Of the many organs and glands within the human body, certain systems are regarded as common knowledge: the beating heart that circulates blood throughout the body, the ballooning lungs that oxygenate the blood, or the twin kidneys that filter out toxins. The endocrine system  and thyroid , on the other hand, often eludes that same common understanding, resulting in an underrepresentation, underdiagnosis, or unawareness of thyroid diseases and disorders. [1][2][3][4][5] This c

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited movement, often affecting women during perimenopause. The condition is linked to hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen, which plays a crucial role in musculoskeletal health. While frozen shoulder typically resolves within 3-4 years, treatments like physical therapy, pain medication, and surgery can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.

We’ve all woken up suddenly from a deep sleep with that painful cramp in the leg. Those few moments before the cramp subsides can feel like an eternity, right? Or maybe you’ve gone to the gym, you’re just finishing your workout, and your calves start twitching and spasming? We’ve all been unfortunate victims of these spontaneous muscle cramps, but what actually causes them, and how can you avoid them? Muscle cramps are way more common than you’d think. It is estimated that ov

https://www.physicaltherapyma.com/blog/womenshealth By Sarah Bersey BSc (Hons) PGDip Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs (the hammock-like pelvic floor) are damaged (often by vaginal childbirth) or have become weakened, such as by ageing and/or hormone changes. (APOPS 2025) This can cause one or more organs, usually the uterus and bladder, to shift out of place and to shove into the vaginal space. Over tim

Introduction Hair loss is a significant concern that affects both men and women worldwide. While male and female pattern baldness, scientifically called androgenetic alopecia , is the most common cause, many other triggers exist, ranging from hormonal shifts in pregnancy to stress, illness, and environmental factors. Clinics worldwide, including major centers like MAXIM Hair Restoration , emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis, as women’s hair loss is often multifactori

a person dressed in red, rushing by a wall of clocks; photo courtesy of Unsplash Daylight saving time begins in March and ends in November; learn how to protect your health and well-being despite the twice-yearly time change.   What is daylight savings time? The first Sunday in November traditionally marks the end of daylight-saving time. In the United States, clocks are turned back one hour to standard time. This change results in a gain of an hour of daylight at the start o

Understanding Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment If you’ve ever had an ingrown toenail you know firsthand that while the affected area is anatomically small, the pain feel enormous. Even the slightest touch from a shoe can make walking difficult. An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the side or tip of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can lead to inflammation, pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. The big toe (or hal

(World Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week: September 15–21) September 15–21 is World Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. In honor of this week, this article explains what mitochondria are, their genetics, the diseases associated with them, and why awareness is important. What Are Mitochondria? If you recall your biology classes, you may remember the phrase: “mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell.” That is essentially their main function. Our bodies are made of tril

This Photo  by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA   By Jennifer Navarro MSN, RN, NPD-BC Introduction A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens when your head or body gets hit or shaken so hard that your brain moves inside your skull. This can happen if you fall, get hurt playing sports, are in a car accident, or are attacked. People sometimes call a concussion a "mild traumatic brain injury," but it can range from mild to more serious. You don't always have t

By: Nesredin Hassen Yesuf LinkedIn  | Email Introduction Yawning is a universal, involuntary reflex characterized by a widely gaped mouth and deep inhalation. Although commonly associated with fatigue or boredom, yawning remains poorly understood. Contemporary research explores its roles in brain cooling, arousal, and social communication, highlighting yawning’s multifaceted nature. Physiological Mechanisms and Functions Historically, yawning was thought to help increase bloo

The Problem: A Heart That Can't Heal Itself Heart disease remains one of the world’s top killers, largely because the human heart has almost no natural ability to repair itself. When heart tissue is damaged, like after a heart attack, the lost cardiomyocytes (the muscle cells that make the heart beat) do not grow back. As a result, many patients face long-term heart failure, and even transplants are limited by donor shortages and rejection risks. Stem Cells Enter The Picture

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)  is a rare condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. The pulmonary arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. The increased blood pressure can cause blood to back up in the right side of the heart. The right ventricle stretches like a water balloon, crowding out the left ventricle, making that smaller and less effective at pumping blood. A backup of blood

Stem Cells vs. Progenitor Cells: What's Better? The field of regenerative medicine is rapidly progressing and emerging as a promising solution for regaining the normal functioning of organs and tissues. Regenerative medicine works by repairing and regrowing damaged cells, thereby enhancing the regular operation in its targeted area. Regenerative therapy involves the incorporation of specialized cells that can generate new tissues, and to understand this mechanism, it is cruci

By Nikki Elmi Macrodystrophia Lipomatosa (MDL) is a rare congenital overgrowth disorder characterized by an excessive and disproportionate growth of one or more digits (fingers or toes), and sometimes an entire limb. The overgrowth involves not just adipose (fat) tissue but also other mesenchymal components; bone, nerves, connective tissue, possibly muscles and periosteum. Typically present from birth or early childhood, the disorder often becomes more prominent as the child

Drug overdose deaths have dropped nearly 27% in the past year, but drug supply continues to evolve with fentanyl, xylazine, and other threats. This article explains how to recognize an overdose, use naloxone, and support harm reduction strategies during National Recovery Month 2025. Author: Susanna Marrs RN, BSN, CARN

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease which affects the structure of neurons. While there is no known exact cause for multiple sclerosis, there are treatments available to change the course of the disease.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash It takes a lot of coordination to stand upright. Your alarm clock rings and awakens you from sleep. You stretch your arms and legs, kick off the bedcovers and sit up onto the side of your bed. You stretch your limbs again, rub your eyes, then get up and walk out of your bedroom down the hall to the bathroom. You proceed to urinate, wash your hands and face, then wander to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Every single movement you just made from

Introduction The moment a newborn takes its first breath marks one of the most dramatic transformations in human life. Tiny lungs expand with air instead of fluid, and a cascade of changes begins that determines survival and long-term health. The first 16 to 17 hours, about 1,000 minutes, represent a critical window of adaptation, bonding, and biological programming that shape the future. During this time, babies must shift from the protected womb to the outside world while f

For most people, salt tastes simple and natural, but for others it is far from ordinary. Some people suffer from a disorder that causes...

By Sherry Ainsworth, MSN, RN, ARNP   You just left your dentist’s office, and she told you that you have two small cavities and one...