Health and Living Health Center

A colon cleanse is the act of flushing out or cleaning the large intestine. They may be performed by professionals called colonic hygienists. In spite of insufficient research to support its benefits, the goal of colon cleansing is to clear the colon of any stagnant, supposedly toxic waste encrusted on the walls of the large intestine.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, odorless, and colorless gas. The potential sources of carbon monoxide in the house may be poorly functioning heating systems, water heaters, fuel-burning devices with no vents (for example, kerosene heaters, charcoal grills, camping stoves, gasoline-powered electrical generators), and motor vehicles.

Here are nineteen nail changes that may indicate a medical condition.

What is acid reflux and how can you treat it at home? Learn the top foods and drinks that can ease your symptoms and help you find relief. GERD symptoms start with acid reflux and then can progress to include chest pain, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, hoarseness, coughing or wheezing, excess saliva, inflamed gum tissue, and even acid erosion of your teeth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when stomach acid, food, and fluids move up from the stomach to the esophagus. Learn more about GERD, its common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and your treatment options.

Antiperspirants are products you put on your armpits to stop or slow sweating. There are concerns that antiperspirants may be implicated in cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and allergies.

Heated blankets can provide warmth and comfort during cold and wintery months. Heated blankets may get too hot or might cause burns if kept on one area of the body for too long. Heated blankets may be dangerous for infants, the elderly, diabetics, pregnant women and those with nerve disorders.

Katydids are gentle insects that look like grasshoppers. They are generally harmless to humans and pets. They may bite if they feel threatened. Pain from the bite is usually as intense as the one felt from a mosquito bite. The bite is not poisonous, and you do not generally need to get urgent medical help.

Loofahs can prove dangerous to your skin because they can be a microbe reservoir, especially if they hang unused for days or even hours without a good rinse. Loofahs have lots of nooks and corners, and they are very porous.

Plankton are microscopic organisms that play an important role in the marine ecosystem. They are food for shelled animals and fish. Plankton refers to both plant- and animal-like beings that float along the sea's tides and currents. Their name is derived from the Greek word, “planktos,” meaning “drifter” or “wanderer.”

Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach gets red and swollen (inflamed) due to various causes. The lining of the stomach makes acid and enzymes that help break down food to nutrients.

Cordyceps fungus does not infect humans. Check out the center below for more medical references on infections, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Yes, nails have good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so completely removed fingernails usually grow within 6 months. Toenails may grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of the fingernails, so completely removed toenails may grow within 18 months.

Recovery from kidney failure varies, depending on whether the condition is chronic or acute. Learn about renal failure treatment options.

Breast pain can have a lot of causes and is not always associated with breast cancer. A pulled chest muscle may be due to angina, gall stones, costochondritis, and other things.

Most rotator cuff tears cannot heal on their own unless the injury is minor. Some need medications and physiotherapy, whereas most require surgery.

Although there is no cure for calciphylaxis, symptoms and complications can be managed through multidisciplinary approaches to treatment.

Keeping well hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water daily (even more if working in hot and humid conditions) is beneficial for the blood pressure. High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a condition caused by the persistent high pressure of blood against the walls of arteries. It is also called systolic pressure (constantly greater than 139 mmHg) or diastolic pressure (constantly more than 89 mmHg).

While drinking more water can help boost kidney function, there is no evidence that suggests that it can prevent the progress of kidney failure.

Exercise is a great way to build muscles and tone your body. Certain exercises that target a particular muscle group can make that particular part appear shapely or noticeable.

A facial nerve originates in the brain and controls the muscles on one side of the face. There are two facial nerves, one for each side of the face. The facial nerve travels in and around the structures of the middle ear and along the jawbone to enter the parotid gland (one of the salivary glands) before the ear.

Including hula hooping in your daily routine may help you burn calories, shed fat, and tone your muscles for a slim waist. In addition to the overall weight loss, it also tones and trains the muscles in the belly area.

The force of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to other sites in the body (the arteries) is called blood pressure. The heart pumps blood into the arteries as it contracts (systole).

If aging or genetics is the only cause of hair graying, this natural process cannot be reversed.

Effects of ricin poisoning depend on whether ricin was inhaled, ingested, or injected. Ricin poisoning can eventually lead to multiple organ failure, leading to death within 36-72 hours of exposure, depending on the dosage of ricin and mode of exposure. There is no antidote for ricin; hence, ricin poisoning is mainly treated symptomatically with supportive medical care to reduce the effects of poisoning.

Sometimes, UTI symptoms can linger even after antibiotic therapy. Reasons for this may be that your UTI is caused by an antibiotic-resistance strain of bacteria or caused by another type of bacteria, or you may have another condition entirely that causes UTI-like symptoms.

Whole body vibration has gained popularity as a form of passive exercise. However, studies regarding its benefits vs. harmful effects are limited.

Weight loss surgery is an effective way for people with significant excess weight to improve their health. There is no official upper limit on weight for weight loss surgery candidates.

The shape of the face is the result of bone structure and genetics. Both are hard to change. However, rest assured, there are ways to alter the face a little, sharpen those features and look glamorous.

A Brazilian is a waxing method used to get rid of all or most pubic hair. You can do a Brazilian with an epilator — but you should know that using an epilator may not be the best choice for doing a full Brazilian.

No, drowning in a floatation tank is one of the most common myths of sensory deprivation. It is next to impossible to drown in a sensory deprivation tank. It is impossible to not float in a sensory deprivation tank because the Epsom salt causes changes to the composition of tank water making drowning in a floatation tank incredibly difficult.

Although thrush is not considered an STI, the infection can be transmitted during unprotected vaginal or anal sex, fingering, and oral sex.

It is possible to speak with only one functioning vocal cord, but the voice quality is raspy and weak and of lower pitch. The vocal cords are two bands of elastic muscle tissue in the larynx (voice box) above the trachea (windpipe).

Turmeric is one of the most used spices in Asian cuisine. This yellow spice has been hailed for its healing properties for centuries. A turmeric latte is touted for its myriad health benefits. Turmeric contains several anti-inflammatory compounds collectively called curcuminoids.

Nair can be used in your private area to remove pubic hair. However, there are some precautions to take. Learn about other methods of pubic hair removal and how to do it safely.

Yes, it is possible for your dimples to go away, especially if your parents do not have dimples. We often see newborn babies having dimples as they suckle milk. Dimples in babies are caused by the accumulation of the baby fat in their cheeks.

Numerous studies have been conducted on face yoga or face exercises to improve the signs of aging over the face and neck area. These studies have been conducted on small sample sizes and need further investigation. However, many women who participated in these studies did report lessened facial sagging and fine lines.

Cannabis sativa strains of cannabis generally give you a high. The cannabis plant comprises three species, each containing a varying amount of psychoactive substance called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These three types are C sativa, C indica, and C ruderalis. However, the most widely available Sativa strains mainly consist of a high limonene content that uplifts the mood.

Sun lamps are used to treat conditions caused by lack of sunlight exposure and may be effective in easing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Cold weather can tighten the muscles and joints, leading to muscle aches and pain.

The birth control pill or the “pill” is used to prevent an undesired pregnancy. Over years, the pill has been blamed to cause weight gain, sex drive, and even affect the skin in a bad way. Which part is true? Which part is a myth? Let’s find out.

Migraines are complex disorders involving episodes of recurrent, severe headaches. Migraine headache is usually on one side and felt as pounding or pulsating. It may be associated with visual or sensory symptoms, collectively called “aura.”

Nicotine is water-soluble, so drinking water will help flush out any lingering traces. Water helps flush nicotine and other chemicals out of your body.

Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe conditions in which there is progressive damage to the intervertebral discs. Walking can help treat degenerative disc disease since it's a mild form of physical therapy, which is good for your spine and joints.

Frankincense oil is sometimes called the king of all oils. Frankincense helps with pain and inflammation, but it may irritate your skin or interact with certain medications.

Gardner’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that is characterized by intestinal polyps and dental anomalies. Learn the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and life expectancy of GS.

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome is the tissue swelling over the sole of the foot. The other causes of heel pain include vitamin deficiency, medical problems, and physical activity.

Blood typing kits are accurate 99.9% of the time when used correctly. It is important to use enough blood when testing and store the kits properly.

A contusion is a bruise that occurs when you sustain a blow or force causing trauma. Learn about the diagnosis, treatment, complications and more.

Conch (medically known as “concha”) piercings are painful. Because each person has a different tolerance level, how much it hurts depends upon person to person. Some feel more pain than others.

There are various ingredients that are inexpensive and easily available. These can be used to help bleach or lighten the hair. You may want to experiment with different methods and ingredients because they may work differently for different hair colors and types. Hence, it may require some experimentation by using different methods to see which works best.

Hair has always been a significant aspect of beauty standards. Luscious and shiny locks have been considered ideal beauty for ages. Have you always dreamt of having that bouncy and voluminous hair seen in the advertisements? If so, this dream can turn into reality by following a proper hair care routine.

Mild to moderate sciatica pain can be managed with a few at-home remedies within three months. Learn the nine best stretches and exercises for sciatica, four nonsurgical options for immediate pain relief, and four ways to manage pain during pregnancy.

When your back is stiff or weak, it becomes prone to injury. While most muscle spasms in your back are harmless and can be treated effectively, some indicate that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Common ways to get rid of back spasms include massage, heat and ice therapy, NSAIDs and other strategies.

Hair needs nutrition. Grow hair faster and thicker at home by eating a diet that provides enough protein, selenium, vitamins, and other micronutrients and using home remedies.

The signs of healthy hair include thick, soft, and shiny hair. Having silky hair is something not every person is born with. Your hair may become dry and brittle if your diet is not healthy or if you use hair products that are not meant for your hair type.

A good skin is a combination of genetics, good skin care regime, and healthy diet habits. Pollution, excess caffeine, and processed foods wreak havoc on the skin and result in acne, pigmentation marks, and wrinkles.

Fourteen-year-olds struggle in developing a sense of who they are. They begin to realize that they play different roles with different people, such as daughter, friend, teammate, student, and worker. Some may have questions about their sexuality.

Patchy hair loss in the beard is called alopecia barbae. Treatment aims to limit activity of the immune cells in order to reduce damage to hair cells.

Here are 7 ways to get rid of a crick in your neck, which include applying ice or heat, stretching, taking pain relievers, and trying a soft neck collar.

Learn what medical treatments can help get rid of your kidney cysts and speed up your recovery.

Flies found in houses are referred to as houseflies and nuisance flies. They are found in almost every place where people live. They flourish and breed on animal wastes, garbage, and decaying organic material.

You can usually get rid of numbness in your hands with exercises and medications. However, hand numbness due to more serious underlying conditions may require medical treatment. Learn about treatment options for hand numbness, and check out the center below for more medical references on causes of numbness and tingling in the hands, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Almost any ant that is attracted to sugar is often referred to as a sugar ant. However, this is not particularly correct, as many species of ants are attracted to sweets. There is a type of ant called “banded sugar ant,” which is usually only found in Australia, which is a true sugar ant.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps your body function properly. The best way to find out if you are getting enough vitamin D through your lifestyle and diet is to take the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test.

Your forearms are a part of the upper limb between the elbow and wrist. The forearm has two bones, namely, the radius (present toward the thumb or lateral side of the forearm) and ulna (present toward the little finger or medial side of the forearm).

Beautiful, shiny, lustrous hair! The thought itself makes the heart smile. A bad hair day can ruin mood instantly. The ever-growing hair care industry is the undeniable proof of the ceaseless concerns for healthy and beautiful hair. Hair thinning and dullness can be a concern for anyone, regardless of age and gender.

The causative situation usually results in absence or destruction of the normal canal skin. Unlike other bodily skin, this tissue has the ability to grow out, along the canal, to self-clean the area. This function is lost if the skin is irreversibly damaged when the canal must be grafted with fine grafts from elsewhere.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that should be checked by a doctor, who will assess your symptoms and order tests to confirm a diagnosis.

The more we wear our favorite pair of shoes, the more we may notice that they are beginning to smell. Overuse, sweat, skin shedding, dirt, bacteria, fungus, and lack of aeration can all contribute to stinky shoes.

The face is often regarded as the doorway to the soul. Your worries, thoughts, and desires, all show up on your face in some way or the other. Beyond this philosophical notion, whatever you eat and however active you are shows up on your face as well. One of the bothersome features of the face for many people is the double chin.

Ants have their nests outside around the home. Ants tend to enter the home by following a chemical trail to the food that is found by their nestmate.

Learn 23 ways to get rid of black ants overnight.

Getting rid of dark spots may take time; particularly if the spot is a few shades darker than your skin color, it would take six to 12 months to fade. If the spot lies deep in your skin, fading may take years. Dark spots are caused due to excess production of melanin (the dark-colored pigment present in the skin).

Dark spots over the face can be due to conditions like acne, boils, chickenpox, excessive exposure to harsh sun, allergy to certain facial products, or injuries. These spots can be a reason for significant distress due to social pressure for clear and radiant skin.

Gnats are tiny (about 1/8 inch long), dark, mosquito-like flies with antennae and long legs. One of the most effective ways of getting rid of gnats inside your house is to handle the breeding ground.

Head lice are small wingless insects that are light brown or grey in color and present on the scalp. They feed on blood of the scalp and derive nutrition. Children are more commonly affected by an infestation with head lice than adults. Head lice can affect anyone, and having head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene.

Bags and shadows under your eyes are a common occurrence. They make you look dull and haggard. The treatment strategy often depends on its cause, and the care may vary with every individual.

Spider mites are small insects that infect garden plants. They live on the undersides of the plant leaves where they may spin protective silk webs. They cause plant damage by puncturing the plant cells to feed. Their webs are super fine and spread densely over leaves and stem without the classical geometric form.

Transient lingual papillitis is the small, painful, reddish-white bumps or spots on the tongue that come and go away on their own. They are completely harmless, although they tend to recur. It is also known as “lie bumps”.

Home remedies for getting rid of yellow toenails include baking soda, vitamin E, antifungal nail creams, and certain oils.

Fire ants are a big nuisance if you find them infesting your house or gardens. Their bite is painful, and a few people develop allergic reactions to the bites. To get rid of the fire ants, you may be tempted to use the market preparations of pesticides and insecticides.

A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary tract. Signs that a UTI has spread to the kidneys include chills, high fever, nausea, and vomiting, and other signs.

Lungs are a pair of organs in the chest cavity. They are responsible for the exchange of the atmospheric air into the blood and supply oxygen to the body parts. When there is something wrong with your lungs, you will experience one or more of the following warning signs and symptoms.

You may have pulled your groin if you experience swelling, bruising, and pain in the groin. Learn how to tell the difference between groin strain and hernia.

Getting plenty of rest and applying warm compresses are the best ways to relieve trapezius pain. It is also advised to consult a physiotherapist for persistent and recurrent pain.

Blue light is one of the components or colors that make up the white light (sunlight) of the sun. It has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than all the colors of the sunlight. Blue light is also emitted from the LED (light-emitting diode) used in light bulbs, computer and laptop screens, smartphones, and television sets. It has a wavelength varying between 400 and 490 nanometers.

A corneal abrasion is a type of eye injury that involves the clear, transparent tissue in front of the eye called the cornea. The cornea covers and protects the colored part in front of the eye called the iris. The cornea also helps to focus the light that enters the eye and thus aids in vision.

A groin train may be treated with painkillers to manage symptoms and physical therapy to regain muscle strength. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

Knee effusion occurs when excess fluid collects around the knee joint. Treatment for knee effusion depends on the underlying cause.

Dull, frizzy and unmanageable hair haunts most of our hair care dreams. When hair is stripped of its moisture and becomes dry, it’s also more vulnerable to tangling, breakage and hair loss. You can apply oil, conditioner and hair serum to treat dry hair. Ditching heat styling helps dry hair. So does eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated.

Atropa belladonna (also referred to as belladonna and deadly nightshade) is a poisonous plant. Interestingly, its leaves and roots are used in appropriate amounts to make medicine. It contains important alkaloids, including scopolamine and hyoscyamine. These constituent alkaloids are used as anticholinergic drugs that are used widely in clinical practice.

The hemlock plant, known as poison hemlock, is poisonous. Its seeds, flowers, leaves, or fruits contain poisonous alkaloid chemicals. Any part can kill you even after ingesting small amounts. Death occurs due to respiratory failure. The alkaloids slowly poison the nerve-muscle junctions and cause the failure of the breathing muscles.

The Bug Bite Thing is a suction device that reduces itching, stinging, and swelling caused by bug bites and stings by drawing out the insect saliva that has been left behind beneath the skin.

The sinuses are cavities present in the facial bones. Frontal sinusitis is the swelling or infection of the frontal sinuses. The frontal sinuses are located just behind the eyes. All the sinuses produce mucus that drains into the nasal cavities.

A neck strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons of your neck muscles and tendons — two types of soft tissue. It typically takes days to weeks for strains to heal.

A foreign object cannot fall out from your ear on its own. It can stay in your ear until you do not remove it or get it removed.

Life expectancy for stage V kidney failure without dialysis varies from person to person. However, death is inevitable within a few weeks.

The life expectancy of heterotaxy syndrome is 14 years; however, people may live up to 40 years. Check out the center below for more medical references on eye conditions, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks. Pain may improve within 7-10 days without surgery and may disappear within 2-3 weeks.

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) can last decades if the procedure is done correctly and the proper aftercare is followed. Check out the center below for more medical references on cosmetic surgery, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.