In Question

Will being overweight take
years off my life?

The good news is that according to a new government study, being overweight (having a body mass index [BMI] between 25 and 30) had no effect on the death rates from cancer and heart disease. However, the study, which analyzed the BMI and causes of death for 2.3 million adults, found that carrying extra pounds increases your risk of dying of diabetes and kidney disease. And because extra body weight can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes, it’s wise to keep weight in a healthy range.

Is it true that I can get a hard-to-treat staph infection from working out at the gym?

The drug-resistant strain of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes staph infections, is primarily found in hospitals. In recent years, however, infections from these bacteria have arisen in schools and child-care centers and among athletes who share workout equipment. MRSA enters the skin through a cut or sore — most often through skin-to-skin contact — and can cause a skin abscess or sometimes a more serious infection. In the gym, wash hands frequently, don’t share towels, keep a towel or clothing between skin and equipment, and wipe down shared equipment with antiseptic solution.

I use a reliever medication for my asthma about four times a week. Is this normal?

According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, you shouldn’t be using your rescue medication more than two times a week. The fact that you are using it more often is a sign that you should talk with your doctor about how to get better control over symptoms. But you’re not alone. A recent survey from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that about 62 percent of people with asthma feel that asthma limits their usual activities or enjoyment of life every day to some extent. If you feel like your asthma is holding you back, talk with your doctor. Trigger avoidance and a change in the dose or type of medication may help.

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