Secrets of ear wax

Secretion secrets: things you didn’t know about ear wax - Earwax is one of those bodily substances which few of us like to discuss in polite company. 

Like other secretions, it is something that most of us deal with in private. Yet it also holds a fascination for many. 

In the past, it has been used as a lip balm and salve for puncture wounds. 

But it can do a little more than that. Recent research suggests it can indicate a build up of pollutants in the body - and it could even be used to diagnose certain conditions.

Here are five things you - probably - didn't know about ear wax.

1. How it gets out 

 

The cul-de-sac of the ear canal 

The cells inside the ear canal are unique in the human body - they migrate. "You could put an ink dot on the eardrum and watch it move over a few weeks and it would be 'carried out' by the movement of the cells." according to Prof Shakeel Saeed at London's Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear hospital. 

If this didn't happen the mini cul-de-sac of the ear canal would soon fill up with dead cells created by the natural process of skin shedding. 

This movement also propels the wax - produced by the modified sweat glands which line the ear canal - towards the outside. It's thought that normal movements of the jaw - through eating and talking - assist with this movement. 

Prof Saeed has noticed that ear wax does sometimes get darker as we age - and that men whose ears get noticeably hairier as they age sometimes find that the wax can't escape through this jungle of hair. 

2. It has anti-microbial properties 

 

Cerumen or ear wax secreted by a gland in the ear canal 

Ear wax contains waxy oils but much of it is made up of keratinocytes - dead skin cells. The rest of cerumen - to give it its technical name - is a mixture of substances. 

Between 1,000 to 2,000 glands produce anti-microbial peptides - whilst sebaceous glands close to hair cells add into the mix alcohols, an oily substance called squalene, cholesterol and triglyceride. 

The production of earwax doesn't vary much between men and women. young or old - but in one small study its triglyceride content decreased from November to July. 

Cerumen also contains lysozyme, an antibacterial enzyme capable of destroying bacterial cell walls. Other researchers are less convinced and claim that it is the perfect medium in which bacteria can grow. 

3. It matters where your family is from 

Asian and non-Asian ears produce different types of earwax according to scientists at the Monell Institute in Philadelphia. Chromosome 16 is home to the "wet" or "dry" gene for earwax - with the wet variant dominating. 

A small change in the gene ABCC11 is related to both the dry-type earwax and also for reduced underarm body odour found in Chinese, Japanese and Korean individuals.

The American study measured the concentration of 12 volatile organic compounds found in earwax - in groups of East Asian and white men. 

In 11 out of the 12 compounds the Caucasian earwax had greater amounts of odorous compounds. 

Kate Prigge from Monell says their analysis of the smell of ear wax is a first step towards finding out whether they might eventually use it to detect disease. 

The institute studies a rare genetic disorder called maple syrup urine disease, which can be easily diagnosed through the scent of earwax compounds. Swabbing someone's ears is a much simpler and cheaper process than doing a genetic test. 

Dr Prigge does realise how odd her choice of career might sound. She says: "You tell someone that you work in human body odour you get a good laugh," says Prigge. "But when you explain the importance behind it or how much information can be gained in these types of studies, people often understand why." 

4. A vacuum rather than a syringe might help clear it 

 

Carrie Roberts said the procedure was "miraculous" 

Carrie Roberts is in her 40s and has an ear wax problem. She had her ears syringed at the GPs several times, tried hot oil with no success - and ended up with both ears blocked.

Ms Roberts decided to pay for micro-suction treatment, where the ear canal is cleaned with an instrument like a tiny vacuum cleaner. 

Prof Saeed prefers this method to syringing. "With syringing you are going in 'blind' - not under direct vision. If you use water it has to get past the wax and come back, bringing the wax with it. 

"If there is no gap it can't get through and it shouldn't be forced. It is uncommon to damage the ear drums during syringing, but it does happen." 

With the micro-suction the whole procedure is carried out whilst looking into the ear canal with a microscope. 

Carrie said the procedure was "painless, a little noisy and very quick". 

She adds: "It felt like one of those things they put in your mouth at the dentist to suck water out while you are having a filling, but in your ear. It has been miraculous." 

Carrie is a convert. "I will go every time now. Much better than syringing as I didn't feel dizzy and faint afterwards, it was much quicker and I didn't have to mess about with olive oil for a week first.

5. It can be a pollution monitor 

 

Ear implements from the 1800s 

Earwax, like many other bodily secretions, can show traces of certain toxins in the body such as heavy metals. But it's an odd place to look and no more reliable than a simple blood test. 

There are also some rare metabolic disorders that affect earwax. The most notable earwax scientific discovery of recent times is that of a 24cm wax earplug from a blue whale. 

Unlike humans which shed their earwax and dead skin cells, filter-feeding whales retain their earwax, recording life events similar to the way tree rings reveal arid and wet seasons during its lifetime. 

The earwax was analysed by Sascha Usenko, a environmental scientist at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He and his team found that during the 12-year-old male whale's life it came into contact with 16 different pollutants such as pesticides. 

There was a peak of exposure during the first year of life - suggesting that these were transferred from its mother either in the womb or through her milk. 

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol appeared in the waxy plug as the animal reaches sexual maturity - when competing for a mate would have been a priority. ( bbc.com )

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The tell-tale symptoms of depression

The tell-tale symptoms of depression - People who may be suffering from depression or manic disorders actually exhibit or show each and every kind of symptom of depression that doctors will tell you that depressed people have. Sometimes it’s actually quite easy to overlook such symptoms and not be able to help one’s self or others who are suffering from depression for that matter.

There are actually a lot of symptoms of depression that depressed people may actually posses but they don’t have to suffer from each and every one of them before you actually help them get diagnosed and be treated for this illness. Also, since symptoms of depression actually vary, the time of their "attacks" varies as well.

Here are some common examples of symptoms of depression:

Prolonged period of sadness or not feeling "up to it," people who are always feeling not in the mood, who’d rather mope around the house and feel sorry for one’s self is the best example for this symptom of depression.

Feels hopeless, perennial pessimist: speaking of feeling sorry for one’s self, another common symptom of depression is when a person actually feels like he/she has nothing to look forward to in his or her life. As for being the perennial pessimist, those who show this symptom of depression are usually very negative about things, again, the feeling of hopelessness comes in to mind.

Guilt-driven, loss of self-worth and helplessness: other symptoms of depression that can be easily seen on people who prefer to mope around all day long are these. Whenever a person feels so guilty over something, that actually makes one a very sad person who feels like he or she doesn’t deserve to be happy. Thus, the loss of self-worth, if that person feels like he or she isn’t worthy of being happy or enjoying one’s self then that’s clear tell-tale symptom of depression. Helplessness also contribute to being depressed, when assuming that things won’t simply go your way, it’s already a clear saying that you have absolutely no hope in your body at all.

Isn’t interested in finding or taking pleasure; just dropping the hobbies as well as the other things that one used to enjoy: this tell-tale symptom of depression just shows how depressed a person can be, if one is actually too sad to take pleasure even in the very things that one loves then that person is seriously lacking something, rather, that person might well have caught the depression bug.

Fatigue, always tired: people suffering from depression, since they’ve lost whatever interest in life that they may have had before are actually lacking of physical energy at all times, if one would prefer to just mope around, probably won’t even eat not get enough sleep, a depressed person may well be on their way to not just a mental illness but depression can actually be terrible for one’s physical health as well.

Having trouble concentrating, having bad memory and is indecisive: a person who is suffering from depression easily gives away this tell-tale symptom of depression. Wherein one’s lack of interest with regards to the outside world or for just about anything for that matter can lead to that person’s inability to lose track of things and actually not be able to remember things that happened or what other people said. Lack of interest actually makes depressed people very inattentive.

There are actually more symptoms of depression that can actually help you see if a person (or you) needs to be brought to the doctor to get some help when it comes to depression: lacking sleep, sleeping too much or waking up at wee hours of the morning are all symptoms of depression (if it happens on a daily basis), appetite loss as well as eating too much may show one’s lack of enthusiasm for life. Be weary of sudden weight loss or weight gain in those around you. Being suicidal, talking about death, about wanting to die is another clear indication that that person is depressed. Being restless and irritable and physical symptoms that are usually brought about by poor mental health such as headaches, digestive disorders and various body pains.

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Finding the right Depression Treatment

Finding the right Depression Treatment - Depression or prolonged sadness is actually quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population actually suffers from this illness, however, not all of them get to be treated, thus, depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to some individuals. This illness may seem quite simple to treat but in reality, it takes more than a little cheering up to actually cure depression. Constant visits to a cognitive behavior therapist is a must as well as taking all the prescribed medicines that the doctor will ask the patient to take – none of these exactly come cheap, but the amount of suffering that a person is going through because of depression is enough reason already for others to start taking notice and face depression head on through the various depression treatments that are available today.

Depression oftentimes can easily get in the way of an individual’s daily activities and his or hers’ normal functions, one’s zest for life can quickly and easily dissipate due to depression. And in place of an individual’s sunny disposition is more or less a person who hates his or herself, having no self-confidence, trying to isolate one’s self from the world and basically just not caring about living any more. More so, a person suffering from depression isn’t the only one who’s going to suffer from this destructive illness, his or her loved ones are sure to follow suit. By seeing the individual grow through such rough patches, basically not caring about anything or anyone anymore, it’s highly likely that not only will depression one’s relationship with one’s self but with his or her loved ones too. But this shouldn’t really pose as such a problem since people who suffer from depression are actually lucky that there are all sorts of depression treatments that can be used to aid an individual through the course of having a sound mental health.

Depression treatment actually starts with the patient openly acknowledging his or her illness, by just being honest with one’s self, it’ll be a lot easier not only for the doctor but for the patient most of all, to actually cure depression and find an appropriate depression treatment for him or her.

From various medications (like Zoloft antidepressant depression treatment) to all sorts of psychotherapies promising to be the best depression treatment. The patient, as well as his or her family are sure to get the best, positive results from these depression treatments.

Psychotherapy, a popular type of depression treatment actually includes short-term therapy sessions, usually from ten to twenty weeks promising to actually be able to make positive results for the depression patient. This type of depression treatment actually helps the individual by slowly making them to actually open up about their feelings, the root of their problems, more so, the root of their depression. Healthy verbal exchanges between the cognitive behavior therapist and the depression patient is great depression treatment that’ll positively affect the depression patient by helping him or her discuss and talk about whatever they’ve been keeping inside.

Various medications that are available for depression treatment are actually great for helping the depression patient to regulate his or her mood swings, to actually help him or her sleep better and as well as be more pleasant towards others.

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All About Clinical Depression

All About Clinical Depression - epression, a mental illness that is often characterized by prolonged periods of sadness and melancholy, experts from the field of psychiatry say.

But just because one person is moping around and just generally hating the world around him or her, doesn't mean that it's already depression, but if this kind of behavior, the feeling of emptiness, loss of self-worth and absolutely no hope for happiness just goes on and on, then, yes, that individual is very much, indeed, depressed.

Still, there are various types of depression from 

 

Manic or Bipolar depression - characterized by sudden and extreme changes in one's mood wherein one minute he or she is in an elevated state of euphoria while the next minute (day or week) he or she is feeling to be in a personal hell, 

 

Postpartum depression - characterized by a prolonged sadness and a feeling of emptiness by a new mother wherein physical stress during child birth, an uncertain sense of responsibility towards the new born baby can be just some of the possible factors why some new mother go through this,  

 

Dysthimia - characterized by a slight similarity with depression, although this time, it's been proven to be a lot less severe, but of course with any case, should be treated immediately, 

 

Cyclothemia - characterized by a slight similarity with Manic or Bipolar depression wherein the individual suffering from this mental illness may occasionally suffer from severe changes in one's moods, 

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder - characterized by falling in a rut only during specific seasons (i.e. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall) studies however, prove that more people actually fall in to a rut more during the WInter and Fall seasons 

 

and lastly, Mood swings, wherein a person's mood may shift from happy to sad to angry in just a short time.

Clinical depression however, or as some might call as 'major' depression, is actually the medical term for depression. Actually clinical depression is more of a disorder rather than an illness since it basically covers only those who are suffering from symptoms related to depression. Clinical depression is how doctors usually refer to "depression" when giving a diagnose of their patient. It's basically just a medical term.

However, in spite of being an actual disorder, Clinical depression may well be treated. Doctors are actually highly optimistic that their patients who are suffering from Clinical disorder will be well on their way towards good mental health as long as they treated as soon as they have been diagnosed with Clinical depression. Patients who have been seeking for treatments for Clinical depression have proven to be quite successful in their quest, given that 80 percent of actual Clinical depression patients have been treated and has somewhat found relief from their disorder.

For those who may be seeking some answers for their Clinical depression related questions, the depression section of the health center is highly recommended, as well as books on psychiatry and the internet - which can offer a lot of helpful information with regards to Clinical depression although self-medication/treatment is highly disapproved of. Clinical depression may not pose as much as a threat as the other types of depression, but it is best to leave it to the hands of professionals who can safely attend to and cure this disorder.

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Alcohol May Not Be Kind to the Aging Brain

Alcohol May Not Be Kind to the Aging Brain -- Past research has suggested that a glass or two of wine -- or another form of alcohol -- each evening may lower your risk of dementia in old age. But two new studies challenge that theory by suggesting that you might actually harm your brain by changing your drinking habits in later life -- or drinking heavily.

The studies aren't conclusive, and it's possible that alcohol consumption wasn't a cause of the mental problems but instead a sign that they exist: People who begin to have trouble thinking and remembering clearly may simply be more likely to drink, the study authors said.

Still, the findings raise questions about the existing assumption that a bit of alcohol is good for the aging mind.

"It might be important for physicians to keep in mind not only what might be considered troublesome drinking in patients -- typically alcohol abuse -- but also what a patient's past use may have been," said Tina Hoang, a research associate at the Northern California Institute for Research and Education in San Francisco and lead author of one of the new studies.

Hoang and her colleagues looked at approximately 1,300 women who took part in a larger study and were tracked for about 20 years from the time they were at least 65. The women answered questions over the two decades about their alcohol use, and they underwent mental testing when they were about 88 years old to see if they'd developed problems with thinking and memory.

At the start of the study, 41 percent of the women were nondrinkers, 50 percent were light drinkers (up to seven drinks a week), and 9 percent were moderate drinkers (seven to 14 drinks a week). Heavy drinkers (14 or more drinks a week) were excluded.

At the end of the study period, the researchers found that:

• Women who said they drank more in the past than at the start of the study were at 30 percent increased risk of developing mental impairment.
• Moderate drinkers were approximately 60 percent more likely to develop mental problems near the end of the study.
• Nondrinkers who became drinkers during the study had a 200 percent heightened risk of diminished mental skills.

Hoang noted, however, that the study's design didn't allow the researchers to specifically determine the levels of risk based on the women's drinking habits.

The other study, led by researcher Dr. Iain Lang at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry in the United Kingdom, found in a review of nearly 5,100 adults aged 65 or older that those most likely to binge drink were more likely to experience a decline in their mental function.

Those who said they drank heavily at least once a month were 62 percent more likely to experience the biggest decline in mental skills, and 27 percent more likely to experience the greatest memory problems.

Hoang, the author of the first study, said future research using brain scans should provide more insight into how drinking patterns affect the brain in the long term.

Dr. Erik Skovenborg, a Danish physician and founding member of the Scandinavian Medical Alcohol Board, said it's difficult to determine how alcohol affects the brain because it would be unethical or unpractical to assign some people to drink and then follow them over time.

Further complicating matters is the fact that "happy people with many friends have more opportunities for social drinking," he said.

The studies were scheduled to be presented Wednesday at the Alzheimer's Association annual meeting in Vancouver, Canada. It should be noted that research presented at meetings hasn't been subjected to the peer-review process that studies typically undergo before they're published in medical journals. ( HealthDay News )


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Is Soy Milk Bad for Teeth?

Is Soy Milk Bad for Teeth? - Soy milk may be worse for your teeth than cow's milk, a new study suggests.

The results show bacteria commonly found in the mouth produce five to six times more acid when they feed on soy milk compared to cow's milk.

Acids in the mouth contribute to the formation of plaque on teeth, which in turn cause tooth decay and the formation of cavities.

The findings suggest soy beverages have a higher potential to cause cavities, compared with cow's milk, the researchers say.

However, the study was conducted in laboratory dishes, and so more work is needed before researchers know whether soy milk actually damages teeth, said William Bowen, professor emeritus of microbiology and immunology at the University of Rochester's Center for Oral Biology, who was not involved in the study.

The cavity risk of most substances depends on how you use them, Bowen said. For instance, drinking one glass of soy milk is unlikely to harm teeth, but allowing a baby to sip from a bottle containing soy milk all day might be cause for concern, Bowen said. In contrast, cow's milk is known not to promote cavities, regardless of how much is consumed, Bowen said.

"It's suspicious, but more work is certainly needed to support the contention," Bowen said of the study's main conclusion.

Eric Reynolds, of the University of Melbourne's Dental School in Australia, and colleagues chose four Australian-brand soy beverages, and two brands of cow's milk for their experiments. The milks were each mixed with bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which are found in the human mouth and commonly associated with cavities.

They found that the soy beverages, after the addition of the bacteria, became more acidic within 10 minutes.

In contrast, the acidity of the cow's milk was not changed significantly after the bacteria were added.

The researchers did not include saliva in their experiments, which could produce an effect to counteract the high acid production of soy milk, Bowen noted. ( LiveScience.com )


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Medicaid's Youngest Face Dental Crisis

Medicaid's Youngest Face Dental Crisis - With more than 16 million low-income U.S. children on Medicaid not receiving dental care -- or even a routine exam -- in 2009, according to the Pew Center on the States, dentists and ERs say they are treating very young patients with teeth blackened from decay and bacteria and multiple cavities.

"I see it in their eyes before they tell me it's that way," Dr. Gregory Folse told ABC News. "We are able to intervene and take the pain away from their teeth and it brings the spark back. And that's my goal."

Hidden America: Medicaid's Youngest Face Dental Crisis (ABC News)

For more on the "Hidden America" series, watch "World News with Diane Sawyer" Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Folse's Outreach Dentistry mobile clinic travels to schools around Louisiana, filling cavities and teaching children and parents about the importance of oral hygiene.

In 2007, Congress held a hearing on the issue of children's dental health after Deamonte Driver, a 12-year-old Maryland boy, died when a tooth infection spread to his brain. His mother, Alyce Driver, had been unable to find a dentist to treat him on Medicaid and could not afford to pay out of pocket.

At the time, Leslie Norwalk, then-acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, called his death "a failure on many levels."

And although she said that these types of dental services were covered, many dentists said that Medicaid reimbursement rates are too low.

A study published in May 2011 demonstrated that despite efforts to boost the number of patients and providers in the Medicaid system, low-income families still had limited access to dental care -- except when they were able to pay cash.

The state of Florida got an F in children's dental health in a 2011 report from the Pew Center on the States. In 2009, according to Pew, only 25.7 percent of Florida children on Medicaid saw a dentist.

"The Medicaid rates are so low that dentists are not willing to participate in the Medicaid program," said Dr. Frank Catalanotto of the University of Florida, Gainesville, Community Dentistry. "You can't blame the dentists, really, because the cost of delivering the service is more than the reimbursement they receive."

Florida has some of the lowest rates. Ten pediatric dentists in four counties said they would not accept Medicaid -- even for a child whose face hurt. And more than half of Florida's counties -- 36 -- do not have one pediatric dentist who takes Medicaid, according to Pew.

Dentists say that ignoring teeth can mean life or death. An infection can kill or promote heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis. Children who do not receive dental care can suffer root canals and extractions before they reach 10 years old.

At the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, Fla., Falguni Patel, a first-year resident in pediatric dentistry, said it made her sad that there were certain groups of children who suffered more than others.

"People think just because you have insurance that you're going to have access to care -- which is not the whole story," she said. "They're very few pediatric dentists that accept Medicaid in this area, so these children have nowhere to go even if they do have insurance. ... It's a big problem." ( ABC News )

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The Secrets to Never Getting Sick

The Secrets to Never Getting Sick - Ever wonder why you always seem to come down with a life-interrupting virus this time of year, while other women you know sail through the season sniffle, cough, and ache-free?

We canvassed the research and talked to top experts to uncover these key, study-backed secrets for staying well, even when you're surrounded by germs. The docs' number one tip: Get the flu vaccine, ASAP. Then, follow these simple steps to boost your virus protection even more.

Make friends with fresh air

Common wisdom has it that staying indoors, where it's warm and toasty, is easier on your immune system than being outside in the cold. Problem is, being inside puts you in close constant contact with other people—and their germs.

Not only does escaping into the fresh air give you a break from all those germs circulating inside, but going for a stroll can actually boost your immunity. "Exercise leads to an increase in natural killer cells, neutrophils, and monocytes, which ultimately increases immune function," says Ather Ali, ND, MPH, assistant director of Complementary/Alternative Medicine Research at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.


Relaxation fights off colds

There are a trillion reasons why taking time to chill out might be the last item on your to-do list. But here's why it should be a priority: "Being stressed will increase your susceptibility to catching a cold," says Ali. That may be because, over the long term, it leads to the ongoing release of stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids.

These impede your body's ability to produce cell-signaling molecules called cytokines, which trigger a disease-fighting response from your immune system. "You're also less likely to take care of yourself—get ample sleep, eat right, exercise—when you're stressed," says Ali, which is crucial to upping your immunity.


Clean hands are everything

Cold and flu can spread all too easily through touch. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible, and make sure to master the art of hand-washing. Soap and water remain your most effective tools there, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Germs can grow on bar soaps, so use the pumped kind—or better yet, a hands-free dispenser and choose regular soap over antibacterial. Lather for a solid 20 seconds before rinsing, and make sure to dry thoroughly (but not on your germy clothes!): "Damp hands are far more likely to spread bacteria than dry ones," says Dana Simpler, MD, a primary care physician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.


The magic bullet

An occasional restless night is nothing to worry about, but a continuous lack of zzz's can hamper your immune system's ability to function. Though experts often say that sleep requirements vary by individual, a 2009 Carnegie Mellon study found that anything short of seven hours nearly triples your odds of catching a cold—and that means seven straight hours, with no middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

"For many of us, the only quiet time we have to think through things is when we're lying down at bedtime. Unfortunately, problem-solving in bed interferes with sleep," says Leslie Swanson, PhD, a sleep specialist at the department of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. ( foxnews.com )

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Ten Things to Know Before Getting a Tattoo

Ten Things to Know Before Getting a Tattoo - Your hair stylist has several. Your kid has one. Even your co-worker probably has one underneath that suit. Everyone seems to have a tattoo these days, and if you're thinking of getting inked, there are some details to consider before you make a commitment.

1. Brace for Pain.

A tattoo is created by repeatedly puncturing the skin with a needle and inserting ink in the puncture sites. So if you do not want it forever, or can't take the pain, perhaps you should consider another form of self-expression.

2. Find a Pro.

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists advises seeking out a professional tattoo artist and a clean environment. The group recommends that you "feel free to question the tattooist as to any of his sterile procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe staff members at work and do not hesitate to inquire about their experience and qualifications in the tattoo field." Investigate your state's licensing rules and find out whether your tattoo artist adheres to them.

3. Consider Your Skin.

Some inks used in tattooing can cause skin irritation or even an allergic reaction. Red dye most frequently causes such problems, even years later, according to the Mayo Clinic. You also may have problems with bumps called granulomas or raised areas of scar tissue (keloids).

4. Be Wary.

The Mayo Clinic cautions about the potential for contracting blood-borne illnesses when getting a tattoo. These include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and HIV, all of which can be transmitted by unclean equipment.

5. Check the Tools of the Trade.

A quality tattoo artist will always use needles, tubes and inks from unused, sealed packages, according to the University of Michigan Health Service Department. The tattoo provider also should have an autoclave for sterilizing any nondisposable equipment. If the salon doesn't meet these requirements, try another studio. Check to make sure the tattoo area is clean and that the artist either washes his hands or wears gloves.

6. Get Nosy.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. The Alliance of Professional Tattooists warns that "if the artist or studio does not appear up to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a professional tattooist." Find out how long your tattoo artist has been working. Ask to see some of her work -- or even better, watch her work.

7. Take Care of Your New Art.

Take the bandage off after 24 hours. Wash and gently pat dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel. Apply an ointment, such as A&D, and rub gently with clean fingers until the surface is smooth and clean. Don't pick or scratch at your scabs.

8. Avoid Sun and Soaking.

While your tattoo is healing, stay out of the sun and avoid submerging the affected area in a tub or swimming pool, according to the University of Michigan Health Service Department. It should take about two weeks for your tattoo to heal. After that time, you can apply moisturizer to the area. Always use sunblock on your skin; sunlight can damage and fade tattoos.

9. Watch for Warning Signs.

If your healing period has come and gone, and your tattoo is still red or burning, consult a doctor. Those are signs of an infection.

10. Do-Overs Cost.

Tattoo removal can be expensive, and there are no guarantees that the tattoo can be completely removed. "Tattoos can be removed, although results may vary depending on the inks used and the depth of the tattoo," according to the American Academy of Dermatology. "Dark blue, red, some lighter blues and green inks all respond well to laser treatment, but the best candidates for tattoo removal are people with light skin who have a black ink tattoo." ( secondact.com )

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How illnesses are affected by the time of day

How illnesses are affected by the time of day - For most of us, 10am on a dreary Monday passes by without incident or drama. But, in fact, between 6am and 10am is the peak time for heart attacks and stroke.

Panic attacks are most likely to happen after 3pm, while at night the symptoms of stomach ulcers may feel worse.

Research is increasingly showing that the risk and severity of symptoms vary hugely at different times of the day and night.

‘Like almost all life on the planet, much of human physiology and behaviour is controlled, modulated or at least fine-tuned by an internal 24-hour timer,’ says Professor Russell Foster, circadian neuroscientist at the University of Oxford and the John Radcliffe Hospital.

10AM: Joint pain and stiffness are worse in the morning

This 24-hour or circadian cycle is orchestrated by a biological pacemaker located in an area of the brain at the base of the skull called the hypothalamus.

The cycle controls a range of biological processes and fluctuations in hormones, all of which can raise the risk of certain conditions and symptoms.

Here we reveal the key times of day when certain symptoms strike, and how to beat the clock to protect yourself.

6am: Heart attacks

The risk of heart attack and stroke begins to rise from 6am, with most happening around 10am. Research in the American Journal of Hypertension shows that between 6am and noon there is a 40 per cent higher risk of a heart attack and a 49 per cent increased risk of stroke.

The authors suggest that as the body begins to stir and start daily activities, it needs more oxygen, and so compounds are released that cause a rise in blood pressure. Peaking levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol also boost blood pressure.

In people at risk, this increases the chances of a heart attack. One theory says the increased pressure can break off a fatty deposit in the artery and block blood supply.

For the same reason, nose bleeds peak now.

Studies show the risk is the same whatever time people get up.

Researchers are now investigating whether blood pressure drugs should therefore be taken at night or first thing in the morning.

7AM: GOUT PAIN

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid, which form crystals around the joints causing pain, most commonly in the foot.

Research from Russia, published in the journal Chronobiology International, shows that uric acid concentration in the blood peaked at 7am, when it is 2.8 fold higher than at 11pm, when concentration is at its lowest. The timing may be due to a build-up during sleep.

8AM: ALLERGIES

Allergy symptoms, such as itching eyes and a running nose, are at their worst in the morning. Muriel Simmons of Allergy UK says: ‘This is likely to be due to the fact that movement in the house, such as throwing back the bedclothes, causes dust mites and other allergens to rise in the atmosphere.’

9AM: Migraines are more frequent at this time, which may be down to blood pressure rising in the early hours

9AM: MIGRAINES

If you’re a migraine sufferer, you’re most at risk of an attack between 8am and 10am, according to researchers from the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S.

They also found a dramatic decrease in frequency between 8pm and 4am. The researchers suggest this may be down to blood pressure rising in the early hours — one possible cause of migraines is blood vessels in the head expanding, triggering pain, nausea and, in some cases, visual disturbances.

10AM: ARTHRITIS PAIN

‘Joint pain and stiffness are worse in the morning,’ says Dr Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK.

‘This may be a result of inactivity during the night, but may also be related to the naturally varying levels of cortisone and other hormones the body produces.

‘One option is to take a slow-acting anti-inflammatory drug just before going to bed. This will then work through the night to minimise pain in the morning.’

1PM: MAXIMUM SUPPLENESS

The best time to do an exercise class or visit the physiotherapist is from 1pm. According to a study at Washington University, body temperature peaks between 1pm and 4pm, at around two degrees warmer than in the morning.

This means muscles are more supple now, lowering the risk of injury from exercise.

2PM: PREVENT ASTHMA

The best time to take asthma medication is 2pm. A single dose of inhaled steroid early in the afternoon has a protective effect against asthma worsening at night, according to researchers at the University of Sao Paulo.

Other research showed that a 3pm dose of prednisone, to reduce airway inflammation, was superior to the same drug given at 8am.

1PM: Muscles are more supple now, lowering the risk of injury from exercise

3PM: PANIC ATTACKS

This is the most likely time for the onset of panic attacks and anxiety. According to a study from the University of Michigan, the risk of attacks remains high until 7pm. Only 10 per cent of attacks occurred before 10am. ‘Results indicate that people with anxiety disorders tend to experience increased symptoms later in the day,’ the researchers say. They pointed to the fact that the body’s circadian rhythm causes the nervous system to be more active at this time, but they also said the afternoon may simply be a time when stressful events of the day have built up.

4PM: RUNNING NOSE

According to a study at Quebec University, symptoms of coughs and common colds start to peak from about now. One theory is that hormones involved in the production of antibodies that fight infection are less active in the afternoon, weakening the immune system’s defences and triggering an increase in symptoms.

5PM: OSTEOARTHRITIS

Symptoms begin to build up in the late afternoon and early evening, according to a Texas Tech University report. The best time to take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen is thought to be noon, so the medication becomes active at the right time.

7PM: STOP HEARTBURN

While heartburn can strike at any time, a study at Kansas University compared morning and evening use of proton pump inhibitors for gastro-oesophageal reflux, and found that overall heartburn symptoms were eased in 71 per cent of patients who had in the afternoon and evening, compared to 42 per cent of those who had it in the morning.

This may be because the drug will act throughout the night, when reflux can be exacerbated by lying down to sleep, says Marcus Harbord, consultant gastro-enterologist at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital.

9PM: STOMACH ULCERS

Symptoms of ulcers peak at this time, probably because this is when the body digests food. Pharmacists at the University of Texas found that medication such as H2-receptor antagonists are most effective when taken at bedtime.

10PM: ECZEMA

Seven out of 10 people with inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema, experience increased symptoms around this time. Patients with other conditions, ranging from scabies to chronic renal failure, also suffer from nocturnal itching.

A study at Wake Forest University in the U.S. suggests this could be due to changes in skin temperature. Warmer body temperatures have been linked to increased itching because of its effects on nerve endings. Skin also loses water at night, which can trigger a dry, itchy feeling. Another theory is that there are daily cycles in compounds involved in the sensation of itch, as there are with pain.

11PM: This is the peak time for women to go into labour

‘People with allergic skin conditions tend to suffer extreme irritation at night, which is usually due to the body heat generated by bedclothes,’ says Muriel Simmons from Allergy UK.

‘Every movement in bed triggers a release of house dust mite allergens. So those with disturbed sleep are inadvertently stirring up the allergens on a frequent basis and pushing their immune system to the boundaries.’

11PM: LABOUR PAINS

This is the peak time for women to go into labour. Changing hormones are thought to be one factor involved, although another theory is that the body is most relaxed at this time. Some experts think women may have evolved this way so that they are giving birth under cover of darkness.

4AM: ASTHMA

Many asthma sufferers find that wheezing peaks at this time. They have the highest levels of markers of inflammation at 4am, which can signal a tightening of the airways, according to research at Harvard University. Theories include increased exposure to allergens at night, cooling of the airways, the reclining position, or hormonal changes. ( dailymail.co.uk )

READ MORE - How illnesses are affected by the time of day

Two aspirins a day can help prevent colon cancer

Two aspirins a day can help prevent colon cancer, 10-year study shows - Taking aspirin every day can cut the risk of colon cancer by more than 60%, a 10-year trial has found.

Scientists now claim the case is proved for giving aspirin to patients at risk from a family history of colon cancers.

The worldwide trial compared people who took two aspirin a day with those who took a placebo pill.

The study, published by The Lancet, involved 43 centres in 16 countries and followed nearly 1,000 patients.

Benefits: Pills can help prevent colon cancer

All patients were carriers of Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that programmes a person to developing colo-rectal cancer and a range of other solid-organ cancers.

At least one in 1,000 carries the disorder which accounts for about one in 30 cases of bowel cancer.

First results in 2007 showed no significant effects from taking aspirin.

In a follow-up in 2010 of the 861 patients, it was found 19 of those who took aspirin at various times between 1999 and 2005 had developed colon cancers, compared to 34 who took the placebo – a 44% reduction. But in those who took aspirin every day for two years the results were even more dramatic – a 63% reduction in cancer.

There were only 10 bowel cancer cases in the aspirin group, compared with 23 in the placebo group.

Lead scientist Prof Sir John Burn, of Newcastle University, said: “We set out to find out if aspirin prevents cancer and we have found that it does. There could be 30,000 people with Lynch syndrome in the UK who might benefit from aspirin treatment.”

However, he said that sufferers should consult first with their GP.

He said: “Aspirin is known to bring with it a risk of stomach complaints, including ulcers. However, if there is a strong family history of cancer then people may want to weigh up the cost-benefits.

“If you give two aspirin a day for two years to people with hereditary bowel cancer then after five years their risk is cut by more than half.

“If we were to put them all on two aspirin a day now, in the next 30 years or so we would prevent 10,000 cancers. On the other hand, this would cause around 1,000 ulcers, so there’s a trade-off.”

Science minister David Willetts said: “This has potential to save thousands of lives.”

Wonder drug

300mg is the standard size of a UK tablet.

It is used long-term at low doses to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.

Low doses given after a heart attack may lower risk of another.

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/10/28/aspirin-cuts-cancer-by-60-in-those-at-risk-study-shows-115875-23519739/#ixzz1c5Ba6A90

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/10/28/aspirin-cuts-cancer-by-60-in-those-at-risk-study-shows-115875-23519739/#ixzz1c5BWPROR

READ MORE - Two aspirins a day can help prevent colon cancer

Dentists who fail on even basic care despite demanding big fees

Dentists who fail on even basic care despite demanding big fees - NHS and private dentists are failing to carry out even basic examinations despite often demanding big fees, an undercover study has revealed.

A snapshot survey of 20 firms - ten private and ten NHS - rated the standard of care as 'poor' or 'very poor' in more than half.

The research will infuriate patients who find they generally have to wait an age for an appointment, while charges are often punitive.

Snapshot: NHS and private dentists are failing to carry out even basic examinations despite often demanding big fees, an undercover study revealed

Dentists were guilty of rushing examinations, overlooking vital checks and proposing inappropriate treatment plans, according to the research by Which?.

The findings come as the Office of Fair Trading carries out an inquiry into unfair charges and monopoly practices.

Which? found that in 11 of the 20 dental surgeries, standards of work failed to reach even minimum standards. Five visits lasted less than ten minutes, while two of these dentists spent just five minutes with their new patients.

It should be standard practice to X-ray a new patient’s teeth to check for problems such as tooth decay, however this service was not offered on five of the visits.


Important checks on the soft tissue inside the mouth, which are necessary to screen for oral cancers and other medical conditions, took place in just five of 20 visits.

The researchers also noted that just three of the 20 dentists examined the face and neck, which is necessary to check for swollen glands.

One of the least efficient practitioners was a private dentist. The visit to him lasted seven minutes and the dentist missed important checks, offered inappropriate treatment and communicated poorly.

Missed: Important checks on the soft tissue inside the mouth, which are necessary to screen for oral cancers and other medical conditions, took place in just five of 20 visits (picture posed by models)

Just three of the 20 visits were rated ‘good’, while none was ‘excellent’.

Transcripts from secret audio recordings of the visits were assessed by a panel of four experts with experience of NHS and private dentistry.

They assessed each visit on the quality of case history checks, clinical examination, treatment plan and customer service and gave it a rating.

Which? is giving its findings to the dental industry’s two regulators, the General Dental Council and the Care Quality Commission.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd said: ‘In an industry that has not one but two regulators, this level of incompetence is unacceptable.’

UK dentist fees are among the highest in Europe, with a bill for a simple check-up running to as much as £124. Such is the expense that many are letting their teeth decay because they are worried they cannot afford treatment.

The OFT is investigating how dentistry services are sold and whether patients are given appropriate treatment.

It will also look at whether dentists in some areas effectively operate a monopoly, keeping out rivals who might offer a better, cheaper service. ( dailymail.co.uk )

READ MORE - Dentists who fail on even basic care despite demanding big fees

Antipsychotics Get Mixed Review for Unapproved Use

Antipsychotics Get Mixed Review for Unapproved Use - Newer antipsychotic drugs are often prescribed for conditions they aren't approved to treat, with questionable benefits, according to a study.

The medications, known as atypical antipsychotics, include risperidone, sold in the United States as Risperdal, aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and quetiapine (Seroquel).

While those drugs have been approved in the United States for a few psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, doctors may also prescribe them "off-label" to other patients, including people with substance abuse and eating disorders, typically when they haven't responded to more standard treatments.

"There are several conditions in psychiatry that are pretty difficult to treat," said Alicia Ruelaz Maher from RAND Health in Santa Monica, California, the study author.

"Often in psychiatry we think, if something works for one condition, it could possibly be effective for another one."

People with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, for example, are often treated with antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but those don't always work.

More and more, doctors are prescribing atypical antipsychotics off-label, experts say.

Yet, Maher said, there's a general lack of evidence on whether atypical antipsychotics can help patients who don't have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

She and her colleagues looked at scientific literature and combined data from 162 studies that compared an atypical antipsychotic to a drug-free placebo pill for conditions that fell outside the drug's approved uses. They found another 231 studies that kept track of side effects linked to the drugs. Nearly all of the research was funded by drugmakers.

Taken together, the studies showed that atypical antipsychotics had no effect in patients with eating disorders or drug and alcohol abuse, and it wasn't clear if they helped people with personality disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The drugs did have a small but consistent benefit for dementia patients with psychotic symptoms, however.

More people with an anxiety disorder taking Seroquel in particular got better compared with patients who took a placebo. And for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Risperdal worked better than a placebo. Still, those specific findings came from just three studies each.
But according to the findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the drugs also had side effects.

For instance, one in 10 elderly people treated with Zyprexa developed tremors and one in 53 on Risperdal suffered a stroke. Younger people on the drugs experienced weight gain, fatigue and other side effects.

Maher said that the decision to use one of these drugs for a non-approved condition should be based on a discussion between patients and their doctors, especially because some people may be more susceptible to side effects than others.

"Each individual patient needs to be considered as opposed to, 'This is good for this condition,'" ( foxnews.com )

READ MORE - Antipsychotics Get Mixed Review for Unapproved Use

Antidepressant Killing Your Libido?

Antidepressant Killing Your Libido? Not for Long - It’s hard to feel sexy when you don’t feel happy. If that unhappiness is rooted in clinical depression, your health care provider may recommend an antidepressant.

But it’s vital that you know all of the possible side effects before you sign on – because like most other medications, not all of them are created equal.

In fact, antidepressants in the SSRI family (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are known to cause low libido. Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and Paxil are all SSRIs and all have been documented as having sexual side effects.

Dr. Chad Collom, a doctor of nursing practice and board-certified family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Solace Counseling in Dallas, Texas, explains why.

“SSRIs stimulate certain serotonin receptors that can cause a decrease in dopamine and norepinephrine in an area of the brain, which can have an effect on libido,” Collom said. “Older classes of antidepressants that are not used as much anymore, like monoamine oxidase (MAOIs) and tricyclics antidepressants (TCAs), can have the same libido depressing effect.”

Of course, depression itself can cause low libido. In fact, it’s very common in people battling depression – and this presents a bit of a Catch-22.

“The risks versus benefits should be weighed,” Collom explained. “If depression is causing significant impairment in one's life, then treatment may be necessary. This should be determined with your health care professional.”

So, is there anything you can do to combat the low libido caused by antidepressants?

“For men, some medications such as Levitra, Viagra, and Cialis can be of some benefit,” Collum said.“Men should also get testosterone levels checked. Though (it’s) not indicated for women, some studies using Viagra in women have shown positive results with sexual side effects. Women should always get hormone levels checked.”

There’s another option as well, Collom noted.

“Changing to Wellbutrin (another antidepressant that works only on dopamine and norepinephrine receptors) or adding it to an SSRI can help counteract sexual side effects,” he said.

In other words, not all antidepressants have sexual side effects.

“Wellbutrin has been shown to have no sexual side effects due to its mechanism of action,” Collom said. In fact, “Wellbutrin can actually increase one’s sex drive.”

According to Collom, the key to dealing with antidepressants and the risk of sexual side effects is to “Always consult with your health care provider to get treatment options that will be the best fit for your symptoms of depression. Giving your provider a detailed history is essential in order to give him or her a clear and accurate picture leading to a treatment plan that’s right for you.”

Symptoms of depression are not something that should be ignored. So, don’t let this information keep you from seeking help from your health care professional. Instead, use it to prepare yourself when you do seek help. The more you know, the better.

A happy and healthy sex life starts with being informed and seeking professional care when you need it.

And don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. Your health care professional is there for you.” ( foxnews.com )

READ MORE - Antidepressant Killing Your Libido?

Divorce, Heavy Drinking, Smoking Linked to Hair Loss Studies in Twins Highlight New Risk Factors for Hair Loss

Divorce, Heavy Drinking, Smoking Linked to Hair Loss - Studies in Twins Highlight New Risk Factors for Hair Loss -- Hair loss may not just be a matter of age or unlucky genes.

Preliminary findings from new studies of male and female identical twins suggest that a broad range of lifestyle factors, including stress, smoking, heavy drinking, and sun exposure, may also foil the follicles.

That appeared to be especially true for women. One study found that wives who lost a spouse to death or divorce were at highest risk of hair loss at the midline, which leads to a widening part.

In men, genes seemed to be the biggest predictor of balding, though smoking, drinking, stress, and sun exposure also factored in.

Although that may sound discouraging, experts say the research comes with a silver lining: Adopting healthier habits and controlling stress can sometimes help hair come back.

“Part of it is to manage what you can,” says Doris Day, MD, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City who was not involved in the research. “The sooner you address it, the better your chances of having recovery.”

Twins and Hair Loss

For the studies, Bahman Guyuron, MD, a plastic surgeon at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, recruited 90 male and 98 female identical twins. “Twins are genetically destined to have the same number of hairs,” Guyuron says. “And if one has fewer it means that it is related to outside factors.”

Each pair was asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their lives and habits, and doctors snapped pictures of their scalps to measure any areas of thinning. A panel of experts judged which twins had the most hair.

“What is amazing is how many of these twins have exactly the same behaviors, the same things matching except one or two factors that possibly may contribute to these differences,” Guyuron says.

In women, factors related to stress were often predictive of hair loss. The most important of those was marital status. Twins in stable marriages tended to have fuller heads of hair than a sibling who had been divorced or widowed.

Other characteristics that were related to women’s hair loss, probably because of associated stress, Guyuron says, were having a higher income, multiple children, or higher blood pressure.

Factors associated with keeping more hair included wearing hats and other sun protection, drinking coffee, and having a stable marriage.

Men and Hair Loss

In men, genetics appeared to account for most balding. It was the single biggest predictor of hair loss along the front of the head.

But it wasn’t the only determining factor. Healthy habits like smoking, heavy drinking, outdoor exercise -- a measure of sun exposure, and being sedentary also increased the risk that a male twin would lose more hair than his brother.

Wearing hats for sun protection and having a higher body mass index (BMI), a measure of size that takes into account both height and weight, appeared to protect men against hair loss.

In men, low testosterone can lead to weight gain, but it may also help men keep their hair. Higher testosterone levels were associated with hair loss.

The studies are scheduled to be presented at the 2011 annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgery in Denver, Colo.

Stress, Lifestyle, and Hair

“I would say it’s an interesting observation that needs further review,” says Wilma Bergfeld, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio. The findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, where they would be subject to greater scientific scrutiny.

She says it’s not surprising that lifestyle plays a role in hair loss.

“Three cells lines have the fastest turnover cell in your body: Your bone marrow, your GI tract, and your hair follicles. Anything that upsets them will have an adverse effect,” Bergfeld says.

Other experts who reviewed the studies for WebMD say they reaffirm what doctors have long observed.

“We do see stress hair loss more in women than we do in men,” Day says.

“When you look at the underlying issues, divorce, marriage, childbirth, and surgery are up there as the main physiologic stressors that will cause a stress pattern of hair loss,” says Day, and the loss typically starts about three months after the traumatic event.

As for lifestyle factors, she says smoking and heavy alcohol drinking are known to be toxic to the skin.

And often, several will occur together to create a perfect storm of tress trouble.

“If you have a stress and you have smoking and drinking on top of it, and drinking enhances smoking effects,” she says. “They’re not all separate.”

These findings will be presented at a medical conference. They should be considered preliminary as they have not yet undergone the "peer review" process, in which outside experts scrutinize the data prior to publication in a medical journal. ( webmd.com )

READ MORE - Divorce, Heavy Drinking, Smoking Linked to Hair Loss Studies in Twins Highlight New Risk Factors for Hair Loss

Nine Things You Didn't Know About Your Ears

Discover interesting facts about cleaning your ears, what ear pain really means and more - Our ears are easy to take for granted: When you’re free of pain and your hearing is fine, you barely pay them any attention. But that doesn't mean there aren't best practices you should follow when it comes to your ears. In order to avoid any kind of permanent damage, it’s important to be informed about everything from ear candling to the dangers of flying with a head cold. Read on to learn what you need to know about ear health.

1. Cleaning out earwax is easier than you think.

Though many of us reach for cotton swabs to remove earwax, the old adage, "Don't put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear," is actually true. "You can use cotton swabs to clean around the [outside folds] of your ears, but you should be very careful not to do what I call the 'search and destroy,' because you can inadvertently push the wax in further or you can damage the eardrum," says J. Randolph Schnitman, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat specialist aka an ENT) in Beverly Hills, California. "Wax is produced by the lining of the ear canal and in normal amounts it doesn't cause a problem."

For most people, cleaning your inner ear in the shower should be more than adequate when it comes to removing excess wax. "The best thing is just to let the water go in your ear (make sure the water is warm, as cold and hot water can cause you to have vertigo), and [then tilt your head to the side] and dump it out," says Brett Levine, MD, an ENT in Torrance, California. If earwax build-up is an issue for you, Dr. Levine recommends using an over-the-counter earwax remover that, when applied as directed, will help soften the wax so it washes out easier. You can also try tilting your head to one side and adding a few drops of mineral, baby or olive oil to your ear while in the shower. Wait 1 to 2 seconds for it to dislodge and dissolve the wax, and then tilt your head in the opposite direction, so it can run out of the ear. If neither of these methods work, make an appointment to see a doctor. "Sometimes the wax is just very hard and the drops don’t help make it soft. An ENT doctor can [better] see what he or she is doing [in order to] suction, scoop or grab something that isn't washing out on its own," Dr. Levine says.

2. The purpose of earwax is unknown.

Doctors don't exactly know why we have earwax, but it's generally believed to be part of the ear's self-cleaning process. “Whether it helps balance the PH or has antibacterial properties, it's not known for certain. Some people don't make any wax and some people make a lot of wax, and it's not really known why," says Dr. Levine. It does have several practical purposes, however. "We should have some wax because wax is poisonous to [small] bugs…when people used to sleep on the ground or on the floor, bugs couldn't get very far into their ears," explains Sheri Billing, AuD, an otologist in Wheaton, Illinois. Wax also catches dirt and debris, preventing it from entering your inner ear.

3. The bones in your ear are the three smallest in the body.

You may have learned this one in grade school, but the three bones in your middle ear—the malleus, incus and stapes (aka the hammer, anvil and stirrup)—are the three smallest bones in your body. "They're amplifiers; they serve to translate the energy of sound waves in the air from your eardrum to your inner ear,” which then triggers nerve stimulation to the brain. They also help enhance what’s being heard, Dr. Levine says. Although small, they’re mighty, and damage to them can be quite serious. "They can be dislocated or…break. Or you can have an infection and they erode and disappear," Dr. Levine says. "If they broke, you'd have significant hearing loss, called conductive hearing loss. But they can be repaired with surgery and you can have artificial prosthesis to replace the bone." These bones can also become fixated, Dr. Levine says, which can be caused by scarring from surgery, infection or, most commonly, a disease called otosclerosis. When that happens, surgery can be done "to either remove or replace one of the bones and your hearing can be dramatically improved."

4. Candling is ineffective and dangerous.

"Ear candling" or "ear coning" is a practice in alternative medicine by which a hollow candle is lit on one end while the other end is placed in the ear in order to remove wax. "When it is subjected to Western evaluation, candling has shown itself to be absolutely ineffective; it doesn't seem to do anything," says Dr. Schnitman. Not only is there zero evidence that it actually works, but it can also be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Audiology, a survey conducted in the United Kingdom notes that otolaryngologists reported treating injuries from ear candling that included burns, ear canal occlusions, eardrum perforations and secondary ear canal infections with temporary hearing loss. In addition, in February 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers against using ear candles due to reported injuries.

5. Flying with stuffy ears can be dangerous.

Flying may be commonplace these days, but it should be taken seriously—especially when traveling with a head cold. According to Dr. Levine, your Eustachian tubes, which run from the middle of each ear cavity to the back of the throat, act like a pressure-release valve when you experience altitude changes on a plane. If your ears are clear, they can naturally readjust to the pressure, though swallowing or chewing gum usually helps the process along. But when the tubes are full of liquid, which sometimes occurs when you’re congested due to a head cold, they can't release the pressure. If that happens, "you can rupture an ear drum," Dr. Schnitman warns. "It’s the descent, when they pressurize the cabin. It causes the eardrums to implode and pinch inwards so it won't equalize the pressure and you can cause damage to your eardrum." To be safe, Dr. Schnitman recommends speaking with a doctor before you travel if you're stuffy and using a decongestant while on the aircraft. He also recommends a product called EarPlane. "It's a rubber plug that has a pressure filter so if you place it in your ear before the descent it can minimize that pressure."

6. Your ears contribute to your sense of taste.

We're not saying you can actually taste food with your ears, but they do play a role in transmitting taste signals to your brain. Dr. Levine explains that there is a branch of nerves called the chorda tympani that just happens to run through the middle ear as it connects the taste buds on the front of the tongue to the brain. Because of this, if something happens to your ear it can potentially impact your ability to perceive flavor. "Sometimes ear surgery can affect your taste from a complication; or sometimes, an infection in your ear can affect taste," says Dr. Levine.

7. Your eardrum is only three cell-layers thick.

Aside from making earwax removal more difficult, there’s another reason to avoid sticking things in your ear: your eardrum is extremely fragile. "There are three layers of membrane: there's a lining on the outside, there's a lining on the inside and there's a fibrous layer in the middle," Dr. Levine says. "It is probably as thin as a piece of paper or your fingernail." That's why the eardrum can be damaged so easily. Unfortunately, it also doesn't heal properly if ruptured. "The inner layer [cannot] heal; it becomes thinner and more easily broken," Dr. Levine says. "You can visualize that as a sandwich, it'd be a lot easier to pop a hole through two pieces of bread without the roast beef in there."

8. Ear pain can point to a problem elsewhere in your body.

While ear pain is often a symptom of an ear infection, sinus infection, TMJ or even earwax blockage, it can also be due to something completely unrelated to your ear. Michael Morris, MD, an ENT in private practice in Rockville, Maryland, and former faculty member at Georgetown University, notes that pain around the ear can be a symptom of a health issue occurring anywhere between the ears and the abdomen. "I've seen a patient who had a kidney tumor with ear pain. You get what's called 'referred pain.'" According to Dr. Morris, this can be caused by issues that affect the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain through your ear and continues down through the nose, throat and into your chest and abdomen. "I would strongly suggest that if someone has ear pain, make certain the doctor looks around for the cause, because he may find it's from elsewhere,” he says.

9. Hairspray can have a negative effect on earwax.

If you regularly use hairspray, it could cause some uncomfortable problems…in your ears. Dr. Levine explains that, because your ears are so close to your hair, when hairspray is applied, over time it can get into the ear, causing earwax that would naturally fall out to get stuck. Luckily, prevention is easy. Carefully place cotton or tissue in your ears before using hairspray to avoid getting any in the ear. "Everyone using hair products doesn't need to put cotton in their ears, it's an individualized situation," says Dr. Schnitman. "For people who are sensitive or who identify that they might be sensitive to this product, then protecting the ears is what we recommend.” ( yahoo.com )

READ MORE - Nine Things You Didn't Know About Your Ears