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IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
A Collection of Tips from the Monthly Newsletter
Make a Resolution to be healthy and live longer.
New Cholesterol Guidelines
Flu Vaccine
Now is the perfect time to address current health needs. An annual medical
evaluation provides an excellent start to this year's resolution to get in
shape, insure early illness detection and manage risk factors for disease prevention. Everybody
should take this opportunity to maximize chances to enjoy a longer and healthier life.
A good physical examination including height, weight and blood pressure readings
with prostate exam for men and breast as well as pelvic examination for women
is essential . Screening blood tests should be obtained including blood count
for anemia and immune function testing, glucose to check for diabetes, as well as kidney and liver function tests for potential diseases and to check
for side effects from any supplements or prescription drugs . A prostate blood test
(PSA) is recommended for men over 45. A lipid panel blood test should be obtained on everybody regardless of age to screen for high cholesterol as well as bad
cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels. Homocysteine levels may also be
checked in those who have high glucose or strong family history of heart problems or diabetes as a high level may indicate an increased risk of death
by heart attack unless corrective measures involving combination vitamin therapy are initiated.
A routine urinalysis also should be performed to check for blood, sugar or
protein which may indicate bladder, kidney or prostate problems. A mammogram
should be performed for women after 35 or if there is a family history of breast disease. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy tests can
be performed for individuals with anemia, occult blood in stool, or with a history of bowel problems
or family history of colon cancer or polyps.
Just because you exercise and keep fit may not guarantee immunity from
developing calcium filled blockages in arteries leading to cardiac or
heart disease. It is known that those who smoke, have a family history of
heart disease, have diabetes or have high blood pressure or elevated
cholesterol levels are at greater risk for cardiac problems. A routine EKG
(electrocardiogram) and stress test for those who are over 35 and getting
winded with exercise is advised. Coronary calcium screening ( a heart scan
for detection of calcium in the heart's arteries) now is available to help
identify those at increased risk of suffering a heart attack in those
without any prior history of heart problems. Exercise, managing cardiac
risk factors and completion of additional heart screening tests may be
necessary for those who have abnormal findings on routine EKG, stress or
coronary calcium screening tests.
In new guidelines released May 15, 2001,the National Cholesterol Education
Program (NCEP) states nearly 1 out of 5 U.S. adults needs cholesterol
lowering medications. Limits have been lowered regarding suggested Cholesterol
and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while suggested levels for HDL (good cholesterol)
have been raised. The new targets reflect growing evidence that certain
groups are more likely to suffer heart attacks even without known coronary
artery disease.
The new limits are as follows:
Total Cholesterol
Less than 200: Desirable
200-239: Borderline high
240 or higher: High
LDL Cholesterol
Less than 100: Optimal
100-129: Near optimal
130-159: Borderline high
160-189: High
190 or higher: Very high
HDL cholesterol
Less than 40: Low
60 or higher: High
Those with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking
have higher risks of heart disease than others and need to strive for the
most stringent adherence to the new limits. Those who are diabetic with
high homocysteine levels have higher risks of mortality with heart attacks
and obviously would benefit from achieving optimal cholesterol control.
Drugs can and should be used in addition to risk factor modification, diet
and exercise to lower LDL and total cholesterol levels. Statin drugs are the
drugs of choice as they are effective and may help raise HDL levels.
Currently available prescription statin drugs include Lipitor, Pravachol,
Zocor, Baycol and Lescol. While niacin supplements may help lower cholesterol
they are less reliable and may have liver related side effects.
Calculate your heart attack risk at:
www.cholesterol.usatoday.com
Influenza is seasonal viral illness that typically affects millions
annually. It causes fever, chills, fatigue, weakness and muscle
aches. The yearly outbreaks often start after Thanksgiving and spread
across the country from both coasts. Spread of influenza can be
hastened through business and vacation traveler carriers.
Effective vaccines are available to prevent flu in target groups.
Immunization is recommended for those at greatest risk of serious
infections as well as for those coming in frequent contact with
susceptible individuals suffering with chronic disease or impaired ability
to fight off the flu.
Current recommendations include yearly flu shot vaccinations for the
elderly, immune compromised individuals, chronic disease sufferers and
those with pulmonary problems as well as physical disability. Children and
young adults usually do not require vaccination. Health care workers
should consider immunization to protect those patients who are at greatest
risk for serious complications from contracting influenza.
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