Smokeless Tobacco’s Effects on the Body
Insight into its effects on the body What chemicals are in smokeless tobacco? Who uses smokeless tobacco? Tips for quitting and more… Three percent of American adults are smokeless tobacco users. They run the same risks of gum disease, heart disease, and addiction as cigarette users, but an even greater risk of oral cancer. Each…
Smell and Taste: Insight Into These Important Senses
How do smell and taste work? What causes loss of smell and taste? How are smell and taste loss diagnosed? and more… Problems with these senses have a big impact on our lives. Smell and taste contribute to our enjoyment of life by stimulating a desire to eat – which not only nourishes our bodies,…
Protecting Children from the Effects of Second Hand Smoke
Access to quality healthcare for children is forwarded by the availability of good healthcare information. With this year’s release of a new surgeon general’s report on secondhand smoke, the following information should be shared with patients. New Warning on Secondhand Smoke The Surgeon General released new evidence this year-July 2006-supporting the fact that secondhand smoke,…
What Are Salivary Glands?
Where Are Your Salivary Glands? The glands are found in and around your mouth and throat. We call the major salivary glands the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. They all secrete saliva into your mouth, the parotid through tubes that drain saliva, called salivary ducts, near your upper teeth, submandibular under your tongue, and the…
Mouth Sores: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Insight into causes, treatment, and prevention What are fever blisters and cold sores? What are canker sores? When should a physician be consulted? and more… Oral lesions (mouth sores) make it painful to eat and talk. Two of the most common recurrent oral lesions are fever blisters (also known as cold sores) and canker sores….
Your Nose: The Guardian of Your Lungs
You might not think your nose is a “vital organ,” but indeed it is! To understand its importance, all that most people need to experience is a bad cold. Nasal congestion and a runny nose have a noticeable effect on quality of life, energy level, ability to breathe, ability to sleep, and ability to function…
How Allergies Affect Your Child’s Ears, Nose and Throat
Your child has been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, a physiological response to specific allergens such as pet dander or ragweed. The symptoms are fairly simple — a runny nose (rhinitis), watery eyes, and some periodic sneezing. The best solution is to administer over-the-counter antihistamine, and the problem will resolve on its own ….right? Not really…
Are We Through with Chew Yet?
As many as 20 percent of high school boys and two percent of high school girls continue to use smokeless tobacco, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite public education campaigns sponsored by medical societies, organized baseball, and individuals, 12 to 14 million American users, one third are under age 21, and…
Prevention and Treatment of Facial Sports Injuries
Playing catch, shooting hoops, bicycling on a scenic path or just kicking around a soccer ball have more in common than you may think. On the up side, these activities are good exercise and are enjoyed by thousands of Americans. On the down side, they can result in a variety of injuries to the face….
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: What is CPAP?
What Is CPAP? The most common and effective nonsurgical treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP which is applied through a nasal or facial mask while you sleep. The CPAP device does not breathe for you. Instead, it creates a flow of air pressure when you inhale that is strong enough…