Leishmaniasis facts Leishmaniasis is on the World Health Organization's list of "neglected tropical diseases." A parasite that spreads to humans through the bite of infected Phlebotomus sand flies causes leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis occurs in several temperate and tropical countries of Central and South America (New World), the Middle East, East Africa, and East Asia (Old World). In other regions, such as...
How Long Does It Take for a Hematoma to Go Away?
What is a hematoma? A hematoma is not a bruise. Depending on the cause, it can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for a hematoma to go away. A hematoma is not a bruise. It is a pooling of blood outside of the blood vessels deeper in the skin than a bruise occurs. Trauma is the most common cause...
How Many Organs Are There in the Body?
An organ is a collection of tissues joined in a structural unit to serve a function. The number of organs depends on who in the medical field is asked and how they count it. The general count is 78 organs. Bones and teeth are each counted only once. Counting each bone and tooth separately increases the organ list to 315 organs. Counting...
Obesity: Risks, Symptoms, Charts, BMI, Causes & Treatment
Obesity and overweight facts In the U.S., obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity means having excess body fat. Adults 35 years of age and older with a BMI greater than 30 are obese. Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration. It is a chronic medical disease that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases such as heart...
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Procedure Side Effects & Recovery
What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy? Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that contain cells from the immune system. They filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid and are connected to lymph vessels. Lymph nodes can also contain cancer cells that have spread from the site of the cancer into the lymphatic fluid. The sentinel lymph nodes are...
How Do I Deal With My 16-Year-Old Daughter?
Your 16-year-old daughter is becoming more independent. Deal with your 16-year-old daughter by giving her more independence, connecting with her, being emotionally available and using other supportive strategies. At 16 years of age, your daughter is putting down roots and growing wings. Her sense of independence has set in. She is also becoming empathetic. Her critical thinking abilities are improving...
How Do You Loosen Tight Hamstrings?
Loosen hamstrings Tight hamstrings, sore feelings along the back of the thighs could be felt by everyone. Tight hamstrings, sore feelings along the back of the thighs could be felt by everyone. Below are a few common ways to loosen tight hamstrings: Increasing strength: Strength exercises done the right way may gradually increase the strength in both the hamstrings and...
How Do I Know if My Upper Back Pain Is Serious?
How do I know if my upper back pain is serious? Back pain may occur if you move, twist or lift something the wrong way. Back pain may be serious if it is severe or if it is accompanied by fever, tingling, numbness, weight loss or other symptoms. If you have upper and middle back pain without any other symptoms,...
How Do You Infiltrate Local Anesthesia?
What is local infiltration anesthesia? Local anesthesia infiltration is a superficial method of inducing numbness for dental procedures, minor skin surgeries and similar procedures. Local infiltration anesthesia is the technique of producing loss-of-sensation restricted to a superficial, localized area in the body. A low concentration of anesthetic agent is infiltrated into the tissues in the area that requires anesthesia. What...
How Do I Know If My Knee Pain Is Serious?
The knee is the joint that attaches the bones of the upper and lower legs. Some knee pain may subside with adequate rest and other physical therapies, which can be done at home; however, knee pain that doesn’t dissolve easily with rest should be considered serious and requires medical attention. Knee pain is the most common complaint of the musculoskeletal...