What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body converts energy from the food we eat. Typically, when we eat food, it gets broken down into sugar that enters our bloodstream. This sugar is called glucose. When the level of glucose in our blood rises, the pancreas is alerted to release […]
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases causing airflow blockage and, therefore, breathing-related problems. Patients typically have symptoms of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. For more data and statistics on COPD death rates in […]
What is Depression (MDD)? Major depressive disorder (MDD) may be very serious if left untreated and ignored with significant morbidity and mortality and may contribute to suicide, disruption in interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, and many other unwanted outcomes. Depression is more prevalent among females and people aged 40-59. However, with appropriate treatment, the majority of […]
What is Anxiety? It is normal to experience anxious thoughts occasionally, but when these anxious thoughts persist and affect daily functioning it can be considered an anxiety disorder. Individuals with anxiety disorder have persistent and recurring thoughts of worry or fear that may result in panic attacks. The actual situation that may be occurring does […]
What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental health diagnosis that is characterized by mood swings that usually include emotional highs, classified as mania, and emotional lows, classified as depressive episodes. Depressive episodes occur when one feels down, hopeless, or loses interest in activities. On the other hand, manic episodes occur when one feels full of […]
What is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is what is known as the ringing, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound people may have in their ear sometimes. It can sound high pitched, low pitched, soft or loud. It may be heard more in one ear over the other. Close to 25 million Americans experience this per year. What causes […]
What is Chronic Sinusitis? Sinuses are hollow spaces in your head that help cushion the skull from trauma. Your sinus has a lining that secretes mucus to help flush away toxins and keep the sinus moist. Sometimes, your sinus can get infected, swollen, and start to increase extra mucus. This infection, sinusitis, can cause you […]
What is Diverticulosis? Diverticula are small outpouchings of the digestive tract, most commonly found in the colon. Usually, these pockets are benign, but sometimes they can become inflamed due to pressure or loose stool lodged in the pockets. The process of diverticula becoming inflamed is called diverticulitis. An individual suffering from diverticulitis can experience abdominal pain, nausea, fever, […]
What is Foot Drop? Foot drop occurs when you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot. This can often lead to your foot being dragged when you walk, causing difficulty in getting around. Your knee and hip might try to compensate by lifting your leg higher, so it doesn’t drag underneath you. Foot […]
Good health is so much more than an attractive physique; it is a general feeling of well-being that is achieved when your body’s vital organs are performing at optimal capacity, all in unison. Many people are quick to assume that health is largely determined by genetics and very much out of our control. This of […]