The high cost of dental care has forced many people to seek dental treatment elsewhere. This explains the growing popularity of dental tourism that is sweeping many parts of the world today.
In a nutshell, dental tourism involves traveling to another country for affordable dental care, ... Views: 662
From 1983 to 1989, the incidence of hepatitis A in the United States reached 58 percent. Some 35,800 cases were reported in the latter year.
Many were foodborne-related outbreaks that occurred in Alaska, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington. The contaminants included, among others, an ... Views: 700
Not all cases of jaundice are caused by hepatitis. The condition may be the result of hemolytic anemia, cancer of the pancreas, gallstones lodged in the liver duct, or a side effect of certain medications like erthromycin and sulfa drugs, antidepressants and anticancer drugs.
Furthermore, even ... Views: 749
Looking for a good dentist may not be easy as it sounds. At times, it can be as hard as finding a needle in a haystack! Compounding the problem is the presence of quacks and other illegal practitioners who may do more harm than good to your teeth.
To avoid trouble, don’t be ashamed to ... Views: 634
When it comes to dental health, candies are often a no-no. Dentists are quick to tell patients to avoid sticky sweets since they greatly contribute to tooth decay and other dental problems.
But researchers have recently found a new way for candy lovers to have their way. They’re developed ... Views: 543
Oral antibiotics like tetracycline do not work quickly against acne as they do against sore throats and earaches. It may take three to six weeks before your face shows any improvement. Eventually, you will have fewer pimples and reduced inflammation.
Occasionally, acne bacteria develop a ... Views: 750
Newer machines have made the process of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) even simpler. They can be used without immersing the patient in a tub of water, and the latter can go home shortly afterwards.
Still, some patients may not be suitable candidates for ESWL. This includes people ... Views: 898
Not all attacks of kidney stones are painful. Some people have them for years without feeling anything. In fact, it's not uncommon for stones to be discovered accidentally during a routine X-ray examination for another problem.
But it's hard to forget the pain that kidney stones bring. This ... Views: 784
Anyone who has had an attack of kidney stones rarely forgets the experience. It produces a sharp, stabbing pain that starts in the back, moves to the abdomen and later to the groin.
The pain is caused by the stone's journey from the kidney down to the ureter (the duct that carries urine to the ... Views: 525
Previously, insulin was injected in the thighs, arms, or buttocks. Current medical opinion says the abdomen is a much better site since insulin is absorbed more consistently than when injected in other areas.
To avoid the scarring of fatty tissue that occurs with multiple injections, use ... Views: 556
The next important factor to consider in treating diabetes is exercise. Exercise not only lowers blood sugar but keeps your weight down and improves blood circulation.
Recent studies also show that exercising at least once a week may prevent the onset of type II diabetes by 33 percent in ... Views: 500
In recent years, quacks would like us to believe that hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can occur in non-diabetic individuals. While this is possible in people with certain tumors and in those who take alcohol with little food, the majority of people who appear to be suffering from hypoglycemia ... Views: 848
Another quack cure for diabetes is chromium. This became popular in the 1950s when an experiment showed that rats taking this mineral were able to metabolize sugar properly. Since then, it has been suggested that a chromium deficiency may cause diabetes and a host of other symptoms.
"It has ... Views: 701
The treatment of diabetes depends on three things: diet, exercise, and medication. To prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels, the diabetic patient must know how to balance these three in order to live a normal life and reduce the risk of complications.
What should a diabetic eat? Young ... Views: 573
Since many diabetics are ignorant about the disease, they may turn to quacks and their "miracle" cures without knowing that these could harm - if not kill - them.
In the 1930s, a popular remedy for diabetes promoted by the Kaadt Diabetic Institute turned out to be a worthless mixture of vinegar ... Views: 894
Thanks to the efforts of two Canadian doctors, Frederick Banting and Charles Best, insulin was discovered and this dramatically changed the lives of millions diabetics, especially those suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), the more severe form of the disease. No longer was ... Views: 552
In non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), which is also called type II, adult-onset, or stable diabetes, the body has enough insulin or even high levels of this hormone. The main problem is the body's resistance to insulin.
Insulin receptors or cells that accept insulin don't ... Views: 1237
Over 15 million Americans have diabetes but half of them don’t know it. Most live in the city and the disease is prevalent among white collar workers. Of the diabetics surveyed, only about one-fourth consulted a doctor and were being treated.
"Worldwide, more than 50 million people ... Views: 559
Through the years, many solutions have been offered for premature ejaculation. Basically, this involves reducing the sensitivity of the penis to the friction of the vagina.
One way to do this is by wearing two (or more) condoms at the same time - but it can also give one the feeling of making ... Views: 717
Premature ejaculation is like having a gun and using it at the wrong time. It's like having your target on sight - and firing at the inappropriate moment.
For the man, that's a waste of ammunition. For the woman, it's a frustrating experience. For both of them, it's a no win ... Views: 606
Vitamin A acid or tretinoin, available in cream, gel or liquid form, can help acne patients but it may be difficult to tolerate because of its irritating effect.
"Like benzoyl peroxide, vitamin A acid is an aggressive irritant the benefits of which are not readily noticeable. In fact, during ... Views: 583
Benzoyl peroxide is another safe and effective topical agent for the early treatment of acne. Available in varying strengths, this chemical works by penetrating into the oil glands of the skin and killing bacteria responsible for acne inflammation. By peeling the skin, benzoyl peroxide also ... Views: 513
Zinc was once touted as effective against acne but Dr. Peter W. Gould, former president of the New Zealand Dermatological Society, said it only "helped a little; there was nothing dramatic." The US recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc is 15 milligrams and taking much can lead to ... Views: 568
Victims of acne need not endure the psychological distress caused by the condition. Although acne may be difficult to cure and recurrence is common, a good dermatologist can ease the pain of the acne years with today's wonder drugs.
"Acne is an important dermatological problem of the young; 80 ... Views: 643
The physical and psychological trauma of acne can be unbearable at times. Some people not only need a doctor but a shoulder to lean on. This is where a good dermatologist comes in.
"Whether your case is moderate or severe, nothing will determine how fast or completely your condition improves as ... Views: 496
Although it is a transitory condition, an attack of acne can be so distressing and leave deep psychological scars on a person. Desperate to rid themselves of this problem, people with acne may try to squeeze or pick on pimples without realizing that this will only make things worse.
Despite ... Views: 499
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that haunts teenagers at the time they are most concerned about their appearance.
Almost all people have their own theories on how acne begins, but most of these have no scientific basis.
For instance, it's a common belief that certain foods cause acne. ... Views: 609
What about old age? Are we doomed to suffer in silence at the onslaught of the aging process which many believe is responsible for sexual decline in the later years? Or can we still enjoy sex regardless of our age?
Although changes in sexual drive are common as one ages and the desire for ... Views: 1531
In some cases, a couple’s failure to enjoy sex can result from a woman’s ignorance and upbringing.
"Sometimes a woman fails to discuss her potential in sexual relationships because of inadequate knowledge of her anatomy, of the importance of timing during the sex act, or of the need ... Views: 572
"Love makes the world go round," the saying goes. And many people throughout history have made a living out of loving.
The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, for instance, allegedly took a hundred men a night to satisfy her lust. She erected a small temple for these sex slaves which he kept for power as ... Views: 1025
It's not nice to have lice. Although these insects are too tiny to be seen, they can cause intense itching and red, scaly rashes on the skin.
The medical term for head lice is pediculosis capitis - a problem which was recognized since biblical times. In Exodus 8:17, Aaron supposedly waved his ... Views: 545
Men desperate to get rid of impotence may fall for so-called "aphrodisiacs" and other nutritional therapies that claim to restore sexual function. Be forewarned that these products don't work and some can even be dangerous.
Earlier, a drug called Yohimbine was hailed as an aphrodisiac and a ... Views: 624
Is your child having difficulty at school? Does he or she find it hard to copy what’s written on the blackboard? Does your child have trouble concentrating?
If so, he or she may have a vision problem and vision therapists claim they can solve that easily. Through a series of eye ... Views: 843
Next to the school grounds, the school bus or family car can be the most dangerous place for kids if you're not careful. Many schoolchildren die from car accidents yearly. To protect your child, follow the guidelines below.
For school bus riders:
Check the appearance of the vehicle and its ... Views: 656
A few months from now, classes will start and millions of children will troop to school. By then, everything should be ready - books, bags, uniforms, and other school necessities.
However, there is one important thing parents might not be ready for: school safety. Sadly, this is often ignored ... Views: 563
Because of his or her appearance, the person with psoriasis may be tempted to try a number of questionable cures. While most of these quack remedies are probably harmless (except to your wallet), some of them are dangerous and should be avoided.
A few may appear to work mainly because psoriasis ... Views: 612
Waxing can be used to remove hair from the face, arms, or legs. Unlike other temporary methods of hair removal, the effects of waxing are long lasting. It may take some three to six weeks before unwanted hairs start growing again. Repeated waxing, however, can damage the hair bulb and cause ... Views: 566
What can be done about harmless, unwanted hairs? Annie Jones, who had hair on her face at the age of nine months, solved the problem by entering the circus of P.T. Barnum. She was not only paid but her new job brought her fame. By the time she was five, she was known as the famous "Bearded ... Views: 606
In the past, unwanted hair could bring the person a lot of trouble. That’s because hairy people were thought to be werewolves in disguise and they were either tortured or put to death.
So great was the fear of werewolves in those days that people devised signs that supposedly identified ... Views: 644
If impotence is due to physical factors, the latter should be treated accordingly. What methods are used in treating patients whose problem is physiological? Here’s what to expect but remember that all these methods carry certain risks so it's important that your impotence is correctly ... Views: 546
More than half of all cases of impotence are due to psychological problems. Stress, anxiety, and depression can make one lose interest in sex and eventually trigger episodes of impotence.
"Psychological causes of impotence usually develop as a result of some specific anxiety-producing event, ... Views: 574
Impotence, the inability to achieve and maintain an erection, usually starts in the bedroom but its effects can go beyond that place. Most men don't want to talk about it which is understandable since impotence is embarrassing and devastating to any relationship.
"Many men experience temporary ... Views: 764
How is dementia treated? What can be done for those suffering from this dreaded disease? While a cure remains to be seen, experts said the key is to keep the brain as active as possible.
"Within reasonable limits, patients with impaired cerebral function should keep mentally active. It is ... Views: 1075
Cockroaches have been around for 400 million years. There are 57 known species in the United States but the most common type - Blatella germanica - lives in kitchens and bathrooms.
You'll seldom find roaches in the day; most species are nocturnal. But you can be sure your home is infested if ... Views: 952
If you think the only good roach is a dead roach, you're wrong. For even dead roaches can cause harm in ways you probably never imagined.
Scientists say the dead roach's eggs, shell, blood and digestive enzymes can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly asthmatics. ... Views: 1121
Next to Alzheimer's disease, the second most common form of primary dementia is multi-infarct dementia (MID) or vascular-type dementia. This is usually found in Asians with an estimated incidence of 15 to 20 percent of all dementia cases.
MID is triggered by a series of multiple strokes that ... Views: 691
Large amounts of aluminum are usually found in the brain of a patient with Alzheimer's. This has led others to think that the disease is caused by using aluminum cooking pots and pans or ingesting oral antacids or antiperspirants containing aluminum.
It's a nice thought but one with no ... Views: 635
Dementia often occurs in the elderly but it can also affect young adults though rarely. If the condition starts before the age of 65 it is called presenile dementia. The senile type, on the other hand, occurs after 65.
Depending on its cause, dementia may either be primary or secondary. Primary ... Views: 1004
It’s frustrating when you meet someone in the street whom you can't recognize. It's even more embarrassing when that person calls you by your first name and you can't remember his.
That has happened to me on several occasions. You know that person's name is at the tip of your tongue. But ... Views: 546
Most kids eventually outgrow bedwetting when they learn to control their bladder. This is great news for many parents, especially if the child is young and bedwetting does not occur every night.
But if the child is older and he frequently urinates at night, parents may turn to the following ... Views: 720