A little fiber history Fiber became a household word back in 1970s when Dr. Denis Burkitt, a man nicknamed the Fiber Man, and his colleagues made “the fiber hypothesis” that states that fiber can prevent certain diseases. Through their work in Africa, they discovered that diseases that were common in the Western cultures were not common there. These included heart...
Cleansing and Detox Diets: Learn How Cleanses Work
Cleansing and detox diets introduction If you're looking for a way to lose weight quickly and feel better (and who isn't?), you might be tempted to try a fad "detox" diet or a "cleanse" method." These diets start with a fast, followed by a period of consuming only raw vegetables, fruit, juices and water. Most nutritionists say, "Don't bother." Do...
Recreational Water Illnesses Treatment, Symptoms & Facts
Recreational water illness (RWIs) facts Contrary to popular belief, chlorine does not kill all germs instantly. There are germs today that are very tolerant to chlorine and were not known to cause human disease until recently. Once these germs get in the pool, it can take anywhere from minutes to days for chlorine to kill them. Swallowing just a little...
Dangers of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Plastics: Get the Facts
How is plastic made and identified? How many times a day do you use something made from plastic? I can guarantee that it's more than you think. Plastic has been a part of our lives for over 100 years, and its use continues to grow. In 2002, about 107 billion pounds of plastic were produced in North America. Recently, claims...
Guinea Worm Disease: Facts on Treatment and Prevention
Guinea worm disease facts* Picture 1: CDC drawing of the Guinea worm disease life cycle. *Guinea worm disease facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Dracunculiasis, more commonly known as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. In 2011, only four countries reported cases of GWD: Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan. Anyone...
Guinea Worm Disease: Facts on Treatment and Prevention
Guinea worm disease facts* *Guinea worm disease facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Dracunculiasis, more commonly known as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. In 2011, only four countries reported cases of GWD: Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan. Anyone who drinks standing pond water contaminated by persons with GWD is...
tiotropium bromide/olodaterol, Stiolto Respimat: COPD
What is Stiolto Respimat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Stiolto Respimat is a combination of inhaled medications used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It consists of two medications, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) and olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat). Tiotropium bromide is an inhaled bronchodilator that enlarges (dilates) airways (bronchi) in the lungs and is used for treating COPD....
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lewy body dementia facts* Share Your Story *Lewy body dementia (LBD) facts Medically Edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits (Lewy bodies) of a protein called alpha–synuclein that occurs in the brain and results in problems with thinking, movements, behavior and mood; dementia can also occur. Lewy body dementia...
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lewy body dementia facts* Share Your Story *Lewy body dementia (LBD) facts Medically Edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits (Lewy bodies) of a protein called alpha–synuclein that occurs in the brain and results in problems with thinking, movements, behavior and mood; dementia can also occur. Lewy body dementia...
Stiff-Person Syndrome: Get Facts on the Rare Disorder
What is Stiff-Person syndrome? Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder with features of an autoimmune disease. What are the signs and symptoms of Stiff-Person syndrome? Readers Comments 16 Share Your Story Stiff-Person syndrome is characterized by fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which...