Could it be Cataracts?

Did you know that over half of all Americans who are older than 65 have cataracts?  A cataract occurs when there is a clouding of the lens due to a buildup of protein. Cataracts can impair vision, and there are several different types including:

• age-related cataracts (develops as a result of aging);
• congenital cataracts (babies are sometimes born with cataracts--or they may develop in childhood);
• traumatic cataracts (form after injury to the eye);
• secondary cataracts (develop as a result of other medical conditions)

Air pollution, heavy drinking and cigarette smoking can also increase an individual's risk of developing cataracts.

Cataracts form slowly.  Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:

• Progressive nearsightedness
• Sudden changes in glasses prescription
• Problems driving at night
• Double vision
• Blurry, foggy or cloudy vision
• Changes in the way you see color
• Problems with daytime glare

In order to diagnose cataracts, your doctor will perform an eye exam and dilate your pupil in order to examine the lens.

If you are found to have cataracts, many times eyeglasses, contacts or a change in current eyeglass prescription will be prescribed.

If your cataracts are interfering with everyday life and glasses are not enough to correct the problem, your doctor may suggest surgery.  Cataract surgery is very common in the U.S., and involves replacing the clouded lens with a clear artificial one.  The vast majority of people who undergo this type of surgery see marked improvement in their vision.

You will want to speak to your doctor about which treatment is best for you.

What is Pink Eye?

Conjunctivitis (or "pink eye") is an infection or inflammation of the membrane lining your eyelid and eyeball.  Pink eye is usually caused by a viral infection, a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction.

Common symptoms of pink eye include tearing, itchiness, redness or a discharge which forms a crust.  These symptoms can affect one or both eyes.

Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a discharge that has a watery consistency, whereas bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a yellow-green discharge with a thicker consistency. Both types of conjunctivitis can be associated with colds or respiratory infections.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a response to an allergy-causing substance--for example, pollen. The body produces an antibody (immunoglobulin E) in response to allergens which triggers cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances.

In order to diagnose whether you have pink eye, your doctor will examine your eyes.  They may also take a sample of the discharge from your eye for analysis to determine which type of infection you have and how to treat it.

Bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis is usually treated with eye drops, whereas viral conjunctivitis has no treatment--it simply needs to run its course.  This can usually be up to two to three weeks.

Pink eye can be highly contagious, so it is important to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.  In fact, pink eye can be contagious for as long as two weeks after it begins.  As soon as you experience symptoms, you will want to contact your doctor.

Photo credit: methodsofhealing

12 Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System

We all know that to keep our bodies healthy and our immune systems in top shape, it's smart to eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink plenty of water and keep the junk food to a minimum. But as summer draws to a close and cold and flu season looms, did you know that there are certain foods you can add to your diet that will provide an extra boost of immunity?

1. Almonds

A handful of almonds can help you bounce back from stress, as they are chock full of Vitamin E as well as niacin, riboflavin and B vitamins.

2. Grapefruit

This fruit has lots of flavonoids, which help increase immune system activation. Grapefruits also have a good amount of Vitamin C as well.

3. Garlic

Garlic contains antioxidants which help kill bacteria that can invade the immune system.

4. Spinach

Spinach is packed with cell-repairing nutrients like folate, as well as antioxidants, fiber and Vitamin C.  Raw spinach is best.

5. Tea

Both green and black tea are loaded with free radical-destroying antioxidants.

6. Broccoli

This veggie contains nutrients that help protect your body from damage as well as lots of vitamins.

7. Low-fat yogurt

The live and active cultures in yogurt are believed to stimulate the immune system.

8. Elderberry

This fruit is thought to help people recover more quickly from the flu.  It is also rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants.

9. Wheat Germ

Wheat germ contains protein, fiber and good fats as well as other nutrients and antioxidants.

10. Watermelon

Watermelon contains glutathione which strengthens the immune system and helps to fight infection.

11. Button mushrooms

B vitamins, selenium and antioxidants make this vegetable a real super food.  Mushrooms have also been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects.

12. Acai berry

This much talked-about fruit is full of antioxidants and is most commonly found in dried or smoothie form.

Bottom line? Incorporate some of these healthy choices into your menu to keep those sick days at bay this fall and winter.

Men’s Health: What is Angina?

Angina is discomfort in the chest that occurs when there is not enough blood oxygen flowing to an area of the heart muscle. In the majority of cases, the lack of blood supply occurs when the coronary arteries have become narrowed due to arteriosclerosis.

Symptoms of angina include tightening, pressure, aching, squeezing or heaviness across the chest and behind the breastbone. The pain often spreads to the back, jaw, arms or neck. Weakness, heartburn, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, cramping and indigestion can also occur along with it.

Angina usually occurs after a heavy meal or during exertion or emotional stress. During these times, the heart muscle needs more blood oxygen than the coronary arteries can give. Angina typically lasts 1-15 minutes and can be relieved by rest or by taking a nitroglycerin tablet, which helps lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels.

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of angina, and it is important to establish the diagnosis of angina because people with angina are at risk of having a heart attack.

Angina can be diagnosed by administering an electrocardiogram (EKG) or an exercise stress test.

If for some reason a patient cannot undergo an exercise stress test, medications can be injected intravenously in order to simulate the stress on the heart that is brought on by exercise.

In some cases, stress echocardiography may be done, which is more accurate than an exercise stress test for detecting coronary artery disease.

Cardiac catheterization is another option, which is a technique that allows x-rays to be taken of the coronary arteries.

Other treatment options for angina include medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, as well as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Photo credit: online-medical-advice.com