It’s best to get your annual exam to track your body’s changes. Some diseases don’t have obvious symptoms to tip you off to their development. Five Potentially Life-Threatening Diseases High Blood Pressure: American Heart Association classifies 130/80 as high blood pressure. The estimate is that 50 percent of Americans have high blood pressure. Stress reduction and meditation have a positive effect on blood pressure. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): It is considered the most common sexually-transmitted infection. Over 70% of people are expected to come into contact with the virus. Cervical cancer and some head and neck cancers are attributed to this virus. Having a healthy immune system is beneficial in improving your odds against contracting and developing an HPV-related complication. Pancreatic Cancer: Smokers, drinkers and diabetic individuals have more risk for pancreatic cancer. Sweetened beverages statistically increase your risk. There is no good screening test, and symptoms don’t present until it’s too late. Diabetes: One-fourth of the population over age 65 has diabetes, with type 2 dominating that percentage. Diet and exercise play a large role in the development of diabetes. Vitamin D levels can influence your susceptibility to diabetes. Cut out processed foods. Sleep Apnea: This occurs in both men and women. Heavy evening meals, sleep medications, excessive alcohol consumption and weight increase risk for sleep apnea. A sleep study is used to diagnose this condition. Sleep apnea ups your chances of developing other chronic diseases. Listen as Dr. Christine Horner joins Dr. Mike Smith to share how diet, exercise and lifestyle play a role in all of these diseases. For more information on Dr. Horner, visit www.drchristinehorner.com.
