Page 22 - Florida Sentinel 10-5-18

Health
METABOLIC SYNDROME
Living with psoriasis means you have a greater chance of other health problems, too. The same in- flammation that triggers your skin symptoms can affect your whole body.
A healthy lifestyle, and medications when you need them, can lower the likelihood of related trou- ble. Find out what symptoms to be on the lookout for as well as ways you may be able to prevent some of these illnesses.
NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
In one study, half of people with psoriasis had a buildup of fat in their liv- ers, called NAFLD for short. You often won't have symptoms, but it can lead to more serious liver problems. To help prevent
it, lose extra weight, exercise, and avoid alcohol and high-fructose corn syrup. Ask your doctor if your med- icines could harm your liver.
Sometimes, health problems happen to- gether, like diabetes, belly fat, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This group is called metabolic syndrome. It's hard on your heart and makes
death from a heart attack or stroke more likely. Your doctor should check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels often. Do your part, too: Stay at a healthy weight, exercise, and limit the fast food.
DEPRESSION
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Someone with psoriasis is twice as likely to be de- pressed as someone with- out the skin problem. Scientists think the same inflammation also causes this mental illness. The challenge of living with an
ongoing disease can also get you down. If you're sad or hopeless for more than a couple of weeks, reach out for help. You'll feel better, and treating depression may make your skin better, too.
Inflammation makes it hard for cells to absorb sugar from what you eat. The extra sugar builds up in your blood, which can lead to diabetes. You can lower your blood sugar levels by losing extra weight, exercising reg-
ularly, and eating high-fiber foods. If you have psoria- sis, you should get tested for type 2 diabetes and have your blood sugar checked often.
HEART DISEASE
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Do your joints hurt? Are they stiff or swollen? This type of arthritis mainly affects people with psoriasis. Most often, you'll have skin symptoms before you notice prob- lems in your joints. Tell your doctor if you're more tired than usual or have new aches and pains. Pso-
riatic arthritis can cause lasting damage, so it's impor- tant to catch it early.
Psoriasis may triple your chances of having a heart attack and stroke, because inflammation can damage the blood vessels leading to your heart and brain. For your
heart's sake, watch your blood pressure and choles- terol, and quit smoking. Try to exercise every day. Include healthy fats in your diet. Work with your doctor to control your skin symptoms, which will help keep inflammation in check.
OBESITY
Adults and kids with psoriasis are more prone to obesity. The more you weigh, the worse your skin symptoms are likely to be. Why? Fat cells release proteins that can trigger inflammation. (Genes you
inherit might play a part, too.) Losing weight may give you clearer skin and help your psoriasis medications work better.
KIDNEY DISEASE
Severe psoriasis may affect your kidneys. At least, that's what one large study found. (People with psoriasis on less than 3% of their body didn't have trouble.) Some medica- tions can harm the kidneys, so that might be the problem, but it's not certain. Watch for swollen ankles, tiredness, and peeing more than normal. Your doctor can do a simple test to check how well your kidneys are working.
PAGE 10-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2018