Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys are damaged and no longer filter blood the way they should. The kidneys are responsible for removing extra water and waste from the blood to produce urine. The kidneys also balance salts and minerals, produce hormones that help regulate blood pressure, keep bones strong, and make red blood cells. In chronic kidney disease, damage to the kidneys happens over a period of time....
Stage 4 cancer is the most advanced stage, meaning cancer has spread to other parts of the body. You may be able to live for years with stage 4 cancer, but the prognosis often isn’t good. Rather than focusing on curing the cancer, treatments work to slow or stop growth, relieve symptoms, and help you live longer and enjoy a high quality of life. When cancer spreads to organs away from the original tumor site, it’s said to metastasize....
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a disease that is primarily spread through sexual contact. The term STD might be used interchangeably with sexually transmitted infection (STI). For those who make a distinction, such as Dr. Cornelius Reitmeijer, director of the Denver STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, there is one main difference between the terms. An STI is an infection usually acquired through sexual activity that may or may not display symptoms and become a sexually transmitted disease (STD)....
Supplemental insurance is additional insurance you can purchase to help pay for services and out-of-pocket expenses that your regular major medical health insurance doesn’t cover. Some supplemental insurance plans will pay for the out-of-pocket cost-sharing that goes along with your health insurance plan (ie, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance), or for medical services that your health plan doesn’t cover at all, such as dental and vision costs. Other supplemental plans may provide you with a cash benefit paid out over a period of time or given to you in one lump sum....
A full tonsillectomy recovery takes 10 days to two weeks. Children tend to bounce back faster than adults, with some seeming back to normal just a few days after having their tonsils removed. Getting lots of rest, drinking fluids, and only eating soft or cold foods, especially in the first two to three days after surgery, can help you heal. This article covers the key aspects of tonsillectomy recovery, including what to expect, how you will feel, and how to help yourself heal faster and make the recovery process far less painful....
Turmeric is a golden yellow spice that has been widely used for its medicinal properties. It contains a polyphenol called curcumin that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. While research is ongoing, recent evidence suggests curcurmin can be used to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by decreased secretion of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that pulls glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells to be used for energy....
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, grow at an out-of-control rate. These abnormal cells are usually caused by exposure to the sun and lead to tumors in the skin. There are several different types of skin cancer, and they can generally be grouped into four categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70....
There are three levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Each person with ASD is further diagnosed with either ASD level 1, level 2, or level 3, depending on how severe their disorder is and how much support they need in their daily life. The levels range from least to most severe, with ASD level 3 describing an individual who has the most severe level of ASD symptoms, and ASD level 1 describing someone with symptoms on the milder end of the spectrum....
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a vinegar made from fermented apple juice. It’s often added to salad dressings, preservatives, marinades, and more. It is also used as a traditional home remedy that is touted as having a wide range of beneficial health effects. Everything from acid reflux, sunburn, and even some types of cancer are believed to be treatable with ACV. While many claims about it have been debunked or are lacking in evidence, a few studies have shown benefits for several conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure....
Astraphobia is an intense, irrational fear of thunderstorms. It may also include other extremely loud noises in nature. Astraphobia can be hard to live with, but phobias can be successfully treated. This article will teach you about astraphobia, how to recognize it, and how it’s caused, diagnosed, and treated. Definition of Astraphobia Astraphobia is classified as a “specific phobia," or an intense fear of something that poses little or no danger....
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system that focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurvedic herbs are used for several reasons, including: To “cleanse” the bodyTo defend against diseaseTo balance the mind, body, and spirit Ayurvedic medicine aims to prevent illness—rather than respond to disease—by maintaining a balance between your body, mind, and environment. Practitioners rarely use Ayurvedic herbs on their own. Instead, they use them as part of a holistic approach to health that may include:...
Seizures are episodes characterized by involuntary movements, changes in consciousness, or both. They are more likely to occur when a person has epilepsy, a disorder involving abnormal brain activity. They can, however, occur unexpectedly and without epilepsy. The primary causes of non-epileptic seizures are illness, injury, recreational drug use, and medication or alcohol withdrawal. This article discusses the causes of epilepsy and other concerns that can lead to seizures. It also covers how to prevent seizures and recognize their triggers....
The circle of Willis is a group of blood vessels in the brain that connect with each other, forming a continuous structure that resembles a circle. These nine arteries supply blood to a large portion of the brain. Most of the time, blood can flow through the vessels of the circle of Willis without any interruption. Aneurysms, which are defective outpouchings in blood vessels, are the most common problems involving this structure....
To the many people seeking a non-invasive, “non-toxic” answer to their chronic back pain, it may seem like healthcare providers are in a rush to prescribe medications (including addictive opioids) and/or spine surgery. And patients who have been hurting for a long time are often vulnerable to suggestion; they may go with their healthcare provider’s recommendations simply because they are tired of the pain because nothing else has been suggested to them (and they haven’t done their own research), or both....
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases that affect the skin, hair, and nails. You might see a dermatologist routinely for an annual skin cancer check or for management of a chronic skin condition like psoriasis, or as needed when an issue such as a rash or skin infection arises. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat many different conditions like acne, dandruff, eczema, and cellulitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology....
Transgender women and transfeminine people are people whose assigned sex at birth is male, yet they exist as women. Transgender people represent a group that includes not just transgender women but also non- people who have a more feminine gender identity than the one that is expected for their recorded sex at birth. The term “transfeminine” is an umbrella term that encompasses both transgender women and feminine people of nonbinary identity....
A gout diet may help with managing symptoms of the condition. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down an organic compound called purine, which is produced in your body and found in certain foods. Following a gout diet involves consuming foods that are low in purines, such as citrus fruits and lentils, and avoiding some foods that have high purine levels, such as organ meats, beer, and soda....
Heat cramps are painful, brief muscle spasms that occur with exercise or strenuous work, especially in a hot environment. Cramps are felt in the muscles of the legs, arms, back, or abdomen that are fatigued by heavy work. These cramps result from a loss of fluid (dehydration) and electrolytes (essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) from excessive sweating. Other factors may contribute, such as fatigue and changes in how the nerves control muscles....
There is no standard treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome, clinically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, there are many options for managing symptoms and improving quality of life, including lifestyle changes, stress management, therapy, and medications. With the help of your healthcare provider and other caregivers, these can be tailored to your specific symptoms. Home Remedies and Lifestyle Making lifestyle changes may greatly impact how you feel, and the specific changes you need can depend on the severity of your illness and whether certain activities exacerbate your symptoms....
The human body is connected to the ecosystem like anything else in the natural world. Though we might be at the top of the food chain, our bodies need micronutrients that can only come from plant sources down below. Phytosterols (PSs) are one such micronutrient that can significantly lower your LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Could phytosterols be the heart-healthy ingredient we’ve been looking for? What Are Phytosterols?...
