What are the benefits and risks involved in using the Internet for health information and resources?

Whenever I attend medical meetings, I often hear doctors sharing war stories of patients who bring in thick piles of computer printouts from the Internet.

From the doctors' viewpoint, if they don't take the time to read the articles, their patients may be upset. On the other hand, most doctors don't have (or won't take) the time to enter into what they see as long discussions about potentially false or misleading information. They've seen more than one patient who believes, "If it's on the Internet, it must be true!"

7:00PM EST 11/30/2006

No matter how spiritually mature you are, an unhealthy lifestyle and diet will limit your potential.

As a Christian, you are free to eat anything you want. Your diet will not keep you from heaven, but if you continually eat unhealthy foods, you will probably get there much sooner.

All foods are not created equal. In fact, some food should not be labeled "food" but rather "consumable product" or "edible, but void of nourishment."

7:00PM EST 11/30/2006

We often hear about avoiding the foods and beverages that can raise our risk of developing diabetes such as alcohol, fast food, processed meats, high-sugar foods, soft drinks and so on. But according to the October 2006 issue of Shape magazine, here are six things you should add to your diet to arm your body's defenses in this battle:

7:00PM EST 11/30/2006

You’ll need more than cosmetics for great-looking skin and a lovely appearance. You’ll need to understand the health and beauty connection.

Beauty truly does radiate from within. A healthy, vibrant woman defies age. As a testimony and reflection of our self-esteem, inner beauty and vibrancy, true beauty is the result of inner vitality, balance, health and happiness, not vanity.

Optimal nutrition, stress-relieving exercise and a positive frame of mind are requirements you must tote along on your continued journey toward complete balance. A balanced body and a beautiful spirit are better than the very best cosmetic application or surgery.

8:00PM EDT 9/30/2006

Some researchers are predicting that UV-related eye disorders will increase over the next decade due to thinning of the ozone layer and an increased interest in outdoor activities among Americans. These eye problems include macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium (a growth on the white of the eye that can eventually block vision), skin cancer around the eyelids and photokeratitis (corneal sunburn).

"We can't stress enough how important it is to protect your eyes every day from the sun," says Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America on their Web site. "Even when the weather is overcast, the sun still emits intense, harmful rays."

8:00PM EDT 9/30/2006

Can we ever really be free from painful memories? Yes, God can heal you completely.

The small, south Texas town where I grew up has Spanish moss drooping from the trees, winding narrow streets and stifling humidity to which in time I became accustomed. The lazy days of summer brought us a good game of baseball, fishing at the lake or swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Children filled the placid streets with bikes and roller skates. It was a simpler time, and our town—population 5,000—was a simpler place.

The closeness we shared as friends and family gave us a sense of security. Most everyone knew one another, so there was little need to lock our doors at night or fear walking the streets alone. Nevertheless, in the summer of 1956, I encountered a reason for insecurity: sexual abuse…mine. I was 6 years old.

8:00PM EDT 9/30/2006

A group of more than 100 centenarians living within an eight-town radius of Boston, were the subjects of a study initiated in 1994.

The co-directors of the New England Centenarian Study (NECS)-Thomas Perls, M.D., M.P.H., and Margery Hutter Silver, Ed.D.-have published their observations in the medical literature and in a popular book titled Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age (Basic Books).

You can see some of the important characteristics they share below:

8:00PM EDT 7/31/2006

Many among us have discovered that the good life can go on and on and on. What are the secrets for staying around and staying healthy longer?

Recently, my wife, Barb, and I visited some friends in their home, which is just over 100 years old. It was well preserved—even immaculate. They had cared for their home lovingly and carefully, and it responded as it had been designed, giving them a comfortable place to live for many decades.

Pastors often talk of our responsibility to be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure. I would add a fourth: our temple. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (NIV).

8:00PM EDT 7/31/2006

Don’t let this summertime nuisance run you and your family indoors. Get all the facts on West Nile Virus.

It's that time of year again for picnics, camping trips, water sports—and mosquitoes. Although the summer months used to evoke excitement among many people, today they seem to evoke fear. Rather than anticipating fun-filled activities with family and friends, many people dread mosquito dodging.

The media has done an effective job of alarming people of the dangers of bug-borne diseases. But the Bible tells us: "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Tim 1:7, NKJV). Therefore, fear no mosquitoes! Instead, try arming yourself with knowledge.

8:00PM EDT 5/31/2006

Today we understand that an individual diagnosed with ADHD has as much hope as anyone else of living a vital, productive life.

Twenty-nine-year-old Sarah was in my office for what she thought was depression. After graduating from high school and working overseas eight years with a missionary organization, she came home to finish her education.

When she entered college, Sarah began to experience daily sadness, insomnia and appetite disturbances. She was also failing all of her classes except one. "I just can't pay attention in class!" She exclaimed. "My mind wanders, and one of my professors calls me 'the space cadet.' It just depresses me so badly!"

7:00PM EST 3/31/2006

Thousands of people, especially teen girls, cut themselves to cope with personal pain. Christian experts tell us how the church can offer healing.
7:00PM EST 1/31/2006

Even with medications that are legally prescribed and dispensed, the potential for addiction is high.

When we consider the subject of drug abuse and addiction, stereotypes abound. Many of us, upon hearing the term “drug addict,” envision a young to middle-aged unemployed male who has a tendency toward criminal behavior and possibly a history of incarceration. Our mental image would include strained or estranged family relationships, more than likely a deadbeat dad who's irresponsible, untrustworthy and always in need of a loan. His church attendance might be only on Mother's Day and Easter-and even then only after a fair degree of coercion or a guilt-laden plea. He is certainly not a believer.

What we are not likely to envision is the doting grandmother who attends church regularly and organizes the Bible study for seniors. She's the one who always has a pleasant smile and encouraging words, whose “thorn in the flesh” is a bad case of arthritis with a little insomnia. Addicted to drugs? Abusing drugs? God forbid!

7:00PM EST 1/31/2006

Be determined to enjoy to the fullest the many productive years the Lord has promised you.

7:00PM EST 12/31/2005

Becoming knowledgeable about this disease will help you ward off its most damaging effects.

A FEW MONTHS AGO, one of the nurses in my office announced she was participating in a walking marathon. She was garnering support from the physicians and staff members asking that we make a pledge in her name.

She shared with me her apprehension about the event. The date was fast approaching and, since she wasn't a regular walker, she was quite concerned about whether she'd be physically fit enough to meet the challenge. This event, the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk, held special meaning for her, and she was determined to participate, no matter what.

8:00PM EDT 9/30/2005

If they are to develop good health and nutrition practices, children and young people need responsible adult examples.

SARAH WAS A PATIENT OF MINE for 11 years. She had talked of being a missionary or a Bible translator. She loved the Lord, and she loved life.

Unfortunately, her life was cut short. She didn't die from a car accident, drowning or a gunshot wound; she died from obesity.

8:00PM EDT 7/31/2005

Joseph Christiano, N.D., C.N.C., puts a new twist on the oft-repeated phrase "You are what you eat." He says that to be healthy we have to eat what we are! Meaning? "Each of us should eat a diet that is compatible with our blood type," Christiano says, because "each blood type has different characteristics that allow it to eat, digest and assimilate food best for that group." People with Type O blood, for example, can metabolize almost anything, but those with Types A, B and AB must be more careful in choosing what kinds of food they eat. Christiano's book Blood Types, Body Types and You (Siloam) lists the foods that are best for each type and tells how to fix them to maximize health. Find out your blood type, and you're on the way to a better you!

8:00PM EDT 7/31/2005

8:00PM EDT 6/30/2005

Next time you consider your calcium needs, think beyond one type. You need four.
8:00PM EDT 5/31/2005

NOT EVERY PERCEIVED THREAT IS REAL. FIND OUT HOW TO GAIN CONTROL OVER THE THINGS THAT NEEDLESSLY STRESS YOU OUT.

We have a stress epidemic in our nation.

The majority of Americans very likely have excessive stress in their lives, and reports of stress seem to indicate that the percentage of Americans each year who feel under "a great deal of stress" is rising.

8:00PM EDT 5/31/2005