A caregiver’s perspective - physician and author Dennis McCullough talks about caring for your aging parents
Some 20 million people in the United States suffer from asthma. About 60% of them have allergic asthma, a specific kind of asthma that’s set off by inhaled allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, or cockroaches. read more »
ADA guidelines to help you take care of yourself
Earlier this year, in its revised Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) sharpened its recommendations on several aspects of diabetes management—and self-management. The updated guidelines feature the following additions.
Diabetes self-management education for all read more »
Alternating heat and cold speeds stroke rehab
American Heart Association has deemed a study of 46 stroke survivors a major milestone in that it showed alternating cycles of heat and cold (thermal stimulation) to significantly improve the function of paralyzed upper limbs. The study participants either underwent standard rehabilitation therapy for stroke or had standard treatment plus thermal stimulation 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Hot packs (at 167° F) and cold packs (slightly below 32° F) were first wrapped in towels to prevent tissue damage from the packs’ extreme temperatures. read more »
A program to lower cholesterol
Part I
Understanding the Problem
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed literature to help people with unhealthy levels of blood cholesterol. It is part of the National Cholesterol Education Program, which provides guidelines for making therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) in diet, physical activity, and weight management to achieve healthy cholesterol levels. Even when drug treatment is needed to lower blood cholesterol, the TLC Program should still be followed.
Coming up read more »
The impact of breast cancer on caregivers
This year more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But millions will be affected. I tell women that although they're the ones with the diagnosis, everyone who loves them will be affected. Let's look at who is impacted and why. read more »
Drowsy Driving Prevention
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) will launch Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, to take place November 5-11 (following the end of Daylight Saving Time). read more »
Help for your aching back
The back doesn’t get much respect—until it hurts. Then the pain can bring your life to a standstill. Here’s how to get back on your feet and avoid painful recurrences. read more »