October 8-14, 2010 - Original Health Articles

Ischemic colitis is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the large intestine (colon) becomes blocked. This can lead to inflammation of the colon and in some cases, permanent colon damage. However, most cases of the disorder are mild, and people suffering from ischemic colitis usually recover quickly.

Every athlete knows what an important difference the right shoes can make in their performance.  But can certain shoes get you in shape just by wearing them?  That's the claim manufacturers of toning shoes like Skecher's Shape-ups®, Reeboks' Easy Tones®, and MBT® (Masai Barefoot Technology) are making.

Typically, defensiveness-a trait characterized as rejecting, repressing, or contradicting information that's perceived as threatening-is viewed as a negative quality, and in a lot of ways it is; for men, however, this may not be the case. You've seen it: the coworker contradicting or becoming uptight about constructive criticism, or the friend that flips the switch from friendly to antagonistic once you crack a joke.

We hear a lot about osteoporosis-the big name in bone loss disease; but not so much about its predecessor, osteopenia. Like osteoporosis, osteopenia means there's a decrease in the amount of calcium and phosphorus in bones. Decreased calcification, bone density, or bone mass is caused by inadequate osteoid (bone making cells) synthesis.

You've got a stomach flu, you don't feel like eating, and it's hard to keep down even sips of liquid. What should you try to eat? And if you're on insulin, should you stop taking it? Our top tips from our three noted experts will help you feel better soon.

Traditional medical doctors are now looking to ancient Chinese martial arts to help battle fibromyalgia. That's because new research shows that practicing Tai Chi can be a powerful way to conquer this mysterious and sometimes debilitating condition.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points (where slight pressure causes pain).

Alzheimer's disease is commonly thought of as an old-person's affliction. And it's true that the vast majority of cases occur in people age 65 and older. But did you know that up to five percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are only in their forties and fifties when it strikes? Known as early-onset Alzheimer's, this middle-aged disease affects about 200,000 people in the U.

Cocaine is a stimulant and like many other drugs can be highly addictive.  As a drug Cocaine affects the brain mostly by preventing the neurotransmitter dopamine from being recycled naturally. Dopamine is associated with the reward and pleasure systems of the brain and with repeated use of the drug these systems can change.

By now, most of us have heard that eating fiber is good for our health, especially in maintaining bowel regularity and in the prevention of constipation and other digestive ailments. But there are many other health benefits to adding fiber to your daily diet.

While a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be scary, new research suggests that there's a silver lining to this inflammatory joint disease. A recent University of Florida study conducted on mice revealed that having rheumatoid arthritis offers protection against Alzheimer's disease, and offered a glimpse into the mechanisms behind this unlikely connection.

Tics are common in childhood. Does your child blink his eyes, wave his arms or jerk his head repeatedly? When these behaviors continue for long periods of time and occur in conjunction with other repetitive verbal and physical patterns, they may be signs of a condition called Tourette Syndrome.

While the name sounds complicated, allergic rhinitis is actually just the formal name for hay fever. Allergic Rhinitis Triggers   Allergic rhinitis symptoms occur when your body comes into contact with allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold, which can cause sneezing and congestion.

The chemical composition of the fragrances you own may be giving off more than just a nice scent. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics who recently published a report analyzing 17 name-brand perfumes, these chemicals may have inherent health risks that could lead to asthma, contact dermatitis, and hormone imbalances.

Are you sleeping long nights and still can't drag yourself out of bed in the morning? If you're getting more than 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night, your internal clock may need resetting. Too little sleep has long been blamed for a variety of mental and physical problems, but too much sleep may be just as detrimental to your health.

Good nutrition is essential in your fight against heart disease, and autumn offers some of the most colorful-and healthful-foods. To stay heart healthy, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you stick to a diet that includes: At least 4.

There is a growing body of evidence that certain pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment, especially for colorectal and breast cancer. While results are mixed, the medical community is investing significant attention and resources to this subject.

If you're feeling a definite lack of sparkle and sizzle in your love life, it may just be all in your head. You can look glowing, desirable, self-confident and utterly sexy again, but it has to start with you. "The most powerful sex tool we have is our brain," says Lisa Rene Reynolds, Ph.

Whether you're experiencing backache for the first time or it's a chronic or reoccurring condition, exercise is key for back pain relief. But when your back hurts, it's hard to get motivated and for many people, it was exercise that caused their backache in the first place.

Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is a debilitating mental health condition that affects about 15 million Americans each year and is the third largest psychological illness in the world. People who suffer from social phobias feel anxious and self-conscious, and are afraid of being judged or feeling embarrassed in public and social settings.