Viruses are interesting infectious organisms because they have no capacity to reproduce on their own. They infect the cells of living organisms from plants to people, hijacking the host’s cellular machinery to reproduce itself. Hundreds of viruses infect humans. Some infections are so mild they usually go unrecognized.
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For thousands of years, people have used hot springs for relaxation and pain relief. In the 1940s, Candido Jacuzzi developed a submersible pump to provide hydrotherapy treatments for his son, who had rheumatoid arthritis. This development grew from a therapeutic treatment to the luxury item known as the hot tub.
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Sex-linked disorders, also known as X-linked diseases, refer to defects in the X chromosome that are inherited and cause certain diseases. According to MedlinePlus, X-linked diseases typically are most severe in males as they only have one X chromosome while females have two X chromosomes.
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The most common method of sperm collection for semen analysis or insemination is self-collection by masturbation and ejaculation into a sterile collection cup. Typically, the patient is given a clean private area that is stocked with erotic videotapes and magazines to assist with arousal.
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Baby wipes help keep babies' skin clean and free of irritation. These inexpensive disposable moist towelettes can also help clear your skin if you have acne, although their use won't guarantee baby smoothness.
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You might be prepared for the morning sickness, exhaustion and overall discomfort that pregnancy brings, but you might not have known about the hemorrhoids.
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Your liver is the processing plant of your body: Its job is to designate nutrients like proteins and fats for use and to send the toxins that result from protein breakdown to your kidneys.
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Your blood sugar levels fluctuate naturally throughout the day, and the normal blood sugar range is between 70 and 140 mg/dL. Your blood sugar levels are generally lowest in the morning, because you have not eaten for several hours, and increase after your first meal of the day.
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Emotional stress can do a number on our bodies. Stress affects our mental, social and physical well-being and can trigger a number of unhealthy habits which can affect your weight and muscle composition. Luckily, there are several ways to combat these negative effects with stress management techniques.
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Ginger tea is dried and powdered or grated fresh ginger steeped in hot water for approximately 10 minutes. It has a slightly sweet, but distinctly spicy flavor that appears otherwise delicate. There are several medicinal uses for ginger tea, although there is more evidence for some than for others.
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Teen depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem: 500,000 teens in America attempt suicide every year. Five thousand of them succeed. If a depressed teen seems to be at risk of hurting himself or others, caregivers should seek medical help immediately.
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People who are bedridden need to exercise to prevent their muscles from atrophy and shortening. Muscle atrophy occurs when the muscles become thin and weak. The muscles shorten when they are not stretched or moved.
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An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a procedure to remove loose or excess skin resulting from pregnancy, weight gain and poor elasticity of the skin.
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Medicinal ginger use dates back at least 2,000 years, according to the experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in the September 2006 issue of “Phytotherapy Research” used rats and mice to confirm that ginger does reduce inflammation, soothe pain and help regulate blood sugar.
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During your pregnancy, it is often confusing determining which herbal supplements are safe to use. Angelica sinensis, or dong quai, is a root used by herbalists for centuries to improve circulation, alleviate menstrual pain and help with reproductive problems.
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Red blotches on your stomach may form when your body releases histamines. Your body releases histamines when you are exposed to allergens. Histamines attach to your cells and cause them to swell and leak fluid. This can cause allergic reactions like red blotches on your stomach.
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When urine becomes acidic, uric acid stones may form in the kidneys. Kidney stones cause symptoms such as pain in the back or side, burning during urination, blood in the urine and nausea. Lab tests on your urine can determine the acidity level and screen for risk factors that may cause the kidney stones.
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Whether loud or soft, coughs make a distinctive, harsh sound as they force your lungs to release air and other substances. Both healthy children and healthy adults cough now and again for various reasons, sometimes on numerous occasions in one day.
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Prescription drugs have their place in our medically advanced society. There are many diseases people would die from if not for prescription drugs, and some prescription drugs seem to make life easier when you have a small ailment such as the flu or a cough. But prescription drugs have a dark side as well.
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Schizophrenia is characterized by paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, social withdrawal and cognition problems, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. If you or someone you love suffers from schizophrenia, you know first-hand how this serious mental illness can affect life.
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