I have an bulge on the right side of my groin area, near my right leg. I see it when I am standing (it is not there when I lie down), and on occasion is bigger than usual, and it can start to hurt. Is this a hernia, and what should I do?
That does sound like a hernia, and this is a common area for a hernia. A hernia is a weakness in a muscle which allows some of the organs to poke through. In that area it is usually a small amount of intestine. This can strangulate the bowel that is poked through
Time to See a Doctor?
by Jessica B. May 3rd, 2012 | Common Conditions
It is always a bit of a dilemma.  Call the doctor or sweat the flu out at home? It is always frustrating to drag your sick self to the doctor’s office, wait 15 minutes, get poked and prodded only to hear, "It’s probably a virus; go home and rest."  And for that you have to pay 100 dollars. So when is the time to pick up the phone?
Are you having trouble breathing and/or coughing? If there is a chance things have moved into your lungs, and you are feeling heavy, you should go see your doctor. There might be
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Are you having trouble breathing and/or coughing? If there is a chance things have moved into your lungs, and you are feeling heavy, you should go see your doctor. There might be
Immune Boosters
by Louise May 1st, 2012 | Diet, Illness
It's not exactly what you might call "cold season," but that hasn't stopped a cold from spreading around my college campus. It's been a big concern for the track team, as we are heading into the championship season. Our coach is becoming frustrated by the number of absences at practice due to this nasty cold that continues to spread between teammates. He encourages taking cold medicine right after noticing the first symptoms.
As "luck" would have it, my roommate ended up being one of the first ones to catch a cold; instead of treating myself for symptoms, as my roommate
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As "luck" would have it, my roommate ended up being one of the first ones to catch a cold; instead of treating myself for symptoms, as my roommate
Osteoporosis: Prevention is Key
by Lori Sciame April 30th, 2012 | Health Observance
Strong bones provide much needed structure for our bodies. Without them providing support and protection, we would be unable to survive. Imagine your brain not surrounded by your skull or your lungs not encased in ribs. Kind of a scary thought, right?
Sadly, as we age, our bones can begin to deteriorate; however, we can take precautions to slow this process. To support National Osteoporosis Prevention Month this May, read on to learn more about what this condition entails, as well as ways to prevent it from happening to you or your loved ones.
What exactly does osteoporosis do to our
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Sadly, as we age, our bones can begin to deteriorate; however, we can take precautions to slow this process. To support National Osteoporosis Prevention Month this May, read on to learn more about what this condition entails, as well as ways to prevent it from happening to you or your loved ones.
What exactly does osteoporosis do to our
Preventing High Blood Pressure
by Dean Heller MD April 27th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
I am only 31, and my blood pressure has been high a few times when I go to my doctor's office. I work a lot of hours, and I travel quite a bit, so I have no time to work out.  My diet is not great, and it will also be difficult to change. He wants to start me on medications, but I am reluctant; what can I do?
While you obviously are a hard worker, and that is great, you have to put more priority on your health. It is just not adequate to say that it is too hard to change. If you
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While you obviously are a hard worker, and that is great, you have to put more priority on your health. It is just not adequate to say that it is too hard to change. If you