Private MD Recent Health News

Efforts to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and encourage people to utilize STD testing services are only effective if people educate themselves and are proactive about fighting back against these infections. For example, in the past few years, scientists have developed a vaccine to protect young people - particularly women - from contracting the human papillomavirus, but many parents have been hesitant about allowing their children to get this shot. ... Full Story

Individuals who use cholesterol testing kits and discover that their levels are less than ideal should look for ways to replace the saturated fats in their diets with healthy fats. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in many foods and fish oil supplements, have been shown to potentially help people lower their cholesterol levels. Recently, researchers from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease found that these fats may have another benefit - they could help protect the brain. ... Full Story

When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, it's important for everyone to research how to prevent and treat these infections and viruses. However, young people, in particular, should be utilizing STD testing services - and taking it very seriously if they discover they have one. For example, KJCT 8, a Colorado news source, recently reported that it's not enough for young people to get tested for STDs - they also need to receive proper treatment if they are diagnosed with one or they may face some serious consequences. ... Full Story

Cholesterol testing kits can help people learn whether they should change their diet and engage in more exercise than they currently do in order to improve their levels. While most people know that consuming red meat and other foods high in saturated fat may increase the amount of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, in their bodies, they may have trouble identifying which foods can help lower cholesterol. ... Full Story

Some people may think that if they need to tested for sexually transmitted diseases, they have to go to the doctor, but they may be wrong. In reality, STD testing services can be acquired in a number of different, confidential ways, without having to make a doctor's visit. Recently, MLive published an article explaining that there is insufficient access to and use of STD testing in many counties across Michigan, suggesting that residents in the state may be unaware of their screening options.... Full Story

People need to order regular blood tests to make sure that they do not miss any of the signs of conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer. This is particularly important for people who have a history of disease in their family, who should not only be getting regular lab tests, but should also be trying to live a lifestyle that will help reduce their risk of developing a health problem. For example, men with a history of prostate cancer in their family should be sure to eat a healthy diet, since this has been shown to lower the chance of this disease.... Full Story

In order to curb sexually transmitted disease rates among young people and encourage them to use STD testing services, healthcare officials need to understand what influences sexual behavior in this population. As the Internet has grown in popularity during the past two decades, many parents, teachers and politicians alike have expressed concerns that viewing sexually explicit materials on the web and in magazines may be directly causing young individuals to engage in sexual behavior at an early age. However, recent research suggests that may not be true. ... Full Story

Many people may need a little motivation in order to get into shape. Maybe it will take the results of a lab test showing that they have high cholesterol or an increased risk of heart disease, or maybe they will have to experience a heart attack before they finally decide to get fit. According to a recent report from the University of Michigan Health System and Stanford University, one way to encourage people to take better care of themselves could be to make them pay money if they don't. ... Full Story

Now that the dark days of winter are over, people should consider getting their vitamin D levels checked. In the colder months when the sun is not out often, people need regular lab tests to make sure that they are getting sufficient amounts of this important nutrient, which the body produces in response to sun exposure. Individuals who use sunscreen in the summer to protect their skin should also check their vitamin D levels, since they may be blocking both the sun's rays and this vitamin with their SPF 30. ... Full Story

For years, fast food was known as the worst type of food a person could consume, since it is so packed with fat and sugar. In recent years, there has been an effort within the fast food industry to offer healthier options on their menus. However, this doesn't mean that people who eat these foods regularly aren't in need of blood tests to check their cholesterol levels. According to recent research funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Healthy Eating Research program, fast food menus are only slightly healthier than they were years ago, and much improvement is still needed. ... Full Story

Health officials have been working for years to determine the best way to encourage young people to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases, but it continues to be a struggle. Getting individuals under the age of 25 to utilize STD testing services and practice safer sex or abstinence has been a major goal in the healthcare community for years, since these individuals are responsible for half of all new STD infections each year. Recently, there has been a great deal of discussion about having more STD prevention efforts online, since young people seem to spend more time than ever on the Internet. ... Full Story

People who get regular blood tests and lab tests may be more likely to catch and treat health problems like high cholesterol or even cancer. While these two conditions may not seem directly related, recent evidence suggests that there may be a strong association between the two. According to scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, men with prostate cancer who took cholesterol-lowering statin drugs were less likely to die of cancer than those who did not take the pills. ... Full Story

As with most conditions, HIV is most easily treated when it is caught in the early stages. This is why it is so important for people to regularly use STD testing services and get screened for HIV and other viruses and infections. Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force finalized its guidelines for HIV testing, and declared that all individuals between the ages of 15 and 65 should be screened for this virus at least once. ... Full Story

People may think that the only individuals who need lab tests to check their liver function are older people or those who drink heavily, and they would be wrong. According to recent research from the University if Missouri, even those who only consume large quantities of alcohol on the weekends may find themselves at an increased risk of developing serious problems with their liver. These findings should encourage people to get regular lab tests, and consider keeping their drinking in check. ... Full Story

Regularly using cholesterol testing services is important for not only adults, but children as well. There is a childhood obesity problem in the U.S., and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that overweight children and those who have a family history of high cholesterol get tested before the age of 10. According to recent research from the University of Adelaide, one way that mothers may be able to help their children avoid a future of obesity and unhealthy cholesterol levels is to eat healthy while pregnant. ... Full Story