January 8-14, 2008 - Original Health Articles

Persistent feelings of hopelessness, mood disturbances, sleep problems, weight gain or loss these are just some of the symptoms that characterize clinical depression. Also known as major-depressive disorder, the condition affects approximately 14 million Americans each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a hot topic these days. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why is it so important? According to Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, while intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measurement of cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence is more difficult to quantify.

These days, the average American man can expect to live for up to 74 years, while the average U.S. woman will see her 79th birthday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although genetics and sheer luck play some part in life expectancy, our longevity also depends largely on the habits we incorporate into our daily lives.

There's perhaps no greater, or more personal, gift you can give than that of your own blood. During earthquakes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters, survivors depend on your contribution for speedy treatment. And in many cases, it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Whether we're losing our teeth, falling from a tall building, or being chased by a vicious attacker, at some point, we all have dreams that may seem absurd. But according to many psychologists, the mental pictures we conjure while we're asleep can speak volumes about our waking hopes and fears.

Today, the average American gets about seven hours of sleep on weeknights and seven and a half hours of sleep on the weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, most experts recommend that adults get a minimum of eight hours' sleep a night.

It's no secret that people who have diabetes are more susceptible to infection than their non-diabetic counterparts. And these infections can come in a variety of forms from styes and boils to foot ulcers and sores. But the good news is, there are ways to lower your risk.

It's an age-old struggle: Adults try to put their little ones to bed, but their kids seem determined to thwart the routine at every turn. Children try to avoid bedtime for a variety of reasons; they may have separation anxiety, be fearful of the dark, experience nightmares, or simply don't want to take time out for something as mundane as sleep.

Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion are just some of the symptoms that characterize the common cold. Also known as acute viral nasopharyngitis or acute coryza, the condition is so common, in fact, that it results in 75 to 100 million U.S.