Broadly, uric acid serves as an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to blood-vessel lining. Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines, substances found in food and the body’s cells. The buildup of uric acid in the body results…
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Most health professionals say that a daily bowel movement is ideal, yet some people report having only two or three per week. If you are in the group having the fewer bowel movements, consider eating whole foods that will provide…
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November 25, 2013 Women's Health
1. Keep the Vaginal Area Clean To prevent vaginal itching, also called vaginitis, make sure you’re keeping your vaginal area clean and dry. However, douching can increase vaginal itching since it washes away normal lubricants and bacteria. Wipe or wash…
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2005 Food Pyramid guidelines recommend that adults eat seven to eight servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans do not eat the recommended daily allowances of foods…
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A fractured or broken ankle involves breaking one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle. According to the Mayo Clinic, the severity of the fracture can range from a small crack to a shattering break that…
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November 25, 2013 Exercise Programs for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the result of increased force of the blood produced by the heart and the size and condition of your arteries. Your blood pressure is considered high if your systolic pressure (the pressure created during…
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Cayenne has analgesic properties due to the presence of capsaicin, which also gives the spice its heat. Capsaicin causes the body to release a neurotransmitter (“substance P”) whose job is to register injury and produce the sensation of pain. Research…
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Honey bees, on their endless quest to find sufficient pollen, propolis, nectar and water for their thriving hives, will only travel as far as they need to in order to locate these treasures, according to the Department of Energy. In…
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November 25, 2013 Sexual and Reproductive Health
Populations in tropical countries have lower rates of heart disease, according to Peace Health, which could be related to their consumption of coconut oil. Natural health practitioners recommend coconut oil for heart disease, thyroid conditions, weight loss and even hair…
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In South Asia, neem has long been known as the “pharmacy tree” for its many therapeutic benefits. Neem is traditionally used as an insect repellent, hair and skin cleanser and treatment, herbal remedy for high blood pressure and cholesterol, and…
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Various procedures help diagnose and treat breast cancer. The specific procedures used can depend on the stage and extent of cancer, subsequent treatment decisions and patient preference and age. Talking with your health care team can help you make the…
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Sleep supplements help people who struggle with mild, occasional sleep problems. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 48 percent of Americans report occasional trouble sleeping, and 22 percent have recurrent insomnia. If your sleep problems are persistent or severe,…
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The life of a child can be hectic. Between crazy schedules and finicky appetites, the little ones may not always get the type of nutrition they need to be as healthy as they can be. Just as adults can supplement…
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November 25, 2013 Diet and Nutrition
Overview Echinacea, an herb belonging to the Aster family, is used to treat numerous cold-related conditions including influenza, cough and fever. Echinacea, or coneflower, was the most widely used medicinal plant of the Native Americans in the Great Plains region…
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Hand weights, or dumbbells, provide a convenient option for performing resistance exercises. You can use them almost anywhere; most gyms have a wide variety of hand weights, or you can purchase a set to use at home. You can perform…
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November 25, 2013 Children's Health
According to the Mayo Clinic, it was once believed that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) only occurred in childhood. While anyone who suffers from this disorder must have experienced symptoms in childhood, it can continue to affect people into adulthood….
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November 25, 2013 Diet and Nutrition
When you are trying to slim down, you need to follow a healthy diet and exercise. Combining these two lifestyle changes can create a caloric deficit, which is what you need for weight loss. To lose 1 pound of weight,…
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November 25, 2013 Diet and Nutrition
Prescription sleep aids have their known problems. Many of them lead to dependence, a condition where you cannot fall asleep without taking the medication. Some have side effects like daytime drowsiness, dizziness and headache, or can’t be taken with other…
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1. Treat and Clean the Bite Spider bites generally cause significant redness and swelling and can easily become infected. Wash the bite area with warm, soapy water as soon as possible. Ward off infection by applying diluted hydrogen peroxide after…
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November 25, 2013 Mental Health
For patients diagnosed with depression, their doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medication called Celexa to help alleviate their symptoms. Celexa is the brand name for citalopram hydrobromide, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that works by regulating the levels of mood-balancing…
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Lead is a naturally occurring metal that is found in number of commonly used items, such as batteries, fishing weights and some children’s toys made outside of the United States. Exposure to lead-containing objects or lead dust can be life-threatening–especially…
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Overview Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause risks for an unborn baby. Caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (or T. gondii), toxoplasmosis in an adult generally results in mild flu-like symptoms or even no symptoms. However, if the…
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November 25, 2013 Skincare and Beauty
Abreva (docosanol) is a topical antiviral medication used to alleviate symptoms associated with cold sores or fever blisters that develop as a result of herpes simplex virus. This over-the-counter cream has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration…
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November 25, 2013 Skincare and Beauty
Heat therapy is used to treat various injuries and ailments ranging from muscle stiffness to cancer. It works by exposing part or all of the body to high temperatures. In some cases, injections may also be involved–these are usually done…
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November 25, 2013 Children's Health
Child development encompasses all aspects, including physical, emotional and mental stages. Jean Piaget, a developmental psychologist renowned for his theory of cognitive development, identified four primary mental stages. Mental or cognitive development forms the foundation for the other aspects. Any…
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November 25, 2013 Skincare and Beauty
Given the easy availability of coffee, sugar and constant mental stimulation from computers, cell phones and MP3 players, it is not difficulty to understand why it can be hard to “unplug” and get to sleep at night. While there are…
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Amaryl (glimepiride) is a prescription medication indicated to help lower blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. This medication is administered orally and should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Amaryl is part of a class…
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If the sciatic nerve, which runs from your back to your feet is irritated or compressed, you may develop a range of symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or severe. You may have pain in your lower back that radiates…
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November 25, 2013 Sexual and Reproductive Health
MedlinePlus defines premature ejaculation as a condition in which a man meets an orgasm before his partner wishes. Common causes of premature ejaculation are anxiety and too much sexual stimulation. Psychology and guilt factor also play a role in this…
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Machine weights have been developed to take the guesswork out of weight training. The design of machine weights enables the exerciser to perform an exercise, working through a range of motions in a fixed plane. Every single machine exercise available…
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