December 1-7, 2009 - Original Health Articles

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, right? So why does the depression rate soar at this time of celebration? If the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past, tune into the some of the tools below to combat holiday depression this season.

Migraines affect approximately 28 million people in the United States. They throb, they ache, and they can rob sufferers from their quality of life. There is a lot of research looking into how to help migraineurs—and sleep is turning out to be a major factor.

Culture is a major identifying characteristic of individuals. Cultural norms influence our perceptions of the world and, in particular, our interpretations of the others' actions. The success of social interactions often depends on the cultures of the people involved.

There are several causes for dark under-eye circles—many of them preventable—and no matter what the cause, there are things you can do to minimize their appearance. Dark circles are caused by hyper-pigmentation under the eye. Dilated blood vessels lie just beneath the thin under-eye skin and show through, creating a bruised look.

Sure, it would be great to go outside for a run or catch a nice long yoga class, but the fact is, you've got to work. You can still grab a workout, though, right at your desk. Here, three ways to work your body (without stepping foot from your desk).

Sugar and fat-laden pies, cookies and egg nog. Stuffing, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallow, gravy-laden mashed potatoes. These are among the foods that make the holidays taste so good, but can also wreak havoc for people with diabetes trying to eat healthy.

Combining classes of medications for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be more effective in controlling symptoms than using just one type of medication. For example, people suffering from heartburn after eating may find that taking both antacids (such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta or Rolaids) and H2 receptor blockers (such as Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Axid AR or Zantac 75) may give them longer lasting relief than taking just one type of medication.

Every 45 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Furthermore, stroke is the third most common cause of death in the country. Studies show that high blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke with various lifestyles factors increasing this risk, such as obesity, lack of exercise, diet, drug use, alcohol, smoking and stress.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to cure cancer, control cancer or ease the symptoms of cancer. In addition to destroying tumor cells, chemotherapy also damages healthy cells. Both can cause side effects. Every patient experiences chemotherapy differently.

Often fresh, never boring, but infamously high in fat, Mexican food has a built-in fun factor that might make all those extra calories seem worth it. But one look at the nutrition profile of most south-of-the border fare, and you know you're also in for a fiesta of fat and salt.

When it comes to the future of our overall health, some say that technology has both blessed us and cursed us. On the one hand, technological advancements continue to show us amazing ways in which we can beat diseases and improve our quality of life. On the other hand, it has encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, which has caused obesity rates (and the illnesses associated with them) to skyrocket, and it has contributed to climate changes that are threatening the stability of our ecosystems.

Before you down that next can of soda, consider this: A 12-ounce serving (one can) of soda contains a whopping eight teaspoons of sugar (about 130 calories), putting you over the limit for your recommended daily sugar consumption, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Senator Ted Kennedy announced his intention to introduce legislation encouraging comprehensive cancer research weeks before suffering a seizure caused by an aggressive form of brain cancer. Kennedy's battle and eventual death helped raise awareness about deadly brain tumors.

A large part of the American public is obsessed about their health. They want to live long lives and stay as youthful as possible. Our friends might even call us a "health nut" because we are always trying out the latest in preventative medicine and scouring the Internet for latest health research.

Crohn's disease can cause a variety of problems for sufferers, including a reduced appetite, poor absorption of vitamins and minerals and diarrhea. If you've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, this may be a good time to reevaluate your eating habits and develop an eating plan that's based on providing you with a high amount of essential nutrients.

If you are suffering from pain at the bottom of your heel, you will probably see a podiatrist who will most likely take an x-ray and inform you that you have a heel spur. You will probably be given a cortisone shot and/or have an orthotic added to your shoe.

Trying to find the perfect gift for someone who suffers from asthma? Many popular items can be off limits, since things like stuffed animals, clothing, food and scented candles can actually be asthma triggers. But that doesn't mean you have to forego giving this year.

Since bad moods and stress seem to be contagious, it's easy to be brought down by and enmeshed in your partner's negativity, says Debbie Mandel, the author of Addicted to Stress. Furthermore, she adds that men and women experience stress very differently, so it can be difficult to react and respond to your partner's stress in a way that disables it.

Like most revelations about the rich and famous, the news about Tiger Woods' early morning car crash on Friday, November 27, 2009, and alleged extra-marital activities can turn the best of us into scandal junkies. We like--and don't like--to see prominent people falter.

Maybe you'd been feeling tired a lot of the time. Or perhaps you just didn't feel like yourself. A visit to the doctor gave you the diagnosis you didn't want to hear: pre-diabetes. In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes, according to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a large multicenter clinical research study.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to good health. Now, women have more reason than ever to make sure they get their daily five servings. Folate-rich diets have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancers. Citrus fruits, peas, beans and leafy green vegetables are all high in folate; a water-soluble B Vitamin that plays a key role in copying DNA.

As any individual who exercises can attest, muscle soreness is proof that your body is responding to the new or increased physical challenge. However, when arthritis muscle soreness and pain is part of your daily life, it's no longer a sign of accomplishment.

Chips, cheese, muffins, and mayonnaise. If these are a few of your favorite things, then you're probably one of millions of Americans trying to keep a little indulgence in your diet by using food products made with fat substitutes. Fat substitutes, or fat replacers, as they are known in the food industry, are used to make reduced-fat baked goods, dairy products, bread spreads, salad dressings, snacks, gravies, chocolate chips and even lunch meats.

Your shoulders tighten, your heart races, your mind spins, your palms sweat, your stomach twists, and you have difficulty sleeping. Unfortunately, this is far too familiar for far too many. If left unchecked, some serious health problems can occur. Studies show that prolonged or severe stress can weaken the immune system, strain the heart, damage memory cells in the brain, and deposit fat at the waist rather than the hips and buttocks, says Bruce S.

Prolonged stress–such as many of us are experiencing during the current recession--increases the likelihood we will develop unhealthy ways to cope. These inadequate behaviors take a toll on our overall health and vitality and may even put the kibosh on our sex drive.

Looking for a way to rejuvenate your face, but can't make the commitment to invasive surgery? Talk to your doctor about these alternatives that can bring back your youth and confidence. Tumescent Liposuction or Neck Rejuvenation A less invasive surgical alternative to a traditional facelift, this procedure removes excess fat in the jowls and chin area through a small incision underneath the chin and occasionally, behind the ears.

Dementia is a significant and growing problem in many countries, not just in America. A new report prepared by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London indicates that worldwide cases of the disease will almost double every twenty years, from 35 million in 2010 to 65.

The number of neck and back surgeries continues to rise with the percentage of them being considered failed back surgeries now about 50 percent. The money being spent on pain medication alone per year is about 20-30 billion dollars. The number of those becoming addicted to this medication, including the children of individuals prescribed the medication, is seemingly out of control.

According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 30 million people in the United States suffer from migraines. While many of those suffering from migraines may think of taking over-the-counter painkillers for some relief, finding out what triggers the migraine may be the better choice.

There are two main types of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The National Cancer Institute predicts more than one million new cases in 2009. Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is a primary risk factor for skin cancer.

Each year, a startling 25 percent of the population is felled by food-borne illnesses, and that percentage doesn't include the number of mild cases of food poisoning that goes unreported. In all, according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food-borne diseases cause nearly 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year.

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder, particularly in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. However, insomnia is actually more than just a disease symptom; it's a co-existing illness. Fortunately, there is an effective way to battle arthritis-induced insomnia.

Research has proven many times over that what you eat can have a major impact on your mood. Now research is showing that eating a Mediterranean diet--a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and fish--can reduce the risk of depression. ...

If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you've probably been advised to lose weight and start exercising. The right diet and a good exercise plan both help keep your blood sugar where it should be. With that said, eating right and working out aren't always easy for busy people to fit into their schedule.