Illegal drug use is on the rise among certain age groups in the United States, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Significant increases in use were found among teens and adults ages 50 to 54. Illicit drugs can have...
Gambling is the act of wagering on the outcome of an event. The thrill of risk-taking sometimes becomes an addiction. Like all addictions, it takes a toll on the addict's family. An addicted gambler often consistently places his need to wager...
Families eat together, even if it isn’t always for a traditional sit-down meal. When you’re living under the same roof, eating habits become enmeshed, and it’s difficult to change what ends up on your plate. Wanting to lose...
Caregiving is a rewarding experience that offers mental, physical and emotional challenges that help caregivers bond with parents, elderly relatives or others under their care in a variety of scenarios. In many cases, caregivers become extremely...
If you suffer from Type 2 diabetes, you may be better able to control your glucose levels if you lose weight. For many diabetics, losing 10 percent of their body weight can make a big difference in their overall health and management of their...
The first several years of a child's life are crucial in their development. The government, both nationally and locally realizes this and has implemented programs for newborns to age five. Some of these programs are for low-income families, while...
Carrying excess fat in your abdomen is a bigger problem than just simply being unsightly. The visceral fat stored deep in your stomach surrounds your organs and increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol,...
A mix of sport, art and science, bodybuilding is an appealing pastime for fitness enthusiasts looking to push themselves to a new level. Bodybuilding is popular because almost anyone, regardless of age, gender or athletic ability can participate....
MSUD -- or maple syrup urine disease -- is a rare metabolic disorder that affects 1 in every 225,000 people. MSUD patients lack the natural enzymes necessary to break down the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. These amino acids occur...
Eighty pounds of weight loss will take a little time, but can be done with the help of a solid plan based on healthy eating and plenty of exercise. Your exercise plan should take into account your level of fitness and your eating plan should...
Trying to lose weight after you give birth can be a challenging process, but you can lose your pregnancy weight without resorting to herbs and supplements. The average woman who starts her pregnancy at a normal weight only loses 80 percent of her...
Being extremely obese can be very dangerous to your body by making your organs, muscles and bones work harder. Losing weight is a simple process, in theory: Burn more calories than you consume. For most people, this process is quite difficult and...
Schizophrenia interferes with a person's perceptions, emotions and behavior. In this brain disorder chemicals called neurotransmitters, which carry information in the brain, do not function the way they are supposed to. There are several subtypes...
Your last month of pregnancy can be filled with a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. While it's important to get enough rest and not push yourself too hard, doing some simple and light exercises can help relieve some of your physical...
Child abuse comes in many forms: physical, sexual, emotional and psychological, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you recognize that you are an abusive parent, you may understand that you must take action to stop...
Health behavior modification activities are important for long-term health and well-being. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, health behavior change and lifestyle modifications are particularly helpful for disease...
Healthy Families America is a subsidiary program of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) and works to support, educate and help expectant parents and new families in order to prevent child abuse and neglect. Iowa has a Healthy Family program...
Whether your goal is weight loss or just to be more fit and healthy, it is important to start your new, healthy lifestyle in a smart way with the right information and support. A trip to the doctor and some support from your friends and family...
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mood disorder causing fluctuations in energy, mood and ability to function. Individuals receive the diagnosis of this mental illness, but all family members are impacted. A whole-family...
Bipolar disorder is a medically based mental health disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy levels and behaviors. Bipolar disorder is divided into Type I and Type II, with the latter being characterized by less extreme shifts....
The formula for losing weight is to burn more calories than you consume daily. This is called creating a caloric deficit. To achieve this, exercise more and consume fewer calories. Adding regular exercise to a sedentary lifestyle and making...
Chicago senior citizens have many opportunities to participate in healthy, active lifestyle programs throughout the city. Seniors in Chicago get and stay connected through the City of Chicago's Regional Senior Centers. These centers provide...
Early mental health intervention is important to prevent more serious disorders later in life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 13 percent of children between the ages of 8 and 15 exhibit some signs of mental illness....
In our society, moderate drinking is acceptable, and sometimes, it's even encouraged. People give toasts at weddings while drinking champagne, friends share a bottle of wine at dinner and two guys split a six pack of beer while watching college...
Alcohol abuse and dependence can wreak havoc on a teenager's life. Abusing alcohol can result in issues at home and with family, poor grades and school attendance and being arrested.
Child support orders are set in one state based on the financial stability and wealthiness of both parents. These child support orders are court-based and must be upheld until the child reaches the age of majority. States have different child...
Depression that starts during early childhood is a serious mental health concern because it affects the child's mood and her ability to function normally at home and at school. Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic and author of the article...
Severe depression, or major depression, causes feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt may also occur, according to Medline Plus. These feelings can lead to inactivity or withdrawal from social...
Extra pounds leave many teens feeling self-conscious and can lead to health problems later in life. Healthy weight loss requires a combination of healthy eating and exercise for a balanced approach. Unrealistic expectations of how your body should...