American Postal Workers Union - medical conditions

How to get rid of a headache

Whether you experience intense pounding pain that comes on suddenly or a dull ache that lasts for days, a headache can slow you down and cause you to miss work. Stress, certain foods, and changes in your sleep pattern often result in a headache, but in some cases there’s no clear cause. Here are some tips on relieving your discomfort and reducing your chances of getting a headache in the first place.

Exercises to reduce lower back pain

exercise, medical conditions

If you suffer from low back pain, you’re not alone. Up to 80 percent of U.S. adults experience low back pain at some point in life, and the condition becomes more common as you age. Fortunately, a variety of strengthening and stretching exercises can relieve lower back pain, improve your mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

Postpartum depression: What to do when the baby blues don’t go away

medical conditions, mental health, pregnancy

Becoming a mother is an exciting transition that changes you in unexpected ways and gives you a new perspective on life. It’s a time of joy, but many new moms experience intense mood swings after giving birth. One minute you feel happy, only to break down crying the next. The baby blues are a normal part of early motherhood and usually go away within a few weeks of your delivery. But if your symptoms persist and begin to affect your quality of life, you may have postpartum depression.

How to soothe a sore throat: Home remedies that actually work

medical conditions

When you have a sore throat, you may experience mild discomfort or a burning sensation when you swallow or talk, and the back of your throat may feel irritated or scratchy. Sore throats can be caused by anything from allergies and the common cold to bacterial infections like strep throat and other conditions. In many cases, simple home remedies can help ease your pain.

Recommended vaccines for children from birth through age six

medical conditions, plan benefits

A child’s immune system is exposed to numerous germs every day. While babies are born with antibodies that offer protection against some diseases, the protection is temporary. Vaccines given from birth to age six help protect kids from viruses and bacteria that cause serious diseases. Many of these diseases are uncommon in the United States because vaccines are doing their job. During well-child visits, talk to your pediatrician about the recommended immunizations for children.

Fibromyalgia: A practical guide to treating pain, fatigue, and brain fog

medical conditions

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints throughout the body. While researchers don’t know what causes fibromyalgia, it’s a real health condition that affects at least four million adults in the United States. There is no test to diagnose it—and no cure—but your doctor can help you find treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Symptoms of IBS, foods to avoid, and treatment options

medical conditions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects 25 to 45 million people in the U.S. IBS can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, excessive gas, and bloating. It can also change how often you have a bowel movement and the appearance of your stool. Fortunately, if you suffer from IBS, you can often manage your symptoms through dietary and lifestyle changes.

Long COVID: How to protect yourself from the long-term effects of COVID-19

medical conditions

Most people who get COVID-19 recover completely within a few days to several weeks. However, about one in 20 people infected with COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms that can last up to 18 months or even years after the initial infection. Anyone who was infected with the virus that causes the disease can continue to experience symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and brain fog. In fact, millions of so-called COVID long-haulers suffer from the condition.

Text neck: How to avoid neck pain when using your mobile phone

medical conditions

We spend a lot of time on our mobile phones these days, sending texts, checking email, and accessing the web. Looking down at a phone for long periods of time can put added stress on the muscles in the neck, resulting in chronic pain known as text neck. Following a few simple tips can help you improve your posture and prevent pain and stiffness in your neck.

Colorectal cancer screenings: A colonoscopy could save your life

cancer, medical conditions

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the United States. The good news is that it usually develops slowly and is preventable. That’s why routine screenings are so important. When found early, doctors can stop colorectal cancer before it starts.

Reduce your risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

medical conditions

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, often find it difficult to breathe while doing everyday activities. The condition can make it feel like you’re running out of air even when you take a deep breath, and you may have a cough that won’t go away. Early detection of COPD can change its progress, so be sure to see your doctor if you have signs of this chronic lung disease.

Seasonal affective disorder: Ways to ease seasonal depression

medical conditions, mental health

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by changing seasons. Most people with SAD begin to experience symptoms during the fall as the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter. The condition may worsen throughout the winter before ending in the spring. SAD is not simply a case of the “winter blues.” Rather, it’s a form of depression that affects your daily life and changes the way you think and feel. Fortunately, many treatment options are available.

Shingles vaccine FAQ: Questions and answers about the Shingrix vaccine

medical conditions

Shingles is a common viral infection that causes a painful skin rash. Although it isn’t life-threatening, it can be very painful and last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In the United States, healthcare providers diagnose more than 200,000 cases of shingles each year. The good news is that a widely available vaccine can help reduce the risk of developing shingles.

How to spot the warning signs of a stroke

healthy habits, high blood pressure, medical conditions

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, preventing the tissue from getting the oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Making healthy lifestyle changes and working with your doctor to control your risk factors can greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

Living with asthma: How to keep your asthma under control

medical conditions

If you have asthma, exposure to certain triggers can cause a flare-up or an attack. Avoiding your triggers and making an asthma action plan can help you prevent an attack before it happens—and steer clear of the ER.

Preventing back pain: Tips for a healthy back

getting care, medical conditions

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the U.S. In fact, 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in life, and it affects men and women equally. Sometimes back pain is sharp and intense, caused by heavy lifting or an accident, and heals in a short period of time. Other times back pain is a dull, constant ache that prevents people from going to work and spending time with family and friends. Fortunately, there are ways to find relief from back pain.

Healthy bones: What you need to know about osteoporosis

getting care, medical conditions

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become more porous, fragile, and prone to fracture as you age. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, some 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and 44 million have low bone density, increasing their risk of breaking a bone. For those with osteoporosis, the most common fractures occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. The good news is that osteoporosis is manageable. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can help slow the loss of bone mass and help prevent fractures.

Exercising with arthritis: Managing osteoarthritis pain with physical activity

exercise, medical conditions

Arthritis is a disease that can affect any joint in the body, especially your knees, hips, lower back, neck, fingers, and toes. While there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, about 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA)—or “wear and tear” arthritis—the most common form of the condition. Arthritis can’t be reversed, but physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can slow its progression, reduce pain, and help improve joint function.

Heart disease in women: Take steps to reduce your risk factors

heart health, medical conditions

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, heart disease—also known as cardiovascular disease—and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, claiming the life of approximately one woman every 80 seconds. It’s the most common cause of death for men, too, but some of the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease differ between men and women. And, it doesn’t affect all women alike. Fortunately, as a woman, you can take steps to understand the symptoms and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Preventing diabetes: Small changes, big rewards

diabetes, medical conditions, weight loss

Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood sugar levels to be higher than normal. The most common form of the disease, type 2 diabetes, can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to prevent the complications of diabetes.