The most common reason people seek medical care isn’t diabetes, cancer or even heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, it’s pain. In fact, it’s estimated that 100 million Americans struggle with pain symptoms daily, and chronic pain is the nation’s leading cause of long-term disability.
Lack of energy and concentration. Sleepiness. Lost of interest and appetite. Mood swings. While these are only some of the symptoms of clinical depression, they’re all pretty good reasons to avoid exercise. That said, working up a sweat can be as effective as medications for fighting depression.
So if you’re one of the millions of Americans living with this chronic disease, lacing up your walking shoes or slipping on your swimming cap might be just what the doctor ordered.
Most of us have visited a casino or played the lottery. In fact, about 85 percent of U.S. adults have gambled at least once during their lives. But when does occasionally rolling the dice or buying a scratch-off become problem gambling?
When I started working at Holland Hospital thirty-some years ago, I never thought much about retirement. Today I sit in my office just after turning 61, and the end of my career will actually be in my rearview sooner rather than later.
Somehow it all happened in the blink of an eye. While the thought of my retirement is exciting, it doesn’t come without worry, and yes, even some fear mixed with sadness. After all, this is entirely new territory. A brand new chapter.
Yes, it's true; the new school year is just a couple of short weeks away. The last day of summer may be September 22 on the calendar, but for kids and teens the end of summer is when school begins again.
The start of a new school year can be stressful for both kids and their parents. This year, be prepared. Start transitioning now with these tips:
It is becoming more prevalent: increasing numbers of children and adolescents with what can only be best described as a digital addiction. A trend fueled by increased exposure to the ever-present electronic gadgets that exist today.
The summer always brings a lot of excitement to kids because school is out and they’re looking forward to sleeping in and fun summer activities. However, parents don’t always see it the same way. Who will bring them to these activities and pay for them? How will I keep the kids busy, happy and from fighting with each other?
Just imagine what it would be like to suffer with a debilitating health problem and be afraid to seek treatment or even tell a family member about your condition because you fear they won’t understand. This would be a very lonely experience.
No one purposefully sets out to have problems when they begin to use alcohol. But excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many health and social problems and is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Problem drinking can develop suddenly in response to a genetic predisposition or a stressful life change. Or it can creep up gradually as a person’s tolerance to alcohol increases.
The bottom line is how alcohol affects you. If drinking is causing problems in your life it’s likely you have a problem with your use of alcohol.