A person may be diagnosed with dysphagia when there’s trouble swallowing. Difficulty swallowing can be related to a tumor or a nerve system disorder, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery says. Symptoms may include drooling, a feeling that liquid or pills are sticking to the throat, sensing of a lump in the throat,…  read on >

Some women react to the experience of pregnancy and childbirth with sadness, fear, anxiety and procrastination, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The academy mentions these risk factors for developing depression during and after pregnancy: Hormonal changes. Personal or family history of depression. Feeling a lack of support from family and friends. Problems with a…  read on >

For many city-dwelling teens with asthma, their chronic lung disease may go undiagnosed and untreated, a new study finds. According to a survey of more than 33,000 New York City high school students, 20 percent reported having asthma-like symptoms, but were not diagnosed with the illness. The researchers also found that teenage girls and Asian-Americans…  read on >

Don’t wait until you get sick to see a doctor — wellness visits for women can catch problems before they become serious, as well as make sure you’re taking all the right steps for good health. A well-woman checkup focuses on preventive care. It may include immunizations, screenings to check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels…  read on >

There are few life events more unsettling than being in a hospital emergency room. In situations that threaten life or limb, you may not have any say in your care. But in some instances, there is time to evaluate your options. Leaders in the field of emergency medicine have been developing initiatives, such as checklists…  read on >

Being in tune with the present moment — called mindfulness — can relieve stress and make you an actor rather than a reactor, a wellness expert says. Focusing on what’s happening right now allows people to notice things they might otherwise miss, said Dr. Timothy Riley. He is an assistant professor in the family and…  read on >

Here’s some career advice for the new year. Experts often suggest that people follow their passion when looking for work that they’ll feel enriched by. But sometimes you don’t have a choice and have to take a job that you’re not quite wild about, to put it mildly. But rather than feel resentful and unhappy…  read on >

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of menstrual pain, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. It is typically caused by an overabundance of chemicals produced by the uterus. These chemicals, called prostaglandins, trigger cramps when the uterus contracts and relaxes. Pain associated with menstruation can start a day or two before your period…  read on >

Adult strokes are commonly caused by high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and a hardening of the arteries. But these conditions are rare in children, the National Stroke Association says. Stroke can occur at any age. The risk among children is highest after the first year of birth and remains among the top 10 causes…  read on >

One of your New Year’s resolutions should be to be good to your skin, and dermatologists have 10 ways to help. “All the stresses and excesses of the holidays can leave your skin in bad shape, which makes you feel low, too,” said Dr. Megan Rogge, an assistant professor of dermatology the University of Texas…  read on >