The term arthritis is a widely used term to describe an inflammation of the joints. There are two basic types of arthritis recognized, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The former tends to start at a younger age than the latter, osteoarthritis tends to be found mainly in the over 50 age group. One of the causal factors of both forms is an autoimmune reaction, i.e. th body’s immune system starts to attack the body itself. This is believed to be the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Often, rheumatoid arthritis will come and go whilst the pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis will gradually worsen over time. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body but as a rule, rheumatoid begins in the upper body (finger joints are often the first site) whilst osteo affects the lower body first, affecting the knees and hips first. Arthritis is still not fully understood.

Although we tend to think of contact lenses as being relatively harmless, they are a medical aid and need to be treated seriously. Teenagers can wear contact lenses safely but need to take precautions.

In terms of suitability, most health experts agree that it is possible for individuals to wear contact lenses from the age of 13. If you want to know whether your teenagers are able to wear contact lenses then you’ll need to consult an optician or eye specialist to find out.

Depression is an illness in which an alteration of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, has occurred. Changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters have been strongly linked to one’s mood and behavior. Anti-depressants are thought to correct some of the chemical imbalances present in a depressive illness. There are various classes of anti depressant drugs. Once medication is started it is continued for at last 3-12 months or longer. Premature cessation of the medications can cause a relapse of the syndrome. Generally these medications are slowly tapered off to allow the body to make an adjustment.

One of the hot topics of discussion pertaining to high blood pressure control lately deals with taking omega-3 fatty acids. It has been talked about on the news and has generated a lot of interest. But, does adding omega-3 into your diet really help with controlling blood pressure? Let’s take a look.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in various types of fish, nuts, seeds, and also in a supplement form. The nutrients are said to help lower blood pressure.

According to a recent study that was published in the American Heart Association Journal, almost 5,000 men and women were tested.