Public health experts are uncertain whether the higher prevalence of autism observed in recent years is a result of an actual increase in the number of autistic children or an increase in the ability to diagnose the condition. In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the prevalence of autism was 1 in every 150 American children and almost 1 in 94 boys.

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

New research shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease who consume very high levels of vitamin E seem to live longer than those who do not. The findings stem from a 15-year study of the survival rates of 847 men and women already diagnosed with various stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Are high levels of Vitamin E safe? This has been a major research topic as some studies have suggested that high doses may also carry unwarranted health risks. The American Heart Association has stated that high amounts of vitamin E may be harmful for the average person and that taking 400 IU or more per day may increase the risk of death.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body’s tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs. They are believed to play a major role in certain conditions associated with aging.

Between gathering your tax documents, figuring out which IRS form to use, deciphering the complex tax rules, and tallying the amount you owe or get back—tax  season can be a very stressful time for many people. Taxpayers across the United States will have to file their taxes by next Tuesday, April 15^th.

It is very important to keep stress under control during difficult or stressful times. Even small changes can be stressful. You may need to look at what is truly causing your stress and choose an appropriate form of stress management. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following tips to reduce the health effects of stress:

• Re-prioritizing work goals and tasks
• Making sure to carve out time for physical activity every day
• Not skipping meals or resorting to fast food
• Delegating household chores to other family members
• Taking short breaks to practice relaxed breathing or muscle relaxation
• Putting a positive spin on negative thoughts

The more you know about the real cause of ringworm, the better you can prevent it. You may think that ringworm is caused by a worm. Makes sense, “worm” is a part the disease’s name. Actually, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. Instead, ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. The name comes from the red ring that can appear on an infected person's skin. A ringworm infection can occur on the scalp, body, groin, feet, and nails. When it occurs on the feet, it is called athlete’s foot and when it occurs in the groin it is called jock itch.

Ringworm infections on all parts of the body are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which includes several different species. Dermatophytes live among the outer portion of the skin or on hair where they feed on the keratinized cells found in the upper layers of the epidermis. Any of these parasitic species may colonize skin that is warm and moist and they tend to grow best in places like locker rooms and swimming pools.

Ringworm is highly communicable and can spread in several ways. It can be passed from person to person via direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and can also spread when you share things like clothing or towels. Ringworm can be passed to people by infected animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and horses. The fungi can also be spread by contact with object or surfaces that were touched by an infected person or animal or, in rare cases, by contact with infected soil. If one part of your body is infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, it may spread from there to other body parts.

Sometimes ringworm causes a skin pattern in the shape of a ring, but not always. It is often just a red, itchy rash. Most ringworm of the skin can be treated at home with over-the-counter creams. If ringworm is not treated, the skin could blister, and the cracks could become infected with bacteria. If this happens, your doctor will need to prescribe antibiotics.

To help prevent ringworm, the National Institutes of Health recommends the following tips:

• Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.
• Shampoo regularly, especially after haircuts.
• Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear, or other personal care items. These items should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use.
• Wear sandals or shoes at gyms, locker rooms, and pools.
• Avoid touching pets with bald spots.

Do you have a question about ringworm? Join Healia's health social networking site and talk with other members of the Skin Disease Community. Or you can Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.


_{Photo: CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg, Public Health Image Library}

ringworm fungus skin diseases