This particularly unpleasant form of headache is sometimes known as sick headache and a percentage of the population, mostly female, is prone to recurrent attacks. The patient will be warned that a migraine is imminent by visual disturbances such as bright flashes of light and squiggly patterns before the eyes. These are caused by the [...]

It is important that we consider the matter of depression carefully. Depression may be caused through anxiety, in which case it can be relieved by the techniques which I am about to describe; on the other hand it may result from a quite different type of nervous illness which is best treated by other means. [...]

So why does it help both the cramps and the aching miseries to relax completely? We’re not quite sure of the answer to that either, although we know a great deal about how our bodies react both when we’re under stress and when we are entirely relaxed.

When we’re alarmed or [...]

These, then, are the basic way stations of the addiction trip. As indicated, however, there is nothing static about any of these stages; the patient moves from one to another and from stimulatory to withdrawal phases, as his problem develops. The ultimate trip, in this regard, is the progression from mania to utter depression in [...]

Chicken pox is caused by a specific virus which is highly contagious. Chicken pox is contracted through the air from a person who has the disease. Symptoms may appear within 12 to 21 days after being exposed to a person with chicken pox.

One attack of chicken pox makes a person immune for life, unless the [...]

What is it?

A condition in which a man ejaculates before his penis erects, at the moment of penetration or immediately afterwards. There have been many more lengthy and complex definitions but this is a workable one for all practical purposes.

What causes it?

There are probably about twenty reasons for premature ejaculation but the most common is [...]

Once you’ve mastered the art of talking and listening more effectively, there are other steps you can take to widen and deepen your social circle, Dr. Ornish says. Here are the actions he recommends.

Practice altruism, forgiveness, and compassion. It’s in your own selfish best interest, says Dr. Ornish. A major 12-year study showed that men [...]

Abscesses

True breast abscesses are painful and can grow up to between 5 and 10 cm (2 and 4 inches) or more across. They contain pus, which is made up of bacteria and secretions from within the breast, and are distinct from the inflammation due to duct ectasia and plasma cell mastitis. Abscesses can occur anywhere [...]

Growth screening

The regular weighing and measuring of children enables certain conditions to be detected early and treated. Measuring a baby’s head circumference is also a valuable screening procedure because it can alert the doctor to preventable conditions developing inside the skull.

Developmental screening

Used on babies and older children this appears to produce good results, but too [...]

Maye Musk was the victim of an out-of-control sweet tooth. But once she declared her home a treat-free zone, she was able to lose 60 pounds.

For years, Maye had struggled with a seemingly insatiable appetite. “Once I started eating, I couldn’t stop,” says the San Francisco model and registered dietitian. “I didn’t get full very [...]