Heart Disease, Stroke, and Cancer - What to Look For

As I'm sure most of us would like to live a long healthy life I would like to take a minute to give you some advise for things to watch out for. This is not meant to scare anyone but only to make people aware.

The 3 biggest things that we all need to be aware of, as they cause the most deaths in the industrialized world, are heart disease/attack, stroke, and cancer.

Below are some warning signs you need to know. And if you experience any of these warning signs to seek medical help immediately. For heart attack and stroke, by saying immediately, I mean right away, within minutes, not by calling your family doctor and making an appointment for two weeks down the road. Chance of survival, or recovery, greatly depends on how soon one reaches advance medical help (meaning a hospital).

Heart attack warning signs:

• pain, tightness, or discomfort in the chest, shoulders, arms, upper back, jaw (this is more common in men).
• shortness of breath/difficulty catching your breath (assuming you are not exercising).
• fast/rapid, or irregular pulse/heart rate.
• cold sweat.
• flu like symptoms that persist (this is more common in women).
• weakness (e.g. can't lift things), persistent tiredness.

More info on heart disease.

Stroke warning signs:

• sudden severe headache.
• dizzyness.
• confusion (e.g. you forget where you are or what you are doing).
• numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes.
• numbness or paralysis on one side of your body (e.g. arms, legs).
• loss of short term memory.
• slurred speech.
• trouble understanding what someone is saying to you.
• even if these warning signs go away, there is still a strong chance that a more serious stroke is just around the corner. Go seek help.

Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada-Stroke.

Cancer is a bit more complicated because there are several different kinds.

In general you should watch out for any weight loss that can not be explained by a change in eating habits or activity levels.

Cancer of the immune system or lymphatic system:

• swollen glands (e.g. under your chin, or under arms) that swell and stay swollen for more than 3-4 weeks.

Skin cancer:

• changes in shape, color, or size of moles.
• skin sores that take a long time to heal or start bleeding (this can also be a warning sign for diabetes).
• make sure you have someone check your back as well.

Lung cancer:

• coughs that won't go away after a couple of weeks.

Breast cancer:

• unusual lumps on the breasts (by the way, men can also get breast cancer).
• besides a self exam there are other exams women should consider. Talk to your doctor for more info.

Testicular cancer:

• unusual lumps on the testicles.

Colon, or colorectal, cancer:

• any changes in bowel habits that persist for more than a couple of weeks.
• persistent, or repeating, pain or discomfort in the abdomone or digestive system.
• blood in urine, or stools (yes, you should check once in a while).
• this cancer is the only one that gives you the opportunity to stop it before it starts. This cancer always begins as polyps (tiny skin growth in the colon) that may develop into cancer. If detected early they are simply snipped out. All colon cancers develop from polyps, but not all polyps develop into cancer.
• checking for this cancer should be done starting at the age of 50, and repeated every 5 years. It's called a colonoscopy. It sounds awful, but it's not. You won't feel a thing.

Prostate cancer (for men only):

• any changes in bladder habits (e.g. pain).
• frequent need to urinate but in small amounts.
• this test should be checked starting at the age of 50 and repeated yearly. there are several types of tests and you should talk to your doctor about which one is best for you, but do something.
• more info on prostate cancer.

Having any of these signs does not mean cancer is present, but it does mean you should consult your doctor and have a proper diagnosis.

More info on cancer.

If you want to reduce your chance of getting these diseases:

• stay away from cigarettes, both your own and smoke from other people.
• exercise regularly (this means almost every day). Go for walks, jogs, swims, bike rides, etc.
• get rid of excess body fat.
• eat lots and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (by the way, chips are not considered a vegetable).
• avoid foods high in saturated fats (e.g. junk food, lard, too much meat, fried foods).
• check your blood pressure (at least once a year by your doctor). You can not feel high blood pressure, but controlling it is vital in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• eliminate excess stress.
• a bit of sun exposure is good as it helps your body produce vitamin D. But too much can lead to skin cancer.

Although the older you are the higher your chances are of suffering from these diseases, remember that these can still happen at any age.