Humans come in innumerable shapes and sizes, applicable to so many parts of the human anatomy, side to side and top to bottom. And it’s down there at the bottom upon which the weight of the human body rests. Our feet are even entrusted with the task of propelling us through space, also known as walking. How well they do this job depends greatly on the person’s foot type, which is (predictably) primarily dependent on their genetics.
Read MoreThe changes over the last few centuries in mankind’s technological prowess have been awe-inspiring, especially in the area of chemistry and material sciences. Perhaps the most pervasive example would be summarized with the word “plastic,” defined as “pliable and easily shaped.” But now it is synonymous with the manufactured substance used in packaging and fabrication of innumerable products.
Read MoreDespite spending more on healthcare than any other country in the world, we have the worst outcomes. Over 25% of Americans suffer from two or more chronic diseases, twice that of such countries as Great Britain and the Netherlands. The prevalence of heart disease is higher than in the other developed countries. Life expectancy is shorter by two years, five years shorter than Switzerland.
Read MoreOur more common serious diseases, unlike those of yesteryear, are those of longevity and lifestyle. Consequently, they get a lot of attention, whether it be in the form of research dollars or media headlines. We all know the usual suspects, heart disease, cancer, diabetes. But there are other chronic diseases causing significant illness that don’t get the press coverage. Hyperuricemia should be tops on this list.
Read MoreModern medicine has made many advances benefitting our health and wellbeing. Our understanding of disease has progressed tremendously, more so in some fields than others. An examination of life expectancy is evidence of these advances. Prior to the development of antibiotics, before we knew about bacteria and hygiene, many infections were deadly. These days, more people succumb to the chronic diseases of lifestyle as opposed to trauma or infection, as was the case just a few decades ago.
Read MoreRemember some of the old doctor shows, there have been quite a few over the years. The patient would lie down on the exam table and the physician would place their hands on the individual’s belly to palpate their “insides,” amounting to feeling around. Of course, this was always followed with use of a stethoscope to listen to their breathing and heartbeat. At last, voila! The wise healer would provide the precise diagnosis.
Read More