Root Canal
In the 1700s, Pierre Fauchard, the father of modern dentistry, overturned an ancient belief that the throbbing pain of a toothache was caused by a
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Couples Counseling
Sarah Schwartz* grew up in a fairly close-knit family where relatives were unafraid to express anger. When they were angry, they sometimes exploded and even
The Secrets of Happy Couples
Happy couples argue about housework. And money. And the “incident” at last summer’s family reunion. They keep secrets, they hold grudges, and they mistakenly believe
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Depression?
For a disease that strikes nearly 19 million Americans every year, depression remains remarkably hidden from view. Although its sufferers have included Abraham Lincoln, Mark
Culture Clash: Bridging the Medical Divide
When the troubled patient from Puerto Rico arrived at Dr. Hector Flores’s office, she had already been seen by three other doctors for depression. None
Sticking to Your Treatment: Overcoming Obstacles
The world would be a healthier place if everybody followed their doctor’s advice. People would get more exercise and eat healthier foods. They’d get regular
Depression: Getting the Treatment You Need
A diagnosis of depression shouldn’t feel like a life sentence. Doctors and mental health professionals have more tools than ever to help: Antidepressant drugs can
Asthma: How to Use an Inhaler (for Children)
Whether your child is an infant or a teenager, an inhaler can be a vital part of the program for keeping his asthma under control.
How to Use an Inhaler
The first step you will take with your inhaler is to prime it before you use it the first time. It should also be primed
Peak Flow Measurement: A Crucial Tool
What is a peak-flow meter? A peak-flow meter is a small, hand-held device that measures the force of air that your breath blows out. If
Amniocentesis
Every mom-to-be hopes to give birth to a healthy baby. However, some women, due to age or genetic makeup, are at greater risk of having
Medications: What to Ask Your Doctor
For all of the good they do in the world, medications can also be extremely risky. Even if you take your medication exactly as you’re
Biophysical Profile
Most women go through a battery of prenatal tests during the course of their pregnancy. But if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or too
Prenatal Blood Tests
Early in your pregnancy, usually at your first prenatal visit, your practitioner will do certain standard blood tests to learn basic information about your body,
Nonstress Test (Fetal)
What is a nonstress test? A nonstress test is a simple, noninvasive procedure that involves monitoring your baby’s heartbeat to make sure your baby is
Lab Tests: Questions to Ask
Why do doctors order laboratory tests? A doctor could have all sorts of reasons for ordering a lab test, from diagnosing a disease and planning
Premarital Education
Love and commitment, most people would agree, are the essential ingredients of a good marriage. Yet, as divorce rates still hover around 40 to 50
The Sex-Starved Marriage
In the movie Far From Heaven, four young housewives discuss their sex lives over lunchtime daiquiris. The boldest of the group coaxes the others to
Living Healthy With HIV
Getting infected with HIV — the human immunodeficiency virus — is a life-changing event. With access to treatment, that’s life-changing — not life-ending. If you
HIV Medications
Do I need to take medication if I’m HIV-positive? Back in the mid-1980s — before doctors really knew what caused acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)