Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been on the rise in the United States. In April 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, in 2019, STIs had reached an all-time high for the sixth consecutive year. In 2019, the CDC received reports of over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. […]
Our skin plays multiple roles. For instance, it helps keep our insides inside and blocks the path of pathogens. It also helps us stay warm when it is cold and cool down when it is hot. Importantly, the skin provides a home for sensory neurons, which let us sense the world around us. Despite the […]
Children are being hospitalized with COVID-19 in record numbers across the United States. As most children are not old enough to get vaccinated, hospitalizations could further increase as schools reopen. Doctors and epidemiologists are thus calling for the use of safety precautions, such as masks and ventilation, during class. The rise in cases of COVID-19 […]
Fibromyalgia is a common and chronic syndrome that causes bodily pain and mental distress. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can be confused with those of arthritis, or joint inflammation. However, unlike arthritis, it has not been found to cause joint or muscle inflammation and damage. It is seen as a rheumatic condition, in other words, one that […]
Ulcerative colitis is a relatively common long-term condition that causes inflammation in the colon. It is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is similar to Crohn’s disease. The colon removes nutrients from undigested food and eliminates waste products through the rectum and anus as feces. In severe cases, ulcers form on the lining […]
Obesity is a major risk factor for various metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), today, most of the world’s population lives in countries where obesity kills more people than malnutrition. The prevalence of obesity has significantly increased in adults in the past few decades. As such, researchers are engaged […]
Osteoarthritis (OA) causes inflammation in the joints and the breakdown and gradual loss of joint cartilage. As the cartilage wears down, a person experiences pain and difficulty with movement. OA is a common joint disorder. It develops in the hand, for example, in 1 in 12 people over the age of 60, according to the […]
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can damage your heart. It affects one in three people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. But there’s good news. There are a number of things you can do to lower […]
Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating. It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, due […]
A person with untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has difficulty maintaining attention, managing energy levels, and controlling impulses. In the United States, around 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. In some children, ADHD characteristics begin as early as 3 years of age. Ways of treating ADHD include medication, behavioral management techniques, […]