Latest news with #familyphysician
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Women over 50, read this: 10 health problems you should have on your radar — and what to do about them
Health risks for females typically increases even further after menopause. Feel like you're a young 50? While many older Canadians report feeling younger mentally and physically than their age, once you hit 50, certain health issues can sneak up on you — no matter how good you feel. 'As we age, our cells naturally wear down, as do the systems that repair them. It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' explains Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the "Codependent Doctor" podcast. 'This makes us more vulnerable to things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, even if we've lived a healthy life until this point.' While this is the case for everyone, being a woman comes with a few extra health risks. 'After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which increases the risk of heart disease, autoimmune conditions, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis,' Downey adds. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Knowledge is power, the old adage goes, so we're digging into the 10 different health problems that should be on your radar if you're a woman over 50 — plus how to stay on top of them. 10 health problems every woman over 50 should know — and what to do about them 1. Vision problems Vision changes are a known byproduct of getting older, but lower estrogen levels after menopause can also affect your eye health and lead to a need for glasses or a stronger prescription, reduced night vision and even a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration. You can stay on top of your eye health by having regular eye exams. Even if you have no vision issues, it's recommended you get an eye exam every two to three years if you're under 40, and every two years if you're over 40. Once you hit 65? Optometrists advise a yearly visit to stay on top of your ocular health. And of course, if you notice any sudden vision changes or physical changes to one or both of your eyes, head to the eye doctor as soon as possible. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is more common in men than women, but don't let that keep you from scheduling a hearing test. Around 54 per cent of Canadians aged 40 to 79 have mild hearing loss — but it can be quite sneaky. A lot of people who suffer from it don't even notice an issue. You may feel like your ear is a bit clogged or only have trouble hearing in noisy places. Even if the symptoms aren't impacting your daily life, it's important to have your hearing checked if you're over 50 or notice a change. It's not just age that can cause hearing loss; injuries, illness and certain medications can mess with your hearing, too. 3. Heart disease According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease and stroke is the number one cause of premature death of women in Canada. Even more concerning? A whopping 89 per cent of women don't know their unique risk factors, many of which increase with age and/or menopause, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and seeing your doctor or pharmacist for regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring can help you keep your ticker healthy. 4. Osteoporosis Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and one in three women break a bone due to the condition, according to Osteoporosis Canada. Your sex and age aren't the only risk factors; family history, certain medications and your diet also play a role. Engaging in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and not smoking can help you reduce your risk. If you've ever fractured a bone, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are post-menopausal, ask your doctor about screening. 5. Autoimmune diseases When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the odds are stacked against women. Around 80 per cent autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in women — and the risk of developing one increases after menopause, according to Downey. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid diseases. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can overlap with other conditions, and there's no single definitive test for all of them, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice new symptoms, see your doctor for appropriate testing. 6. Cancer A whopping nine in 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 — and aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. While this is true for males and females, there are some cancers that only or predominantly affect females, including cervical, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Lung cancer, which once mostly affected men, is now affecting more women. Family history, age of your first period and number of pregnancies are just a few of the factors that affect a woman's risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. 7. Obesity About 65 per cent of Canadians are overweight or obese, most of them between ages 40 and 69. Slower metabolism less activity and hormonal shifts — especially during perimenopause, which causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds — are contributing factors. Staying active and eating well can help, but if needed, there are other tools available that may be worth discussing with your health-care provider. 8. Vaginal dryness Vaginal aging is a thing. As we — and our vaginas — get older, lower estrogen levels cause our once moist and flexible vaginal tissues to the become drier, thinner and less stretchy. Whether you're having sex or not, treating vaginal dryness is important because if left untreated, it can lead to symptoms like irritation and microtears, which can in turn increase your risk of infections. Vaginal dryness can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. If those don't work, your health-care provider can prescribe topical estrogen, which is available in Canada in cream or tablet form. 9. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Female anatomy — and having the urethra and anus in such close quarters — is to blame for females experiencing far more UTIs than men because it makes getting bacteria from one opening to the other a lot easier. After menopause, the risk increases due to skin irritation and tears from vaginal dryness and a decrease in good vaginal bacteria, which lets the less helpful bacteria grow. UTIs can lead to infections higher in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys, which can have serious complications. Treating vaginal dryness (see above) can help reduce the risk of UTIs. If you suspect you have a UTI, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. 10. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, but it's most common in women over 50. That said, don't pass it off as a regular part of aging, as it can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Along with lower estrogen levels which can affect vaginal and urethral tissues, pelvic floor damage from giving birth, UTIs and certain medical conditions and medications are a few potential causes. If you're suddenly leaking urine, even if just a little, don't hesitate to reach out to your health-care provider.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Women over 50, read this: 10 health problems you should have on your radar — and what to do about them
Health risks for females typically increases even further after menopause. Feel like you're a young 50? While many older Canadians report feeling younger mentally and physically than their age, once you hit 50, certain health issues can sneak up on you — no matter how good you feel. 'As we age, our cells naturally wear down, as do the systems that repair them. It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' explains Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the "Codependent Doctor" podcast. 'This makes us more vulnerable to things like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, even if we've lived a healthy life until this point.' While this is the case for everyone, being a woman comes with a few extra health risks. 'After menopause, estrogen levels drop, which increases the risk of heart disease, autoimmune conditions, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and osteoporosis,' Downey adds. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Knowledge is power, the old adage goes, so we're digging into the 10 different health problems that should be on your radar if you're a woman over 50 — plus how to stay on top of them. 10 health problems every woman over 50 should know — and what to do about them 1. Vision problems Vision changes are a known byproduct of getting older, but lower estrogen levels after menopause can also affect your eye health and lead to a need for glasses or a stronger prescription, reduced night vision and even a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eye and macular degeneration. You can stay on top of your eye health by having regular eye exams. Even if you have no vision issues, it's recommended you get an eye exam every two to three years if you're under 40, and every two years if you're over 40. Once you hit 65? Optometrists advise a yearly visit to stay on top of your ocular health. And of course, if you notice any sudden vision changes or physical changes to one or both of your eyes, head to the eye doctor as soon as possible. 2. Hearing loss Hearing loss is more common in men than women, but don't let that keep you from scheduling a hearing test. Around 54 per cent of Canadians aged 40 to 79 have mild hearing loss — but it can be quite sneaky. A lot of people who suffer from it don't even notice an issue. You may feel like your ear is a bit clogged or only have trouble hearing in noisy places. Even if the symptoms aren't impacting your daily life, it's important to have your hearing checked if you're over 50 or notice a change. It's not just age that can cause hearing loss; injuries, illness and certain medications can mess with your hearing, too. 3. Heart disease According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, heart disease and stroke is the number one cause of premature death of women in Canada. Even more concerning? A whopping 89 per cent of women don't know their unique risk factors, many of which increase with age and/or menopause, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression. Making heart-healthy lifestyle changes and seeing your doctor or pharmacist for regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring can help you keep your ticker healthy. 4. Osteoporosis Bone loss accelerates after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and one in three women break a bone due to the condition, according to Osteoporosis Canada. Your sex and age aren't the only risk factors; family history, certain medications and your diet also play a role. Engaging in regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, getting enough calcium and vitamin D and not smoking can help you reduce your risk. If you've ever fractured a bone, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are post-menopausal, ask your doctor about screening. 5. Autoimmune diseases When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the odds are stacked against women. Around 80 per cent autoimmune diseases are diagnosed in women — and the risk of developing one increases after menopause, according to Downey. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid diseases. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can overlap with other conditions, and there's no single definitive test for all of them, making diagnosis tricky. If you notice new symptoms, see your doctor for appropriate testing. 6. Cancer A whopping nine in 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50 — and aging is the most important risk factor for cancer. While this is true for males and females, there are some cancers that only or predominantly affect females, including cervical, breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Lung cancer, which once mostly affected men, is now affecting more women. Family history, age of your first period and number of pregnancies are just a few of the factors that affect a woman's risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening. 7. Obesity About 65 per cent of Canadians are overweight or obese, most of them between ages 40 and 69. Slower metabolism less activity and hormonal shifts — especially during perimenopause, which causes an average weight gain of 4.5 pounds — are contributing factors. Staying active and eating well can help, but if needed, there are other tools available that may be worth discussing with your health-care provider. 8. Vaginal dryness Vaginal aging is a thing. As we — and our vaginas — get older, lower estrogen levels cause our once moist and flexible vaginal tissues to the become drier, thinner and less stretchy. Whether you're having sex or not, treating vaginal dryness is important because if left untreated, it can lead to symptoms like irritation and microtears, which can in turn increase your risk of infections. Vaginal dryness can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. If those don't work, your health-care provider can prescribe topical estrogen, which is available in Canada in cream or tablet form. 9. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Female anatomy — and having the urethra and anus in such close quarters — is to blame for females experiencing far more UTIs than men because it makes getting bacteria from one opening to the other a lot easier. After menopause, the risk increases due to skin irritation and tears from vaginal dryness and a decrease in good vaginal bacteria, which lets the less helpful bacteria grow. UTIs can lead to infections higher in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys, which can have serious complications. Treating vaginal dryness (see above) can help reduce the risk of UTIs. If you suspect you have a UTI, a doctor or pharmacist can prescribe antibiotics to treat it. 10. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone, but it's most common in women over 50. That said, don't pass it off as a regular part of aging, as it can have several causes, some of which are treatable. Along with lower estrogen levels which can affect vaginal and urethral tissues, pelvic floor damage from giving birth, UTIs and certain medical conditions and medications are a few potential causes. If you're suddenly leaking urine, even if just a little, don't hesitate to reach out to your health-care the daily Crossword
CBC
17-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Family doctor says measles outbreaks in Canada are entirely preventable
While B.C. has recorded a little over 100 cases of measles as of July 5, neighbouring Alberta has recorded more cases than the entirety of the U.S. despite having a fraction of the population. Dr. Susan Kuo, a Richmond family physician, said the current outbreak could be prevented with up-to-date vaccinations, and the COVID-19 pandemic had led to an increase in vaccine skepticism and poor disease mitigation.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A Doctor Reveals the 5 Exercises Everyone Over 50 Should Be Doing
Daily exercise is associated with a range of benefits, like strengthening your bones and muscles, boosting your mental health, helping you sleep better, and improving your quality of life. And Steven Bowers, D.O., board-certified family physician and author of Secrets of the World's Healthiest People, says your fitness routine isn't complete without regular strength training—especially if you're over 50. 'For one, being stronger just makes your life easier,' he says. 'You can do things like carry more grocery bags from the car to your house, lift your suitcase into the overhead compartment without any help, and conquer impossible-to-open jars of spaghetti sauce.' Strength training can also improve your balance, bone density, and ability to burn fat, he adds. There are five basic strength-training exercises Bowers recommends to all his over-50 patients—though people of any age can benefit from trying them. 'They're super easy on the joints, target major muscle groups, and strengthen key areas that tend to weaken as we get older,' he says. The best part? They don't involve heavy equipment or frequent trips to the gym. Do the circuit one to three times per week for the best planks challenge your whole body, they're especially great for strengthening your core. 'Core muscle fibers tend to shrink and become less supple as we age, which can put more strain on your back,' Bowers says. Having a strong core is important for balance and stability, and it can help you go about your day with more ease. Try this: Place your forearms on the floor. Your elbows should be right below your shoulders, and your arms should be parallel—not turning in or out. Your feet should also be shoulder-width apart. Press into your hands and toes to lift your body off the ground, squeezing your glutes and quads for support. Your body should create one straight line from head to toe. Don't lock your knees or arch your back, and keep your neck straight by looking slightly in front of you. Hold this position for 20 seconds. 'As you get more comfortable and your core gets stronger, hold the plank for as long as possible without sacrificing form or breath,' Bowers three-in-one exercise engages your arms, legs, and core. But it specifically targets your oblique abdominal muscles—the muscles that line the sides of your core. Try this: Start in a tabletop position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Press into your fingers and toes to lift your butt toward the ceiling, and try to straighten your legs without locking your knees. (It's okay if your heels come off the ground or your knees are slightly bent!) This should bring you into a downward dog position. Lift your right leg as high as you can to come into a downward dog split. Then, bend your right knee and bring it toward your stomach, lowering your body like you're doing a mountain climber. Lift your leg back up into your downward dog split. Then, bend it again—bringing it toward your right elbow. Lift it back up again—then bend it and bring it toward your left elbow. Repeat this series three times before switching to your left dips target your triceps—the muscles lining your back upper arms. Strong triceps help with daily activities like closing doors, lifting groceries, and opening jars. They also stabilize your shoulder and elbow joints. Try this: Find a sturdy chair, and sit it in—with your palms pressing next to your hips. Scoot forward until your butt comes off the chair, and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. At this point, you should be completely supporting your body weight with just your arms and legs. Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle—keeping them tucked, so they don't splay out or in—and slowly lower your butt toward the floor. Then, straighten your arms to lift yourself back up, trying not to use your legs for help. Repeat this 8 to 15 classic arm exercise 'tone[s] and strengthen[s] your biceps, which will help you with independence and mobility as you get older,' Bowers says. You use your biceps—the muscles lining your front upper arms—for everything from eating to getting dressed. While this exercise doesn't require weights, Bowers recommends using a resistance band. Try this: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Place a resistance band under your right foot, holding one end of the band in each hand. Bend your elbows, so your fingers are facing your chest and your arms aren't angled in or out. Curl your hands toward your upper arms for 2 seconds, and breathe in. Then, lower your arms for 3 seconds, and breathe out. Do six reps. Then, switch the resistance band to your left foot, and do six more reps. 'For an added balance challenge, try standing on one leg while you perform the curls,' Bowers says.'Squats are a fantastic way to tone your legs, glutes, and core muscles all at once,' Bowers says. 'They help with balance and flexibility to prevent age-related falls.' Plus, having stronger legs and glutes can help you sit and stand, walk around, and lift things more comfortably. Try this: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees to lower yourself into a squat, lifting your arms in front of you. Push your butt back like you're trying to sit in a chair, and keep your weight in your heels. 'If you are in the proper position, you should be able to raise your toes off the floor and you should be able to see your toes,' Bowers says. Push into your heels to lift yourself back up, and lower your arms as you do. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Medscape
27-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Dear Congress: Act Now to Save Our Healthcare System
Every corner of patient care is affected by our nation's current health policy debate. We see the impact of congressional decisions that take form in the patient who receives support for their mental health needs because of Medicaid, the older patient who relies on Medicare to manage their diabetes, and the young medical student torn between a call to serve in a rural community and the crushing reality of six-figure debt. Jen Brull, MD I became a family physician because I wanted to care for patients across every stage of life. I stay in this profession because I believe in the power of primary care to heal not just individuals, but entire communities. Our healthcare system is in jeopardy. Unless Congress takes action to protect vitally important programs like Medicaid, reform Medicare so physicians can keep their practices afloat, address medical student debt to encourage more people to practice primary care, and uphold public trust in vaccines, the foundation of healthcare in the United States may collapse. Let me be clear: Medicaid is a lifeline and gateway to care for millions. For children, families, pregnant people, those with disabilities, and people simply trying to make ends meet, Medicaid often makes the difference between receiving timely care and having a manageable issue spiral into a medical emergency — or financial crisis. Proposals in Congress threaten to tear away that safety net. Work reporting requirements, eligibility restrictions, financial barriers, and the looming expiration of premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans could strip coverage from more than 16 million Americans. For context, that's the equivalent of every person in Idaho, West Virginia, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware, South and North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia losing their healthcare coverage. These aren't just numbers. These are my patients. These are your neighbors. These are your voters. These are lives that could be lost. At the same time, the physician workforce is stretched to its limits. We are facing an ever-worsening shortage of primary care doctors, especially in underserved and rural areas. Without meaningful support, that shortage will only become more dire. Student loan forgiveness programs are one of the few tools we have to encourage new physicians to serve where they're needed most. Weakening or eliminating these programs would be disastrous, not just for young doctors, but also for the communities depending on them. I've spoken with countless medical students who feel called to work in primary care or rural health but think they simply can't afford it. That's a tragedy we can prevent by investing in programs like the National Health Service Corps and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Congress must not impose misguided policies, like preventing medical residents from participating in PSLF and capping the amount of federal student loans that prospective physicians can borrow. Further, Medicare physician payment continues to be deeply concerning. The current system for physicians is outdated, unstable, and increasingly unsustainable. Physicians continue to face pay cuts for services they provide to Medicare patients. These rates fail to keep pace with inflation: When adjusting for inflation, the AMA estimates that today's physician payment rates for Medicare services are 33% less than they were in 2001. Every year I see more small practices close their doors. These aren't just businesses — they are community anchors and are often the only source of care in the area. Without urgent, comprehensive reform of the Medicare physician payment system, we risk losing even more primary care practices. Patients will lose trusted physicians, and entire towns could be left with no care at all. These policy decisions will shape who gets care, who becomes a doctor, and the overall health and well-being of our nation. More than 300 family physicians from across the country are on Capitol Hill this week to present a united message: Protect Medicaid, preserve student loan forgiveness, reform Medicare payment, and restore trust in public health. Not tomorrow, but today. The health of our patients, the strength of our physician workforce, and the future of our healthcare system depend on it.
