Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder that blocks air flow in and out of the lungs. In asthmatics, the airways may overreact and spasm when exposed to certain triggers. Triggers can include tobacco smoke, air pollution, dust mites, pet dander, exercise, cold air, and pollen. As well, airways may become irritated and fill up with… Read more »
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot . . . When the plantar fascia is excessively stretched, this can cause plantar fasciitis – www.foot.com Plantar fasciitis is the most common… Read more »
He sat in the corner of the room, looking out the window. From his hospital bed he could see the crimson leaves waiting to drop to the ground. It was late fall and he knew this would be his last season on this earth. Though he struggled to hang on, his life was slipping away…. Read more »
?Cholesterol is a group of lipids known as sterols: a soft waxy substance made in the body for a variety of purposes and also found in animal-derived foods.? from Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies: 9th edition by Frances Sizer and Eleanor Whitney The body needs cholesterol for building cell membranes and in the production of vitamin… Read more »
Ulcerative colitis is a disease that falls under the umbrella term of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). These diseases are characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon (most often the lower part), causing ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon and leading to inflammation, bleeding, and diarrhea. This condition… Read more »
One in 70 women in Canada will develop ovarian cancer. Death from ovarian cancer exceeds all other gynecological cancers in Canada. However, when this cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is as high as 90 per cent. Unfortunately, 70 per cent of cases are not detected until the later stages, when the five-year… Read more »
Glaucoma Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans between the ages of 45 and 65. Estimates indicate that throughout the world approximately 100 million people are suffering from glaucoma. Even with treatment, 10 per cent of those diagnosed with glaucoma will lose… Read more »
Diabetes: A Rising Health Crisis More than two million Canadians have diabetes Diabetes was first observed in 1552 BC, when the physician Hesy-Ra recorded frequent urination as a symptom. Until the 11th century, diabetes was diagnosed by a group known as water tasters. Their job was to drink the urine of people who were thought… Read more »
Virgo August 23 – September 22 The glyph for Virgo comprises three straight lines with a horizontal line across. The three vertical lines are said to indicate action, harmony, and inertia. Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, occurring at the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It is the sign of… Read more »
Leo July 23 – August 22 The glyph for Leo represents the mane of the lion. The glyph’s two incomplete circles can also be seen as the sun being joined by the moon. In mythology, Leo is frequently associated with Nemean the Lion, who was killed by Hercules and then sent into the sky. Leo… Read more »