Hiccups usually happen to everyone and are generally short-lived; however, they can be irritating. They are the result of sudden and repeated involuntary movements of the diaphragm. The spasms cause the vocal cords to close abruptly, producing a “hic” sound. This noise emerges from the mouth without any signal or warning. Sometimes these can be […]
Soy, also known as soybeans, is a legume native to eastern Asia. It has an excellent nutritional profile that is vital for optimal health. The legume is a major source of protein, especially for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian food plan. Several products are made using soybeans, such as tofu, tempeh, soy flour, […]
Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism found in the environment, including water, soil, and air. The infection can cause severe pain, sensitivity to light, and in severe cases, vision loss. Acanthamoeba infection is most commonly associated with contact lenses, particularly if not properly cleaned and disinfected. However, it can also occur in people with corneal trauma […]
Hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was once used to treat and deal with menopausal symptoms like vaginal discomfort and hot flashes. Male hormone replacement therapy is also there to treat a condition called hypogonadism. The goal of both these treatments is to supplement the essential sex hormones that are present in only deficient […]
Herd immunity works by controlling the spread of a disease within a population when a large section of people become immune to the disease either through vaccination or immunity developed from a previous infection. It is also known as community immunity. When the immunity bar is reached, most individuals get protected from infection because the […]
Achondroplasia is a type of dwarfism characterized by small limbs. The word means “lack of cartilage formation.” Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that accounts for a large portion of the skeleton during early growth stages. The issue with achondroplasia, however, is not the poor development of this connective tissue but rather the ossification […]
Anal cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the anus, the opening at the end of the rectum. Its appearance is usually uncommon before age 35, but it is more frequently observed in men. In most cases, a diagnosis is typically made in the early 60s of a person and is slightly more frequent […]
Bursitis is a condition that usually affects the joints, and more specifically, the bursae—fluid-filled sacs that work as cushions between the tendons, bones, and muscles. This condition develops due to inflammation in these fluid-filled sacs. With more than 150 bursae in the body, inflammation in the sacs can make movement in the region painful. Depending […]
Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis, is a colored scaly patch that develops on the skin due to years of exposure to strong UV light from the sun. It is often a precancerous condition, which means it can progress to cancer if left untreated. Actinic keratosis patches usually appear in groups on body surfaces prone […]