Northwell Health - Glen Cove Hospital

::: for him ::: focus on health U R IC ACI D I S waste fi ltered by the kidneys and expelled from the body in urine. If too much uric acid accumulates in the blood due to overproduction, inadequate removal by the kidneys or overconsumption of certain foods, it forms thin shards that collect in the joints, often beginning in the big toes. Over time, the crystals can cause excessive warmth, tenderness, stiffness and swelling in the joints, as well as painful attacks that can last for days. Men between ages 40 and 50 are particularly at risk for gout, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Additional risk factors include: • Certain medications, such as diuretics and those containing niacin and salicylates • Excessive body weight • Family history of gout • Kidney insuffi ciency • Overconsumption of foods laden with purines, compounds that break down into uric acid • Overindulgence in alcohol Acute gout is a short-lived condition that often affects a single joint, while chronic gout involves repeated episodes affecting multiple joints. Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs and corticosteroids, make managing gout possible, but the longer you wait to speak with a physician about diagnosis and treatment, the tougher it is to rein in attacks . TH E MOST COM MON cause of baldness is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness or hereditary hair loss. But what if baldness doesn't run in your family? Or what if your hair loss occurs suddenly and differs from the normal balding pattern your relatives experienced? Here are a few less common triggers of hair loss to consider: Over-grooming. Washing or drying your hair too often or too vigorously can contribute to hair loss. Physical or emotional stress. Everything from the loss of a loved one to a high fever can lead to hair loss. According to the National Institutes of Health, it can take up to eight months for shedding to decrease after a traumatic event. Vitamin A overload. Hair loss is a common symptom of excessive Vitamin A intake. Weight loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing more than 15 pounds can trigger temporary hair loss, which often occurs up to six months after you've slimmed down. Medications. If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, arthritis, gout or depression, hair loss could be a hidden side effect. While no cure for baldness exists, medications containing fi nasteride or minoxidil have been shown to combat it. Hair loss is especially important to discuss with your doctor if it occurs in atypical patterns or is accompanied by itching or skin irritation. CRYSTAL CONCERN When are crystals ugly? When they're composed of uric acid and make themselves at home in your joints — a condition called gout, the most common infl ammatory arthritis affecting men. Genes aren't the only cause of hair loss in men. Don't accept thinning hair before you've investigated all the possible culprits. REASONS YOU MAY BE 5 Going Bald NorthShoreLIJ.com 15 TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.

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