Archive for the ‘Health A-Z’



  • Jaundice: An Overview of the Medical Condition
    Jaundice: An Overview of the Medical Condition
    Jaundice is a disease characterized by the yellowing of sclera (the white part of your eyes) and skin. This occurs due to the occurrence of high levels of chemical bilirubin in the blood. Mild jaundice shows as a yellow color whereas severe jaundice appears as brown color. Red blood cells contain an iron containing chemical called hemoglobin. When RBCs grow old they are destroyed and the hemoglobin is released into the blood sans iron content. This new chemical is called bilirubin. The liver not only secretes bile to the intestines for fat digestion but it also removes toxins and wastes including bilirubin from the blood. In the liver the bilirubin is conjugated and the resulting acid is secreted in bile juice. This conjugated bilirubin is excreted through feces. Obstruction of the bile ducts that release bile to the intestines,  [...]
    Posted at December 29th, 2011 | Health A-Z
  • Introducing exercise to your diet
    Introducing exercise to your diet
    Living a healthy lifestyle not only reduces the risk of contracting various ailments, it also boosts your mental state! Taking just a few hours a day out of your week to exercise will reduce your stress levels and boost your mentality, however to do this you need energy and, after a long day at the office, this is sometimes none existent for many people. Both men and women tend to differ when it comes to the types of exercise they would like to participate it. Women tend to like Yoga, walking and men tend to go for an intense workout at the gym. If you are a man who likes a good workout, make sure you are looking after your muscles i.e. take whey protein, so your muscles are repair after a workout. Trying to fit your exercise in prior to work can be a good option; try walking to work instead of getting the train. Slip your trainers  [...]
    Posted at June 29th, 2011 | Health A-Z
  • Pure Pure Purines
    Pure Pure Purines
    What are purines? They are compounds belonging to a category called nitrogenous bases or nucleotides. If you speak chemically of purines, they consist of 2 nitrogen atoms rings that are fused together. Adenine, aka 6-amino purine and guanine aka 2-amino-6-oxy purine are the two most common human body purines. A crucial role is played by these purines in human body since it is one of the most essential components of the nuclear DNA. Guanine and adenine, the 2 purines of human DNA, are twisted together using similar pyrimidine molecules called cytosine and thymine. These molecules serve as letters of genetic code which holds all the genetic information in the body. A critical role in the production of energy is played by purines, which also maintain chemical signaling inside the cells. Foods contain purines. Some foods consist of higher  [...]
    Posted at April 7th, 2011 | Health A-Z
  • Wheat Intolerance And Other Forms Of Wheat Sensitivity
    Wheat Intolerance And Other Forms Of Wheat Sensitivity
    Having any form of food intolerance would mean that you would have to compromise a lot on the type of food that you go on to consume. If you suffer from an intolerance that has been triggered by a common element of food recipes from all over the globe, you can be even more frustrated at the apparent lack of options for you. Wheat intolerance is one such condition, and it wasn’t even a spoken about condition until some time back. This meant that people who were suffering from it continued to suffer in silence when they choose to eat out at restaurants. However, there has been a lot of progress in the case, and there is a lot more awareness among people now. About Intolerance to Wheat: There are a wide variety of food allergies and intolerance; and wheat intolerance is one of the most common forms of it. However, not all types of  [...]
    Posted at December 21st, 2010 | Health A-Z
  • Common Health Concerns And Easy Solutions
    Common Health Concerns And Easy Solutions
    Common health concerns like heartburn that refuses to go away, or that stubbornly high levels of blood pressure or that constant fatigue that follows no matter where you go; these are conditions that seem to be plaguing Americans. It is common health concerns such as these that are turning out to be an easy target for the million something medical companies that are waiting to capitalize on the grim situation. The surprising part is that most people go for years without realizing that some of these common health concerns can be resolved using easy steps that were avoidable to begin with (in most cases). Chronic Fatigue – Java Culprit: If you end up pounding two cups of coffee in the morning, hoping to chase that fatigue away, you might be doing your body and system a disfavor. The fatigue that’s been chased away won’t stay  [...]
    Posted at December 7th, 2010 | Health A-Z
  • Alzheimer Disease: Definition, Symptoms
    Alzheimer Disease: Definition, Symptoms
    Alzheimer disease most commonly causes dementia. Dementia is characterized by an intellectual loss. Social abilities, too, take a backseat. The daily functioning is hampered. Alzheimer disease is characterized by degeneration of brain tissue. This affects memory and mental abilities. Normal aging does not cause Alzheimer disease. However, age is one of the risk factors for the disease. Individuals aged between 65 and 74 account for 5% of the total population suffering from Alzheimer’s. Nearly 50% of the individuals above the age of 85 develop Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease has no known cure. Treatment can drastically improve quality of life. Support and affection are crucial for both the individual with Alzheimer’s and the caretaker. Alzheimer disease may begin with partial memory loss and a confused state. It gradually  [...]
    Posted at December 4th, 2010 | Health A-Z
  • Balanitis: Diagnosis, Treatment
    Balanitis: Diagnosis, Treatment
    Balanitis occurs with the inflammation of the glans penis. When the foreskin and prepuce are involved, the condition is termed as Balanoposthitis. Complications involving balanitis are rare and uncommon. Complications are generally seen in recurring cases. Balanitis can lead to constricting phimosis, wherein individuals may not be able to retract foreskin from the glans penis. Balanitis is generally seen in men who are not circumcised. It is more likely to afflict individuals who have despicable personal hygiene. Smegma and discharge may result in the lack of aeration and irritation. This surrounds the glans penis, causing edema and inflammation. Phimosis and cellulitis are possible complications of balanitis. In some rare scenarios, meatal stenosis may occur with urinary retention. In a small percentage of cases, balanitis may lead  [...]
    Posted at December 4th, 2010 | Health A-Z
  • Patella Femoral Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
    Patella Femoral Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
    Patella Femoral Syndrome is also called as Chondromalacia and Runner’s Knee. Patella Femoral Syndrome manifests itself when there is a friction between the kneecap and the lower part of the femur. Femur is the thighbone. Instead of friction, the kneecap should glide smoothly. Patella Femoral Syndrome causes roughening of the cartilage beneath the knee cap. The condition can damage the surface of the cartilage. Alternatively, the surface may be completely worn out. Patella Femoral Syndrome is more likely to occur in athletes, runners, cyclists, footballers, and skiers. In some cases, the condition can cause trauma during a blow to the kneecap. This causes tearing of a portion of the articular cartilage or bone. Patella Femoral Syndrome causes pain in and around the knee. Pain can worsen while engaging in the following activities:   [...]
    Posted at December 4th, 2010 | Health A-Z
  • Sciatic Nerve Pain: Causes, Treatment
    Sciatic Nerve Pain: Causes, Treatment
    Sciatic nerve pain involves pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation due to nerve root irritation, which lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is comprised of the nerve roots that originate from the spinal cord. Certain branches of the sciatic nerve extend to the buttocks to the back of each leg. The ankles and feet are also covered. A common cause of sciatic nerve pain is bulging or rupture of the disc in the spinal column. These nerves press against the nerve roots leading to the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain can also be caused by conditions affecting the spine. Spinal stenosis is one such condition, involving constriction of the spinal canal. Bone spurs involve tiny, bony growths forming near joints. Arthritis and compression of the nerve roots can also lead to sciatic nerve pain. In extremely rare scenarios, sciatic  [...]
    Posted at December 4th, 2010 | Health A-Z
  • Meth Addiction: Symptoms, Treatment
    Meth Addiction: Symptoms, Treatment
    Meth addiction is spreading like a pandemic in the United States. As per the present statistics, nearly 1.5 million individuals are addicted to crystal meth, nationwide. The government has introduced tough legislation to reduce the numbers. The sentencing is severe. However, this has had very little success, and the numbers continue to grow. Crystal meth is an informal way to refer to methamphetamine. It is also known as ‘crank’, ‘meth’, ‘ice’, and ‘speed’. Crystal meth comes in the form of a white powder. It may have bluish or yellowish tinge to it. Crystal meth has a close resemblance to glass and rock pieces. Meth addiction involves smoking of crystal meth. Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant. Crystal meth is produced by chemists in laboratories using readily-available ingredients. Meth addiction leads to violent  [...]
    Posted at December 4th, 2010 | Health A-Z