National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

The term “colorectal cancer” encompasses any cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Though they are two separate cancers, colon and rectal cancer are very similar, and therefore they are often discussed together under the term “colorectal cancer.” Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in both men and women in the U.S. About one in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer in his or her lifetime.

Natural healing: What you need to know about herbal supplements

People have used herbs for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. There are herbal supplements to battle a variety of ailments, from fighting colds to improving memory to lowering cholesterol.

Herbal supplements, also called botanicals, are made from plants. Though they are natural, some herbal supplements can be strong and may have some risks, so be sure to talk to your physician about any herbal supplements before you begin taking them.

Life After Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery can be frightening. If you are facing joint replacement surgery—perhaps hip or knee replacement—you may be asking yourself some of these questions: How painful will it be? How long will recovery take? Will I truly regain mobility after surgery? What will my life be like after surgery?

5 Common GI Disorders and Their Symptoms

The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), or digestive tract, is the organ system responsible for consuming food, digesting it, extracting energy and nutrients and expelling the remaining waste.

Problems within the GI tract can result in a number of common conditions, ranging from acid reflux and indigestion to bowel conditions such as diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In most cases of common digestive problems, simple lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise or taking over-the-counter remedies) can help.

Stingers and Burners: A Common Football Injury

One of the most common injuries in football is called a burner, also known as a stinger—an injury to the nerve of the upper arm. This injury earns its name because it causes a stinging or burning sensation that radiates from the shoulder to the hand. The sensation is often described as an electric shock or lightening bolt that shoots down the arm, starting at the neck or shoulder. If you or your child plays football, it’s important to know the cause of burners and stingers and how they can be prevented.