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Because a stroke causes brain tissue to die, (which can lead to brain damage, disability, and death) every minute counts when it comes to stroke.
Use this method of noticing (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) “Acting F.A.S.T.”, which can help stroke patients get the treatment they need to survive and reduce damage to the brain.
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Did you know more than 200,000 Americans seek emergency medical treatment as a result of a food allergy? Odds are you’re familiar with some of the common dietary restrictions people may have, such as lactose intolerance. However, there’s a big difference between an intolerance and an allergy. Because so many people have food allergies, it helps to better understand what a food allergy actually is.
Food intolerance is when a specific type of food affects your digestive system in a negative way. For example, lactose-intolerant people have difficulty breaking down milk sugar due to the lack of a specific digestive enzyme. But consuming lactose isn’t deadly if you have an intolerance. Instead, you might experience a range of discomfort based on the amount of lactose you consumed.
On the other hand, a food allergy is when a specific type of food negatively affects your immune system. Essentially, the food you’re allergic to will cause your immune system to attack proteins in that food; proteins that are usually considered harmless. Symptoms can range from mild to deadly.
Food allergies are an inherited predisposition. Unfortunately, there are no cures for allergies; you must simply avoid the food. Some allergies (usually milk, soy, wheat, and eggs) can be outgrown. Others, such as fish and nut allergies, last forever.
Anyone who has an allergy should be vigilant about avoiding those foods. Always check the ingredients of any foods you’re purchasing. If eating at a restaurant or elsewhere, be clear about your food allergy. Remind people you know so that they don’t accidentally forget about it.
There are over 32 million Americans living with a food allergy. It’s important to understand what this type of allergy is and how deadly it can be.
For more health awareness information and advice, be sure to keep visiting us at The Benefits Store.
High blood pressure is a condition affecting a third of all Americans. Many don’t even realize they have it. Controlling your blood pressure is critical because the condition can increase the risk for both heart disease and stroke. In fact, increased blood pressure is responsible for more deaths than any other condition in the entire world.
Blood pressure is determined using two numbers: the systolic pressure (the force at which blood is pumped throughout your body) and diastolic pressure (blood vessels’ resistance to blood flow). Readings of 140/90mmHG and higher are considered high. Typically, healthy blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80.
You should have your blood pressure checked regularly. As you grow older, you’re more at risk of developing it. More than 50% of Americans over the age of 60 have increased blood pressure. And the risk of developing it over the course of your lifetime is 90 percent.
Not only senior citizens develop high blood pressure. It’s estimated 25% of men and 20 percent of women between the ages of 35-44 have higher than normal blood pressure. Younger people should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.
Your doctor in California will provide you with instructions to manage blood pressure. These instructions may include:
If you have increased blood pressure, your doctor may also recommend you monitor your blood pressure at home. Doing so can identify spikes in your blood pressure that indicate potential health complications.
Higher than normal blood pressure is common, but it can be managed if you’ve been diagnosed with it. For more health advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today.
When it comes to women’s health, one of the most important steps you can take is preventive. It’s why you should periodically schedule a “well visit.” This ensures you’re in good health and taking preventive measures to stay healthy.
However, don’t just show up to your next check-up unprepared. There are a few things you’ll want to do to make sure you get the most out of your well visit in California.
Once you’ve scheduled a routine check-up with your health provider, take these steps to make sure you’re prepared for your visit:
Take note of any health issues you’re having, such as fatigue, dizziness, skin changes, lumps, anxiety, and more. You’ll also want to mention irregularities. For example, note if you’re sleeping less, your menstrual cycle has changed, or there are changes with your urine or stool. Write down any questions you have as well so you won’t forget. Your healthcare provider can assess any issues or irregularities and take steps to treat them before they can lead to bigger problems.
Speak with your family about their health issues (such as any chronic diseases they have and when they were diagnosed). You’ll want to provide this information to your healthcare provider. If necessary, your medical professional can formulate a preventive plan to help you maintain health and reduce the risk of disease.
You’ll want to ask about any vaccinations and screenings you should have based on your general health, family health history, and age. For example, it may be time for a tetanus shot, pap test, mammogram, or other vaccinations and screenings.
Routine wellness visits can identify health issues and take steps to prevent major health problems from developing. For more advice concerning women’s health, visit us at The Benefits Store today.
When you think of “disability,” there’s a good chance you think of a severe mental or physical condition that limits a person’s ability to function properly. However, disabilities range in severity and more people in California are disabled than you might realize. In fact, according to the CDC, roughly 25 percent of all Americans suffer from a disability.
Because disabilities affect so many and aren’t always understood, May was named Disability Insurance Month to help promote awareness about disabilities and disability insurance coverage.
The CDC defines a disability as any kind of mental or physical condition that makes it more difficult for a person to perform certain activities or to interact with their environment. Conditions can include disorders that affect your ability to move, see, hear, think, remember, learn, and communicate.
Essentially, conditions that impair the body’s physical or mental function or limits the ability to participate in an activity can be considered disabilities.
How a person develops a disability can vary as well. Some people are born with disabilities (for example, autism). Some develop disabilities as a result of another condition (such as muscular dystrophy or diabetes). Finally, some disabilities are the result of an accident (such as losing the function of an arm or leg due to a car accident).
The most common disability is that of mobility limitation, like difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Many senior citizens develop disabilities as they age, both mobility- and/or cognitive-related.
Suffering from a disability can make it difficult to work. On top of that, paying for the medical bills related to your condition can become incredibly expensive, especially if you’re out of work.
It’s why you should consider disability insurance. Disability insurance can ensure that you receive at least a partial income if you are disabled and unable to work.
For more information about health insurance in California, visit us at The Benefits Store today.
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