Diet for Heart Disease For those with heart disease, maintaining a heart healthy diet is an important part of managing your disease. Some foods promote heart health while others negatively impact the heart and should be avoided to minimize risks. The connection between nutrition and heart health should not be undermined. For example, hyperlipidemia and…
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,…
What is hiccup? Hiccups are repeated spasms from the diaphragm that cause the vocal cords to close and make a ‘hic’ sound. The diaphragm is a muscle under the ribcage that separates your chest from your abdomen. It is an important muscle for breathing. During a hiccup, your diaphragm moves downward as you breathe in….
What is tetanus? Tetanus, also known as “lockjaw,” is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. The bacteria lives in soil, dirt and feces. It enters the body through broken skin such as stepping on sharp objects, wounds, or burns. However, it is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person….
What is dehydration? On average, about 60% of a human’s body weight is made of water. Water is essential for the body, in order to function and carry out its daily processes. The National Academy of Medicine recommends a water intake of about 13 to 9 cups daily. Water intake can also come from certain…
What is a calorie? Food and drinks contain calories. A calorie is a unit of energy. The human body needs calories for energy and to carry out its daily processes like your heart beating, lungs breathing and body moving. To maintain the same weight, the calories consumed have to equal the amount burned. Eating too…
What is freshman 15? College is an exciting time and a huge lifestyle change. There is so much freedom now that no parents are around and class schedules are much more flexible. This also means learning to take care of yourself. “Freshman 15” is a common term to describe the weight gain students experience in…
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…
Overview Hashimoto’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. It causes hypothyroidism which means the thyroid gland functions less than it normally should. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland below Adam’s apple in the neck. A picture of normal thyroid vs Hashimoto’s disease is shown below. It is part of the endocrine…
Sexually transmitted disease There are many different types of sexually transmitted diseases and anyone who is sexually active can be at risk. These infections can be obtained by sexual contact involving your vagina, penis, mouth, or anus. It is important to be educated on prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment, as STDs are very contagious…
What is UTI? A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system and can bring discomfort and inconvenience. They are common and that’s why it’s important to be able to recognize signs and symptoms as well as know what to do. Signs and Symptoms The following problems can be caused due to…
What is cough? Understanding coughs, both new and persistent, is important for taking care of your health. Coughs are common and one of the most reported reasons for visits to the doctor’s office. Some people can be more likely to get coughs than others, including smokers, people who vape, children, or have allergies or chronic…
What are the symptoms of ADHD? ADHD is a brain condition. It makes it hard to control impulses or stay focused. It’s common in kids. Some symptoms are typical in children. But in those with a real ADHD diagnosis, symptoms stick around into adulthood. This can lead to problems. Untreated, it can worsen other issues…
