Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a risk factor for serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. The University of Maryland Medical Center defines hypertension as having a systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg, and a diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg, or both.
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Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects the speed of skin cell development. It often creates thick silvery scales accompanied by dryness, itching and redness. The scalp and most areas of skin can be sites for psoriasis. Most people with psoriasis experience chronic flare-ups that may have a specific trigger.
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Strep throat, medically referred to as group A streptococcal pharyngitis, is the most common of the acute bacterial throat infections. Strep throat should be treated with an antibiotic. While garlic is said to have antibiotic properties, it's not indicated as a form of treatment for the bacterial infection.
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Lower left abdominal pain after eating is relatively common. In most cases, the pain's source is benign, and you can treat the problem quickly. In some instances, the pain is indicative of a more serious problem. To understand your lower left abdominal pain, there are a few aspects of the problem to consider.
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People with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have a metabolic abnormality called insulin resistance in which body tissues respond sluggishly to the hormone insulin. This leads to high blood sugar and abnormal blood fat levels. People with T2DM commonly have high levels of triglycerides and "bad"
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Creatinine is a waste product that forms when creatine is broken down. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating this waste product from the body, so blood creatinine levels are an important indicator of kidney function. If blood creatinine levels are too high, it can indicate a decline in kidney function.
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Standing on your head, lifting heavy weights or drinking a cup of coffee can all cause a temporary change in eye pressure, but it is only when eye pressure remains too high or too low for a long period of time that it is a cause for concern.
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Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and plays an important role throughout a woman's life. In teens, estrogen contributes to healthy bone growth and development and influences reproductive processes such as menses and fertility.
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The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, exiting the lower back and running down the leg to the toes. Sciatic nerve pain in the back and legs is usually described as burning, radiating, or dull and throbbing.
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For the more than 1 million Americans living with HIV, the social effects of this diagnosis can be distressing and disruptive. Infection with HIV can lead to AIDS, if left untreated. Prior to the introduction of combination antiviral therapy in the mid-1990s, an HIV diagnosis was more intimidating and life-threatening.
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Parents and teachers typically suspect a child has autism when communication skills including speech, following directions and ability to interpret nonverbal cues are delayed.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 million Americans carry some form of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which may cause warts to form on a person's hands, feet or genitals. Warts are not normally painful, but they are unsightly and embarrassing.
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The echinacea herb is the basis of countless supplements that claim to boost your immune system. Yet scientists disagree about whether taking echinacea can help prevent or treat colds and infections, reports the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
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Knee injuries are a common hazard in almost every sport. Like other major joints, knees combine several bones, muscles and ligaments in a confined space. However, knees endure more strain than many other joints because they support the body's entire weight.
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Moms-to-be who get sick during pregnancy often worry about potential effects on the unborn baby. Acute bronchitis, or a chest cold, is a very common illness that often develops after a head cold. Most women who develop bronchitis during pregnancy recover in a few weeks without complications.
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Getting enough vitamin B-12 is key to maintaining your body's ability to produce enough blood. While a B-12 deficiency can lead to a type of anemia, a blood disease that affects your red blood cells, the vitamin is not generally associated with white blood cell production.
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If you love spicy food, you're probably well aware that your nose runs and your eyes water when you eat it. In fact, you may eat spicy food when your sinuses are congested in the hopes of finding some relief. Some spicy foods can help you clear a stuffy nose.
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Almost everyone develops heartburn at some time or another. The uncomfortable burning sensation -- which starts behind your sternum and sometimes spreads into your throat -- is the main symptom of acid reflux.
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The Harvard School of Public Health recommends getting at least 2.5 cups of vegetables per day. While broccoli might not have been your favorite food as a child, this green vegetable packs a nutritious punch. It is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in plant protein and dietary fiber.
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In 2007, Dr. Alwin C. Lewis published "Why Weight Around?," a book that encourages readers to follow the five-bite diet for weight-loss. Like many fad diets, this plan promises fast weight loss results, but the program has its share of flaws.
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