Women's health issues doctors may miss

While many women are comfortable with their family practice or women's health office and find they get good care, many more women are dissatisfied. Experts say that many women complain that their doctors aren't taking their symptoms seriously. They're told symptoms could be psychosomatic or the result of over-worrying. As a result, many walk out of medical offices without answers and could face further complications down the line.

Oftentimes, women are suffering from an autoimmune disease, in which the body is attacking itself. Doctors could miss the symptoms and rule it out as "something in your head." However, generally women know when something is amiss with their bodies. Therefore it is important for women to educate themselves about common diseases that often go undiagnosed. Learning about the risk factors and the symptoms of diseases can help you to get help and feel better faster by broaching the subject with your doctor.

-Fibromyalgia. This is often unexplainable widespread pain, extreme tiredness and sometimes numbness that lasts for months or more. There are no lab tests to test for fibromyalgia, therefore doctors generally go through a few questions and do a tender point test. If various points on the body are tender without obvious sign of bruising or redness, it could be fibromyalgia. There is no cure, only pain medication to alleviate symptoms. Light exercise with stretching can help.

-Lupus. Each year, more people are diagnosed with lupus - 90 percent of them are women. Doctors think that hormones play a role in lupus, seeing as many women are diagnosed right after pregnancy. Lupus affects many areas of the body, including the blood, kidneys, skin, joints and lungs. Generally the body becomes its own worst nightmare. Lupus is diagnosed if you have at least four of the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication is used to treat the pain of lupus, but there is no cure.

-Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is another debilitating disease that can impact quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the linings of the joints (called synovium) due to the immune system. Swelling, aching, and potential deformity in hands, wrists, hips, knees, and feet can occur. RA can be difficult to diagnose because many different types of arthritis have the same symptoms. However, an antibody called rheumatoid factor is present in 80 percent of RA patients. A blood test can detect this antibody. Tests that measure inflammation also may be ordered. For a visual, X-rays are taken over time to plot the level of joint deterioration. High doses of omega fatty acids can help with swelling and pain, as can certain medications.

-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This is caused by high levels of androgens -male hormones- in a woman's body. The androgens form when there is too much insulin present. The insulin infiltrates the ovaries and causes them to produce more testosterone. Cysts form as a result. Half of all women with PCOS end up with diabetes. Symptoms of PCOS include excessive weight gain, more hair growth on the chest, face, back and limbs, irregular or nonexistent periods, and baldness. When other diseases are ruled out, such as hyperthyroidism, an ultrasound to see if abnormal growths are present on the ovaries could be ordered. Treatment includes birth control pills to regulate menstruation and medicine to reduce blood glucose.

How to whiten your teeth naturally

If coffee, cigarettes and food have left their mark on your teeth, you're not alone. There are plenty of people who would try anything to get back their pearly whites.

Teeth naturally yellow for a number of reasons. But did you know that Mother Nature has some natural solutions to getting back your pearly whites? Here are some tips:
·Eat foods that act like detergents and whiten teeth naturally. To keep teeth bright and prevent yellowing, you need to remove the staining bacteria by chewing certain crunchy fruits and vegetables that produce high salivary flow and actually work like tiny toothbrushes to help scrub away stubborn stains over time. So, take a bite out of apples, carrots, pears, guavas, cauliflower and cucumbers.

·Eat dark green vegetables. Vegetables like broccoli, lettuce and spinach act like a barrier on teeth by creating a film that prevents stains from recurring and can actually help scrub away stubborn stains over time.
·Eat lots of high-fiber and whole foods - they act as natural tooth cleansers.
·Mash a few strawberries in a bowl and then take your finger and spread the pulp all over your teeth. Leave it on a minute or two, and then thoroughly rinse and brush it off.

Don'ts:
·The rule of thumb is that anything that can stain a white T-shirt can stain your teeth too. That means most varieties of berries, as well as soy sauce, red wine, many fruit juices, coffee, tea, and cola. You don't have to avoid them altogether, but immediately after indulging, rinse out your mouth with water, brush your teeth or chew gum.
·Keep in mind that citrus fruits contain acid that can cause enamel to deteriorate over time.
·Be aware that those sports drinks, energy drinks and fitness waters contain organic acids which are known to break down calcium. So they're especially good at eroding your teeth. Recent studies show they were more damaging to tooth enamel than cola-based drinks.
·Reduce your intake of acidic foods like vinegar. Foods that are slightly acidic open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing for easy staining.

Thorough cleaning by a dentist or hygienist will remove most external staining from teeth caused by food and tobacco. Using a whitening toothpaste can also help remove these surface stains between dental visits. If stains have been present for years, you may need to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains.

Combat computer-related eye issues

Computers have become an integral part of daily life. They're used at work, when shopping, at school, and often for recreational purposes. While computer usage certainly has its advantages, prolonged or constant use of computers can lead to certain problems, most notably eye strain and fatigue.

There are many computer tasks that are known offenders in regard to visual discomfort. These include intense games and graphics, tasks with few breaks from the screen, detailed tasks such as desktop publishing or computer assisted design (CAD), and work that requires frequent changes from looking at the screen to hard copy, such as with data entry.

What causes many of these vision problems is a reduced rate of blinking when engaged in computer use. Normally, a person blinks on average 12 to 15 times per minute. When using a computer, that number is significantly reduced. The end result is dry eyes, fatigue and strain. In fact, dry eyes, eye strain, and blurring are the common complaints eye doctors hear from frequent computer users. These complaints are often associated with headaches and neck and arm discomfort.

Maximizing Comfort
There are steps a person can take to improve eye health and comfort when using a computer. Here are some initial strategies to try:
·Place the monitor farther away, since eye strain is more pronounced when doing tasks close up. The screen should be no closer than 18 inches from the user. Many doctors say that 24 to 30 inches from the face is ideal.
·Reduce glare by adjusting the monitor contrast so that the screen is less bright. There are also specially designed screen filters that may help.
·Take frequent breaks. Depending upon computer use, move away from the work station every 30 to 60 minutes to rest the eyes.
·Exercise the eyes by looking away from the screen and focusing in on something farther away. Stretch the eyes by looking up and down, and far left and far right.
·Use moderate background lighting with supplemental task lighting for hard copy documents. The illumination from the screen should closely match the light reflected from the document.
·Place hard copy documents in a copy holder at the same distance away as the computer monitor.
Taking Further Steps
For those who find that these easy steps are not enough to eliminate eye problems, it could be time to talk to an optometrist. He or she can further assess the situation and either offer more strategies or prescribe lenses that will work to maximize comfort. Supplementary eye lubricants and ocular exercises and other vision therapy may be recommended.

A person may also want to investigate special tints and coatings for lenses. Certain tints can make some individuals more comfortable under fluorescent illumination. And contrary to popular belief, anti-reflection coated lenses do not eliminate reflections from the screen but do reduce reflections off the spectacle lenses and may make users more comfortable.

For more information on computer-related eye strain, visit your eye doctor and discuss any trouble you may be having.

Knowledge a strong ally in fighting prostate cancer

Despite only affecting men, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. As men grow older, their chances of getting prostate cancer increase greatly.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), men under 40 need not worry nearly as much as their elders. While 1 in 10,000 men under 40 years of age will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, those chances increase dramatically for those same men once they're between the ages of 60 and 69, when they have a 1 in 14 chance of diagnosis. Though that can understandably induce fear in men and the people who care for them, prostate cancer isn't unbeatable. In fact, when diagnosed and treated early, the cure rate for prostate cancer is 90 percent, offering hope to those facing such a diagnosis.
Symptoms
Men should not leave the detection of prostate cancer up to their doctors and their doctors alone. Since prostate cancer has such a high cure rate when detected early, much of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the individual, who shouldn't be afraid to report any of the following symptoms the moment they take effect.
·Frequent urination, especially throughout the night.
·Blood in urine or semen.
·Lower back, hip or upper thigh pain that is frequent and persistent.
·Painful urination, where a burning sensation can be overwhelming.
·Difficulty urinating, when the flow of urine is noticeably weak or even interrupted.
While those are some of the symptoms, others can show up as well, including difficulty obtaining an erection as well as painful ejaculation. Any of the aforementioned symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately, as early detection is a man's biggest ally in his fight against prostate cancer.
Risk Factors
Another important ally in battling prostate cancer is not only the knowledge of potential symptoms, but the knowledge of risk factors as well. These can be beyond a man's control, but should shed light on just how likely he may or may not be to eventually be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
·Genetics. Statistics have shown that African-American men are far more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian males. Though the precise reasons for that are unclear, it's important that African-American men recognize that increased susceptibility and take any potential symptoms seriously.
Genetics also affect those men who have seen first-degree relatives suffer from prostate cancer. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer doubles in men whose father, brother or son have had the disease. Similar to how a son with bad knees might say, "I have my father's knees," if your father has had prostate cancer, you unfortunately might also follow in his footsteps.
·Diet and lifestyle. Diet and lifestyle affect nearly everything men and women do these days. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can open the door for a multitude of health problems for men, one of which is prostate cancer. According to PCF, recent research has shown that modifying your diet can help in the fight against prostate cancer, whether it's preventing recurrence of the disease, lessening the chances you'll get it, or slowing its progress, which in turn can make treatment more effective.
Just which foods can help remains somewhat of an enigma, as research is ongoing with respect to certain theories. For instance, PCF, in their Nutrition and Prostate Cancer Guide, note that a current study is being conducted at Northwestern University to determine if tomato-based products delay the onset and progression of prostate cancer. At a minimum, two servings per week of tomato sauce seem to reduce development and progression of the disease thanks to the antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes. Lycopene supplements, however, might not have the same effect, as absorption of lycopene can change depending on the way it is cooked or processed.
Numerous other studies, concerning what types of vegetables, the different pros and cons concerning certain vitamins and minerals, and even the truth about red meat have also been conducted.

Prostate Cancer by the Numbers
65%: of prostate cancer cases diagnosed in men over the age of 65
1 in 10,000: chances of men under the age of 40 of being diagnosed
1 in 38: chances of men between the ages of 40 and 59 of being diagnosed
1 in 14: chances of men between the ages of 60 and 69 of being diagnosed
1 in 6: number of American men suffering from prostate cancer
61%: African-American men are 61 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men
2.5: African-American men are 21/2 times as likely to die from prostate cancer than Caucasian men
90%: cure rate for prostate cancer when the disease is diagnosed and treated early.

Brush up on flossing skills

Routine visits to the dentist's chair typically end the same each time - with the hygienist saying that you have to floss better. In most cases you are still reeling from an hour spent having your teeth picked, prodded and power washed, so you may not think to ask just what proper flossing technique is.

Proper flossing does remain a mystery to many people. No matter how well you think you're doing, there's always room for improvement.

According to most dentists, no matter how vigorous or how frequently you brush your teeth, brushing alone does not equate to oral health - flossing is a must. In fact, if you were to toss out your toothbrush and floss properly, once or twice every day, you would achieve better dental health than brushing alone, three, four, or ten times a day. Not that anyone is saying to give up on brushing.

Flossing helps clean the teeth in the areas where a brush just can't reach. This includes between the teeth and under the gumline. This process helps remove plaque, a sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and hardens over time. If left untreated, plaque deposits can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

HOW TO FLOSS
1.Take your favorite variety of floss (more on floss types to follow) and pull off about 18 inches. Wrap each end around the middle fingers of both hands to form a string to use.
2.Firmly grasp the floss slack with your index fingers.
3.Forming a C shape, carefully slide the floss up and down the side of a tooth between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
4.Repeat the process on the other side of the tooth. Continue flossing one tooth at a time - both sides - until you've done all of your teeth. Unravel a new stretch of floss from your middle fingers for each tooth.
5.You may need a new piece of floss from the spool to do the bottom teeth, repeating the process from step 1.
6.Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to clean out extra debris that the flossing has loosened and to treat your gums and breath.
FLOSS VARIETIES
Today there are more types of floss than ever before. There is unwaxed, waxed, ribbon and even floss on holders with long handles. Certain floss is also made with space-age materials to improve the glide factor. Experiment with the types of floss to determine one that works best for you.

Flavors also abound in floss. From spearmint to cinnamon, you can also enjoy a sensory experience while flossing.

Maintain eye and vision health

Eating properly is not only good for your overall health; it's also good for your eyes, especially as you age. You can consume certain vitamins and nutrients that researchers have found to nourish and protect the health of your eyes. Following is a breakdown of some of those findings.
Fruits reduce your risk of AMD. A study from the Channing Laboratory at Harvard Medical School indicates that people who eat a daily diet that includes several servings of fruit can reduce their risk of developing macular degeneration (AMD) as seniors. The study compared seniors' intake of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids (like beta carotene) as well as fruits and vegetables, and how these elements relate to the development of macular degeneration. Researchers discovered that people who consumed three or more servings of fruit per day over a period of 12 to 18 years reduced their risk of developing macular degeneration by more than 30 percent, compared to people who ate 1.5 servings per day or fewer.
Vitamin A reduces night blindness. A diet lacking in vitamin A can cause night blindness, a deterioration of light sensitive cells (rods) essential for vision in low lighting. This deficiency also can extensively damage the eye's cornea to create total blindness. Research conducted by ophthalmologist Alfred Sommer, linked a vitamin A (retinol) deficiency to the very high prevalence of night blindness in children of developing countries such as India and Bangladesh. Sommer found that night blindness decreased by one-third in children who received vitamin A. Sources of vitamin A include: cod liver oil, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. (Note: while vitamin A supplementation can be beneficial, it can also be toxic if taken at abnormally high dosages. Consult with a doctor before using.)
Vitamins E and C slow cataract growth. Results from the Nurses' Health Study conducted at the Tufts University USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, demonstrate that supplementation with vitamins E and C may offer significant protection against the development of cataracts. Vitamin E sources include: sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, avocados, peanuts, and nut products such as oils and butters, eggs (one egg can provide almost 6 percent of the recommended daily amounts of vitamin E), greens, tomatoes, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Sources of vitamin C include: fruits such as guava, oranges, grapefruit, melons, grapes, berries, and fruit juices; vegetables such as peppers, brussel sprouts, potatoes, broccoli, beans, onions, tomatoes, and squash; meat such as liver and organ meats; and some seafood and fish.

Cancer survivors face wide range of emotions

If asked what their ideal post-cancer life would be like, most cancer survivors would likely reference bicycling legend Lance Armstrong. Despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 and learning the cancer had metastasized into his brain and lungs, Armstrong, given a 50-percent chance of survival upon diagnosis, not only survived cancer but went on to rewrite the cycling record books, winning the sport's most storied event, the Tour de France, a record seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005.
While most cancer survivors wouldn't ask for Armstrong's athletic accomplishments, the cyclist's post-cancer return to normalcy and doing the things he loves are certainly things all cancer survivors hope for. Such hopes are often met with hurdles, as cancer survivors often experience heightened emotional distress after treatment. While each individual is different, the following are some of the more common emotional responses cancer survivors experience.
·Fear. Albeit to varying degrees, nearly every cancer survivor experiences a fear of the cancer recurring. This fear results primarily from a combination of no longer receiving treatments while simultaneously no longer being as closely monitored by your physicians. Being monitored less frequently after treatment can instill an understandable sense of fear that the cancer might come back. After-effects of treatment as well as continuing to experience cancer-like symptoms are also responsible for cultivating a fear of recurrence.
·Grief. While initially it might seem odd for a cancer survivor to grieve, it's actually quite common. Surviving cancer is no small task, one that can often leave much in its wake, costing patients their financial security, their jobs, and possibly even their ability to function physically. As a result, grief can set in. For those suffering from grief, support groups and grief counselors can be a useful means to long-term grief management.
·Guilt. Similar to soldiers who return home from wars where fellow soldiers and friends might have died, cancer survivors can experience guilt simply because they survived while knowing countless others did not. Guilt can also be the result of a cancer survivor feeling he was far too big a burden on family and friends during his treatment. While these feelings are common, they are also fruitless, as there's no reason to feel guilty for surviving cancer.
·Uncertainty. Like fear, this is experienced in varying degrees depending on the individual. Still, uncertainty is one of the more common emotional side effects, experienced by every cancer survivor to some degree. Uncertainty can arise in all facets of life, whether it's uncertainty about planning too far ahead with family or feeling uncertain about follow-up visits with your physician. Also, what used to be common nuisances such as a cold or headache might now leave survivors wondering as to whether it's just a cold or headache or an indicator that cancer might be coming back.
·Spiritual confusion. This can often be the result of several of the aforementioned emotional responses. Questions such as "Why me?" are often asked by survivors who are feeling both guilty that they survived while others did not and uncertain as to why their life had to take such a sharp turn while others' lives did not. Also, those who are grieving over what they lost during treatment might begin to feel confused as they try and reestablish a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.
·Anger. While some cancer survivors feel a sense of relief simply for being alive, others might feel angry for a variety of reasons. Anger over a decline in physical condition or decreased capacity are common with patients who continue to focus on what they lost as a result of cancer.

Important tips for protecting your eyes this summer

Everyone has heard about proper sun protection for the skin, but don't forget about protecting your eyes during the summer months. Since Americans spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, whether at the beach or simply catching some rays while exercising or doing errands, their health may pay a price. Too much sun exposure can increase your chances for serious eye damage.

More than 86 million adults over the age of 40 have vision problems according to the Vision Council of America. Approximately 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18, when the eyes are less developed and less able to block UV rays. Here are a few tips about how you can help protect your family's vision not only in the summer but year-round:
·Know when to move into the shade: After spending time in the sun, drink lots of water to keep both your skin and eyes hydrated. Watch for the warning signs of visual problems, including squinting and headaches. If possible, stay out of the sun from 10am to 2pm when temperatures and UV levels are at their peak.
·Remember proper eyewear: Certain lenses can safely block UV radiation and help protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Dark sunglasses without UVA and UVB block cause the pupils to dilate and allow harmful UV rays into the eye, potentially causing major eye damage. Make an informed purchase, and be sure to buy lenses that clearly state that they offer both UVA and UVB protection.
·Consider photochromic lenses: Photochromic lenses are those that quickly change from clear indoors to as dark as sunglasses outdoors. They are the smart choice in everyday convenience because of their ability to block 100 percent of dangerous UVA/UVB rays, and reduce painful, uncomfortable glare. Transitions® Lenses are the number one recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.
·Cover up if you plan to snooze: Lying down with eyes closed can cause sunburned eyelids, so be sure to cover the face entirely if there's a chance you'll fall asleep in the sun. Along with your sunglasses, make sure to bring a towel or hat to cover the face.
·Check your UV index: Check daily UV levels in your area and plan accordingly. Always wear proper eyewear, and also carry a hat and sunblock. According to a survey conducted by Transitions Optical, Inc., 36% of respondents wear a hat when they plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time, and only 18% wear eyewear with UV protection.
·Schedule regular eye exams for overall health: Even though vision may be clear, exams can detect changes in the eye caused by underlying health problems. Some eye diseases have no symptoms in the early stages, so make yearly eye exams part of your family's regular health routine.