Should you be one less?

HPV vaccination most successful when given before first sexual contact

By Breann Schossow

Some types of Human Papillomavrus (HPV) lead to problems such as cancers of the mouth and rectum and genital warts, which look like skin tags, said Dr. Teri Stevenson, a pediatrician at Luther Midelfort Hospital, 1221 Whipple St. "Actually, 80 percent of sexually active men and women will have it [HPV] sometime in their lifetime," she said, adding that this makes it extremely common, especially among young adults. Gardasil, a vaccine that has been out for about a year, prevents four types of the virus, which mainly cause cancer. The vaccine seems to be very safe, and has been available to the general public for about a year, Stevenson said.

The battle for the brighter smile

Store products, professional whitening differ in cost, comparable in quality

By Tara Bannow

There are a couple ways to go about tooth whitening. Some rely on their toothpaste or whitening strips. Others go to the dentist for professional whitening. But which is the best choice?

Mononucleosis: what you need to know

"Kissing disease" hurts students' school, job, social life

By Maja Petersen

Kissing can be a very fun activity. Many people partake in it often and find it quite enjoyable. However, sometimes the kisser or kissee ends up contracting an unpleasant virus - mononucleosis. Commonly known as mono, its a viral illness caused by the Epstein-barr virus, said Sarah Olson, a nurse at Eau Claire Medical Clinic, 703 W Hamilton Ave.

Health Myths: Exposed!