About.com Health: Not-so Social Engagement

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Health From Kristin Kane, your About Health Editor My friend Christina is notorious for chatting it up with anyone in her path. I'm surprised, in fact, that she hasn't crashed one of my newsletters to speak to you fine people. Being social is something that comes easy to her. But for plenty of people, the thought of speaking to others -- or otherwise putting themselves out there -- can not only be difficult, but paralyzing. Eh, They're Just Shy That myth (and the others listed here) gets in the way of many people understanding that folks with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are struggling with something that's very, very real. 10 Things You Should Know about SAD Do You Really Need Help? SAD is an official, diagnosable illness -- and the good news is that it can be treated. Docs use a specific set of criteria to come to the conclusion. Quiz: Could You Have SAD? SAD Treatment Options I'd Rather Do Anything Than... If all of this sounds familiar, work -- where interacting with others is almost a given -- has likely been one of the bigger challenges for you. These tips for reducing anxiety in meetings are good for anyone who has had a bout of jitters. Dealing With Other Situations Job Interviews Saying "No" Starting a Conversation With a Stranger Attending Get-Togethers Beyond SAD, On to Happy Of course, all of this can impact your overall happiness. This free e-course won't address what social anxiety treatments will, but it can provide everyone -- SAD or no SAD -- with reminders about ways we can make our days more enjoyable. Health Ads Health Health Sector Jobs Almonds Health Risks Health Tips In Health Care Clinics Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter! Is Gulf Coast Seafood Safe to Eat? The Return of Whooping Cough Periods Worsen Asthma: True or False? Why You Get Brain Freeze From That Popsicle (Video) Learn to Sign the Numbers 1-20   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Reader to Reader Share Your Review: Medical Alert Systems Your Baby's Stay in the NICU Rude Things People Say About Your Psoriasis Advertisement

About.com Health: Getting the Cholesterol Monkey Off Your Back

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Health From Kristin Kane, your About Health Editor "You have high cholesterol." If a doctor's visit was ever so exciting that it could have a mood-buster, this might be close to numero uno. Though you may feel just fine (most often, there are no symptoms), your blood test results may prompt marching orders to get your cholesterol under control. Reason to take it seriously? Let's just say it's way more than "I told you so." This Is Not a Drill It's human nature to treat problems we can see evidence of with more importance. When it comes to high cholesterol, however, waiting a while to treat the issue is waiting too long. Understanding Your Cholesterol Test Results Just Diagnosed: What to Do Now Giving Cholesterol a 1-2 Punch Heart docs would certainly be a lot less busy if prescribing a pill was all it took to help patients with this problem. Taming the cholesterol beast may indeed involve medication, but it in large part involves you making and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes. Here's a guide to get you started. Your Favorite Foods...Reinvented Diet is a cornerstone of this -- and that, for many, sounds like deprivation. The keys to meals that will help you achieve your goal are that they are low in fat and, of course, low in cholesterol. With these suggestions from our resident dietitian, we promise that doesn't have to also mean low in tastiness. (Mac and cheese is on the list -- 'nuf said.) More Cholesterol-Lowering Diet Basics Are You Getting Enough Fiber? The TLC Diet Identifying Good Fats and Bad Fats Quick, Easy Low-fat Recipes Protect Your Heart High cholesterol increases your heart disease risk in a big way. Now that we've got your pledge to knock your numbers down a few notches (thank you very much), make sure you're also working to keep other factors that pose a threat to your pumper in check, too. Helpful Tools Quit Smoking Exercise for Beginners Lose Weight: Commit Today Health Ads Lower Cholesterol Skin Health Health Juice Health Weight Loss Cherries Health Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter! Car Trip? Avoid Motion Sickness (Video) 4 Things You Don't Know About Weight Loss Can a Hair Loss Medication Prevent Prostate Cancer? Facing Alcohol Withdrawal Excessive Sweating in Teens   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Reader to Reader Mosquito Allergy Dramas Your Tips for Coping With Postpartum Depression Tributes to Those Lost to AIDS Advertisement

About.com Health: Too Hot to Handle

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Health From Kristin Kane, your About Health Editor If you live in, say, Las Vegas, hot temperatures aren't all that novel to you. But for the rest of us, the barometer rising can take quite a bit of getting used to each summer. Still, I'm willing to place my bet that there's been more than a day or two -- no matter where you live -- that the heat has gotten the best of you (or at least come close to it). Beware of Heat Exhaustion Sweltering temps aren't pleasant no matter how you slice it. But there's a difference between being tired of the heat and the heat physically taking its toll on you. Tips for Safer (and more Tolerable) Exercise in the Heat Dangerous Territory When heat exhaustion goes untreated, you could develop heat stroke. You should never ignore warning signs just to "tough out" scorching days. Instead, be and stay smart about preventing and acting to treat this major medical emergency if it occurs. How Much Water Do You Need? Everyone has their beat-the-heat beverage of choice. Water is ideal, but remember that you can stay adequately hydrated consuming other drinks, too. The gist? Bottoms up, my friends. Is it Safe to Reuse Plastic Water Bottles? (Video) What to Drink When You Have Diabetes True or False: It Is Possible to Drink Too Much Water An Uglier Side of Mother Nature Summer doesn't only bring fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk weather. We also have to be aware of seasonal storms, and how we can stay safe when they strike. Effect of Power Outages on Your Meds Health Ads Health 5 Health Tips Achieve Health USA Federal Health Dept Google Health Data Featured Articles Follow About.com Health on Twitter! Vaginal Dryness Causes and Treatments Before You Buy: Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients Properly Crushing Your Pills Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch? (Video) 10 Ways to Lower Your Stroke Risk   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Reader to Reader User Reviews: Skechers Shape-Ups Sneakers Your Colonoscopy Experience "What Led to My Bipolar Diagnosis" Advertisement

About.com Health: Back to Reality

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Health From Kristin Kane, your About Health Editor After a great vacation or a relaxing few days like this past holiday weekend here in the States, jumping back into the work week can feel like downing cough medicine as a kid. You know you have to do it -- but boy, you just don't want to. Pressure's On Lounging in the backyard: 1 Working to meet looming deadlines: 0 It's true that there's really no contest when you think of it that way. While I think most of us would say installing an office kiddie pool isn't the most reasonable way to rectify the situation, finding ways to keep office stress to a minimum would be worth raising a piña colada. Calming Down Quickly When You're Overwhelmed Video: 2-Minute Relaxation Technique Deep Impact That makes for a good chuckle, but the reality is that work stress can do more than kill your hiatus high. Too much stress for too long can impact your health in some profound ways. When Does Stress Become Too Much Stress? When Taking a Break Just Won't Cut It Those definitely at risk for this have already crossed the line into burnout mode -- or are very close to it. Fearful you're heading there? Take this quiz to see where you stand. Symptoms of Burnout Restoring Your Balance: How to Find Time for Yourself Truth be told, I've had a tendency to let my to-do list run and add stress to my life. But I worked to carve out some time to play on a volleyball team, and I'm glad I did. It's amazing how distracting myself with something like having to hit a silly leather ball can make the pressure of my tasks disappear for a while. More Way to Beat Stress Yoga for Stress Management and Relaxation Aromatherapy Massage Practicing Guided Imagery How to Perform Mindfulness Meditation Video: Natural Stress Remedies Health Ads Health Clinic Health Product Female Health Health Promoting Health Goals Featured Articles Save Calories at Cookouts What Warts Look Like Is Raw Milk Safe to Drink? Managing Panic Attacks Why Clinical Trials Are Done Video: Why Do Our Ears Pop?   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Speak Up! Share Your Thoughts Getting Over Fears of Surgery Prostate Cancer: Choosing to Watch and Wait The First Weeks of Breastfeeding Advertisement