" According to the Centers for Disease Control, flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9.3 million – 49.0 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 960,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 79,000 deaths annually since 2010. Studies have proven ...
" October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness about the importance of this disease and detecting it early. About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime according to breastcancer.org. Because of this staggering statistic, we put together a list of frequently asked questions about this disease: What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a common term for a cancerous (malignant ...
" A touch of fall is finally in the air (or at least around the corner), and the thought of spending more time in the cool autumn temps is very appealing. But with fall often comes the itchy eyes and skin, sneezing and nasal congestion of seasonal allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies each year. This statistic begs the question: What ...
" Did you know that about 1 in 5 (19%) children in the United States are obese? September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and provides a chance for all of us to learn more about this serious health issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines childhood obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same sex and age. In other words ...
" Did you know that September is National Cholesterol Education Month? It’s a perfect reminder to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. According to the CDC, more than 102 million American Adults (20 years or older) have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. More than 35 million of these people have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher ...
" Did you know that, for an average adult, your body is made of 60% water? This water is mostly contained in the cells which need water to live. Our vital organs are also made up of different amounts of water. The brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and even our bones contain large amounts of water. Water is essential to the body because it helps deliver vitamins and minerals to the cells, regulates body temperature, helps ...
" Steroids, (short for corticosteroids), are very commonly used to treat inflammation in the body. Steroids are prescribed for a variety of illnesses including asthma, acute illnesses such as strep throat and for joint problems including arthritis. In general, steroids decrease the body’s immune responses which in turn, work to decrease inflammation. Steroids can be taken by mouth, injected into a muscle, or injected directly into a joint, depending on the diagnosis from a physician ...
" Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature and becomes dehydrated. The causes and symptoms are very recognizable and luckily, preventable. Causes of Heat Exhaustion: Physical exertion in warm, high- humidity weather Dehydration Alcohol use, drug use, or smoking Certain medications and illnesses can increase risk Children and the elderly are at higher risk Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Profuse sweating Dizziness or lightheadedness Pale, cool, clammy ...
" Are your summer travels taking you abroad this year? Whether it’s an African safari, a tropical beach getaway or a mountain retreat, if it’s overseas or across our border, chances are you need travel vaccinations. Travelers to third world countries are at greater risk than those who travel to developed countries, but anyone planning overseas travel should check for recommended vaccinations before their departure. Over 1 million people travel internationally each day. In ...
" What is it? Osteoporosis, which means “porous bones,” is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, leading to fractures. Osteoporosis usually progresses painlessly until a fracture occurs, usually in the hip, spine or wrist. Who gets it? According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 54 million Americans have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four ...
