Biological drugs are pharmaceuticals made from natural materials. These would seem, at first glance, to be safe for chemically susceptible patients. Yet in some cases they are as bad as synthetic substances. Susceptibility to biological drugs is a problem which allergists see fairly often but frequently do not know how to interpret. The patient gradually [...]
Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is an infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. It is spread by contact with discharge from the eye or by contact with objects (hands, facecloths, toys, handkerchiefs) that have touched the infected eyes or [...]
The problem with guys in their twenties, says Dr. Goldberg, is that they’re invincible. “Or at least they think they are,” he says. While it’s true that you’re less likely to have serious health problems at this younger stage in life, now is a great time to map out a lifestyle plan to help you [...]
In this operation an ellipse of skin is taken from around the cancer and the nipple. The incision used tends to be in line with the nipple and wherever the cancer is. So if the cancer is in the upper outer quadrant, as is usually the case, the skin ellipse is usually in an oblique [...]
There is no simple and accurate test which can be used to detect endometriosis. The only reliable way to diagnose the condition is by observing the implants during a minor operation known as a laparoscopy. The diagnosis usually involves several stages which may include some or all of the following: * reporting your symptoms to [...]
This is a useful tool for learning how to relax. A biofeedback system uses the ‘feedback’ to the individual of biological information that is otherwise unavailable to him or her so that he or she can exert some control over a particular body system. Using such techniques people have been able to control the temperature [...]
After years of frustration, Mary Ellen O’Grady finally found a weight-loss device that works for her: the venerable doggie bag. At age 37, the Loch Arbour, New Jersey, resident noticed that even though her eating habits hadn’t changed, her waistline had expanded. Daily exercise was helping prevent serious poundage from accumulating. Still, she was roughly [...]
This probably accounts for more Australian health complaints than any other source of chronic pain. It affects literally millions who may wake up one morning and clutch at some tender area either in the neck or shoulders or in the lower back and continue to feel that spot for the rest of their lives. Back [...]
Understandably, chronic pain and marriage don’t mix well. The divorce rate for chronic pain patients is remarkably high and is possibly related to the avoidance of sexual activity by many chronic pain sufferers.This, understandably, places relationships under great stress — particularly if there are existing problems. Pain is a great magnifier. Tolerance levels are already [...]
Stress can lead to physical as well as psychological disturbances. These are most commonly treated by medication such as tranquillisers, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, stimulants, antidepressants and mood-enhancers. Stress may be congenital, muscular, immunological, environmental — including accident and trauma situations — or infectious, neoplastic (associated with cancer),chemical, degenerative, emotional or psychological. Typical stress reactions [...]
