Archives for September 2009
Health Updates: September 2009-H1N1 flu
Most of the questions we are getting right now seem to focus on the H1N1/Mexico/Swine flu. Here are the common…
Treatment of herpes zoster
INTRODUCTION — Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection causes two clinically distinct forms of disease [1] . Primary infection with VZV results in varicella, also known as chickenpox, characterized by vesicular lesions in different stages of development on the face, trunk and extremities. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, results from reactivation of endogenous latent VZV infection within the sensory ganglia. This clinical form of the disease is characterized by a painful, unilateral vesicular eruption, which usually occurs in a restricted dermatomal distribution [2] .
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies)
ALLERGIC RHINITIS OVERVIEW — Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages. This inflammation can cause a variety of annoying symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip (the sensation that mucus is draining from the sinuses down the back of the throat).
Nonallergic rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose)
NONALLERGIC RHINITIS OVERVIEW — Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages. This inflammation can cause a variety of annoying symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip (the sensation that mucus is draining from the sinuses down the back of the throat).
Acute sinusitis (sinus infection)
ACUTE SINUSITIS OVERVIEW — Rhinosinusitis, or more commonly sinusitis, is the medical term for inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the sinuses and nose. The sinuses are the hollow areas within the facial bones that are connected to the nasal openings (show figure 1). The sinuses are lined with mucous membranes, similar to the inside of the nose.
Diet and health
HEALTHY DIET OVERVIEW — The food choices we make can have an important impact on our health. However, expert opinions about which and how much of these foods is best continues to change as new research is completed.
Exercise
EXERCISE OVERVIEW — Physical activity is any activity that involves major muscle groups, including routine daily activities such as shopping or climbing stairs. Exercise includes any activity done with a goal of improving or maintaining physical fitness.
High blood pressure treatment in adults
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OVERVIEW — Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension increases the strain on the heart and arteries, eventually causing organ damage. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Fortunately, treatments for hypertension are effective and usually easy to take.
High blood pressure treatment in adults
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OVERVIEW — Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension increases the strain on the heart and arteries, eventually causing organ damage. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Fortunately, treatments for hypertension are effective and usually easy to take.
Osteoporosis prevention and treatment
OSTEOPOROSIS OVERVIEW — Osteoporosis is a common problem that causes bones to become abnormally thin (osteopenic), weakened, and easily broken (fractured). Women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen, a female hormone that helps to maintain bone mass.