April 22-30, 2009 - Original Health Articles

  Who hasn't felt sweaty palms before an important event-a big date or a career-determining test, for example? Nervousness is normal in these situations, and nothing to be concerned about. But for the more than 40 million people suffering from an anxiety disorder, fear and worry are constant companions and may be debilitating.

Crohn's disease is characterized by alternating periods of heavy symptoms and relatively quiet stages, called remission. Your goal is to stay in remission as long as possible. If you've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, you can take some simple steps to help keep your symptoms at bay.

The Allergy Link If you have food allergies, you may be at greatest risk for also having itchiness, according to the experts. The latest statistics reveal that more than a quarter of all children with food allergies also suffer from eczema or a skin allergy.

Diabetes affects 8.9 percent or 9.1 million of all women in the United States, and due to the increasing lifespan of women and population growth, the number of women at risk is only climbing. Compounding the problem are the complications that diabetes causes.

Swine influenza (H1N1), while common in pigs, is rare in humans. Not since 1976 (when there was an outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey that infected about 200 people and caused one death), has this been a huge health issue for humans. Most of us have been logging on to the Internet and staying tuned into TV and radio news to get clued in on what's going on.

Maybe you've been feeling sluggish lately and unable to concentrate. Or you're having heart palpitations and constantly feeling too warm. It might be time to have your thyroid checked. A small, butterfly-shaped gland located in front of your trachea and below your larynx, your thyroid produces hormones that control your metabolism.

Do you crave chicken soup when you are sick? If so, you are not alone. This is a common remedy to soothe the discomforts of the flu and the common cold. But did you know it can also help ease your asthma symptoms by thinning your mucus and helping you to breathe better? Experts have long understood that diet plays an important role in your overall health.

An eye exam will, of course, let you know the state of your vision. But did you know that it can also provide a window into your general health? More than simply conduits that allow you to see what's in front of you, your eyes can reveal the presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health conditions, and are valuable tools in helping you manage your overall wellness.

For people with depression, sometimes talking it out with a counselor is all that's needed. Being able to express sad feelings to an impartial expert can give relief, and a trained professional can help sufferers pinpoint the roots of their problems and steer them to appropriate solutions.

In late 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings about bowel cleansing formulas commonly used before medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. Here's what you need to know. What's the Warning? Many bowel cleansing products are made from Oral Sodium Phosphate (OSP).

Water as a natural weight loss supplement? Absolutely. Your body needs water to function properly and to flush out toxins, which can inhibit weight loss. Yet, most of us don't drink enough of it, which is why we need to add it to our diets. A supplement to lose weight doesn't have to be a chemical concocted in a lab-it can be herbs or foods you supplement your diet with.

Arthritis makes your joints and muscles weak and unstable, which can throw your balance off. Popular exercises such as yoga and Pilates restore balance, improve flexibility and build strength. You can do them even if you’re living with arthritis — but with a few modifications.

According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is on the rise, with more than one in 10 adults over the age of 20 suffering from diabetes and one in three having prediabetes. The metabolic disorder—in which the body’s ability to...

It’s now common knowledge that many toxins are linked to medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or migraines. This awareness is driving many of us to go green in our homes, workplaces and communities. While some people may not experience immediate symptoms due to toxic chemical exposure, many others aren’t so lucky.

For heartburn sufferers, food is divided into three categories: food that aggravates symptoms, food that decreases symptoms, and food that does not lead to symptoms. Most important is knowing which foods fall into which categories. If the goal is to find foods that prevent heartburn, many foods can be eliminated because they relax the lower esophageal sphincter and contribute to heartburn symptoms.

It’s hard to imagine that your choice of hospital could impact the outcome of your disease or illness. But it’s true. Every year, there are a few surveys that look at how well America’s hospitals are performing. One is conducted by the U.

If you have diabetes, it's important to pay attention to even the most subtle signs or changes in your condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of complications that result from diabetes are caused by elevated blood sugar levels over extended periods of time.

At long last the warmer weather has finally come. But instead of packing a picnic lunch and heading outdoors to enjoy the sun, are you hiding inside with your windows closed? If so, you may be one of the estimated 40 million Americans who suffer from allergies that are caused by a wide range of triggers.

While some mood disorders have a genetic or neurological basis (recent research shows a link between depression and changes in the brain's right cortex), others are caused by problems in your environment or difficult life circumstances. Can you change the way you live and prevent depression from occurring? Absolutely.

If you have a diabetic child, you've probably established a manageable routine at home. But what if your child is on vacation or even just sleeping over at a friend's house? Here are some important steps to follow-so you can put your mind at ease. Get Supplies Before Your Ride  Have more than enough medication, syringes (if necessary), and testing supplies on hand.

Anyone who's watched television in the last few years has seen the ads for antidepressants that maintain depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. Take this little pill, they imply, and your brain's hormones will magically rebalance themselves-and you'll feel fine again.