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!
Health Scares
DId you recently receive a scary diagnosis, or go through a frightening experience with your child or another family member? Knowing what to do next can seem overwhelming -- especially when it's a matter of life or death. We can help! Here you'll find real people sharing their personal experiences surviving health crises, preparing for tests & screening, making sense of the results, choosing the best treatment options, and recovering from surgery and other health issues.
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.
How We Found Out That I Have Lyme Disease …From A Tick Bite
I had no idea I was suffering from the early signs of Lyme Disease – until I got the official Lyme Disease diagnosis. Here’s how I found out I had Lyme Disease, what I’ve learned about how to treat Lyme Disease, and what it’s like living with Lyme Disease in Tennessee.
What A Sleep Study Is Like: Things I Wish I Knew Before My Sleep Test
Have sleep problems? Me too. I recently spent the night at a Sleep Center to participate in a sleep study to see if I might have obstructive sleep apnea. Here’s what my sleep test was like (with sleep study pictures), plus some of my best tips to help you prepare for your own sleep study test. See what I wish I’d known before staying in a sleep study room and being attached to all of those sleep study wires!
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.
How To Clear A Clogged Ear Due To Sinus Congestion, Ear Wax, Fluid In The Ear From A Cold/Flu, Or Swimmers Ear
Wondering how to clear a clogged ear? Good news… it can be done naturally! I’ve tried these home remedies for clogged ears with great results. Here are 8 natural ways to relieve the pain and unclog ears yourself.
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.
My Dad Has Shingles: What I’ve Learned About The Shingles Virus + The Best Home Remedies For Shingles
Have you had chicken pox? If so, you might end up with an outbreak of a different kind later on. The shingles virus can lay dormant in your system for years, and if you have a weakened immune system one day — you might very well be on the hunt for a treatment for shingles. I’ve witnessed this with my dad. Here’s what you need to know about the treatment options available — including home remedies for shingles, and what you need to know about the shingles contagious period.
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.
Vitamin C Overdose – Can You Really Overdose On Too Much Vitamin C?
There are a lot of mixed messages out there when it comes to how much Vitamin C is really safe to take on a daily basis. We clarify the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C that is safely allowed per day, along with signs that you might be experiencing a Vitamin C overdose.
Ganglion Cysts: What You Need To Know About Ganglion Cyst Treatment
Do you have a ganglion cyst? I do! I’ve had it for years — it comes and goes. Here’s what I’ve learned about Ganglion cysts, ganglion cyst treatment, and ganglion cyst removal. Basically a ganglion cyst does not require treatment, but if it’s causing you pain or is just in a bad spot then you might want to have it surgically removed. Here’s what I’ve learned.
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…
Expired Medication – Is It Safe To Take Expired Antibiotics & OTC Drugs?
Got expired medication? Here’s the scoop on which prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines are still safe to take — even after the expiration date printed on the bottle — and which ones are not safe to take. Plus, tips for safely storing and disposing of old medicine.
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.
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.
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!
Processed Meat & Cancer: Can Eating Red Meats And Cured Meats Really Cause Cancer?
If you have a pronounced risk of colon cancer like me, you might wonder if eating processed meat & cancer go hand in hand. Here’s a list of meats to avoid.
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 You Eating GMO Foods? The Risks And How To Avoid Them
Do you know if you’re eating GMO foods? Find out what the common GMO ingredients are, the potential health risks, and what brands to buy so you can avoid eating GMO food products.
My Personal Obesity Story: How I Got The Weight Off Without Yo-Yo Diets
How did I go from weighing 265 pounds to dropping down to a lean, mean 175 – without yo-yo dieting, throwing out every last trace of sugar, or opting for bypass surgery? Read my story about my obesity travails and triumphs to learn more.
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.
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.
Antioxidants: The Real Truth About How They Work & How Effective They Are
Here’s a hard look at the real facts about antioxidants. We confront some of the more sensational claims concerning antioxidants so you can see the truth about how antioxidants work in the human body, their role in combating disease, and just how effective they really are as medicinal treatments.
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.
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.
Natural Remedies For Panic Attacks & What Causes Panic Disorder
I suffered from panic attacks and was diagnosed with panic disorder. See all of the natural remedies for panic attacks that worked for me. As a result, I don’t have panic attacks anymore.
My Lyme Disease Recovery: What It’s Like Living With Lyme Disease In Tennessee (Yes, There Are Ticks In Tennessee!)
I’ve been living with Lyme Disease in Tennessee for years now. Here’s my story — how I got Lyme Disease from a tick bite and the Lyme Disease rash that followed. Plus, a little about the Lyme Disease movie that had a huge impact on me, a list of people in Nashville Tennessee with Lyme Disease, and a little about Lyme Disease doctors in Nashville Tennessee.
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…
What I’ve Learned About How To Treat Lyme Disease Based On My Own Lyme Treatment Regime
After being diagnosed with Lyme Disease, my symptoms went away for 1 year and then returned with a vengeance. See the meds my doctor prescribed right away, what my first official round of Lyme Disease treatment was like, and how my Lyme Disease symptoms changed after beginning treatment for Lyme Disease.
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.
What’s Your Blood Pressure? (You Can’t Always Trust The Numbers On Blood Pressure Machines)
What it’s like to have blood pressure issues — including why my doctor says my numbers fluctuate so much all the time. They say there are no signs or symptoms that you have hypertension or high blood pressure. I say baloney. Here’s how my body changes when my blood pressure is high.
Experts Say These Are The Best Online Health & Medical Sites
These sites rise above the rest. Each is well-respected for the quality and quantity of the information they provide pertaining to health and medicine. Specifically… the breadth and depth of information found on these sites ranges from ‘very good’ to ‘excellent’, and the reliability and quality of the information itself featured on each of these sites rates from ‘very good’ to ‘excellent’. Bonus: Each site features minimal or no paid advertising!
