Potential Z-Pak concern

Azithromycin, which is often sold in a five-day dose known as a Z-Pak, is an antibiotic commonly used to kill bacteria that cause middle-ear infections, strep throat, sinusitis and pneumonia. It is therefore newsworthy that a recent study linked azithromycin with an increased risk of irregular heart rhythms in some patients. Azithromycin is part of the macrolide class of antibiotics, which includes erythromycin and other antibiotics that pose similar risks for those with heart disease risk factors. At the same time, the study found no similar risks associated with other antibiotics that treat many conditions as well as azithromycin, most notably, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. It may make sense to discuss these alternatives to azithromycin if you have a heart condition.

What areasare addressed by a facelift?

Everyone is aging on a daily basis and as this occurs over time, we begin to notice wrinkling and laxity in the cheeks, softening and volume loss in facial tissue, and loosening of the muscles and skin of the neck. Our faces, which are constantly exposed to free radicals, are where we tend to notice the effects of gravity and aging the most. A facelift is a procedure that addresses these concerns.

FDA allows over-the-counter morning-after pill, lifts age limit

No over-the-counter for Plan B pill

Election-year politics seen in move by Obama administration

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a surprise move with election-year implications, the Obama administration's top health official overruled her own drug regulators and stopped the Plan B morning-after pill from moving onto drugstore shelves next to the condoms.

Multiple sclerosis and autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions can be particularly challenging health conditions due to the fact that they originate when your body’s immune system becomes overly reactive to your own gland or tissue. Autoimmune conditions range in variety from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system is destroying the thyroid, to multiple sclerosis (MS), where the immune system is damaging the nervous system.

Can chiropractic help TMJ?

It’s easy to associate back pain and neck pain with chiropractic treatment, but many people who suffer from TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, have found relief with the help of chiropractic care. The causes of TMJ syndrome are not completely understood and multiple factors have been found to contribute to the muscle tightness and dysfunction that typically characterize this condition.

Morning after pill OK for ages 15 and up

Over-the-counter birth control? Drugmaker seeks FDA approval

Many conservative groups stress they are only interested in curtailing abortion

Low-level laser therapy for pain

Have you been looking for a safe, drug-free solution to your pain? Low Level Laser therapy (also referred to as Cold Laser Therapy) uses low intensity photonic energy to reduce pain, reduce edema and promote healing through cellular regeneration. Dr. Oz called it a "no pill pain buster."

Ask your audiologist...

Are mail order hearing aids any good?

Try physical therapy and massage to relieve arthritis pain

Ask Dr. K

Iliotibial band: Successful treatment with form and function

The Iliotibial band (ITB) is an extremely strong band of fascia (a form of Connective tissue) that runs from the top of the pelvis, down the outside of the leg, before eventually inserting onto the tibia, fibula and patella. Excessive tension or stress within the ITB causes it to rub over the femur just as it crosses the knee. The abnormal forces, by way of friction and tension results in localized burning, aching pain and tenderness on the outside of the knee as it is bent or straightened out. Without proper care, it takes an average of four weeks before the severity of the symptoms make your workouts an insurmountable task.

JUDD JONES: Revisiting an old friend, deep tissue massage

A few years ago, I wrote about the virtues of deep tissue massage and why active people should incorporate it into their monthly fitness regimen. I pointed out that there are many types of massage methods, but the one that delivers the most profound impact on the body is deep tissue massage.

Iliotibial pain: Options for care

The Iliotibial band (ITB) is an extremely strong band of fascia (a form of connective tissue) that runs from the top of the pelvis down the outside of the leg before eventually inserting onto the tibia, fibula, and patella. Excessive tension or stress within the ITB causes it to rub over the femur just as it crosses the knee. The abnormal forces, by way of friction and tension, result in localized burning, aching pain and tenderness on the outside of the knee as it is bent or straightened out. Without proper care, it takes an average of four weeks before the severity of the symptoms make your workouts an insurmountable task.

FETAL: Another side to the story

Ron Vieselmeyer’s letter was published in the Coeur d’Alene Press Wednesday morning. It is an interesting coincidence that while he was ranting away at Planned Parenthood and demanding that the organization be defunded, this column was found in “The Week” and I quote:

Inspectors arrest 15 in prescription drug case

Opiates originated from Tijuana pharmacies

SAN DIEGO - U.S. border inspectors are not only seizing drugs coming into the country from Mexico - they're making arrests for drug smuggling that's going the other way.

Hollywood-style special effects give girl new ear

WASHINGTON - Elise Lutz never let her friends see what was left of her ear.

OTC medications at wholesale prices

Diabetes is an awful disease.

Apply for unclaimed controlled hunt tags by Aug. 15

For a wide variety of reasons, some of the lucky hunters who drew tags in the deer, elk, antelope and bear controlled-hunt drawing did not buy their tags.

Calcium: Friend or foe?

Doctor of Oriental Medicine

Recently, newspapers are firing off articles about calcium appearing to be more foe than friend. How can that be?