So many people misuse the words “heart failure” in ordinary speech, it’s no wonder few know the real meaning. Heart failure is a situation in which the heart cannot pumping blood to the body to deliver its want for oxygen. It is neither a heart attack nor a stopped heart, but rather a weakened heart.

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A study commissioned by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide reveals that health clubs now have a more positive image than in years past, and that club members particpate in more life activities than non-members.

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Another way to test for the level of blood glucose is by measuring the hemoglobin A1c (HA1c)level. When blood glucose levels are high, glucose attaches to hemoglobin molecules. The higher the blood glucose, the more hemoglobin molecules get “tagged” with glucose. This is an excellent test for estimating the average blood glucose level over the previous 6 weeks, and it is very helpful for monitoring a person’s diabetes. However, this test is not accurate enough for diagnosing diabetes and it should not be used for this purpose.

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The hallmark of diabetes is a high level of glucose, as well as other nutrients, in the blood stream. The challenge in diagnosing this disease is in determining what levels are normal, and what levels are abnormally elevated. The problem is not an easy one, since blood glucose levels normally rise temporarily after a meal. However, after studying blood glucose levels in many individuals and checking which ones go on to develop the diabetes complications, doctors have set specific criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes.

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If there’s any holiday synonymous with “too much candy,” Halloween is it. From trick-or-treaters’ bulging bags to costume parties where witches and goblins munch candy corn and marshmallow pumpkins, candy is everywhere.

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Like many women, Charlotte Libov of Bethlehem, Conn., never worried about heart disease. It was breast cancer she feared and had in mind when she exercised, ate right and scheduled regular checkups.
But then in 1990, when she was only 40 and “feeling great,” she was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect — a 1-inch hole in the upper chamber of her heart. The condition was thankfully a correctable heart defect, rather than actual heart disease. But as she prepared for open heart surgery, she learned this startling truth: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women each year, causing more than double the deaths from lung and breast cancer combined.

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Those with hepatitis C should be monitored by a physician, but given the current state of available treatments, active treatment is not recommended for all people. Available medications can have intense side effects, so they are not recommended for those in whom there is no clear and obvious benefit.

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The Highland Park Hospital Health and Fitness Center’s newsletter includes “all upcoming programs, including one-day special events, such as an anniversary party, a 5K event or a special fitness seminar, and ongoing programs such as weight management, healthy cooking, and Baby and Me classes,” explains Kove.

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If you’re pregnant and worried about what your favorite double espresso might do to your baby, a new study could put your fears to rest.

The research suggests that moderate caffeine intake during pregnancy doesn’t harm a baby’s development. However, previous studies have linked caffeine to delays in conceiving, low birth weight, premature delivery and miscarriage.

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From the outside it appeared that I was calm, poised and confident. Professionally, I had already achieved a measure of success, so who would guess that my view of myself was different on the inside?

It happened every time that I was about to step into a difficult situation, whether it was meeting with a major client, preparing to speak in front of an audience, writing an article, or attempting to talk to a person I found attractive. The problem was always the same. My anxiety level about what others thought of me would go up, and my brain would shut off. The thought of being judged by others would cause my emotions to jump into the driver’s seat and steer my mind into a blizzard of self-doubt.

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