Do you have a cold that just won't go away? The aisle at your local drugstore is overflowing with different cold medicines, and choosing the right one feels like a gamble with your wallet taking the hit at every purchase. Here are some helpful tips to help you get better quick.
Feeling thirsty? You may want to talk to your doctor about that
Back pain, headaches and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms many people discuss with their doctors during routine checkups. Yet one symptom many patients overlook is dryness, especially dry mouth. If you think dry mouth isn't serious enough to mention to your doctor, think again.
Move over apples: For some patients, an aspirin-a-day may keep the doctor away
The statistics are staggering: As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular (or heart) disease accounts for more than 2,200 deaths per day, or one every 39 seconds. Adults should know how they can avoid becoming a statistic of heart disease. For many, knowing the leading risk factors and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle will go a long way.
Food: Where does it come from? Straight answers to consumers' questions
Is the food we're eating healthy long-term? Is the planet able to sustain the amount of food we're producing? Americans are asking questions and thinking more critically when it comes to the food they eat. They want to know where it comes from, how it's grown and produced, and what effects this process has on our health as well as the health of the planet.
Gardening is very healthy, both physically and mentally. In addition to providing exercise, gardening delivers health benefits in the fresh foods you eat and in the calming presence of flowers in your environment. Here are some tips to get the most out of gardening's health benefits.
Spring cleaning plans? Tips from the pros help you get the best clean
Warm weather has arrived and Americans are planning to shake out the rugs and wash the windows for the unofficial tradition of spring cleaning ... or are they?
National Infant Immunization Week reminds parents of the importance of vaccination
Did you know that April 21 kicks off National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)? NIIW is an annual observance supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and can be a good reminder to parents about the importance of protecting their children under the age of 2 from vaccine-preventable diseases.
For most people, sporting a sweat-drenched T-shirt at the gym is no big deal. However, wearing a sweat-stained blouse or shirt at work or in a social setting is an entirely different, and in many cases mortifying, scenario. One in five adults are bothered by sweat and suffer silently, going to great lengths to conceal the unsightly effects. It is an embarrassing condition, impacting both men and women, and often negatively interfering with a person's social and professional life.
You can help provide comfort to hospitalized children and families
Each year in the United States, millions of American children are hospitalized and must face the challenges of overcoming illness while staying in unfamiliar hospital environments. The physical and emotional toll can be extensive for children whose illnesses require a long hospitalization, as well as for their families whose only wish is for their child to be healthy. You can bring comfort to these families during difficult times. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference.
Smart snacking that can boost your fitness routine
Eating right and exercising are the two most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. We hear it time and again that these simple principles hold more power than the latest fad diet, and for those who heed the advice, the proof is in the results. However, it's not always easy to figure out what's really good for you in the process of building - or maintaining - a healthy body.
Bird watching is quickly becoming one of America's most popular hobbies and has fans spanning all age ranges, from the young to old. Whether it is the health benefits to people, the increased care for birds, or the scientific observations that occur during time spent watching birds, this hobby certainly creates positive paybacks to all involved.
A colonoscopy can be a lifesaver: simple tips to lower your risk of colon cancer
Every year, colon cancer takes the lives of tens of thousands of mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and friends, despite the fact that with an early screening, these deaths are highly preventable.
Hand sanitizer, flu shots and regular exercise are just some of the ways Americans build their immunity to protect themselves from harmful bacteria and illness. But many may be missing a simple step for preventing health problems. Showerheads are moist, warm, and dark, and those that spray hard water are especially ripe for bacterial growth.
Swimming is the most popular summer activity and if you have a pool or spa, your backyard just may be this summer's most popular retreat for friends, neighbors and all the children that come with them. Adding as many water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safer and fun experience this summer.
For people with a rare and serious disease, the journey to getting an accurate diagnosis and confirming a proper treatment regimen can be arduous. Rare diseases, including some cancers, can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often misleading, misunderstood or misinterpreted. As a result, it can sometimes take years for patients to reach a correct diagnosis and begin the path to proper care.
Unscrambling the myths behind eggs and cholesterol
When it comes to eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart health, what you think you know may be a bit scrambled. Concerns over dietary cholesterol and its impact on heart disease keeps many people from eating eggs, despite their nutritional benefits. However, more than 40 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy an egg every day without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease.
What experts say about managing or preventing diabetes
Although genetics, environmental factors and obesity all play a role, the root cause of diabetes is essentially unknown. What experts do know is that certain people are more at risk for diabetes, and personal health goals, regular screenings and guidance from health professionals can help you manage or prevent the disease.
AMD awareness focuses on protecting and enhancing vision
While many people take their vision for granted, those with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) certainly do not. AMD Awareness is important because the condition deteriorates central vision, affecting everything from seeing faces clearly to literally having a large "blind spot" in the center of your vision, yet many people are unfamiliar with AMD.
The number of Americans struggling with hearing loss increases by the day. Hearing aids from a generation ago carry the stigmas of being clunky, uncomfortable and ineffective. And many image-conscious Americans ignore their hearing loss because acknowledging it brings negative attention and a perceived weakness. But hearing aid manufacturers have made significant strides in enhancing the natural performance, look and size of the latest hearing aids.
When the weather warms up, it's hard to tell what is causing your sneezing, coughing and runny nose symptoms. The question is - when you sneeze, are you suffering from allergies, or experiencing the symptoms of a cold or the flu?
Start early when talking with children about staying smoke free
Sometimes negative influences and unhealthy choices keep children from growing up to their healthiest potential. Choosing to smoke is one of these unhealthy decisions. So how do you help protect your children from these influences and encourage them to make healthy choices?
Brooke Burke-Charvet manages work, life and family with allergies
Every year, an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies, and managing everyday life can be challenging when also faced with troublesome symptoms, like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
Nationwide diabetes education events create awareness, promote healthy living
Whether you are at risk for, have been recently diagnosed or are living with diabetes, it is essential to make sure you have the information necessary to manage your disease. It can also be overwhelming caring for someone with diabetes.
When everything comes up roses, so do spring allergies. Forty million Americans suffer from outdoor and indoor allergies in the United States, making it one of the country's most common, yet overlooked health conditions. In fact, allergies are the fifth-leading chronic disease in the U.S. for all ages.
Baby boomers - More active than ever with no plans of slowing down
Baby boomers are reshaping everyone's view of aging because they are living healthier, more active lifestyles and have no intention of slowing down. Despite their active lifestyles, many baby boomers and non-boomers alike live with bladder control issues - also known as incontinence.
Fever facts for parents: What you should know when treating your child
With cold and flu season also comes fever season, and across the country, parents will experience anxiety levels that rise in tandem with their children's temperatures. But a child's fever doesn't have to be a scary experience for parents. Here are some things to know about managing a child's fever.
What you don't know about eyeglasses could affect your vision
For most people, selecting eyeglass frames is the highlight of the eye appointment and the lenses are seen as pieces of plastic or glass that don't involve a lot of buyer choice. But on the contrary, the best eyeglass lenses today are as hi-tech as any smartphone, and the visual difference between adequate lenses and great lenses can be as pronounced as the difference between a standard TV and your new HDTV. Once you've experienced the latter, you'll never want to watch TV the old way again.
As the years pass, Americans in the baby boomer generation are changing the definition of how they want to live comfortably during their later years. Boomers are opting to continue living where they're already secure and happy - right at home.
Heading out for an afternoon in the park and a good book? Few things beat whiling away the warm summer hours immersed in a spine-tingling mystery or engrossed in a heart-warming romance. And while enjoying the latest best-seller curled up in the sun like a sleeping cat is a great way to help your body relax and unwind from all of life's stresses, you should still be aware of the dangerous health factors.
Help smokers keep resolutions and stay on track to quit - simple tips and tools
On average, it takes a smoker up to nine attempts to quit before they're able to do so successfully. Every relapse begins with smaller lapses - so quitters shouldn't stop trying. Here are some tips to help.
Summer picnic season is upon us, and that means it is time to grab the sunglasses, cooler and sunscreen, and head outdoors. But people are not the only ones who want to enjoy the warm weather. Flying, stinging insects like bees and wasps are abuzz, and make their presence known when collecting pollen and nectar as the weather warms.
Lose weight for the wedding, but say 'I do' to a healthy lifestyle
Every bride wants to look great when the big day comes, but how many brides commit to fitting into her wedding dress on their 10th anniversary? Do you want to look good for a day, or feel good for the rest of your life? While considering vows, include a commitment to live healthfully ever after.
Safe at home: the importance of using infant gear properly
Who's responsible for keeping infants safe from gear-related injury? Is it gear-makers, who must meet stringent manufacturing codes, perform strict mandatory government safety testing, and submit to oversight by safety-focused government agencies? Or are parents responsible? The answer, experts agree, is: both.
When all systems in your body are working well and you're feeling great, you tend to take your health for granted. However, taking your health for granted may cost you if you are not proactive about maintaining wellness. Your health should be considered an invaluable asset that makes a difference in every aspect of your life, from your work to the activities you enjoy to your self-esteem. When taking your good health for granted, you might not think that one tiny gland could throw off all of those things, but it really can.
Military families and mental health: Understanding the issues and available resources
Today's service men and women are facing particularly challenging circumstances. Many soldiers have been deployed several times to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, often serving in prolonged combat operations. Many soldiers, veterans and their families may have trouble recognizing the signs of a mental health condition.
Ways you can make a difference in the lives of domestic abuse victims
Everyone deserves to share a loving home with their family, but for many women and children, home is not the safest place to be. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in four women will experience domestic violence, and nearly 1.3 million women are victims of domestic abuse each year. In addition, more than 41 percent of our nation's homeless population is comprised of women and families. It's a difficult topic to discuss, and that makes many people hesitant to have a conversation about it. However, you can take action to help victims of domestic abuse and homelessness, and make a real difference in their lives. Here are a few ideas of how you can help.
Everyone wants to look and feel great, and selecting the right workout gear can make all the difference when pursuing a life of health and fitness. The five tools below are designed to help individuals achieve their wellness goals, whether kick starting a new workout regime or taking a current routine to the next level.
Allergens know no boundaries, and allergies don't disappear with May's showers. While bothersome grass pollens are gone by late June, other common triggers arise, making symptoms difficult to escape. But that doesn't mean the more than 60 million Americans who suffer from allergies and asthma can't enjoy barbecues, festivals and other outdoor activities.
Lesser-known health care careers are very rewarding
Have you looked at career possibilities in health care lately? Many positions in the medical arena involve operating room (OR) procedures or patient care. Others require totally different skill sets, such as positions in pharmaceuticals or hospital administration. One unique and rewarding career option involves biomedical equipment technology.
Four-time gold medalist Janet Evans has the 'heart' for an Olympic Games comeback
A four-time gold medalist embarking on her fourth Olympic Games at age 40 - that's the name of the game for Janet Evans. She is committed to following her heart - and also taking care of it - to make sure it's strong enough to take on competitors half her age. Evans offers tips for better heart health.
Top tasty food trends that can benefit your family's health
A visit to your local grocer provides thousands of food options, and it's likely you've recently noticed an increase in the number of healthier choices, including organic offerings and expanded produce selections. But what are the next big things when it comes to healthy food? Here are some healthy food trends to look for the next time you're at your local grocery store.
Keep kids injury free while playing their favorite sports this summer
Summer vacation gives children a break from schoolwork, but for many, their participation in sports will continue in warm weather months. Parents, coaches and players need to keep injury prevention in mind to ensure sports stay safe and fun throughout the summer.
A recent study suggests that 90 percent of strokes are the result of 10 risk factors. Conducted by the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Ontario Canada, this study found that those individuals demonstrating one or more risk factors, ranging from hypertension and stress to abdominal obesity and diabetes, are at a greater risk of experiencing a stroke than those who do not.
As soon as the temperatures warm up, you open up the doors and windows and let the "fresh" air in. Many people go on a cleaning spree, vacuuming, dusting and getting rid of all the dust bunnies hiding under furniture. With a fresh, clean house, you assume you'll be breathing much easier. Think again. Here's what every homeowner should know.
How to prevent accidental medication poisoning in children
Every day in the United States, about 165 kids - or roughly four busloads of children - are seen in emergency rooms for accidental medication poisonings. Medications are the leading cause of accidental child poisoning deaths today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hearing loss is common, but the perception that hearing loss is only caused by aging is incorrect. More than 36 million American have hearing loss. Changing lifestyle habits, and treating a variety of health conditions can help to prevent hearing loss.
When you, or a family member, need medical attention, one of the first people you encounter may be a nurse. Nurses provide constant care throughout the patient journey. From helping patients understand their treatment, through assisting with procedures, to the administration of medicine - the role of nurses is pivotal. Nurses are the critical-thinking, quick-acting, deeply caring professionals at the heart of good patient care.
If losing weight was as simple as putting the money down to purchase a treadmill, or taking diet pills every day, the market for these products would disappear, because everyone would be thin. The key to losing weight is developing an exercise and diet plan that you can stick to consistently. If you've committed yourself to an exercise and diet regimen, and want to enhance your fitness program with a weight-loss product - whether it's a piece of equipment or a nutritional supplement - there are still a few questions you should ask yourself.
Hepatitis C is a silent epidemic in America. Millions of Americans have chronic hepatitis C, which is caused through infection with the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer. As many as 75 percent of people who are living with hepatitis C don't know they are infected. Many myths prevail about this often-hidden disease. Here are the five things you need to know about hepatitis C.
Maintain the health of your home with spring mold and mildew intervention
Mold and mildew are types of microscopic fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. There are more than 3,000 different types of mold, the spores of which are invisible and float through the air, attaching themselves to surfaces, and creating damage before we are able to even see the problem. Here's what you need to know and what you can do about it.
When sedentary seniors experience a decline in health - stiff joints, achy limbs, fatigue, even chronic illness - they often mistake the need for more rest when the real prescription is exercise.
The best treatment for eczema can depend on the person and severity of the condition
If you think you might have eczema, the best first step is to see a health care professional. Since the skin condition comes in a variety of forms and can be accompanied by other conditions such as hay fever or asthma, the best treatment will depend on your situation.
Tips to encourage and help boost your child's growing confidence
Your growing child needs love and attention to help build confidence to continue to try and succeed at new things. From learning how to read, preparing for grade school to being able to ride their first two-wheel bike, it's the positivity from Mom and Dad that keep kids striving for more. Sometimes kids transition with ease to the next stage in development, and other times may experience a few bumps in the road prolonging transition. One of those areas where a child might need an extra boost of confidence is when they are experiencing an issue with wetting the bed at night.
While tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems in children, it is also the most preventable, experts say. Here are some tips on what children and parents can do to protect and strengthen their smiles for years to come
Spring to it: Cleaning tips for creating a healthy home environment
Allergens lurk inside and outside your home, causing more than 40 million Americans with allergies to cough, sneeze and have itchy eyes all year long, especially in springtime. And, for 25 million Americans with asthma it can be even more problematic. You'd assume cleaning your home would help reduce these allergy triggers, but if you're not cleaning the right way, you could actually be making the problem worse.
Resolved to quit smoking? Tips for saving on smoking cessation products
Although smoking is often touted as an expensive habit, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to aid in quitting smoking can seem like an expensive purchase as well. The reluctance to spend money on smoking cessation products leads many smokers to try to do it "cold turkey" - the most popular method for quitting smoking, but also one that frequently leads to relapse. However, the use of NRT products to quit smoking can almost triple a smoker's chances of success.
The trend of protecting the environment continues to gain momentum, and people everywhere are adopting more eco-friendly lifestyles. Within this movement, a growing number are taking a look at their diets and seeing how eating more natural foods can improve their health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Whenever someone loses a lot of weight, we often want to know, "What's your secret?" But anyone who's been able to shed a lot of pounds will likely tell you that there is no one secret to losing weight.
Suffer from migraines? Treatments help prevent attacks before they start
What really is migraine? Some people casually use the term to describe a bad headache. But the millions who have been diagnosed with a migraine condition know that it's so much more than that. In addition to severe head pain that can last for hours or even days, they may also experience nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. Are there effective treatments for preventing debilitating migraine attacks? New guidelines say yes, but many people are not taking advantage of these treatments.
Fuel your summer activities with smart foods that keep you going
As the sun stays in the sky longer and temperatures warm up, being more active is simply second-nature. Getting outdoors gives a new vitality to any exercise routine, whether you're kicking off training for your first 5K or maintaining a program you've enjoyed for years.
From scrape to scar and beyond: tips to minimize scarring
Scars come in all shapes, sizes and textures, but they have one thing in common: everyone has them. While there is no way to eliminate a scar, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent a more serious scar.
Women: Life-changing tips for better health and energy
Moms, career women, singles enjoying life with close friends and family, and even women approaching their retirement years - women at every life stage can benefit from adding simple activities to improve their happiness and health.
Centenarians can leave a lasting legacy by donating DNA to science
Living to 100 years old is a remarkable feat in itself, but now 100 centenarians will have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy that could radically change medical care for generations to come.
What four factors influence the severity of allergy season?
While many people rejoice when the weather gets warmer, it's not always a pleasant time for everyone. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies know to expect difficulties around this time of year, but the severity of allergy season can vary. Here are some of the conditions that can affect pollen counts.
Keeping on top of your child's asthma care during allergy season
For many with seasonal allergies, the start of spring means itchy eyes and a runny nose, but for the almost 25 million Americans suffering with asthma, the season can be much more threatening.
Hearing loss alters the lives of millions of Americans, forcing families to make adjustments in living, working and social situations. It affects the elderly, veterans returning from war zones and even teenagers. Often, loud noises found at work or at home are the cause of hearing loss.
Consuming more fatty acids may reduce symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye is a condition where tears lack sufficient moisture and lubrication, which is necessary to maintain good eye health and clear vision. Tears not only wash away dust, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea and help defend against eye infections by removing bacteria. Several new studies have confirmed the correlation between fatty acids and an improvement in dry eye syndrome.
Medical alert systems and other simple steps for keeping senior parents safe
Throughout your life, your parents did everything they could to ensure your safety. Now, as part of the sandwich generation, you may find it challenging to know how to help keep your aging parents safe in their own home. Experts agree: Helping prevent falls is one of the most important ways you can protect your senior parents.
How to protect your greatest asset - your home - from subterranean termites
When it comes to protecting your home's value, you have no control over some of the factors that influence real estate values, like nearby retail development or the job market in your area. You can, however, take control over one major factor in your home's value, its health and the health of your neighborhood - termites.
Know your risk - two out of three obstructive sleep apnea sufferers are undiagnosed
Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle and a lack of sleep can have a negative impact on health, work and life. The good news is that most sleep disorders are preventable or treatable, but less than a third of sufferers seek professional help.
Olympic athletes won't be the only ones competing hard in summer sports - so will your kids. No matter what their sport or whether they play competitively or just for fun, they will have one important thing in common: They'll need their feet to be pain-free if they're going to play their best and prevent injuries.
Conquer childhood obesity with tips for healthy family living
Today, health professionals encourage parents of even very young children to actively confront the childhood obesity epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that obesity rates for children ages 2 to 5 have more than doubled over the past 30 years, and The White House Task Force on Obesity reports that more than half of obese children became obese by their second birthday.
Simple diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions now a click away
Consumer access to medical information is also easier than ever. Since the first medical websites emerged in the late 1990s, people have flocked to them in skyrocketing numbers. Today, an estimated 80 percent of Americans go online to search for health information. Still, most health sites, while informative, can't diagnose or treat you. A new breed of "online clinics" connects customers directly with experienced practitioners who can treat them safely - and very conveniently - wherever they are.
Your body naturally produces HGH - what are the benefits?
Human growth hormone - HGH for short - might have a negative, or at least unnatural connotation to most. When you hear HGH in the news, it's most often talked about as injections, in many cases used to boost athletic performance. But did you know that HGH is actually a hormone the body produces naturally?
Prenatal surgery promises brighter future for babies with spina bifida
For expectant parents, the 18-week ultrasound marks an exciting milestone. For most, it is the first time they get to see their child, they can learn the sex of the baby and the doctor makes sure development is progressing normally. Mike and Katherine Mulligan of Cincinnati, Ohio, went for their first ultrasound in September 2000, and like most parents-to-be, expected to hear only good news. Instead, their dreams were dashed when they learned their unborn baby had spina bifida. But there was hope.
Are little urine leaks a big problem? How to talk to your doctor
Your friend tells you a funny joke, and then it happens. You start pedaling during your spinning class, and it happens again. You hear water running and oops, you know you will also be wet. You might feel frustrated and embarrassed, but you are not alone. In fact, these types of urine leaks are quite common. Up to 50 percent of all women have occasional urine leaks and up to 10 percent have them frequently, according to the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Here's what you need to know.
Secrets of safe sleep: What parents need to know before putting baby to bed
When a baby arrives in your home, the world changes. Even after the months of preparation and planning for the little one's arrival, the love a parent feels is stronger than could have been imagined - and so is the protective instinct. Giving your baby the finest of everything and keeping her safe are the top priorities for parents, but the gap between what seems like the right thing to do and what will actually be best for your child can be wide.
Don't miss a beat in 2012: Get the facts about fats and heart health
With heart disease the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's time to listen to your heart and get the right kinds of fats into your daily diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming polyunsaturated fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, for heart health. But what are these "good fats" and how do you make them a part of your daily nutrition program?
Health care trends: looking for value without sacrificing quality
If there is one thing that the recent health care debate made clear, it is that Americans are unwilling to trade quality for economy when it comes to their health. But with the growing shortage of primary care physicians in the United States and an aging population, one trend born in underserved areas of the country may have the ability to cut costs without sacrificing quality: the use of non-physician professionals, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in primary care facilities.
How to protect your heart and increase your energy levels
One of the secrets to enjoying life while aging is to take care of your heart. Heart health is important for Americans to discuss with their doctors, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. In addition to following a good diet and exercise program, taking an antioxidant supplement like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also a good practice to help maintain a healthy heart.
Flat-screen dangers: The summer safety risk and what parents should know
For many families, summer vacation means children will spend more hours at home than they do during the school year. Extra time at home may expose children to unexpected risks from surprising sources - such as an unstable television.
Shopping for a better pharmacy? Have you checked your mailbox?
If you take a regular prescription, comparison shopping for the right pharmacy can be important to your health. One option you may be unaware of puts quality medication and lower costs as close to home as your mailbox.
The rewards of a career as an occupational therapist
What do pediatrics, geriatrics and cardiology have in common? Patients in these three very different branches of medicine can benefit from occupational therapy. An occupational therapist (OT) helps people with disabling conditions to recover or develop daily living skills, such as dressing, cooking and eating. An OT's right-hand man, or woman, is the occupational therapy assistant (OTA). This versatile occupation is proving to be a rewarding career choice for many who are returning to school to heighten employment prospects.
Bid adieu to achoo: finding relief from spring allergies
For many, spring signifies the budding of flowers and longer days filled with warm sunshine. But for one in five people, spring also means allergies are in full swing. Whether you're affected year-round or during a specific season, learning how to manage allergy symptoms can be vital to restoring your comfort and quality of life.
Girlfriends banding together to conquer a common health issue
Nearly everything we'll ever need to know about being a girl, we'll learn from other girlfriends who've "been there, done that" before us. Even when things are medical, even when we love our OBGYNs, sometimes we're embarrassed or don't want to waste their time with things not involving making babies. That may explain why more than 7 million women suffer from heavy cycles, but go years without getting the help they need.
If you're a sports fan, you're probably familiar with the term human growth hormone - HGH for short. While you may have become familiar with HGH as a performance-enhancing substance that's banned in competitive sports, human growth hormone is actually something that your body produces naturally.
For patients living with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), it is important to work with a CML healthcare team to discuss a treatment plan and to establish clear blood level treatment goals - which are specific to each person - to make sure he or she is achieving the best results. If a patient doesn't meet one of his or her treatment goals, they should discuss their options with their CML health care team and stay positive. There are things that patients and their doctors can do, such as making sure the appropriate medication is being given, which can help one get back on track.
Heart disease: first signs different, but threat similar for men and women
While heart disease continues to receive a lot of attention, certain myths surrounding the disease persist. A couple of the most common myths are that heart disease is more common in men than women, and that the first signs of a heart attack are the same for both men and women.
Healthy children's options are now appearing on restaurant menus
Today's youth might be the first generation of American children to be less healthy than their parents, with childhood obesity more than tripling in the past 30 years. What's encouraging, however, is that this is a time of increased national focus on healthy eating - and it is going to take all stakeholders to make a true and sustained difference. With physical activity initiatives popping up in communities across the country and recently announced new U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines on school lunches, there are more opportunities for children to thrive.
Educational programs empower patients with lung diseases
Complications associated with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF) account for millions of emergency room visits each year. Many of these complications occur because the diseases are not being properly managed, which many - including several advocacy groups -- believe may be related to a lack of understanding and knowledge on behalf of the patient. For this reason, patient education has become increasingly important in managing lung diseases.
If you're like many Americans, you long for more and better sleep. The secret to more restful nights varies for each person, but you can do several things to give yourself the best chance of getting a good night's rest.
The average adult rushes off each weekday morning to work or school, focused on the busy day ahead. No one ever thinks that one day, suddenly, his or her life will be changed forever by a sudden, unexpected disability.
How to build muscle in your body with the help of a popular supplement
If you're into weightlifting or follow sports on even a superficial level, you've probably heard of creatine. A supplement that's exploded in popularity over the past 20 years, creatine is often used by professional athletes and casual weightlifters alike, in hopes it will enhance their performance and help build muscle.
Early colon cancer detection means earlier treatment - what are the treatment options?
Colon cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States because it frequently catches people unaware, according to the National Cancer Institute. But half of the colon-cancer deaths each year could be avoided if every adult older than 50 is screened.
Springtime packs a punch for students. Between tests, papers, school trips, extracurricular performances and jobs, finding the energy for spring's after-school sports is often a challenge. Time and energy are at a premium. Eating well can help ease the crush. What makes a good lunch? Here are some tasty and healthy suggestions.
Have you ever wondered how the top athletes stay in such great shape? Wonder no more - Gold Medalist and World Champion swimmer Natalie Coughlin is sharing her top training tips - from stretching to eating.
