A maternity or a pregnancy pillow is a specially designed body pillow to suit A maternity or a pregnancy pillow is a specially designed body pillow to suit and support the changing curves of the body during pregnancy. This long pillow supports the entire body. And yes, they help reduce back pain of pregnancy to a large extent. Try a full-length pregnancy pillow. Sleep with this...
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment, Symptoms, Types, Diet & Pictures
Facts you should know about psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis can cause swollen, red, and painfully inflamed joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by a form of inflammation of the skin (psoriasis) and joints (inflammatory arthritis). Some 15%-25% of people with psoriasis also develop inflammation of joints (psoriatic arthritis). The first appearance of the skin disease (psoriasis) can be...
Dental Sealants: Get the Facts on the Process
What Is Dental Sealants? Sealants are a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars, and molars) — to prevent tooth decay. The painted on liquid sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Although thorough brushing and...
Astigmatism: Get Facts on Tests, Contacts and Correction
What Is Astigmatism? Astigmatism is a common eye condition that’s easily corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. Astigmatism is characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea. This is one type of refractive error. Astigmatism occurs in nearly everybody to some degree. For significant curvature, treatment is required. A person’s eye is naturally spherical in shape. Under normal circumstances,...
Is Chlamydia Contagious?
Is chlamydia contagious? Readers Comments 1 Chlamydia is a contagious STD (sexually transmitted disease). Chlamydia bacteria cause the most common STD in United States. Approximately 3,000,000 women and men become infected every year. Chlamydia is most common among women and men under the age of 25. Chlamydia is caused by the gram-negative bacteria from the genus Chlamydia (C. trachomatis; there...
Pubic Lice: Get Facts about Sexually Transmitted Parasites
Pubic lice facts *Pubic lice facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Pubic lice (also called crab lice or "crabs") are parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. Pubic lice may occasionally be found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpits, mustache, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Lice found on the...
Automatic, Internal, Implantable Cardiac (Heart) Defibrillators
Implantable cardiac (cardioverter) defibrillators facts Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can prevent death from cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest due to life-threatening fast heart rhythms is the most common cause of death in the United States. ICDs are implanted in the chest in a manner similar to that of pacemakers. ICDs deliver electrical pulses or shocks to the heart to convert a...
Creatinine Blood Test: Normal, Low, High Levels, By Age & Results
Creatinine has been found to be a fairly reliable indicator of kidney function.Source: MedicineNet/iStock Why are blood creatinine levels checked? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story The kidneys maintain the blood creatinine in a normal range. Creatinine has been found to be a fairly reliable indicator of kidney function. Elevated creatinine level signifies impaired kidney function or kidney disease. As...
Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs, Risks, Treatment & Prevention
Child abuse facts Child abuse is when a caregiver either fails to provide appropriate care (neglect), purposefully inflicts harm, or harms a child while disciplining him or her. Child abuse is when a caregiver either fails to provide appropriate care (neglect), purposefully inflicts harm, or harms a child while disciplining him or her. Survivors of child maltreatment are at greater...
Circumcision Procedure: Is It Safe? Is it Painful? How Is It Performed?
Circumcision procedure facts Newborm cicumcision is a surgical procedure. It is safe. Newborn circumcision is a generally safe procedure if it is done under proper circumstances. Circumcision should be done by a trained, experienced practitioner. Circumcision should not be done if an infant is sick or in unstable health. A premature infant should not have circumcision until the baby meets...