P arkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Neurons (nerve cells in the brain) slowly break down and die in affected persons. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that approximately 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Age is the most common risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s. The average age for onset of the disease is 70, and chances increase after 60.
However, it is possible to have Parkinson’s as early as 50 years old. Men are more likely to experience Parkinson’s than women.
Symptoms vary from person to person, and early symptoms may not be evident. The most common sign are tremors, which frequently occur in a hand. This shaking is most noticeable while at rest. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness, impaired balance and coordination, speech changes, and the slowing of such movements as walking.
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Parkinson’s has no cure, and it is unclear what causes the disease.
A health care provider will likely recommend an affected person see a neurologist who specializes in treatment of this type of movement disorder.
Q: How can I maintain a healthy diet during the holidays?
A: The holidays can be a tough time for many trying to manage good eating habits. There are gatherings at home and at work.
People are traveling, which can upset their normal eating routine. Even at home, attending events, hosting guests or shopping can disrupt schedules.
Still, it is possible to enjoy yourself while watching what you eat. It is always advisable to begin your day with a healthy breakfast. This will help establish a sense of normalcy in your daily activities, and it can be a way to keep your mind on the goal of sensible eating. If you have an exercise plan, do your best to stick to it.
For diabetics, planning is essential. Try to eat as close to your normal mealtimes as possible. Do not skip meals, as this makes managing blood sugar harder and makes you more likely to overeat at the next meal. Popular holiday beverages are high in calories or sugar, so be mindful of your consumption.
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you need assistance maintaining your diet during this period.
Q: Why do we get sick during colder weather?
A: When the temperature drops, your body goes through changes that may affect how it fights diseases and illnesses. When cold and dry air is breathed in, blood vessels in the respiratory system narrow to conserve heat, which makes it harder for white blood cells to move throughout the body to fight germs.
Viruses spread more easily in dry, winter air because there are fewer water molecules present to slow their movement. Heating your home in the winter also dries out the air. Nasal passages do not perform as efficiently in dry air, which can allow viruses to enter the body more easily.
Colder weather can also worsen preexisting conditions. Raynaud’s disease, which is the narrowing of blood vessels that supply blood to the skin, is aggravated by colder weather. People affected by arthritis will feel worse as restricted blood flow makes joints feel stiffer than normal. Colder air causes respiratory systems to work harder, exacerbating an ailment such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Contact your health care provider to work out a plan if you are concerned about your health as the weather turns colder, particularly if you have conditions intensified by cold.
Q: What is the difference between farsightedness and nearsightedness?
A: Farsightedness (hyperopia) and nearsightedness (myopia) are classified as refractive errors. Astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision at all distances) is also a refractive error. Refractive errors are the most common eye problems and are easily corrected. The National Eye Institute estimates more than 150 million Americans are affected by one of these conditions.
Farsightedness is when nearby objects appear blurry, but you can see distant objects clearly. In addition to having trouble seeing things up close, other symptoms of farsightedness include eye strain and headaches. Many people are born with farsightedness, but vision problems may not present themselves until later in life.
Nearsightedness is when you have trouble seeing objects farther away, but anything near appears clearly. Headaches, eye strain, and squinting are some symptoms of nearsightedness. Some people affected with nearsightedness also have blurry vision when the light is dim, such as during nighttime driving. Nearsightedness normally develops during childhood.
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if you experience symptoms associated with either condition. An eye exam will determine which issue you have. The most common treatments for farsightedness and nearsightedness are contact lenses or eyeglasses. Surgery may be required depending upon the extent of the problem.
Dr. Daniel Knight is a professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.