Health and Welfare

Not just in your head: Here's how stress causes eczema flare-ups  If your eczema gets worse when you’re stressed, you’re not imagining it. A new study explains what likely happens in the body. Research suggests that chronic stress can trigger eczema flare-ups, a common skin condition characterized by severe itching. The mechanisms by which stress causes eczema flare-ups have remained unknown, but now a study by Fudan University in Shanghai, […]

“Come on, little fella – we should get going now.” But my son was not listening. The sand in the playground was just right, so he kept digging with his new toy excavator. As I drifted back to my list of to-dos, however, the laughter was suddenly replaced by sobs. My son was not hurt, just very upset. When I looked at my phone, I saw it was well past […]

Pagophagia is the medical term for compulsively consuming ice or iced drinks. Depending on how frequently a person consumes ice, it may lead to complications. It may also indicate an underlying condition. It is a rare form of an eating disorder called pica.  Many people who want to cool down or feel refreshed chew on ice or add it to a drink. Sucking on ice cubes can also help relieve […]

WHAT IS VERTIGO AND WHAT CAUSES IT? Vertigo vs. Dizziness Vertigo is not the same as dizziness. Feeling dizzy means that you're lightheaded, weak, or unsteady on your feet. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning and feeling off balance and dizzy. The causes also differ. Dizziness can result from a drop in blood pressure, medications you take, a vision problem, or a mental health condition. Vertigo occurs with conditions such as […]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease. Besides the joints, it can also affect other parts of the body, including lungs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, or pulmonary fibrosis. When someone has both RA and ILD, that is known as rheumatoid arthritis- associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). 8 foods to avoid for arthritis. 1. Inflammatory […]

Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression, but they also represent lifelong chemical exposure. Growing research highlights important unanswered questions about toxicity, immune effects and long-term health. Tattoos are generally considered safe, but growing scientific evidence suggests tattoo inks are not biologically inert. The key question is no longer whether tattoos introduce foreign substances into the body, but how toxic those substances might be and what that means for long-term […]

What is closure in emotional situations?  Closure in relationships is a complex and deeply personal process that involves coming to terms with the end of a significant emotional bond. Whether it's the death of someone close to you, the end of a romantic relationship, friendship, or even a familial tie; seeking closure is often essential for emotional healing and moving forward. Many of us struggle with letting go, with moving […]

7 Causes of Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain (Lower Back Pain) How to know if you just have a lower-back tweak or if you need to see your doctor. Key Factors If you have a dull ache in your lower back that extends down to your buttocks and gets worse when you do things like walk, sit or stand for long periods of time, it could be connected to your sacroiliac […]

Cheese and cholesterol: Is it safe and which kinds of cheese are best? Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it can also be high in saturated fats and sodium. A person can consume moderate amounts of cheese as part of a healthy dietary eating plan. Cheese on its own can be a snack or an appetizer. It can be added to sauces, soups, pastries, and many […]