There are a number of diseases that have become quite common over the past century, including skin cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. All of these typically strike quite hard and can even be fatal. They cause pain, grief, and worry not only to the patient, but also to their families and friends. However, we are not entirely vulnerable. By learning more about these diseases, we can also know how to prevent them from occurring. When we take active steps to stay healthy, we greatly minimize the risk of ever contracting these diseases. Browse through our guide to learn more and share the information with other people too.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is most commonly caused by lengthy, unprotected sun exposure. It can show up as bumps, lesions, nodules, or moles on the skin. If you ever notice any of these things on your skin where previously there was none, consult a doctor at once before it worsens. To prevent it, always use a good sunscreen and use a hat and sunglasses when you are outdoors. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 45 will provide adequate protection, but remember to reapply it after a couple of hours. If you can avoid being outdoors in the afternoon when the sun is at its highest point.
HIV and STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) come in several different forms. They include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and more. Many STDs primarily affect the reproductive organs, resulting in infection, sores, pain, or an unusual discharge. Other STDs can also affect the body’s immune system or other organs. To prevent them, always be fully aware of your partner’s sexual history and any diseases they may have. With a new partner, it is best for both of you to get checked for STDs. Always use protection during sex, such as condoms, and know how to use them properly. Since transmission of infected bodily fluids can pass on STDs, don’t share needles.
- An Overview of HIV – See how HIV is caused and how it can be prevented.
- HIV Medical Treatments – If the HIV virus has entered your body, medication administered immediately could help to prevent it from setting in.
- Preventing HIV (PDF) – In taking preventative measures against HIV, you protect yourself as well as those around you.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Read about the different kinds of STDs and how they affect the body.
- How to Prevent STDs – Using protection during sex and getting regularly checked are two ways of keeping STDs at bay.
Heart Disease
Among the main types of heart disease are heart attacks, heart defects or failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias. For most episodes of heart disease, common symptoms include chest pains and shortness of breath. A simple way to prevent heart disease is by living a healthy lifestyle regularly and consistently. This means maintaining a balanced diet, exercising sufficiently, and avoiding tobacco, excess alcohol, and other harmful chemicals. Even so, some heart disease may be due to genetics. Find out if your family has a history of heart disease and discuss it with your doctor.
- Heart Disease Facts – In the U.S., minorities are typically most at risk for episodes of heart disease.
- Types of Heart Disease – Familiarize yourself with the different forms of heart disease.
- Heart Disease Self-Test – Do an online test to find out whether you are at risk of developing heart disease and what you can do to improve your health.
- Preventing Heart Attacks – Regularly monitoring your levels of cholesterol and blood pressure is one way to stay alert to declines in heart health.
- A Healthy Lifestyle – Balanced diets, abstinence from smoking, and regular exercise can decrease the risk of heart disease.
Stroke
When the normal supply of blood that goes to the brain is interrupted, it causes a stroke. It is vital for the brain to receive that blood, and without that, it can start to shut down. Stroke is another disease that is cardiovascular. When someone starts to have a stroke, they usually find one side of their body is numb or unable to move normally. Additionally, they may have problems with vision, talking, and balance. In case of any of these warning signs, rush the person to the hospital right away. To prevent a stroke, attend an annual physical checkup and maintain a consistently healthy lifestyle in terms of exercise, diet, and abstinence from tobacco.
- An Introduction to Strokes – Review what a stroke is and how it is brought on.
- Stroke Symptoms – People who begin to have a stroke display certain symptoms early on when it is still possible to save their lives and avoid permanent brain damage.
- Stroke Questionnaire – Complete an online questionnaire to assess your risk of having a stroke.
- Stroke Treatments – Treatments for a stroke vary greatly depending on its severity and time factors.
- Preventing a Stroke – As with heart disease, a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring of your body can help to prevent strokes from occurring.
Lung Disease
Lung diseases are so varied that they can be brought on in many different ways. Some lung diseases like lung cancer or bronchitis are due to smoking or prolonged exposure in areas that are heavily polluted. Others, like tuberculosis and pneumonia are brought on by bacteria or viral infections in the lungs. The most common symptom of lung disease is that the victim may have trouble breathing normally. They may also have a hacking cough. To prevent lung disease, avoid exposure to smoke, asbestos, pollen, allergens, and other such irritants. Keep an air filtration machine at home to avoid indoor air pollution. Good hygiene can prevent bacteria from being introduced to our systems, while regular exercise like running or swimming will strengthen the lungs.
- Lung Cancer – This site offers numerous resources on lung cancer, including its treatments, prevention, statistics, and further literature.
- Types of Lung Disease – There are many forms of lung disease, from asthma, to bronchitis, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis.
- Preventing Lung Disease (PDF) – Avoiding certain hazards like smoking and heavily polluted areas are important steps in preventing lung disease.
- Respiratory Health – Regular exercise is also important in boosting lung strength.
- Pneumonia Prevention – Learn about the various steps to prevent pneumonia in adults and children.
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