June 1-7, 2011 - Original Health Articles

Could the Alexander Technique Work for You?

Most of us move without giving it much thought. We balance, walk, sit, dance and work the way we always have. But what if we discovered we'd been doing it wrong and could improve our health and well-being by relearning to move properly? That's the concept behind the Alexander Technique, which teaches that changing your moving habits could decrease pain and improve your posture, outlook and productivity.

6 Sun Smarts for Babies and Toddlers

Sunshine warms our bodies, improves our mood and even gives us vitamin D—especially beneficial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. But the bright light has a dark side, too. Too much sun damages our skin and causes premature wrinkling, spotting, and can cause skin cancer, the most serious of which is melanoma.

New Food Plate Guidelines: Healthy Eating Made Easy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing healthful foods easier for all Americans. The icon, which replaces the old food pyramid, is a colorful graphic image of a plate divided into separate sections and is intended to provide a visual reminder of the appropriate balance between the different food groups.

Update on Stem Cells: Potential for a Cure?

Cancer scientists are slowly but surely making potentially promising discoveries in stem cell research. Stem Cells 101 Stem cells are immature body cells. They make identical copies of themselves and mature into different tissue types to replace aging or damaged cells.

Don't Let Chronic Pain Result in Social Isolation

People connect with friends and family through social activities and community events, sports and family gatherings. When it hurts to be active, however, it's hard to stay connected. Friendships slip away and family members burn out. Chronic pain has a huge impact on people's social lives and often leaves them isolated, lonely and feeling socially rejected.

5 Worst Diets for Diabetes

Anyone who's ever decided to lose weight knows that impatient feeling. You want results—instant results—and you're more than ready to embrace any diet that promises a new, slimmer you in a very short time. Before you put yourself on a trendy diet that promises rapid weight loss, consider that a fad diet could have even more severe health consequences for you than for someone without diabetes.

Insomnia vs. Restless Nights: What's the Difference?

Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a few restless nights and full-blown insomnia. Here's help in figuring out the difference as well as steps you can take to get a restful night's sleep. If there was one definition for normal sleep, it might be easier to know the difference between mild sleeping difficulties and true insomnia.

The Stress and Longevity Connection

Certainly, good genes count when it comes to living to 100. And staying active, not smoking, and eating well all help you make it to a ripe old age. But new research shows that your mental habits might be just as important as your physical habits when it comes to longevity.

Slow Down Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease—nearly 16 million Americans have CAD—and the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. It develops when the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle become blocked by a buildup of cholesterol, a fatty, waxy substance called plaque, preventing enough blood and oxygen from getting to your heart.

Breast Cancer and Family Risk Factors

Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age. Breast Cancer Family History You have a family...

Chronic Cough and Asthma

Got a cough that's keeping you up all night? Most of us cough when we have a cold, as it's the body's way of clearing the bronchial passages. But when a cough lingers long after your cold has gone, it could be time to see if it's related to asthma. Why Chronic Cough and Asthma Often Co-Exist There are several possible reasons that a chronic cough and asthma go hand in hand.

Naturally Relieve These 3 Digestive Problems

If you find yourself ridden with stomach pain, you may be tempted to search for medications for relief. And although they may work, all you may need to feel better are the following tips. Diarrhea Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur three or more times a day.

Let Lavender Lull You to Sleep

Lotions, potions, and perfumes scented with lavender oil can soothe restless nerves and help you drift off to dreamland. Here's how to use this aromatic herb to calm your senses and relax your mind. The strong and distinct scent of lavender originates in the essential oils found in every petal of the plant's colorful flowers.

Recently Diagnosed With Allergies? What to Do Next

It's possible to manage your allergies so they won't interfere too much on your daily life. The key is to take steps to avoid your allergy triggers and manage your symptoms as needed. The First Step to Success When you're trying to find the best way to manage your chronic allergies, you'll need to know what sparks the reaction.

Going Gray Gracefully

Growing gray hairs is an inevitable part of aging. But how do you know when to cover it up or put it on display? Read on for tips on transitioning through the graying process. When our bodies' melanin production decreases, our hair starts to go gray.

When Social Drinking Becomes Dangerous

It's the end of a long week—or a long day—and if you're like many Americans, you reach for glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail to help you unwind. This behavior is considered normal as well as socially acceptable. Popular television shows like Mad Men glamorize drinking alcohol, which can make it hard to imagine a party, celebration, or sporting event without it.

4 Tips for Healthy Multiples

In the U.S. the rate of twin births increased by 70 percent between 1980 and 2004 and the rate of higher-order multiples (triplets or more) increased four-fold between 1980 and 1998. More recent statistics indicate the rapid rise may be slowing. Deborah Ann Mulligan, MD is the director of the Institute for Child Health Policy and a professor of pediatrics at the Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

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