Sleeping Pills If you feel you are suffering from insomnia, should you seek help and get a sleeping pill prescribed? I am afraid of becoming dependent on the medication. Millions of Americans are asking the same question. While sleeping pills can help a person fall asleep more quickly, most patients with chronic insomnia would better be served by learning healthy strategies for getting a restful sleep. It is true that some of the newer medications advertised on TV are not addictive as was the…

Overview of Sleep Disorders Sleep disorders are on the rise. It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of adult Americans experience sleep disorder symptoms at least a few nights per week. At the same time, sleep disturbances in some form are seen in as many as 25 to 30 percent of infants and children. Millions of people of all ages suffer from a variety of sleep disorders including: Sleep apnea Restless legs syndrome Insomnia. These disorders frequently are misdiagnosed and untreated.…

Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide quality care to many patients. They have a master’s degree in nursing and a board certification in their specialty. They provide initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care, including: Taking medical histories Providing physical examinations Other health assessment and screening activities CNPs are prepared to diagnose and treat patients with many types of symptoms as well…

Handling Stress During the Holidays The holiday season can be full of excitement, parties, shopping, religious observances and family gatherings. But inevitably, with this time of year comes stress. People feel that there is not enough time to fit in everything. We often have higher expectations for this time of year. And that places even more pressure on us and increases the likelihood we may end up disappointed. Signs of stress may include: Feeling impatient Worried Cranky You…

Try our stuffed burgers, which can either be cooked on a skillet or on the grill.

If you’re making these burgers for children, you may want to serve the apples and peppers raw, on the side (some children prefer their fruit and veggies that way).

Note: Don’t forget to purchase ground white meat turkey. Not all ground turkey is lean, so be choosy.

Dr. Holly L. Thacker reports on highlights from the North American Menopause Society meeting. Good news for menopausal women who need hormone therapy!

By Dr. Manisha Yadav What Are The Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease? High cholesterol, inactivity, diabetes and smoking can lead to atherosclerosis (deposition of fat in arteries) and arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes (due to decreased blood supply). When this ongoing decreased blood flow is happening to your legs, it manifests as leg pain when walking and achiness, burning or discomfort in the muscles of your legs. Other symptoms…

What is Breast Cancer? Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. Sometimes, cells in a part of the body grow and divide out of control, which creates a mass of tissue called a tumor. If the cells that are growing out of control are normal cells, the tumor is called benign (not cancerous). If, however, the cells that are growing out of control are abnormal and don't function like the body's normal cells, the tumor is called malignant (cancerous). Cancers are…

When Women Need a Pap Test Yes, ladies, it is true — depending upon your age. You can safely space out Pap tests (which use a collection of cells taken during a pelvic exam), according to new guidelines released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. At age 21, women should start having Pap tests every three years. At age 30, if you have a normal Pap test and a negative HPV test, you can start going five years between Pap tests. And, if you have normal Pap tests your whole adult…

Heart-Healthy Kitchen Essentials Guide If you want to eat a heart-healthy diet but are not sure what staples you should keep in your home, check out this heart-healthy kitchen essentials guide. With the help of this guide, you can start stocking up on nutritious foods to help you reduce your risk of heart disease. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fresh seasonal…

Caring for Newborns Having a baby is exciting, but exhausting work. That’s why it’s called “labor.” After the birth of a new baby, our family-centered staff in the Cleveland Clinic Birthing Hospitals want to help moms learn how to rest and care for their newborns in the most comfortable and effective way. “As part of our world class care for new moms and babies, our staff encourages the evidence-based practice of ‘rooming-in’,” says Rebecca Starck, MD, chair of the Department of Regional…

Menopause itself is not associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. However, the rates of many cancers, including breast cancer, do increase with age. In addition, some of the drugs used to manage menopausal symptoms may increase or decrease a person’s cancer risk. 11 Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Certain factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Some factors can be changed (such as lifestyle choices), but others cannot be changed. Having many risk factors does not…

A Pap smear is a test used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer. All women who are or have been sexually active and have reached the age of 21, should have an annual Pap smear. It is the best tool to detect pre-cancerous conditions and screen for HPV that may lead to invasive cervical cancer. The timely detection of pre-invasive cancerous lesions via a pap smear promises a cure to cervical cancer. Do I still need a…

Each serving provides plenty of vitamin C and potassium. This recipe is also a good source of folate and fiber.

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker's blog supporting National Women's Health and Fitness Day. Dr. Thacker has health and fitness tips for women everywhere!

Kathryn Kilpatrick offers suggestions for lifelong learning and successful aging. As a speech-language pathologist with over four decades of experience working with older adults, Kathryn Kilpatrick specializes in working with older adults and their families facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In the last decade people of all ages seem to be complaining about their memory. Have you noticed that your memory is not what it used to be? Join the many people, both young and old,…

I have one very large and bulging vein protruding from the calf of my right leg. In my 30s, I sustained a human bite in that spot, with deep bruising that lasted a long time. What are the risks associated with leaving this vein untreated and what are my treatment options and outcomes of treatment?

Read Dr. Holly L. Thacker’s latest blog post on beauty and why our perceptions of beauty affect health and well-being.

How can I lower my triglycerides? I exercise at least 60 – 70 minutes a week on an elliptical at a level of 13. I eat fish twice a week and take a fish oil supplement as well.

I do not eat beef and eat very little other meat. And I eat pumpkin seed daily on my lunch salad. I need help!

I am a black female over the age of 50, and I have light spots on my legs. Is there something I can do?