Healthier Protein? While protein is an essential part of your diet, some sources of protein are healthier than others. Meat and seafood are rich in protein, but so are dairy products, eggs, and many plant-based foods. Consuming more plant-based protein and less animal-based protein may help you to live longer, improve your heart health, decrease…
What is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, most often diagnosed in childhood and lasting through adulthood. Children and adults with ADHD may have a hard time paying attention, controlling impulsivity, or may act overly active compared to peers. There are three different sub-types of ADHD ADHD is…
What is Shingles? Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also the virus that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus is in your body and never completely, of fully, goes away. Once you have chickenpox, the virus is ‘inactive’ in the body, but can become ‘reactivated’ later in life,…
What is RSV? RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. RSV is a virus that can cause infections of the lower respiratory tract. Two types of lower respiratory tract infections are pneumonia (lung tissue infection) or bronchiolitis (bronchioles infection). RSV is one of the many causes of the common cold, as well as infections of the…
What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure the heart generates, and the pressure within vessel, when the heart is beating. Systolic pressure is the pressure generated when the heart is contracting and pumping to the rest of the body. Diastolic pressure is the pressure generated when the heart is relaxing and filling…
What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where periods of apnea occur. Apnea is short periods (usually between 10 and 30 seconds) where people stop breathing. These periods of apnea impact the ability to get a good night’s rest, and limit the amount of REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep), which is…
Fire Ant Bites Fire ant bites resemble pimples on the skin. Fire ants will bite and release formic acid into the skin which causes the reaction. The size of the bite can be from approximately 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters. What does a fire ant bite feel like? Fire ants are usually present in a…
What is Poison Ivy? Poison ivy causes a rash that is itchy and red. The rash can persist for around 2 weeks. It develops after physical contact with a poison ivy vine. What causes poison ivy? Poison ivy is a plant that contains an oil called urushiol which many people are allergic to. Poison oak…
What Diseases Do Mosquitos Carry? Mosquitos carry several diseases that can be caused from viruses or parasites. They can transmit diseases to humans and other animals. The severity of illness depends on the disease. Diseases that mosquitos carry include the following: West Nile Virus The virus can range anywhere from moderate to severe. It has…
Though rare, there are cases of leprosy every year in the United States. Around 150 to 250 cases per year are diagnosed in the US. Most cases in the US involve people who have lived in areas where leprosy is more prevalent. What is Leprosy? Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. It is caused…
What is acid reflux? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus- the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. Most people are able to manage the discomfort with lifestyle changes and medications. Symptoms Symptoms of acid reflux can include:● Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), usually after eating, can…
