Health

Overview Many smokers have tried to quit smoking countless times and have failed. The act of quitting smoking is not easy because the ingredients in cigarettes can be very addictive. People who want to quit but cannot seem to do…
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The Mayo Clinic describes boils as inflamed, pus-filled lumps caused by an infection in a hair follicle. The infection can be viral, fungal or bacterial, but the most common culprit is the staphylococcus bacteria. When your hair follicle is injured…
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According to a report by the Office of the Surgeon General, the single greatest avoidable cause of death and disease is smoking. One set of diseases smoking can cause are those that affect your respiratory system. Three respiratory diseases caused…
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1. Physical Examination Offers Specific Clues Shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing are all familiar symptoms of asthma. Whether you suffer these symptoms on a periodic basis or ongoing, you may have asthma. However, because there are so many other…
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Nearly every culture has a history of breath work. In India, classical Ashtanga yoga includes pranayama, or breath control, as a prelude to sitting meditation. There are different types of breathing exercises used for different purposes. In the United States,…
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1. Medicate for Pain Relief Treat muscle aches and pains that result from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with medications as needed. Most people are able to take over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Speak to your doctor if these…
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Herpes simplex infections occur in the mouth and genital areas. Herpes simplex type one is associated with oral herpes infecting the lips, nose or mouth. Herpes simplex type two is associated with genital herpes and is considered a sexually transmitted…
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Dozens of conditions can contribute to infertility in women. In some cases, women are unable to conceive because of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, nutritional deficiency or perimenopause. In other cases, no specific cause can be determined. No medicinal herb can…
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Overview Allergies are a form of irritation that you experience when your body overreacts to substances that most people would not. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, more than 50 percent of Americans have tested positive…
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The heart normally maintains a steady rhythm or beat. Illnesses and diseases can interrupt this rhythm. There are many different types of irregular heart beats, or arrhythmias. One type is called ventricular fibrillation. The heart’s two lower chambers are called…
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A diagnosis of multiple myeloma is frightening to most Americans. This plasma cell cancer strikes at any age but is most common in the elderly. Developing a strategy for your healthcare will empower you and allow you to find the…
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Ginger is an herb with a multitude of beneficial health properties. Its active compounds–known as gingerols–have proven anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, and may be helpful for treating poor circulation and high cholesterol. Ginger is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants…
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Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a medical problem affecting the gastrointestinal system. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of this condition include stomach pain or cramping, a gas, a bloated feeling, diarrhea, constipation and mucus in the stool. In fact,…
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Overview Many parents of breastfed babies, or parents who plan to breastfeed their babies, worry about the impact of breastfeeding as it relates to allergies. Additionally, mothers who suffer from food and seasonal allergies have concerns about allergy treatment while…
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Overview Niacin is a vitamin, dietary supplement and prescription drug, depending on the amount taken and purpose for which it is taken. Dosing as a prescription drug starts at 500 mg per day and is increased over time to as…
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Overview Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common ailment. This disease can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. If your knee is painful, you may think that it is best to avoid exercise. However, the less exercise you do, the…
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Arthritis refers to a group of conditions characterized by painful inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis tends to cause pain, swelling, stiffness and limited mobility to its sufferers. Though dietary supplements aren’t intended to replace your current doctor-prescribed treatment,…
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The inner thigh muscle is one of the four quad muscles that make up the front of your thigh. The role of the thigh muscle is adduction, or pulling your leg in towards the mid-line of your body. By performing…
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Puffy eyelids are a common problem for women. Hormone levels–in flux during menstruation and pregnancy, as well as times of emotional stress–can cause eyelids to swell. Diseases that affect the heart and kidneys also cause bloating in the eyelids. To…
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Overview Quitting smoking is one of the hardest experiences a person can face, because the nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive. Though people may face withdrawals and temptations during the period where they try to stop smoking, succeeding and avoiding…
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Hay fever, which is the common name for allergic rhinitis, can cause many of the same symptoms as the common cold, such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, congestion and sinus difficulty. According to the Mayo Clinic, hay fever is not…
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1. Choose From a Range of Antiviral Treatments Your most effective line of defense against cold sores will come from prescription antiviral drugs designed to speed the lesions’ healing. Expect your doctor to prescribe orally ingested medications for severe or…
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Overview Some people might experience acne that’s merely a few flesh-colored bumps. But for most, acne is inflamed and results in red blemishes that seem to take over your face. While the battle against acne requires diligence and perhaps even…
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Chafing is a very uncomfortable skin irritation that develops when skin rubs against skin, clothing or another material such as a bike seat. Chafing is most common in athletes and overweight people, and it typically occurs during physical activity such…
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Having a trim, slender midsection isn’t only important for looking good. According to Michael Jensen, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, excess belly fat can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, some types of cancer…
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Ringworm is something of a misnomer. It’s a fungal infection of tinea corporis, not a worm. According to the Mayo Clinic, ringworm leaves round, itchy patches on the skin. The outer area is red and a bit raised, while the…
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The brain is a relatively soft organ, with about the consistency of tofu. The skull and cerebrospinal fluid act as shock absorbers against the bumping and shaking that occur with daily life. A blow to the head can overwhelm this…
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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the cause for nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths in the United States. Seventy percent of current smokers report they want or are trying to quit. In…
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Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, describes a group of symptoms triggered by an allergen. Dust, dander and pollen are common offenders, which can prompt sneezing, itching, a runny nose and tearing in individuals with allergies. Symptoms that may…
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Lice are small parasitic insects that infest body hair and feed on your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three types of lice: head, body, and pubic. Body lice live in clothing and bedding and usually affect people…
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