Monday, October 27, 2014

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)


Some people experience a temporary “ministroke,” or transient ischemic attack (TIA).  The symptoms mimic a stroke, but clear within 24 hours.  TIAs are a warning that a real stroke may follow, however. So consult your physician immediately if you experience any signs of a ministroke.

It’s important to know the warning signals of a stroke and get immediate medical attention, to minimize the damage.  To help you remember what to look out for, the initials of the symptoms spell DANGER.
  • Dizziness
  • Absent-mindedness or temporary loss of memory or mental ability
  • Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg
  • Garbled speech
  • Eye problems, including temporary loss of sight in one eye, or double vision
  • Recent onset of severe headcaches.



Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Monday, October 20, 2014

Reducing Stress


Stress is not so hard to find nowadays. Big things as well as small things can cause stress. 

When this happens, remember the following techniques:
  • Get some physical exercise.  A quick walk around the block frees your mind from what’s bugging you, helps in your blood circulation, and boosts energy levels.  
  • Regular exercise – with an approval from your doctor – is even better.
  • Take a warm bath or shower, which tends to relax tense muscles and calm nerves.
  • Talk over your troubles with a friend, relative, or profesional counselor. A “sympathetic other” can sometimes help you to see a problem more clearly – or help you think of practical solutions.
  • Count to ten when you’re upset. It buys you time, so you can reflect on what’s bothering you and calm down.
  • Pour yourself a cup of warm herbal tea. Sip it slowly and savor its soothing warmth and aroma.
  • Listen to classical, new age or any soothing music.
  • Do some form of meditation. It clears and relaxes the mind as well as the body.




Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com

Monday, October 13, 2014

Multiple Sclerosis


If you compare your brain to a telephone, the nervous system that carries messages to and from the rest of your body would serve as the phone wires.  If damage occurs to the wires, the messages would be distorted, weak or cut off.

That’s what happens to people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Normally, nerves are encased in a protective covering called myelin.  With multiple sclerosis, the myelin becomes inflamed and eventually dissolves.  Over time, scar tissue (sclerosis) accumulates where the myelin used to be.  “Multiple” sclerosis occurs in scattered locations in the spinal cord and brain. Nerve impulses that travel through nerves slow down considerably or come to a complete halt. This causes the symptoms of MS, which can include:
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Poor coordination
  • Poor bladder function
  • Transient blindness in one eye

No one knows what causes MS, but infection and other immunity factors are possiblities. People most susceptible to MS are:
  • White adults between 20 and 40 years old
  • People whose siblings or parents already have the disease
  • Women (at a ratio of three women to every two men) 

While no cure exists for multiple sclerosis, you can take several steps to make living with the disease easier. These include: 
  • Getting plenty of rest.
  • Minimizing stressful situations, since stress seems to aggravate the symptoms.
  • Avoiding hot showers or baths, since they can aggravate symptoms. (Cool baths or swimming in a pool may improve symptoms by lowering body temperature.)
  • Getting regular exercise (physical therapy may be helpful).
  • Having body massages to help maintain muscle tone.
  • Getting professional, supportive psychological counseling.
  • Taking prescribed medication.




Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com


Monday, October 6, 2014

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located just in front of the windpipe (trachea) in your throat. Its normal function is to produce hormones that influence thousands of metabolic processes in the body.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone.

Signs and symptoms:

  • tremors
  • mood swings
  • weakness
  • diarrhea
  • heart palpitations
  • heat intolerance
  • shortened menstrual periods
  • unexplained weight loss
  • fine hair (or hair loss)
  • rapid pulse
  • nervousness
  • enlarged thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone to meet the body's requirements.

Signs and symptoms:

  • fatigue and excessive sleeping
  • dry, pale skin
  • deepening of the voice
  • weight gain
  • dry hair that tends to fall out
  • decrease in appetite
  • frequently feeling cold
  • puffy face (especially around the eyes)
  • heavy menstrual periods
  • poor memory


Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com