Author Archive: Contributor

Overview Quitting smoking is one of the hardest experiences a person can face, because the nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive. Though people may face withdrawals and temptations during the period where they try to stop smoking, succeeding and avoiding…
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Hay fever, which is the common name for allergic rhinitis, can cause many of the same symptoms as the common cold, such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, congestion and sinus difficulty. According to the Mayo Clinic, hay fever is not…
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1. Choose From a Range of Antiviral Treatments Your most effective line of defense against cold sores will come from prescription antiviral drugs designed to speed the lesions’ healing. Expect your doctor to prescribe orally ingested medications for severe or…
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Overview Some people might experience acne that’s merely a few flesh-colored bumps. But for most, acne is inflamed and results in red blemishes that seem to take over your face. While the battle against acne requires diligence and perhaps even…
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Chafing is a very uncomfortable skin irritation that develops when skin rubs against skin, clothing or another material such as a bike seat. Chafing is most common in athletes and overweight people, and it typically occurs during physical activity such…
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Having a trim, slender midsection isn’t only important for looking good. According to Michael Jensen, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, excess belly fat can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, some types of cancer…
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Ringworm is something of a misnomer. It’s a fungal infection of tinea corporis, not a worm. According to the Mayo Clinic, ringworm leaves round, itchy patches on the skin. The outer area is red and a bit raised, while the…
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The brain is a relatively soft organ, with about the consistency of tofu. The skull and cerebrospinal fluid act as shock absorbers against the bumping and shaking that occur with daily life. A blow to the head can overwhelm this…
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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the cause for nearly 1 out of every 5 deaths in the United States. Seventy percent of current smokers report they want or are trying to quit. In…
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Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, describes a group of symptoms triggered by an allergen. Dust, dander and pollen are common offenders, which can prompt sneezing, itching, a runny nose and tearing in individuals with allergies. Symptoms that may…
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Lice are small parasitic insects that infest body hair and feed on your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three types of lice: head, body, and pubic. Body lice live in clothing and bedding and usually affect people…
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the adverse effects from smoking tobacco account for nearly 443,000 deaths each year, or one in five of all deaths in the United States. Smoking tobacco causes a wide variety of…
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Chronic heartburn and acid reflux, which occurs more than twice a week, is a symptom of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). The Mayo Clinic reports most people are able to cope with the burning and discomfort common in GERD by using…
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Chronic back pain can interfere with your work, hobbies and family responsibilities. It can also be very challenging to treat. One of the difficulties is that there are many causes of chronic back pain. While each case is different, chronic…
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The abs are the structural powerhouse of the body. Good posture, force production with sports, and body stabilization are all key components that a strong set of abs can give you. When it comes to building your abs, exercise is…
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