What Kind of Headache Do You Have? In order to treat a headache properly, you must first know which type of headache you suffer from. The primary types of headaches are: TensionClusterReboundMigraine Tension Headaches Tension-type headaches usually feel like a dull ache on each side of the head.Cluster Headaches Cluster headaches are rare and usually strike men. They produce sharp pain around one eye and are dubbed "cluster" headaches since they usually occur in clusters, then disappear…

Prevalence of Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. In the United States today, 10 million individuals already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Learn more by viewing the facts below: 80 percent of those affected by osteoporosis are women. 8 million American women and 2 million men have osteoporosis, and millions more have low bone…

By tracking your headache episodes through your headache diary, you may be able to identify specific foods that trigger your headaches. Not only can specific foods trigger a headache, but dietary habits can also play a role. Fasting, dehydration or skipping meals may cause headaches in some people. Headache Triggers There are many different foods and beverages that can contribute to headache episodes. Some of the most common foods, beverages and additives associated with headaches…

What is a toxic substance? A toxic substance is any chemical or mixture that is harmful to the environment, animals, or to human health if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. A poison is another name for a toxic substance that kills, injures or impairs a living organism. Toxic substances can be found in many of the common products used around the home, including: oven and drain cleaners laundry detergents floor and furniture…

Did you know... There’s only a 1 in 4000 chance that an antibiotic will help most acute upper respiratory infections. But there’s a 1 in 4 chance of diarrhea and a 1 in 50 chance of a skin reaction and a 1 in 1000 chance it’ll cause an ER visit due to some side effect. Antibiotics can also lead to more resistant infections that are harder to treat. Bottom line: There’s little to no benefit to taking antibiotics for most acute upper respiratory tract infections...and the downsides are…

It is always important to make sure you maintain your health. Taking the right supplements and eating healthy foods will keep you energized throughout the day, and your life. Who Needs Vitamin/Mineral Supplements? Some people may have slight nutrient deficiencies due to illness, surgery or other conditions. These people may need vitamin or mineral supplements because their condition may alter their appetite, limit their food choices or impair their nutrient absorption. Many older adults need…

Being adventurous about trying new fitness trends is a great way to prevent boredom and overcome certain performance plateaus. But it can be risky. The fitness community is not well-regulated and, in some instances, individuals lacking knowledge of physiology have created fitness options that are not effective and possibly unsafe. Let’s look at a few of the most popular fitness trends and sort myth from fact. Trend 1: Flexibility Guidelines for flexibility have changed drastically within the…

What is stress? Stress is defined as "any stimulus, such as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism." Put simply, stress is our response to daily life. The right amount of stress can be a positive force. It helps us do our best work and keeps us alert, energetic, focused, and engaged in the world around us. However, too much stress can leave us anxious, depressed, and uncomfortable. Everyday life continually presents us with stressful…

There are options for headache treatments that don’t require prescriptions or over-the-counter medication. Here are some tips for treating headaches yourself: Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples or the back of your neck. Take a warm bath or shower. Take a nap. Take a walk. Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to a massage. Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your…

How Does Menopause Affect Sex Drive? The loss of estrogen following menopause can lead to changes in a woman’s sexual functioning. Menopausal women may notice that they are not as easily aroused, and may be less sensitive to touching and stroking – which can result in decreased interest in sex. Further, the emotional changes that often accompany menopause can add to a woman’s loss of interest in sex and inability to become aroused. In addition, lower levels of estrogen can cause a decrease in…

1. Components of Good Health Personal history and prior illness Life style habits including: Diet - Mediterranean is best Exercise Tobacco use - Stop Alcohol use Safety belt use Safer sex practices 2. Evaluating a Person’s Future Risk of Disease Family history of inheritable diseases such as: breast cancer colon cancer diabetes hypertension Physical examinations to evaluate: blood pressure body mass…

9 Tips for Medication Safety Read all labels carefully. Know your drug and food allergies. Make a list of your medications and dosages. Keep this with you and update it as necessary. Eye drops, skin lotions, and vitamins are considered medications and should be included on your list. Also include any herbal products and over-the-counter medications. Make ALL health care providers aware of ALL the medications you are using. Give each a list of your current medications. Use pill boxes…

Talk to Your Partner and Physician About Sexual Health Issues Sexuality is an integral part of being human. Love, affection, and sexual intimacy contribute to healthy relationships and individual well-being. But along with the positive aspects of our human sexuality, there also are illnesses, mixed emotions and unintended consequences that can affect our sexual health. An open discussion of sexuality issues is important to promoting sexual health and responsibility. More attention has been…

With new skin products introduced daily, the differences among the products can be hard to understand. View the listing below to learn more about the ingredients in your favorite skin products, as well as those that aren’t familiar to you. Always check with your dermatologist before starting a new skincare regimen. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAS) Over-the-counter skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids have become increasingly popular over the last five years. Creams and lotions with…

Food Makes Us Feel Good Besides tasting great and nourishing the body, food also has an influence on appetite and moods. Research shows that certain foods affect powerful mood-modifying brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are made from the foods we eat, and are present in higher concentrations after meals than between them. Of the many neurotransmitters present in our bodies, only a few affect appetite: Serotonin: a chemical released after eating…

Any kind of pain that you feel is your body’s way of warning you about an injury or illness. Although headaches are rarely the symptoms of a serious illness, occasionally they may indicate a serious medical condition such as a tumor or aneurysm (blood vessel rupture). It is important for you to become familiar with your personal headache symptoms, and those that require immediate medical attention. Alarming Headache Symptoms So, what headache symptoms should cause concern? View the listing…

I have been diagnosed with a 4.2cm Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm. My doctor said I need to have an ultrasound done annually to monitor for any enlargement. He said no operation until it reaches at least 5cm. Is there anything (pain, etc.) that I should watch for? The Radiologist thought there was leaking of blood from the aneurysm, but my doctor thought NO.

After getting another ultrasound in three months, my doctor said there is no blood leaking. How can I be sure this is true? Are there any signs? The doctor said I would have severe pain in my stomach going down my leg. I do not have this, but it is worrisome because any time I have any abdominal cramps or leg problems I suspect the worse! I was told that you could also have back pain.

I am 70 years old, an active tennis player and work out with weights three times a week. I'm very active, but I do have a new hip and arthritis. Again, do I need to do anything special or eliminate any activities?

Do women need to use progesterone for endometrial protection with an intact uterus when using even a small dose of transdermal estrogen (such as vivelle dot)?

I can’t tolerate any kind of dairy and from what I noticed Vitamin D (sunshine) either. Symptoms include swelling of my lips and the corners of my lips crack open. Also, the area between my vagina and my rectum gets a rash and cracks open. Another symptom is that I get auras and almost black out if I eat dairy. I stopped all dairy and avoided most sunshine to try to keep my symptoms minimal.

Since I have practiced avoidance it’s much better, but there aren’t many things I can eat. I have been to a lot of different doctors who mostly say just avoid dairy, but that isn’t what I would like to do if I don’t have to. I need vitamin D since I already have osteopenia and am high risk for osteoporosis.

Thank you in advance for any thoughts you may have.

I get migraines during my period. I have tried taking a pain killer like paracetamol but that does not help. I am usually very tired during my period. Is there anything I can do to help balance my hormones? I do not get migraines when I am pregnant.