Commonly known as the ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament is vital in restraining forward motion of the tibia (shinbone). The femur (thighbone) sits atop the tibia, and the knee joint—the junction of these two bones—allows them to move. Your knee joint would be...
Have you been experiencing upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, persistent cough, clogging in the tubes of the ear or sinus infections? If so, postnasal drip may be the cause. Postnasal drip is not the same thing as a runny nose, but they share the same...
If your child tugs or pulls at his or her ear for no apparent reason, is fussier than usual, has a fever, fluid draining from the ear or trouble hearing or responding to common sounds, he or she may have an earache. Earaches range in severity. Some are simply...
When choosing a method of birth control, it is important to know all the options available to you and understand how they work, as well as the pros and cons of each. The vaginal ring (commonly known by its brand name NuvaRing) has been in use for just under two...
Most people are aware that smoking has a negative effect on lung health, but the effects on your mental health, vision and wallet may not be as noticeable. Tobacco dependence is a chronic condition itself, and like many other chronic conditions, it can be dangerous if...
The shinbone connects to the thighbone with soft tissue called cartilage. These C-shaped discs are called menisci and function as shock absorbers to keep the knees stable and protect the bones. Meniscus tears are common among those who play contact sports, but...
In the evolving field of cancer research, scientists are continually searching for methods to make cancer treatment more effective. Genome sequencing is one of those methods, falling under the umbrella of precision medicine. How does genome sequencing work? Your DNA...
If you have recently become pregnant, you’re probably receiving a lot of advice from family and friends regarding pregnancy dos and don’ts. Some of the advice you hear may be contradictory. For example, you’re probably aware of the potential health hazards...
Like adults, children can be affected by depression, anxiety and other types of mental illness. According to data from the Child Mind Institute, one in five school-age children has a mental illness or learning disability, so parents should understand the signs and...
Did you know most complications occur during the first 30 days after a surgical procedure? These complications—most of which are preventable—often lead to unexpected hospital readmissions and ER visits. Whether your plastic surgery procedure is cosmetic or medical,...
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes several conditions that were once diagnosed separately, such as autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. ASD is a developmental disorder. Symptoms usually appear in a...
Typically seen in the fall and winter months and in children between six months and six years of age, croup usually follows a viral infection, such as parainfluenza or influenza. Although cases of the condition vary in severity, it’s usually not a cause for concern....
Knee replacement is often necessary when a person’s knee joint becomes severely diseased, inflamed or deteriorated. Knee replacements can help restore a person’s ability to walk, climb stairs or even just get in and out of bed in the morning. If you live with...
Pap smears and pelvic exams help doctors assess gynecologic health, but they are not the same thing. A pelvic exam is a medical inspection of the reproductive system. A Pap smear, on the other hand, is a test to screen for cervical cancer. If you are having...
Hot flashes are characterized by sudden and intense warmth, sweating, a reddened face and rapid heartbeat. They can last from about 30 seconds to a few minutes and occur up to several times an hour—often over the course of a few years. While hot flashes tend to arise...