Your health fears explained

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Jul 14th 2007 11:32AM

I'm only 26 but every now and then, when I am absolutely without a doubt positive that I parked my car on the other side of the parking lot, I wonder if I am a victim of early-onset (like really early-onset) dementia. Does anyone else have that problem or am I really losing it?

At least, the readers of Women's Health Magazine share some of the same fears as me. 16% are afraid they might be losing their hair, 35% are afraid their memory's going, 36% are worried they'll lose all their teeth, 27% worry they'll catch a bug overseas, 14% are afraid of going blind and that's not all. But common sense and a bit of medical know-how will ease your fears -- if you live a healthful life and take care of yourself, chances are you'll be fine. Read the article for more information.

What's your fear?

Source

Comments (9)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Gerry 7-20-2007 @ 4:15PM

Just want to say that generally, health is dependent solely upon one's outlook of life. Take me as an example and you will understand. I was diagnosed a diabetice at age of 43; thereafter, 4 yrs later I had my 1st heart attack; a major one but as a consequence, I only have to learn to renew my life and take some oral medication to help me out survive.. two/three yrs later, I had a major heart attack which required an open heart surgery for a quintiple bypass.. made thru that but again, a few years later another one crept up and had to again have a surgery though luckily it was only a minor surgery. I received as a consequence an angio-plasti procedure which I was told in 1995, will or could last only six months to a year and I will be again subjected to another major surgery to correct the problem; amidst all that, something else developed and this time the diagnose was AFIB.. a kind of fibrillating heart wherein one's heart muscle beats three times faster than is normal.. In summary: (1) Heart disease;(2)AFIB; (3) High Blood Pressure. My medications are many to help me out to live awhile longer; in spite of all the turmoils however, I have learned to cope with reality and here I am years later, still surviving and doing much better -- all this became true because I did not let a single health problem I have, turn into worries, etc. -- simply put, just take life in stride and enjoy life as is. No compromises. Love your life and live it.. I think if you can do that, you will be ok. Worry stresses you out: your mind, mental state, physical state -- which, eventually could impact on your overall health. Just live a happy life!! You will be fine..

Kayla 7-20-2007 @ 3:19PM

Hmm...I hope everyone knows trans fat doesn't change the taste of the food...but people tend to be blissfully ignorant and I think this fact goes overlooked many times. It's a shame really.

Jossy 7-20-2007 @ 6:26PM

basically, it's all in your genes which provides your chemical makeup. you are what your are, you is what you is, and regardless of how you live and what you eat, you will only last as long as your genebank has you programmed to last. some eat alot and stay pencil thin, some eat alot and look like hippo's, some smoke from 11 to 89 and die of heartatack or cancer while some never smoke and die of the same at 54. for those that should have died and didn't, it was because it wasn't their time to go. some shouldn't have died but did, it was their time to go. don't worry and fret, just enjoy this party of life so when you do go, you can say you had one heck of a fun time while here. eh, don't forget to take Jesus with you before you leave, however, as he'll be your Lawyer when you stand before God on judgment day. don't hate either, it wears you down to a nub.

Monica 7-20-2007 @ 6:34PM

Bless you Gerry. You are an inspiration and I wish you continued good health and happiness.

Linda 7-20-2007 @ 7:47PM

Gerry - thank you so much for your comment! It was an inspiration just when I needed one. I just got home from work today, and I was feeling so stressed due to work problems and health problems. I too, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 57. I managed to get it under control with diet and exercise, and stayed that way for a few years. Then I started back on the same bad habits - eating and drinking whatever I wanted (the high life), and my blood sugar started creeping up again. In the meantime I also developed acid reflux, had a knee replacement, a carpel tunnel surgery, developed tinnitus (which never goes away), and most recently was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I feel fortunate that I haven't had any heart problems like you did.
So I came home from work, bummed out that I was having a "Crohn's episode", was stressed at work, and couldn't just knock back a big cocktail and indulge my sweet tooth, due to the diabetes. I sat at my kitchen table feeling like I wanted to cry or scream. Then I saw on the TV a story about our troops in Iraq. I felt a sense of embarassment that I was having a little pity party for myself, when so many others have it so much worse. Then I got online and read your comment, Gerry. Wow, what a great perspective you have. I wish you all the best, and I am sitting here now, thankful for all my blessings. You are right - attitude has a tremendous effect on your health and your life. I will try to keep the positive foremost in my mind and heart.

Chef Boyer D. 7-20-2007 @ 7:51PM

I've lost most of my hair, I'm losing my teeth, I'm going blind and I've forgotten what I just wrote. Still I remain an optomist. Whatever that is.

Rob 7-20-2007 @ 7:53PM

Thank you Gerry.I will take your advice.

Karen 7-21-2007 @ 5:25PM

Thanks Gerry....you've got a great post going!!!!!

2. Just want to say that generally, health is dependent solely upon one's outlook of life. Take me as an example and you will understand. I was diagnosed a diabetice at age of 43; thereafter, 4 yrs later I had my 1st heart attack; a major one but as a consequence, I only have to learn to renew my life and take some oral medication to help me out survive.. two/three yrs later, I had a major heart attack which required an open heart surgery for a quintiple bypass.. made thru that but again, a few years later another one crept up and had to again have a surgery though luckily it was only a minor surgery. I received as a consequence an angio-plasti procedure which I was told in 1995, will or could last only six months to a year and I will be again subjected to another major surgery to correct the problem; amidst all that, something else developed and this time the diagnose was AFIB.. a kind of fibrillating heart wherein one's heart muscle beats three times faster than is normal.. In summary: (1) Heart disease;(2)AFIB; (3) High Blood Pressure. My medications are many to help me out to live awhile longer; in spite of all the turmoils however, I have learned to cope with reality and here I am years later, still surviving and doing much better -- all this became true because I did not let a single health problem I have, turn into worries, etc. -- simply put, just take life in stride and enjoy life as is. No compromises. Love your life and live it.. I think if you can do that, you will be ok. Worry stresses you out: your mind, mental state, physical state -- which, eventually could impact on your overall health. Just live a happy life!! You will be fine..

Posted at 4:15PM on Jul 20th 2007 by Gerry

Marie 7-20-2007 @ 8:26PM

Thank you Gerry and Jessy....I needed that! I am 77 and diabetic (no meds needed yet) and arthritic. I try to eat well.....lost 40 lbs. Try to do what my Doctor advises. Get a little depressed occasionally but am mostly upbeat. Your advice is right on. God Bless both of you and I wish you many more years.