Showing posts with label condition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label condition. Show all posts

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 


The post Five Important things to Know about Cataracts if you are Over 60 appeared first on .

 


Many patients are surprised to hear that over half of all seniors will have cataracts by the time they hit the age of 80. According to professionals who specialize in cataract surgery in Salt Lake City, cataracts can start to show up as early as age 60. Cataracts are an exceptionally common condition in which there is a “clouding” of the lens that will eventually affect one’s vision. Due to just how prevalent this eye disease is, here is a look at five important things that every senior should know about cataracts, how they can be delayed, and what can be done to treat them.


 


 


Your Demographic Is At the Highest Risk


One of the first and most important things that seniors should remember is that their demographic is at the highest risk of developing cataracts. Most specialists say that it is not so much a question of if a senior will develop cataracts, but when will they develop cataracts, and how far the condition will progress. Other demographics at a higher risk include women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and those with a family history of cataracts.


 


 


There Are Different Types of Cataracts


Most seniors will develop age-related cataracts or “secondary” cataracts, but there are actually five different types of this condition. Age cataracts are simply a weakening of the eyes and exposure to the elements while secondary cataracts are the result of other medical problems like diabetes. There is also congenital cataracts that occur at or before birth, radiation cataracts after extended exposure to radiation, and traumatic cataracts that can occur when there is damage to the eye or the soft tissue around the eye.


 


 


The Symptoms May Be So Subtle That You Do Not Notice Them


Another extremely important fact to remember is that the side effects of cataracts, especially in the earliest stages, may be completely undetectable to the patient. One’s vision may only diminish ever so slightly, and this means that many will not know that they have cataracts for years on end. Primarily, seniors should pay attention to situations in which they feel as if there vision or eye comfort has been recently affected. This may include difficulty seeing at night, blurring around bright lights, streaks coming off of lights, eye glasses that are no longer working well, and any discomfort from contacts or around the eye in general.


 


 


Early Detection is Imperative


In some instances, cataracts do not need to be removed right away and a doctor may only suggest that the other steps are taken to prevent the cataracts from worsening. That being said, catching them in the early stages will make treatment much easier. When cataracts are not affecting a senior’s ability to see, they may be able to reduce the side effects and slow the condition with nothing more than changing their medication, or using prescription eye drops.


 


 


You Can Still Delay Cataracts


It is never too late to think that cataracts have progressed to the point that they are untreatable or the only solution is surgery. When caught early on, seniors can often go for years by only making minor changes to their lifestyle. This begins by protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and hats. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided, and an overall healthy diet filled with leafy greens can also slow cataracts or prevent them altogether.


 


 


Speaking with a vision specialist and regularly having one’s eyesight checked is the absolute best method of delaying and treating this condition. The longer that cataracts are allowed to develop, the more severe your vision loss will become, and the higher their risk will be for going completely blind. This is especially important information to remember for the millions of seniors that develop this condition each and every year.


 

 


The purpose of doctors is to provide an expert service that will keep you healthy and help you recover from any conditions that you might acquire. While most are adept at doing this, there are certain doctors that make mistakes. The problem is that these mistakes can cost you your health and your life. That’s why these mistakes classify as medical malpractice. Below are four signs that you may have been a victim of malpractice.


 


You’re Not Getting Well


The biggest sign that you’ve been a victim of malpractice is that your symptoms aren’t subsiding. Your condition may actually be getting worse because the real problem isn’t being treated or you’re being given a treatment that exacerbates your problems. If your condition becomes progressively worse, then it’s time to seek a second or third opinion. Depending upon the severity of your condition, you might want to consider seeking reparations for malpractice.


 


Lack of a Prompt Diagnosis


In the field of healthcare, a prompt diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. Delaying for too long can make a disease worse to the point that it may even become untreatable.


Ensure that your health provider doesn’t delay to make a diagnosis. Procrastination can allow your condition to progress from something curable into a terminal illness.


 


Failure to Look at Every Angle


There are routine procedures for diagnosing conditions, just as there are certain indicators in the blood and body that can help a doctor diagnose a condition. The problem is that many symptoms can apply to other conditions, which are not the cause of your problems.


Your doctor needs to look at your symptoms and test results. He or she should not rely solely upon one test or gut instinct to make a diagnosis.


 


Your Doctor’s Ignoring You


It is the responsibility of your doctor to listen to you, especially when you think that something isn’t quite right about your treatment. Your voice is the one thing that can notify your doctor that your condition isn’t responding to your treatment. If your doctor ignores you, regardless of the reason, then malpractice has occurred.


 


Resolving Medical Malpractice Before It’s Too Late


Medical malpractice occurs too frequently. It represents a failure in the healthcare industry that can cost you your livelihood, your well-being and a small fortune to fix.


Promptly resolving malpractice prevents problems from becoming worse and allows the right treatment to occur. Seeking reparations for it can aid in repairing the unnecessary pain and suffering that malpractice caused.


 


Informational Credit to McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C.

Chinese medicine conjures images of acupuncture and herb-based concoctions, and while this isn’t incorrect, it isn’t the whole story. There’s so much more to Chinese medicine than people think, and now that it’s increasing in popularity it’s getting a more in-depth study from people who are curious about what it can do for their health. Chinese medicine is a holistic system which includes cupping, moxibustion, dietary and lifestyle advice, exercises such as qi gong and the treatments we associate with it, such as needles and herbs. It can be used as an addition to conventional medicine too, so it can be both an alternative and complementary therapy which many people don’t realise. A system of treatments which have been developed over the past 2,000 years, it is now one of the most respected and effective forms of medicinal therapy known to humankind. Unlike the type of medications we’re used to, Chinese medicine seeks to find and resolve the causes of an illness, rather than simply remove the symptoms. For example, if you suffer regularly with headaches, you may take painkillers to remove the painful symptoms – in Chinese medicine, however, a therapist may help you by looking at your lifestyle, diet and family history to get to the root of the issue. They can then help you to treat that problem, to prevent future headaches rather than simply help you treat the one you have at the moment. Chinese medicine looks at so many aspects of a condition, as well as sleep, thirst, appetite and digestion. What many people may see as unconnected and different symptoms may well be part of the same illness, and a Chinese medical professional may see that more easily than conventional practitioners will. That said, we shouldn’t immediately dismiss the benefits of conventional medicine. There are conditions for which Chinese medicine isn’t necessarily the best option for.


 


There are strengths and weaknesses with Chinese medicine, as with any form of treatment. Because of this, conventional medicine is often more precise in diagnosing and treating ailments, and modern surgery can be instantly lifesaving. There are some problems with long-term medications, which is where Chinese therapies can help as a complementary medicine to be used alongside more traditional treatments to solve a number of conditions. If you’re suffering from a condition such as IBS, stress-related conditions and arthritis, Chinese medicine can be really helpful in treating these types of problems. The main aim of these therapies is to get the body functioning at its best, and addressing all aspects of a health complaint, which will improve your wellbeing. Fertility issues have been the biggest draw for people to Chinese medicine, as it’s a condition that can’t always been resolved instantly with conventional medicine so people feel more open to the idea of experimenting with treatments which have had previously worked for other couples. Chinese medicine can be effective in regulating your hormones and increasing fertility in both males and females. Chinese medicine has been increasing in popularity significantly in recent years and can work really well to support traditional therapies – it’s a gentle way of treating some of the persistent conditions we deal with every day. Of course, if you are feeling unwell or have noticed a condition developing, you should still seek advice from your GP who can advise you whether you need treatment – you can then supplement this with Chinese medicine if you so choose to.

There are moments when the tonsils develop with spots on them. You will not be able to determine this if you are not really going to look into your tonsils. But you will also be able to determine that you are experiencing this because of the symptoms that come with it. Usually, these white spots are the reasons for the pain when you swallow and it can also come with fever. And most of all, there is a feeling of discomfort in the throat even when you are not really swallowing. When you feel these symptoms, it would be advisable for you to check your tonsils.


 


The white spots in your tonsils are not actually caused by a single condition. There are different things that may cause this. In order for you to learn more about this, here are the possible causes of the white spots in your tonsils:


 


  • Tonsillitis. This is the most common cause of pus or white spots in the tonsils. This is caused by a bacterial or a viral infection. When you are experiencing this condition, it will be accompanied by difficulty in swallowing. Aside from that, you will also be having fever. But the treatment that will be given to the patient who has tonsillitis depends on the cause of the problem. If the infection has been a result of bacteria, the doctor will be recommending antibiotics. For those who are experiencing this problem very often, a surgery called tonsillectomy is available.

 


  • Tonsil Stones. The other possible reason for the white spots in the tonsils is the condition when there are hardened particles that are deposited in the area. These particles may be dead cells, food or mucus that were formed and solidified in the area. You can figure out that you have this type of condition when you experience bad breath and you also have earaches. You can find solution on how get rid of Tonsil Stones by means of surgery. But this is only recommended if the condition is something that is already causing permanent discomfort.

 


  • Strep Throats. This is another condition that is caused by bacteria. But this time, the infection occurs on the throat. Few of the most common symptoms are intense pain whenever you are swallowing, the feeling of itch on the throat and a very high fever. When experiencing this condition, you have to go to the doctor right away in order for you to get the exact dosage of antibiotic that you need.

 


  • Mononucleosis. This is a condition that is usually experienced by adolescents. This is caused by virus that makes it possible for pus to be developed on the tonsils. There are different symptoms that make you know that you are experiencing this condition. You may feel tired and feverish. You can also have headaches that are accompanied by rashes all over the body. Consulting your doctor is the best way to get rid of this.

 


  • Viral Pharyngitis. This is the type of infection that is affecting your tonsils and your pharynx. And this is one of the main reasons why there are white spots that are developed in your tonsils. Virus or bacteria can either cause this and the doctor will be the perfect person to give you the treatment that you need.

 


Now that you already know the different causes of the infection that may result to the formation of pus or white spots on your tonsils, you should consider going to the doctor’s office whenever you experience it in order for you to get the best treatment.

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid and describes a condition in which there is a lower level of the thyroid hormone in the body. This hormone is known as thyroxine and causes various symptoms, such as tiredness, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, lifeless hair and feeling cold. The treatment for this condition is usually quite easy, with a tablet provided for each day to replace the missing hormone. In most people, this is usually enough to treat the problem and the symptoms disappear.


The thyroid gland is found in the neck and produces the hormone which travels in the bloodstream around the body. It’s needed to help keep the body’s functions and metabolism working at the right pace, and many cells require thyroxine to keep working effectively. Hypothyroidism results from the thyroid gland being unable to produce enough thyroxine, so the functions in the body slow down. It may also be caused if there isn’t enough of the gland left to make thyroxine, such as after an injury or following a surgery. The less common symptoms include infertility, loss of sex drive, carpal tunnel syndrome and irregular menstrual periods in women. However, it’s important to remember that all of the symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so you should seek medical advice in order to confirm that you do have this condition.


If left untreated, hypothyroidism can increase your risk of developing heart disease, due to the fact that a low thyroxine level causes the blood lipids to rise, increasing your cholesterol. If you’re pregnant it can also increase the risk of complications, such as anaemia, premature labour, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, serious bleeding after the birth, and even stillbirth. In severe cases, it can also lead to a hypothyroid coma, but this is a rare complication. This condition affects around 1 in 50 women and around 1 in 1000 men. It generally affects adults and becomes more common as you age. It can occur at any age though, and can affect anyone. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as autoimmune thyroiditis. This causes antibodies to attack the bacteria and other germs in the body, but if you have an autoimmune disease this can make antibodies against certain tissues in the body. Naturally, with autoimmune thyroiditis, this can cause antibodies to attach to the thyroid gland and affect its functioning. Surgery can also be a common cause, as this lowers the functionality of the gland itself. Other causes include side effects to medicines, a problem with your pituitary gland, and iodine deficiency.


The condition is diagnosed by a blood test, and is treated by taking a levothyroxine tablet each day. This works to replace the hormone loss in the body and generally works quite quickly to alleviate symptoms. Ideally, you should take this on an empty stomach as there are some nutrients which can interfere with the efficiency of the medication, such as calcium and iron.


The main facts you should be aware of is that this condition is fairly common and the symptoms develop over time. The treatment you’ll require if you have this problem is usually for life, and you’ll need to have a blood test once a year to ensure that your medication dosage is accurate. If you’re concerned about any of the symptoms you have and are worried that you may have hypothyroidism, you should seek advice from your GP. They will be able to carry out a blood test to determine if you do have the condition.

A new study has discovered a way of using genetic testing to determine whether patients with asthma are likely to outgrow the condition, or if they will continue to experience symptoms as they grow older. The report, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, analysed data from a study spanning 40 years. Researchers discovered that children with asthma and higher risk scored including a number of genetic variants associated with asthma were more than 36 percent more likely to develop a life-long condition, whereas those with a lower genetic risk were not. Nearly half of all children with asthma will grow out of it by the time they reach adulthood. There are currently no tests to predict which children will do so, however. This new report could change that and identify those who will suffer with the chronic lung disease for life.


 


Recent genetic studies have found that several variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and SNPs, carry a small increased risk of asthma. In this study, researchers wanted to see whether these genetic risks are associated with the onset or severity of asthma, as well as the disruptions to daily life. The findings of the study showed that those with a higher genetic risk score were also more likely to develop atopic, or allergic, asthma, as well as impaired lung function – this is known as airway hyper-responsiveness, or incompletely reversible airflow obstruction. These individuals are more likely to miss school or work, and have an increased risk of hospitalisation due to asthma than those with a lower genetic risk. Researchers are keen to stress that this predictive value of the genotype score was independent of family history. Those with symptoms of asthma are urged to seek medical advice in order to determine if they have the condition.

Not only does the odd twinge or sudden onslaught of vaginal pain hurt; it can cause you to be concerned for your overall wellbeing. Your vagina is your most intimate space, so it’s really scary when something might be going awry. Therefore, it’s good to know the main conditions that affect vaginal wellness, so that you know what symptoms to look out for. If any of the following sounds familiar, you should talk to your doctor.


 


1. Vagititus: According to sexual health and wellness writer Natasha Burton, author of The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags, vagititus ‘is a catchall medical term to describe vaginal pain, burning and itching that coincides with an infection or inflammation happening between your legs. The discomfort can be caused by an influx of bacteria, irritation from creams, or a sexual partner.’


 


2. Dyspareunia: ‘One-fifth of women experience this condition of painful sexual intercourse, which can happen before, during, or even after sex,’ Burton explains. ‘Dyspareunia is most common in menopausal women due to their reduced oestrogen levels, which lead to thinner vaginal walls, lower levels of lubrication and reduced sexual sensation.’ Sara Gottfried, MD, OB/GYN, author of The Hormone Cure, adds, ‘Up to 25% of the Pill users have vaginal dryness and pain with sex, which totally defeats the purpose of going on these puppies. Other causes include infections of the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes or lower urinary tract, scarring from childbirth, a prolapsed womb, endometriosis, radiotherapy, allergies, and stress.’


 


3. Vaginismus: Burton notes that, similar to dyspareunia, vaginismus ‘is more specific to pain that happens during penetration. Basically, the pubococcygeus muscle reflexes in a way that makes the vagina tense suddenly, making it nearly impossible to have sex or even insert a tampon without your vagina hurting really, really badly. Causes can include stress, fear, partner issues, trauma, childbirth, menopause, and certain medications.’


 


4. Vulvodynia: Vulvodynia ‘is characterised by burning, stinging or sharp pangs at the vaginal entrance, labia and vulva,’ says Burton. ‘The condition can flare up once in a while or happen constantly, but either way, this condition can last for years.’ Gottfried points out, ‘Women of any age can contract vulvodynia, and scientists are still trying to determine exact causes. Causes may include nerve injuries, trauma, genetic factors, inflammation, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, allergies, history of sexual abuse or frequent antibiotic use.’


 


5. Dysmenorrhea: Burton notes, ‘This intense pain before and/or during your period can include sharp pain, shooting pain or burning sensations. (Think of this condition as, like, the worst cramps ever.) Typically, this pain will ebb as your period slows down but if the pain is really intense, it could be a symptom of endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis (narrowing of the opening to the uterus), a tumour, or even toxic shock syndrome.’


 


6. Menorrhagia: ‘This condition sometimes comes along with dysmenorrhea and is characterised by a super heavy—or super long—period, which could be caused by abnormal blood clotting or disruption in how your hormones regulate your cycle,’ Burton details. Gottfriend advises, ‘Any period lasting longer than seven days should be discussed with your friendly neighbourhood gynaecologist.’ While you’re waiting for your appointment, Gottfriend recommends noshing on kale (for the iron).


 


7. Adenomyosis: Burton outlines, ‘The pelvic pain you’d feel from this condition occurs when the cells that typically line your uterus grow into the muscular tissue of the wall of your uterus. Typically, there are no other symptoms except your cramps getting worse with every period you have (the condition can also cause both dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia)…The cause of this condition is still unknown and while there are treatments available to ease the discomfort, sometimes a full hysterectomy is the only cure.’

Surprisingly little is known about endometriosis, even though the condition affects the sexual wellness and wellbeing of around 10 to 15 percent of all reproductive-age women. This condition is non-cancerous but can be very debilitating and painful.


 


Around 5.5 million women in Canada and the US alone are diagnosed with the disease every year. It occurs when cells from the uterine lining (the endometrium) start to grow outside of the uterus, adhering to other internal structures such as the fallopian tubes, bowel, ovaries or bladder. The Endometrial tissue can also move outwith the pelvic cavity and adhere to more distant parts of the body.


 


Nobody is sure what causes the condition but it can vary hugely in severity. Some women experience pain that is so severe that they are unable to lead a normal life, whilst others have no symptoms at all or very mild pain. Other symptoms can include diarrhoea and painful bowel movements, painful intercourse and heavy menstrual bleeding.


 


The most common way to diagnose the problem is with a laparoscope, and this may also be used during the surgical treatment of the condition. The laparoscopy gives the surgeon a chance to look at abnormalities that may be occurring in the pelvic region by inserting a very small telescope through the tummy, usually through the navel. This is the best way of providing a diagnosis, although endometric tissue can still be present even if it is not seen with the laparoscope.


 


During pregnancy, hormonal changes can temporarily stop the condition in its tracks. The absence of menstruation means that the symptoms that are usually associated with the monthly cycle are often absent.


 


Endometriosis cannot be cured, but it can be treated with medicine (such as hormonal contraceptives) or through surgical intervention.

Pain during sexual intercourse is also called dyspareunia, and it affects around the sexual wellness and wellbeing 16 percent of all women in the United States who are sexually active. This condition is often overlooked, however, as women feel reluctant to talk about the issue. Current gynaecological training is also very sparse when it comes to the subject area of female pain during sex.


 


Due to this, most women who suffer from this do not tell anyone, and instead leave it untreated or look to home remedies to help them feel better.


 


Pain during sex is the main symptom of the condition, and it can be caused by both psychological and physical condition. As well as the pain during vaginal entry (which can also occur with tampons), some people feel a sharp pain during certain sexual positions, including a deep pain associated with their partner thrusting. Other types of pain can include an aching pain, a friction pain, tenderness of the bladder or urethra, dryness or a burning sensation during sexual intercourse.


 


There are a number of things that can contribute towards pain during sexual intercourse. It can be due to a lack of arousal, stemming from psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, fear of intercourse or mistrust of partner. In this case, some form of relationship therapy or couples counselling can help to break down the mental barriers that are stopping sex from being a pleasurable experience.


 


Sexual pain can also be caused by various physical issues, including things like endometriosis, uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, retroverted uterus, cystitis, uterine fibroids, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids, ovarian cysts, cancer therapy, scarring from previous surgery, insufficient lubrication, urinary tract infections, vaginismus, skin disorders such as eczema.


 


Many of these conditions require medical treatment, but if not you can do things like prolonging foreplay, using a personal lubricant or practising kegel exercises.

If you have a child with autism, you’ll understand the importance of a proactive approach when it comes to learning about the condition. Your child will be able to cope with their condition far better if you work closely with others involved in your child’s care, so the better equipped you are in terms of your knowledge, the better. It’s also important that you take care of yourself so that you can face any challenges that may come your way. You should ask your GP of any local autism groups, as these are a great source of information for managing your child’s symptoms and helping them to deal with the condition. Studies have shown that parent and family education can help to reduce family stress and improve the functions of your child. You can help them to become more independent simply by understanding the condition more, so that you’re better equipped to help them deal with the challenges they will likely face as they grow up. For example, be aware of your child’s educational rights – there are laws in place which can help handicapped children, including those with autism.  In fact, where your child’s education provider is concerned, close communication is vital – your child will need support from more than simply their family unit, and their teachers will play a key role in their development. The more knowledge they have about the condition, the better you can work together to provide a supportive environment.


 


One of the best ways to manage autism is to learn the various ways to handle the range of emotions, fears and concerns that a child with autism may face. The challenges, both long-term and daily, that you and your other children face may increase the risk of depression or stress-related illnesses. It’s vital that you consider the ways to deal with these, so that you can reduce the risk for your whole family, as well as your child who is coping with autism. These may include getting involved in a hobby, visiting friends or finding ways to relax – seek out things you can enjoy which are separate to your general day-to-day activities. You should also look for support from other people – this may be friends, relatives or support groups. The latter is particularly important, especially in the early stages of diagnosis, as you will be amongst people who understand what you’re going through and can provide information and resources to you to make your life easier. Also, don’t forget the importance of speaking to your GP – they may be able to advise of counsellors who specialise in speaking with families dealing with autism. They can help your child deal with the emotions they will be feeling about their condition, as well as other family members who may be finding it difficult to cope with the stresses of this condition.


 


There are some key ways to help your child by developing a more structured home life for them. For example, consistency will help enormously to reinforce learning. You can achieve this by sticking to a schedule and try to keep disruptions to a minimum where possible. You may find it beneficial to create a home ‘safety zone’ where your child can relax and feel secure – visual cues and set boundaries will help in this situation. You should make time for fun, so that your child has time in the day to relax and enjoy themselves – this will help them to take their mind off of the stresses of their condition, as well as give you time to bond as a family. Lastly, you should pay attention to the visual signs of your child’s behaviour, such as their facial expressions or tone of voice – these will help you deal with their activity more effectively.

Do you know what hypertension is? Probably not! Many people don’t really understand or may not have even heard of the problem of hypertension, but it is a serious condition that can make a big difference to your wellbeing. So that certainly makes it something that’s worth understanding. While not a very serious issue within itself, the problem with hypertension is that it can lead to some of the most worrying health concerns for us as we get older. It is known, for example, that hypertension is one of the major causes of coronary artery disease, stroke and kidney disease.


 


It is true that the condition is able to throw up some rather worrying statistics. Let’s take America as our key example. More than 50 million Americans (that’s one in three of the adult population) suffer from hypertension. Even more frightening that than, however, is that the vast majority do not even know that they have it at all. Hypertension could be considered to be something of a silent killer – you don’t know anything about it until it’s too late to remedy the problems that it causes.


 


Hypertension is well known by doctors to be one of the major causes of shortened life spans, and this is especially true for those people living in urban areas. Indeed, over 200,000 people in the US die every year from an illness that is related to them suffering from high blood pressure. Patients with hypertension are at a very high risk factor to have a stroke, or suffer a heart attack or develop congestive heart failure. This is very worrying then, that so many people are in danger from this condition but don’t really know the details of what to do about it.


 


Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the arterial blood pressure, which is the level of blood flowing from the heart of all of the vital organs, get increased due to a number of reasons. This can often be because of your diet – if you eat a lot of foods that are high in saturated fats it can increase the difficult in pumping blood around the body.  It then happens that over a period of time, the resulting stress of having to deal with the problems in the blood begins to weaken the heart muscle and causes the artery walls to harden with build-up of plaque inside. The consequences of chronic hypertension can be gradual and can even involve the damage of vital organs such as the kidneys as well as sudden and often fatal in the form of heart failure and brain haemorrhage.


 


So, how do you deal with hypertension? It’s important to remember that early diagnosis is extremely valuable in the fight against the condition. As with most issues, if you fear that you may be suffering from the condition then it’s well worth going to your doctor and talking through the possibility of having hypertension. There are some certain symptoms that you can watch out for that might make it more likely that you might have hypertension. These include obesity, lack of exercise, lots of salt in your diet, heavy consumption of alcohol or smoking. If this sounds like a reality of your life it could well be worth seeking medical advice on the issue.


 


Overall, it’s a good idea to be mindful of always maintain a healthy diet and getting plenty of regular exercise. Not only will this reduce the likelihood of you suffering from hypertension, but it also can help you avoid other issues too.

Sexual dysfunction is one of the biggest threats to your wellness, especially if you are a male over a certain age. It can affect emotional as well as physical wellbeing and it can take some intensive therapy or medication to get through.


 


The problem with sexual dysfunction is that it is a very taboo subject – people don’t like to talk about problems in their sex life, and so often many conditions that could be easily repaired go undiagnosed. What most people don’t realise is that the symptoms of sexual dysfunction are very common.


 


If you are suffering from sexual dysfunction, one of the best things you can do is educate yourself about your condition and all that it means. In this day and age, the internet is a readily accessible tool for you to look up your symptoms. Be sure to use a trusted source as there are many, many sources of misinformation on the internet and you can end up causing yourself more unnecessary stress.


 


Secondly, it is important to realise that many causes of sexual dysfunction can be really easily treated, with the right medical advice. Whatever symptoms you are suffering from, it is worth taking a trip to visit your local GP, and asking for some advice.


 


You may feel hesitant about this, as symptoms of sexual dysfunction are often quite personal and embarrassing, but bear in mind that doctors see every kind of condition and every type of body part on a regular basis as part of their job.


 


If you have a chat with your GP, you may well find that your condition is extremely common and that your GP can very likely prescribe you something to make things better straight away. Even if it’s not medically instantly fixable, you can be referred to some kind of therapy to help you recover.

Diabetics are more likely to suffer from sleep apnoea, according to a major new study. The wellness and wellbeing of those who suffer from diabetes is under threat in a number of ways, due to the effects on the body from the inability to control blood sugar levels effectively, and sleep apnoea is just another way that diabetics are thought to be at risk.


 


Sleep apnoea is a worrying and distressing condition where a person stops breathing for a period of time (or, sometimes, several periods of time) during the night. As well as being very upsetting for the sufferer (and for their loved ones, who may be extremely frightened to witness this), the condition can lead to a very disrupted night of sleep, and, consequently, to fatigue the next day. It is also linked to a huge variety of other health conditions, such as heart disease and depression. The condition can be diagnosed in a specialist sleep clinic, where participants undergo a full night (or sometimes more than one night) of constant monitoring.


 


People who have hypertension or type 2 diabetes are now known to be more at risk from having obstructive sleep apnoea than those without the condition, and should ensure that they discuss their risk from the condition with their healthcare provider. Effective diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the health of sufferers, with improved insulin sensitivity, cholesterol and blood pressure.


 


Treating sleep apnoea can be a very important part of diabetes management as it helps to improve glucose levels (as well as the aforementioned insulin sensitivity) in diabetics, and can also reduce their risk of succumbing to diabetes-related conditions.


 


Treatment for sleep apnoea is usually in the form of a CPAP, which blows air into your nose and mouth via a mask while you sleep.

Bipolar disorder affects family wellness as well as the wellbeing of the individual sufferer. Family therapy could be a way to improve the wellness of all concerned, as it can help to limit the stress that the disorder is placing on everybody.


 


When someone suffers from bipolar disorder, their close friends and family often help them to deal with the condition, and are exposed to some of the more serious symptoms of the disease.


 


Psychotherapy (which is also known as talk therapy) is often used in these cases, to help with the management of the disorder and to help those around them help to manage their own feelings and the repercussions that the disease can have on them.


 


Talking therapy is generally the preferred method as it helps patients to learn more about their own condition and they can then understand a little better about why the condition has the effect on them that it does, and how this translates into an effect on the people around them. It can also help them to learn healthy ways to deal with the issues that arise from their condition.


 


Family and friends who are feeling the strain of a loved one suffering from bipolar disorder can participate in family therapy, where the members of the family all take part in talking therapy together. This is meant to help improve communications between members of a family and to help them interact and deal with the problems they are facing. The goal is generally to identify any unhealthy interactions and improve them, and to put coping mechanisms into place to help the family learn the best ways to protect their loved one – and themselves.


 


This kind of therapy is widely available through the NHS and through private medical practices that specialise in mental health. Some employers also offer the therapy as part of a wellness at work initiative.

Have you ever heard of yips before? It may sound like a funny word, but the consequences of this health condition can actually be serious for your wellness and wellbeing.


 


Yips is a name given to involuntary wrist spasms. They most often occur when golfers are trying to putt, but they can occur during other sports, such a darts, cricket and baseball. It used to be thought that yips were a side effect of performance anxiety – i.e. that nerves caused the spasms, but it now appears that yips may be a physical condition, and that they are caused by a focal dystonia. This is a neurological dysfunction and it affects specific muscles.


 


For some people who suffer from yips, relief can be found by changing the way that they perform the task slightly. For example, a golfer who is normally right handed may try putting with a left handed stance instead.


 


When people suffer from yips, they may find that the yips sensation occurs in the beginning or in the middle of their normal stroke. The sensation may also come and go, so some days you will be absolutely fine and others you will be plagued by the problem. Another issue is that yips tends to show up in high pressure situations, so just when you are trying to make that match-winning stroke or score, you suddenly find that the spasms are occurring again, and threatening to throw your game right off.


 


As yips can be caused by psychological factors, neurological factors or a combination of both, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what the root cause of your condition is. Yips can also be associated with people getting older, and are more likely to occur in senior players than in the very young.