Browse Category: Diseases and Disorders

Have You Had Your Tetanus Shot?

When was the last time you had a tetanus shot? I’m trying to remember the last time I had a booster . . . I’m thinking it was that time when I accidently stuck a pitch-fork into my foot, or maybe it was the time I cut myself on that rusty piece of barbed-wire fence. Or, maybe it was the time I nearly impaled myself with that hay-bale hook. Hmmm . . . that was a few years ago. I’m thinking given my track record with rusty, dirty objects it might be time for another. So, what exactly is tetanus, and why do you need a shot to protect against it? How often should your tetanus booster be updated? And what happens if you get tetanus? Keep reading for the answers to all of those questions – and more!

Understanding Binge Eating Disorder

Have you ever sat down to a meal, and had just one too many bites past the “full” point? Perhaps it was at an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, or maybe you couldn’t resist your mom’s famous pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner. For most people, such a type of eating occurs only once in a great while. But for some, it becomes a way of life and may happen on a daily basis. At that point, it may develop into an eating disorder called binge eating.

Adult Immunizations: Do You Need One?

If you haven’t been to the doctor in years, you may be in for a surprise: it may be time to get a “booster” shot, a dose of a vaccine that you may have gotten when you were a child. Why do you need another one? Well, vaccines don’t last forever, and because some bacteria and viruses have been known to mutate over time. Check this list and get yourself to the doctor’s office if you’re due for a vaccine upgrade.

New Gene Discovery Could Have a Link to Alzheimer's

According to a recent report, an international group of scientists have discovered a new gene which has been linked to the late onset of Alzheimer’s disease.  This gene proves to be the second big discovery of a strong genetic risk factor for the disease, and is a huge step forward in finding a cause (and possibly cures) for this debilitating disease. Let’s take a closer look at this discovery . . .

Suicide in Japan's Elderly: A Rising Epidemic

A recent report from CBS News states that the number of suicide deaths in the elderly has dramatically increased in Japan.  The overall number of suicides recorded in 2007 was 33,093, which is a 2.9 percent increase and is considered the second-highest annual tally ever on record. So why the dramatic increase? Let’s look at the reasons behind the suicide epidemic in Japan.

Why Common Medications May Be Slowing You Down

If you take medications for your health, you would think they would work to make you better, or fix some problem you have. However, a recent study shows that common drugs used for common problems may be harmful, especially for the elderly. Let’s take a closer look at the results from this recent research . . .

Regenerative Medicine to Become a Reality for Wounded Soldiers

Do you know someone who is currently serving, or has served, in the war in Iraq or the conflict in Afghanistan? If so, hopefully they will be returning to you soon - unharmed. Unfortunately, some of our soldiers are not so lucky. Regardless of your take on the war, the fact remains that soldiers do get injured, sometimes quite severely. And those injured soldiers don’t always get the medical help they need or desire. Fortunately, that may be changing. Let’s take a look at this promising new option for our dedicated military personnel . . .

What You Need to Know About Meningitis

Do you know much about meningitis? Perhaps you’ve seen or heard about potential outbreaks of meningitis in a school or college campus near you – such a thing usually makes the local news, especially in fatal cases. Meningitis is not anything to mess around with and a great deal of caution usually surrounds any instances of the illness. Let’s take a closer look at this potentially life-threatening illness.

Hospital-Acquired Infections: Unacceptable and On the Rise

Have you ever had to go to the hospital? Perhaps you had some sort of surgery, or maybe your hospital trip involved being admitted as a pregnant woman and released with a new bundle of joy! Regardless of your reason for going to the hospital, it’s unlikely that you would expect to go to the hospital and end up getting sicker. Unfortunately, that is happening more and more these days. In fact, sometimes what you can “catch” at the hospital is far worse than your original reason for being there. Keep reading for more information on this disturbing trend.

Understanding Thyroid Disease

You may have heard the importance your thyroid has in maintaining a healthy body. In fact, the thyroid took center stage last year when Oprah Winfrey revealed that her sudden, dramatic weight gain was due to her struggles with thyroid disease. But what exactly is your thyroid and what does it do? Why is it so vital to your overall health?