Many back pain ailments may be relieved at home, say doctors
Piercing pain between your shoulder blades? Constant dull ache in your lower back? If you haven't experienced these symptoms yet, you probably will. What can you do to help beat these back aches and pains? The remedy could start at home.

Is it a cold or the flu? Here's how to tell
"My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I'm stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?" Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

Enjoy life pain free
Millions of people live with pain every day. Whether the pain is the result of exercising, playing sports, picking up children or just living busy lives, it can affect your day-to-day lifestyle and become a burden. However, with innovative and advanced therapies, we are now changing the way patients are treated - without surgery.

A slice of nutrition advice on wheat
"White or wheat?" Restaurant patrons are often presented with this familiar, yet inaccurate, question when ordering toast or a sandwich. Given the confusion between whole and enriched grain products, it's not surprising that this phrase is universally accepted among the general public. The truth is, whole (wheat) and enriched (white) wheat bread are both wheat-based products and part of a healthy diet.

Three key steps for weight loss in the new year
It's the time of year when we are inundated with holiday treats and rich, high-calorie foods. Enjoying celebratory meals is a big part of the season, but after New Year's Day, it's time to cut back and shed the pounds.

How you can take action against heart failure
It's a syndrome that affects more than 5 million Americans - and probably more: heart failure. Heart failure is a serious illness that can affect your quality of life and how long you live. With proper medications in the right doses and careful management, you can live longer and feel better.

Actress Debi Mazar speaks out about her family's ordeal with bipolar depression
An estimated 8 million American adults may be affected by bipolar disorder, a complex mental illness in which people experience extreme mood swings from highs (bipolar mania) to lows (bipolar depression). Episodes of bipolar depression can include symptoms of prolonged periods of sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and feelings of worthlessness. These symptoms can interfere with a person's ability to handle everyday tasks, such as those related to work or family life. Most people with bipolar disorder when ill or when symptomatic experience more depressive moods (lows) than elevated moods (highs).

Have a heart and serve quick-to-fix healthy treats
Your loved ones will feel the love when you serve up dazzling dishes that delight the taste buds and promote happy healthy hearts that make both you and the doctor happy.

Keep your heart health in mind
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women older than 25 in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), but many people aren't aware of how serious the problem is.

Gout: 'Disease of Kings' or more 'common' than you think?
If you've ever heard the word "gout," it was probably in association with King Henry VIII or Benjamin Franklin, right? That's because throughout history it's been described as a condition of the wealthy, or "disease of kings." But this is just one of many widespread misconceptions about gout. So what is gout, after all?

Healthy eating year round for head-to-toe beauty
From award shows to a simple coffee run, movie and television stars are known for looking photo-ready at any moment. While their appearances may seem difficult to maintain, experts behind the scenes say achieving head-to-toe beauty simply starts with the foods we eat.

With multiple strains this year, don't be confused about flu prevention
With the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus and the presence of annual seasonal flu, health experts are concerned that this flu season could be more confusing than ever for families. Recent studies point to misunderstandings about what families should do to help prevent the spread of these viruses.

Therapy animals prove 'man's best friends' hold healing power
Therapy animals can make a tremendous difference in the lives of seniors, children and the disabled.

Have a good hair day every day - without paying the price
Having a good hair day could mean spending money on salon appointments and several products to look as good as you did when you left the salon. But dermatologists say having healthy, beautiful hair doesn't have to break the bank.

Spotlight on HIV/AIDS: Barriers still keep thousands from HIV care and treatment
Today, almost three decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there are 1.1 million people currently living with HIV in the United States. While strides have been made in the fight against this disease, there are an estimated 640,000 people with HIV in the U.S. who, for a myriad of reasons, are either undiagnosed, not in medical care, or not receiving HIV treatment.

Nutritional tips for feeding even the pickiest tots
Moms and dads know that young kids need a solid nutritional foundation to grow up healthy and strong. But for many little kids, stubborn eating habits can stand in the way of a healthy meal. It can be tempting to give in to a tantrum and let your child eat whatever he or she wants. But nutrition experts and pediatricians agree that the right balance of nutrients, including calcium, protein, and certain vitamins, is critical for a healthy future.