There are a number of physical signs of kidney disease but sometimes people attribute them to other conditions. Make sure you know what to look for! Click here to read the article.
Can Sunglasses Prevent Eye Cancer?
When it comes to taking care of your health, don’t “overlook” your eyes… literally. Temporary blindness caused by sudden exposure to bright light can’t be helped. But continued over-exposure to bright lights… especially sunlight… increases your risk of permanent damage including cancer.
Here’s what you need to know.
Eye disease starts to manifest during middle age (40 to 60 years old). Even if you have no symptoms, getting a baseline eye examination at 40 can save your vision in later years. And you don’t have to wait until then. It’s not a bad idea to have your family’s eyes checked periodically as they grow.
In the meantime, practice good eye protection with broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Just don’t settle for bargain sunglasses. Look for glasses with 100% UV-blocking capability. These moves don’t guarantee cancer prevention but they do contribute to keeping eyes healthy.
And protect your children’s eyes early, starting as early as infancy. Help them develop good habits now that will benefit them for a lifetime.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org/eye-health) lists numerous ways to keep your eyesight as healthy and keen as possible.
“Brush And Clean In Between!”
Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness of good dental health in children and how this affects them later in life. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums when people are young does have lasting benefits. For one thing, it leads to fewer and shorter visits (and probably less tears!) to the dentist. It also produces prettier smiles!
Even more important, good oral health prevents more serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. When kids establish good habits early on, they’re more likely to avoid these and other poor health conditions as adults.
Currently, thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers and educators lead the effort. This year the theme is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.” Through press releases and distribution of materials, the push is to promote good oral health to children, their caregivers and teachers across the country.
Getting the kids involved adds weight to the movement. To do this, fun activity sheets that include coloring and puzzles are available online. These sheets can be found at www.ada.org.
What We NEED To Know About HPV And Prevention
Previously overshadowed by more commonly known diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has finally hit the spotlight. HPV is actually a group of over 200 related viruses. More than 40 of these are spread through direct sexual contact and cause genital warts. Even more concerning is how they can cause certain types of cancer – like cervical, vaginal, penile and anal. And that’s just the short list.
Vaccines have been developed to prevent infection with certain types of HPV. The FDA has approved three vaccines – Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. Currently only – Gardasil 9 is available for use in the US. Unfortunately, there’s no information about additional vaccines being added at this time.
The CDC recommends all children aged 11 or 12 years should get two HPV shots 6 to 12 months apart. It also recommends vaccinating young women through age 26 and young men through age 21. Although it’s not a cure-all, it does go a long way to protect young people from infection while they’re young – and preventing even more painful consequences later in their lives.
Healthy Skin Month
November has been designated as healthy skin month. Skin that is healthy is hydrated, free of active acne and skin cancer. There are a few basic things that can be done on a daily basis to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Using good products at home and getting regular treatments from a skin care professional are good ways to achieve healthy skin that you feel good in.
It is important to have a good daily routine that includes 3 basic steps: cleanse, moisturize and protect. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Use a gentle cleanser and wash your face every morning and night. Follow that up with an appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. For day time, always wear sun protection. SPF 30 is best. Reapply throughout the day. This will protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer.
Depending on your skin health, you may want to see a licensed esthetician. This is someone with extensive training in skin care and skin health who is qualified to do a skin analysis and come up with a plan utilizing advanced skin care treatments. It’s a great way to get educated about your skin and learn the best products for your individual skin type. The services an esthetician can perform are many: hydrating facials, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, peels and enzyme treatments are all great services that get amazing results and can help with acne, dry skin, age spots, sun damage and many other skin conditions.
Rachel Cunningham is a licensed esthetician and the owner of Waxetera in Mesa, AZ. www.waxetera.com