Category Archive:

Older Women’s Brain Function Preserved with Aspirin

0
Posted by Health News Watch on October 29, 2012 at 9:51 am

The results from a recent study indicate that aspirin may help older women maintain brain function. Many women take aspirin in attempt to lower their risk for heart attack, and according to the University of Gothenburg study, it may have benefits for women’s mental health as well.

As any neurosurgeon NJ specialist would agree, brain functioning naturally declines with age. As a person ages, both brain weight and volume reduce. The brain, on average, loses 5 to 10 percent of its weight from the age of 20 to 90.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, examined approximately 700 women between the ages of 70 and 92. 130 were taking aspirin. The study measured the women’s brain functioning five years from the study’s onset and found that the women who were taking aspirin showed a lower decline of brain function than the women who were not taking aspirin. The amount of time taking the aspirin was positively correlated with the lower the decline. However, taking aspirin daily had no effect on the potential risk of developing dementia.

Further research is required to confirm the results of this study, but the findings indicate that taking aspirin daily may promote brain functioning for older women who are at risk of heart disease.

Although daily aspirin may lower the risk of heart attack and perhaps preserve brain function, the researchers reported that no one should begin taking daily aspirin doses solely on the results of this study. Since aspirin can cause unwanted side effects, patients should always consult with their doctor before deciding whether or not to take aspirin.

Alzheimer’s and dementia are common diagnoses for older women and men with decreased cognitive functioning. According to the Alzheimer Association, around 12 percent of older Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of death in the US.

Posted in: preventative medicine
Tags: , , ,

Continue Reading

EMR Software for Ophthalmologists

1
Posted by Amanda Rahi on February 27, 2012 at 9:09 pm

Ophthalmologists or more commonly known as eye doctors can be an important resource and even indispensable as we age. Generally our eyesight worsens over the years and the need to use prescription eyeglasses becomes more common. Now with EMR software ophthalmology practices may be able to operate more effectively and improve their quality of care.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has published a checklist of essential and desirable features for EHR ophthalmology practice software. Current EMR software offers a wealth of features, including coding assistance, inbound and outbound faxing, diagnostis and document review, intra-office messaging and communication, patient flow management, and lab interfaces.

Recently an EMR software specialist has identified four features that are considered the top essential and desirable in EMR software for ophthalmology. These features are, the possibility of handle large images files efficiently, the simplicity to connects devices that are used to measure eyesight, the access to key patient data history and long term vendor sustainability. Ophthalmologists could use high definition images of the eye and have the ability to scroll through images looking for the problem in the eye.

Each time that the ophthalmologist performs patient tests with the equipment the information can be transferred to this EMR software and filed to the patient´s historical eye health information. When the specialist treats a patient they get the complete data patient health record data information in order to make the most accurate diagnosis and to track the patient’s eye health and reaction to medications.

Posted in: preventative medicine
Tags: ,

Continue Reading

Detecting and Treating High FSH Levels Ahead of Time

0
Posted by Amanda Guerrero on February 21, 2012 at 7:36 pm

Though the chances of a woman getting pregnant drop significantly after age 35 and even more so after 40, a great many women are still able to conceive naturally after that age, and many more do so by turning to IVF treatments.

Couples looking to have children later in life can prepare themselves ahead of time for the possibility of infertility by taking a simple blood test. The FSH hormone test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and gives doctors an idea of how sensitive the ovaries are prior to being stimulated. The test can help find the cause of infertility by evaluating egg supply in women and sperm count in men.

In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and the ovaries’ production of eggs, while in men it helps control sperm production. Though the amount of FSH hormone in men normally remains contact, FSH levels vary throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle.

When dealing with follicle-stimulating hormone levels, lower numbers are always better. High FSH levels indicate poor ovarian reserve and suggest the eggs have a reduced ability to fertilize.

Women with high FSH levels, however, should not lose hope, as there are simple techniques available for bringing those levels down by improving the health of the ovaries. These include exercise, detoxification, and even acupuncture.

Taking part in activities such as yoga, walking, and low-impact aerobics is a good way to improve blood flow. This ensures that a steady supply of hormones and nutrients is reaching the ovaries and tells your body to stop producing FSH.

Similar to the effects of exercise on the body, acupuncture therapy is also known to increase blood circulation. In addition, research has shown that women undergoing fertility treatments have a somewhat higher chance of conceiving if they are receiving regular acupuncture treatments.

Finally, it is important to cleanse the body of any chemicals that may be disturbing regular hormone production, seeing as less follicle-stimulating hormone is produced when the ovaries are healthy. Establishing better health starts with the foods we eat, and women seeking to lower FSH hormone levels should stay away from caffeine and limit consumption of salty foods, as well as trans and saturated fat. It is also recommended to eat more vegetables and take plenty of vitamins and iron.

Posted in: Infertility, Pregnancy in Older Women, preventative medicine
Tags: ,

Continue Reading

Do Trees and Nature Help Us Live Longer?

0
Posted by Amanda Rahi on February 9, 2012 at 6:20 pm

A number of studies and research link enhanced well-being to living in proximity to trees and vegetation. According to arborist Seattle experts, trees provide enormous value, beauty and numerous environmental, social, persona, and economic benefits to our daily lives.

It could even be argued that trees not only increase the quality of our lives, they can as a result help us live longer.

Studies Showing How Trees Promote Human Health

Research points to positive health benefits from trees in how we think, breathe, and enjoy life.

A study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign revealed that women who lived in apartment buildings in proximity of trees and had a view of greenery had greater effectiveness and productivity than women who lived without views and trees and natural vegetation. The findings imply that trees can help lower income class city residents cope with the difficulties of their poor urban, living standards, and deal with their issues more effectively.

Bellevue tree removal and care specialists help consult their clients on the best way to care for the valuable resources we have in our landscapes and vegetation. Trees can even be considered important capital assests in towns and cities as they provide an important infrastructure as well as recreation. Research shows that even a small amount of greenery and a few trees is enough to help surrounding residents to feel better.

According to South Carolina Forestry Commission, trees affect our moods and emotions and can help people feel relaxed. They also provide a sense of privacy and security. In fact, another study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on the Chicago public housing developing, found that incidents of crime were lower in buildings that had greater amounts of greenery.

To learn more about the health benefits of trees and how to care for this valuable resource visit Kirkland tree removal and tree care services homepage.

Posted in: preventative medicine
Tags: ,

Continue Reading

How to Prevent Varicose and Spider Veins

8
Posted by Amanda Rahi on December 23, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Varicose veins are the abnormal bulging veins that normally occur in the thighs and legs. Spider veins are a miniature version of the same process.

The development of this condition can occur at any age, but usually can peak at ages 50 and above.

Common systems include leg fatigue, swollenness, leg and ankle swelling, itchiness, and throbbing. It is mainly an aesthetic and cosmetic problem.

However, according to varicose veins Miami experts, leg ulcers associated with this condition, if left untreated, can be very severe and require amputation.

Therefore it is very important to take preventative measures and also see you doctor for any related concerns.

3 Simple preventative measures that are also health boosters include:

  1. Regular walking and exercise- By keeping your blood circulation healthy, you will avoid unwanted pressure build-up in your legs.
  2. Main a healthy weight- Extra weight in the stomach area can put too much pressure on your legs and reduce blood flow.
  3. Improve muscle tone- Building muscle strength can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins without invasive treatment.

Spider veins treatment Miami Beach specialists encourage their patients to try conservative and preventative treatments before looking to surgery, as many issues can be resolved through lifestyle changes.

To learn more about this condition read Does Weight Gain Contribute to Varicose and Spider Veins?

Posted in: preventative medicine, Skin Health
Tags: ,

Continue Reading