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…
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…
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…
After having a stroke, diet is an important part of recovering and preventing another one. Eating healthy foods can help manage risk factors for stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Along with knowing the proper foods to eat and avoid, it can be helpful to learn how to read food…
