Matthew Vaccaro

It wasn’t so long ago that a bump on the head was followed by the words “shake it off,” especially on the football field. But medical research has proven that even a small knock on the noggin can result in a concussion, and in some cases, even cause permanent damage. Each year, approximately 300,000 sports-related…

“Tennis elbow,” technically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition involving tendons that attach to the bone on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow.  This most often occurs from repetitive movements like playing tennis. However, it’s a common condition among certain professions-from painters to plumbers-and also can result from direct trauma to the…

Choosing a travel destination and mapping out the sites can be exciting. But arriving with jet lag can certainly put a damper on the fun. Jet lag is caused by an imbalance in the body’s natural biological clock that occurs when you travel to different time zones. The body operates on a 24-hour cycle called…

Once basic needs like food and shelter are met, most people turn their attention toward seeking happiness. But what is happiness? Psychologists around the world have tackled the phenomenon of happiness for years. The July 2, 2013 edition of Psychology Today had an interesting take on the subject in their article, “What Happy People Do…

As the summer heats up, so do America’s grills. However, if you want to avoid a trip to the doctor (or worse yet, the ER), keep the following safety tips in mind as you’re preparing for your outdoor feast:   1. To prevent possible food poisoning, always marinate foods in the refrigerator, not on the…

As summer temperatures soar, so do the number of people experiencing heat exhaustion. This often occurs when the body’s internal temperature of approximately 98.6 F (37 C) is altered by factors like excessive heat, humidity and strenuous physical activity. Anyone can be affected by heat exhaustion. However, infants and children younger than 4, as well…