Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

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How to Prevent the Risk of Diabetes

Risks of Diabetes
This guest post was written by Efraim Landa

Efraim Landa is the founder of Effi Enterprises a Venture capital firm that funds medical start ups.

Diabetes is on the rise in the United States. According to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, nearly 10 percent of the American population has diabetes, and more than 8 million are yet undiagnosed. Diabetes is a medical condition that is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. The levels of blood sugar in the blood are controlled by the substance insulin. Insulin is a necessary pancreatic hormone, but in diabetics, it is produced less often, or the body simply does not respond the way it should to that insulin. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is formerly known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. There are a number of differences between these two types of diabetes. The first type of diabetes, type 1, typically occurs in childhood (but not always), and its causes are still unknown. Type 1 only accounts for between 5 and 10 percent of all diabetics. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adulthood (but can occur at nearly any age), and it is largely preventable. This article contains information on how to prevent the risk of type 2 diabetes.

cosmetic botox injections

What Is a Celiac Disease Friendly Diet?

The word ‘celiac’ (Greek) literally means ‘relating to the abdomen.’ Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs when wheat, pasta, breads, and other products that contain gluten irritate the small intestine. The word ‘gluten’ is derived from the Latin word ‘glue.’ It is a combination of plant proteins occurring in grains such as wheat, corn, barley, and rye. The word gluten is used in this way because it actually is an adhesive. Gluten is found in many processed foods in our American diet today. Surprisingly to many, it is also used in many medications, vitamins, and even lip balms. Those who suffer from celiac disease cannot consume gluten because it prevents nutrients from being absorbed into the body, thereby causing damage to the lining of the intestines. If celiac disease goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to serious complications with other areas of the body, such as the nervous system, bones, and even the brain. Thankfully, though celiac disease is more common today than ever, it’s also true that many American food manufacturers are coming up with more foods that are friendly to those who suffer with celiac disease. Following is information from a gastroenterologist about the celiac disease friendly diet.

How to Reduce Risks of Stomach Ulcers

Lower The Risk of Stomach UlcersA stomach ulcer occurs when areas of the lining of the stomach or small intestine become eroded or worn away. Stomach ulcers can be very painful. They can also cause additional symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. Stomach ulcers can even lead to more serious medical conditions, including cancers of the stomach and digestive system. There are a number of known contributors to the development of stomach ulcers. These include poor diet, bacteria known as H. pylori (helicobacter pylori), use or overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), consuming products with caffeine or carbonation, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. But there is good news about stomach ulcers. They are largely preventable. In many instances, all it takes is a little behavior modification here and there to reduce your risk of developing a stomach ulcer. Here are some tips from gastroenterologists on how to prevent stomach ulcers.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach UlcersMillions of Americans suffer from stomach ulcers. In fact, so many people in the U.S. have stomach ulcers that we’ve almost become desensitized to the seriousness of this medical condition. Stomach ulcers, sometimes also referred to as peptic ulcers, are worn or eroded areas of the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. The term ‘stomach ulcer’ can be a catch-all phrase used by laypeople for a number of ulcerative conditions within the digestive system, but physicians do have more specific terms for them. When stomach ulcers are diagnosed, they are called gastric ulcers. When ulcers of the duodenum are diagnosed, they are referred to as duodenal ulcers. And when ulcers of the esophagus are diagnosed, they are referred to as esophageal ulcers. In layman’s terms, however, these oftentimes fall into the category of stomach ulcers. There are a number of causes or contributing factors to stomach ulcers, including age, smoking, bacteria, use of some medications, excessive alcohol use, and diet. Following is more detailed information from GI doctors regarding the causes of stomach ulcers, as well as measures that can be taken to prevent them.  If you think you have a stomach ulcer or are at risk of an ulcer you should contact a gastroenterologist in Queens.

How to Reduce Acid Reflux

Reduce Acid RefluxMost people have had heartburn every now and again. It’s that painful, burning feeling you get in your chest that usually occurs after you’ve eaten something you likely know you shouldn’t have. It can also happen when you’ve overindulged in a food that wouldn’t normally give you heartburn … if only you’d eaten it in moderation. Occasional heartburn isn’t considered a medical problem. It’s when you start experiencing that painful, burning sensation on a regular or recurring basis that it can turn into a health concern. That’s when it turns from an infrequent occurrence to a medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly referred to as ‘acid reflux.’ Acid reflux not only can cause discomfort and pain that can eventually become severe. It can also take a chunk out of your active lifestyle that you’re not willing to give. Top gastroenterologists  recommend taking some of the following steps toward reducing acid reflux in order to reduce the pain and additional symptoms that can accompany this medical condition.

Natural Treatment for Varicose Veins

Millions of Americans are reaching beyond modern medicine these days for natural treatments for a number of health conditions, and varicose veins is one of them. Though varicose veins may not be the type of health problem most people would consider could be treated with natural therapies, the fact is that many medical doctors use a number of natural treatments for their patients who are newly diagnosed with varicose veins. Varicose veins are reddish-purple, twisted veins that bulge up from under the skin. They’re unattractive, no doubt. But more importantly, varicose veins can cause discomfort and various degrees of pain, along with other symptoms such as burning, itchiness, and difficulty with movement, especially when they occur on the legs. If you’re someone who is experiencing any of the symptoms of varicose veins, varicose vein treatment recommend that you consult a specialist as soon as possible in order to be properly diagnosed. It’s also important that you learn your diagnosis soon in order to begin on necessary treatment. And, when it comes to treatment, a number of natural therapies are considered effective in reducing the effects of varicose veins.

Natural Treatment for Spider Veins

Natural treatments are more popular today than ever. With so many folks wanting to avoid being on medications that may end up causing side effects, millions of people are looking to natural alternatives to their medical conditions. But, if you’re someone who has spider veins, did you ever consider natural treatments for them? So many people don’t even consider natural therapies when looking for ways to reduce or even eliminate their spider veins. However, there are a number of natural treatment options for spider veins, and many of these are even used by medical doctors as a means of not only treating but also preventing spider veins. In fact, spider vein treatment often starts with some natural therapies.

colon

How to Lower the Risk of Colon Cancer

The American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with only lung cancer causing more cancer-related deaths among Americans. More than 50,000 deaths are attributed to this disease every year in our nation. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing this horrible disease. Prevention is key when it comes to colon cancer. Because it is a disease that is largely preventable, it’s important to know the factors that can contribute to its development. GI doctors throughout the country recommend healthy living for its prevention. That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all your favorite foods or become an Olympic athlete to avoid getting colon cancer. For many of us, it means changing a little here and there in order to live a longer, healthier life free of colon cancer and its deadly effects. Following are some important tips on lower your risk of colon cancer.

Varicose Veins and Weight Lifting

Varicose Veins and Weight LiftingIf you’re a weight lifter, you know how great weight training can be for your body. Weight lifters are among the healthiest people in the country, and for good reason. Lifting weights is an effective tool for burning fat, toning the body, and keeping the blood flowing. However, healthy blood flow isn’t always the result with weight lifting, especially for serious or extreme body builders. If you’re not careful, training with weights can also take a toll on your circulatory system, and problems with blood flow can lead to varicose veins because lifting weights can put undue stress on your blood vessels and capillaries. Varicose veins are those unsightly, twisted, ropelike veins that bulge right underneath the skin. They’re a sign that blood isn’t circulating properly, and weight lifters are especially prone to developing varicose veins. Here are some important tips for weight lifters from varicose vein treatment centers in New Jersey that can help those who train with weights reduce their risk of developing varicose veins and the often painful and even debilitating effects they can bring.

Is Knee Pain a Normal Part of Aging?

Knee Pain And AgingThe simplest answer to this question? Maybe. Perhaps not the answer you were hoping for, but the fact is that, although knee pain doesn’t necessarily come with age, it is true that a large part of older folks suffer from it. It’s also true that knee pain tends to worsen with age. But does it have to be this way? Absolutely not. There are steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing knee pain as you age. For instance, are you carrying a little extra weight? Did you know that for every extra pound you carry on your body, you’re adding 4 pounds of extra weight on your knees? It’s true! In other words, if you’re just 10 pounds above your ideal body weight, you’re adding 40… that’s right, four – zero… extra pounds of pressure to your knees! Pretty sizable, when it’s put that way, isn’t it? Following is more information on knee pain and aging from knee replacement specialists in New Jersey that will help you better understand measures you can take to prevent knee pain as you move into middle age and beyond.