Chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia, are primarily thought of as diseases that affect adults. Over the past decade, however, these same illnesses or their predecessors have become increasingly common in children and adolescents. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a well-known condition that affects almost a third of adults […]
Many uncomplicated bacterial illnesses such as strep throat or ear infections respond quickly after starting treatment with antibiotics. This can lead to people failing to complete the entire course of prescribed treatment. Why then, considering the expense and risk of side effects, should we heed the common medical advice to complete an entire course of […]
Eight types of food account for over 90% of allergic reactions in affected individuals: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Of these, the one most capable of producing a severe allergic reaction is peanuts. It has been estimated that approximately 400,000 school-aged children in the United States have a peanut allergy. […]
People like to think of their home as a safe haven, a place where they can feel comfortable and secure. But our homes can pose risks to our well-being also. The ground on which houses stand, the materials from which they’re constructed, as well as the mechanical systems designed to improve our comfort all have […]
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women in the United States. Every year, about 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it. For some time it has been known that the earlier that colon cancer is detected, the better the survival […]
Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common, yet least well known, chronic conditions in the U.S., affecting over 20 million people. PN is not a single disease, but is a group of over 100 disorders that occur due to various conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system. What is the Peripheral Nervous System? The […]
Last article, we learned that Peripheral Neuropathy (PN) affects the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that transmits information from central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. It was noted that PN is not a single disease, but is a condition with over 100 causes in which transmission […]
Iron is an important building block for red blood cells. When the body lacks adequate amounts of iron, red blood cells become smaller and are produced in inadequate numbers. This results in decreased hemoglobin levels, the protein that transports oxygen in red blood cells. This condition is known as iron deficiency anemia and is the […]
The topic of sunscreen use is ripe with controversy and misconceptions. Some authorities advocate against their use, believing that too little sun exposure will reduce the body's vitamin D levels with the increased risk of osteoporosis and certain cancers (breast, colon, and prostate). The American Academy of Dermatology, on the other hand, strongly recommends sun avoidance [...]
