The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body as a whole. It has several duties, including regulating hormone secretion that allows for many bodily functions to occur such as one’s heart rate, body temperature, and breathing (we told you it was important). It is located at the base of the neck at the front and is shaped almost like a butterfly. There are several different medical conditions that can negatively influence the thyroid including Hashimito’s Disease. Continue reading to learn more about this disease, its related symptoms, and possible treatments. What is Hashimoto’s Disease? Hashimoto’s…
Author: Maria
When blood within the heart is turbulent it can lead to a rushing sound. This is referred to as a heart murmur. A heart murmur is usually the result of a fault in an individual’s heart valves. This faulty valve does not allow for the proper blood flow and can also cause leaking. Another culprit is a rapid heartbeat, which causes more blood to be pumped in the heart than the heart can handle. Usually an individual is unaware that they have one until a physical exam by their family physician. More often than not this condition is not serious…
The latest statistics from the American Heart Association show that about 28% of adults in the USA have high blood pressure and are prone to aneurysm, heart attack, kidney failure or stroke. In a bid to treat these health threats and reduce their risk of contracting the said diseases, many doctors and patients resort to prescription drugs. However, the side effects that are associated with many of these drugs expose the patients to far much risk than the diseases the drugs seek to address. Some of the side effects that come with the use of prescription drugs include; insomnia, passing…
Like it or not, muscle loss is something that we all face as early as our early thirties. This loss of muscle seems to be most evident once an individual reaches the age of 50 and gains even more momentum in an individual’s mid-seventies. When loss of muscle is related to aging, it is referred to as sarcopenia and it is one of the main contributing factors to frailty. Unfortunately, if you are in your fourties or fifties chances are you have experience this muscle loss even if you are relatively fit and healthy, you might just not know it…
After a long day, there is nothing better than getting into bed for a good night’s rest. However, according to the most recent Sleep Index study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 35% of their adult sample reported either “poor” or “fair” sleep, while 25% stated that they awoke still feeling tired at least once in the past week. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has gone to far to declare poor sleep as a national health epidemic. There are a variety of reasons that health professionals believe have lead to the increase in sleep problems in the current…
Nobody in their right mind would say that parenting is not one of the biggest responsibilities ever. There is often so much pressure put on parents to be successful and raise kids that are the same. When a child does not act in a way that is considered to be socially acceptable, the blame is almost always put on the parent. It is a huge task, but the goal of parenting should be to help a child to become someone who is empathetic, honest, confident, smart, and has a good sense of self-control. Although this is not always the case,…
Heart disease has both genetic and environmental components, as it tends to run in families but can also be impacted by your lifestyle choices such as unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle. Heart problems are also made worse by tobacco, drug and alcohol use. If you are guilty of having a less than healthy lifestyle, or if heart disease runs in your family, then you may be at risk for heart problems. Thus, it is important to know the warning signs of heart problems so that you can get treatment, or even stop them before they begin. No matter how…
Chances are if you have paid any attention to the latest trends in nutrition, you have likely heard of the term Glycemic Index (or GI). Research has shown that it has been associated with both weight loss and diabetes (since it has an impact on blood sugar and insulin levels) for the past forty years. However, it is still not as well-known as it arguably should be. Keep reading to learn more about why the GI is essential in losing weight and making sure to keep it off. This is the case because these foods allow your body to stay…
It likely is not a surprise that protein is a crucial nutrient that our body needs. Often when someone changes their diet, the main concern is whether or not they will be getting enough protein in their new diets. Protein is considered to be the building block of the muscle. But that is not all it is, it helps with the production of new cells, the regulation of hormones/enzymes, and the healing of wounds and bruises. Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that it aids in the promotion of proper immune function. Protein intake is often a problem for…
Strokes are unfortunately an all too common occurrence. They can often greatly influence an individual’s life. Although some individuals can completely recover, that is often not the case for those who have had one. For instance, some may lose their ability to walk as they did previously or lose the ability to perform other everyday functions such as being able to express themselves verbally. Therefore, it can change someone’s life if you are able to understand what the main warning signs are. Continue reading and you can help to minimize the dangers or even help to save a life. Strokes…
Lupus, an autoimmune disorder, is a chronic condition (which means that it lasts for years) that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans. Lupus is one disease that differs depending on the person. It is unknown what causes some individuals to develop lupus. However, some researchers believe that there are certain genetic components at play. In some cases, an individual’s lupus is relatively mild and does not have too much of an impact on one’s daily life. However, on the contrary, lupus can also be life threatening in extreme cases. Therefore, it is important that this disease is treated properly and efficiently.…
Fibromyalgia is best known as a pain disorder. As with other conditions, it can influence people in different ways. Although many experts in the field believe that this disorder is the result of the brain being hypersensitive to painful stimuli. Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic muscle pain and the experience of tenderness in areas of the body. Other common symptoms include fatigue and difficulties with concentration and memory. Researchers have not yet been able to find a specific cause of this disease, there are a variety of different factors that seem to be related with…
One of the most common and most deadly types of cancer is colorectal cancer, more commonly known as colon cancer. This type of cancer is caused by an accumulation of growths called polyps that develop on the colon wall. The proliferation of these polyps can lead to digestive issues that are often severe. Although often these polyps are benign and non-cancerous leading to mild discomfort, they can also be cancerous which can cause more serious health concerns including the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. If these polyps are not found before spreading, the result could be…
There are a variety of different causes of liver damage. For some, it is caused by genetics, making an individual prone to it, exposure to toxic chemicals or viruses, or a long-term disease that can have a negative impact on your liver for the remainder of one’s life, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Liver damage can greatly influence your life as the liver is one of the vital organs as it helps with food digestion, the absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of toxic substances from the body. Keep reading below to learn about the top ten most common…
Gallstones are made up of cholesterol that develop in the gallbladder and are usually harmless. However, in the event that they grow larger and start to block important passageways that lead in and out of the gallbladder they can become harmful and lead to discomfort and pain. In the event that gallstones are left untreated, they can cause inflammation and other issues including jaundice and a fever. They can also lead to the sufferer experiencing excruciating pain. In many cases, the only solution is for the gallbladder to be completely removed. Continue reading to learn more about why gallstones are…
Things healthy people should not do in the morning!
Having a disease that is more rare does not necessarily mean that it is associated with more severe symptoms, even though this is often how rare diseases are discussed. However, the less common the disease, the more likely that it will take health care professionals like nurses and doctors a longer time to figure out exactly what is going on. Another issue for those who have a disease that is more rare is that there is a greater likelihood that treatment options will be more limited since there is less funding and research in these areas. Many rare diseases are…
The types of cancers that are considered to be the most common are those that are most frequently diagnosed (with the exclusion of non melanoma skin cancers). Read below to know which symptoms are indicators of the most common cancers in the United States. If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, speak to your doctor right away. Do keep in mind that in many cases there are non-cancerous conditions that are to blame for these symptoms. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Bladder Although there are a variety of reasons why someone might notice bloody…
Every year about 1.3 million people die from lung cancer. Luckily, however, lung cancer is not always fatal and many people do live long, healthy lives after diagnosis. The earlier that an individual is diagnosed, the better their prognosis. Those who are diagnosed with lung cancer early are at a 50% higher chance of surviving than those who are diagnosed after metastasis has occurred (the spread of the cancer to another area). Keep reading to learn what to be on the look out for in order to diagnose lung cancer before it is too late. Labored Breathing There are a…
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that can be either viral or bacterial. The most common indication of pink eye is the irritation and/or inflammation of the blood vessels of the eye’s transparent membrane. This membrane, called the conjunctiva, covers the whites of the eye. Pink eye occurs when bacteria and microorganisms from an allergy or influenza infection enter the eye. The most common culprits are dirty hands and contact lenses. Pink eye is extremely contagious so it is helpful to be able to recognize its symptoms and how to prevent spreading it to others.…