Health Care

The Group of cholesterol lowering drugs collectively known as “statins” is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stoke. Now, new guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology may change the way they are prescribed. Physicians are now being urged to intensively treat those most at More…

Self-catheterization provides a good means for the physically disabled to avoid bladder infections. It may also be used for some types of incontinence or for an inability to empty the bladder properly. Causes may include spinal cord injuries, nerve problems, weak bladder muscles, a blocked urethra (urine canal), as well as some types of surgery. More…

New blood pressure management guidelines have raised the limits before hypertension drugs are recommended for many patients. Under the new guidelines, for most hypertensive individuals 60 years or older, drug treatment is now recommended when the systolic pressure is 150mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 90mm Hg or higher. For younger patients More…

The group of inherited blood disorders known as “hemophilia” stems from a genetic defect that results in deficiency in one of the blood clotting factors.  As a result of defects in the blood vessels, the coagulation mechanism, or the blood platelets, a hemophiliac may bleed spontaneously or for longer than normal. The two main types More…

The American Council for Headache Education reports that, during the past year, nearly 90% of men and 95% of women have experienced at least one headache. Tension headaches, the most common type, often result from muscle tension and stress. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen provide relief; however, headache sufferers should use More…

One trouble with Tylenol (acetaminophen) is that the over-the-counter (OTC) pain-reliever is so effective and so accessible that many people take it without much thought. The problem with this careless approach is that acetaminophen can cause liver damage if more than 4,000 milligrams of the drug are taken in a 24-hour period. That is the More…

Not only does a flu shot help reduce the risk of developing a case of influenza, it may also help prevent another heart attack. In fact, according to a recent analysis of four studies, people who had suffered from recent heart attacks and who were randomly assigned to get flu shots experienced a 55 percent More…

A new cough usually develops as a result of an upper-respiratory infection from a common cold. Coughs of this type can last up to two months, in which case it would qualify as a “chronic” cough (medically defines as one that lasts more than three to four weeks). The most likely culprits of chronic coughs More…

A recent report from a group of leading U.S. pediatricians says that most breast-feeding mothers can safely take needed medications and vaccines without fear that they will harm their nursing infants. Additionally, the report from the American Academy of Pediatrics in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposes that drug labels contain a More…

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks joints and other tissues. As a result, debilitating pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness ensues, which can permanently damage joints. While orthopedic surgery is often needed, recent research suggest that prompt and appropriate treatment may avert the need for replacement joints. One problem facing RA patients More…

As researchers estimate that the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease will triple over the next four decades, any news regarding prevention or treatment is welcomed. With this in mind, recent research reveals that certain blood pressure medications are able to slow the progression of symptoms of this fatal and incurable brain disease. Specifically, More…

Today’s home hemodialysis equipment is smaller and easier to learn, use and maintain than older machines. Although hemodialysis may be essential for saving the lives of those with advanced kidney disease, it can also be a time-consuming treatment. By doing the job that damaged kidneys can no longer perform, dialysis removes waste and fluid buildup More…