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Articles by Hedy Marks
Alternative/Natural Mosquito Repellents
Mosquitoes are attracted to people thanks to things like strong smells (such as scented soaps, food, or skin odor), dark or bold-colored clothing, and warm body temperature. It’s important to do what you can to keep them away, not only because the bites are itchy and annoying, but also because they can sometimes carry serious diseases, like West Nile, Zika, or malaria. A mosquito repellent doesn't actually kill mosquitoes.
Gum Tissue Graft Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, Complications, and More
If you've recently been told by your dentist or gum doctor (periodontist) that you need a gum graft, don't panic. Gum surgery sounds worse than it is. A gum graft may be necessary to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession, or you may choose to have one to improve the appearance of your smile. Gum recession is the process in which the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away from a tooth, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth's root.
For Gums That Are Too High or Too Low
If your gums rest too low or too high on your teeth and you are unhappy with your smile, you may be a candidate for gum contouring surgery. Also called gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, this cosmetic dental procedure can even out an uneven gum line and give you a smile you can be proud of. A number of things can cause your gums to be too low or too high. Gums that cover a large portion of your teeth can make your teeth look small.
Common Denture Problems
Dentures can be an important solution to tooth loss. Today's dentures, also called false teeth, are not like the ones your grandmother wore. They are more comfortable and natural looking than they were in the past. Still, if you don't take proper care of your dentures, problems can occur. WebMD takes a look at common denture problems and how they can be treated or prevented. If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy.
What to Know About Adenoid Tissue Infections in Children
Everyone gets a sore throat from time to time, but sometimes the tonsils in your mouth can become infected. However, tonsils are not the only vulnerable glands in your mouth. Adenoids, located higher up in the mouth — behind the nose and roof of the mouth — can also get infected. Enlarged and inflamed adenoids, called adenoiditis, can make breathing difficult and lead to recurring respiratory infections. Adenoiditis is most common in children, but sometimes, it can affect adults as well.
4- to 5-Year-Olds: Developmental Milestones
Your child is growing up. Have you noticed that your 4- to 5-year-old is becoming more independent and self-confident? If not, you will in the coming year. Most children this age begin to develop greater independence, self-control, and creativity. They are content to play with their toys for longer periods of time, are eager to try new things, and when they get frustrated, are better able to express their emotions.
3- to 4-Year-Olds: Developmental Milestones
Congratulations, you have survived the "terrible twos!" Hopefully, you have energy left to enjoy what lies ahead for you and your preschooler. They call the next few years the "magic years" -- partly because it seems like magic that your child is finally listening to you and partly because for your child, it is a time for their imagination to run wild. Your 3- to 4-year-old child will continue to grow and develop in many ways in the coming year.
Skin Chafing Causes, Treatments, Prevention
If you are an exercise enthusiast, or if you are overweight, you have probably experienced skin chafing, the annoying and often painful result of skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Chafing can occur anywhere on your body, but the thighs, groin, underarms, and nipples are particularly vulnerable. There are a number of ways to prevent skin chafing, so don't let it slow you down. In order to prevent skin chafing, you must decrease the amount of friction to your skin.
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Gangrene happens when tissues in your body die after a loss of blood flow caused by illness, injury, or infection. It usually happens in extremities such as fingers, toes, and limbs, but it can also affect your organs and muscles. There are different types of gangrene, and all of them need medical care right away. Gangrene vs. necrosis Necrosis is a general term for cell death anywhere in your body.
What Is a Drug Recall?
Medicine is rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness before becoming available to the consumer. In the U.S., the FDA makes sure this happens. Once on the market, the FDA, along with the makers of the drug, continue to monitor the medicine for any unforeseen problems. Should an issue develop, or the safety of a medication come into question, a recall may be initiated.
Stage Fright (Performance Anxiety)
If you dread the thought of getting up in front of a group of people and performing, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from performance anxiety, commonly called "stage fright." In fact, most people would rather get the flu than perform. Athletes, musicians, actors, and public speakers often get performance anxiety. Performance anxiety can prevent you from doing what you enjoy and can affect your career.
Causes, Treatment, Surgery, and Prevention
Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss. Gum recession is a common dental problem.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion: What You Should Know
Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a device that rotates quickly to sand off the top layers of your skin. This helps remove damaged skin and reveals smoother, younger-looking skin underneath. Dermabrasion is used to treat many skin conditions, including: Deep acne scars Scars from surgery or injury Fine lines and wrinkles Sun damage Age spots Rhinophyma, which is redness and swelling on your nose Areas of potential precancerous skin Dermabrasion can also be used to remove tattoos.
What You Need to Know About Thyroid Disorders
Medically reviewed in March 2023 Updated on June 19, 2023 The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, above the collarbones. The thyroid makes hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism—the way your body uses energy. If your thyroid doesn't work properly, critical body functions, such as heart rate and energy, can be affected. Javaid Wani, MD, an endocrinologist in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, shares insights on what you need to know about thyroid disorders.
Workout Injuries: Prevention and Treatment
A workout injury can happen to anyone, no matter your experience or fitness level. Even walking can cause an injury. But you can significantly cut your risk of getting hurt by following certain workout precautions. People hurt themselves in all kinds of ways when they work out.
Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Tips to Prevent Running Injuries By taking a few precautions and planning, you can prevent many common running injuries. Here are some tips for preventing injuries. Listen to your body: Don't ignore pain. A little soreness is OK. But if you notice consistent pain in a muscle or joint that doesn't get better with rest, see your health care provider. Create a running plan: Before beginning a running routine, talk to a trainer.
What It Is, Treatments, Philosophy, and More
Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions -- in the quest for optimal health and wellness. According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health -- the primary goal of holistic medicine practice -- by gaining proper balance in life. Holistic medicine practitioners believe that the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected.
What It Is, Treatments, Philosophy, and More
Principles of Holistic Medicine Holistic Medicine: Types of Treatments Holistic Medicine: Where to Find a Holistic Provider Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person -- body, mind, spirit, and emotions -- in the quest for optimal health and wellness. According to the holistic medicine philosophy, one can achieve optimal health -- the primary goal of holistic medicine practice -- by gaining proper balance in life.
Overcoming Performance Anxiety in Music, Acting, Sports, and More
If you dread the thought of getting up in front of a group of people and performing, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from performance anxiety, commonly called "stage fright." In fact, most people would rather get the flu than perform. Athletes, musicians, actors, and public speakers often get performance anxiety. Performance anxiety can prevent you from doing what you enjoy and can affect your career.
Dreams
What Are Dreams? Dreams are basically stories and images that our mind creates while we sleep. They can be vivid. They can make you feel happy, sad, or scared. And they may seem confusing or perfectly rational. Dreams can happen at any time during sleep. But you have your most vivid dreams during a phase called REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when your brain is most active. Some experts say we dream at least four to six times a night. A lucid dream is one in which you know you’re dreaming.
Causes, Treatment, Surgery, and Prevention
Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss. Gum recession is a common dental problem.
Spine Curvature Disorders: Lordosis, Kyphosis, Scoliosis, and More
What are the types of spine curvature disorders? What causes spine curvature disorders? What are the symptoms of spine curvature disorders? How are spine curvature disorders treated? What types of surgery are used to treat spine curvature disorders? How do I know if I have a spine curvature disorder? More The spine, or backbone, is made up of small bones (vertebrae) stacked -- along with discs -- one on top of another. A healthy spine when viewed from the side has gentle curves to it.
Stress Symptoms: Physical Effects of Stress on the Body
What Is Stress? Stress is your body's response to a challenging or demanding situation. When you feel stressed, your body releases certain hormones. Your hormones are chemical signals your body uses to tell your body systems what to do. The hormones your body releases when you're stressed get you ready to meet the challenge or demand in your environment. During the stress response, your body gets ready to flee or fight by increasing your heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
The Basics of Smell Anosmia Causes Anosmia Symptoms Anosmia Diagnosis Anosmia Treatments Most of us take our sense of smell for granted. But have you ever thought about what it would be like to not be able to smell something? The complete loss of smell is called anosmia (an-OHZ-me-uh). Without your sense of smell, food tastes different, you can't smell the scent of a flower, and you could find yourself in a dangerous situation, unknowingly.
Occipital Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments, and More
Occipital neuralgia is a condition in which the nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, called the occipital nerves, are inflamed or injured. You might feel pain in the back of your head or the base of your skull. People can confuse it with a migraine or other types of headache because the symptoms can be similar. But treatments for those conditions are very different, so it’s important to see your doctor to get the right diagnosis.
Rash, Itching, Bumps, Breakouts, and More
Stress can affect your whole body, including your hair, nails, and skin. Since stress is a part of life, what matters is how you handle it. How Stress Affects Skin Stress causes a chemical response in your body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. It can also make it harder for skin problems to heal. Have you ever noticed that you break out more when you’re stressed? This is because stress causes your body to make hormones like cortisol, which tells glands in your skin to make more oil.
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