Staying Healthy Archive

Macular Degeneration

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• Have you noticed a change in vision in one eye or both?
• Do you have trouble reading, even with reading glasses?
• Do you have difficulty seeing fine details?
• Do you see a gray patch in the middle of the words when you read?
• Do straight vertical lines appear "wiggly" when you look at them?
• Is your side or peripheral vision affected?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have a family history of macular degeneration?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• The inside of your eye, using an ophthalmoscope (see p. 417)

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Referral to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) who will do a complete eye exam with drops to dilate your pupils.

Multiple Myeloma

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• Have you had any recent infections?
• Do you know when to call your doctor with symptoms of infection?
• Do you have pain in any of your bones? If so, is it constant, or does it occur only when you move?
• Have you had any recent fractures?
• Do you have pain in your spine? Does it radiate to another part of your body?
• Have you noticed a decrease in sensation or strength in your hands or feet?
• Have you had loss of bladder or bowel control?
• Do you know when to seek medical attention for back pain?
• Have you been fatigued?
• Have you been lightheaded?
• Have you been short of breath with minimal exertion?
• Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
• Do you bruise easily, or get nosebleeds?
• Have you been weak, nauseated, constipated, or confused?
• Have you had a headache or a change in your vision?
• Can you feel any lumps or masses under your skin?
• Are you aware of the possible complications that can develop from multiple myeloma?
• Do you know which symptoms should cause you to call your doctor?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Skin
• Heart
• Lungs
• Arms and legs
• Spine
• Neurology examination (to check for strength and sensation in your hands and feet)
• Lymph nodes (neck, axilla, and groin)

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Blood tests for complete blood count, electrolytes, kidney function, uric acid, calcium, and beta-2 microglobulin
• Serum protein electrophoresis or SPEP
• Urine protein electrophoresis or UPEP
• Quantitative immunoglobulin levels in the urine and blood
• Immunoelectrophoresis
• 24-hour urine collection for protein
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Skeletal radiographs
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• Have you had an echocardiogram?
• What did it show?
• Does your mitral valve leak?
• Do you get chest pain?
• What brings it on?
• How long does it last?
• What relieves it?
• Do you ever get a rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations) for no reason?
• How long does it last?
• Do you feel faint or develop chest pain or shortness of breath?
• Have you ever fainted?
• Do you get short of breath when you lie down or exert yourself?
• Have you ever taken any medications for your heart?
• Did you develop any side effects from these medications?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Heart rate, blood pressure, and weight
• Heart (sometimes while you are standing, squatting, or performing other maneuvers)
• Lungs

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Holter monitor or event monitor

Multiple Sclerosis

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• Do you have cloudy or double vision?
• Do you ever have eye pain or involuntary jumping of your vision?
• Do you have problems with clumsiness or poor coordination?
• Have you ever had numbness or tingling in your arms or legs? Tremors?
• Do you ever have hearing loss or vertigo?
• Do you have difficulty concentrating or problems with memory loss?
• Do you have any problems with bladder or bowel control?
• Do you have constipation?
• Do you have any family history of multiple sclerosis?
• Are you taking any medications?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Complete neurological exam focusing on reflexes, strength, gait, sensation, and vision

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Lumbar puncture for removal and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

With the advent of new treatments, a better smile is now within reach of more people. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is bleaching. The natural light ivory color of enamel can turn to yellow, orange, brown, gray—even blue or green. Causes of discoloration include staining from coffee or tobacco, injury that has damaged the pulp, ingestion of the antibiotic tetracycline or high levels of fluoride while the teeth are developing, corrosion from silver fillings, and the natural wearing away of the enamel with age.

Although many stains can be successfully removed with a bleaching technique, bleaching may be uncomfortable for people with sensitive teeth or an exposed root. Several different bleaching techniques are available.

The devastation left in the wake of recent natural disaster and terror attacks provides graphic evidence of just how destructive they can be. Residents can be forced to evacuate from their homes at a moment's notice in an atmosphere of panic and chaos, and many of them will not be able to return for months. In light of these potential disasters and their aftermath, it has become clear that preparation for the unknown is of the utmost importance.

No matter where you live in the United States, you are vulnerable to some sort of natural disaster such as a blizzard, earthquake, flood, hurricane, or tornado. In addition, terrorist attacks on America are also possible. Both natural disasters and terrorist attacks can disrupt power, communication, and transportation for days or even longer.

"Stand up straight." That's timeless advice we've probably all heard at one time or another. It's worth heeding. Good posture is important to balance: by standing up straight, you center your weight over your feet. This also helps you maintain correct form while exercising, which results in fewer injuries and greater gains. And working on balance can even strengthen your abilities in tennis, golf, running, dancing, skiing — and just about any other sport or activity.

Not an athlete? It still pays to have good balance. Just walking across the floor or down the block requires good balance. So do rising from a chair, going up and down stairs, toting packages, and even turning to look behind you.