The medical term for bowlegs is genu varum. Genu refers to the knee, such as when we "genuflect" or bend a knee to the floor in respect. Think of a knight being knighted by a queen. Varum refers to varus, or bowing away from the midline of the...
Colonoscopies are commonly used to examine patients for polyps in their colons. Polyp detection is important because colon polyps can be a precursor for colon cancer. Consequently, colonoscopies should be done regularly (approximately once a year)...
The largest organ of the body, the skin protects you from the elements, extreme heat, cold, viruses and bacteria. The skin's constant exposure to these elements makes it vulnerable to various problems such as rashes, allergies and other diseases....
Your nails -- or nail plates -- aid in your sense of touch, while also protecting the delicate tissue on your fingertips from harm. Healthy nails are smooth and strong, while pitted nails can indicate the presence of a disorder or disease. Left...
Growth plates are the supple regions of bones in children where growth and development takes place, according to the Mayo Clinic. Growth plates sit at each bone ending. They are delicate and vulnerable to fracture, especially when children and...
Powerlifting is a sport like any other, and the age at which a child should begin is up to the parent to decide. While powerlifting is safer than many sports -- with a lower injury rate than many sports children participate in, safety should still...
During a pregnancy with twins or other multiples, it is normal for the babies to vary in size slightly. When this growth disparity gets too large, the smaller fetus could become endangered. Discordant fetal growth between babies sharing a womb may...
Being pregnant with twins means more weight gain and more calories taken in over the course of each day. This is because your caloric intake supports your growing babies, and each needs a certain amount for optimal development. Getting regular...
Human papilloma virus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease, states the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are more than 40 subtypes of HPV that can cause an infection of the genital area, mouth and throat....
After chemotherapy, hair typically begins to start growing back within 3 weeks. After 2 months, people typically have an inch of hair growth, according to BreastCancer.org. The speed in which hair grows varies with each person. Your hair may grow...
Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older, overweight women with a family history of breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing...
The rate of hair childhood growth varies naturally from child to child. The speed of your child's hair growth can be affected by a number of factors, including genetics, hormones and diet. A number of medical conditions exist that can also slow...
PACE stands for programmed aerobic/anaerobic/accommodating circuit exercise, combining both strength and cardiovascular exercise into one workout routine usually lasing 30 minutes. PACE caters to a very specific demographic through specially...
Dysplasia is a medical term that literally means “disordered growth” and can be applied to numerous systems in the body. It means that the size or shape of affected cells have been affected by abnormal growth. Each type of dysplasia...
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint capable of six different motions. The uppermost part of the thigh bone, or femoral head, fits nicely into a cup called the acetabulum. When it does not due to muscle imbalances, abnormalities occur. Also,...
Building muscle is among the major goals of exercise. Along with reducing fat and improving cardiovascular health, muscle growth can be a primary or secondary goal of a workout regimen. You can also focus on building specific muscles for better...
Puberty is a time of change for families and children alike. Girls typically mature between ages 8 and 13; boys between 10 and 15. Preparing for puberty ensures that your child enters this somewhat awkward and occasionally tumultuous period with...
Black mole cancer, or melanoma, develops due to the abnormal growth of cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes form a component of skin and contain high amounts of a protein called melanin, which gives the cells a black or darkened color....
Exposure to the sun, aging, excessive sebum, hormonal imbalances, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne, and darker skin pigments are just a few of the causes of uneven skin tones. Severe nodular or cystic acne can lead to skin...
If you have a daughter, one day you must teach her about her menstrual period. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, reports that the average American girl has her first period, or menarche, at about age 12. However, the age...
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which may curve in one spot and be shaped like the letter C. The spine also can curve in several places and be shaped like the letter S. This abnormality can be mild and never require...
The ankle uses two separate joints to regulate your foot's movement. The tibia (shinbone), fibula (lower leg bone) and talus (ankle bone) form the upper joint of the ankle, which allows your foot to move up and down. The bottom joint, called the...
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by a curvature of the spine. The degree of curvature of the spine determines the severity and impact of the condition on the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), while...
To beat the aging process and hang onto healthy skin, you've got to know what you're up against. The effects of sunlight and gravity are inevitable but can be tamed. It's not the march of time that threatens your skin so much as how you spend your...
Skin cancer often develops on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the ears as well as the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs. Skin cancer that develops on the ear can take various forms. Although fair-skinned people have a higher risk of...
If you are a mature adult, you may have noticed your skin becoming progressively drier. You may also notice an increase in discolorations, wrinkles and skin growths. As you age, it is important to follow a routine for your mature skin that...
