MacDill AFB personnel and their dependents have the following Top 10 Diagnoses* based on a review of their utilization of medical care.  Click on the recommended links below for background information on the diagnosis and specific actions you can take to make positive lifestyle changes.  Please note that the recommended links are from the Top 100+ Websites, a key part of your Best of Health Online service on the Internet that you and your dependents may access at anytime and from anywhere. 

1. Hypertension or High Blood Pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke.  It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure.  Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime.  You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking action.

Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Based on the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute clinical guidelines and research studies, this online guide provides up-to-date practical information on preventing and controlling high blood pressure (hypertension). (Added: 2001-06-29 Hits: 75 Rating: 10.00 Votes: 1) Rate It

D.A.S.H. Diet - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - Lower your blood pressure by changing your eating habits. The DASH diet is based on findings from the "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" clinical study that found that elevated blood pressure levels can be reduced with an eating plan low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products. Includes a form to track food habits before starting the plan and a chart to help with meal planning and food shopping. Provides a week's worth of sample menus, and recipes for some of the heart-healthy dishes featured in the menus.

2. Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol) -  A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease which leads to heart attack.  Cholesterol is a waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all the body's cells.  Some cholesterol is needed by the body to form cell membranes and perform other functions.  Cholesterol and other fats can't dissolve in blood and are transported as part of large molecules called lipoproteins. These include Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol, and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol.  You can reduce LDL by making proper food choices and increase HDL through exercise.  If that doesn't work your physician may prescribe cholesterol lowering medications. The following programs will help you to lower cholesterol through dietary choices and also to discuss your specific situation with your physician. 

National Cholesterol Education Program- From the US National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, the best information on how to reduce cholesterol and adopt a healthier lifestyle whether you have or want to prevent heart disease. (Added: 2000-09-05 Hits: 74 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It

3. Diabetes - A group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both.  Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Diabetes Risk Assessment - Could you have diabetes and not know it?  Sixteen million Americans have diabetes - one in three does not know it!  Take this online test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these ethnic groups, you need to pay special attention to this test. (Added: 2000-12-05 Hits: 111 Rating: 1.00 Votes: 1) Rate It

MedlinePlus Info on Diabetes - Latest news, general overviews, alternative therapy, clinical trials, diagnosis/symptoms, disease management, nutrition, prevention/screening, research, specific conditions/aspects, and treatment. (Added: 2001-04-18 Hits: 17 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It

Meals For You - An incredible online resource with over 8000 recipes.  Includes recipes that are low calorie, low fat, low choleserol, low sodium, high protein and high fiber.  Also many recipes for special diets, diabetics, people with high blood pressure (hypertension) etc.(Added: 2002-04-15 Hits: 62 Rating: 0.00 Votes: 0) Rate It

4. URI - Upper Respiratory Infections - The term upper respiratory infection (URI) includes the common cold, sore throats, and flu.  URIs are usually caused by a virus but may also be due to bacteria or other organisms.  An upper respiratory infection is rarely serious but often causes bothersome symptoms. These websites presents comprehensive information on URIs -signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and prevention.

6. Joint Pain of Limb & Leg

7. Low Back Pain - We tend to assume that when the back pain goes away, the problem goes away. Not necessarily - you are left with weak muscles, ligaments and joints. This could lead to a vicious cycle of additional pain and further weakness. This cycle of pain begins from the first time you experience any symptoms.  Historically, the heart muscle, weakened by the pain of a heart attack, was treated by rest, medication and activity avoidance.  How is a weakened heart muscle treated today?  Simple exercise.

Interactive Back Care Module - Let BackMan help you break the pain cycle by showing you how your back functions, how to help muscle to support your back, and how to find the balance between function and fitness.  Be sure to Assess Your Back whether or not you have back pain.

Back Pain - Back Care - MedLine Plus Health Information on Back Pain and Back Care including News, General/Overviews, Anatomy/Physiology, Clinical Trials, Diagnosis/Symptoms, Prevention/Screening, Rehabilitation, Specific Conditions/Aspects & Treatment. Information in English & Español/Spanish(Added: 2001-06-04 Hits: 79 Rating: 4.00 Votes: 1) Rate It

8. Obesity - There is a strong relationship between obesity and at least 15 different health conditions.  One of the simplest ways to learn if your excess weight is endangering your health is to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index).   Experts have developed a simple calculation based on your height and weight and determined that if you have a BMI of between 14.5 and 24.9 you are in the normal range.  A BMI of 25 - 29.9 puts you in the range of overweight and moderate risk.  A BMI of 30 or higher means that you are medically obese and may have to face sharply increased health risks including diabetes and heart disease.  This doesn't apply to people who exercise regularly and are muscular.  Losing only 5% to 10% of body weight, for persons with overweight or obesity, can improve various medical conditions including diabetes and hypertension. 

9. Actinic Keratosis (AK) - also known as a solar keratosis, is a small, rough spot occurring on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. Actinic keratoses generally measure in size between 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter (between the size of a pencil point to that of an eraser). They are usually reddish in color and often have a white scale on top. In addition to feeling rough, actinic keratoses may feel sore or painful when fingers or clothing rub against them. This website provides comprehensive information on who is at risk and how it is treated.

10. Dental Caries - Includes cavities and tooth decay. This website explains causes, treatment options and tips for prevention.

* Based on Visits June, 2005 - November 2005  (This list is based on ICD9 coded visit data for the 6^th MDG.  Visits for dental caries are coded differently but included in the Top Ten listing as determined by the PHWG).