holistic health tips

* Definition of Jaundice In Newborns * Description of Jaundice In Newborns * Causes and Risk Factors of Jaundice In Newborns * Diagnosis of Jaundice In Newborns * Treatment of Jaundice In Newborns * Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Jaundice In Newborns Definition of Jaundice In Newborns The cause of jaundice is a yellow bile pigment called bilirubin, which is carried in the blood and deposited in the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera (whites of the eyes). The result is that these areas of the body turn yellow. Anything that causes a significant increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood will lead to jaundice. Description of Jaundice In Newborns More than 25 percent of all healthy, full-term newborns become slightly jaundiced, usually on the third or fourth day of life. In premature babies the incidence of jaundice is higher. The exact level of bilirubin in the blood is determined by a simple blood test. No one can predict with certainty whether a newborn wi...

* Definition of Autism * Description of Autism * Causes and Risk Factors of Autism * Symptoms of Autism * Diagnosis of Autism * Treatment of Autism * Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Autism Definition of Autism Autistic disorder (known also as infantile autism or childhood autism) almost always develops before the age of three and is characterized by impaired verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, some form of repetitive and restricted stereotyped interest, ritual, or other behavior. Description of Autism Children with autism often have extreme difficulty developing normal relationships with others. They tend not to share in the interests their peers have. In many cases these children are not able to interpret non-verbal cues of communication like facial expressions. Most people with autism have some impairment in language and many never speak at all. About 8.7 of every 10,000 children are autistic, and more than 1 in 300 children have some f...

* Definition of Dementia * Description of Dementia * Causes and Risk Factors of Dementia * Symptoms of Dementia * Diagnosis of Dementia * Treatment of Dementia * Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Dementia Definition of Dementia Dementia is a permanent decline in cognitive function and memory from a previous level of function. Description of Dementia Dementia is a brain disorder with permanent loss of memory or other higher cognitive function.. Dementia can either be progressive, such as in Alzheimer's disease, or may remain stable, as can be seen after a stroke or head injury. Different types of dementia can affect various cognitive functions such as memory, personality, or executive function. By definition, dementia is permanent. A brief change in cognitive function is more often called a "delirium". Different types of dementia can affect different abilities. Some patients may get lost, have trouble remembering things, become unable to remember n...

* Definition of Alzheimer's Disease * Description of Alzheimer's Disease * Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer's Disease * Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease * Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease * Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease * Self Care * Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Alzheimer's Disease Definition of Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is a group disorders involving the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It is marked by progressive deterioration, which affects both the memory and reasoning capabilities of an individual. Description of Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia (mental deterioration of memory and thought processes) among the elderly. It is estimated that 4.5 million Americans over the age of 65 are affected with this condition. After the age of 65, the incidence of the disease doubles every five (5) years and, by age 85, it will...

* Definition of Animal Bites * Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Animal Bites Definition of Animal Bites Bite wounds can become infected with bacteria or other organisms in the saliva or mouth of the biting animal. Bites can cause everything from mild, local infections to generalized serious and sometimes fatal illness. Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Animal Bites What is the extent of the injury caused by the cat? Is there any sign of infection? Is it cat-scratch disease? Should antibiotics be taken? Is there any possibility of exposure to rabies? Are any preventive measures called for?

Definition of AIDS and HIV Infection AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a serious condition that weakens the body's immune system, leaving it unable to fight off illness. AIDS is the last stage in a progression of diseases resulting from a viral infection known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV or AIDS virus). The diseases include a number of unusual and severe infections, cancers and debilitating illnesses, resulting in severe weight loss or wasting away, and diseases affecting the brain and central nervous system. There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS nor is there a vaccine to prevent HIV infection. However, new medications not only can slow the progression of the infection, but can also markedly suppress the virus, thereby restoring the body’s immune function and permitting many HIV-infected individuals to lead a normal, disease-free life. Description of AIDS and HIV Infection The immune system is a network of cells, organs and proteins that...

Adverse Effects of HRT. * Heart Disease. In spite of estrogen's benefits on cholesterol levels and other factors that affect the heart, evidence suggests that HRT does not prevent heart disease. In fact, it may actually be harmful for women with existing heart disease, at least in the first few years, and may also worsen the outlook after a heart attack. However, a 2004 review of 30 studies found that HRT does not significantly impact mortality from cardiovascular disease. * Stroke. Studies have reported a slightly increased risk of stroke in women taking HRT within the first two years of treatment and in HRT users with a history of major stroke or small strokes (transient ischemic attacks). A 2005 review found that HRT increased the risk of stroke, particularly ischemic (a type of stroke caused by an interruption in blood flow to part of the brain) stroke. In addition, HRT appears to worsen the outlook for women who have had a stroke. * Mental Decline. Observational st...