Medical Minutes

According to the Center for Diseases Control, one in every eight babies in the United States is born prematurely, before 37 weeks. In 2009, 35 percent of infant deaths were related to prematurity. Premature birth is a leading cause of long term health and neurologic disabilities. It is often difficult to predict which mother is likely to delivery early. In fact, the precipitating cause of early labor in nearly half of preterm births is unknown.

When the occasional headache strikes, we typically reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or a combination headache remedy that contains caffeine. However, too much of a good thing can be a real headache for some. The overuse or misuse of pain relievers can cause you to ‘rebound’ into another headache when the pain reliever begins to wear off.

Approximately 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime and those who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with colon cancer are at an increased risk. In fact, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US.

With four million acres of designated wilderness and more whitewater river miles than any state in the lower 48, Idaho’s forests, deserts, mountains and rivers attract thousands of local residents and visitors each year. The vast terrain, often remote and sparsely populated, boosts some of the most outstanding scenery, fishing and recreational opportunities in the US, yet it is also the site of many accidents, emergencies and rescues. Planning, packing and preparedness can make the difference between life and death when adventuring in the outdoors.

Month in and month out, the top two mechanism of injury, or causes of traumatic injuries, are motor vehicles crashes and falls. The bad news is that these two causes account for the majority of significant injuries in our area. The good news is that they can often be prevented.

The hand, one of the most flexible parts of the human skeleton, is an intricate instrument that is both tough and delicate. Our hands help us to experience and control the world around us and hence, enable us to work and care for others and ourselves. However, when our hands, wrists or upper extremities do not function properly, daily activities such as driving a car, typing or cooking can be difficult and painful. It is estimated that over 30-40 million adults in the United States have some pain in the upper extremities.

Many women recognize hot flashes and night sweats as symptoms of menopause, but thousands of women are unaware of another common problem - dry eyes. According to reported data, more than 3 million American women suffer from dry eyes, with the condition affecting two to three times more women than men. In fact, a menopausal woman’s amount of tears can decrease by as much as 60 percent, as compared to the amount produced at age 18.

June is the perfect time to dust off the tackle box, take a vacation, and celebrate Father’s Day. Of course, June is also the time to celebrate men as it is designated National Men’s Health Month. As we focus on prevention and the importance of annual screenings and routine health visits, we too encourage men to man up, take a personal health inventory, and create a plan to improve their health.

It is important for each of us to be reminded of the five most common signs and symptoms of stroke, what to do when the classic signs are present and, of course, how to prevent stroke. Anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age can suffer a stroke.