October 1-7, 2013 - Original Health Articles

New Screening Technique May Increase IVF Success Rate

Are you trying to have a baby? Consider this story: Marybeth Scheidts and David Levy tried for years to have a baby, without success. Then they were selected to participate in a study of an assisted reproductive technology called Next Generation Sequencing, organized by Reprogenetics (US and UK).

Why Your Body Needs Water

Most people drink water throughout the day because it's refreshing and tastes good. But did you know that H2O is also necessary for your body's proper functioning? How much do you need? Key Functions of Water The human body is 60 percent water; this essential nutrient helps fuel many important chemical and metabolic processes, explains Stella Metsovas, BS, CCN, a California-based food, health, and nutrition expert.

The Upside to Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry is the bane of parents everywhere. Whether they're squabbling over a favorite toy, the remote control, or some perceived inequality in affection or attention that only they can discern, siblings' argumentative and oppositional behavior can start as early as toddlerhood and continue all the way through the teen years and beyond.

Get the Facts About Frozen Shoulder

It's unclear what causes a shoulder to "freeze" but experts do know that adhesive capsulitis, which restricts mobility in the arm, is five times more common in women and most likely to occur during mid-life-between the ages of 40 and 60. The shoulder joint is made up of bones, ligaments and tendons that are encased in a capsule of connective tissue.

When Your Loved One Has a Drinking Problem

If someone you care about drinks too much, should you ignore the problem or bring it up? While talking to someone about their drinking can be an awkward conversation, if you think a friend or family member is struggling, it can be worth the effort to raise the issue and offer your help, says Gerard J.

5 Skincare FAQs

How much do you know about your body's biggest organ—your skin? Did you know, for instance, that it's made up of three layers of different types of cells, each with its own specific job? Did you know that 95 percent of our outer skin cells (epidermis) are hard at work making new skin cells? What else would you like to know? We've got answers to five common skin questions right here.

4 Foods for a Healthy Colon

The digestive system converts food into nourishment and energy by breaking down food into a useable format so it can be absorbed through the walls of the intestines into the body. The remaining waste products remain in the colon until we have a bowel movement.

Women and Malnutrition

We all want to look our best so paying attention to the number on the scale and temporarily restricting calories after a weekend of over eating-or dieting periodically— can be a healthy way to control our weight. But for some women, counting calories and/or exercising excessively is a dangerous obsession that puts their health at risk.

How to Comfort Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Dealing with someone who has bipolar disorder requires knowledge, understanding and an extra dose of patience. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and mania that can lead to irresponsible and risky behaviors, which can be challenging to live with.

Letting Go of Your Teen: Why It's Important

No one ever said parenting was easy, and watching your child grow up and move away from you—literally and figuratively—can be one of the toughest parts. But as painful as it is to acknowledge, you can't keep your children under your wing forever.

8 Ways to Improve Digestion

Our digestive systems are complex. A long tube connects the mouth to the anus. Along the way, the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon), and rectum help digest food. The liver and pancreas produce digestive juices to help break down food into small parts the body can use for nourishment.

Do You Have Too Much of This Type of Fat?

There are two kinds of body fat—subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat sits just below the skin; you can pinch it (think muffin top). Although visceral or abdominal fat, is found deep inside your gut, it's the reason your belly protrudes.

The Truth About Your Thyroid and Your Weight

Just above your collarbone, a small, butterfly-shaped gland called the thyroid gland makes important hormones that exert a lot of control over many activities of your body. For instance, the rate at which your heart beats and the rate at which you burn calories are controlled by your thyroid.

The Benefits of Not Acting Your Age

Think what a better world it would be if we all—the whole world—had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. -Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Until that happens, there are ways we can incorporate child-like endeavors into our days.

Yes, You Can Deal With a Restricted Diet

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a condition—like celiac, diabetes, food allergy—that requires dietary changes, you know that it can be jarring. After all, what could be more fun than ordering a pizza for the big game or celebrating a special event at a favorite restaurant? Suddenly being unable to do those things, or having to put a lot more thought and care into eating, may leave you feeling frustrated and angry.

6 Rules for Reversing a Bad Impression

You behaved too informally at a job interview, shared too much on a first date, made a politically incorrect remark in a mixed crowd, insulted a new acquaintance with a careless remark, gossiped and then regretted it. Everyone gets nervous, tries too hard, and blows it, at some point, but how do you undo the damage? "Negative or inappropriate words and behaviors have a greater impact on first impressions than positive," says Allison Cohen, MA, MFT, a psychotherapist in Tarzana, California.

Diabetes-Fighting Dogs: A New Breed of Help

Some individuals with diabetes are lucky enough to have a very attentive dog to keep them company. These pets provide much more than love and devotion: They also help keep their human companions safe by detecting their owners' episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)—and warning them in time for the individuals to get treatment.

Nervous Breakdowns: What You Need to Know

During a nervous breakdown—a catch-all term that can mean anything from a psychotic break to a panic attack—an individual may experience extreme anxiety, debilitating panic, or a major depression, explains Sally Winston, PsyD, co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland in Baltimore.

Needle-Free Insulin Delivery: The Future of Diabetes Treatment?

If you have type I diabetes, the constant daily routine of insulin injections or pump maintenance gets tiresome. Now imagine an insulin delivery system that would mean you'd only need to get an injection every 10 days or so. Researchers have developed a network of what they are calling "nanoparticles," which deliver insulin to the cells on an as-needed basis, reports U.

The Facts About Depression

We all have sad days from time to time but sadness that is persistent and interferes with daily functioning may be something more than feeling down in the dumps. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that 1 out of 10 U.S. adults will suffer from depression.

Is Breakfast All That Important?

The issue of whether or not to eat breakfast has become so confusing it's enough to take away your appetite. One recent study debunks the long-held belief that eating breakfast helps you lose weight, while another study found that men who skip the meal are a higher risk for heart disease.

Super Food Spotlight: Quinoa

You may have only recently heard of it, but quinoa has been around for thousands of years. And while its name may be difficult to pronounce (it's keen-wah), the health benefits of this ancient Incan "mother of all grains," are easy to grasp: Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that's a complete protein, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids our bodies need to function.

Domestic Violence: Know the Facts

The statistics are sobering: One in four women experiences domestic violence at some point during her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are physically assaulted by an intimate partner every year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

11 Tips for Building Your Mental Muscle

Whether you've got a big presentation coming up at work, you're about to compete in a mini marathon, or you're giving a toast at your best friend's wedding, you may feel you need every ounce of mental strength you can muster—and then some. How can you prepare yourself so that you're focused, sharp, and ready to deliver your best performance ever? 1.

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