Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Take Control Of Your Allergies

(NC)-For some people, allergies are a seasonal condition, recurring for several weeks at the same time period each year. This condition is called seasonal allergic rhinitis. In the spring pollen levels rise as trees and flowers begin to bloom causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes and nasal congestion. For others, these allergy symptoms are a daily nuisance that can occur throughout th. . .

Final Exams And Allergies Don'T Add Up

(NC)-It's that time of year again. Students cramming to prepare for their annual final exams. For the one in five students who suffer from seasonal allergies this difficult time can be made even more challenging thanks to the sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes and nasal congestion that accompany allergic rhinitis.Allergies and their complications take a significant toll on student's attend. . .

Isoflavones Help Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms

However, Independent Study Finds That All Isoflavone Supplements are Not Created Equal(ARA) - As baby boomers age, large numbers of women are entering menopause. Doctors often prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. However, more and more women prefer to try other therapies as an alternative to conventional HRT. "Many women are turning to pro. . .

Diabetic Eye Disease Can Cause Blindness, Gives No Early ...

Annual Eye Exams Crucial to Early Detection and Treatment(ARA) - Loss of eyesight in people with diabetes is a national health problem. People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to become blind than those without diabetes, and diabetic eye disease can cause as many as 25,000 new cases of blindness every year, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the Federal government's Nat. . .

Eat Right, Work Out, Sleep Better

The Three Components of a Healthy Lifestyle(ARA) - In today's fast-paced world, moving at full speed isn't an option, it's a way of life. Finding the energy to keep up has led many Americans to improve their diets and increase their activity and exercise. Yet many people are missing the third vital component to a healthy lifestyle -- a good night's sleep. "Committing to improving overall heal. . .

TUNA Therapy Combats Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia

(ARA) - With age, most men's prostates grow larger, resulting in irritating problems associated with urination. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting the prostate. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that restricts the flow of urine from the bladder. Millions of men worldwide are affected by BPH, but fewer than five percent are receiving treatment. Fif. . .

Why Become A Donor?

(NC)-Young or old, rich or poor, any one of us might one day get the chance to save or enhance someone's life by becoming an organ or tissue donor.Your gift might give one of the thousands of Canadians desperately waiting for transplants a second chance-the chance to be healthy again and to enjoy all of life's simple pleasures. Your gift could also help partially console your family at a time o. . .

Who Can Donate Organs And Tissues?

(NC)-Everyone is a potential organ and tissue donor. Typically, organ donors are healthy people who have suffered an irreversible brain injury (most often due to a motor vehicle accident), or a brain hemorrhage resulting in brain death. The health of the donor and his organs and tissues, not his or her age, is what the transplant surgeon considers. The organs and tissues used for transplantatio. . .

Stopping Sleepless Nights: What You Need to Know about Re...

(ARA) - "Creepy-crawly," "prickly," "tingling," and "twitching" ... These are the words typically used to describe one of the most common but relatively unknown sleep disorders in the United States: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), nearly 12 million Americans have RLS, and even though it's slowly becoming more recognized, many researchers belie. . .

Remain Active with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Yoga Guide

(ARA) - More and more people are performing the age-old practice of Yoga. Yoga can stretch you, it can relax you and now it may help people with arthritis. According to the American Yoga Association (AYA), Yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range of motion and increase strength for daily activities.One of the most common forms of arthritis is rheumatoid . . .

New Drug Offers Hope to Cancer Patients

(ARA) - A decade ago, research into angiogenesis-inhibiting compounds was still in a relative state of infancy. The principle itself was not new -- as far back as the early '70s, there was speculation that human cancer tumors could not grow beyond a few millimeters in diameter without obtaining their own blood supply. But opinion was still divided in the scientific community.Angiogenesis itsel. . .

10 Tips For Staying Fit While Working From Home

Despite what many may think, working from home takes a lot of time and a lot of work. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “They don’t really have a job, they just work from home.” That statement couldn’t be farther from the truth! Running a home business takes almost all of your time. Therefore, many other things drop down on your priority list. Probably one of the first ones to drop is fitness. . .

Fitness Tips On How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Ho...

This holiday season don’t be trendy – avoid the Seasonal Seven (the average weight most Americans gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s). That’s one trend you don’t want to participate in! I know what you are thinking – the holidays are a time for fun and indulgence. You don’t want to think about fitness during that time. You want to enjoy yourself. Okay, before you accuse me of being the Gr. . .

Amphetamine and Stroke Recovery

(NC)-Animals that have suffered a stroke recover faster and to a greater extent when they are treated with amphetamine, but it's unclear whether the drug will have the same effect in humans. Dr. Sandra Black and her team at the Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre are conducting tests to determine whether patients treated with amphetamine recover better from paralysis, sensory . . .

What A 6-Month Old Can Teach Us About Our Eating Habits

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my 6-month old niece Rianna in Las Vegas. She has just started eating "real" baby food beyond the formula in her bottle, and I got a kick out of feeding her one of her meals of squash. Okay, so not all of it got in her mouth, but she was pretty cooperative overall. I was curious as to what else she was eating, and my sister-in-law showed me an assortment o. . .

What You Eat Can Protect Your Skin from the Sun

(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all of the health reasons there are for eating your vegetables. But recently, researchers from Harvard University have announced that lutein -- a potent antioxidant found in such dark green, leafy vegetables as spinach and kale -- may protect the skin from sun damage."Lutein has been widely recognized for its eye health benefits for several years.. . .

New, Less Painful Option for Varicose Vein Sufferers

(ARA) - Being "vain" about their looks was not the primary motivation for schoolteacher Jacqueline Munoz and barber Sal Salvaggio to seek treatment for their varicose veins. Rather, it was the fact that it had become increasingly more painful for them to stand for eight hours a day as required by their professions. Tens of millions of people around the world suffer from the aches, pains and. . .

Unique Gift Ideas -- The Gift Of Fitness

Well, it’s almost that time of year again – the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you are going to give those people on your “hard to shop for” list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don’t you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift? I’m talking about the gift of fitness.The gift of fitness is something that. . .

Boost Your Metabolism for Fall

A balanced approach to diet and nutrition provides long-term results.(ARA) - As the balmy late-summer days give way to the cool breezes of autumn, many people are inspired to tackle their fitness routine with new vigor. With kids back in achool, parents have more time to get to the gym, and the crisp fall air makes it possible to exercise comfortably, free of the summer heat and humidity.Even w. . .

When Does The Donation Process Begin?

(NC)-The surgery can begin after two doctors, not involved in the transplantation procedure, have declared the patient to be brain-dead. If and when the family agrees to donate the organs and tissues of their loved ones, the transplantation team arrives to harvest them. If I have registered my consent for organ donation, will everything be done to save my life if I'm severely injured? Absolutel. . .

A Devastating Diagnosis Builds Strength

"No pain, no gain"(NC)-Nowhere is this familiar refrain truer than in the grueling arena of competitive bodybuilding - a highly specialized form of training in which muscles and physical stamina are regularly pushed to the extreme. So it didn't seem unusual when Brent Felstead, a competitive bodybuilder, began experiencing numbness and weakness following his training sessions. In 1997, Brent wa. . .

Lab Tests - What Can They Tell You About Your Health?

(NC)-It's one of the most common phrases you hear from your doctor: "I just want to run a few tests." Laboratory tests are among the most important aspects of modern health care. The College of American Pathologists estimates that "laboratory services drive more than 70 percent of clinical decisions from diagnosis through therapy and prognosis." Lab tests are carried out to measure or detect su. . .

New Therapies Bring Hope And Quality-Of-Life To MS Patients

(NC)-One of the most devastating pieces of news a younger person can be given is that they have an incurable, progressive disease. Sadly, this happens every day to an average of three Canadians between the ages of 20 and 40 when they are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In fact, Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. More than 50,000 Canadians suffer from this disabling . . .

Finding Hope Among Shattered Dreams

(NC)-At the promising young age of 28, Melanie Jasmin was a talented and energetic woman with a hopeful future. The Montreal lawyer happily spent her days concentrating on her career, nurturing her personal relationships and practicing dance with an amateur dance troupe. Life was ideal. Then, on a normal workday in February 1998, Melanie began to feel dizzy. Assuming she was overtired, she figu. . .

How Do I Become An Organ Donor?

(NC)-In some provinces you must register with an Organ Donor Registry, in others you can indicate consent on your Health Card or Driver's License. For details on the province or territory in which you live, visit www.healthcanada.ca/organandtissue on the Internet. Does my signature on a donor registration card or consent form guarantee that my organs will be used for transplantation?No, your si. . .

Your Doctors Says You Have High Cholesterol, Now What?

Take charge of your health(NC)-Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in your blood and in the cells of your body. A simple blood test is used to measure your cholesterol by detecting the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol in your blood. These terms can be difficult to keep straight, but. . .

Tips On Keeping Hormones Balanced As Men Age

Help balance estrogen and testos-terone by lowering insulin levels. Sweet treats such as cookies, chocolate and pop cause insulin levels to spike and send hormones out of balance. Avoid sugar and salt cravings and reach for more ripe fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Stress hormones deplete testosterone levels. To help increase testosterone levels and reduce stress h. . .

HPV - A Virus That Puts Women At Increased Risk For Cervi...

A Simple Lab Test Could Save Your Life(NC)-Did you know that one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, called Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is also the leading cause of cervical cancer in women? And that HPV is the most common cause of abnormal Pap smears? Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are preventable if detected in the pre-cancerous stage. "Although the Pap smear has reduc. . .

Nutrition And Mental Function

(NC)-Eating well and getting the vitamins and minerals we need over the course of our lives is important for overall good health. It may also help preserve memory and cognition in the golden years.There is growing evidence to suggest that good nutrition plays a role in preventing or possibly reversing cognitive decline. One recent study found that healthy people in their late 60s were able to b. . .

Support For Organ Donation High: Survey

Family consent key(NC)-Canadians overwhelmingly support the idea of organ donation. A 2001 survey by the Environics Research Group of more than 1,516 Canadians revealed that 96% of Canadians support the idea of organ and tissue donation. They also have a fairly good knowledge of the official way to express their intention to donate with their provinces and territories.A total of 46% of Canadian. . .

Summer Safety Week-Hiking Hazards: First Aid For Sprains

(NC)-The great outdoors-a winding trail stretching deep into the forest, offering hikers a glimpse of nature in its prime. The solitude is broken by the call of a distant bird flying high overhead. You turn to look up and are momentarily blinded by the sun. You stumble and catch your foot on a root. Down you tumble with a sharp pain erupting in your ankle.Joint injuries are a common occurrence . . .

Vitamin Q & A

Q: My teenage daughter does not like milk and I'm afraid she isn't getting enough calcium. What can she do to ensure that she is getting enough?A: Building strong bone mass through adequate calcium intake is imperative for women during their teenage years. It's during this time that bones are building density and growing in length. Calcium with vitamin D can lower the risk of developing osteopo. . .

Take Control Of Your Hormones Without Medication

(NC)-It's long been known that estrogen has a major impact on women's hormonal health. As women age, their estrogen levels become depleted and many women begin taking hormone replacement therapy to help boost their estrogen level and keep their hormones balanced.Without enough estrogen to keep hormone levels in tact, many women suffer mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, lack of sleep, poor s. . .

Three Simple Steps To Becoming An Organ And Tissue Donor

Step 1: Decide to become a potential donor.Decide to become a potential organ or tissue donor no matter how old or young you are. There are documented cases of a 90-year-old liver donor and a 102-year-old corneal donor. Get the facts on organ and tissue donation and tell your family why being a donor is so important to you. Assure your family that this discussion will make it easier for them to. . .

Nutrition for Physical Activity

Q: I am physically active, but do not always eat a well balanced diet. How can I improve my overall nutrition to complement my active lifestyle? Samara Felesky-Hunt, a registered dietitian in Calgary, provides advice:A: Good nutrition plays an important role in exercise performance. The recommended diet for active individuals, at all fitness levels, is a high carbohydrate diet containing adequa. . .

Safe Boating Week - Boater Checklist: Don't Leave Shore W...

(NC)-Fresh breezes, sunshine and sparkling water - an ideal combination for summer pleasure boating. Don't let disaster darken your outing. Canada's leading provider of first aid training and safety products, St. John Ambulance, says take precautions to avoid tragedy. Keep this boater checklist handy and refer to it before you leave shore every time.Does your boat meet all safety regulations?Is. . .

Safe Boating Week-Don't Get 'Hooked' On Fishing

(NC)-There's nothing like a fresh catch of fish to spice up a summer outdoor adventure. As with most outdoor activities, fishing can pose a threat to health and safety. Take care that you don't get hooked on more than just the sport. St. John Ambulance, Canada's leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and products, suggests you keep this information handy for every fishing trip.Firs. . .

Testing Your Knowledge About Von Willebrand Disease

(NC)-A survey conducted by Leger Marketing in February 2002 showed that Canadians are more likely to identify von Willebrand as a German car, an Austrian coat of arms, or a school of mathematics before it's true definition. Only seven per cent of Canadians chose the correct answer - the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Take this quiz to test your own knowledge of von Willebrand Disease:. . .

On Dis-ease

We are all terminally ill. It is a matter of time before we all die. Aging and death remain almost as mysterious as ever. We feel awed and uncomfortable when we contemplate these twin afflictions. Indeed, the very word denoting illness contains its own best definition: dis-ease. A mental component of lack of well being must exist SUBJECTIVELY. The person must FEEL bad, must experience discomfit. . .

Feed a Cold; Starve a Tumor

(ARA) - One of the most exciting developments in modern medicine has been the discovery that cancerous tumors have the potential of being "starved" out of existence, or at least into dormancy. Scientists, doctors and, of course, patients, are all anticipating the prospect that cancer patients may take a drug that will stop a tumor in its track by cutting off the blood supply that nourishes it.A. . .

The Cultural Narcissist - Lasch In An Age Of Diminishing ...

"The new narcissist is haunted not by guilt but by anxiety. He seeks not to inflict his own certainties on others but to find a meaning in life. Liberated from the superstitions of the past, he doubts even the reality of his own existence. Superficially relaxed and tolerant, he finds little use for dogmas of racial and ethnic purity but at the same time forfeits the security of group loyalties . . .

On Empathy

The Encyclopaedia Britannica (1999 edition) defines empathy as: "The ability to imagine oneself in anther's place and understand the other's feelings, desires, ideas, and actions. It is a term coined in the early 20th century, equivalent to the German Einfühlung and modelled on "sympathy." The term is used with special (but not exclusive) reference to aesthetic experience. The most obvious exa. . .

March is Family Eye Health Month

From 6 months old to 106 years old - everyone needs an eye exam(ARA) - Almost 80 percent of preschool-aged children never have an eye exam. And many vision screenings in school don't test for common eye diseases. What can you do to help protect your family's eyesight? A regular eye exam - during Family Eye Health Month - is a great way to start!Sears Optical is sponsoring Family Eye Health M. . .

Life-Saving Pediatric Drug Becomes Readily Available to T...

(ARA) - We can all sympathize with the frustration people experience waiting for a new drug that is being tested for a certain disorder. Imagine you have a child with a rare disorder and the only drug effective for treating the disorder is not only extremely hard to obtain, but available only through a nationally-administered random selection process. For many American families, this dilemma is. . .

Beat the Morning Rush

From eating exotic leftovers to brushing their teeth in the shower, Americans get creative when it comes to simplifying morning routines (ARA) - With today's hectic lifestyles, many Americans say it's all they can do to get out the door in the morning. According to a recent survey conducted for Chex(R) Morning Mix(TM), a new portable breakfast product, 75 percent of Americans multi-task in orde. . .

New Class of Drugs Brings Hope to Cancer Patients

(ARA) - This is an exciting time in cancer research. Recent information on angiogenesis -- the growth of new blood vessels -- is providing researchers opportunities to find new ways to slow or stop a tumor's growth by cutting off the blood supply it needs. Angiogenesis performs a critical role in the development of cancer. To grow, solid tumors need oxygen and nutrients provided by new blood ve. . .

The Iron Mask - The Common Sources of Personality Disorders

Do all personality disorders have a common psychodynamic source? To what stage of personal development can we attribute this common source? Can the paths leading from that common source to each of these disorders be charted? Will positive answers to the above endow us with a new understanding of these pernicious conditions? Acute Anger Anger is a compounded phenomenon. It has dispositional prop. . .

Conquering the Common Cold

What do we know about the Common Cold? No Cure. Antibiotics, designed to knock out bacterial infections, do nothing when it comes to treating a cold. None of us are safe! No matter how strong and healthy we are, an occasional cold will reduce us to whimpering, sneezing, coughing versions of our former selves. So, what do we do? Lay back with a box of tissue, pop a couple of cold tabs and wait. . .

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Tips

FIVE DON'T DO'S How to Avoid the Wrath of the Narcissist Never disagree with the narcissist or contradict him Never offer him any intimacy Look awed by whatever attribute matters to him (for instance: by his professional achievements or by his good looks, or by his success with women and so on) Never remind him of life out there and if you do, connect it somehow to his sense of grandios. . .

Fighting Asthma - Part 2

One week my wife had severe asthma and it would not go away. In fact, we had visited our doctor numerous times for adrenalin shots. These helped in the short term (for a day or so) but the asthma just returned again later. Both of us wanted to resolve this condition on a more permanent basis, as it was becoming very difficult to deal with. We talked to our doctor, a wonderful man named Dr.. . .