People spend billions of dollars a year on health-related products and treatments that not only are unproven and often useless, but also sometimes are dangerous. The products promise quick cures and easy solutions for a variety of problems, from obesity and arthritis to cancer and AIDS. But the “cures” don’t deliver, and people who buy them are cheated out of their money, their time, and even their health. That’s why it’s important to learn how to evaluate claims for products related to your health.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. While glaucoma can strike anyone, the risk is much greater for people over 60.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Lotto Fever or Pathological Gambling?
Anyone who’s bought a lottery ticket or played bingo has gambled. Gambling is any game of chance in which money changes hands. It’s common in most cultures around the world. Many people enjoy gambling as recreation without causing harm to themselves or others. Yet some people can’t control their impulse to gamble, even when it takes a terrible toll on their lives.
Top Ten Foot Health Tips
The foot can be compared to a finely tuned race car, or a space shuttle, vehicles whose function dictates their design and structure. And like them, the human foot is complex, containing within its relatively small size 26 bones (the two feet contain a quarter of all the bones in the body), 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, to say nothing of blood vessels and nerves.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.
Ear Infections
An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria, that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. In fact, ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. The scientific name for an ear infection is otitis media (OM).
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Cloning: The Future is Now
The term cloning describes a number of different processes that can be used to produce genetically identical copies of a biological entity. The copied material, which has the same genetic makeup as the original, is referred to as a clone.
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Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive juices, or enzymes, into the duodenum through a tube called the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic enzymes join with bile—a liquid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder—to digest food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body regulate the glucose it takes from food for energy.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Do You Know Your Brain?
The brain is the most complex part of the human body. This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and controller of behavior. Lying in its bony shell and washed by protective fluid, the brain is the source of all the qualities that define our humanity. The brain is the crown jewel of the human body.
Will a Run a Day Keep The Doctor Away?
Battling another cough or cold? Feeling tired all the time? Taking a daily walk or following a simple exercise routine a few times a week may help you feel better.
Cat and Dog Bites
If you know the owner of the dog or cat that bit you, ask for the pet’s vaccination record (record of shots). An animal that appears healthy and has been vaccinated may still be quarantined (kept away from people and other animals) for 10 days to make sure it doesn’t start showing signs of rabies. If the animal gets sick during the 10-day period, a veterinarian will test it for rabies. If the animal does have rabies, you will need to get a series of rabies shots.
Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer
Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned. It is also known as chewing tobacco, oral tobacco, spit or spitting tobacco, dip, chew, and snuff. Most people chew or suck (dip) the tobacco in their mouth and spit out the tobacco juices that build up, although “spitless” smokeless tobacco has also been developed.Nicotine in the tobacco is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
Preventing Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
The best way to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Also, keep infants and other people at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. These bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins, which damage the cilia and cause inflammation (swelling).
Friday, March 23, 2012
Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the “stomach flu,” although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.
Can Animals Transmit Ringworm to Me?
Ringworm is a skin and scalp disease caused by several different kinds of fungi. Ringworm on the scalp usually makes a bald patch of scaly skin. People with ringworm on other parts of their skin can have a ring-shaped rash that is reddish and may be itchy. The rash can be dry and scaly or wet and crusty.
Is There an Obesity Gene?
Obesity results when body fat accumulates over time as a result of a chronic energy imbalance (calories consumed exceed calories expended). Obesity is a major health hazard worldwide and is associated with several relatively common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and some cancers.
Treating Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. It is not always necessary to see a healthcare provider for conjunctivitis. But, as noted below, there are times when it is important to seek medical care.
Preventing the Spread of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis caused by allergens is not contagious; however, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be easily spread from person to person and can cause epidemics. You can greatly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or of passing it on to someone else by following some simple good hygiene steps.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition worldwide. It causes inflammation (swelling) of the conjunctiva—the thin layer that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is often called “pink eye” or “red eye” because it can cause the white of the eye to take on a pink or red color.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
UV Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth’s surface and penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person’s risk for developing skin cancer. UVB rays penetrate less deeply into skin, but can still cause some forms of skin cancer. Natural UVC rays do not pose a risk to workers because they are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.
Here Comes The Sun
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Causes and Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain that affects a child’s ability to control his or her muscles. There are several possible causes of the abnormal development or damage. People used to think that CP was mainly caused by lack of oxygen during the birth process. Now, scientists think that this causes only a small number of CP cases.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain.Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles.
Monday, March 19, 2012
10 Tips to Prevent Infections During Pregnancy
These 10 tips can help you prevent infections that could harm your unborn baby. You won’t always know if you have an infection—sometimes you won’t even feel sick. If you think you might have an infection or think you are at risk, see your doctor.
Unintentional Poisoning
On average, 87 people die each day as a result of unintentional poisoning; another 2,277 are treated in emergency departments. And the number of deaths is rising. Learn what you can do to reduce your—or a loved one’s—risk. READ MORE
Generic Drugs
What are generic drugs? A generic drug is identical — or bioequivalent — to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price. According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8 to $10 billion a year at retail pharmacies. Even more billions are saved when hospitals use generics. READ MORE
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Methylmercury Matters Before Pregnanc
Seafood can be an important part of a balanced diet. It’s a good source of high-quality protein and other nutrients and it’s low in fat. However, some fish contain high levels of methylmercury, which can harm an unborn child’s developing nervous system - even before conception. READ MORE
Baby Food and Infant Formula Safety Tips
Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness because their immune systems are not developed enough to fight off infections. That’s why extra care should be taken when handling and preparing their food and formula.
Ground Beef Facts
What’s the difference between “hamburger” and “ground beef”?
Beef fat may be added to “hamburger,” but not “ground beef.” A maximum of 30% fat is allowed in either hamburger or ground beef. Both hamburger and ground beef can have seasonings, but no water, phosphates, extenders, or binders added. The labeling of meat food products must comply with the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the meat inspection regulations and labeling policies.
Do Sprouts Carry a Risk of Illness?
Like any fresh produce that is consumed raw or lightly cooked, sprouts carry a risk of foodborne illness. Unlike other fresh produce, seeds and beans need warm and humid conditions to sprout and grow. These conditions are also ideal for the growth of bacteria, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Importance of Folic Acid
For folic acid to help prevent some major birth defects, a woman needs to start taking it at least one month before she becomes pregnant and while she is pregnant.
How Healthy Are Your Eyes?
Your eyes are an important part of your health. You can do many things to keep them healthy and make sure you’re seeing your best. Follow these simple guidelines for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal.
Health Benefits of Water-Based Exercise
Swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity. Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. This can also lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease. Swimmers have about half the risk of death compared with inactive people. People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land. They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sports Physicals and Your Teen
Most teens who participate in sports are anxious to get in the game. For their safety, however, many schools require a sports physical, also called a pre-participation exam (PPE), before an athlete is cleared to play. In the United States, millions of athletes — including teens — undergo sports physicals before they can begin competing.
What We Eat Affects How We Feel
Food should make us feel good. It tastes great and nourishes our bodies. When eaten in too little or in excessive quantities, however, our physical appearance can be altered, which can create negative feelings toward food.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Unpleasant Side Effects of Appetite Suppressants
Medications classified as appetite suppressants act upon the body’s central nervous system, tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry. Some examples of prescription appetite suppressants include: benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol and phentermine. These medications generally come in the form of tablets or extended-release capsules. Appetite suppressants can be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter.
The Dangers of Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss
Most herbal weight loss products work by:
- Increasing urination and/or bowel movements
- Stimulating the central nervous system (speeds up the body’s mental and physical activity; caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant)
- Increasing serotonin levels, a chemical in the brain that creates a “feeling of fullness”
Beware of Fraudulent Weight-Loss ‘Dietary Supplements’
Magic diet pill!
Melt your fat away!
Diet and exercise not required!
Melt your fat away!
Diet and exercise not required!
Messages like these on weight-loss products taunt consumers looking for a quick and easy way to shed pounds.
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Ground Rules For Eating Out
Circumcision
Whether you’re expecting a baby boy or have just welcomed your new little guy into the world, you have an important decision to make before you take your son home: whether to circumcise him.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Try These Parenting Tips
Kids start developing their sense of self as babies when they see themselves through their parents’ eyes. Your tone of voice, your body language, and your every expression are absorbed by your kids. Your words and actions as a parent affect their developing self-esteem more than anything else.
Listen
There’s a lot more to an ear than what you see on the side of your head. The ear is made up of three different sections that work together to collect sounds and relay them to the brain: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Protect Your Kidneys
Kidney disease damages your kidneys, preventing them from cleaning your blood as well as they should.
The Tobacco Epidemic
Surgeon General’s reports (SGRs) on tobacco are among the most credible and respected reviews of current data in all of science. Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, U.S. Surgeon General, has just released Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General, which is the 31st SGR on tobacco produced by CDC since 1964.
What Causes Nausea and Vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but rather are symptoms of many different conditions, such as infection (“stomach flu”), food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating, blocked intestine, illness, concussion or brain injury, appendicitis, and migraines. Nausea and vomiting can sometimes be symptoms of more serious diseases such as heart attacks, kidney or liver disorders, central nervous system disorders, brain tumors, and some forms of cancer.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11th, 2012. As you prepare to set your clocks forward one hour, remember to change the batteries in your CO detector. If you don’t have a battery-powered or battery back-up CO alarm, now is a great time to buy one. More than 400 people die each year in the US from unintentional, non-fire related CO poisoning.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Tips to Reduce Screen Time
Explain to your kids that it’s important to sit less and move more in order to stay at a healthy weight. Tell them they’ll also have more energy, and it will help them develop and/or perfect new skills, such as riding a bike or shooting hoops, that could lead to more fun with friends. Tell them you’ll do the same.
Everyday Ideas to Increase Family Activity
Encourage every member of your family to increase daily physical activity and have fun at the same time. Be sure to think about what your family can be doing to build in more active time during your busy week. Here are some suggestions to consider.
Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
Help your child – and your whole family – eat healthy and stay physically active. The healthy habits your child learns now can last a lifetime.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Study Explores Relationship Between Fatty Acids and Cognitive Decline in Women
A diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids may be associated with less cognitive decline in older healthy women, according to a study published in the . Previous research has linked cognitive decline with cardiovascular disease, and certain types of dietary fatty acids (saturated and trans) are a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, in this study, no association was found between cognitive decline and saturated or trans fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive and canola oils, and saturated fats are found in coconut and palm oils as well as in butter, cheese, milk, and fatty meats. Trans fats are found in some margarines, commercial baked goods, and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oil.
Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a condition in which a woman’s uterus (womb) sags or slips out of its normal position. The uterus may slip enough that it drops partway into the vagina (birth canal), creating a lump or bulge. This is called incomplete prolapse. In a more severe case – called complete prolapse – the uterus slips so far out of place that some of the tissue drops outside of the vagina.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tips to Help Your Kids Become Eager Readers
For many kids, reading just doesn’t come easily. Some kids have difficulty connecting letters and their corresponding sounds. Others have yet to discover that special enchanting story that grabs the imagination and shows just how fun reading can be. For all kids, though, being at ease with letters, their sounds, and words is an important foundation for learning throughout life.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
In ultrasonography, or ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, are transmitted through body tissues. The echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Reproductive Health For Teens
As a girl grows, her reproductive system will cause lots of changes in her body. Understanding how babies are made — and all the other amazing aspects of a female body — can help a girl feel a sense of pride and control. And learning healthy habits can help her be healthy now and in the future.
Restless Legs Syndrome in Childre
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder in which the child or adolescent reports an uncomfortable and irresistible urge to move his or her legs. This urge usually happens at bedtime but can occur at other times when the legs have been inactive, such as when sitting still for a long period of time (eg, during long car rides or while watching a movie).
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes an intense, often irresistible urge to move your legs, often accompanied by other sensations in the legs such as tingling, pulling, creeping, or pain. This sensation is brought on by lying down in bed or by sitting for prolonged periods of time, such as while driving or at a theater. RLS typically occurs in the evening, making it difficult to fall asleep. Often, people with RLS want to walk around and shake their legs to help relieve the uncomfortable sensation.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Backpack Basics
You may think it looks cool to sling your backpack onto one shoulder, but how cool will you look slumped over? If backpacks aren’t used right, they can hurt your back, mess up your posture, and even make your hands tingle. And backpack troubles can be a greater risk for girls. That’s because boys in your grade may be bigger than you, so their bodies suffer less pressure from the same amount of books.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
The spinal column, or the vertebrae, consists of 24 separate bones along with the fused bones of the sacrum and coccyx. The vertebral column is a strong, flexible rod that protects the spinal cord, supports the head, and provides an attachment for the ribs. There are four major components of the spine: the vertebrae, joints, discs and nerves.
Do You Have an Overactive Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front part of the neck. Glands are organs located in different parts of the body. Glands make and release hormones, substances that aid body function and growth. The thyroid gland helps regulate your body temperature and control your heart rate and metabolism (the process that turns the food you eat into energy).
Do You Have an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or a semisolid material that forms on or within one of the ovaries, the small organs in the pelvis that make female hormones and hold egg cells.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
What Are Developmental Disabilities?
Developmental disabilities are birth defects related to a problem with how a body part or body system works. They may also be known as functional birth defects. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems.
Are You Raising a Child With a Learning Disability?
Learning disabilities are caused by a difference in brain structure that is present at birth and is often hereditary. They affect the way the brain processes information. This processing is the main function involved in learning.
Do You Have a Nosebleed?
The purpose of the nose is to warm and humidify the air that we breathe in. The nose is lined with many blood vessels that lie close to the surface where they can be injured and bleed. Once a vessel starts to bleed, the bleeding tends to recur since the clot or scab is easily dislodged. Nosebleeds, called epistaxis, can be messy and even scary, but often look worse than they are. Many can be treated at home, but some do require medical care.
Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease
There are two basic types of Alzheimer’s disease: early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is the much more common type, generally beginning after age 65.
Child Development
Adolescence is the period of developmental transition between childhood and adulthood, involving multiple physical, intellectual, personality, and social developmental changes. The onset of puberty signals the beginning of adolescence, and puberty now occurs earlier, on average, than in the past. The end of this developmental period is tied more so to social and emotional factors and can be somewhat ambiguous.
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