Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
Russ Brown, a resident of Hilton Head Island since 1974 and president and CEO of RBC Enterprises, lost his 27-month fight with acute myeloid leukemia on August 12, 2014.
Shortly after his diagnosis, Brown became determined to start a foundation to help beat this disease that greatly impacts so many lives. Unfortunately, Brown wasn’t able to see his final wish come to life — but others have stepped in to help.
Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but many patients don’t realize that flossing at least once a day is just as critical to achieving — and maintaining — a healthy smile. Flossing removes the cavity-causing bacteria left behind from food particles that get stuck between teeth.
The following are specific symptoms typically associated with certain cancer types:
Some common gastrointestinal cancer symptoms include: cramps, bloating, gas pain, changes in bowel/bladder habits, constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, anemia, and/or jaundice. Learn more about symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Some common gynecologic cancer symptoms include: abnormal vaginal bleeding (after menopause, between periods, following sexual intercourse), pain during intercourse, pelvic/back pain, pain on urination, and/or watery, white or pinkish vaginal discharge. Learn more about symptoms of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, or cervical cancer.
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of a medical emergency:
Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.
Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
The journey to lifelong health starts with but one small step – and then one leads to another. A positive change here, an unhealthy habit dropped there, and before you know it, you're travelling down a healthier path.
That's how it should be. Radical overhaul is overwhelming, but small, simple changes are oh-so doable. These are a few of our favorite ways to ease into health. Start with one. When you see what a big impact a humble change can make, you might be ready to tackle the whole list. After all, it's the little things, right?
Many people want to build up some “insurance” against dementia and other memory problems. But there’s no need to invest in pricey brain-training programs. Instead, do-it-yourself lifestyle changes have been shown to help ward off memory loss and dementia, reports the February 2015 Harvard Women’s Health Watch. The following strategies lead the list:
As the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans with major eye diseases is increasing, and vision loss is becoming a major public health problem, according to the National Eye Institute.
By the year 2020, the number of people who are blind or have low vision is projected to increase substantially, according to the Archives of Ophthalmology. Blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over, or one in 28, according to study authors. This figure is projected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020.
A few good choices can help you feel better and stay healthier. Getting diagnosed with health problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol is a wake-up call that it’s time to make major lifestyle changes. e good news is, a few simple changes can help you avoid such a diagnosis in the first place.
One of the most important components of any exercise or weight-loss program is resistance training. Resistance/strength training involves performing specific exercises, using either machines or free weights, to help improve muscle strength and endurance. Most weight loss seekers tend to ignore strength training and devote the majority of their training to cardiovascular exercise.
