No matter your age, health or financial situation, it's probably a good idea to appoint a medical power of attorney (MPOA). With few exceptions, most people will go through at least one period of physical vulnerability in their lives. It may be...
A health alert bracelet is jewelry with a difference. It provides medical information to emergency responders, physicians and police when a person is unable to communicate due to issues of injury, health or age. In addition, many people have...
The types of assistance an aging parent requires varies depending on medical conditions, her financial status and level of independence. According to the National Institute on Aging, elderly parents with Alzheimer's disease require a special level...
As parents age, it's important to form a plan for their care as their bodies and minds fail. The adult child must change over from being the one taken care of to the caretaker role and that is fraught with new stresses and challenges. The more an...
If you become seriously ill or injured and cannot speak for yourself, an advance directive conveys your wishes regarding your health care. For example, you may not want to be placed on a ventilator, but you may wish to continue to receive pain...
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder in which multiple cysts form on the kidney, which causes it to become enlarged. If you have polycystic kidney disease, you might experience headache, bloody urine, back pain, kidney stones, urinary...
Cholesterol particles are microscopic waxy-like substances that can increase your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is beneficial in protecting nerves and organs. In addition, cholesterol forms cells in the body and is responsible for many...
Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance that is important for the body, but too much cholesterol can cause serious healthy problems. Cholesterol protects nerves, forms components of your cells and is involved in many important chemical reactions....
Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body cannot properly use sugar in the blood as energy. Diabetes is the result of decreased insulin production or insulin resistance to the body's tissues. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to...
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerves. The protective sheath, or myelin, speeds up nerve signals so your brain can quickly communicate with your body...
A living will is a legal document designed to help people express their wishes in case they become incapacitated. According to University of Michigan Medical center, a living will can help you leave instructions to the family so that family...
Burning in the lower and upper stomach is normally associated with indigestion. Indigestion can be caused by overeating, peptic ulcers and smoking. Highly acidic foods also upset sensitive stomachs, especially when a peptic ulcer is present....
High cholesterol causes the deposit of fat on your arterial walls, which can narrow or cause blockage over time. Although a small amount of dietary cholesterol is not dangerous, in excess, you significantly increase your risk of heart attack,...
If you have been experiencing feelings of sadness and emptiness that have lasted more than a few weeks or months, you may be facing depression. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to visit your doctor for a complete evaluation. It is...
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance that your body uses in a variety of ways. Total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL mean you have a reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease. When cholesterol levels rise, however, the excess can...
The liver protects your body from harmful substances that enter your body through ingestion, breathing or absorption through your skin. Your liver acts as a filtration system to expunge toxins while simultaneously storing important nutrients...
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves reshaping the nose. Also referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is performed to straighten an unbalanced nose, remove unwanted bumps and treat airway obstructions that are caused by an...
Hypercalcemia is a condition where a person builds up too much calcium in the bloodstream. The website ChemoCare.com states that hypercalcemia is usually caused by cancer or the long-term use of certain medications such as diuretics and can lead...
One out of every 10,000 to 18,000 babies are born each year with adrenal hyperplasia. Patients who have this disease are equally likely to develop weight problems as the general population. For these patients to maintain adequate health, it is...
Blackheads occur when hair follicles become blocked by oil buildup, bacteria or dead skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the blemish opens at the skin's surface, it creates a dark appearance, giving it the name "blackhead." This type of acne...
Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflammation, scaling and itching of the skin. When proper treatment is not followed, eczema can leave extensive scarring due to tissue injury. Scarring is unsightly and difficult to treat, especially when...
Being physically fit is important for people of every age and lifestyle. Whether you are pregnant or an older adult, have a disability or live with a chronic medical condition, you should follow the directives of your healthcare provider for a...
According to Medline Plus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease (where the body attacks itself) that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. In addition, RA can also affect your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA...
Chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland is a condition known as Hashimoto's disease. This inflammation damages the thyroid and can lead to impaired thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. This means not enough thyroid hormone is being produced, and...
Increased keratin production is responsible for a condition called keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris symptoms include hardened dry bumps that have a yellow hue at the surface of the skin. The yellow hue is a result of keratin that has hardened...
Having poor blood sugar control is already difficult if you have diabetes. Trying to keep your blood sugar levels in the normal ranges with gastroparesis, or slow stomach emptying, can further complicate blood sugar control. Take prescribed...
Arteriosclerosis, also known as atherosclerosis, refers to a hardening of the arteries that prevents smooth blood flow through your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, a fatty substance called cholesterol forms plaque and builds up in your blood...
Cooking with low-sodium foods may be an independent choice for better health or a medical directive. Sodium, or simply salt, preserves and flavors some foods and is a necessary part of the human diet. However, consistently eating too much salt, or...
Toothaches are a common complaint among children and adults. Tooth decay and cavities are the most common causes for tooth pain, according to MedlinePlus. Other problems, such as an abscessed tooth, sinusitis and mouth or jaw injury, can also lead...
Nose bleeds are very common and are often caused by dry air, illness, or trauma. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments of nose bleeds in this medical video.
Children are very susceptible to infections and bacteria which often require antibiotics. Learn how to give antibiotics to children in this parenting video.
A hyperextension injury of the knee can lead to an ACL tear if left untreated. Learn how to treat and care for a hyperextension injury specific to the knee in this health video.
Retinoblastoma is a form of eye cancer that can be deadly. Get expert tips and advice on diagnosing and preventing eye cancer in this video.
