Approximately three million Americans have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is an umbrella term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, illnesses marked by chronic or repeated bouts of inflammation in […]
Ever hear of tonsil stones?
Recently, a friend asked me about tonsil stones. He has sore throats several times a year, which are instantly relieved by gargling to remove them. When I told him I […]
Celiac disease: Exploring four myths
Celiac disease is a digestive and immune disorder that can keep the body from absorbing necessary nutrients. “Our conception and awareness of celiac disease has evolved over the past few […]
Could imaging scans replace biopsies during prostate cancer screening?
Abnormal results on a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test for cancer are typically followed by a systematic biopsy. During that procedure, doctors use a long needle to extract roughly a […]
Medication side effects: What are your options?
Medications can provide a host of health benefits. They may prevent or eliminate a disease. They might improve your quality of life and even help you live longer. But the […]
The BEEP program: Keep your balance
Balance is a skill you don’t think about until you really need it — like when you lose your footing and have to perform an exotic improv dance to keep […]
Do tattoos cause lymphoma?
Not so long ago, a friend texted me from a coffee shop. He said, "I can't believe it. I'm the only one here without a tattoo!" That might not seem […]
Midlife ADHD? Coping strategies that can help
Trouble staying focused and paying attention are two familiar symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common health issue among children and teens. When ADHD persists through early adulthood […]
Want a calmer brain? Try this
For neuroscientist Sara Lazar, a form of meditation called open awareness is as fundamental to her day as breathing. “I just become aware that I am aware, with no particular […]
Prostate cancer: Short-course radiation as effective as longer-term treatments
It used to be that radiation therapy for prostate cancer involved weeks or months of repeat visits to a clinic for treatment. Today that’s not necessarily true. Instead of giving […]