Month: April 2024

Every day, we encounter hundreds of chemicals from a wide variety of sources — the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the personal products we use, and other items we touch and use at work, school, and in our homes.  Some of these common chemicals may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer, researchers say. But it’s hard to know exactly how much of a difference they make in your risk.  No chemicals in personal care products that are currently on the market have been proven to cause breast cancer. But some people, including ... Read more

By Edi Mesa, as told to Hallie Levine I was diagnosed with COPD about 6 years ago at the age of 22. I battled sarcoma lung cancer in my teens, which damaged my lungs. But finding out I had COPD was more shattering. I could hide cancer, but I couldn’t hide my COPD. I always saw myself sky diving and hiking, but the reality is that something as simple as a long car ride can take a toll on me and lead to bedrest for several days. But I’ve also found that certain lifestyle changes can give me relief from ... Read more

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you’re probably no stranger to flares. These are sudden attacks where breathing and coughing symptoms get worse and stay that way. You could end up in the hospital if you don’t get treatment. If they’re not treated, they can lead to hospitalization and possibly death. But if you take steps to address symptoms early and find ways to minimize triggers, you can dramatically lower your risk of flares, says David Mannino, MD, chair of the Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health  at the University of Kentucky. Follow these tips: Learn the ... Read more

By Jean Rommes, as told to Kendall Morgan I knew in 1985 that I probably had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I first came across the condition in an article, looked it up, and discovered I had all the classic symptoms. But I didn’t do anything about it until 2000, when I finally went to my primary care doctor about it. I always knew I was more short of breath than other people. A spirometry test, which measures how much you can breathe in and out, showed my lungs were only working at 37%. I had a definitive diagnosis of ... Read more

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be easy to miss when it starts. That’s because you might not have any symptoms. But over time, you may start to cough a lot or feel short of breath when you’re active. Mild COPD might not seem like a big deal. But it’s important to act early. “If we think about overall management goals, we’re trying to both minimize symptoms but also prevent disease progression,” says Carolyn Rochester, MD, medical director of the Yale COPD Program. “This is of particular importance for people with mild COPD.” There’s no cure, but lifestyle changes and ... Read more

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are among the 1 in 5 Americans who live in a rural area, you may face challenges in getting the care you need because of where you live. The first step is to work with your primary care doctor to find specialists with experience in treating your type of cancer at the stage at which it was diagnosed. Once you know who could treat your cancer, then come other considerations: How you will get to appointments Where you will stay when you’re at a cancer facility for treatment How you will ensure you ... Read more

With spring underway, now is the time to start filling up your wardrobe with floaty dresses for the warmer months ahead. Marks and Spencer has made it easy for us to stay stylish when the temperatures rise with plenty of stunning new-in pieces – including this V-Neck Midi Waisted Wrap Dress, £39.50. The high-street favourite has already been receiving praise for its breezy, stylish number, which comes in a regular fit. A tie closure at the waist creates a lovely silhouette, while short puffed sleeves add a bit of volume to the style. There’s also a tiered frilled hem at ... Read more

When you get chemotherapy for breast cancer, you’ll very likely run low on white blood cells called neutrophils. Doctors call this neutropenia. It’s a normal part of going through chemo. With neutropenia, you’re more likely to get infections and fever. That’s because neutrophils are part of your body’s front-line immune response. So with fewer of them available to fight off threats, you’re more vulnerable. Keep in mind that neutropenia is a temporary side effect of chemo – and you can take simple precautions to help avoid catching an infection. Do these things to help protect yourself: Get all your vaccinations ... Read more

She said: “Entering this year, the US has staged more than 80 rounds of military drills with its lackeys and those individually staged by the ROK puppets total more than 60. This evidently shows who the arch criminals straining the regional situation are. “We will continue to build up our overwhelming and most powerful military muscle to defend our sovereignty and security and regional peace. No one can break our determination.” The same day, the North Korean Foreign Ministry spoke out against the US’s criticism of its nuclear missile exercise which saw multiple rockets fired into waters off the peninsular’s ... Read more

When LJ Ingram was taking care of her aging parents, she thought about what she and her wife wanted for their future. “We prefer to enjoy our senior years with less worry” and with fewer concerns for their children to shoulder, says Ingram, 69.  Millions of American families can relate. By 2030, all baby boomers will be over age 65 and 1 in 5 Americans will be considered an older adult, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Not far behind them, the oldest Gen Xers turn 59 this year. And with aging often come decisions about where to live. Something ... Read more