wired – Wired Health Conference

March 31, 2023 wired

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Having trouble finding relief from your stress and anxiety? Knowing how to take control of your life and minimize stressful situations will help you live a happier and longer life.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about what stress and anxiety do to a person’s health and well-being and how to significantly reduce them in your daily life.

What are Stress and Anxiety

Those under stress typically experience mental and physical symptoms, like irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive problems, and difficulty sleeping. Anxiety is defined by excessive worries that persist without a stressor.

Note: Stress and anxiety are very similar and are emotional responses, but stress is typically caused by an external trigger.

How to Identify Stress and Anxiety

When you are under stress or feeling anxious, the autonomic nervous system activates, and physical symptoms can appear, including:

Headaches
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Trembling or shakiness
Stomach pain or indigestion

People can experience real pain and other symptoms, with nothing being physically wrong.

Note: The autonomic nervous system is a system in your body you don’t consciously control but regulates things like:

Your heart rate
Breathing
Urination
Sexual function

It’s also the system that reacts when faced with a physical threat. The autonomic nervous system produces the “fight-or-flight” response, which helps you defend yourself or run away from (real or perceived) danger.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

When stress and anxiety make you frustrated and irritable, you can restore your calm and serenity by using one of the following tips:

Get a Hobby or a Pet – Hobbies are an ideal way to distract yourself from daily stressors. They provide an opportunity to indulge in some “me” time, setting aside professional responsibilities and turning your devices off.

Research indicates that petting a dog or cat lowers cortisol (stress hormone), while the social interaction between people and their pets increases oxytocin levels (the same hormone responsible for bonding mothers with their babies).

Meditation – When you meditate, you focus your attention and quiet the onslaught of thoughts that may be overcrowding your mind and causing stress and anxiety. Meditation can bring a sense of calm, peace, and balance, benefitting your emotional well-being and physical health.

Note: Meditation can be practiced anywhere at any time, riding the bus to work, waiting at the doctor’s office, or at home, winding down after a long day at the office.

Stay Away from Unhealthy Habits – Some may cope with stress by consuming too much caffeine (energy drinks, coffee, etc.) or alcohol, smoking, overeating, or using illegal substances. These unhealthy habits can severely harm your health.

Practice Yoga – With its postures and breathing exercises, yoga is an effective and widely-popular stress reliever. Yoga combines strict physical and mental disciplines which help you achieve a peaceful state of body and mind.

Sleep – Stress can lead to trouble falling asleep. When there’s too much to do and think about, your sleep is often impacted first. However, sleep is when your brain and body are supposed to recharge.

Tip: If you have trouble sleeping, develop a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine, listen to soothing sounds or music, put clocks and devices away, and settle on a consistent evening and morning schedule.

Be More Social – When one is stressed and irritable, their instinct is typically to self-isolate when they should reach out to loved ones and deepen their social connections.

Note: Social contact is an excellent stress reliever offering a healthy distraction, providing emotional support, and helping you find a middle ground with life’s ups and downs.

Engage in Laughter – A good sense of humor can’t cure everything, but it can help you feel significantly better. When you laugh, it lightens your anxiety and causes a positive physical change in your body.

Tip: Tell some good jokes, watch a comedy, or spend time with your funniest friends.

Exercise – Physical activity significantly increases your endorphins and other neural chemicals, enhancing your well-being. Exercise refocus your mind on your body’s movements, improving your mood and eliminating the day’s irritations. Consider any of the following exercises:

Walking
Biking
Swimming
Weightlifting
Hiking
Jogging
Gardening
Housecleaning

Engage in anything (healthy) that increases your heart rate and prevents you from being sedentary.

Eat a Healthier Diet – Eating a healthier diet is crucial to taking care of yourself. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Note: According to the NIH National Library of Medicine, alterations in neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in stress, psychiatric disorders, and/or appetite represent a possible mechanism where stress may significantly increase the risk of obesity and form a direct link between one’s diet and stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Know When to Seek Help for Stress and Anxiety

Simple stress and anxiety can quickly become an anxiety disorder. Signs you may have a significant problem include:

Fearfully shying away from activities
Refusing to interact with loved ones and family
Allowing your worrying to impede your ability to function

When your stress and anxiety reach this intensity, it’s time to seek medical help. Anxiety disorders are treatable with a variety of approaches.

How to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

In this article, you discovered what stress and anxiety are, the devastating effects they can cause, and how to significantly reduce them.

Reducing stress and anxiety levels will help you live a better and healthier life, fully enjoying your loved ones and the moments you create with them.

Allowing stress and anxiety to dominate your thoughts and actions can adversely affect your health and significantly strain relations with your coworkers, friends, and family.

Sources:
health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/recognizing-and-easing-the-physical-symptoms-of-anxiety
apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468813/

December 20, 2022 wired

Obesity Facts and Prevention

Keep obesity from robbing you of your health, happiness and wellness. Understanding what obesity is and how to prevent it can help you live a longer and healthier life.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about the definition of obesity, how to determine if you are obese, its causes, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is Obesity?

Obesity can be defined as a disorder involving excessive body fat that significantly increases health problem risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three states that your body mass index (BMI) can indicate. These measurements include:

Your BMI is 18.5 to <25, which falls within the healthy weight range.
Your BMI is 25.0 to <30, which falls within the overweight range.
Your BMI is 30.0 or higher, which falls within the obesity range.

Tip: The formula used to measure your BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

If height has been measured in centimeters, divide by 100 to convert this to meters. When using English measurements, divide pounds by inches squared, then multiply by 703 to convert from lbs/inches2 to kg/m2.

What Causes Obesity?

Generally, obesity is caused by overeating and moving too little. If you consume fats and sugars in excess but don’t burn off that energy through exercise and physical activity, much of that surplus energy will be stored by your body as fat. Consider the following potential contributors to obesity:

Stress, Emotional Problems, and Poor Sleep

People may eat more than usual when bored, angry, upset, or stressed.

Genetics

Research shows that genetics can play a significant role in obesity.

Environment/Community Development

Not having access to parks, sidewalks, and affordable gyms makes it challenging to exercise regularly and remain physically active.
Oversized or supersized meal portions increase one’s calorie intake, making even more physical activity necessary to achieve or maintain a healthy BMI.
Some areas lack access to supermarkets (that sell affordable healthy food, like fresh fruits and vegetables).
Aggressive food advertising encourages people to purchase unhealthy food, like fast-food, high-fat snacks, and sugary beverages.

Health Conditions and Medications

Some medical problems (like hormone imbalances) may cause obesity.
Certain medications can also cause rapid weight gain (corticosteroids, antidepressants, and seizure medicines).

Tip: Regardless of the cause, rapid weight gain should be reported to your primary care physician. Simple tests can rule out causes like heart failure, kidney failure, underactive thyroid, and ovarian disorders.

How to Prevent Obesity

Obesity is a severe chronic disease affecting an ever-increasing number of children, teens, and adults. Early onset of type 2 diabetes, heart and blood vessel disease, and other obesity-related depression and social isolation in children and teens are being seen more frequently by healthcare professionals. The longer one is obese, the more significant and challenging obesity-related risk factors become. Consider the following strategies to prevent obesity:

Avoid Overeating

Eat a balanced breakfast – While you may believe skipping a meal is a way to cut calorie intake, skipping breakfast typically works against you as excessive hunger comes back later in the day, potentially leading to overeating.
Choose smaller portions and eat slowly – Slowing your pace at meals and choosing reduced portions can help avoid overeating.
Focus on your food – Limiting distractions like the television, computer, or phone can help us focus on our food.
Eat home-cooked meals – Fast food, restaurant meals, and other foods prepared away from home typically have larger portions and are less nutritious than the food you cook for yourself.
Eat mindfully – Stop eating “just to eat,” and think about why you’re actually eating. When you are hungry, make the healthiest food and drink selections possible.

Increase Physical Activity

Reducing or eliminating activities that encourage a sedentary (immobile) state can increase your ability to manage or prevent obesity. The following will help you get moving:

Reduce Screen Time – Keep television and device screen time to two hours or less daily. The less, the better.
For Adults – A minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours of moderate exercise or 1.5 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise weekly is recommended for good health.
For Children – A minimum of 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

Watching television is a sedentary activity that commonly promotes unhealthy eating through ads, product placements, and other promotions that pitch high-calorie, low-nutrient food and drinks.

Tip: Keep bedrooms TV- and Internet-free

Get Sufficient Sleep

There is evidence that a good night’s sleep is crucial to good health and may help keep weight in check. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that:

Children get

1-3 years old: 12 to 14 hours nightly
3-5 years old: 11 to 13 hours nightly
5-12 years old: 10 to 11 hours nightly

Adolescents get

8.5 to 9.25 hours nightly

Adults get

7 to 8 hours nightly

Note: Combating obesity requires you to remain vigilant of sedentary habits, food consumption, health conditions, stress, and other controllable factors to maintain a healthy weight/BMI. Consult your primary care physician for additional helpful advice, tips, referrals, and exams.

How to Prevent Obesity

In this article, you discovered information on obesity, how to determine whether you are obese or not, and methods to help you prevent it.

Recognizing and consciously altering your habits and lifestyle can significantly contribute to a less sedentary and healthier body, less susceptible to becoming obese.

Ignoring the need to manage your weight and prevent obesity can lead to poor health, while increasing your risks for life-threatening medical conditions.

Sources:
nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/obesity/conditioninfo/cause
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/obesity/preventing-obesity
cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/index.html
hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-prevention/
clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11209-weight-control-and-obesity

August 24, 2022 wired

Everything You Need to Know about O-Positive Blood Type

Avoid health risks, fertility problems, or potentially life-threatening situations from not knowing your blood type, its properties and limitations. Knowing your blood type will help you tailor your diet and exercise routines, live a healthier lifestyle, and avoid giving or receiving blood when types are incompatible.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about the O-positive blood type, what it means, and its advantages and disadvantages.

What Does O+ Blood Type Mean?

O+ blood has no A or B antigens and is known as “O” blood. The (+) means the Rh antigen is present. O+ blood is crucial as a (mostly) universal red blood cell type. This blood type can be used in emergency situations like traumatic bleeding or other types of emergency transfusions.

Note: According to The American Red Cross, 38% of the global population has O-positive blood, making it the most common blood type.

Is O+ the Universal Donor?

No. O-positive blood cannot be used universally because it has the (+) Rh factor, but it is fully compatible with all positive blood types, including O+, A+, B+, and AB+ and since over 80% of the population has a positive blood type, O-positive blood is always in high demand.

Note: In major traumas with significant blood loss, many hospitals will transfuse O-positive blood, even when the patient’s blood type is unknown. The risk of reaction is much lower in ongoing blood loss situations, and O-positive is more readily available than O-negative. For this reason, type O-positive blood is critical in trauma care.

What Do Antigens Do for Blood Types?

An antigen is defined as any substance to which your immune system can respond. For example, blood group B has B antigens with anti-A antibodies in the plasma, while blood group A has A antigens on the red blood cells with anti-B antibodies in the plasma. These combinations of antigens and antibodies determine which blood type you are compatible with.

What is the Difference Between O-positive and O-negative?

Type O Blood has 2 different versions, and it is important to distinguish the differences. The principal difference between O-positive and O-negative blood is that the Rh factor is present on the surface of the red blood cells of the O-positive blood, while the Rh factor is absent on the surface of the red blood cells of the O-negative blood.

What Food Is Good for Those with O-Positive Blood?

Those with type O blood should consume high-protein foods and eat lots of meat, vegetables, fish, and fruit but should limit consumption of grains, beans, and legumes. To lose weight, seafood, kelp, red meat, broccoli, spinach, and olive oil are most effective, while wheat, corn, and dairy are to be strictly avoided.

An O-positive and negative diet will typically advise against the following food:

Coconut and all products containing coconut
Melons (cantaloupe and honeydew)
Oranges
Tangerines
Strawberries
Blackberries
Rhubarb
Avocado
Corn
Gluten
Bulgur, sprouted, white, and whole wheat
Wheat germ and bran
Cornstarch and corn syrup

Tip: There is currently no solid scientific evidence to prove that diets based on blood types are effective. Consult your primary care physician before experimenting or adopting any significant dietary regimen.

Read more about the O blood type dietary allowances and restrictions at medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319303

Disadvantages of O-Positive Blood?

Type O individuals (positive or negative) may be more likely to develop peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterium than other blood types. Type O women may have a more significant risk of fertility problems like a lower egg count or a poorer egg quality than women with type A, B, or AB.

Furthermore, while O-positive people can donate blood to people with any positive blood type, but they can only receive blood from O-positive (O+) and O-negative (O−) people.

Do Certain Medications Prevent You from Donating Blood?

According to the Mayo Clinic, most medications do not prevent you from donating blood. Common medications like those used to control blood pressure, birth control pills, and over-the-counter medications do not affect your eligibility.

O-Positive Blood Type

In this article, you discovered essential information about O+ blood, how it is transfused, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Knowing your blood type will help you stay fit, avoid poor eating habits, and donate when possible conscious of the good you are doing.

Not knowing your blood type can lead to the wrong lifestyle choices, poor health, illness, and life-threatening medical complications if blood transfusions are required.

Sources:
carterbloodcare.org/education-center/blood-types/o-positive/
redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/o-blood-type.html
health.harvard.edu/blog/diet-not-working-maybe-its-not-your-type-2017051211678
mayoclinic.org/blood-donor-program/faq
oneblood.org/media/blog/target-your-type/is-o-negative-a-rare-blood-type.stml

June 30, 2022 wired

Effects of Smoking

Prevent the early onset of debilitating diseases and premature death from a smoking habit. Knowing the effects of smoking will help you make informed decisions and take action to kick the habit.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about how smoking adversely affects your overall health and can lead to catastrophic results in the long term.

How Addictive is Smoking

Nicotine releases dopamine in the same regions of the brain as other addictive substances. It causes nearly immediate mood alterations that make the person temporarily feel good. Inhaled smoke delivers nicotine to the brain within seconds, which makes it very addictive. This addiction is comparable to that of opioids, alcohol, and cocaine.

Common Effects of Smoking

Cancer – Smoking causes or significantly contributes to most types of lung cancer. It can cause cancerous cells to develop almost anywhere on or in the body. This includes the following:

Skin
Lips
Mouth
Nose
Esophagus
Stomach
Throat (Tongue, Soft Palate, and Tonsils)
Voice Box
Liver
Kidney
Pancreas
Bladder
Bone
Blood
Cervix
Vulva
Colon
Penis
Anus

Chronic Respiratory Conditions – Smoking is the principal cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a severe, progressive, and disabling condition that restricts airflow in the lungs. Smoking also worsens asthma symptoms and is associated with an increased occurrence of asthma in both adolescents and adults.

Infections – Smoking severely debilitates the immune system, so you will be more likely to contract bacterial and viral infections.

Dental Problems – Smoking significantly increase the risk of gum diseases, tooth decay, tooth loss, and tooth sensitivity. Once a person has gum damage, smoking makes it more challenging for their gums to heal.

Heart Disease, Stroke, and Impaired Blood Circulation – Smoking is a significant cause of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, which block blood flow to the heart, brain, lungs, or legs. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated due to reduced blood circulation caused by smoking.

Hearing Loss – Smoking restricts blood flow to the inner ear. Smokers may also lose their hearing earlier in life than a non-smoker.

Vision Loss – Smoking significantly damages the eyes and can quickly lead to macular degeneration.

Osteoporosis and Menopause – Smoking is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis and, in women, may result in the early onset of menopause as compared to a non-smoker.

Fertility Problems – Smoking can make it more challenging to impregnate or get pregnant and severely affect sperm quality. For pregnant women, smoking can adversely affect a baby’s health before and after birth.

Smoking and Death

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following causes combined:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Illegal drug use/abuse
Alcohol use/abuse
Motor vehicle fatalities
Firearm-related incidents

Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths, and more women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of death from all potential causes in both men and women. The risk of dying from cigarette smoking has increased dramatically over the last 50 years in the U.S.

Smoking Addiction

Smoking cigarettes or using any other tobacco product can cause a nearly immediate nicotine addiction. Nicotine is highly addictive, so even infrequent or occasional use can lead to complete dependence. It is also possible for smoking cessation products, like nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, to cause nicotine addiction. However, this risk is significantly lower.

Note: Within seconds of your first drag, the toxic chemical components in tobacco smoke reach your brain, heart, and other organs. Smoking harms nearly every part of your body and significantly increases your risk of numerous diseases. Smoking also affects your appearance, state of mind, your finances, and your loved ones.

Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health. This is true regardless of their age or how long they have been smoking. Visit any one of the following for guidance and encouragement:

cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/nicotine-craving/art-20045454
samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
smokefree.gov

Note: As with quitting any other addiction, you will experience good and difficult times. During those difficult times, it is imperative that you reach out to someone who understands your difficulties and will help you see them through.

Side Effects of a Smoking Habit

In this article, you discovered the effects and severe health risks that a smoking habit represents and essential resources to help you stop.

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term health benefits that will help you combat the early onset of chronic diseases while significantly extending your lifespan.

Ignoring the need to stop smoking can exacerbate the formation of cancerous cells anywhere in the body, cause heart disease, heart failure, result in a stroke, cause chronic hypertension, or end in a fatal heart attack.

Sources:
health.gov.au/health-topics/smoking-and-tobacco/about-smoking-and-tobacco/what-are-the-effects-of-smoking-and-tobacco
cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm
lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/smoking
health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/light-and-social-smoking-carry-cardiovascular-risks
mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/nicotine-research-program/about-nicotine-dependence/tobacco-related-diseases

June 16, 2022 wired

What are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

Avoid developing an often treatable life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Knowing the warning signs of prostate cancer will help you seek medical attention before it further develops and spreads to other areas in your body.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about prostate cancer and 5 of the most common prostate cancer warning signs, how they are commonly mistaken, and what to do about them.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly occurring types of cancer in men. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause significant harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment at all, other variations are extremely aggressive and can spread quickly.

The prostate is the walnut-sized gland found only in men, located under the bladder and in front of the rectum, and surrounding the urethra (the tube-like pathway that carries urine out of the bladder). The prostate produces and stores the essential fluid that helps to make and nourish semen.

When prostate cancer is detected early (while still confined to the prostate gland), the individual will have the optimal chance for successful treatment. The following are five warning signs that the prostate has developed cancer:

1. Painful Urination or Ejaculation

Multiple reasons can result in discomfort or pain when urinating or ejaculating. These can include:

Prostatitis – This condition causes swelling and inflammation of the prostate. This swelling often results from a prostate infection. Prostatitis can also be caused by other issues, like nerve damage or a urinary tract infection (UTI) that damages the prostate.
Diabetes – Men with diabetes may suffer nerve damage that results in prostatitis.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – This is a condition that causes an enlarged prostate and may also affect ejaculation. Men with BPH may also suffer painful or difficult urination or frequent urges to urinate.
Medication
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Note: Multiple nerves and tissues collaborate in both ejaculation and urination. For this, any conditions, injuries, or procedures that affect or disturb this area of the body could result in painful ejaculation and urination.

Tip: Men who experience painful ejaculations should see a specialist in genitourinary health or ejaculation dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent underlying conditions from getting worse.

2. Blood in the Urine or Semen

For most men, this is an alarming symptom that vividly indicates that something has gone awry. Blood in the semen (also called hematospermia) or urine (hematuria) can be caused by recent urinary treatment, injury to the testicles or other areas of the reproductive system, or an obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Seek medical assistance if you:

Have a history of cancer, bleeding disorders, or genital or urinary system malformation
Are at risk for sexually transmitted infections
Are 40 or older
Experience symptoms longer than two to three weeks
Develop recurring symptoms
Find urination painful

Note: Blood in urine or semen can be caused by occurrences that aren’t due to an underlying disease.

3. Sudden Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) usually develops with time, often due to circulatory or nervous system problems. But, it can occur unexpectedly and suddenly. Sudden erectile dysfunction will typically suggest a psychological barrier or that a medication is causing the issue. Sudden ED is also referred to as sudden impotence.

See your primary care physician for recommendations and referrals. If you are already treating conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or other known health condition, consider that these may be linked to your erectile dysfunction.

4. Bone Pain

Bone pain is less commonly occurring than joint or muscle pain. The source of bone pain may be clear, like emanating from a fracture. However, other less conspicuous causes, like cancer spreading or metastasizing to the bone, may be less obvious and more easily dismissed.

Note: Bone pain usually feels deeper, sharper, and more intense than muscle pain. Muscle pain also feels more generalized throughout the body.

5. Frequent Urination

Frequent urination (especially at night) can be a symptom of many different conditions like kidney disease or simply drinking excessive fluids. When frequent urination is accompanied by fever, pain, or discomfort in the abdomen, you may have a urinary tract infection.

You should consult your doctor if you are urinating more frequently than usual and if:

There’s no apparent cause, like drinking more total fluids, alcohol, or caffeine
The problem interrupts your sleep or daily activities
You have other urinary problems or troubling symptoms

Note: When taking diuretics for hypertension, heart failure, or other conditions, you will find yourself urinating more frequently. Contact your primary care physician for advice if this reaches a severely disruptive state.

Noncancerous Symptoms

The symptoms addressed in this article are or can be present in many men who do not have cancer. It is always recommended to discuss all symptoms and concerns with a doctor before jumping to conclusions.

Can prostate cancer be prevented?

Not yet. As of the time of this publication, there are no clear or definitive prevention strategies for prostate cancer.

There is some conflicting evidence that a healthy, low-fat diet high in vegetables and fruits may help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Routine screening, with PSA blood testing and physical exams, is crucial for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage.

Note: A healthy diet and regular exercise are critical components in maintaining good health and preventing disease in general.

Signs of Prostate Cancer

In this article, you discovered vital information about the definition of prostate cancer, 5 of the most typical warning signs, and what those symptoms may alternatively represent.

By paying attention to and acting on irregularities in bodily function, you are positioning yourself for the early diagnosis of potentially life-threatening conditions.

Ignoring signs of prostate cancer can lead to withering health and potentially cause hospitalization or death.

Sources:
clevelandurology.net/posts/news/do-you-know-the-five-warning-signs-of-prostate-cancer/
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
uclahealth.org/urology/prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003180.htm

February 3, 2022 wired

5 Common Health Problems in Young Adults

Avoid crippling medical events, hospitalization, or death because you think you’re too young to have health problems. Knowing how fragile your health can be and what can strike early on will help you prevent more severe outcomes.

wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about 5 of the more common health issues that can severely affect young adults.

Medical Problems in Young Adults

Not so far in the past, young adults were thought to not suffer from “old-person’s health issues,” and most symptoms were simply shrugged off or downright ignored. Comments like “He’s too young for that” or “She’ll grow out of it” were commonplace until the medical field took notice of a growing number of young men and women developing more severe medical conditions.

The following are 5 common health problems that should be taken seriously and monitored regardless of age:

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in how the body regulates and utilizes sugar (glucose) as a fuel. This long-term (chronic) condition results in excess sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Eventually, high blood sugar can lead to severe disorders of the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and continue into adulthood. Type 2 is more common in more mature adults, but the increase in children suffering from obesity has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people.

Symptoms

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly. In fact, you could be living with type 2 diabetes for several years and not be aware of it. When signs and symptoms are present, they may include:

Increased thirst
Increased hunger
Frequent urination
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred or loss of sight
Slow-healing sores
Frequent infections
Numbness or tingling (neuropathy) in the hands or feet
Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck

As of yet, there is no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, losing weight, eating well, and exercising can help you manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar, you may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy.

High Blood Pressure

Even if you’re a young (apparently healthy) adult, you aren’t too young to be adversely affected by high blood pressure (hypertension). In fact, almost half of adults over the age of 20 have elevated or high blood pressure. High blood pressure doesn’t present obvious symptoms, but that doesn’t give you a license to ignore it.

High blood pressure doesn’t usually manifest itself with detectable symptoms. In very rare cases, severely elevated high blood pressure can cause headaches, blurred vision, dizziness (vertigo), nosebleeds, a fluttering or racing heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. If you know you have high blood pressure and any of these symptoms start, seek medical attention right away.

Treatment

Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, losing 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure.
Keep your salt consumption below 1,500 mg/day.
Exercise. Try to exercise for 90 minutes (minimum) every week.
Limit alcohol consumption. Keep your alcohol intake to one drink per day if you’re a woman or two drinks per day if you’re a man. Or just eliminate it altogether.
Eat healthier. Diets low in saturated or trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Note: Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, heart failure, renal failure, kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, among other life-threatening conditions in middle age.

Stroke

According to data published by the Cleveland Clinic, an estimated 10% of strokes occur in people under age 50. Drug use and genetic conditions certainly account for some of the strokes seen in young adults.

Causes of Stroke in those under age 50:

Congenital heart disease – Any conditions leading to heart abnormalities or irregular heart rhythms.
Blood clotting disorders – Conditions increasing the tendency of platelets and/or red blood cells to clot while traveling through the body.
Sickle cell disease – Deformed sickle cells can block arteries and vessels.
Metabolic conditions – Narrowing of blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels.

The risk factors for strokes in all age groups include:

High blood pressure.
High cholesterol.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Obesity.
Abnormal heart structures. (inherited or acquired)

Tip: Medical staff can do volumes more early on. If you suspect that you are at risk of (or having) a stroke, remember that your quality of life depends on you quickly seeking help.

Colon & Rectal Cancer

Certain genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis raise the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age.

Colon Cancer Symptoms in Young Adults

Rectal bleeding and/or blood in the stool.
Change in bowel movements that last more than 72 hours. Changes may include diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing (elongating) of the stool.
Abdominal discomfort or pain.
Continuous feeling of a coming bowel movement.
Weakness.
Changes in the size or shape of stools.
A new need for straining or exertion to evacuate stools.
Weight loss without dieting.
Fatigue or reduced exercise stamina compared to usual.

It is never too early to start making healthy lifestyle choices/changes to reduce your risk of colorectal and several other cancer types. Here are some basics to get you started:

Be physically active. Try to exercise for 90 minutes (minimum) every week.
Limit red meat and avoid processed meat.
Eat a plant-based diet.
Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption.
If you smoke, STOP. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.

Tip: If your doctor thinks you should get a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer, do it. It’s a safe procedure, and getting a colonoscopy has vast benefits. It can help prevent cancer, and it can prevent your death.

Severe Arthritis

Arthritis is a group of more than 100 known diseases causing chronic pain and joint inflammation. Most arthritis types, including osteoarthritis, are more frequent in middle-aged and older people. However, arthritis also occurs in young adults.

Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type. Across arthritis types, though, the hallmark symptom is chronic pain, particularly in the joints.

Some other symptoms include:

Pain, swelling, tenderness, tension, or redness near a joint
Reduced or limited mobility
Fatigue (lack of energy) or weakness
Depression
Fever

Treatments

1 – As of yet, there is no definitive cure for arthritis. Instead, treatment focuses on reducing the associated inflammation and pain management.

2 – Treatment depends on the type of arthritis a person develops. For example, drugs to reduce uric acid may help relieve gout pain. In general, however, treatment options include:

Lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, maintaining moderate weight, eating a healthy and balanced diet).
Anti-inflammatory and non-opioid medications.
Exercise. Try to exercise for 90 minutes (minimum) every week.

Severe Health Problems for Young Adults

In this article, you discovered 5 common health issues becoming more prevalent among young adults.

Knowing how to detect and treat health issues early on can increase one’s health and quality of life as they age.

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of health problems in young adults can result in grave consequences, including hospitalization and death.

Sources:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
mdanderson.org/cancerwise/why-are-more-young-adults-getting-colorectal-cancer-what-to-know.h00-159385890.html
houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/jan/why-your-blood-pressure-matters-even-in-your-20s-and-30s/
health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-strokes-on-the-rise-in-younger-people/
cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adults