Adult Wellness Category
High blood pressure treatment in adults
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OVERVIEW — Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension increases the strain on the heart and arteries, eventually causing organ damage. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Fortunately, treatments for hypertension are effective and usually easy to take.
Osteoporosis prevention and treatment
OSTEOPOROSIS OVERVIEW — Osteoporosis is a common problem that causes bones to become abnormally thin (osteopenic), weakened, and easily broken (fractured). Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen, a female hormone that helps to maintain bone mass.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX OVERVIEW — Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the stomach contents reflux or back up into the esophagus and/or mouth. Reflux is a normal process that occurs in healthy infants, children, and adults. Most episodes are brief and do not cause bothersome symptoms or complications.
Chest pain
CHEST PAIN OVERVIEW — It is hard to know what to do when you feel pain or discomfort in the chest. Is it a heart attack or another, less serious problem? Because chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, it is important to seek help and get treatment as quickly as possible.
Peptic ulcer disease
PEPTIC ULCER OVERVIEW — Peptic ulcers are sores or eroded areas that form in the lining of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract. They usually occur in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), which is the upper region of the small intestine (show figure 1). The two primary causes of peptic ulcers are infection with a specific bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) and use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications.
Depression treatment options for adults
DEPRESSION OVERVIEW — Depression is a treatable condition. However, many people are reluctant to accept a diagnosis of depression and pursue treatment. A person may worry about the social stigma of depression, and may be embarrassed to discuss the need for treatment with family or friends. In addition, some people do not understand that physical problems such as aches and pains, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping can be caused by depression.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME AND PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER OVERVIEW — Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and behavioral symptoms that occur in a cyclic pattern during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the severe form of PMS. Common symptoms are anger, irritability, and internal tension that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Headache
HEADACHE OVERVIEW — Headache is one of the most common medical complaints. Headaches can be quite debilitating, although the vast majority are not due to life threatening disorders. Approximately 90 percent of headaches are caused by one of three syndromes (show table 1):
Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/
Maintaining Strong Bones: The real story behind Calcium and Vitamin D
Keeping our bones strong and healthy is a big part of preventive health care for women. After all, osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of disability among postmenopausal women. Many women don’t realize that it is never too early in life to ensure that the bones remain strong. In fact, the younger we start building healthy bones, the better. Our bones become stronger and denser from the time of birth, until the age of 30. This is when we reach our “peak bone density”. During puberty, 50% of a woman’s bone calcium is laid down. From the age of 30 until menopause, the bone mass decreases, although very slowly. After menopause, if a woman is not taking hormones, the bone loss becomes more pronounced and she can run the risk of becoming ostoporotic.