Q.This sounds really weird, but I have these things that come out of my anus. They are small and white and worm-like. They also move. I am too afraid to let this go, but I am too embarrassed to seek professional help. (more…)

The Ins and Outs of IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder, which means that although your intestines are in an uproar, they’re actually otherwise healthy and free of growths. IBS is thought to result from abnormal muscle contractions, and indeed people with IBS seem to be more sensitive to things that stimulate digestive tract muscle movement, such as stress and caffeine.

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Do you wish your intestines would function normally and stop being so moody and cranky? You’re not alone — yet you may be misunderstood. One in five Americans, mostly women, suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder characterized by chronic intestinal discomfort and irregular bowel movements that sometimes interfere with normal daily life. (more…)

If “folksy” and “country” describe your personal style, express yourself inside and out with homey accents. Out front, create a focal point with a wooden snow family, a sleigh filled with wrapped packages, or a row of folksy angels. (more…)

Q.I have Sjogren’s syndrome, and about a month ago I started having problems with my right arm and leg. They feel heavy, weak and tire easily. Could this be related to the Sjogren’s? (more…)

Avoiding the Culprit
But it’s not just the obvious foods that contain peanuts or peanut products that scare allergy sufferers like Susan. AAAAI has found that great risk comes from the “hidden” peanut products — residues and cross-contaminations that find their way into foods allergy sufferers eat. These residues, while often not present in high concentrations, can trigger allergic reactions, especially in highly sensitive individuals.

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Ten years ago, when she was a teen-ager living in San Diego, Susan (not her real name) planned to go out with friends when she finished her shift at a local gift shop. On her way out, she bought a cookie at a nearby store. By the time she met her friends outside, her tongue and throat had swollen up and she could barely breathe.

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Hepatitis C remains a serious public health problem. Exciting progress in understanding some of the basic biologic aspects of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is ongoing, and potential alternative treatment regimens based on these findings are now being explored in clinical trials. (more…)