June 8-14, 2010 - Original Health Articles

If you suffer from asthma and also have a panic disorder, you probably know that these two conditions can often go hand in hand. Yet have you ever wondered which problem comes first, or what is their relationship? Many researchers have explored the connection over the years but haven't been able to conclusively determine a cause and effect order.

When your child sings along with her favorite song, she's probably enjoying herself a great deal as she exercises her vocal chords. But did you know that engaging in music can also help make her smarter, calmer, and happier, too? Music Benefits are Widespread The positive impact that music can have on kids' intelligence, achievements, and even mood, is becoming increasingly recognized.

More than 76 million people report having suffered from pain lasting more than 24 hours, according to the American Pain Foundation. While one person can get a simple paper cut and feel that its agonizing pain, another person can break a bone and find it to be a minimal pain.

The statistics are sobering: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 145,000 people each year are diagnosed with colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have about a two to five times greater risk of developing colon cancer than those in the general population, although the reasons aren't clear.

Depression can be debilitating. Fortunately, for the millions of people who suffer from depression, antidepressants can provide significant relief. Antidepressants don't work the same way for everyone, however. The effectiveness can vary over time and from person to person.

Do you follow your asthma action plan religiously and take your medication exactly as prescribed, yet feel like your asthma still isn't well controlled? If so, you may be interested in learning more about a new drug-free treatment method called bronchial thermoplasty.

Do you indulge your cravings for a burger and fries every once in a while? If so, it's important that you know that such a high fat meal is not only bad for your cholesterol and your waistline, but it could also worsen your asthma symptoms. If you're puzzled about the connection between high-fat food and asthma, read on to find out how and why scientists now believe these two unlikely factors could be related.

If you've just tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you may be pointing the finger of blame at your partner. After all, you two have been monogamous, and before you were together, there's no way you could have been infected, right? Don't be so fast to assume it's your partner who is responsible for your STD.

If you're a male with asthma, did you know that this condition could actually be good for your health? Researchers now believe this is true—at least when it comes to reducing your risk of being diagnosed with some of the most common forms of cancers.

If you have diabetes, you should be  extra vigilant about the possibility of infection, which can quickly result from a wound or a blister.  Fortunately, this is less likely to occur when you are in good control of your blood sugars. But when your blood sugars are regularly elevated, your all-important infection-fighting white blood cells just don't do the job that they should.

There are two type of diabetes that can impact young people. The first, called Type 1 Diabetes, is an immune system disorder that causes the pancreas to stop producing the insulin needed to process food and turn it into energy. The second, called Type 2 Diabetes, occurs when the pancreas produces decreasing amounts of insulin and is unable to efficiently use what does exist.

You already know that brushing your teeth is essential—probably the most important part of your daily hygiene routine. Plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) can release acids that damage tooth enamel and cause gum disease. Below you'll find the keys to make sure that your mouth is getting the most benefit.

Sunscreens are an important component of overall sun protection, but SPF ratings and confusing marketing language on sunscreen packaging make it difficult to evaluate what you are purchasing. Roughly one million Americans were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in 2009.

Some of the latest buzz in the anti-aging product market focuses on a spice we usually ingest, not rub on our face. This isn't the first time we've heard about the amazing powers found in botanical ingredients -- Eggplant, caffeine, and citrus (just to name a few) are similar heroes in the battle against aging.

Does it seem like your allergies have gotten worse since you've been pregnant? If so, it's probably not your imagination. During pregnancy, your body undergoes a variety of changes that can make you feel pretty miserable. For some women, this includes an increase in allergy symptoms.

While drinking plenty of water has been touted as essential for living a healthy life, several studies over the past couple of years have shown that our water supply may also present some health hazards. A paper published in 2008 by researchers from...

Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones. Yet despite those essential health benefits, studies show that the majority of children today don't get enough calcium-rich foods on a regular basis. The Need for Calcium Whatever your child's age and stage, you need to be aware of her calcium needs for healthy bones and teeth.

As anyone who has struggled with pain or depression can attest, the two are strongly linked. Being in pain is depressing. Being depressed intensifies pain. People who suffer from chronic pain are three times more likely to develop mood or anxiety disorders, and depressed people are three times more likely to develop chronic pain.

There's been a recent flurry of reports about multivitamins and breast cancer. If you've been following the news, chances are that you're confused and not sure what to believe. Before you give up your daily multivitamin, here's a look at these studies.