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We lead busy lives—we work, spend time with our children or grandchildren, exercise, and even squeeze in date nights with our partners. There are only 24 hours in a day, and sometimes it’s hard to fit in regular health screenings. However, those appointments could catch gynecologic cancers early on—when it’s most treatable. There are five types of gynecological cancers: cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar. Risk factors for these cancers include contracting HPV, being 60 or older, family histo...
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Black and orange may not be the only colors you associate with October. Chances are you’ll also see friends, family and co-workers donning pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness this month. Though we usually associate pink with women, it’s important to know that breast cancer affects people of all genders. In America, 264,000 women and 2,400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. To make sure you “think pink,” here are three ways to take care of yourself. Know the Risks Those at higher risk in...
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The CDC reports that over 34 million American adults have diabetes. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, gum infections and even eye problems. Hyperglycemia can also damage blood vessels, thereby increasing the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Because 1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes (most of which don’t know it), we all can benefit from lower glucose levels to help lose weight, reduce blood pressure...
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Don’t let misinformation make waves. Knowing the facts about breast health can help keep you afloat in a sea of information. Myth: Only women have to worry about breast cancer. Fact: Though breast cancer is less common in men, it is more likely to be fatal. The CDC reported 2,300 new cases of male breast cancer in 2017. Myth: You can find all lumps with a self-exam. Fact: Breast cancer doesn’t always cause lumps, and if bumps do develop, it could mean cancer has spread to your lymph nodes. While y...
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The decision to have bariatric weight loss surgery doesn’t happen overnight. The process leading up to surgery may begin more than a year before your surgery date, and there are essential steps you must take to prepare for the procedure. This includes trying to lose weight through an established diet and exercise program and undergoing both physical and mental health evaluations to ensure you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery. You should also talk to your primary care doctor about having weight loss ...
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The first thing that comes to mind for many when they hear diabetes is sugar. While sugar plays a big part in this disease, there’s much more to this chronic condition. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, meaning it affects how the body breaks down food to create energy through insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Food is converted into glucose when you eat. As the amount of glucose in the blood rises, beta cells in the pancreas trigger insulin release. This hormone acts like a key, unlocking and ...
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As a new mother, it can be hard to find your footing. According to the Pew Research Center, 45 percent of moms with kids younger than 6 years say parenting is tiring all or most of the time. How can you make the adjustment easier? You took breastfeeding and prenatal classes, read every book you could get your hands on, and soaked up all the advice you could get from friends and family. However, all of that pales in comparison to the reality of caring for a newborn. How can you handle this new world of m...
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You’re going about your day, working, exercising or spending time with family, when all of a sudden you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your abdomen. You’ve been nauseated and haven’t had much of an appetite all day. If you’ve ever felt this way, don’t just dismiss it as something simple as overeating.These are all signs that you have appendicitis or inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis occurs due to infection, parasites or when the tube that joins your large intestine and appendix is blocked by tr...
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Maybe your significant other teases you about how cold your hands (or feet) are. Or perhaps you must wear socks whether it’s winter or not, and you’re still chilly no matter how many hot beverages you drink. If that sounds like you, maybe it’s time to figure out if there’s a reason why you are so cold. There could be a medical reason you’re feeling physically frigid and ways to treat the root of the matter, such as: Problem #1: Low Body Weight If you have a BMI of 18.5 or less or are 15% or more below t...
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In February, we often think about Valentine’s, love, and our feelings about our partners, siblings and close friends. It’s no surprise because those are the people who make us feel young at heart. A study in American Psychologist reports social connections help us live longer, lower our risk for heart disease and boost our immunities. Feeling young at heart is good, but certain risk factors may actually be aging your heart beyond its calendar years. Do you know your heart’s real age? ...
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