It's a great time to make sure your feet are in healthy shape for summer. Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin caused by repeated pressure or friction. A corn is thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. A callus is thickened skin on the hands or the soles of the feet. Preventing friction is often [...]
Here’s something you may not give a second thought: “Climate control” for your medications. Those little pills (or liquids) may appear untouched by the environment. But they’re not. Extreme heat or cold can make a big difference in how well your medications work.1 Proper storage is key. Here are a few things you should know. When you receive a medication, check [...]
A grain product is any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or another cereal grain. Grains are divided into two subgroups: whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel — the bran, germ and endosperm. Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains [...]
An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by bacteria or viruses. It occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. In fact, ear infections are the [...]
The most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is regular heartburn. Other symptoms include bad breath, nausea, pain in the chest or upper abdomen, problems swallowing, respiratory problems, vomiting, and the wearing away of teeth. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn’t, stomach contents can rise up into the esophagus. It can become weak [...]
Did you know that only seven percent of people understand how to use asthma inhalers the right way?1 Combine that with a wide array of asthma medications, and asthma management can become more than a little confusing. Together, we can change that! Everybody is different. So your doctor decides which type of medication and inhaler is best for you. But here’s [...]
Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eyes commonly known as “pink eye.” It is most often caused by a virus but can also be caused by bacteria. Symptoms include redness, irritation and itchiness. Clear or yellow discharge may make the eyelids stick together, especially in the morning. The eyelids may also swell. People can get conjunctivitis by coming into contact [...]
Each year, more than 12 million doctor’s visits result from allergic rhinitis, commonly known as allergies. Symptoms from seasonal allergies are among the primary reasons people miss school or work. If allergies are driving you crazy this spring and over-the-counter (OTC) medications aren’t providing enough relief, you may be considering seeing an allergist. If you do, be sure to write [...]
Cleaning your ears sounds like a no-brainer, right? But you can injure your ear canal or eardrum if you don’t do it correctly. Here’s how to do it safely: ■ Wipe the outer ear with a washcloth. Do not put anything into your ear smaller than your elbow. Don’t use Q-tips or sharp, pointed objects to clean your ears. These [...]
Whether it simply bruises your ego or breaks a bone, taking a fall is no fun. Each year, one in three seniors 65 and older experiences a fall—a number that has grown in recent years.1 For people in this age group, falling is the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths.1,2 Whether due to concerns about independence or worrying others, however, [...]