Today, women are 37% more likely than men to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and they account for more than half of COPD deaths each year.
Various foods generate intestinal gas. To identify the culprits, keep a detailed record of what you eat and when symptoms appear. Avoiding suspected foods and adding them back one by one can reveal one or more gas-forming culprits.
A high level of triglycerides in the bloodstream raises the risk of pancreatitis, heart disease, and stroke. Exercise, weight loss, and a healthier diet can lower triglycerides. Some individuals may need medication.
Many foods can hinder sleep. Spicy foods and some medications may cause heartburn. Foods with lactose may cause abdominal cramping. Products containing caffeine make it hard to fall asleep and cause sleep to be fragmented.
People who take a cholesterol-lowering statin are more likely to report muscle strains and sprains.
Knowing six numbers-your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference-can help you control risk factors for heart disease.
Even modest amounts of red meat increase the risk for developing heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes. Red meat should be an occasional food, no more than two servings a week, with a serving size between 1.5 and 3 ounces.
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 1 in 3 Americans, and doubles their risk of heart disease. More than 75% of people with hypertension also have high “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Annual doctor visits should not be skipped. It’s a good time to discuss new and bothersome symptoms, which may reveal a previously undiagnosed chronic disease, and to get annual screenings for diseases.
Alcohol can affect blood levels of beta blockers. If you drink alcohol in the evening and need a beta blocker, it’s a good idea to take a once-daily beta blocker in the morning to avoid this effect.