March 15-21, 2012 - Original Health Articles

6 Hidden Allergy and Asthma Triggers

For allergy sufferers, attacks can come on suddenly—and seemingly from out of nowhere. But experts are quick to point out that there are a host of hidden allergy triggers that may be causing your wheezing, sneezing, or other symptoms. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), allergy triggers can be hiding inside or outdoors.

The Top 5 Phobias

Do you have an irrational or excessive fear of something? If so, you're not alone. More than 19 million Americans suffer from a phobia of some kind. What Is a Phobia? A phobia is defined as an abnormally emotional and physical response to an imagined or irrationally exaggerated fear.

Wide Awake in America

"To sleep, perchance to dream." Shakespeare's famed words sound so tranquil, but if you've ever read Hamlet, you know the story's about to take a bad turn. For many Americans, sleep is also a maddening prospect representing hours of tossing and turning with little to show for it other than the eventual fatigue, irritability, and exhaustion.

Understanding Adult ADHD Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is usually associated with children. And given the statistics, it's no surprise: The condition affects up to 9 percent of school-age children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Headaches 101

At one time or another, nearly everyone has had a headache. In fact, 70 percent of people have had at least one in the past year. What's more, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, a condition that costs U.S. companies billions of dollars in lost productivity annually.

Conquering Portion Distortion

If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.

Everyday Fitness

Let's face it: We live in an inactive nation where obesity has become a growing epidemic. More than one-third of American adults meet the criterion for obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that it's never too late and never too hard to get in shape.

7 Ways to Manage Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, long-term skin disease that affects more than an estimated 16 million Americans. The condition may produce persistent redness, or flushing; acne; and visible blood vessels in the center of the face. What's more, these symptoms can eventually spread to the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose.

Arthritis 101

More than 46 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis—a disease that affects 50 percent of adults over 65 and is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Understanding Depression

Depression has been called the "common cold of mental health"—and is it any wonder? Approximately 18.8 million American adults, or 9.5 percent of the U.S. adult population, suffer from a depressive disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Marijuana for Cancer Care

Because cannabis is illegal, scientific research on the medical benefits for cancer and other serious illnesses is limited, and much of the evidence is anecdotal. However, there seems to be a growing body of data (and citizen demand) to support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes.

A Dozen Healthy Family Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks

For nutrition advice, QualityHealth consulted Sally Kuzemchak, RD and real mom nutrition blogger. "Eating healthier really doesn't take more time. It's a mindset. A great place to start is to read labels and know what's in your food." Your child will concentrate better in the classroom, and be less prone to sugar cravings later, if you refuel him in the a.

How to Improve Your Morning Routine

Feeling rushed and crazy is not a good way to start the day. Mornings are the family's launching pad. It's important to send kids to school feeling calm and ready. They'll perform better, feel happier, and have more confidence to face the day's challenges.

5 Time-Wasters That Burn Calories

Actor Pete Postlethwaite once said: "I exercise every morning without fail. One eyelid goes up and the other follows." That quote may seem nonsensical, but the sentiment actually makes some sense. Take a closer look at your daily routine, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for easy calorie-burning activities—no gym required.

8 Ways to Prevent Manic Episodes

One of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder is to prevent manic episodes before they start. Although that's not always doable, it is possible to identify triggers that may lead to mood disturbances. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of a manic episode: Stick to a daily routine Schedule meals at a regular time, make exercise a part of your daily schedule, and practice relaxation techniques each night before bed.

7 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

For millions of Americans, it's an all-too-familiar scenario: Suddenly, a loved one will start asking the same question repeatedly, telling the same story continuously, or behaving inappropriately. His or her close friends, spouses, or children notice it but dismiss it simply as "getting old.

Warding Off Skin Cancer

One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.

How to Get Rid of Lice: The Bug Stops Here

Estimates suggest that between 6 and 11 million infestations of lice occur each year in the United States, mostly in children between the ages of 3 and 11. It's a common, childhood problem that has nothing to do with hygiene and eventually plagues most schools and day care centers.

Heart Disease in the Family? Protect Yourself

Some diseases seem to run in families. Heart disease is one of them. A family history significantly increases your risk for also developing heart disease. Unfortunately, heart disease is common-and deadly. More than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease annually.

The Truth About Chocolate Tea

Double dark chocolate, chocolate strawberry, red velvet, chocolate mint—these sound more like the names of cupcakes or candy bars than tea bags but, in fact, that's just what they are.  A new generation of teas—both herbal and regular—have...

9 Easy Ways to Get More Z's

If you can't seem to get a good night's sleep, you're not alone-more than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. The good news is, many of these issues can be solved by simply changing your daily routine and creating a better sleep environment.

5 Great Sick-Day Foods

You can't seem to fight off that nasty cold or flu, and you're stuck at home for several days. The good news? There are certain foods that can help soothe your symptoms. Although you may not feel like cooking or eating anything right now, these simple treats are easy to prepare and may even get you back to health more quickly.

A Guide to Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disorder that affects more than 25 million U.S. children and adults—about 90 percent of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The bodies of those affected by the disease either can't produce enough insulin or have cells that ignore the insulin.

ADHD in the Classroom

Inattention. Hyperactivity. Impulsivity. Distractibility. These are just some of the characteristics that can make it difficult for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to succeed in school, according to experts. What's more, contending with the many misperceptions surrounding the disorder can be a challenge.

6 Foods That May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

There are still many questions surrounding Alzheimer's disease—a degenerative brain disorder and form of dementia that currently has no cure. Although the evidence is not conclusive, several studies, including one conducted by the Alzheimer's Association, suggest that foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset of the disease.

8 Tips for Alzheimer's Caregivers

According to the National Alzheimer's Association, more than 10 million Americans are currently caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Although the task can be challenging and even overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to ease the process.

7 Bipolar Disorder Myths—Busted

It's believed that more than 5 million American adults have bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But while most people are familiar with the term "bipolar disorder," several myths about the condition still abound. 1.

To Sun or Not to Sun? The "D Debate" Heats Up

The National Institutes of Health recommend 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 units, while 3 ounces of oil-based tuna provides another 200 units. But is it wise to soak up UV rays to get vitamin D? The debate is so hot that the Skin Cancer Foundation has called it The D Dilemma.

8 Ways to Manage Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, more the 25 million Americans are living with diabetes. Try these tips to help manage the condition and prevent the serious complications associated with the disease. 1. Follow a balanced diet. A low-fat eating plan with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep blood sugar at healthy levels.

What You Need to Know About Testicular Cancer

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one percent of American men will be diagnosed each year resulting in nearly 400 deaths. In recent years, the awareness of testicular cancer has risen, likely due to Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong receiving his own diagnosis back in 1996.

Feels Like Heartburn, But Isn't

For the most part, there are not many things that mimic acid reflux that are not acid reflux, says Richard A. Desi, M.D. of The Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Though heartburn usually is a classic symptom of acid reflux disease, you'll need to see your doctor to determine that's truly the case.

Diabetes-Related Amputation: Reduce Your Risk

The very idea of losing a limb, or part of one, is terrifying. Individuals who have diabetes are at a higher risk for amputation than others, and diabetes is a leading cause of amputation in the United States, says Spyros Mezitis, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

The Worst Foods for IBS

"Eating should be effortless," says Steven Lamm, M.D., house doctor on ABC's The View and author of the forthcoming book No Guts, No Glory (April 2012). "You shouldn't have to feel bloated or gassy or [experience] any discomfort after you eat. You should be able to eat normally, digest your food, and feel well.

ADHD and Obesity: What's the Connection?

American kids are getting heavier. In 1980, just 7 percent of children aged 6 to 11 were overweight, but that number had risen to 16 percent by 2002, according to the journal Pediatrics. And the number of overweight teens more than tripled, going from 5 to 16 percent in the same time period.

Air Freshener Allergy? More Common Than You Think

Many people rely on scented products such as sprays, plug-ins, and light-up items to keep their homes and workspaces smelling great. But for people with allergies, these products can lead to sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. Research on Air Freshener Allergies A study that appeared in the Journal of Environmental Health in 2009 took a close look at the growing use of scented products and explored the consequences.

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