Severely impaired stroke survivors regain arm function after intensive physical therapy

Time may heal all wounds, but in the case of stroke survivors, the key to better recovery is to spend more time in an intensive physical therapy program, according to a new study.

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Physical trauma associated with onset of psoriatic arthritis among psoriasis patients

The results of a large population study showed an increased risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis among psoriasis patients exposed to physical trauma, particularly when the trauma involved bone and/or joints.

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Patients with moderate rheumatoid arthritis as likely to need joint surgery as those with high disease

A new study showed that patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis taking conventional DMARD therapy who have moderate disease activity have a similar risk of joint failure that requires surgery as those with high disease activity.

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Intensive initial therapy with triple DMARDs improves functional ability in early rheumatoid arthritis

New research showed that initial therapy with combination DMARDs significantly improves measures of disease activity and functional ability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

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Ultrasound identifies RA patients in clinical remission who need more intensive treatment

Two new studies have shown the importance of using ultrasound to identify those Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in clinical remission who would benefit from more intensive treatment.

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Affordable Care Act shows big potential to help Americans with diabetes

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has great potential to improve health and health care for people with diabetes, finds a new study.

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Is It Safe for Me to Have Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery, or robot-assisted surgery, is a way to perform surgery using a camera arm and mechanical arms with very small tools attached to them. The surgeon sits at a computer station near the operating table and directs the movements of a robotic arm.

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31 Surprisingly Delicious High-Fiber Snacks

Vitamin D shows promise for treating Crohn's disease

New research suggests that supplementation with vitamin D may impact on the intestinal barrier dysfunction associated with Crohn's disease, and could have a role in the treatment of the condition.

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Obese patients at high risk of post-surgery complications

Research is revealing the heavy surgical consequences of severe obesity. The study looked at the results of severely obese patients in need of emergency surgery. Of the patients studied, nearly half (40 percent) needed admission to an intensive care unit, and just under one in five (17 percent) did not survive to be discharged home.

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Heart failure readmissions reduced with new optimization approach

People hospitalized for heart failure had a significantly lower chance of being readmitted within 30 days of discharge when treated with a cardiac resynchronization therapy device, or CRT, equipped with an algorithm to automatically deliver and adjust therapy when compared to those receiving the standard CRT optimized with echocardiography, according to a study.

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Beauty Tips For Fairness

It is true that the dull skin ruins the most beautiful looks. This is plain logic and it's time to fix your dull skin in order to avoid putting powder over your face to make it look fresh all-time.

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How to manage pain in the ER: Ask the patient

Simply asking the question, 'Do you want more pain medication?' resulted in satisfactory pain control in 99 percent of emergency department patients participating in a study of a new evidence-based protocol to treat acute, severe pain in emergency department patients.

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Study may help to find vets with high-risk of suicide

Veterans Affairs health data has been used to identify very small groups of patients with very high, predicted suicide risk -- most of the individuals had not been identified for suicide risk by clinicians. Such methods can help the Veterans Health Administration to target suicide prevention efforts for patients at high risk, and may have more wide-ranging benefits.

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Half of veterans who died from opioid overdoses also received benzos

Nearly half of all veterans who died from drug overdoses while prescribed opioids for pain were also receiving benzodiazepines, or benzos, which are common medications for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and alcohol withdrawal, a study concludes. Veterans prescribed higher doses of benzodiazepines while concurrently receiving opioids were at greater risk of overdose death than those on lower doses of benzodiazepines.

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Report on stillbirth, neonatal death rates in the UK identifies areas for improvement for NHS service providers

Regional variations, even after allowing for factors such as poverty, mother’s age and ethnicity, have been identified in the United Kingdom in a new report.

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How To Grow Taller During Puberty - 5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Height

A common question among many teenagers is, how do I grow taller during puberty? Well today I want to share with you five effective methods for growing taller today.

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Interventions among healthy people save the most lives

Mortality from coronary heart disease declined in Sweden from 1986 to 2002. The improvement was due mainly to a reduction in risk factors among the healthy population (primary prevention) and, to a lesser extent, treatment of people who already had developed heart disease (secondary prevention). A study explores the reasons for the trend.

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New MRI approach detects early liver tumors in mouse model of human disease

Scientists have designed an imaging technique to detect early-stage liver tumors, and have proven it successful in mice. Their study in an animal model is an essential step toward creating tools to improve liver tumor detection in human patients—whether primary liver cancer or metastatic tumors that arise in liver but have spread from other tissue.

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Gene, stem cell therapies may have far-reaching implications for coronary artery grafts

Researchers are exploring the potential for gene and stem cell therapy in coronary artery bypass grafts to prevent re-occlusion in the grafted vein. Based on animal studies, the team is seeing a marked improvement in preventing re-occlusion, with no side effects.

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Tremendous Merits of Weight Loss - Even Modest!

One may at times believe that unless he achieves the ideal weight, he won't be healthier. But this is not true. Even if one loses just 5-10% of bodyweight, the positive effects on everyday health and well being are tremendous.

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5 Essential Oils for Weight Loss

Essential oils have several health benefits but not many know how they can help you shed the flab as well. Read about five such oils here that you can use to achieve your weight loss goals.

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How to Find the Best Surgeons In Your Area

Do you have a surgeon's number on speed dial? Probably not. In fact, until most people need a surgeon they've never actually met one. Here are some suggestions on how to find the best surgeons in your area.

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Treatment Of Medical Emergencies Like Burns, Bites And Rashes

It is always helpful to know at least the basic first aid so that you can treat problems like burns, rashes and bites when they occur. However, there are a number of instances when home remedies are not enough and it is necessary to get professional medical treatment for the problem immediately.

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The 10-Minute Standing (Yes, Standing) Core Workout

Think crunches are the only way to sculpt a stronger stomach? Think again. This super effective core workout proves that there’s no need to hit the mat (or bother your back) to strengthen your abs.

In this 10-minute routine, Sarah Kusch, a certified trainer and Grokker expert, will show you how to work your entire core while standing up. And the only equipment you need is a dumbbell. You'll complete a series of exercises that engage the core through a controlled range of motion. The moves target your midsection in every direction, from your back to your abs to your obliques. Plus, several of the exercises also work your shoulders for an added bonus. Don't let the slow and steady pace fool you—we guarantee you'll feel it tomorrow. Press play below and get ready to feel the burn.

Here's the full recap.

Complete two rounds of the following moves:

Standing Back Extension
Overhead Oblique Crunches
Side Lateral Crunches
Around the Worlds
Waiter Rotations
Lateral Chops
Squat to Good Mornings​

Interested in more short and effective home workouts? Find thousands more on Grokker, the one-stop online resource for wellness. Grokker sifts through thousands of videos on the Web, constantly filtering and aggregating the best cooking, yoga, and fitness videos available so you don’t have to.

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Weight Loss - Three Reasons To Avoid That Detox Or Cleanse

One of the hot approaches offering right now to help jumpstart health and boost weight loss results that more and more people are trying out, is the detox or cleanse. You've likely to have read about these various cleanses before but you're not too certain whether you should, in fact, try one out yourself. Before you dive right in, here are some important points to consider...

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Friday, June 12th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Mountain Burn

In 15 minutes, complete as many rounds of the following circuit as fast as safely possible.

1-minute Squat Hold
20 Mountain Climbers (per side)
1-minute Side Forearm Plank (30 seconds per side)

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold a lightweight dumbbell or kettlebell in front of your chest during the squat holds. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Stroke education helps patients recognize stroke symptoms, encourages fast response

Clear, simple preparedness messages can help patients recognize symptoms of a subsequent stroke and speed up emergency room arrival times. Stroke education materials dramatically improved hospital arrival times, specifically among Hispanic stroke patients, a new study suggests.

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Implantable antibiotic-laced sponges reduce sternal infections in cardiac surgery

Cardiac surgeons often "crack open" the flat bone that forms the middle front section of the chest, known as the sternum, in order to reach important structures. When a sternal wound infection (SWI) occurs, serious complications and even death may result. Implanting antibiotic-laden sponges between the sternal halves before closure has been adapted to prevent infections. While a recent report questioned this practice, a meta-analysis clearly established that the sponges do work.

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Your phone knows how many steps you take per day, shouldn't your doctor?

The rise of health apps has made it possible to chart your steps, heartbeat, and sleep patterns, but the availability of this constant stream of information has yet to reach patient electronic health records. In a commentary, researchers argue that these mobile devices could rapidly reshape the practice of medicine. The first steps though will be creating standards that can enforce cross-platform communications.

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Breakthrough against hospital superbug, klebsiella pneumonia

Researchers have developed a cutting-edge new medical therapy that could protect hospital patients against a lethal superbug.

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Daily aspirin could block growth of breast, other cancers, lab study suggests

A new lab study found that a daily dose of aspirin was effective at blocking breast tumor growth. Previous studies have already shown a similar effect on colon, gastrointestinal, prostate, and other cancers.

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The Many Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Every problem has a solution and stretch marks are no exception. There are many ways to get rid of stretch marks. Read about the different options.

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Enhance Your Beauty: Five Things To Avoid When Applying Makeup

Makeup or any cosmetics are applied to enhance the beauty of a person. However, when overly done, it can make up another version of the person applying makeup which can be unsatisfactory or end up creating a bigger mess with the worst case of acne or any other skin disease.

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Homemade Lip Balm Recipes

Soft smooth lips are coveted by women the world over, and even by many men. Lip balms have therefore made their way into every body-care kit and have metamorphosed over time to include a great number of perks.

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Why Are Natural and Organic Cosmetics, a Preferred Choice?

There is an array of cosmetics, organic and chemical based, available. Though the organic products are not very colorful, strongly aromatic and is slightly high priced, these cosmetics works best for all skin types including sensitive skin, nourishing the skin deeply & giving a radiant look.

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The One App You Need Before You Take a New Medication

Iodine

In today’s world with wonders like Yelp and Foursquare, it’s hard to imagine checking out a new restaurant without doing a quick scan of reviews. Did they like the service? What about the wait time? And most importantly: Was the food as delicious as it looks in photos on the restaurant’s website?

Now you can look through those same type of reviews for the medications you take—or the ones you’re considering taking. It’s all thanks to Iodine, a new app available on iOS devices. At first, we were hesitant—we're used to following doctors' orders, not taking advice from random strangers who probably didn’t spend years of their life in medical school. But then we realized how many medications exist for every ailment—the common cold is a perfect example—and how helpful it would be to hear how any drug affects people like us.

So, ever wonder what the difference is between taking NyQuil or Tylenol Cold Multi-Sympton Nighttime before you head to bed? Simply open Iodine and you can compare the two drugs. The user-submitted reviews include an overall effectiveness rating plus scores for three important questions: Is it worth it? Does it work? And is it a hassle? The tips from individual users, though, are the best part of the app. You can see if a 35-year-old man found Tylenol to be only moderately effective or if a 26-year-old woman liked NyQuil, except for weird dreams it caused her to have.

The app includes ratings and reviews for both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. And we love how intuitive the app is to use: You can search by condition or medication. Plus, Iodine has added cool new wizards for allergies and the cold and flu. Just check off the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the app can tell you the best medication to take. And even though the reviews can come from anyone, we were never worried about dealing with bad information. Iodine works with an impressive medical team of pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and medical students that moderates reviews to make sure you don’t come across any factually incorrect or harmful suggestions.

And best of all: Iodine is great at saving you money. When we looked at the medication we take for our moderate heartburn, the app suggested a much cheaper generic brand that would work just as well. And wouldn’t you know, Iodine was right.

I Want to Download This Free

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How to Handle Criticism Like a Pro

It’s hard to feel warm and fuzzy inside when our latest Instagram post receives a measly two likes, let alone when our boss gives us negative feedback on a project. But to succeed in life, both personally and professionally, it’s important to take criticism in stride. Being able to hear people’s opinions can improve our relationships, academic performance, and job satisfaction¹ . Find out how to handle what others have to say without shedding a tear.

Hurtful or Helpful?

Criticism is a term for judgment or evaluation, good or bad. And it can pop up everywhere: from college papers, to personal blogs, to family get-togethers, and chats with friends. (Your new haircut does not suit your face shape. But have a great date!) There are lots of reasons why people offer criticism, like feeling jealous or insecure in a romantic relationship (You always forget to call!). At work, organization leaders may also use criticism to help employees improve their work—and make them tremble before approaching the boss’s office. But not all criticism is bad news bears.

Constructive criticism—offering thoughtful feedback—can help us gain valuable insight into our actions and increase trust between people ² . Among college students, constructive criticism on academic work (Here’s how this paragraph could be better) may boost that GPA more than deconstructive criticism (This paper is awful). On the other hand, deconstructive criticism—the “you suck!” kind—involves accusing people and pointing out their faults without suggestions for improvement. Unsurprisingly, deconstructive criticism can hurt people’s self-esteem, making them feel guilty for not performing up to par. But whether criticism is useful or just plain humiliating, there are ways to deal with it and move on.

Your Action Plan

Being sensitive to criticism can be a sticky situation. Sometimes people may even stop working toward a goal out of fear of being critiqued. But don’t give in to those worries about potential critiques. Here are some helpful tips to handle any kind of criticism that heads our way:

Listen up.

Figure out whether the criticism is constructive or simply rude. You may feel hurt when your partner says you’re controlling, but having him point out this flaw may help you change and ultimately save the relationship. If criticism could be helpful, lend all ears and try to learn from it instead of getting defensive.

Respond calmly.

Be respectful no matter what, and thank someone if the feedback is useful ³ . If the critique is uncalled for (that story you wrote was crap!), kill em with kindness. A simple smile makes you the bigger person.

Don’t take it personally.

Try to remove yourself from the situation and focus on what’s being critiqued. That C+ midterm doesn’t reflect your A+ personality! Instead, it’s a reminder to study a little harder next time, skip all that partying the night before, or realize that calculus simply isn’t your biggest strength.

Manage stress.

When we’re constantly on edge, we can feel out of control and unable to respond to criticism with a clear head. So take a deeeep breath to keep those stress levels in check.

Keep on keepin on’.

Remember that the criticism represents just one person’s point of view. Know what your strengths are and don’t let other people’s opinions keep you from working hard towards a goal. If somebody says you’re too short to be a power forward, start working on that jump shot!

Works Cited

1. Impact of feeling responsible for adverse events on doctors' personal and professional lives: the importance of being open to criticism from colleagues. Aasland, O,G., Forde, R. The Research Institute, The Norwegian Medical Association, Oslo, Norway. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 2005 Feb;14(1):13-7.
2. Impact of feeling responsible for adverse events on doctors' personal and professional lives: the importance of being open to criticism from colleagues. Aasland, O,G., Forde, R. The Research Institute, The Norwegian Medical Association, Oslo, Norway. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 2005 Feb;14(1):13-7.
3. Taking criticism. Dowd, S.B., Davidhizar, R. The Journal of Practical Nursing, 2006 Summer;56(2):21-3; quiz 24-5.

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New method detects early breast cancer via urine

Medical researchers have developed an approach for detecting breast cancer by means of urine samples. The method involves determining the concentration of molecules that regulate cell metabolism and that are often dysregulated in cancer cells. These molecules, referred to as microRNAs, enter into the urine over the blood. By determining the composition of microRNAs in the urine, the scientists succeeded in establishing with 91 percent accuracy whether a test subject was healthy or diseased.

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Swift intervention doubles survival rate from cardiac arrest

Researchers have found that early cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than doubles the chance of survival for patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The percentage of patients who receive life-saving resuscitation has also increased substantially thanks to so-called SMS Lifesavers.

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Practical Tips To Lose Weight With Ease

In this modern fast-paced world, everyone is out to lose weight at any cost. This causes many people to go in for quick solutions and short-cuts which do not benefit them in any way.

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The Korean Way to Whiter Skin

Korean women are best known for their beautiful skin but do you know that they follow a strict skincare regimen starting at a young age in order to achieve this? Well, this strict ritual has shown the world its effectiveness because as you can see from many K-POP artists, they glow with porcelain white skin.

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Thursday, June 11th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

The Triple

Complete as many rounds of the following as possible in 10 minutes.

9 Tuck Jumps
6 Dips
3 Handstand Push-Ups

Want to kick up the intensity? Just move faster. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Keeping mind, body active may not protect against underlying signs of Alzheimer's

While participating in physical activities such as bike riding, dancing, walking and gardening and mentally stimulating activities such as crosswords and reading may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, they may not do so by affecting the underlying markers for the disease, according to a study.

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Brain lesions in children challenging to diagnose

Brain lesions in children can be especially challenging to diagnose, according to a report. Lesions include tumors, abnormal blood vessel formations and abscesses and inflammation due to infections.

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Hospital stays longer, more costly with poorly controlled blood sugar

Diabetes patients with abnormal blood sugar levels had longer, more costly hospital stays than those with glucose levels in a healthy range, according to research. The findings come as more patients are being admitted into U.S. hospitals with diabetes as an underlying condition.

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Strategies needed for community health worker programs to solve healthcare challenges

Community health workers (CHW) are expected to be a growing and vital part of healthcare delivery in the United States as the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented. A slate of steps detailing how CHW programs can maximize their effectiveness and impact on patients and healthcare spending is provided in a new article.

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The Many Jojoba Oil Benefits

Extracted from the nuts and seeds of the jojoba plant, primarily found in north-west Mexico, southern California, and southern Arizona, jojoba oil makes the perfect carrier oil. Useful alongside many other fresh ingredients in DIY beauty recipes, it brings with it a whole host of benefits, most of which are related to your skin, face, and hair. An additive already found in a number of commercially manufactured and sold beauty products, it is classed as a fungicide, which means the beneficial properties are not just great for your body, but for the beauty product itself,...

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I Had Terrible Anxiety After a Messy Breakup. Here's What Finally Helped Me Heal

We broke up in the summer and had a yearlong trip to Southeast Asia planned in the fall. We shared a home filled with plants and a Siamese fighting fish named Haiku. We already had maps drawn and tickets on our bedside tables, but this breakup was unforeseen—and permanent. Faced with the fear of traveling on our own, we boarded the plane to Bangkok together. With vaccines pumping through our veins and passports in our pockets, we could only hope for the best.

Within a week, we parted ways—the strain of inhabiting such intimate space together was too much. Like a dark blanket covering my eyes, I was suddenly blinded by the gripping fear of navigating this journey on my own. So I did the only thing that seemed easy: I drank myself completely numb. I set up camp in a small bungalow on the beach in the coastal town of Krabi in southern Thailand. I wandered the roads during the day and spent my evenings alone, looking hopelessly across the sea.

Quickly, I noticed myself slipping into anxiety, delusion, and a reliance on alcohol. Weeks passed and I realized that I couldn't summon enough courage to stave off the bottle for a night, let alone pack my things and see the rest of the continent. With every passing day I felt a growing fear of anything new. Even the thought of eating at a new restaurant left me paralyzed. The anxiety that plagued my childhood reared its head again, and the only way I seemed to be able to placate it was to drown it in beer and Thai whiskey.

Krabi, Thailand I wasn’t always an anxious person. As a very young child, I was the king of my mind, with an innate sense of adventure and a willingness to connect with others. But grade school quickly left me feeling alone and ostracized. I was teased everyday for my feminine demeanor and the social awkwardness that I developed while trying to hide who I was. I would pace the grounds at lunch, insecurity keeping my feet moving. I figured that if I was purposeful enough in my meanderings, no one would see how terrified I was of being seen alone. To be still was to be vulnerable and reveal who I really was: Not a king with a crown of jewels, but a frightened boy who felt the world was disappointed in him for not fitting the mold.

I recognized that my nightly drinking was my way of escaping my anxious thoughts, but at least I was familiar with this solitude. I was alone, but I knew that if others saw my feet moving with enough purpose, I would at least be safe from their shame too.

This false sense of security could only last so long. One morning, after weeks of repeating the same vicious cycle, I woke from a terrible dream. Looking down, ants were crawling all over my body, pacing themselves rhythmically to the undulations of my breathing. I shot out of bed, frantically shaking myself clean. Throwing my sheets into the corner of the room, I retreated to the bathroom in disgust.

I looked at my sunken and hungover face in the mirror with desperation. I wasn't disgusted with the insect invasion. I was digusted with myself. I knew two things then: I needed help and I was incapable of providing it myself. I began to bawl, and I hit the floor, my knees scraping the cold tile floor. In those minutes that felt like an eternity, I begged to feel whole again, I pleaded for help, and I surrendered completely.

The Breaking Point

Chiang Mai, Thailand Freedom and tenderness come when we hit rock bottom. Even if it's just a moment, we become willing to see things differently and we allow ourselves to change. In that moment, kneeling on the cold floor, grace took over. A sense of calm entered my body, and I was no longer ashamed of the man staring back at me. I finally had the courage to move. I showered, packed, and left the damp darkness of the bungalow. I started cautiously, still passive and closed off. Fear still felt heavy on my shoulders. But I had—at the very least—become unstuck. That night I fell asleep on an overnight train to Chiang Mai, sober for the first time in weeks.

When I woke, the air was humid and sticky. The train carrying me south had nearly reached its destination. Christmas was a week away and I had decided that I would spend the holiday on an island in the Gulf of Thailand before taking off to Cambodia. When I arrived at the ferry terminal, I heard laughter from a big group of travelers. I listened to their colorful accents and wondered how such a diverse group could have formed. I wanted this infectious dynamic of theirs. I wanted to know what it felt like to laugh again.

About to retreat back to the book in my hands, my eyes settled on a bulging red backpack on the ground in front of one of them. It was the exact backpack that I was carrying, a rare model sold at a specific Canadian store.

Instantly, my fear to speak dissolved. This glaring red bag called me forward, urging me to talk. I said hello to the backpack’s owner, and by the time we got off the ferry a couple hours later, we realized we were not only both from Canada, but from the same small city on the West Coast. In fact, we had been working a block apart for years, completely unknown to each other. That next week with them, I laughed and played in the ocean. I danced on the beach and brought in the New Year under a full moon. I had started to heal again.

The Climb

Months later I found myself sitting in a guesthouse in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, staring at a statue of Buddha looking back at me through a cracked window. His peace was evident even through the erosion of a thousand tropical rainstorms. The next morning I was setting off to climb Mount Kinabalu, one of the tallest mountains in Asia. If everything went as planned, in 48 hours I would be standing on top of the Malay Archipelago, looking out across the clouds and the lush jungle—far from the severe anxiety that left me stuck, drunk, hopeless, and depressed months earlier in Thailand.

The climb was incredible and challenging. Blisters formed, broke down, and formed again. Even in my sturdy footwear, I began to feel the smallest of pebbles poking into the soles of my feet. Rather than rest, I kept pushing myself forward—the beautiful changing landscape kept me motivated and curious to see what was behind the next corner. With each step of increased elevation, the sweltering equatorial heat shifted and cooled.

Photo: Trevor Ellestad I began in rich jungle lowlands and ascended 4,000 vertical meters over two days. At first I was surrounded by small shrubbery—everything from rhododendrons to orchids—before getting to the evergreen trees and alpine meadow where thick clouds hid the growing rock face. Suddenly, the world quieted completely and I confronted a barren landscape where even the hardiest of living things dared not plant their roots. Over quiet rock and silent stone, I took the final steps to the peak as the first traces of light were breaking over the horizon. The mountain could no longer protect me from the cold as a curling wind brushed over its peak. Exposed, overwhelmed, and chilled at the top of the world, I sat down, took a deep breath, and took it all in.

As I sat there looking out onto what felt like an entire universe of my own pain and struggle, I felt nothing but peace. I saw the anxiety that controlled me, and its inevitable defeat. For the first time in my life, I could see the clouds below me and feel the warm rising sun on my back. I knew that fear would likely always be a part of my story, but I also knew that I was capable of conquering it when I had the resolve to ask for help. I managed not to let alcohol be an escape any longer, and I healed from the breakup that shattered my heart and my psyche.

Photo: Trevor Ellestad It's now years later, and that mountain peak seems almost like another lifetime. I can’t remember leaving my perch at the summit, and I can’t remember the many of the steps I took to return to the bottom. But I know that I returned a different man. Sure, there are times when I still let fear take over, and I sometimes hit rock bottom. I'm not immune to the ticking of my mind or the cacophony of anxious thoughts that can sometimes fill my head—and I don’t think I ever will be. While I may always be a highly sensitive person, I’ll forever know that I have been between the clouds and the sun and I have heard the sound of silent stone.

I have been to the top of the world and even if it was just for a moment, I was king of it all.

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Heart attack risk increases 16-21% with use of common antacid

Adults who use proton pump inhibitors are between 16 and 21 percent more likely to experience a heart attack than people who don't use the commonly prescribed antacid drugs, according to a massive new study.

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Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain led to decreased healthcare costs and improved functional measures

A study supports findings that costs of spinal cord stimulation implants are recouped due to decreased demands for medical treatment in chronic pain patients.

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Important new research on early palliative care for advanced cancer patients published

New research has been published that, for the first time, provides strong evidence on the economic benefits of early palliative care intervention for people with an advanced cancer diagnosis.

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Restraining health care prices requires workforce productivity gains, not wage cuts alone

Cost containment will require not wage reductions alone, but broad productivity gains derived from the use of fewer or less-skilled employees to produce any given service, a new study concludes.

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Who your doctor is could dictate how you're cared for at end of life

The individual physician a patient sees is the strongest known predictor of whether or not he or she will enroll in hospice care, outweighing other known drivers such as geographic location, patient age, race and comorbidities, a new study concludes.

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Common antibiotic may be the answer to many multidrug-resistant bacterial infections

The common antibiotic azithromycin kills many multidrug-resistant bacteria very effectively — when tested under conditions that closely resemble the human body and its natural antimicrobial factors. The researchers believe the finding could prompt an immediate review of the current standard of care for patients with certain so-called “superbug” infections.

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Best Green Tea Supplement for Weight Loss Can Be Determined by Many Things

It is often difficult to lose weight. This does not mean that a person is lazy or that they do not have the willpower that they need to lose the weight. A green tea supplement for weight loss can help people take the weight off that they need to.

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Statewide quality improvement program helps lower rates of trauma complications

A team of trauma surgeons has reported how data from a statewide quality collaborative helped them reduce the rate of a serious trauma complication by more than half. The researchers examined the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events in trauma patients. VTEs include blood clots forming inside veins, also known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

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How To Reduce A Fat Belly Without Exercise

Trying to reduce a fat belly without exercise requires attention to diet detail, some proven fasting techniques, and a little time. Here's how to lose the most body fat without breaking a sweat.

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New study explores whether newborns delivered by c-section face higher risk of chronic health problems later in life

The evidence as to whether newborns delivered by C-section are more likely to develop chronic diseases later in life has been examined by investigators. The authors of a new study find that their evidence warrants concerns that C-section may lead to worse long-term child health.

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Multimodality treatment for metastatic lung cancer with surgery may improve survival rates

Patients diagnosed with an advanced form of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer may benefit from surgical resection (removal of all or part of the lung) in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, according to a new article.

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Plasma makes wounds heal quicker

Many people suffer from skin disorders. Open wounds are a particularly acute problem, especially among the elderly. PlasmaDerm, a new medical technology solution, uses plasma to facilitate faster healing of wounds.

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All About Wigs - Which Wig Type Suits You Best

Wigs come in different styles and forms and choosing the right one has its advantages especially for those who are interested in both functionality and appearance. Below are just some of the wig types currently sold in stores. Some wig specialty stores also offer customized hairpieces making it possible for one to choose the best fit and material that they are comfortable with.

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Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms: Advantages for men, but not for women

Men benefit from one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms, a new review concludes. They live longer because a rupture of the abdominal aorta can be avoided. No such evidence is available for women, the researchers add.

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Some hospitals in United States marking up prices more than 1,000 percent

The 50 hospitals in the United States with the highest markup of prices over their actual costs are charging out-of-network patients and the uninsured, as well as auto and workers’ compensation insurers, more than 10 times the costs allowed by Medicare, new research suggests. It’s a markup of more than 1,000 percent for the same medical services.

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Diabetes drug sitagliptin shows no increased risk of heart events

A clinical trial of the glucose-control drug sitagliptin among patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease has found it did not raise the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

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Weight loss in obese adults can reduce severity of asthma

Weight loss reduced asthma severity as measured by airway hyperresponsiveness in obese adults, a research study has shown. The incidence of asthma is 1.47 times higher in obese people than nonobese people, and a three-unit increase in body mass index is associated with a 35 percent increase in the risk of asthma. The study supports the active treatment of comorbid obesity in individuals with asthma.

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