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Most Recent Articles
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- The Style-savvy Turn To The Hot New Trend Of Sewing
To create a look you cannot buy, many fashion-conscious teens and young adults are learning to sew. Stitching savvy creations on today's high-tech sewing machines is a hot new trend.
According to Janome America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of home sewing machines, the past three years have seen their most successful sales. High-tech, computerized sewing machines now rank high on the wish lists of iPod-owning and laptop-carrying handcrafters. - Styles Of The Season
Fashion seems to have provided something for everyone this season, from a variety of simply beautiful dresses to romantic blouses and sophisticated accessories.
"The key is to choose the most flattering items that work for you," says fashion expert Laura McDowell. "Not everyone can wear every fashion trend." - On-the-go Fashion: Travel Essentials
Few travelers want to haul large suitcases or pull out the iron when they reach their destination and now you don't have to. A new collection of mix-and-match, easy-travel pieces has ruled out wrinkles and eliminated bulky bags, making it the perfect travel companion. - Women Can Now Enjoy Wearing What They Love
Although women love the way heels make them look, they have to live with the way heels make their bodies feel- unbalanced, with aches and pains from the balls of their feet to their lower backs. Fortunately, an ingenious idea based on medical science and technology is helping to make heels feel more like comfortable flats. - A Trick Women Can Teach Men About Style
It's a trick women have known forever: Changing your jewelry can add a whole new look to the same basic outfit. And with most men confined to either business suits or other attire that might as well be "uniforms" for all their similarity, it's also a trick worth heeding. - Arm Candy
Make a big statement this season with one important piece-the wristlet. From the runway to the red carpet and into the hands of fashionistas everywhere, the beaded wristlet is the perfect companion to take you from desk to date in style. - Treat Yourself To The Perfect Fit
One of the best indulgences a woman can give herself is taking the time to find lingerie that's beautiful, comfortable and, fits so well, you never feel like you're wearing it.
That's certainly true for bras, whether you wear an underwire, no wire or demi bra. Here are some fit questions answered by Soma's Fit Experts: - 'tis The Season To Sparkle And Shine
Did you ever stop to marvel at the irony of the holiday season? Why is it that during the most frantic time of year, women are expected to look their most dazzling and festive selves?
To address the holiday-makeup conundrum like a pro, Jerrod Blandino, Too Faced Cosmetics makeup artist extraordinaire, explains how to put a little sparkle in your eyes and add a touch of silver-screen magic to your overall look. - Holiday Fashions That Truly Sparkle- Top Must-have's For The Season
Everyone wants to look their best during the holidays--from gatherings with family and friends to wearing that "perfect" outfit for the company party. Smart shoppers know that the holiday season presents many opportunities to shine, and this season the fashions are both flattering and fun. And when shopping at off-price retailers, holiday fashion dollars stretch even further! - What Does Your Tie Say About You?
Neckwear is associated with business, special occasions and sophistication. Skimping on a quality tie or wearing an out-of-style tie can send the wrong message at an important time.
Neckwear Frequently - All That Glitters This Season
Maybe it's because the price of gold has shot through the roof, but anything metallic is superhot right now. - Let's Face It, Facial Hair Is Here To Stay
Facial hair has become one of the hottest trends in men's fashion, with more than 55 million men nationwide sporting facial hair within the last year. Men have discovered that facial hair can significantly enhance their look and help define their own personal style. Most men with facial hair believe it is their defining feature, suits their lifestyle and makes them look more desirable. - How To Be Fashion Fabulous At Any Age
Thanks to the hit series "Desperate Housewives," and the five fashion-forward ladies from Wisteria Lane, women can forget about the age-old expression "Dress your age." According to the show's costume designer, Cate Adair, the expression should really be "Dress in what makes you look great." - One Size Does Not Fit All
Each woman is unique and that may be one reason why finding a bra that fits and flatters has been a challenge-until now. Fortunately, bra sizing is getting personal, offering more personalized options in cup sizing and support. - Black Defines The Essence Of Style
Almost every season, fashion magazines choose a color that will be "the new black"-but few colors stay fashionable long enough to truly claim the title. Black is always the new black.
Whether it's the perfect little black dress, bag, boots or beads, as a fashion statement, black is truly the essence of style. - Lingerie's Coming Out Party
Undergarments have gone over the top. The latest trend in lingerie is to pair favorite pieces with a ready-to-wear garment, allowing women to show off certain types of lingerie that they couldn't-or wouldn't-show in the past.
You probably don't need to be a fashion historian to know that this trend marks a change in fashion rules dating back for decades. Yet stylists say it's an idea whose time has come-and one that's truly taking off. - Playing Dress Up
There's a dress to impress for just about every occasion, with bold prints and soft shapes taking center stage. For day, evening or work, the options are seemingly endless and often interchangeable. - Choosing The Bathing Suit That Suits You
Finding swimwear that flaunts your best assets-while downplaying the others-is not a hopeless endeavor. In fact, it can be simple, with a few tips.
Make A Splash - Celebrity Swimwear
For singer/actress Beyonce Knowles, her appearance on the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue was more than just the next step in a multimedia career; the event was a family affair, as Beyonce sports a variety of swim fashions designed by her mother, Tina.
Shades of orange is the color theme of this swimsuit collection from the House of Dereon, from pale peach to tangerine to navel orange. Accent colors include shiny gold, hunter green, as well as purple and black. - Tips On Caring For The Clothes You Love
From your go-with-anything T-shirt to the pair of jeans that always makes you look good and feel great, clothes are often more than mere items-they are articles of affection. - Little Black Dress Is The Star Of The Season
Simple says it best and nothing says simplicity quite like the elegant, always fashionable little black dress.
According to a recent survey, American women prefer the little black dress (LBD) over everything from jeans to a smashing red gown as the No. 1 item to wear to holiday parties. - Wearing White This Fall And Winter Is As Easy As Black And White
The bold contrast of black and white is one of the hottest trends this season. Bobbie Thomas, author of "The Buzz" for In Touch magazine, television host of Style Network's Fashion Police, and red carpet co-host for E! Entertainment, has teamed up with Downy® Plus Whitening fabric softener to help consumers feel confident and fashionable about wearing white this fall and winter, and work with the season's latest styles and the popular black-and- white trend. - Fresh Looks For School Year Fashions
Whether your kid is a budding fashionista or prefers jeans and a T-shirt, style is all about finding winning combinations. Fortunately, it's not hard to understand the latest trends in children's fashions this school year, since styles for youngsters are becoming more sophisticated. - How To Improve Your Mood With The Right Intimate Apparel
If a bad bra is ruining your mood, there's one sure way to lift your spirits-find a better bra that fits and flatters.
How serious is the bad bra mood-altering syndrome? According to a recent survey, nearly 75 percent of the women who responded claimed that wearing a bad bra can result in a bad mood or, as some women refer to it, Bad Bra Syndrome (BBS). - Remember This? The Return Of Retro
Ex-flower children may get a hint of deja vu this season, as fashionistas hail the return of '60s-inspired styles. They're calling it the "mod factor," and it borrows from past trends, icons and culture.
"From apparel to accessories, to footwear, to eyeliner, this mod look is hotter than hot," according to "DSN Retailing Today," a trade publication for retail executives. - Classic Casual: Building A Better Wardrobe
Flash-in-the-pan trends may come and go, but there's one style that designers consider distinctly American: casual. Think plaid, herringbone, leather, denim, fur trims, colorful knits and classic pants. The looks are refined and consistent, subtly chic and serve as a sophisticated backbone to most any wardrobe.
"So many of the pieces become wardrobe staples-that's why we call it 'seasonless dressing,'" explains Elizabeth Giebel of David Brooks, a fashion label of the Hampshire Group Ltd. - The Trend: Clothing You Can Wear Right Away
Youngsters can size up the back-to-school shopping trend in three words: Wear It Now.
Teens and preteens are looking for the immediate shopping gratification of purchasing clothing they can wear right now."A good idea for parents is to split the back-to-school budget into summer & fall shopping trips," suggests T.J. Maxx Fashion Spokesperson Laura McDowell. "Stock up on the trends for warmer weather now and then later add the sweaters, sweatshirts & other heavier items as the weather changes" - The "skinny" On Skinny Jeans
Stop the presses. You don't have to be skinny to wear "skinny." In fact, the skinny jean is about a look, not a waistline. - People Who Own (or Owned) Land Underlying Or Adjoining Certain Railroad Corridors In Louisiana...
If you own or have owned land underlying or adjoining railroad corridors in Louisiana, you may be entitled to money from the settlement of a pending class action lawsuit.
The rail corridors in question are: - Fighting Back In Court Can Save Your Business
Few things terrify corporate America more than a lawsuit. Now a fascinating new book that flies in the face of the business world's current conventional wisdom shows there is a better way.
The book, "Corporate Justice: Fight Back in the Courtroom and Protect Your Company," by attorney Kirk Willis, lays out a strategy for legal success-without settling out of court. - You Have The Right To Remain Suspicious
Akin to urban myths, legal myths also exist-tales that seem completely believable but are actually false.
In some cases, legal myths can affect important aspects of your life-so it's important to debunk them. - Piracy Report Reward Ceiling Raised To $1 Million
In 2006, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital information industry, paid $78,500 to sources who reported software piracy. Now the organization is increasing the maximum reward available under its software piracy reward program--to $1 million. - Test Your Knowledge About The Supreme Court
How much do you know about the legal body that interprets the laws that govern the way you live? You'll find out on January 31 and February 7 when Thirteen/WNET New York's "The Supreme Court," a four-part series on the highest court in the land, premieres on PBS, with a Web site at pbs.org/supremecourt. You can find out how much you know now about the Court by taking this quiz:
1. How many chief justices of the United States have led the Supreme Court since 1790? - Another Reason For Hope In The Fight Against Cancer
A new drug can mean new hope for men dealing with advanced-stage prostate cancer.
First there was the approval and widespread use of Taxotere, which was the first chemotherapy drug that showed proven survival benefit for those for whom previously accepted treatment failed. - Taking A Bite Out Of Lyme
While many viewers may know actress Mary McDonnell as President Laura Roslin on the 2006 Peabody Award-winning TV show "Battlestar Galactica" or as Kevin Costner's love interest in the movie "Dances With Wolves," few people know that offscreen, as the national spokesperson for the Lyme Disease Association, she works to build awareness of Lyme disease and its devastating effects.
Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, is contracted from the bite of a bacteria-infected tick. In humans, infection with Lyme disease bacteria can lead to problems related to the nervous system, heart, joints, eyes and even the brain. - Patient Awareness And Additional Therapies Help Turn The Corner On Cancer
Doctors and patients may finally be turning a corner in the war against cancer, says a new report released by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The report, released early this year, shows that colorectal cancer deaths declined for the second year in a row. - New Versions Of Age-old Poisons Offer Hope To Cancer Patients
Over time, a number of plants once thought to be dangerous, such as the tomato and potato, have been shown to actually be nutritious and are now part of everyday life for many. In a similar way, new drugs derived from two substances once considered poisons are now in clinical trials and are offering hope to some people with cancer.
Specifically, more patient-friendly versions of arsenic and nitrogen mustard are getting a second chance as effective chemotherapy options for patients with multiple myeloma and sarcoma. - New Versions Of Age-old Poisons Offer Hope To Cancer Patients
Over time, a number of plants once thought to be dangerous, such as the tomato and potato, have been shown to actually be nutritious and are now part of everyday life for many. In a similar way, new drugs derived from two substances once considered poisons are now in clinical trials and are offering hope to some people with cancer.
Specifically, more patient-friendly versions of arsenic and nitrogen mustard are getting a second chance as effective chemotherapy options for patients with multiple myeloma and sarcoma. - Prevention Is Key To Stopping Spread Of Mrsa And Other Staph Infections
An infection commonly mistaken as a spider bite, ingrown hair or pimple, and previously found almost exclusively in hospitals, is now becoming a problem in communities nationwide, spreading among teammates, students, family and friends.
A type of staph infection, it's commonly known as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and it's growing at an alarming rate. - Know The Risk Factors For Early Detection Of Chronic Kidney Disease
If you or a loved one has any of the common risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as diabetes and high blood pressure, you are not alone. Twenty million Americans (1 in 9 U.S. adults) have CKD, but may not recognize the warning signs until the disease has progressed.
To get the word out about CKD risk factors and the importance of early detection, former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, M.D., the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. and other sponsors are joining forces to educate Americans about kidney disease. - Understanding Epilepsy
There could be good news for the more than 3 million Americans currently diagnosed with epilepsy and the millions more who may be someday.
Efforts to cure and raise awareness about the condition are getting a big boost from some big names. - Cancer Treatment Tailored For You
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. The American Cancer Society estimates that close to 1.4 million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer last year. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you are most likely seeking information on treatment options. With so many choices, it can be a difficult decision. But with personalized medicine, there are new approaches to cancer treatment that address each patient on an individual basis and identify the treatment regimen that will work best for you. - A Simple Blood Test To Monitor Asbestos-related Cancer
The world's first blood (in vitro) test for monitoring mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, has received approval from the FDA under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) program. With a simple blood test, the Mesomark® Assay test kit may enable doctors to monitor patients diagnosed with biphasic or epithelioid mesothelioma, the two most common forms of mesothelioma.
This test may enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients with mesothelioma, which is often misdiagnosed and has been tracked as a cause of death only since 1999, according to Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, Chief Scientific Officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. - Taking Control Of Cancer
If you are-or if you know-one of the 1.4 million Americans diagnosed with cancer this year, there is a free resource available to help guide you through your treatment.
To help, The Wellness Community, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emotional support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer, has created the "Frankly Speaking About Cancer Treatment" booklet and journal. - Understanding Muscular Dystrophy
If you're like most Americans, you're familiar with the term "muscular dystrophy" but not quite sure what it involves. Knowing more about the disorder could help you or someone you know.
"Muscular dystrophy" is a broad term for gene-related disorders that weaken muscles throughout the body. Of the more than 20 forms of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is perhaps the most common. - Cancer Treatment Tailored For You
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. The American Cancer Society estimates that close to 1.4 million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer last year. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you are most likely seeking information on treatment options. With so many choices, it can be a difficult decision. But with personalized medicine, there are new approaches to cancer treatment that address each patient on an individual basis and identify the treatment regimen that will work best for you. - A Simple Blood Test To Monitor Asbestos-related Cancer
The world's first blood (in vitro) test for monitoring mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, has received approval from the FDA under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) program. With a simple blood test, the Mesomark® Assay test kit may enable doctors to monitor patients diagnosed with biphasic or epithelioid mesothelioma, the two most common forms of mesothelioma.
This test may enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients with mesothelioma, which is often misdiagnosed and has been tracked as a cause of death only since 1999, according to Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, Chief Scientific Officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. - Protecting Yourself From A Common Disease
A simple test can help diagnose the most common type of blood-borne virus in the U.S. Yet more than 70 percent of those infected do not know they have the disease.
The condition is hepatitis C. The viral infection, which is four times more prevalent than HIV, attacks the liver and can be life threatening if left untreated. Because years can pass before symptoms occur, an estimated 2.8 million people with the virus have not yet been diagnosed. - Teaming Up To Face Cancer
Facing a cancer diagnosis and its many treatment options can be overwhelming for many cancer patients. But teaming up with family and friends to face chemotherapy, the use of drugs that destroy cancer cells, can provide much needed support to the 1.3 million Americans who undergo this type of cancer treatment each year. For those with a loved one going through this difficult time, it is important to know what you can do to help.
Educate yourself about cancer and chemotherapy. Familiarize yourself with the disease and the different treatment options that are available. There are many different types of chemotherapy, so it is important to listen to the doctor's recommendations to ensure your loved one receives the best possible treatment for his or her type of cancer. - Reducing The Risk Of Chronic Conditions
Good news when it comes to childhood cancers in the U.S.: Today, nearly 80 percent of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors as a result of advanced treatments. In fact, medical experts predict that within five years, one in every 250 young adults will be a childhood cancer survivor.
Unfortunately, there may also be some bad news concerning the long-term survivors of childhood cancer, according to a recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. - Alternative Option For Treating Uterine Fibroids
More than 25 million American women have a medical condition that can adversely impact their lives-uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are common, benign, noncancerous tumors that grow on or within the muscle tissue of the uterus. While some women may have fibroids and never experience symptoms, fibroids can have a significant effect on many women's quality of life. Every woman should see a physician if she suspects that she has uterine fibroids. Common symptoms may include: - How To Tell If You Have Thyroid Troubles
A little knowledge may help you avoid a real pain in the neck. Understanding the sometimes subtle symptoms of a thyroid condition can help you get the treatments you need before the situation can grow serious.
You may be at risk for thyroid disorder if you're: - Knowing Your Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unique Web Site Offers Insight Into Physical And Emotional
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a debilitating disease that can have serious physical and emotional effects. It is important for patients and caregivers to understand all aspects of the disease, not just the physical symptoms. Now, with the help of RAliving.com, a unique, interactive educational Web site, RA patients can get to know and measure their disease in a new way.
More than two million Americans are living with RA, a chronic disease associated with joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Those with RA often experience struggles with daily activities. - Cervical Cancer Diagnosis Leads To Passion For Prevention
Thanks to one woman's passion for prevention, fewer women will be faced with the difficulties that she experienced when she learned of her cervical cancer.
At age 36, Paige Anderson heard words every woman dreads, "You have cervical cancer." Thanks to a gynecologic oncologist, Paige learned that there were options for managing her cancer. She learned that she could be managed with surgery rather than chemotherapy and radiation, as she was told by her first doctor. She realized how important it was to see an expert-a gynecologic oncologist-and she and her husband Mark decided to share what they had learned with others. - Medicare Paying For Preventive. Aneurysm Screening For First Time
Hundreds of thousands of Americans who receive Medicare benefits now have access to an important tool for fighting vascular disease: a free abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. AAA is a bulge in the wall of the aorta and exists in an estimated 2 million Americans. AAA rupture is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and an estimated 15,000 seniors die from AAA rupture each year. In 2007, for the first time, new Medicare beneficiaries at risk for AAA have the opportunity to be screened using painless and noninvasive ultrasound technology.
The Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Very Efficiently (SAAAVE) Act that was passed by Congress is effective as of January 1, 2007. This free AAA screening is available to men who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes at any time in their lives, and to men and women with a family history of AAA. This screening is part of the Welcome to Medicare physical. - Relieving Irritable Bowel Syndrome Discomfort
Imagine having to plan your day centered on where the closest bathroom is. Hardly anyone talks about it--it's embarrassing and often painful and, when symptoms are frequent and severe, it can take away a person's freedom and dignity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder in which the bowel doesn't work as it should, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, cramps and more. It affects more than 25 million Americans and 70 percent of all sufferers are women. - Children Create Storybooks To Help Others With Chronic Illness
At an age when most kids are reading storybooks, 8-year-old Emma and 3-year-old Charlie were each creating their own books to help them deal with their chronic disease-primary immunodeficiency (PI).
PI is a group of genetic, lifelong disorders of the immune system that make the body unable to protect itself from germs. The condition makes Emma and Charlie, who are not related, vulnerable to serious and potentially life-threatening infections. By the time they were toddlers, both children had logged more time in hospitals than many people do in a lifetime. Now they have turned their experiences into books designed to help other kids and their families as they face the frustrations and fears of ongoing medical conditions. - Treatment Fills Void For Some Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers
Angie Jenkins, a mother of two and a grocery store supervisor from Florida, found it difficult to accept she had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of 37. Like many of the 2 million Americans who have this debilitating autoimmune disorder, Jenkins endured swelling, aching in her joints and overwhelming fatigue. During her eight-year battle with pain, Jenkins struggled to find an effective treatment.
"At one point I took 13 pills a day, and it was very frustrating not to find relief," Jenkins said. "Even simple everyday things were hard. First thing in the morning, I like a cup of tea. I couldn't pick up the cup empty, let alone with tea in it." - Poor Eye Drainage Can Lead To Glaucoma
Every winter across the U.S., heavy rains bring thoughts of flooding, backed-up drainage systems and overflowing streets. When the drains and city sewers get clogged, the overflow of winter rains can bring a once- bustling community to a grinding halt. Like the back up caused by winter's inevitable downpour, poor drainage of a person's eye can lead to high eye pressure which is a cause of glaucoma. The vision loss can be devastating and can drastically change the life of a once-active adult. In fact, 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma, but half do not realize it because there are often no warning signs.
In a healthy eye, fluid is constantly being made and drained through a tiny drainage canal. When something blocks or prevents this natural drainage, the pressure inside the eye goes up. Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure that can develop when the fluids in the eye are not draining properly. This condition eventually damages the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and leads to loss of vision. - Tips And Tools To Help Those Living With Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a disease of the heart and blood vessels that includes conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, chest pain and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States. However, research shows that the nearly 8 million American adults living with serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may be at an even greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease than the general population.
People living with these illnesses have an increased prevalence of risk factors for CVD, including obesity, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. In fact, people living with these illnesses die an average of 20 years earlier than the general population, with heart disease as the leading cause of death. - Hiv/aids And Women, 25 Years Later
It's been a quarter of a century since the world was first introduced to HIV/AIDS. Yet, according to a new study, many women don't feel empowered to take important precautions to protect themselves from the disease.
A new report by the not-for-profit National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC) finds that women often feel powerless to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS. Some don't insist that their partners wear condoms during intercourse, while others don't take the anti-viral medication known to dramatically increase survival rates, should they be diagnosed - The First Step To Cancer Survival
Medical experts are working on ways to help people with cancer live longer. That's important because every day, 3,835 are told by their doctors that they have cancer. Ten million Americans are cancer survivors and they stay strong with hope. Unfortunately, a majority of newly diagnosed survivors are not prepared with the skills needed to fight this terrible disease. The first step to cancer survival is educating yourself through credible and accurate resources.
Years ago a group of survivors, oncology nurses and oncology social workers recognized a need for a resource that would teach cancer survivors the skills needed to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness. That's why the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), the Oncology Nursing Society, the Association of Oncology Social Work and later the National Association of Social Workers partnered to develop the Cancer Survival Toolbox®. - New Clinical Trials For Lung Cancer Patients
New clinical trials are studying the safety of a treatment for patients with late stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), lung cancer is the most common cancer-related death among adults, and accounts for about 29 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. The majority of people, nearly 70 percent, diagnosed with lung cancer are over the age of 65. - Less Is Often Best In Treating Tmj Disorders
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, commonly called "TMJ," are a group of painful conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movements. Injury plays a role in some TMJ problems, but for many people, symptoms seem to start without obvious reason. The good news is that for most people, pain in this area is not a signal of a serious problem. Generally, discomfort is occasional and temporary and will go away with little or no treatment. Even if symptoms persist, most patients still do not need aggressive types of treatment.
Dental researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are looking for answers to what causes these disorders and what the best treatments are. Currently, there is little scientific evidence to show which treatments work and which don't. Until there is science-based evidence to help health care providers make sound treatment decisions, the NIH dental institute suggests the following: - New Patch "sticks It" To Adhd
According to data presented at a recent medical meeting, Daytrana™ (methylphenidate transdermal system)-the first and only patch for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-demonstrated statistically significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and was generally well tolerated in patients. In fact, in the study, children aged 6 to 12 years receiving Daytrana versus placebo demonstrated significant improvement in math skills. This information comes after the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Daytrana as a well-tolerated and effective, once-daily, ADHD medication for children aged 6 to 12 years.
"Children with ADHD and their caregivers must manage symptom control throughout the day in a variety of settings, such as the classroom, after-school activities, or home," explains clinical trials principal investigator Sharon Wigal, Ph.D., associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California Irvine Child Development Center. "These studies document that a methyl-phenidate patch is an effective, once-daily ADHD treatment that can result in the improvement of multiple measures of behavior and math test performance." - Meet The Faces Of Influenza
We all know someone who needs to be vaccinated against the influenza virus this year.
With over 200 million people in the U.S. being part of a group that health officials recommend receive influenza vaccination, it is likely that you or a family member need to be immunized each year. - "bad Air" Increases Health Risks For Millions Of Asthma Patients
Nearly half of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthy ozone levels, according to a 2006 report.1 And for people with respiratory and lung diseases, especially the estimated 20 million Americans with asthma,2 "bad air" days pose an exceptionally high risk. Unfortunately, the health risks associated with high levels of ozone aren't limited to summer months, and people can feel the effects of smog all year long.
Ozone and Asthma - Cancer And Clinical Trials: Getting The Facts
Clinical trials are studies that investigate different therapies or combinations of treatments in order for researchers to improve the best treatment options for patients. They are an important part of the process of understanding diseases, and have been instrumental in providing information to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of new therapies.
One condition for which clinical trials are currently underway is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a general term for a number of lymphomas of the skin. There are approximately 16,000 to 20,000 patients living with CTCL across the United States. Yet due to the difficulty of diagnosing the disease in its early stages and the lack of an accurate reporting system, these numbers are estimates. - Helping Young Adults Deal With A Common Condition
It's a common disease, but if you're a young adult struggling to find your place in the world, it couldn't happen at a worse time.
That's because psoriasis-a condition characterized by dry, red patches on the skin that typically first appear from age 15 to 25-is more than just unsightly. It can have a very real impact on a young person's self-esteem, social life, grades and job performance. - Stigma And Denial Delay Diagnosis Of Alzheimer's Disease
According to a survey from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, concern about stigma and denial of symptoms can, on average, delay a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by more than two years after symptoms appear. This is troubling news for patients and caregivers alike.
Spouses, children and siblings are usually the first to notice the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease; they help with the diagnosis because they witness the progression of the disease in their loved ones, playing a pivotal role in caring for the estimated 5 million Americans with the disease. A delay means that patients must wait to receive treatment that could potentially reduce the disease's symptoms. - Take Heart: Hope For A Silent Disease
Imagine not being able to walk to your mailbox, climb the stairs or complete regular, everyday activities due to severe shortness of breath or dizziness. For people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, that's the reality.
While health and wellness should always be top-of-mind, National Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month offers an opportunity for us to learn about PAH, a rare but life-threatening condition that is often challenging for doctors to diagnose right away. - Offering Assistance To Patients In Need
With millions of Americans today lacking health insurance, a growing nationwide program sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies is helping financially struggling patients obtain access to the prescription medicines they need. By calling a toll-free number or logging on to a user-friendly Web site, patients can contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs providing help with more than 2,500 brand name and generic medicines for free or nearly free.
Already, the PPA has helped more than 2.7 million uninsured and underinsured patients, but millions more could potentially benefit. For example, the PPA is now helping to connect patients without a regular doctor with free health clinics in their community. This assures that patients are prescribed the proper treatment for their health needs and helps them complete patient assistance program applications. - Experts Help Those Living With Serious Skin Disease Live Life To The Fullest
Everyone wants to feel good about themselves and have the confidence they need to realize their ambitions. But for some people, living with a very visible skin condition like psoriasis may impact their self-esteem, which, in turn, can affect their ability to reach their goals.
Up to 7.5 million people in the United States are living with the chronic skin disease called psoriasis. But what many people don't know is that psoriasis is not just a rash or itchy, dry skin-it's an autoimmune disease, meaning your immune system actually attacks your own body. Skin cells reproduce at an accelerated rate, rising to the skin surface, dying and building up there. The result can be painful and itchy red, scaly patches that develop on areas of the body such as the elbows, knees and scalp. - Learn The Link: Drugs Can Give You More Than A High
The face of HIV/AIDS is changing in this country. A recent research report on the subject by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) makes this point. It notes that while injecting drugs is a practice often associated with HIV, less understood is the role that drug abuse plays more generally in spreading the disease. This is because the "high" that people get from drugs may alter their judgment and lead them to take risks they normally would not take-including having unprotected sex. Certain drugs also increase sexual desire and so when used in social situations can heighten this risk. Teenagers and young adults may be particularly vulnerable. That is why NIDA has launched a multimedia campaign to help young people "learn the link" between drug abuse and HIV infection.
NIDA's large body of drug abuse research shows that all drugs of abuse, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and "ecstasy," affect areas of the brain that control decision-making. And although many young people are not concerned about becoming infected with HIV, engaging in risky behavior puts them in real danger. "In recent years, the number of young people in the U.S. diagnosed with AIDS rose substantially," said Dr. Nora Volkow, NIDA's Director. "And because drug use encourages risky behaviors that can promote HIV transmission, NIDA views drug abuse treatment as essential HIV prevention." - Aggressive Blood Cancer Twice As Likely To Affect African Americans
When people think of cancer, multiple myeloma (MM) is not likely to be top of mind. Although it is a rare blood cancer, this aggressive, rapidly progressive disease is the second most common type of blood cancer in the U.S., disproportionately affecting African Americans and the elderly in particular. In fact, MM is one of the top 10 causes of cancer deaths among African Americans. Studies show African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease versus Caucasians, and recent statistics indicate both increasing incidence and younger age of onset. - Living Positively With Hiv
Albert knows first- hand what stigma means for an HIV patient in the Hispanic community. When Albert's brother was diagnosed with HIV, the only family member he confided in was Albert, because he thought no one else would support him. When the truth later became known and Albert's brother died of AIDS complications, the family refused to admit it-instead, friends were told the cause of death was a "brain tumor."
Years after his brother's death, Albert found out he himself was HIV positive. Supporting his brother when he was sick made Albert realize that, in order to lead a fulfilling life and fight against HIV, he had to fight the stigma that made his brother's struggle against the disease even more difficult. - Former Nfl Player And Coach Scores Renewed Health After Diagnosis Of Hereditary Emphysema
After more than four decades on the football field with some of the nation's biggest and toughest men, former NFL player and coach Monte Clark was nearly sidelined by a little-known medical condition.
Clark, age 69, was diagnosed five years ago with Alpha1-Anti-trypsin (AAT) deficiency, a genetically linked disorder also known as Alpha-1 or hereditary emphysema. An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. have Alpha-1 and up to 95 percent are undiagnosed.1 The condition is caused by a reduction or lack of the blood protein AAT in the lungs. - Taking Care Of Your Legs, Inside And Out
Rita Smith, 57, had enjoyed an active lifestyle that included aerobics and dog walking, but had to stop when these activities caused pain in her lower legs. She also noticed the bottoms of her feet turned white after being active. Smith lived with the pain and uncertainty for three years. When she decided to seek medical attention, her diagnosis was peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.).
Between 8 and 12 million Americans over the age of 50 (or one in 20 adults) have P.A.D., a disease that occurs when arteries-particularly in the lower legs-become clogged with fatty deposits that limit blood flow. P.A.D. increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, but timely detection and treatment can reduce these risks and improve your quality of life. Your risk for P.A.D. is increased if you: smoke or used to smoke; have diabetes; have high blood pressure; have high blood cholesterol; have a history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke; or are African American. - Blythe Danner Speaks Out About Early Detection And Screening For Head And Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer affects approximately 40,000 Americans each year, and more than half of these patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease, when survival rates are much lower. Head and neck cancer is expected to be responsible for more than 11,000 deaths this year alone.
Although more individuals are diagnosed with this type of cancer than leukemia, pancreatic or ovarian cancer, few are even aware of this disease. Additionally, many Americans are not familiar with the signs and symptoms or mistake them for something else, which may lead to delayed treatment and more advanced disease. - American Pain Foundation Shines Spotlight On Shingles
Real estate consultant Robert Hanley, 71, had just returned from a week's vacation in Florida when some bumps on his back began to itch. He thought it was just some bug bites from sitting alongside the pool. But his wife urged him to see the doctor. Much to his surprise, Hanley was diagnosed with shingles, a frequently painful disease that is marked by a blistering rash on one side of the body or face. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the virus that caused chickenpox and can affect anyone at anytime without warning.
It is estimated that 1 million cases of shingles are diagnosed in the United States each year, 40 to 50 percent of which occur in people 60 and older. - Giving People With Rheumatoid Arthritis A Hand
There is now hope to reduce and help prevent the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition that afflicts millions of Americans.
The Arthritis Foundation recently made available an educational tool that provides valuable tips for people who think they might have RA. The brochure highlights the latest advances in diagnostic testing for this debilitating disease. In particular, it features a new screening tool, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Panel from Quest Diagnostics. This panel allows health care providers to determine with nearly 100 percent accuracy if a patient has RA. - Inside And Out-the Pain Of Psoriatic Arthritis
Imagine having a disease that not only causes pain and stiffness on the inside, while affecting how you look on the outside, but also causes you to experience embarrassment and being treated differently. Imagine you were living with psoriatic arthritis. For the 500,000 people suffering from this chronic disease, this can be an unfortunate reality.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is related to psoriasis, a chronic skin disease that causes dry, red, scaly patches (lesions) on the skin. The physical symptoms associated with this complex disease may not be the only source of pain for sufferers. The duality of symptoms-joint and skin-can cause not only physical pain but emotional pain as well. Lack of education about the condition and misunderstandings in public can be extremely frustrating and leave people feeling helpless to the point that many avoid public places and interaction with others and may even change their daily activities. - The Hpv Vaccine And Pap Tests: What Every Woman Should Know About Preventing Cervical Cancer
It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, yet with no obvious symptoms, many people never even know they have it. Left undetected, though, certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical cancer, a disease that will strike more than 10,000 women in the U.S. in 2006.
Recent medical advancements have been made, however, to help stop this disease. - Screening Still Critical Despite Introduction Of First Hpv Vaccine For Cervical Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer, and news of its arrival has been carried by practically every newspaper and TV station nationwide. But if you think the vaccine means screening with the Pap and HPV tests is no longer needed, think again.
"Ongoing screening with the Pap and-for women 30 and older -the HPV test will always be a critical part of cervical cancer prevention for women, with or without the vaccine," says physician and patient-empowerment expert Dr. Marie Savard. - Oral Cancer-are You At Risk?
Oral cancers, cancers that occur in the mouth and/or pharynx (part of the throat), are diagnosed in about 28,000 Americans each year. People who use tobacco or drink alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer than those who don't use these substances. And, using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at much greater risk than using either substance alone.
It's important to find oral cancer early when it can be treated more successfully, say dental researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They advise you to see your doctor or dentist if you notice any changes in your mouth or throat that last more than two weeks. If you use tobacco products or drink alcohol, you should be especially watchful for any changes that may be related to oral cancer. Finding oral cancer early can increase your chances for successful treatment and recovery. - New Program For Newborns With Neurological Risk
There may be good news for the estimated 10,000 babies born each year in the United States with an increased risk for a neurological disability.
A new program provides free storage of newborn stem cells-derived from a baby's umbilical cord blood right after birth-for children who have a low score on a test commonly used to measure a newborn's immediate condition. - Tension Headaches? You May Want To See A Dentist
If you suffer migraine or tension headaches, here's a thought to chew on: They may be caused by your bite. The pain you have in your head and neck could be due to the fact that your jaw is not resting where it wants to be.
When it's not, your jaw muscles are in a state of chronic contraction. And it is the muscles of the temple area of the forehead that play an important part in the posturing and closing of the jaw. When your bite (occlusion) is not right, it can lead to abnormal tension-one of several possible causes of tension-type headaches. - 25 Years Later: Aids And The Forgotten Victims
Science has taken important steps toward treating the condition in the 25 years since the first cases of a nameless, deadly disease now known as the human immunodeficiency virus were recorded in the U.S. The problems of one group affected by the disease, however, need addressing in a different way.
Over the last quarter century, the tragic story of HIV/AIDS has often been told-but the story of children orphaned by this disease is often forgotten. Without mothers, fathers, doctors and community leaders, millions of children are left unprotected and deprived of a normal childhood. Children are suffering because the world has not recognized that the disease is wreaking havoc on childhood. - Medical Technology: Minimally Invasive-major Results
Not long ago, having surgery meant a long hospital stay and an even longer recovery. Today, minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical tools allow patients to avoid unnecessary procedures and recover from surgery quickly so they can get back to the activities they love. Thanks to medical technology, which encompasses everything from laboratory tests to imaging machines to replacement joints, conditions are diagnosed earlier, surgeries are performed faster and recovery times are significantly shorter.
Below are real-life examples of individuals who are benefiting from medical technology. They are part of the "Progress You Can See" program, an educational effort sponsored by AdvaMed, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, about the value of medical technology. - Cancer Screenings Made Easier
More than 30,000 lives could be saved every year if screening for colorectal cancer were more widespread, according to the American Cancer Society. Yet fewer than 42 percent of adults age 50 and older undergo colorectal screening. Fortunately, that may soon change.
According to a Mayo Clinic study, many Americans avoid getting screened for colorectal cancer because of the screening's preparation process. That process often involves drinking a difficult-to-tolerate liquid that cleanses the colon before the actual procedure. - When Treating Alzheimer's Disease, Combination Therapy May Provide The Greatest Benefit
While you may be aware that FDA-approved treatments are available for patients with Alzheimer's disease, did you know that using two classes of medications in combination may provide the greatest benefits?
In the 1990's, a class of treatments called cholinesterase inhibitors was approved for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. In 2003, a new type of therapy, Namenda®, was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Namenda works in a different way than previously approved treatments, by helping to regulate levels of glutamate, a messenger chemical that the brain uses to process, store, and retrieve information. The only approved treatment for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, Namenda may help with memory, behavior, and activities of daily living. - Help Professional Hockey Player Return To Center Ice
Imagine. One moment you are playing at the peak of your talents in the National Hockey League in front of thousands of fans, and the next you are filing your retirement papers due to a mysterious neurological disorder that has robbed you not only of your ability to play hockey but also the ability to do simple daily tasks such as shaving, driving a car and reading to your children.
You've just put yourself in professional hockey player Rem Murray's shoes. - Protecting Against Serious Chemotherapy Side Effect
Every year, approximately 1.3 million cancer patients in the United States receive chemotherapy, the use of drugs that destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy works by seeking out and attacking fast growing cells. As a result, healthy cells, including developing blood cells, are also killed, which can cause significant unwanted side effects for patients. What many patients don't know is that they can protect themselves from neutropenia, one of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy.
Neutropenia is a shortage of infection-fighting white blood cells. Febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count with fever) is one of the most common symptoms of infection in patients receiving strong chemotherapy. Complications associated with a low white blood cell count can delay a patient's chemotherapy or keep them from getting a full dose of chemotherapy. Such delays and dose reductions can make chemotherapy less effective. - Feel Comfortable At Work, Even With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Every now and again, we get up and go to work despite feeling less than perfect. But if you have a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may have that feeling more often because it can be physically painful to get out of bed.
More than two million Americans have RA, the majority of whom are women. Despite what many believe, RA doesn't only affect the elderly. In fact, onset usually occurs between the ages of 25 and 50, affecting people in the prime of their lives when they are raising families and/or building a career. - Uncover The "family Ties" Of Bipolar Disorder
When Renee was a teenager, her father began to act differently. He was irritable all of the time and started isolating himself from everyone; he never seemed to sleep; and he spent money recklessly, causing the family financial difficulties. He withdrew from his friends and started having trouble at work. "He went from being social and fun to be around, to quiet and withdrawn," Renee recalls. "The change was dramatic." Then, without any warning, Renee's father abandoned her family.
Years later, Renee, now a devoted wife and mother of three, began to experience some of the same behaviors that she saw her father struggle with. She experienced rapid mood swings, overspent when she went shopping, had racing thoughts and found herself uninterested in things she used to enjoy. "I had a strong tendency to isolate myself," Renee explains. When she began behaving erratically and unpredictably, her family convinced her to see a psychiatrist, who hospitalized her and diagnosed her with bipolar disorder. - Six Ways To Provide Long-distance Care To A Loved One Living With Cancer
When a loved one has cancer and lives far away, worry surrounding their care and well- being can be overwhelming. The consumer Web site of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, People Living With Cancer, offers the following suggestions on how caregivers can provide meaningful support from afar:
1. Research and assess their needs. Gather as much information as possible about your family member's or friend's medical, financial and legal needs, and use this as a basis for helping him or her make care-related decisions. - Six Ways To Provide Long-distance Care To A Loved One Living With Cancer
When a loved one has cancer and lives far away, worry surrounding their care and well- being can be overwhelming. The consumer Web site of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, People Living With Cancer, offers the following suggestions on how caregivers can provide meaningful support from afar:
1. Research and assess their needs. Gather as much information as possible about your family member's or friend's medical, financial and legal needs, and use this as a basis for helping him or her make care-related decisions. - Ten Tips To Help Ease Life With A Chronic Disease
No matter what the diagnosis, finding out that you have a chronic illness can be a frightening and confusing experience. Following are 10 steps, provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to help people cope with the news more easily:
1. Educate yourself about the disease. You owe it to yourself to know as much as possible. Contact health organizations specific to your illness, such as the National MS Society, for comprehensive information. The Internet, bookstores and the library are also great resources. - The First Step To Preventing Colorectal Cancer
An estimated 90 million Americans are at risk of developing colorectal cancer, the second-leading cancer killer in the United States. About 145,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year-and 57,000 will die from it. In many cases, the cancerous tumors are discovered too late, mainly because screening was not taken seriously.
The fact is, screening can prevent many cases of this disease because most colorectal cancers evolve from benign adenomatous polyps that develop during a 10-year silent window. A single colonoscopy exam can remove polyps when they are still harmless and decrease the life-long risk of colon cancer death by 31 percent. And that's just one exam. Repeating the exam every 10 years does much more. - Lung Cancer: What Women Need To Know
There's encouraging news for women in the fight against lung cancer. Although the incidence of lung cancer in women increased rapidly after World War II as more women began to smoke, that trend may finally be reversing. Recent studies show that lung cancer cases in women have leveled off for the first time.
However, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), raising awareness of the disease and its causes remain urgent. Despite the downward trend, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S. Lung cancer accounts for one in every four cancer deaths and one of every eight newly diagnosed cancers in women. Altogether, 173,000 Americans are diagnosed each year.
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