Author: Tina Huynh
Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
Posted on July 3, 2024 by Tina Huynh
Regular exercise is an important component of living well. Adults who lead a more active lifestyle are more likely to live longer while decreasing the chances of becoming susceptible to serious illnesses and other health conditions.
What are some risk factors that are associated with not exercising regularly?
Adults who embrace a more sedentary and inactive lifestyle are more prone towards serious health problems. Overtime, the body’s metabolism would slow down, affecting the process of blood sugar and blood pressure regulation. If this continues, some health conditions that could developed includes diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.
What are some health benefits to exercising regularly?
Weight Management
Through staying active, the body starts to metabolize at an increasing rate which in turn would decreases the overall number of calories consumed. A higher metabolism when combined with a healthy diet could significantly improved the process of managing weight, thereby placing such individual at a healthy weight range.
Improved Cognitive Function
Both thinking skills and memory can be improved with regular exercise, as different studies have found that the parts of the brain which control thinking and memory are larger in volume for people who demonstrate a more active lifestyle.
Managing Other Health Risks
Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. When exercising regularly, the blood pressure is lower while improving the cholesterol levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, regular physical activity would be beneficial in that it would help control blood sugar levels while managing their conditions.
Strengthen Bones and Muscles
Bones, joints and muscles support the body movements and various daily activities. Hence it is important to keep the bones, joints and muscles healthy to prevent falls and injuries. Muscle strengthening activities such as weight liftings can help increase muscles mass and maintain strength.
References
Benefits of exercise. NHS Health Scotland. 30 Nov. 2022, https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/keeping-active/benefits-of-exercise/
Benefits of Physical Activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1August. 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20is%20one,ability%20to%20do%20everyday%20activities.
Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills. Harvard Health Publishing, 20October. 2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-can-boost-your-memory-and-thinking-skills
Gout
Posted on September 29, 2023 by Tina Huynh
What is gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden and severe pain attacks, tenderness of joints, redness and swelling. It mostly affects and target the joints under the big toe. Gout is more common among men and people of older age; however, it could also affect anyone.
What is the cause?
The main cause of gout is a build-up of a substance called uric acid in the blood. If this substance is not filter out of the system through the kidneys, it will result in an excess of uric acid, causing crystals to form in and around joints. These crystals inherently cause the joint to become inflame and painful.
Signs/Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of gout include:
- Inflammation: the affected joint or joints would become swollen and tender, the skin would appear shiny and red
- Intense joint pain: even though gout commonly targets the big toe, it could also affect any joints towards the ends of the limbs, such as the knees, ankles and fingers. The pain is most likely to be more severe and debilitating within the first four to 12 hours after it begins
- Discomfort and limited range of motion: after the sudden attack subsides, joint discomforts may remain from a few days to a few weeks. Range of motion are limited as joints are not able to move normally
How is gout diagnosed?
- Blood test: to measure the level of uric acid present in the blood
- Joint fluid test: by using a needle, the doctor may draw fluid from the affected joint. When placed under microscope examination, urate crystals may be identifiable
Treatment
- Medications use to treat severe gout attacks include colchicine and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Ice packs could also be used to relieve swelling and redness
- To prevent future attacks, a lifestyle change may be necessary which includes losing weight or changing one’s diet
References
“Gout.” Mayo Clinic, 16 Nov. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
“Gout.” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Feb. 2020, https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/gout