Lymph nodes, sometimes referred to as lymph 'glands', are part of the body's lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system consists of a system of conduits and organized collections of lymphoid tissue that include nodes, the tonsils, and the spleen.  Coursing through these channels is liquid called lymph that eventually drains into the bloodstream near the heart,…...

Most people know that antibiotics are used to fight infections. Millions of lives have been saved by their ability to combat bacterial infections.  Many people are unaware, however, that antibiotics are not effective for all types of infections, specifically those due to viruses.  Inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the new problem of antibiotic…...

By definition, school violence is youth violence that occurs on school property, on the way to or from school, or during a school sponsored event.  School violence can take on a number of different forms including weapon use, bullying, fighting, and electronic aggression.  Statistically, most youth violence has involved persons between the ages of 10…...

First of all, let's be clear: cellulite is fat.  Cellulite is not a medical term, but a term that was coined in European salons and spas to describe deposits of dimpled fat found on the thighs and buttocks of up to 90% of women.  Cellulite occurs primarily in women, rather than in men, because of…...

Eye twitching, or blepharospasm, is a condition that generates a number of questions among our clients. "Blepharo" means eyelid and "spasm" refers to an uncontrolled muscle contraction. There are benign as well as serious causes of blepharospasm. Today's Health Tip will look at the two most common types. Simple Eyelid Twitch Typically, with a simple…...

Palpitations are the unpleasant and sometimes alarming sensations of rapid, irregular or forceful beating of the heart.  The term "palpitations" is fairly non-specific since it can refer to a number of different types of disturbances of the heart's normal "rhythm". Depending on the nature of the rhythm disturbance, palpitations may be described as "skipped beats",…...

It's tricky to know when a cut needs stitches or some other means of closure.  Many minor lacerations will heal by themselves, but some will heal faster and with less likelihood of complications when one of the methods of primary wound closure are used.  There are several ways of closing a wound such as: Traditional…...

The terms heart attack and heart failure are often confused.  While there is some overlap in both their symptoms and underlying cause, they are really two distinct entities. Heart attack A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to an area of the heart is blocked.  Without a supply of oxygen-rich blood, the heart…...