The phenomenon of itch is fascinating from the point of view of evolution. Our bodies react to bites and chemicals by releasing a chemical called histamine: basically a big highlighter that says "over here" to our immune system, alerting it to send other cell fighters to help combat the offending insect, or toxin.
Which is great, except when there is no toxin or insect. In that case, itch is just something that ends up driving you nuts.
The causes of skin itching range from dryness, to bites, to eczema, psoriasis, and more dangerous internal situations like liver disease, cancer and diabetes.
To learn more about itch....watch this week's Health Living Videos:
More answers to your excellent questions right here:
Food-borne illnesses affect millions of people each year. You may have been reading about the Norovirus outbreaks recently. To avoid getting sick, wash your hands, wash your food, cook it properly and store it well.
To learn more about food-borne illnesses, watch this week's videos:
Most of the time , we are completely unaware of our faithful heart, which beats tirelessly over 100,000 times a day. It is only when its rhythm becomes disrupted that we notice it: as a skipped beat, a racing heartrate, or we experience symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting.
Most palpitations are benign, meaning not life-threatening. Sometimes, however, the electrical circuits of the heart are damaged and the rhythm becomes erratic and even fatal.
Honor your heart. And watch the KUAM Healthy Living video below to learn more about palpitations.
Here is a full list of ADHD Criteria. You can also watch our Healthy Living Video below:
ADHD CRITERIA
I. Either A or B:
Six or more of the following symptoms of
inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is
inappropriate for developmental level:
Inattention
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and
fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due
to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do
things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such
as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Six or more of the following symptoms of
hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an
extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat when sitting still is expected.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
II. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years. III. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home). IV. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning. V. The symptoms do not happen only during
the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or
other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by
another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder,
Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
We all have moments when we feel our muscles are "doing their own thing": feeling weak in the knees, or having a random spasm or twitch somewhere in our body. Things get more serious when these twitches are frequent and uncontrollable. Hallmarks of a tic are that it can be temporarily suppressed, but then "erupts" in an uncontrollable twitch. Sometimes they are even verbal, such as in Tourette's syndrome. Thankfully, treatments are available.
For more information about pesky twitches and tics, see our healthy living videos below!
Pain in the right lower abdomen is a classic symptom of appendicitis: inflammation of a tiny finger-like projection of part of your large intestine. Learn more about how to recognize this surgical emergency, in our Healthy Living videos below:
