Health

Clubbing

Since Hippocrates first described digital clubbing in patients with empyema, digital clubbing has been associated with various underlying pulmonary, cardiovascular, neoplastic, infectious, hepatobiliary, mediastinal, endocrine, and gastrointestinal diseases. Finger clubbing also may occur, without evident underlying disease, as an idiopathic form or as a Mendelian dominant trait. Clubbing is a clinically descriptive term, referring to the bulbous uniform swelling of the soft tissue of the terminal phalanx of a digit with subsequent loss of the normal angle between the nail and the nail bed.

Kidney Stone

The best treatment method for kidney disease is prevention. Preventing the kidneys from becoming overworked which may cause permanent damage is the best way to treat kidney disease. Doctors will help each individual determine the best prevention plan that is suitable to their unique situation. Some dietary restrictions may be necessary and should be strictly followed. This restrictions can help lighten the load the kidneys carry in the blood filtering process.

• Reduce the amount of salt to just four to six grams per day
• Reduce the amount of protein in the daily diet
• Reduce the intake of potassium
• Restricting phosphorus
• Limiting fluid intake to only necessary amounts
• Regular exercise
• Limiting or not taking medications that can damage the kidneys, like NSAIDs
• Avoiding alcohol
• Do not smoke

These lifestyle changes can help a person extend the life of their kidneys. People who are prone to kidney disease due to a related condition like diabetes or high blood pressure should do what they can to reduce the risk of developing the disease. People who are predisposed to kidney disease should also follow a well-balanced diet to prevent or slow the disease as much as possible.

Your heart health is predicted by your earlobes

Oddly enough, a diagonal crease – or lack of crease -- in your earlobe may determine the health of your heart. Although scientists are exploring the reason behind the link, a 1992 study of hospital patients was the first to report that those with an earlobe crease were far more likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD).