T.J. Samson | Destination Health | October 2018

October 2018 7 By some estimates, as many as 14 million people in the U.S. are living with rosacea, a skin disorder that affects the face. But as common as it is, how much do you know about it? Here are answers to some frequent questions about this condition. Q: What are its symptoms? A: Rosacea often starts as a redness that looks like a blush across the nose, cheeks, chin or forehead. In time, red pimples and bumps may appear. Small, red blood vessels may become visible under your skin, which might burn or feel warm too. Rosacea may also irritate and inflame your eyelids and the white part of your eye. And some people may develop a swollen bumpy nose. Q: What causes rosacea, and who gets it? A: Exactly what causes rosacea is still unclear. But it can run in families, so there may be a ge- netic link. And while anyone can get rosacea— including children and people of color—most people who do are fair skinned. Women are slightly more likely than men to have rosacea. But men are at higher risk for a severe case. Q: Can it be cured? A: No, but treatment can reduce flare-ups and help your skin look or feel better. For example, your doctor may suggest antibiotic medicines applied directly to your skin. Enlarged blood vessels on your face can sometimes be removed with laser surgery. And eye treatments might include steroid eyedrops. If your nose is bumpy and swollen, you may be able to have extra skin removed. Q: How else can I help my rosacea get better? A: Avoid things that make your rosacea worse. Possible triggers include sun exposure, hot drinks, spicy foods, stress, and very hot or cold temperatures. To avoid irritating your skin, use mild skin care products and gentle cleansing techniques. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before you head outdoors. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health A Q&A on rosacea What you need to know about this common skin condition <fJ/eleotne DR. SACHIN BAHADUR Pain Management Pain Management Fellowship: Medical College of Georgia Anesthesiology Residency: Medical College of Georgia Medical School: Sawai Man Singh Medical College Office Location: T.J. Health Pavilion 310 N.L. Rogers Wells Blvd.• Glasgow, KY 270.659.5945 Most people have probably heard of cholesterol, and they may even know that it plays an important role in heart disease—a leading killer of U.S. men and women. Even so, many people may have questions about cholesterol and why they should pay attention to it. Do you? If so, here are some common questions, along with the answers. Q: What is cholesterol? A: Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body actually needs to func- tion normally. But if too much of it builds up in your bloodstream, your health could suffer as a result. Q: What causes high cholesterol? A: Your body makes some cholesterol. And cholesterol is found in animal- based foods, like meat and cheese. But the dietary components that raise blood cholesterol the most are saturated and trans fats. Foods high in these fats can cause your liver to make more cholesterol than your body needs. Q: What are the different types of cholesterol? A: There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often called the bad cholesterol because it tends to collect in arteries; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is often called the good cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries. Over time, excess LDL cholesterol can combine with other substances in the blood and clog arteries that supply the heart and the brain with blood. As a result, those arteries may become stiff and narrow, and circulation may decrease or become blocked.This is commonly called hardening of the ar- teries . And it can lead to problems like heart disease, heart attack or a stroke. HDL cholesterol plays an impor- tant role in heart disease in two ways: Having high blood levels can actually lower your risk of heart disease, but having too little can increase your risk. Q: How would I know if my cholesterol levels are within a healthy range? A: The only way to know is to get tested.The American Heart Associa- tion recommends that most adults have a cholesterol test—it’s a simple blood test—at least every four to six years. Ask your doctor what’s best for you. Q: How are unhealthy choles- terol levels treated? A: If your cholesterol levels aren’t what they should be, you may be able to improve them with some lifestyle changes. It helps to: ●  ● Eat fewer foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats and processed foods. ●  ● Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. ●  ● Get some exercise, such as brisk walking, at least 150 minutes a week. ●  ● Maintain a healthy weight. You also may need to take a cholesterol-lowering medicine, like a statin. Q&A: What to know about cholesterol Health