Protect Yourself From UV-A Rays

Many popular daily skin creams do not give you enough UV-A protection.

UV-A penetrates much deeper into the skin than UV-B and is useful in keeping skin firm and without wrinkles by degrading elastins and collagen.

Facial creams that claim UV protection prevents damage only against UV-B rays. At this time, companies are not required to back up UV-A claims on their labels.

UV-A penetrates windows so even if work work indoors, you still need to be protected from UV-A rays.

More expensive creams do not give better protection. Ask your dermatologist for specific recommendations.

Stroke: Exercise at Home For Less

In one of the largest stroke rehabilitation studies in the U.S., stroke patients with physical therapy exercise program at home improved just as much as those using expensive exercise equipment.

Home exercise programs require less expense, less training for the therapist, and less staff.

It was previously assumed that recovery can occur early and can get no better after 6 months. The study indicated that patients can continue to improve up to 1 year after a stroke.

Pain After Cancer

One person in five say that their pain persists at least 2 years after surviving cancer. Women in particular reported more pain flare-ups and more disability caused by pain and more depression due to pain.

Physicians who are more concerned with the side effects of pain medication should consider recommending pain management.

Get Your Dosages Correct

Daily pill dispensers are handy in correctly monitoring doses of your medication. A tray or cassette with compartment for one or more doses for a particular day or a given time not only simplifies drug doses but also significantly reduces the risk of medication errors.

Think Berries For Parkinson's Disease

Those who eat foods such as berries, apples, citrus fruit and red wine may be protecting themselves from developing Parkinson's disease because they are heavy in antioxidants called flavonoids.

A 22-year old study showed that those people who consumed flavonoid-rich foods such as berries in particular were less likely to develop this devastating neurodegenerative illness.

Sleep Drugs Can Make You Confused

Those who are sleep-deprived and take some popular drugs such as Ambien need to be aware that for at least one half hour after waking, they may experience grogginess and confusion. They could stumble or fall.

However, "people should not avoid taking it (Ambien, etc.) but should be aware of the drug's effects," advised Kenneth Wright of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Stroke Victims Don't Get Clot-Busting Drug

Of 25,5000 hospital patients who suffered a stroke due to a blood clot, only 26.6% received an injectable clot-busting drug that is recommended by the American Heart Association.

The study confirmed that the busiest stroke centers were fastest in giving this life-saving drug.

When witnessing a stroke, call 911 without delay since time lost is brain lost.

Catching Glaucoma In Its Early Stages

It's too early to be certain.

A new study at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has determined (inconclusively because more testing is needed) that a test known as a pattern electroretinogram measures the function of nerve cells in the retina and may detect glaucoma early enough to prevent or slow vision loss.

This non-invasive test can detect dysfunction and abnormal changes in retinal cells before they destroy the optic nerve.