Meet the Lung Drama Club Imagine your lungs throwing a wild party. The DJ? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s like your airways decided to host a dance-off between emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Let’s break it down: The Basics SOS: Symptoms Ahead The COPD Detective Treatment Tango Remember This Summary: This article reviewed by Dr….
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A – a nutrient in the body that is important to vision, growth, reproduction, immunity, and cell division. That last point is why it is considered so desirable to use retinol creams on the skin. They increase cell turnover on the face, which reduces the incidence of acne, scarring,…
Dr. Melissa Piliang from the Cleveland Clinic states nutrition is “the foundation of our wellness” and thus, very important to maintaining healthy hair. In fact healthy fats, such as avocados and olive oil, help give hair the beautiful shining quality many people strive for. Avoiding the different diet trends and instead maintaining a well balanced…
Women naturally have some yeast cells that live on their skin, in their gut, and in their vagina. When there is a build-up of yeast in the vagina, a thick, white discharge may appear along with symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, or redness. This is called a yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis. Yeast may…
Skin rashes are a common chief complaint in many ERs, urgent cares, and primary care clinics. Luckily, due to the advent of vaccines, many diseases that cause rashes, such as measles and rubeola, are almost never seen anymore. In the elderly population, it is also less likely to see the “sandpaper” pink rash that can…
Not all antibiotics are created equal! For many years scientists have studied ways to tailor antibiotics to kill specific bacteria without killing others. This type of work is ongoing and painstaking, but incredibly beneficial to society as a whole to prevent antibiotic resistance. The mechanism of action of antibiotics varies by class of the medication,…
What is cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning. This is because the heart’s electrical system is not working. Electric signals are how the heart controls the rate and rhythm. During cardiac arrest, the heart does not beat as it normally does and breathing may even stop too. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)…
What is a Heart Attack? A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when coronary arteries are completely blocked, leading to insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. When tissues do not get enough blood flow and oxygen for an extended period of time, they necrose (die) and cannot perform their function. There are many…
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…
Fad diets often promise rapid weight loss and health benefits, but their long-term effects can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. Understanding these potential risks is crucial for making informed dietary choices. What Are Fad Diets? Definition: Examples: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects Short-Term Benefits: Long-Term Risks: Healthy Alternatives to Fad Diets Balanced Diet:…
Introduction Hydration is often associated with hot summer days, but staying hydrated in cold weather is just as important. Cold air can dehydrate the body, and lower thirst cues during winter make it easy to overlook water intake. This article highlights the importance of hydration during colder months and offers tips for staying hydrated. Why…
What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by the brain moving rapidly back and forth within the skull. Falls are the most common cause of a concussion. They are more common in contact sports such as football, soccer, or lacrosse where there are more incidents…
What is Gallstone? Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are hardened deposits that develop in the gallbladder when there is an imbalance of bilecomposition. They are usually made of cholesterol, bilirubin, or both. The gallbladder stores and releases digestiveenzymes that make up bile. How do I know if I have a gallstone? Gallstones often do not cause any symptoms,…
Introduction When John first started noticing changes in his health—extra weight around his waist, rising blood pressure, and higher cholesterol levels—he didn’t think much of it. After all, these seemed like normal signs of aging. But during a routine check-up, John learned that these symptoms were interconnected, signaling a more serious issue: metabolic syndrome. This…
