The dreaded colonoscopy that makes its way into life as we age. The colon is a key player in our digestive tract that helps remove stool and keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced. This examination of the large intestine (colon) and rectum is used to look for changes/alterations in the body that possibly have developed/evolved with age. These changes could be cancer related; therefore, the American Cancer Association (ACS) recommends having a colonoscopy beginning at age 45 and then every 10 years after.
There’s good reason to be proactive and have this screening done. The major reason is to check for colon cancer. Another major reason is to look at the intestines, especially if the person has been experiencing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or other digestion issues. If a person has had polyps, a colonoscopy can be useful for monitoring these and checking on changes. Polyps are a clump of cells that develop on the lining of the colon. They’re usually harmless but can turn into cancer.
The preparation for this procedure is what most people don’t look forward to. The preparation takes place the day before the exam and that means not eating sold foods, just having a liquid diet. A doctor will also recommend taking a laxative in large volume either as a pill or more commonly, in liquid form. Depending on what medications you take, you may also have to pause them the day/night before. When a colonoscopy is done, usually the person is put under sedation or anesthesia and/or given pain medication to help with discomfort. When the procedure is done, a colonoscope is put into the rectum and is long enough to reach the colon. The scope has a light, and the doctor can pump water, air, and carbon dioxide into the colon. This inflates the colon so the doctor can see into the area better. The scope also has a tiny video camera at the tip so the doctor can examine further. The doctor can also insert tools on the scope to take tissue for biopsy.
Overall, the exam takes about an hour. You do need a ride home after because of the sedation. Feeling bloated or having gas after is normal. Sometimes the first bowel movement after can have some traces of blood. The doctor will then review the results A negative result means the colonoscopy won’t need to be repeated for another 10 years unless otherwise advised. However, a positive result could mean the doctor found polyps or abnormal tissue. In more detail, if a doctor finds one or two polyps that are less than 0.4 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter, they might recommend a repeat. The doctor might recommend a colonoscopy sooner if more than two polyps are found, a very large polyp larger than 0.4-inch, differing structures/characteristics with the polyps that pose health risks, and most certainly if there are cancerous polyps.
Having a colonoscopy is a proactive approach to health. Being reactive can sometimes be too late. A day or two of discomfort is worth experiencing versus a cancer diagnosis. Ongoing digestive issues are disruptive to daily life. Getting older has its cons, but we can ease the process by being more aware and involved with what are bodies need from us.
Celebrations call for cake being served. Gatherings usually have food and dessert often includes cake. Indulging in cake every now and then and sticking to one moderate portion-sized slice won’t take too much of a toll on your waistline. Some types of cakes do less damage than others. That might mean less shame as well. Baking is a creative activity and between icing, coloring, and design, cakes can be a masterpiece of their own. So which cakes are better diet-wise than others. Here’s the slice on this……
Healthier Cakes
Strawberry shortcake – If you use egg whites and less sugar, one slice is about 250 calories.
Flourless chocolate cake – This may not sound appealing, but one slice is about 150 calories and is gluten free and paleo.
Protein mug cake – This single serving concept is a great way to get your protein in. Add banana, protein powder, cinnamon, and egg whites, and in 250 calories you will fulfill your taste buds.
Unhealthier Cakes
Carrot cake: Even though it has vegetables in it, being healthy is not its forte. There are nuts too. However, carrot cake can have anywhere from 300 to 600 calories per slice plus lots of sugar and lots of fat.
Cheesecake – No kidding one slice can have up to 1,000 calories depending on type and where you get it from.
Red velvet cake – It has a lot of sugar and fat because of the icing and there is a lot of artificial coloring in it. One slice can have nearly 500 calories.
Pineapple upside down cake – Just because it has a fruit in its name doesn’t mean it is healthy. One slice can have 350 calories.
Swapping out certain ingredients for healthier options is one way to keep cake within reason. You can use yogurt, egg whites, and of course less sugar or add whole fruits for sweetness. A lot of us don’t ask questions when cake in on the table. We let our will power falter and then say it’s only one slice before we pick a little frosting off another piece. If it isn’t cake, well then, it’s cookies, cupcakes, or ice cream. Life is sweet and cake just makes it feel even sweeter.
High levels of cortisol are a tell-take sign of the condition called Cushing’s syndrome. Another term for this is “hypercortisolism”. Dr. Cushing is credited for his research and discovery of this illness in 1912. Cortisol isn’t an all-bad hormone. We do need it for stress response, converting macronutrients into energy, balancing insulin, regulating blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. However, when the body produces too much cortisol there are adverse health effects. Too much stress, excessive alcohol use, malnutrition, depression, panicking, and over training, can all lead to more cortisol production than normal.
There can be several symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Some signs include thin skin that bruises easily, purple stretch marks on the body, fatty deposits in mid-section and upper back, round moon shaped face, weight gain, skin injuries that don’t heal normal timing, acne, muscle weakness, and feeling fatigue. There are other commonalities among people who have Cushing’s. These can include feeling thirsty often, frequent urination, mood changes, high blood pressure, headaches, anxiety, irritability, and irregular menstruation.
Cushing’s syndrome is more common in females than males. Females will develop more body hair around the face and neck, thighs, chest, and abs. Irregular menstruation is common with possibly no menstruation at all. Males might experience erectile dysfunction and loss of interest in sex.
One of the leading causes of developing Cushing’s syndrome is the prolonged use of corticosteroids. Prednisone taking in high amounts for extended periods of time and injections for back pain are common culprits. Diagnosis is complicated. Cortisol levels can be tested via a urinary test, saliva test, ruling out the causes of high cortisol with Dexamethasone-CRH test (such as alcoholism), or taking a low dose of dexamethasone which lowers cortisol (but if it doesn’t than it would be Cushing’s syndrome).After Cushing’s syndrome is determined to be the cause of high cortisol, a doctor would then want to test what has caused the high cortisol levels in the first place. Testing for a tumor on the adrenal glands is critical.
There are medications which can help lower the production of cortisol. These include Nizoral, Korlym, Mifeprex, Lysodren, and Signifor. Lifestyle changes can also help avoid Cushing syndrome and suppress symptoms. Weight loss, low sodium diet, no alcohol, managing blood sugar, and making sure levels of vitamin C and D are sufficient are important. In a go, go, go world, stress is inevitable but making sure it is not prolonged, and constant is critical. Hormones wreak havoc when left to their own control of our body. Being proactive which is involves being active and leading a healthy lifestyle, is the best measure we can take for our overall health.
A banana is a type of fruit that comes from a flowering plant in the genus Muca. Some countries refer to them as “plantains”. They’re a healthy and delicious snack that are very convenient. This popular fruit comes from Southeast Asia but is now grown all over the world. The most common banana is the Cavendish which is the green type most people consume once they turn yellow. For nutritional purposes, a banana is classified as a carbohydrate. When the banana is green, the carbohydrate source is more starch like. When the banana becomes ripe and more yellow, the carbohydrate source turns into sugar (glucose).
Bananas are high in many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In one medium banana, which is about 188 grams, this fruit contains a high amount of many of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for many of our nutritional needs. The line-up includes: 8% magnesium (good for heart health), 9% potassium (good for heart health and kidney function), 10% copper, 11% vitamin C, 14% manganese, and 33% B6. This same banana also contains 24 carbohydrates, 1.3 grams of protein, 3.1 grams of fiber, and 0.4 grams of fat (good for digestion). There are about 105 calories total. Bananas also rank low to medium on the glycemic index (GI) with an average value of about 51 out of 100 being the highest. This means this fruit shouldn’t cause a major spike in blood sugar. The riper the banana, the higher its rank. The antioxidants found in bananas include dopamine and catechins which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other illnesses. Bananas are a quick, easily digestible carbohydrate, so they are popularly favored by athletes. Eating bananas has been associated with reducing muscle cramps.
This fruit can be a sweet addition to many other healthy food choices. They’re a great topping for cereal, yogurt, and in smoothies. They can also be used as a sugar substitute for baking and cooking. They are easy to find, reasonably priced, and just need to be peeled to be eaten. No need to wash them because all the pesticides are gone due to the protection by the peel. Ripe bananas can help satisfy a sweet tooth and craving. Be considerate of blood sugar levels with any pre-existing conditions. A banana is a good choice to help feel full of fiber, improve heart health, and as a source of energy. Bananas are also practically in season all year to enjoy. Grab one on the go or as a snack as a healthy option to your daily eating regimen.
Rice is a popular grain that is a staple of many people’s diets, especially those in Asia. White rice is the more widely consumed type; however, many have turned to brown rice as the healthier option. There are certainly differences between these two types of rice. Both are mostly composed of carbohydrates, with little protein and little fat. Brown rice has about 30 less calories per serving than white rice, but this small caloric difference is marked by other factors that differentiate which rice becomes the healthier choice.
BROWN RICE
Brown rice is a whole grain. This means that it still has all its grains (fibrous bran, nutritious germ, and endosperm). It also contains vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. For example, 100 grams of brown rice contains 1.8 grams of fiber. It also contains high amounts of magnesium. Both nutrients help control blood sugar. It also contains a plant compound called lignan which helps protect against heart disease. Lignans lower blood pressure, reduce the amount of fat in the blood, and decrease inflammation. Brown rice does contain phytic acid, which is known for impeding the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients including iron and zinc. Phytic acid is known as the “antinutrient”. Brown rice also contains arsenic, which is a toxic heavy metal. Arsenic is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
WHITE RICE
The bran and germ are removed from white rice, making it no longer a whole grain. Bran and germ are the most nutritious part of a grain. White rice is also associated with empty calories due to its lack of nutrients. Unlike most grains, this rice lacks fiber (100 grams = 0.4 grams of fiber). Eating large amounts of white rice has been associated with an increased risk for diabetes. It is high on the glycemic (GI) index, so it does quickly increase blood sugar. On the GI index, brown rice is 50 whereas white rice is 89.
Sticking to ½ cup which is one serving of rice is no easy feat for rice consumers. It just pairs so well with well….everything. When it comes to which type of rice is better for their health, all taste opinions aside, brown rice is the winner. In fact, there wasn’t much to say about white rice because it is just an empty carbohydrate. There’s always a catch, right? The more informed you are the better choices and tools you have to make for your health. Feeling full when we eat should be from foods that are nutritionally packed and beneficial to our bodies, versus just filling ourselves up for pleasure and to suppress hunger.
When we hear of someone being diagnosed with cancer, the cancer is described as in a certain stage. Medical professionals “stage” cancer to describe the size and location of the tumor(s). This can be intimidating having a number/label associated with your condition, but it is necessary for determining treatment for what is going to happen moving forward. Not every type of cancer, such as brain cancer or leukemia, has stages. Cancer cells can grow and spread (metastasize), so this complex, complicated, and an evolving illness, so cancer not easy to treat.
There are different systems used to stage cancer.
- FIGO system – This applies to cancers affecting the female reproductive system such as cervical or ovarian.
- Tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system – This is used to stage solid tumors which would include lung, colon, breast, bladder, and prostate. T is the primary tumor. Small tumors are stage I and larger ones are stage II. They range from T0 to T4. N is for nodes and nodes are how cancer moves through the body. Nodes are classified from N0 to N3. N0 would mean the cancer hasn’t spread to other areas. The range is based on the number of lymph node’s locations and how many lymph nodes are carrying cancer. M is for metastasis, and this is when the cancer has spread all over and beyond just lymph nodes. When diagnosed as MI this means the cancer has spread. Using the TNM information, tumors are then placed in stages. This system would look like the following:
Stage I – Smaller tumors are T1 – T2 and haven’t spread to lymph nodes (N) nor to other areas M0.
Stage II – These tumors are larger T2-T4 and haven’t spread to nearby lymph nodes (N) or other areas of your body M0.
Stage III – These are larger tumors T1-T4 that have spread to lymph nodes N1-N3 but not to other areas in the body M0.
Stage IV – This is metastatic, so the cancer has spread the original tumor to other areas T1-T4, N1-N3, M1.
- Lugano – This is used specifically for Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
There are other ways to classify cancer other than staging. Some professionals use tumor grades, Gx – G4, that are microscopically looked at in order to see the difference between normal and cancerous cells. There are other terms used as well including in situ, localized, regional, and distant. This ranges from haven’t spread (in situ) to having spread all over (distant).
Examinations are done to determine stages. A biopsy looks at tissue samples. An endoscopy is done by using a thin tube to look at organs so the interior of the cancer can be seen. A CT scan (computed tomography) can detect the cancer early and find the location Blood test find tumor markers that can identify the number of cancer cells and their size. A PET scan (positron emission tomography) looks to see the tumors have spread.
Every case of cancer is different, but these stages are the medical approach to steer treatment in the most effective way possible. There are trials and there are attempts that don’t always work, but staying hopeful and following care guidelines is the best way to work through the adversities of a cancer diagnosis.
When your muscle suddenly becomes hard and tight or you feel a quick sharp pain in the calf, a muscle cramp has struck. It can happen while in motion when out for a run or even during a night’s sleep. This type of involuntary contraction is a spasm we would rather forgo. Without warning, the onset of a “Charley horse” (cramp that occurs in the calf area), is marked by temporary pain that we want instant relief from. Cramps are never fun to endure, and one just has to breathe through it, stretch, and massage out the area until alleviation kicks in.
There are a number of triggers that can cause muscle cramps. In order to avoid future spasms, knowing the causes becomes important. A cramp can be the result of poor blood circulation. Exercise related stress can bring on a cramp. Being dehydrated or deficient in magnesium and/or potassium, can be causes. Hot temperature is also a culprit, especially when being active. Not stretching enough can also lead to cramping. There are also medications that can lead to cramping. These include diuretics, certain Alzheimer’s medications, statin medications for cholesterol, as well as some osteoporosis and high blood pressure medications. Nerve compression can also cause a pinch that produces a cramp. Muscle mass lessens with age so what muscle is working may be more stressed than normal and overworked much more easily which can cause cramping. Muscle cramps are common during pregnancy as the body is undergoing a lot of changes. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, liver, or thyroid disorder can also heighten the risks of cramping.
Prevention includes staying hydrated, properly stretching, and making sure to eat healthy foods with nutrients. These include vitamins, minerals, potassium, and calcium. Potassium is found in many choices including vegetables, bananas, berries, potatoes, melon, citrus, meat, fish, and milk. Caffeine found in coffee, soda, and other beverages does affect fluid hydration in the body so be sure to replenish with water. Exercise and activity that lasts over 60 minutes can lead to glycogen depletion which can lead to fatigue which can lead to cramps.
Although only a temporary sensation and typically harmless, an unexpected bout of pain never feels good. It is important to seek a doctor’s help if these cramps are reoccurring or persistent. A nutrient imbalance may not be readily noticeable. Finding the cause can help avoid future incidences. Muscle cramps happen to almost everyone, few and far in between, but when they strike, they aren’t forgotten. Less is more when it comes to “Charley horses”.
Aspirin is a salicylate (derived from a plant) and is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The earliest uses of this drug date back to the Greek physician Hippocrates in the 5th century B.C. He used a powder extracted from willow’s bark. It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and swelling. Today you can walk into almost any store and purchase this product. Almost anyone and everyone has used it, but when it comes to kids, it is important to consult your doctor before treating a child younger than 12 years. Aspirin is a home remedy or doctor prescribed treatment for so many different purposes. It’s that easy remedy we turn to first at the sight of pain or discomfort. Aspirin is the fixer upper solution to many conditions. The most common uses include trying to reduce a fever, making a headache go away, reducing pain and swelling, and to helping alleviate symptoms of a cold. Aspirin is also a blood thinner. Often a doctor will prescribe its use to help prevent blood clots. This is especially true prior to surgery, when a doctor might prescribe a low dose of aspirin to help ward off blood clots in the process. This can also help with the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and help reduce chest pain. A doctor might recommend the daily use of aspirin as a preventative method.
It is used to aid muscle and tooth aches. When taking at your own will, always read and follow the directions. The dosage is dependent upon the condition, but it is important to not exceed amounts outside of the recommended directions within a 24-hour period. Everyone’s body responds differently to aspirin, but some of the less serious side effects include heartburn and an upset stomach. More serious side effects include kidney problems, vomiting, bruising, bleeding, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or feeling constantly tired. It is always important to consult a doctor at the first indication of any of these adverse effects. It is important to avoid aspirin if the person has a bleeding disorder, particularly stomach or intestinal bleeding. Aspirin poisoning is one of the common forms of accidental poisoning in children. Inappropriate dosages for children and elderly cause this poisoning too. The first signs of poisoning include ringing in the ears, rapid breathing, and dehydration.
Aspirin is a drug, and it is always important to address any medical attention that goes beyond the scope of self-care with a doctor. Aspirin seems to fix any symptom, but only temporarily. Listen to the body and when over the counter isn’t effective, a doctor should be advised. Pain is not meant to last, but don’t keep masking. Take aspirin as needed in the advised amount and it may just fix what needed a little attention.
The most dangerous and potent type of opioid is fentanyl. It is a type of pain reliever that is actually 50 more stronger than heroin and 100 times more intense than morphine. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in accidental overdose rates and death. It is a prescription drug that is known by the names Submilmaze, Actiq, and Duregesic. These can come in the form of a patch, shot, or sometimes as a throat lozenge. On the streets, in an illegal manner, it can be sold as a powder or pill in synthetic form. It is sometimes called Goodfellas, Apache, Poison, China Girl, and Great Bear. Users like fentanyl because of the pain relief it provides in addition to feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Medically, fentanyl is used for pain related reasons. Fentanyl is used for pain management for cancer patients with constant pain, for pain management for those who can tolerate opioids, for people who need 24/7 pain care, and as an anesthesia for heart surgery patients. Most commonly it is provided as a patch that releases fentanyl into the bloodstream for up to 72 hours.
The problem is that fentanyl has now been widely abused. It has been produced more and more illegally so that it can be sold and used via snorting, injection, or by smoking it. It is stronger than heroin, making it a very serious and addictive drug. Sometimes it is even mixed with heroin or cocaine. The risk for overdose is extremely high. People become quickly addicted not just because they’re relieved of pain but also because of the difficulty feeling withdrawl post use.
Withdrawal can have a multitude of symptoms. Some of these include hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, chills, goosebumps, dilated pupils, and feeling pain again. Tolerance also quickly increases with fentanyl use, making overdosing a constant risk. Signs of an overdose could be slow heartbeat, clammy/cold skin, trouble walking/talking, feeling faint/confused/dizzy, and unresponsiveness. An overdose is a medical emergency because the person can experience hypoxia. This means their brain is not getting enough oxygen. Naloxone is used to treat an overdose.
Treatment for addiction to fentanyl is comparable to that used for other opioids. It can range from and include some or all of the following: cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management such as methadone, inpatient care, group therapy, and other motivating tools to continue the deterrence and abstinence from using fentanyl. It only takes one time, one overdose gone too far, one highly potent batch, to possibly die from this drug. There are pros and cons to many pharmaceutical drugs, but in any case, abuse and misuse are dangerous and inevitable when there’s an entire dark side of the drug industry.
Coughing. Wheezing. Tight chest. Shortness of breath. These are the common symptoms of the air restriction condition called asthma. When the bronchial tubes become inflamed, the airway tightens and can fill with mucus. People experience different symptoms at different times and can go a long period without “attacks”. Some people only have asthma during exercise, others only when they have a cold, and others when their allergies are heightened. Triggers can include dust mites, cigarette smoke, molds, pollen, animal dander, and pollen. Asthma is common in people who have low levels of vitamins C, E, and omega 3 fatty acids. Extreme emotional states can also bring upon asthma.
Asthma attacks vary in severity. During a mild attack, the airway will open up and alleviate normally within a few minutes or up to an hour. A serious attack may require immediate emergency medical attention. An attack becomes especially dangerous when the lips start to turn blue and speech is difficult. Prevention of an attack is key as one starts to learn their body’s warning signs. Early warning signs include feeling short of breath, losing your breath quickly, coughing bouts (usually at night), mood changes, feeling more tired than normal, allergy symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing, or when a peak flow meter reads low lung function (less than 50%).
Asthma affects up to 12% of children which makes it the leading chronic illness for young people. This number seems to be on the rise (the causes are unknown).
There are treatments for short and long-term relief. Most people with asthma can use an inhaler which serves as an anti-inflammatory. This is a type of steroid to reduce swelling and the build-up of mucus. Bronchodilators can help relax the muscles around the airway. Most people take these in the inhaler right before exercise. This can help reduce the likelihood of exercise-induced asthma. However, this is not to be used daily. Some people have difficulty using inhalers, such as children. For these people an asthma nebulizer can be used. This is a machine with a mouthpiece or that has a mask which can help the medicine be better inhaled.
The exact cause of asthma is unknown. The exact cure for asthma is also unknown. Learning what triggers an attack can be a learning process for someone. However, asthma should not deter someone from being physically active. Exercise indoors if air quality is poor. Always bring your inhaler. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Uncontrolled crying can impede breathing. Be sure to stop activity when you feel short of breath abnormally (not just from increasing your heart rate). Ask your doctor to help test you to discover what sets off your airways obstruction. When it comes to your health, inhale positivity and exhale negativity. Don’t let any obstruction get in the way of your progress.