The Trouble with Hypothyroidism We all have cells and organs in our bodies that work to keep us alive and healthy. The thyroid, for example, is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the neck is responsible for the quality of our voice. Most importantly, it is the powerhouse that secreted two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).  Both have a role in muscular activity, growth and brain development during childhood, metabolism (BMR), heart and digestive function, bone maintenance, and heart rate, but are most noted for their role in metabolism, namely basal metabolic rate. When someone is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it...

  Will I Always Live with Psoriatic Arthritis or is There Treatment? Psoriatic Arthritis commonly affects 30% of those who are diagnosed with psoriasis; nonetheless,  it can be found in those who do not have the skin disorder (though chances are significantly higher when psoriasis is found in the family).Like psoriasis, it is characteristically described as red patches along the skin and silvery scales, but feelings of joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the chief symptoms that often  appear  apart from psoriasis rather than being seen together (it is rare if they do). Although feelings of pain may occur anywhere inflammation...

What makes Autoimmune Inflammation Different from Inflammation?   Inflammation is a necessary and vital response of the immune system whenever the body is being attacked. It is the body's way of healing itself in the aftermath, and we need it to protect ourselves from viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria by repairing the damaged areas. It would be disastrous if we never had a inflammatory response as it would invite infections that could become deadly. The four characteristics often found in inflamed areas  are swelling, redness, heat, and pain that occur because of the activity of proteins, like cytokines, that signal...

It is possible for Kids to Contract Hypothyroidism Many people talk about hypothyroidism in adults, but there is less talk about hypothyroidism in children although it is just as common. Congenital hypothyroidism starts from birth, but is often asymptomatic so a parent may not notice it until the infant grows older.  The disorder is only detected in 5% of infants by clinical criteria where a diagnosis is later confirmed.  Hypothyroidism may also be acquired  as your child gets older and may or may not be due to genetics. The underdeveloped thyroid gland ultimately does not produce adequate thyroid hormone to...

Ouch! My Aching Muscles! Everyone knows that exercise is great for your health; it gets your heart rate up, strengthens your muscles, adds bone density, burns calories, lowers your blood pressure and improves your mood. Getting in a regular workout has pretty much become the “norm” for a lot of people, whether it’s hitting the gym, walking around the neighborhood, swimming laps, cycling, or “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”, there is something for everyone.  However, sometimes injuries happen or maybe you just overdid it, and there you are with aching muscles and joints.  When you’ve worked out too hard, you feel...

Pesky Fleas  You are sitting in your home and you notice something oddly different with your dog; they are constantly scratching themselves or licking their fur when, at first, you thought it was nothing out of the usual. Warm weather invites many insects to come out and dance in the seemingly harmless grass. Because of this, we want to be wary and pay special attention to flea prevention during spring and summer Maybe your dog hasn't fallen victim to the "endless scratching syndrome" yet, but you want to take steps to prevent the little buggers from invading both your pet...