January 1-7, 2011 - Original Health Articles

Doing Everything Right but Still Can't Sleep?

The room is dark, the temperature is right, and you're as relaxed as you can be. If you've done everything in your power but still can't manage a good night's sleep, it's time to get help. Although we treat it like a medical condition, insomnia is actually a symptom of some other condition.

Mudding: The Newest Trend in Athletic Endeavor

Are you part of one of these demographics?     1) Bored of hitting the gym daily with no end in sight?     2) A former athlete that has lost her way over the years?     3) Tired of the lackluster drag of the work-a-day existence? If you've answered "yes" to any of the previous statements, there's a new movement in endurance racing.

RA Complications: 5 Problems to Watch For

While rheumatoid arthritis itself isn't a fatal disease, it can cause complications that may very well affect lifespan as well as quality of life. Here are five possible medical issues that rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience Lung problems. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a constellation of lung problems collectively known as rheumatoid lung disease.

The Connection between Violence, Stress, and Asthma

How safe is your neighborhood? If the answer is, "Not very," then you could be at an increased risk for asthma complications. While violence and asthma may sound like an unlikely connection, a new study reveals that people who live in inner cities and are exposed to violence are much more likely to be hospitalized for asthma than their counterparts.

Before You Pucker Up, Get the Facts about Kissing Allergies

Kissing is a great way to show your affection. But did you know that a greeting from someone else's lips can spark a serious reaction if you suffer from a food or medication allergy? Learn how best to protect yourself from before you pucker up. The Danger of Kissing Allergies If you're not familiar with the concept of kissing allergies, you're not alone.

5 Must-Try Tips for Allergy Relief

If you've tried all you can to relieve your allergies but your symptoms still persist, consider these creative tips. They may be just what you need to get the relief you've been longing for. Strategies for Allergy Relief You probably already know that cleaning your home, staying indoors on days when pollen count is high, and avoiding strong chemicals are important tactics to minimize your allergies.

Airport Scanners: Cancer Concerns?

The use of new x-ray scanners to screen airline passengers has sparked vigorous debate on the safety and need for this level of screening. Proponents argue the screeners have been thoroughly tested and vetted by regulating bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration.

Calcium and Vitamin D: How Much is Too Much?

Can taking your calcium and vitamin D supplements be too much of a good thing?  Some researchers say, "yes." We've waded through the research for you to help you understand when enough is enough and when it may actually be too much. A recent study published in the British Journal of Medicine suggests calcium supplements may increase your risk of a heart attack.

5 Biggest Walking Pains Solved

If you've resolved to start walking more, be sure you don't walk right into injury or pain. Follow our tips and avoid the five biggest walking problems. Our number one tip?  Prevention and preparation. Throw out your old sneakers and invest in good, well-constructed walking or cross-training shoes.

10 Signs You're Having a Stress Headache

You're burning the candle at both ends, working as hard as you can and now this...another headache. You wonder, "Is it a migraine?  Am I getting sick or is the tension is just getting to me?"  How do you know when you're having a stress headache? You don't need an x-ray, lab test or special testing to diagnose a stress headache.

Diabetes: 10 Year Trend

Half of Americans will have Type 2 diabetes by 2020, according to a current forecast. This comes from a newly released report by United Health Group's Center for Reform and Modernization.  It's a scary figure to consider, since diabetes is a devastating and potentially deadly disease.

The Top Sexual Fantasies for Men and Women

Everyone has sexual fantasies from time to time, and they're usually nothing to be worried about. Sexual fantasies are not only common, but can be good for a couple, too. "It's almost always healthy to fantasize," says Laurie Puhn, family and couples mediator and author of Fight Less, Love More.

Bladder Problems and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is more than just "a pain thing."  While pain is certainly one of its' defining symptoms, a host of other issues accompany fibromyalgia syndrome.  Many patients with fibromyalgia, especially women, suffer with pelvic complaints and bladder problems.

7 Steps to Boost Heart Health This Year

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to renew your commitment to heart-healthy eating, or resolve to begin a plan. Either way, these seven tips will help keep your heart in tip-top shape in the coming year. 1. Limit Unhealthy Fats and Cholesterol The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting saturated and trans fat, such as butter, margarine and coconut oils, to less than seven percent and less than one percent of your total daily calories, respectively.

7 Ways to Protect Your Joints

While arthritis may be unavoidable for some, many of us could be doing more to keep our joints safe. Whether you've been diagnosed with arthritis or are looking for ways to prevent it, here are some simple ways to be good to your joints: Don't pile on the pounds.

Right- or Left-Side Sleeping: What's Worse for Heartburn?

Can your sleeping position affect heartburn pain? According to several studies, the answer is yes. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that "the total amount of reflux time was significantly greater" when study volunteers lay on their right side, as opposed to their left side, after eating high-fat meals.

Water: The Great Weight-Loss Elixir

Trying to lose weight? Skip the pills, potions, and fad diets. Instead, drink water. That's right, plain water-the healthiest and most effective weight-loss elixir around. Drinking water helps you lose weight two ways: by encouraging the release of excess water in your body and by helping you feel fuller so you don't overeat.

Are Relationships Key to Happiness?

Early research on marriage and happiness has uncovered a positive association between the two. This so-called "marriage advantage" showed that, on average, married people tend to be healthier, live longer, and be at less risk for many serious health conditions than those who never marry.

Side Effects of Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder is a nonessential organ located in your abdominal cavity. Because in some people it creates painful gallstones, gallbladder removal is not uncommon. Another reason to remove the gallbladder is to lower the risk of gallbladder cancer in susceptible individuals.

Wake Up to Asthma Control

You brush your teeth first thing every day, then probably savor a piping hot cup of coffee. But do you also make your asthma control steps an essential part of your morning? Starting a Morning Routine Staying on top of your asthma takes hard work and diligence, but if you integrate your control steps into your day, it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Negative Body Image for Men: A Growing Problem

Believe it or not, a negative body image is not just a woman's problem. Increasingly, men are dissatisfied with one or more parts of their body. The media and a culture obsessed with perfection have defined what men and women are supposed to look like.

Normal Cholesterol, High Triglycerides

Even though your latest physical may have shown that your cholesterol levels are normal, you may still be at risk for heart disease if your triglycerides level is high. A 20-year study conducted by the University of Washington School of Public Health...

First Aid for Your Face: How to Treat Scars, Burns, and Pimples

A daily skincare routine can help keep your face looking youthful and healthy, but minor scrapes, burns, or occasional breakouts are unfortunately inevitable. Try these tips to speed up healing and prevent scarring, plus learn when you should seek professional medical care.

What's Your Baby Thinking?

As you gaze lovingly at your beautiful baby, you know in your heart that there's a lot more in that little head than meets the eye. In fact, you're quite sure she's brilliant. Are these parental perceptions just a figment of an adoring parent's imagination, or is your baby's brain really hard at work? Is your baby actually thinking? You'll be happy to know that babies do think-probably more than we give them credit for.

How to Turn Off Your Active Mind

Highly emotional states such as stress, depression, anxiety-and even positive states such as happiness and excitement-can all put your brain into overdrive and cause bouts of insomnia. If an overactive mind is keeping you awake at night, here are some tips for turning it off.

How Healthy is Your Cooking Style?

Fried, sautéed, roasted, grilled. Here's how various cooking techniques stack up and why some are better than others when it comes to keeping you healthy. While some cooking styles are considered more or less healthy than others, that often has as much to do with your skill level in the kitchen and choice of ingredients as the technique itself.

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