Author: alofok

Peptic ulcer A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or your duodenum, which is the first part of your small intestine. A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. The pain: – May come and go for a few days or weeks – May bother you more when your stomach is empty – Usually goes away after you eat Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help you digest food in the stomach damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Another cause of peptic ulcers is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but can make them worse. Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated. Treatment may include medicines to block stomach acids or antibiotics to kill ulcer-causing bacteria. Not smoking and avoiding alcohol can help. Surgery may help for ulcers that don’t heal.   INTRODUCTION A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. Peptic ulcers may also develop in the esophagus. Nearly 1 in 10 people will develop an ulcer at some time. Peptic ulcers are very common throughout the world. If left...

Hypertension Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Each time your heart beats, it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is highest when your heart beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When your heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Your blood pressure reading uses these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Usually they are written one above or before the other. A reading of 120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure 120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number is prehypertension High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. You can control high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle habits and taking medicines, if needed. Introduction Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very common condition that affects 1 out of every 4 adults. Hypertension is also called the “Silent Killer” because it often has no symptoms and can cause serious diseases if it goes untreated for a long time. This patient education program explains hypertension and how it can be prevented and controlled. Blood Pressure The cells of the body need oxygen and food to...

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It causes pain, swelling and reduced motion in your joints. It can occur in any joint, but usually it affects your hands, knees, hips or spine. Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement. When you lose cartilage, your bones rub together. Over time, this rubbing can permanently damage the joint. Factors that may cause osteoarthritis include: – Being overweight – Getting older – Injuring a joint Therapies that manage osteoarthritis pain and improve function include exercise, weight control, rest, pain relief, alternative therapies and surgery.   INTRODUCTION Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects about 20 million Americans and is the #1 cause of disability in America. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, results from wear and tear on the joints. This patient education program explains what osteoarthritis is and how it affects the joints. Diagnosis and available treatment options are also reviewed.   ANATOMY Our bones help us stand up straight and our muscles help our bones move. Bones connect at the joints. The most obvious joints are the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. We have other joints between the bones of the fingers and toes. There are also joints that allow the vertebrae to move....

Diabetes type 1 Diabetes means your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. With type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into yoDiabetes type 1Diabetes means your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. With type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in your blood. Type 1 diabetes happens most often in children and young adults. But it can appear at any age. Symptoms may include: • Thirstiness. • Urinating often. • Feeling hungry or tired. • Losing weight without trying. • Having sores that heal slowly. • Having dry, itchy skin. • Losing the feeling in your feet or having tingling in your feet. • Having blurry eyesight. A blood test can show if you have diabetes. If you do, you will need to take insulin for the rest of your life.Introduction Type 1 diabetes prevents the body from removing sugar from the blood stream normally. Diabetes can lead to serious health problems if it is not treated. Currently, there is no cure for diabetes, but there are ways that you can control it. This health information will help you understand type 1 diabetes and how to control it.Diabetes Diabetes is...