| 29
|
Health & Wellness: December 2007
Kids and Smoking
The health risks of tobacco are well known, yet the rates of smoking and the use of chewing tobacco continue to grow. Many people are picking up these habits when they are young - in fact, 90% of all adult smokers started when they were kids. And each day, more than 4,400 kids become regular smokers.
So it's important to make sure your child understands the dangers that go along with using tobacco. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. It can cause cancer, heart disease, or lung disease. Chewing tobacco (smokeless or spit tobacco) can lead to nicotine addiction, oral cancer, gum disease, and an in
... Continue reading Kids and Smoking.
Living with Asperger's Syndrome
An "Ability," Not a Disability for this Gifted Teen
By Elsa Cremer
Matt is a 17-year-old senior at Perpich Center for the Arts High School. After several mis-diagnoses Matt was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), a high functioning form of autism, when he was three-years-old.
I sat down with Matt, a tall, good-looking young man, in order to get a better idea of the effects that Asperger's and Autistic disorders have on individuals. I met him for lunch-- his choice was sushi, not surprisingly since he is intensely interested in Japanese culture and art. Matt is like all teenage
... Continue reading Living with Asperger's Syndrome.
The Power of Visualization
Have you ever thought about your favorite dessert and started to salivate? You may not have known it, but you were practicing visualization. This technique of mind over body may be used to help treat a range of medical conditions, from warts to cancer.
Have you ever told somebody you're not feeling well and they look at you and say, "Oh, come on, be positive. Use your mind over matter." Well, they're not as off-base as you might think. It's not that farfetched. It's actually the essence of visualization. That's when you use the mind to influence the body.
It's part of a whole group of modalities, including ima
... Continue reading The Power of Visualization.
Fertile Feelings Lead to Wandering Eyes?
By Eric Sabo
While scientists have not discovered an excuse for infidelity, they can at least offer an explanation for why some women are inclined to cheat: their fertility cycle. In a small study, researchers found that women were more likely to flirt with men when their chance for getting pregnant was at its highest.
The handsomest of the bunch, as always, have little to worry about. The urge to be unfaithful was mostly felt by women who rated their partners low in "sexual attractiveness relative to investment attractiveness." In other words, the average boyfriend or husband is nice to have at home,
... Continue reading Fertile Feelings Lead to Wandering Eyes?.
Improving the Quality and Value of Health Care
Many Americans might be surprised to learn that there's a 50/50 chance they do not always receive quality health care.
Improvements are necessary to make sure Americans get the best quality health care and that money for this care is being spent as effectively as possible. Listen as experts -- both in government and in the private sector -- describe some of the steps taken to improve the health care system.
We know from a number of studies that Americans, on average, receive just over half of recommended care when they see clinicians. And we know that it actually doesn't matter where you live. Care doesn't var
... Continue reading Improving the Quality and Value of Health Care.
Perimenopause: Puberty in Reverse
Laura Mueller, MD, an Ob/Gyn doctor with Park Nicollet Clinic has been interested in menopause for more than a decade. She spent a good part of her career preparing women for what to expect during perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) and beyond. Today, she is even more in tune with what to expect.
"I started studying menopause way before I was going through it, but have learned there's nothing quite like personal experience," says Dr. Mueller, who is one of the 80 percent of women who experience hot flashes during menopause.
Besides telling women to dress in layers, she tells them to expect the un
... Continue reading Perimenopause: Puberty in Reverse.
Interventions and Eating Disorders: A Resource for Families
By Monica M. Bracht
Mention the word "intervention" and what comes to mind? Family members or concerned others, with or without professional assistance, trying to get help for the alcoholic or addict. We don't usually think of using an intervention when it comes to those suffering with an eating disorder.
This association with alcoholism does have a historical base. Dr. Vernon Johnson developed the modern process of intervention, a Minnesota minister, who developed the process through working with alcoholics in his congregation. Current media attention furthers the association with alcoholism with
... Continue reading Interventions and Eating Disorders: A Resource for Families.
|
