Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, is a chronic digestive disorder that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The acid irritates the esophageal lining and causes discomfort for the sufferer.
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The rhythm method, also called the fertility awareness method, is a form of pregnancy prevention where couples calculate a woman's fertile time using a calendar and fertility signals, like cervical mucus and date of her last menstrual period.
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Many people wear contact lenses for vision correction purposes. However, although contact lenses are simple and effective, and can eliminate the need for glasses, they can also cause problems if not cared for properly.
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Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease for people who have not been vaccinated. It is caused by the varicella virus and generally strikes children younger than 15. According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of chicken pox arrive in three phases. At the onset, raised red or pink bumps appear on the skin.
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ADHD -- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- is one of the most common disorders of childhood. Its symptoms often persist into adulthood as well, and may negatively impact learning, work and home life. There are three types of ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Testosterone performs a number of significant functions in the human body. In both men and women, testosterone governs muscle and bone formation, overall sense of vitality and sex drive. Like any hormone, testosterone has some negative side effects.
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Cholesterol and triglycerides are substances in the body known as lipids. When both of these levels become elevated, it is known as a lipid disorder. If only your triglyceride levels rise, it is called hypertriglyceridemia.
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Mucus plug, the excessive secretion of slippery substance produced by the cells lining the airways of the lungs, is a result of various respiratory conditions that exhibit mucus hypersecretion.
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The knees are subject to many types of mechanical and physical stress, which makes them vulnerable to several conditions. Four fluid-filled sacs called bursae occupy various sites at the front of the knee. These small sacs cushion knee bones and tendons, and reduce friction in the joint.
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GMO insulin is also known as synthetic insulin, or human insulin. It is produced with genetically modified bacteria, instead of the traditional method that produces what is known as pork insulin. In this method, sometimes called natural insulin, the pancreas of a cow or pig is used to produce insulin.
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Muscle wasting, also called muscle atrophy, is the weakening or loss of muscle tissue. Muscle wasting causes a significant decrease in muscle strength and the ability to move the muscle, according to MedlinePlus. In a healthy individual, muscle wasting can occur as result of the lack of physical exercise.
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Whether you've been diagnosed with type I or type II diabetes, chances are you're facing the same challenges: how to manage your blood glucose levels and reduce your weight. Fortunately, there are a number of easy, effective ways to manage both, and they don't require a lot of expense, time or energy.
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Blood is a highly specialized form of connective tissue composed of several cellular elements and a fluid element. The cellular elements of blood determine its categorization as red or white blood cells, or as platelets. The fluid element is known as blood plasma.
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Thrombocytopenia is the term used to describe a low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells responsible for clotting blood and preventing excessive bleeding.
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While ear infections are a well-known ailment, particularly in children, middle ear infections tend to get the most attention. However, inner ear infections are more common in adults, and because of the functions of the inner ear, infections in this area have the potential to significantly impact hearing and balance.
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Baking soda is a common and inexpensive home remedy for cleaning teeth, and is useful as a whitening agent to treat dental stains related to drinking coffee, tea or using tobacco products. Some commercial dentifrices -- agents used to polish and clean teeth -- even contain baking soda to help improve their action.
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Gutkha is another name for betel nut. Small doses may bring about euphoria and increased energy flow, while large doses can cause sedation, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Due to its stimulant activity, gutkha is used in many areas of the world as a recreational drug.
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Roses are known for their subtle but appealing fragrance. For this reason, roses are an expensive, popular flower. But the value of roses isn't only aesthetic -- the oil produced by roses has several applications in alternative medicine. Rose oil is used to improve your body's circulation and boost the immune system.
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A rectal temperature is often considered more accurate than an oral or axillary temperature, due to potential alterations in the mouth temperature from beverage intake and alterations in skin temperature due to ambient conditions. There are many types of thermometers available on the market today.
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Metoprolol 25 milligrams is the generic name of Lopressor and Toprol XL. It is an antihypertensive medication, which means its primary function is to lower your high blood pressure. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that effectively reduces the beating rate of your heart to reduce the pressure on it.
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