"Always laugh when you can.  It is cheap medicine."  Lord Byron "Anyone taller than you will be fed to wolves."  Malcolm in the Middle   "Be careful about reading health books.  You may die of a misprint.”  Mark Twain   more quotations

Hi Everyone,

I AM NOT A DOCTOR.

This is not a medical advice column.  It's just my take on staying fit and alive, so if you know something isn't right with your body or your brain, go to a professional.  NOW.  And think of this as our official disclaimer - these pages are meant for entertainment only.

Caryn

PS  I may quote a portion of your e-mail on the site, but I'll never give your real name or e-mail address.

Legal - Privacy Policies

What is Acne?

Allergies

Food allergies can strike at any age.  If someone is exhibiting classic food allergy symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, itching and hives, seek medical help immediately.

Braces

Hey Caryn.

I have to get braces pretty soon, but I'm not a big fan of pain.  Any advice?

Tod

Hi Tod,

Here's what I did, but check be sure to check with your orthodontist.

• Pain reliever BEFORE I walked in the door.

• Over the counter gum soother (extra strength) for teething babies as well as the wax I got when they gave me the "this is how you clean your braces" speech.

• Pain reliever with sleep aid for getting some rest the first few nights.

After a while, you get used to braces.  I promise.

Caryn

My sister didn't wear her rubber bands and had to wear braces for 4 years!  My ortho just told Dad I haven't been wearing my rubber bands.  Now what?

Bill

Caryn

Colonoscopy

Preparation involves drinking a loathsome beverage that may cause you to vomit.  Keep drinking until it's gone, but do be aware that if you chill the stuff, you may find yourself shivering uncontrollably!

Dandruff

Here's an old-fashioned remedy we have not tested ourselves.

Combine 1 tablespoon apple juice with 3 tablespoons warm water.

Pour this mixture through your freshly shampooed hair three times a week at night. 

Do not rinse.

Shampoo in the morning.

Knuckle Cracking

Dear Caryn,

My son is always cracking his knuckles and it's driving me nuts.  Is this bad for him, and how do I get him to stop?  Or do I have to live with it?

Dear Concerned,

Suck it up!  I checked some current medical sources, and they all said cracking your knuckles causes no damage.  So let your kid pop away.

Caryn

Update:  "Knuckle cracking doesn't lead to arthritis, but it can lead to decreased grip strength."  Ben Cramer, Prevention, March 2009

See a doctor.  

Caryn

Sore Throat

Any persistent condition should be looked at by a doctor, but sometimes a scratchy throat can be relieved by a simple gargle.

Salt Water Gargle:  Combine the following and swish way back into your mouth before spitting it out.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 pint water

White Spots on Fingernails

Hi Caryn,

I get nasty little white spots on my nails sometimes.  Any cure