There's no denying that the typical symptoms of the common cold---sore throat, runny nose, cough, etc. ---are miserable. But when you realize that cold symptoms are an indication that your body's defense system is working, it gives you a different perspective on your misery. Up to 50% of colds are caused by a class of…...

With the exception of people living in the most southerly climes, being outdoors in the winter means our relatively poorly insulated bodies will be exposed to the cold. This is where wearing the right clothing can make the difference between being protected and comfortable or vulnerable and miserable. The following common sayings related to dressing…...

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by the changing of the seasons. In most cases, it occurs along with the shortening of daylight hours in the fall and continues into the winter months. SAD typically resolves with the longer days of spring and stays in remission through the summer months. Other…...

Carbon Monoxide is a compound composed of carbon and oxygen and has the chemical formula---CO. It is a highly poisonous gas that can result in asphyxiation when inhaled. Carbon monoxide is formed when fossil fuels (gas, oil, kerosene, wood, charcoal, etc.) are burned with insufficient amounts of air. Automobiles, space heaters, portable generators, ovens, furnaces,…...

In 2003, the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases established the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network to document cases of drug-induced liver injuries. Between 2004 and 2013, the Network identified 839 patients with liver damage due to prescription medications or to non-prescription dietary supplements. This registry excluded cases of acetaminophen-related liver damage, which…...

Some like their sleeping mattress to be firm, some like it soft, some prefer it to be filled with water and some had just as soon sleep on the floor. To confuse things further, there are claims that adjustable beds, sleep number beds, or memory foam mattresses are best at achieving that elusive great night's…...

Most people have heard the common expression that itching indicates that a cut or wound is healing. Is there any scientific basis to this belief or is this just an "old wives tale"? Phases of wound healing. The body's initial response to a cut or break in the skin is to stop bleeding. This occurs…...

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth, most commonly inside the cheeks or lips and at the base of the gums.  They are very common, affecting up to 20%-40% of the U.S. population at some point in their lives.  Canker sores are…...