hi -

I have a relative who claims that people only need 5-6 hours of sleep but I disagree. I get about 6 hours but I'm trying to get more. When I get a solid 8 hours, I feel great - it makes such a difference to my day! 6 or less has me dragging...

I think we need more or less sleep depending on our age, our health, our activity levels and other variables. Or is it true that we really only need about 6 hours a night?

One of my close girlfriends had a bad case of hives last summer (had to be on antibiotics, steroids, and I forgot what else). She was under a lot of stress finshing up her law degree and studying for the bar exam.

Now, a year later, she's passed the bar, has a job, and consequently, has less stress in her life (or, at least a different type!)... and her hives have returned! She is extremely frustrated, and is wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Also, she's wondering if the hives were never really caused by "excess stress" in the first place?

thanks!

I have heard of pet-therapy, music-therapy, equine-therapy (in addition to all of the more "traditional" or "well-known" therapy and counseling), but have you ever heard of horticultural-therapy? Does it work? How does it work?

Hello there! Does anyone know of a good ophthalmologist in the Phoenix, AZ area? My endocrinologist suggested I get a full eye exam but I'm not familiar with any eye docs. Thanks!!

Have SARS and bird flu been eradicated?

I remember at one time (a few years ago) when it was all that health news reports talked about!

Are we still at risk?

I remember last year, when mumps cases were springing up among the college -age population, into epidemic proportions. Those most effected were students who had not received the mumps vaccine.

Now, I read measles is making a comeback, primarily in individuals who are not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. NPR ran a great story about this phenomenon, and how devastating the disease can be (especially to infants under 1 years of age, and children whose immune systems are compromised or suppressed).

Today's top story about about extended cycle contraception caught my eye. It's something I've talked about with other women, but really don't know anyone who is using it. The appeal is completely understandable -- fewer periods. But as the article states, some women have safety concerns. What do you think?

Does a dairy product that labels itself organic mean it's rBST free? I assumed all organic products were rBST free, but have also seen different organic milk labels say 'Does Not Contain rBST'? Does that mean some organic products contain rBST while others don't?

We purchased a new, "state-of-the-art" mattress (read: expensive!), and my back/neck are still really sore when I wake up!

I've noticed that it does not happen every morning, and am wondering if it could be the way I'm sleeping, and if that has to do with my pillow? How do you know if you have the "right" pillow for you? I am a side, back and stomach sleeper (my husband just loves how much I toss and turn at night!).

I've also noticed if I "sleep in" that I'm MORE sore. Is it possible to sleep too much and get sore? By "sleeping in", I'm talking 8-9 hours instead of 6-7 hours.