Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood glucose. In 1980, 108 million people had diabetes. By 2014, that number rose to 422 million. It is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. There are two primary types of diabetes to understand. Knowing the… Continue reading Comparing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
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Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Symptoms develop gradually and can vary! Recognizing the early signs is crucial for managing the disease effectively. Here is an overview of the key symptoms and what to watch for. Early Symptoms Progressive Symptoms Ways of Managing Parkinson’s While Parkinson’s disease cannot be… Continue reading Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Common Medications for Treating Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain persisting for more than three months. It is a complex condition, and depending on how it affects the body requires a varied treatment approach. Medications play a crucial role in managing chronic pain. They are classified into several categories based on how they work and what they treat. Here,… Continue reading Common Medications for Treating Chronic Pain
Signs of Poor Circulation
It may be hard to believe, but your body contains over 60,000 miles of blood vessels. That is long enough to go around the earth 2.5 times! These blood vessels keep our bodies healthy and functioning properly by carrying oxygen and nutrients. If they are not working properly however? You can run into serious problems.… Continue reading Signs of Poor Circulation
The Causes and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all cancer cases in the United States, affecting about 1 in 56 men and 1 in 60 women. The rate of new cases has been steadily rising for the past 30 years. It begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas sits behind the lower part… Continue reading The Causes and Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Patient’s Guide to Sexual Health: Birth Control and Erectile Dysfunction
Education around sexual health is important! Sexual health is vital for overall well-being and involves physical, emotional, and social factors. It’s about feeling good about yourself and your relationships while staying safe and respectful. Questions about birth control and erectile dysfunction are among the most commonly raised to doctors. Fortunately, there are great options out… Continue reading Patient’s Guide to Sexual Health: Birth Control and Erectile Dysfunction
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Experts predict that by the year 2050, this number will rise to nearly 13 million. In 2021, it was the 5th leading cause of death among people age 65 and older. Living with the condition, or helping support a family member that has it, is stressful!… Continue reading What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The Four Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are you familiar with the four stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, RA is characterized by chronic inflammation. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and joint damage. Millions of people worldwide live with RA. About 70% are women, and 55% are older than the age of 55. This… Continue reading The Four Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana
The Justice Department has proposed reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug. This marks a significant shift in U.S. drug policy. Marijuana has been a Schedule I drug since 1970. This change acknowledges marijuana’s medical uses and its lower potential for abuse compared to other Schedule I drugs. The proposal, approved by Attorney General Merrick… Continue reading Justice Department Moves to Reclassify Marijuana
Navigating a Vitamin A Deficiency Caused by Amyloidosis
Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Among the different types of amyloidosis, there is one that can lead to a vitamin A deficiency in the body. Wild-type amyloidosis is characterized by a misfolding of the TTR protein. This protein, when functioning properly, moves two hormones throughout the body: thyroxine and retinol. Retinol… Continue reading Navigating a Vitamin A Deficiency Caused by Amyloidosis