If you don't look after your feet you run the risk of developing sores or infections that could, in the worst case scenario, lead to amputations. Reduce your risk of infection or amputation by incorporating these 7 foot care tips...
1) Check your feet daily - especially if you have low sensitivity or no feeling in your feet. Sores, cuts and grazes could go unnoticed and you could develop problems leading to amputations.
2) Don't go around barefoot, even indoors. It's easy to tread on something or stub your toes and cut yourself. Protect your feet with socks/stockings and
shoes/slippers.
3) Be careful if you have corns or calluses. Check with your doctor or podiatrist the best way to care for them.
4) Wash your feet daily in warm, NOT HOT water. And don't soak your feet (even if you've been standing all day) because it could dry your skin and form cracks or sores.
5) Take extra care to dry your feet completely, especially between your toes. These are natural moisture traps - leaving them damp or wet could create all sorts of problems.
6) Exercise your legs and feet regularly. Even when sitting you can rotate your ankles; wiggle your toes or move your legs up and down. These all keep your blood circulation flowing and helps to minimize the risk of foot problems.
7) Get your feet professionally checked, at least once a year, for sensitivity and signs of any problems. You can usually arrange this when you have your annual check up for your AC1 levels (blood glucose levels over a 3-month period), blood pressure and cholesterol.
Take constant care of your feet. Get help from a relative or professional; Doctor, diabetic nurse or podiatrist if you are not able to bend when trimming nails or checking for sores. Taking these simple actions will help you reduce the risk of painful problems.
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#Diabetes Foot Care Tips-#Diabetic
Erectile Dysfunction. Impotence
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are many different reasons why a man may suffer from erectile dysfunction. This means he won’t be able to maintain an erection for sexual activity to take place. Men need to understand most of these problems aren’t anything they caused but that they can benefit from various types of treatment.
Discovering the underlying cause of the problem is very important though. A male suffering from erectile dysfunction needs to see a doctor rather than attempting to self medicate. By putting off medical attention you could be allowing problems to get worse when they could have been offset very early on.
There are many different medical conditions such as diabetes where erectile dysfunction is a symptom of it. Your doctor can help you to find ways to control your diabetes through exercise, diet, and often medications. As a result this can help to naturally resolve the erectile dysfunction concerns. If you are taking medications for any type of medical concern that could be the reason for the erectile dysfunction.
That doesn’t mean you are never going to be able to get an erection while you have such medical problems though. You certainly don’t want to make the decision on your own to stop taking such medications. That can have adverse effects on your overall health condition. Instead you need to speak with your doctor about it.
They may need to adjust the dose of the medication you are taking. It is also possible to switch you to another type of medication. There are several for every type of medical concern out there so you aren’t going to be limited only to the one you currently use. Be patient and willing to experiment with the guidance of your doctor so you can get erections but also the medications you need for other health concerns.
Certain types of injuries to the genital area can result in erectile dysfunction. If you have been hit in that area you definitely need to let your doctor know about it. There may be internal damage that is preventing the penis from filling up with the blood it needs for an erection to take place.
In many instances various types of nerve damage can also create erectile dysfunction. This is because messages are sent that tell the veins close to the corpora cavernosa to open up. If they don’t do so then that additional blood flow can’t reach the penis. Without it an erection is not possible. It doesn’t matter how physically or mentally stimulated the man is.
Your overall lifestyle can result in erectile dysfunction as well. Studies show males that smoke, are overweight, don’t eat a healthy diet, and that don’t exercise have a higher chance of it occurring. Smoking is a key factor as it can cause the blood not to flow like it should through the veins and arteries. It is also connected with lower testosterone levels.
By making significant changes to these areas of your life the problem will often cure itself. Work with your doctor to design a diet and exercise plan that you are willing to stick to. You want it to become a complete lifestyle change for you instead of just something you do for a short period of time.
It is also possible that psychological problems can result in erectile dysfunction. Some men readily dismiss this but it is factual. Too much stress can definitely cause it to occur. That can create even more stress for the male and so the cycle continues. Anxiety and depression are also known to cause erectile dysfunction to occur.
It is important to also realize that erectile dysfunction is very common. However, it isn’t the type of topic most males sit around and discuss with each other. Due to this fact a mane can feel isolated and alone with such a problem. Take the initiative to seek medical attention for your erectile dysfunction.
That way the problem can be identified and you can get the help you need to take care of such concerns.
There are many different reasons why a man may suffer from erectile dysfunction. This means he won’t be able to maintain an erection for sexual activity to take place. Men need to understand most of these problems aren’t anything they caused but that they can benefit from various types of treatment.
Discovering the underlying cause of the problem is very important though. A male suffering from erectile dysfunction needs to see a doctor rather than attempting to self medicate. By putting off medical attention you could be allowing problems to get worse when they could have been offset very early on.
There are many different medical conditions such as diabetes where erectile dysfunction is a symptom of it. Your doctor can help you to find ways to control your diabetes through exercise, diet, and often medications. As a result this can help to naturally resolve the erectile dysfunction concerns. If you are taking medications for any type of medical concern that could be the reason for the erectile dysfunction.
That doesn’t mean you are never going to be able to get an erection while you have such medical problems though. You certainly don’t want to make the decision on your own to stop taking such medications. That can have adverse effects on your overall health condition. Instead you need to speak with your doctor about it.
They may need to adjust the dose of the medication you are taking. It is also possible to switch you to another type of medication. There are several for every type of medical concern out there so you aren’t going to be limited only to the one you currently use. Be patient and willing to experiment with the guidance of your doctor so you can get erections but also the medications you need for other health concerns.
Certain types of injuries to the genital area can result in erectile dysfunction. If you have been hit in that area you definitely need to let your doctor know about it. There may be internal damage that is preventing the penis from filling up with the blood it needs for an erection to take place.
In many instances various types of nerve damage can also create erectile dysfunction. This is because messages are sent that tell the veins close to the corpora cavernosa to open up. If they don’t do so then that additional blood flow can’t reach the penis. Without it an erection is not possible. It doesn’t matter how physically or mentally stimulated the man is.
Your overall lifestyle can result in erectile dysfunction as well. Studies show males that smoke, are overweight, don’t eat a healthy diet, and that don’t exercise have a higher chance of it occurring. Smoking is a key factor as it can cause the blood not to flow like it should through the veins and arteries. It is also connected with lower testosterone levels.
By making significant changes to these areas of your life the problem will often cure itself. Work with your doctor to design a diet and exercise plan that you are willing to stick to. You want it to become a complete lifestyle change for you instead of just something you do for a short period of time.
It is also possible that psychological problems can result in erectile dysfunction. Some men readily dismiss this but it is factual. Too much stress can definitely cause it to occur. That can create even more stress for the male and so the cycle continues. Anxiety and depression are also known to cause erectile dysfunction to occur.
It is important to also realize that erectile dysfunction is very common. However, it isn’t the type of topic most males sit around and discuss with each other. Due to this fact a mane can feel isolated and alone with such a problem. Take the initiative to seek medical attention for your erectile dysfunction.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Once you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, your doctor will perform tests to determine the stage of your cancer.
Knowing the stage of your cancer is an important step in deciding how to treat it.
Your doctor may use the following tests and procedures to determine the stage of your breast cancer:
The following are brief descriptions of each stage:
Stage 0: The cancer is noninvasive or contained within the milk ducts, lobules, or nipple.
Stage I: The cancer has formed a tumor two centimeters or smaller in size and has not spread outside the breast, except there may be small clusters of cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
Stage II: The cancer is growing but is still only in the breast or has spread to lymph nodes near the tumor, but not beyond.
Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the tumor into lymph nodes and muscles. However, the cancer has not yet reached other organs.
Stage IV: Also called metastatic breast cancer, cancer in this stage has spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
#breastcancer #Tumor #Mammography #Pathology #longevity
Once you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, your doctor will perform tests to determine the stage of your cancer.
Knowing the stage of your cancer is an important step in deciding how to treat it.
Your doctor may use the following tests and procedures to determine the stage of your breast cancer:
- Lymph node biopsy (lymph node is removed to look for cancer cells)
- Blood tests
- Mammogram of the other breast
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Bone scan
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- The stages of breast cancer range from 0 to IV, and each stage from I to III has at least two sub-stages (IA, IB, etc.). The most advanced stage is IV.
The following are brief descriptions of each stage:
Stage 0: The cancer is noninvasive or contained within the milk ducts, lobules, or nipple.
Stage I: The cancer has formed a tumor two centimeters or smaller in size and has not spread outside the breast, except there may be small clusters of cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
Stage II: The cancer is growing but is still only in the breast or has spread to lymph nodes near the tumor, but not beyond.
Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the tumor into lymph nodes and muscles. However, the cancer has not yet reached other organs.
Stage IV: Also called metastatic breast cancer, cancer in this stage has spread to other parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
#breastcancer #Tumor #Mammography #Pathology #longevity
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer.
For some women with the BRCA1 gene mutation, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80 percent.
While the exact cause of breast cancer isn't known, we do know that the disease occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally.
These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and then start to accumulate, forming a lump or mass.
These cancer cells can spread (metastasize) throughout the breast and into lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Most of the time, breast cancer begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. But it can also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules, or in other cells within the breast.
While several lifestyle-related, environmental, and hormonal factors may increase your risk of developing breast cancer, none of these factors guarantee you'll develop the disease.
Moreover, many women who develop the disease have no known risk factors.
While some people who get breast cancer don't have any of the following risk factors, these traits increase your risk of developing breast cancer:
For some women with the BRCA1 gene mutation, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80 percent.
While the exact cause of breast cancer isn't known, we do know that the disease occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally.
These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and then start to accumulate, forming a lump or mass.
These cancer cells can spread (metastasize) throughout the breast and into lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Most of the time, breast cancer begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. But it can also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules, or in other cells within the breast.
While several lifestyle-related, environmental, and hormonal factors may increase your risk of developing breast cancer, none of these factors guarantee you'll develop the disease.
Moreover, many women who develop the disease have no known risk factors.
While some people who get breast cancer don't have any of the following risk factors, these traits increase your risk of developing breast cancer:
- Being a woman
- Obesity
- Older age
- Personal history of breast cancer in one breast (increases your risk of getting it in the other breast)
- Family history of breast cancer in close relatives such as your mother, sister, or daughter - especially if they developed the disease at a young age
- Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Radiation exposure to your chest as a child or young adult
- Starting your menstrual cycle before the age of 12
- Beginning menopause at an older age
- Giving birth for the first time after the age of 35
- Never being pregnant
- Taking hormone therapy that combines estrogen and progesterone
- Drinking alcohol
#breastcancer #Tumor #Mammography #Pathology #longevity
Inherited Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
The majority of breast cancers are not inherited. In fact, only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to genetic mutations passed down through generations.
The most common gene mutations linked to breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Both of these mutations also increase the risk of other cancers throughout a woman's lifetime, particularly ovarian cancer.
In normal cells, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help prevent cancer by making proteins that keep the cells from growing abnormally. If these genes are mutated, the cancer-prevention response will not work properly.
For some women with the BRCA1 mutation, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80 percent. On average, however, this risk is more like 55 to 65 percent.
For women with the BRCA2 mutation, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is around 45 percent.
Breast cancers linked to these mutations occur more often in younger women. Cancer affecting both breasts is also more common than in cases not linked to these mutations.
While the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations may affect anyone, they are more common in Jewish people of Eastern European origin than in other racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Men can also carry these mutations, and if they do they are at increased risk for breast and other cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing may be an option if you have a family history of breast cancer or other cancers.
Through a blood or saliva test, scientists can identify specific inherited mutations in BRCA or other genes.
Talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing is a good option for you. Your doctor can also recommend a genetic counselor who can discuss your testing options with you in detail.
Check with your insurance company to see if BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing is covered under your plan.
Genetic counseling and testing for people at high risk is a covered preventive service under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
#breastcancer #Tumor #Mammography #Pathology #longevity
The majority of breast cancers are not inherited. In fact, only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to genetic mutations passed down through generations.
The most common gene mutations linked to breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Both of these mutations also increase the risk of other cancers throughout a woman's lifetime, particularly ovarian cancer.
In normal cells, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help prevent cancer by making proteins that keep the cells from growing abnormally. If these genes are mutated, the cancer-prevention response will not work properly.
For some women with the BRCA1 mutation, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 80 percent. On average, however, this risk is more like 55 to 65 percent.
For women with the BRCA2 mutation, the lifetime risk of breast cancer is around 45 percent.
Breast cancers linked to these mutations occur more often in younger women. Cancer affecting both breasts is also more common than in cases not linked to these mutations.
While the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations may affect anyone, they are more common in Jewish people of Eastern European origin than in other racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Men can also carry these mutations, and if they do they are at increased risk for breast and other cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing may be an option if you have a family history of breast cancer or other cancers.
Through a blood or saliva test, scientists can identify specific inherited mutations in BRCA or other genes.
Talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing is a good option for you. Your doctor can also recommend a genetic counselor who can discuss your testing options with you in detail.
Check with your insurance company to see if BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing is covered under your plan.
Genetic counseling and testing for people at high risk is a covered preventive service under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
#breastcancer #Tumor #Mammography #Pathology #longevity
Breast Cancer Symptoms
A new lump or mass is the most common sign of breast cancer.
Since mammograms for screening have become more common, the number of breast cancer cases discovered before symptoms occur has increased.
However, in some instances, the cancer can be missed on a mammogram, either due to error or to the fact that about 15 percent of breast cancers aren't visible on a mammogram (known as "mammographically occult cancer").
And many women, for a number of reasons, don't get mammograms as recommended.
Symptoms
Though most cases of breast cancer have no symptoms until they're discovered on a mammogram, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass.
Masses that are more likely to be cancerous are painless, hard, and immobile with irregular edges.
While the following signs and symptoms can be caused by conditions other than breast cancer, you should contact your doctor if you experience any of them:
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Some breast cancers spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone and cause a lump or swelling in those areas before a tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt.
If you experience swollen lymph nodes, call your doctor right away.
Since mammograms for screening have become more common, the number of breast cancer cases discovered before symptoms occur has increased.
However, in some instances, the cancer can be missed on a mammogram, either due to error or to the fact that about 15 percent of breast cancers aren't visible on a mammogram (known as "mammographically occult cancer").
And many women, for a number of reasons, don't get mammograms as recommended.
Symptoms
Though most cases of breast cancer have no symptoms until they're discovered on a mammogram, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass.
Masses that are more likely to be cancerous are painless, hard, and immobile with irregular edges.
While the following signs and symptoms can be caused by conditions other than breast cancer, you should contact your doctor if you experience any of them:
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast, or in the underarm area
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Skin irritation on or around the breast
- Puckering in the skin of the breast, or dimpling that looks like the skin of an orange (called "peau d'orange")
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple that is turning inward
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple, areola (dark area of skin around the nipple), or breast skin
- Nipple discharge that is not milk
Some breast cancers spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone and cause a lump or swelling in those areas before a tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt.
If you experience swollen lymph nodes, call your doctor right away.
#Diabetes Type 2
How Does Insulin Work?
In a healthy person, insulin helps turn food into energy. Your stomach breaks down carbohydrates into sugars. They enter the bloodstream, prompting your pancreas to release the hormone insulin in just the right amount. It helps your cells use the sugar for fuel.
Metabolism Mishaps
In type 2 diabetes, your cells can’t use sugar properly. That means there's a lot of it in your blood. If you have a condition called insulin resistance, your body makes the hormone, but your cells don’t use it or respond to it like they should. If you’ve had type 2 diabetes for a while but haven’t treated it, your pancreas will make less insulin.
Your Diet Makes a Difference
You can control blood sugar levels by changing your diet and losing extra weight. That will also cut your risk of complications. Carefully track the carbs in your diet. Keep amounts the same at every meal, watch how much fat and protein you eat, and cut calories. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian to help you make healthy choices and an eating plan.
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