Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bone health and density. Bones are constantly breaking down and replacing themselves like other living tissues do. When suffering from osteoporosis, bones can’t replace all of the tissue that breaks down, causing them to weaken significantly. At first, osteoporosis doesn’t have any symptoms. The only way to find out whether you’re showing early signs of the disease is to have your bone density measured by a medical professional. Later on in the disease, once the bones have been significantly weakened, symptoms can include:

• Bone fractures, especially one caused by normally non-threatening actions, like a small fall or bending or twisting of the body.  
• Fractured or collapsed vertebra (causes back pain)
• A stooped or curved posture
• Decrease in height

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately. Even if you have no symptoms, it is extremely important to schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor about your chance of having osteoporosis and about having your bone density measured, since older adults are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis. Other high risk factors include:

• Having a smaller body frame
• Having a family history of the disease, especially if a parent or sibling suffers from it
• Being of Caucasian or Asian descent
• Being a women, since loss of estrogen after menopause causes bones to weaken
• Having pre-existing thyroid or other gland problems
• Suffering from dietary issues such as low calcium intake, an eating disorder, or having gastrointestinal surgery
• Long-term usage of medications such as oral or injected corticosteroid medications, and certain medications that treat seizures, gastric reflux, cancer, or transplant rejection
• Suffering from medical conditions such as cancer, kidney or liver disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis

Prevention

Osteoporosis prevention is all about eating well and keeping a healthy lifestyle. A few prevention tips are:

• Incorporating extra protien, vitamin D and calcium into your diet, all of which aid bone health.
• Maintaining an appropriate weight that is neither overweight nor underweight. While those with thinner frames are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, recent studies have linked wider frames to increased chances in arm and wrist fractures.
• Engaging regularly in exercise that helps minimize bone loss and strengthen bone health. Strength exercise helps upper body bone health (e.g.: exercising with weights), weight bearing exercises for lower body bone health (e.g.: walking, jogging, etc.), and balance exercises help with preventing falls (e.g.: tai chi, yoga, etc.)

What Are The Thyroid Glands?

The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s Apple. The gland produces hormones that affect the metabolism. The thyroid is extremely important, maintaining the body’s heart, temperature, protein production, and usage of fats and carbohydrates. Problems with one’s thyroid can result in thyroid disease, which is an umbrella term for any complication caused by the thyroid.

Here, we go over one of the most common thyroid problems: underactive thyroids.

Symptoms

Also called Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid occurs when the thyroid produces less hormones than usual. This can be caused by a number of pre-existing conditions, like autoimmune disease, medications, treatments such as radiation therapy, and prior thyroid surgery.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning hair
• Slowed heart rate
• Depression
• Impaired memory

Hypothyroidism symptoms can start slowly, and can go unnoticed at first. It is important to visit a doctor as soon as you start experiencing multiple symptoms. The longer an underactive thyroid goes untreated, the more severe the symptoms become. When left untreated, underactive thyroids can lead to: goiters, heart problems, depression,  peripheral neuropathy, and other life-threatening health issues. Underactive thyroids can only be diagnosed and treated by professionals.

People who are at the highest risk of developing hypothyroidism are women over 60, people with autoimmune disease, those with a family history of thyroid disease, those who received radiation therapy, and those who have received thyroid surgery.  

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an umbrella term for multiple eye conditions caused by damage to the optic nerve inside the eye. Although each condition varies in causes and symptoms, all can lead to permanent eye damage, including partial and complete blindness in one or both eyes. In fact, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the US, especially among seniors. Approximately 15% of people with untreated glaucoma become blind in one or both eyes. Knowing the types of glaucoma and the symptoms and signs are essential in catching the condition early on.

Causes & Symptoms

Elevated eye pressure is one of the leading causes of glaucoma. Eye pressure occurs when the fluid that is normally drained from the eye is overproduced, causing the fluid to build up, which causes pressure. But, while those with elevated eye pressure are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, not everyone with eye pressure will develop it. Additionally, you do not need to have elevated eye pressure in order to be affected by glaucoma. Those at the highest risk include:

• People with a family history of glaucoma
• People over 60
• Those suffering from other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell, and high blood pressure
• Those with other eye conditions such as eye pressure or far or nearsightedness
• Those who have had prior eye injuries or surgeries.

Although different types of glaucoma cause varying symptoms in either one or both eyes, the most telling sign of glaucoma are patchy blind spots that happen to the side or central vision, and the loss of one peripheral (side) vision, also known as tunnel vision. These symptoms, generally, occur during the later stages of the disease.

Types

Different types of glaucoma include:

Open angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, and is caused by building pressure in the eye, which gradually damages the optic nerve. This type of glaucoma begins with no symptoms, and can go unnoticed until eyesight begins to worsen.

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angled glaucoma, happens when drainage in the eye is blocked, causing the fluid to build up and create pressure. Angle-closure can happen in two ways, either suddenly (known as acute angle-closure) or gradually (known as chronic angle-closure). Symptoms can include:

• Eye pain
• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Eye redness
• Halos or flares around light

If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged due to unknown causes, without the buildup in eye pressure.

Pigmentary glaucoma is caused by pigment from the iris draining and blocking other fluid from draining from the eye.

Glaucoma has no cure. Because it shows little to no symptoms during its earliest stages, it’s important to receive regular checkups with an eye doctor to catch any early detections of the disease. Early detection can help treat and prevent any further eye damage.  

What Are The Thyroid Glands?

The thyroid is the butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The gland produces hormones that affect the metabolism. The thyroid is extremely important, maintaining the body’s heart, temperature, protein production, and usage of fats and carbohydrates. Problems with one’s thyroid can result in thyroid disease, which is an umbrella term for any complication caused by the thyroid.

Here, we go over one of the most common thyroid problems: Overactive thyroids.

Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is caused by the thyroid overproducing hormones. This causes the metabolism to work faster than it’s meant to. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same or even increase
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations)
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
• Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
• Sweating
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
• Fatigue, muscle weakness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Skin thinning
• Fine, brittle hair

(Source: Mayo Clinic)

Symptoms can vary depending on the person. Older adults tend to experience less severe symptoms, sometimes showing little to no symptoms. Symptoms such as fatigue, increased heart rate, and higher body temperature can easily be mistaken for other health issues.

Overactive thyroids can be caused by preexisting conditions, including graves’ disease, toxic adenoma, Plummer disease (toxic multinodular goiter) and thyroiditis(x). The disease is more common in women and in people with a family history of thyroid disease.

Hyperthyroidism can only be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If you start experiencing any symptoms, consult with your doctor immediately. If untreated, overactive thyroid can result in heart disease, osteoporosis, eye problems, red, swollen skin and thyrotoxic crisis.

Among seniors, depression is the most common mood disorder. It often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to the stigma that it is not a real disorder. Depression is very real, and should never be ignored. Here, we go over the types, symptoms, causes, and effects of depression.

Depression is the feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and apatheticness. The difference between feeling sad and feeling depressed, is that depression lasts for long periods of time, from anywhere between a few weeks to several years. It inevitably will affect a person’s life, including their personal relationships and job performance. The main types of depression are:

Major Depression, which is the most common depressive disorder. It lasts for two weeks or longer, and can cause a person to experiences four or more of the following symptoms:

• Ongoing feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
• Insomnia / difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of fatigue or tiredness
• Feelings of irritability
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions
• Thoughts of death and/or suicide
• Suicide attempts
• Physical symptoms that do not respond to normal treatments, such as headaches, digestive issues, aches, cramps, or pain.

Persistent Depressive Disorder or PDD, is a form of depression that lasts for over two years. PDD shares the same symptoms as major depression, and can include episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder (formerly manic depression) is not as common as major depression or PDD, and is the experience of extreme mood cycles that go from intense highs (manic) to severe lows (depression).

Depression has several underlying causes, including genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Depression can be genetic, with people with a history of depression in their family having higher risks of suffering from depression. But, this is not always the case. Depression can also be caused by trauma or stress (e.g. the recent death of a loved one, financial issues, etc.), or depression can occur with no obvious causes or triggers.

In the same way one would go to the doctor when sick, people with depression should seek help from a professional. If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a certified psychiatrist. Many clinics and senior centers also have attending psychiatrists and therapists on site who are willing to help those in need. If you or someone you know is showing signs of suicidal behavior (talking about death, planning their own death, etc.) contact the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit Suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic disease that causes rough, raised patches on the skin. It is an autoimmune disease, which means it is caused by the immune system. People suffering from psoriasis develop an overabundance of skin cells, which causes build-up. Symptoms can include:

• Itching, burning, or stinging
• Red patches of skin
• Cracked or scaly skin
• Stiff or swollen joints
• Abnormal nail growth (including pitted, ridged, thick, or discolored nails)

Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, but most commonly appears on the scalp, elbows and knees. If you are experiencing any symptoms of psoriasis, visit your primary doctor or a dermatologist. Over-the-counter products will not cause psoriasis symptoms to disappear, so it is important to speak with your physician.  

Types of Psoriasis

There are several different types of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis, which is the most common type, is distinguished by the swollen red patches that appear on the skin. The patches are often covered with dead skin cells, causing it to have a white, scaly appearance. It most often appears on the outside of the knees and elbows, the scalp, face, lower back, palms, and feet soles.

Guttate Psoriasis is most common in kids and young adults, but it can still flair up later on in life. It causes small, red dots to appear on the skin that can appear by the hundreds. It flairs up most often on the torso, arms and legs, but can also appear on the scalp, face, and ears. Guttate can be triggered by infections, certain drugs, skin injuries, or stress, and can occur simultaneously to other forms of psoriasis.  

Inverse (or Intertriginous) Psoriasis symptoms can also occur at the same time as other psoriasis symptoms. Unlike other forms of psoriasis, inverse psoriasis symptoms include red patches on the skin that are smooth and shiny. They appear in body folds, like in the armpits, the groin, below breasts, and skin folds. Because of the constant rubbing and sweating, the patches tend to be extremely sensitive and irritated.

Pustular Psoriasis causes small, white, pus-filled blisters to appear surrounded by red skin. It can be triggered by a number of causes, including  medications, UV light, outside irritants, infections, and stress.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most uncommon form of psoriasis. Symptoms include widespread redness and shedding on the body, skin appearing burned, severe pain and itching, increases and decreases in body temperature. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be fatal, and can be triggered by sun burn, medications, infections, steroid usage, alcoholism, and stress. If you or someone you know are showing any symptoms get medical help immediately.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or an IBD. Affecting around 780,000 Americans, the disease causes inflammation in the bowel tissue of the digestive tract. Symptoms can vary, but generally include:

• Abdominal Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent need to use the bathroom
• Constipation
• Feeling of incomplete bowel removal

Less common symptoms can also include:

• Fever and fatigue
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Night Sweats
• Inflammation of skin, eyes, joints, liver or bile ducts

The causes of Crohn’s Disease are still unknown. People with a family history of the disease are more likely to suffer from it. Those with parents, siblings, or children affected by the disease are at highest risk.

The types of Crohn’s Disease are dependant on which part of the tract is affected. The different types include:

Ileocolitis, which affects the ends of both the small and large intestines. Commonly, people experience cramping, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen, and can experience weight loss.

Ileitis, which affects only the small intestines, shares the same symptoms as Ileocolitis.

Jejunoileitis causes inflammation in random parts of the upper half of the small intestine. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pains, and cramps, especially after eating.

Gastroduodenal affects the small intestine and the stomach, and can cause nausea, vomiting, loss and appetite and weight loss.

Crohn’s (Granulomatous) Colitis causes rectal bleeding and diarrhea, and affects the colon.

Those who have Crohn’s Disease can experience symptoms irregularly. The disease is chronic, and has no cure. It cannot be self-diagnosed, and can only be diagnosed by a professional. If you have experienced any of the major symptoms listed above, visit your doctor immediately.