No one likes to go to the doctor, especially when there is a chance that something may be wrong.  Though acknowledging a medical problem and receiving a diagnosis is a scary process, it’s what you do after the diagnosis that really matters. When the doctor has unfortunate news, it’s imperative to remain positive and know the facts. Calling All Doctors If you notice that something is wrong medically, don’t be afraid to contact your doctor directly. When people notice an unusual lump, bump or...  

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A few blog posts ago, I wrote about therapeutic activities you can do at home, but what about therapeutic foods you can eat at home? Believe it or not, there are a number of different items that will leave your stomach feeling satisfied and your mind feeling free. The next time you’re choosing an afternoon snack, pick something that has therapeutic side effects and reap the benefits of delicious, calming foods. Pumpkin Seeds Halloween can be a relaxing time for you because of pumpkin seeds....  

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Over the course of our lives, we’ve all been prescribed a variety of medications, but sometimes, the best remedy lies within a good old-fashioned laugh. Though laughter may seem insignificant, it can be one of the most powerful aspects of a healthy lifestyle. To name a few benefits, laughing strengthens your immune system, heightens your level of energy and keeps you in a positive mood. The best thing about laughter is that it’s not hard to come by. Most often, laughter finds us. It’s usuall...  

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What diseases run in your family? Has anyone ever been diagnosed with cancer? Who? Sound familiar? These questions, along with many others, are just a few that may be asked during an annual checkup. Personally, I answer these questions willingly, but I never take into consideration how important my answers can be. When it comes to health, a family tree can reveal a lot about you, and it may even lead to early detection. As a result, it’s important to create and share your family health histo...  

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The bad news is that flu season is here. The good news is that you can take steps to avoid it. This year, influenza is rapidly sweeping the nation. The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. I recently got my first flu shot, and it was a small price to pay for being able to stay healthy this season. Influenza is a viral infection in your body that is characterized by a number of symptoms. We often use the word “flu” to describe any type of mild illness, su...  

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Cheerios: Helping to lower cholesterol. We’ve all seen the ads, informing us that eating well can help lower cholesterol levels. However, a bowl of oats isn’t all it takes to keep your body healthy. In order to lower your cholesterol levels, we must understand what cholesterol is and what exactly those levels mean. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by your liver and found in certain foods. Your body uses it to make hormones, digest food, and support the cells in your body, b...  

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Nothing says Christmas like the aroma of peppermint or pine. Personally, a whiff of a home-cooked meal is something that ties me to the holiday season. Unfortunately, a large number of people visit the doctor for smell disorders each year, and these people are not able to experience the delicious scents of the holiday season. You can make sure your nose is in tiptop shape by getting to know your sense of smell. Your sense of smell is part of your chemical sensing system and is connected to y...  

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A dry mouth may seem like an insignificant and harmless problem, but it can lead to other health issues. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. We all experience a dry palette every now and then, but when a drink of water doesn’t fix it, there can be a deeper issue. Saliva is a substance located in the mouth that is secreted by the salivary glands. Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands are not working properly. Besides keeping yo...  

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If you’re like most people, you have probably experienced the uncomfortable feeling of chickenpox as a child. The very same virus causes shingles. Shingles is a painful skin disease that results in the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, known as varicella-zoster. Fifty percent of Americans will have had shingles by the time they are eighty. After you have chickenpox, the scars go away but the virus stays with you for life. This virus hides out in nerve cells located in your spine and has ...  

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An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it won't preserve your eyesight; that's up to you. Many of us rely on glasses to see, but we shouldn't depend on them to keep our eyes healthy. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to strengthen your vision and detect diseases. With the proper care and keeping, your eyesight can improve. How to Care for Your Eyes 1.) See an eye doctor regularly. Make sure they check for various diseases, and don't be afraid to ask them questions if something doesn't...  

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