Posted by Anni on Monday, April 30th, 2012
Image source: Sciencephoto.com
When most people think of ear infections they think of red, bacteria-laden ear drums; pus; fever; and pain. They think of screaming babies clutching at their tiny heads. They think of ear tubes and antibiotics. But ear infections come in many forms and bacteria causes just one. Fungus is a less common but much more persistent culprit, to which my little sister can attest.
Posted by Anni on Friday, April 27th, 2012
Image source: Quickness-drills.com
I’ve been a soccer player my whole life. As I’ve mentioned before, I started in first grade. My teammates were also my classmates and we’d practice on the elementary school field on Wednesday afternoons. It was glorious: the wind, the running, the giggling, and the soft grass. I was hooked immediately. It hasn’t happened often in my life that I just know, right away, that I want to do something forever. With soccer, it was like I was built for the game. I could out-run every other kid my age. I felt a strange compulsion, even then, to learn and to get better.
Posted by Anni on Thursday, April 26th, 2012
Image source: Typesofdiseases.org
Before you jump to any conclusions, I don’t have herpes. I have my fair share of problems but am (thankfully) free of all sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes simplex (cold sores). I consider myself extremely lucky on this count: I went to college (if you know what I mean). Many of my friends suffered bouts of this or that. Thankfully none of them contracted anything life threatening, but I know two people who got herpes. It is no joke. They both felt obliged to inform their partners of their condition, and it didn’t go well in either case.
Posted by Anni on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
Image source: Helpwithsinusinfection.org
Back when I smoked cigarettes, I was plagued with chronic sinus infections. They came on randomly and they came on hard. First I’d get a pressure headache. It wasn’t bad, just a little annoying, but it was a harbinger of doom. I’ve never had a headache of quite that quality at any other time. It told me to get antihistamines and a good night’s sleep, fast! Of course, those measures only slightly softened the blow. A sinus infection is a miserable thing.
Posted by Anni on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Image source: Peterdsmith.com
There is nothing quite like a fat day. They always come upon me unawares. I wake up, minding my own business, ready for the sunshine. I brush my teeth, wash my face and put on my jeans… scratch that. I try desperately to squeeze my bloated body into hemp jeans that have suddenly decreased in size (what can I say, I’m into eco fashion). Either Dr. Cyclops has been testing his atomic generator on my wardrobe (1940’s reference, anyone?) or my stomach has grown several mysterious inches in a single night. Maybe I’m stuffing my face full of doughnuts in my sleep. Perhaps I’m storing my ennui in my intestines. Whatever the reason, bloating can really put a damper on a perfectly good Saturday.
Posted by Anni on Monday, April 23rd, 2012
Image source: Medicinenet.com
That burn! It hits at the worst moments: bed time, during an eight-mile jog, or at the dentist. It ranges from mildly uncomfortable to extreme fireball. I’ve had bouts of acid reflux over the past few years and it’s one of those ailments that gets ignored—like a mild cold or a blister. It should not be ignored!
Posted by Anni on Friday, April 20th, 2012
Image source: Thirdeyehealth.com
It’s been about a week since my left eye started twitching uncontrollably. It makes me look like something between an angry cartoon character and a movie super villain about to go berserk. I’m sure it’s more obvious to me than it is to others. I can’t say I’ve ever noticed an eye twitch on another person and I suppose I can take some small comfort in its inconspicuousness. Still, the weird pulling sensation, the wiggly vision, and the annoying persistence of the condition are starting to drive me nuts.
Posted by Anni on Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Image source: Mhpbooks.com
I’m not a person who abides by stereotypes. They make me angry because we don’t live in a black and white world. We’re complicated creatures with strange and unpredictable motivations. We have free will and we use it. Sure, there are trends in behavior, and I’m not suggesting we ignore them. But can we please stop assuming we know about an individual person because we know about a trend? That was my caveat and it had to be said. Now I will discuss all of the ways in which my husband fits a stereotype: the lazy, won’t go to the doctor, hates vegetables, loves beer, American husband.
Posted by Anni on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
Image source: Tynysci.com
I’m old enough to remember a time when H, I, and V were just three meaningless letters. I was a kid, I’m not that old, but I was aware enough to be afraid of the mysterious new disease responsible for the untimely deaths of otherwise healthy people. In the beginning, scientists thought they were facing a new type of cancer. It grew rapidly. It was always fatal. It was the first time I ever felt afraid of disease, a fear that has permeated my life forever after. Before HIV/AIDS I believed, as many a naïve healthy child does, in the infallibility of modern medicine. I couldn’t understand how something so deadly could be so mysterious.
Posted by Anni on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Image source: Wallpapers4u.yolasite.com
I get so tired of hearing about the quick fix. It’s everywhere: on television, in the grocery store, in magazines, and in my own head. Of course I want to be the best possible version of myself. I want to lose that stubborn ten pounds. I want to eat healthy foods. I want to sleep soundly, to enjoy every day, to have good friendships, and to feel loved. And I know there are products out there designed specifically to address each of these fundamental needs. A slightly less cynical woman might spend her life’s fortune on miracle cures: hypnosis tapes to help her quit smoking, homeopathic tinctures to treat her ennui, and electrical field massage to improve her digestion. But for me, with my wary skeptical eye and shallow pockets, miracle cures seem criminal.
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