December 1-7, 2007 - Original Health Articles

How to Conquer Mindless Eating

You've just finished a pasta dinner, and you're stuffed. So you put on your sweatpants and plop down in front of the TV to relax for the night. But before you know it, you've finished half a bag of potato chips. Welcome to the world of mindless eating.

Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels

At this point, it's no secret that high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease or stroke. But many Americans may not know their cholesterol numbers or what they mean. In addition to keeping your levels in check by making healthy lifestyle choices, follow these guidelines to learn what your cholesterol levels are and what they mean.

The Truth About Hand-Washing

If you're like most Americans, your parents constantly reminded you to wash your hands as a child. And by the time you got older, the habit was firmly ingrained. But according to the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), most adults aren't washing their hands the right way.

9 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

Everyone needs a basic amount of cholesterola waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body to function. But if your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, it could mean you have an increased risk of developing heart disease. What can you do to keep your cholesterol at or reduce it to healthy levels? Try these nine tips: Eat a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.

The Top 9 Fitness Mistakes

Regular exercise offers a host of health benefits from preventing heart disease and diabetes to promoting a longer life. But exercising the wrong way can undermine both your fitness goals and your wellness. To prevent injuries and setbacks, the American Council on Exercise and Bill Sonnemaker, 2007 IDEA International Personal Trainer of the Year, recommend that you watch out for the following common pitfalls.

5 Tips for Better Long-Distance Caregiver Visits

An estimated 6.9 million Americans are struggling to care for an aging parent or loved one who lives far away, according to Caring from a Distance (CFAD), an independent, nonprofit organization created by men and women who personally struggled with the anguish, stress, and frustration of long-distance care.

The Top 5 Psoriasis Triggers

Unlike contagious diseases that you can catch from another person, experts believe that psoriasis is caused by a genetic vulnerability and triggered by a set of environmental factors. To reduce your risk of flare-ups, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends steering clear of the following psoriasis triggers: 1.

The Top 5 Schizophrenia Myths

Although the word schizophrenia is less than 100 years old (the term was first coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911), most experts believe the disease dates to antiquity. Back then, there were no diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, and even now the disorder and its causes are often misunderstood among the general population.

5 Holiday Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers

If you're caring for an elderly parent or loved one who lives far away, you're not alone. According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately 7 million adults are long-distance caregivers. And perhaps at no time is the challenge of long-distance caregiving greater than when you can't be there for the holidays.

7 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

It's that time of year again—and for most Americans, the holidays are the hardest time to maintain healthy eating habits. The good news? There are healthy options, according to Mary Fay, assistant director of patient services at Olean General Hospital in Olean, New York, and a 28-year registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association.

What Causes Schizophrenia?

As with many mental illnesses, schizophrenia remains, to some extent, shrouded in mystery. There is no single cause for the disease, but experts have long believed that it can be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Rather...

Schizophrenia Symptoms 101

Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling brain disorder that affects about 1 percent of Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Although experiences and behaviors vary from person to person, the mental illness is most often characterized by impaired perception and/or expression of reality.

7 Ways to Fight Adult Acne

Contrary to popular belief, blemishes aren't just for teenagers. In fact, acne affects an estimated 25 percent of adult men and 50 percent of adult women-some of whom never experienced acne during their adolescence. What's more, adult acne tends to be different than teen acne.

Dispelling Psoriasis Myths

Do you think psoriasis is simply a skin disease? Do you suspect that it's a contagious condition? Do you believe it's caused by poor hygiene or that it can be cured? If so, you're like millions of Americans who are misinformed about the disease. Read on to learn the truth behind the top six psoriasis myths.

Can a Pet Boost Your Health?

It's no secret that people rely on their pets for love, companionship, and a sense of security. After all, the iconic American family traditionally includes a mom and dad, 2.5 kids, and a pet of some kind. But as it turns out, the benefits of having a pet go far beyond camaraderie and protection; a four-legged friend can actually boost your health and, according to some researchers, lengthen your life by about seven years.

Are You Buying Safe Toys?

When shopping for children's toys this holiday season, you may have to pay attention to more than just wish lists and price tags. Dangerous levels of lead in paint and toys that contain toxic chemicals have forced Mattel, Fisher-Price, Disney, and other companies to recall some of their most popular children's products.

Schizophrenia: A Reason to Hope

A diagnosis of schizophrenia can be scary for both patients and their loved ones. A lifelong mental illness, the disease has long been associated with severe, and even terrifying, symptoms--hallucinations, delusions, increased risk of suicide. But a growing body of research is giving patients new reasons to hope.

12 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

Crowded and bustling malls, repeated trips to the airport to fetch long-lost relatives, and the constant shuffling of cookies and turkey out of your oven can translate into one reaction—stress. So how do you stop from flying off the handle at this supposedly glorious time of year? Sometimes holiday festivities can become overwhelming.

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