Category: General Health

Posted on

What Causes Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition that doctors are still struggling to understand. With this condition, your body will overreact to stress or cold temperatures. This causes a change in your fingers and toes. The changes include your skin becoming a lighter color to the point where it becomes white, numbness, and a prickly feeling going into the affected area.

You may be wondering, however, what causes this illness to emerge?

Causes of Raynaud’s Disease

  • When your blood vessels spasm: With this affliction, the arteries to your toes and fingers narrow and limit blood supply. This is especially true if you are stressed or have been exposed to cold.
  • Artery diseases: These include plaque in the vessels, disorders, and high blood pressure.
  • Repetitive motions: Motions like playing piano, operating construction equipment, and other repetitive motions can lead to overuse.
  • Tissue diseases: Lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis are all connective tissue diseases that can increase the risk of Raynaud’s disease.
  • Smoking: This includes both smoking and second-hand smoke. Both are damaging and cause blood vessels to constrict.
  • Taking medications: If you take blood pressure medicine, headache and migraine medicine, or over-the-counter cold medicines you can be at increased risk.
  • Injuries: If you have had injuries to the feet or your hands like fractures, frostbite, or had surgery in these areas, you will be at further risk.

Raynaud’s is a condition that can cause other issues later. Knowing the causes can help you avoid this condition and keep your health at its peak. If you have these systems, you will need to get help from your podiatrist and doctor immediately. If you’re curious about the health of your feet, contact Step by Step Family Foot Care in Parsippany, New Jersey. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, offers treatment for foot and ankle disorders, biomechanical analysis, and functional orthotic fabrication. For answers to your foot questions and to schedule your appointment, contact us at (973) 917-3785.

Posted on

6 Ways Men Can Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle

Men's Health

Health is a priceless gift. The responsibility to conserve health lies in our own hands. Failing to do so can lead to irreparable loss. Fortunately, many of the ailments that are the leading cause of death amongst men are preventable if you lead a healthy lifestyle. After all, prevention is better than cure. Let us take this International Men’s Health Month to raise awareness about a healthy lifestyle and encourage men to be particular about their wellness.

Here are a few guidelines that can help in preventing adverse effects of disease amongst men:

  1. Sitting is the next smoking: Most men have desk-bound jobs, long working hours, and prolonged couch spells, all leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Statistics show sitting for long periods is as detrimental to your health as smoking. Pro-active habits spike the rate of metabolism, help reduce obesity, promote blood circulation, and save you from Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight: Obesity is considered the mother of all ailments. Take out the “junk” from your food and replace it with “healthy”. Keeping a diet balanced in good carbohydrates, high proteins, and moderate fats can help maintain your ideal weight and replenish the body with essential nutrients.
  • Incorporate consistent exercise in your routine: Regular physical activity helps promote immense physical and mental benefits. Even if you cannot attend the gym regularly because of your busy schedule, ensure that you remain active on your feet.
  • Park your car farther from your destination:
    • Avoid sitting at the desk, try a standing desk
    • Find an excuse to walk around the workplace
    • Try pacing while talking on your phone
    • Take the stairs to skip the elevator
  • Quit smoking and alcohol: Smoking destroys the lungs, healthy functioning of the heart, and overall wellness. Alcohol can severely damage the liver and nerve functions.
  • De-stress: Stress can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If you are a workaholic, take a break from your busy routine, try deep breathing, and check your posture. Take time to indulge in your hobbies, plan a vacation and spend time with family.
  • Schedule annual checkups with your healthcare provider: Visit your physician for routine medical checkups and get your baseline health assessments sorted.

If you have concerns about your foot health, contact Step By Step Family Foot Care. Our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Debra B. Manheim, can help you on your journey of transformation. You can call us at (973) 917-3785 to schedule a convenient appointment or visit our office in Parsippany, NJ.