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Overview Diabetes can lead to problems with your feet. Loss of feeling in your feet can make it easy to miss an injury. And poor blood circulation can let a small infection turn into a major issue. So let's learn about proper foot care. The Basics First, take care of the basics. Wash your feet in warm water every day, but don't soak them. Dry them well. Use lotion on the tops and soles. Use powder between your toes. And keep your toenails trimmed and filed. Don't walk barefoot. Instead, wear socks and s...
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Overview As you get older, your bones may get weaker. This is called "osteoporosis." Weak bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in women. Causes Your body is always rebuilding your bones. When bone cells get old, they break down and get replaced. But as you age, your body can't keep up. Old bone breaks down faster than it can be replaced. Your bones gradually lose some of their strength. If they get too weak, you are said to have osteoporosis. Ri...
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Overview This is an inflammation of your appendix. Appendicitis can be severely painful. Without proper treatment, it can lead to a life-threatening infection. Anatomy The appendix is a tube-like pouch connected to your large intestine. Its purpose is not fully understood. It may play a role in fighting infection. It may be a remnant from our evolutionary past. It can be removed without causing harm to your body. Causes Appendicitis is commonly caused by a blockage that seals your appendix from the rest...
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Overview We all worry sometimes about stressful things in life. But if you have this disorder, you have extreme, chronic anxiety. You can't control it. You worry about things even when you know you shouldn't. This can make it hard for you to relax and feel happy. Causes We don't know exactly what causes this disorder to develop. It may involve several parts of your brain. Generalized anxiety disorder can run in families. It tends to start slowly during the teen or young adult years. Symptoms The symptom...
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Overview This is the most common form of cancer. We often see it on skin that gets a lot of sun. This includes your head, face, neck, arms and hands. Anyone can get skin cancer. But it's more common in people who have fair skin, red or blonde hair and lightcolored eyes. Causes Cancer forms because of a mutation in a cell's DNA. This is the blueprint that tells cells how to grow and function. DNA can mutate on its own. It can also mutate because of something that affects it. Repeated exposure to natural ...
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Overview We all know regular exercise is great for our health. It can helps us feel better physically and mentally. Let's take a moment to learn about the many ways it improves our lives. Weight management First, physical activity helps you control your weight. Active people who eat healthy tend to weigh less than those who don't. But the amount of exercise you need to maintain or lower your weight varies from person to person. So if you're trying to lose weight, talk to your doctor. They will create a ...
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Overview Did you remember to take your pills this morning? Wait, do you take the oval pill with food, or without? It's easy to make a mistake with your medications if you aren't organized. But relax, these tips will help you manage your medications with no worries. Do your research First, know what you're taking. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about each medication. Learn when and how you're supposed to take them. Ask about how your drugs may interact with each other. Get organized Next, get organize...
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Overview As you handle the demands of your work and daily life, it's normal to feel stress. Stress can help you focus. It can help you reach your goals. But constant stress is bad for your health. Causes Stress can have many causes. You may be stressed because of money or relationship problems. You may feel stress because of physical issues like pain or a poor diet. Stress can also be linked to smoking, drinking or caffeine. Symptoms Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones. They can affect yo...
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Overview If you've recently experienced a major change in your life, you may struggle emotionally. Things like the death of a loved one, a move to a new town or a retirement can all trigger feelings of loss. Loss can be painful and overwhelming. But there are ways to cope with these feelings. Be honest First, be honest with people. Don't pretend you're OK when you're not. If you're struggling, let people know so they can help you. Expressing your feelings is an important part of dealing with loss. Take ...
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Overview Deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot that can develop when you sit still for long periods. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions that make the blood clot more easily. You can take precautions to reduce your risk for developing this dangerous condition. Keep Moving First, move your legs frequently. Don't sit still for extended periods. Don't sit with your legs crossed. If you are traveling in a car, make frequent stops so you can get out and walk around. If you are travelin...