Understanding your body mass index, or BMI, allows you to know whether or not your weight is ideal for your height. A BMI above 25 indicates that you are overweight, while a BMI above 30 means you are obese. If your BMI is above the normal range,...
Although cholesterol in and of itself is not bad, it requires a balance of high-density lipoprotein, referred to as "good" cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, known as "bad" cholesterol. Too much or too little of either type can put you at...
It can be frustrating and a blow to your self-confidence when you've made healthy diet changes and committed to exercising yet still can't lose weight. Many times a plateau is to blame; this happens when your body has adapted to the lifestyle...
An obese person is someone with a body mass index, known as BMI, of 30 or higher according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a number of serious medical conditions that can occur as a result of obesity. Obese people, or anyone struggling with weight,...
Hair growth issues in children account for 3 percent of all pediatric office visits in the United States, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Abnormal hair growth is a concern for both parents and self-conscious kids and can be a...
Some inherited health conditions, such as hypertension and heart disease, can be treated partially by dietary changes. Although your diet is important, it's just as important to get plenty of exercise. If you're concerned about inheriting...
Health diseases and conditions can start in childhood, they can develop over the years or you can be born with them. Everyone in the world has had at least one type of disease or condition in their lives, and the conditions can range in severity.
Shopping for health insurance can be time consuming and challenging as you try to determine which plan will fit into your lifestyle and budget. If you are living with cancer or heart disease, like millions of people across the country, finding a...
With health care costs continually rising, obtaining health insurance coverage is more important than ever. However, people with a history of diseases or other conditions may find obtaining affordable coverage difficult. Most insurance companies...
Parents who have children with chronic medical problems carry a burden of worry that goes above and beyond that of the usual challenges of parenting. Add to this, the financial questions that arise when there is the necessity to change to a new...
A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that a person has before applying for health insurance. The condition must have been treated by a doctor and recorded in the medical history of the patient to qualify as a pre-existing condition....
If you have or have had a serious medical condition such as cancer, HIV or heart disease, then you know how critical it is to have health coverage to pay for your medical treatments. Unfortunately, having such a disease is precisely the factor...
Central air conditioning is used in homes and businesses worldwide, but many of central air's negative effects get little recognition. Central air conditioning is essential in hot climates and makes summertime more comfortable. However, central...
Many insurance companies have strict rules governing pre-existing conditions. Some will sell insurance policies to those who are already ill; others will charge high rates, taking advantage of your need for insurance due to your medical history....
Many private health insurers will not cover you if you have a pre-existing condition that will likely be costly to them. If you have been turned down by all of the providers in your area, your state might have a program to help you. As of May...
An oral glucose tolerance test may be performed on healthy individuals, people with diabetes or pregnant women to observe the effects on blood sugar levels following the administration of glucose. The test may assist physicians in making a...
Non-HDL, or "bad," cholesterols are common laboratory values used by clinicians to determine a patient's risk of heart disease. Lower non-HDL cholesterol levels are desirable and associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Low-density...
Osteoarthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, often in the knee and hip. Although rarely life-threatening, osteoarthritis can cause severe pain and limited mobility. In many cases, patients require the use of anti-inflammatory...
If you are suffering from digestive complaints, headaches and allergies, you may find that colon cleansing relieves your symptoms. Toxins are stored in the body, and colon cleansing can help your body to release these toxins. There are many...
Children who eat a healthy diet from birth are better equipped to eat well throughout their lives and have a reduced risk of health conditions associated with poor eating. Children gain a taste for the things they eat often. If you give your kids...
Fatigue is a common problem among adults and it can have many contributing factors, including stress, sleep problems, poor diet, chronic health conditions and a sedentary lifestyle, to name a few. Making small changes to your diet, activity level...
Since the 1990s, terms such as "low fat" have been appearing on food labels. This can be seen as an extension of the idea of "functional foods," an approach to eating that relates foods to healing health conditions. The logic that applies...
As you get older, you may notice more fat around your stomach area. Excess belly fat is not simply unattractive, it can have serious health ramifications, such as increasing your risk of diabetes and certain cancers. Make some important lifestyle...
Massage during pregnancy can be a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Whether the massage is done by a professional or a loved one, there are some contraindications for pregnancy massage. There are pressure points on the body that...
Dietary supplements are often promoted for their health benefits. But you need only limited amounts of the vitamins, minerals and other substances that supplements provide, and excessive amounts of some vitamins can be harmful. Always consult your...
Maintaining strength through proper nutrition when you have a cold, flu or other sickness can be difficult. A stuffed up nose may cause you to lose your appetite, or vomiting and diarrhea may make it challenging to keep food down. Fortunately it...
Vitamin deficiencies can do more than leave you feeling ill; they can also impact your future health. Although eating from the five food groups regularly is usually enough to reduce the risk of becoming vitamin-deficient, sometimes this is not...
Full body massage is an effective way to relieve stress and a powerful medical tool. In the article "Massage Therapy Offers Benefits for a Variety of Health Conditions," Northwestern Health Sciences University points out that massage has been...
To function properly, your body needs nutrients, which are obtained primarily through your diet. Because of this, eating a healthy diet is vital to ensure that you are in the best health possible. Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult, but...