To know your liver is to love your liver

To know your liver is to love your liver

How well do you really know your liver?  This second largest organ and the largest internal organ (our skin is the largest organ of the human body), is a virtual factory performing more than 500 vital functions that have been identified some of which include the following:

Read More

Understanding bladder stones

Understanding bladder stones

Let’s face it – all of us have heard of kidney stones or maybe have even experienced them.  But bladder stones?  Yes, stones can form in the bladder. They are much more common in men past the age of 50 but are much less common than kidney stones.  If they are small enough they may cause no symptoms passing on out the body on their own without a person even knowing they had any. But, unfortunately, more often than not, they will make their appearance known causing pain or other problems on urination.

Read More

Graves Disease

Graves Disease

Although it can technically affect anyone, Graves’ disease is known as a young woman’s ailment, inasmuch as its favored prey are women under 40. The disease is an immune disorder that causes your body to create excess thyroid hormones.

Read More

What are Varicose Veins

What are Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are thought to be inherited, but they can develop from any number of reasons.  For example, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery, approximately 50-55% of pregnant women in the U.S. develop varicose veins.  Varicose veins can not only be unsightly, but can be painful and can lead to more serious health problems if not treated.

Read More

10 unusual signs of iron deficiency

What does it mean to be iron deficient? An iron deficiency is a type of anemia. It is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells, and therefore causes a shortage of iron in the body. Bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Without enough iron, the body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. This type of anemia is often caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, an ulcer, cancer, a polyp somewhere in your digestive system, and prolonged use of aspirin or drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Read More

What is mallet finger?

What is mallet finger?

Mallet finger is a common injury that usually occurs as a result of an athletic injury. The condition occurs when the outermost joint of the finger is injured. Mallet finger is the most common closed tendon injury. Mallet finger is also known as baseball finger, drop finger, or hammer finger. With mallet finger, the tendon on the back of the finger is separated from the muscles it connects. There are three types of injuries that usually occur: the tendon is damaged, but no fractures (bone cracks or breaks) are present; the tendon ruptures with a small fracture caused by the force of the injury; or the tendon ruptures with a large fracture.

Read More