Demo Hospital

Does anyone in your family smoke? If they do, they’re making your asthma worse. Not only that, but secondhand smoke can actually CAUSE asthma in children! Make sure you and your kids stay away from anyone who smokes, and avoid smoky rooms.

Do you know what triggers your asthma attacks? For most people, it’s an allergic reaction to substances like cockroach or pet dander, dust mites, cold air, perfume or other irritants. Other triggers include mold, smoke, exercise, even stress or strong emotions. Make a list of your triggers and how you can avoid them.

Were you born between Jan. 1, 1946 and Dec. 31, 1964? If so, you’re in good company: 78 million baby boomers live in the US. And every day, beginning Jan. 1, 2011, more than 10,000 baby boomers will reach the age of 65. That will continue to happen for the next 19 years. If you—or your parents—are in this aging population, what health concerns do you have?

Do you have diabetes? Your A1c (avg. blood glucose for previous 2-3 months) should be below 7, your blood pressure below 130/80, and LDL cholesterol below 100 to give yourself the best chance of avoiding common complications of diabetes, such as heart and kidney disease. Have your A1c checked at least twice a year, your blood pressure at every doctor visit, and your cholesterol annually. Do you know your numbers?

Butterflies in your stomach are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. What are some others? Rapid breathing, fast or irregular heart rate, sweating, twitching or trembling, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain or diarrhea, dry mouth or difficulty swallowing, even frequent urination. What physical symptoms do YOU get with anxiety?

Did you know that there are 3 main types of diabetes? Type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys cells that make insulin; type 2 is related to weight, diet and physical activity; and the third type, gestational diabetes, occurs during pregnancy.

When do anxious feelings represent an anxiety disorder? In addition to feelings of worry, fear or dread, those with anxiety disorder may also have difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability or short temper, sexual difficulties, sleeping disorders or nightmares. Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Effective treatments are available.

When do anxious feelings represent an anxiety disorder? In addition to feelings of worry, fear or dread, those with anxiety disorder may also have difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability or short temper, sexual difficulties, sleeping disorders or nightmares. Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Effective treatments are available.

If you, or a loved one, were having a heart attack, would you know it? The top 5 symptoms of a heart attack are: (1) Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. (2) Chest pain or discomfort. (3) Pain or discomfort in arms, shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach. (4) Shortness of breath. (5) Cold sweat, nausea.