Further cementing the ever- present symbol of the heart in February was the establishment of American Heart Month nearly 50 years ago, the intent of which was to raise awareness about the nationwide problem of heart disease and the importance of supporting research to solve the problem.

Given that February is recognized as a time to celebrate love, caring, and heart health, what better time to improve your own heart health or help loved ones improve theirs by quitting smoking? As indicated in the 2010 Surgeon General's Report, How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease, cigarette smoking greatly increases one's risk for heart disease. Being smoke-free and eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke are important to heart health.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Bleeding in Eye)

The conjunctiva is the thin, moist, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye (called the sclera) and the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is the outermost protective coating of the eyeball.

The conjunctiva contains nerves and many small blood vessels. These blood vessels are usually barely visible but become larger and more visible if the eye is inflamed. These blood vessels are somewhat fragile, and their walls may break easily, resulting in a subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding under the conjunctiva). A subconjunctival hemorrhage appears as a bright red or dark red patch on the sclera.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Causes

Most subconjunctival hemorrhages are spontaneous without an obvious cause. Often, a person may discover a subconjunctival hemorrhage on awakening and looking in the mirror. Most spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhages are first noticed by another person seeing a red spot on your eye.

The following can occasionally result in a spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage:

Sneezing
Coughing
Straining/vomiting
Eye rubbing
Trauma (injury)
High blood pressure

Bleeding disorder (a medical disorder causing bleeding or inhibiting normal clotting)

Subconjunctival hemorrhage can also be non-spontaneous and result from a severe eye infection or a trauma to the head or eye, or it can occur after eye or eyelid surgery.

Subconjunctival Hemorrhage Symptoms

Most of the time, no symptoms are associated with a subconjunctival hemorrhage other than seeing blood over the white part of the eye. Very rarely people experience pain when the hemorrhage begins. When the bleeding first occurs, you may experience a sense of fullness in the eye or under the lid. As the hemorrhage resolves, some people may experience very mild irritation of the eye or merely a sense of awareness of the eye.

The hemorrhage itself is an obvious, sharply outlined bright red area overlying the sclera. The entire white part of the eye may occasionally be covered by blood.

In a spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage, no blood will exit from the eye. If you blot the eye with a tissue, there should be no blood on the tissue.

The hemorrhage will appear larger within the first 24 hours after its onset and then will slowly decrease in size as the blood is absorbed.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your health care provider or eye care provider (optometrist or ophthalmologist) if the subconjunctival hemorrhage does not get better within two weeks or if you have had multiple subconjunctival hemorrhages.

If you have a hemorrhage in both eyes at the same time or if the subconjunctival hemorrhage coincides with other symptoms of bleeding, including easy bruising, bleeding gums, or both, contact your health care provider or eye care provider.

Go to your health care provider, eye care provider, or emergency department immediately if you have a subconjunctival hemorrhage and you have any of the following: Pain associated with the hemorrhage

Changes in vision (for example, blurry vision, double vision, difficulty seeing)

History of a bleeding disorder

History of high blood pressure

Injury from trauma to the eye

Should Blood Pressure Be Taken in Both Arms?
Differences in Blood Pressure Between Arms May Signal Blood Vessel Problems

Differences in blood pressure readings taken from the left and right arms may be a sign of heart and blood vessel disease and death risk, according to a new review of recent research.

Researchers found that a difference of 15 points or more in the readings between the left and right arms raised the risk of peripheral vascular disease, a narrowing or blockage of the arteries, by two-and-a-half times.

That same 15 point-difference in systolic readings (the top number in a blood pressure reading) also increased the risk of cerebrovascular disease by 60%. Cerebrovascular disease is associated with thinking problems, such as dementia, and an increased risk of stroke.

Researchers say the results suggest that doctors should routinely compare blood pressure readings from both arms to prevent unnecessary deaths.

Although the practice of taking blood pressure from both arms as a part of heart disease screening has been adopted in Europe, and some guidelines in the U.S. recommend it, American Heart Association spokesman Richard Stein, MD, says its not routinely done in the U.S.

Why Your Lips Are Chapped

Has winter chapped your lips? Find out why it happens and what to do about it.

When it comes to battling the elements, your skin serves as your front line of defense. But it's your lips that really bear the brunt of the attack from sun, wind, cold, and dry air. It's a wonder our mouths don't suffer more in the line of duty-we bundle up in extra layers during the winter months, leaving our lips exposed.

"Lips are mucous membranes, so they have very thin surface layers of skin," says Los Angeles dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Southern California (USC) Medical Center. When compared to the skin on the rest of your face, Wu says, lips are the most vulnerable to drying out. In fact, research shows you lose up to 10 times more moisture through your lips than you do elsewhere on the face or body.

Arid winter air, arctic blasts of wind, and the low humidity indoors all lead to a crisis for your lips in the form of dehydration. Once moisture is sapped from skin cells, they become fragile so your lips develop tiny splits and cracks. These tiny tears are what make chapped lips so painful -- heat, acidic food, even toothpaste can aggravate raw skin, Wu says.

Licking Your Lips: The Problem

We can be our own worst enemy, says Scottsdale, Ariz., dermatologist Jennifer Linder, MD, clinical instructor at the University of California San Francisco. The instinct to lick your lips makes the chapping worse, Linder says.

"As saliva evaporates, it dehydrates skin further," Linder tells WebMD. Saliva also contains acids that help break down food. Those acids only cause irritation when sitting on compromised lip skin, Linder says.

Another mistake people make in the effort to treat chapped lips: scrubbing, peeling or biting off skin flakes. "Picking at the already thin skin of the lips can lead to bleeding and severe discomfort," Linder says. "This slows the healing process and irritates the skin further."

Worst case: You can develop an infection from dirt and bacteria entering the cracks and splits on your mouth. A common complication is cheilitis, Wu says, which can be related to a yeast infection in the corners of the mouth. It's treatable with topical antifungal cream.

In addition, stressing or irritating the skin around the mouth can awaken a dormant herpes virus, and potentially trigger a cold sore, Wu says. Chapped lips also expose nerve endings, where the herpes virus lives. This exposure can stimulate the virus as well.

Keep Balm and Carry On

Your lips need a shield to stay in shape. A balm acts like a winterizing layer -- like a hat or scarf -- to provide a buffer between delicate skin and brutal weather, Linder says. Not to mention you have hot, dry indoor air to contend with, so never let your lips go nude

"Skin heals better when it's kept moist," Wu says. "So I suggest wearing an emollient balm or ointment rather than a waxy stick treatment." The goal is to form an occlusive barrier that seals in moisture while providing additional hydration with beneficial oils, Linder says. Plus, an occlusive agent will help seal deep cracks and splits from infection and irritation. For a non-waxy stick, the experts interviewed for this story like Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, and Softlips Pure Pomegranate Organic Lip Conditioner.

Petrolatum is one of the most common occlusive agents, but also look for castor seed oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, or squalane to nourish cracked lips. Linder suggests ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and glycerin to ensure your lips stay moist. Wu suggests Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 containing squalane and natural oils. The experts interviewed for this story also like the petrolatum- based Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Vaseline Lip Therapy.

Another ingredient to look for: SPF, even if you're closer to a Pole than the Equator. The sun's rays can cause damage even in sub- Arctic temperatures. If your lip skin has been compromised by UV rays, you're more susceptible to dry lips. So a sun shield is crucial in the fight against lip flakes. Aveeno Lip Conditioner Essential Moisture SPF 15 and Blistex Lip Infusion SPF 15 won praise from the experts interviewed for this story.

Balms Away

There are some lip treatments that do more harm than good, says Steven K. Grekin, DO, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Iowa.

"Many ingredients can cause dryness and irritation, including eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor," Grekin tells WebMD.

Acne-prone people may want to look for a petrolatum-free product, Wu says. Some people may find the ingredient clogs pores and causes blackheads or acne.

And avoid the products that come in little pots. "Dipping your finger in a jar just isn't as sanitary as a tube applicator," Linder says.

Sealing Your Lips

The key to avoiding cracked, flaky lips is to balm early and often. Wu advises wearing a thick layer of ointment to bed. "Many of us sleep with our mouths open, causing our lips to dry out." Applying a treatment at bedtime means you'll be less likely to wake up with chapping. One expert favorite: Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy.

Buy a few tubes at the drugstore and keep them within arm's reach at all times -- stash one in the car, near the bed, at your desk. That way you don't have to hunt down a tube to reapply.

Grekin also suggests using a humidifier in your home, especially at night, to keep your skin's moisture levels replenished. Drinking plenty of water will also help fight dehydration, another cause of chapped lips, Wu says.

Lip Balm Addiction?

For some reason, the word "addiction" is on everyone's lips when it comes to lip balm. But that word is widely misused in many situations -- including this one.

"You may be addicted' to the feel of balm on your lips," Wu says, "but there's nothing addicting in nonmedicated balms."

Some ingredients like camphor and menthol may also cause a vicious cycle, but not addiction, Linder says. "Drying ingredients in a balm may leave lips feeling less moisturized than before application, making a person feel as though she needs to apply more." The reality is that her lips are not dependent on the balm," Linder says.
By Liesa Goins WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Why Am I So Tired? 7 Causes of Fatigue

Getting plenty of sleep but still exhausted? Before you blame your multi-tasking, super-woman lifestyle, learn more about what might be at the root of your unexplained fatigue.

Fatigue Cause # 1: Anemia

"If you are in your reproductive years, and particularly if you experience heavy menstrual cycles, have fibroid tumors or uterine polyps, or if you've recently given birth, the blood loss may have caused you to develop anemia - - a leading cause of fatigue in women," says Amaru.

Problems occur, she says, when the bleeding leads to a deficiency of hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of your body. When your tissues and organs don't get enough oxygen, she says, the result is fatigue.

Other causes of anemia include internal bleeding, or a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Anemia may also be caused by chronic diseases like kidney disease, for example. Symptoms can include dizziness, feeling cold, and irritability.

To confirm a diagnosis of anemia, your physician will give you a blood test. Treatment, she says, usually consists of iron supplements if iron deficiency is the cause, and adding iron-rich foods -- such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat -- to your diet.The good news: With effective treatment, your fatigue should begin to lift in thirty days or less.

Fatigue Cause # 2: Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

If you are generally sluggish, run down, and even a little depressed, Goldberg says the problem may be a slow thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck and controls your metabolism, the speed at which your body operates.

"I believe that undiagnosed thyroid disorder is one of the major female health problems in this country. I think it is even more widespread than anyone realizes," says Goldberg.

According to the American Thyroid Foundation, by age 60 approximately 17% of all women will have a thyroid disorder and most won't know it. The most common cause, they say, is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This condition causes the body to destroy the cells responsible for producing thyroxin and other hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The result is hypothyroidism, or a slow metabolism.

Blood tests known as TSH, T3, and T4 will detect thyroid hormones. If these tests indicate that your thyroid is underactive, Goldberg says synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed and you should begin to feel better fairly rapidly.

Fatigue Cause # 3: Undiagnosed Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Although most women associate a urinary tract infection with symptoms such as burning or urgency, Goldberg says in some instances fatigue may be your only clue.

"Not every woman has obvious symptoms of a UTI. Some have no symptoms or mild symptoms that go unnoticed, except for the fatigue," she says.

In most instances, a UTI is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, often the result of improper bathroom hygiene (wiping back to front, for example). Sexual intercourse can increase the risk because it can push bacteria from the vagina into the urethra.

If your physician suspects that you have a UTI, your urine will be tested. Treatment is quick and easy, and usually involves an oral antibiotic medication. Goldberg says the fatigue will lift within a week or less.

If your symptoms return, get tested again, she says, because in some women, UTI's are chronic. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about preventive care, including low dose antibiotics.

Fatigue Cause # 4: Caffeine Overload

Many of us grab a coffee or cola for a quick burst of energy, but for some women, caffeine can have the opposite effect.

In an article published in the journal US Pharmacist, author W. Stephen Pray, PhD, RPh, reports that caffeine is a stimulant, but if you take too much, the tables can turn.

"In some patients, continued abuse results in fatigue," according to Pray. And if you think this means you simply require more caffeine to get the kick, this isn't the case. "Any attempts to solve the problem by increasing caffeine intake causes the fatigue to worsen," he says.

The solution: Eliminate as much caffeine from your diet as possible. This means not only cutting out coffee. Chocolate, tea, soda and even some medications also contain caffeine and could be causing unexplained fatigue.

Fatigue Cause # 5: Food Intolerances

While food is supposed to give us energy, some doctors believe hidden food intolerances can do the opposite. According to Rudy Rivera, MD, author of Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat, even mild food intolerance can leave you feeling sleepy. Eat the offending food long enough and you could find yourself feeling continually exhausted.

"Evidence indicates food intolerance as a cause of fatigue, and even suggests that fatigue may be an early warning sign of food intolerance," he says.

If you suspect that food may be behind all that yawning, Rivera says to start with an elimination diet, cutting out foods that cause you to feel sleepy within 10 to 30 minutes of eating them.

Fatigue Cause # 6: Sleep Apnea

If you're not getting enough sleep, it stands to reason you'll be tired. But what if you don't know that you aren't getting sufficient sleep? This is often the case with a condition called sleep apnea -- a sleep disorder that causes you to momentarily stop breathing, often many times during the night. Each time you stop breathing, you awaken just long enough to disrupt your sleep cycle, usually without being aware of it. Your only clue, says Goldberg, is that you experience constant fatigue no matter how many hours you sleep each night.

According to Goldberg, sleep apnea, which is caused by an upper airway obstruction, often occurs in women who are overweight or obese. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea. Diagnosis requires a visit to a sleep lab, or to a doctor specializing in sleep apnea.

If you have sleep apnea, your physician will recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight and quitting smoking. Medical treatment includes devices that keep airway passages open while you sleep. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to ensure proper airway flow. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.

Fatigue Cause # 7: Undiagnosed Heart Disease

If you find yourself becoming exhausted after activity that used to be easy, it may be time to talk to your doctor about the possibility of heart disease.

According to Goldberg, when overwhelming fatigue sets in after ordinary tasks -- such as vacuuming the house, doing yard work, or commuting from work each day -- your heart may be sending out an SOS that it needs medical attention.

"This doesn't mean that you should panic every time you yawn," says Goldberg. "Most of the time, fatigue is not the first sign of heart disease, and it's usually linked to something far less serious."

At the same time, Goldberg points out that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. "If fatigue following activity is significant, and no other possible reason comes to mind, see your doctor for a check-up," she advises. If your fatigue is related to your heart, medication or treatment procedures can usually help correct the problem, reduce the fatigue, and restore your energy.

Acute Bronchitis

This topic is about acute bronchitis in people who don't have other health problems. Acute bronchitis may be treated differently if you have a long-term lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For more information, see the topics Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pneumonia.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis means that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed and irritated. When this happens, the tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.

There are two types of bronchitis:
Acute bronchitis usually comes on quickly and gets better after 2 to 3 weeks. Most healthy people who get acute bronchitis get better without any problems. See a picture of acute bronchitis . Chronic bronchitis keeps coming back and can last a long time, especially in people who smoke. Chronic bronchitis means you have a cough with mucus most days of the month for 3 months of the year for at least 2 years in a row.

This topic focuses on acute bronchitis. Both children and adults can get acute bronchitis.

What causes acute bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Often a person gets acute bronchitis after having an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or the flu. In rare cases, acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria.

Acute bronchitis also can be caused by breathing in things that irritate the bronchial tubes, such as smoke. It also can happen if a person inhales food or vomit into the lungs. What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough that is dry and hacking at first. After a few days, the cough may bring up mucus. You may have a low fever and feel tired.

Acute bronchitis symptoms usually start 3 or 4 days after an upper respiratory tract infection. Most people get better in 2 to 3 weeks. But some people continue to have a cough for more than 4 weeks.

Pneumonia can have symptoms like acute bronchitis. Because pneumonia can be serious, it is important to know the differences between the two illnesses. Symptoms of pneumonia can include a high fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath.

How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. This usually gives the doctor enough information to find out if you have acute bronchitis.

In some cases, the doctor may take a chest X-ray to make sure that you don't have pneumonia or another lung problem.

How is it treated?

Most people can treat symptoms of acute bronchitis at home. Drink plenty of fluids. Use an over-the- counter cough medicine with an expectorant if your doctor recommends it. This can help you bring up mucus when you cough. Suck on cough drops or hard candies to soothe a dry or sore throat. Cough drops won't stop your cough, but they may make your throat feel better.

Nonallergic Rhinitis

Nonallergic rhinitis is a medical term that describes a set of symptoms that resemble an allergy but that occur without a known cause. It produces symptoms such as:

Postnasal drip
Runny nose
Sneezing
Stuffy nose

Usually, it develops in adulthood, and symptoms last year-round.

Recommended Related to Allergies

3 Questions About Fragrance Allergies

If you find yourself developing a killer headache when riding an elevator with someone who was a bit generous dabbing on the perfume, you have company. More than 2 million Americans have fragrance allergies or sensitivities -- and the number is on the rise. Although that person's perfume may have been all too obvious a culprit, there are many hidden sources of fragrances, says Clifford W. Bassett, MD, medical director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York. Bassett helped WebMD sniff out...

Unlike allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis does not involve the immune system. About 58 million Americans have allergic rhinitis. By comparison, 19 million have nonallergic rhinitis.

Nonallergic rhinitis can cause just as much misery as allergic rhinitis. It can also be associated with the same complications, such as:
Sinusitis, which is inflammation or swelling of the tissue that lines the sinuses.
Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the throat.
Chronic ear infection, known as otitis media.
Loss of smell or anosmia.
Asthma.
Obstructive sleep apnea.

Both types of rhinitis are associated with:
Decreased production at work.
Increased doctor visits.
Side effects from treatment, such as drowsiness, nosebleed, and nasal dryness.

Because the two are so similar, it's often necessary to perform allergy tests and blood tests to tell them apart.

Causes of Nonallergic Rhinitis

Often, what causes nonallergic rhinitis is unknown. And the condition is often confirmed only after other conditions such as allergic rhinitis or infection are ruled out.

"Environmental" irritants are common triggers of nonallergic rhinitis. Some are found in the home and others are more common in the workplace.

Examples of what can trigger symptoms include:
Car exhaust
Chlorine
Cigarette smoke
Cleaning solutions
Glues
Hair spray
Latex
Laundry detergents
Metal salts
Perfume
Smog
Wood dust

When such triggers cause nonallergic rhinitis, they also often cause asthma.

Some medications can trigger non-allergic rhinitis.
Examples include:
NSAIDs -- nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
Oral contraceptives Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers
Antidepressants
Tranquilizers
Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction

Foods and beverages may also sometimes be triggers.
Examples include:
Hot foods, such as soup Spicy foods
Alcoholic beverages, especially beer and wine

Other triggers include:
Illegal drugs. Cocaine and other snorted street drugs often cause chronic nonallergic rhinitis. Weather changes. Sudden changes in weather or temperature can trigger nonallergic rhinitis. Skiers, for instance, often develop a runny nose. And some people are affected by any cold exposure. In some cases, people even start sneezing after leaving a cold, air-conditioned room. Hormone changes. Nonallergic rhinitis often occurs during periods of hormonal imbalance. For instance, it may occur during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy. It usually starts during the second month of pregnancy and lasts until childbirth. Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism can also trigger symptoms.

Treatment of Nonallergic Rhinitis

Nonallergic rhinitis can't be cured. But it can be controlled by:
Avoiding rhinitis triggers.
Using home remedies such as nasal irrigation.
Taking over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Allergy shots --
immunotherapy -- are not used to treat nonallergic rhinitis.

If you have nonallergic rhinitis, it's important that you not smoke and not allow smoking in your home.

Other strategies to reduce exposure to triggers include:
Avoid wood-burning stoves and fireplaces if they cause symptoms.
Avoid cleaning agents, household sprays, perfumes, and scented products if they cause symptoms.
Ask family, friends, and co- workers not to use scented products that cause symptoms.
Avoid any chemical or material that tends to make you sneeze or have a runny nose.
Talk to your doctor about the medications you now take.If your nonallergic rhinitis is triggered by a medicine you need, your doctor may suggest a substitute.

Many people with nonallergic rhinitis benefit from performing nasal irrigation. This refers to rinsing of the nostrils with a salt water -- saline -- solution one or more times a day. Over-the-counter products for doing this include bulb syringes, neti pots, and bottle sprayers.

During each irrigation, rinse each nostril with at least 200 mL (about 3/4 cup) of commercially or home- prepared solution.

When performed once or twice a day, nasal irrigation may especially help treat postnasal drip. It's also a helpful technique to clear the sinuses before using medicated nasal sprays.

Medications for nonallergic rhinitis include:

Nasal antihistamines.
Prescription products such as azelastine (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase) can relieve symptoms of postnasal drip, congestion, and sneezing within minutes. They are most effective when used on a regular basis.

Nasal glucocorticoids. Daily use of products such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) may help relieve symptoms. But it may take days or weeks to notice the full effects. Sometimes, people benefit from using a combination of nasal antihistamines and nasal glucocorticoids.

Nasal ipratropium.
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is considered the best treatment for the watery nasal discharge that comes from eating and drinking certain foods and beverages.

Decongestants. Oral decongestant medications -- such as pseudoephedrine -- may help relieve congestion. But these are not generally recommended unless nasal antihistamines and nasal glucocorticoids do not help symptoms. Decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo- synephrine) should not be used for more than two to three days at a time. Doing so can cause overuse (rebound) congestion.

In some cases, surgery to remove nasal polyps or correct a deviated septum can improve the way medications for nonallergic rhinitis work. Surgery is only considered as a treatment by itself, though, when other treatments have failed to reduce symptoms.

What Is Dupuytren's Contracture?

Dupuytren's (du-pwe-TRANZ) contracture is a condition that gradually causes connective tissue (fascia) under the skin of your palm to thicken and become scar- like. Although Dupuytren's isn't painful, it does restrict movement. The thickened tissue forces several fingers -- usually your ring and pinky fingers - - to curl in toward your palm. The bending caused by the thick tissue is called contracture.

Life With Dupuytren's

As Dupuytren's permanently bends fingers into a fixed position, it can become difficult to grasp large objects and make simple movements like washing your face or putting on gloves. The condition shouldn't affect your ability to write and grasp small objects, though, because the thumb and index finger usually aren't affected.

What Causes Dupuytren's Contracture?

Although reports of Dupuytren's contracture first appeared in medical literature in the 1600s, doctors still dont know what causes the scar tissue to form. The condition tends to run in families, so genes may be involved. Dupuytren's is more common in middle age, especially in men of Northern European descent. Alcohol and tobacco use, diabetes, and epilepsy also increase the risk.

Early Signs of Dupuytren's Contracture

First, the skin on the palm of the hand starts to thicken. The skin might appear puckered as knots (nodules) of hard tissue begin to form on your palm. These nodules might feel tender to the touch, but theyre usually not painful. The skin thickening happens very slowly, and may take many years. You don't need treatment unless your symptoms bother you.

Later Symptoms of Dupuytren's Contracture

The nodules of tissue on the palm gradually stretch into thin bands of collagen. These collagen bands progressively extend up, usually into the ring and pinky fingers. As the bands tighten, they pull the fingers in toward the palm and make it difficult to straighten out your fingers. Although fingers on both hands can be affected, one hand is usually worse than the other.

Diagnosing Dupuytren's

Your doctor usually can determine if you have Dupuytren's by feeling for thickened scar tissue and seeing whether your fingers pull inward. You may also have a "table top" test, in which you put your hand, palm down, on a table to see if it lies flat. If it doesn't, you may have a contracture that may require surgery. Your doctor also can test your grip and the range of motion in your fingers.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Corticosteroid injections can help pain and inflammation and may slow the disease. Doctors can also inject enzymes into the palm to weaken the collagen bands. Then your hand is moved by your doctor until the bands are broken and your fingers can be straightened. Other treatments may include needle aponeurotomy, where the contracted bands are divided with small hypodermic needles.

Surgery for Dupuytren's Contracture

If contracture symptoms are bad enough to interfere with your daily life, surgery may help. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the thickened tissue in your palm, which allows your fingers to move again. Surgery usually can give you normal movement back, but risks may include infection and nerve damage.

After Dupuytren's Surgery

Once your wound has healed, you will likely need to have physical therapy for a few months. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to help you regain strength and movement in your fingers. Even with a successful surgery, Dupuytren's contracture can return. If it does, you may need to have another procedure.

What causes warts?

Viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family are responsible for skin warts -- non-cancerous, harmless growths that can take on a variety of forms. Certain forms of HPV may be more likely to cause particular types of warts, such as common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, on the soles of the feet and genital warts.

How do you get warts?

Warts occur when the virus comes in contact with your skin and causes an infection. Warts are more likely to develop on broken skin, such as picked hangnails or areas nicked by shaving, because the virus is able to enter the top layer of skin through scratches or cuts.

While dermatologists still dont know why, certain people are more likely to get warts than others. Additionally, children get warts much more often than adults, because their immune systems have not yet built up their defenses against the numerous types of human papillomavirus that exist.

Are warts contagious?

Unfortunately, yes. You can get warts from touching a wart on someone elses body, or by coming in contact with surfaces that touched someones warts, such as towels or bathmats.

Can I spread warts from one part of my body to another?

Yes, you can. For this reason, it is important not to pick at your warts and to wash your hands promptly and thoroughly any time you touch one of your warts. If you have warts in an area where you shave, keep in mind that shaving over the wart could transfer the virus to the razor and then spread it to other areas of your body.

Why do some warts have black dots in them?

If you look closely, many skin warts contain a number of black dots that resemble little seeds. These specks are visible blood vessels that are supplying the wart with nutrients and oxygen.

Can warts be prevented?

Though skin warts cant be prevented, there are a number of precautionary measures you can take to minimize your risk of acquiring warts. One of the most important things you can do is to wash your hands regularly. Also, try to keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and free of cuts. If you bite your fingernails or cuticles, do your best to stop. Biting nails creates an opening for virus to enter your skin. Be careful to use clean, fresh towels at the gym or in other public locations, and always wear rubber-soled flip-flops or sandals in public locker rooms and showers.

Will warts go away on their own?

Some warts will go away without treatment, others will not. Even those warts that eventually go away can take months, or even years, to disappear. Also, keep in mind that any wart can be a mother wart that spreads to other parts of your body. Most dermatologists say it is best to treat warts, either at home or in the doctors office, as soon as they appear.

When do you need to see a doctor about warts?

For common skin warts, many dermatologists agree that its perfectly fine to try over-the-counter wart treatments for a couple of months. If your warts dont go away during that time, or if they get worse, it may be wise to seek medical attention. Dermatologists have a variety of wart treatment and removal techniques that are stronger and work faster than commercially available products.

Also, remember that all warts can be mother warts that give rise to additional warts in your skin. So, the faster you remove the wart, the less likely it will spread.

What are some of the most effective at-home wart treatments?

While at-home wart treatments can take weeks or months to work, salicylic acid plasters or solutions that freeze away the wart can be very effective when used correctly. Be sure to follow directions carefully. Use a dedicated pumice stone, Emery board, or nail file to remove dead skin from the wart after each application of wart remover. Dont use the file for any other purpose; it could spread the virus to another part of your body. And throw it away when the wart is gone.

People also use duct tape or clear nail polish to suffocate the virus, thereby removing the wart. Use duct tape like you would a wart remover patch. Put a small strip over the wart and leave it in place for about six days. At the end of the sixth day, remove the tape, soak the wart in water and then gently debride it with a pumice stone, Emery board, or nail file. Repeat the process as often as it takes to remove the wart.

How will a doctor treat my warts?

It depends. Two quick options that do not cause too much discomfort are freezing the skin wart with liquid nitrogen or burning it off. In some instances, dermatologist wills use laser to treat especially stubborn warts.

Doctors may also use a chemical called cantharidin on the wart, which causes a blister to form beneath the growth. When the skin on the top of the blister dies, it contains part of the wart and can be removed.

Other options include surgical removal of the wart and the injection of certain drugs that strengthen your immune systems response to the wart.

What is Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning problem that makes it hard to read, write, and spell. It occurs because the brain jumbles or mixes up letters and words. Children with dyslexia often have a poor memory of spoken and written words.

Having dyslexia does not mean that your or your childs ability to learn is below average. In fact, many people with dyslexia are very bright. But not being able to read well can make many areas of learning difficult.

Dyslexia is also called specific reading disability, reading disorder, and reading disability.

What causes dyslexia?

Experts don't know for sure what causes dyslexia. But it often runs in families. So it may be passed from parents to children (genetic disorder). Also, some studies have found problems with how the brain links letters and words with the sounds they make.

Dyslexia is not caused by poor vision, and people with dyslexia do not see letters and words backward.

What are the symptoms?

Signs of dyslexia in children who are too young for school include:

Talking later than expected. Being slow to learn new words.
Problems rhyming.
Problems following directions that have many steps.

After a child begins school, the signs of dyslexia include:

Problems reading single words, such as a word on a flash card.
Problems linking letters with sounds.
Confusing small words, such as "at" and "to."
Reversing the shapes of written letters such as "d" for "b." For example, the child may write "dat" instead of "bat."
Writing words backward, such as "tip" for "pit."

If your child has one of these signs, it does not mean that he or she has dyslexia. Many children reverse letters before age 7. But if your child has several signs and reading problems, or if you have a family history of dyslexia, you may want to have your child checked for the problem.

How is dyslexia diagnosed?

A doctor or a school professional (such as a reading specialist) will ask you what signs of dyslexia you and your childs teachers have seen. He or she will ask your child questions too. Your child may be offered to take reading and skill tests. Tests may include those that look at your child's personality and how he or she learns, solves problems, and uses words. Your child may also have an IQ test.

These tests can help find out if your child has dyslexia or another learning problem.

How is it treated?

Treatment uses a number of teaching methods to help your child read better. These methods include: Teaching how letters are linked to sounds to make words.

Having the child read aloud with a teachers help.
Teaching the child to listen to and repeat instructions.

United States law requires schools to set up a learning plan to meet the needs of a child with dyslexia. This plan is called an Individualized Education Program (IEP). You, your child's teachers, and other school personnel will have a say in designing the plan. The plan is updated each year based on how well your child is doing and what your child's needs are.

Medicines and counseling usually are not a part of treatment for dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a lifelong problem, but early treatment during childhood can help. Support from family, teachers, and friends is also important.

Moisture and Mold Problems:
Preventing and Solving Them in Your Home

Whether it’s the slimy black spots on your shower curtain, the fuzzy white patches on your basement floor, or the slick orange film that forms on your kitchen drain, household mold is more than unsightly. In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

Mold Reactions: Who’s at Risk?

For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. In people with asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can also cause asthma attacks.

In addition to people with allergies and asthma, others who may be more sensitive to the effects of mold include: Infants and children The elderly People whose immune systems are compromised due to HIV infection, cancer, liver disease, or chemotherapy People with chronic lung disease

What Is Mold?

Molds are small organisms found almost everywhere. They can be black, white, orange, green, or purple. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature, breaking down dead leaves, plants, and trees. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce by means of tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. You’re exposed to mold every day.

In small amounts, mold spores are usually harmless, but when they land on a damp spot in your home, they can start to grow. When mold is growing on a surface, spores can be released into the air where they can be easily inhaled. If you’re sensitive to mold and inhale a large number of spores, you could experience health problems.

Where Do Molds Grow?

Your walls, floors, appliances, carpet, or furniture – they can all provide the food mold needs to grow. But the thing all molds need most is moisture, so you’re most likely to see mold in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.

Top Tips for Controlling Mold

It’s impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in your home, but because mold spores can’t grow without moisture, reducing moisture in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If there is already mold growing in your home, it’s important to clean up the mold and fix the problem causing dampness. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the problem, the mold will most likely return.

Following is some advice for reducing moisture throughout the home with specific tips for the areas most prone to dampness and mold growth:

Around the house:
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air. Keep indoor humidity below 60% if possible. You can measure relative humidity with a hygrometer, an inexpensive instrument available at many hardware stores.
Keep air conditioning drip pans clean. Make sure drain lines are free of obstructions and flow properly. Keep the house warm in cool weather. As the temperature goes down, the air is less able to hold moisture and it condenses on cold surfaces, which can encourage mold growth. Add insulation to cold surfaces, such as exterior walls, floors, and windows to reduce condensation. Dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Fix leaks and seepage. The ground should slope away from your house. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Have a heating and cooling contractor check your heating and cooling system to make sure it’s sized and operating properly to remove humidity. If your system is too big or the airflow is incorrect, your air conditioner will not remove humidity like it should. Also, ask the contractor to check your duct system for air leaks, and proper size and air flow to each room. Open doors between rooms to increase circulation, which carries heat to cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners.

In the kitchen:
Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside (not into the attic) whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces. Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary. Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.

In basements and crawl spaces:
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. If there is standing water or the soil is wet, dry it out with fans before covering the floor.
Be sure crawlspaces are well ventilated by using fans and having vents installed in outside walls if necessary. Consider painting concrete floors and using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet in basements. If you plan to install carpet over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem. Have your basement floor checked for leaks and have them repaired if necessary. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors or walls.
Make sure gutters are working properly and that outdoor landscaping causes water to run away from -- not toward -- the house. Do not finish basement walls with insulation and wall board unless your basement is very dry.

In the laundry room:
Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year. Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.

In bathrooms:
Use exhaust fans to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Use area rugs, which can be taken up and washed often instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. Check for leaks around basins and tubs and have them repaired if necessary. Open a window when showering. Avoid leaving damp towels on the floor or in laundry hamper.

100 Things to Make Your Home Safer

Safety doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does take thought and planning. Not sure how to Commit a Minute to Safety? Pick one, 10 or 100 of the things below and get started today. You’ll see that sometimes it just takes a minute to avoid what could be a lifetime of regret.

1.Test each smoke alarm in your home

2.Replace the batteries in each smoke alarm

3.Count how many smoke alarms you have in your house. If you do not have one on every level and near sleeping areas, purchase additional smoke alarms

4.Designate an outside meeting place for your family (for example: the mailbox) in case of a fire or emergency

5.Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep

6.Use a sturdy candle holder or hurricane lamp

7.Turn down your hot water heater to 120 degrees or less to prevent burns

8.Roll up your sleeves before you start cooking

9.Have oven mitts nearby when cooking

10.Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove

11.Store all matches and lighters out of reach of children

12.Put hot food and drinks near the center of the table only

13.Put down your hot drink when carrying your baby

14.Test hot water with an elbow before allowing a child to touch

15.Post your fire escape plan on your refrigerator

16.Put water on cigarette butts before throwing them away

17.Unplug small appliances such as hair dryers and toasters after using them

18.Use flameless candles

19.Move anything that can burn, such as dish towels, at least three feet away from the stove

20.Practice “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your kids

21.Schedule an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and inspected

22.Look for the UL Mark when you buy appliances

23.Tell kids to stay away from the stove/oven

24.Turn space heaters off before going to bed

25.Remove any gasoline from your home

26.Put non-slip strips in your tub and shower

27.Install night lights in the hallway

28.Put a flashlight in each bedroom

29.Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent slips and falls

30.Use a sturdy Christmas tree stand

31.Water your Christmas tree every day

32.Keep your Christmas tree at least three feet away from any heat source

33.Inspect your Christmas lights for signs of damage

34.Flip over large buckets so water cannot accumulate and become a drowning danger

35.Store cleaners and other poisons away from food

36.Post the Poison Control hotline number (1-800-222- 1222) next to your phone

37.If you have young children, use cabinet locks on cabinets that have poisons such as antifreeze, cleaners, detergents, etc.

38.Keep medicine in its original containers

39.Purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your home

40.Test your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm

41.Put your infant to sleep on his/her back

42.Remove any soft bedding, stuffed animals and pillows from your infant’s crib

43.Cut your toddler’s food into small bites

44.Use safety straps on high chairs and changing tables

45.Check www.recalls.gov to see if any items in your home (including cribs) have been recalled

46.Move cribs away from windows

47.Use safety covers on unused electrical outlets

48.Test small toys for choking hazards – if it fits in a toilet paper roll, it’s too small

49.Remove all plastic bags from the nursery

50.Pick up any small items, such as coins or buttons, that can be choking hazards for infants and toddlers

51.Write down emergency contact information for your family and make sure everyone has these numbers

52.If young children live in or visit your home, move furniture away from windows so they don’t climb up to look out and accidentally fall

53.Tie window cords out of a child’s reach

54.Check your child’s bath water temperature (use your wrist or elbow) to make sure it is not too hot

55.Remove drawstrings from your baby’s clothing

56.Keep the toilet lid shut to prevent little fingers from getting slammed by a falling lid

57.If you have toddlers, install a toilet seat lock

58.If you have young children, install door knob covers on bathroom doors

59.Use a fireplace screen

60.Put toys away after playing

61.Don’t refer to medicine or vitamins as “candy”

62.Put on safety glasses before any DIY project

63.Put tools away after your DIY project is complete

64.Post emergency numbers near your phone

65.Pick up one new thing for your family’s emergency preparedness kit

66.Use a ladder, not a chair, when climbing to reach something

67.Use plastic instead of glass near the pool

68.Cover any spa or hot tub when it is not in use

69.Purchase a first aid kit

70.Drain the bath tub immediately after bathing

71.Remove clutter from the stairs

72.Use the handrail when you are walking up or down the stairs

73.If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles

74.Ask smokers to smoke outside

75.Wear proper shoes when climbing a ladder

76.Check your home for too many plugs in one socket and fix the problem

77.Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs if you have young children

78.Never leave food cooking unattended

79.Make sure pools or spas are properly fenced to keep out small children

80.Teach kids to tell you when they see matches or lighters

81.Turn out the lights when you leave the room

82.Unplug appliances that aren’t in use (especially in the kitchen)

83.Take your hair dryer off of the bathroom counter and store it safely

84.Check your electronics for the UL Mark

85.Identify two exits from every room with your kids in case of fire

86.Check your holiday decorations – keep breakable decorations out of reach of young children

87.Replace an old light bulb with a new energy-efficient option

88.Check the walls for loose paint chips and re-paint with low-VOC or VOC-free paint

89.Check all the outlets in your home for overloaded sockets or extension cords 90.Remove any extension cords that are pulled under rugs or tacked up

91.Place fire extinguishers in key areas of your home

92.Place an escape ladder in an upstairs room that might not have an easy exit

93.Remove any painted furniture that is pre-1978 to avoid possible lead exposure

94.Lock medications safely in a cabinet

95.Consider low-flow toilets

96.Check that all major appliances are grounded and test your GFCIs

97.Clean the lint trap and hose on your dryer

98.Check your swing set for sharp edges or dangerous S- hooks

99.Take a tour of your home from your child’s perspective looking for hazards

100.Hold a family fire drill