The patient's page.Cold-related Mortality We've all heard that the elderly are vulnerable to cold weather, but do you know why? Almost all cold-related deaths are due to common illnesses which are increased by cold weather, such as blood clots Blood Clots Definition A blood clot is a thickened mass in the blood formed by tiny substances called platelets. Clots form to stop bleeding, such as at the site of cut. and respiratory diseases. So, make sure you stay warm during the winter months. Wear layers, keep an extra blanket in your car, and bundle up bundle up Verb to make (something) into a bundle or bundles Verb 1. bundle up - make into a bundle; "he bundled up his few possessions" bundle, roll up at home too, especially when sedentary. In this case, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. If you do catch a cold, take care of it early. Believe it or not, the simplest treatment for a cold is an old one--inhaling steam for 30 minutes. This not only reduces the symptoms of a cold almost immediately, but moderates the entire course of the illness. "Impact of Global Warming global warming, the gradual increase of the temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution. on Health and Mortality" Drs. W.R. Keatinge and G.C. Donaldson From the University of London For most practical purposes, ranging from admission of students to negotiating funding from the government, the 19 constituent colleges are treated as individual universities. Within the university federation they are known as Recognised Bodies , Southern Medical Journal, November 2004 Diabetes Prevention Type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. is quickly becoming an epidemic in this nation, due to increased rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. There is good news, however. A recent study by the Diabetes Prevention Project determined that lifestyle intervention alone prevented almost 60% of at-risk patients from developing the disease during a 3 year followup period. So, if you have a family history of diabetes, or have been informed by your physician that you are at risk, a few changes in your exercise and eating habits could prevent the onset of this debilitating de·bil·i·tat·ing adj. Causing a loss of strength or energy. Debilitating Weakening, or reducing the strength of. Mentioned in: Stress Reduction and deadly disease. "Type 2 Diabetes: Epidemiologic Trends, Evolving Pathogenetic Concepts, and Recent Changes in Therapeutic Approach" Ali Rizvi, MD From the University of South Carolina
• • School of Medicine, Southern Medical Journal, November 2004 Migraine Headaches The medical costs of migraine headaches in the United States is approximately $1 billion a year, and the cost in human suffering is immeasurable. Since treatment varies depending on lifestyle impact, maintaining a headache diary headache diary, n an approach used to monitor the headache progression of a patient throughout the treatment period. This ongoing journal provides a measurement of the intensity and frequency of a patient's headaches. is a good way to let your physician know how the headaches affect your life. (A sample can be found at www.headaches.org). It's a good idea to keep track of the duration and frequency of symptoms, possible triggers and how you react to treatment. Also, studies have shown that inconsistent mealtimes and sleep habits, variations in exercise routines, and stress can all trigger migraines. Being aware of your specific migraine triggers will help your physician choose the best treatment course for you, whether it's non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic, or a combination of the two. "The Diagnosis and Management of Migraine Headaches" Elizabeth Lawrence, MD From the Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Center, Southern Medical Journal, October 2004 |
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