September 1-7, 2013 - Original Health Articles

The teenage years are the time for experimentation, but with the onset of sharing antics on social media—especially taking videos of the pranks and uploading them to YouTube—some dangerous behaviors are trending in teenagers. Here are five of the most common.

Since iPads arrived on the scene three years ago, legions of parents have come to lean on them—and not just so they can play games and read the news. The devices keep kids entranced. One reviewer of children's media even called the iPad—and other tablet computers—"baby rattles on steroids.

Once you've reached your goal weight, it's easy to slack off on your healthy eating and exercise plan, and celebrate. And just as easily, the weight piles back on. What's the secret to keeping the pounds off and maintaining your ideal weight? We've got 10 tips to help you maintain your weight—and feel great doing it.

Many individuals with type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar by counting carbohydrates, which, along with fats and proteins, make up our diets. Yet while the practice is widespread, some research suggests it may not be very effective. In an analysis of six different studies, researchers found that carb counting did not significantly change subjects' levels of hemoglobin A1C, which measures average blood sugar levels over an extended period of time.

The inability to pay attention to things for a period of time is frustrating—and common. Some adults are easily distracted, and cannot focus for too long on one task or idea. Luckily, mental training can improve your ability to concentrate, just as physical training strengthens your body.

If your child has a learning disorder, basic tasks like reading, concentrating, and organizing information may be challenging. Learning disorders—by some estimates—affect about 1 in 7 Americans and impact how a person understands, remembers, and responds to new information.

As any pet lover will attest, these four-legged family members provide companionship, unconditional love and acceptance, and enhance our lives in countless ways. However, pets can also play an important therapeutic role for adults with Alzheimer's disease.

Are you in the driver's seat when it comes to managing your allergies? Allergist Kevin P. McGrath, MD, fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), says that controlling allergies requires a multi-faceted strategy that includes not just taking medicines, but also identifying and avoiding common allergy triggers.

Poor barley. In spite of its impressive history as a monetary unit, standard of measure and valuable part of the ancient diet, this delicious, nutrient-dense whole grain is an unglamourous, little-noticed food in comparison. But the benefits of barley are hard to ignore.

Sticks and stones won't break your bones if you pay attention to what you eat. Sure, you can take supplements to make up for a short fall, but there's no better way to maintain bone strength and density—and avoid breaks and osteoporosis in later years—than through proper nutrition.

Mononucleosis—or mono for short—is often referred to as the kissing disease and frequently affects college students. Other names include the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). But no matter what you call it, it can make you feel really ill. Liesa Harte, MD, the founder and medical director of Elite Care in Austin, Texas, provides the following mono facts and myths about this disease.

You may not be familiar with the term infantile hemangioma, but you've probably heard of some of the non-medical names for this phenomenon, such as strawberry birthmark, stork bite, or angel kiss. A hemangioma is a birthmark that appears as a spongy mass and is caused by an abnormally dense group of blood vessels.

In the weeks, days, and hours leading up to surgery, you may undergo a variety of pre-operative tests and examinations to make sure it is safe for you to undergo the procedure. How many and what types of tests you need will depend on your age, medical condition, and the surgical procedure you are about to have.

Scientists think they've found a link between the bacteria that lives in everyone's gut and the process of hardening arteries. What does that mean for you and your family? Diet and Disease Risk Eating too much red meat has long been associated with increased levels of blood cholesterol, which can contribute to the build-up of plaque (debris made up of substances like cells, fats, and connective tissue) in the arteries.

Blood may be thicker than water, but that's not necessarily a good thing. Some evidence suggests that people with thicker (more viscous) blood have a higher chance of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke. Thick blood may also be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Teeth and eyes should be shiny. But faces? Not so much. If your sebaceous glands seem to work overtime and your skin is oily—or, as we like to call it "extra dewy"—using the right products and adjusting your skin care routine is the key to dialing down the shine, which can be especially problematic during the warm weather months.

There's a reason your dentist gives you a new toothbrush every time you go in for an appointment: Toothbrushes need to be changed often. In fact, you almost certainly need to get a new toothbrush more frequently than you see your dentist. The general rule? Throw away your toothbrush after three to four months of use.

If you are having trouble conceiving a child, you may consider getting some advice and assistance from experts about alternative ways to become pregnant. Two common procedures used in infertility are Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In-vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Emotional stress, along with unhealthy habits—like smoking and overuse of alcohol and caffeine that often develop in response to stress—will ultimately affect your physical health and appearance. If you don't get to the root of the problem...

Fleas thrive in warm, humid environments can take up residence in your residence, hidden in the fur of your dog or cat. Although common in homes with pets, flea infestations can be controlled when you take these steps. Fleas are the number one cause of allergic skin disease in dogs and cats, according to New York veterinarian Richard S.

Your menstrual cycle can vary from 22 to 35 days with normal menstrual flow lasting from three to seven days. What if your flow, or cycle frequency is different? Here's what you need to know about menstrual cycle dysfunction. Up to 30 percent of women of reproductive age have menstrual irregularities for which they seek medical attention.

Most first-time moms experience some jitters about holding and caring for their newborn soon after giving birth. And for newbies, the idea of giving the baby a bath for the first time can be downright anxiety-provoking. But some new mothers actually have vivid, disabling fears that they are going to harm their baby to the point where they may start completely avoiding the baby.