Health Tips

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by the changing of the seasons. In most cases, it occurs along with the shortening of daylight hours in the fall and continues into the winter months. SAD typically resolves with the longer days of spring and stays in remission…

See if you know the answer to these winter-related health issues, some true, some not:    Can a flu shot cause you to get the flu?  A flu shot cannot cause influenza because it is either made with viruses that have been “inactivated” or with no flu vaccine viruses at…

With the exception of people living in the most southerly climes, being outdoors in the winter means our relatively poorly insulated bodies will be exposed to the cold. This is where wearing the right clothing can make the difference between being protected and comfortable or vulnerable and miserable. The following…

There’s no denying that the typical symptoms of the common cold—sore throat, runny nose, cough, etc. —are miserable.  But when you realize that cold symptoms are an indication that your body’s defense system is working, it gives you a different perspective on your misery.    Up to 50% of colds…

The American Board of Internal Medicine is leading a health education campaign to inform patients and physicians about the overutilization of medical resources.  This program, known as “Choosing Wisely”, includes recommendations for medical professionals as well as for the public.  It was developed “to help providers and patients engage in…

Have you ever heard anyone invoke the “5 second rule” after dropping a piece of food on the floor?  The idea behind this rule is that food that is picked up in fewer than 5 seconds after hitting the floor has not had time to attract germs, and is safe…

Recent statistics indicate that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus have nearly twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as people without diabetes. While the exact reason for this is still being investigated, several interesting findings connecting the two diseases have emerged. Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes.   The American…

In 2005, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued a resolution stating that “there appears to be evidence that exposure to violent media increases feelings of hostility, thoughts about aggression, suspicions about the motives of others, and demonstrates violence as a method to deal with potential conflict situations”. In 2013, the…

Terms used by lay individuals to designate certain medical conditions can vary significantly from those used by medical professionals.  Similarly, certain conditions widely accepted by the general public may or may not have the same degree of acceptance in the medical world. Today’s Health Tip looks at some of these…

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that the median nerve passes through. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index and middle fingers. It also carries nerve impulses to the muscles of these digits to bring about movement.   Carpal tunnel syndrome…