Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Author page: Medical Blogger

How to Choose a Doctor

Choose a DoctorThe relationship between you and your doctor is a very personal one. That’s why finding the right Doctor can be so challenging. Finding a qualified and reputable physician with the right education and credentials is a given, but there are other characteristics to consider when ‘doctor shopping.’ Topping the list of important traits your patient-doctor relationship needs are respect and comfort. Your doctor must respect the fact that you are the patient, and that means he or she must appreciate that you will have questions and concerns that must be addressed. And, naturally, it’s vital that you feel comfortable with your doctor. Otherwise, you may not ask those necessary questions. Of course, you also have to take into consideration your health insurance company and specific plan’s requirements and options. Following are further details that will help you choose a doctor.

What is the Microbiome?

What is the MicrobiomeThe most succinct definition of the ‘Microbiome’ is the entirety of microorganisms and their accompanying genetic material that we have in our bodies. Wait–is there that much microorganism activity going on in our bodies that there’s a whole separate word for it–not to mention world encompassing it? Absolutely. In fact, in the breakdown of cells making up the human body, you might say we humans are about 90 percent inhuman! A better explanation of that statement would be that the human body includes literally trillions of microorganisms and their combined genetic matter. And therein lies the Microbiome. Following is more detailed information about the fascinating world of the Microbiome that will help you better understand the Microbiome and what it has to do with your health.

How to Prevent Dry Skin

Prevent Dry SkinAdditionally, all the areas of skin on your body are not created equally. Different skin areas are susceptible to different kinds of threats and by varying degrees, depending on the season. For instance, if you live in a cold climate you likely have experienced dry skin in those harsh winter months. However, just because you’re a warm-climate dweller, doesn’t mean you also don’t experience your share of dry-skin issues. Dry skin can cause skin to age prematurely. The face, neck, chest area, and hands are especially susceptible to looking old before their time, particularly if you’re someone who loves spending time out in the sun. And sometimes those skin moisturizers can do more harm than good. Some skin products actually contain so many chemicals that your skin probably would be better off if you didn’t use them at all. Following is information from dermatologists in New Jersey about how to prevent dry skin throughout the year.  For more info on preventing dry skin contact a dermatologist near you.

How to Live a Healthier Life

Live a Healthier LifeIt’s not hard to live a healthier life. In fact, living an unhealthy life is probably harder than making just one or two small changes toward that healthier life. That’s really all it takes—just one or two small steps—and you’re on your way to a healthier, more vibrant life where you’re doing all the things you enjoy. For instance, if you’re eating an unhealthy diet, you likely feel tired, run-down, unable to tackle all those things you need to get done in a day, let alone the things you want to do. But replace just a couple unhealthy foods and add a few steps here and there throughout your week and you’re well on your way to living that healthier life you so desire. If you’ve recently visited a top doctor near you and it was suggested you should get on the road to living a healthier life, here are valuable steps you can take on your journey.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Teens whitening

Health Benefits of Smiling

Perhaps Louis Armstrong sang it best in the song “When You’re Smiling”

When you’re smilin’, when you’re smilin’,

The whole world smiles with you.

When you’re laughin’, when you’re laughin,’

The sun comes shinin’ through.

It’s hard not to smile back when a friend, or even a total stranger, flashes you a smile on the street.

That’s because smiling is infectious.

And today’s daily health tip is that smiling is good for your health!  Well fancy that.

Common Triggers for Sciatica and What to do About Them

Causes of SciaticaThere are several causes of sciatica, which is identified as a painful condition which occurs from soreness or pain that travels from your lumbar or lower spine, to your buttock and all the way down your leg.  Sciatica only affects one side of your body, but that one side might as well be both sides for all the pain you will experience.  Sciatic pain does not discriminate where it chooses to wreak havoc – it might be a tolerable ache, or an excruciating pain.  There are ways to try to thwart sciatica and stop it in its tracks, but many times, other medical issues are the underlying cause of the sciatic problems, thus, the malady is not strictly your own doing.  For example, although sciatica is believed to originate from prolonged sitting, even the simple act of coughing or sneezing can cause a sciatica sufferer great discomfort.  Sometimes (but rarely), the sciatic nerve can be compressed by a tumor, or damaged by a disease such as diabetes, or, it could become pinched, usually by a herniated disc in your spine, or by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae.

While the consequences sound dire for a person that suffers from sciatica, the good news is that, for most cases, 90% of sciatica sufferers have a full recovery from a bout of sciatica without the need for surgery.

Some of the triggers for sciatica are listed below.  Remember:  if pain persists, you should contact a specialist who will evaluate you to determine the appropriate measures to get you feeling more like yourself again a spine specialist in NJ is the answer to your sciatica woes.

Things You Did Not Know About Sunburn sunburn in childhood

How to Protect Skin from Sun Damage

With summer fast approaching, there are so many feelings of excitement in the air as everyone prepares for vacations, trips to the beach, and spending quality time with friends and family.  Indeed, with sunnier days comes an increase in outdoor activities as people are more inclined to venture outside and enjoy the warmer weather ahead of them.  This also means there is an increase in exposure to direct sunlight and in turn, more exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.  While natural sunlight is undoubtedly important for a healthy dose of Vitamin D, there are still risks involved with overexposure to the sun.  Beyond dry, peeling and even blistered skin due to sunburn, there is also the increased risk of developing skin cancer.  To avoid such health implications, protect your skin during the summer by following these simple daily health tips for a fun, yet safe summer season.

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How to Lower the Risk of Colon Cancer

The American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with only lung cancer causing more cancer-related deaths among Americans. More than 50,000 deaths are attributed to this disease every year in our nation. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing this horrible disease. Prevention is key when it comes to colon cancer. Because it is a disease that is largely preventable, it’s important to know the factors that can contribute to its development. GI doctors throughout the country recommend healthy living for its prevention. That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all your favorite foods or become an Olympic athlete to avoid getting colon cancer. For many of us, it means changing a little here and there in order to live a longer, healthier life free of colon cancer and its deadly effects. Following are some important tips on lower your risk of colon cancer.

Varicose Veins and Weight Lifting

Varicose Veins and Weight LiftingIf you’re a weight lifter, you know how great weight training can be for your body. Weight lifters are among the healthiest people in the country, and for good reason. Lifting weights is an effective tool for burning fat, toning the body, and keeping the blood flowing. However, healthy blood flow isn’t always the result with weight lifting, especially for serious or extreme body builders. If you’re not careful, training with weights can also take a toll on your circulatory system, and problems with blood flow can lead to varicose veins because lifting weights can put undue stress on your blood vessels and capillaries. Varicose veins are those unsightly, twisted, ropelike veins that bulge right underneath the skin. They’re a sign that blood isn’t circulating properly, and weight lifters are especially prone to developing varicose veins. Here are some important tips for weight lifters from varicose vein treatment centers in New Jersey that can help those who train with weights reduce their risk of developing varicose veins and the often painful and even debilitating effects they can bring.

Is Knee Pain a Normal Part of Aging?

Knee Pain And AgingThe simplest answer to this question? Maybe. Perhaps not the answer you were hoping for, but the fact is that, although knee pain doesn’t necessarily come with age, it is true that a large part of older folks suffer from it. It’s also true that knee pain tends to worsen with age. But does it have to be this way? Absolutely not. There are steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing knee pain as you age. For instance, are you carrying a little extra weight? Did you know that for every extra pound you carry on your body, you’re adding 4 pounds of extra weight on your knees? It’s true! In other words, if you’re just 10 pounds above your ideal body weight, you’re adding 40… that’s right, four – zero… extra pounds of pressure to your knees! Pretty sizable, when it’s put that way, isn’t it? Following is more information on knee pain and aging from knee replacement specialists in New Jersey that will help you better understand measures you can take to prevent knee pain as you move into middle age and beyond.