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Causes could include:
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Decreased Blood Supply to Penis
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Use of certain medications
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A precise determination of the cause of any individual case of ED is often difficult and may be impossible because ED is often due to multiple factors. This is a consequence of the complicated nature of the human sexual response and the complex p...
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The source of this uneasiness is not always known or recognized, which can add to the distress you feel.Anxiety; Feeling uptight; Stress; Tension; Jitters; Apprehension.Stress is a normal part of life. In small quantities, stress is good-- it can ...
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Systematic desensitization is a technique used to treat phobias and other extreme or erroneous fears based on principles of behavior modification.Systematic desensitization is used to help the client cope with phobias and other fears, and to induc...
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Anxiety is a bodily response to a perceived threat or danger. It is triggered by a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient''s personal history and memory, and the social situation.It is important to distinguish between anxiety a...
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Anxiety is familiar to everyone due to the many stresses and complexities of modern life.
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This report features up-to-date information on the signs, causes, and treatments of many common phobias and anxiety disorders.
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History Generalised anxiety disorder is a relatively recent diagnosis. Before 1980 it was subsumed under the label of anxiety neurosis, a disorder first delineated by Freud in 1894 1 and characterised by persistent feelings of unattached fearfulness described as free-floating anxiety. 1 However, the disorder described by Freud also included the symptom of panic, and when panic disorder was subsequently identified as a separate illness by Klein, 2 the part of anxiety neurosis that did not include panic became known as generalised anxiety disorder.
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Anxiety is a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient''s personal history and memory, and the social situation.
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Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event such as a business presentation or a first date, anxiety disorders are chronic, relentless, and can grow progressively worse if not treated.
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Everybody experiences fear at some time or another. Fear is a powerful emotion that arises in situations that are interpreted as dangerous. The purpose of fear is to alert you to take protective action—usually to fight, flee, or seek assistance. For example, if you were hiking in the woods and encountered a snake, you would naturally interpret this situation as dangerous which would produce the emotion of fear, which, in turn, would motivate some self-preserving behavior—probably an attempt to escape. If, however, you recognize that the snake is harmless, your interpretation of the situation as dangerous and the ensuing emotion of fear would have been erroneous. Notice how important the cognitive act of interpretation is in experiencing fear.
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Anxiety is normally a helpful emotion that rouses the individual to action and alerts the individual to danger. Everyone has anxiety; it is common to feel anxiety before a ?first date,? when beginning a new job, or before an examination.
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Anxiety is a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient''s personal history and memory, and the social situation at hand.
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Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders that can affect adults, adolescents and children. They overwhelm people with chronic feelings of anxiety and fear.
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This guide is designed to help you learn about anxiety disorders. Knowing more, you may feel more comfortable talking with a health professional about your experience and your symptoms.
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Anxiety is a condition of persistent and uncontrollable nervousness, stress, and worry that is triggered by anticipation of future events, memories of past events, or ruminations over day-to-day events, both trivial and major, with disproportionat...
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Some researchers believe anxiety is synonymous with fear, occurring in varying degrees and in situations in which people feel threatened by some danger. Others describe anxiety as an unpleasant emotion caused by unidentifiable dangers or dangers t...
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You may suffer from generalized anxiety disorder if you go through the day worried, tense or anxious about your family, health or work, even when you know there are no signs of trouble.
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Anxiety—feeling frightened, tense, uneasy—is a normal response to a threat. Anxiety can disrupt your life, but it's nothing to be ashamed of. Don't suffer in silence. Anxiety disorders are covered by most health plans. Check what's covered under your plan. Then ask your doctor or another mental health professional for help.
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Discussion of the effect of anxiety disorders on children and how they can be treated.
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Despite their age, benzodiazepines still provide unique benefits and are unlikely to be entirely superseded by newer medications. Includes a comparison chart of newer and older drugs for insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
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You have to give a presentation next week. Just thinking about it makes your heart race. Your throat gets tight, and you can hardly breathe. Sometimes, you even feel faint. Speaking in front of a group makes most people nervous, but your fear is beyond reason. This is nothing to be ashamed of. You may have an anxiety disorder known as social phobia. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can offer treatment and support.
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It is common to feel stress or anxiety when you have cancer. Anxiety can be a vague or uneasy feeling of distress. There are many things that can bring on these feelings, such as trips to your doctor's office, treatments for your cancer, or fears about your cancer.
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Separation anxiety is common in children, but most grow out of it. However, in a small percentage of children (and more rarely, in adults) it becomes a disorder. Typical treatment methods include cognitive and behavioral therapy.
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Research suggests that for patients who are starting treatment for depression, their type of attachment anxiety should be taken into consideration as a factor in determining the best course of treatment.
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There is evidence that certain herbs and supplements may be effective in treating certain types of anxiety disorders.
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When I get nervous, I get a tic that affects the left side of my face, including my eye. What can I do about this? Is there anything I can take for it?
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A common disorder infrequently diagnosed Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and often chronic disorder, with an estimated lifetime prevalence rate of 5.7% in the general population, but it is often overlooked and undertreated. 1 Why should this be so? Comorbid disorders motivate help-seeking The core symptoms of GAD are chronic worry and tension.
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Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens, hardens(forms calcium deposits), and may eventually block the arteries.Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis.
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Atherosclerosis is the build up of a waxy plaque on the inside of blood vessels. In Greek, athere means gruel, and skleros means hard.
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Atherosclerosis can start as early as childhood and can lead to many health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
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Macrovascular disease, or atherosclerosis, is the cause of more than half of all mortality in developed countries and the leading cause of death in the United States. It is a progressive disease of the large- and medium-sized arteries.
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Atherosclerosis is the build up of plaque on the inside of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is often called arteriosclerosis, which is a general term for hardening of the arteries.Atherosclerosis, a progressive condition responsible for most heart d...
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Atherosclerosis can be devastating, causing strokes, heart attacks and death. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself from this disease.
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Detailed information on atherosclerosis, including causes, disease progression, symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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The most common cause of death and disability in the United States is atherosclerosis, popularly known as"hardening of the arteries.".Every year atherosclerosis causes about 500,000 deaths nationally, most of these due to heart attack or stroke. T...
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Atherosclerosis means a hardening and narrowing of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart.
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Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or...
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Depression, also known as depressive disorders or unipolar depression, is a mental illness characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. Disturbance in slee...
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This report offers in-depth information on the causes of depression and the treatments and medications that can lift your mood.
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It's important not to underestimate the dangers associated with depression, especially if you've had multiple episodes or lingering symptoms. For example, people who don't get treated for their depression have a higher risk for suicide.
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People who are depressed have a cluster of symptoms characterized by sadness and a profound lack of energy and well-being.
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Detailed information on depression and depression in women, including types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Depression is a complicated and common mental health condition that affects about 10 to 15 percent of Americans. The following questions and answers can help you recognize and get effective treatment for depression.
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The analysis of more than 15,000 young people in the United States found about a third of the cases of depression and obesity among those teens could be attributed to being from families with low incomes.
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Men suffer from depression in smaller numbers than women do, but their treatment needs differ due to responses to medication, especially in older men. Additional medication may be necessary to treat the sexual side effects.
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In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.
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Learning more about this illness will allow you to understand what your symptoms may mean and make it easier for you to seek help.
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Too often, parents miss the signs of depression. Or, they believe their teen will "snap out of it” eventually.
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A woman's unique biological, social, and cultural factors may increase her risk for depression.
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In elderly patients, symptoms of depression can be mistaken for symptoms of another medical problem, so it is important for clinicians to consider all physical problems and medications of elderly patients before making a diagnosis.
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Many people with depression do not receive adequate medical treatment, and even if they are treated, doctors may not be paying enough attention to their patients' needs.
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Depression is not "all in your head." It is a real illness that saps your energy. It can leave you feeling sad, hopeless, lonely and guilty. It is related to a chemical imbalance in the brain and to certain traits such as low self-esteem and pessimism. Some kinds of depression may be inherited.
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The mind and the body are intimately connected, and our overall health depends on both working well. This is most evident in depression: Research shows that people who suffer from clinical depression face a higher risk of contracting one of the stress-linked illnesses than the rest of the population.
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Depression can often develop as a result of a heart attack or cardiac surgery, and has more serious effects on heart health and overall health than depression that was present before a heart attack.
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Seasonal affective disorder is thought to be caused by decreased exposure to sunlight during the winter months. Light therapy helps some people, and the FDA has approved the antidepressant bupropion for treatment as well.
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Studies suggest mental health care following a heart attack can improve patient health and mortality.
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Studies of a link between depression and osteoporosis suggest the bone deterioration could be a result of the depression, or may be caused by taking antidepressant medications for a long period of time.
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Depressed patients are more likely to respond to medical treatment if their doctors practice empathy and effective communication skills.
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Discussing the definition and treatment of a contested psychological diagnosis???atypical depression.
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Two studies examine the correlation between depression in adults and its prevalence in their children, and the effect of adults' treatment on the children's mental health.
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A roundup of studies exploring the beneficial effects of exercise on depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Is it a case of the chicken and the egg?
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Exposure to the right kind of light may go a long way toward reducing seasonal affective disorder symptoms.
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Teen depression is a serious illness. The benefits of getting help, including taking medications if needed, far outweigh the potential risks.
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During the dark days of winter, many people develop signs of depression that are tied to the changing amount of daylight.
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Behavioral activation therapy is a variation of cognitive therapy that encourages patients to fight depression by examining their feelings and experiences and focusing on their positive accomplishments.
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Folate, a B vitamin, breaks down homocysteine, which may be associated with depression. Because of this it has been tested as a possible treatment, but the results have been mixed and more research is needed.
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Researchers in China found that Chinese citizens were more likely to express symptoms of depression as having a physical component as well as an emotional one, due to the way their culture interprets such feelings.
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Concern about antidepressants increasing the risk of suicide in children could have the unintended effect that children suffering from depression may not receive needed treatment.
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Hypotheses explaining how depression manifests itself. The American Psychiatric Association requires any five of nine symptoms for a diagnosis of major depression. As the definition implies, these symptoms do not all appear in everyone who is depressed. Two studies explore the consequences for the understanding of depression and come to contrasting conclusions. One study suggests that an individual patient's symptoms are not consistent, but change more or less unpredictably from one episode of depression to the next. The other study suggests that there are several sets of depressive symptoms that are distinguishable genetically and therefore likely to persist in a given individual.
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An explanation of the two-way relationship between depression and stroke. Depressed people are at higher risk for a stroke, but depression often precedes as well as follows a stroke.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether Accutane, a powerful acne medication, has been linked to depression or suicide.
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People who suffer from depression are more likely to have a sleep-related breathing problem such as apnea. Treating the sleep problem may help alleviate the depression in some people.
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Discusses options for treatment of seasonal affective disorder.The treatment of seasonal affective disorder throws light on dark moods.
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Are children with ADD more likely to be depressed?
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
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My mother has advanced lung cancer and is receiving chemo. I live with her and am also her caregiver. We have been very close all of our lives, and I am having a hard time adjusting well. Sometimes I even get angry with her and then I feel guilty. The next step is I get depressed and have thought about a way out, but have not attempted anything. Can you suggest anything to help me cope?
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Depression is sometimes referred to as the common cold of mental illness. It is a debilitating disease with significant societal costs.
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Although sadness touches all our lives, true depression is different in its intensity and persistence.
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What's the difference between a bad case of the blues and the painful mental disorder known as depression? According to the experts, impaired functioning is usually a clear-cut indication of clinical depression.
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Primary care physicians should be asking their patients questions about five "warning flag" symptoms to determine whether they should be screened for depression or other mood disorders, researchers say.
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Having a chronic condition such as COPD can lead to depression. You can get help. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
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A recent study offers evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may help those who develop depression after a heart attack.
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Most people, most of the time, overestimate themselves. It is pervasive and powerful, but is not the same in all people or in all circumstances.
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A discussion of the social impact of depression in the elderly and the benefits of treatment.
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According to two studies, women going through menopause are much more likely to develop symptoms of depression, due in part to changes in hormone production. Hormone replacement may provide temporary relief from severe depression.
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Reports of risky side effects may have dampened enthusiasm for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are among the world's most widely prescribed medications. A review of concerns and benefits associated with SSRIs.
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Mental health among Americans may have declined during the 1990s.
Revealing information on the mental health of Americans appears in data from three random telephone surveys of the adult population by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
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While there is a very small risk of suicide in adolescents who take antidepressants, they are also beneficial to many teenagers with depression. All factors should be weighed in treatment decisions, and patients should be monitored carefully.
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Discussion of whether the new antidepressant Cymbalta (duloxetine) has any advantage over other antidepressants on the market.
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DHEA may not be an anti-aging panacea, as some suggest, but a new study suggests that it may be able to temporarily lift mood.
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Older people with macular degeneration are more likely to experience depression, but those who received problem-solving therapy to help them adapt to and cope with their condition were less likely to develop depression.
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A study shows that interaction with animals can be a path to recovery from depression.
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Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe vision loss in people over 55. A recent trial shows that education may help relieve disability and depression in those with the condition.
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Is there a link between depression and migraines?
Michael Craig Miller, M.D., is editor-in-chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Miller has an active clinical practice and has been on staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for more than 25 years.
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A combination of factors causes depression. Some cases are triggered by a stressful experience, such as the death of a spouse or loss of a job. Some illnesses, such as cancer, also can cause depression, as can alcohol and drug abuse.
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Chances are you know the difference between occasional sadness and depression. But here's a fact you may not know: Hypothyroidism, a common thyroid disorder, can cause depression.
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When recommending treatment for clinical depression, physicians typically prescribe a tried-and-true regimen: anti-depressant medication and "talk" therapy. In the future, however, health professionals may be advocating a healthy dose of exercise.
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Take action if you suspect a friend and/or family member suffers from depression. It's a condition that can cloud thinking and make people believe they aren't worth helping, so they often can't help themselves.
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The unrealistic expectations of the season, time and financial pressures, missing loved ones and reflecting on past events as the year comes to an end all contribute to the blues.
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The medical community once thought depression affected only adults. The risk for the condition begins in the early teens, however, and increases steadily through the mid-20s.
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Although anyone can suffer from depression, it is particularly common among older adults. Depression affects 15 out of every 100 adults older than 65.
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Because depression isn't a normal part of growing older, it's important to learn the signs of this condition and seek help if you or a loved one could be suffering from it.
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Everyone gets down in the dumps from time to time. But you may have clinical depression if a feeling of sadness or loss of interest in life and friends lingers for two weeks or more.
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Instead of asking for help, men who are depressed are likely to drink alcohol to excess, take drugs, or become frustrated, discouraged, and irritable.
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Diabetes is a chronic(lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control blood sugar. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both.To understand di...
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This report includes information on blood sugar monitoring, diet and activity, insulin and other medications, insulin delivery systems, and innovations in treatment.
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This report provides advice about how to prevent or treat the most common form of diabetes. Learn about the components of a healthy diet and how to lose weight, and have fun trying out new recipes.
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Detailed information on diabetes and pregnancy Diabetes is a condition where sufficient amounts of insulin are either not produced or the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells of the body to provide fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood and the body's cells literally starve to death.
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Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren't easy to talk about with your health care provider.
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and statistics
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including causes, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on special considerations for teenagers with diabetes Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a failure to secrete enough insulin, or, in some cases, the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Because insulin is needed by the body to convert glucose into energy, these failures result in abnormally high levels of glucose accumulating in the blood. Diabetes may be a result of other conditions such as genetic syndromes, chemicals, drugs, malnutrition, infections, viruses, or other illnesses.
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes in the young
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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Detailed information on teens and diabetes Although the teenage years can be a challenge for any child as he/she goes through sexual and emotional changes, it can be especially trying for adolescents with diabetes. Adolescents inherently want to "fit in." Being different in any way from his/her peers can be emotionally stressful, especially for the teenager.
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatment
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including cause, symptom, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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If you have diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can control your health risks by making some changes in your life.
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Detailed information on the most common types of diabetes complications and ways to prevent future problems
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Detailed information on diabetes, including the different types of diabetes and potential complications of diabetes
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, teens and diabetes, and diet and diabetes
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Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression. An unhappy period that's intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness.
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Carbohydrates are your body's main source of glucose, a special kind of sugar. Your dietitian will probably recommend that 55 to 60 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple.
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If you have diabetes, wearing a medical identification (ID) bracelet or necklace at all times is a good idea.
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Living with diabetes may increase the likelihood of depression. The connection may be go both ways: information from a diabetes trial suggests the possibility of a link between antidepressant use and diabetes.
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The most important factors in the prevention of diabetes are weight control, regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry), and not smoking.
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Is vitamin E good for diabetics?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin, eating a proper diet, and being active. These help your child's body keep healthy blood sugar levels.
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Even small movements can greatly improve your health. Simple activity can also boost your mental outlook. And you may spend less money on your health care. Think of it this way: Small steps may take you a long distance.
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The incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years. Men should be tested for diabetes starting at age 45, because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
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Is hair loss a common symptom of diabetes, and is it reversible? I have noticed that my hair has gotten very thin and I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes?
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I am a diabetic, and am allergic to eggs, which prevents my getting a flu shot. Can I receive a pneumonia shot? Also, are flu shots the only available medical preventative for the flu?
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Detailed information on diagnosis protocols for diabetes According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK):
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines.
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Detailed information on alcohol use in persons with diabetes Alcohol consumption can lower blood sugar levels to the point of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), causing symptoms. A person with diabetes should keep careful track of his/her blood sugar levels when drinking alcohol, because certain diabetes medications, including insulin, also lower blood glucose levels. If levels are too low, or if the stomach is empty, alcohol consumption should be avoided.
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Choose carefully and cook wisely. As you shop, think about how the foods you choose will fit into your meal plan. When you cook, try to cut down on sugar and fat. If you have high blood pressure, cut down on salt as well.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells of the body. Symptoms include fr...
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Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, GDM involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don't have to give up all the foods you like. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
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Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether it is safe for a diabetic to take niacin to lower cholesterol.
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The diabetes drug Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack in those taking it. Other medications are as effective at lowering blood sugar without Avandia's risks.
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Researchers concluded that people with diabetes enter the high-risk group for heart disease an average of 15 years earlier than those without the disease.
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Harvard Medical School physician Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. describes both the therapeutic and side effects of glucosamine on the body and how it relates to diabetes.
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The FDA has ordered a warning label be put on the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos due to evidence from studies that the medications may increase the risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease.
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Could a baby be diabetic from birth?
Leann M. Lesperance, M.D., Ph.D., is a lecturer on the Harvard Medical School faculty and a clinical assistant professor at SUNY-Upstate Medical University. She practices pediatrics in Binghamton, New York. She also holds a doctorate in medical engineering and is a research assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Binghamton University.
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What is "late onset" diabetes type 1?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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In times of stress, exercise, or an emergency, the glycogen is reconverted back to glucose. It also sends glucose to the muscle cells where it is then converted to energy.More than 12 million Americans are affected by diabetes.
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Diabetes mellitus describes a group of diseases in which there is an elevated level of the sugar glucose, the body''s main source of energy for cellular functions, in the blood. The level of glucose, as well as other"fuel" molecules, is increased d...
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Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin action, insulin production, or both. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps the body use and store glucose produced during the digestion of food.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body''s cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced. In either case, glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed or used by the cells...
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Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars(glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body is not able to correctly process glucose for cell energy due to either an insufficient amount of the hormone insulin or a physical resistance to the insulin the body does produce. Without pr...
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Diabetes is the Greek term for"passing through," a phrase used to describe multiple diseases characterized by excessive urination. There are multiple forms of diabetes.
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What causes diabetes? Scientists aren't sure, but heredity, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors play a part.
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Meal planning and blood sugar monitoring. Medicines and multiple injections. The day-in and day-out requirements of diabetes management can overwhelm those with this chronic disease.
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"If you do have diabetes, educate yourself and start managing your illness," Ms. LaBelle says.
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Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is key.
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If managing diabetes seems like a full-time job, keep in mind it's a task that can't be taken lightly. Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
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Having pre-diabetes means that you are likely to develop full-blown diabetes within 10 years. But lifestyle changes can prevent that from happening.
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Did you know that if you have diabetes, you have a two to four times greater risk for heart disease and stroke than people without diabetes?
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Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) and progressive condition, but it can be managed. With help from your family, your friends, and your healthcare team, you can learn to take care of yourself and stay healthy.
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The only way to be sure your blood sugar stays within a normal range is to check it. You will most likely be asked to check your blood sugar at home one or more times a day. Your healthcare provider will teach you how.
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Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
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Diabetes occurs when there are high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. All three types of diabetes involve problems with insulin, a hormone that removes glucose from the blood and allows it to enter the body's cells. (The cells use it for energy.) If your body is unable to make or use insulin properly, you have a high blood glucose level.
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Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends, and to your healthcare team. Here are a list of other resources.
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The diabetes food pyramid is a tool to help you eat a wide range of healthy foods. You can use it to plan low-fat meals and snacks that include carbohydrates and protein.
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When you have diabetes, your body needs special care. This care helps you stay healthy and prevent complications. Exercise and healthy eating are a part of this. You can also protect yourself by taking special care of your feet and skin.
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Taking care of yourself means developing a routine for things like meals, exercising, and taking medication. But sometimes this routine is disrupted when you travel. Your healthcare team can help you work out a plan to prepare for unexpected situations.
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Simple and small movements can get you started exercising. You don't need to join a gym to start moving. Make it easy on yourself and you will be able to make exercising a habit. Slow, gentle, and easy is the way to begin to make exercising part of your life.
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Once you become more active, you may be ready to increase the pace. Choose an exercise you enjoy. Just be sure to warm up, cool down, and stay safe. And learn when it's time to stop exercising.
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Managing diabetes means developing a routine for things like meals, exercise, and taking medication. It also means making changes in some of your activities, such as driving, to help keep you and those around you safe.
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Is it OK for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? This is something only you and your health care provider can answer.
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The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That's why it's important to know what to do when illness strikes.
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Among the many types of blood pressure medications available, some have a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, but this does not necessarily lead to a higher risk of diabetes.
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The American Diabetes Association has set a standard for measuring blood sugar that expresses the information in two different forms, corresponding to the way the reading is given in medical tests and also in home testting.
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People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk for eye disease. Taking pills containing plant sterols and stanols may lower cholesterol as effectively as eating foods fortified with the plant matter.
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Many people with diabetes suffer from one of the numerous potential complications of the disease, but following a proper diet, getting exercise, and paying attention to risk factors can help prevent further problems.
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I read about a study at UCLA in which men with type 2 diabetes were in a program combining aerobic exercise, low-fat diets, and relatively high amounts of "good" carbohydrates. Half of them cured their diabetes. Is this possible?
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Recommendations for eating eggs for those with diabetes.
Q. My husband has type 2 diabetes and has started eating two eggs about three times a week. He's looking to fill up on low-carb foods he likes. But I've read that eggs may not be a good idea for people with diabetes. Should he cut back?
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I'm an 86-year-old man with type 2 diabetes. I get my eyes checked, eat carefully, and test my blood sugar. I exercise and still play tennis. Recently, I read that diabetes may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. It scared me. What do you think?
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My 75-year-old father has cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. He also has type 2 diabetes. How will the cirrhosis affect his diabetes?
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I have high blood pressure and am 8 pounds overweight. My doctor says that is probable that I have glucose intolerance. Is this the same disease as diabetes? What should I do about it?
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What causes poor circulation in people with diabetes? Is it the blood somehow thickened from glucose, or is it because of a higher incidence of atherosclerosis?
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Why don't diabetics' wounds heal normally?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Detailed information on diabetes and high blood pressure, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
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Detailed information on diabetes and periodontal disease, including symptoms, types, treatment, and prevention
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Statistics relating to diabetes for patients and consumers Diabetes affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US (90 percent to 95 percent have type 2 diabetes) - 14.6 million have been diagnosed, but 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Diabetes Association, those affected include:
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Heart disease is any disorder that affects the heart''s ability to function normally. Various forms of heart disease include:.The most common cause of heart disease is a narrowing of or blockage in the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart...
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In many countries heart disease is viewed as a"second epidemic," replacing infectious diseases as the leading cause.of death. It is especially devastating in countries that do not have adequate health care.
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Detailed information on heart disease in pregnancy The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body. Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of two fists held side-by-side.
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Heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrient-rich.
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Every year, thousands of Americans die from heart attacks and millions of others suffer from related cardiovascular diseases. Knowing what causes heart disease and how you can prevent it can help you live a healthier, longer life. To assess your knowledge, answer these statements true or false.
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Detailed information on heart disorders in high-risk newborns There are many heart disorders that place a newborn at higher risk and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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Twelve numbers worth knowing for your heart's health.Knowing the numbers for a few key risk factors is good for your heart and overall health.
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Most people with diabetes eventually develop some form of heart disease, but this is not inevitable. Focusing on improving health through diet, exercise, weight loss, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent heart disease.
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Heart disease kills more than 700,000 Americans every year. But many of these deaths could be prevented if people took control of their risk factors for this disease.
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For some people with coronary heart disease, high doses of statins, a commonly prescribed, potent medication to lower cholesterol, can reverse or decrease the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. This can reduce the risk for heart attack.
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A combination of eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation may sharply cut your risk of heart disease.
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Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. Instead of looking on their diagnoses as sentences to be invalids, they have used them as catalysts to make positive changes in their lives.
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Your risk of heart disease increases if you're more than 30 percent overweight. Obesity raises cholesterol, blood pressure, and can lead to diabetes, another risk factor for heart disease. You can reduce your risk for heart disease by losing as few as 10 pounds if you are overweight.
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According to the long-term Framingham Heart Study, having parents who live to age 85 or beyond may offer a greater degree of protection from heart disease and stroke.
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Research shows that there are important differences between the sexes when it comes to heart disease, which may affect treatment and prevention
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Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes.
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Although three out of four smokers say they want to quit, fewer than 5 percent of smokers who quit for at least a day are able to stay away from tobacco for three months to a year.
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C-reactive protein is emerging as a key risk factor for heart disease. A guide to new research on this protein, how to test for it, and how exercise can lower its presence in the blood.
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A noisy environment could be a contributing factor to heart disease.
There's little question that loud noise hurts your hearing. The growing din of everyday life may also be bad for blood pressure and the heart.
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The way you respond to a heart attack can make a profound difference in what happens to you in the future.
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Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target.
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Besides the nutritional benefits, eating beans regularly can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
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A long-running heart study resulted in a simple tool to calculate one's risk of heart disease. While there have been many newer tests and tools, they have not been able to improve upon the original.
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Discussion of available tests for heart disease, with an emphasis on prevention.
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Detailed information on heart disease and diabetes, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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An intimate relationship is built on being able to share feelings. The stress and worry of a heart attack or surgery can upset this closeness.
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If you recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, you may be concerned about your love life. This is normal during an illness. But know that you can still enjoy sex. Here is information than can help you understand your feelings. It can also help you work with your partner to rebuild intimacy and enjoy sex again.
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Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease.Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease. Not only are you at risk for pneumonia, but it's hard to tell whether your symptoms are a sign of a cold or of worsening heart failure.
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A short glossary of medical terms associated with heart disease.Diuretic. A medication that helps the body get rid of extra fluid and salt by producing more urine. Sometimes called "water pills,” diuretics reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and swelling in the feet and ankles.
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If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several providers who each treat you for a different health issue.
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A look into how changes inside the eye, hypertensive retinopathy, can be linked to heart and cardiovascular disease.
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More women than men die of heart disease, and it is the leading cause of death among women. Fortunately, there are a number of things women can do to prevent heart disease and stroke.
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Existing tests for heart disease risk aren't always precise. The search for better tests is ongoing, but hasn't yet produced any strong contenders.
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Research is suggesting that adults should start paying attention to their cholesterol earlier in life. It may be that how soon this is addressed is as important as the actual cholesterol level.
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Hormone therapy may help prevent heart disease in women after all, if the treatment is started closer to menopause. Two clinical trials are hoping to provide more conclusive results.
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Exercise is much more effective than vitamins or supplements at reducing the risk of heart disease. The benefits of exercise against cancer are not conclusive, but it is likely to have other positive effects on overall health.
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Creating a medical family tree can help identify your risk for heart disease.It's not just your genes; habits and attitudes also run in the family.
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It's important to get regular checkups and periodic exams, especially when you have cardiovascular disease.
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Why is there such a difference in treating and diagnosing heart disease in men and women? Says one specialist: "I think there's a belief held by many men and women, physicians and laymen alike, that heart attacks are solely a man's problem."
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By teaching your kids to follow a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce their risk for heart disease later in life.
Although children and teens usually don't show the symptoms of heart disease, the silent buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) can start in childhood and can have a serious impact on their adult life.
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Many women are unaware that heart disease is a bigger health threat to them than breast cancer.
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Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there's a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems.
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The main cause of heart disease is atherosclerosis, which is the thickening and hardening of the arteries.
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Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make.
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High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease. High cholesterol levels can be lowered by diet and exercise or medicine.
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Getting serious about heart health may seem like a huge project because it often means making changes in health habits. It's a major effort for many people, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. Example: All women older than 20 should be screened for blood cholesterol levels. Here are more ways to prevent heart disease.
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A half-million women have heart attacks each year. A common symptom of coronary heart disease is chest pain or tightness, known as angina. It may be the earliest sign of heart disease and usually brings someone to a health care provider for the first time.
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Some risk factors for heart disease are beyond your control, but others, such as smoking or high blood pressure, you can do something about.
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Evidence is mounting that people with periodontal (gum) disease may be more at risk for heart disease and stroke.
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Whether you take prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, or both, there are important guidelines to follow to get the most from them.
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If you think that you can't begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again.
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As a patient, understanding the basics of the guidelines can help you take a more active role in your treatment.
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Remote monitoring is the wave of the future in managing heart disease.New technology makes it easier to keep tabs on your heart, and heart disease.
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Inadequate sleep appears to increase substances in the body that are linked to inflammation, a factor in heart disease. Those with heart disease can suffer from sleep problems. Better sleep habits can sometimes help.
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National recommendations for desirable cholesterol levels are now very low. An exploration of why and tips for how to achieve these levels.
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Researchers are exploring how bacteria in the mouth might play a role in heart disease, though there is still no conclusive evidence that the two are linked.
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A discussion about the uncertain benefits of the dietary supplement carnitine as a treatment for heart disease. It is "promising but unproven".
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A brief look at studies suggesting that C-reactive protein (CRP) may play a role in heart disease which will change how doctors use statins.
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Increased risk of heart disease may be shared among siblings.
Brothers and sisters often share traits like facial features, body shape, certain turns of phrase, or a fondness for peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Add heart trouble to the list. A report from the second-generation Framingham Offspring Study indicates that having a sibling with cardiovascular disease increases your chances of having it, too. The increase is on a par with having a parent with cardiovascular disease.
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With the failure of torcetrapib, a drug that its maker hoped would raise HDL cholesterol, people seeking to lower their heart disease risk should rely on traditional strategies: exercise, diet, weight control.
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Cancer, not heart disease, is now the leading cause of death among Americans under age 85.
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The statin Lipitor (atorvastatin) reduces LDL levels and frequency of heart attack and stroke in people with stable heart disease.
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Women who suffer from chest pain but show clear arteries on an angiogram may have a different type of blocked artery, where plaque builds up evenly on the inner surface or bulges outward.
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Research shows a deep connection between the head and the heart: An exploration of how psychological and social factors contribute to heart disease.
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Women are at as much risk for heart disease as men are. The American Heart Association has compiled a list of guidelines that offer a number of ways women can reduce their risk.
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People know that they can "prevent" heart disease by not smoking, losing weight, exercising, watching cholesterol and blood pressure, and eating right, but they still get heart disease. Is it really possible to prevent heart disease, or just slow it down?
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The experience of a heart attack can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder, which can delay recovery and perhaps cause heart disease to progress further.
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People at risk for heart attack or stroke will likely benefit from taking low-dose daily aspirin, but for some there are greater risks (such as ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding) that outweigh aspirin's help.
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A study indicates that taking a combination of medications can be more effective in preventing heart disease than single medications alone.
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Advisory ratchets down targets for LDL (bad) cholesterol for some people, not others; no one-size-fits-all recommendation yet.
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A review of a theory that thinner, less viscous blood could prevent heart disease.
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For people who already have heart disease, the American Heart Association has created a ten-point plan for preventing its recurrence. Following these guidelines will strengthen your heart, lungs, and blood vessels and should improve your overall health.
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Practicing transcendental meditation, or another relaxation technique, may help those at risk for heart disease by lowering bood pressure and blood sugar and decreasing stress.
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If you take antioxidants to treat or prevent heart disease, it???s time to rethink this gambit.
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A study found that heart disease deaths peaked each year during flu season, because the flu can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Those with heart disease, and those at higher risk of getting it, should get a flu vaccine each year.
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An expert shares his beliefs about how best to treat and avoid cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
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A Harvard Medical School doctor answers a question about why President Clinton's heart disease was not identified sooner.
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People with schizophrenia are at greater risk of dying from heart disease. This may be caused by insufficient attention to a patient's physical health, but some antipsychotic medications worsen the risk for diabetes and heart disease.
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Discusses the causes of sudden cardiac death and tips for how to prevent it.In most cases, death is the expected conclusion to a difficult illness. Sometimes, though, it comes unpredictably and swiftly. Doctors define sudden death as an abrupt, unexpected natural death that ends life less than an hour after final symptoms first develop in a person who does not have a condition that seems rapidly fatal.
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Long-term studies show a probable link between anger in young men and increased risk of heart disease in middle age and beyond, but excessive anger at any age is bad for the heart.
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A landmark study found that women are susceptible to a different type of heart disease called microvascular dysfunction. It affects both larger and smaller blood vessels, but is not detected by the standard cardiac tests.
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Statins have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac disease in women as well as in men. They may also reduce the risk of breast cancer and slow the progression of cognitive decline, and in general, their benefits seem to outweigh their risks.
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The decision whether to take a statin depends largely on your risk for cardiovascular disease and a heart attack. A review of statins available, how to calculate your risk, and when a statin might not be the right choice.
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Detailed information on congenital heart disease, including patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular canal, tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, truncus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, aortic stenosis, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome
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Detailed information on diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children Diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children can be complex and requires clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some means by which heart disease in children is evaluated and diagnosed, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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Detailed information on congenital heart disease and factors that may have caused the defect
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Detailed information for children living with a congenital heart disease Living with congenital (present at birth) heart disease requires special care for your child. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding special considerations that will need to be made for your child who is living with congenital heart disease, for which we have provide a brief overview.
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Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure.Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury(mmHg) and usually given as two numbers. For example, 120 over 80(written as 120/80 mmHg).The top number is your systolic p...
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The lower number is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the heart is filling or relaxing before the next beat. Normal blood pressure for an adult is 120/70(on average), but normal for an individual varies with the height, weight, fi...
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Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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In populations, blood pressures fit a normal distribution, but the attendant risks of heart disease and stroke increase curvilinearly with increasing levels of blood pressure, without any obvious breakpoint ( Fig. 63-1 ). Thus, the separation of normal from high blood pressure is arbitrary, and the definition of hypertension has been a moving target.
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Primary, or essential, hypertension is caused by external factors; secondary hypertension is related to an underlying disorder, such as a congenital heart defect or kidney disease. Factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure include age(...
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High blood pressure is a sneaky ailment. The condition has no symptoms that you can see or feel. Having your blood pressure checked is the only way to know if it is high.
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Knowing the definitions of terms your doctor may use when talking with you about your blood pressure is important.
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Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased.
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This report explains what your blood pressure numbers mean and how hypertension can be prevented and treated by making diet and lifestyle changes. Also includes information on medications.
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Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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The following Clinical Topic Tour provides an overview of hypertension (HTN) and was adapted from materials published by the NHLBI.
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Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.
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High blood pressure has joined type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol on a list of ailments that once struck only adults but now afflict children.
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High blood pressure is more common among African Americans than other ethnic groups. Nearly 40 percent of non-Hispanic blacks have hypertension.
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Prehypertension is a new term that alerts people to the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don't take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits.
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When I get up in the morning, my systolic blood pressure is 30 to 50 points higher than it is later in the day (about 110). I am taking three different blood pressure medications. Is this unusual?
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Hypertension is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, leading causes of morbidity and mortality in North America. Concern has been raised that there is inadequate outpatient detection, evaluation, and treatment of hypertension, and that this is resulting in increased hospital admissions with complications of untreated hypertension: heart failure, and end-stage renal disease .
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The National High Blood Pressure Education Program(NHBPEP) was established in 1972 by the National Institute of Health to translate research results on the health hazards of high blood pressure into clinical and public health practice. Before 1900...
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Did you know you can purchase your own blood pressure monitor and check the reading yourself at home?
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While people with high blood pressure are typically told to abstain from alcohol, a study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help prevent them from having a heart attack.
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A Harvard Medical School doctor discusses possible causes of low blood pressure.
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Is it absolutely necessary for a diabetic who does not have high blood pressure to take a blood pressure pill anyway?
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Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
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A healthy blood pressure level can reduce your risk for many serious diseases and increase your longevity.
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common chronic adult illness in the United States. There is no cure for high blood pressure, but it can be controlled.
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don't know it. You can take an easy test to see if your blood pressure is too high. If it is high, you can take steps to lower it. Doing so could save your life.
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Risk factors are things that make you more likely to have a disease or condition. Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure?
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The FDA has approved a new blood pressure drug that works by inhibiting hte production of renin, a substance made by the kidneys that is the first step in the body's system of regulating blood pressure.
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What causes high blood pressure in a 4-year-old?
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
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Even if your blood pressure is normal or high-normal, you're still at increased risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), the condition in which your heart works too hard and the resulting forceful blood flow harms arteries.
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Prehypertension is a new term that alerts people to the very real risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don't take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits.
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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older.Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects almost one in three adults in the United States. But this serious health condition isn't limited to those ages 18 and older, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
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In most cases, high blood pressure responds to treatment, but the success of the treatment is up to you.
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For those living with high blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight will likely have a positive effect not just on blood pressure, but on overall health.
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If you have high blood pressure, you need to know, so you can control it. If you don't, you increase your risk for serious illness.
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High blood pressure can contribute to sexual problems, as can some treatments for it.
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The number of Americans with high blood pressure has risen steadily since the 1960s, and now tops 65 million.
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Is it possible for a blockage in the kidneys to cause high blood pressure? What type of blockage would there be in a kidney?
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Hypertension is high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries.
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A study reports that if the vertebra that supports the skull is misaligned, careful manipulation of it may result in a significant drop in blood pressure.
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Isolated systolic hypertension, when the systolic blood pressure is above 140 while the diastolic pressure is below 90, is caused by stiffening of large arteries. Medication may be prescribed, but lifestyle changes will have more impact on overall health.
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Hypertension is high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.
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An old theory about the connection between headache and high blood pressure makes a comeback.
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The category of prehypertension was established to serve as a warning. Those whose blood pressure reading falls in it should work to lower their pressure through diet, exercise, and weight control, though in some cases medication may be prescribed.
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Hypertension is high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.As blood flows through arteries it pushes against the inside of the artery walls.
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Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of symptoms that occur together and promote the development of coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.Metabolic syndrome is becoming more and more common in the United States.Metabolic syndrom...
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Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that greatly raises your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
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Doctors think teens who have metabolic syndrome face a high risk for the early onset of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
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Detailed information on metabolic syndrome, including desciption of metabolic syndrome, causes, risk factors, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on metabolic syndrome, including desciption of metabolic syndrome, causes, risk factors, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on metabolic syndrome, including desciption of metabolic syndrome, causes, risk factors, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on metabolic syndrome, including desciption of metabolic syndrome, causes, risk factors, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on metabolic syndrome, including desciption of metabolic syndrome, causes, risk factors, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, and treatment
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To help manage your condition, fill in the dates on which you had or will have the following tests or checkups.
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A key way to reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome is to lower high blood pressure. Reducing the amount of sodium and salt in your diet is a great start.
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The metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions: each is a risk factor on its own, but in combination, they create a much greater risk of heart disease or stroke.
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Schizophrenics, especially women, have a much higher incidence of the metabolic syndrome. This may be due to their medications, which cause weight gain, but a tendency to obesity predates the use of antipsychotic drugs.
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The best treatment for the metabolic syndrome is a combination of exercise and weight loss. Dietary and lifestyle changes may also be necessary, and may have an additional positive effect on overall health.
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Obesity is a term used to describe body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If you are obese, you have a much higher amount of body fat than lean muscle mass.Adults with a body mass index(BMI) greater than 25 but less than...
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Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual''s ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment...
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity causes, obesity health effects, obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, maintaining weight loss, and obesity prevention
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Obesity is the condition of having an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, resulting in a body weight more than 20% above the average for height, age, sex, and body type, and in elevated risk of disability, illness, and death.The human body ...
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We've all heard warnings, yet many of us keep gaining weight. More than half of American adults are overweight or obese, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Weighing too much is harmful, but the location of those extra pounds can worsen the risk.
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity facts, obesity causes, and obesity health effects
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity facts, obesity causes, and obesity health effects
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity facts, obesity causes, and obesity health effects
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Detailed information on obesity, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
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Obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater, is an epidemic in the United States and other industrialized nations, and it is rapidly becoming one in developing nations. As countries transition to westernized lifestyles, obesity tends to...
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obesity increases the risk for illness from 30 serious medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and several types of cancer.
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With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity facts, obesity causes, and obesity health effects
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Detailed information on obesity prevention strategies during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity causes, obesity health effects, obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, maintaining weight loss, and obesity prevention
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity causes, obesity health effects, obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, maintaining weight loss, and obesity prevention
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Detailed information on obesity prevention strategies during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
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Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual''s ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.Obesity is defined by both the U.S.
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As your body mass index goes up, so does your risk for health problems. Your blood pressure goes up and so do your cholesterol levels.
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Detailed information on obesity prevention strategies during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
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Detailed information on obesity prevention strategies during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
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Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual''s ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.Obesity traditionally has been defined as a weight at least 20...
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There is growing evidence that obesity increases a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The reasons are still unclear, but obesity affects hormone production, which could in turn be influencing cancer growth.
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, obesity gastric bypass (malabsorptive) surgery, and obesity gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, and obesity surgical treatment
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Detailed information on obesity, including obesity causes, obesity health effects, obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, maintaining weight loss, and obesity prevention
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, obesity gastric bypass (malabsorptive) surgery, and obesity gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, and obesity surgical treatment
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, obesity gastric bypass (malabsorptive) surgery, and obesity gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, and obesity surgical treatment
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, obesity gastric bypass (malabsorptive) surgery, and obesity gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery
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Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, and obesity surgical treatment
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Term describing a condition where the ratio of body fat to total body mass is higher than accepted norms.The percent of U.S. children who are overweight is estimated to be between 20-30%, but there is no firm definition of obesity for children and...
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Extreme obesity plagues more than a million teens and young adults, experts estimate. What's a parent to do?
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Detailed information on weight and weight control, including healthy tips for maintaining your weight
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Detailed information on obesity medical treatment, including obesity prescription medications and supplements, obesity behavioral strategies, and psychotherapy for eating disorders
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Detailed information on obesity medical treatment, including obesity prescription medications and supplements, obesity behavioral strategies, and psychotherapy for eating disorders
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Detailed information on obesity medical treatment, including obesity prescription medications and supplements, obesity behavioral strategies, and psychotherapy for eating disorders
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Detailed information on obesity medical treatment, including obesity prescription medications and supplements, obesity behavioral strategies, and psychotherapy for eating disorders
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Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20 percent or more over an individual''s ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.The branch of medicine that deals with the study and tr...
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Bariatric surgery, which helps extremely obese people lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and intestines, carries a higher risk of death than previously believed, new research shows. Three studies, published October 19 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found death rates of 3% to 5% for middle-aged adults and more than twice that high for patients 65 to 74, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Among patients 75 or older, 40% of the women and half of the men died, the AP story said.
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Exploring the causes and consequences of America's growing epidemic of obesity.Obesity is not a new problem. Forty years ago, 4 of every 10 Americans were overweight or obese. But obesity is a growing problem, and it's growing quickly; today, two of every three Americans need to lose weight. In the 1960s, obesity was an epidemic; today, it's a pandemic.
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Detailed information on obesity surgical treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, and gastric stapling surgery
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Detailed information on obesity surgical treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, and gastric stapling surgery
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Detailed information on obesity surgical treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, and gastric stapling surgery
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Detailed information on obesity surgical treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, and gastric stapling surgery
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More than 19 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, and millions more have a condition that puts them at high risk for developing it.
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The American Diabetes Association estimates at least 20.1 million people in the United States have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes means having a blood sugar level that is higher than normal, but not yet persistently high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. By taking steps to control your blood sugar, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from developing.
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What is responsible for obesity, how to treat it.At one time it was commonly believed that overweight and obese people were compulsive eaters, anxious, depressed, under stress, or trying to compensate for inadequate upbringing, family conflict, or other deficiencies in their lives. But since then, when almost everyone seems to be getting heavier and obesity has become a national political issue, both experts and the public are turning away from the idea that weight gain is a personal emotional problem. Instead the trend toward obesity has become a subject for biologists and sociologists, regarded as the physical consequence of a general social condition. It's become less clear what role psychotherapists and other mental health professionals should play in managing the problem.
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America is more overweight and out of shape than ever. The result? Soaring medical costs and lost productivity. The U.S. government is working to change that with "Healthy People 2010," its latest effort to show us that national health demands personal health. The drive includes 10 "leading health indicators," modeled after our leading economic indicators.
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A study claims that obese people are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, but the findings do not prove that the conditions are causally related to each other.
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The prevalence and consequences of obesity and how to treat it; explanation of BMI and waist-to-hip ratio.
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Detailed information on maintaining weight loss, including weight loss benefits, weight loss maintenance strategies, and weight cycling
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Detailed information on maintaining weight loss, including weight loss benefits, weight loss maintenance strategies, and weight cycling
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Detailed information on maintaining weight loss, including weight loss benefits, weight loss maintenance strategies, and weight cycling
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Detailed information on maintaining weight loss, including weight loss benefits, weight loss maintenance strategies, and weight cycling
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Obesity has become a public health crisis in the United States, in part, because Americans are consuming more calories than they did 30 years ago. A large part of that increase in consumption can be pinned on a greater use of foods prepared away from home -- those ready-to-eat items available at restaurants, grocery store food counters and fast-food eateries.
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Children whose parents are overweight or obese are at higher risk for becoming obese themselves, studies have shown.
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Obesity is the most common health problem facing children, child health experts say. More than 30 percent of children and teens are overweight, and 15 percent are obese.
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True or false? Most overweight people got that way because they're self-indulgent weaklings without the will power to say no to super-sized french fries and fudge-slathered ice cream.
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We've all heard warnings, yet many of us keep gaining weight. More than half of American adults are overweight or obese, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Many obese adults don't believe they are obese. A small survey (104 adults ages 45 to 64 were polled) found that 71% of normal-weight people placed themselves in the correct weight category, as did 73% of overweight people. However, only 15% of obese people identified themselves as obese. The Associated Press reported April 9 on the survey, done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, an adult who is 5 feet 10 inches tall is overweight at 174 pounds and obese at 209 pounds.
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Experts in one study say the study shows the limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of obesity, especially because it doesn't account for weight that is muscle rather than fat. A study of 90,000 U.S. women, described in the second article, says the risk of death jumps sharply for extremely obese women -- those at least 90 pounds overweight.
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The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is warning that obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of several complications, including high blood pressure, a serious condition called preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The ACOG opinion, published in the September issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, says obese women also are more likely to miscarry, to need a Caesarean section, and to have excessive bleeding and infection after a Caesarean section. Babies of obese women are more likely to be stillborn, be born prematurely and have spinal cord abnormalities called neural tube defects. The risks affect women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30, and are even higher for women with a BMI of more than 30.
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Experts are challenging a recent, widely reported study that suggested being overweight is not associated with early mortality.
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I am 19 years old and weigh 300 pounds. I have tried diets and they don't work. I have had a physical and am healthy except for my weight. I would like to have stomach banding surgery done. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
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Portion sizes are bigger today, and that increase has contributed to the growing numbers of overweight or obese Americans.
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The fact is, you might not care as much about looks as your wife does, but that fat around your abdomen is no laughing matter. A man's potbelly often warns of later problems ranging from heart disease to cancer, diabetes, arthritis, back pain and sleep apnea.
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Each overweight or obese American spends $700 more a year on medical bills than trim neighbors, one expert says.
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With two out of three Americans overweight or obese, it's become a community problem. The solution requires cooperation from public and private institutions.
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Stress is defined as an organism''s total response to environmental demands or pressures. When stress was first studied in the 1950s, the term was used to denote both the causes and the experienced effects of these pressures.
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Everyone feels stress from time to time. It's a fact of daily life. Stress has its upside, but too much of it can leave you feeling out of control. And chronic stress can have negative consequences on your health.
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In this report you'll learn about a multitude of techniques that can help reduce stress, including breath focus, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, massage, and more.
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Among psychologists and psychiatrists, stress refers to a psychological reaction within the person to events that generate strong emotion that cannot be easily regulated; for other social scientists, the term stress is used to describe a disturban...
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Knowing the causes of your stress will help you find ways to manage it.Things that cause stress (stressors) can be everyday events, major life changes, or a combination of things. They can be either happy or sad events. Knowing your stressors will help you find ways to manage your stress.
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Sometimes no matter how hard and fast you work, you miss your deadline, adding to your physical and emotional stress.
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Stress is defined as an organism''s total response to environmental demands or pressures. When stress was first studied in the 1950s, the term was used to denote both the causes and the experienced effects of these pressures.
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Ways to manage stress: Get enough sleep, follow a healthy diet and make time for yourself.
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When you're faced with a highly stressful event in your life, the strategies outlined here will help you cope.
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By consciously learning to be present and mindful, you can transform your inattention to attention and your stress into solutions.
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Many people believe stress is all in the mind. But dealing with stressful situations can have physiological consequences.
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Detailed information on women and managing stress Many women face difficult challenges and responsibilities that may overlap or conflict, causing stress that can affect their health. Stress can arise out of difficulties at home, in relationships, and in the workplace. Family "well-being" includes stable relationships, and family members' ability to fulfill essential roles in the home, child rearing values and practices, and the mental and physical health and development of every family member. Researchers are also trying to determine which workplace conditions influence employees' experiences of conflict between work and family roles; they are studying the effects of job stress on spouses and on marriage; and they are studying how parents' working conditions may affect their parenting and their children.
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Some stress is inevitable, but as you grow older, the key is to minimize stress while maximizing happiness and enjoyment.
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If you take a healthy attitude toward stress in your travel plans, the payoffs include improved physical well-being, mental alertness and better job performance.
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Lower your risk: Control stress. When you're stressed, your heartbeat speeds up and your blood pressure skyrockets. The next time you feel tension taking over, sit back and look at what's bothering you.
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Recent studies are changing our notion about why men develop impotence. While it was once believed that psychological problems were the main cause, we now understand that medical factors -- such as poor blood flow, nerve damage, and medication side effects -- play an important role in most cases of impotence.
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Yoga is one of the few stress-relief tools that has a positive effect on all the body systems involved.
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Practicing deep, focused breathing is a relaxation technique that can help alleviate stress, which in turn will likely have positive effects on general health and well-being.
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As a working parent, do you need some relief from the stress of managing a career and a family?
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Your wedding day can be one of the best days of your life, it can also be one of the most stressful.
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By understanding what is causing you stress, you may be able to make changes to help you feel more in control.
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New research shows that prolonged stress can accelerate the aging of body cells.
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A British study suggests a link between increased stress and a rise in cholesterol level, and a follow-up several years later showed the trend continued over time.
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Stress is an individual''s physical and mental reaction to environmental demands or pressures.When stress was first studied, the term was used to denote both the causes and the experienced effects of these pressures. More recently, however, the wor...
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Over the course of evolution, the human mind and body have developed means of handling stressful situations. Over the short term, such stress response pathways are highly adaptive, allowing a person to manage his or her resources in order to navig...
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Stress is a term that refers to the sum of the physical, mental, and emotional strains or tensions on a person. Feelings of stress in humans result from interactions between persons and their environment that are perceived as straining or exceedin...
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Women experience symptoms of stress 30 percent more often than men, research has shown.
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No one can avoid all stress -- and a certain amount actually is good for you. But it's always best to keep unhealthy levels in check when possible.
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Mental stress does more than diminish your sense of well-being. It also can increase your risk for heart disease.
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During stressful times, your body produces various chemicals, including cortisol, an immune-suppressing hormone. The more cortisol produced, the weaker your immune cells become and the more susceptible you are to illness.
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You're familiar with the symptoms of stress -- a pounding heart, increased perspiration, tight neck and shoulder muscles, anxiety and fear. But you may not know how to prevent or relieve these symptoms.
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The formula for success at work is not only hard work, but also frequent breaks for mental and physical rest.
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Here are suggestions on how to better deal with the stress in your life.We live in tense and stressful times.
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Whether your credit card balances are soaring, or you and your partner are arguing constantly over nickels and dimes, there are things you can do to relieve financial stress.
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The more you learn about the pressure times and triggers at your workplace, the better you'll be able to plan for them.
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No matter the source of your stress, it can produce physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can affect any part of the body.
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Stress is a powerful force for good and for ill. It can help us cope with life's challenges, but it can also affect our health by making pre-existing conditions worse or even bringing on new ones.
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To manage your stress, you must first learn to recognize when you are under stress. Every one reacts to stress differently; find out how you respond to stressful situations.
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Anything that brings on feelings of stress is called a stressor. Today, we often face many stressors.
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Stress tests are not recommended unless you experience chest pain or tightness during exercise or other activities that stress the heart.
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Guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology offer advice on protecting the heart during noncardiac surgery.
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Resilience is the ability to handle stressful events and remain mentally strong and healthy. The presence of a certain form of neurochemical may be one explanation for why some people are more resilient than others.
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In experiments on mice, suppressing a chemical linked to stress and appetite prevented the formation of abdominal fat cells, which could lead to new possibilities for weight loss drugs.
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What is the relationship between stress and infertility?
Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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My fingertips have recently started peeling. I have been under a considerable amount of stress lately. Could there be any correlation?
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Hypogonadism is when the sex glands produce little or no hormones. In men, these glands(gonads) are the testes; in women, they are the ovaries.The cause of hypogonadism may be"primary" or"central."
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Hypogonadism is the condition in which the production of sex hormones and germ cells(sperm and eggs) is inadequate.Gonads are the organs of sexual differentiation: in the female, they are ovaries; in the male, the testes. Along with producing eggs...
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Hypogonadism is the condition more prevalent in males in which the production of sex hormones and germ cells are inadequate.Gonads are the organs of sexual differentiation—in the female, they are ovaries; in the male, the testes. Along with ...
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Peyronie''s disease is a condition characterized by a bent penis.The cause of Peyronie''s disease is unknown and the disease is often difficult to treat. For some reason, a thick scar develops in the penis and bends it.
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Detailed information on Peyronie's disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on Peyronie's disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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A slight natural curve to the erect penis is usually normal. But curvature that causes pain and difficulty with intercourse is a problem. The development of painful curvature is called Peyronie's disease.
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Peyronie's disease is difficult to cure. Counseling may be recommended to help you cope with the effects of the disease and to help you and your partner find ways to overcome it.
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Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Fatigue is different from drowsiness. In general, drowsiness is feeling the need to sleep, while fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation.
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Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.Everyone experiences fatigue occasionally. It is the body''s way of signaling its need for rest and sleep.
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Boosting Your Energy provides information on the causes and treatments of persistent fatigue. Includes information on aging and energy, eating for energy, and boosting your energy.
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Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the contex...
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If you regularly feel weary after waking from a good night's sleep or for no apparent reason, it's time to find out why.
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If the fatigue is related to a decrease in hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, then replacing the red blood cells by transfusion or taking erythropoietin can help reduce fatigue. If the fatigue is not related to this, then it is important that the person with cancer learn ways to conserve energy. Energy is like money, and people only have a limited amount of it. Think carefully about how to spend it. What activities are most important? What activities help restore energy? These are the activities that people with cancer should spend their energy on. They need to ask for help to do the rest of the activities.
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Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the contex...
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Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress, medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.Everyone experiences fatigue occasionally. It is the body''s way of signaling its need for rest and sleep.
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Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion or loss of strength. The duration of fatigue for a patient with cancer has been found to last from one to two times the length of time between diagnosis and completion of treatment, so it is common for fatigue to...
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If the person on chemotherapy has decreased hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and it seems like the low hemoglobin level will last for a while, then a medicine called PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) may be prescribed. This medicine is given as an injection to keep the hemoglobin at a higher level. This can sometimes manage fatigue. PROCRIT is for anemic chemotherapy patients with most types of cancer.
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We currently understand some of the causes of fatigue but not all of them. Fatigue may be related to physical changes caused by cancer or its treatment (chemotherapy, biotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery). It is reported that the fatigue people get when receiving cancer treatment is more severe than the fatigue healthy people get. In addition, this fatigue lasts longer and is not relieved by sleep. Studies have shown that low hemoglobin is also related to fatigue. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood, so if it is low, the body cells do not get as much oxygen as they need. Also, people who are not well nourished, who don't drink enough fluid and are dehydrated, or who are not able to move around much tend to have fatigue more easily. Finally, the way a person handles stress, thinks, or behaves can influence fatigue.
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Fatigue is a vague feeling of being tired, weak, or exhausted. It is often a symptom of cancer, when cancer is first diagnosed, or when cancer progresses (Ferrell et al, 1996). It is also the most common side effect of cancer treatment. Some people with cancer have described fatigue as being "tired to the bones” or "hitting a wall.” Others say it is the most distressing side effect of cancer treatment. Fatigue is different for everyone, so it is important that the person who is experiencing it describe how he or she feels. Fatigue may cause decreased ability to work or do physical activity. If the person with cancer is easily distracted and unable to concentrate on mental work or activity, then he or she may have attentional fatigue (Winningham and Barton-Burke, 2000). Depending upon its cause, fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to occur a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation doesn't happen right away. It develops over the first two to three weeks of treatment and then increases as the treatment continues. It may last three months or more after the treatment is finished. Attentional fatigue can last up until two or three years after treatment is completed.
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Many people experience late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to prevent them.
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Fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite. Fatigue can also be a sign of anemia (a shortage of red blood cells). This could require medical treatment. The tips below can help you feel better.
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Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and mental dependence on alcohol....
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Large amounts of alcohol can result in depression of the various body systems, resulting in coma or death. The immediate physical effects of alcohol depend on the amount and frequency of drinking, while the mental and emotional effects are influen...
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This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.
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Question: What are the negative effects of smoking?Answer: Smokers have an increased risk of the following:Lung cancerLung diseaseHeart attackHeart diseaseHypertensionStrokeOral cancerBladder cancerPancreatic cancerCervical cancerPregnancy complic...
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Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress.
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When you smoke, toxins are carried by your blood to every organ in your body. At the same time, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke keeps red blood cells from carrying as much oxygen as normal.
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Adolescent smoking has risen steadily throughout the 1990s, following a sharp decline in the 1970s that leveled off in the 1980s. A 1994 report by the office of the U.S.
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Right away, you may cough, wheeze, and have a sore throat—that's the tar clogging up your lungs. You may also have a headache, feel dizzy, and be nauseated—that's the nicotine in your brain. Over time, you risk lung and throat cancer, and lung diseases like emphysema and bronchitis.
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Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress.
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Smoking during pregnancy reduces oxygen and blood flow to your baby. This may cause bleeding problems that can put your pregnancy at risk.
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Hear the facts about smoking from those who have been doing it for a few years. Find a smoker or two. Ask a few questions. See if their answers sound something like these.
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Ex-smokers' risk of heart disease may eventually approach that of a lifetime nonsmoker, but their risk of lung cancer is less likely to fade, even after long periods of time.
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Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco that is used mostly in three forms: cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress. A smoking habit...
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One of the major triggers for asthma attacks is cigarette smoke. Cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoke is especially harmful to people with asthma because it damages the cells in the lungs that make the protective coating lining the bronchial tubes.
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Life may seem out of control, but you're really making progress. You're going through withdrawal, which is how your body recovers from smoking.
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Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to keep your heart disease from getting worse. Smoking reduces oxygen flow to your heart, speeds plaque buildup, and increases your risk for heart attack.
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When you are trying to quit, the support of friends, coworkers and family members can make a big difference.
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Detailed information on respiratory diseases and smoking, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer
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Everybody knows smoking is bad for your health. Now here's something you may not know: Smoking is bad for your looks. It's true.
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The most common reasons include: "Smoking gives me more energy. I smoke to keep from slowing down. I reach for a cigarette when I need a lift. When I'm tired, smoking perks me up."
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Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker.
Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker, the American Dental Association (ADA) says.
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Detailed information on teens and smoking Diseases caused by smoking kill more than 437,900 people in the United States each year; around 35 percent of these deaths were cardiovascular related. Even with anti-smoking campaigns and medical disclaimers in place, many people continue to smoke or start smoking every year. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of new smokers are children and teenagers, in many cases, replacing the smokers who quit or died prematurely from a smoking-related disease.
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Smoking damages your arteries, and it's thought that the damaged arteries in the discs and joints in your back may lead to pain and injury.
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For most people, the best way to quit smoking is some combination of medicine, a method to change personal habits and emotional support.
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Teens who smoke are more likely to quit if they can be convinced to participate in a cessation program that emphasizes the health risks of smoking, provides motivational encouragement and coping skills, and encourages a healthy overall lifestyle.
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Smoking is an important and preventable cause of death and illness. However, as more money has been spent on smoking cessation programs, the incidence of cigarette smoking has risen.
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Every day, nearly 6,000 teens and pre-teens try cigarettes for the first time, according to the American Lung Association. A third of these first-timers will end up becoming smokers.
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When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone. But that's only the first step.
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Among other things, keep a personal benefits log. Write down the benefits you experience from being smoke-free (for example, I can smell flowers again!) Write the specific occurrence, the date it first happened, and your reaction.
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A smoker's recovery plan includes listing those activities that you have chosen to help reduce the pressures of nicotine withdrawal and staying smoke-free.
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The personal motivation list will help you identify the benefits of quitting, for you, for your family, and for your friends.
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I know that smoking is very bad for me. I've cut down to one cigarette after lunch and another after dinner each day, with two or three more on most weekend nights when I socialize. I really enjoy smoking, but I want to know if I'm harming myself.
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