Health Tips

Today’s Health Tip will explore the validity of several medical issues that are commonly bandied about.  After reading each statement, decide whether it is true or false and then read on to learn more about the topic. 1. “Reading, sewing or doing other close work in dim light can damage…

Around six million people go to the emergency department each year with chest pain.  In many cases, the determination has to be made as to whether the chest pain is due to a relatively minor condition or to a life-threatening process.  Often this means making the distinction between heartburn (a…

X-rays done during dental visits have seemingly become a routine part of the examination. But did you know that the American Dental Association (ADA) in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed guidelines for when and why they should be performed? Why perform x-rays of teeth?  …

Rather than considering the amount of protection that they afford, new sunglasses are often selected for their frames, the size of the lenses, or for a particular coating on the lenses. It is important to remember, however, that the most important job for sunglasses is to prevent damage to the…

Guidelines published by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that adults ages 50-75 who are at average risk for the development of colon cancer can reasonably be screened by one of three methods: 1) fecal occult blood testing, 2) sigmoidoscopy, or 3) colonoscopy.  Fecal occult blood testing involves the…

There is a wealth of medical mythology attached to sneezing.  One legend has it that when sneezing, the heart stops beating and the phrase “bless you” is meant to encourage the heart to resume beating.  Other sources say that offering a blessing after sneezing came in the 14th century during…

The fascinating on-line exhibition, “Changing the Face of Medicine” sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, provides insight into the inspiration, influences and accomplishments of many women who have had a major impact on health care in the United States.  Today’s Health Tip recognizes just a small sampling of those…

Coughing helps to clear the respiratory system of irritants and secretions associated with a cold or flu. With most minor respiratory infections it is best not to interfere with this mechanism. When someone is unable to rest because of the cough or needs “help” in clearing secretions, they often consider…

The topic of sunscreen use is rife with controversy and misconceptions. Some authorities advocate against their use, believing that too little sun exposure will reduce the body’s vitamin D levels with the increased risk of osteoporosis and certain cancers (breast, colon, and prostate). The American Academy of Dermatology, on the…

Medical science has made tremendous strides in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  Screening tests including mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, and colonoscopies for colon cancer have allowed these cancers to be detected at an earlier stage when treatment is generally more effective. Treatment of several…