Daily Health News Blog

Most people have heard of shingles, but many do not have a firm idea of what it actually is. I’ve diagnosed patients with shingles who knew little more than that it is rash, which is most likely to strike older adults. Although shingles can be painful, this viral infection is not life-threatening and is unlikely to lead to serious complications. Gaining a better understanding of this virus, however, will help you manage this surprisingly common condition. How Shingles Strikes Shingles is characterized by a often painful, blistering rash. It is usually located near the middle of your back and wraps around one side of your chest. It can also occur on the neck, scalp and face. As I noted above, shingles is a viral rash. So, how do you catch this unpleasant virus? People diagnosed with shingles are usually shocked to hear that they have probably had the virus since childhood. In fact, it is the same virus which causes chicken pox. Once you’ve had chicken pox, your body’s immune s

Many seniors who smoke feel like it is too late to quit. If you’ve been smoking almost your whole life, it may seem that it is not worth it to quit later in life. But there are some real benefits to quitting, even if you are older. First, you will find that your senses of taste and smell will improve. As you age, these senses naturally begin to decline. Smoking intensifies that effect. But quitting smoking will improve your sense of taste and smell, letting you enjoy your food and environment much more. You also will benefit from an immediate reduction in your heart rate and blood pressure. There is improved lung function in ex-smokers. If you deal with a chronic or nagging cough, giving up smoking will improve that. This is a gradual improvement, but research by the American Cancer Society shows that the cilia in your lungs regains normal function within about six months. After a year of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half. After five years, your risk o

A reader asks, "I spend many hours on my computer every day and I'm worried about developing carpal tunnel syndrome. What can I do to prevent it?" Here are two exercises that may help. Carpal tunnel syndrome is known for pain, tingling and numbness in the hand and wrist. The condition is caused by compression of the median nerve, which enters your hand through the carpal tunnel -- a narrow passageway formed by bones and ligaments. If tendons in the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swell, they can squeeze the nerve and produce the typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Early recognition of carpal tunnel syndrome is important because prompt treatment can help you avoid potential long-term problems such as loss of feeling in some fingers and permanent weakness of the thumb. To keep your wrists flexible and ease strain on tired wrists, you can try these easy hand and wrist exercises (but don't do these movements if you already have pain or numbness):