 |
|
|
| FEBRUARY
IS HEALTHY HEART MONTH - 1-12-05 February is a good time to review the ways to have a healthy heart. Some cardiac risk factors need medication and some can be corrected by will power. We need to monitor and treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Many people also need to lose weight, stop smoking, and get more exercise. |
| PROSTATE
CANCER - DECIDING WHAT TO DO -1-10-05 The prostate is a male sexual organ that is located between the rectum and the bladder. Its normal function is to produce reproductive fluids. Cancer of the prostate is fairly common in older men. There are no known risk factors and there is no way to prevent prostate cancer. Men who develop prostate cancer must make careful decisions, together with their physicians, as to how to proceed. |
| GLAUCOMA
AWARENESS MONTH - 12-15-04 Glaucoma is a common eye disease. It may be present without causing symptoms, yet the eye may be damaged. About 10% of blindness is caused by glaucoma. |
| WHEN
WE NEED HELP WALKING - 12-09-04 Many older people have difficulty walking and there are two ways they may get help. They may have human help to guide and support them or they may use an assistive device. There is currently a trend towards more use of canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. For those who need help 25% use canes, 10% use walkers, and 10% use wheelchairs. |
| MAINTAINING
NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE - 11-15-04 December is a month to celebrate holidays and maintain good health. Blood pressure is easy to monitor and it should be checked, regularly. Recently, physicians have learned that minor elevations of blood pressure should be treated. |
| VENTRICULAR
FIBRILLATION - 11-7-04 Ventricular fibrillation is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest. It may occur in hospitalized patients being monitored in an intensive care unit. It may also be unexpected and occur in the community. The cause of ventricular fibrillation may be any type of heart disease, pulmonary embolus, drowning, or electrocution. |
| GALL
BLADDER PROBLEMS - 10-9-04 The gall bladder is located in the right upper abdomen, under the liver. Bile, which is produced in the liver, is stored in the gall bladder. Interestingly, if the gall bladder is removed, most people do not have any ill effects. When stones form in the gall bladder, inflammation and pain may develop. Gall bladder disease is associated with being overweight and is more common in women than men. |
| BE
PREPARED FOR BREAST CANCER - 9-15-04 Breast cancer is common, since treatment is best when it is caught early, screening is important. Women over forty should have an annual mammogram. Those with a family history may need more testing. With an annual mammogram, the cancer can sometimes be identified before it can be felt. |
| ADULT
DIABETES AND OBESITY - 9-12-04 As more Americans are overweight, it appears that more people are also developing diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a decrease in insulin production, which results in increased sugar in the body. When diabetes occurs in older adults it is usually referred to as type 2 diabetes. |
| HEALTHY
AGING MONTH - September 2004 September is Healthy Aging Month, when we are reminded that we’re all getting older – and that people who are physically active, eat healthfully, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and who get regular check-ups are more likely to look forward to many years of staying active and independent. |
| CHOLESTEROL
AWARENESS MONTH - 8-10-04 Cholesterol is a substance that is present in our bodies. Cholesterol can attach to the inside of arteries, blocking the flow of blood and resulting in heart attacks and strokes. |
| PARKINSON'S
DISEASE - WHAT'S NEW? - 8-9-04 More than one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. It is a neurologic disease, which often allows a long life span with gradually worsening physical disability. It usually begins between the ages of 55 and 60. There is no known way to prevent the disease. |
| SENIOR
DENTAL HEALTH - 07-08-04 A generation ago many older Americans had dentures, but now we try to keep all of our teeth. Many American seniors spend significant time, effort, and money keeping their mouth and teeth healthy. |
| FOOT
CARE MONTH - 07-07-04 Foot problems can prevent people from being physically active. The best way to avoid foot problems is to wear well-fitting low-heeled shoes and cotton socks. If there is foot pain, a podiatrist should be consulted. |
| SKIN
CONDITIONS - 06-10-04 Although there are normal changes of the skin due to aging, the condition of the skin is worsened by sun exposure and cigarette smoking. People who are concerned about the appearance of their skin should consider ways to keep it healthy. |
|
Nicholas A. DeRosa |
|
Oneida County
Department of Health |
|
© 2004 Oneida County, New York, USA |
