Healthfact

Posted by MRadmin on Jul 1, 2012 in Resource

Health Facts for the Hispanic American Community

Health Fact Sheet

About the Medicines You Take

Many people take prescriptions and over the counter medicines on a regular basis to manage and treat health conditions. It is important to know that as we age, our body changes and the way the body absorbs medicines is different. When it comes to managing your health and using medicines, it is important to know about the medicines you are taking and what they are for, and learn to recognize possible undesired side effects.

Acid Reflux Disease or GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly referred to as acid reflux disease, is a chronic condition in which the acid of the stomach backs up into the esophagus (food tube) causing persistent heartburn symptoms and/or potentially serious damage to the lining of the esophagus.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age -related macular degeneration (AMD) is a painless disorder, which occurs mainly with aging and that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail.

Allergies

An allergy is the improper response of the immune system to a specific foreign substance. When ex posed to a normally harmless substance, such as dust, the immune system reacts as if the substance is harmful, causing uncomfortable physical symptoms. The substances that cause this reaction are called allergens. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies each year.

Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes the airways in your lungs to become swollen, narrowed, or blocked. This alters the normal flow of air in and out of the lungs, which can make it difficult to breathe. Asthma affects an estimated 20.5 million people in the United States. It is the most common chronic childhood disease and a leading cause of childhood disability.

Attention-Deficit/HyperActivity Disorder (AD/HD)

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the symptoms that define attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). It is a condition that affects both boys and girls. Three to seven percent of school-aged children are affected by AD/HD. Compared to their peers, children with AD/HD have more problems with daily activities. They may have difficulty sitting still, waiting in line, or paying attention to details. Some children have difficulty remembering things they need for daily activities. Still others with AD/HD blurt out answers before hearing the full question and others act impulsively in other ways.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the abnormal grow of cells in the breasts, which leads to the development of malignant tumors. Not all abnormal growths in the breasts are cancerous. Only your health care provider can determine if an abnormal growth is cancerous.

Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is the natural act of feeding your baby through your breasts.

Cancer

Cancer is a term that refers to the unrestricted growth and division of cells, resulting in a mass of cells called a tumor. As the tumor grows, it may invade and destroy nearby cells, tissues, and organs.

To learn more, download a copy of this fact sheet:

Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions

There are two kinds of tumors: benign and malignant. A benign tumor is not cancer. Some of the more common types of benign tumors are polyps (small growths) and cysts (liquid filled sacs). Neither cysts nor polyps spread to other parts of your body.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease) affects the heart by narrowing the arteries and reducing the amount of blood the heart receives, which makes the heart work harder. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death across all racial and ethnic groups accounting for more than 40% of all annual deaths in the U.S.

Depression

Depression affects the body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect the way you feel about others and oneself. If left untreated it may affect work, family, eating habits, sleep, and life in general. Depression is not something that can be ignored and left to go away with time. Symptoms may become worse as time persists. It is important to seek treatment, as most people are able to lead full lives once they start treatment.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body can not produce insulin or use it properly. Insulin is a hormone necessary to convert blood sugar, or blood glucose, into energy. Blood glucose is made in the body from the sugar, starches, and other food we eat.

Dust and Debris

This fact sheet describes possible health hazards posed by the dust and debris from the World Trade Center’s (WTC) burning and collapse. The most immediate hazards to health and well-being are from unstable buildings, broken glass, jagged metal, and other harmful matter.

Exercise

Exercise should be a regular part of your life. Even though you may have an active workplace, it d oes not count toward your daily exercise. Make time either before or after your workday to workout. Exercise is a physical activity, that moves your body in various ways to keep fit and involves bodily movement to improve or maintain physical fitness. Exercise can be simple things you love, like gardening or dancing. Choose a physical fitness program that is well-rounded and strengthens your heart, muscles, and bones.

Exercise and Older Adults

It is never too late to become physically active! No matter your age, exercise should be part of your daily routine. Even the slightest amount of exercise can have health benefits. As we age our bodies are prone to more frailty, disease, illnesses and infections, but this can be prevented with physical activity. Regular exercise helps, not hurts older adults. Before beginning any exercise regimen, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.

Flu/Influenza

The flu, also known as influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Common symptoms include headache, fever, cough, body aches, stuffy nose, sore throat, and chills. The flu is often confused with the common cold, yet colds do not generally cause the exhaustion and fevers associated with the flu. It is important to remember that for normal, healthy adults, the flu does not pose a serious health risk and most persons recover quickly.

Folic Acid: Before and During Pregnancy

It is a synthetic vitamin from the family of the B vitamin that can be found in fortified foods and in supplemental vitamins. It is an essential vitamin for the proper growth and development of a baby.

HIV and AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. An infected pregnant woman can also pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection, and are referred to as being HIV positive. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS.

Infertility

Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system in which a man or a woman are unable to conceive a child. Infertility is usually diagnosed after a couple has been trying to conceive for one year without positive result, or if the woman has suffered from multiple miscarriages. Infertility can also be classified as the inability to carry a pregnancy to term and produce a baby.

Influenza A/H1N1

Influenza A/H1N1 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a combination of different viruses. The influenza spreads easily from person to person and in some cases it has been fatal. Recent cases in the United States have been less severe than in other parts of th e world.

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence involves abusive behavior that includes the use or threat of violence and intimidation. Usually, a violent event is not an isolated incident, but behavior that escalates in both frequency and severity over time. Remember that if you are in an abusive situation, it is not your fault or your responsibility. You cannot change the abuser. The abuser needs to seek professional help. It is the violent person who has to learn to control their anger or frustrations. That person has no right, reason, or excuse to behave in an abusive manner.

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead is a common metal found throughout the environment in lead-based paint, air, soil, household dust, food, certain types of pottery, porcelain, pewter, and lead contaminated drinking water.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is cancer that occurs in the sponge-like tissue of the lungs, which form part of our respiratory system. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common type of lung cancer, and it generally grows and spreads more slowly. Small cell lung cancer is less common, grows more quickly, and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body.

Mad Cow Disease

Mad cow disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a contagious, fatal brain disease found in adult cattle. It is believed to be caused by a very unusual infectious protein known as a prion. Prions cannot be treated like other disease-causing organisms, such as, bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites.

Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is the process by which our bodies prepare for possible pregnancy. The first part of the cycle occurs when the ovaries begin to produce estrogen. As the days pass, the level of estrogen increases and midway through the cycle, an egg is released and moves down the fallopian tubes. Simultaneously, the inner lining of the uterus begins to build up in preparation for a fertilized egg to implant itself on the walls of the uterus.

If an egg is not fertilized, it is released as menstruation, together with all the material built up in the lining of the uterus. Then the cycle begins all over again. By recognizing where we are in the cycle, we are able to control our own fertility.

Mercury and Tuna

Mercury is a toxic substance that occurs in the environment. It can exist as a gas, liquid or a solid. All types of mercury are toxic and pose a threat to the health of all living organisms. When mercury collects into water deposits it interacts with bacteria in the water and becomes methylmercury, which is highly toxic. Fish absords the toxic methylmercury as they feed in these waters, and so the toxin builds up in them.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the term for the process in which a pregnancy comes to an end anywhere from the moment of conception up to 20 weeks. In most cases there is nothing a woman or her prenatal care provider can do to prevent a miscarriage. Most miscarriages are a result of natural causes. The medical term for miscarriage is spontaneous abortion.

Molds

Molds are part of the natural environment. They are microscopic fungi that can be found indoor or outdoors throughout the year. About 1000 mold species can be found in the United States. Of these molds, a few have a chemical makeup that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Molds play an important role in breaking down organic matter such as fallen leaves or toppled trees. Molds can become a serious problem when they grow inside your home or inside buildings.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is the result of the daily intake of all recommended nutrients from a well-balanced diet. Nutrition serves two purposes; to provide us with the energy we need for physical activity, and to maintain our body’s makeup and function. Water is an essential component of all body tissues and fluids. On average, 80% of our body is made up of water. It is needed to carry out vital functions and supply certain minerals that keep us healthy.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic brain disorder that affects movement and bodily functions. Damaged cells in the brain do not produce a necessary chemical, dopamine, which usually controls these processes. Without dopamine, the body has trouble performing everyday movements. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen over time, usually many years. Recent findings indicate that although dopamine may be the most important chemical that is missing in Parkinson’s’ disease, it may not be the only one.

Pneumococcal Vaccine: Adult

Vaccines are important part of health care at all ages. Children, adolescents, and adults––including individuals older than 65 years of age––need immunization against different diseases. Some diseases affect older adults more than young adults or children. Many of these diseases such as pneumococcal disease, can be prevented with a vaccine. For this reason, no matter how healthy you are, older adults need immunizations.

Pregnancy and Exercise

BEFORE doing any exercise you must consult with your health care provider to make sure it is SAFE.

It is safe to exercise while you are pregnant unless there are medical reasons not to do so. Pregnant women that perform light exercises every day may experience a better sense of well-being DURING and AFTER their pregnancy.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is the health care that helps you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Prenatal care starts with your first visit to a prenatal health care provider who is trained to take care of you and your baby during pregnancy.

Prenatal Care Visits and Your Pregnancy

During the first and second trimesters, the recommended frequency of prenatal care visits is once a month. During the third trimester, the recommended frequency of prenatal care visits is once every two weeks and after 36 weeks, it increases to once every week until delivery. The basic tests/exams consist of weight and blood pressure checks and analysis of urine to test for bacteria, sugar, and protein.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate, which is a gland that forms part of a man’s reproductive system. The prostate makes and stores semen. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic men. It is also the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, other than skin cancer in men.

Salmonella

Salmonella is dangerous because it causes intestinal or general illness when eating foods that are contaminated with the bacteria. It may be found in unwashed fruits and vegetables, raw poultry, raw eggs, and raw beef. Salmonella is the most common cause of food-borne illness in the United States.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria treponema pallidum. STIs are infections transmitted by having sexual intercourse, including vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. There are more than twenty kinds of STIs, divided into two types, bacterial and viral. Bacterial STIs are caused by bacteria and can be treated and often cured with antibiotics. Viral STIs can be controlled but not cured. Most STIs can be treated effectively. It is important to get tested and to practice safe sex. Some of the most common STIs are Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Weight Management

Healthy weight differs from one person to another. A variety of factors determine a person’s weight, such as: genetic composition, age, gender, diet, and physical activity. Whether your weight is healthy depends on the distribution of the fat in your body, what percentage corresponds to fat content, and the existence of weight-related health problems such as diabetes or hypertension.