July 1-7, 2011 - Original Health Articles

Waiting until after the wedding to have sex—and being in a monogamous long-term relationship—has definite benefits. One is that your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is lower than if you had many partners. Another is, not having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.

The Internet has brought people together in new and unexpected ways. It's not surprising then that the incidence of online support groups, or cyber support groups, is on the rise. And since Americans are increasingly turning to self-help techniques to improve their lives, we'll probably see cyber support groups continue to proliferate.

Backyard barbeques are the quintessential American summertime activity. They're a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy fresh, seasonal food cooked outdoors. However, it pays to be cautious when grilling meat. Scientists have linked barbequed meat to an increased risk of developing cancer.

Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Julie Silver, M.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and author of What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope and After Cancer Treatment: Heal Faster, Stronger, Better weighs in on how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.

You know all too well the telltale wheeze that occurs with asthma. Sometimes, your asthma can worsen without a warning and you may suddenly become aware that you're wheezing. Often, wheezing will be accompanied by coughing, a feeling of pressure on your chest, and difficulty breathing.

Whether traveling on business, vacationing with the family or friends, looking your best will likely be on your itinerary. But packing your favorite skin and hair care products can be complicated. Thanks to security threats courtesy of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-as well as individual airlines-has imposed restrictions aimed at keeping travelers safe.

Broad-spectrum. Sweat-resistant. Sunblock. SPF 100. What do all of these terms really mean? Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up to clearly define what makes an effective sunscreen. And manufacturers are being held accountable to these new standards.

The fruit of the olive tree has a long, rich history as a symbol of peace, new life, hope and honor.  These days, it is best known as a symbol of good health. The cultivated olives we know today had wild ancestors that go back hundreds, if not thousands, of years B.

If you've got severe arthritis in your ankle, you may be exploring surgery. But which kind of surgery is best for you: arthrodesis or arthroplasty? Arthrodesis involves fusing the existing bones of the ankle permanently, while arthroplasty is the replacement of the entire joint.

What does it mean when your joints get puffy and sore?  If you've had an injury or accident, you know what caused it, but what if it comes out of nowhere?  Here, our list for what causes unexplained joint inflammation. What is Joint Inflammation? Joint Inflammation is caused by the buildup of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint.

Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it also provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb.

The number of people affected by severe allergies has been on the rise recently, and the experts say that global warming could be to blame for the worsening allergies. The Effect of Climate Change on Allergies Global climate changes have led to an earlier onset of spring weather over the past few years.

A new tool developed by researchers from University College Cork may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to diagnosing your child's food allergies. New Way to Diagnose Food Allergies in Children The Irish scientists have created a special "calculator" that allows you to input some important data to instantly identify if your child has an allergy to milk, eggs, and peanuts, which are three of the most common food allergies in kids.