Brain & Nervous System About 5.3 million persons in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is the most common cause of dementia – a broad term that means cognitive function declines enough to interfere with daily life activities. Nearly half of people age 85 and older may have AD, but it is not a […]
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Brain & Nervous System With Bell’s palsy, a nerve that runs between the ear and the jaw becomes inflamed. This paralyzes the muscles on one side of the face. Bell’s palsy occurs in about 1 in 2,000 people each year. It can occur at any age. In older persons, it is especially important to distinguish
Brain & Nervous System A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Although there is no known prevention for Alzheimer’s Disease, studies suggest staying physically and mentally active may help. A medical evaluation is needed to suggest (or rule out) Alzheimer’s disease. Depression, a severe lack of vitamin B12, and blood clots in
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Respiratory conditions Avian influenza is called “bird flu,” because it naturally occurs in birds. Viruses that cause this do not usually infect humans and other animals, but sporadic human infections with avian influenza have occurred. Outbreaks of “bird flu” could lead to widespread infection in humans. Signs & Symptoms The viruses usually cause no or
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Women’s Health Anemia means that red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Signs, Symptoms & Causes There are many types of anemia. Common ones are low amounts of iron, folic acid (a B vitamin), and vitamin B12.
General Health Conditions Anemia means that red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Common types of anemia are low amounts of iron, folic acid (a B-vitamin), and vitamin B12. Signs & Symptoms * Tiredness. * Weakness. *
Heart & Circulation Problems Angina is chest pain or discomfort. It occurs when the heart muscle does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs for a given level of work. Signs & Symptoms * Squeezing pressure, heaviness, or mild ache in the chest (usually behind the breastbone) * Aching in a tooth
Bone & Muscle Problems Signs & Symptoms * Pain ranging from dull to severe. Increased pain with movement. * Numbness. Weakness. Tenderness. * Stiffness. Swelling. Causes There are many causes of arm and/or hand pain. Common causes are: * Arthritis. Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome. * Circulation problems, such as angina
Bone & Muscle Problems Arthritis refers to over 100 disorders that affect the joints or areas around the joints. It is a common chronic health problem and occurs in people of all ethnic groups. In the U.S., arthritis is the most common cause of disability. The risk for arthritis increases with aging. More than 1
Respiratory conditions Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways to narrow. Airflow is limited due to inflammation in the airways. General Information Symptoms * A cough lasts more than a week. Coughing may be the only symptom. It often occurs at night or early in the morning. * Shortness of breath. Breathing gets
