Each year, people with hay fever and pollen allergies suffer from various symptoms in the spring and autumn when there is abundant pollen in the atmosphere. Pollen is an allergen that can trigger allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis. Those who are sensitive to pollen develop symptoms ― generally at its worst from early morning to 9 a.m. ― during these seasons. The symptoms are common in chi...

Stressed teenagers in South Korea are vulnerable to temporomandibular disorders, a condition that affects the muscles and nerves surrounding the jaw, experts say. The condition is known for pain and restricted movement, and stress is thought to be a major contributing factor, along with poor posture and overuse of the joint muscles. According to the National Health Insurance Service, some 457,5...

During the spring, there are increased changes in the daily temperature and biorhythms become unstable so that the body’s immune system becomes weaker, making you more susceptible to diseases. The spring season is particularly a concern for children who have weak immune systems but are highly active, or other people who have allergic conditions or respiratory diseases. Yellow dust can cause vari...

For a healthy post-menopausal life, regular exercise, good nutrition, sufficient sleep and rest, and stress relief is important. Exercises can easily be adapted to one’s likes. Regular exercise helps to maintain weight and improves the heart and lung functions. It also increases stamina for a better life and negates psychological stress, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, it prevents os...

A major medical condition closely related to one’s biorhythm is bipolar disorder. The disease is characterized by repeated episodes of depression and manic periods. Compared to the manic phase, when the person is very active, in a good mood and full of confidence, the depressive phase tends to last for longer periods. Of course, the depressive period is more difficult for the patient to go throu...

Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to one’s feet and this can cause a loss of feeling. This means foot injuries do not heal well.

TRENTON, New Jersey (AP) ― Drugmaker AbbVie Inc. said its new, all-pill hepatitis C combo treatment has been approved for patients in the 28 European Union member countries. The company said the European Commission had granted marketing authorization for the combination of Viekirax and Exviera. Viekirax itself is a combination pill containing antiviral drugs ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavi...

Compared to nonsmokers, most smokers tend to consume more alcohol and high caloric food ― such as fatty foods. They also have lower intake of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C, E and A) from healthy vegetables and fruits, thereby having a higher risk of atherosclerosis and various cancers. Most smokers tend to consume more coffee (3-10 cups per day) and have irregular dietary habits. Changes in s...

A growing number of Koreans are seeking medical attention for vitamin D deficiency, a common condition among those who do not get enough exposure to sunlight, a government report showed. According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of Koreans who sought medical help for vitamin D deficiency increased ninefold from 2009-2013 ― from 2,027 to 18,637. “More people are now aware th...

NEW YORK (AP) ― How’s that new year, new you fitness pledge going? January, the start of New Year’s resolution month, sees a healthy uptick in sign-ups at gyms and specialized studios offering such things as Pilates, kickboxing and yoga. But money-saving expert Andrea Woroch in Bakersfield, California, said recent statistics show 67 percent of people who join don’t use their memberships at all. ...

‘Sense of community is secret behind CrossFit craze in Korea’

A state-run health research institute said it has found that Korean men in their 60s and women in their 40s were most vulnerable to alcohol-induced mental conditions including dementia and alcoholic hallucinosis among all Koreans. The number of Koreans who sought medical help for the condition has increased from 2008 to 2012, from 63,821 to 75,925. The total cost spent to treat the condition inc...