http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/rss/reports.html en-us © 2008 MediZine LLC. All rights reserved. customerservice@johnshopkinshealthalerts.com webmaster@iproduction.com Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:04:10 CST Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:04:10 CST IPS - www.iproduction.com One of the key markers for measuring heart attack risk has been elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. But heart experts are now all too aware that approximately half of the people who develop coronary heart disease (CHD) actually have normal or near normal LDL cholesterol levels. What's going on? In this article from the Johns Hopkins Heart Bulletin, Dr. Roger S. Blumenthal, Director of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of… http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/heart_health/3041-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 CST Are you at risk for vascular dementia? Johns Hopkins professor Lawrence Appel, M.D. explores the risk factors for vascular dementia, which often occurs after stroke.Since Ronald Reagan announced to the world in 1994 that he had Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease has been in the consciousness of many Americans. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, causing problems with thinking, memory, and speaking, but it's not the only kind of dementia. … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/hypertension_stroke/3168-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 CST Preosteoporosis, also known as osteopenia, refers to bones that are thinner than normal but aren't quite thin enough to be labeled osteoporosis. An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, but 34 million more -- 80% of them women -- may have osteopenia. The question for doctors: Should everyone with osteopenia be treated to ward off osteoporosis and fractures? If not, who really does need treatment and who can safely skip it? … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/back_pain_osteoporosis/3303-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 CST If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are exploring your treatment options, you've probably come across proton beam therapy (PBT) -- an increasingly popular form of external radiation treatment that promises fewer side effects. However, only a few centers offer it, and some experts don't believe it's superior to other advanced radiation treatments. Here's what you need to know. http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/prostate_disorders/3257-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 CST Thyroid problems can lead to a number of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue. But in older adults, thyroid disorders are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, because the symptoms resemble other conditions, says Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Editor of our Health After 50 newsletter and Professor of Medicine and Biological Chemistry at Johns Hopkins. Fortunately, tests are available to diagnose thyroid disorders -- and in most cases, effective treatment consists of a simple medication regimen. Here's what you should know … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/healthy_living/3317-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:55:11 CST Do you know what to do if your asthma symptoms are waking you up at night or when you're very short of breath and your quick-relief medicines don't help? If you are not completely sure, you're likely to benefit from an asthma action plan -- a key feature of newly updated guidelines issued by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/lung_disorders/3298-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:00 CDT yedrops are the most common treatment for glaucoma, a vision-threatening disorder that affects more than two million Americans. But for about 10% of patients, eyedrops are not sufficient. In those cases, laser therapy or surgery is usually recommended to prevent further vision loss. http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/vision/3251-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:00 CDT Having diabetes shouldn't get in the way if you want to see Paris, take a cruise, or simply spend time with your grandchildren in another state. Here's practical advice to help you travel safely with diabetes.First Stop: Your Doctor's Office: Schedule a visit with your physician some weeks before taking an extended trip. Be sure your regular vaccinations are up-to-date, and check on what medications or vaccinations are recommended before visiting certain parts of the… http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/diabetes/3299-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:00 CDT The average American makes more than 200 decisions about food every day, many of them subconscious. What's more, subtle and not-so-subtle cues from our surroundings often 'trap' us into eating 100–200 calories more a day than we need or want. The result: Slow but sure weight gain as we age. Here are 7 practical strategies to help you limit those extra calories. … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/nutrition_weight_control/3281-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:00:00 CDT According to the American Dental Association, teeth were 'designed' to last about 30 years. Decay and discoloration of teeth are the most obvious problems, but older adults face a variety of other age-related changes that can create a less youthful-looking smile. If you're considering a dental makeover, here's a rundown of available procedures and their costs. … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/healthy_living/3260-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:00:00 CDT Can constant stress literally cause a mood disorder? Possibly. Of course, not everyone with depression or anxiety has experienced a very stressful event -- such as the death of a loved one, moving to a new town, or losing a job. And not everyone who is under stress develops depression or anxiety. But stressful events may induce changes in brain chemistry that predispose you to depression and anxiety. … http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/depression_anxiety/3176-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:00:00 CDT If you're being treated for hypertension, your physician wants your blood pressure to reach certain goals. For most individuals, that goal is less than 140/90 mm Hg. For people with diabetes or kidney disease, the goal is even lower -- less than 130/80 mm Hg. Some people attain these goals while taking one or two blood pressure medications. Others need three. But when three drugs don't get your blood pressure to the target level, you… http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/hypertension_stroke/3166-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:00:00 CDT