Pierced ears reject earrings



DEAR DR. DONOHUE: When I turned 24, my pierced ears started to reject (bleeding, itching, swelling) my earrings. I have used 14-karat gold, sterling silver and cheap metal earrings. What is the cause? Is there a solution? — E.L. ANSWER: That reaction suggests allergic contact dermatitis, a sensitivity your skin has developed to the metal in your earrings. Nickel is […]

Brain slows at 40, starts body decline



WASHINGTON The brain may explain why people slow down as they get older, starting at age 40. How fast you can throw a ball or run or swerve a steering wheel depends on how speedily brain cells fire off commands to muscles. Fast firing depends on good insulation for your brain’s wiring. Now new U.S. research suggests that in middle […]

ENERGY DRINKS: Are They Worth The Hype?



Energy drinks seem to be everywhere — in advertisements, in the hands of celebrities, and in the soda aisles at your local market. But are they worth the hype, and more importantly, are they safe for people with diabetes? The Short Answer: No! Energy drinks — Red Bull, Monster, Adrenaline Rush and Venom to name a few — mostly consist […]