5 mins read

How Effective Is Alli?

With the dizzying array of diet pills and weight-loss aids available in every drug store, finding your way through the maze of what works, what doesn’t and what may actually harm you can be tough. You’ve probably heard of Alli, one of those hip new weight-control products that is supposed to be the easiest way ever to help you lose weight. It basically stops your body from absorbing the fat from the food you eat. How could you go wrong? Experts from the Mayo Clinic and the Duke Diet and Fitness Center agree that while Alli can contribute to a decrease in weight, it will only do so effectively with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and regular exercise plan.

3 mins read

What STDs Do Pap Smears Detect?

Pap smears are a part of annual exams at the gynecologists and play a key role in the early detection of cervical cancer. The pap smear is a swab of the cervical tissue; testing looks for abnormalities or irregularities in the tissue. Pap smears on their own are not comprehensive STD testing, and if you’re sexually active or have unprotected sex, you may want to consider more thorough testing. Some gynecologists typically perform STD testing alongside a pap test, but you should be sure to ask if you would like additional tests.

3 mins read

Are Sonograms Bad for Your Baby?

Sonograms, commonly referred to as ultrasounds during pregnancy, provide an invaluable look at your growing baby. But the use, especially for moms who must have several during pregnancy, does bring about questions and concerns regarding the safety of this medical technology. To put your mind at ease, know that after more than five decades of use, the normal use of sonograms for medical purposes has never been associated with any harmful effects on fetuses, according to the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM). However, the AIUM does concede that there is always a chance of learning about adverse effects in the future. Therefore, non-medical use of sonograms should be used with caution.

2 mins read

Dangers of the Birth Control Patch

Ortho Evra, also known as the birth control patch, is one of the most convenient forms of birth control. The patch works by adhering to the skin and releasing hormones into your bloodstream that prevent pregnancy. However, all prescription medications come with risks and dangers. The birth control patch is no exception.

2 mins read

How to Reduce Cholesterol Intake

High levels of bad cholesterol are linked to certain medical conditions, such as stroke, heart attack and heart disease. While a large component of poor cholesterol levels is related to genetic makeup, that does not leave you powerless. By limiting your cholesterol intake, you give yourself a chance at a longer, healthier life. To limit your cholesterol intake effectively, it is important to understand what you need to avoid eating and also what to eat so that you will be left feeling satisfied.