Although electronic records are more common now, if you saw your doctor’s handwriting, there’s a good chance it’s chicken scratch. Here’s why. If you’ve ever taken a handwritten prescription from a doctor or looked at the notes from your visit, it seems like no amount of squinting could help the letters get clearer. Bad handwriting almost seems like… Read More »
Urine, a typically sterile liquid by-product of the body, is secreted by the kidneys through a process called urination and excreted through the urethra. Urine is often used as a diagnostic feature for many disease conditions. These may b based on either physical or chemical components, that may give insight to processes within the body, often through urinalysis,… Read More »
Since the dawn of time, we have searched for ways to make life easier for us. The modern age has given us some amazing technological advances—what we would do without the internet, our iPhones or high-speed travel? For many people, surviving life without these things sounds rough. However, if you have diabetes, no doubt you’re also a big… Read More »
Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools that persists for several weeks or longer. Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also… Read More »
From Red Delicious to Granny Smith, apples are a tasty and convenient way to add extra nutrients to your diet.Darren Muir/Stocksy It’s that time of year again: apple-picking season. And there are a number of good reasons why you’ll want to fill up a basket. Not only do apples taste delicious on their own or when added to… Read More »
Tooth decay is damage that occurs to your teeth, which can potentially result in cavities, dental abscesses, or even tooth loss. It’s caused by the activity of certain species of bacteria that can live in dental plaque. The bacteria in plaque can convert the sugars present in your food into acids. If plaque is allowed to build up over… Read More »
Ear pain can feel unbearable, making it difficult to sleep, eat, or do anything but think about the pain. Many children find it particularly difficult to deal with an earache. People who are experiencing severe ear pain should always speak to a doctor, especially for the first time. However, there are remedies that people can use at home… Read More »
Trapped gas can feel like a stabbing pain in your chest or abdomen. The pain can be sharp enough to send you to the emergency room, thinking it’s a heart attack, or appendicitis, or your gallbladder. Producing and passing gas is a normal part of your digestion. But when a bubble of gas gets stuck inside you, you… Read More »
Mouth ulcers — also known as canker sores — are normally small, painful lesions that develop in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Women, adolescents, and people with a family history of mouth ulcers are at higher risk for developing mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and usually go… Read More »
Leaves are the main sites for photosynthesis: the process by which plants synthesize food. Most leaves are usually green, due to the presence of chlorophyll in the leaf cells. However, some leaves may have different colors, caused by other plant pigments that mask the green chlorophyll. The thickness, shape, and size of leaves are adapted to the environment.… Read More »