Smoking has devastating health consequences, even if you smoke just a pack per week. An October 2005 study report published in "Tobacco Control" found that the relationship between smoking and adverse health consequences occurs even among people who smoke 1 to 4 cigarettes per day.

Atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty material called plaque in the arteries, can narrow the vessels that supply the heart with blood. If an artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack can result. Stents, which are mesh tubes, hold the artery open and prevent it from becoming completely blocked.

The abbreviation; O.R.I.F. stands for Open Reduction/Internal Fixation. This refers to a variety of open orthopedic surgical techniques where broken bones in the ankle are repaired using various devices to restore the bones to normal position and alignment, thus optimizing healing.

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves reshaping the nose. Also referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is performed to straighten an unbalanced nose, remove unwanted bumps and treat airway obstructions that are caused by an accident or malformed nasal bones.

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that the body uses for energy. Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides) and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) are collectively known as lipid disorders.

Ginger is an herb with a multitude of beneficial health properties. Its active compounds--known as gingerols--have proven anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties, and may be helpful for treating poor circulation and high cholesterol.

If you or your child experience recurrent ear infections, your doctor or pediatrician may recommend ear tube surgery to help alleviate symptoms. During this procedure, which is also called a myringotomy or tympanotomy, the surgeon inserts a small tube into a tiny hole that she puts in the eardrum.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant medication sold over the counter (such as in Sudafed). It is also found as a component in some prescription medications. Pseudoephedrine is available as a tablet, chewable tablet, controlled-release tablet, capsule, syrup, suspension and liquid and as drops.

Chrysanthemum -- a flower from the daisy family -- has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating fever, hypertension, dry eyes and headaches, as well as other inflammatory conditions. A study published in the September 2003 edition of the medicinal plant journal "Fitoterapia"

If you are concerned about your cholesterol, heart disease or other chronic disease, consider adding oat bran to your diet. Oat bran is a high-fiber food that can lower your cholesterol and provide a number of other health benefits. To get the most health benefits from oat bran, make it a part of your daily diet.

Liquids referred to as “bitters” are usually made from fragrant, bitter-tasting herbs such as gentian or dandelion. While some fermented alcoholic bitters are a bartender’s secret weapon for tasty cocktails, others such as non-alcoholic Swedish bitters are marketed as handy digestive aids.

Even if you take great care of yourself and keep abreast of current fashion trends, your teeth may be yellowing as you get older and betraying your true age. Coffee, tea, wine and cigarettes can also stain teeth, giving them an unattractive brown or yellowish cast.