Health Tips

There’s no denying that the typical symptoms of the common cold—sore throat, runny nose, cough, etc. —are miserable.  But when you realize that cold symptoms are an indication that your body’s defense system is working, it gives you a different perspective on your misery.    Up to 50% of colds…

The American Board of Internal Medicine is leading a health education campaign to inform patients and physicians about the overutilization of medical resources.  This program, known as “Choosing Wisely”, includes recommendations for medical professionals as well as for the public.  It was developed “to help providers and patients engage in…

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 not had time to attract germs, and is safe…

Recent statistics indicate that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus have nearly twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as people without diabetes. While the exact reason for this is still being investigated, several interesting findings connecting the two diseases have emerged. Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes.   The American…

In 2005, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued a resolution stating that “there appears to be evidence that exposure to violent media increases feelings of hostility, thoughts about aggression, suspicions about the motives of others, and demonstrates violence as a method to deal with potential conflict situations”. In 2013, the…

Terms used by lay individuals to designate certain medical conditions can vary significantly from those used by medical professionals.  Similarly, certain conditions widely accepted by the general public may or may not have the same degree of acceptance in the medical world. Today’s Health Tip looks at some of these…

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that the median nerve passes through. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index and middle fingers. It also carries nerve impulses to the muscles of these digits to bring about movement.   Carpal tunnel syndrome…

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that the median nerve passes through. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index and middle fingers. It also carries nerve impulses to the muscles of these digits to bring about movement.   Carpal tunnel syndrome…

Two of the leading organizations issuing guidelines for cancer screening, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), have separately made recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.  In both cases, data from current research was analyzed and compiled to develop their recommendations. …

Almost everyone has had a cough. 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, this type of cough goes away within a matter of a few days to a couple of weeks. …