Although obesity is common, there are many misconceptions associated with it — and these myths often fuel social stigma. In this edition of Medical Myths, we tackle five of the most common misunderstandings about obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, 42.4% of adults have obesity. Globally, […]
As coronavirus continues to make the news, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. In this Special Feature, we address some of these myths and conspiracy theories. The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread from Wuhan, China, to every continent except Antarctica. The World Health Organization (WHO) changed their classification of the situation from a […]
Although there are notable exceptions, most evidence suggests that COVID-19 is much less dangerous for children than it is for adults and infants. Knowing the symptoms of COVID-19 in children can help parents and caregivers identify the emergency warning signs and seek appropriate care. This article covers the symptoms of COVID-19 in children, some potential […]
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 […]
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that results from a viral infection. Flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. A person can pass it on while talking or through physical contact, such as shaking hands. Influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type […]
Endometriosis is an incurable but manageable gynecological condition. It occurs when endometrial implants, comprised of tissue normally found within the uterus, are present in other areas of the body. As the tissue continues to thicken, break down, respond to menstrual cycle hormones, and bleed during the menstrual cycle, endometriosis forms deep inside the body. Scar […]
Today, an estimated 5.8 million people aged 65 years or older in the United States have dementia. Due to the fact that the average lifespan of people in the U.S. has increased over recent decades, some experts project that by 2050, the number of older adults with dementia could reach 13.8 million. 1. Dementia is […]
We often hear that we should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. However, there is some controversy about this figure and what it really means. Water is an essential nutrient. It is necessary to sustain all forms of life, and humans can only live a few days without it. It is also a […]
With age, the human immune system becomes less effective at tackling infections and less responsive to vaccinations. At the same time, the aging immune system is associated with chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of almost all conditions linked to old age. The good news is that exercising and adopting the right diet may help […]
A blackout is a loss of consciousness or complete or partial memory loss. Possible causes of blackouts include epilepsy and drinking a large volume of alcohol. If a person notices someone falling unconscious, they should put them in a seated position or help them lie down so that they do not hurt themselves. What is […]