Healthy Living

Symptom Checker Read More Is something bothering you? Where does it hurt? Type in your symptoms and find out what you could be suffering from!

Are Lab Grown Organs An Option? Read More Here’s the dream scenario: A patient donates cells, either from a biopsy or maybe just a blood draw. A lab uses them, or cells made from them, to seed onto a scaffold that’s shaped like the organ he needs. Then, says Dr. Harald Ott of Massachusetts General Hospital, “we can regenerate an organ that will not be rejected (and can be) grown on demand and transplanted surgically, similar to a donor organ.”

Blacks With Certain Gene Need Lower Doses of Warfarin Read More The discovery of a genetic variation that affects how some black patients respond to the blood thinner warfarin could improve the safety and effectiveness of the drug, researchers report.

‘Obamacare’ Starts Soon: Choices Will Increase, But Will Premiums? Read More Insurance companies are showing interest in providing coverage under “Obamacare,” a development likely to increase market competition and give uninsured people more choices than they now have, the White House said Thursday. Many of the 14 million people who currently buy their own insurance plans could also benefit.

Underactive Thyroid And Heart Failure A Bad Combination Read More People with heart failure are more likely to experience poorer health from having a thyroid gland that is even mildly underactive, according to a new study. And among black patients, the researchers found an increased risk of death linked to the condition, which is known as hypothyroidism.

Multiple Sclerosis More Common In Blacks Than Previously Thought Read More For years doctors have assumed black people are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) than whites, but a new study suggests the opposite may be true.

Clinical Trials Shed Light On Minority Health Read More Ensuring meaningful representation of minorities in clinical trials for regulated medical products is fundamental to FDA’s regulatory mission and public health, says Jonca Bull, M.D., director of the agency’s Office of Minority Health (OMH).

Race And Geography May Influence Late-Stage Kidney Care Read More At the end of life, black kidney disease patients are more likely than white patients to continue intensive dialysis instead of choosing hospice care, according to a new study.

Minority Cancer Awareness: Everyday Steps To Help Lower Your Risk Read More Every April the American Cancer Society and other organizations work together to raise awareness about cancer among minorities in honor of National Minority Health Month and National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, celebrated this year April 15-21.

Tips For Minorities: Prevent High Blood Pressure Read More A recent study shows that hospitalization due to high blood pressure is more common among African Americans. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.

Many U.S. Blacks Eager to Take Part in Medical Research Read More Black Americans are more likely than other racial/ethnic groups to be interested in participating in medical research, including when it involves providing blood or genetic samples, a new study finds.

The Top Ten Worst Allergy Cities In The Country Read More According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s Spring Allergy Capitals report, which highlights the worst cities for allergy sufferers, this year Jackson, Mississippi is taking the number one spot due to high pollen and the population’s heavy reliance on allergy medications.

Bacon-Flavored Condoms Sweep Seattle Read More Bacon is sure in these days – even in the bedroom. A Seattle-based company named JD Foods has come up with bacon-flavored products with the appropriate slogan: “Make Your Meat, Look Like Meat.”

Bias May Explain Disparity In Leg Amputations Read More Although differences in cultural preferences, wealth or access to top hospitals are blamed for many healthcare disparities, a new study concludes those are not the main reasons that blacks with poor leg circulation are almost twice as likely to be amputated as whites with the same condition.

Blacks With Kidney Disease Should Watch For Blood Pressure Shifts Read More Large day-to-day blood pressure changes in blacks with kidney disease are associated with an increased risk of premature death, a new study suggests.

Vitamin D Supplements Tied To Lower Blood Pressure In Blacks Read More Black Americans who take vitamin D supplements may significantly lower their blood pressure, a new study suggests.

Bionic Eye Implant Approved By U.S. For Rare Disease Read More Adults going blind because of a rare eye disease may regain the ability to do daily tasks, such as navigating a sidewalk or detecting sunlight, from the first implanted artificial retina to win U.S. regulatory approval.

Cancer Rates Dropping Among Black Americans Read More A new report finds that cancer rates among blacks in the United States are on the decline, especially among black men, and the improvement may have saved almost 200,000 people from dying of the disease since the early 1990s.

Blacks Less Likely To Receive Kidney Transplant Early On, Study Finds Read More Black people and those without private health insurance are less likely than others to receive a kidney transplant before their condition deteriorates to the point that they need dialysis, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore.

New Stomach Bug Sweeping The Globe Is Taking Over In the US, Health Officials Say Read More A new strain of stomach bug making its rounds around the world has arrived in the U.S., health officials say. Since September, more than 140 outbreaks in the U.S. have been caused by the new Sydney strain of norovirus.

Cancer Fact Or Fiction: Separating Myths From Good Information Read More To many, cancer remains one of the most frightening diagnoses in modern medicine. But much of this fear is a result of myths that have circulated for years in spite of the good information that is available.

Blacks And Hypertension Link Persists Across Age And Economic Status Read More African-Americans are at higher risk for developing hypertension than Whites or Mexican Americans, even if they’ve managed to avoid high blood pressure earlier in life.

African Americans & Multiple Sclerosis Read More The myth that African Americans do not get MS is just that, a myth. African Americans do get MS. In fact, studies suggest that MS can be especially active in African Americans.

African Americans And Glaucoma Read More Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans. Half of those with glaucoma don’t know they have it.

Serious Surgical Mistakes Persist, Despite Safety Rules Read More Back in 2004, the Joint Commission, a group that certifies health care providers, issued rules to try and prevent wrong-site surgery. But these devastating mistakes have continued unabated, and recent estimates put the number at 40 per week in the United States.

High Blood Pressure Poses Bigger Stroke Risk For Blacks, Study Says Read More Black people are known to be at greater risk for high blood pressure, and now a new study suggests that this places them at an even higher risk for stroke.

New Guidelines Push For Most In U.S. To Get At Least 1 HIV Test Read More HIV testing could become as common as cholesterol check-ups. New screening guidelines proposed by an independent panel insist Americans ages 15 to 64 should get an HIV test at least once—not just people considered at high risk for the virus.

FDA Approves New Seasonal Flu Vaccine Read More The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first seasonal flu vaccine made using animal cell technology. This previous egg method has been used for a half-century.

Values Exercise Improves Doctor-Patient Communication Read More A short waiting room exercise encouraging African American patients to reflect on their personal values helped improve communication between the patients and their white doctors, in a new study.

Heart Risks Still Higher In Blacks Than Whites Read More Black men and women are more likely to die of a heart attack or heart failure than whites in the United States, according to a new study.

What Is Keloid Scarring Read More Keloid scars are defined as an abnormal scar that grows beyond the boundary of the original site of a skin injury. Keloid scars are seen 15 times more in highly pigmented ethnic groups rather than Caucasians.

Chelation Treatment Shows Promise To Treat Heart Disease Read More A treatment used for heart disease, which many doctors consider to be fringe medicine, has unexpectedly showed promise in a new study, sparking debate about the findings. The study tested chelation, infusions that may help remove calcium from hardened arteries around the heart. While chelation has long been used to treat lead poisoning, its safety for heart disease remains unproven.

Killer Faces Life In Prison After Confessing To Girl’s Murder When He Thought He Was Dying Of A Heart Attack – Then Surviving! Read More James Washington was having a heart attack when he called a police officer over to his hospital bed in 2009. While he hoped for absolution, what he got instead was a medical miracle. And now, a murder charge.

Health Risks Will Rise In Sandy’s Wake, Experts Warn Read More The torrential rains and hurtling winds of “superstorm” Sandy are slowly passing through, along with some of the more acute health dangers such as falling trees and high flood waters. But in the days, weeks and months to come, residents of the hardest hit areas will face myriad risks to their health, experts say.

Superstorm Sandy Leaves New York City Hospitals Powerless Due To Flooding Read More Two of the most important medical centers in New York City lost power during Superstorm Sandy earlier this week, causing panic and frantic effort to transfer patients.

Health Insurance Companies Are Actually Nervous Over A Possible Romney Victory Read More Although the industry hates parts of President Barack Obama’s health care law, major outfits such as UnitedHealth Group and BlueCross Blue Shield also stand to rake in billions of dollars from new customers who’ll get health insurance under the law. The companies already have invested tens of millions to carry it out.

CPR Less Likely For Latinos, Blacks In Poor Neighborhoods Read More If someone collapses, their survival rate may depend on where they live. A new study concludes those who suffer from cardiac arrest in a poor neighborhood are half as likely to get CPR from family members at home or from bystanders on the street then whites.

Aspirin May Fight Some Colon Cancers Read More One of the world’s oldest and cheapest drugs is showing promise in fighting cancer. A new study has shown patients who regularly took aspirin lived longer than those who didn’t. These individuals had a mutation in a gene that’s thought to play a role in colon cancer.

Race, Income Tied To Late Colon Cancer Diagnoses Read More A study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas also revealed that blacks and those in high-poverty areas are more likely than others to be diagnosed with colon cancer in an emergency situation. The researchers noted when cancer diagnoses are delayed until an emergency arises, the risk for complications and death increases.

African-Americans And Heart Disease, Stroke Read More Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all Americans, and stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death. As frightening as those statistics are the risks of getting those diseases are even higher for African-Americans.

20 Things You Didn’t Know About Sex Read More You’ve taken sex ed, have hands-on experience and have seen every episode of ‘Sex and the City’ — twice. So, you think you know a lot about sex? Here are the 20 things your health teacher most certainly never taught you:

Treating Acne In Black Skin Read More For the most part, acne is a colorblind disease. It develops and is treated the same way regardless of skin tone. However, darker skin tends to get dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after an acne lesion goes away.

Lack Of Sleep May Be Linked To Weight Gain And Diabetes, Says New Study Read More If you haven’t scheduled some time to catch up on sleep this weekend, then you might want to do so now – your health may depend on it. Lack of sleeps affects the ability for fat cells to respond to insulin efficiently.

Faces Of HIV: Four Powerful Stories Of Hope And Strength Read More Through insightful interviews, captivating portraits and poignant journal writing, the Faces of HIV project examines the effects of stigmas, the personal relationships and care issues associated with being HIV positive.

Why Black People Get Fewer Wrinkles Than White People Read More African American skin has larger melanosomes (cells that determine skin color) and the melanosomes contain more of the pigment melanin than those found in white skin. Because of the protective effect of melanin, African-Americans are better protected against skin cancer and premature wrinkling from sun exposure.

It’s Flu Shot Time: New Strains Expected In 2012 Flu Season Read More Last year’s flu shot won’t shield you this year: Two new strains of influenza have begun circling the globe, and the updated vaccine appears to work well against them, government officials said Thursday.

Surprising Causes Of Body Odor Read More You would be shocked and surprised at the simple things you can do to minimize or eliminate offensive odors that may be emanating from off of your body.

Mitt Romney Booed At NAACP Convention For Saying He Will Repeal Obamacare Read More Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was booed by an African-American crowd on Wednesday when he told them he would eliminate President Barack Obama’s signature policy achievement, the U.S. healthcare overhaul.

Secondhand Smoke Takes Big Illness, Expense Toll Read More Secondhand smoke has a substantial health and economic impact, especially among black Americans, a new study shows.

5 Things The Obamacare Ruling Does For Blacks And Latinos Read More The Affordable Care Act will have a substantial effect on Latinos and Blacks. Let’s take a look at what Obamacare does for these Americans:

Minority-Serving Hospitals Have Problems With Quality Of Care And Patient Satisfaction Read More Patients treated in hospitals with high concentrations of black patients reported less satisfaction with their care and experienced several difficulties, reveals a new study.

Fewer Blacks, Hispanics Get New Heart Device Read More Blacks and Hispanics with chronic heart failure are less likely than whites to be treated with a specialized pacemaker that prolongs survival and eases symptoms, U.S. researchers said Tuesday.

Where Mitt Romney And Barack Obama Stand On Healthcare Read More There are many important differences between the two men who would be President. Here is a guide to where Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney stand on healthcare.

Mysterious Disease Leaves Patients With AIDS-like Symptoms, But Not HIV Read More Researchers have identified a mysterious new disease that has left scores of people in Asia and some in the United States with AIDS-like symptoms even though they are not infected with HIV.

Growing Proof That HIV & Aids Can Be Cured Read More Aids researchers believe the time may have come to think the unthinkable: a growing body of expert opinion believes a cure for HIV infection is no longer a scientific impossibility but a realistic goal that scientists could reach in the very near future.

Quarter Of All Adult Barbadians Have At Least One Chronic Disease Read More A quarter of all adult Barbadians have at least one chronic disease and this is projected to increase to one third of all adults by 2025.

Paul Ryan’s Plan Could Change Medicaid, Medicare Read More Ryan’s Medicare vision would shift the burden of cost from the federal government to seniors, which for African-Americans could be deadly.

Black Stroke Survivors Face Greater Risk From High Blood Pressure Read More Black people who survived strokes caused by bleeding in the brain were more likely than whites to have high blood pressure a year later – increasing their risk of another stroke, according to a study in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

Should Welfare Recipients Be Drug Tested? Read More According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, almost two dozen states are considering bills that require drug testing those either applying for or receiving public benefits.

Blacks With Throat Cancer Get Harsher Therapy Read More Blacks in the U.S. with throat cancer are more likely than whites to have surgery that leaves them unable to speak than to get gentler voice-preserving treatments, a new study finds.

Think Twice Before You Shave The Love Below, Physician Says Read More Pubic hair does have a purpose, providing cushion against friction that can cause skin abrasion and injury, protection from bacteria and other unwanted pathogens, and is the visible result of long awaited adolescent hormones, certainly nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.

Tuberculosis In Blacks Read More Blacks continue to have a disproportionate share of TB. The percentage of TB cases in blacks is higher than expected based on the percentage of blacks in the U.S. population.

GOP Offers Health Care Repeal Without Alternative Read More House Republicans generally avoided talk of replacement measures on Tuesday as they mobilized for an election-season vote to repeal the health care law that stands as President Barack Obama’s signature domestic accomplishment.

Decisions About Condom Use Among Gay Couples Vary By Race Read More Although black gay couples tend to practice safe sex more often, researchers from San Francisco State University found they don’t talk about it. However, white gay couples often do the opposite…..

NAACP Develops HIV Manual For Black Churches Read More Houston pastor Timothy W. Sloan has felt for years that he needed to talk about HIV and AIDS with his congregation. But he worried the 3,000 mostly African-American parishioners at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Humble, Texas, could be offended and leave the church or curtail their giving.

Colorectal Cancer Is Preventable: Information For African Americans Read More Many people who fear cancer don’t realize that some types of cancer are preventable. Cancer of the colon or rectum (together referred to as colorectal cancer) is one of these.

What African Americans With Diabetes Or High Blood Pressure Need To Know Read More Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. You need to get checked for kidney disease if you have one of these conditions. Here are some other reasons to get checked:

9 In 10 Blacks With High Blood Pressure Have Early Heart Disease Read More High blood pressure is strongly associated with heart disease in black Americans, new research shows.

How To Avoid Diabetes And Reverse Diabetes Read More No one’s allowed to say that you can easily avoid diabetes and sometimes even reverse diabetes naturally. But studies clearly show that avoiding diabetes and actually even reversing mild diabetes is not that difficult.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms And Causes Read More Type 2 diabetes symptoms and causes can be subtle and confusing. But since diabetes is skyrocketing all around the world, it only makes good commonsense to learn the causes and symptoms of diabetes.

How To Avoid Diabetes And Reverse Diabetes Type 2 Read More Do you know how to avoid diabetes? How about how to reverse diabetes naturally? The problem is no one’s allowed to tell you that you can usually avoid diabetes and sometimes even reverse diabetes naturally.

Should African-Americans Wear Sunscreen? Read More African-Americans are less likely to suffer sun damage and the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. African-Americans also have lower chances of getting skin cancer. Depending on the darkness of the skin…..

Top Court Upholds Healthcare Law In Obama Triumph Read More The U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama’s healthcare law on Thursday in an election-year triumph for him and fellow Democrats and a setback for Republican opponents of the most sweeping overhaul since the 1960s of the unwieldy U.S. healthcare system.

U.S. Racial Gap In Life Expectancy Shrinks Read More Whites in the United States have typically lived longer on average than blacks, but a new study released on Tuesday suggests that gap in life expectancy may be shrinking.

Scleroderma Complications Worse in Blacks Than Whites Read More A new study finds that black patients with scleroderma have more severe disease complications than whites.

Minority Healthcare Associations Read More Minority healthcare associations have a mission to provide a forum for healthcare professionals concerning education, networking, healthcare research, certification and resources.

High Blood Pressure May Be Especially Lethal For Blacks Read More Black people with high blood pressure are twice as likely to suffer sudden cardiac death than whites or other racial groups who suffer hypertension, according to a new study.

Is Sex Necessary for Good Health? Read More The best that modern science can say for sexual abstinence is that it’s harmless when practiced in moderation. Having regular and enthusiastic sex, by contrast, confers a host of measurable physiological advantages, be you male or female.

Life Expectancy For U.S. Blacks Shorter Than That Of Whites Read More White men in the United States live an average of about seven years longer than black men, while white women live more than five years longer than black women, a new study shows.

Do Whites Receive Better Health Care Than Blacks? Read More Researchers at Harvard and Brown universities say a racial gap persists in health care regardless of what health insurance plans people have, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Get The Scoop On Eczema Read More Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.

Fewer Dying in U.S. From Throat, Mouth Cancer, Study Finds Read More Death rates for U.S. patients with throat and mouth cancers decreased between 1993 and 2007, a new study shows.

Blacks With Diverticulitis Have Worse Outcomes Read More Blacks need emergency surgery more often than whites for a common type of intestinal disease, and they tend to fare worse afterwards, suggests a study of older Americans on Medicare.

Racial Disparities Still Exist For Kidney Recipients Read More The reversal of a kidney allocation policy has improved black patients’ chances of receiving a new organ from a deceased donor, U.S. researchers say.

Black Kidney Donors More Likely To Be Related To Recipients Read More A new study on living kidney donation finds that black donors are more likely to be related to their recipients than white donors are.

Gene Variant Increases Risk Of Kidney Disease In African-Americans Read More African-Americans with two copies of the APOL1 gene have about a 4 percent lifetime risk of developing a form of kidney disease, according to scientists at the National Institutes of Health.

Race Tied To Risk For Arthritis In Large Joints Read More Blacks have a higher rate of multiple, large-joint osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis than whites do, a new study finds. Osteoarthritis is a painful chronic disease caused by a loss of cartilage in the joints.

Could Discrimination Help Trigger Illness In Blacks? Read More The stress associated with racial discrimination may take a heavy toll on the body, researchers say. The finding could help explain why certain racial groups tend to have more heart disease, diabetes and other age-related conditions.

Blacks Fare Worse Than Whites After Colon Cancer Surgery Read More Black Americans who have surgery for stage 2 and stage 3 colon cancer have worse overall and recurrence-free survival rates than whites, a new study finds.

Survival Less Likely for Black Victims Of Assault, Study Finds Read More Black Americans are more likely than whites to die of gunshot and other assault-related injuries after they arrive at a trauma center, a new study has found.

Downsides Of Cancer Care Rarely Seen In Black Media Read More Few media stories on cancer venture into issues of death, dying and end-of-life care — and outlets directed at African Americans are particularly unlikely to do so, a new study suggests.

Black Nursing Home Residents Less Likely Than Whites To Get Vaccination Read More The percentage of nursing home residents in the United States who receive a seasonal flu shot is lower than the national goal, and the rate is lower for blacks than for whites, a new study finds.

Vaccine Could Reduce HIV To Minor Infection Read More HIV could be reduced to a “minor chronic infection” akin to herpes, scientists developing a new vaccine have claimed. Spanish researchers found that 22 of 24 healthy people (92 per cent) developed an immune response to HIV after being given their MVA-B vaccine.

Shockwave Therapy Shows Promise For Tendon Pain Read More A therapy that aims to heal injured body tissue with targeted sound waves may bring pain relief to people with chronically injured hamstring tendons, a small study of professional athletes suggests.

Blacks Develop High Blood Pressure A Year Ahead Of Whites Read More It’s well known that blacks are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure than whites are, but new research now suggests they also progress more rapidly from a pre-hypertension state to full-blown high blood pressure.

Is Interracial Sex Better? Read More Have you ever had sex with someone outside your race? Would you be interested in having sex with someone of another race? Is interracial sex a taboo to you? This is a very controversial topic. “Why the hell would someone prefer to have interracial sex?᾿ most people may ask.

Expense May Be Causing Fewer Young Blacks To Smoke Read More Rising cigarette prices and other economic and social factors led to the sharp drop in smoking that occurred among black youth between the 1970s and 1990s, U.S. researchers say.

Sun Effects On Black People Vs. White People Read More African-Americans have more melanin in their skin than lighter-skinned people, making it less likely that they’ll sunburn while outdoors. However…..

Warning Signs To Look For Before You Buy Or Rent Read More Excessive indoor allergen levels, and moldy homes appear in the news on a nightly basis, many people have been asking what can be done to reduce the chances of renting or buying a problem residence?

When Behind The Wheel This Holiday Weekend, Decide To Drive Read More The statistics on distracted driving are startling. The U.S. Department of Transportation statistics indicate that in 2008 nearly 6,000 people died and more than half a million were injured in crashes associated with driver distractions of all types.

African Americans And Sexually Transmitted Diseases (CDC) Read More Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a serious and widespread health threat in the United States. Though most STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated, many have no noticeable symptoms, and infected individuals may not seek testing or treatment. As a result, many infections go undetected. Without treatment, individuals with STDs are at risk of serious health problems, such as infertility.

A Healthy Sex Life: 10 Reasons To Have Sex     Read More 1. Exercise. “Sexual activity is a form of physical exercise,” according to Dr. Michael Cirigliano of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Making love three times a week burns around 7,500 calories in a year — the equivalent of jogging 75 miles……

Get The Scoop On Back Pain Read More Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

Cardiovascular Disease In African Americans Read More Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of African Americans in the United States. Four out of 10 African American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease.

Study Hints At Why Heart Disease Is More Deadly For Blacks Read More A new study hints at one reason that black Americans are at a higher risk of death from heart disease than whites: Blacks appear to have higher levels of a certain type of plaque that builds up in arteries and is not detected in standard screening.

14 Year Old Black Youth Invents Surgical Technique Read More Tony Hansberry II isn’t waiting to finish medical school to contribute to improved medical care. He has already developed a stitching technique that can be used to reduce surgical complications, as well as the chance of error among less experienced surgeons.

People In Poor Neighborhoods Have More Pain, Study Finds Read More Adults under the age of 50 who live in low-income neighborhoods experience more chronic pain than those in more affluent communities, new research finds. Blacks, however, experienced more chronic pain and disability than whites regardless of where they lived….

How To Lower Triglycerides Naturally In 8 Steps Read More Having high triglycerides levels is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But learning how to lower triglycerides, with a healthy triglycerides diet of foods to lower triglycerides and a healthy lifestyle, is easy.

Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies And Allergy Cures Read More While many people welcome spring, summer and fall as their favorite seasons, this doesn’t include the 40 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms. But you don’t have to be a victim of airborne seasonal allergies.

How To Prevent A Stroke Read More One out of three stroke victims die. And many of the rest are left with major disabilities. But stroke prevention works. And right now is the very best time to begin stroke prevention by learning how to prevent a stroke.

Are You And Your Family Prepared For Flu Season? Read More It’s the time of year for sneezing, coughing and the oh-so-dreaded flu. Are you doing everything you can to prepare your family for the onslaught of cold and flu season? In addition to increasing your intake of Vitamin C, and perhaps getting a flu shot, there are a number of quick tips to help your family survive this winter – healthier and happier.

Blacks, Hispanics Have Higher Colon Polyp Risk Than Previously Thought Read More Black and Hispanic Americans are far more likely than whites to develop precancerous colorectal polyps, a new study finds.

Statistics On People Without Health Insurance Read More There are millions of Americans who have some type of health insurance coverage as well as millions who are without health insurance. Data for these Americans are gathered and compiled by the United States Census Bureau.

Higher HIV Risk In Black Gay Men Is Linked To Partner Choice Read More Young black men who have sex with men get infected with HIV nearly five times more often than MSM from other races, even though they don’t have more unprotected sex. The discrepancy has long mystified public health experts, but a new study by investigators at Johns Hopkins and elsewhere now offers a possible explanation for it.

Many Blacks Remain Wary Of Clinical Trials Read More Many African-American patients refuse to join medical studies because they fear they will be lied to and harmed by scientists who view them as human guinea pigs, according to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers.

Facts About Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) For African Americans Read More P.A.D. is more common in African Americans than any other racial or ethnic group. This may be in part because some of the conditions that raise the risk for developing P.A.D., such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are more common among African Americans.

Watching Patient Stories On DVDs Improves Blood Pressure Control Among Blacks Read More A new study found that black patients who watched story segments on DVDs of others sharing their stories about high blood pressure helped them make substantial improvements in their own blood pressure.

Natural Home Arthritis Remedies For Arthritic Relief Read More It’s true. There are natural home arthritis remedies that can help prevent the spread and severity of arthritis to give you natural arthritic relief. Some natural arthritis home remedies can strengthen the immune system and others reduce the painful inflammation that comes with arthritis.

Warning Signs Of A Stroke And Stroke Symptoms Read More It’s important to know the 5 warning signs of a stroke, because once stroke symptoms start, they move rapidly and time is limited. A stroke is often fatal and knowing warning signs of stroke symptoms can save your life.

How To Relieve Constipation Naturally In 7 Steps Read More All you have to do to relieve constipation naturally is start using the natural constipation remedies and foods that relieve constipation listed below.

Black Arthritis Patients Get Fewer Potent Drugs Read More Black people with rheumatoid arthritis are less likely than whites to be on powerful drugs that ward off further joint damage and disability, according to a new study from California.

Better-Educated Blacks, Lower Odds Of Hypertension Read More African ancestry does not explain why black Americans are more likely than whites to have high blood pressure, a new study says. But there is a significant association between low education levels and high blood pressure in blacks.

Can Male Circumcision Stem The AIDS Epidemic In Africa? Read More Adult male circumcision, in which the foreskin of the penis is surgically removed, has emerged as one of the more powerful reducers of infection risk. Some studies are finding that it decreases the odds that a heterosexual man will contract HIV by 57 percent or more.

Pushing Healthy Lifestyle Cuts Risk of Chronic Disease for Blacks Read More A program promoting exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits that can help prevent chronic disease proved effective for black American couples in which one partner has HIV and the other does not, a new study finds.

Natural Allergy Relief For Seasonal Allergies Read More Looking for natural allergy relief for seasonal allergies? Well, read on for seasonal allergy relief, naturally.

How Does Stress Affect Health? Read More Does stress affect health negatively? Absolutely! Studies show physical stress symptoms are behind at least 83% of the health problems leading to doctor visits. And that doesn’t include the psychological effects of stress.

How To Detoxify Your Body Naturally Read More Whether you know how to detox or not, your body knows how to detoxify. As a matter of fact, a fit, well functioning, healthy body will naturally detoxify all day long, every single day.

Menthol May Make It Tougher To Stop Smoking Especially For Blacks Read More Menthol cigarettes make it more difficult for smokers to quit, especially blacks and Puerto Ricans, a new study indicates.

Gene Discovered That Raises Asthma Risk In Blacks Read More U.S. researchers have discovered a genetic mutation unique to African Americans that could help explain why blacks are so susceptible to asthma.

How To Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally Read More Learning how to lower blood pressure naturally is simple. But to naturally lower blood pressure takes commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Why should you bother?

Read About Dr. Arthur Burnett II, The Black Doctor Who Was Instrumental In The Creation Of Viagra Read More Dr. Burnett is recognized for being a world-authority in the science and medicine of male erectile dysfunction. His work paved the way for the clinical development of oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction such as Viagra.

Racial Disparities Remain for Health Care for Vets Read More Gaps in care for black and white U.S. veterans have been reduced over the past decade….major disparities persist in control of cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure, a new study says.

U.S. Blacks More Likely To Die Of Colon Cancer Than Whites Read More Although colorectal cancer death rates in the United States have fallen across the board over the last 20 years, the dip has been smaller among blacks than whites, a new study indicates.

Nick Cannon’s – “NCredible Health Hustle” – Video Series Read More The America’s Got Talent host has started a series of videos on his website that document him getting healthy after his kidney failure.

Few African-Americans Call 911 Immediately For Stroke Symptoms Read More Most African-Americans say they’d call 911 if stroke symptoms occurred but few do, according to research reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Obama’s Healthcare Plan Read More Health care costs are skyrocketing. Health insurance premiums have doubled in the last 8 years, rising 3.7 times faster than wages in the past 8 years, and increasing co-pays and deductibles threaten access to care. Many insurance plans cover only a limited number of doctors’ visits or hospital days, exposing families to unlimited financial liability…… Obama and Biden have the answer……

Stress Consequences And Stress Management Tips Read More Stress consequences can damage your mental, emotional and physical health. Actually, the consequences of stress are the most common cause of disease, accounting for at least 75 to 90% of all doctors’ visits.

Annual HIV Infections In U.S. Relatively Stable, Alarming Increase Among Young, Black Gay And Bisexual Men Read More ”More than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, about 50,000 people in this country still become infected each year. Not only do men who have sex with men continue to account for most new infections, young gay and bisexual men are the only group in which infections are increasing, and this increase is particularly concerning among young African American MSM….

When It Comes To Sex, Our Sense Of Smell Is Most Important Read More When it comes to our senses, we tend to think that sight, touch, and sound are the most important sensual cues for humans. But when it comes to sex, odors can accelerate puberty, control a woman’s menstrual cycles, affects her moods, alter men’s hormone levels and even influence sexual orientation.

Minorities And Colorectal Cancer Read More African-Americans and Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in later stages of the disease. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among both African-American men and women.

Younger Blacks Fare Worse On Dialysis, Study Finds Read More Researchers found that black patients younger than 50 years old who receive the blood-filtering process actually fare worse than whites.

Multiple Sclerosis In Blacks Linked To Low Vitamin D Read More Black people with multiple sclerosis are more likely to have vitamin D deficiencies than blacks who don’t have the disease, a new study shows.

Blacks Still Dying More From Cancer Than Whites Read More Breast and colon cancers are deadlier for black women than they are for white women. Blacks also have a worse five-year survival rate than whites for all cancers—57 percent compared to 66 percent, according to the report.

Thyroid Disorders And Surgery Read More Diseases of the thyroid gland are very common, affecting millions of Americans. The most common thyroid problems are:

Hepatitis C Virus Levels Higher In Black Injection Drug Users Read More Among injection-drug users in the United States infected with hepatitis C, virus levels are highest among blacks…..

National Screening Urged To Detect Eye Disease In Blacks Read More Middle-aged black people may benefit from a routine national glaucoma screening program, according to new research. A computer-based mathematical model found routine screening could make a modest reduction in the number of people who go blind or become visually impaired from the eye disease.

Skin Cancer: A Fact Of Life In Skin Of Color Read More People of all races and colors get skin cancer. This common cancer develops in people of African, Asian, Latino, and Native American descent. Even Aboriginal Australians have heard the diagnosis, “You have skin cancer.” When skin cancer develops in skin of color, the cancer is more often advanced by the time it is diagnosed. Researchers are not sure why. It could be that the cancer is not recognized until the later stages in skin of color.

Do You Know Your Surgeon General? Read More Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA is the 18th Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service. As America’s Doctor, she provides the public with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and the health of the nation.

Physical Activity Levels Linked To Employment Status Read More People’s employment status has an impact on how physically active they are during the workweek, but men and women are affected differently, new research shows.

Cancer Disparities Exist Despite Good Insurance Read More Despite having equal access to health care through military health insurance, black women with breast cancer are less likely than white women to receive certain aggressive treatments, according to the findings of a new study.

Tired Of Feeling Tired And Fatigue All The Time? Read More If you’re tired of feeling tired and fatigue all the time, you’re not alone. Statistics show that 1 out of 4 people feel tired all the time. For most of them, fatigue is so intense that it keeps them from having a normal, happy, productive life. And since constantly feeling tired is almost always the first symptom of all degenerative diseases, it can be dangerous.

Get The Scoop On Sickle Cell Anemia Read More Sickle cell anemia is a disease passed down through families in which red blood cells form an abnormal crescent shape. (Red blood cells are normally shaped like a disc.)

How To Get A Good Nights Sleep Read More Good health requires you to get a good nights sleep. But 57% of American adults have night insomnia and it’s closer to 68% among women.

Gene Variant Linked To Sudden Cardiac Death Risk In Blacks Read More A common gene variant among black people may be linked to the development of life-threatening heart arrhythmias (when the heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly), according to a new study.

Health Tips For African American Men And Women Read More You do not have to stop eating chocolate cake or start running marathons to improve your health. Making small but steady changes in your eating and physical activity habits, over time, may help you lose weight if you need to, feel better, and improve your health.

The Benefits Of Drinking Water Read More Water benefits are extraordinary. Maybe you already know some of the health benefits, but do you know what water amount or water intake will give you the absolute optimum water benefits?

Smoking Health Risks And Tobacco Facts Read More Tobacco facts are devastating. And smoking health risks are a major worldwide health threat. Tobacco is responsible for a million preventable premature American deaths every year – but that’s just in the U.S.

African Americans Disproportionately Affected By Lung Cancer Read More Despite similar smoking rates, African Americans are more likely to develop and die from lung cancer than white Americans, according to a new report from the American Lung Association (ALA)….
African Americans And Diabetes Read More According to the National Diabetes Education Program, there is a current epidemic of diabetes among African Americans. African Americans are one of the largest groups in the population in the United States that are contracting Type II diabetes…
How To Stop Emotional Eating And Overeating Read More You have to know how to stop emotional eating and stop overeating if you want to lose weight and keep it off successfully. Emotional eating and overeating can’t really satisfy an insatiable appetite anyway…
The Benefits Of Exercise To Relieve Anxiety Read More Want to sleep better, overcome depression or relieve anxiety? These are just a few of the many priceless benefits of exercise. If you could put those exercise benefits into a pill, it would be a billion-dollar drug! Regular physical activity as simple as just taking a daily walk can…
How To Get Rid Of Cellulite Naturally Read More Can you get rid of cellulite? And, if so, how do you get rid of cellulite? Or, even better, how do you get rid of cellulite naturally? Although you may not be able to get rid of cellulite totally, you can make it invisible. The seven natural cellulite reduction steps below will make your cellulite a lot less noticeable…

Blacks With Cancer More Inclined To Exhaust Funds To Prolong Life Read More White patients with lung or colorectal cancer are less willing than patients of other races or ethnicities to use up their personal financial resources to prolong their life, a new study finds.

Bed Sores Afflict More Blacks In Nursing Homes Than Whites Read More Among nursing home residents at high risk for bed sores, black patients are more likely than whites to develop the potentially serious condition.

Foods That Constipate And Home Constipation Remedies Read More Yes, there are foods that constipate. But there are also foods that relieve constipation, plus other natural home constipation remedies.

Healthy Living Adds Years to Life Read More Americans who smoke, have high blood pressure, high blood sugar and are overweight may be shortening their life expectancy by an average of four years, a new study finds.

Thyroid Drugs May Raise Fracture Risk In Elderly Read More Many seniors may be at increased risk for fractures because they take “excessive” doses of drugs used to treat thyroid problems, a new study says.

CT Angiography Improves Detection Of Heart Disease In African Americans Read More Researchers may have discovered one reason that African Americans are at increased risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Liver Cancer Survival Rates May Be Worse for Blacks Read More Black Americans with early-stage liver cancer are more likely to die of the disease than Asian, Hispanic or white patients, say researchers.

Altered Gene Protects Some African-Americans From Heart Disease Read More A study by scientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that a single alteration in the genetic code in about a fourth of African-Americans helps protect them from coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in Americans of all races.

Sex, Race, Place Of Residence Influence High Blood Pressure Incidence Read More High blood pressure may help to explain why deaths from heart disease and stroke vary according to geography, race and sex, researchers reported in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms And Natural Allergy Relief Read More The symptoms of seasonal allergies are the result of a faulty immune reaction. And by naturally healing a poorly functioning immune system, you can get highly effective natural allergy relief.

Vitamin D Deficiency Does Not Increase Stroke Risk Among Blacks Read More While vitamin D deficiency is associated with fatal stroke among whites, it is not linked to more stroke deaths among blacks, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2010.

Vitamin D Shortage Not Tied To Stroke Deaths In Blacks Read More New research suggests that vitamin D deficiency does not boost stroke death rates among black patients, even though it appears to double the risk for whites.

Heavy Smoking May Double Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk In Blacks Read More Smoking boosts the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in black Americans, and heavy smokers and those with a genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis are among those most likely to develop the joint disease, a new study has found.