In the human body, health is maintained through the interconnectedness of organ systems, proper posture, and stable biochemical metabolism.
Cortisol is the primary hormone released by the body during times of stress. Although cortisol does have necessary functions in the body, such as regulating energy and dictating energy sources, elevated levels, particularity over extended periods of time, can have several negative side effects.
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Humans have survived on this planet for thousands of years because of our ability to adapt. Physiological adaptations start to occur almost immediately when beginning a new exercise program.
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Scoliosis is a condition that can be diagnosed at any time of life, but is most common in teenagers. It is characterized by curvature of the spine, which can cause one hip to be pushed forward or one shoulder to sit higher than the other.
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Potassium levels in the body must be carefully managed to avoid complications that arise with high or low levels. Potassium supplements may be appropriate if your body is deficient in this nutrient. Several different types of potassium supplements are available.
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Symptoms of final stage colon cancer can vary, and they typically depend on the areas of the body affected by the cancer. Abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms are common. They may arise from the cancer itself, scarring from previous radiation or surgery, medications or palliative chemotherapy.
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A pediatrician orders a creatinine test as part of a screening to check for decreased glomerular filtration rate. The GFR is directly linked to kidney function. Health care providers use this test to determine how well the kidneys are working. Pediatric reference ranges are based on the child's age.
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Bacteria and fungi occur in all environments. In humans, these lifeforms can be harmless passengers, participate in beneficial biological processes, or cause disease. Bacterial and fungal infections affect people of all ages and range from minor to potentially life-threatening.
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You are at the beach when a gust of wind blows sand into your eye. Your eye is immediately tearing and irritated. The next steps you should take include flushing the eye with water and planning a visit to your eye doctor for careful inspection.
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Your muscles need a day of rest in order to recover from a strength training workout, so if you are going to the gym every day, you may want to split up your workout routine into groups that you can work together.
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Cells are the simplest units of life. In some organisms, cells function as the complete living creature--bacteria, for instance, consist of only a single cell. In other organisms, many cells working together comprise the organism.
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Pediatric ear drops are used in two of the most common diseases in pediatrics, otitis media and otitis externa. Otitis media is inflammation and/or infection of the inner ear behind the eardrum. Otits externa is inflammation and/or infection of the ear canal in front of the eardrum.
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Your individual degree of symmetry may give off signals that others perceive unconsciously. Humans have bodily symmetry, similar to other animals and organisms in nature, which may be a factor that helps us control and interact with other people and organisms.
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Almost everyone has problems with occasional constipation, and approximately 63 million people in North America have persistent constipation problems, according to an April 2004 "American Journal of Gastroenterology" article.
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When you eat a meal, your body gets to work digesting it using enzymes. The job of these substances is to break up the food into particles that can be absorbed by your body. Several of these enzymes -- amylase, lipase and proteases -- are produced in an inactive form in the pancreas, an organ in your abdomen.
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Cells in the human body require many compounds to survive. The main substances found in every cell are a combination of lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins.
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According to Montana State University, alcohol can affect the male reproductive system by causing reduced testosterone levels. Prolonged use can also cause the testes to shrink, which can result in infertility, impotence and secondary sexual characteristics that are reduced.
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A burning sensation in your feet during exercise can be so uncomfortable that your workout is cut short. The tingling, burning and sweaty feeling makes exercise less enjoyable.
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Potassium is an important mineral to the body and plays roles at both the cellular and electrical level. In fact, it is also considered an electrolyte because it carries a tiny electrical charge. Potassium is found in red blood cells, muscles and bones.
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There are two approved methods of sleeping recommended by the American Chiropractic Association: sleeping on your side and sleeping on your back. Sleeping on your stomach is not only the least desirable position to sleep in, but it could damage your spine and nervous system.
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Sunburns can range from tender, pink skin to painful blisters accompanied by nausea and fever. They're known to contribute to premature aging and cancer. Vitamins, when combined with sunscreen and protective clothing, can lessen the sun's damaging effects.
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