How can diabetes hurt my feet? People with diabetes are at risk for foot infections. Too much sugar in the blood for a long time can cause nerve damage which reduces feeling, especially in your feet. You may not feel pain, or hot or cold. You might hurt your foot and not even know it.…
Antibiotics are sometimes used before dental visits to prevent infections. These infections are caused when germs from the mouth get into the blood and travel to the heart or an artificial joint. Taking antibiotics may only help prevent heart or joint infections in a small number of people; because of this, many people no longer need…
Blood pressure medicines are some of the most commonly used drugs; however, about one-quarter of people who take meds to lower their blood pressure stop taking them within six months. Up to one-half stop taking them within one year. Why are blood pressure medicines so important? Keeping your blood pressure normal can help you stay…
What are head lice? Head lice are tiny bugs the size of a sesame seed. Young lice are clear, but as they feed on blood they become reddish-brown to black. Head lice don’t cause health problems, but they can be annoying. Getting head lice does not mean a person is dirty; it means they have…
People associate the sun with sports, lazy days at the beach, and keeping fit. Too much sun, however, is not good; the rays of the sun, called “UV” rays, can hurt your skin. UVB rays mostly cause sunburn. UVA rays can cause early skin aging and skin cancer. Keeping safe from the sun The best…
About two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, so it’s easy to see why so many people want to lose at least a couple of pounds, and sometimes more. Losing weight is not easy. We have fast-paced lives, and time for exercise and preparing healthy meals can be hard to come by; however, if you put your mind…
About one in five people work during the evening or night, or in early morning hours. Some are “night owls” and adjust easily, but many people get sleepy during work time or are unable to sleep between work shifts. This can lead to accidents, mistakes at work, and moodiness or being irritable. There are some…
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects more than one in ten people. People with IBS have symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gas, abdominal pain, and either diarrhea or constipation. What causes IBS? The cause of IBS isn’t clear. What is known is that your stress level and the foods you eat may affect your symptoms.…
I’ve heard that unapproved drugs are being sold in the U.S. Is this true? Yes, it is true. Most drugs on the U.S. market have been approved by the FDA; however, some medications, mostly older ones, have not. These unapproved drugs were being sold BEFORE the current FDA approval process began about 50 years ago.…
Why should I quit smoking? Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Smoking can cause cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and many other health problems. Secondhand smoke can be dangerous too. It can cause lung cancer and heart disease in adults. It can make asthma worse or…
What is a benzodiazepine? Benzodiazepines (ben-zoh-die-az-uh-peens) or “benzos” are a type of sedative. They are often used for sleep, or to treat anxiety or muscle spasms. They have other, less common uses too. Are benzodiazepines safe? Like all medications, benzos have risks. These risks include: • Feeling sleepy, dizzy, clumsy, or confused; this can cause…
Inhaler devices deliver medicine directly into the lungs. This is different from most pills or shots, which send medicine into the whole body. It is important for you to use your inhaler correctly so the medicine works best. Are all inhalers the same? There are different types of inhaler devices. One main type is called…
What Is Insomnia? Insomnia is a common problem. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. A lack of sleep can cause people with insomnia to be sleepy during the day. Sometimes insomnia only lasts for a short time, or it can last for a long time. Insomnia can affect your work, school, social…
Eating a heart-healthy diet can lower your risk of problems like heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. Use the following tips as a guide for a heart-healthy diet. Remember not to get discouraged if you indulge in a favorite once in a while. DO eat: • Fruits and veggies • Whole grains such as brown…
Do I need an x-ray, CT, or MRI of my back? Most patients do not need images (x-rays, etc) taken of their back. These images are not often helpful for patients with acute low back pain. Additionally, they are costly and will expose you to radiation. Your prescriber will ask you questions and do an…
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. Colon cancer starts as a growth or “polyp” on the lining of the colon. If the polyp is removed, the cancer may be prevented. More than half of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented with screening; however, one out of every three adults is…
The benefits of essential oils go well beyond their pleasant aroma—–they can help you sleep, improve your skin, and aid digestion. Certain oils can also have mental, physical, and emotional healing effects. You can use essential oils by rubbing them on your skin, inhaling, or using a diffuser. A top 5 list of essential oils:…
Sports and energy drinks both contain ingredients usually best avoided in children: large amounts of sugar and high doses of caffeine. The American Academy of Pediatrics says they aren’t a good idea for most kids. Plain water is still the best option for all except extreme circumstances. The extra sugar intake increases the risk of…
Some sports medicine experts are using part of a nitroglycerin patch for chronic tendinopathy such as tennis elbow. Meds should be used in addition to rehab but not instead of it. Rehab is your best bet: applying ice or heat, avoiding aggravating activities, stretching, strength exercises, and using braces or orthotics depending on the site…
Did you know you can use super glue to mend skin wounds? Using super glues like Krazy Glue will work in a pinch to seal small wounds such as cracks or paper cuts, but it’s not a good idea to use them on deep or large wounds, as they can be toxic to tissues and…