Imaging tests - How are they different?
Part 2 - MRI, Nuclear Scans, Ultrasound
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9/1/2010
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Imaging tests produce "pictures" (images) of various parts of the body.
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Imaging tests. How are they different?
Part 1-Radiologic Studies
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8/26/2010
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Imaging tests produce "pictures" (images) of various parts of the body.
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The ABCs of Viral Hepatitis
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8/18/2010
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"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver.
Toxins, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, as well as bacterial and viral infections
can all cause hepatitis.
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Help for excessive sweating
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8/12/2010
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Sweating is a physiologic process whose primary purpose is to help with regulation of body temperature. People normally sweat more profusely when it's hot outside or when exercising. People also sweat more in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.
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Bursitis, not just a geriatric problem
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8/6/2010
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Many people have heard of bursitis, but few know what a bursa (the structure that
is affected in bursitis), actually is.
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Sunscreen Use, Misconceptions and Recommendations
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7/28/2010
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The topic of sunscreen use is ripe with controversy and misconceptions. Some authorities advocate against their use, believing that too little sun exposure will reduce the body's vitamin D levels with the increased risk of osteoporosis and certain cancers (breast, colon, and prostate).
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Does cell phone use increase the risk of brain cancer?
Results of the INTERPHONE Study
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7/22/2010
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For a number
of years, there has been a suspected link between exposure to radiofrequency (RF)
electromagnetic fields from mobile phones and the development of brain cancer.
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Hypothyroidism. Part 2: Testing
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7/15/2010
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Last week's Health Tip discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypothyroidism,
a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone production. Today's
tip will describe how hypothyroidism is diagnosed.
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Hypothyroidism. Part 1: The Illness
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7/7/2010
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The thyroid is butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the front of the neck.
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce
an adequate amount of thyroid hormone.
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When eating can be a headache
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7/2/2010
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Many people are aware of the relationship between the food additive, monosodium
glutamate (MSG), in causing headaches.
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Self-Care and Prevention of Hemorrhoids
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6/25/2010
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References have been made to hemorrhoids throughout history, starting with the writings
of the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates.
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Loud Music and Hearing Loss
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6/17/2010
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A definite connection between permanent hearing loss
in children or teenagers due to the effects of loud music and the use of portable
music players has not been established.
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Springtime, when plants as well
as allergies come back to life.
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4/14/2010
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An allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to substances in the environment,
such as the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds, or mold spores.
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Raynaud's Phenomenon
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4/9/2010
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Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects blood vessels, primarily in the
fingers and toes. It is characterized by episodes during which blood vessels in
the digits narrow in response to cold temperatures or on occasion to emotional stress.
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Snoring, nuisance or medical concern?
Part 2: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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3/31/2010
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Last week we looked at benign snoring, a problem that affects approximately 30%
to 50% of the US population at one time or another. This week we'll look at a situation
in which snoring represents a much more serious concern.
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Snoring, nuisance or medical concern?
Part 1: Benign Snoring
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3/24/2010
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It's estimated that snoring affects up to half of the US population at one time
or another. Snoring occurs when there is blockage to the flow of air through the
passages at the back of the mouth and nose.
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What to do about toenail fungus
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3/17/2010
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The medical term for fungal infections of the
nails is "onychomycosis". A group of fungi
known as dermatophytes, the same ones that
cause athletes' foot and ringworm, are
responsible for the majority of cases.
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Is it possible to "boost" immunity
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3/10/2010
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To be completely honest, I'm not certain. A Google search for "boosting immunity" turned up 548,000 results. Just a few of the measures to boost immunity mentioned include eliminating ...
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Age-related macular degeneration
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3/4/2010
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The macula is the portion of the retina which provides the detailed, central vision needed for activities such as reading and driving. When this small...
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Urticaria - wheals, welts and hives
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2/25/2010
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Hives, known in medical terms as urticaria, are
raised, usually itchy, red welts on the surface of the
skin. Urticaria comes from the Latin word for
stinging nettle, which refers to one ...
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Sweet Dreams, tips for getting a good night's sleep
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2/18/2010
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Chronic insomnia affects approximately 30% of the general population. It is a particularly prevalent occurrence among women and the elderly. With rare exception, insomnia is a symptom ...
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What happened to the seasonal flu this year
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2/11/2010
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"Flu season" refers to the time of year that people are likely to become infected with the influenza virus known as the "seasonal flu". Seasonal influenza includes those strains of influenza A ...
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Help for Acute Diarrhea
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2/3/2010
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Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery, and frequent stool. Depending on the underlying cause, diarrhea can be either acute or chronic. Acute diarrhea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection.
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Medical Mysteries (and other interesting tidbits)
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1/27/2010
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A number of the ideas for "Health Tips" come from messages that eDoc clients submit. Questions sometimes relate to topics that are so unusual that they require considerable thought to answer. Often these are medical issues that are neither taught in medical school nor likely to be
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What is fatty liver?
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1/20/2010
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udging from the number of questions pertaining to fatty liver that have come to eDocAmerica recently, there appears to be a high level of interest regarding this condition. Generally speaking, fatty liver develops when the liver does not process and break down fats as it normally should.
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Vitamins-Friends & Foes Part 2
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1/14/2010
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Assuring an adequate intake of vitamins is important in preventing deficiency diseases. Anemia, osteoporosis, night blindness, and bleeding disorders are just a few of the diseases that can develop due to deficiencies. It is also possible to get too much of certain vitamins...
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Vitamins-Friends & Foes Part 1
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1/7/2010
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Everyone knows that vitamins are important to normal growth and development, as well as playing an important role in many body functions. There are 13 essential vitamins --- A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins...
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Let eDocAmerica help with your
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12/30/2009
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Some people feel that New Year's resolutions are something that "goes in one year and out the other". Others use the occasion to make positive changes
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Healthy Toys Revisited
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12/23/2009
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Play is one of the most important ways that children learn and the toys that they use when playing are the tools to learning. Some toys can be considered purely "educational" such as those that teach vocabulary
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Fraudulent H1N1 Products
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12/16/2009
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It appears that there are some who are trying to cash in on the current H1N1 (swine flu) epidemic. The Federal Drug Administration is alerting the public about web sites that...
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Halitosis.........(bad breath)
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12/9/2009
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Halitosis comes from the Latin word halitus, meaning breath or exhalation, combined with the Greek suffix, -osis, referring to disease. Despite its ancient language heritage, the word
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Swollen lymph "glands" - When should you be concerned?
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12/2/2009
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Lymph nodes, sometimes referred to as lymph "glands", are part of the body's lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consists of a system of conduits and organized collections of lymphoid tissue that include nodes, the tonsils, and the spleen.
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Healthy Kitchens, Part 2
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11/25/2009
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Last week, we looked at the problem of food-borne illness and learned a method for cleaning fruits and vegetables that assured practically 100% of pathogenic bacteria would be killed. For those who missed last week's tip,
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Healthy Kitchens, Part 1
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11/19/2009
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The Centers for Disease Control estimates that food-borne disease accounts for a shocking number of health problems: 76 million illnesses; 325,000 hospitalizations...
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Stretching medication dollars
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11/11/2009
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Judicious application of three practices - substitution of generic for more expensive trade name drugs, use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and splitting pills - can help extend health care dollars ...
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Along Came a Spider...
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11/4/2009
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All spiders produce venom with varying degrees of potency. This venom allows the spider to immobilize its prey (primarily insects), and is a defense against enemies. Fortunately,...
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Oh, my aching head. Part 2
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10/28/2009
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Few conditions in medicine are thought to be as incapacitating as migraine headaches. If you are one of the 28 million Americans who experience migraines, you know the symptoms...
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Oh, my aching head. Part 1
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10/21/2009
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Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. This type of headache was once thought to occur when ...
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Cranberry Juice and Urinary Tract Infections
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10/7/2009
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most common medical conditions, responsible for more than 7 million doctor office visits each year. Drinking cranberry juice is a familiar home remedy which has been touted ...
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Will wearing a face mask keep you from getting H1N1
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10/1/2009
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If you've passed through an international airport lately, undoubtedly you have seen people wearing face masks, presumably to prevent contracting swine flu (H1N1 influenza). The actual effectiveness...
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Detecting Ovarian Cancer, the "Silent Killer"
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9/23/2009
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The White House issued a proclamation designating this September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Today's Health Tip will answer some commonly asked questions regarding screening
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MMR vaccine and Autism: A Look at the Evidence
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9/17/2009
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Autism is a chronic developmental disorder characterized by problems in social interaction, communication, and restrictive and repetitive interests and activities.
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Who Should Receive the Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine?
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9/4/2009
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Five manufacturers are working furiously to prepare a vaccine for a predicted pandemic of the Swine (now known as H1N1) influenza. This vaccine will not replace the "flu shot" that is traditionally given in the fall to protect against seasonal influenza,
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The "Ugly Duckling" Melanoma
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9/2/2009
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Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment producing cells (melanocytes) cells of the skin. Melanoma begins on the surface of the skin but over time can extend deeper, eventually reaching the blood and lymphatic vessels
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What works for cellulite (and what doesn't)?
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8/20/2009
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First of all, let's be clear: cellulite is fat. Cellulite is not a medical term, but a term that was coined in European salons and spas to describe deposits of dimpled fat f
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The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
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8/15/2009
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Smoke that is exhaled by a smoker or smoke that comes from the end of a lighted cigarette, pipe, or cigar is known as secondhand smoke. When non-smokers breathe in secondhand smoke it is called passive...
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"Super Foods" to Energize Your Diet
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8/7/2009
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The specific foods that should be included in a list of 10 most healthy could be debated, but here are some that would have to be considered for that list. Common features among these foods are ...
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Lumps, Bumps and Bruises
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7/29/2009
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Bruises are one of the most common, and fortunately, least serious injuries that many of us experience. A bruise, which in medical jargon is known as a contusion, occurs when a blunt impact ...
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eFitness ---The latest service from eDocAmerica
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7/23/2009
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By now, almost everyone is aware that there are proven health benefits to getting regular exercise. But just in case you need a reminder, how about these facts:
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How much protein do we need?
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7/9/2009
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The idea that we need to eat more protein has become popular over the last few years. Many people believe that eating a high protein diet will lead to
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Preventing Heat-Related Illness
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7/2/2009
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During the years 1979 to 2003, heat-related illness resulted in 8,015 deaths in the United States. This is more than from hurricanes, lightning, floods, and earthquakes combined during this same time period.
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Glucosamine/Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis
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6/24/2009
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first became aware of chondroitin years ago when an elderly gentleman with arthritis came to my clinic holding a bottle labeled "Shark Cartilage".
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Lawnmower Safety
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6/17/2009
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For many Americans, one of the rites of spring involves getting out the old lawnmower to begin the weekly task of cutting the grass. Unfortunately, each year also, thousands o
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FDA warning regarding OTC weight loss drugs
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6/10/2009
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To many in the medical profession, "over-the-counter" (OTC) weight loss products have long been under a veil of suspicion
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I found a tick on me, what should I do?
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6/5/2009
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Worldwide, ticks are second only to mosquitoes as vectors in transmitting disease to humans. Ticks are not insects, but are arthropods, similar to spiders. The most common illnesses caused by ticks are...
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Interpreting Bone Mineral Density Test Results
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5/28/2009
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T-scores, Z-scores, BMD testing, DEXA scan---evaluating for osteoporosis is an alphabet soup of confusing terms. Interpreting the results can be even more perplexing.
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Stress Management Strategies
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5/21/2009
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Stress is the body's response to any demand or pressure. These demands are called stressors. Stressors include major life events, such as a divorce or the birth of a child. They also include ...
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Boosting HDL (good) Cholesterol levels
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5/13/2009
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We hear a lot about lowering total and LDL-C (bad) cholesterol, but less about raising the HDL-C (good) cholesterol. Having a higher than average HDL-C does not negate the adverse effects ...
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Eating to help Fight Fatigue
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5/6/2009
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Fatigue is defined as a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. There are literally hundreds of conditions that can lead to fatigue including anemia, depression, thyroid disease...
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Preparing for a Swine Flu Epidemic
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4/29/2009
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Regular readers of the eDocAmerica Health Tips will remember reading periodic updates on the status of Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu") over the past couple of years. Surprisingly ...
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What Happened to Natasha Richardson?
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4/22/2009
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The New York City medical examiner's office announced that the cause of Ms. Richardson's death was an epidural hematoma. An epidural hematoma is a serious closed-head injury in which bleeding occurs between the inside...
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Is laughter the best medicine?
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4/14/2009
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Most of the research on laughter starts with the hypothesis that it should be good for you. And why wouldn't it be, don't you feel better after a good belly laugh?
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Low Back Pain - Myths and Fact
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4/8/2009
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Myth #1: Bed rest is the best treatment for acute low back pain.
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Wheat allergy vs. Gluten sensitivity - Are these t
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4/1/2009
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Increasingly, people seem to avoid eating wheat. In some instances, it is because of severe gastrointestinal symptoms that improve when wheat is removed from the diet. In others...
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Difference between Osteopenia and Osteoporosis?
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3/25/2009
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Most people are aware that osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone density that leads to an increased susceptibility to fractures...
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Lessons from the Dallas Bedrest Study
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3/18/2009
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In 1996, a very interesting study evaluating the effects of inactivity was performed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. In this experiment, known as the Dallas Bedrest Study,
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Is there a link between soy products and breast ca
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3/11/2009
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The relationship between soy products and breast cancer is a hotly debated
topic. On the one hand, in Asia, where soy intake is much higher than in
Western countries, breast cancer rates are considerably lower. On the other
hand,...
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Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
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3/4/2009
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Blood pressure monitoring does not always have to be performed in the doctor's office. Highly accurate and relatively inexpensive blood pressure monitors are available for home use. With a little training and knowledge
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The Scoop on Artificial Sweeteners pt 2
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2/25/2009
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Last week the five FDA-approved artificial sweeteners were discussed along with their reported benefits. This week we'll look at several of the health concerns that have been raised regarding these products and see which are considered to be the safest for human consumption.
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The Scoop on Artificial Sweeteners pt 1
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2/18/2009
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A recent Health Tip discussed the most commonly used natural sweeteners
(honey, cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc.). This led several readers to ask about artificial sweeteners. Are they safe? Is one better than another? Are there new ones on the horizon?
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Tips for Living Longer
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2/11/2009
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Most people know that good genetics can extend lifespan, and that poor lifestyle habits such as cigarette smoking can shorten one's life. Today's "Health Tip" has to do with some of the less well known correlates of longevity.
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Finger and toenails: What can they tell us
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2/4/2009
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While changes in the normal configuration of nails usually indicate a problem affecting the nail itself, certain changes may also provide clues to an underlying medical condition. Brittle nails, nails containing...
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Seasonal Affective Disorder
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1/29/2009
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With the shortening of daylight hours and lack of sunlight in winter, some people suffer from symptoms of depression. This condition, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is recognized...
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First Aid for Burns
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1/22/2009
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As a child, the first thing that my mother would do for a minor burn was to apply butter to the area. Of course this is now known to be counterproductive, but she was just doing what she thought was best. To determine the best course of action for burns...
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Is all Sugar the Same? Pt.2
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1/14/2009
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Last week we looked at two sweetening agents, turbinado sugar and honey. Today we'll look at the more common sources of sweeteners, refined (table) sugar and high fructose corn syrup...
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Is all Sugar the Same?
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1/7/2009
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Americans use several types of sugar to satisfy their "sweet tooth". The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated in 2005 that we consumed about 58 pounds of table sugar per person...
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The Greatest Gift of All
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12/31/2008
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We're approaching New Year's and gifts still sit unopened in our home. On Christmas day, my wife was in the 3rd or 4th day of a very unpleasant upper respiratory tract infection.
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Ask eDent
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12/24/2008
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Have you ever wished that you could just ask a Dentist a question without having to make an appointment? Now, you can...
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
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12/17/2008
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Carbon Monoxide is a compound composed of carbon and oxygen and has the chemical formula - CO. It is a highly poisonous gas that when inhaled can result in asphyxiation.
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Medical FACT OR FICTION?
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12/10/2008
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Once again, it's time for Medical Fact or Fiction, which explores the validity of medical issues that are commonly bandied about. After reading each statement, decide whether it is true or false and then read on to learn more about the topic.
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What are Skin Tags?
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12/3/2008
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Skin tags, known in doctor language as acrochordons, are very common benign skin growths, most commonly occurring in the skin folds (neck, armpits, and groin). They are usually
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More on Appropriate Use of Antibiotics
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11/26/2008
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A recent report in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights another reason that antibiotic usage should be carefully scrutinized. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that for every 10,000 antibiotic prescriptions
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Nighttime Leg Cramps
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11/19/2008
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A "charley horse" is the common name for a muscle spasm. One type of charley horse, known as nocturnal (nighttime) leg cramps, characteristically occur just prior to falling asleep or waking up. These cramps typically...
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A Primer on Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
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11/13/2008
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If your ears have ever "popped", you have experienced the Eustachian tube doing its job. The Eustachian tube is a narrow canal that connects the middle ear to the throat, right behind the nasal cavity
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Understanding the Glycemic Index
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11/5/2008
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This week I promised to discuss the glycemic index (GI), a topic with important ties to reactive hypoglycemia. The GI was initially developed to address the dietary concerns of diabetics, but has found application in weight loss management as well as in the treatment of reactive hypoglycemia.
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Reactive Hypoglycemia
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10/29/2008
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Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) level drops too low. When this happens, characteristic symptoms develop including:
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It's Flu Shot Time----No Excuses!
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10/23/2008
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This year's flu vaccine is now available. Although flu season usually peaks after January, it can begin as early as October and last as late as May. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to
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Prescription Medications, Teen's Drugs of Choice
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10/15/2008
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The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently reported that current illegal drug use has declined among the nation's adolescents. Notably, the level of current marijuana use among youth ages 12 to 17 had...
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Home Fire Prevention
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10/8/2008
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In 2006, fire departments responded to nearly 400,000 home fires. Along with significant property damage, severe burns and deaths were caused by these fires that were, in many cases, avoidable.
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A Stye in the Eye
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10/1/2008
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A stye is one of the most common eye complaints that we hear about at eDocAmerica. They are caused by inflammation or infection of an oil (meibomian) gland that resides on the edge of the eyelid.
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The Bisphenol A Controversy
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9/24/2008
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Coming on the heels of the National Toxicology Program's (NTP) recent report on the safety of bispheonl A (BPA), a type of polycarbonate plastic that is commonly used in food and drink packaging, a new study points to additional, previously unrecognized health concerns.
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Help for Canker Sores
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9/17/2008
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Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth, most commonly inside the cheeks or lips and at the base of the gums.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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9/10/2008
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The Greek word "apnea" means "without breath". In Sleep Apnea, a disorder that is thought to affect up to 12 million Americans, breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last anywhere from...
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Putting Probiotics to Work for You
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9/3/2008
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Each of us has an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms normally inhabiting our gastrointestinal tract - can you imagine that?! To put this in perspective, there are about 10 times more bacteria in the...
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A Realistic Look at the Sports Pre-Participation P
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8/28/2008
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The sports physical is an annual rite for millions of students who participate in
school athletics. Even though the necessity of these
exams in the young, healthy population in which they
are performed has been questioned...
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Should I be Concerned about Radon?
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8/13/2008
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Most people have heard of radon and understand it to be a radioactive substance. What is less clear to many is: 1) the extent that radon causes health-related problems and 2) the degree to which someone is exposed. Lately, reports have surfaced expressing concerns...
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Appropriate Use of OTC Medicines
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8/6/2008
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On a recent visit to the local pharmacy, I was fascinated to see the number of over-the-counter (OTC) products that were formerly available only by prescription. Compared to 30 years ago, there are literally hundreds of these products that use...
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Congestive Heart Failure
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8/1/2008
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When the word "failure" is attached to a particular organ, e.g. kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure, etc., it conjures up thoughts of a final or terminal phase in the function of the organ.
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FAQs about Salmonella
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7/23/2008
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Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration lifted the warning regarding eating tomatoes that were thought to be responsible for the recent Salmonella outbreak.
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Tennis (Elbow) Anyone?
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7/16/2008
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Tennis elbow is one of the most inappropriately named conditions in medicine. Of the hundreds of patients that I have treated with tennis elbow, relatively few have been tennis players.
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Indoor Tanning, Healthy or Harmful?
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7/9/2008
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Indoor tanning is a multi-billion dollar-a-year industry in the United States, with up to 28 million Americans tanning indoors each year. Furthermore, tanning bed use in the US is increasing, especially
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Sinus Infections, Part 2 - Chronic sinusitis
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7/2/2008
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When sinusitis lasts longer than 12 consecutive weeks, it's called chronic sinusitis. While most acute sinusitis tends to be due to infectious causes, a greater proportion of chronic sinusitis is
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NEW - ePharm!!
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6/25/2008
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Have you ever received a prescription from your doctor, only to leave the office and realize that you have questions that you forgot to ask, or that the doctor neglected to tell you?
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Sinus Infections, Part 1 - Acute Sinusitis
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6/18/2008
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The sinuses are air-filled, hollow cavities located in the facial region of the skull. Normally, sinuses contain no germs and are open, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate.
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Poisoning Prevention
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6/11/2008
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According to the Poison Prevention Week Council, every 30 seconds, a U.S. poison control center receives a call about an unintended poisoning. This amounts to more than
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Childhood Immunization Update
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6/5/2008
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In the history of modern medicine, few advancements have been as important as the development of immunizations for infectious diseases. While controversy surrounding certain vaccines exists...
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Walking Further with a Pedometer
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5/28/2008
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Where exercise is concerned, many people understand its importance, but lack the motivation to participate regularly. This application of "the mind is willing, but the body is weak"
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Gallstone Disease
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5/21/2008
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How do you know if you have gallstones? Symptoms related to gall stones usually present in one of three ways. The mildest and most common symptom of gallbladder disease is...
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What Waistlines Tell Us About Our Health
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5/14/2008
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If the knowledge that a bulging waistline could increase your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease was not compelling enough to encourage weight reduction, perhaps newly published findings relating waist measurement to health status will get your attention.
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Does Drinking Carbonated Beverages Lead to Osteopo
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5/7/2008
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Soft drink consumption has been thought to have negative effects on bone density, but study results have been inconsistent. This has important implications to the more than...
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Natural Remedies for Common Problems
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4/30/2008
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After reading the Health Tip, Same Cough, Three Causes, a reader reminded me that there are ways of managing postnasal drainage that don't involve taking antihistamines or decongestants...
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Same Cough, Three Causes
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4/23/2008
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Most everyone has experienced coughing. Typically, this occurs in association with an acute infection such as a cold or the flu. Once the infection runs its course, or following effective treatment...
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All Blood Clots are not Created Equal Pt 2
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4/16/2008
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Blood clots are also involved in the development of pulmonary embolism (PE) and stroke. A pulmonary embolism is caused from blockage of an artery in the lungs and a stroke from blockage of an artery in the brain.
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All blood clots are not created equal, Pt 1
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4/9/2008
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To most people, the possibility that they could have a blood clot is a terrifying thought. After all, can't blood clots go to the lungs or cause strokes? The short answer to this is,
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The 5 Second Rule: Urban myth or scientific fact?
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4/2/2008
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Have you ever heard anyone invoke the "5 second rule" after dropping a piece of food on the floor? The idea behind this rule is that food that is picked up in fewer than 5 seconds after hitting the floor has...
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Why is the incidence of asthma on the rise?
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3/27/2008
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According to the National Institutes of Health, 15.7 million people in the United States have asthma. Furthermore, almost one in every ten children is affected by asthma. In addition to ...
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Does FDA Approval Assure the Safety of Medicines?
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3/20/2008
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Have you ever heard anyone speculate that if aspirin had to undergo FDA scrutiny for approval as a new drug, that it would never pass? Perhaps this is an overstatement, but it does point out that
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Seeking a Cure for Multiple Sclerosis
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3/13/2008
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This week, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society hopes to raise awareness about MS, an incurable, debilitating disease of the central nervous system, through an educational campaign.
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Can Colds be Prevented?
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3/5/2008
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Unlike the flu shot, which is a very effective way of avoiding getting the flu, there is no such vaccine available to prevent the common cold. Furthermore, there are no medications available...
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Shingles---"Chickenpox Redux"
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2/27/2008
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What is Shingles? Shingles, known in medical jargon as herpes zoster, is an outbreak on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox - the varicella-zoster virus.
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Organic Foods - Healthy or Hype?
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2/20/2008
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After slogging up an interminable hill on a recent backcountry ski trip, my friend and I stopped to rest and to take in the view. He offered some of his nut mixture as a snack and then mentioned, "It's organic."
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Exercise and Heart Health
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2/14/2008
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. The likelihood of developing heart disease is closely related to certain risk factors...
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Nuts to You
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2/6/2008
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For years, nuts were perceived as "bad" foods because of their high fat and calorie content. Recent studies, however, have shed new light on the health effects of nuts.
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Antibacterial Soaps
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1/31/2008
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In 2005, an FDA advisory panel overwhelmingly concluded that there was no evidence that antibacterial soaps were more effective than regular soaps for preventing infection.
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Coffee's Perks
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1/24/2008
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Over the past 20 years, thousands of studies have been done examining coffee's impact on health. Not only does this research overwhelmingly suggest that moderate coffee consumption doesn't cause harm...
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Medical Myths
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1/16/2008
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Readers of the eDocAmerica Health Tips know that I like to refute medical information that is harmful or erroneous. Several times, I have written tips that deal with commonly accepted
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Choosing the Right Mattress
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1/9/2008
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Some like for their sleeping mattress to be firm, some like it soft, some prefer it to filled with water and some had just as soon sleep on the floor. To confuse things further, there are claims that adjustable beds,
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Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
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1/2/2008
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The use of bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, etc.) has revolutionized the treatment of osteoporosis. This class of drugs slows the natural process that dissolves bone tissue, resulting in maintained bone density and strength.
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Thoughts for the New Year
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12/28/2007
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Some people believe in making New Year's resolutions. Others consider them something that "goes in one year and out the other". For those of you viewing January 1st as a time to make positive changes in your lives, consider the following advice:
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How Contagious are Respiratory Tract Infections?
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12/19/2007
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It's cold and flu season. Your co-worker in the next cubicle has a mound of Kleenex on his desk, obviously nursing a cold. Following a sneezing fit, you can practically see the germs coming over the cubicle
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Help for Dry, Wintertime Skin
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12/12/2007
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In the wintertime, a number of factors conspire together to cause skin to dry out. This can lead to uncomfortable scaling, cracking and itching. Lower outdoor humidity along with exposure to forced air heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces can all cause skin to lose moisture.
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The high cost of medication non-compliance
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12/6/2007
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Study after study shows that only about half of people with chronic health conditions take their medications as directed. There are a variety of reasons for this. Some are very understandable such as the medication causing side effects or their expense.
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Treating Colds in Infants and Children
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11/28/2007
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A recent ruling by the Food and Drug Administration's Nonprescription Drugs and Pediatric Advisory committee will have a profound effect on the way cold symptoms are managed in infants and young children.
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Memory Loss: A Prelude to Alzheimer's Disease?
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11/21/2007
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Most people are aware that Alzeheimer's disease can cause profound memory loss. Likewise, we have all seen (or experienced) memory loss that occurs with aging. This begs the question, does aging-related memory impairment indicate
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Dietary Supplements: Caveat Emptor
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11/14/2007
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In an attempt to "give the people what they want," the Food and Drug Administration may have opened Pandora's Box and allowed a plethora of questionable health-related products to hit the market.
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Addressing the Staph Scare
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11/7/2007
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Regular readers of the eDoc "Health Tips" may remember a previously published article on Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) entitled "Revenge of the Microbes". With the recent media blitz concerning MRSA and the infections that it can cause, I thought it was time to revisit this subject.
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What's the latest on screening for prostate cancer
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11/1/2007
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Most people have heard of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test that is used to screen for prostate cancer. Did you realize that no major scientific or medical organizations, including the American Cancer Society (ACS)and many others support routine testing for prostate cancer at this time? This includes the PSA test as well as the digital rectal examination.
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Carpal Tunnel Pt. 2
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10/25/2007
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Last week we looked at the causes for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and how this condition is diagnosed. This week, you'll learn about the treatment and prevention of CTS, but first see if you can answer a few questions about this common condition.
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Carpal Tunnel Pt. 1
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10/17/2007
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Most people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and many have experienced it personally. Despite being so common, misconceptions abound.
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What can I do about this ringing in my ears?
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10/10/2007
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Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a symptom that is experienced by up to 12 million people in the United States. Of these, at least 1 million experience it so severely that it interferes with their daily activities.
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Should I see the doctor for my pinkeye?
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10/4/2007
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Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection of the conjunctiva, the outer-most layer of the eye. The majority of cases are caused by an allergy, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection.
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Can ovarian cancer be
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9/26/2007
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In a recent Health Tip, we learned about measures to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. As with many other diseases, there are factors beyond anyone's control that can lead to its occurrence. These non-modifiable risk factors include age...
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New exercise guidelines for adults
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9/19/2007
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With the release of the 2007 exercise guidelines issued jointly by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA), it’s interesting to look at the new recommendations as well as those that have remained unchanged from...
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What is Gout?
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9/12/2007
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Gout is considered to be an acute form of arthritis. Its episodes are called "attacks", because they come on suddenly and are typically quite painful. Initially, the attacks last only a few days and may go away without specific treatment.
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September is National Fruits and Vegetables Month
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9/5/2007
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It is clear that eating fruits and vegetables is essential to promoting optimal health. Almost all of us could benefit from eating more of them than we do currently.
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Can ovarian cancer be prevented?
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8/30/2007
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Like heart disease, there are known risk factors for the development of ovarian cancer. Some of these can be reduced, but others are due to factors beyond anyone’s control.
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Adults need immunizations too
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8/22/2007
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August is national immunization awareness month. Most people know that infants and children should receive regular immunizations, but many do not realize that adults also require immunizations.
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Are dioxins released by microwaving
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8/15/2007
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It seems that old hoaxes die hard, especially the ones that involve newer technology such as microwaves, cell phones and plastics.
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What’s the best way to screen for breast cancer
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8/8/2007
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The benefits of such time-honored techniques as self-breast examination, physician breast examination and mammography were discussed, and in some cases, brought into question. Additionally, newer techniques such as digital mammography and MRI screening were described.
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When do medications really expire?
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8/2/2007
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An eDocAmerica client recently wrote to us with a concern regarding a medication that had been prescribed over a year ago. The medication was prescribed for an occasional ailment that hadn’t occurred for some time. The label on the bottle indicated that the medication had expired by a few months. Since she was unable to contact her doctor for a refill...
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There's a fungus amoung us - Pt 2
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7/25/2007
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As a group, fungal infections of the nails are called "onychomycosis". When the infection is due to one of the group of fungi known as dermatophytes, the same ones that cause athletes' foot and ringworm, it is called tinea unquium. Fungal infections of the nails are particularly common ...
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There's a fungus amoung us - Pt 1
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7/18/2007
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Did you know that ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock-itch are all common names for different infections caused by fungus? As a group, these infections are called "tinea" and are cased by a group of fungi known as Dermatophytes. The "derm" in Dermatophyte refers to their propensity to invade the skin,
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The benefits of dietary fiber
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7/11/2007
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Many people know that fiber is good for us, but questions persists about what fiber really is, what are the best sources of fiber, and exactly how fiber is beneficial.
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Ophthalmic Migraines
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7/5/2007
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Judging from the number of questions that we get from eDocAmerica clients describing features suggestive of ophthalmic migraines, it appears that these are quite common. When we hear the word “migraine”, most of us think of a severe headache, often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, vomiting or extreme sensitivity to light.
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How much water do I need to drink?
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6/27/2007
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It seems like everywhere you turn these days, people are drinking lots of water. I see water bottles in the hands of causal walkers on the street, multiple varieties of bottled water at the supermarket and people congregating around the water cooler at work.
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Outdoor Cooking Safety
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6/20/2007
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Foodborne illness increases dramatically during the summer months, in part due to more people cooking on the outdoor grill or while camping. Food safety features that a home kitchen provides, such as...
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Lyme Disease
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6/13/2007
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Already this year, I have become aware of two individuals who contracted Lyme disease. In fact, statistics from the CDC indicates that there has been a progressive rise in the number of cases diagnosed since they began keeping records on Lyme disease in 1991.
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Smoking Cessation, Part 3: Staying Quit
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6/8/2007
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Mark Twain said: “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times.” In fact the statistics related to success rates of those attempting to quit smoking is fairly discouraging. In 1994, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that
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Smoking Cessation, Part 2: Tips for Quitting
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5/30/2007
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Setting a quit date and choosing a quit plan. Most tobacco users prefer to quit "cold turkey". They use tobacco until their Quit Day and then stop all at once, or they may cut down on tobacco for a week or 2 before their Quit Day. Here are some suggestions
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Smoking Cessation Pt. 1
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5/23/2007
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Recent statistics indicate that approximately 21% of U.S. adults currently smoke. But of these, almost four out of every five would like to quit. Why don’t they?...because most smokers find smoking to be very pleasurable and nicotine happens to be one of the most addicting drugs around.
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Retiring Healthfully
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5/17/2007
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Although employment is a necessary and generally rewarding aspect of our lives, most people dream of the day when they can retire from their jobs. Reasons for this vary from wanting to pursue a pastime...
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Talking to your children about school violence
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5/4/2007
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School shootings are sobering and tragic events that cause much concern about the safety of children. Despite these events, statistics indicate that for now, schools are a very safe place for children to spend their days.
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The Harvard Nurses Health Study
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4/26/2007
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Large epidemiologic studies, the type that follow populations of people over time, have provided us with valuable information that has shaped our health policy and personal habits.
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Self care for Common warts
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4/18/2007
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Did you know that all human warts are caused by a viral infection from the human papilloma virus (HPV)? Different viruses from this family cause genital warts, plantar warts, flat warts and "common" warts (verruca vulgaris), which are the subject of today's Health Tip.
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Sunshine, Friend or Foe?
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4/12/2007
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The prohibition on sunlight exposure may be another example of unecessarly “meddling” into human lives. Clearly, excessive sunlight exposure and blistering sunburn carries with it the risk of premature aging of the skin and skin cancer, but sunlight also contributes to human well-being.
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Appropriate Antibiotic Usage
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4/5/2007
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Most people know that antibiotics are used to fight infections. Millions of lives have been saved by their ability to combat bacterial infections. Many people are unaware, however, that antibiotics are not effective for all types of infections, specifically those due to viruses. Inappropriate use of antibiotics has lead to the new problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Non-Prescription Weight Loss Aids
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3/30/2007
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First of all, let me cut to the chase. There is no "magic bullet" to bring about and maintain weight loss. This occurs best through permanent life-style changes such as careful attention to diet and regular exercise. Having said that, questions regarding "safe and effective" over-the-counter weight loss medications come to us
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American Diabetes Alert
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3/14/2007
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The 4th Tuesday of March is designated as American Diabetes Alert. On this day, the American Diabetes Association encourages people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. Read on to learn why this may be important to you and then complete a simple questionnaire to assess your risk.
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Teflon: Are We Slipping into Sickness?
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3/8/2007
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Cooking pans with the plasticized coating that prevents food from sticking are the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Teflon. Teflon was one of those space age advances developed during my youth, along with Spandex and transistor radios, that promised to make life a little better.
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Recent Developments in Osteoarthritis
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2/23/2007
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According to the results of a new study, "Men with knee osteoarthritis who smoke sustain greater cartilage loss and have more severe knee pain than men who do not smoke."
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eDocAmerica Enters the Blogosphere!
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2/14/2007
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For the uninitiated, the blogosphere is the term that applies to the network of weblogs that are popping up all over the internet. A weblog is a journal...
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The Forgotten Targets of Heart Disease
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2/8/2007
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February is American Heart Month. For decades, the American Heart Association has lead campaigns to educate the public about heart disease risks and early recognition of heart disease.
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Understanding Fibromyalgia
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1/31/2007
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Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender areas known as “trigger points”. Fibromyalgia is considered to be an arthritis-related condition, but it is not truly a form of arthritis because it does not affect the joints...
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Dressing for the Cold
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1/25/2007
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For a variety of reasons, people need or want to get outdoors in the winter. Skiing, shoveling snow off of sidewalks, or just getting to work or to the grocery all expose our relatively poorly insulated bodies to the cold.
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Palpitations, harmless or cause for concern?
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1/17/2007
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Palpitations are the unpleasant and sometimes alarming sensations of rapid, irregular or forceful beating of the heart. The term palpitations is fairly non-specific since it can refer to a number of different types of disturbances ...
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Self Care for Minor Burns
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1/10/2007
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Fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters all help to keep us warm in winter, but they also pose a risk of causing thermal burns. Other common causes for burns include unsafe handling of fireworks, accidents in the kitchen and contact with scalding water.
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Medical Fact or Fiction
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1/3/2007
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Now for another episode of Medical Fact or Fiction, this time related to wintertime issues. See if you know the answers to the following true/false questions. Read on to get the “facts”.
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Maya Angelou’s celebration of the “Glad Season”
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12/20/2006
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Dr. Maya Angelou. Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem is an affirmation of the song the angels sang to the shepherds on the first Christmas night----“Peace on earth and goodwill toward men”. In this beautiful and moving poem, she speaks to all mankind
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Tis the season to .............Overeat?
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12/13/2006
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For many people, the holiday season is the happiest time of the year. But the power shopping, relative visiting and over-eating can also take its toll on the body. During the holiday season, food seems to be everywhere. Ever wonder how that got started?
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What Happened to Healthy Toys
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12/6/2006
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Most people are aware of the risk of certain toys, particularly those with small parts that can cause choking or those that pose a risk to eyesight from flying projectiles. It doesn’t require much imagination to understand why toys with the names “Z LAUNCHER: TURBO WATER BALLOON LAUNCHER”, the...
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Making the Most of Your eDoc “Visits”
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11/29/2006
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Commonly, patients visit the doctor in the office, not because they need to obtain a diagnosis of a condition, a medication, or undergo a procedure, but to obtain information, reassurance, clarification, or guidance about some health question.
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A Primer on NSAID's
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11/15/2006
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are a large class of drugs used primarily to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis.
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Revenge of the Microbes---MRSA
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11/8/2006
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Most people have heard of "Staph" bacteria, but few outside of the medical community know about Staph's evil twin, MRSA. MRSA is an abbreviation for Methicillin-resistant bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus
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Medical Fact or Fallacy?
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11/3/2006
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Medical issues are common internet and water cooler topics of discussion. While some of these have basis in scientific fact, others have achieved the status of true “urban myths”. See if you know the answers to the following questions.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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10/25/2006
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Breast cancer is responsible for the deaths of around 46,000 women in the U.S. each year. Most women are aware that early detection measures such as self breast exam and mammograms have led to ...
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Knee Pain, Part 2
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10/18/2006
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This week, we are continuing with our knee pain series. As mentioned last week, we recently introduced knee diagrams into the “Where it hurts” feature on the eDocAmerica user's site. We want to encourage those who write to us with knee problems to indicate the location of your knee discomfort on one of the knee diagrams.
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Knee Pain, Part 1
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10/11/2006
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This week we'll cover degenerative and overuse knee problems including arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. Next week we'll look at some common knee injuries.
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Influenza Prevention 2006
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10/5/2006
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Many people consider having the “flu” to be one of those inconvenient maladies of winter. Those of you who have actually had influenza, however...
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Celiac Disease, a great masquerader
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9/27/2006
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Celiac disease is an inherited digestive disorder of unknown cause that affects the small intestine. Other names for this condition are celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
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National Cholesterol Education Month
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9/21/2006
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September has been designated as National Cholesterol Education Month by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This year's theme is 'Know your cholesterol numbers-Know your risk-Give yourself some TLC.'
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Turning Lemons into Lemonade
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9/14/2006
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Looking for a way to save money, improve your health and the health of the environment? Consider walking or riding a bicycle instead of driving when commuting to work, visiting friends or making short trips to the store
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Rejuvenating Juices
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9/5/2006
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Ever since I was a child, the health benefits of fruits and juices have been widely promoted. At that time orange juice, with it's high compliment of Vitamin C, was the most heralded fruit juice. Since then...
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Med. Web Sites - deciphering fact or fiction
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8/30/2006
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Have you run across web sites that promise a “cure” for a particular disease if you purchase a supply of their product? These days, it takes a savvy and somewhat skeptical consumer to be able to sort out the fact from fiction when searching
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The Low Down on Low Back Pain, Pt 2
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8/24/2006
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Last week’s health tip discussed the causes and the usual course of mechanical low back pain. An important message was that in most cases, even if the exact source of pain is not determined, acute low back pain will go away on its own.
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The Low Down on Low Back pain, Pt 1
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8/18/2006
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Low back pain is the second most common reason that people in the United States seek medical attention. It has been estimated that approximately 85% of us will experience an episode of low back pain at some time in our lives.
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Aerobics vs Pumping Iron - Which is Best
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8/9/2006
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Back in the early 70's, Kenneth Cooper, M.D popularized the term "aerobics", which referred to the types of exercise which primarily improved cardiorespiratory fitness. This spurred on the jogging...
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Heart Disease - An "Equal Oportunity" threat
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8/2/2006
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Women mistakenly believe that breast cancer is the leading cause of death for females. They may be surprised to learn that heart disease is actually the #1 cause...
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HPV Vaccine - Breakthrough against Cervical Cancer
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7/27/2006
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In June of this year, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended for approval the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by genital human papillomavirus (HPV).
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Healthy Lifestyle Assessment
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7/20/2006
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Are you curious about:
What can I do to help prevent heart attack, stroke or cancer?
What is a healthy weight range for me?
How much exercise is enough?
Want to learn...
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Generic vs. Brand Name Drugs. Which should I take
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7/12/2006
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Did you know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has rules in force to ensure that every generic drug contains the same components as its brand-name equivalent? All generic drugs must have...
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Hey Doc, why is my eyelid twitching?
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7/5/2006
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Eye twitching, or blepharospasm, is a medical problem that has generated many questions among eDoc clients. “Blepharo” means eyelid and “spasm” refers to...
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Sunglasses - Fashion or Function
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6/28/2006
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"Sun safety" describes a range of behaviors that include wearing wide brimmed hats that cover the face and neck; the correct use of sunscreen of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 15 and limiting sun exposure...
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Office Ergonomics
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6/21/2006
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With so much work being done in a seated
position, a comfortable workstation is of greater importance
than ever before. As with many other
jobs, there are occupational hazards related to working on a computer.
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Summer Sun Safety
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6/14/2006
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With the longer, warmer days of summer, many people increase their exposure to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and sun-related damage to the skin.
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Hypertension in Children, A Growing Concern
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6/7/2006
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In adults, most high blood pressure is known as "essential" or primary hypertension, meaning that there is no underlying "disease" responsible for the blood pressure elevation. Primary hypertension may be due to hereditary ...
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The Agony of "DeFeet", Part 2
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6/1/2006
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Last week we looked at three common causes of foot pain, bunions, Morton’s neuroma and corns and calluses. This week’s Health Tip will continue with this theme and describe four other common foot conditions.
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The Agony of "DeFeet", Part 1
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5/24/2006
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I suppose it makes sense when you recognize that your feet bear your entire body weight with each step. Congenital abnormalities, altered foot mechanics and being on your feet for long periods, can all increase the likelihood of developing a foot problem.
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Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure
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5/10/2006
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In this week's tip, I'll explain what high blood pressure is how it can adversely affect your health. You'll "learn the numbers" to be able to recognize high blood pressure in yourself or others.
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Heart Burn or Heart Attack
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5/3/2006
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More than five million patients go to the emergency room each year with chest pain. Frequently, a determination has to be made as to whether the chest pain is due to a relatively minor condition...
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Cancer Trends Update
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4/20/2006
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The nation is making progress toward its major cancer-reducing goals. Death rates for the four most common cancers (prostate, breast, lung, and
colorectal), as well as for overall cancer deaths, continue to decline.
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Benefits of Common Treatments Questioned
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4/13/2006
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This week’s health tip focuses on 3 recently published studies that bring into question the efficacy of common over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that many accept as beneficial.
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Extinguishing the Heartburn
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4/5/2006
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We are a nation of heartburn sufferers. It has been estimated that as many as 20 million Americans experience heartburn on a weekly basis.
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Bird Flu Update
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3/29/2006
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In addition to several African countries and many countries in East Asia and the Pacific, most European countries have now reported infections...
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Alcohol: Friend or Fiend
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3/24/2006
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For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use-up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women...
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Junk Food Marketing
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3/15/2006
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The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recently released a report entitled Food Marketing to Children and Youth: Threat or Opportunity?
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Spring Allergies
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3/8/2006
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Spring is the season when allergies as well as plants come back to life. An allergy is the body's hypersensitivity to substances in the environment...
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Is it a Cold or the Flu?
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3/1/2006
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During this time of the year, we commonly receive messages from our clients asking if their symptoms are more suggestive of a cold or with the flu.
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February is Black History Month
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2/22/2006
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This is an appropriate time to reflect on the contributions of African-American Physicians to medicine as well as point out some of the glaring differences in the health of African-Americans and...
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What's all this about "trans" fats?
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2/1/2006
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Scientific evidence shows that consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol levels,
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Avoiding the Winter Woes pt. 2
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1/11/2006
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This week's will focus on two potentially serious problems, hypothermia and influenza, and offer advice on safe driving during the winter.
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Avoiding the Winter Woes, pt. 1
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1/4/2006
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Winter can be a time of illness and injury if people fail to take adequate health and safety precautions...
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Secrets to Living Longer
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12/14/2005
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Life expectancy for Americans, around 49 years in 1900, has increased over the past century to about 76, thanks to improvements in health care...
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Making the Most of your Doctor's Appointment
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11/30/2005
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The best way to be sure of good health involves taking responsibility yourself. This is true even when you go to the doctor! To make the most of the time and money you're investing in the visit, be prepared.
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Menopause-related symptoms
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11/23/2005
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Estrogen replacement therapy is well established as the most effective treatment for menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. In the last several years, however...
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Metabolic Syndrome: an American "Epidemic"
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11/16/2005
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A recent eDocAmerica "health tip" discussed the potential of an epidemic caused by the Avian Flu virus. While this is a serious concern, as of now, there have been no reports of the H5N1
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Checking Up on Your Check Ups
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11/9/2005
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Traditionally, routine medical check-ups have been scheduled on an annual basis.
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Tamiflu for Avian Flu
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11/2/2005
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One of the most common questions pertains to the advisability of "stock piling" the antiviral medication, Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate)...
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An Aspirin a Day Keep the Doctor Away?
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10/26/2005
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Many reports have touted the use of aspirin in preventing a variety of diseases including heart attack, stroke and colon cancer. What is the evidence regarding the benefits of aspirin therapy?
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eDocAmerica's Health Encyclopedia
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10/19/2005
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eDocAmerica is pleased to announce the addition of an exciting new feature to our web site, the eDoc Health Encylopedia. This powerful multimedia tool, available to all our subscribers...
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It's Time for Your Flu Shot
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10/12/2005
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When October arrives, I become aware of a number of things, crisp autumn days, changing leaves and...the need for Flu Shots!!!
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A Rainbow of Healthy Foods
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10/5/2005
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Did you know that by eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables — green, yellow-orange, red, blue-purple, and white — you're giving your body a wide range of nutrients that are important for good health?
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Getting a Good Night's Sleep
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9/22/2005
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Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. For many, that is not a problem, as they “sleep like a baby”. An estimated 60 million Americans, however, are unable to get adequate rest.
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Homocysteine - The New Cholesterol
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9/14/2005
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Homocysteine is one of the protein building blocks (amino acids) that all of us produce.
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How's My Weight
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9/7/2005
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One easy way of determining if you are overweight, obese, underweight or normal is to calculate your Body Mass Index or BMI. It is a measure of weight for height.
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Stress Management Strategies
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8/31/2005
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Stress is the body's response to any demand or pressure, these demands are calles stressors.
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The Importance of Physical Activity
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8/25/2005
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The evidence is growing and is more convincing than ever! People of all ages who are generally inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.
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The Secret to Healthy Eating
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8/17/2005
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Surprise!!! ------there is no secret to healthy eating. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits and grains.
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An Apple a Day
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8/10/2005
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Every day, we receive numerous inquiries asking for advice on losing weight, starting an exercise program or controlling cholesterol through diet. Over the next several weeks,
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Summertime Blues - Part III
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7/27/2005
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Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin.
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Summertime Blues - Part II
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7/20/2005
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Mosquito season is in full swing in most of the country. With mosquitoes comes the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection and other infections spread by mosquitoes.
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Summertime Blues - Part I
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7/6/2005
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With the arrival of summer, most people are spending more time outdoors. Along with the enjoyment of outdoor activities comes the bites, stings, burns, and rashes
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Rosacea
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6/8/2005
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Rosacea is an inflammatory condition mainly affecting the face. It is hall-marked by episodic flushing of the skin, often lasting for several hours. Some people will periodically develop multiple spots in the affected areas ...
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Psoriasis
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6/2/2005
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There are several forms of psoriasis, which usually appear as patches of silvery scales on top of areas of crimson skin. The scales are easily shed or scratched off. It is a distressing condition, which can lead to a reduced self-esteem.
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Lupus
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5/11/2005
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Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a type of self-allergy whereby the patient's immune system overproduces antibodies which then attack the person's own tissues.
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Eczema
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5/4/2005
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The main features of eczema are dry, itching, red and inflamed skin. The words eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing.
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Skin Cancer Facts
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4/27/2005
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Most of the more than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
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Healthy Children, Healthy Choices
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4/20/2005
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As a parent, your responsibility is to buy healthy groceries and serve nutritious food to your growing children.
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You Can Quit Smoking
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4/13/2005
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Quitting is hard. Usually people make 2 or 3 tries, or more, before finally being able to quit. Each time you try to quit, you can learn about what helps and what hurts.
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Welcome Home - Part 4
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4/6/2005
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Going back to your job might cause anxiety and stress similar to that caused by going home. Worries about changes that have taken place, how co-workers will respond to your return...
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Welcome Home - Part 3
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3/30/2005
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You and your partner may have succeeded in maintaining a sense of intimacy, or closeness, during the deployment by writing or calling, which let the two of you remain "connected," but
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Welcome Home - Part 2
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3/23/2005
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Those returning to children probably had a homecoming picture in their minds of their toddlers running toward them shouting "Daddy" or "Mommy," or of their older kids huddling close and begging for field stories.
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Welcome Home - Part 1
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3/16/2005
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You are not the same person you were before you left, and neither are the people you love and work with. How do you make sure your reunion and the time afterward are "mentally healthy"?
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Healthy Vision
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3/9/2005
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Good health is an important part of good vision. The healthier you are, the better chance you have of avoiding risks to your eyes. You can lower your risk of eye disease and vision loss if you:
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Bone Health
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3/2/2005
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Bones play many roles in the body. They provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium.
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Anorexia, Bulima and Binge Eating Disorders
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2/23/2005
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Eating Disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.
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What is a Stroke
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2/16/2005
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A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When a stroke occurs, brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.
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Signs of Eye Problems in Adults
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2/9/2005
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If you notice any signs of potential eye problems, see an eye doctor for a complete eye exam. Even if you have no signs, regular eye exams are recommended—especially for those with some chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
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Children's Dental Disease
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2/2/2005
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The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children see a dentist no later than their first birthday, yet only 3 out of 5 children have seen a dentist before kindergarten.
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What Causes Kidney Stones
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1/26/2005
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While certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible.
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Heart Attacks: Are Women at Risk
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1/19/2005
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Women are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just like men. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 65.
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Eating Healthy During the Holidays
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11/24/2004
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So, what can you do to stay on track during the holidays and avoid making the same old resolution? Here are a few tips to help you:
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Surviving the Stress of the Holidays
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11/17/2004
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The source of holiday stress is simple: when it comes to time, money and social and family commitments, most people try to do too much. Here are some strategies for making your holidays a time of renewal.
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Measuring Physical Activity Intensity
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11/10/2004
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A way of monitoring physical activity intensity is to determine whether a person's pulse or heart rate is within the target zone during physical activity.
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Healthy Bones
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11/3/2004
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Building strong bones, especially before the age of 30, can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis, and a healthy lifestyle can be critically important for keeping bones strong.
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Halloween Safety
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10/27/2004
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Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
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Body Mass Index
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10/20/2004
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The BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height, and waist circumference measures abdominal fat. Combining these with information about your additional risk factors yields your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases.
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Short Workouts Good for Heart
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10/13/2004
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How much exercise do you need to fight heart disease? Is an hour breaking a sweat at the gym what you need? Or will 30 minutes gardening or 15 minutes walking around the block suffice?
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Starting an Exercise Program
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10/6/2004
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If you've let exercise lapse during the summer months or have never exercised regularly here are some tips to help you ease into a fitness routine.
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