Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that affects an estimated 32 million Americans. Its main characteristic is increasing breathlessness. Before diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe a dose of at least one short-acting inhaled bronchodilator, a medication that relaxes the muscles in and around your airways, making breathing easier. If symptoms continue, the doctor will use spirometry, a test where an individual blows into a handheld device that records how much air they can blow in and out, in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In fact, it accounts for one in every four deaths. Furthermore, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States and more than one person dies from a heart disease-related incident every minute. Lastly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates heart disease costs the health care system almost $200 billion per year. This includes costs for health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

There’s no point in burying the lede. The United States has one of the worst (if not the worst) healthcare systems out there. We pay the most and get the least in our health outcomes. Study after study has confirmed that compared to health systems around the world, we come in last. There, I’ve said it.

During the 1980s, the HIV/AIDS pandemic blew up and became an international health crisis that has since affected more than 70 million people worldwide. For years, the source of the virus was unknown, leading to much speculation, finger pointing and isolation of many groups of people who were thought to have been responsible for the spread of the illness.

According to The World Health Organization, there are officially more than 12,420 different, documented diseases in the world. Most of us, especially in this part of the world, have it narrowed down to just a few.

Eye care is a critical part of health, especially for seniors. However, the costs associated with regular eye care can be a barrier, particularly for seniors living on a fixed income. Start a search today to find free eye exams for uninsured seniors. Vision is integral to maintaining independence and quality of life. For those […]