A mole (nevi) usually develops after the skin is exposed to bright sunlight which affects the natural melanin and the melanocytes that make up the skin pigments. The usual outcome is that the skin tans or becomes darker. When melanocytes (pigment-forming cells) grow together in a cluster – this is called a mole. Moles are…
Studies show that most Americans gain weight in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve every year. However, it is possible to enjoy the holidays and still maintain some self-control and your current weight. One major thing to remember is that it is okay to cheat in moderation. Allow yourself a small serving of a holiday…
Your abdomen is home to several different organs and processes that take place in order for your body to function, so it can be common to have abdominal pain, and it may or may not be serious. Abdominal pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and sometimes it is easier to classify it based…
Screening for skin cancer is a type of preventative care that helps detect areas of concern that may turn into cancer or spread to other areas of the body. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone have a full-body professional skin examination performed by a dermatologist at least once a year, and sooner if they…
According to MayoClinic, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can include reduced sexual desire, as well as having trouble keeping an erection or trouble getting an erection. There are many different causes of erectile dysfunction, listed below from ClinicalKey: Psychogenic → anxiety, depression, stress…
Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, however it can vary slightly between patient to patient as to what they define as their normal (MayoClinic). The signs and symptoms of constipation include straining during a bowel movement, passing fewer stools than normal, having lumpy or hard stools or feeling as if…
The common flu is a viral illness caused by the virus influenza types A, B, or C. The flu is a contagious illness, which means that it can be spread from person to person if a sick person causes droplets to get onto another from coughing, sneezing, or physical contact like kissing. The flu is…
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm muscle is a large muscle in your abdomen that plays a large role in breathing. With each contraction of the diaphragm, the vocal cords close causing the “hic” sound. Hiccups can be caused by alcoholic or carbonated beverages, sudden excitement, or large meals. Rarely, hiccups…
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial virus, which is a viral infection affecting the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is a very common viral illness that infects most children by the time they turn two years old. RSV can also occur in adults and older children. The symptoms in older children and adults may be less…
Kidney stones are deposits of hard minerals and salts that form in the kidney. They can form because of diet, obesity, and certain medical conditions. A kidney stone may form in any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the ureter. A stone will typically form when urine gets concentrated, which allows the…
HPV stands for Human papillomavirus and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. The virus is transmitted through physical or sexual contact with someone who has the virus, even if that person does not have any signs of the virus. Signs and symptoms of HPV may not be seen for many years after initial infection,…
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common infection that affects your urinary system. The urinary system includes the urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. A UTI may affect any part of the urinary system. Symptoms of a UTI include urinating frequently, pain with urination, urine leakage, and pain your side or lower back, and…
High cholesterol is correlated with increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Cholesterol can be reduced with the use of medications or lifestyle changes. It is preferred that cholesterol is lowered with lifestyle changes first to help reduce the amount of medications used and precent any adverse side effects that medication may cause. If…
Green tea has been consumed in China and Japan for thousands of years, and is starting to become a popular research topic for its discovered health benefits. Green tea contains flavonoids which are substances found in plants and flowers and studies have shown that the flavonoids in green tea can help in heart health, lowering…
