The scalp contains approximately 100,000 strands of hair and on average we lose about 50 to100 strands per day. Aging and medication use, among others can cause visible changes in the hair's structure which can lead to hair loss.A Single Strand of HairA single hair is composed of two parts: the hair shaft, or the visible part of the hair, and the hair root. The hair root is found below the skin and contained within a tube-like structure ca .....

 Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the fat cells (known as adipose tissue), liver, and pancreas. It has many functions, and research at the Mayo Cancer Center in Minnesota found that "the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphomas—cancer of the immune system—was approximately 45% lower for those whose vitamin K intake was in the top quarter, vs. those whose intake of the vitamin was in the bottom quarter .....

 Healthy bladders are often compromised by extended sitting and poor bathroom facilities (in both quality and quantity)—both common aspects in our nation’s schools and workplaces. These conditions often account for the retraining of the bladder to store a larger volume of urine than is medically recommended. This can cause a sluggish bladder, whic .....

According to the World Health Organization, there are more than one billion overweight people in the world, with at least 300 million of them struggling with obesity.  In the United States alone, it is estimated that 50% of Americans are overweight with approximately 13% struggling with obesity.  It is no wonder that the diet industry is making billions of dollars annually.  If weight-loss gurus claim that diets work--then .....

In my general health article for October, I discuss and provide important information on the seasonal flu and the options for vaccinations. Although it may still feel like summer in many parts of the country, October traditionally marks the beginning of health promotion activities for the influenza vaccination. Peak times for flu season are January and Febru .....

My general health article for this month discusses the issue of noscomial or hospital-acquired infections, which are those illnesses that are easily spread from one person to another by a hospital worker or even a visitor. The hospital is supposed to be a place where sick people can go to get better. Ironically, though, it is the worst place to go, when you are sick because the body may already be in a weakened state, and t .....

I have not worked in a hospital setting for years now, but when I did I always worried about carrying germs from the hospital to my home.  I took great care to ensure that whatever was on my clothing or shoes never made it into the front door of my home.  My nursing shoes were placed in the garage and a pair of slippers took their place when I entered the house.   I washed my lab coat an .....

Affecting 200 million people worldwide, urinary incontinence can greatly influence an individual’s quality of life, including the social, interpersonal and professional aspects. In the United States, it is estimated that 25 million adult Americans experience chronic or temporary urinary incontinence and that .....

This month's general health article discusses a debilitating and embarrassing problem, especially among women: urinary incontinence, or an involuntary loss of urine.Most often caused by weaken pelvic floor muscles, mild incontinence can be controlled, even cured by daily frequent Kegel exercises.Kegel exercises help to strengthen the vagina, urethra and anus. D .....

This month's general health article is titled, "Vitamin D is Essential to Good Health." I know you are probably wondering why another article on vitamin D? And normally I would agree—vitamin D is old news. But I found some interesting tidbits about this amazing substance that might raise a fe .....