Health Tips

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…

Two of the leading organizations issuing guidelines for cancer screening, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), have separately made recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.  In both cases, data from current research was analyzed and compiled to develop their recommendations. …

Almost everyone has had a cough. Typically, this occurs in association with an acute infection such as a cold or the flu.  Once the infection runs its course, or following effective treatment, this type of cough goes away within a matter of a few days to a couple of weeks. …

According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 90 percent of U.S. households have a microwave oven.   This method of cooking, which was introduced in 1947 with the “Radarange”, uses a form of electromagnetic radiation, not unlike the radio frequency waves used in broadcasting.  Microwaves cook food by causing…

If you have expired, unused, or unneeded prescription drugs in the house, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wants to make it easier for you to dispose of them.  Saturday, September 26th has been designated as the 10th annual National Drug Take-Back Day.  Sites throughout the United States have been chosen…

From time to time, everyone experiences anxiety.   We worry about our security, our families, our jobs, and our health. Often, these fears are appropriate and help to keep us and our loved ones safe and secure.  But when anxiety develops without provocation or persists when the threat or concern is…

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes of airflow obstruction known as asthma attacks.  During an asthma attack, small muscles surrounding the airways contract, resisting the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Inflammation and swelling of the airways is also a consistent feature among asthmatics. …

Recently, I wrote a Health Tip on the topic of “Summer Colds”.  That particular tip was actually inspired by the viral upper respiratory tract infections that both my wife and I experienced a few weeks ago. While I usually try to avoid writing in first person in my Health Tips,…

The sports physical, also known as the pre-participation examination (PPE), is an annual rite for millions of students who participate in school athletics.    Even though the necessity of these exams in the young, healthy population in which they are performed has been questioned, most states in the U.S. require some…

 “The eyes are the window to the soul” ― Old English Proverb It has been estimated that up to 80% of our perception, learning, cognition and activities are mediated through vision.  Additionally, most activities, whether work-related or for pleasure, are enhanced by visual input.   Since vision is such a precious…