Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that robs people of memory and mental function. It's considered irreversible, but its course may vary from patient to patient. Proper disease management can usually slow the progression of...
A diagnosis of breast cancer can be very frightening. It's important to manage your treatment from the start to best understand what's happening to your body and how best the cancer can be eradicated, if possible. Besides bringing a friend to help...
There are many dietary styles that you can choose from when it comes to food, with the three most common being omnivore, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan. When choosing a vegetarian diet, you opt to avoid most animal-based products or, if you choose...
Once a woman becomes pregnant, she will encounter plenty of questions, on topics ranging from pre-natal vitamins to gestational diabetes. But even before you become pregnant there is a lot to learn. Talking with your doctor will let you see how...
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin you need in minute quantities, yet deficiencies are common among vegetarians and the elderly. The vitamin is in a chemical class of compounds called cobalamins that are unique in that it contains the mineral...
The prostate is a reproductive gland that produces fluid to carry sperm during the process of ejaculation. The prostate envelops the urethra, the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body to eliminate waste. When a prostate becomes enlarged,...
You interview professionals in many fields, from architects to design your home to dog trainers who can teach Fido better manners. Don't be shy to interview a doctor in the same way. Whether you're looking for a specialist or a primary care...
You can help prepare your child for a visit to the doctor by discussing why doctors are important. Explain to your child that a doctor is a person who helps people get well when they are sick or hurt. Stress to your child that even when he is...
Soap suds enemas are used to promote the emptying of the bowels to relieve constipation or to clean the lower colon. Soap solutions are mixed and then administered via an enema bag or bottle. You can make this mixture ahead of time for convenience...
When you join a diet program such as Weight Watchers, you may be asked to determine a target weight or goal weight. Aim for a realistic number that will put you at a healthy weight for your height. Doctors use a number of factors for determining a...
Metabolism is the rate at which your body uses calories from the food you consume to keep your biological processes functioning and maintain your weight. While most people would be happy with a faster metabolism, not all parts of metabolism are...
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health, no matter the person's age. They can be eaten in foods, or can be supplemented using over-the-counter supplements available at a variety of retailers. Consult with your child's pediatrician or...
Your regular, or resting, heart rate should be around 60 to 80 beats per minute, according to the American Heart Association. The number of times your heart beats while at rest is a good indication of your overall health and fitness level and is...
Lumigan, a brand name of the medication bimatoprost ophthalmic, treats glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye. Patients who have been prescribed Lumigan should learn to use the medication properly for maximum effectiveness and...
Many women take Loestrin 24 Fe, the brand name of the combination of the medications ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate, to prevent pregnancy. This medication works by changing the cervical mucus and uterine lining and inhibiting...
Stretch marks occur when skin becomes pulled extremely tight in a relatively short time period, resulting in tearing of the deeper skin layers. Stretch marks may develop as a result of rapid growth or weight gain, as well as certain health...
Iodine is an essential nutrient needed by our bodies for normal function. It promotes thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones. Iodine also converts food into energy our cells can use. Adults need around 150 mcg a day as recommended by...
Pressure may cause the nerves of the left arm and neck to become inflamed. Nerve compression may be related to degenerative processes or may occur due to a new injury. Whatever the cause, the pain can cause difficulties in movement as well as...
A heart defibrillator controls the heart rhythm. It sends an electrical shock through the heart when it beats too quickly or becomes irregular, notes the University of Chicago Medical Center. An electrical shock is used to return the heart to its...
Yerba mate is a type of plant whose leaves and branches can be used to create a tea-like drink when soaked in hot water. This popular South American drink contains caffeine and is purported to aid in weight loss as well as reduce symptoms of...
Ritalin and Adderall are two brand-name prescription medications commonly used to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. While the active ingredient of Ritalin contains methylphenidate and the active ingredients...
Zinc is a mineral that helps support your body's immune system while also aiding in cell division and DNA and protein synthesis, the Office of Dietary Supplements explains. If you develop cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion or throat...
Getting a test for a sexually transmitted disease can be a scary event, especially if you have never had one before. The CDC recommends that sexually active adults have annual STD screenings, more often if they have multiple sexual partners....
Blood pressure medicines are life-saving treatments, but if they are not taken properly, they can make a person feel ill or even worsen high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, or AHA, high blood pressure increases the...
MRSA infections have the potential to become serious, and it's essential that you take your antibiotics exactly as directed by your doctor to reduce the possibility of developing complications. If the staph infection manages to penetrate your skin...
Chemotherapy uses a variety of chemicals to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. MedlinePlus says that the therapy itself is generally effective but not without harming healthy cells. There are different forms of chemotherapy, with...
A five-day workout plan for men combines aerobic exercise, resistance and flexibility training. The program can be continued beyond the five days for sustained weight loss and health. The benefits of starting regular exercise include lowering your...
Your doctor may prescribe a soft diet if you have had stomach or gastrointestinal surgery, or if you have trouble chewing or swallowing your food. Foods that you can eat on a soft diet are not too hard, chewy or difficult to swallow. It is...
A healthy weight can mean better health for you, and you can use the BMI as a guideline for determining what a healthy weight is for your height. However, be aware that the best BMI for you may be different than for another. Your health care...