Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

The vagina normally has a balance of mostly “good” bacteria and fewer “harmful” bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis, known as BV, develops when the balance changes. With BV, there is an increase in harmful bacteria and a decrease in good bacteria. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.

Is The Lap-Band Safe?

In this procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around a small portion of the upper stomach, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage, or stoma, into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a saline (salt) solution through a reservoir implanted beneath the skin during surgery. The band can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of saline solution. When a patient eats, the pouch, or “new” stomach, fills quickly with solid food and empties slowly to relieve hunger and produce a feeling of fullness. Overeating results in pain or vomiting.

Establishing a Bedtime Routine

Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 12 hours during each 24-hour period, but there’s no need to be rigid about which 10 to 12 hours these are. The most important thing is to help kids develop good habits for getting to sleep.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Childbirth

It is normal for you to feel both excited and scared about labor and delivery. We hope that this newsletter helps answer your questions so you will know what to expect during labor.

Having Trouble Sleeping?

Approximately 50% of adults experience occasional bouts of insomnia, and 1 in 10 complain of chronic insomnia. Insomnia is approximately twice as common in women as in men, and is more common in older than younger people.

Monday, February 27, 2012

What is a Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It ends menstruation and the ability to become pregnant. Depending on the reason for the surgery, a hysterectomy may also involve the removal of other organs and tissue.  READ MORE

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy)

Hyperemesis gravidarum is an uncommon disorder in which extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting occur during pregnancy. This condition might lead to dehydration.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

What is a Mini-Stroke?

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), or when there is some type of blockage that cuts off blood supply (ischemic stroke). When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they die.

Any Idea Why My Heel is KILLING ME?

One of the most common foot problems seen by physicians is heel pain. Heel pain that occurs in adult patients is most commonly caused by a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition is sometimes also known as a heel spur.   Heel pain can also be caused by other factors, such as: READ MORE

You Don't Understand, I Need My Hair!

The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is genetic. In fact, heredity accounts for 95 percent of all the cases of alopecia (baldness) in this country. The remaining five percent of the cases can be due to a number of things including diet, stress, illness, and/or medications.

Friday, February 24, 2012

When Does it Become a Medical Emergency?

Even healthy kids get hurt and sick sometimes. In some cases, you will know that you need to head straight to the emergency room (ER) at the nearest hospital. In other cases, it’s more difficult to determine whether an injury or an illness needs the attention of a medical professional or can be treated at home.

Is Your Vagina Healthy?

Many women experience uncomfortable, vaginal infections (vaginitis) at one time or another. The area around the entrance to the vagina (vulva) can also become irritated. Steps can be taken to relieve and prevent vulvar discomfort and vaginal infections.
 

Getting To Know Your Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has additional education and training in a specialty area such as family practice or pediatrics. Pediatric and family practice NPs can provide regular health care for kids.

Is Your Electronic Health Record Safe?

Not that long ago, doctors and nurses would write notes in a patient’s chart — often a sheaf of papers fastened to a clipboard — during an office visit. These notes then would be added to the patient’s ever-expanding medical file, which was physically stored on the premises. Until the digital age, there was no other way to store a patient’s medical record.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Dealing With The Discomforts of Pregnancy

Your body will be constantly changing during pregnancy, which might cause some discomforts. Some discomforts might occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, while others will occur only as you get closer to delivery. Other discomforts might appear early and then go away, only to come back later. This is normal and usually does not mean something is wrong.

Protect Your Gums (Gingivitis)

Gingivitis, also called gum disease or periodontal disease, describes the events that begin with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end — if not properly treated — with tooth loss from destruction of the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. (Gingivitis and periodontitis are two distinct stages of gum disease.)

Do You Have a Fever?

A fever is a higher-than-normal body temperature and is a part of our body’s natural response to infection. The average normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When your body’s temperature rises a few degrees above normal, it is a sign that your body is fighting infection and is generally not cause for concern. In these cases, a fever is the response you want your body to have since it means that it is healthy enough to fight infection. For this reason it is not always a good idea to try and bring a fever down too quickly. However, a fever that goes above 102 degrees Fahrenheit is a cause for concern, and treatment should be initiated.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

What Exactly is Jet Lag?

Chances are good that you’ll have to endure an airplane flight before boarding your cruise ship. To help start your cruising vacation full of energy, here is some information to minimize any jet lag problems you may encounter.

Is Ginkgo a Wonder Herb?

This newsletter provides basic information about the herb ginkgo—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world. Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.

Are Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Hereditary?

The cause of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) — ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease — is not known. However, evidence suggests that these diseases are due to a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and changes in the function of the immune system.

Hair, Hair Everywhere (electrolysis)

Electrolysis is a way of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today’s medical electrolysis devices, called epilators, destroy the growth center of the hair with a short-wave radio frequency. This is done by inserting a very fine probe into the hair follicle at the surface of the skin. The hair is then removed harmlessly with forceps.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo does not implant in the uterus. In many cases of ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants in one of the fallopian tubes. In rare cases, the embryo attaches to an ovary or other abdominal organs.

Newborn Screening

Newborn screening is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or potentially fatal disorders that aren’t otherwise apparent at birth.

What Did You Say About Earwax?

Cerumen, also called earwax, is made by the body to protect the ears. The earwax has both lubricating and antibacterial properties. Most of the time, the old earwax is moved through the ear canal by motions from chewing and other jaw movements. At that time, it reaches the outside of the ear and flakes off. Cerumen is produced in the outer part of the ear canal, not deep inside the ear. READ MORE  

At What Age Should A Child Visit The Dentist?

It is generally recommended that an infant be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in.

At What Age Should A Child Visit The Dentist?

It is generally recommended that an infant be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in.

Dry, Itchy, Flaky Scalp? You Might Have Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff)

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes white-to-yellow greasy scales to form on the scalp, ears, and face. If it occurs on the scalp in babies, it is called “cradle cap.” If it appears on the scalp in adults, it is known as dandruff.

The Future of Cosmetic Treatments

New cosmetic surgery techniques will continue to grow as demand grows. Procedures such as facelifts, which were previously performed with scalpel, will in the future be done with lasers. Recovery times will be quicker and scarring will be less.

Is Your Child Safe With The Babysitter?

Entrusting someone to care for your kids can be challenging. Finding a qualified babysitter requires time and effort, but your reward is assurance that your child is in capable hands. You’ll want to find someone who is mature and friendly, has common sense, and a genuine fondness for children.   READ MORE

Monday, February 20, 2012

Do Chemical Peels Sound Safe To You?

Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling, is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

Does Your Child Have Asthma?

Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. It affects as many as 10 to 12 percent of children in the U.S. and, for unknown reasons, is steadily increasing. It can begin at any age, but most children have their first symptoms by age 5.

I'm Sorry, Where Did You Say You Were Inserting That Scope?

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is examined. A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopies are also performed in individuals without symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 50 years of age and older, and for anyone with parents, siblings or children with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps.

Family Violence is a Serious Problem

Family violence is a situation in which one family member causes physical or emotional harm to another family member. At the center of this violence is the abuser’s need to gain power and control over the victim. Abuse can be:

How Many Cavities is Too Many Cavities?

Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Step-Parenthood

Becoming a parent by blending families or marrying someone with kids can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. If you’ve never had kids, you’ll get the opportunity to share your life with a younger person and help to shape his or her character. If you have kids, you’ll offer them more opportunities to build relationships and establish a special bond that only siblings can have.

Are Canker Sores Contagious?

Canker sores are a common condition that affects the lining of the soft tissue of the mouth. The medical term for canker sores is “recurrent aphthous ulcerations” or simply “aphthae.” Canker sores start as white to yellowish ulcers that are surrounded by redness. They are usually very small (less than 1 mm) but may enlarge to ½ to 1 inch in diameter. They tend to be painful and can interfere with eating and speaking. Healing usually takes place in seven to 10 days.

Could That Cough Be Bronchitis?

No doubt you’ve had your share of colds. Perhaps you even know someone who has had pneumonia. In between these two conditions is an illness called bronchitis, which is more severe than the common cold but not as dangerous as pneumonia. READ MORE

Grape Juice or Wine?

Does grape juice offer the same heart benefits as red wine?   Possibly. Some research studies suggest that red and purple grape juices may provide some of the same heart benefits of red wine, including: READ MORE

Ok, Tell Me About Botox

Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . In large amounts, this toxin can cause botulism, which you probably associate with food poisoning. Despite the fact that one of the most serious complications of botulism is paralysis, scientists have discovered a way to use it to human advantage. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles.

Why Read to My Baby?

You may wonder about the benefits of reading to your baby. An infant won’t understand everything you’re doing or why. But you wouldn’t wait until your child could understand what you were saying before you started speaking to him or her, right? And you wouldn’t bypass lullabies until your baby could carry a tune or wait until he or she could shake a rattle before you offered any toys.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Birthmarks

There are two main categories of birthmarks — red birthmarks and pigmented birthmarks. Red birthmarks are a vascular (blood vessel) type of birthmark. Pigmented birthmarks are areas in which the color of the birthmark is different from the color of the rest of the skin.

Athletes Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm

Ringworm is a skin rash caused by a fungus; it is not caused by a worm. (Fungus is a plant-like structure.) Health care providers call ringworm “tinea.” “Athlete’s foot” (tinea pedis) and “jock itch” (tinea cruris) are types of ringworm. Fungi that cause these rashes thrive in areas of skin that are kept warm, damp, and dark, such as the area between the toes and near the groin. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are common in adolescents and adult males. These rashes do not spread easily, and both infections can be treated at home.

Brain Aneurysms and Hemorrhage

A brain aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in a brain artery that develops where the blood vessel wall is weakened. Visualize the artery as a garden hose. If the rubber in a section of the hose becomes thinner, the hose will develop a balloon-like bulge at that point. While the hose may still work, water pressure could cause leaks in the stretched-out hose wall or even cause the hose to burst. Similarly, a brain aneurysm may allow blood to leak into the subarachnoid space around the brain, causing damage to brain cells. The brain aneurysm also may rupture, causing a serious and perhaps fatal stroke.

Do You Have Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the center of the chest that often occurs after eating, bending over, with exercise, and sometimes at night when lying down. Approximately one in 10 adults has heartburn at least once a week and one in three monthly. Some pregnant women experience heartburn almost daily as a result of increased pressure on the abdomen and hormonal changes. Although its name implies otherwise, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. Rather, these symptoms indicate a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This newsletter offers some tips on how to relieve heartburn caused by this condition.

Lesbian Health Issues

All women have certain health risks. Women who have sex with women face an increased risk of specific health concerns, however. Although your individual risks are shaped by many factors beyond your sexual orientation and practices — including family history and age — it’s important to understand common health issues for lesbians and steps you can take to stay healthy.