My OB/GYN doctor told me that I have been exposed to HPV virus, and this puts me

HPV, or human papilloma virus, is a virus that is contracted through sexual contact. Men can carry this virus and remain asymptomatic. Not all women who are exposed will develop cervical cancer, so the most important thing is to follow-up with your gynecologist for regular exams, including a PAP smear. For those not exposed, there is a new vaccine which prevents you from contracting the virus, and thus can lower your risk of cervical cancer. See your doctor for more information.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about HPV, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

My two month-old baby’s eyes don’t seem to work together. Since I had a “lazy eye,” do you think my son will too?

There are several different medical conditions that may be referred to by the lay population as lazy eye. The two major types are Amblyopia and Strabismus.

For the nine months that the child was developing inside the uterus there was no need for the eyes to focus on a single point with both eyes. Once the child is delivered he/she needs to learn how to focus on a subject in front of him/her. Initially the eyes see independently. This of course could be very confusing to the brain to process these separate images and understand it’s environment. Thus over the first four months of life, the child develops this ability to focus with both eyes thereby developing binocular vision (3-D vision with depth perception). If there is any obstruction to clear vision (such as a cataract), if the eye can’t focus, or if there is another condition not correctable by eyeglasses, Amblyopia will develop. Since it is too difficult to make sense of the unfocused and focused views, the brain “shuts down” the blurred vision. Thus, if there is no intervention made, the child’s vision will worsen in the eye that started with the problem. This condition is estimated to occur in approximately 3 percent of children. Most of these types of problems are random conditions, and do not seem to “run in families.”

Chidren with a Strabismus are unable to align their eyes for proper vision due to a weakness or descepancy in the length of one of the muscles of the eye; therefore, when the eyes try to focus, they cannot do so for more than a short time, and the eye will stray. This causes two separate images, and the child may see “double” because of it. Once again, since this is difficult for the brain to proces, it will frequently “shut down” one of the eye’s images thereby reducing the acuity of that eye. This then leads to Amblyopia or a true “lazy eye.” The incidence of this condition is approximately 5 percent of children. There is a tendency to see this trait in families without a true genetic inheritance. If one parent had a “lazy eye” in their past, then there is a somewhat greater degree of one their offspring to have one; however, it is not that much greater than the general population.

Children prior to four months will have eyes that seem to “wander.” After this time they should remain straight and focused. If there are any concerns, it is necessary to make sure that your child is evaluated.

Good Luck
DRTOM

If that statistic doesn’t alarm my female readers, this additional one from the CDC will: “almost two-thirds of the women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.” What this means is that YOU could be at risk and not even know it.

Because heart disease kills so many American women (and men), the American Heart Association (AHA) has named February Heart Health Month.  During this important time, the AHA and cooperating agencies and businesses promote heart health awareness; therefore, this is the perfect time to make sure your heart is as healthy as it can be.

Where do you start?  The good thing is that it’s pretty easy to improve your heart health. First, make sure that you have your blood pressure checked regularly.  This is because many people who have high blood pressure may experience no symptoms. If you find out you have high blood pressure, your doctor will teach you how to manage it. You should also make sure you know what your cholesterol level is.  If it’s too high, you need to change your diet in an effort to reduce the number.  Also, if you smoke – QUIT!  There are many over the counter medications available to help you kick the habit. If you have diabetes, make sure that you follow your doctor’s orders for controlling it.  Finally, get your body moving!

Sometimes it is easy to forget that your heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised.  Most health agencies recommend that a woman needs to exercise for 30 minutes each day.  The neat thing is that you don’t have to exercise in 30 minute blocks; you can exercise for 10 minutes at a time.  You’ve heard the drill before, but have you really tried to implement more movement into your life?

If you haven’t exercised in a long time, try either of these suggestions:

1.  Walk with a friend.

Exercising is so much easier when you do it with a friend.  Take a walk while at work, or schedule time to walk in a park or even a mall.  Walking is easy to do, it doesn’t cost anything, and it’s one of the best exercises for heart health.

2.  Embrace the stairs.

Sometimes we avoid the stairs because we feel too tired; however, climbing stairs is one of the best exercises for hearts.  If you work in an office building, start by getting off the elevator one floor below where you work.

This February, give yourself a valentine…a healthy heart, one that will last you for many years to come.

I am 32 years old and had chest pain a few weeks ago that I thought felt like what people describe for a heart attack, so I went to the doctor. He told me it was not a heart attack, but it was inflammation around the heart due to a viral infection that I recently had. He treated me with medication, and I felt better for a week or so, but now the symptoms have recurred. Should I see another doctor; could he have given me the wrong diagnosis?

Your doctor probably told you that you have pericarditis. This is an inflammation around the heart, and it can be associated with a recent viral illness, just as you described. The treatment is with anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes with a course of steroids. The symptoms can persist for some time, and the symptoms can be recurrent, so your doctor may still be correct in his diagnosis. Most cardiologists will check blood work for markers of inflammation, such as the ESR and the CRP, to confirm the diagnosis. Go back to see him again with your new symptoms.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about pericarditis, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

Imagine going to the doctor for a little bump you feel on your body. For someone suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, they assume automatically that the bump must be cancer, and continue to obsess and worry over the bump even after the doctor has said it is normal. This is one of the uncontrollable worries produced by the disorder. The excessive worry involved with the disorder is completely disproportionate to the actual reason for worry. This worry can interfere with daily life, and can even manifest itself in dangerous physical symptoms. Although some amount of worrying and stress is normal, below I will discuss some symptoms to look for that may point to Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Again, everyone worries about health issues, money, death, family relations, work, and school issues, but someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder is overly concerned with these worries, to the point that they cloud out a basis for what is reasonable to worry about. Even more unsettling is that this disorder can manifest itself in a variety of physical symptoms. For example, people suffering form Generalized Anxiety Disorder can experience fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, prolonged upset stomach, muscle aches, unexplained pains – even restlessness and rashes. The inability to control worries is the main cause for all of these symptoms.

It is possible to develop Generalized Anxiety Disorder at any time in life, but it especially occurs in late childhood to middle adulthood; therefore, trying to live with the disorder can and will be a long-term challenge. Many times, Generalized Anxiety Disorder appears with other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Again, many signs and symptoms include worrying an extreme amount about every day things, having trouble controlling these worries, being aware that you worry more than you should, and even having a hard time concentrating and being irritable. In the past, there has not been a very strong focus and acknowledgement of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but there is several treatment options available today.

The first step to getting diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder is to talk to your doctor about symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will perform an exam and make sure another problem is not causing the worries. If referred to a mental health specialist, the treatment options are psychotherapy and medication. Therapy sessions will be the most helpful form of treatment available, as they will help you release many worries. The medication will also assist with relaxation and can be very helpful in controlling Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

If the symptoms above sound like you, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor. There is help available.

Consider the following:

1. Exercise costs nothing!

Isn’t that great? Something in today’s world that costs you nothing out of pocket. You don’t need special clothes or shoes to begin exercising. All you need to do is get up off the couch, or out of the recliner, and move. Dance, walk in place, or do jumping jacks…it’s that simple. Once you “jump start” your system with movement, you will feel greater amounts of energy flowing through your body. Companies bombard us with advertisements for expensive energy drinks and supplements, yet you don’t need to purchase those with your hard earned money. Get the same effect for FREE, by simply moving your body.

2. Exercise resets the mind!

Do you know how many times I have heard my middle-aged women friends say, “I’m not an exerciser?” Too many! What these women don’t know is that you don’t have to participate in team sports or be able to swim great lengths or even know how to golf to think of yourself as someone who exercises. Here’s a great example: my pastor and his wife began square dancing several years ago. In that time, they have lost weight, they have gained many friends, and they smile A LOT more. They have joined the ranks of those who have reset their minds to believe exercise encompasses lots of activities, including those that people deem as fun. So, get moving in any way that gives you joy, and reset your confidence level so that you think of yourself as one who exercises.

3. Exercise can decrease pain!

Have you ever been so sick you had to stay in bed for several days, only to be stiff when you finally recovered? Well, if you tend to sit or lay in bed too long, even when not ill, your body can actually become achy. My friend, a contractor, knows when he has worked too long on his computer, because his lower back will begin hurting. That’s his signal to get back out in the field and do physical labor. Even people who suffer from painful arthritis can benefit from movement. (For those with arthritis reading this article, make sure you check out the Arthritis Foundation website. Currently, they have an article concerning how Tai Chi can reduce back pain).

Convinced that exercise just may be your path to increased happiness? I hope so. It’s free, it helps to reset your mind by giving you increased confidence, and it can actually decrease pain. Exercise is not a magic happy pill, but it is pretty darn close.

I have been eating raw cookie dough since I was a kid, and I can’t remember ever getting sick from it; however, a friend recently told me that doing this can make you ill. Please tell me I don’t have to stop eating raw cookie dough; it is my favorite part of making cookies.

Unfortunately, I have bad news for you. There is some risk of food bourne pathogens (basically bad bacteria) from eating raw cookie dough, just like eating some other raw food. It is the flour and eggs that can carry these bacteria, such as E Coli. The cookie dough ice creams that you see in the freezer are pasteurized, so they are protected from these bugs, but the raw cookie dough is not, so it does put you at some risk.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about the dangers of eating raw cookie dough, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

Tea, consumed hot or cold, has a plethora of health benefits, but in my experience I keep finding people who are not familiar with them, let alone that the world of tea expands infinitely farther than the powder found inside store-bought tea bags. Remember, tea bags are filled with tea processed beyond recognition, and the bag also takes out many of the health benefits. To make it simple, I have listed a few of the different categories of tea, as well as some of their health benefits.

Black Tea. Perhaps the most popular tea in the West, black tea is loaded with health benefits, although it is by far the least healthy of other teas. Since the fermentation process of black tea differs greatly from other teas, many of the healthful EGCgs, or antioxidants, are converted into other compounds. Not to be written off, black tea may reduce the risk for strokes, as well as reduce production of “bad” cholesterol. Research is proving that drinking black tea can actually reverse abnormally functioning blood vessels.

Green Tea. The darling of the health world, green tea is notorious for its health benefits – for good reason. Research has suggested that green tea has the potential to fight cancer and heart disease, as well as lower cholesterol, burn fat, prevent diabetes and stroke, and dementia. The EGCg levels found in green tea make it one of the best sources for antioxidants, which are important in fighting diseases and are also known to have anti-aging effects.

Oolong Tea. Oolong tea, unfortunately, is lesser known to Americans; however, oolong also has many positive health effects, as well as a gentle, smooth taste. Oolong tea is known for its ability to assist in diets and weight loss. If oolong is consumed regularly, it not only provides enriching antioxidants, but it also deceases appetite. If used properly with exercise and healthy eating, oolong tea can be an integral part in any weight loss routine. On top of this, it is very helpful for relaxation, stress relief, and digestion.

White tea. White tea is often either overlooked by Americans, or is often falsely advertised in bottled drinks filled with sweeteners and chemicals. White tea in its most pure form is the least processed of all teas, leading it to be the absolute healthiest tea. While green tea and the others are healthy in their own right, white tea combines all of those health benefits, and then some. It is packed full of antioxidants, may have a noteworthy cancer-fighting power, and can also do anything from lowering blood pressure, to cholesterol, improving and protecting the cardiovascular system, building strong bones, and has even been known to boost the immune system as a whole.

Those prescribed amlodipine, which is an example of a CCB, need to remember a few key facts. Never take more or less than your doctor prescribes of the medication. Also, take the medicine at the same time each day, but if you do forget a dose, don’t take two tablets at once. In addition, drinking alcohol while on amlodipine should be limited, as doing so may increase negative side effects, and store the medication away from temperature extremes. (Keep amlodipine away from children and pets, and never share a prescription with another person).

A final tip from Medi-Span, Inc. is the following: “it is important to brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums.”

As with any high blood pressure medication, you probably will have to take amlodipine for life. Even if you feel well, don’t stop taking the pills, as your blood pressure will most certainly rise again. A key thing to remember – many times those with high blood pressure don’t even realize that they have it; just because you feel great, does not mean your high blood pressure problem has resolved itself. In fact, many doctors begin patients on a low dose of amlodipine with the intentions of increasing the dosage as time goes on.

Common side effects of amlodipine include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, flushing, muscle cramps, nausea, stomach pain, headaches, and weakness. Additional information supplied by Medi-Span, Inc. states that patients who have just been prescribed amlodipine may feel tired or run down the first few weeks. Also, to prevent fainting or falling, care should be taken to stand up slowly when on this medication.

Severe side effects may include swelling of the feet or legs, fainting, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, severe headache, bleeding gums, and yellowing of the eyes and skin to name a few. Check with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

According to PubMed, before taking amlodipine,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist (or Pharmacy Technician) what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amlodipine, call your doctor.

High blood pressure is a serious disease that is treated with 9 types of medications. CCB’s are one type of medication prescribed to lower blood pressure. Only a doctor can determine which type of blood pressure medication is right for you, so talk to your physician if you think you may have this illness.

I have had psoriasis for many years, and now I have developed arthritis in multiple joints. It causes quite a bit of pain, and Advil has not been helping recently. My general doctor told me that it may be related to the psoriasis. Do you think that may be the case? If so, what kind of doctor should I see, and are there treatments other than the usual anti-inflammatory medications?

If you suffer from psoriasis, a common skin condition, there is a 30% chance that you will develop arthritis in your lifetime; this is known as Psoriatic Arthritis. It causes all of the typical symptoms of other forms of arthritis, such as painful, swollen joints. You should see a rheumatologist, which is a doctor that specializes in arthritis, especially these types of arthritis. There are other treatments, besides the typical anti-inflammatory medications that can be very helpful for this condition.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about Psoriatic Arthritis, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

What does it do? Vitamin K is best known for its role in healthy blood clotting, but is also a key component in healthy bones, and the prevention of calcification of blood vessels or heart valves. Regarding blood clotting, vitamin K is what keeps our blood clotting ability at the ideal level. Too much clotting and we would get unwanted blockages, and too little clotting would cause prolonged bleeding from a simple cut. Vitamin K gets its name from the German word koagulation, as in, coagulation of blood vessels. It has also been revealed that vitamin K is useful in carboxylation and the control of osteoclasts (too much of these can cause bone demineralization), which are both essential mechanisms that keep ours bones from weakening and thus fracturing. Vitamin K also keeps arteries from hardening by controlling the build of up calcium inside a tissue.

What if we don’t get enough Vitamin K? As you might suspect, vitamin K deficient individuals suffer from symptoms related to proper blood clotting. This could be in the form of easy bruising, anemia, prolonged clotting times, and many other related issues. Naturally, other symptoms arise in the form of problematic bones, and issues with the hardening of arteries or heart-valve function.

What if we get too much?  Surprisingly, there do not seem to be any adverse effects involved with unusually high intake of vitamin K. In both its phylloquinone and menaquinone forms, vitamin K does not appear to be toxic at any level.

Where can we find vitamin K? This is where the dark, leafy greens come in. Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and the like are all excellent sources of vitamin K. Lettuce a good source of vitamin K, but it should be noted that certain types contain more than others. Iceberg lettuce only contain one quarter the amount of vitamin K that you would find in the same amount of romaine lettuce. Meat, eggs, and fermented soy food are good sources of the menaquinone form.

It is currently unknown how other nutrients act with vitamin K.

Once you have  your prescription and have taken care of the medical purpose for glasses, you can indulge in the fashion part of glasses.  Frame size, shape, and color are yours to determine.  Display your personality at the same time that you make your vision better!

In addition to prescription glasses, sunglasses should be an item that you consider buying.  Whether you are far-sighted or near-sighted, good sunglasses are important for eye health.  Those who are near-sighted can purchase prescription sunglasses, if you need your glasses while driving.  Prescription or not, eye protecting polarized sunglasses will block harmful rays.

What does this information mean to you? The good news is that with low influenza activity across the nation, there have been fewer visits to doctors, and fewer deaths contributed to the flu and/or pneumonia; however, just because the flu is not prevalent now, doesn’t mean that there won’t be an upsurge in cases in the coming new year.

As the CDC explains, “Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.” As you can see, even health officials don’t know what effect a specific flu season will have on the American population until it is over.

What a person needs to do to prevent catching the flu in the coming months remains relatively easy. First, make sure to get vaccinated; there is plenty of vaccine still available. Next, wash your hands, especially after going to public places, including clinics, grocery stores, and schools. You can also carry anti-bacterial hand gel with you to kill the germs if you can’t get to a sink for soap and water. It is also a good idea to teach yourself not to touch your face with your fingers, including the eyes, as doing so aids transmission of the virus. Finally, if you know someone is sick with the flu, stay away from them if at all possible.

Of course there are a few more ways to ward off the flu, as well as other illnesses. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, full of vitamins and minerals, and get plenty of rest. The last thing you want is for your immune system to be worn down if you have been exposed to the influenza virus.

Finally, remember high risk groups for the flu as presented by the CDC.  These people must use all prevention measures available to them.
1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
*Health care workers
*Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
*Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Over Christmas my right big toe became swollen, painful, and red. My cousin said that he has gout, and it caused the same symptoms. Do you think he may be correct about my big toe?

Your cousin MAY be correct. Although there may be other causes, the big toe is a common place for a gout attack. The symptoms of gout are a painful, red, swollen joint, as it is a form of arthritits. There are a number of causes; the most common is just an elevation of the uric acid levels in the blood, which accumulates in the joint, causing the symptoms. The treatment is with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen; however, gout attacks can be prevented by lowering your uric acid levels with medication. See your doctor to see if you are a candidate for this treatment.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about gout, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

There’s been a lot of news stories on lately about having a child’s cholesterol level checked. Should I ask my children’s pediatrician to consider doing this for my kids?

We all know how high cholesterol levels affect the heart and the blood vessels in adults and the necessity of checking it regularly as well as treating those with levels higher than recommended. Before it was known that it takes a long time for cholesterol plaques to develop within the arteries and vessels, it was initially hard to correlate childhood behaviors and cholesterol levels with adult outcomes; however, in the 1960′s and 1970′s when young soldiers were autopsied while in Vietnam, it was discovered that many already had plaques in their aorta (the main artery that leaves the heart and travels dowwn to the abdomen).

All aspects of a child’s health should be monitored regularly, including cholesterol levels if indicated. Children who have a family history of cardiac disease, including heart attacks before age 55 years old, high cholesterol, low HDL “good” cholesterol, and children who are obese – over the 85 percentile in weight compared to height –  should be evaluated and routinely have their cholesterol levels drawn.

The first cholesterol level in these children should be drawn between 2 and 10 years old. If cholesterol and its subtypes are normal, then it should be repeated every 5 years or so. Should any of the values be abnormal, then dietary changes should be put in place and labs repeated in approximately 6 months. If there are still elevated levels, then the child should be seen and evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist appropriately trained in cholesterol abnormalities.

Should there be no significant family history, then find out the cholesterol level around the beginning of puberty and again at 18 years old as baselines. Stopping all cholesterol intake will not stop cholesterol being made in the body. Some cholesterol is important even in infants, since it is an integral part in the development of the brain and nervous system. Eating right from the very beginning develops good eating habits with a healthy active lifestyle further helping to maintain proper levels.

Life-long healthy living will help as much as possible. So if there are any concerns as named above, have a fasting cholesterol level drawn, and have it appropriately evaluated by the child’s pediatrician. If necessary, see a specialist.

Good Luck,
DRTOM

To begin thinking about belly fat, one must remember that the fat you can see is not the only fat around your middle. Where an outer layer of fat exists, an inner layer is present as well. This increases a person’s risk for many health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. You should also picture what the fat looks like inside your body…it is thick and white, much like the fat you trim off beef! As you can imagine, this taxes the body greatly.

Next, a person must know how many inches he or she needs to lose from the waist to be considered healthy. On the Mayo Clinic website, it is suggested women should be at no more than 35 inches, while men should not exceed 40 inches; however, on a recent edition of the Dr. Oz show, a target of 32 inches for women was promoted. (Remember, if you have had children, your skin will have stretched a bit, and it will most likely not completely tighten again).

After you determine how many inches you want to get rid of, a diet and exercise plan must be initiated. In order to lose a pound of fat, you need to burn at least 2,500 more calories per week than you consume. This sounds like a lot, and it is! That is why slow and steady weight loss is best. If you starve yourself, you may lose weight quickly, but you will gain it right back when you resume eating normally.

Basically, experts assert that you can lose a clothing size with every 10 – 12 lbs shed. This can take from one to two months. The lesson here is that losing weight, takes time. You won’t see immediate results, but rest assured, if a person continually consumes less calories than those being burned, he or she will lose weight (and inches).

Simple foods, including fruits and vegetables are best for losing belly fat, as well as whole grain products. As always, stay away from fast foods, high calorie sauces, and sweets. You can eat many of the foods you love, but make sure to limit portion sizes. If you usually eat an entire plate full of spaghetti and sauce, switch to whole grain noodles and sauce…and limit yourself to half the plate. (Don’t worry. Your hunger pains will diminish within a few days).

Losing belly fat can seem to be impossible, but leading experts agree that it is not impossible. If people watch caloric intake, eat healthy foods, and exercise more – waistlines can be reduced – at least that’s what all the news outlets tell us!

I have been diagnosed with PAH pulmonary artery hypertension. I am frequently short of breath when cleaning my house and while chasing after my 3 kids. I know there are newer treatments; what do you think of these treatments?

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a condition that causes higher pressures in the lungs and subsequently thickening of the arteries in the lungs. It causes symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath, just like you are having. The newer PDE5 inhibitors are similar to the medications that you see advertised for erectile dysfunction, and have been found to improve the symptoms in patients with PAH. See your doctor or pulmonologist to see if these are good medications for you.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about PAH, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

Officially known as hypochondriasis, the condition is defined as “worry over an imagined illness with exaggeration of symptoms, no matter how insignificant, that lasts for at least six months and causes significant distress.” The condition can develop on its own, but most commonly follows generalized anxiety disorder or depression. Rather than being a joke, hypochondriasis deserves just as much concern as depression or any other anxiety disorder.

Sufferers of the disease often do not see it as harmless, and the condition can easily shift from a quirky, neurotic, and minor character trait into a dangerous obsession. Arthur Barsky of Harvard Medical School says, “Illness often becomes a central part of a hypochindriac’s identity.” For someone with hypochondriasis, believing that a disease is present is not an after thought; it occupies the mind relentlessly. Many skeptics believe that this is just a way to get attention; however, it has been proven in several studies and by many academics, that sufferers really do feel genuine distress and suffer from actual anxiety.

Many of us Google random health issues that may come up – from a sore throat, to swollen lymph nodes, to a minor stomachache. Hypochondriacs, however, can find the search results on the Internet particularly troubling, and often cannot tell the difference between sound medical advice, and the rantings of an uninformed teenager.

With the simple Google search for “swollen glands,” the first result was a forum in which a user had posted that they had a swollen gland, and it turned out to be Stage-4 lymphoma which led to the person’s ultimate demise. The posts listed under were all reactions of other users, terrified by the post and believing that they also suffered from the same condition. For a hypochondriac, this advice would convince them that they indeed had the disease to a point of unhealthy obsession. The Internet, and its medical advice, are the newest enemy of hypochondriacs.

Some symptoms of hypochondria include an obsession or intense fear about having a serious medical issue, worrying that minor symptoms mean that there is a serious issue present, seeing doctors repeatedly, frequently switching doctors due to lack of trust, continuously talking about symptoms, and most of all, thinking they have a disease after simply reading or hearing about it.

If you or a loved one start obsessively worrying over a health problem, even after being told by a doctor you are in perfect health, you may have hypochondria. At this point, the best thing you can do is not go to a family doctor, but to a mental health professional who can help you get back on the road to true health. Remember, most mental illnesses are treatable.

1.  Every person CAN exercise.

No matter your physical limitations, every person can exercise in some manner.  Here’s an example.  For several years I worked with senior citizens in assisted living centers and in nursing homes.  These residents enjoyed learning ways they could become stronger, even as they approached the final years of their lives. We laughed together as we did seated leg raises, and we shared stories while we lifted 2 lb weights.  My point?  The people in these programs embraced the idea that change can happen, even if confined to a wheel chair.  Approach your exercise program for 2012 with the same can-do attitude as these seniors, and you will work towards accomplishing your goal.

2.  Exercise IS good for you.

Sure, you’ve heard all the hype – humans were meant to move, and the more we do, the greater our chances for living long, healthy lives.  Take my cousin’s husband for instance…he began to run religiously over the course of the last decade, and he is in the best shape of his life at 46 years old!  He even completed a lengthy race that is known for being all up hill.  My husband also exercises every day, making it a point to work out on his lunch hour.  What both of these men know, exercise helps the body to stay strong, the mind to stay agile, and the heart to keep beating for a long time.

3.  Our moods DO improve because of exercise.

It can’t be denied; exercise chases away the blues.  Studies have shown that a regular exercise program can positively affect a person’s outlook on life, and what could be better than seeing life as the glass half full instead of the glass half empty?  If you think about it, have you ever seen a depressed person leading exercise classes?  Think of Denise Austin’s huge smile. So, begin your exercise program with the understanding that your mood will improve through regular and vigorous movement.

4.  Everyone DOES have setbacks.

Did you know that every athlete has setbacks?  There are times when injuries, surgeries, or even life events stop people from exercising; however, the key is to start again.  Just because you missed a day in your new routine, don’t throw in the towel.  Sticking to your plan will pay off in the long run.  I know you’ve all heard the story of the tortoise and the hare.  The tortoise moved slowly, but he kept going, his eyes on the prize; in essence, he won because of his focus, and his determination to reach his goal.  Be like the tortoise, and view your goal as something you will keep trying to accomplish.

I find this time of year so hectic, and I eat so much junk.  There is always candy all over the office.  What can I eat quickly at lunch to be healthier?

Lunch is an important meal for working people. It gives you the energy to finish your day productively.  A healthy lunch should include a good balance of vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates.  Try to bring a small lunch from home.  Use your leftovers from dinner, and add some fresh vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. You can also put a small amount of your dinner meal on a peice of whole wheat bread with the veggies. There is new technology that uses your microwave to steam food. This will be a new healthy option.

Expert:  News Canada

To learn more about healthy lunches, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

Lemons. Although some people cannot take the sour taste of lemons, they are one of the healthiest fruits in the world. A single lemon contains 100% of the daily vitamin C intake, which may also increase HDL “good” cholesterol levels and strengthen bones. On top of this, the flavonoids in lemons may also inhibit cancer growth and act as an anti-inflammatory. Even adding a slice of lemon to tea has been known to significantly increase antioxidant absorption.

Broccoli. Mom was not exaggerating when she said eating broccoli was good for you. A single stalk of broccoli exceeds 100% of daily vitamin K intake, and 200% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C. These nutrients help build strong bones and inhibit cancer growth. Instead of the traditional methods of steaming or boiling, microwaving preserves the vitamin C in the broccoli much better.

Dark Chocolate. It is no myth that dark chocolate is actually healthy. Believe it or not, it is even considered a “super food.” Simply eating one-fourth of an ounce of dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure. In addition, the cocoa is filled with flavonoids, which reduce “bad” cholesterol, and raise the “good.” Keep in mind that dark chocolate contains almost 40 more milligrams of flavonoids than milk chocolate.

Spinach. Popeye was strong from eating tons of spinach for a reason. Spinach is a traditional and versatile “super food.” Two immne-boosting antioxidants for eye health, lutain and zeaxanthin, are packed in spinach. It has also been proving to be one of the best fruit or vegetable in the fight against cancer. Spinach is a tasteless addition to smoothies, as well as the perfect base for a fresh, crisp salad. Keep in mind that spinach no longer has to be processed and canned. Try growing fresh spinach in a home garden for the healthiest spinach leaves.

Red Wine. One of my personal favorite “super foods” is red wine. Although technically a beverage, red wine shares many of the incredibly healthy effects of the other foods on the list. Red wine, when consumed in careful moderation, is very heart healthy due to all of the anti-oxidants and other ingredients that are known to prevent heart disease, increase levels of “good” cholesterol, and protect against heart damage. Remember, a glass of red wine is healthy, but when used excessively will have the exact opposite effect.

Try any of these five foods today, and be on your way to better health!

Read on to learn more about this new finding, as well as to learn about other drugs with surprising (additional) benefits.

Statins
People who take this drug daily do so to address abnormal cholesterol levels and to combat heart attacks. Little did these patients know – this drug cuts the risk of dying in half for those people admitted to the hospital for extreme cases of influenza. As stated in USA Today, “Statins have piqued the interest of virologists and others because they may have anti-inflammatory properties that might mitigate the damage from the influenza virus.” At this time, the drug will not be given to those patients who are admitted to the hospital with influenza, and who don’t normally take statins, yet it is surprising that research has shown that those who do take it have a better chance of surviving a bout with the flu.

Aspirin
This medication, used for years as a pain reliever and fever reducer, also has a surprising benefit you may not know about – for some people it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is imperative to not begin taking a daily dose of aspirin without consulting your doctor first; however, if he or she deems you a candidate for low-dose aspirin therapy, you will increase your chances of NOT dying from heart trouble. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, aspirin reduces the clumping action of platelets in the blood. This, in turn, can help a person who has narrowing of the arteries. They also warn that aspirin can cause unwanted internal bleeding, so this type of therapy should be done only under the supervision of a doctor.

Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Thousands of people rely on anti-depressants to help them live life to the fullest. One drug, Cymbalta, has helped many of these patients to shoo away the clouds of listlessness and of sadness. It has also been prescribed for managing anxiety. Recently, Cymbalta has also been linked to pain reduction. Those who suffer from the aches associated with several illnesses may also benefit from this medication. As described on the Cymbalta website, “It is indicated for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia…and for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic osteoarthritis pain and chronic low back pain.”

(A doctor should be consulted before taking any medication. It is never wise to take another person’s medication or to start a new drug without the knowledge of your primary caregiver. Although the medications listed above have benefits that extend beyond their original use, making an appointment with your local health care provider is the best way to deal with a health issue!)

I was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration, and they called it wet macular degeneration. I have been having trouble seeing at night and stopped driving. Does this usually progress to blindness? I am still waiting to see the specialist for treatment. Is there good treatment? I am very nervous.

Macular degeneration is a common condition; it is the leading cause of blindness for people over age 50. Usually the central vision is affected; however, there is a new treatment for this condition that seems to be very promising. Doctors have been using laser and other treatments for a number of years to slow the progression. The new treatment appears to even regress some of the loss of vision. See your opthamologist for more information.

Expert: News Canada

To learn more about macular degeneration, watch this video from VideoMD.com.

Many recipes that are popular during the wintertime are cream-based, which means they add a helping or two of fat (and calories) that we just don’t need. Broth-based soups should be chosen over cream-based soups, bisques, or chowders. For example, at Uno Chicago Grill, a bowl of New England Clam Chowder or the Broccoli and Cheddar packs about 420 or 300 calories, respectively, while the Beef Barley or Veggie (both broth-based soups) have just 135 calories. In either case, the sodium content is something to be cautious of: all contain more than a third of the recommended maximum daily intake. The Broccoli and Cheddar is the worst offender, containing more than 1500 milligrams of sodium, about 2/3 of the recommended value. A bread bowl can make for a unique presentation of a bowl of soup, but it really goes without saying that this edible dinnerware should be avoided.

How about chicken pot pie? Everybody loves the scrumptious, creamy filling, but we all know that there are healthier choices. The high-fat crust on the top and bottom certainly doesn’t help the situation. If you’re filling up on some pot pie, leave the crust for last; you might not be hungry for it and are better off filling up on the insides of the pie. Better yet, satisfy a hankering for warm chicken with a salad topped with roasted chicken breast.

If you’re making a home-made chili, choose a lean meat (or none at all). Let the bulk of the substance come from beans and vegetables, and leave the cheese on the side.

I agree with those who argue that there’s no substitute for a good slice of pie or home-baked cookie. Sometimes, you just have to have one, but that’s exactly it – just have one. Most diets can handle a 200-calorie dessert, but not five of them. If you want to be really good, skip the pastries and treat yourself with a sweet piece of fruit. Citrus fruits are in their peak season. I bought a 5 lb. bag of grapefruit for just $3 at Shaw’s this past week. A light coating of sugar can transform a sour grapefruit into quite a sweet treat!

Unfortunately, science has not progressed to the point where such a pill exists; however, if we arm ourselves with knowledge, the negative effects of disease can be reduced, or in some cases, even eliminated. Read on to learn more.

1. Family History
Do you understand the important role that family history plays in your chances of becoming ill? For example, if one of your close family members developed cancer before the age of 50, you may be at greater risk of contracting the disease yourself. In addition, if your mother or father suffered from elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you may be prone to the same conditions. For the above reasons, make sure to have early, and often, health screenings. The good news is that most insurance companies cover these tests. If you haven’t seen a doctor in several years, and your family historically suffers from a specific disease, make an appointment to get checked out.

2. Hygiene
It is true that the simple act of washing the hands frequently (with warm, soapy water) decreases your chances of becoming ill. Think of all the surfaces your fingers touch each day: door handles, stair railings, phones, shopping carts, pens, and keyboards. Did you know that cold and flu viruses can live on these surfaces for several hours? By simply washing your hands, you can prevent a bout with seasonal influenza, or something worse.

3. Condoms
Sadly, many people do not realize that using condoms helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis. They also don’t realize that these types of diseases do not only affect the young. Recent news stories have argued that those over 50 years of age are more and more at risk due to high divorce rates.

4. Smoking
If you want to avoid developing lung cancer and/or emphysema, refrain from smoking. Of course there are other reasons why people get these diseases, but smoking has been linked to thousands upon thousands of cases. Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting now increases your chances of NOT becoming ill. Another bonus of quitting smoking is reduced chances for suffering from gingivitis.

5. Exercise
The symptoms of many diseases can be lessened or alleviated through regular exercise. People who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic can actually keep diabetes at bay with healthy eating and with a regular exercise program. Even something as simple as walking has been shown to keep the brain, as well as the bones, healthier. And those that suffer from arthritis actually report less pain after exercising.

No – there is not magic pill to prevent disease, but knowledge is the next best thing!