February 22-29, 2008 - Original Health Articles

You mistakenly sent a scandalous email about your love life to your entire company. Your mother-in-law accidentally walked in on you in the bathroom. You received an award, then tripped and fell on your way to the podium. Some embarrassing scenarios are unavoidable, while others can be prevented.

Every parent wants his or her child to excel academically, athletically, socially--you name it. And it's only natural that we want our children to be given opportunities that we might not have had. But with all of the activities today's kids are juggling, some children may be taking on as many responsibilities as adults.

You've contemplated getting breast augmentation, a nose job, or a tummy tuck for years. You've done your research, weighed the pros and cons, and decided to move ahead. But you still have another important decision to make: choosing a cosmetic surgeon.

Raising a child can be both exciting and overwhelming. Parents usually have tons of questions about their children's health, and their pediatricians can be an invaluable resource for advice and medical care. But what happens when you start having second thoughts about the doctor you've chosen? According to experts, the relationship you have with your pediatrician is essential to your child's health and well-being.

Your confidence not only affects how you see yourself; it also impacts the way in which others view you. Positive self-esteem isn't an overnight acquisition, but there are steps you can take to immediately boost your self-esteem. Get on the right track with these 10 important strategies: Surround yourself with friends.

High cholesterol affects an estimated 100 million Americans, or roughly one-third of the U.S. population, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). But despite its prevalence, most people are so unaware of the condition's risks that they don't even know their own cholesterol levels.

For many couples, having a baby is the ultimate act of emotional fulfillment. Their little bundle of joy is an affirmation of life, and their new role as parents is the beginning of a uniquely rewarding journey. Even the physical pain associated with childbirth is usually viewed as a labor of love.

It may seem like the road to weight loss is more like a never-ending journey--fraught with temptation, filled with detours, and paved with sacrifice. And while it's true that there's no eating plan that can make you shed excess pounds overnight, discouraged dieters should take note: You can get on the fast track to a slimmer you by incorporating these quick, painless tips into your daily routine.

Nearly 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), most of them have experienced feelings of denial somewhere along the way. In fact, denial is so common among diabetics that some doctors believe it's a natural part of eventually accepting the diagnosis.

Maybe you want to unveil a sleeker body at the beach. Perhaps you want to get in shape for your favorite seasonal sport. Or maybe you've simply decided that it's time to start improving your health once and for all. Whatever the reason, there's no better time than spring to start slimming down and shaping up.

When you've got a lot of weight to lose, you may see noticeable, even dramatic, results within a matter of months. But when you want to shed five or 10 vanity pounds, that's when dieting can get tricky. Have you been stuck at the same weight for weeks? Follow these tips to outsmart the scale, conquer that plateau, and shed those stubborn pounds for good.

Contrary to popular belief, large breasts aren't always what they're cracked up to be. For many women, overly large, pendulous breasts can result in chronic neck and back pain, poor posture, breathing problems, rashes, and deep skin grooves resulting from bra strap pressure.

Are you a morning person, or do you thrive in the evening? Do you take cover in your house all winter only to emerge refreshed when warm weather arrives in the spring? We may know that animals have biological clocks that determine which times of day they're active.

Do you trust your gut instead of rationalizing your way through problems? Are you likely to stick with your first instincts about people rather than waiting to make character judgments? Do you ever question the beliefs of others because you had a hunch that you were right? If you answered yes to two or more of the above, chances are, you're an intuitive person.

Over the past decade, television has been infiltrated by shows about elective surgery. Whether it's fictional dramas like Nip/Tuck or reality shows like Dr. 90210, cosmetic surgery seems to be everywhere. In fact, these shows' popularity has risen about as quickly as the popularity of plastic surgery itself.

We all know someone who is deeply cynical: a friend, a relative, or perhaps even ourselves. A cynic is someone with an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, who usually doesn't hide their feelings from anyone. In fact, cynics seem to be almost compelled to make others feel negative about their own lives as well.

Maybe you want to lose weight for your class reunion. Or perhaps you're getting married in a few months and want to look your best for the big day. Or maybe you just want to wear those skinny jeans again. Whatever your reason, it can be tempting to believe the get-fit-quick diets that promise you'll lose 20 pounds in two weeks.