About.com Health: It's All in the Family

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Health From Heather Loeb, your About Health Editor Every time you visit a new doctor, you probably have to fill out one of those lengthy forms that asks everything from whether Grandma had diabetes to whether Uncle John had colon cancer. If you don't really know the answer, you can just skip over that part, right? Actually, your doctors -- and you -- can learn a lot about your future risk for certain diseases by knowing your family history. Heart Disease: It's All Relative For example, family history is one of the strongest indicators of developing heart disease. Unfortunately, you can't control your family. But you can control a lot of other risk factors to help lower your overall chances of developing ticker trouble. Heart Disease Risk Factors You Can Control See More About:  cardiac risk factors  genetics and heart disease  family history Prostate Cancer in the Family Some studies have shown that if you have a first-degree relative with prostate cancer, your risk of developing prostate cancer is approximately two and a half times as high as someone who has no family history of the disease. The Impact of a Family History of Lung Cancer See More About:  prostate cancer risks  prostate cancer prevention  prostate cancer diagnosis Is Alcoholism Inherited? Some scientific evidence suggests that alcoholism has a genetic component, but remember -- this is a risk, not a destiny. The Nature vs. Nurture Debate in Addictions Will My Child Inherit My Bipolar Disorder? See More About:  genetics of alcoholism  frequently asked questions  children of alcoholics The Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing Scientists have looked into the role that genetics plays in several different diseases. But even though you can test for whether you have genetic predispositions to certain diseases -- would you want to know? Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test? The ApoE 4 Gene in Alzheimer's Disease At-Home Genetic Testing Kits See More About:  genetic testing  personalized medicine  hipaa Health Ads Health Cola Health Concerns Department of Health News in Health Public Health MS Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter! Massage Away Depression? Help Your Kids Swallow Pills Do Breast Implants Cause Cancer? 20 Public Speaking Tips Does Wheat-Free Equal Gluten-Free?   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Readers Respond What's in Your Gym Bag? How I Tore My ACL My IBS Relief Plan Advertisement

About.com Health: The Nuclear Crisis in Japan: Will It Affect Us?

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Health From Heather Loeb, your About Health Editor Like many others, I've been glued to the news reports of the recent events in Japan. My heart goes out to those affected by the disaster. We've been hearing a lot about the potential health effects of radiation exposure -- do we need to be concerned? Why are people rushing out to buy potassium iodide pills? The Truth Behind the Hype Yes, "radiation" is a scary word. But before you run to the store to stock up on protective supplies, read this reality check on how there's very little chance Americans will be affected. See More About:  radiation  patient safety  Protecting Your Thyroid From Radiation Still concerned? Learn these important facts about the relationship between your thyroid and radiation. See More About:  radioactive iodine  potassium iodide  thyroid and radiation Are Patients in Danger of Too Much Radiation? The situation in Japan may have you thinking about the small amounts of radiation you're exposed in your daily life -- such as during certain medical procedures. Is there really anything to worry about? Radiation and Leukemia See More About:  medical tests  patient-doctor communications  medical decision making How to Help Finally, let's take a minute to consider what's most important here -- helping those in need. There are several ways to donate and show your support. Health Ads Health Food Thyroid Health Health Hazards Health Articles Health Technology Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter Vigorous Exercise, Defined Almond Butter vs. Peanut Butter Symptoms of Adult ADHD Avoid Eye Allergies Finding Gluten on Food Labels   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Readers Respond Why I Quit Smoking What I Learned in Rehab My Infertility Story Advertisement

About.com Health: Going Under the Knife

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Health From Heather Loeb, your About Health Editor Many people will undergo some type of surgery in their lifetime, whether it's having their wisdom teeth removed or having a stent implanted to treat heart disease. Before Your Surgery A successful surgical outcome starts with the right prep -- so consult our list of things to do before you head under the knife. Why You Can't Eat Before Surgery Does Surgery Help Crohn's Disease? See More About:  preparing for your surgery  talking to your surgeon  before surgery Your Options for Breast Cancer Surgery If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you probably have a lot of questions about how to treat it. There are three main types of surgical procedures for breast cancer. Surgery for Lung Cancer Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer See More About:  breast cancer surgery  health insurance  What to Expect After Your Surgery You're probably relieved that your surgery is over -- but in many cases, you won't be able to rush right back to normal life. From caring for incisions to coping with pain, the effects of surgery can sometimes be felt for weeks afterward. Risks of Infection After Surgery See More About:  surgery questions and answers  surgery recovery  life after surgery Gastric Bypass Surgery for Weight Loss For some folks, gastric bypass surgery may be an option. The procedure reroutes the small intestine so that the food you consume bypasses the majority of the stomach, so your body absorbs fewer calories. Types of Knee Surgery Does Obesity Affect the Results of Back Surgery? See More About:  weight loss surgery  gastric bypass  Health Ads Health Almonds Health Risks Health Weight Loss Health Child Health Public Health Dept Featured Articles What Can Make Me Happy? All About Allergic Reactions How To Prevent Shin Splints Stop Drinking Sugary Sodas Nightmares in Children Breast Pain and Menstrual Periods   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Free Health Tools from About.com Count Calories, Lose Weight Interpret Your Test Results Check Your Symptoms Advertisement

About.com Health: Do You Need to be Screened?

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Health From Heather Loeb, your About Health Editor March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. If you're over age 50 or have risk factors and haven't yet been screened, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Do You Need to be Screened? Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women, and screening is one of the best ways to prevent it. See More About:  colon cancer screening guidelines  colonoscopy  sigmoidoscopy Risk Factors for Colon Cancer While researchers don't know the exact cause of colon cancer, they have identified a handful of factors that can increase your risk. Consider this yet another reason why it's essential to know your family's medical history. IBD and Colon Cancer Risk See More About:  colon cancer risk factors  colon cancer symptoms  colon cancer screening Ease Your Fear of a Colonoscopy Sure, getting a colonoscopy probably ranks right up there on the fun scale with a root canal. But learning about the procedure in advance can help quell the fear of the unknown. What Happens During a Colonoscopy? See More About:  colonoscopy  flexible sigmoidoscopy  fecal occult blood test Top 10 Ways to Prevent Cancer It may be a lot easier than you think. Eating Right for Cancer Prevention Does Meat Cause Colon Cancer? See More About:  cancer risk factors  cancer causes  smoking cessation Health Ads Health Public Health Reform Health Screening UK Department of Health Almonds Health Risks Featured Articles Managing Food Allergies Aestheticians Can Help Acne Phytosterols and Cholesterol The Facts About Immunization Meditate for Better Sleep? Barefoot Running Shoes   More from About.com Discover the Disney Dream Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More> Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Free Health Tools from About.com Count Calories, Lose Weight Understand Your Test Results Check Your Symptoms Advertisement