Health

Overview Orthopedic shoes are specially created footwear that can help to compensate for deformities of the foot, hip and knee. These deformities can cause changes in walking habits, and can also cause considerable pain if uncorrected. In some cases, orthopedic…
Read more

When the skin is exposed to below-freezing temperatures, frostbite–damage to the outer tissues and underlying structures–can occur. At home, treatment involves first aid to slowly warm and clean the affected area(s). In the hospital, treatment typically involves continued warming and…
Read more

Overview High cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. Total cholesterol is a measure of both low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol. Total cholesterol has two primary sources. Contrary to popular belief, diet…
Read more

According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertension–also known as high blood pressure–affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives, because age is the largest risk factor. Hypertension is caused by too much blood being pumped through too-narrow blood vessels. According…
Read more

Alternatives are few and far between for patients facing dialysis. By the time kidney function has declined to the point that dialysis is even considered, the patient can chose between dialysis, transplant and death. Exploring transplant alternatives is critical because…
Read more

Frostbite is damage to superficial skin and, in some cases, deeper body tissues, as a result of exposure to extremely cold temperatures. While mild forms of frostbite may cause temporary symptoms of numbness, more severe frostbite can lead to skin…
Read more

Many patients just beginning dialysis experience problems at first. Equipment issues, latex allergies, clotting and infections seem to present insurmountable obstacles that need to be worked out. However, the good news is that almost all of these problems can resolved…
Read more

A condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to all parts of the body is called heart failure. Risk factors for heart failure include coronary heart disease which is narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart…
Read more

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. Predominantly characterized by severely dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjogren’s syndrome can predispose patients to developing more severe dental and vision…
Read more

Dialysis makes the difference between life and death, but it is not always easy. Regardless of whether the patient chooses hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, problems can arise. It is important to resolve as many of these issues as possible because…
Read more

According to the Merck Manual, when restricted, your range of motion (ROM)–the degree of joint movement that you can perform–can cause you pain or discomfort and interfere with your ability to perform your activities of daily living. The Merck Manual…
Read more

The circulatory system passes important bodily substances such as blood cells, hormones and nutrients throughout the body. Poor circulation can result in hypertension, hardening of the arteries and varicose veins. These disorders are common in elderly people because the arteries…
Read more

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a progressive disease of the lungs that causes difficulty breathing. The disease affects more than 12 million people in the United States, making it the fourth leading cause of death, according to the…
Read more

Overview Transfusion is the process of giving whole blood or one of its components to a patient who is ill or injured. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, almost five million Americans need blood transfusions each year…
Read more

Overview Hypertension is the medical term that describes high blood pressure. As the heart pumps blood through the arteries, the blood exerts force against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is a measure of that force. Blood pressure that…
Read more

Doctors may prescribe anticonvulsant medications such as gabapentin for other problems than epileptic seizures. While gabapentin primarily works to put such seizures under control, the medication also can work to reduce neurological pain, postherpetic neuralgia and peripheral neuropathy associated with…
Read more

Overview Alcohol is a depressant drug used for its mood-altering effects. It is sold over-the-counter in restaurants, bars and other public venues and can be purchased by anyone 21 years of age or older. Alcohol plays a role in many…
Read more

1. Rule Out Medical Problems There are several medical issues that can affect the level and frequency of arch pain. People with flat feet (pronated foot) are usually aware of the problem early on, but other issues may not be…
Read more

Kidney stones are accumulations of crystal materials that have separated from your urine in the urinary tract and have clumped together. Many times kidney stones pass through the urinary tract without any problem. However, sometimes they get stuck and require…
Read more

E. coli, which stands for Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria which causes food poisoning and an inflammation of the intestines. According to the National Institutes of Health, not every strand of E. coli is harmful, yet some cause…
Read more

Overview Your pulse rate, also known as your heart rate, is a number that tells you how many times your heart beats in one minute. Your heart rate is lower when you’re at rest. It will increase with exercise because…
Read more

Pathogenic bacteria are those that invade the human body and cause disease. Once in the body, the bacteria multiply potentially causing cellular damage. Many pathogenic bacteria produce toxins and other proteins that accelerate tissue invasion and cause detrimental effects in…
Read more

Asthma is a chronic breathing disorder in which the breathing passageways of the lungs become irritated, narrowed and inflamed. The rates of asthma have steadily increased in both adults and children and, as noted by author Mark Jackson in his…
Read more

Overview Your child’s pulse rate, or heart rate, is a measurement of the number of times her heart beats in 60 seconds. The pulse rate is typically highest at birth, when the tiny chambers of the newborn’s heart beat rapidly…
Read more

Overview If you are one of the 38 percent of Americans who use alternative medicine, you may decide to try wild yam treatment for a specific health condition such as menopause or painful menstruation. However, although over-the-counter wild yam treatments…
Read more

Overview Flatulence is intestinal gas that is expelled through the rectum. Gas that comes through the digestive tract through the mouth is referred to as belching. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is normal for people to pass gas 12…
Read more

Sore throats are caused from a variety of sources including viruses, bacterial infections or allergies. You can turn to home remedies to treat the symptoms of your sore throat and boost your recovery. Over-the-Counter Remedies Take an over-the-counter medication such…
Read more

Overview Your pulse rate, also called your heart rate, represents the number of times your heart beats over a 60-second period. The Cleveland Clinic says your heart rate is lower at rest and increases with exercise as your heart supplies…
Read more

Overview As you age, thin skin is a common problem caused by the loss of fat beneath the surface, states the Mayo Clinic. When you have thinning skin, you may find that it tears or bruises easily. Besides aging, sun…
Read more

In alternative medicine, herbs are routinely and effectively used to treat irregularity. By the preparation of a tea, you can ingest cleansing herbs which produce powerful colon cleansing effects within six to 12 hours. Such herbs, which coax your intestines…
Read more