This will be a collage of short, pertinent articles to keep you informed.
AUGUST IS LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
It is important to recognize the impact it has on our society.
Lung cancer is obviously a cancer that spreads in the lungs when the tissues mutate. It is directly related to smoking, air pollution, radon, asbestos, etc. It can happen to people who do not even smoke.
It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.
Unfortunately there are no early symptoms. As it progresses a new cough appears, thus any new cough lasting over two weeks should be checked by your Health Care Provider.
Other symptoms include chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath and wheezing. Later symptoms include bone pain, headaches, weight loss without trying, decreased appetite and swelling in the face or neck.
Smoking is the most important risk factor. As one ages, there is increased risk. Don't fool yourself about smoking or be a denier. It is unhealthy,
Women are at an increased risk over men.
Stop smoking!
If you have not been screened for lung cancer as a smoker or have a persistent cough, please make an appointment with your HCP, Health Care Provider.
Early detection is extremely important as there are hopeful treatments for this dreaded cancer. Stage 1 lung cancer is localized to the lungs without metastasis, thus early screening and being aware of the listed symptoms is extremely important for survival.
One might ask about vaping. The long term effects of e-cigarettes are not well-studied as they are relatively new. It does make sense though that inhaling heated chemicals into the fragile tissues of the lungs does not make sense.
DANGEROUS NEW TREND
There is a dangerous new trend in sexual patterns that should be of concern to all.
It has emerged as a prevalent, often wanted and consensual sexual behavior according to the NIH. The study was done involving women 18-30 years of age, who had been strangled during sex up to 4 times in the past 30 days during sex.
The feeling is that it increases sexual pleasure and lead to a euphoric feeling when oxygen supply is returned to the brain. It is part of a general trend of increased rough sex behaviors.
The obvious risk is going too far, cutting off the circulation too long and having a stroke. Strangulation compresses the carotid arteries and the jugular veins. It only takes minimal force to compress these vessels.
Studies also show that 58% of undergrad women reported a lifetime history of being choked and 34% had been had been choked over 5 times.
So sisters, mothers, grandmothers, friends, etc be aware of what women might share with you. It is important to advocate safe sex and avoiding sexual violence.
RISKS RELATED TO DEMENTIA
Below is a list of modifiable behaviors with suggestions for change.
What can you modify?
*Air pollution-the most difficult to modify. Move?
*Depression-speak to your HCP, walk 3 times a week or more, reach out to
family or friends.
*Excessive alcohol-women not over one 4 oz glass of wine per day, or one beer, or one ounce of alcohol. Consider alcohol free days. Men- the same.
*Head injury-hard to modify, but can follow some of the other tips.
*Hearing loss-hearing aids! Important. Your brain needs to process words.
*High cholesterol-talk to your doctor, modify diet, exercise, eat at home.
*High blood pressure-see your doctor and follow his recommendations, low calorie diet, decrease salt and processed foods, exercise regularly.
*Lower education level-read, study a foreign language, take a class.
*Obesity-lower calories, increase exercise, stop eating processed foods.
*Physical inactivty-this one is obvious, walk 3-4 times per week, 30 minutes
per day.
*Smoking-this one is obvious, also-quit, talk to your doctor if you need
medication.
*Social isolation-reach out to family and friends, volunteer, join a group
Ultra-processed Foods, AKA FAKE FOOD
We have all eaten it, it is everywhere. Do you remember going to a gas station just for gas and not for a 500 calorie snack or a meal? An extra 500 calorie snack per day is 15,000 calories per month which translates to 4.2 lbs per month, per year almost 50 lbs per year. No wonder people are gaining so much weight.
Of course we know the dangers of the weight gain, but the linkage to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. Typical examples of unhealthy processed foods:
sugary beverages
deli meats, hot dogs and sausages
frozen pizzas, frozen meals
packaged snacks such as chips, cookies, crackers and baked goods
most breakfast cereals
canned or instant soups
It is everywhere. Wean yourself away from all this FAKE FOOD. We are all busy, but are we so busy we won't take the time to be healthy?
Many people say they never go to McDonalds, but I have seen them in AM/PM indulging on those 500 plus calorie snacks. Same thing.
We are all getting older and it is never to late to make a change.
ULTRAPROCESSED FOOD WARNING
*Ultraprocessed foods were created to replace fresh meals. These foods are hydrolyzed, hydrogenated, extruded and prepared through industrial methods like frying. Cosmetic additives are added to make them more palatable. All these processes explain the name "ultraprocessed" and have impacts on the final quality of the food and health. They can tip the total calories for the day up to 5000 calories per day. Besides the calories, the sodium content in one or two portions of food can tip the scale over a whole days sodium requirements.
Remember, these foods are linked to cancer, Alzheimers and 32 harmful effects to your health.
*Medscape, July 2024
DISTURBING TREND IN SEXUAL HEALTH
National surveys, as well as college campus surveys reveal that 64% of women report having ever been choked during sex. Approximately 1 in 3 women (aged 18-34) throughout the whole country report having been choked during their most recent activity with another person. It is actually strangulation and it applies extreme pressure to the throat and vasculature of the neck. This can result in a stroke.
Talk to your children, grandchildren, etc about safe sex. This is a very risky behavior and people don't realize the consequences. We as people that are now informed and need to watch out for those that might be vulnerable.
*Medscape 2024
Do Multivitamins Lower Mortality Risk
Taking a daily multivitamin has no beneficial effect on mortality, according to a large cohort study from the National Institute of Health.
*Medscape, July 2024
Sugar Substitute Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack
High levels of Xylitol, a low calorie sweetener used in many reduced calories foods as well as gum and toothpaste, are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and death, says a new study from the the European Heart Journal.
The research studied more than 3000 people in the US and Europe over the last 3 years. and found that people with the highest amount of Xylitol in their plasma were more likely to have a problem with their heart and blood vessels.
*Medscape 2024
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer is a cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. One in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, more women than men.
People who currently smoke or have smoked are at the greatest risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes smoked.
Typically lung cancer doesn't cause symptoms early on.
Symptoms, once established, care a new cough that doesn't go away, chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Weight loss. loss of appetite, headache and bone pain occur as it advances.
If you have any of the above symptoms or have smoked in your lifetime, even without symptoms currently, talk to your provider about screening. Regular screening is suggested for individuals who have smoked in their lifetime.