How Does Blood Clot?
Overview Blood clotting, also called blood coagulation, occurs in reaction to a wound to halt the flow of blood. This happens so that blood loss will stop and also so that the wound will be closed and no bacteria or…
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Overview Blood clotting, also called blood coagulation, occurs in reaction to a wound to halt the flow of blood. This happens so that blood loss will stop and also so that the wound will be closed and no bacteria or…
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Kidney transplantation is among the most complicated of medical procedures. While transplantation techniques and patient outcomes have improved, it is important to choose a top quality transplant center to ensure that kidney donation and transplant patients receive the appropriate care…
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Your respiratory system, or breathing system, includes the structures from your nose to your trachea and finally the alveoli in your lungs. Alveoli are the tiny pockets where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. This system is responsible for moving…
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Space heaters are small heating units that you can you use to supplement your central heating system. Most space heaters rely on electricity, though others use more efficient heating sources like propane or kerosene. To reduce your monthly energy costs,…
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Grapefruit pectin is a powder made from the pulp and the rind of the fruit. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that provide wide-ranging health benefits. A soluble fiber, it promotes heart and digestive health, helps control blood sugar and…
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Defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90, hypertension affects over 74 million Americans, or one in three adults, the American Heart Association reports. Nearly 25 percent don’t know they have high blood pressure, which is easily diagnosed and usually controllable,…
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Overview Checking your blood pressure regularly and tracking it on a chart is an invaluable diagnostic tool for you and your doctor. The chart shows patterns that may be emerging and can be a warning tool for you to take…
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As far back as the 18th century, herbalists have used wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, to relieve menstrual pain, abdominal discomfort and coughs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The dried root of wild yam contains the…
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While food poisoning can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses in uncooked or improperly handled food, the majority of food poisoning from eating chicken is a result of Campylobacter contamination. By one estimate, about half of all…
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The adrenal glands are small, endocrine organs located just above each kidney. They are partially controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. These organs produce several hormones and play a critical role in the body’s ability…
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Overview Anatomically speaking, the ear consists of three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The outer ear and the middle ear are used only for hearing, while the inner ear is involved in both hearing…
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Sleep is an important component of a healthy lifestyle because it allows the body to restore lost energy and helps with stress management. According to the Better Sleep Council, 32 percent of Americans have a restless sleep at least one…
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The adrenal glands are small organs in the human body that are positioned on the top of each kidney. These glands are responsible for secreting a number of hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone, which are crucial for maintaining normal body…
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Your Achilles tendons connect the calf muscles of your lower legs to your heels. Although they are the strongest tendons in your body, they are easily injured because they are subjected to an immense amount of strain and force from…
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You rely on your memory to help you know where you put your keys, the name of your loved ones and your friends’ phone numbers. However, when you experience memory function that breaks down, you can build memory muscle with…
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Instead of prescription eye glasses, many people choose to wear contact lenses. Contacts offer a safe alternative to glasses, though they do require care. When a doctor prescribes contacts, he will give a detailed explanation for cleaning and proper use….
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Overview A hammer toe develops when one of a person’s middle toes has a bending or contracture at the first or second joint. It can occur on the second, third or fourth toe. This bend in the toe is a…
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Coughing, while annoying, can be a positive reaction of the body that serves to clear the throat and airways. According to the National Institutes of Health, an acute cough usually is associated with a cold or the flu and typically…
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Beta-blockers, or bets-adrenergic blocking agents, are a group of medications that block the effects of the substance adrenaline, or epinephrine, reports MayoClinic.com. Examples of beta-blockers include atenolol, carvedilol, timolol and propranolol. These medications are primarily used to reduce blood pressure…
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The bone marrow produces and releases red blood cells, or RBCs, into the bloodstream. RBCs remain in the circulation for approximately four months before replacement with new blood cells. A normal red blood cell count depends on a matched balance…
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A strained or pulled muscle in the shoulder may result from a sports injury or overuse of the shoulder. The muscles in the shoulder can stretch or tear, causing instability in the joint, pain and a decreased range of motion….
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Overview Your pulse, or heart rate, is the number of times your heart beats in 60 seconds. The pulse rate is fastest at birth, when the small chambers of the newborn’s heart beat rapidly to supply oxygen to the body…
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Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, occur when the veins in the rectum and anus become inflamed and swollen. In many cases, hemorrhoids go away on their own, but other times they may cause lingering pain, bleeding, discomfort and itching. Many…
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If the feet hurt, everything else seems to hurt as well. Foot problems and conditions can cause trouble with standing, walking and running, and can be a source of difficulty in performing daily tasks. A study by the American Orthopedic…
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1. Symptoms Are Tied Into Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Generally diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 6 years old, children who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome suffer from a severe form of epilepsy. Lennox-Gastaut patients usually experience several seizure types, including myoclonic, atonic…
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The eye contains fluid produced by the eye. Since the eye constantly produces fluid, some of the fluid must drain to maintain a good, steady eye pressure. When the pressure increases, damage may occur to the optic nerve, causing permanent…
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1. Use Tubes to Aid Breathing Health professionals will need to monitor the patient’s breathing closely, as the swelling of the windpipe that’s symptomatic of tracheitis can severely restrict breathing, leading to serious medical complications. If you or your child…
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Humans are susceptible to a variety of physical diseases. While most are common, some diseases are quite rare. Being diagnosed with an unusual disease is often worrisome because it may be difficult to find a doctor experienced in treating it….
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1. Treat Upper Respiratory Infections Sneezing, drippy nose and stuffy sinuses go hand in hand with colds and flu. While you can treat the drainage of mucus specifically, addressing the entire cause of the condition will help to alleviate it…
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Wild yam, also known as Dioscorea villosa, has widely been used as a hormone-influencing herbal supplement for women, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some of its benefits have been documented by medical studies, and others are based on…
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