Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Fighting Asthma - Part 1

My wife has asthma. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for anyone else to understand what that means and implies. If you have not had to care for someone with asthma, you cannot even begin to comprehend what it is like to deal with this condition. When I mention it to someone and they start telling me what they think, I have to control my feelings ... they do not and cannot unde. . .

Metaphors of the Mind (Part II)

Storytelling has been with us since the days of campfire and besieging wild animals. It served a number of important functions: amelioration of fears, communication of vital information (regarding survival tactics and the characteristics of animals, for instance), the satisfaction of a sense of order (justice), the development of the ability to hypothesize, predict and introduce theories and so. . .

Metaphors of the Mind (Part I)

The brain (and, by implication, the Mind) has been compared to the latest technological innovation in every generation. The computer metaphor is now in vogue. Computer hardware metaphors were replaced by software metaphors and, lately, by (neuronal) network metaphors. Such attempts to understand by comparison are common in every field of human knowledge. Architects and mathematicians have latel. . .

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) At a Glance

Most narcissists (75%) are men. NPD is one of a "family" of personality disorders (formerly known as "Cluster B"). Other members: Borderline PD, Antisocial PD and Histrionic PD. NPD is often diagnosed with other mental health disorders ("co-morbidity") - or with substance abuse, or impulsive and reckless behaviours ("dual diagnosis"). NPD is new (1980) mental health category in the Diagnost. . .

Morality As A Mental State

INTRODUCTION Moral values, rules, principles, and judgements are often thought of as beliefs or as true beliefs. Those who hold them to be true beliefs also annex to them a warrant or a justification (from the "real world"). Yet, it is far more reasonable to conceive of morality (ethics) as a state of mind, a mental state. It entails belief, but not necessarily true belief, or justification. A. . .

Early Detection is Key to Preventing Vision Loss

Don't wait for symptoms -- regular exams are recommended (ARA) - Which of your five senses would you most fear losing? Most people say they fear losing their vision. Our eyesight enables us to maintain our independence, to gather information, to enjoy the people and places that are dear to us. And yet, few of us worry enough about our eyesight to schedule regular eye exams to detect diseases . . .

It's Never Too Late to Prevent Osteporosis

Calcium - a key element in the fight(ARA) - Osteoporosis, a chronic disease that results in the deterioration of bone mineral density, affects nearly 28 million Americans -- 2 million of which are men. Despite these staggering numbers, this disease is often preventable.Though osteoporosis has been thought of as a disease that affects mostly women, 5-6 million men are at risk of developing this. . .

Dermatologists Offer Advice to Parents on How to Talk to ...

(ARA) - Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, involving 85 percent of the population at some point in their lives. Approximately 20 million teenagers have acne. "Acne can be especially emotionally devastating for teens because they are extremely conscious of their appearance and their image," says Hilary Baldwin, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the State Univer. . .

Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Who is a Malignant Na...

QUESTION Number 1 - Who is a Narcissist? Dear Dr. Vaknin, I read the excerpts you placed on your web site with great interest. I wanted to ask: Isn't your definition of malignant narcissism too wide? Having read it, I think that it fits my neighbours, friends, and family to a "t". Everyone seems to be a narcissist to me now! HELP! ANSWER Yours is an understandable reaction. All of us have narci. . .

Study Shows Low-Sodium Diet Can Decrease Blood Pressure a...

(ARA) - A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology says that women who limit their salt intake can substantially lower their blood pressure. In fact, the study, which looked at the health benefits of a low-sodium diet for postmenopausal women, showed that some women's blood pressure decreased by 16 points as much as would be expected from some blood pressure-lowe. . .

How To Get A Good Night's Sleep!

Do you remember when you were little and it seemed as though sleep overcame you as soon as your head hit your pillow? And you slumbered through the night until morning time? They call it the sleep of the innocent, but don't you wish you could sleep like that again? Adult responsibilities, stress, lifestyle and other worries often result in poor sleep habits and once the cycle of tossing and tur. . .

Seniors on Muscle Beach? You're Never Too Old to Get Fit

(ARA) - If you think you're too old to benefit from a fitness regimen that includes weight training, think again. Seven years ago, Beatrice Maullin read about the Crown Valley Senior Olympics competition in her hometown of Pasadena, Calif. She had been working out at a local gym doing aerobics, machine weights and free weights. Thinking that there was no sport in which she could compete, she ca. . .

Candida- It's Not Just a Yeast Infection

Candida Albicans or a yeast infection, both digestive and systemic, is a health problem of which answers to its elimination are far and few between. Literally millions of men and women have a potential yeast infection that is causing, directly or indirectly, a significant number of health problems or conditions. Candida Albicans is a destructive yeast infection that begins in the digestive syst. . .

Web site Offers Skincare and Beauty Advice to Meet Unique...

(ARA) - Acne-prone teens with dark complexions have skincare and makeup problems unique to their darker skin tones, and also have difficulty finding skincare information that speaks directly to their needs. Now, teens with complexions ranging from the darkest shades of black skin to lighter olive-colored skin, can get expert skincare and makeup advice on www.pimpleportal.com. Jeanine Downie, M. . .

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is often confused with other inflammatory bowel disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, thus making it difficult to diagnose. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's disease is characterized by an inflammatory reaction throughout the entire thickness of the colon and bowel wall. This inflammati. . .

Too Stressed to Snooze?

Solutions for a More Peaceful Night's Sleep (ARA) - Most Americans do not get the recommended eight hours of sleep required for good health, safety and optimum performance. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recently reported that 63 percent of Americans are sleep deprived. During stressful times -- such as the loss of a loved one, a change in job status or a serious illness -- the nu. . .

A Breakthrough for Chiropractic Patients: 'Snapshots' of ...

'Insight Subluxation Station' provides color scans of problems and progress(ARA) - People under chiropractic care often wonder: "Why do I have to keep coming back if I'm pain free?" or "How do I know I'm getting the proper amount of adjustments?" Thanks to a breakthrough in technology, however, these questions no longer arise for patients in chiropractic offices that are equipped with a new to. . .

Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc Reduce Risk of Vision Loss ...

(ARA) - Findings from a nationwide clinical trial reported that high levels of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. Scientists found that people at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss, lowered their risk by about 25 percent when treated with a high-dose c. . .

Joint Discomfort Has No Age

(ARA) - It can happen at any time and at any age. Strenuous activity, whether from jogging, a set of tennis or even gardening, can cause joint stiffness and discomfort, limiting range of motion and decreasing mobility among younger people as well as those who are more mature. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are several ways to keep joints healthy and flexible so that you can continu. . .

Changing Your Salt Habit Starts at the Grocery Store

(ARA) - Many medical experts would agree that being worth your weight in salt in today's society is not quite as valuable as it may have been at one time. In fact, researchers and doctors across the world have found that a diet high in sodium contributes to a number of health risks, including high blood pressure.This is not breaking news to many Americans, especially those already at a high ris. . .

Welcome to the Age of Bionic Hearing!

(ARA) - Better. Stronger. Faster. That was the promise made by those fictional techno-doctors who used their imaginary electronic wizardry to reconstruct Jaime Sommers' character into The Bionic Woman. Fiction back in the 1970s -- today, a reality. Many of the body's functions that have been either damaged or lost can be restored with technology so advanced, it would make even those fictional d. . .

When Should Hearing Be Tested?

(ARA) - What? ... I'm sorry I couldn't hear you? ... Could you repeat that? ... What did you say? If these are the questions you ask when talking with others, then it's likely you need to have your hearing tested. If you're wondering why your friends mumble when they talk to you or when restaurants suddenly become cacophonous, frustrating places, have your hearing tested. If your family consis. . .

Brain Research Shows That Diet and Exercise are Keys to L...

(ARA) - An old adage says that aging is a state of mind, but new research is beginning to prove it. As brain research advances, experts are finding that some of the physical and mental changes normally associated with aging may not actually be normal at all, but instead, the result of treatable and preventable health conditions. In fact, by some estimates, only 30 percent of physical aging can . . .

How To Recognize Mental Illness In Children

(NC)-Learning that something is wrong with your child can be a frightening experience. Frightening and embarrassing. In fact, the reason that many fail to have their children's behavior diagnosed is that they fear the results may reflect poorly on them as parents.Getting over this selfish fear of diagnosis is an important initial step if children are to receive the full benefit of treatment, be. . .

An Ounce Of Preparation Is Worth A Pound Of Cure

(NC)-Doesn't it always seem that you are out of bandages just when you need one the most - your new shoes have created massive blisters on your feet or you have just nicked yourself in the kitchen. With a bit of planning and well thought-out purchases, you can keep your medicine cabinet stocked with the necessary essentials and be prepared for all common medical situations. Things your bathroom. . .

Respiratory Help Is Available For Seniors With COPD

As HMOs Continue to Drop Coverage for Seniors - Now Over 500,000 Victims - Those Needing Expensive Respiratory Medication, Support and Homecare Services are the Hardest HitOne Patient Advocate, Geriatric Services of America, is Providing Relief to Victimized Patients Through a Unique, Often No-Cost ProgramMore than 536,000 US senior citizens are scrambling to find new doctors or new coverage be. . .

Reflect On Your Cancer Experience

(NC)-According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated 67,200 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer this year and thousands will face surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these treatments. For many, the side effects of treatment can be as challenging as the disease itself.Look Good Feel Better, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has helped more tha. . .

Moderation... At A Much Lower Cost

(NC)-Seniors often take too much medication, a practice which has a negative impact on their quality of life and is extremely expensive for the health care system. Michel Préville and his collaborators at the Université de Sherbrooke will study the individual and environmental factors affecting seniors' consumption of psychotropic drugs in order to identify persons at risk and develop a prevent. . .

The Mind Body-Fat Connection

The Mind Body-Fat Connection “How Tensing Up Is Making You Fat!”by Sara LauritzenNegative thoughts, symbolic protection, being who we really are ..... we’re definitely getting closer. It does come from within, we believe that much. But how? How do we connect a de-railed inner state of mind to real life obesity without the hocus pocus element?We find the biological link. We fi. . .

One In Five Stricken With Mental Illness

Early identification key to effective treatment(NC)-According to the Canadian Mental Health Association an estimated one in five Canadians will be affected by a mental illness at some time during their lives. Here are some more interesting facts about mental illness:Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.Mental illnesses are physical brain disorders that profou. . .

Got a Cold - Should You Work Out?

A recent study sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine indicates that exercising moderately while you have a common cold doesn't affect the severity or duration of the symptoms. It's a widely excepted notion that exercising and keeping in shape will reduce your risk of getting sick, but nothing has been previously documented to demonstrate whether working out while suffering from a. . .

Say 'Goodbye' To Sagging Skin

Dear Epi Dermis, I use a day cream religiously - yet I've heard that I should also be using a night cream. What's the difference? - Curious in Calgary Dear Curious, As the largest organ in the body - skin protects our bodies from the outside world during the day, and at night it repairs and renews itself. Nighttime is an opportunity to undo the day's damage. During the night, skin experiences h. . .

Formulate A Summer Skincare Plan

(NC) - Avoid a summer beauty crisis by properly preparing skin for the warm weather. Summer skin care dilemmas are two-fold - increased dryness due to water loss, wind and sun, as well as increased oil production from outdoor sports and heat. Preparing the face and body for increased outdoor exposure will aid in preventing an onslaught of summer skin dilemmas. Summer moisturizers should feel li. . .

Taking The Sting Out Of Bug Bites

(NC)-In most cases insect bites are harmless and if left alone, the irritation will subside within 48 hours. However, for some people, particularly children, scratching bites may lead to a highly contagious bacterial skin infection called impetigo. Left unchecked, impetigo can spread to other parts of the body and even from person to person.As a family physician, I recommend the following tips . . .

Thirsting For Summer? Stay Hydrated To Enjoy Hot Summer Days

(NC)-After a long, cold winter, Canadians can't wait for summer! But often, summertime, welcome as it is, can bring sweltering heat and unbearable humidity, which can lead to dehydration.Canadians need to be prepared for hot summer days. The most important thing to remember is to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. "For some people, drinking eight or ten glasses of water a day is . . .

Canadians Not Heeding Doctors' Sun Safety Advice

Poll reveals Canadians' apathy for sun safety practices(NC)-Although more than 90 per cent of Canadian family doctors feel that the combination of wearing a wide brimmed hat in conjunction with sunscreen is an effective method of protection against the sun's rays, only 21 per cent of Canadians wear a wide brimmed hat every time they go outdoors, according to a recent poll of Canadian family doc. . .

Scratching Bug Bites May Sting Your Summer Fun

(NC)-In most cases insect bites are harmless and if left alone, the irritation will subside within 48 hours. However, for some people, particularly children, scratching bites may lead to a highly contagious bacterial skin infection called impetigo. Left unchecked, impetigo can spread to other parts of the body and even from person to person.As a family physician, I recommend the following tips . . .

Cuts, Scrapes And Cover-Ups - Canadians and Bandages

(NC)-Canadians have a lot to learn when it comes to the proper treatment of minor wounds. A recent Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by BAND-AID® Brand dispels the myths held by millions of Canadians and sheds light on the proper procedures to follow when caring for minor cuts and scrapes. The survey also highlights some other interesting facts, such as what are some of the strangest places people. . .

Stigma Still Getting In The Way Of Treatment

(NC)-Mental illness is something that many people still talk about in hushed voices. Those afflicted are frequently embarrassed about their condition, worrying that they will be seen as 'weak' or that others will somehow think less of them. Unfortunately this stigma often stands in the way of open dialogue and understanding. As a result, many sufferers go untreated and/or are subjected to ridic. . .

Make The Most Of Summer: Stay Healthy While Having Fun

(NC)-Canadians are eager to make full use of summer's long days, often at the expense of good health. To enjoy the season, it's important to be prepared. Try to moderate activity on hot days and wear the proper gear to protect the body from sun damage and overheating. During hot, humid summer months, even Canada's top athletes will train in the cool early morning hours or after dark. Be smart w. . .

Menopause Manners For Men

Menopause Manners for MenIf over 30 million women are going through menopause, think of what the men are going through!By Valerie OttoMenopause is not what it used to be. Women are approaching this time of life differently – the new outlook is energized as most women are healthy and become free of many past identities and responsibilities. There are natural options I know many women find val. . .

Dispelling The Myths About Cellulite

Myths and Realities Cellulite only happens to overweight women. Cellulite results from the skin losing its elasticity and firmness. This allows fluids and fat deposits into the lower layers of the skin and is not the result of being overweight. While losing weight may reduce body fat, it does not correct or eliminate cellulite. Even very slim women can have cellulite on their thighs, buttocks . . .

Cancer Survivor Turns Cancer Information Specialist

(NC)-When callers to the Canadian Cancer Society's information service connect with Isabelle Wilson, they're talking to someone who's been there herself.The Christmas of 1997 was turned upside down for the Montreal mother of three. Days before the holiday she learned she had a rare tumour on her left lung. The lung was removed on Christmas Eve. Wilson was a 30-year-old non-smoker and had a six-. . .

Early Diagnosis Improves Treatment

(NC)-Popular myths have led many to believe that mental health disorders are untreatable. As a result, a lot of people who suffer don't seek help. In fact most mental disorders are treatable. The treatment success rate for schizophrenia is 60 percent, 65 percent for major depression, and 80 percent for bipolar disorder. The success rate for treatments of heart disease, on the other hand, is onl. . .

Don't Get Burned By Summer Sun

(NC)-Warm summer days filled with bright sunshine aren't always good for you. Over exposure to sunlight can cause serious sunburn, pain and the long-term risk of skin cancer. St. John Ambulance, Canada's leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and products, points out that you can still enjoy sun if you reduce risk by taking precautions.People with fair skin are most susceptible to . . .

A Day In The Life Of A Cancer Information Specialist

(NC)-The lines can crackle from hundreds of miles away, but it's the telephone that has brought nurse Donna Kennedy closer to those she wants to help.Kennedy is one of the caring pairs of ears in the Regina, Saskatchewan call centre of the Canadian Cancer Society's information service. There, trained information specialists answer questions from Canadians across the country looking for informat. . .

Successful Weight-loss Pointers

Well we're at it again, trying to honor our promise on New Year's Day to lose weight and tone up those flabby parts. Although the year's still young more than half of our New Year's Resolutioners have strayed from their promise of fitness and or weightloss. The reasons may vary as to why their resolutions have been pushed to the side, one common compliant is difficulty in maintaining a hea. . .

Bug Bites… The Itch May Be The Least Of Your Worries

(NC)-In most cases insect bites are harmless and if left alone, the irritation will subside within 48 hours. However, for some people, particularly children, scratching bites may lead to a highly contagious bacterial skin infection called impetigo. Left unchecked, impetigo can spread to other parts of the body and even from person to person.As a family physician, I recommend the following tips . . .

Book Helps Families Deal With Mental Illness

(NC)-More people than ever are taking care of their our bodies through proper nutrition and exercise. They realize that the human body is a finely tuned machine that needs on-going maintenance. The same however cannot be said for the mind. Without proper care, our brains can suffer from degeneration and, in some cases, mental disorder. Author Gayle Grass emphasizes the importance of healthy bra. . .

The Sticky Facts About Minor Wound Care

(NC)-You probably think you know all the facts when it comes to the topic of minor wound care - if you cut your finger, just dab a tissue on it and you're ready to go! Unfortunately it is not as simple as that. Minor wounds deserve special treatment in order to heal most efficiently and minimize the appearance of scars. So before you peel off that bandage make sure you know the difference betwe. . .