View Post

Hypothyroidism

Patient information: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) (The Basics) Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the middle of the neck. It sits just below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid makes two hormones, called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which control how the body uses and stores energy. What is hypothyroidism? — Hypothyroidism …

View Post

Diet and Exercise for a Healthy Heart

How does what I eat affect my heart? The foods you eat can affect your weight, your hormones, and the health of your organs, including your heart. Eating a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Keeping your heart healthy by making healthier food choices isn’t as hard as it sounds! Tips for a heart-healthy …

View Post

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The Basics Patient information: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (The Basics) Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate What are temporomandibular joint disorders? — Temporomandibular joint disorders are problems with the jaw joint and the muscles around it. The jaw joint, called the “temporomandibular joint,” is located in front of the ear where the jawbone connects to your head. To …

View Post

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Cause Hand, foot and mouth disease was first described in a summer outbreak that occurred in Toronto, Canada in 1957 and was caused by a virus known as Coxsackievirus A16. Since then, at least 15 other enterovirus serotypes have been shown to cause HFMD, most commonly Coxsackievirus A serotypes.   Signs and symptoms Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a …

View Post

Aspirin for Primary Prevention: 2016 USPSTF Recommendations

Kenneth W. Lin, MD, MPH Hi, everyone. I’m Dr Kenny Lin. I am a family physician at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and I blog at Common Sense Family Doctor. Taking aspirin after a heart attack or a stroke can literally be lifesaving. The benefits of daily low-dose or “baby” aspirin, 81 mg, to prevent a second cardiovascular event are …

View Post

ABCs of Diabetes (patient information)

Official from UpToDate® www.uptodate.com ©2016 UpToDate® The content on the UpToDate website is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical questions or conditions. The use of this website is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use ©2016 …

View Post

Hypertension (high blood pressure) – made easy

Hypertension means elevated Blood Pressure.   Blood Pressure classification Systolic blood pressure mm Hg (upper reading) Diastolic blood pressure mm Hg (lower reading) Normal Less than 120 And Less than 80 Pre-hypertension 120-139 Or 80-89 Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 Or 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or higher Or 100 or higher Hypertensive urgency (if no headache or other symptoms)- needs …

View Post

COLORECTAL CANCER MONTH

What are the symptoms ? • Blood in the stool • Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation • Feeling of constant need to go to the toilet after bowel is emptied regularly • Pain or discomfort • Unexpected weight loss • Extreme tiredness • Lump in the abdomen   Are you at risk ? • Age: More than …

View Post

Ochratoxin-A: Its Cancer Risk and Potential for Exposure

Ochratoxin-A (OTA) is a naturally occurring toxin produced by two main types of fungi (mold), Aspergillus and Penicillium. Around the world, OTA is found most frequently in stored grain. OTA makes its way into a variety of food and beverages, particularly cereal and grain products, but also dried fruit, wine, coffee, beer, cocoa, juices, spices, pork, poultry and dairy products. …

View Post

Patient information: What you should know about antibiotics (The Basics)

What are antibiotics? — Antibiotics are medicines that help people fight infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing bacteria that are in the body. These medicines come in many different forms, including pills, ointments, and liquids that are given by injection. Antibiotics can do a lot of good. For people with serious bacterial infections, antibiotics can save lives. But …