I recently had to get a tetanus shot… even as a healthy adult! Here’s why you would need to get a tetanus vaccine, what it’s like, and the symptoms of lockjaw. And in case you’re wondering… yes, even if you were vaccinated as a child against tetanus, you still need to get a tetanus shot as an adult!
Predicaments & Emergencies
If a health issue could possibly be considered life-threatening, then we're talking about it here! Real people share their personal experiences with scary health predicaments and emergencies they've lived through -- in order to help others who might be going through the same thing. See what it's like to have different types of medical scans, what to expect if you're awaiting the results of health screenings, what it's like to have surgery on different parts of your body, and what you can expect post-surgery recovery to be like.
What Is The Best Treatment After A Fall With No Broken Bones… Should I Go To The ER Or See A Chiropractor?
After a painful fall with no broken bones, should you see a chiropractor or go to the ER? Here’s the best treatment after a fall and how to get pain relief… fast! See when you should go to the ER. When it’s okay to wait things out. When to see a chiropractor for pain relief.
How Can You DIE From The Flu? Here’s How… What You Need To Know About The Flu Virus And Flu Shot
It’s not just people with compromised immune systems that are dying from the flu. See all of the ways the flu can kill an otherwise healthy person. Thinking of getting a flu shot? Here’s what you need to know — who should & shouldn’t get it, popular flu shot myths, flu shot side effects, and where to get cheap (or free) flu shots!
My Laparoscopy Surgery To Treat Endometriosis & Remove Ovarian Cysts …And Why I Chose The Optional Endometrial Ablation
Ladies: Have you got endometriosis… and/or cysts on your ovaries? If so there’s probably a laparoscopy in your future! I’m here to tell you endometriosis surgery is not that bad. I had severe endometriosis and 2 large ovarian cysts removed laparoscopically Here’s how it went for me…
Should You Have A 3D Mammogram? I Did & Here’s What I Learned About 3D Breast Imaging
I recently went for a diagnostic 3D mammogram following a traditional 2D mammogram. Here’s what I learned about who should consider having 3D breast imaging done, and how health care providers and insurance are involved.
So THAT’s How They Tell You That You’ve Got Cancer… Jim’s Melanoma Skin Cancer Photos & Treatment Options
My husband received a melanoma diagnosis from a mole on his arm. You can see in his skin cancer photos how the mole grew and changed colors over 6 years. Here’s what we’ve learned about the best melanoma treatment options, what the melanoma stages of cancer mean, and what melanoma looks like. We hope you’ll find this information helpful if you or someone in your family is diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer.
Should You Let A Chiropractor Crack Your Neck? Is The ‘Neck Twist’ A Safe Way To Remedy Neck Pain?
I suffer from ongoing neck pain. My favorite ‘adjustment’ at the chiropractor’s office (up til now) has been what I refer to as ‘the neck crack’ or ‘that one that twists your neck’. Then, I read about the dangers of having a chiropractor crack your neck, so I studied up on it. Here’s what I’ve learned about neck manipulation — both from having it done myself and from talking to my chiropractor and others about it.
Secondary Drowning And Dry Drowning: 2 Kids Swimming Hazards You Can Prevent If You Know The Symptoms
What do you mean you can drown and not even be in the water? That’s what happens in dry drowning and secondary drowning. Here’s what you need to know about secondary drowning symptoms in babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. Want to know the best defense against dry drowning? Teach your kids how to swim! You can also prevent this dangerous kids swimming scenario by watching for these signs.
Prop 65 Cancer & Birth Defect Warnings: Should You Really Be Worried About Them?
Have you bought any products that had a California Prop 65 warning label on them? I don’t live anywhere NEAR California, yet I’ve seen a slew of them! Here’s what the Proposition 65 warning means, why it’s on so many products, and which chemicals are on the Prop 65 list.
Thyroid Surgery Recovery Photos & Progress Reports: What To Expect After Thyroid Surgery
I had thyroid surgery. I had no idea what it would be like. So to give you a better idea of what to expect after thyroid surgery, I’m sharing my detailed thyroid surgery recovery story — complete with my thyroid scar photos and tips that I hope will help to speed up your thyroid surgery recovery time.
Bug Bites & Allergic Reactions: Benadryl To The Rescue!
Spring is in the air and so are insects like bees, wasps, and mosquitos! An allergic reaction to bites or stings from any of these can be very scary… and sometimes even fatal. Always keep Benadryl on hand and know these allergic reaction symptoms to watch for — to keep your kids, your pets, and yourself safe.
Camel Spider Facts And Myths – Camel Spider Size, Speed & Other Dangers Explained Here
The camel spider is also known as a wind scorpion, sun spider, and wind spider. They are mostly found in the southwest U.S. and in southern Africa. Camel spider size, speed, and dangers are explained here.
Getting An MRI?… 13 Things You Should Know Before You Have Your First MRI Scan
Having an MRI scan? I just had my first one and here are the 13 things I wish I had known before having an MRI. Between the clothing removal and the hammering sounds, I was nervous. But you don’t have to be — here’s why…
Addiction Intervention: An Overview Of How To Stage A Family Intervention
Have a loved one in need of a family intervention for alcohol or drug abuse? I’ve been there. Here’s my experience with how an addition intervention works – so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.
What It’s Like To Have A Hysterectomy Surgery & What Recovery Is Like – I Had A Total Hysterectomy Using The DaVinci Robotic Surgery Method
I had a full hysterectomy at the age of 50, nine years after having a laparoscopy to remove endometriosis. Here are my best tips if hysterectomy surgery is in your future.
Before You Have A Hysterectomy, Read These Tips That Helped Me Prepare For My Full Hysterectomy
To help other women in the same boat as me, I did a lot of research – before and after my full hysterectomy – and took lots of notes detailing exactly what my experience was like.
BRCA Testing: Who Should Get A BRCA Gene Test, How Much It Costs, And What The Results Mean
Wonder if you should get the BRCA test or not? Me too! Here’s what you need to know about BRCA testing – to help you decide if you should do it or not.
Online Counseling & Life Coaching – There’s An App For That! 3 Benefits Of Virtual Therapy
Need help but not sure where to turn? You’re in luck! Online counseling and life coaching is available wherever you are… as long as you can get online.
Prescription Drug Abuse: 5 Ways To Avoid & Overcome Addiction To Prescription Painkillers That Worked For Me!
Anyone can fall victim to prescription drug abuse without even realizing it… I did! I’m proof these tips will get you through prescription drug addiction.
Have A Weird Skin Spot? (Me Too.) Here’s How A Dermatologist Does A Skin Biopsy To Determine If It’s Cancerous Or Not
A simple skin biopsy is usually the best way to determine if a strange looking spot is skin cancer or not. Here’s what it’s like to have a biopsy.
Food & Medication Interactions: 6 Foods You Should Never Mix With Medicine
On antibiotics or meds for blood pressure, thyroid, or cholesterol? Watch for medication interactions if you eat bananas, fiber, soy, dairy, greens, or grapefruit!
Giving Blood For The First Time? 5 Things You Should Do Before Donating Blood
Nervous about donating blood? These 5 simple steps will help you avoid negative side effects when giving blood. So there’s no reason to be nervous anymore!
What It’s Like To Have Total Knee Replacement Surgery
A LOT of my friends and relatives have had total knee replacement surgery. You probably have some fears about the surgery & questions about the recovery. Here’s what you need to know.
Nervous About Getting A CT Scan? Anxious To Hear The Results? 5 Ways To Cope With Scanxiety
If you’re anxious about getting a CT scan, these tips from someone who’s been there with scanxiety might help. Here’s how to worry less over your CT scans!
Are Early Cancer Screenings Right For You? How Early Cancer Detection Could Save Your Life
Can early cancer screenings help save your life? Yes. If cancer runs in your family, getting screened at a young age may help you avoid getting cancer.
Cancer Support Groups: The Cure For Isolation, Confusion During The Fight Of Your Life
Whether you have cancer or you know someone who does, cancer support groups are the place to turn for answers to your questions, information about treatment options, and to meet those who have been through similar circumstances.
Cervical Cancer Treatment: What You Need To Know
Early stages of cervical cancer respond well to treatment, which may be radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of methods. Here’s what you need to know.
Getting a Colonoscopy – My Experience
Getting a colonoscopy wasn’t all peaches and cream (I couldn’t even eat those when I was prepping for the exam), but with cancer throughout my family, I gained peace of mind, all while losing a few pounds in the process.
Colonoscopy Guidelines – Do You Need a Colonoscopy?
It’s important to follow colonoscopy guidelines so you can reduce your risk for one of the most preventable forms of cancer in the colon.
What You Need To Know About Pelvic Organ Prolapse And Transvaginal Mesh Complications
Pelvic organ prolapse is a serious women’s issue which typically affects women after childbirth, a hysterectomy, or menopause. This condition has a rocky history when it comes to its popular means of treatment – transvaginal mesh – which has led to complications and even lawsuits. Here’s what you need to know.
Photos + Tips For Getting Through Melanoma Skin Cancer Surgery And Recovery
Ever had to consider a sin cancer treatment plan? We have. After Jim was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, the next step was to decide on a surgeon in order to get those lymph nodes biopsied right away and determine whether cancer had spread or not. All of this happened rather quickly over the next 2 months. Here’s what it was like for Jim (and me) and how things are today.
Women & Heart Attacks: Signs Of A Heart Attack Aren’t The Same For Women As They Are For Men
Women & heart attacks – Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer among women? Here are the warning signs of a heart attack for women. They are often different from the warning signs for men! Plus info about Wear Red Day which helps to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
CT Scan Radiation: Some Eye-Opening Facts About CT Scans
Here are some important points about CT scans that everyone needs to know. CT scan radiation is a serious issue. Here’s when to say NO to a Cat Scan.
Hobo Spider Bite Facts
Fortunately, there aren’t that many poisonous spiders in this part of the United States. That said, the hobo spider itself is fairly common. While not fatally poisonous, you still need to watch out for them and keep from being bitten if you can! Here’s what you need to know about hobo spiders.
What It’s Like To Have A Coronary Artery Stent Put In To Prevent Heart Problems
There are many reasons your doctor may recommend a heart stent. In my case, I had a sore jaw and I noticed that my hand was twitching and was struggling to do what I needed it to do. I had a coronary stent procedure that opened up — and kept open — the narrowed places in my heart artery. Here’s what I’ve learned after having a heart stent put in a few years ago, plus what it was like to have an angiogram and angioplasty.
What It’s Like To Have Thyroid Surgery
I had thyroid surgery to have half of it removed. I had a non-cancerous thyroid nodule that just kept getting bigger. Only 4 to 5% of thyroid nodules are cancerous. Here’s a little about the days leading up to the thyroid removal surgery and how it went…
Black Widow Spider Bites: What To Look For & How To Treat The Bite
Here’s how to tell if you’ve been bitten by a black widow spider and how to treat the spider bite if you have. Be sure to look for the classic red hourglass shape on the spider’s body.
Randy Pausch Is Dying… Here Is Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture
You’ve probably seen Randy Pausch a lot on the news lately. He’s the Carnegie Mellon Professor who is dying from pancreatic cancer. What makes him — and his message — so memorable are the amazing details of his life — and OUR lives in general — that Randy shared in his ‘Last Lecture’ on September 18, 2007. Watch the video below…
A Blog About A Dying Wife
Five days ago, at the age of 28 AT lost his wife, BJ. He is now a widow and a single father of two young sons. What started as ‘flu-like symptoms’ on October 30, 2006 ultimately claimed BJ’s life just 18 days later on November 17, 2006. I share AT’s story with you, for the same reason that he says he continues to write in his blog about it… with the hope that it will help someone else.
Heart Trouble: How To Recognize A Heart Attack or Stroke
It’s important to get a stroke victim help within 3 hours. Here are 3 questions to ask someone you suspect has suffered a heart attack or stroke. Plus other signs of a stroke.
Photos Of A Brown Recluse Spider Bite
The following pictures illustrate the progression of a brown recluse spider bite. Photos from days 3 through 6 are not too graphic. However, the picture showing the infection on days 9 and 10 are very graphic. Your discretion is advised if you choose to view.
Cancer Giggles: Using Humor When Living With Cancer
I am intrigued whenever I hear another first-person story of someone’s life with cancer, including their coping mechanisms, the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and the ultimate realities of struggling to survive this battle with something called ‘cancer’. Most of all, I appreciate when people are able to maintain their sense of humor through it all.
