Archive for Know Symptoms
Symptoms of blood cancer
Posted by: | CommentsRecognize the potential signs and symptoms of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. These signs and symptoms can result from several medical conditions. if any are pesent and are unexplained or persistent, discuss them with your doctors. Sometimes they are indicators of a blood cancer.
-Unexplained anemia
- Escessive bleeding
- Chronic fatigue
- Recurrent fever
- Unexplained back or bone pain
- Pain in joints or bones
- Recurrent infection
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Weakness
- Easy bruising
Avoid Chronic Exposure to Certain Chemicals – Studies have established a causal relationship between acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic exposure to benzene. Federal and state governments regulate benzene exposure in occupational settings.
Studies have suggested that exposure to some chemical ingredients in herbicides and pesticides may be associated with an increased incidence of lymphoma but this has not been established unequivocally. these chemicals should be used with care or applied by professionals experienced in their application.
All inquiries regarding this information should be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 800-462-7831 or visit www.L.L.S..org’mail. If you know anyone with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, have them call 800-955-4572 for patient services.
Risk factors for blood clots
Posted by: | CommentsRisk factors for blood clots from the National Blood Clot Alliance (www.natt.org) are as follows:
High Risk
Hospitalization, major surgery such as abddominal/pelvic surgery, knee or hip replacement, major trauma such as an auto accident or fall, nursing home living, leg paralysis.
Moderate risk
Older than age 65; trips by plane, car, train, bus, over four hours; active cancer/chemotherapy; bone fracture or cast; birth control pills, patch,ring; hormone replacement therapy; pregnancy or recently gave birth; prior blood clot or family history of clot; heart failure; bed rest over three days; obesity; genetic/hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorder.
Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clot in leg)
Swelling, usually in one leg; leg pain or tenderness; reddish or bluish skin discoloration; leg warm to touch.
The symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a ”’Charlie horse,” but may also differ in that the leg may be swollen, slightly discolored and warm. Contact yor doctor if you have these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary empobism (PE, blood clot that travels to your lungs)
Sudden shortness of breath; chest pain – sharp stabbing, may get worse with deep breath; rapid heart rate; unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus.
Go to an emergency department immediately to be diagnosed and treated.
Reference: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2008.
May is Stroke Awareness Month
Posted by: | CommentsCrebrovascular Disease (stroke) is the fourth leading cause of death in Dare County. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age. National Stroke Awareness Month (May) is a great time to learn about the risk factors of stroke as well as signs and symptoms of this “brain attach“, which is the leading cause of adult disability.
There are several risk factors that may be controllable in order to prevent the occurrence of a stroke. Hypertension (high blood pressure). poor diet, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and obesity are a few of the leading causes of stroke. Families can reduce their risks by developing healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet and getting physical activity daily.
In addition, developing healthy lifestyle habits, recognizing symptoms and taking quick steps to get medical attention can save your life and limit disabilities. The National Stroke Association identifies the following as the warning signs of stroke:
– Sudden numbness of weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
– Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
– Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
– Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
– Sudden severe headache with no known cause
A siimple test to help detect stroke symptoms follows;
– F = FACE – Ask the person to smile. Does the side of the face droop?
– A = ARM – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
– S = SPEECH – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
– T = TIME – If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1. Every second counts.
For more information on how to develop healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of stroke, contact Laura Willingham, health education supervisor, at the Dare County Department of Public Health at 475-5079.