As men, we often pride ourselves on being providers, problem-solvers, and pillars of strength. But let’s face it—life can throw curveballs that hit hard, especially when it comes to finances. Whether it’s an unexpected medical bill, a job loss, or past mistakes catching up, a less-than-perfect credit score can feel like a weight holding you back. The good news? There are ways to get back on track, and smart borrowing can be a tool to help you rebuild. In this... read more

Non-Medicinal Treatments for Depression Psychotherapy There are many different types of psychotherapy available to assist in the treatment of depression. As previously stated, combining medical therapy with psychotherapy is more effective than either therapy used alone. Types of psychotherapy include Behavior Therapy, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, Group Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Supportive Psychotherapy. For more information on any of the different types of psychotherapy and on which type is most appropriate... read more

What Are the Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Genetic? What causes IBD?1 Unfortunately, the primary cause of IBD is not known. IBD is characterized by an inappropriate immune reaction of the body to its own intestinal tract. This reaction results from an altered response to gut microorganisms in a genetically predisposed individual. Despite the known characteristics of the IBD disease process, the inciting event that initiates the immune reaction is not known. Smoking... read more

GERD Treatment: Lifestyle Interventions GERD treatment occurs in a stepwise manner first from lifestyle interventions to medical therapies to surgical interventions when necessary. (For medical therapies and surgical interventions see GERD Medical Treatments.) Lifestyle Interventions Lifestyle interventions for the prevention of GERD generally include eliminating factors that are known to contribute to GERD symptoms. These factors may include the following: Certain foods (i.e. coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods) Medications (i.e. beta-blockers, anticholinergics, nitrates, calcium channel blockers) Hormones Smoking... read more

Tanning1 Tanning is basically the immediate and long-term pigment darkening that occurs as a result of exposure to UV radiation. HAVING A TAN DOES NOT PROTECT THE SKIN FROM UV RADIATION NOR DOES IT DECREASE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER! There is a delayed tanning effect that occurs about 3 days after sun exposure. This effect gives a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 3, which provides a small amount of protection from sunburn. However, this slight increase in protection... read more

How To Treat Depression A variety of effective treatments are available for individuals with depression. However, treating depression is not as simple as taking a pill and immediately getting better. Treatments must be customized for each individual with depression and must frequently be combined to achieve effective and lasting improvement and hopefully resolution of depressive symptoms. Additionally, depression may recur at anytime, requiring either repeat or new treatments. Medications are effective but can take weeks to months to reach full... read more

What Causes GERD? GERD is actually caused by two mechanisms: The first mechanism involves a failure to prevent acidic stomach juices from getting into the esophagus due to inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that contracts to keep stomach juices in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes at the wrong time, acidic juices can reflux into the esophagus and contribute to GERD. The second mechanism involves a... read more

Different Types of Skin Cancer1,2,3 There are three types of skin cancer in order of gravity: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. A complete description of each is provided below. Have a dermatologist thoroughly check your body once a year for skin cancer, and report suspicious moles immediately. Melanoma Arise from melanocytes (pigmented cells in the skin) Can develop in or around lesions already on the skin or in healthy looking skin Some types caused by UV radiation... read more

What Is Botox?1 In cosmetic applications, a Botox injection, consisting of a small dose of botulinum toxin, can be used to prevent development of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. Many people would probably be surprised to know that Botox® is actually Botulinum toxin A, one of 7 deadly poisons (labeled A-F) produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Medical grade Botox® is produced in a laboratory and is FDA approved for multiple uses. Still, it remains extremely deadly even at very... read more

COPD Prognosis COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States! Unfortunately, COPD cannot be cured. It can only be treated. Thus, an individual’s COPD prognosis is based on how effectively his disease can be managed. Rates of survival are based on several factors, including an individual’s body mass index (BMI), level of airway obstruction, shortness of breath at various levels of activity, and 6-minute walking distance. The better an individual rates in each of these activities,... read more