Health Care

For men and women washing your face should be one of the most important parts of a daily skin care routine. Men tend to forget to wash their face at night as they do not need to remove makeup as women do. However, it is very important to wash your face at night to remove the dirt and oils that has accumulated during the day. This will help to prevent acne and blemishes as these problems use dirt and oil as a breeding ground. In the past men's face washing consisted of grabbing a bar of soap and using only their hands. Now, dermatologists have found that men should use products formulated for their skin type and that there is a proper technique for washing the face. The steps to properly wash your face are as follows: * Wet your face with warm water (do not use hot water as this can cause damage to your skin and cold water does not open the pores enough). * Place a small amount of cleanser in your hands and rub them together. * Rub (do not scrub) the cleanser on your

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an enzyme produced by the liver. At low levels, it's harmless, but elevated C-reactive protein is associated with a high risk for heart disease, heart attacks, Type 2 diabetes and strokes. Elevated C-reactive protein occurs in response to inflammation in the body, which can be caused by burns, infections, arthritis, cancer or other traumas. Elevated C-reactive protein causes no symptoms, but it's been identified as a major warning sign for the development of heart disease, the number one killer of men and women. Medical screening for elevated C-reactive protein is important, as early intervention can be lifesaving. What is Elevated C-Reactive Protein? C-reactive protein is released into the blood as part of the body's response to an infection or injury. C-reactive protein levels can skyrocket within 24 to 48 hours of a trauma. Elevated CRP is considered a risk factor for heart disease because atherosclerosis, a disease marked by the harde

Elevated liver enzymes are an early sign of possible liver damage. The liver plays an important role in digesting food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating toxic substances from the body. Left untreated, liver damage can cause serious complications, including liver failure. The most common cause of elevated liver enzymes is prescription medication, particularly statin drugs meant to control cholesterol levels. A person with slightly to moderately elevated liver enzymes typically experiences no symptoms, so a medical screening test is important, especially if you're taking statin drugs for cholesterol management. What Are Elevated Liver Enzymes? An enzyme is a protein that acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions. Two main enzymes are located in liver cells: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). When liver cells are injured or become inflamed, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream. Who is at Risk for Elevated Liver Enzymes? You may be at

What is osteoporosis?  Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that causes brittle bones that are easily broken. Although associated with elderly women, osteoporosis affects people of all ages and both genders. Approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, as reported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (2009). An additional 34 million people have low bone mass, a condition that may lead to osteoporosis. Since osteoporosis is asymptomatic in its early stages, health screening for osteoporosis is extremely important. What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis literally means "porous bones." Healthy bones are comprised of strengthening agents such as protein, collagen and calcium. Osteoporosis causes these agents to break down, resulting in porous bone that is susceptible to cracking and collapsing from even minor trauma. Osteoporosis-related fractures often occur in the wrist, ribs, spine and hips. Osteoporosis eventually caus