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I write to educate patients and health care teams about treatment options and best practices in medicine. I excel at extracting highly technical information from scientific literature and creating accessible content for a general audience.
It's well known that stress can have a negative impact on physical health. Stress causes the body to increase its production of cortisol and other stress hormones. These substances negatively impact overall health and are associated with poorer outcomes in heart disease (1) and diabetes (2).
Everyone reacts differently to medications based on their unique genetic makeup. Some people react positively to some medications, while other people receive little to no benefit, and others still experience adverse reactions that prevent them from continuing to use that medication.
Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds and protects the muscles and organs of our bodies. It is composed of fibrous bands that can stretch and compress to absorb shock and tension. In fact, it is so extensive and continuous that it essentially holds our body together while also compartmentalizing it.
Summary of a presentation given at the American Medical Writers Association annual conference.
There is a wealth of information supporting the notion that plenty of sleep (typically 7-8 hours each night) is necessary for proper brain function. But how much sleep do we really need? And why is sleep so important for brain activity and overall health? Let's take a look at sleep supports brain health by examining...
A summary of a scientific article examining the evolutionary role of nicotine in tobacco plants.
Cholesterol is often viewed negatively by health and fitness enthusiasts, but it serves a critical role in our bodies. All animals create many important hormones using cholesterol as the precursor. Estrogen, testosterone, and corticosteroids-which are involved in many bodily functions such as regulating inflammation and metabolism-are composed of cholesterol.
Back pain is one of the leading causes of visits to the doctor and missed work (1). Some 16 million Americans live with chronic back pain. Conditions causing back pain vary greatly but include pulled muscles, ruptured or herniated vertebral discs, arthritis and osteoporosis, and irregularities to the spine's natural curvature.
A review of a scientific study illustrating the benefits of fermented foods.
TMJ is an acronym standing for temporomandibular joint. If that sounds like a mouthful, let's break it down to its basic components to get a good understanding of what the joint is. refers to the temple, or the temporal bone, on the side of the skull. Mandibular references the mandible, or the jawbone.