Addiction is a complex and chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Even so, many misconceptions remain. This article attempts to provide answers to some of the whys and hows of addiction. Who is at risk for addiction? Anyone can become addicted. Nonetheless, some risk factors significantly increase the odds of addiction. Genetics account…

More than 45 million Americans experience mental illness every year. That’s about 1 in 5 adults. There’s so much stigma surrounding this ailment that people go to great lengths to hide their mental health condition, including failing to seek or dropping out of treatment. A huge chunk of the negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding mental…

1 in 68 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of conditions known to cause social, communication, and behavioral challenges. They include autism – which is the most common, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Early Symptoms Autism appears in early childhood. Symptoms typically include: Communication problems such as speech…

Social media is a big part of the lives of teens today. It provides them with a sense of community and enables them to connect with people worldwide. However, social media is not all sunshine and roses. Studies suggest that heavy social media usage is likelier to develop a negative body image, low self-esteem, and…

The term “bipolar” is sometimes used in jest to describe personality traits. However, bipolar is a serious disorder that affects more than 5 million Americans. It’s a brain disorder that causes manic-depressive episodes, which are characterized by unusual and extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These episodes can affect a person’s ability to…

Here’s why you felt weak and crummy after that cold, flu, or stomach bug. It’s because your body worked extra hard to fight off the illness. It’s the job of your white blood cells to regenerate and repair the daily wear and tear of the muscles.  But when you’re sick or get an infection, they…

A stroke occurs when a blood clot or fragmented blood vessel blocks blood flow to the brain. It’s the fifth leading cause of death in America, so it’s no wonder that most people know someone who’s had a stroke. Post-stroke recovery is a slow and uncertain process. It begins as soon as the patient is…

Summer is finally here! Lazy days at the beach, pool parties, and ball games. Summer is so much fun. So, go ahead and enjoy the outdoors ‘til your heart is content. Just remember to take care of your skin by giving it the nutrients and protection it needs. Sun Exposure: The Good News and Bad…

Although many people have metabolic syndrome, few know much about it.  The American Heart Association estimates that one in six Americans has it. Metabolic syndrome – formerly known as “Syndrome X” – isn’t a disease but a group of risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, high triglycerides, low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), and…

While Alzheimer’s is most common in older adults, it sometimes affects young people in their 20s and 30s. This form of Alzheimer’s is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Experts aren’t really sure what triggers Alzheimer’s disease in young people. Some people have the three main genes for the disease, which can be identified through genetic tests….

Americans spend one billion dollars every week on work-related musculoskeletal injuries because many of us spend our workdays straining to accommodate our workstations when it should be the other way around. Having a workstation that isn’t suited for your body forces you to hold your wrists, neck, shoulders and back in strange positions for hours…

Let’s talk about poop. The average adult should expect to have between three to twenty-one bowel movements per week. Everyone is different, so the exact number of bathroom visits isn’t set in stone. Medically speaking, constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week.  While it isn’t unusual to get constipated from…