelling and pressure.

 

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscles and connective tissue of the body, causing pain, tender points, fatigue and sleep problems that are characteristic of the disease. Current treatments include medications such as Cymbalta and Lyrica, antidepressants and pain relievers.

 

Polymyalgia

Polymyalgia, also called polymyalgia rheumatica, is a disorder that causes inflammation and stiffness in the muscles. The person may experience both pain and stiffness in arms, legs, shoulders, neck or hips. Polymyalgia can also cause weight loss, lethargy and depression. Information about polymyalgia is not widely available, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Corticosteroid medication, methotrexate, and anti tumor necrosis factor drugs can be helpful for this condition.

 

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels of the fingers, toes, tips of the ears and tip of the nose. It can cause extreme coldness and numbness in these areas or even stinging pain from lack of proper circulation. Calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers and vasodilators can help relax blood vessels to assist blood circulation.

 

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens the heart. It is a serious condition that can cause death. Treatment attempts to manage symptoms to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Medications and surgery to install a pacemaker can be helpful for these patients.

 

Although these diseases are not well known, many people live with them everyday, some people don’t even know they have it. If you have pain, or a medical issue that is bothering you, the best thing you can do is see a doctor and get an examination. The key to minimizing pain and avoiding future complications is knowledge. When you know if you are affected by a disease, you can treat it properly.

Categories: arms legs, blood vessels, body, common, connective tissue, Disease, diseases, Heart Problems, marfan syndrome, nbsp, Pain, syndrome

Tips for Seniors on Improving Heart Health

If you’re a senior, the health of your heart has probably crossed your mind from time to time. You try not to worry, but you know it’s also important to face this very real threat. The risk of heart problems increases rapidly between the ages of 45 and 55.

 

Fortunately, it isn’t too late. Changing your lifestyle now can have a huge effect on your future heart health, and it can also give you an increase in energy, improved well-being and a greater sense of purpose to carry you forward through your golden years.

 

Add Some Color to Your Diet

Aim for at least five servings a day of your favorite fruits and vegetables, and if you can, try to mix it up a bit. Fruits and vegetables are filled with antioxidants and soluble fiber that can help lower your cholesterol and guard against heart problems. One way to ensure that you are getting enough is to check your cart at the grocery store. If you see a rainbow of colors, you’re on the right track. If you see a lot of brown and white, then you’re probably buying too many processed foods.

 

Start Getting Active

It’s never too late to start getting in shape, even if you’ve never exercised in the past. Committing to a few simple activities each week, such as walking, hiking, dance, yoga or riding a bicycle, can go a long way in helping your heart. Aside from strengthening your cardiovascular system, getting regular exercise can also increase your energy levels, lower blood pressure, improve your flexibility, decrease depression and generally make you feel younger, stronger and happier than ever before. If you’ve already been diagnosed with a heart condition, don’t begin an exercise routine without first talking to your doctor.

 

Watch Your Fats

It’s important to watch your consumption of fats, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with heart disease or high cholesterol. Avoid butter, lard and too much red meat, instead opting for healthier choices like olive oil, flaxseed and fish. If fish isn’t your cup of tea, consider taking fish oil supplements for the beneficial fats.

 

Don’t Be Afraid to Improve Your Environment

If you’ve been having trouble living on your own, it may be time to consider an assisted living facility. These facilities have come a long way in the past few decades. Many have an abundance of great things to offer seniors, including a sense of community, new friendships, recreation, healthy food and opportunities for physical activity. Many seniors struggle with properly caring for their bodies on their own but find it easier when taking part in an active community. If you’ve been having a hard time getting into a better lifestyle, making the move to an assisted living facility might be a good idea for you.

 

Growing older can be scary, but it’s nowhere near as negative as it used to be. People are living longer and healthier lives than ever, and as long as you make the effort to stay active and watch your diet, your golden years will be some of the best you’ve ever experienced.

 

Concerned with the issues of health and human rights, author Molly Pearce shares this post in the hopes in can offer seniors some fresh information on staying healthy. Making the choice to go to assisted living can actually improve heart health by reducing stress and increasing access to health care. Molly found valuble research for this post at http://www.dogwoodforest.com/marietta-assisted-living.html, the website of several assisted living facilities in Georgia.

 

Photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/oakleyoriginals/8634139503/

 

Categories: golden years, health, heart, heart health, Heart Problems, living, living facility, nbsp, offer seniors, seniors, Tips

Planning to Opt For a Mediterranean Diet?

Are you planning to opt for a Mediterranean diet? If you are looking for a heart healthy diet plan then this might be the right one for you. The components of Mediterranean diet include the basics of healthy eating incorporated with flavourful olive oil and red wine mixed with other components. These components characterize the traditional cooking style of countries on the border of Mediterranean Sea.

 

The diet plan includes fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains and excludes unhealthy fats. While this way is a tried and tested way of a healthy diet. Any small little variation here and there can cause risk of heart diseases.

 

What are the benefits of the Mediterranean diet?

Many studies have stated that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart problems. An analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy people suggested that following the diet was linked to a reduced risk of death from heart problems as well as cancer. It also stated that the diet is associated to a reduced risk of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Mediterranean diet is a plan that your entire family can follow in order to reduce the risk of heart disorders.

 

What are the key components of the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes on the following:

 

Consuming plant-based foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and fruits

Opting for healthy fats such as olive oil over butter

Usage of salt and flavour foods to be replaced by natural herbs and spices

Consumption of red meat should be limited to few times a month

Eating poultry and fish twice a week

Consumption of red wine but moderately (option)

The diet also suggests enjoying the food with your family and includes regular exercising.

 

Some quick steps to get you started with Mediterranean diet plan

A diet plan that is healthy and tasty and many people who switch to Mediterranean diet have said that they would like to stick to it forever and that they will never eat any other way.

 

A variety of fruits and plant foods should become a part of your diet. Include whole grains in your major meals. The food should be minimally processed. Include veggies and fruits for snack time as well as in big meals. Opt for whole grain bread, pastas and rice products. Baby carrots, bananas and apples can be your mid-time snack. Fruit salad is another healthy diet dish to go for.

Have nuts and seeds as they are a good source of fibre, healthy fats and proteins. Keep some nuts handy like cashews, pistachios, walnuts and almonds. Go for natural peanut butter instead of hydrogenated fat. Tahini also known as sesame seeds can be a perfect spread on bread or can be used as a dip.

Avoid butter completely. Opt for olive oil or canola instead of margarine or butter. Drizzle it over the vegetables lightly. Add a touch of olive oil after cooking pasta, add onions and garlic as this will add good flavour. Spread olive oil on bread or use as a dip instead of consuming butter.

Use herbs and spices to make your food tasty.

Eat fish every twice a week. Salmon, trout, fresh or water-packed tuna, herring and mackerel are healthy to eat. Broil, grill or bake fish for easy clean up and good taste.

Don’t eat meat often. Few times a month is okay but pay attention to the quantity while consumption.

Avoid higher fat dairy products. Opt for low fat dairy such as whole or 2 percent milk, ice cream and cheese.

Categories: benefit, diet, diet include, healthy diet, Healthy Fats, Heart Problems, Mediterranean, Mediterranean diet, olive oil, Red Wine, reduced risk

Could Everyday Painkillers Increase Your Heart Attack Risk?

Popping a few ibuprofen here and there can get rid pain that won’t go away on its own, but if you take this common painkiller in high doses for a long time, you could be putting your heart wellness at risk. This is according to a new study, published in the Lancet, which found that prolonged use of ibuprofen and diclofenac, can slightly increase your risk of heart problems.

 

It has already been suggested that there’s a slight risk with taking these common painkillers, but a team of researchers at the University of Oxford analysed the issue in unprecedented detail in order to help you to make an informed choice. The researchers assessed the impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs using more than 353,000 patient records from 639 separate clinical trials.

 

The results showed that, for every 1,000 people taking high-dose prescription levels of the drugs, there would be three additional heart attacks, four more cases of heart failure and one death, as well as cases of stomach bleeding. Lead researcher Professor Colin Baigent noted, ‘Three per thousand per year sounds like it is quite a low risk, but the judgement has to be made by patients.’ He added, ‘So if you’re a patient and you go and sit in front of your doctor and discuss it, you are the one who should be making the judgement about whether three per thousand per year is worth it to allow you, potentially, to go about your daily life.’

 

According to Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, the drugs are a ‘lifeline’ for the wellbeing of millions of people with arthritis and are ‘extremely effective in relieving pain.’ Yet, he conceded ‘because of their potential side-effects, in particular the increased risk of cardiovascular complications which has been known for a number of years, there is an urgent need to find alternatives that are as effective, but safer.’

 

Professor Donald Singer, a member of the British Pharmacological Society and from the University of Warwick, commented, ‘The findings underscore a key point for patients and prescribers; powerful drugs may have serious harmful effects. It is therefore important for prescribers to take into account these risks and ensure patients are fully informed about the medicines they are taking.’

Categories: Heart Problems, Ibuprofen, Research