Health Provider

A health care provider is an individual or an institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional, or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to individuals, families or communities.
An individual health care provider (also known as a health worker) may be a health care professional within medicine, nursing, or a field of allied health. Health care providers may also be a public/community health professional. Institutions (also known as health facilities) include hospitals, clinics, primary care centres, and other service delivery points.


Health care practitioners are commonly grouped into four key fields:

• Medical (including generalist practitioners and specialists);
• Nursing (including various professional titles);
• Dentistry;
• Health Professions, including [occupational therapist] pharmacy, physical therapy, paramedicine, respiratory therapy, and many others health specialists.

Health Care

Health care (or healthcare) is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Health care is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers. It refers to the work done in providing primary care, secondary care and tertiary care, as well as in public health.

Access to health care varies across countries, groups and individuals, largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as the health policies in place. Countries and jurisdictions have different policies and plans in relation to the personal and population-based health care goals within their societies. Health care systems are organizations established to meet the health needs of target populations. Their exact configuration varies from country to country. In some countries and jurisdictions, health care planning is distributed among market participants, whereas in others planning is made more centrally among governments or other coordinating bodies. In all cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a well-functioning health care system requires a robust financing mechanism; a well-trained and adequately-paid workforce; reliable information on which to base decisions and policies; and well maintained facilities and logistics to deliver quality medicines and technologies.

Primary care is the term for the health care services which play a role in the local community. It refers to the work of health care professionals who act as a first point of consultation for all patients within the health care system. Such a professional would usually be a primary care physician, such as a general practitioner or family physician, or a non-physician primary care provider, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. 

Secondary care is the health care services provided by medical specialists and other health professionals who generally do not have first contact with patients, for example, cardiologists, urologists and dermatologists.

It includes acute care: necessary treatment for a short period of time for a brief but serious illness, injury or other health condition, such as in a hospital emergency department. It also includes skilled attendance during childbirth, intensive care, and medical imaging services.

Tertiary care is specialized consultative health care, usually for inpatients and on referral from a primary or secondary health professional, in a facility that has personnel and facilities for advanced medical investigation and treatment, such as a tertiary referral hospital.
Examples of tertiary care services are cancer management, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, plastic surgery, treatment for severe burns, advanced neonatology services, palliative, and other complex medical and surgical interventions.

Health

Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind and body, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain (as in "good health" or "healthy"). The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its broader sense in 1946 as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Although this definition has been subject to controversy, in particular as lacking operational value and because of the problem created by use of the word "complete", it remains the most enduring .Classification systems such as the WHO Family of International Classifications, including the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), are commonly used to define and measure the components of health.

Systematic activities to prevent or cure health problems and promote good health in humans are undertaken by health care providers. Applications with regard to animal health are covered by the veterinary sciences. The term "healthy" is also widely used in the context of many types of non-living organizations and their impacts for the benefit of humans, such as in the sense of healthy communities, healthy cities or healthy environments. In addition to health care interventions and a person's surroundings, a number of other factors are known to influence the health status of individuals, including their background, lifestyle, and economic and social conditions; these are referred to as "determinants of health".

Sports Fitness

Sports can be a great way to get in shape or stay that way. Having a specific goal can be a great motivator. Physically, you need strength and endurance. Your training will vary with your sport. You would not train the same way for pole vaulting as for swimming. You might, however, cross train. Cross training simply means that you include a variety of fitness activities in your program. Research shows that cross training builds stronger bones.

Remember to listen to your body. If you frequently feel exhausted or you are in pain, you may be overdoing it. Injuries can be the result. And be sure that you use your body and your equipment safely. What you eat and drink is also important. Water is the most important nutrient for active people. Drink it before, during and after workouts.

Malnutrition

Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. If you don't get enough nutrients -- including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals - you may suffer from malnutrition.

Causes of malnutrition include:

• Lack of specific nutrients in your diet. Even the lack of one vitamin can lead to malnutrition.
• An unbalanced diet
• Certain medical problems, such as malabsorption syndromes and cancers

Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness and weight loss, or you may have no symptoms. Your doctor will do tests, depending on the cause of your problem. Treatment may include replacing the missing nutrients and treating the underlying cause.

Drinking Water

Every living creature needs clean and safe drinking water. How much do you need? It depends - your size, activity level and the weather all make a difference.

The water you drink is a combination of surface water and groundwater. Surface water includes rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Groundwater comes from underground. The United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, but drinking water quality can vary from place to place. It depends on the condition of the source water and the treatment it receives. Treatment may include adding fluoride to prevent cavities and chlorine to kill germs.

Diabetic Diet

If you have diabetes, your body cannot make or properly use insulin. This leads to high blood glucose, or sugar, levels in your blood. Healthy eating helps keep your blood sugar in your target range. It is a critical part of managing your diabetes, because controlling your blood sugar can prevent the complications of diabetes.

A registered dietitian can help make an eating plan just for you. It should take into account your weight, medicines, lifestyle, and other health problems you have.

Healthy diabetic eating includes

• Limiting foods that are high in sugar
• Eating smaller portions, spread out over the day
• Being careful about when and how many carbohydrates you eat
• Eating a variety of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables every day
• Eating less fat
• Limiting your use of alcohol
• Using less salt

Nutrition

Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.

Learning to eat nutritiously is not hard. The key is to

•   Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products 
•  Eat lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products
•  Drink lots of water
•  Go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, saturated fat and trans fat

Saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals. Look for trans fat on the labels of processed foods, margarines and shortenings.

Dietary Fats

Fat is a major source of energy and aids your body in absorbing vitamins. It's important for proper growth, development and keeping you healthy. Fat provides taste to foods and helps you feel full. Fats are an especially important source of calories and nutrients for infants and toddlers. Dietary fat also plays a major role in your cholesterol levels.

But not all fats are the same. You should try to avoid

Saturated fats such as butter, solid shortening, lard and fatback
Trans fats, found in vegetable shortenings, some margarines, crackers, cookies, snack foods and other foods made with or fried in partially hydrogenated oils
Try to replace them with oils such as corn, canola, olive, safflower, soybean and sunflower. Of course, eating too much fat will put on the pounds.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods.

You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the main types of nutrients. They are the most important source of energy for your body. Your digestive system changes carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). Your body uses this sugar for energy for your cells, tissues and organs. It stores any extra sugar in your liver and muscles for when it is needed.

Carbohydrates are called simple or complex, depending on their chemical structure. Simple carbohydrates include sugars found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and milk products. They also include sugars added during food processing and refining. Complex carbohydrates include whole grain breads and cereals, starchy vegetables and legumes. Many of the complex carbohydrates are good sources of fiber.

For a healthy diet, limit the amount of added sugar that you eat and choose whole grains over refined grains.

Weight Control

If you are overweight, you are not alone. Sixty-six percent of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Achieving a healthy weight can help you control your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. It might also help you prevent weight-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

Eating too much or not being physically active enough will make you overweight. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat must equal the energy you burn. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. A weight-control strategy might include

• Choosing low-fat, low-calorie foods
• Eating smaller portions
• Drinking water instead of sugary drinks
• Being physically active

Nutritional Support

Nutritional support is for people who cannot get enough nourishment by eating or drinking. You may need it if you

• Can't swallow
• Have problems with your appetite or are severely malnourished
• Can't absorb nutrients through your digestive system

You receive nutritional support through a needle or catheter placed in your vein or with a feeding tube, which goes into your stomach.

Giving nutritional support can have both benefits and risks. Families considering nutritional support for a loved one who cannot make decisions should discuss the options with the patient's doctor.

Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are serious behavior problems. They include

• Anorexia nervosa, in which you become too thin, but you don't eat enough because you think you are fat.
• Bulimia nervosa, involving periods of overeating followed by purging, sometimes through self-induced vomiting or using laxatives
• Binge-eating, which is out-of-control eating

Women are more likely than men to have eating disorders. They usually start in the teenage years and often occur along with depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse.

Eating disorders can cause heart and kidney problems and even death. Getting help early is important. Treatment involves monitoring, mental health therapy, nutritional counseling and sometimes medicines.

Food Allergy

Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body's immune system. Allergic reactions to food can sometimes cause serious illness and death. Tree nuts and peanuts are the leading causes of deadly allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.

In adults, the foods that most often trigger allergic reactions include

• Fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts, such as walnuts
• Eggs

Problem foods for children are eggs, milk (especially in infants and young children) and peanuts.

Sometimes a reaction to food is not an allergy. It is often a reaction called "food intolerance". Your immune system does not cause the symptoms of food intolerance. However, these symptoms can look and feel like those of a food allergy.

Exercise of Seniors

There is a fountain of youth. Millions have discovered it - the secret to feeling better and living longer. It's called staying active. Finding a program that works for you and sticking with it can pay big dividends. Regular exercise can prevent or delay diabetes and heart trouble. It can also reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. It can help older people stay independent.

There are four main types of exercise and seniors need some of each:

• Endurance activities - like walking, swimming, or riding a bike - which build "staying power" and improve the health of the heart and circulatory system
• Strengthening exercises which build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss
• Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible
• Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall.

Exercise for Children

Like adults, kids need exercise. Most children need at least an hour of physical activity every day. Regular exercise helps children

• Feel less stressed
• Feel better about themselves
• Feel more ready to learn in school
• Keep a healthy weight
• Build and keep healthy bones, muscles and joints
• Sleep better at night

As kids spend more time watching TV, they spend less time running and playing. Parents should limit TV, video game and computer time. Parents can set a good example by being active themselves. Exercising together can be fun for everyone. Competitive sports can help kids stay fit. Walking or biking to school, dancing, bowling and yoga are some other ways for kids to get exercise.

Sports Safety

Playing sports can be fun, but they can also be dangerous if you are not careful. You can help prevent injuries by

• Getting a physical to make sure you are healthy before you start playing your sport
• Wearing the right shoes, gear and equipment
• Drinking lots of water
• Warming up and stretching

If you have already hurt yourself playing a sport, make sure you recover completely before you start up again. If possible, protect the injured part of your body with padding, a brace or special equipment. When you do start playing again, start slowly.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. You need vitamin C to synthesize structural components of your body, including collagen, ligaments, tendons and bone. Vitamin C is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in your brain. The vitamin also plays a role in synthesizing carnitine for fat metabolism. As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects DNA, RNA, proteins and other indispensable substances from free radicals, chemicals that can damage cells and increase aging. Vitamin C also stimulates your immune system and helps you fight off infections. Foods that contain vitamin C include fruits, such as oranges and strawberries, tomatoes and broccoli.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties that is found in plant oils, wheat germ, nuts, green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Primarily, vitamin E protects your cell membranes from structural changes by free radicals and other chemicals and aging processes Vitamin E also protects the epithelial cells that line the interior wall of your blood vessels, improving blood flow. As an immune stimulator, vitamin E may reduce your risk of infections and infectious diseases, as well as reduce the risk of cancer cell growth.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for building and sustaining your bones and teeth, which contain 99 percent of the mineral in your body. Calcium also enables proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, heart and other tissues and organs. You must get calcium from foods, such as dairy, nuts, green leafy vegetables, soy and fish. You need sufficient amounts of vitamins D and K to absorb calcium into your body and for it to work properly. Calcium deficiency can increase your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. You can obtain calcium from dietary supplements if you do not consume enough calcium from foods.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that functions in every cell, tissue and organ in your body. Potassium is also an electrolyte that conducts electricity within each cell. It plays a role in contracting skeletal and smooth muscles, including your heart. Most foods contain potassium, especially fruits and vegetables. Potassium balance is essential for maintaining proper blood pressure and kidney function. Consuming too much sodium can increase your need for more potassium. Diarrhea and certain medications may also cause an increased need for potassium.

Gumamela

Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn)

Gumamela is a shrub that grows from one meter up to 4 meters high. Gumamela is also known as: Hibiscus, China Rose and Shoeflower. In the Philippines, gumamela is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The gumamela flower comes in many colors: red, yellow, orange, white, purple, pink and other color combinations.

Gumamela leaves, usually blended with Rose Hip has long been used in the Middle East and Okinawa as herbal tea. Today, the use of gumamela tea is gaining worldwide popularity - including Asia. Gumamela (Hibiscus) is associated with longevity.

Gumamela as Herbal Medicine

As herbal medicine, gumamela flower, leaves and roots are used. Gumamela has the following medicinal characteristics: expectorant, diuretic, emollient, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anodyne and refrigerant.

Preparation & Use of Gumamela:

There are two ways to utilize gumamela as herbal medicine. One is dried and the other is fresh. For Dried gumamela, collect the flower, leaves and/or roots. Wash, then cut into small pieces and sun dry. To use as decoction, boil the dried gumamela parts (1/4 cup dried gumamela in 1 glass of water)

To make a decoction from fresh gumamela, Wash gumamela flower and/or leaves, cut into small pieces and boil (1/3 cup in 1 glass of water), let cool and drink.

Use Gumamela as Poultice:

Poultice is the use or fresh or dried herbs that is mashed, crushed or pounded - often heated (boiled in water to soften and heat the herb) and applied directly to the skin. A clean cloth or gauze can be used to help the poultice stay in place.

Gumamela is used for the treatment of:

• Bronchitis - as an expectorant
• Coughs, sore throat
• Fever - as refrigerant drink
• Treats dysentery
• Urinary tract infection, bladder infections
• High blood pressure
• Prevention of constipation
• Headaches
• Boils, swelling & abscesses, mumps

Application & Use of Gumamela:

• Decoction is used to treat: Bronchitis, coughs, fever, dysentery, urinary and bladder infections, high blood pressure and constipation.
• Poultice is applied externally on the afflicted area. This is used to treat: headaches (on the forehead), boils, swelling, abscesses and mumps.
• Intake of gumamela (alone or mixed with papaya or papaya seeds) specially in large quantities can be an abortifacient.

Banaba

Banaba

Banaba, the scientific name of which is Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a tropical flowery tree. It grows to a height as high as 20 meters. Its leaves are large, and ranges from the shape of elliptical-ovate to oblong. These leaves are shed by the plant during the first months of the year, and are bright orange or red during these times. Various research on Banaba conducted in Japan prove true the belief that this plant contains high levels of corosilic acid, a substance known as one of the many treatments for diabetes mellitus. Besides its medicinal value, banaba is also cultivated and known for its beautiful flowers.

Banaba has been used in Filipino folkloric herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes for centuries. It is now gaining popularity and getting recognition as a herbal medicine not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Banaba is also known as Queen's Flower, Crepe Myrtle and the Pride of India. In India, Banaba has also been used to cure diabetes in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time.

Recent studies and laboratory test showed that it's active ingredient, corosolic acid is a potent compound that has insulin like effect to lower glucose in the body and is effective in treating diabetes. Banaba is rapidly becoming known as a natural plant insulin, and what makes it ideal is that, the herbal preparation may also be taken orally, without any risk of adverse side effects. However, caution is advised against taking Banaba with any diabetic drug or any other drug simultaneously. Always consult with a qualified physician or a medical practitioner before taking any medication or any herbal medicine for a correct dose. Also, extra precaution is highly recommended as initial findings show that Banaba extract may delay and reduce the absorption of carbohydrates in the body and promote weight loss, despite its useful medicinal value.

Other studies that were focused on this plant showed other potential medicinal benefits. These include antibacterial functions of seed extracts from this plant, and a water extract of the same manifest anti-oxidative functions. Another is the significant protection that Banaba seems to exhibit to treat HIV-infected cells. This is brought about by its ellagic acid constituents.

Aside from the medicinal value of Banaba, as a herbal medicine, it is also good for the health. Banaba contains high concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. The leaves can be boiled and taken daily as tea.

Benefits and Treatment of Banaba:

• Diabetes
• Fights obesity
• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Good for the kidneys
• Aids the digestive system
• Helps ease urination

Banaba Preparation & Use:

Note: Fresh leaves, dried leaves, flowers, ripe fruit, root and bark of Banaba can all be used.
• Wash the leaves in running water (if fresh). Cut into smaller pieces if desired.
• Boil Banaba (one cup Banaba to cup of water) for 30 minutes. Drink like tea.

Indigestion

Indigestion

Nearly everyone has had indigestion at one time. It's a feeling of discomfort or a burning feeling in your upper abdomen. You may have heartburn or belch and feel bloated. You may also feel nauseated, or even throw up.

You might get indigestion from eating too much or too fast, eating high-fat foods or eating when you're stressed. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using some medicines, being tired and having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse. Sometimes the cause is a problem with the digestive tract, like an ulcer or GERD.

Avoiding foods and situations that seem to cause it may help. Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious problem, see your health care provider if it lasts for more than two weeks or if you have severe pain or other symptoms.

Insomnia

Insomnia

Is it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep though the night? Do you wake up feeling tired or feel very sleepy during the day, even if you have had enough sleep? You might have a sleep disorder.

The most common kinds are

• Insomnia - a hard time falling or staying asleep 
• Sleep apnea - breathing interruptions during sleep 
• Restless legs syndrome - a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs 
• Narcolepsy - daytime "sleep attacks"

Nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, sleep talking, head banging, wetting the bed and grinding your teeth are kinds of sleep problems called parasomnias. There are treatments for most sleep disorders. Sometimes just having regular sleep habits can help.

Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. This growth may lead to metastasis, which is invasion of adjacent tissue and infiltration beyond the lungs. The vast majority of primary lung cancers are carcinomas of the lung, derived from epithelial cells. Lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women, is responsible for 1.3 million deaths worldwide annually. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing (including coughing up blood), and weight loss.

The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. This distinction is important, because the treatment varies; non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is sometimes treated with surgery, while small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) usually responds better to chemotherapy and radiation. The most common cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to tobacco smoke. The occurrence of lung cancer in nonsmokers, who account for as many as 20% of cases, is often attributed to a combination of genetic factors, radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution, including secondhand smoke.

Lung cancer may be seen on chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT scan). The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. This is usually performed via bronchoscopy or CT-guided biopsy. Treatment and prognosis depend upon the histological type of cancer, the stage (degree of spread), and the patient's performance status. Possible treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. With treatment, the five-year survival rate is 14%.

Kidney Disese

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease: Reduced kidney function from various causes. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Kidney disease is available below.

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Kidney disease includes the 2 symptoms listed below:

• Microalbuminuria
• Proteinuria

Other conditions that might have Kidney disease as a complication might be potential underlying conditions. The list of conditions listing Kidney disease as a complication includes:

• Blue Diaper Syndrome
• Classic Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis
• Diabetic Nephropathy
• Fabry's Disease
• Hypertension
• Legionnaires' disease
• MODY syndrome
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Pyelonephritis
• Renal Tubular Acidosis
• Simple kidney cysts
• Tuberculosis
• Urinary tract infections (child)
• Wegener's granulomatosis

Prevention of Kidney disease:
Prevention information for Kidney disease has been compiled from various data sources and may be inaccurate or incomplete. None of these methods guarantee prevention of Kidney disease.

• Control diabetes 
• Control blood pressure 
• Low-protein diets 
• Vitamin B12 - possibly used for prevention of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Migraine

Migraine 

A migraine is a very painful type of headache. People who get migraines often describe the pain as pulsing or throbbing in one area of the head. During migraines, people are very sensitive to light and sound. They may also become nauseated and vomit. 

Migraine is three times more common in women than in men. Some people can tell when they are about to have a migraine because they see flashing lights or zigzag lines or they temporarily lose their vision.

Many things can trigger a migraine. These include:

• Anxiety 
• Stress 
• Lack of food or sleep 
• Exposure to light 
• Hormonal changes (in women)

Doctors used to believe migraines were linked to the opening and narrowing of blood vessels in the head. Now they believe the cause is related to genes that control the activity of some brain cells. Medicines can help prevent migraine attacks or help relieve symptoms of attacks when they happen. For many people, treatments to relieve stress can also help

Pneumonia

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung, usually caused by an infection. Three common causes are bacteria, viruses and fungi. You can also get pneumonia by accidentally inhaling a liquid or chemical. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2 years of age, or already have health problems.

If you have pneumonia, you may have difficulty breathing and have a cough and a fever. A physical exam and history can help determine if you have pneumonia. Chest x-rays and blood tests can help determine what is wrong. Treatment depends on what made you sick. If bacteria are the cause, antibiotics should help. Viral pneumonia may get better with rest and drinking liquids.

Preventing pneumonia is always better than treating it. The best preventive measures include washing your hands frequently, not smoking, and wearing a mask when cleaning dusty or moldy areas. There is a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia, a bacterial infection which accounts for up to a quarter of all pneumonias.

Stroke

Stroke

Stroke symptoms: There are various causes of stroke-like symptoms including stroke, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) and several other serious conditions. ... more about Stroke symptoms.

Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the part of the brain is suddenly interrupted (ischemic) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

Stroke: Serious brain event from bleeding or blood clots. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Stroke is available below.

• Sudden onset of symptoms - some strokes come on quickly 
• Gradual onset of symptoms over hours or days - some strokes take time to onset 
• Hemiparesis 
• Hemiplegia 
• One-sided numbness 
• One-sided weakness 
• One-sided paralysis 
• Temporary limb weakness 
• Limb tingling 
• Confusion 
• Trouble speaking
• Trouble understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one eye 
• Trouble seeing in both eyes 
• Dim vision 
• Loss of vision 
• Trouble walking
•  Dizziness 
• Loss of balance
• Falls 
• Loss of coordination 
• Sudden severe headache 
• Noisy breathing 
• Transient Ischemic Attack - a TIA may be a precursor to full stroke 
• Loss of consciousness
•  Disturbance of consciousness 
• Less common stroke symptoms 
• Sudden nausea
•  Fever 
• Vomiting 
• Fainting 
• Convulsions
•  Coma

Flu

Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination.

Every year in the United States , on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
• about 36,000 people die from flu. 
• Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

What are the symptoms of flu?
The flu usually starts suddenly and may include these symptoms:

• fever (usually high) 
• headache 
• extreme tiredness
•  dry cough 
• sore throat 
• runny or stuffy nose 
• muscle aches 
• stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

Ulcers

Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or your duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. The pain

• May come and go for a few days or weeks
• May bother you more when your stomach is empty
• Usually goes away after you eat

Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help you digest food damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause is infection with a bacterium called Heliobacter pylori. Another cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but can make them worse.

Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated. Treatment may include medicines to block stomach acids or antibiotics to kill ulcer-causing bacteria. Not smoking and avoiding alcohol can help. Surgery may help for ulcers that don't heal.

Aids

Aids

A syndrome resulting from the acquired deficiency of cellular immunity caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is characterized by the reduction of the Helper T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and the lymph nodes; opportunistic infections (usually pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, tuberculosis, candida infections, and cryptococcosis); and the development of malignant neoplasms (usually non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma). The human immunodeficiency virus is transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles, or transfusion of contaminated blood. Generalized lymphadenopathy, fever, weight loss, and chronic diarrhea are common symptoms of AIDS. The patients usually die either of opportunistic infections or malignant neoplasms.

Symptoms of AIDS:

• Opportunistic infections 
• HIV infection 
• Weakened immune system 
• Fever 
• Sweating

Alcoholism

Alcoholism

You can take steps today to stop drinking. Your first step might be to see your doctor, contact a support group, or set a date in the near future to stop. While some people can stop drinking on their own, others need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal. 

If you think you have an addiction to alcohol, talk to your doctor about whether you need to withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. Your doctor can give you medicine that will help you safely withdraw from alcohol. Other medicines might be prescribed later to help you stay sober. With a doctor's help, withdrawal from alcohol is safer.

Stopping alcohol use can:

• Prevent or reduce health problems that are made worse by alcohol use, such as liver damage.
•  Prevent harm to your unborn baby if you are pregnant. 
• Reduce related family concerns or relationship problems. 
• Increase your ability to be productive at work, school, and home. 
• Reduce legal problems that you might have as a result of misuse of alcohol.

Asthma

Asthma

Asthma: Asthma is a chronic lung condition with ongoing airway inflammation that results in recurring acute episodes (attacks) of breathing problems such as ... more about Asthma.

Asthma: Repeated attacks of breathing difficulty. 

Persistent cough Symptoms of an asthma attack: 

• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest tightness
•  Rapid breathing 
• Shallow breathing
•  Itchy throat
•  Sore throat
•  Drop in peak flow rate
•  Rapid pulse 
• Difficulty speaking
• Cyanosis 
• Breathing difficulty 
• Shortness of breath after exertion 
• Cough worse at night 
• Poor stamina 

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading malpractice-related condition with most lawsuits arising out of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. One problem is that a mammogram may be negative, even for women with a breast lump, but a negative mammogram does not definitively rule out breast cancer. Further tests are necessary. Another problem is that women under 50 can get breast cancer, but many doctors will assume a diagnosis of breast fibrocystic disease because of their age.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:

• No early symptoms 
• Breast lump 
• Breast thickening 
• Lump near breast 
• Hard painless breast lump 
• Underarm lump 
• Breast changes 
• Breast size change 
• Breast shape change 
• Breast skin ridges 
• Breast skin pitting 
• Warm breast 
• Swollen breast 
• Red breast
• Scaly breast 
• Nipple changes
• Nipple discharge 
• Nipple tenderness 
• Nipple inverted 
• Warm nipple 
• Swollen nipple 
• Red nipple 
• Scaly nipple 
• Areola changes
• Warm areola 
• Swollen areola 
• Red areola 
• Scaly areola

Cancer

Cancer

Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body.

Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. Symptoms and treatment depend on the cancer type and how advanced it is. Treatment plans may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Millions of Americans are living with a diagnosis of cancer. This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 06-1566) has information about this disease. You will read about possible causes, screening tests, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. You will also find suggestions for coping with cancer.

Researchers are learning more about what causes cancer, and how it grows and progresses. And they are looking for new and better ways to prevent, detect, and treat it. Researchers also are looking for ways to improve the quality of life for people with cancer during and after their treatment.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages. Treatment consists of surgery (including local excision) in early stages and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in advanced stages of the disease.

Pap smear screening can identify potentially precancerous changes. Treatment of high grade changes can prevent the development of cancer. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programs has reduced the incidence of invasive cervical cancer by 50% or more.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a necessary factor in the development of nearly all cases of cervical cancer. HPV vaccine effective against the two strains of HPV that cause the most cervical cancer has been licensed in the U.S. and the EU. These two HPV strains together are currently responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers. Since the vaccine only covers some high-risk types, women should seek regular Pap smear screening, even after vaccination.

Signs and symptoms

The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic. Vaginal bleeding, contact bleeding or (rarely) a vaginal mass may indicate the presence of malignancy. Also, moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge are symptoms of cervical cancer. In advanced disease, metastases may be present in the abdomen, lungs or elsewhere.

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, single swollen leg, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina, and bone fractures.

Cholesterol

\Cholesterol

Also called: HDL, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia, LDL

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods.

You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood 

Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb. Pregnant women can also get diabetes, called gestational diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include fatigue, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent urination. Some people have no symptoms. A blood test can show if you have diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level and take medicine if prescribed.

Heart Attack

Heart Attack

Heart attacks or "acute myocardial infarction" (AMI), are very common and also very deadly. The underlying cause of a heart attack is usually "coronary thrombosis", which is a blockage of the blood vessels of the heart. When the heart actually stops in a heart attack, this is called "cardiac arrest". The most common symptom is chest pain or chest discomfort, but these may also be mild or even absent, and in many cases even the patient is uncertain if they are having a heart attack. If there is any doubt, seek immediate emergency medical help. 

The classic fatal misdiagnosis of heart attack is a person believing that their chest pain is simply heartburn (i.e., reflux, indigestion, GERD, etc.), and failing to seek medical attention for what turns out to be a heart attack. Similarly, people can mistakenly believe they have angina, when it is actually a heart attack. 

However, many cases of heart attack go undiagnosed even in the emergency department. This diagnostic error in the ER makes AMI the single largest malpractice litigation-related medical condition. Because the typical profile for AMI in older men (usually over 45), AMI is often underdiagnosed in women or younger adults. In any age patients, AMI can have a variety of presentations, and diagnostic tests such as an EKG may still be normal. Misdiagnoses of AMI include gastrointestinal disorders (26% of misdiagnoses), musculoskeletal pain (21%), or respiratory ailments such as pneumonia or bronchitis (6%). 

Other the other hand, there are also less serious disorders that are mistakenly believed to be heart attack. A common example are people having a panic attack (anxiety attack) and will rush to emergency in the belief they are dying from a heart attack. There are many other causes of chest pain, many of them not as serious (e.g. heartburn, GERD, gastric reflux, etc.). Nevertheless, it is important not to take chances, and seek immediate emergency medical attention for chest pain, or any possible heart attack or similar symptoms.

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Heart attack includes the 43 symptoms listed below: 

• Chest discomfort - usually in the center of the chest, and may come and go. 
• Uncomfortable chest pressure 
• Chest squeezing 
• Chest fullness 
• Chest pain 

Upper body discomfort - it is not necessarily just the chest that gets pain or discomfort 

• Pain radiating to left arm 
• Back discomfort Back pain 
• Discomfort in one arm 
• Discomfort in both arms Neck discomfort
• Jaw discomfort 
• Stomach discomfort 

Symptoms of actual full cardiac arrest: 

• Loss of consciousness 
• Cyanosis 
• Pallor 
• Absent pulse 
• Dilated pupils 

Other Signs 

• Shortness of Breath 
• Sweating 
• Cold sweat 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Light-headedness 
• Fainting 
• Shortness of breath 
• Tiredness 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Anxiety 
• Palpitations 
• Paleness 
• Upset stomach 
• Dyspnea 
• Diaphoresis 
• Panic 

Common features of heart attack symptoms 

• Uncertainty about symptoms - most people are unsure whether they are having a heart attack. Doubt is common 
• Progressive symptoms - the pain often starts mild and gets worse 
• Intermittent symptoms - sometimes the pain or discomfort will come and go 
• Sudden severe symptoms - sometimes the symptoms start out severe and sudden rather than mild.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis

Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma. Its ... more about Hepatitis.

Hepatitis: Any type of liver inflammation or infection. 

• No symptoms - in some cases 
• Mild symptoms - in some cases

Early symptoms: 

• Mild fever 
• Mild flu-like symptoms 
• Headache 
• Muscle aches 
• Fatigue 
• Loss of appetite 
• Lethargy
•  Malaise
•  Nausea 
• Vomiting
•  Diarrhea 
• Fever
•  Chills
•  Biliousness 

Later symptoms: 

• Dark urine
•  Red urine 
• Orange urine 
• Foamy urine 
• Pale feces
•  Abdominal pain
•  Jaundice 
• Yellowing skin
•  Yellowing eyes 

Severe symptoms of fulminant hepatitis 

• Edema 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Jaundice 
• Liver failure 
• Kidney failure 
• Coma 
• Death