Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium leprae. This disease affects the eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and nerves, disfiguring sores and nerve damage. Despite its ancient history and the stigma that once surrounded it, modern treatments have made leprosy manageable. There is no longer reason to isolate […]
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a condition that demands attention and action. It’s a combination of symptoms that can disrupt daily life, including recurring abdominal pain and unpredictable bowel movements, like diarrhea, constipation, or sometimes both. What makes IBS unique is that it shows no visible damage to the digestive tract, […]
What Is Iodine Deficiency?Iodine deficiency occurs when the thyroid gland does not receive enough iodine to function effectively. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, is part of the endocrine system. It produces thyroid hormones, which are then released into the bloodstream and transported to tissues throughout the body. These […]
Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Normally, the cornea has a smooth, round shape that helps the eye focus light for clear vision. Its strength and flexibility come from collagen, a protein in its middle layer. The cornea thins and bulges outward in keratoconus, forming a […]
Once upon a time, there was a sneaky invader called HIV. Its full name is Human Immunodeficiency Virus—quite a mouthful! This tiny but powerful virus had a single mission: to break into the body’s defense system, known as the immune system, and weaken it over time. You can think of the immune system as a […]
Imagine a world where every baby is a tiny miracle, growing safely in their mother’s womb, preparing for the grand entrance into life after 40 weeks of nurturing care. But sometimes, life doesn’t follow the plan, and these little miracles arrive earlier than expected, entering the world before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. This […]
Imagine a clever group of tiny troublemakers called bacteria. They’re all around us, too small to see but sometimes capable of causing infections that make people sick. Humans had a special weapon to fight these troublemakers for a long time: antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines that stop bacteria in their tracks or even eliminate them. But […]
Imagine you’re laughing at a joke at a party, and suddenly, there’s an unexpected surprise—just a tiny leak of urine. Or maybe you’re racing to the bathroom, feeling that urge come on strong, but don’t quite make it in time. This is what some people with incontinence experience, and though it can be embarrassing, it’s […]
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate, a small gland in males that’s shaped like a walnut. The prostate helps make fluid that nourishes and moves sperm. This type of cancer is pretty common, and many types of prostate cancer grow very slowly. Often, it stays in the prostate and doesn’t […]
Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weaker and more likely to break. The word “osteoporosis” means “porous bone,” which refers to bones becoming less solid and more like a sponge. Normally, bones are made up of minerals, mainly calcium, which are held together by strong fibers. Bones have a hard outer layer that we […]