20 Health Tips for a Healthy 2020

1. What can cause acne – even if you’re older than 30?

Answer D: All of those are culprits and can lead to breakouts, even in older people. Talk to you dermatologist to determine which might be main cause of your acne.

2. Weight Gain is a bigger problem for women as they age compared to men. True or False?

Answer: False. Both men AND women are prone to gaining weight – particularly in our mid-sections – as we age. Weight gain should be monitored and controlled since it is a factor for health issues such as hypertension and diabetes.

3. What percentage of Americans suffer from heartburn?

Answer: D. 44% of Americans will have heartburn at least once a month. Chronic heartburn can be indicative of bigger health issues and should not be ignored.

4. What health problem sends more people in Massachusetts to the doctor than any other issue?

Answer: This may surprise you, but the correct answer is C, concussions! Dr. Anthony Rodrigues, a Neurologist at Tufts Medical Center says this doesn’t mean we have more concussions in the Bay State, but rather we are more educated about the need to be evaluated after a possible head injury.

5. New colon screening guidelines suggest who DOESN’T need to be screened?

Answer: D is the correct answer according to new guidelines released by the American College of Physicians.

6. Intermittent fasting is a healthy way to lose weight for those with diabetes. True or False?

Answer: False. Doctors say anyone with diabetes who considers this weight loss method needs to talk with their doctor since their risk for hypoglycemia and the medications they’re on can make this a dangerous way to lose weight. Others who are cautioned about intermittent fasting are pregnant women and athletes.

7. Knee pain can be greatly reduced by weight loss in many patients. Losing just one pound will result in how many pounds of reduced pressure on your knee?

Answer: The answer is D, for every one pound of weight you lose, your knees will be subjected to four pounds less pressure with every step you take!

8. Waning libido in men is almost always associated with erectile dysfunction. True or False?

Answer: False, according to Dr. Liyan Zhuang, a Urologist at Tufts Medical Center. In fact, he warns against confusing the two and says while ED can cause a dip in your libido, other factors such as obesity, diabetes and even stress can be to blame.

9. Muscle cramping and numbness in your lower legs is usually a sign of dehydration. True or False?

Answer. False. While it can be true, it’s also a sign of a more serious condition known as PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease). PAD can affect your lower extremities as well as your stomach, arms and head. PAD can lead to amputation and death if ignored.

10. People experience jet lag most often when flying:

Answer: C. West to East travelers experience jet lag the most and you’ll feel it the most when you travel across two or more time zones in a day.

11. Anxiety affects what percentage of the world’s population?

Answer: A. 20% of people suffer from some form of anxiety and is the most common of all mental disorders. Anxiety is twice as prevalent in woman compared to men.

12. Which cancer kills the most people annually in the United States:

Answer: B. Lung cancer kills more people annually than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined! If you have ever smoked, you should talk with your physician about a CT scan to screen for lung cancer.