Health & Safety

All Health & Safety Stories


LASIK: Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK is eye surgery done with a laser to help you see better. The laser makes tiny cuts that change the shape of the clear cover over the eye,

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Protect Against Eye Damage from UV Radiation

Many people understand the link between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer, but they are often less aware of the connection between UV radiation and eye damage. With increased

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Tips for Successful Exercise and Weight Control

Tips to Get You Started Hopefully, you are now convinced that in order to successfully manage your weight you must include exercise in your daily routine. Here are some

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Benefits of Exercise in a Weight Control Program

The benefits of exercise are many, from producing physically fit bodies to providing an outlet for fun and socialization. When added to a weight control program these benefits take

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Weight Loss and Exercise: How Much and How Often

Experts recommend that you do some form of aerobic exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 20 continuous minutes. Of course, if that is too

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Exercise and Modern Living

One thing is certain. Most people do not get enough exercise in their ordinary routines. All of the advances of modern technology – from electric can openers to power

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Balanced Diet Weight Control Plans

A balanced diet should be part of any weight control plan. A diet high in complex carbohydrates and moderate in protein and fat will complement an exercise program. It

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Calories and the Energy Balance

Losing weight, gaining weight or maintaining your weight depends on the amount of calories you take in and use up during the day, otherwise referred to as energy balance.

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Exercise and Weight Control

Just about everybody seems to be interested in weight control. Some of us weigh just the right amount, others need to gain a few pounds. Most of us “battle

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ADHD Drugs and Side Effects in Children

The following table shows various types of approved ADHD treatments and their side effects in children. Stimulants Strattera (atomoxetine) Intuniv (guanfacine) Forms Depending on drug, may be pill, capsule,

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Treating ADHD in Children

The Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of medications—stimulants and non-stimulants—to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve functioning in children as young as 6 years.

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Diagnosing ADHD in Children

Is your child in constant motion? Does he or she talk incessantly? Or have trouble focusing and prefer to daydream? Then your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,

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What can your community do about underage drinking?

Part 7 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. While many teens drink, underage alcohol use is not inevitable. It will take everyone in the community to make change happen.

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Solve Underage Drinking

Part 6 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. Underage drinking can affect anyone, including people who don’t drink. Underage alcohol use can lead to dangerous behavior, property damage, and

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Risks of Underage Drinking

Part 5 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. Underage Drinking Is a major cause of death from injuries among young people. Each year, approximately 5,000 people under the age

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What's the problem with underage drinking?

What’s the problem with underage drinking?

Part 4 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. So many young people drink. Many more young people use alcohol than tobacco or illegal drugs. By age 18, more than

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What is "a drink"?

What is “a drink”?

Part 3 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. A drink can come in many forms. It can be a shot of hard liquor or a mixed drink containing vodka,

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Facts about Underage Drinking

Part 2 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. As young people grow older, the chance that they will use alcohol grows. About 10% of 12-year-olds say they have used

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What Is Underage Drinking?

What Is Underage Drinking?

Part 1 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. Drinking alcohol can harm the growing body and brain. That’s why it’s important for young people to grow up alcohol-free. And

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How to Decorate Safely for a Fun, Festive Holiday Season

General Rules for Holiday Safety Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children. Avoid smoking near flammable decorations. Make an emergency plan to use if a

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Examples of Thanksgiving Day Fires

Part 5 of Thanksgiving Day Fires in the United States. The following are recent examples of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings reported by the media: Thanksgiving Day 2009:

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Thanksgiving Day Fire Alert and Suppression Systems

Part 4 of Thanksgiving Day Fires in the United States. Technologies to detect and extinguish fires have been a major contributor to the drop in fire fatalities and injuries

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Time, Causes and Extent of Thanksgiving Day Fires

Time, Causes and Extent of Thanksgiving Day Fires

Part 3 of Thanksgiving Day Fires in the United States. When Thanksgiving Day Fires in Residential Buildings Occur As shown in Figure 1, Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings

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Types of Thanksgiving Day Fires

Part 2 of Thanksgiving Day Fires in the United States. Building fires are divided into two classes of severity in NFIRS: “confined fires,” which are those fires confined to

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Summary: Thanksgiving Day Fires in the United States

Part 1 of Thanksgiving Day Fires in the United States. In the years 2006 to 2008, an estimated 4,300 Thanksgiving Day fires occurred annually in the United States, causing

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Work to help your ADHD child

Part 3 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Parents, children, teachers, and doctors should work together as members of a team. Together you can set goals for

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ADHD in the Classroom

Part 6 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Your child’s school may be able to help in many ways. Talk to your child’s teachers about ADHD. Ask

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Getting ADHD Help for Your Child

Getting ADHD Help for Your Child

Part 5 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If you are worried about your child’s behavior, trust your feelings. Ask your child’s doctor for help. Many parents

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ADHD is a treatable condition

ADHD is a treatable condition

Part 4 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD can make children feel bad about themselves. They may see themselves as failures, when they are not. They

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10 signs of ADHD in children

10 signs of ADHD in children

Part 2 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Does your child exhibit any of these behaviors? My child often… is moving something—fingers, hands, arms feet, or legs.

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An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Part 1 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Does this sound like your child: Ricky sits on his hands to stop them from moving. “It’s like I

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Food During Emergencies: Safety Tables

Use these tables to determine whether to save food impacted by an emergency. Certain foods may still be okay after thawing or losing refrigeration. Others are no longer safe

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Food Safety During Emergencies: Frequently Asked Questions

Flood waters covered our food stored on shelves and in cabinets. What can I keep and what should I throw out? Do not eat any food that may have

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Keep Food Safe During an Emergency

A flood, fire, national disaster, or loss of power from high winds, snow, or ice can jeopardize the safety of your food. Knowing how to determine if food is

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Hazards of Working Outdoors in Warm Climates

Hot summer months pose special hazards for outdoor people who must protect themselves against heat, sun exposure, and other hazards. Everyone should know the potential hazards in their workplaces

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Avoid West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is an illness transmitted to humans primarily by mosquitoes. The pathogen that causes WNV infection is a virus that is known to infect birds

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Stay Healthy While Working in the Heat

Sometimes, people can be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related issues and disease can cause

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Protect Yourself from the Sun

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of

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Hurricane Safety Bullet Points

Hurricanes are violent storms which bring intense winds, heavy rain, storm surge, flooding, erosion, landslides and tornadoes. While it is difficult to predict the exact time, place, and force

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Lyme Disease Tick Control

Part 5 of Lyme Disease. Landscaping to create Tick-Safe Zones “Tick-Safe Landscaping” techniques should be considered for homes, parks, fields, and recreational areas. Ixodes ticks need the higher humidity

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Lyme Disease Treatment and Prognosis

Part 4 of Lyme Disease. Several antibiotics are effective for treating Lyme disease. These are usually given by mouth but may be given intravenously in more severe cases. Patients

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Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease

Part 3 of Lyme Disease. Early Lyme Disease: The early stage of Lyme disease is usually marked by one or more of the following signs and symptoms: a characteristic

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Life cycle of Lyme disease ticks

Life cycle of Lyme disease ticks

Part 2 of Lyme Disease. Knowing the complex life cycle of the ticks that transmit Lyme disease bacteria can help in understanding the risk of getting the disease and

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Introduction to Lyme Disease

Introduction to Lyme Disease

Part 1 of Lyme Disease. Lyme disease was first recognized in the United States in 1975, after an unusual outbreak of arthritis near Lyme, Connecticut. Since then, reports of

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Wise Food Choices for Milk and Dairy

Part 2 of Dangers of Raw Milk. Most milk and milk products sold commercially in the United States contain pasteurized milk or cream, or the products have been produced

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Raw Milk Dangers and Risks

Part 1 of Dangers of Raw Milk. Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk Milk and milk products provide a wealth of nutrition benefits. But raw milk can

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Tsunami Awareness and Safety

What is a tsunami and where do they happen? Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by large undersea disturbances, such as a major earthquake on the

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The future of schizophrenia research

Part 9 of Schizophrenia. This is an exciting time for schizophrenia research. The outlook for people with schizophrenia has improved during the last 30 years or so. Although there

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The schizophrenic patient’s support system

Part 8 of Schizophrenia. Family and friends can also help patients set realistic goals and regain their ability to function in the world. Support for those with mental disorders

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Schizophrenia treatments

Part 7 of Schizophrenia. Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, current treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Everyone Responds differently To Anti-Psychotic Medicaton. Antipsychotic

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What causes schizophrenia?

Part 3 of Schizophrenia. Like many other illnesses, schizophrenia is believed to result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. All the tools of modern science are being

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Schizophrenia and brain chemistry

Part 6 of Schizophrenia. It is likely that an imbalance in the complex, interrelated chemical reactions of the brain involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate (and possibly others) plays

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Schizophrenia and substance abuse

Part 5 of Schizophrenia. Some people who abuse drugs show symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, and people with schizophrenia may be mistaken for people who are high on

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Who gets schizophrenia? When does it start?

Part 4 of Schizophrenia. Psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) usually emerge in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their mid-20s to

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What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Part 2 of Schizophrenia. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories: Positive symptoms are unusual thoughts or perceptions, including hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, and disorders of movement.

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What is schizophrenia?

Part 1 of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that has been recognized throughout recorded history. It affects about 1 percent of Americans. People with

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Farm Safety: Potential Hazards of Farm Work

Contrary to  the popular image of fresh air  and  peaceful surroundings, a farm is not a hazard-free work setting. Every year, thousands of farm workers are  injured and  hundreds

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Sodium and Potassium Quick Health Facts

Sodium and Potassium Quick Health Facts

Nearly all Americans eat too much salt (sodium). Most of the salt comes from eating processed foods (75%), or adding salt to food while cooking and using the salt

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Asthma and the Home Environment

More than 20 million people in the United States are estimated to have asthma. Among children, it is the most common chronic illness.  A substantial body of research, including

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Health & Safety Questions About Nuclear Explosions

With the recent threats of terrorism, many people have expressed concern about the likelihood and effects of a nuclear explosion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has

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Radon in average home 200 millirem (annual) 1,400 Gastrointestinal series 1,400 millirem (single procedure) Diagnostic radiology 50 millirem (annual) Mammogram 30 millirem (single procedure) Cosmic radioactivity 27 millirem (annual) Cosmic radiation living in Denver 50 millirem (annual) Natural radioactivity in the body 40 millirem (annual) Terrestrial radioactivity 28 millirem (annual) 200 Cosmic radiation living at sea level 24 millirem (annual) 100 Chest x-ray 4 millirem (single procedure) 50 Living near a nuclear power station < 1 millirem on average (annual)

Risks and Realities: Understanding Radiation in the World Around You

Overview It is natural and all around us. It comes up from the ground, down through the atmosphere, and even from within our own bodies. It can be man-made

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No Excess Mortality Risk Found in Counties with Nuclear Facilities

A National Cancer Institute (NCI) survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, March 20, 1991, showed no general increased risk of death from cancer for people

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About Asthma: Signs and Symptoms

Asthma is a disease of the lung airways. The airways get swollen and inflamed. They react easily to certain things, like viruses, smoke, or pollen. When the inflamed airways

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Carbon Monoxide: Invisible Danger

What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that

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Basic Information about SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. Over the

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UV (Ultraviolet Rays): The Risks of Indoor Tanning

There’s no such thing as a safe tan. Whether from the sun or from sunlamps used in tanning equipment, ultraviolet rays pose a health risk.

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Earthquake Fire Safety Factsheet

Earthquake Fire Safety Factsheet

A wide range of natural disasters occurs within the United States every year. Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. Use the following safety

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Getting Help for Bipolar Disorder

Part 7 of Bipolar Disorder. Anyone with bipolar disorder should be under the care of a psychiatrist skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Other mental health

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Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Part 6 of Bipolar Disorder. Most people with bipolar disorder-even those with the most severe forms-can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment.

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What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Part 5 of Bipolar Disorder. Scientists are learning about the possible causes of bipolar disorder through several kinds of studies. Most scientists now agree that there is no single

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Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Part 4 of Bipolar Disorder. Both children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorder. It is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the illness. Unlike many

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The Course of Bipolar Disorder

Part 3 of Bipolar Disorder. Episodes of mania and depression typically recur across the life span. Between episodes, most people with bipolar disorder are free of symptoms, but as

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Bi-Polar Disorder and Suicide

Part 2 of Bipolar Disorder. Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Anyone who is thinking about committing suicide needs immediate attention, preferably from a mental health professional or

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Bi-Polar Disorder: Symptoms and Introduction

Bi-Polar Disorder: Symptoms and Introduction

Part 1 of Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.

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Signs of Having a Sleep Disorder / Find a Specialist

Part 16 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Look over this list of common signs of a sleep disorders, and talk to your doctor if you have any of them: It

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How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Part 11 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Depending on what your symptoms are, your doctor will gather various kinds of information and consider several possible tests when trying to decide

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Insomnia: Common Sleep Disorders

Insomnia: Common Sleep Disorders

Part 13 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Insomnia is defined as having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or as having unrefreshing sleep despite having ample opportunity to sleep. Life

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Sleep Apnea: Common Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea: Common Sleep Disorders

Part 15 of Healthy Sleep Guide. In people who have sleep apnea (also referred to as sleep-disordered breathing), breathing briefly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. This change

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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Common Sleep Disorders

Part 14 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes an unpleasant prickling or tingling in the legs, especially in the calves, that is relieved by moving or

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Narcolepsy: Common Sleep Disorders

Part 12 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Narcolepsy’s main symptom is excessive and overwhelming daytime sleepiness, even after adequate nighttime sleep. In addition, nighttime sleep may be fragmented by frequent

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Parasomnias (Abnormal Arousals): Common Sleep Disorders

Part 10 of Healthy Sleep Guide. In some people, the walking, talking, and other body functions normally suppressed during sleep emerge during certain sleep stages. Alternatively, the paralysis or

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12 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Part 8 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up the same time each day. As creatures of habit, people have a

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What Disrupts Sleep

What Disrupts Sleep

Part 9 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Many factors can prevent a good night’s sleep. These factors range from well-known stimulants, such as coffee, to certain pain relievers, decongestants, and

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Snoring: Could it Be a Problem?

Snoring is caused by a narrowing or partial blockage of your airways at the back of the mouth and upper throat. This obstruction results in increased air turbulence when

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Top 10 Myths about Sleep

Part 6 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Myth 1: Sleep is a time when your body and brain shut down for rest and relaxation. No evidence shows that any major

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How much sleep is enough?

Part 7 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Animal studies suggest that sleep is as vital as food for survival. Rats, for example, normally live 2–3 years, but they live only

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What does sleep do for you?

Part 5 of Healthy Sleep Guide. A number of tasks vital to health and quality of life are linked to sleep, and these tasks are impaired when you are

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Driving Tired: Crash into Bed, not the Road

Most people are aware of the hazards of drunk driving. But driving while sleepy can be just as dangerous. Indeed, crashes due to sleepy drivers are as deadly as

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3 simple tips for dealing with jet lag

3 simple tips for dealing with jet lag

Part 4 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Eastward travel generally causes more severe jet lag than westward travel because traveling east requires you to shorten the day, and your biological

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What Makes You Sleep

Part 3 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Although you may put off going to sleep in order to squeeze more activities into your day, eventually your need for sleep becomes

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What is Sleep?

Part 2 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Sleep was long considered just a uniform block of time when you are not awake. Thanks to sleep studies done over the past

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Sleep: Background And Introduction

Part 1 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Think of everything you do during your day. Try to guess which activity is so important you should devote one-third of your time

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How to Dispose of Unused & Expired Medicines

How to Dispose of Unused & Expired Medicines

Is your medicine cabinet filled with expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How should you dispose of them? Most drugs can be thrown in the household trash,

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Focus on Foods in the Freezer

Foods in the freezer — are they safe? Thousands of people each year call the USDA to inquiry about the safety of items stored in their own home freezers.

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Food Safety Tips for College Students

When students pack up for college, they take along the basics – TV, laptop, MP3 player and cell phone. Many students will also arrive at school with a microwave

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A  Preparedness Guide for Winter Storms: Are you ready?

A Preparedness Guide for Winter Storms: Are you ready?

The winter months bring snow and ice storms, power outages and hazardous driving conditions. However, you can prepare for a disaster by taking a few steps to deal with

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

When Worry Gets Out of Control: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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H1N1 Flu & U.S. Schools: Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs are updated by the U.S. Department of Education and are subject to change as the flu situation develops. Check www.ED.gov… for updates. BACKGROUND A severe form of

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Injuries & ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Injuries & ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have more frequent and severe injuries than peers without ADHD. Injuries and Hospital Use in Children and Adolescents Research indicates that

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Swine flu in pigs: Swine H1N1 Flu Questions & Answers

Part 2 of Swine Flu: Q&A. How swine flu spreads among pigs? Swine influenza virus is believed to be spread primarily by close contact between pigs and potentially contaminated

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Swine Flu in Humans: Swine H1N1 Flu Questions & Answers

Part 1 of Swine Flu: Q&A. What is swine flu? Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of swine caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular

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Scooter Sales Skyrocket, Injuries Soar

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that emergency room-treated injuries related to popular lightweight scooters have increased sixteen-fold from May to September 2000. CPSC data show that there

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Exposure to asbestos usually occurs by breathing contaminated air

Exposure to asbestos usually occurs by breathing contaminated air in workplaces that make or use asbestos. Asbestos is also found in the air of buildings that are being torn

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