Peritonitis is a serious infection or inflammatory response that can either be confined to the peritoneum (abdomen) or widespread. What can cause peritonitis? A number of things can trigger peritonitis. Peritonitis is usually caused by infection from bacteria or fungi that enter through a leakage or a hole in the digestive system, such as the intestines…
Sjögren's syndrome is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases in the United States, affecting an estimated 7,000,000 people, with only 4,000,000 of those being diagnosed. While it primarily affects the salivary glands and tear ducts, it can also affect other cells and tissues in the body. (1) The vast majority of cases are women,…
No two pregnancies — or the pain associated with labor — are the same. Whether you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, I recommend doing your research in advance for labor. Weigh your pain management options, and learn the truth about epidural side effects. Today, over 60 percent of women in the U. S. receive…
With the new year comes a host of health-related resolutions: exercise more frequently, perhaps cut out unhealthy ingredients like artificial sweeteners or maybe even reduce screen time and nomophobia. There’s one resolution, however, that’s often overlooked, can have a direct impact on your health and is easy to do: cook more at home! In fact,…
Vanilla extract is widely used in both commercial and domestic baking, perfume manufacturing and aromatherapy, but many people don't realize the array of health benefits that come from using vanilla oil, even though it is not technically an essential oil. Internally, pure vanilla oil fights inflammation, works as an antidepressant and contains high levels of antioxidants…
Your skin is a very complex organ and its appearance has the power to express a lot about your overall health. In fact, your skin is the biggest and heaviest organ of your entire body. It provides protection and structure for your veins, tissue, other organs and bones. It’s not only those of us who…
Pruritus, or skin itching, is a common skin problem associated with many different diseases — some of which only affect the skin and others that stem from underlying conditions affecting the whole body. Almost everyone will deal with skin itchiness, dryness and irritation at some point, but what makes pruritus different is its intensity and…
Many of us will recall those itchy, red blisters we suffered as children. Chicken pox is the common name for the varicella-zoster virus, which causes a very itchy, highly-contagious skin rash. The virus most commonly affects children between the ages of 4–10, but chicken pox can also affect adults who have never had the virus…
Millions of people in the United States suffer from a concussion each year due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, assault and taking part in sports. With lawsuits pending against the NFL and NHL over the long-term consequences of multiple concussions, athletes are considered the most at risk, particularly if they participate in football, hockey, basketball,…
If you spend time along rivers or lakes in the southern or northeastern parts of the U.S., be sure to watch out for poison sumac. Poison sumac is considered a much rarer plant compared to poison ivy (but it is more poisonous). So depending on where you live, you probably have much less of a…
