Here is health information that previously appeared on our homepage:

May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month
Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because it thins and weakens bones without showing symptoms until bone loss has progressed to an advanced stage. It affects both men and women, although women are at greater risk.

Prevention can begin at any age, ideally in the teen years. Make sure that you get your recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D and avoid smoking.

Early detection is easy. If you are more than 45 years old, ask your doctor if you should have a bone density scan to detect loss of bone mass. The scan is safe, quick and painless and is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Several treatment options are also available to treat osteoporosis, should you find that you need them.
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April
Allergy season is on the way
As Spring begins you know that allergy season can't be far behind. If you are one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, you may already have noticed a change in the air.

Sometimes extra precautions during the height of allergy season are necessary to avoid severe reactions. Increasing your knowledge about allergies could help prevent you or a loved one from requiring emergency care for allergy-related attacks.

You can learn the daily pollen count in your area by visiting www.pollen.com and entering your zip code.

The continuing advice of you doctor is crucial to the long-term treatment of allergic conditions.

March
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer begins in the digestive system, also called the GI (GastroIntestinal) system, where food is processed. It begins with a growth that is not yet cancerous.

Various kinds of tests are available to help determine if a growth has begun to form. If a test finds a growth, the earlier it is removed, the better the chance of preventing further complications.

The chances of having colorectal cancer go up after age 50. More than 9 out of 10 people with colorectal cancer are older than 50.

Ask your High Mountain Health doctor about the types of tests that are available and when the best time for you to consider taking them would be.

Meanwhile, for more comprehensive information about Colorectal cancer and prevention, visit the American Cancer Society web page by clicking here.

February
Heart Health Month
Despite great improvements in cardiovascular care, cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death and disability in the United States for men and women. And heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are actually the number one killer of American women.

Unfortunately, by the time heart problems are detected, the underlying cause is usually quite advanced.

During American Heart Month learn how to take care of your heart. A good first step in lowering your risk of heart disease is to learn which dietary fats lower your LDL cholesterol and which ones don't.

Also the American Heart Association recently upgraded its Website with lots of new, helpful information, including "Life's Simple 7 Steps" to live better, as well as a wealth of general information and good dietary tips.

Get to know your cholesterol levels and, as always, discuss them with your doctor.

For more comprehensive information on your heart, healthy living tips and treatment options, visit the American Heart Association's web page by clicking here.

January
Cervical Cancer Awareness & Prevention
Cervical cancer is highly preventable because screening tests and a vaccine to prevent HPV infections are available. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.

Screening Tests
Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer:

The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. The most important thing you can do to avoid getting cervical cancer is to have regular screening tests.

For more comprehensive information on Cervical Cancer, talk to your doctor. You may also visit the CDC's, web page by clicking here.

December
Keep those resolutions all year long
The start of a new year often means the start of new habits. Eating healthier food and becoming more physically active is often on the top of many people's list, but it's easy for these new expectations to become overwhelming. Set realistic goals for yourself this year. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can easily be achieved by making some of these easy, conscious decisions:

Eat breakfast every day. When you don't eat breakfast, you are likely to make up for the calories you saved by eating more later in the day. Choose a quick, healthy breakfast option such as yogurt with fruit or toast with sliced banana and a bit of peanut butter. Many people who maintain long-term weight loss eat breakfast daily.

Drink water. Choosing water keeps you from drinking something else that may be loaded with calories and sugar. People who drink sugar-sweetened beverages tend to consume more calories.

Eat smaller food portions. Try putting only the amount you want to eat in a small bowl and don't go back for more. People eat more when they start with larger portion sizes.

Maintain a physical activity routine. Regular physical activity is an important part of maintaining weight loss. Keep up your good habits before, during, and after the New Year. If you need extra encouragement, be physically active with a friend or relative.

November
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
The American Diabetes Association (the ADA) estimates that one third of all children born in this country after 2000 will develop diabetes some time during their lives.

African Americans and Hispanics also have higher risks. Diet and exercise both can help prevent this growing epidemic.

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless and some adults notice no symptoms. Recent studies indicate that the early detection and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Symptoms include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue and irritability, frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. You can also take the ADA's Online Diabetes Risk Test by clicking here.

For more information about diabetes prevention and management, visit the ADA Website,
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October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The most common type of cancer in women, breast cancer, is often curable when detected early. Three detection methods are: self examination, clinical breast exam and mammogram. High Mountain Health's medical staff can guide you on these steps and advise you as to your personal needs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Website also offers comprehensive, helpful information. Click here for more information.
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Don't let down your guard against the flu
We are now well into the beginning of flu season. Remember to continue to practice these healthy tips to avoid catching or spreading germs.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water.

Get plenty of rest, stay physically active and eat nutritious foods.

If you are sick, stay home. Drink fluids and avoid contact with others as much as possible.

Use tissues when you sneeze or cough. If you don't have tissues, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid getting germs on your hands, where they can spread easily.

To explore comprehensive information from the CDC, visit their website: click here.  

Flu season is upon us
A simple flu shot provided by your doctor can go a long way to shielding you and your family from unnecessary sickness. A flu shot is quick, inexpensive and relatively painless.

Because of the new swine flu virus known as "H1N1", a second flu shot is currently in production and will become available in the coming weeks. Ask your doctor or support staff when these flu shots will be available.

Meanwhile, practice these healthy tips to avoid catching a virus and to avoid spreading it to someone else.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water.
Get plenty of rest, stay physically active and eat nutritious foods.
If you are sick, stay home. Drink fluids and avoid contact with others as much as possible.
Use tissues when you sneeze or cough. If you don't have tissues, cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid getting germs on your hands, where they can spread easily.
To explore comprehensive information from the CDC, visit their website: click here.

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Know your cholesterol numbers and know your risk. Find out if you can lower your risk of heart disease and what you can do to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Health Information Center.
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September is also Gynecologic Cancer Awareness month. These cancers are found in the reproductive organs and affect more than 80,000 women in the U.S. every year. When detected early through screenings, gynecologic cancers can be treated successfully

August is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Month
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammation of the membranes or tissues that line the joints, leading to pain and disability. Once this occurs, the damage is permanent, which makes early detection and treatment critical. Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs in men and women but women between 40 and 60 are twice as likely to develop the condition, particularly if there is a family history of the disease. Click here for more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Practice Sun Safety All Year but Especially in Summer
The growth of skin cancer over the past several years is strongly related to exposure to the sun's Ultra-Violet (UV) rays. But UV damage can be avoided. Shade, clothing and hats offer the best protection, with sunscreen being used on those parts of the body left exposed.

It is also important to protect your eyes from damage caused even by single outing on very bright days. Wear sunglasses to ensure your eyes are protected. When purchasing sunglasses, make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Limit your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Remember, shade from trees, awnings, umbrellas does not offer complete protection.
A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for eyes, ears, face and neck.
Apply sunscreen with a protection rating of at least 15. And re-apply every two hours, especially after swimming or exercising outdoors.

June 15 through Father's Day June 21 is Men's Health Week
The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Men's Health Week occurs during the week leading up to Father's Day. It is meant to encourage healthy habits and to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
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We continue to monitor updates of the "N1H1" strain of flu, also called the "swine flu," from the Center of Disease Control in Atlanta.

Symptoms of this flu are similar to regular seasonal influenza, and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Here are some things you can do to avoid contracting the flu. First and most important: wash your hands. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you contract the illness, there are antiviral drugs that can shorten the illness and lessen your symptoms. To explore comprehensive information from the CDC, visit their website, or click here.

Allergy Season Continues You can learn the daily pollen count in your area by visiting www.pollen.com and entering your zip code. This site will tell you the pollen count levels for various kinds of pollen, for example,Maple, Cedar, Juniper, etc. The site also give you your local weather and additional nformation about the causes and treatments for allergies.

Many Smokers Want Help to Quit
Nearly one in five women and one in four men smoke. Yet surveys show the majority of smokers would like to quit. The negative health risks of smoking are well known and include cancer, heart disease, stroke, upper and lower respiratory tract disease, sexual dysfunction and more. Smoking is difficult to quit and often takes many attempts before a smoker is successful in becoming a “former” smoker. If you smoke and would like to quit, talk to your doctor. Medical counseling and various aids are available to help you in your effort. Although difficult, many people are successful in overcoming their addiction to nicotine. You can be one of them. Keep trying. And ask your doctor for help.

Be aware of your cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it's used for producing cell membranes and some hormones, and serves other needed bodily functions. But too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease and for stroke. For more information about how diet, exercise and possibly medication can help you, talk to your doctor on your next visit to High Mountain Health. In the meantime, check out the American Heart Association's helpful page on managing your cholesterol -- Click here.