Is Melatonin Safe and Effective? Melatonin is a hormone which your body makes and which regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Its increase at nighttime is associated with increased sleepiness. Melatonin is increasingly used to treat difficulty falling or staying asleep, which are common problems. Whether you are a night owl, a jet setter, or a blind…
In the quiet chambers of the heart, where rhythm weaves its delicate tapestry, there exists a clandestine waltz—an aberrant dance known as atrial fibrillation. Imagine the atria, those upper chambers, pirouetting in disarray, their beats like whispered secrets carried on the wind. But this is no ordinary ballet; it is a symphony gone awry. The Unraveling…
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 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…
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…
OSA Snoring is the harsh sound your throat makes when you are sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic sleeping disorder associated with snoring. This is where breathing is stopped for longer than 10 seconds for at least 5 times an hour throughout sleeping. OSA leads to a lack of oxygen and may also…
