Developments in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease
Government Agencies The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a branch of the National Institute of Health, is an excellent resource for kidney disease information. The website provides information on transplantation, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides this PDF for people on emergency dialysis, and this … Read more
Age Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of blindness for those 65 years of age and older. AMD is caused by a deterioration of the retina. The macula is the center of the retina, and provides the central vision necessary to read, drive, and recognize object. “In the absence of effective treatment … Read more
The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the NIH, defines a cataract as “a clouding of the lens” that affects vision. More than half of Americans have had a cataract by the age of 80. Cataracts are “a leading cause of visual impairment in the United States.” Because smoking is an important and avoidable cause … Read more
Diabetes if the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Deaths due to cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease are declining, but those of diabetes have “increased by about 30% in the past 12 years, and life expectancy for persons with diabetes is approximately 15 years less than those who do not have diabetes” … Read more
COPD, or chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, causes a constriction of the airway, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and mucus production. COPD is also known as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. (NIH) COPD Symptoms Individuals with COPD … Read more