|
|
A Healthy Diet For Life
Having established that your body needs a well balanced diet, with a good supply of carbohydrates, especially high - fiber foods, water vitamins and minerals, and a certain amount of protein, fat and bacteria, you need to know how to put it into...
Ayurveda Ayurvedic Medicines and herbs
What is Ayurveda and Its Importance?
Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from
Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. ayur means
"life" and veda means "science. India system which largely
depends on plant support...
“Correct Your Acid / Alkaline Balance With The Water You Drink
“Correct your acid / alkaline balance with the water you drink: What the experts say.”
In health circles there has been much recent talk about acid / alkaline imbalance. Let’s see if we can clarify how experts recommend we correct this...
Psyllium Husk review
Psyllium husk - - what is it? Psyllium husk is an herbal supplement taken by many to get the fiber they need for their diet. Psyllium husks are the coating around the seed of the psyllium plant. While the seeds are used for their own herbal values,...
The Tibetan and Chinese health Secret: If you read one health report a year, this should be it!
It seems as if the health of America is failing. One million Americans will die of circulatory disease this year. Six hundred thousand lives will be cut short by cancer as well. How did we get in such a mess? I’m not sure. But there is a...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Guide To Preventive Healthcare
Your Guide To Preventive Healthcare
By Irina
========================================================== The author grants permission to publish this article, in its entirety, electronically or in print, as long as the bylines are included. Other articles by Irina are available from http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/articles.html ==========================================================
Your Guide To Preventive Healthcare
Medical experts all agree that good health depends on improved access to and increased use of preventive services. With health insurance premiums being what they are and skyrocketing even further year after year, the first part (affordable access to quality healthcare) can serve as a worthy subject for a whole book. Notwithstanding the significance of the problem, it is beyond the scope of this article. More information on getting affordable access to quality healthcare is available from http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/affordable.html
If you already have access to preventive services, you are responsible, in large part, for managing your own care. Your primary-care practitioner is your partner, but numerous decisions of paramount importance are up to you. The following should help to decide if you need any of the tests listed below. You should, if possible, have a copy of your test results and records.
These are the major screening tests (that is, routine tests for people without symptoms) and adult immunizations. The advice is based largely on the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Most HMOs and Medicare cover these services; fewer traditional insurers pay for them. Infants, children, and pregnant women need other kinds of preventive care not described here.
- Blood pressure measurement (to detect hypertension) Who needs: All adults. How often: Once every 2 years for those with normal blood pressure. Comments: More frequent monitoring for those with readings of 130/85 or higher.
- Cholesterol measurement Who needs: All adults. How often: Once every 5 years. More often if total or LDL ("bad") cholesterol is high, HDL ("good") is low, and/or you have risk factors. Comments: Those at high risk for heart disease need medical advice about life-style changes and possibly drug therapy.
- Diabetes screening (fasting blood glucose test) Who needs: Everyone 45 and older; earlier for those at high risk. How often: Every 3 years. Comments: Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, obese people, and those with a strong family history need more frequent screening, starting at age 30.
- Dental checkup Who needs: All adults. How often: Every 6 months, or on professional advice. Comments: Should include cleaning and exam for oral cancer.
- Tetanus/diphtheria booster Who needs: All adults. How often: Every 10 years. Comments: People over 50 are least likely to be adequately immunized.
- Hepatitis B vaccine Who needs: All young adults, as well as adults at high risk. How often: On professional advice. Comments: All newborns should be vaccinated.
- Chickenpox vaccine Who needs: Anyone who has never had chickenpox. How often: Once. But above age 13 it requires two shots. Comments: Not recommended for pregnant women or those with compromised immunity.
- Pap smear (for early detection of cervical cancer) Who needs: All women with a cervix, starting at age 18, or earlier if sexually active. How often: If 3 annual tests are normal, then once every 3 years. More often if you smoke, have multiple sex partners or other risk factors. Comments: Some experts advise that women who have never had an abnormal result can stop being screened after age 65.
- Breast cancer screening (mammography) Who needs: All women 50 and over; those 40-49 should discuss riskfactors with a doctor. How often: Annually. Medicare reimburses for it. Comments:
Clinical breast exams are also important-consult your doctor.
- Colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy) Who needs: Everyone 50 and over; earlier for those at high risk. How often: Occult blood test annually; sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or colonoscopy every 10 years. Comments: Digital rectal exam and X-ray with barium enema may also be done. Medicare now pays for colonoscopy.
- Prostate cancer screening (prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test; and digital rectal exam, or DRE) Who needs: Blacks and men with family history, DRE and PSA starting at age 40. For others, DRE, and possibly PSA, starting at 50. How often: DRE annually; PSA on professional advice. Comments: Usefulness of PSA screening for all men remains controversial.
- Thyroid disease screening Who needs: Women 50 and over; those with high cholesterol or family history of thyroid disease. How often: On professional advice. Comments: Routine screening remains controversial. Talk to your doctor about risk factors.
- Chlamydia screening Who needs: Women 25 and younger, if sexually active. How often: Annually, or more often. Comments: Men and women of any age who are at risk for STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV) should be tested.
- Glaucoma screening Who needs: People at high risk: those over 65, very nearsighted, or diabetic; blacks over 40; those with sleep apnea or family history of glaucoma. How often: On professional advice of eye specialist. Comments: Many eye specialists advise screening all adults every 3-5 years, starting at age 39.
- Influenza vaccine Who needs: Everyone 50 and over, people with lung or heart disease or cancer, and others at high risk. How often: Annually, in autumn. Comments: Even healthy younger adults can benefit and should consider getting the shot.
- Pneumococcal vaccine Who needs: Everyone 65 and over, and others at high risk for complications. How often: At least once. Comments: Effective against most strains of pneumococcal pneumonia; lasts at least 5-10 years.
- Rubella vaccine Who needs: All women of childbearing age. How often: Once. Comments: Avoid during pregnancy.
There are other important preventive measures not listed above-the kind of commonsense steps that could save millions of medical dollars and prevent injury, illness, disability, and premature death. Here's a checklist:
- Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular exercise. Brisk walking for just half an hour every day can be a big factor in weight control and in staying healthy.
- Choose a diet low in animal fat and sodium, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Eat at least two servings of fish a week.
- Keep alcohol consumption moderate: no more than one drink daily for a woman, two drinks for a man. If you are a heavy drinker, seek counseling, and cut back or quit.
- Do self-exams of your breasts or testes, as well as skin.
- Fasten seat belts, see that kids ride in proper restraints, and obey the law. Drive sober and defensively.
- Brush and floss to prevent dental disease.
Someday there may be one magic test that will accurately detect anything and everything. Until then, this guide may be useful in making the right healthcare decision for yourself and your family.
(C) by Irina 2003.
========================================================== About the Author: Irina helps people save money on healthcare and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/ ==========================================================
About the Author
Irina helps people save money on healthcare and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/
|
|
|
|
|
American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
  |
Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
  |
Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
  |
Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
  |
Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
  |
Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
  |
CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
  |
CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
  |
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
  |
Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
  |
MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
  |
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
  |
Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
  |
WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
  |
WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
  |
Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
  |
Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
  |
children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
  |
International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
  |
Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
  |
|