The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey found that over the course of a year up to 50% of the general population will experience shoulder pain, with half of them consulting a physician. In most cases, this discomfort is related to …
Part 2—Traumatic Shoulder Injuries
Last week, common overuse conditions of the shoulder were described along with their treatment. This week’s Health Tip describes common shoulder conditions that develop as a result of trauma. First let’s review the anatomy of the …
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is gaining acceptance as a convenient and relatively complication-free method of treating precancerous skin lesions on the face. These lesions, known as actinic keratoses (AKs), are primarily caused by damage from UV radiation from the sun. If …
The availability of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, that at one time could only be obtained by prescription, has allowed thousands of people to treat minor illnesses on their own. This benefits consumers by avoiding unnecessary doctor visits and offering a less …
When someone talks about “scratching” their eye, they are usually referring to an injury to the cornea. The cornea is the clear dome-shaped structure that covers the front of the eye. The cornea protects underlying eye structures (iris, lens, etc.) …
Fragile, or as many people refer to it, “thin” skin, can affect anyone at any age, but it is particularly common in older individuals. The reasons for this include genetics, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and the …
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac. The cause for the rash, blisters, and infamous itch is urushiol (pronounced yoo-Roo-shee-all), a …
The first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner in 1796 as a means of preventing smallpox. Currently, vaccines to protect us from around 27 diseases are available in the U.S., with more under development. Immunization is the process in which …
