Hypothyroidism, or under-active thyroid disease, is a condition in which there are lower than healthy thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream. Since the thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism, digestion, healthy bones and muscles, heart function, and brain function, the effects of an imbalance are very far-reaching. (1) Hypothyroidism is more common among women than...
The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate the normal functions of the body. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat. It has a left and right lobe. The isthmus is the part of the thyroid gland where the lobes...
While many people may not be familiar with the thymus gland it plays a critical role for the immune system. It’s important to note that thymus size and function are determined by factors such as genetics, and pre and post-natal nutrition. (1) Function of the thymus The thymus is an irregularly shaped gland, which is...
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues of the body that support bones, blood vessels, skin, tissues and organs. As a result, people with this disease commonly experience loose joints and stretchy skin. Individuals with this illness also have problems with collagen, which is a protein that adds elasticity and...
The saying “No pain, no gain” might be a motivator for some to get into a gym, but truth be told, feeling pain after exercising could be a sign of a serious medical emergency. Recently, Ella Dove, of London, UK, shared the story of how she suddenly lost her leg. In the spring of 2016,...
If you suffer from an invisible illness, you’re probably already familiar with the frustration of well-meaning friends or strangers not taking your condition seriously. But when one young man visited the emergency room for a severe anxiety attack, he didn’t expect a doctor to dismiss his illness- let alone verbally and physically abuse him in...
Anonymity isn’t what it used to be. Just ask one of the many people who were minding their own business one day and the next day find out they’ve become a meme. Or ask one of the many people affected by an unfortunate data breach. Hold that thought. Now imagine being a mother who has...
Not everyone is open to the legalization of marijuana use, recreational or otherwise. While US states have varying degrees of legality (from complete bans to legal medical use to all legal uses), cannabis use and possession is still prohibited by federal law under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Conversations about whether marijuana use should...
It was March 11, 2011, that a magnitude 9 earthquake shook Fukushima, triggering tsunami waves 13 stories high. The epic natural disaster resulted in nuclear meltdowns and hydrogen explosions at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). But in the eight years that have passed since contaminated water has been...
It’s 2019, and if you don’t already know that the bottled water industry is one of the worst contributors to plastic pollution, where have you been? Single-use plastic bottles are meant to be recycled but often end up as microplastics in our oceans (and eventually our foods!). Reusing plastic water bottles can also be a health danger-...
Actor Selma Blair was recently spotted enjoying a family day at Disneyland. She was there with her 7-year-old son, Arthur, her best friend and Cruel Intentions co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar; and Sarah’s children, 9-year-old Charlotte, and 6-year-old Rocky. Selma took turns between being pushed in a wheelchair by Sarah and using it for support to walk while her...
We’re betting you’ve already noticed the tiny house trend is still going full speed ahead. Tiny houses offer inexpensive solutions to leave a smaller footprint on the environment, simplify your life and detach from the tempting draw of over-consumption, and have your own independence that even a condo or high-rise apartment can’t offer. For some,...
