Health and Medicine: 2015

10 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Can You Make Your Metabolism Better?

Boosting metabolism is the holy grail of weight watchers everywhere, but how fast your body burns calories depends on several things. Some people inherit a speedy metabolism. Men tend to burn more calories than women, even while resting. And for most people, metabolism slows steadily after age 40. Although you can't control your age, gender, or genetics, there are other ways to improve your metabolism. Here are 10 of them.

Stay Slimmer With Water

Trying to lose weight? Water revs up metabolism and helps you feel full.

Replace calorie-filled beverages with water, and drink a glass before meals to help you feel fuller.

Drinking more water helps amp up metabolism - especially if your glass is icy cold. Your body must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process.

What Is It?

When you have this disease, your body does a poor job turning the carbohydrates in food into energy. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Over time it raises your risk for heart disease, blindness, nerve and organ damage, and other serious conditions. It strikes people of all ages, and early symptoms are mild. About 1 out of 3 people with type 2 diabetes don't know they have it.

What Is It?

When you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas can’t make insulin. This vital hormone helps your body's cells convert sugar into energy. Without it, sugar builds up in your blood and can reach dangerous levels. To avoid life-threatening complications, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin for their entire lives.

Early Warning Signs

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes tend to come on suddenly and may include:

Do a Quick Body Scan

After your shower each day, check your body head to toe. Look for cuts, sores, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Don't forget the places where moisture can hide and germs can grow. Check under your arms and breasts, and between your legs and toes. Look extra-closely at your feet. Use a mirror to help you see all over. If you have cuts or scrapes, treat them quickly. Also treat dry skin.

Put Your Shoes by the Door

Take a minute to put a pair of slip-on shoes and socks near the door so you aren’t tempted to go outside barefoot. Make sure your slippers or house shoes are handy, too. Even indoors, you

Tom Hanks

The Oscar-winning actor announced he has type 2 diabetes when late-night host David Letterman commented on his newly slim figure in October 2013. "I went to the doctor and he said, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated. You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man.'" Hanks added that the condition is controllable, but he joked that he couldn't get back down to his high-school weight of 96 pounds. "I was a very skinny boy!"

Diabetes-Savvy Meals in a Glance

When you have type 2 diabetes, eating a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats is important. Some people find it helps to count carbs, too. So what's a well-balanced dinner? A power breakfast? You just have to know how to choose within the guidelines your doctor gives you.

Upswing: Caffeine

Your blood sugar can rise after you have coffee -- even black coffee with no calories -- thanks to the caffeine. The same goes for black tea, green tea, and energy drinks. Each person with diabetes reacts to foods and drinks differently, so it's best to keep track of your own responses. Ironically, other compounds in coffee may help prevent type 2 diabetes in healthy people.

Why Do Strength Training?

If you have diabetes, you know the importance of controlling your blood sugar. But did you know that strength training can play a starring role? Simple moves done regularly can prompt your muscles to absorb more sugar. You'll also burn more calories around the clock when you take up strength training. Your mood, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure may improve, too.

Mean Girl

She's pretty, popular, and harsh, spreading rumors, calling names, and being mean.

What to do: Talk to a principal, teacher, or parent. Avoid her and hang out with real friends. Never take a putdown seriously.

Busting Out

Every girl gets breasts, just not at the same time or in the same size. Developing early can bring attention that you might not want.

What to do: You need support from a bra that fits. If anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a responsible adult (like a parent, counselor, or trusted teacher).

What Is Pinkeye?

Pinkeye -- also called conjunctivitis -- is redness and inflammation of the clear membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. Pinkeye is most often caused by a virus or by a bacterial infection, although allergies, chemical agents, and underlying diseases can also play a role.

Healthy Baby Skin

Wrinkles, redness, dryness, and fuzz. Newborn skin is far from flawless but it usually doesn't mean something is wrong. Baby's skin is adjusting to life outside the womb. Most skin imperfections disappear over time. For example, premature babies sometimes have soft hair on their face and back. Late babies often have dry, peeling skin. Both should go away within a few weeks.

Baby Skin Is Sensitive

You likely don't need lotions or creams during baby's first month. When you do begin using skin care products, be sure to use only baby products. Baby skin is sensitive. Products formulated for adults may have dyes, fragrances, and cleansers that are too harsh for infant skin. In general, avoid using baby powders -- talc may cause lung problems, while cornstarch may aggravate a yeast diaper rash.

How can you soothe and treat your child's cold?

Use this quick pictorial Q&A guide to see how to soothe your sick child at home. Learn how to safely give over-the-counter (OTC) medicines if needed to ease a fever, runny nose, sore throat, or other common cold symptoms.

What should I do if my child has a fever?

Pediatricians say a fever is significant when it's 100.4 degrees or more. If your child has a fever, call the doctor if she's younger than 6 months; has other symptoms; has had a fever for more than two days; or has not been vaccinated. In other cases, it's usually safe to use children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Never give a child aspirin. It poses a risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness that affects the liver and brain.

Diaper Changing, Step by Step

Whether you've never changed a diaper before or you're an old hand, you'll get plenty of practice with your new baby. Most parents have made common mistakes, like putting a diaper on backward or lopsided, or even getting an unexpected spray of urine from their baby boy. These step-by-step tips will help you master the art of diaper changing and fix any first-time mistakes fast.

Get Your Supplies Together

Have everything at hand, because you never want to leave your baby unattended. You'll need a clean diaper or two, something to wipe your baby with, and a flat surface. If your baby has diaper rash or is less than a month old, have cotton balls or squares, warm water, a towel, and diaper rash cream handy.

Head Lice: What Parents Should Know

Spotting a tiny, white speck in your child's hair is enough to make many parents panic. Sure, head lice score high on the yuck factor, but they usually don't cause serious disease. Here you'll find all the information you need to get a lice infestation under control.

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are tiny six-legged insects that cling to the scalp and neck and feed on human blood. Each louse is about the size of a sesame seed and can be hard to spot. Lice eggs, called nits, are glued onto hairs near the scalp and can be even harder to see.

What's That?

Wondering about that rash, welt, or bump on your child's skin? Sickness, allergies, and heat or cold are often behind kids' skin changes. Most aren't a big deal and are easy to treat. You can learn to tell what many of them look like. Of course, always check with your child's doctor to know for sure and get the right treatment.

Ringworm

Worms don't cause ringworm. It's caused by a fungus that lives off dead skin, hair, and nail tissue. It starts as a red, scaly patch or bump. Then comes the telltale itchy red ring. The ring has raised, blistery, or scaly borders. Ringworm is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal. Kids can also get it by sharing things like towels or sports gear. Your doctor may treat it with antifungal creams.

Childhood Illnesses: The Facts

While vaccines have made some childhood illnesses rare, many others remain a fact of life. They range from common infections like croup to mysterious ailments like Kawasaki disease. In the following slides, you'll learn the facts about two dozen childhood illnesses. But be sure to consult your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Birthmark Basics

Birthmarks gain attention when there's a media blitz about someone with a visible mark, such as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. News reports suggest that he was born with this birthmark on his right cheek, which doctors checked early on and found to be harmless. Folk wisdom calls such babies "touched by an angel," but a doctor's advice is best.

ADHD: What Is It?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that robs children of their ability to focus and pay attention. Kids with ADHD are fidgety and easily distracted. This makes it difficult to stay "on task," whether it's listening to a teacher or finishing a chore. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 3% to 5% of kids have ADHD, but the most recent survey from the CDC showed that 11% of children have it.

Sunscreen and Skin Irritation

Sunscreen offers valuable protection, but some formulations may cause problems if your child has sensitive skin. Look for sunscreens without para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an ingredient that may be irritating. For children over 6 months old, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen -- blocking UVA and UVB rays -- of SPF 30 or higher. For babies under 6 months, ask your doctor for advice.

Antibacterial Soap Safety

Good in theory, antibacterial liquid soaps may pose some risks. The common ingredient triclosan may be irritating for kids with sensitive skin. The FDA also has the chemical under review due to studies that show it may affect growth and development. For getting rid of germs, regular soap and water works just as well.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in a man's prostate, the walnut-sized gland just below the bladder that produces some of the fluid in semen. It's the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm. But some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Current research suggests this cancer begins in the fallopian tubes and moves to the ovaries, the twin organs that produce a woman's eggs and the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Treatments for ovarian cancer have become more effective in recent years, with the best results seen when the disease is found early.

Lung Cancer: The Big Picture

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. But this wasn't always the case. Before the widespread use of mechanical cigarette rollers, lung cancer was rare. Today, smoking causes nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths, while radon gas, pollution, and other chemicals play a smaller role. Newly developed drugs can offer hope for people diagnosed today.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. More than 12,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. A unique fact about cervical cancer is that most cases are triggered by a type of virus. When found early, cervical cancer is highly curable.

Breast Cancer Today

Breast cancer today is not what it was 20 years ago. Survival rates are climbing thanks to greater awareness, more early detection, and advances in treatment. For roughly 200,000 Americans who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

There are often no symptoms, but sometimes you may notice something you want to get checked out by a doctor. Those include:

A painless lump in the breast
Changes in breast size, shape, contour, or the skin of the breast
Swelling in the armpit
Nipple changes or discharge

Breast pain can also be a symptom of cancer, but this isn’t common.

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body. Bladder cancer typically begins in the inner lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine after it passes from the kidneys. Most bladder cancers are caught early, when treatments are highly successful and the disease has not spread beyond the bladder. But bladder cancer tends to come back, so regular check-ups are important.

Pancreatic Cancer in the Limelight

Pancreatic cancer has gained attention from the diagnoses of several prominent figures, including Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who was diagnosed in 2003 and died Oct. 5, 2011. Jobs had an islet cell neuroendocrine tumor, a rare form of the disease. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and actor Patrick Swayze have also faced pancreatic cancer. Swayze died in 2009. The lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer is about 1 in 78.

Colorectal Cancer: What Is It?

When doctors find colorectal cancer early, it’s highly curable. It happens when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the large intestine (also called the colon) or rectum. This is a common cancer in both men and women. It has the second highest rate of cancer deaths in the U.S.

What Are Polyps?

Colorectal cancers often start out as polyps -- harmless growths on the inside of the intestines. The two most common types of intestinal polyps are adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. They form when there are problems with the way cells grow and repair the lining of the colon. Most polyps stay harmless, but some can turn cancerous. Removing them early prevents the disease.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects about 5 million Americans. Doctors diagnose fibromyalgia based on a patient's symptoms and physical exam. Patients experience pain and stiffness in the muscles, but there are no measurable findings on X-rays or most lab tests. While fibromyalgia does not damage the joints or organs, the constant aches and fatigue can have a significant impact on daily life.

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is a lifelong disorder of the immune system. Immune cells attack the body's own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Symptoms may be limited to the skin, but more often lupus also causes internal problems such as joint pain. In severe cases, it can damage the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. Although there's no cure, there are treatments that can minimize the damage.

Culprit: Ultra-High Heels

"Heels are getting higher and higher," says Hillary Brenner, DPM. "We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide." Brenner, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain. Let's take a closer look at the heights, styles, and woes of today's footwear.

There is a theory among doctors and researchers that has divided the field of cancer treatment in recent years. It suggests that within a tumour there is a small group of special cancer seed cells that are able to resist chemotherapy and bring about the return of the cancer many months after treatment has been completed. This “cancer stem cell” theory may explain the unfortunate relapses seen with many cancer suffers and the tragic consequences for the patient and their family.

These cancer seed cells resemble so-called stem cells that normally renew the cells in our tissues and organs throughout our lives. Stem cells are very specialised parent cells that have the potential to turn into many cell types such brain, liver, brain, blood and so on. While we’re used to hearing about how stem cells are the saviour of modern medicine, cancer stem cells instead reproduce and sustain the cancer.

Face Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes areas of dry, red, flaky skin called psoriatic plaques. They can be found on many parts of the body, including the face, hairline, and scalp. Plaques are itchy and can hurt. About 80% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.

How Severe Is My Psoriasis?

When psoriasis is severe, it can cover large areas of the body. Many doctors gauge how severe psoriasis is, in part, by how much of your body it covers.

Severe: more than 10% of the body
Moderate: from 3% to 10%
Mild: less than 3%

Understanding Eye Allergies

Eye allergies causing red, puffy eyes? You're not alone -- millions of Americans cope with eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis. A cold compress can give you a quick fix before heading out in public. But for long-term relief, you need to identify triggers and treat symptoms.

Eye Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms can include redness in the white of the eye or the inner eyelid. Other signs: itchy eyes, tearing, blurred vision, burning sensation, eyelid swelling, and sensitivity to light. Eye allergies can occur alone or with nasal allergies and the allergic skin condition eczema.The only way to know for sure if it's eye allergies is to see your doctor.

Health Issues in Paradise?

Some of the world's most spectacular destinations are also home to some of the world's nastiest bugs. Yellow fever, malaria, and even polio can strike international travelers. Protect yourself by learning which vaccines or safety steps are a good idea for the area you're visiting. To give vaccines time to work, see your doctor four to six weeks before your trip.

How will I know when I start puberty?

Puberty usually starts when you're between 9 and 13 years old. But it can start earlier or later. Thanks to hormones like estrogen, you'll notice changes like your breasts starting to grow and new curves forming on your body. You might notice that you start to get taller, and eventually you'll get your period.

What's the deal with the new body hair?

You may have noticed hair growing in places you never had it before -- like under your arms, on your legs, and around your pubic area. It usually starts out light and fine, and gets thicker and darker. Body hair is normal, but some girls don't like the way it looks. If you want to get rid of it, ask your mom or a girlfriend how to do it safely.

Clear Skin: Step by Step

Blemishes or pimples often appear on your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders, where skin has the greatest amount of oil glands. Few of us are immune to breakouts, but treatments can minimize outbreaks. For a clear complexion, view the slides ahead to see some surprising dos and don'ts.

Don't Overwash Your Face

Frequent and vigorous washing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. So can grainy scrubs or soaps with harsh chemicals. Instead, wash acne-prone areas twice daily with a mild cleanser and warm water to minimize irritation.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

About half of women will get a urinary tract infection, or UTI, at some point in life. It happens when germs infect the system that carries urine out of the body -- the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more serious illness.

UTI Symptoms: Bladder Infection

Myth: Small Bladder, Big Problems

Some people blame a small bladder for frequent leaks, but your body's normal "capacity" is rarely the true cause of a life-disrupting problem. In healthy people, that capacity ranges from 1 to 2 cups. The real culprit is more likely to be weak muscles, medication side effects, infection, or nerve damage -- and treatments are available.

Fact: Twice a Night Isn't Right

One bathroom trip during the night may be acceptable, but for two or more -- called nocturia -- it's time for a checkup. To determine if it's caused by a treatable condition, your doctor will want more information: a bathroom diary, a record of fluids you drank, and a list of medications and known illnesses. Some possible causes include drinking a lot just before bed, an enlarged prostate, certain medications, and overactive bladder.

What Is Anemia?

Anemia develops when you don’t have enough robust, healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. The blood cells may lack enough hemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its red color. Anemia affects one in 10 teen girls and women. It also develops in men and children and is linked to some illnesses.

Symptoms of Anemia

If you’re often tired even though you've slept well or you lack the energy for normal activities, you may have anemia. It can be an underlying cause of memory or mood problems. Symptoms range from none to mild to life-threatening and may include:

Air Traffic Controller

News of air traffic controllers falling asleep on the job shows the difficulty of shift work. Even when lives are at stake, it's a challenge for some people to stay alert throughout the night. That's because their internal body clock -- sometimes called circadian rhythms -- may be out of synch with their schedule. Shift work disrupts this cycle, and many people have trouble adapting.

What Is a Boil?

A boil is a common, painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin. It begins as a red lump, then fills with pus as white blood cells rush in to fight the infection. Good home care can often clear up a single boil, also known as a skin abscess. A doctor's care is needed when a boil resists treatment or develops in certain vulnerable areas of the body.

What Is Psoriasis?

This skin condition causes a thick, patchy, red rash with silvery, white scales. The most common type is called plaque psoriasis.

You can get it anywhere, but it shows up most often on your scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. You can't catch it by touching the skin of someone who's got it.

Kids can get psoriasis, but it's more common in adults.

Men Will Talk About Feelings

Was your guy raised as a traditional, stoic, man's man? If so, let WebMD walk you through 18 relationship secrets, gathered from psychologists who study gender roles. Secret No. 1: It may be easier for your man to talk about feelings indirectly. Ask what he'd do during a romantic weekend. Or what he thought the first time he met you. His answers will reveal how he feels and bring you closer.

What Saliva Does

Dry mouth is more than just feeling thirsty. You get it when your mouth makes very little saliva -- or even none at all. What little saliva you have might be thick and stringy. Saliva helps you taste food and drinks and it helps you digest food. It flushes food particles away from your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Another name for dry mouth is xerostomia.

Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Want Brighter, Whiter Teeth?

Have your pearly whites lost their luster because of dingy gray or yellow stains? Stained teeth can occur as we age, but some common foods, drinks, and even mouthwashes can stain teeth. Do-it-yourself remedies can help whiten teeth, and avoiding substances that stain teeth can stop further discoloration. Use these secrets to whiter teeth to restore your bright smile.

Acupuncture

It's a traditional Chinese practice in which tiny needles are inserted at specific points in your body. Small studies suggest it can ease migraine pain and may lower the number of headaches, too.

Complementary therapies like this generally work best along with traditional treatments.

A Caring Guy Is a Hot Guy

What do women want? For those who've ever pondered this question, here are 19 relationship secrets. They're based on the study of healthy, happy couples and our changing gender roles. Secret No. 1: Women appreciate a guy with a sensitive side, especially when they're upset. Put your arm around her and hand her a tissue. Nurturing is a powerful way to connect.

Myth: If You've Smoked for Years, the Damage Is Done

Fact: It's never too late to stop smoking. Quitting has almost immediate benefits, including improved circulation and lung function. Risk of lung cancer begins to decline over time. Ten years after quitting, former smokers cut their risk of developing lung cancer by up to 50%.