Prebiotics, probiotics may have some health perks for children

A new report evaluates the health benefits of probiotics- or prebiotics-enhanced infant formula and kids' foodstuff by examining previous research studies.

Read my article at Suite101: Prebiotics, Probiotics May Have Some Health Perks for Children 


(Photo by StewC on Flickr)

CDC study: cancers often detected late, early screening a must

Though screening tests are available, cancers are still diagnosed at the late stage, leading to treatment difficulties and lower survival rates, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read my complete article at Suite101: CDC Study: Cancers Often Detected Late, Early Screening a Must 

(Photo by Rhoda Baer for National Cancer Institute)

Child health: common eye problems in children

Young kids are often unaware that they have an eye condition. Parents must look for signs of visual impairment that, untreated, could lead to blindness.

Read my complete article at Suite101: Child Health: Common Eye Problems in Children 


(Photo by Danuqui on Flickr) 

Laptops can scorch scrotums, may cause fertility problems

Men who position the laptop on their thighs for long periods of time can overheat their scrotum and impair the quality of their sperm, says a new study.

Read more at Suite101: Laptops Can Scorch Scrotums, May Cause Fertility Problems 

(Photo by bbaunach on Flickr)

Exercise a simple way to prevent colds, says study

New research finds that physical activity cuts the number of times a person catches a cold and makes the symptoms less pronounced.

Read my complete article at Suite101: Exercise a Simple Way to Prevent Colds, Says Study 


(Photo by Warrren Long on Flickr.)

Marathon runners risk temporary heart damage

Long-distance runners can suffer short-term but reversible heart injury if they are unfit or ill-trained for the rigors of a marathon, warns a new study.

Read more at Suite101: Marathon Runners Risk Temporary Heart Damage 


(Photo by Free Photos of Spain on Flickr)

Halloween street safety tips for parents and drivers

Parents will keep Halloween a safe tradition by teaching kids street smarts, and drivers can keep roads danger-free by practicing safe driving.

Read more at Suite101: Halloween Street Safety Tips for Parents and Drivers 


(Photo by Anastasiavixen on Flickr)

American Heart Association simplifies CPR guidelines

The 2010 guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation make it easier for passersby to help save the life of a heart attack victim.

Read my article at Suite101: American Heart Association Makes CPR Simpler


(Photo by Kyz on Flickr) 

Rapid growth seen for urgent care centers

After a dip in the '90s, urgent care clinics are enjoying renewed popularity as an alternative medical venue for non-emergency health problems.

Read my complete article at Suite101: Rapid Growth Seen for Urgent Care Centers


(Photo by A. Drian on Flicker) 

Why urgent care clinics are getting popular

Banking on convenience, speed, and affordability, urgent care clinics are gaining adherents in patients who want quick access to medical treatment.

Read my complete article at Suite101: Why Urgent Care Clinics are Getting Popular 


(Photo by Colourise on Flickr)

World Mental Health Day calls for integrated care

World Mental Health Day on October 10 focuses on the need to give people with chronic illnesses comprehensive treatment that includes mental health care.

Read my complete article at Suite101: World Mental Health Day Calls for Integrated Care 


(Photo by Andrea Castelletti on Flickr)

Toasted Skin Syndrome – growing health hazard for laptop users

Placing a laptop on the thighs can lead to toasted skin syndrome, a reaction to constant, low-level heat that can cause permanent skin darkening.

Read more at Suite101: Toasted Skin Syndrome – Growing Health Hazard for Laptop Users 


(Photo by garryknight on flickr)

Bras Play Supporting Role in Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Activities lined up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2010 include bra chain campaigns, and bra auctions in both the real and virtual worlds.

Read more at Suite101: Bras Play Supporting Role in Breast Cancer Awareness Month 


(Photos by WishUponACupcake on Flickr)

Rabies protection for your pet and family

Rabies is a global health menace that strikes close to home. Here are practical tips for keeping yourself, your children, and your pets safe.

Read my complete article at Suite101: Rabies Protection for Your Pet and 
Family 




(Photo by Stefan Tell on Flickr)

Rabies symptoms, prevention and treatment

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through animal bites. Know how to protect yourself from this infection that leads to a painful death if not treated.

Read my article at Suite101: Rabies Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment 




(Photo by Harlequeen on Flickr)

5 ways we burden a healthy heart

A healthy heart allows us to live full, productive lives, so avoid the bad habits that lead to heart disease and heart failure - before it's too late.

Read my complete article at Suite101: Heart Health: 5 Ways We Burden a Healthy Heart 


(Photo by Seyed Mostafa Zamani)

World Heart Day Is September 26

Employers and employees should work together in promoting workplace wellness, which is the theme of the World Heart Day 2010 celebration this September.

Read my complete report at Suite101: World Heart Day Is September 26 


(Photo by Tanakawho on Flickr)

The downside of being popular

Popular individuals often get the flu ahead of their friends, and monitoring their health can help predict outbreaks of contagious diseases in an area.

Read more at Suite101: Friendly People Catch Flu Earlier, Says Study 


(Photo by Claus Rebler on Flickr)

Sickening People

The man who twirled with rose in teeth
Has his tongue tied up in thorns
His once expanded sense of time and
Space all shot and torn
See him wander hat in hand -
“Look at me, I’m so forlorn -
Ask anyone who can recall
It’s horrible to be born!

-Bruce Cockburn, from song “Shipwrecked at the Stable Door.”

I found the discussion around my recent post about treating colds very interesting.  Sick people come to the office to find out how sick they are.  Most people don’t want to be sick, and when they are sick they want doctors to make them better.

Most people.

Some people want to be sick, and some doctors want to make people sick.  I am not talking about hypochondriacs – people who worry that they may have disease and become fixated on being sick.  I am not talking about malingerers – people who pretend to be sick so they can get medications.  I am talking about the slippery slope of defining disease.

Are Sesame Street characters mental cases?

ZDoggMD, a hospitalist in California, gives us Diagnosis: Sesame Street, contending that our favorite childhood friends suffer from a “cluster of mental illness, all on one urban inner-city avenue."