Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two different diseases with a common culprit—the thyroid. This small, butterfly-shaped gland is located at the bottom of your neck, right below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid releases two hormones–triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)–which regulate things like your weight, metabolism, body temperature and brain function. When your thyroid is out of balance, it may underproduce or overproduce hormones, resulting in thyroid disease. Many people suffering from a thyroid disease are unaware they have it. When left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, infertility and depression. On the other hand, undetected and…
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People who’ve sustained trauma to the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles or joints) or suffer from chronic musculoskeletal conditions are often referred to specialized physicians to help them with their injury. Among these medical professionals are physiatrists and orthopedists who are both trained to help patients with musculoskeletal injuries. These two physicians, along with physical therapists and chiropractors, are who people most often see when their bones, muscles or joints need treatment. The key difference between physiatrists and orthopedists is that the latter can perform surgery, while the former cannot. Patients with musculoskeletal problems typically start off by trying non-invasive treatments…
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Poor posture is more than just slouching or a sign of low self-esteem. Bad posture can have a negative impact on your overall health and lead to pain in the back, neck, shoulders and even your joints. People with desk jobs and students are especially prone to developing bad posture. Combining countless hours behind a computer screen with a sedentary lifestyle can have long-term consequences for your posture. Luckily, recognizing your habitual slouching and adopting techniques to improve your posture can give your muscles a much-needed break from being in overdrive and protect you from several debilitating effects poor posture…
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Are you one of those people who can tell a storm is brewing when your joints start to hurt? Or perhaps you suffer from headaches that seem to increase after or during a change in the weather? Many people suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis or migraines notice a correlation between bad weather and pain, but the evidence to prove this link exists remains largely anecdotal. Studies on the matter are inconclusive. It can be difficult to pinpoint what causes your condition to worsen. However, if you feel increased joint pain or get headaches on cold and dreary days, you…
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Bad eating habits can be difficult to break. Poor nutrition, such as eating processed foods packed with preservatives and high levels of sugar and sodium can lead to many chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Luckily, you can prevent and even reverse the impact of an unhealthy diet by making small, gradual changes in the everyday food choices you make. Basics of Healthy Eating The omnipresence of fast-food restaurants can make eating healthy a challenge. However, every unhealthy food choice you make can be replaced with a healthier alternative. For example, if you enjoy drinking coffee with a…
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Athletes are often admired for their great physical abilities and respected for their tenacity, dedication and self-discipline. While you usually watch top-performing athletes excel in various sports like team games, gymnastics or cross country running, you don’t often get to see the behind-the-curtain reality of what it takes to master a sport. Typically, sports professionals spend long hours at the gym or outdoors training for their next game or competition. Rigorous workouts can put great strain on an athlete’s body. It’s not uncommon for athletes to suffer from physical injuries as a side effect of intense physical activity. A certified…
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Hatha Yoga, which most Americans simply refers to as “yoga,” was initially designed to unify the mind, body and spirit through the use of various yoga postures, breathing, body gestures and internal cleansing. The spiritual aspects of Yoga are entirely optional. Most people in Georgia who practice yoga do so solely for its health benefits. Some people may feel intimidated at the thought of yoga, but you don’t have to be especially agile or flexible to practice yoga. Just about anyone, regardless of their age, weight or level of physical fitness, can use at least some yoga poses to improve…
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Food allergies are serious and sometimes life-threatening medical conditions that affect 32 million Americans. Some allergens, like milk or wheat, are more common than others. The list of potential food allergens is long and unique to each person. Optimum Health Rehab offers a number of food allergy and food sensitivity services and would be happy to help you identify your food intolerances. What Is a Food Allergy? A food allergy is caused by an abnormal response of your immune system to an allergen in the food you eat. Your immune system falsely identifies the allergen as a threat and defends…
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Even the heathiest people suffer from occasional headaches. Your frequent headaches might not be caused by an underlying health problem; they could be sparked by seemingly ordinary activities you engage in daily. Modifying your routine and avoiding your headache triggers may be one of the best ways to alleviate your pain without having to take strong medications. Headache Trigger #1: Weather The weather can be a significant trigger for headache sufferers. Headaches can be triggered by several types of weather, including fluctuations in barometric pressure, temperature and humidity as well as high winds, storms and dry and dusty environments. Remedy…
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