Health

A herniated disc occurs when the outer covering of the cartilage between the spinal discs tears. This displaces the gel-like fluid from inside the disc and exerts pressure on nerve endings in the...

Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is characterized by an inclination to constantly move or twitch the legs. This often occurs involuntarily, resulting in an inability to control leg movements....

Camomile, also spelled chamomile, tea has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Little has changed with modern use, albeit a new understanding of the healing properties of this common...

Those suffering from low testosterone have treatment options available that can increase their levels. Low testosterone is called hypogonadism in men and it can cause a variety of symptoms. The...

Diverticula are small pouches that can form anywhere in your digestive system and are typically asymptomatic. The development of diverticula is called diverticulosis. When these pouches become...

Appendiceal carcinoid is the medical term for a rare form of cancer of the appendix. This is a slow-growing cancer that rarely shows symptoms until the cancer has advanced. Cancer of the appendix...

A mental health evaluation usually includes verbal and written assessments given by a psychiatrist or psychologist. The purpose of the questions is to establish an overall picture of your...

Protein is an important nutrient to obtain in our diets. It is especially important for those who strenuously lift weights, in order to keep the muscles strong, and it's also important for people...

The wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars that present themselves, at the end of your teens or in your early 20s. When they are properly aligned, they don't present a problem, but in...

A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root placed when a person experiences tooth loss due to disease or injury. An implant can be used when a person is generally healthy, and is an optimum...

Excessive facial sweating is a medical condition also known as facial hyperhidrosis. It involves excessive sweating on the face, including above the lips, forehead, neck, scalp and nose. In many...

Severe acne, such as cystic acne, can send infection inward to the dermis layer of the skin and cause swelling and scarring. These scars are often called "ice pick" scars because they resemble...

According to the Centers for Disease Control, of the 1 million people in the United States living with HIV, approximately 250,000 to 300,000 do not know they have the virus. While some newly...

The liver stores and filters our blood; produces and secretes bile; helps in the formation of blood proteins and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; and helps control blood...

Ringworm is not a worm, but a fungus that causes an itchy rash to appear on the skin. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and is contagious. It can be passed from person to person...

Exforge is a prescription medicine that comes in pill form. It is used for the treatment of the medical condition known as hypertension, which is also commonly referred to as high blood pressure....

A seizure is a neurological problem that occurs due to sudden, abnormal electrical disturbances in the brain. A seizure may cause your child's level of consciousness to become impaired. It may...

Seborrheic keratosis is a noncancerous growth that can appear anywhere on the skin. It begins as a small bump and eventually thickens and looks like a wart. Most are brown but can range in color...

Methamphetamines have become a scourge on our society and on individuals who fall into using this destructive and devastating drug. Methamphetamine is often made in home drug laboratories that...

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex (type 1). Nutrition that helps heal such a sore includes lysine-rich foods such as fish and dairy products. But additional amino acid...

Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is neither a scam nor a miracle food. It is a berry. It, like most fruits, is naturally healthy for you. The berry contains high levels of antioxidants,...

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder that 5 to 7 percent of women suffer. Most women with PCOS are overweight. PCOS sufferers have a high risk of infertility if not treated....

Cymablta is a brand name for the prescription medication duloxetine hydrochloride, which is used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, nerve damage caused by diabetes, and...

If you find yourself fumbling for your contacts in your lens case or simply want give yourself a new look by temporarily changing the color of your eyes, you may want to consider tinted contacts....

Uric acid crystals are result of a condition called hyperuricemia, the overproduction of uric acid in the body. The uric acid builds up in the joints, forming uric acid crystals. The crystals...

More than 92 percent of Americans are at risk for cardiovascular disease, according to research from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted by the CDC and published in...

Obesity can take an emotional toll on a person, due to depression as well as cruel remarks and harsh lectures from others. People can also develop emotional relationships with food. Many doctors...

The symptoms of a scabies mite infection are a direct result of an allergy to both the mite and the feces of the mite. The skin may have pimple-like lesions that are caused by the burrowing of the...

Eye infections can be uncomfortable, painful and cause permanent damage if not treated. Traditional medicines can be effective, but there are several homeopathic treatments that can work wonders,...

Tuberculin is a purified protein derivative used to determine whether or not a person has been exposed to a tuberculin protein (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis). The test is administered to...

Pot, also known as marijuana and cannabis, is a recreational drug that is also used in the treatment of glaucoma and the symptoms of cancer. Many people who want to lead healthier lifestyles...

Sclerotherapy is a procedure used in the treatment of varicose veins (enlarged veins) that generally appear on the legs. Sclerotherapy is also used to treat smaller spider veins that may accompany...

Comfrey is an herb which has been used for centuries in folk medicine. Containing a substance called allantoin, comfrey helps new skin cells to generate. In addition to being used to treat wounds,...

Abnormalities of brain chemistry and neuronal activity are responsible for mood shifts, from deep dark depressions to energetic highs, associated with bipolar disorder, also known as manic...

The cervical and thoracic spine meet at C7 and T1 (the short hand way of referring to the seventh cervical vertebrae and the first thoracic vertebrae). If a fracture is suspected in this area,...

There are various types of surgical bladder procedures for specific medical conditions. The type of the procedure will be determined by the diagnosis and the necessity of intervention. Traditional...

Frostbite is a condition that happens in very cold climates when the extremities, especially the feet, are exposed to extreme cold for prolonged periods of time. Frostbite is classified into three...

The diet that follows bariatric surgery is, by necessity, low in calories and nutrients. Supplements are used to ensure that you are getting the proper amounts of protein and other nutrients so...

According to the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General, approximately 61 percent of adults and 13 percent of children and adolescents were overweight in 1999. Recognizing weight loss as an important...

One important variable when discussing the successful completion of cancer treatment is nutrition. Ensuring that your body is operating at peak capacity with all required vitamins and minerals can...

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary gland. The function of TSH is to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone.

Hip and lower back groin pain are often caused by a strain in the two sacroiliac joints (right and left side), which is where the sacrum bone attaches to the lillium (upper hip bone). The pain...

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be bothersome and frustrating to deal with. You know you might have a UTI if you have a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when you do urinate, you...

A women's monthly menstrual cycle can result in a variety of different types of pain, including leg pain. Common types of discomfort and pain associated with menstrual cycles include abdominal...

Start by submitting an application to become a surrogate mother. Surrogate mothers carry fetuses for women who are unable to bear biological children. A surrogate mother can allow a woman to have...

Because of the complex structure of the knee, it is one of the most commonly injured joints in our body. Rehabilitation can be complicated and, oftentimes, the knee can be aggravated or irritated...

Artificial lungs are machines that help a patient breathe. Some devices have both heart and lung functions built in to help the patient both oxygenate the blood and circulate it within the body.

The cervical spine is comprised of the vertebrae extending through your neck. You may injure the cervical spine in a variety of ways. Injuries to the cervical spine can lead to nerve damage and...

Sudden changes in high blood pressure may or may not be cause for concern, depending on the cause and how long the change continues. In many instances, temporary rises in blood pressure that do...

Hip replacement surgeries have been done since 1960 with great success, allowing patients to resume their working lives, enjoy their hobbies and fully engage in family activities, all without...