July 15-21, 2011 - Original Health Articles

Hypersomnia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Hypersomnia is a word used to describe excessive sleepiness at times when you should actually be feeling well rested. If you consistently feel drowsy in spite of a good night's sleep, there are several possible causes and many potential treatments. It makes sense to feel tired and feel the need for a nap if you didn't sleep well or at all the night before.

Heart Arrhythmias: Know the Signs, Prevent Complications

At some time, most people will experience an occasional heart arrhythmia, irregular heartbeats that may feel like a fluttering or a racing heart. Although usually harmless, heart arrhythmias can be troublesome or even life threatening. Heart arrhythmias occur when there is a change in the normal sequence of electrical impulses in your heart, causing your heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or erratically.

Enrich Your Life: How to Become a Volunteer

A popular option for people young and old is to volunteer. Not only are you doing something good for the community, volunteering has been shown to be good for your mental and physical health. But perhaps you've never offered your time and skills before and aren't sure what to expect.

Should You Get Screened for Ovarian Cancer?

When detected early, oncologists can treat most cancers successfully and patients generally have a good long-term prognosis. However, women do not usually learn they have ovarian cancer until it has reached stage III or IV and treatment is often ineffective.

Is a Cure for Crohn's Disease on the Way?

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the lining of your digestive tract that spreads deep into the layers of the affected bowel tissue. Like ulcerative colitis (another common IBD), Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating—causing severe diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, and even malnutrition.

Diabetes Type 3: What Could It Be?

Here's a puzzling disease that until a few years ago didn't even have a name. But type 3 diabetes can be an especially trying disorder for those who are diagnosed with it. Individuals with type 3 diabetes display some of the characteristics of type 1 and some of type 2, explains Kelly O'Connor, RD, LD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.

5 Inexpensive Workouts

Don't let high gym prices keep you from getting into the best shape of your life. We've got five great exercise ideas that work your body hard, but go easy on your wallet. The key to designing a great workout is to focus on the three pillars of fitness: cardio, strength, and flexibility.

How Your Body Uses Nutrients

Have you ever thought about how your digestive system—a complex network of hollow organs and long, twisting tubes—actually converts your meals into fuel to keep your body functioning well? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, to keep your body in motion.

High Altitudes May Lead to Weight Loss

Weight loss is a natural phenomenon for anyone who travels from sea level to extreme altitudes. The amount of weight lost depends on how high you go and how long you stay, and has always been thought to be temporary. In addition, high-altitude weight loss has always been associated with active people who spend time hiking and skiing in mountainous areas.

Is Asthma Piling on the Pounds?

If you have asthma and find yourself struggling with your weight, you may wonder if asthma is to blame. And according to many researchers, there could be a link. The Facts About Asthma and Weight There's been a growing awareness in recent years that many asthmatics are overweight.

Ready, Set, Summer! 6 Toddler Safety Smarts

Keep your little one safe in the fresh air and sunshine with these six essential tips: 1. Use Sun Sense The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that more than two million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually. Before heading out the door, the AAD recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

Return to Activity After Knee Surgery

How do you get back to your active lifestyle once you've had knee surgery? Step by step. Gradual exercise is the key to improving strength and mobility and reducing joint stiffness and even weight gain. Here's how to make the most of your "new knee" and regain your active lifestyle after surgery.

Could Your Family Use a Personal Chef?

The benefits of sitting down to a home-cooked meal with family are well established: Better nutrition, closer bonding, and even better behavior and school performance. The challenge is how to get it on the table while juggling work and kids' schedules.

3 Ways to Handle Temporary Blood Pressure Spikes

Did you know that even adults whose blood pressure is usually within the healthy range (below 120/80 mmHG, according to the American Heart Association) can experience brief episodes of high blood pressure (hypertension)? Anxiety is one reason for a temporary increase in blood pressure, as is eating salty foods and drinking caffeinated beverages.

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