Your sciatic nerve is the main nerve supplying your leg. This large nerve leaves your spinal cord in your lower back and passes between the bones (vertebrae) of your spine. Pinching (compression) of the nerve where it passes between the spinal vertebrae is the usual cause of sciatica. Compression is … Read More
Blood donation requirements protect the blood supply and all the people who may benefit from donated blood. They also protect you, since you may need a blood transfusion someday, and in some cases, giving blood can be dangerous for your health. Along with giving basic information like your name and … Read More
Hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, is usually a problem for people with diabetes. When it happens to someone without diabetes it is called non-diabetic hypoglycemia. When someone without diabetes has a blood sugar that drops below 70, it is called reactive hypoglycemia. [1] What Causes Reactive Hypoglycemia? Diabetics often … Read More
Despite all their best efforts, some people still can’t keep their lipids and cardiovascular risk at acceptable levels. If you’re one of them, you’ll need a medication to help control your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins are known scientifically as 3-hydroxy- 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A … Read More
When it comes to choosing healthy fats, confusion abounds. More than likely, you’ve heard of those miracle fatty acids, omega-3s. These essential fats reduce inflammation in the body and can help lower the risk of chronic degenerative conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and even certain types of cancer. Along … Read More
I take zinc when I feel a cold coming on and find that it definitely helps to keep me from getting sick. Many people use zinc for this immune-boosting purpose, but zinc benefits can do more for your body than just that. The benefits of taking zinc include lowering your … Read More
The Mediterranean diet, centered around fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, is good for everything from your brain to your bones. Learn the benefits of the Mediterranean diet—and how to use it to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, heart disease, depression, and even cancer. A wide … Read More
Dates are often used as alternative sweeteners because of their natural sweetness. It turns out that these sweet foods contain more than just carbohydrates and sugars: they are packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting nutrients that can help you stay healthy. Learn about the health benefits of … Read More
There are several reasons why certain foods are good for your cholesterol and your heart health. Some have direct effects on reducing LDL and/or triglycerides. Others are more filling and, if they’re low in calories, will help with weight loss. Plus, by filling up on these healthier options, you’re not … Read More
The heel of the foot is sometimes called the "hindfoot," and people understandably think of it first as a bone, also called the calcaneus. But there are actually many different types of tissue that make up the heel. Disorders of any of these tissues and the structures they form can … Read More
