Health Articles

RSS

Life Expectancy Versus Life Span

The terms “life expectancy” and “lifespan” describe two distinctly different things, although people tend to use these terms interchangeably.

1 Feb 2011

What is Life Expectancy?

Life expectancy refers to the number of years a person is expected to live based on the statistical average. Life expectancy varies by geographical area and by era. In the Bronze age, for example, life expectancy was 26 years, while in 2010, it was 67 years.

1 Feb 2011

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by a severe rise in blood sugar or hyperglycemia along with dehydration, shock and in some cases unconsciousness. The condition is brought about by a lack of insulin in the body.

1 Feb 2011

Hip Replacement Alternatives

A hip replacement procedure is a major surgical operation that is usually only reserved for cases where alternative therapies have failed. Some examples of the alternative approaches to treating damaged or painful hips are described below.

31 Jan 2011

Hip Replacement Problems

As with all major surgeries, a hip replacement procedure is associated with several complications and risks, some of which may even be life threatening. The risk of complications is low, but some examples of potential problems include...

31 Jan 2011

Hip Replacement Implants

The prosthetic implant used in hip replacement procedures is composed of three parts. These include the acetabular cup that acts as the socket; the femoral head or “ball” component that sits inside this socket; and the articular interface that lies between these components cushioning them to allow ease of movement as the structures interact with each other.

31 Jan 2011

Hip Replacement Techniques

There are several techniques that may be employed during a hip replacement surgery. These are usually named according to where the incision is made in relation to the gluteus medius muscle.

31 Jan 2011

Modern Hip Replacements

Hip replacement is one of the most successful and reliable orthopedic operations currently performed and aims to provide pain relief and improved hip function in individuals who have developed conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or hip fracture, for example.

31 Jan 2011

Hip Replacement History

The earliest recorded case of attempts to perform hip replacement procedures date back to as early as 1891 when Themistocles Gluck tried to use ivory implants to replace the femoral head.

31 Jan 2011

What is a Hip Replacement?

The hip is one of the largest joints in the body and is referred to as a ball-and-socket joint.

31 Jan 2011

Autophagy Functions

Autophagy plays an important role in the survival of cellular organisms. When there is starvation or nutrient deprivation, the process of autophagy is triggered. This gives rise to formation of double membrane autophagic vacuoles, also known as autophagosomes that transport the cargo from the cytoplasm to the lysosome for degradation.

31 Jan 2011

Autophagy Process

The process of autophagy has been conserved over time among all living organisms. The process is similar in single cellular organisms like yeast to multi-cellular organisms like humans.

31 Jan 2011

Epileptic Seizure Management

People who experience an epileptic seizure need immediate management and a treatment plan arranged in order to prevent future seizures.

24 Jan 2011

Epileptic Seizure Diagnosis

Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. It is important to diagnose which type of epilepsy a person has in order to decide on the optimal treatment approach.

24 Jan 2011

Epileptic Seizure Causes

Epilepsy is the general term used to describe a condition where people suffer from seizures. In many cases, the exact cause of this condition is not known and no trigger for a seizure can be identified.

24 Jan 2011

Epileptic Seizure Symptoms

Epileptic seizures or fits are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Electrical impulses act on several areas of the brain affecting muscular function, sensation and awareness.

24 Jan 2011

What is a Seizure?

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In the healthy brain, electrical and chemical signals are fired between nerves called neurons to drive the brain's ability to think, feel and send instructions to parts of the body, such as the muscles. Seizures occur when this electrical system in the brain malfunctions.

24 Jan 2011