October 15-21, 2010 - Original Health Articles
Thyroid cancer is the most common form of cancer of the endocrine system, an intricate communication system that uses specialized chemicals called hormones to send messages that control and coordinate various bodily functions. In addition to the thyroid, the endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, pancreas, sex organs, and the pituitary, adrenal, and pineal glands.
It's the one test nearly every one dreads, but one that could save your life: Getting a colorectal screening. A colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to see inside the colon and rectum. The procedure is done by inserting a thin, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope), which has a small camera mounted on it, into the colon.
Hot flashes and night sweats get all the attention when it comes to menopausal symptoms, but for many women, it's the way perimenopause and menopause affect their brain that's a bigger priority. Mood swings, anxiety, depression, insomnia and "brain fog (a combination of confusion, memory loss, and inability to focus)," are common complaints during menopause.
While this autoimmune disease used to be rare, a growing number of children today suffer from the condition, and researchers believe that increases in C-section deliveries in recent years could be one of several possible explanations for this trend. What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is a digestive condition that causes the small intestine to be unable to process gluten (a protein contained in wheat products).
Does your mood take a sharp turn for the worse when your allergies kick in? If so, it may not be "all in your head." In recent years, there's been growing recognition that many allergy sufferers experience depression along with the physical symptoms, causing researchers to explore the connection.
The unique sleep disorder known as narcolepsy is identified by a collection of unusual and rather scary symptoms and characterized by falling asleep often and at inappropriate times. In spite of the obvious symptoms, very few people are diagnosed early enough to prevent the devastating effects this condition can have on their lives.
Are you taking steps to protect your lungs? If not, you could be putting yourself at risk for a host of respiratory problems, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. If left untreated, lung problems can also cause stress on your heart and lead to other serious health issues.
The success of your upcoming surgery depends in part on what you do and don't do before the big day. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist are counting on you to make sure they can do their job in the operating room safely while also making sure you're comfortable.
Sometimes your beloved pet can be the reason why you have respiratory problems. Now what? Do you want to keep your pet or do you want to breathe better? Thankfully, you may not have to make that choice after all. It's possible for your pet to co-exist in the same home without having your asthma kick in.
If you're diabetic, autumn is a fabulous time to enjoy the fresh treats from the field and the orchard. Picture tawny pumpkins piled high at farm stands, bushels of crisp, juicy apples, hearty greens, crunchy cabbage, and all kinds of colorful hard-shelled squash.
If you've experienced a problem having an erection, you may have simply ignored it out of embarrassment. After all, it's not exactly the type of issue you want to bring up with your doctor, and even if you did, you may well wonder whether anything can be done about it.
If you're suffering from any sort of dysfunction or deformity of your musculoskeletal system, an orthopedic surgeon is who you want to see. Orthopedic surgery is an extremely wide-ranging field that covers multiple parts of the body. Orthopedic surgeons, also known as orthopedists, are trained to diagnose and treat problems in the spine, extremities, joints, muscles and ligaments, as well as other areas.
Despite what others may tell you, coffee has been found to have some serious health benefits. Your mother told you it would stunt your growth. Your dentist tells you it stains your teeth. With so many rumors surrounding coffee, it's hard to not feel guilty if you take part in more than your cup-a-day.
If you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, you may be at increased risk for developing a small tear in the lining of the anus called a fissure, often caused by the passage of hard, dry bowel movements, diarrhea or inflammation.
Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances the body's own healing powers. It's based on the idea that we all have a life force energy that flows through us and we can tap into that energy to stay healthy or help us heal when we're ill.
Women are already more prone to insomnia and other sleep disturbances than men, then menopause kicks in and, for many women, it only gets worse. In many cases, midlife insomnia has little to do with menopause, however, but may be attributed to sleep disorders and other medical conditions.
