In 2005, the American Psychological Association (APA) issued a resolution stating that “there appears to be evidence that exposure to violent media increases feelings of hostility, thoughts about aggression, suspicions about the motives of others, and demonstrates violence as a method to deal with potential conflict situations”. In 2013, the APA assembled a Task Force […]
Recent statistics indicate that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus have nearly twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as people without diabetes. While the exact reason for this is still being investigated, several interesting findings connecting the two diseases have emerged. Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports that in […]
Have you ever heard anyone invoke the “5 second rule” after dropping a piece of food on the floor? The idea behind this rule is that food that is picked up in fewer than 5 seconds after hitting the floor has not had time to attract germs, and is safe to eat. The rule goes […]
The American Board of Internal Medicine is leading a health education campaign to inform patients and physicians about the overutilization of medical resources. This program, known as “Choosing Wisely”, includes recommendations for medical professionals as well as for the public. It was developed “to help providers and patients engage in conversations about the overuse of […]
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 […]
