Your Health Today

When to Get Checked for Diabetes

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:49:24 -0800

In previous entries, I reviewed the basics of diabetes mellitus and how you can reduce your risk for this chronic disease. Now let's look at the symptoms that should prompt you to get checked for diabetes. ...

Vitamin D and Your Heart Attack Risk

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:04:48 -0800

If heart attack is your main concern, low vitamin D is a relatively minor issue and you'll benefit most by concentrating your efforts on controlling the major risk factors.

Managing Your Diabetes Risk

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:44:37 -0800

By now, most people know that diabetes is a significant and growing public health problem. Here are some of the major risk factors for this disorder, along with some tips you can put into play right now to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes.

Understanding Diabetes is the First Step in Preventing It

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:59:42 -0800

Obesity is fueling an epidemic of one of the world's most serious chronic diseases: diabetes. In the United States, nearly 21 million people have diabetes today, with 1.5 million new cases being diagnosed each year. People of all ages are at risk, including children, adults and senior citizens. Treatment and prevention start with understanding the condition, so let's review some basic facts about this complex chronic disease.

Are You at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency?

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:09:37 -0800

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common in adults, especially beyond age 50. The most reliable form to measure in a blood sample is 25-hydroxy vitamin D. A value of 20 ng/ml used to be considered the lower limit of normal, but recent data suggests that 35-40 ng/ml is a better minimum target for most people. One of the most significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency is inadequate sun exposure.

A Healthy Prescription for Father's Day

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:41:26 -0800

Studies consistently show that men, on average, aren't as likely as women to get a symptom or problem evaluated by a doctor.

Gum Inflammation: Common and Preventable

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:28:44 -0800

Gingivitis is common, affecting almost everyone during puberty and about half of all adults. Fortunately, it rarely causes significant problems and is completely reversible.

The Mouth: Window to Your Health

Tue, 27 May 2008 19:49:20 -0800

There's mounting evidence that the state of your mouth can also influence your overall health, and vice versa.

Oral Care and Your Heart: What's the Connection?

Thu, 22 May 2008 19:49:25 -0800

There is a logical explanation for why heart attacks and pregnancy complications could be related to periodontal disease.

Sleep Apnea: A (Not-So-Silent) Killer

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:55:09 -0800

This is actually a life-threatening condition. The most immediate risk is falling asleep while driving or doing something else that requires sharp mental attention. Sleep apnea also raises blood pressure throughout the body and in the lungs. Over time, that causes thickening of the lung tissues and permanent lung disease. The elevated blood pressure is also a risk factor for multiple other health problems, including heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.