Doctor Column

Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare, viral, infectious disease that’s related to, and distinct from smallpox, and cowpox. It is caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV). The disease occurs primarily in the tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa, and is exported to other regions. Of particular concern is the surging number of cases since May of this year. The outbreaks have emerged, as of this writing, in forty-seven countries where the disease is not usually found, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Do you have trouble awakening in the morning? Do you nod off during the day? Do you find it difficult to concentrate in the course of the day? If you answered yes to these questions, there are steps you can take to improve your sleep.

Sleep, like food, is a basic human necessity. In 2020, the U. S. Census Bureau counted 258.3 million adults living in the United States. A startling “one third of U. S. adults report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep,” says the CDC.

Healthy sleep is as essential to our wellbeing as is a healthy diet. A massive one third of American adults get inadequate sleep described as less than seven hours of sleep per night In the mid-20th century, many scientists thought the brain to be fundamentally dormant during sleep. Recent studies paint a picture. of the brain’s vibrant activity.

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It weighs 3 to 3.5 pounds and is located mainly on the right side of the body below the lungs and diaphragm. It extends approximately from the right fifth rib to the lower border of the rib cage. The sickle shaped falciform ligament separates the liver into the much larger right lobe and a smaller left lobe.

Type 1& 2 diabetes result from problems with insulin causing high blood glucose levels. Previous discussions highlighted the differences between both types of diabetes mellitus. What follows are several highlighted similarities.

“There is a very strong link between erectile dysfunction (ED)and heart disease. Having ED is as much a risk factor for heart disease as a history of smoking or a family history of coronary artery disease,” says the Cleveland Clinic.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that damage the body’s ability to metabolize sugars; that is, break down sugars from our diet into glucose. Consequently, blood levels of glucose become and remain elevated unless treated with diet, lifestyle changes and medications. We need the energy of glucose in our cells for our bodies to function.

Being admitted into a hospital — one, is stressful. Whether it’s an elective or an emergency admission, the uneasiness of the unknown, unanswered questions, heighten anxiety. In-patient advocates work in hospitals and help to lessen a patient’s apprehension and ease the transition from admission to discharge.

Linda, a 52 year old homemaker, complained of being “tired all the time.” Over the past few years, besides being tired, she experienced trouble concentrating, mood swings, loss of appetite, and forgetfulness. She thought it was connected to the “empty nest syndrome” after her daughter got married, and she was left alone in her apartment. All that changed after she fell and hurt her back.