Stroke is the third leading cause of death and it is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. What makes it particularly scary is that it can occur suddenly and in such a way that the person having the stroke may be unaware that there is anything seriously wrong.
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40…45…50.
Age 40: Baseline PSA blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE). If PSA < 1.0 and DRE is unremarkable, no need to re-screen until 45.
Age 45: Men with family history of prostate cancer, or African-American men should have yearly PSA & DRE.
Age 50: All men should have yearly PSA & DRE.
This is prostate cancer screening at its simplest. If nothing else, men should have discussions with their physicians at 40, 45, and 50, and proceed as advised.
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Springtime in the Bay Area always brings a typical surge in hay fever. Adults note itchy eyes and noses with congestion. Children get puffy, cough, and rub their eyes and noses (even though many will tell you they feel fine). People of all ages with asthma begin wheezing again, and many people start scheduling an appointment to been seen by a doctor. In the last few weeks, the allergies have seemed particularly severe here in the Bay Area, and I have seen many patients each day with symptoms triggered from their allergies.
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As your teen becomes more independent and increasingly ventures out into the big, wide world, what’s the best way to make sure he or she stays safe? There’s one simple but invaluable step parents can take – talk regularly with your teen. Research shows that teens who talk to their parents about difficult issues such as alcohol, drugs and other risks, make safer choices. Although talking about sensitive topics with your teen is easier if you started these types of conversations when your child was young, it’s never too late to begin the dialog.
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Welcome to the new Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) blog. We hope this new space creates a forum to share health information with the community in new and interesting ways. Our physicians and staff look forward to providing perspective, health tips and sharing with you. Please check back often because we will regularly post articles on a variety of health topics – designed to keep you and your family informed, educated and ready to be active partners in your health and health care team!
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Research has shown that not getting enough sleep can have a negative effect on your health. Lack of sleep may lead to weight gain over time, and it may be a factor in developing high blood pressure. Poor sleep can also impair thinking, reaction time and mood. Your individual sleep needs may vary, but most people require between seven and eight hours of sleep every night.
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As I tell my elderly patients each day, it is never too late to reap the benefits of regular exercise. The health benefits of exercise continue throughout life, and the golden years of retirement should not equate with a sedentary life. No matter how long it has been since you exercised, or how old you are, you can find an appropriate exercise to boost your fitness, energy and overall well-being.
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Planning ahead for an emergency such as a fire or an earthquake can mean the difference between coping with disaster and falling victim to it. If a natural disaster struck today, would you be ready?
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