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What
is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease, meaning it is a disease that you will
live with long term. Asthma produces recurring breathing problems
like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath
in people. While asthma cannot be cured it can be controlled with
proper care.
Facts About Asthma
-
In 2001, over 20 million Americans had asthma and
approximately 5 million of those are children
- Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses and
is the leading cause of school absences
- You are three to six times more likely to develop asthma if you
have a parent with asthma
What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?
Some of the signs or symptoms of asthma include:
- Chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath
- Coughing at night or during physical activity (exercise)
-
A cough that lasts more than a week
-
Waking up at night with any of these symptoms
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
During an asthma attack the lining of the airways get swollen, making
it very hard to breath. Further restricting the ability to breath,
the airway produces thick mucus that lines the inner walls of these
airways. The muscles surrounding the airway contract or tighten, which
makes the airways narrow. All of these reactions during an asthma
episode restrict the airflow to the lungs, making it difficult to
breathe.
What Makes Asthma Worse?
- Allergens such as: animals, house dust mites, cockroaches,
pollens from grass or trees and molds
- Irritants such as: cigarette smoke, wood smoke,
scented products like perfume or hairspray, strong odors from paint
or cooking, smog, air pollution, and chemicals such as pesticides
- Other things such as: infections like colds, exercise, crying or
laughing, and changes in the weather
It is important to seek medical care to properly manage asthma.
This care should include:
- An individualized asthma management plan
- Using appropriate medications
- Monitoring the response to treatment
- Avoiding environmental exposures that make asthma worse
- Getting follow up care
Asthma is a very serious illness, however, with proper care people
with asthma can lead active healthy lives.
Important Links:
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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a joint disease in which the tissues around the joint
become weak. This disease can cause great pain and disability. There
are many different types of arthritis, some of the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
In this condition the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in
the joint deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone
begins to rub against bone.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, is a disease in which the
joint lining becomes inflamed as part of the body’s immune
system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious
and disabling types, affecting mostly women.
Can you prevent arthritis?
There are many health behaviors that can reduce the risk of developing
arthritis, including:
- Maintaining an ideal body weight
- Avoid joint injuries
- Being physically active or exercising regularly
How do I manage my Arthritis?
Obtaining an early diagnosis so that appropriate
management, including self-management, can be started will improve
the quality of life for people living with arthritis.
Here are some simple tips to help you manage the pain of arthritis
and prevent disability:
- Know the symptoms
- Symptoms include pain, and stiffness or swelling
in or around a joint for more than two weeks. These symptoms
can develop suddenly or slowly. If you are experiencing these
symptoms, you should see your doctor. Only a doctor can tell
if you have arthritis.
- Get an Early Diagnosis
- The earlier an accurate diagnosis is made,
the earlier a treatment plan can be started. Early treatment
can often mean less joint damage and less pain. Medication,
weight management, exercise, use of heat or cold, and methods
to protect your joints from further damage may all be a part
of a treatment plan.
- Protect your joints
- Avoid excess stress on your joints by managing
your weight, using larger or stronger joints to carry things,
strengthening muscles, and using tools that my help make daily
tasks easier.
- Get moving
- Staying active can help reduce pain, increases
range of movement, reduces fatigue, improves balance and helps
you feel better overall. In addition, being physically fit can
help to prevent injury that may lead to arthritis
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What is Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes account for about 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases
of diabetes. This form of diabetes usually affects children and young
adults, although disease onset can occur at any age. In type 1 diabetes,
the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is needed for the body
to be able to use sugar and regulated blood glucose. Sugar is the
basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar
from the blood into the cells.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form
of diabetes. With this form of diabetes the body does not produce
enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary
for the body to be able to use sugar and regulate blood glucose. Sugar
is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the
sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the
blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:
- Your cells may be starved for energy
- High blood glucose levels can damage your eyes,
kidneys, nerves, and heart overtime
More about Diabetes
Having diabetes increases your risk for developing other health
problems. Some complications of diabetes include: heart disease, blindness,
nerve damage, and kidney damage. While diabetes can result in some
serious complications there are important measures that can be taken
to prevent these complications. Diabetes is a serious disease, but
people with diabetes can live long, healthy, and happy lives by taking
care of themselves.
You may be at higher risk for Diabetes if you:
- Have a family member with diabetes
- Are overweight
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle (not enough exercise)
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Are African American, Latino, Native American,
Pacific Islander or Asian American
- Had gestational diabetes
- Have taken antipsychotic drugs
It has been well documented through research that healthy lifestyle
changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among high-risk
adults. These behavior modifications include eating healthy and being
active.
Know the Symptoms!
Early detection and treatment can help you cope with Diabetes and
avoid complications. Know the symptoms:
- Always tired
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Always hungry
- Sexual Problems
- Blurry vision
- Vaginal infections
- Numb or tingling hands or feet
- Always thirsty
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
How do I manage my Diabetes?
Get as much information as you can from local resources or the web.
The more you know about your condition the more likely you are to
stay healthy! Diabetes can also be managed by:
- Nutrition-Your healthcare provider may give you
a specialized meal plan to control your blood glucose
- Exercise-Regular exercise can lower blood glucose levels and helps
insure good physical and mental health
- Weight Control-Weight loss alone can bring glucose levels back to
normal, especially in type 2 diabetes.
- Medications-Getting the proper medication from you doctor can be
important in managing your blood glucose levels
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What
is Heart Disease?
Your heart can be damaged over time and with certain health behaviors.
The most common cause of damage is a disease called atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis causes a blockage in the coronary arteries. These
are the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart. The blockages
can cause numerous problems such as:
- Stiffening of artery walls which decreases the
ability of the vessel to help the heart push blood
- Narrowing of the arteries so that less blood can flow through them
- Heart attacks will occur when there is a complete blockage of the
artery and blood can’t carry oxygen to the heart
How do I prevent heart disease?
There are some risk factors for heart disease you can’t change
such as:
- Age ~ Men and women over 45 are at greater risk
- Family History ~ Your risk is greater if a family
member developed heart disease before the age of 55 for men and
65 for women.
- Ethnicity ~ Your risk is greater if you are Latino
or African American
There are several steps you can take to prevent heart disease:
- Get Active ~ Doing physical activity
for 30 minutes a day on most days of the week will help to keep
your heart healthy
- Good Nutrition ~ Include fruits
and vegetables in your diet. Consume low-fat foods.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight ~ Eating
well and being active will help you to manage your weight
- Avoid Tobacco ~ When you don’t
smoke or you quit smoking your risk for heart disease is reduced
- Limit Alcohol ~ More than 2 drinks
a day for men and 1 drink a day for women will increase your risk
for heart disease.
- Get Screenings ~ Know your health
status. Keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
in control will reduce your risk for developing heart disease.
- Manage Stress ~ Managing stress
in your life can reduce your risk. Acknowledge stress and learn
the skills to manage it.
Can you treat heart disease?
There are many options for treatment for heart disease and it’s
risk factors. See your doctor for information on how to manage heart
disease.
Important Links
For more information on heart disease visit the following links:
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What is a Stroke?
Stroke is one type of cardiovascular disease. Your body has many
important blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the
brain. The brain needs these things to survive. A stroke occurs
when one of these blood vessels is either blocked by a clot or
bursts. When this happens, the part of the brain that cannot get
blood (oxygen and nutrients) will start to die.
What are the effects of Stroke?
The effects of stroke depends on the location of the blood vessel
that was affected and the portion of the brain that lost blood
flow.
If a stroke occurs in the right side of the brain the left side
of the body will be affected. A Stroke could cause:
-
Paralysis on the left side of the body
-
Vision or sight problems
-
Quick, inquisitive behavior
-
Loss of memory
If a stroke occurs on the left side of the brain, the left side
of the body will be affected. A stroke could cause:
-
Paralysis on the right side of the body
-
Speech or language problems
-
Slow, cautious behavior
-
Loss of memory
What are the signs and symptoms of Stroke?
-
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm
or leg. Especially on one side of the body
-
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
-
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
-
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of
balance or coordination
-
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Other stroke symptoms include:
-
Sudden nausea, fever and vomiting distinguished
from a viral illness by the speed of onset (minutes or hours
vs. several days)
-
Brief loss of consciousness or period of decreased
consciousness (fainting, confusion, convulsions or coma)
What should I do if I am having these symptoms?
Quick treatment and medical care is extremely important for stroke.
If you are experiencing these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately.
Each second saved reduces the damage caused by stroke!
What are the risk factors for Stroke?
The National Stroke Association outlines several risk factors
for stroke:
Medical stroke risk factors include:
Previous stroke, previous episode of transient ischemic attack
or “TIA,” high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart
disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease. These
medical risk factors can be controlled. Talk with your doctor
about what will work best for you.
Lifestyle stroke risk factors include:
Smoking, being overweight and drinking too much alcohol. You can
control these lifestyle risk factors by quitting smoking, exercising
regularly, watching what and how much you eat and limiting alcohol
consumption.
Ask your doctor if you are at risk for Stroke!
Important Links
For more information on stroke visit
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What
is a Cancer?
This is a general term for about 100 diseases characterized by
abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. The resulting mass, or
tumor, can invade and destroy surrounding normal tissues. Cancer
cells from the tumor can spread through the blood or lymph (the
clear fluid that bathes body cells) to start new cancers in other
parts of the body.
Breast Cancer
The Facts:
-
Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most
commonly diagnosed cancer among American women.
-
It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause
of cancer-related deaths among women.
-
In 2004, an estimated 215,990 new cases of invasive
breast cancer will be diagnosed among women.
-
In 2004, an estimated 40,580 women will die of
this disease.
-
Seventy-five percent of all diagnosed cases of
breast cancer are among women aged 50 years or older.
*According to the American Cancer Society, Cancer
Facts and Figures 2004
What can I do to help protect myself?
Early detection is important for all cancers, including breast
cancer. Studies show that early detection of breast cancer saves
lives. Timely mammography screening among women aged 40 years or
older could reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 16%
compared with women who are not screened. The American Cancer Society
recommends the following:
-
Women age 40 and older should have a screening
mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long
as they are in good health.
-
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical
breast examination (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health
exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years. After
age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional
every year.
-
Breast Self Examination (BSE) is an option for
women starting in their 20s. Women should understand the benefits
and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes
to their health professional right away.
-
Women at increased risk should talk with their
doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammograms
when they are younger, having additional tests (such as breast
ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams.
The Nevada Health Centers’ Mammovan provides free or low-cost
mammograms to women who qualify. Call toll-free (877) 581-6266 to
confirm eligibility and schedule an appointment.
Colorectal Cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer? – Colorectal cancer includes
cancers of the colon, rectum, appendix, and some anal cancers. Colorectal
cancer is the number two cancer killer in the United States. Colorectal
Cancer has a stigma due to the location in the body. People are
often embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing symptoms, screenings,
or the disease in general.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most detectable cancers and, if
found early, one of the most treatable. More than 90% of those diagnosed
in the early stages of the disease survive more than five years.
Symptoms - Most individuals with colorectal cancer had
no symptoms at all. However, there are some warning signs that should
be discussed with a doctor. The Colon Cancer Alliance recommends
a colonoscopy if experiencing the following symptoms as they might
indicate colorectal cancer:
-
a change in bowel habits
-
diarrhea or constipation
-
narrower than normal stools
-
unexplained weight loss
-
constant tiredness
-
blood in the stool
-
feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
-
abdominal discomfort: gas, bloating, fullness,
cramps
-
unexplained anemia
-
vomiting
Research is still being done to determine what causes Colorectal
Cancer. There are lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk:
-
If you smoke, quit.
-
Diet and Exercise: Studies have suggested that
diets high in fat increase your risk of colon cancer.
-
If you have a family history, ask your doctor
about early screenings.
-
Screenings are recommended on a regular basis
for women and men over the age of 50.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American
men, other than skin cancer.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
-
Frequent urination (especially at night)
-
Weak urinary stream
-
Inability to urinate
-
Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting)
-
Pain or burning on urination
-
Blood in the urine
-
Pain in lower back, pelvis or upper thighs
According to the American Cancer Society, men aged 50 and older,
and those over the age of 45 who are in high-risk groups, such as
African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer,
should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital
rectal exam (DRE) once every year.
Testicular Cancer
-
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in
young men between the ages of 15 and 35 years old.
-
Testicular cancer is much more rare than many
other cancers.
-
Testicular cancer is ALMOST ALWAYS curable if
it is found early
-
Testicular cancer is most often found by men themselves
Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men and
women. Rates of Lung Cancer in Nevada are higher than the national
average. This is most likely due to higher smoking rates and exposure
to secondhand smoke. According to the National Cancer Institute
cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and secondhand
smoke is responsible for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths among
U.S. nonsmokers each year. Other risk factors for lung cancer include
asbestos and radon exposure.
Prevention:
Tobacco: If you smoke, quit. There are local resources that
can help you quit. Also, speak with your
doctor about products, such as nicotine gum, nicotine sprays, or
nicotine inhalers that may be helpful in quitting. In addition,
avoid locations that allow smoking. Visit www.NoTobaccoNevada.com
for local restaurants and other businesses that protect their customers
and employees from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Environmental Hazards: Properly protect yourself when working
around or with known hazards such as asbestos and radon. For more
information on radon visit www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts145.html.
Removal of asbestos in Washoe County requires a permit from the
Washoe County District Health Department’s Air Quality division
(784-7200) and disposal procedures are set by the Health Department’s
Environmental division (328-2434).
Symptoms:
Speak with your doctor if experiencing the following symptoms as
they might indicate lung cancer:
-
A cough that doesn't go away and gets worse over
time
-
Constant chest pain
-
Coughing up blood
-
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
-
Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
-
Swelling of the neck and face
-
Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Fatigue
Important Links
Cancer (general)
Breast Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Testicular Cancer
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What is a Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – is a group of
diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The
most common symptom is shortness of breath caused by a restriction
of airflow.
What causes COPD?
Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of COPD and accounting
for 90% of all COPD cases. But smokers aren’t the only
ones at risk for COPD. Former smokers and anyone constantly
exposed to secondhand smoke are also at risk.
What can you do about it
Don’t Wait! If daily activities leave you short of breathe,
wheezing, or coughing, get your lungs checked. Your doctor can
run tests to measure your lung capacity. There are also new
medications that can help your lungs feel better. The sooner
you get help, the sooner you’ll breather easier.
If you smoke
Get help and quit. This is the most effective way to prevent
COPD.
Avoid secondhand smoke
Ask friends and family to smoke outside away from open windows
and doors. If possible avoid locations that allow smoking.
