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Showing posts from March, 2017

Osteoporosis Medications and Supplements Side Effects

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. While treatment of osteoporosis is not limited to oral medications, they play an important role in preventing bone loss, and in some cases increasing bone mass. Side effects cause many patients to stop taking their osteoporosis medications, however, and this has drug makers working hard to find effective medications that are well-tolerated by patients. An Unpleasant Side Effect of Calcium Supplements? Experts at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases state that most Americans do not have adequate dietary intake of calcium. The recommended daily intake of calcium for those with osteoporosis is 1200mg per day with 800IU of Vitamin D. Maintaining a diet that includes calcium-rich foods is one way to achieve this level and taking calcium supplements is another. Although calcium is not scientifically proven to cause constipati

Slipped Disc and Spinal Surgery

Many people who experience a slipped or herniated spinal disc will have few or no symptoms. Bed rest and, if there is pain, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication are usually enough to resolve the problem within about six weeks. But for the unlucky few - statistics range from one in 10 to one in 100 -going under the knife is the only way to solve the problem. What is a Disc? A vertebral disc is the protective, circular pad of cartilage that lies between each vertebra of your spine. The disc is made up of a tough, fibrous outer casing with a softer, gel-like substance inside. Your discs hold your vertebrae together and cushion and protect them when you jump or run. You have 23 discs in your spine, which is surrounded by a complex network of nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. What Causes Disc Degeneration? Our discs degenerate as we get older: they start to lose their water content, causing them to dehydrate and making them less flexible and more prone to damage. But a slip

Skin Patches Could be a New Era in Vaccine Against Pandemics

Scientists have unveiled a ground breaking way of treating influenza using innovative skin patches. The breakthrough has the potential to spell the end of using needles to vaccine against pandemics. It’s believed that the patches could be sent out in the post and could be administered by anyone with no need for medical training. The skin patches possess several microscopic needles that are made of biodegradable plastic. The needles can painlessly enter the surface of the skin and deliver the vaccination into the system. Tests have so far indicated that the patch can possibly work better than the traditional way of vaccination using syringes. Experiments have been conducted in laboratory’s on mice and revealed that the patches are better than injections at preventing flu. This is due to the vaccine entering the body at skin level which is the most important area for the immune system. In contrast syringes place the vaccine into muscles that are not as adept at producing

Digestion, Excretion Strange Facts and Health Problems

A doctor can tell much about a person’s health and can diagnose certain conditions by sending stool samples for analysis. In their book, Body Signs , Joan Liebmann-Smith and Jacqueline Nardi Egan discuss some of the illnesses that can be identified through faeces. The Sounds and Products of Digestion A rumbling stomach is a sign that the digestive system is working well. The sounds are caused by peristalsis which is the muscular contractions of the walls of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although the sounds are normal, severe gurgling accompanied by bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhoea may be a sign of a GI problem such as stomach viruses, bowel obstructions, and inflammatory bowel disease. Burping and farting are the result of gas in the intestinal system and are a natural way of expelling the excess. It is estimated that most people produce between one and three pints of gas per day. Facts about Human Faeces and Health Stools vary greatly in colour, texture, size and quantity

Ears Strange Facts and Health Problems they can Cause

When people talk about ears, they normally visualize the outer ear. In actual fact the ear is made up of the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The outer ear is comprised of the auditory canal where wax collects and the pinna. The middle ear is made up of the Eustachian tube , ossicles, ear drum and inner ear cavity. The inner ear is comprised of the cochlea, oval and round windows and the semi-circular canals. Physical Signs on the Outer Ear In their book, Body Signs , Joan Liebmann-Smith and Jacqueline Nardi Egan say there are certain visible signs on the outer ear that can indicate health problems: Because ears jut out from the body, they tend to burn quickly and are a sign of excess exposure to the sun Red ears are also a sign of certain ear infections such as psoriasis Certain types of migraine are often heralded by the ear on the affected side turning red A permanent diagonal crease across the ear lobe is a possible sign of a familial tendency towards heart disease and dia

Human Hair Strange Facts and Possible Problems

Hair is something that most people take for granted. However, unexpected changes should be noted and if necessary, a doctor should be consulted. In their book, Body Signs , Joan Liebmann-Smith and Jacqueline Nardi Egan list some of the signs to look out for as well as the problems they could indicate. Changes in Hair Texture Hair contains a large number of minerals and is affected by a person’s age, sex, race, area of residence and hair products used. Forensic analysis can reveal certain poisons that may pass into the hairs. Dry brittle hair and split ends may be a sign of too much sun and swimming or chemical treatments but can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid, stress and poor diet. In women, pregnancy and menopause can cause hair to become thicker, more or less oily and to curl or straighten. Changes in Hair Color The most common change to hair color is the process of turning grey and then white as color pigments decrease as the person ages. This is a normal consequence o

Noses Facts and their Health Problems

Noses have a practical and aesthetic function. Many people are concerned that their nose is bent or too big or too small. They pay little attention to the fact that it helps them breathe and smell. In their book, Body Signs , Joan Liebmann-Smith and Jacqueline Nardi Egan discuss how the nose can reveal health problems. Visible Health Problems with Noses The appearance of a nose can give doctors a clue as to the health of the person. Here are some of the signs they may look for: A red nose may be due to a simple problem such as a cold, allergies or sunburn. In some cases, however, it can be a sign of alcohol abuse or a skin condition called rosacea People with allergies often push their nose up to try and gain relief from itchiness. This may form a crease across the bridge of the nose A bulbous nose is a caused by a condition known as rhinophyma . The nose skin becomes thickened and may become waxy and oily Internal Health Problems and Noses There are a number of health issues tha