Basketball combines jumping, landing and quick direction changes, often in close contact with other players. Most injuries affect the lower body, and many can be made less likely with simple habits. The most frequent injuries Warm up A dynamic warm-up (jogging, leg swings, lunges, shuffles, progressive jumps) prepares muscles and joints. Structured warm-up programs that … Read more
Every year, poison control centers receive hundreds of thousands of calls about pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, human medications are consistently among the most common causes. Most poisonings happen at home and are preventable. The most common dangers Human medications: painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen, antidepressants, ADHD drugs, heart medications. … Read more
An engine needs three things to keep running: fuel, air and a spark at the right moment, all controlled by the engine computer. A stall happens when one of them is interrupted. Finding which one is the key to the repair. If your car stalls on the road Turn on your hazard lights and steer … Read more
Healthy gums do not usually bleed. A little pink in the sink now and then is common, but regular bleeding is a signal worth acting on. The good news: the most common cause is reversible. The usual cause: gingivitis Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria on teeth, builds up along the gumline when it is … Read more
“Pink eye” (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the thin membrane over the white of the eye. It is common and usually mild. But a red eye has many causes, and some of them threaten vision. Studies have found that antibiotic drops are often prescribed for red eyes that are not bacterial infections at all. Conditions … Read more
Like people, dogs snore when airflow through the nose or throat is partly obstructed and soft tissues vibrate. Occasional snoring is usually harmless, but loud, constant or new snoring can point to a problem worth checking. Common, usually harmless causes Flat-faced breeds Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus and … Read more
An occasional sneeze is as normal for cats as it is for people: a bit of dust, a whiff of perfume. Frequent sneezing, or sneezing with other symptoms, usually points to an upper respiratory problem. Upper respiratory infections (cat flu) The most common cause, especially in kittens, shelter cats and multi-cat homes. Viruses such as … Read more
Blackheads form in pores that contain oil glands and hair follicles. The red part of the lip has neither, so “blackheads on the lips” are usually either blackheads on the skin just around the lip line, or something else that looks similar. What you might be seeing Clearing blackheads around the lips What not to … Read more
Yes, many birthmarks can be lightened or removed, but the right choice depends on the type. Some disappear on their own in childhood, some respond well to laser, and a few need medical follow-up for reasons that have nothing to do with appearance. Two main families Vascular birthmarks are made of blood vessels: Pigmented birthmarks … Read more
