Of course being hungry is not a disease, but overeating and excessive weight is clearly a risk to health. Controlling one's appetite and managing food intake seems to be particularly difficult during the holiday season. According to the National Institutes of Health, Americans gain an average of one pound during this time. While this may…...

It's cold and flu season. Your co-worker in the next cubicle has a mound of Kleenex on his desk, obviously nursing a cold. Following a sneezing fit, you can practically see the germs coming over the cubicle wall seeking someone else to infect. With the common wintertime illnesses, what is your likelihood of becoming infected…...

Everyone has seen the dates posted on various food products - "Use-By ", "Best-By ", "Sell-By ". What do these different categories of food dating mean and are there exceptions to these designations? With the exception of infant formula, food dating is not required by the Federal government. Several states, however, impose dating requirements on…...

Most of the sources that provide information on preparing for ski season focus on building physical endurance and strengthening specific muscles groups. I certainly have no arguments with a gradually increasing cardiovascular exercise program that incorporates some interval training, particularly for those in whom skiing represents a one or two week vacation. Likewise, strengthening exercises,…...

Most people are aware that osteoporosis is a disease characterized by "thinning" of the bones. The reduced bone density in osteoporosis is associated with a susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip and spine. In the U.S., it is estimated that 10 million individuals, mostly women, have this condition. It is less well understood by…...

Regular readers of eDoc's Health Tips have learned that sensible eating habits and maintenance of ideal weight are important keys to staying healthy. There are instances, however, that in spite of best intentions, weight loss becomes an unachievable goal. In many people who have had no success with conventional methods of losing weight, gastric bypass…...

Chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia, are primarily thought of as diseases that affect adults. Over the past decade, however, these same illnesses or their predecessors have become increasingly common in children and adolescents. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a well-known condition that affects almost a third of adults…...

Many uncomplicated bacterial illnesses such as strep throat or ear infections respond quickly after starting treatment with antibiotics. This can lead to people failing to complete the entire course of prescribed treatment. Why then, considering the expense and risk of side effects, should we heed the common medical advice to complete an entire course of…...