What Is Kawasaki Disease? Part 2
Research done in the last 20 years has identified treatment for children with KD that reduces fever; helps resolve the rash, irritability and other signs; and most importantly, reduces the risk of coronary aneurysms from 15 percent to about 3 percent. One part of the treatment is high-dose aspirin, at much higher doses than usually prescribed, for a few weeks, until the vasculitis resolves and temperature and lab tests have returned to normal. (This is one of the few times that aspirin is recommended for children because of concern that aspirin use is associated with Reye’s syndrome.) (more…)
What Is Kawasaki Disease? Part 1
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a multisystem (affecting many body systems) illness of young children marked by high fever, rash, very red throat, conjunctivitis (red, irritated eyes), redness and swelling of the hands and feet, and often other problems. The cause of KD is unknown, but it is felt by many to be an immunologic reaction, perhaps to a virus or bacterium, which results in an inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) in many different organs. Research has so far failed to pinpoint exactly why such an extreme reaction occurs. (more…)
Getting Past Back Pain. Part 2
A.To strengthen your back, you’ve first got to strengthen your abdominal muscles with curls or crunches. Work up to two sets of 8-10 repetitions. Add obliques (side) curls when you’re ready. Proper form is so important that I’m going to ask you to get some clear instruction from a certified instructor at a health club — or check with a community hospital or YMCA for “Healthy Back” classes and public education programs. (more…)
Getting Past Back Pain. Part 1
Q.I have had back pain since I carried my last child. The doctor said that in time my back muscles will get stronger. My child is nine months old now, and it is not getting any better. What exercise can I do that will help this heal quicker? Just taking pain medications is not going to make it better. (more…)
Hearing Too Much
Tinnitus occurs when only you hear noise, such as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing or whistling. It can be intermittent or continuous, and can vary in loudness or pitch. The noise of tinnitus is most noticeable when background noise is low.
However, when tinnitus is especially loud and persistent, people can find it difficult to concentrate, sleep or work. Though tinnitus sometimes accompanies hearing loss, it does not cause the loss.
Street Drugs Opiates
Opiates are preparations or derivatives of opium made from the dried juice of the opium poppy plant. They include the street drugs opium and heroin (also called “smack”). (more…)
Osteoporosis Prevention Take Calcium
Osteoporosis is a hideous disease that accounts for much sickness and death in post-menopausal women. Thirteen to 18 percent of women age 50 or more have osteoporosis, and 37 percent to 50 percent have low bone mass. (more…)
What Is a Prothrombin Time Meter? Part 2
Typically, the people who use warfarin long term are those taking it for atrial fibrillation or after a heart attack, heart valve replacement surgery, or ischemic stroke (one caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain). (more…)
What Is a Prothrombin Time Meter? Part 1
People who take the anticlotting drug warfarin (Coumadin) are probably all too familiar with trips to a blood lab every few weeks for tests to monitor their blood’s clotting ability. (more…)
Don’t Let Allergies Discourage You From Athletics. Part 2
The story is similar for summer-sport athletes. Four years ago, during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, at least 1 in 6 athletes representing the USA had a story of asthma, according to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. (more…)
