Jellyfish are  some of the most beautiful of all the creatures, that inhabit the seas around us.  Some prefer warm waters, while others prefer cold.  Jellyfish provide food for sea dwellers as well as for man.  Unfortunately, their stinging tentacles can present a problem to waders, swimmers, snorkelers and divers.  Care should always be taken around areas where jellyfish are plentiful.  This includes the beaches, where jellyfish bodies may be washed up on shore.

Long tentacles trail behind the body of the jellyfish. On smaller jellyfish, these tentacles are threadlike and may be under one inch long, whereas larger jellyfish may trail tentacles over one hundred feet in length.  These tentacles are used for defense as well as to capture and hold prey.   If a wader or swimmer accidentally brushes against these tentacles, they release tiny microscopic barbs, bearing venom.  When these barbs pierce human skin, the venom can cause a variety of reactions.  In severe cases, jellyfish stings can cause death.

Once the tiny barbs scratch the skin, there is an immediate reaction.  The victim will feel a throbbing, burning pain and the area will become reddened.   The pain may radiate away from the site, and there may also be a tingling sensation and varying degrees of numbness. More sensitive victims may get a rash, or the whole area, of contact, may blister.  As with many other medical reactions, the very young, and the elderly are most likely to have the severest.  The severity of the reaction can also depend on the type of jelly fish involved and how much skin is stung.  Reactions may also vary as some individuals are more sensitive than others to the venom excreted.

The deadliest, and most complex of the jellyfish is the box jellyfish, named because of its shape.   Those stung by box jellies need immediate medical attention.  Because the pain is extremely intense and because the venom attacks the heart and nervous system as well as the skin, victims may go into shock, and die or drown, before help can arrive.  Box jellyfish move in large groups and are primarily found in the warmer waters north of Australia.

Fortunately most jellyfish stings can be treated at home.  The pain and discoloration will lessen over the next week or ten days and should disappear completely in about two weeks.  If the victim of jellyfish stings is a child, frail, or elderly or if the area of stings is extensive, is is wise to always seek medical attention.  It is interesting to note that the marks the jellyfish leaves on the skin, are often the exact imprint of the jellyfish tentacles.

If the victim is in good health and the stings appear to be minor, the best treatment is to first wash off any tentacle material, using hot water – as hot as the patient can tolerate.  Salt water can be used in an emergency, but it not as effective as hot.  If any tentacle material remains, remove it by using tweezers.  Make sure to wear gloves when doing this.  It is important that the area is tentacle-free, or the stinging will continue.   For pain and itching use Ibuprofen, or whatever you physician of pharmacist advise.

Some suggest that vinegar, a baking soda solution, and even urine, will help relive the pain of a jellyfish sting.  It is worth trying anything, if your options are limited, but the best treatment is still considered to be an extended soaking – twenty minutes at a time – in tolerably hot water.

Serious jellyfish stings, especially from the more toxic jellyfish, like the box jellyfish, are another matter, and the symptoms are potentially more severe.  They may include extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, loss of consciousness, problems with breathing, and muscle weakness.  These symptoms may be delayed, so in the case of a box jellyfish sting, it is essential to get immediate medical attention, irregardless of the victims age or physical condition.

For serious jellyfish stings, and always for box jellyfish stings, more extreme treatments are necessary.  These may include anti-venoms, CPR, and in extreme cases, life support.  The extreme pain may call for injected pain-relievers.  Zinc injections are the latest in jellyfish sting treatments.

If you are stung by a jellyfish and have any concerns, it is wise to see a physician immediately.

Varicose veins are basically just enlarged veins.  The smaller varicose veins, usually red  are called ‘spider’ veins.  Because the pressure on the veins in your lower body is greater when you sit or stand, larger varicose veins almost always appear on the legs, ankles, and feet.

To many people, varicose veins are merely unsightly, and nothing more.  Unfortunately, some varicose veins cause pain and discomfort, and need attention.  In others varicose veins may be an indicator of some really serious problems or may indicate the individuals likelihood of developing circulatory problems.  Only your doctor can tell if your veins are a cosmetic problem or an indicator of trouble.

There are several possible causes for varicose veins.  Blood is pumped by the heart and circulates throughout the body.  Because of gravity, it is more difficult for the veins in the lower part of the body – specifically the feet, ankles, and legs – to pump the blood upwards.  Muscle action within the legs, the elasticity of the veins themselves, and tiny valves within the veins, all help move the blood upwards.  If the veins or valves are damaged, or lose their elasticity, the blood tends to pool, and as a result, the veins stretch and bulge.

Several factors increase the likelihood of varicose veins.   Age may cause the veins to lose their elasticity.  Pregnancy may increase the blood flow to the lower body, but not increase the flow upwards, causing pooling and enlarging of the veins.  Inactivity, and obesity lead to a poor return of blood and increased possibility of engorged veins.  There also seems to be a genetic factor involved.  Women more often than men, suffer from varicose veins.

Anyone who has varicose veins should discuss these with their family physician, especially if the veins cause any pain or discomfort.  Danger signs include a sudden increase in pain, a sudden swelling of the vein or leg, bleeding from the vein.  These factors can indicate that a blood clot has formed deep within your leg.  Any open sores that develop on the surface of the skin, also need immediate medical attention.  These can turn into ulcers and may quickly become infected.

For varicose veins that are of concern, your physician will recommend prompt action.  This may include injections into the vein to scar the interior and cause it to close, or laser or radio-frequency treatments that do much the same thing.  He/her may also suggest a minor surgery option that removes the damaged vein.  Surgery is usually reserved for more serious cases.  Discuss all options with your physician..

There are several treatments for varicose veins which are not causing any major concern.  If there are no dangerous symptoms, your doctor may suggest options such as losing weight, becoming more active, elevating the leg on a regular basis, or wearing compressing stocking.  Stockings must be supportive, but not too tight.  Ask your physician or pharmacist for help in choosing the right size.

There is no magic cure for varicose veins, but there are measure that you can take to help avoid them.  You should keep your weight down, remain active, and avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.  When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, and elevate your feet and legs whenever you have the opportunity.

Whenever you have concerns about your health, always consult your family physician to prevent small problems from becoming large ones.

Although many jokes are made about hair loss, it is no laughing matter.  Losing hair is frightening and, for many, a blow to their self-confidence.  What can be done about hair loss?

First, it is important to understand that there are many causes for hair loss.  Usually, hairs are constantly being shed and new hairs grown.  However, if the cells in the scalp that normally produce hairs, do not live through their normal cycle, new hairs are not grown in sufficient quantities to replace the hairs being shed.  So far science has not developed ways to insure the health of these hair-growing cells so that they can live through their normal life cycle, and so what is known as male-pattern baldness goes on unchecked.  Male-pattern baldness can start as early as the late teens.  Female-pattern baldness has much the same cause but appears as a general thinning of the hair all over the scalp, rather than the male’s receding forehead.

There are other significant causes of hair loss, some temporary, and some permanent.  The most common cause of temporary hair loss is chemotherapy.  This loss is initially devastating, but the hair usually grows back normally when treatments are discontinued.  Some scalp infections can cause temporary or even permanent loss of hair, over parts or all of the body.  Some women experience temporary hair loss during pregnancy.  Others find their hair thins when they take certain forms of birth control.  Many older women experience thinning of the hair when they enter menopause.

Some illnesses and drugs cause hair loss.  Both thyroid disease and syphilis can cause thinning or loss of hair.  Drugs that may cause hair loss include some prescribed for heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and depression.  A poor diet with insufficient protein and iron, excessive worry, extreme dieting, severe shock, and protracted illnesses, can also cause hair loss.

Heredity may also play a part in your hair loss, though it is seldom the whole answer.

With so many factors involved in hair loss, it is essential to know what is causing your particular hair loss, and what you can do about it.

To find out what causes your hair loss, start with a visit to your family physician.  After examining you thoroughly, he/she may have an answer, or he may want to do some tests to rule out disease or infection as possible causes.  He may also do a biopsy, removing a very small piece of scalp for further examination. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment he considers best to treat you particular cause of hair loss.  If he finds that your hair loss is primarily due to pattern baldness, he may suggest a medications.

There are only two medications approved by the United States Food And Drug Administration for treating hair loss.  One of these may be useful for women and the second may be useful for male-pattern baldness. These are the medications your physician will suggest, if he feels they are appropriate for you.  Even these medications is not effective in all cases.  They may slow hair loss and in some cases seem promote regrowth.

There are many other products on the market which claim to stop hair loss.  If you are tempted to try these, do ask your doctor’s opinion first.  Many of these treatments only provide false hope and a basically a wast of money.

Your doctor may inform you that your hair loss is unquestionably permanent, and this may be a hard pill to swallow.  There are products that will fluff up the hair to make it look thicker, conditioners and sprays to improve the appearance of your hair, wigs and wiglets to fill in empty areas, and then there are the surgical procedures that plant plugs of hair from the back of your scalp to the problem areas, or fold the scalp to lessen the bald areas.   These procedures are expensive.

A full head of healthy hair is wonderful to have, but it will not bring you happiness.  You can make your own happiness by using what still remains deep under that once thick crop.

Over one hundred thousand people die every year from cholera.  Although it is seldom seen in the industrialized world, areas that lack adequate water and sewage treatment, are prone to periodic outbreaks of this dreadful disease.  Cholera is most likely to occur when war, famine, or natural disasters find masses of individuals living in close quarters, with little in the way of basic facilities.

Cholera is a contagious disease, that, if left untreated, can kill in a matter of hours.  The very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most at risk.

We generally assume that cholera is always caused by drinking water that had been contaminated by bacteria.  This is not always the case.  Cholera can also be caused by eating raw seafood, especially oysters, that have been contaminated by the bacteria which can occur naturally in sea water.  Even uncooked, or poorly washed, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated.

The main symptom of cholera is severe diarrhea, often accompanied by vomiting.  The stools become fishy-smelling, milky rivers with rice-like particles, which are the cells lining the digestive organs.  If treatment is not instigated at this time, and the diarrhea continues, the body becomes dehydrated.  The patient will become lethargic, and suffer from extreme thirst.  The urine will be scant or dry up completely.  The inability to eat causes further loss of strength.  As the disease progresses, the blood pressure will drop; the heartbeat will become irregular; the muscles will begin to cramp; the kidneys may fail, and the patient will go into shock.

With immediate medical attention, most individuals can survive a bout of cholera.  However, those who do not receive attention will die within a matter of hours.  Even when aid is sent to areas of epidemic there is so little in term of resources, that the death toll will inevitably be high.

The United States has not had a serious outbreak of cholera since 1910.  The cases that are experienced here are usually in individuals who have ingested raw seafood, or have spent time in areas of infection.  Nevertheless, in the event that you or a family member experiences a bout of severe diarrhea, it is important to visit you family physician immediately.

Cholera is diagnosed by examining the stool for the cholera bacteria.  Diagnosis is important to ascertain if the patient has cholera, and begin appropriate treatment.

The most important treatment for cholera is re-hydration and the replacement of electrolytes. This is done by administering fluids by mouth, if possible, and, if not possible, then by intravenous injection.  If re-hydration is possible, virtually all victims of cholera can be saved.  Without re-hydration, most victims will die.  Antibiotics may or may not be given, at the discretion of the physician.

Until all areas had adequate supplies of pure water and functioning sewage treatment plants, outbreaks of cholera will continue to occur.

You can prevent cholera from attacking you and your family by observing a few simple rules.

1.  Avoid areas where cholera is known to exist.

2.  Wash your hands in warm soapy water before handling food, and before eating.

3.  If you are traveling in areas where sanitation facilities are less that perfect, drink only purified bottled water, and eat only cooked vegetables and fruits, unless you have washed them yourself.   Avoid letting shower water get into your mouth.  Brush your teeth with purified or boiled water.  Do not eat dairy foods, including ices and ice cream.

4.  Do not eat food from street vendors.

There is a cholera vaccine available in some countries, but not in the United States.  It is not considered to be totally effective, so your health is in your hands.

  Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition.  In its mild form, psoriasis is little more than an annoyance, but severe, persistent cases of psoriasis can be very distressing, and dangerous, to the sufferer.  Although it most commonly appears on the scalp, the hands and feet, and the knees and elbows, Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, including inside the ears, the mouth, and the genitals.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood.  We know that, in psoriasis, the skin cells grow at a more rapid rate than is normal, piling up on the surface of the skin and causing thick red patches of itchy skin.  Those with depressed immune systems, those suffering repeated infections, and those with family members affected, are more likely than others to suffer from psoriasis. Overweight individuals often develop psoriasis in their fat folds.   Although they do not cause psoriasis, some medications, as well as stress, smoking, and cold weather do seem to ‘trigger’ symptoms or make existing symptoms worse.

Psoriasis usually appears as raised, red patches of skin.  The patches may become covered with loose, silvery scales.  The skin may itch and burn.  Because the skin affected is extremely dry, it may bleed if the scales are scratched, causing bleeding and pain.  If the nails are affected, they will be deeply ridged, pitted, and yellow.  In addition to the skin redness, and scales, joints may become swollen and painful.  Symptoms tend to flare up at times, and may even totally disappear.  Unfortunately, they will return.

There are many types of psoriasis, by far the most common is plaque psoriasis, as seen in the photo.  Plaque psoriasis is characterized by patches of raised, reddened skin, covered with silvery scales.  It can occur anywhere on the body and the areas may itch or crack and bleed, causing pain.  Another type of psoriasis attacks the nails.  The pitted, ridged nails may crumble and the layers may separate.  Often the nails will become lose and separate from the nail bed.  Psoriatic arthritis has all the symptoms of the previous two types of psoriasis in addition to stiff, painful joints.  Severe psoriatic arthritis can cause damage to the joints.

If you have any skin condition it is wise to visit your family physician immediately.  Only a physician can decide if you have psoriasis or another skin condition with similar characteristics.   A physician diagnoses psoriasis by means of a physical examination, and by examining a small portion of affected skin.  The skin is removed painlessly, under local anesthetic.

Once your doctor knows exactly what type of psoriasis he is dealing with, he will discuss treatments as well as what measures may naturally alleviate symptoms.  For mild cases, he will prescribe  a lotion or cream.   More severe cases may need, in addition to an ointment, an oral medication.  The aim of all treatments is to slow down the growth of the skin cells and also lessen the itching and inflammation.  Light therapy is also used for psoriasis.  If you do not feel that you are benefiting from one method of treatment, discuss this with your doctor.  There are other treatment options available.

Your doctor will also make suggestions for alleviating symptoms such as; losing weight, stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, sun exposure, taking measures to release stress and anxiety, and improving your overall health through proper diet and exercise.

Although psoriasis may be chronic and it may reoccur, do not get discouraged.  Your symptoms can be managed.

Although many people are infected with the tuberculosis bacteria, not all these individuals will become ill.  In the late 1980s, there was a dramatic increase in the number of people diagnosed with tuberculosis.  This was primarily due to the rapid emergence of the aids virus, which suppresses the immune system, and allows the TB bacteria to flourish.  This is not to say that aids in any way causes TB.  Any illness or disease that suppresses the body’s immune system, increases the likelihood that other illnesses and diseases will gain a foothold.  The elderly, the very young, smokers, and those suffering from diseases such as diabetes and cancer, may also find it difficult to fight off the TB bacteria.

Many people carry the TB bacteria within their bodies, but the body’s normal healthy immune system holds it in check.  This is considered to be ‘inactive’ TB.  If, for any reason, the immune system is to weak or undeveloped to handle the bacteria, the disease becomes ‘active’  TB.    Although we think of TB as a lung disease, that is merely the way it starts.  Untreated TB can spread to literally all the organs in the body, causing wasting and irreparable damage.

The initial symptoms of TB, in the lungs, include:

—-a continuous cough, not related to the common cold,

—-pain in the chest, even when merely breathing,

—-and blood in the sputum.

When any of these symptoms appear, it is time to see a doctor.

Other symptoms of TB include:

—-weakness,

—-weight loss,

—-chills and fever,

—-and loss of appetite.

Most cases of TB are relatively easy to treat.  Treatment consists of several prescription drugs, taken for six months or more.  Even if a patient begins to feel much better, it is essential that treatment continues as long as indicated.  If treatment is interrupted or discontinued too early, the disease will flare up again, and possibly become drug resistant.  In the event that a patient feels any side-affects when undergoing treatment, it is important that they report this to their physician immediately.

Because it is vital that treatments for TB continue until the patient has been completely cured, medications are often administered by health professionals.  This way, on-going health can be monitored, and no doses will be overlooked.

In 2009, over one million people, world-wide, died from TB.  Five hundred of these deaths were in the United States.

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease.  It is spread from one individual to another through drops expelled into the air by coughing or sneezing.  Only early diagnosis and immediate treatment can eradicate this disease.

There are several things that you can do to avoid contracting TB, and also to prevent its spread.

1.  Do all you can to keep healthy and strong.  This includes eating a healthy diet, rich in lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits, getting regular exercise, and adequate rest.  Drink only in moderation and do not smoke.

2.  Have regular medical check-ups, and visit your physician if you have any concerning symptoms.

3.  Avoid those with active coughs.  If you have a cough, wear a surgical mask, until your cough has been completely cured.

4.  If you have an active case of TB, protect others by wearing a surgical mask, and continuing treatment until you physician pronounces your TB cured.

5.  If at all possible, avoid traveling in areas known to have active cases of TB.

6.  If you are in contact with infants, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system, consider being tested for TB on a regular basis.  The test is reasonably priced, and painless.

7.  Practice good hygiene.  Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.

In the United States, there is a TB vaccine, which, in rare circumstances, is given to children.  It is not considered to be significantly effective against the lung infection.

•   In spite of world-wide efforts to eradicate this disease, cholera continues to kill close to 100,00 individuals each and every year.  The black dots represent cases of cholera that have been imported into a country from another area, indicating that, even those in highly developed areas are not safe from this terrible disease.  Whenever poverty, war, or natural disaster interrupts the natural order, people tend to be crowded together in less than sanitary conditions.  It is then that cholera strikes, killing even perfectly healthy individuals in a matter of days.

Whenever we assist in international efforts to end poverty, and ensure that all people are properly fed and provided with pure drinking water, we are not only helping others, but ensuring that we at home are protected from disease and death.

Cholera is a disease caused by bacteria, which has made its way from an infected person into water of food.  Once the contaminated water or food is ingested, the bacteria quickly multiplies in the intestine and symptoms follow rapidly.

The main symptom of cholera is extreme diarrhea, often called rice-water diarrhea because of the white mucous like flecks present.  If not treated immediately, cramps and vomiting will occur.  Dehydration follows rapidly, and it is this extreme dehydration that can kill.  It is the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems that are most likely to succumb to the disease.

If cholera is identified early, and medical attention is readily available, victims of cholera can be quickly re-hydrated with fluids containing essential glucose and electrolytes.  Unfortunately, if the disease strikes in crowded, unsanitary conditions, it is unlikely adequate medical attention is readily available, and hence epidemics can occur.

In highly developed parts of the world, cholera victims have an excellent chance of recovery, largely due to modern medical facilities, and readily available supplies of clean, pure water.  Even in the case of natural catastrophes, these countries have the ability to rapidly transport needed support and supplies to affected areas, so deaths are kept to a minimum.

In underdeveloped parts of the world, cholera often gains a foothold before it is recognized, and long before adequate help can arrive.

Those who work or travel in undeveloped areas are constantly in danger of contracting cholera.

Simple precautions can protect you.  If possible avoid areas known to have active cases of cholera.  Wash your hands often with warm soapy water, especially before eating or preparing food.  Remember, sing the happy birthday song  twice while soaping, to be sure you are doing an adequate job.  Avoid eating food from street vendors.  Drink only bottled water, and wipe the mouth of the bottle before each use.  Use only bottled water to brush your teeth.  Avoid accidentally drinking water while showering.  Eat only hot foods.  Avoid salads and fruit that you have not washed yourself in bottled water.  Avoid all seafood.

We joke about traveler’s diarrhea and Montezuma’s revenge, but it is no laughing matter.  If your diarrhea is severe, seek medical attention immediately.

There is a vaccine for cholera that offers varying degrees of protection for up to two years.  This vaccine is not available in the United States.

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic, not only in the United States, but around the world.  In the last thirty years, the number of children classified as overweight  has nearly doubled.

Overweight and obese children are more likely to suffer from a myriad of serious health problems early in life.  The prevalence of type two diabetes in young children has increased at an alarming rate.  Extra weight increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the potential for heart attacks and strokes.  Overweight and obese children suffer, more than do healthy children, from asthma and other breathing problems.  Extra body extra weight means an extra burden for joints.  Arthritis becomes more likely.  Children who are overweight or obese tend to have fewer friends, and are more prone to isolation and depression.

Some childhood obesity may be caused by genetic factors, but this is rarely the case.  Most childhood obesity comes from the practice of eating too much, or too much of the wrong kind of food, and also from a lack of exercise.  Not too surprisingly, the same holds true for adult obesity.

It is usually possible, at a glance to tell if a child is overweight.  It is certainly easy to tell if a child is obese.  If you do not know what your child should weigh, ask you family doctor.

Fat children are not healthy children.  Nor are they happy children.  It is the duty of parents to see that their children achieve and maintain a normal body weight.

If your infant or child is obese, you should discuss this problem with your family physician.  With an infant, it is simply a matter of providing healthy foods in appropriate portions.  Young children should have a variety of fruits and vegetables, served without sauces, and preferably raw -  lean meats, skinless chicken, and fish – and whole grains.  Drinks should consist of low fat milk, and plain water.  Whole fruit is better than fruit juice.  No sweet snacks, and no sugared drinks or sodas.

Dealing with excess weight in infants and very young children is relatively easy.  Dealing with these problems in older children is many times harder, so nip the problem in the bud.

Never use food as a reward with children of any age, or withhold it as a punishment.  Never force children to east all that is on their plates.  If they repeatedly leave food, serve smaller portions.  Eat meals together as a family, at the dinner table.  Talk about things that interest the child.  Appreciate the food, but do not overly emphasize it  Do not constantly mention the child’s weight.

If parents are active, the children will follow suit.  This means that if you have an obese or overweight child, you will have to instigate activities.  Go for a long walk every day.  Get the family on bikes, roller skates, skis, or whatever the child enjoys.  Play ball with your children, or badminton, or anything that involves running.  All this may be difficult for the child at first, but as the pounds disappear, the activity will become easier, and more enjoyable.  If your child is a teenager, and mature enough, join a gym together.  Get some help setting out an exercise program, fitting the child’s age and maturity.  Older children may want to work out alone.  Let them.

If you have an overweight or obese adolescent, you may have to begin a discussion of the problem with them.  You must do this with sensitivity.  It is best to start as soon as you feel there is a problem.  Let the child know that you sincerely want to help.  Together with the child, lay out a diet plan, with the help of your family doctor or a dietitian.  Help them by purchasing only healthy foods.  Be a good example for your children.  Go for long walks together, talk with them about their plans for the future, their hopes and their dreams.

Part of the problem with older children is that often a good portion of what they eat comes from outside the home, in the form of school lunches, treats at friend’s homes, or snacks purchased on outings.  It takes a lot of will power on the part of the child, as well as a lot of encouragement from the parents, to stick to dietary restrictions, when away from home.  Be positive!  Don’t give up.

Nail fungus can attack the nails on the hands, as well as the nails on the feet.  It is more commonly seen on the feet, where it can thrive unseen in a warm, and slightly damp location.  Although it may be more unsightly than dangerous, in its early stages,  nail fungus is nevertheless, a condition, which should be treated, before it can spread.  Although the condition can be easily treated, it can be stubborn and can reoccur.

Any small break can allow microscopic fungus to enter the nail.  This fungus can be picked up by anyone, of any age, no matter how clean you are or how regularly you care for your nails.  It is the type of fungus that is commonly picked up in gyms.  Nail fungus is  more common among the elderly, as nails naturally thicken with age  It is also more common among those with weakened immune systems or problems with their circulatory system.

Nail fungus is more common among males than females, who are possible more fastidious about nail care.

The first noticeable symptom of nail fungus is a slight discoloration or cloudiness of the nail.  This may occur as a whitish area which darkens with time.  One or more nails may be affected.  Later the nail may thicken, split, or crumble.  The affected nail may also fold or twist inward, or even detach itself from the nail bed.  The condition may or may not be painful.  Toenails grow more slowly than do fingernails, so the condition is more difficult to treat on the feet than on the hands.

It is important to treat nail fungus, because it can lead to more serious infections which may cause permanent damage, not only to the nail, but to the surrounding skin.  This type of infection can present a serious risk to the patients over-all health.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose your nail fungus with a visual inspection.  He will however take a scraping from under the nail for testing.  This testing is important to rule out the possibility of other conditions and also to ascertain the possible cause of the nail fungus.

Once the condition is confirmed as nail fungus, your doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment, depending  on your health and any complicating factors.  If the condition is mild, your doctor may prescribe topical treatment only, but be aware that the most effective treatments are those taken by mouth,  usually taken for four to six months.  These will eliminate the fungus and the new nail growth will appear normal.

There are some possible side affects to oral fungal medications, so make sure to discuss these with your physician.

There are a variety of over-the-counter medications available for nail fungus.  These are applied directly to the infected nail.  Unfortunately these are not generally effective, as the fungus can continue to thrive in the nail bed.

There are also a variety of home remedies such as Vicks, Listerine, vinegar, and tea tree oil.  Many individuals claim to have totally cured their nail fungus by using these products.  Discuss this with your physician.

There are a variety of things you can do to help prevent the possibility of contracting nail fungus.

1.  Keep you feet clean and well dried.

2.  Wear shoes that fit, with plenty of room for your toes to move.

3.  Change your socks often, especially if your feet feel hot and sweaty.  Cotton socks are best.

4.  Use an antifungal foot powder.

5.  Keep your toenails cut short and straight across.  This may also help prevent ingrown toenails.

6.  Avoid going barefoot in public places.

7.  Don’t self-medicate.  See you family physician at the first sign of nail fungus.

8.  Do not cover affected nails with nail polish.  The fungus will continue to thrive beneath the polish.

9.  Wash your hands after touching affected nails.

Cankers are sores in the mouth. They may be on the inside of the lips as in the picture above, on or under the tongue, or on the inside of the cheeks.  They can appear anywhere inside the mouth, but not on the lips themselves.  Canker sores only appear on the soft moist tissue inside the mouth, never on the lips themselves.  Sores, that are visible on the lips, are most probably cold sores.

Canker sores look like ulcers with whitish centers, in fact, their scientific name is aphthous ulcers.  They may appear singly or in clusters.  Large cankers can be extremely painful especially when eating hot foods and even when talking.

Cankers are not contagious, and they are not related to herpes.  It is believed that cankers may have more than one cause, even in individual victims.  People who have had one canker, will most likely have others.  Cankers may be caused by food allergies or even food sensitivities.  They may also be caused by problems with the immune system, some drugs, stress, poor diet (lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid), or injury to mouth tissue.  The sores may also be the result of the presence of ulcer related bacteria or diseases such as crohn disease, celiac disease, and HIV.  Products such as mouth washes and toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate may also cause cankers.  For some unknown reason, females are more likely to suffer from canker sores than are males.  The sores also run in families.

Most canker sores, no matter how large, usually disappear on their own in about seven to fourteen days.  Small ones leave no scars, but large ones may.  If you suffer from canker sores often, or if yours are especially painful, it would be wise to pay a visit to your doctor or dentist, in order to rule out unsuspected or undetected diseases that may be the cause.

There are a variety of treatments for canker sores.  For serious outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe mouth washes or ointments that will dull the pain and hasten healing.  Your pharmacist will discuss with you available over-the-counter remedies.  For minor outbreaks, there are several home remedies that work quite well to handle the pain.

1.  Rinse the mouth every few hours with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of tepid water, or 2 teaspoons of baking soda in two cups of tepid water.

2. Apply baking soda directly to the sore several times during the day.  Leave on until it dissolves and then rinse mouth gently.

3.  Practice good dental hygiene.  Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth.

4.  Eat a healthy diet including vitamin B12, and folic acid.

5.  Until the sore heals, avoid spicy foods, hot foods, acidic foods, and chocolate.

6. Suck on a few ice chips, letting them rest on the canker.

7.  Have a full medical checkup annually.