Healthy Geezer: Heartburn caused by a variety of situations and irritants

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 09 March 2010 20:07

Q I’m getting heartburn a lot since I turned 60. Is more heartburn something that comes with more years?

 

AMore than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly.

Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. See a doctor if you have heartburn too often. The doctor can test for GERD.

In the upper GI series, you swallow a liquid barium mixture. Then a radiologist watches the barium as it travels down your esophagus and into the stomach. Another test is an endoscopy, in which a small lighted flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus and stomach.

GERD makes...

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Arrival of spring weather could lead to chronic pain issues

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 March 2010 20:05

There are a lot of activities that we all love to do that require repetitive motion. Tennis is a popular sport for all ages, and a game that can be played over a lifetime. But for people suffering from joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the repeated swinging motions required for a good volley can drive them off the court. We all know the feeling that comes with the first great day of spring. When the sun is shining, the air smells sweet and fresh and the temperatures are warm, we all feel the urge to get outside and throw off the confinement of the winter months.

Whether you’re an avid athlete, a dedicated gardener or someone who’s been meaning to get started on an exercise program, the arrival of spring is one sure way to get you moving.

No one is immune from the desire to get outdoors and do something active while enjoying the weather—and that includes people with chronic pain issues.

Whether you’re dealing with arthritis or trying to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, the threat of pain is one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome for...

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Follow mom’s advice to stay healthy as spring nears

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 February 2010 20:08

To ward off those winter-to-springtime change-of-season sniffles, think back to what your mom told you: Eat right, go to bed early and to stop touching everything. In many areas of the country, the snow and wintry conditions will linger into spring. And yes, the risk of contracting colds, especially those “change-of-season” colds, will arise.

When cold weather hits, you prepare your house by checking the furnace and making sure your car has the proper fluids. “Winterization” applies to your car, your house and your body.

To ward off those winter-to-springtime change-of-season sniffles, think back to what your mom told you: Eat right, go to bed early and to stop touching everything.

Her advice has apparently withstood the test of time. Carl Wurster, chair of the Allied Health Department at Brown Mackie College-Boise, provides us with 10 tips on ways you can stay healthy the remainder of...

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‘Floaters’ are normal in most cases and no reason for concern

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 09 February 2010 20:07

Q I’ve been noticing this thing in my eye. At first I thought it was an eyelash. Then I realized the thing was actually in my eye. One of my friends told me it’s a “floater” and not to worry. What exactly is a “floater” and should I see a doctor?

 

ATo allay any fears you may have, I should tell you that floaters are usually nothing to worry about. I have them myself. More than seven in 10 people experience floaters. Now for some biology.

The lens in the front of your eye focuses light on the retina in the back of your eye. The lens is like the one in a camera, and the retina is like film. The space between the lens and retina is filled with the “vitreous,” a clear gel that helps to maintain the shape of the...

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