It can be called an annual physical exam, a general physical exam, or a wellness visit. This visit gives you a chance to connect with your health care provider, update your provider on your health, and plan for future preventive healthcare. Having a physical exam checklist is a good way … Read More
Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the world. When you drink alcohol, it is absorbed in your digestive system and moves into your blood. In your blood, alcohol travels to your liver, where 90 percent of alcohol is broken down and eliminated. The rest comes out in your … Read More
You may have heard about the potential benefits of liquid chlorophyll. People have been dropping this supplement into water. The water turns green and then you drink it. Makers of this supplement make the claims that it can prevent cancer, heal wounds, control body odor, treat skin conditions like acne, … Read More
The American Heart Association recommends that anyone with hypertension should be monitoring blood pressure at home. Monitoring at home is the best way to see if your treatment is working to control your blood pressure. [1,2] Home monitoring may also help your doctor diagnose hypertension. Some people tend to have … Read More
Colon cleansing is in fashion—and it’s a big business. You’ve likely heard people talking about having a colon cleanse as if they were going to a spa for a massage. But be very careful! There are no scientific studies that support any benefits from this practice—except for the bank accounts … Read More
The number of Americans who smoke has fallen to 14.9 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—a big drop from 1997, when 25 percent of Americans smoked. Sadly, however, smoking still kills about half a million Americans annually, and it isn’t just the obvious smoking diseases … Read More
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects 14% to 20% of adults in the United States.[1] The most common first-line treatment for this very prevalent disorder is drug treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs can cause some serious side effects, including increased risk for pneumonia, osteoporosis, heart attack, and … Read More
I used to take a medication that caused my mouth to dry out. Fortunately, I only needed to take it periodically, but I never enjoyed having a sticky, dried out mouth that made it hard to swallow and made me feel like I could drink gallons of water without finding … Read More
The primary cause of COPD is smoking, but long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or certain chemicals also may cause or contribute to it. Genetics and biological differences also may be involved. A diet that is rich in fiber (from whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, beans, brown rice, and nuts), … Read More
Do sounds become muffled when you’ve got a cold? Does your ear feel blocked after a long swim? Sounds like you’re suffering from clogged ear, an annoying condition that can make hearing a challenge. While a clogged ear can indicate an ear infection, it could also be a sign of … Read More
