Author: St. Elizabeth Healthcare

American Cancer Society statistics show that one out of every eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Men can get breast cancer, but the incidence is much lower. Thanks to better, more advanced treatments, many of those diagnosed with breast cancer will go on to live full, active lives. Early detection is important, because when a cancer is detected in the early stages, treatments can be more effective. There are different ways to test for breast cancer, and one of the easiest is for women to do Breast Self-Exam (BSE), a physical examination of your…

In the American culture, fitness is not the norm. Physical activity is good for you regardless of your age. Becoming active takes self-initiative, determination, formulation of new habits and commitment to live a healthy life. Fitness is an investment in self and a gift to people you love. Being active can help you: Have more energy to do the things you want to do. Improve your balance. Prevent or delay some diseases like obesity (just recently classified as a disease), heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Reduce anxiety and depression. Channel anger and frustration into productive outlets. If you have…

You know how to avoid tick bites and how to remove a tick safely. However, you could still encounter an infection associated with the tick bite. Here are three symptoms to look for when identifying an infection caused by a tick: Fever/chills: Onset and severity of symptoms varies by individual Aches and pains: Headache, fatigue and muscular aches are common. With Lyme disease, joint pain may also occur. The severity and time of onset for these symptoms can depend on the disease type and the individual’s personal tolerance level. Rash: May appear 3-30 days after the initial tick bite and…

We’ve shared tips to avoid being bitten by a tick. But if you are unlucky enough to get bitten by one of these creatures, here are ways to you can remove the tick safely. It is important to remove the tick as soon as it is noticed. Research at Ohio State University indicates that transmission of disease organisms from a tick begins approximately 24 hours after a tick begins feeding on a human. The longer the feeding continues, the greater the potential for infection. Proper removal is important for two reasons: Intact removal of the tick (head and body) helps…

From April through September, ticks are most active and pose the greatest risk of infection to humans. Those of us in the Tri-State area are in a heavily populated tick area. In fact, we have the opportunity to be exposed to the: American Dog Tick that may transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; Deer Tick that may transmit Lyme Disease; Brown Dog Tick that may transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; and the Lone Star Tick that may transmit Tularemia. Minimizing exposure and intervening quickly when a tick is found are the best preventives of tick bite infection and disease. 7 tips…

An estimated 60 percent of Americans use supplements to enhance their health. These products are pharmacologically active and naturally occurring. Since they are not “prescribed,” many people are unaware of the potential side effects to watch for ““ the types of “warnings” that normally accompany a traditional prescription when it is picked up at the pharmacy. Despite their natural source, some supplements can contribute to prolonged and excessive bleeding during surgery, upon injury, with ulcers, and in seniors whose blood vessels tend to be more fragile. When combined with traditional medicines that affect blood clotting such as anticoagulents and antiplatelets…

The temps are heating up, a sure sign summer has arrived in the Tri-State, which means you are likely to be spending time outdoors. It also means you’ve got to be careful. Why use sunscreen? 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. 90 percent of visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. There are different levels of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. At minimum, adults should use SPF 30. Don’t forget: Apply sunscreen (product recommended amount) to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going outside. A minimum…

Quick: What’s the body’s biggest organ? The skin is the largest organ in the body and has an instrumental role in preventing infection, keeping our body temperature regulated, preventing dehydration and contributing to how we see ourselves from a perspective of beauty/handsomeness. Sadly and understandably, it doesn’t usually get the same attention as more “glamorous” organs like the heart. (When was the last time you saw a love poem referencing the skin?)  However, like the heart, skin needs proper nourishment, hydration, regular check-ups and preventive care. Be sun savvy Avoid overexposure to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet light,…

Cold hands, warm heart, stinky feet, no sweetheart! We’ve all heard the refrain and smelled some seriously stinky feet. So, what causes the odor? Bacteria are the smell makers. They normally inhabit the feet and love dark, damp places like sweaty shoes. Bacteria eat dead skin cells and oils from skin and then they get rid of waste in the form of organic acids. It’s the organic acids that create the stinky odor. As the colonies of bacteria grow and eliminate larger amounts of organic acids, the odor grows stronger. Get this: 10  to 15 percent of people have unusually…

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, “No single food or food component can protect you against cancer by itself. Strong evidence does show that a diet filled with a variety of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans helps lower risk for many cancers.” Important definitions (from the American Cancer Society) Free radicals (the bad guys) can damage important cellular molecules such as DNA (our genetic blue print) or lipids (fats in the cell wall) or other parts of the cell, and this damage can lead to cancer. To prevent free radical damage, the body…