General Health

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland and can occur for a number of different reasons. A healthy thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland inside the neck, just below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland produces hormones which control the body’s metabolism and regulate the rate at which the body carries out its functions.

Glandular fever is the more common term for infectious mononucleosis, or the ‘kissing disease’, as it is sometimes known. It is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Glandular fever symptoms are typically characterized by a sore throat, high fever, swollen lymph nodes or glands, and extreme fatigue.

Edema is the noticeable swelling resulting from fluid accumulation in certain body tissues. It is most commonly found in the feet, ankles and legs, although it may also affect the face, hands and other parts of the body and organs. Pregnant women and older adults are often affected with this condition, but it can happen to anyone. The swelling is brought about by the build-up of excess fluid beneath the skin in the spaces within the body tissues that are outside of the blood vessels. These spaces are called interstitial spaces or compartments.

Feeling delirious or delirium is a state of confusion that is characterized by a change in mental status that affects cognitive abilities (mental tasks) and reduces conscious awareness. It also tends to develope very rapidly. It usually takes a few hours to a few days to manifest and when it does, the individual is often left feeling confused, disoriented and unaware of their surroundings. It can affect speech, memory, attention span, emotion and personality as well as other cognitive capacities, which can be very distressing for both the sufferer as well as loved ones.

The period of recovery from surgery, following a severe illness, or after injury is also referred to as convalescence. During this period, the body needs time to heal and adjust from the physical trauma experienced. Recovery is a gradual process and varies from person to person, depending on the type of surgery or injury. Recovery from surgery and injury is a period of rest, where regaining strength and becoming healthy is the primary objective. People often take this opportunity to gain new perspectives, reflect on their lives, and make certain lifestyle adjustments.

Chemotherapy is defined as anti-cancer drug treatment which is used to destroy cancer cells or stop them from spreading. This treatment often causes many debilitating and unpleasant side effects, and each person who undergoes treatment reacts differently. Often some people experience many side effects while others may only experience a few. Side effects are usually only short term and tend to disappear when treatment is stopped.

Candida, also known as Candida albicans, is a type of yeast which is classified in the same group as fungus, mold and mildew. Thriving in a dark, moist environment, it can be found naturally in the body, particularly in the mouth, digestive tract, vagina, or skin folds. Other areas of the body that may be affected by Candida are the ears, dental cavities, groin, under the breasts or nails. When in correct systemic balance, Candida is not a harmful organism and will not cause troublesome symptoms. Prevention is important, as treatment for Candida albicans can be unsuccessful and infections can become recurrent.

Cancer is a broad term used to describe a number of diseases characterized by the growth and development of abnormal cells. When damage occurs to the DNA of normal cells, these cells can begin to grow out of control and divide into new abnormal or cancerous cells.

Allergies are described as abnormal responses within the body to things or substances that are typically harmless. However, this incorrect response causes the immune system to react to the substance (known as allergens) as if it
was harmful. The symptoms of allergies can make you feel miserable and rotten! It is a good idea for any allergy sufferer to get to know which allergens you are allergic to so that you can control the symptoms.

Most will agree that not growing older is often a secretly held wish! The allure of remaining young and holding on to our looks and physique is a major factor in marketing and media all around us. Yet from the time we are born, we are growing
constantly and getting older. During aging cells lose their ability to divide, which can also weaken the immune system.

The primary function of the adrenals is to assist your body in dealing with all forms of stress including physical, emotional and psychological stress. Many circumstances cause an individual to feel stressed - ranging from illness, injury, feeling overworked, under pressure, having too little sleep (insomnia), a family quarrel or financial problems. When one has a low adrenal function, the body struggles to adapt to these stresses.

Many people ask themselves "What is Addison's disease?" Addison's disease is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by a severe deficiency of hormones produced in the adrenal cortex.
Addison's affects between 1 and 4 in 100,000 people, including both men and women within all age groups. The disease tends to become clinically apparent during periods of metabolic stress or trauma.

Recent studies on groups of students showed positive results following the incorporation of Transcendental Meditation into their daily routines twice a day during school hours for three months, according to the Current Issues in Education Journal.

In this issue, we address the alarming obesity rates among children and teenagers, and the shocking news that doctors have had to go as far as prescribing cholesterol-reducing drugs to children as young as eight years of age. See how you can use the new school year to start new and healthy routines that will benefit the entire family. Also in this months issue we explore the importance of taking responsibility for establishing healthy habits for the present and the future for others as well as ourselves!

Home and natural remedies are synonymous in most ways. People can use herbs, botanicals, and other items that they have in their kitchens to create remedies for common ailments. So, before heading to the store for an over-the-counter medicine, see what you have around the house that can do the job just as well if not better.