Most people are familiar with varicose veins. These are thick discolored veins that typically appear just underneath the skin and are caused by the failure of valves in the veins to prevent blood from flowing backwards and pooling. While this problem is most often seen in the legs, women can also develop varicose veins on their vulvas. Here's more information about this issue and what you can do to minimize the discomfort it causes.

If you suffer from dry and itchy skin during the winter months, you might want to try a few natural remedies, especially if you have sensitive skin. When using over-the-counter preparations, always note whether they are dermatologist-tested. At the same time, there are at-home measures you can take to relieve your discomfort and heal your dry skin. Try the following: 1. Humidify Your Home During the wintertime, the use of central heat can dry the air and your skin.

Your parent may be experiencing a wave of emotions and fears as they get ready to make the move to an assisted living facility. The fear of a loss of independence, getting bored in life, and losing connections with family and friends are just a few worries that might be going through your parent's mind. Your support and encouragement can go a long way in making them feel safe and secure during their transition.

Autism affects how the body functions in a variety of ways, including how a person responds to certain foods. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, people with autism may struggle with full allergies to certain foods, intolerances to others, or a combination of both. How do allergies manifest differently in people with autism? True food allergies occur when a specific food triggers an strong immune response within body. These responses can be anything from hives to full anaphylactic shock, resulting in death if no medical intervention is given.

If you are looking to drop some weight, you are likely already aware that there are many different ways you can lose weight. One of the choices you will have to make when deciding how to lose weight is whether to do it on your own, or whether to utilize the services of a medical weight loss clinic. Learning the pros and cons of working with one of these facilities will help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

Are you having issues with your skin? The most common skin complaints are on the face and are usually associated with aging. However, discoloration and blemishes can also be problems for which you would seek dermatological care. You might have complaints about the appearance of the skin on other parts of your body as well. Cosmetic dermatology helps correct these problems and makes your skin look good again. At the same time, it increases your self-esteem by making you more confident about your appearance.

While helping your child cope with distressing symptoms from a serious illness, the last thing on your mind may be the health of his or her teeth. Unfortunately, medications used to treat common childhood illnesses can cause excessive damage to the teeth. The medications may accelerate enamel erosion, increase the rate of decay or stain the dentin yellow or brown. You can work with a dentist to prevent, control or reverse these oral health side effects while your child goes through treatment.

Are you tired of being disappointed every time you look in the mirror? Perhaps you're too self-conscious to smile for a picture or out of the house before putting makeup on your face. Temporary beauty fixes, such as applying a thick layer of makeup and remembering to smile with closed lips to avoid showing your teeth, take a lot of time and effort to maintain. Seeking a permanent solution to your appearance woes will save you time -- you can deal with the problem once and for all, and enter the world confident with your new look.

The holidays are quickly approaching. As you finish up your shopping and prepare to celebrate the holidays, a few questions about your loved one's home healthcare worker may begin to sneak into your head. You may begin to wonder if your loved one's schedule will change with the holidays or if you should buy a gift. Here are a few frequently asked questions you may have about home healthcare workers and the holidays.

Elderly individuals are at a higher risk for developing problems affecting their musculoskeletal system. This may include bone fractures, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, to name a few. Orthopedic specialists may treat such conditions through medication or surgery as needed. To prevent common conditions affecting joints, bones, muscles and ligaments, elderly individuals should take important measures. Here are three common orthopedic disorders affecting the elderly, along with guidelines for preventing them: 1. Bone Fractures Due to Falls