Abrasions
What are Abrasions? The definition of abrasion is a wound caused by an injury that is not deeper than the epidermis (first layer of the skin). Basically, it is a scrape that has rubbed away the skin. How Do Cuts and Scratches…
Health Information
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Acid Reflux
What is Acid Reflux? Acid Reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that occurs when some of the acidic liquid in your stomach travels back into the esophagus. Symptoms What are the symptoms of Acid Reflux? Some symptoms…
Acne
What is Acne? Acne is a common skin disorder that is characterized by clogged pores and pimples. Nearly everyone suffers from outbreaks of pimples at some point in thier life. More than four out of five people between the ages…
Acne scars
Acne scars Acne scars occur after an acne lesion (rash) has healed, however it will leave red pigmented marks on the face that will not heal until 6-12 months later. This is known as early acne scars. The healing process usually takes…
Alcoholism
Alcoholism Thirty percent of Americans will find themselves in an alcohol-related car crash at some point in their lives. Approximately 513,000 people are injured in car crashes as a result of drunk driving. This averages out to fifty nine people…
Allergy Cold & Sinus
Cold Sores If you notice a blister or a cluster of small blisters on or around your mouth that keeps reoccurring, you likely have the cold sore virus. What are Cold Sores? Cold sores are a very common ailment, experienced…
Alzheimer
What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that results in the nerve cells found in the brain to die causing the gradual loss of memory, ability to reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities. At the…
Anemia
What is Anemia? Anemia is a blood disorder in which the amount of red blood cells present is low. In general, red blood cells should be the largest component of blood. They are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Thus, if…
Angina
What is Angina? Angina, also known as angina pectoris, is a condition in which not enough oxygenated blood reaches the heart. Since the heart receives an insufficient amount of oxygen, chest pains occur. Pain may also be felt in the arms, shoulders, neck,…
Anorexia
What is Anorexia? Anorexia, sometimes referred to as anorexia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder. Someone who is anorexic could start off on a simple diet but end in an obsession for losing weight. Most commonly, people become anorexic between…
Appendicitis
What is Appendicitis? Appendicitis occurs in the appendix, which is located beneath the large intestine. It is caused by the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a tubular pouch which has an opening to the large intestine. Appendicitis can…
Asthma/COPD
What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways, that results in troubles with breathing. Asthma causes the inflammation of the air passages that, in turn, causes a temporary narrowing of the airway that carries oxygen to the…
Athlete’s Foot
Information about Athlete’s Foot Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that any person can have at any time in their life. This infection is most commonly found in feet; however it may turn up on any part of the body, providing…
Atrial Fibrillation
What is Atrial Fibrillation? Atrial Fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. About 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation, and it increases with age. With AF, the impulses in the heart do not travel in a conventional way through…
Back Pain
About Back Pain Throughout the US, one of the most ostracized conditions and one of the most common reason people are obliged to visit a doctor is because of back pain. Four in five adults will suffer through sore lower back…
Benign Prostate
What is Benign Prostate Hypertrophy? Benign prostate hypertrophy, otherwise known as prostate cancer, occurs when the prostate gland grows and compresses the urethra, causing the partial blockage of urine flow. What are the symptoms of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy? Common symptoms of…
Blemishes
What is a blemish? A blemish is an imperfection that is located on the skin. For example, blemishes could be dark circles, warts, or even birthmarks. These imperfections are also known as a hyper pigmentation. It is best not to…
Breast Cancer
What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. These cells split and multiply throughout the breast or may even enter the blood stream and travel to other body parts. Most often…
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is the swelling of the air passages, inside the lungs. There are two types of Bronchitis; acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is the inflammation of the large bronchi in the lungs. It usually occurs after a virus has invaded…
Cholesterol
What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance which the body needs to rebuild cells and produce certain hormones; however the body only requires a small amount of cholesterol. Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age and high cholesterol can…
Chronic Bronchitis
What is Chronic Bronchitis? The bronchi are airways connected to the windpipe (trachea) with sacs of the lung (alveoli) where oxygen is consumed by the blood. Bronchitis is when the bronchi become inflamed causing excessive mucous production and swelling of…
Cold Sores
If you notice a blister or a cluster of small blisters on or around your mouth that keeps reoccurring, you likely have the cold sore virus. What are Cold Sores? Cold sores are a very common ailment, experienced by approximately…
Coronary Heart Disease
What is Coronary Heart Disease? Coronary heart disease also known as coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death found in males and females located in the U.S. Coronary Artery disease is also the most common type of heart…
Crohns Disease
What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that dramatically effects a person’s participation in daily activities. It leaves a person in extreme discomfort with abdominal pain, bloody stools, extreme weight loss, and severe diarrhea.…
Cystitis
What is Cystitis? Cystitis is the term for inflammation of the bladder. Usually, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection. In this care it may be referred to as a urinary tract infection. Bladder infectionscan be painful, and become a health…
Depression
What is Depression? Depression is a medical disorder with a biological or chemical basis. It affects more than 18 million Americans of all ages and races. Depression affects your moods, feelings, thoughts, behavior, and physical health. It was once believed…
Diabetes
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism. Diabetes affects the way our body uses blood sugar (glucose), which is a vital source to our health. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose. Normally, glucose…
Emphysema
What is Emphysema? There is no cure for emphysema however, it does have available treatments. It is a devastating illness for thousands of people and their families. Emphysema’s history can be changed today. Emphysema is a lung disease caused by tissues deteriorating…
Endometriosis
What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition which affects the female reproductive system, and in most cases will cause pelvic pain. This condition occurs when tissues similar to the endometrium tissue of the uterus grow in other places within the…
Epilepsy
What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder causing unprovoked seizures. There are over 50 million people who have epilepsy worldwide. Two or more seizures must take place before a patient can be diagnosed with epilepsy. Having a seizure…
Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction? Erectile Dysfunction (ED), commonly known as impotence, is a condition in which a man cannot keep or get an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. It is a common condition in aging and, most men by the…
Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is the second most common arthritis related illness after osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition that causes muscle and joint pain. Fatigue is also a very common symptom of fibromyalgia. Some people that suffer from fibromyalgia can develop…
Gastroesophageal Reflux
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux? Gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder that causes many people to suffer from heartburn or acid indigestion. Heartburn can be treated through lifestyle changes most of the time, but may require medication or even surgery. What…
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Commonly referred to as GAD, generalized anxiety disorder is the excessive uncontrollable worrying about daily life events and activities, usually accompanied by unpleasant physical symptoms. It affects around five percent of general population at given time, although it is twice…
Glaucoma Medication
What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when too much fluid pressure builds up inside of the eye. Normally, this fluid called aqueous humor, flows out of the eye through a channel. If this channel is to…
Hair Loss
What is hair loss? It is normal for any person to shed hair during their daily lives. About 10% of the hair on our scalp is in resting phase, while the other 90% is growing. The 10% that is in…
Heart Arrhythmias
What are Heart Arrhythmias? Heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses in your heart does not function properly resulting in an irregular heart beat. Most people have, on occasion, experienced this sort of feeling, but it may become a problem if…
HIV/AIDS
What is HIV/AIDS? HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that eventually causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS. This virus weakens the body’s ability to fight off infections and cancer. Those infected with HIV are said to have AIDS…
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, literally means more pressure within the arteries, the vessels which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Though high blood pressure does not imply emotional tension in any way, stress may elevate levels of blood pressure for…
Hypertrophy
What is Benign Prostate Hypertrophy? Benign prostate hypertrophy, otherwise known as prostate cancer, occurs when the prostate gland grows and compresses the urethra, causing the partial blockage of urine flow. What are the symptoms of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy? Common symptoms of…
Hypothyroidism
What is Hypothyroidism? You can find your thyroid at the base of the front of your neck. Although it is tiny and nearly weightless, it has a vast effect on your health. Your metabolism is directly related to your thyroid…
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that result in the inflammation of the intestines. It is believed that an immune reaction causes the swelling and redness of the intestines, but it is…
Influenza
Influenza is a virus commonly known as “the flu” that is caused by RNA viruses, which infect the respiratory tract of humans and animals. Symptoms of Influenza There are many symptoms of Influenza also known as “The Flu” Treatment for…
Insomnia
In any given year, thirty to forty percent of adults will suffer from insomnia. Moreover, about half of us will encounter the disorder at one point in our lives. Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall and/or maintain sleep.…
Irritable Bowel Disorder
What is Irritable Bowel Disorder? Irritable Bowel syndrome is a disorder of the intestines that causes severe stomach pain, cramping, or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a long-term problem that can be treated to reduce symptoms. Your symptoms may…
Ischemic Heart Disease
What is Ischemic Heart Disease? Ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, affecting roughly 13 million Americans. The disease is caused by a buildup of plaques in the blood vessels that connect…
Kidney Disease
What is a Kidney Stone? A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney out of the substances in the urine and stays in the kidney or moves down to the urinary tract. In some…
Menopause
What is Menopause? Doctors define menopause as the time after 12 months have passed since your last period. Your mother or grandmother may call menopause “the change”, it isn’t just a single event. Menopause is a series of changes that…
Migraine Headaches
What is a Migraine Headache? A migraine headache is described as an intense pain that pulses or throbs in one area of the head, often accompanied by an extreme sensitivity to light and sound, followed by nausea and vomiting. Migraines are three…
Neuralgia
Every person in the entire world has experienced neuralgia at some point in their lives. The singeing sensation of a paper cut, a painful headache after a stressful day at work, and muscle cramps after a long-needed workout are all indicative of the very…
Osteoarthritis
What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is also the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the breaking down of cartilage in the joints and may occur almost anywhere. What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis? The most common symptom…
Osteoporosis
What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease in which there is low bone mass, and loss of bone tissue, which can result to weak and fragile bones. It is a very common disease seen more so in elderly women, but…
Pneumonia
What is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, which is caused by micro organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that travel to the lungs. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.…
Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer is the cancer of the prostate gland. The prostate is the wall-nut shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which carries sperm. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer for American men. What are the…
Psoriasis
What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is an unpredictable chronic skin disease that roughly affects 7.5 to 8.5 million people in the U.S. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease however, it is unpredictable and flare ups could occur weekly or monthly. It…
Quit Smoking
Smoking is an expensive habit that is harmful to one’s health. Smoking over a long period of time can result in various health problems, which is why many people use different methods to quit smoking. Nicorette – Reduces nicotine craving overtime…
Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic arthritis that generally occurs in the joints on both sides of the body. The symmetry of rheumatoid arthritis is what makes it different than other types of arthritis. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis…
Sore Throat
What is a sore throat? A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat which makes swallowing difficult. Sore throats are caused by viral infections and most of them will not respond to antibiotics. Strep throat is a common bacterial…
Stroke
What is a Stroke? A stroke happens if a blood vessel within the brain either bursts or becomes blocked. This causes the brain cells to become deprived of blood and oxygen and the brain begins to die. Brain damage can…
Weight Loss
Weight Loss – Obesity What is Obesity? Obesity is widely acknowledged as the leading preventable illness and cause of death. Recently the rising numbers of obesity in developed nations have resulted in the World Health Organization classifying obesity as an…