General Family Health

Gallstones, which are solid masses made up of cholesterol or bile particles, can either be harmless or they can make your life rather miserable. While most gallstones pass out of the body through...

Many people enjoy the relaxing heat and detoxifying effects of a sauna session. But if you're not sweating in a sauna, you must get out and cool off right away. Not only are you failing to get...

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some air fresheners used in the home may contain toxic chemicals. Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) used in aerosol and electric...

To lose weight, you must expend more calories than you consume. Running burns more calories than walking. Successful weight loss, however, requires consistent exercise as well as a healthy diet....

The cube test, also called the cube game, is a psychological test of unknown origin. Participants are asked to imagine a cube. Details about the image are then elicited, and conclusions are drawn...

The Telegraph reported in 2009 that teenagers spend, on average, 31 hours online a week. The effects of such extensive computer usage have been long debated, and studies have shown various...

Asbestos can be found in the backing of vinyl sheet flooring and in adhesives used to install tile. Asbestos is dangerous when fibers are released into the air and breathed over long periods of time.

Open dialogue with your doctor is one of the most important steps you can take for your health. Sadly, many of us fail at this communication and some health problems go unaddressed. It is...

Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. A water-insoluble form of bilirubin called non-conjugated or indirect bilirubin (BU) circulates in the blood or finds its...

Mexico is host to many insects, including parasitic bed bugs and fleas. Bed bugs emerge in the night and feed on human blood, and fleas can hitch a ride on a household pet into the home and...

Ears rarely need cleaning beyond what you can do with a wet wash cloth and a little mild soap. Sometimes, however, wax may start to build up and become a nuisance. Hydrogen peroxide may loosen...

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced from L-Tryptophan, and is your main biomarker of mental health. A biomarker records the balance of serotonin blood levels. A lack of serotonin produces...

Eyeglass prescriptions normally expire after two years, and most eyeglass manufacturers will not replace eyeglass lenses without a prescription less than two years old. The standard is two years...

In both summer and winter, extreme temperatures can affect your general health, your sleeping patterns and even how well you concentrate. However, even if you don't have access to air conditioner,...

A person might reach for a heating pad for several reasons. Gentle heat can soothe menstrual cramps or ease an aching lower back. According to Spine Health (see Reference 3), heat therapy can...

Radon, released from the decay of radium in soil and water, is the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoking. The air inside your home may have a radon concentration...

Body mass is calculated using a formula based on a person's height and weight. The resulting number is said to determine a person's body fat. For adults over 20 years of age, BMI is the same...

The medical term for sensitivity to light is photophobia. The condition is rather common and is not indicative of an underlying disease for a great number of people. Those people who suffer from...

Your scalp goes through different stages as you age in life. Having good blood flow to the scalp is essential in keeping your hair healthy over time. You can lie on the bed and let your head hang...

According to the Bronsted-Lowry definition, a base is a substance that can accept a hydrogen ion (H+), a hydrogen atom that has lost its only electron and hence carries a single positive charge....

Cell phones have become an essential tool in modern life, but some people are concerned about the levels of radiation that they emit. Since you typically hold your cell phone close to your head,...

Some thighmasters are positioned between the legs. To use them, you force your legs closed, and then open again. The ThighMaster LBX works in a different manner. It wraps around the outside of...

Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic found in fruits and nuts like grapes, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and walnuts. Ellagic acid prevents the binding of carcinogens in DNA. It strengthens...

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, using a nicotine patch as a smoking-cessation aid doubles your chances of quitting smoking. Many people, the Academy reports, start with a...

An indwelling urinary catheter is a small tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra or through a small hole in the abdomen. A leg bag or a bed drainage bag can be attached to the...

Walgreen's Digital thermometer, model VT-901BWT is used to check body temperature---usually when someone is sick or not feeling well. A digital thermometer can be used orally or rectally to check...

Electric toothbrushes, like those produced by Oral-B, give you a deep clean with minimal effort. However, over time, your brush heads will clean less effectively and will need replacing. According...