General Health

Credit: iStock.com/Eraxion What Are Monocytes? When your body gets an infection or needs some dead cells removed, monocytes are a key player. They are part of the team that helps keeps you healthy. In other words, monocytes function as part of your immune system. More specifically, they are a type of white blood cell, or leukocyte, manufactured in the bone marrow. From there, monocytes travel through your blood and into tissue where they transition into macrophages and dendritic cells. A macrophage is a type of phagocyte, which is an immune cell responsible for detecting, engulfing, and destroying harmful microorganisms (pathogens) and foreign materials like bacterial or viral infections. Monocytes should represent about one percent to 10% of your circulating white blood cells. Your levels can be tested as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. Monocyte counts fluctuate, but if they are regularly outside of the normal range, it could indicate a health concern. In This Article: … [Read more...] about Monocytes Count: High, Low, Absolute Ranges, Causes and Remedies

Peppermint tea may improve your health in a number of ways. For instance, peppermint tea is considered excellent for the digestive system, and it can relieve some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also used to promote better sleep, relieve stress, improve mental alertness, eliminate bad breath, and boost the immune system. In this article, we will explore the potential health benefits of peppermint tea. We’ll also compare the healing drink to another popular tea in a peppermint tea vs. green tea section. Moreover, we’ll discuss when to drink peppermint tea for maximum health effects, as well as the precautions and side effects associated with peppermint tea. 15 Fantastic Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea Peppermint tea’s health benefits are plentiful. Health practitioners wanting to provide relief without drugs have used peppermint tea for over 10,000 years, as documented by archeologists. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public … [Read more...] about 15 Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea

When your dizziness is accompanied by the sensation of the room spinning around you, this is called vertigo. Research indicates that about 40% of people over 40 will have vertigo at least once in their lifetime. The incidence of dizziness or vertigo increases to around 70% in those ages 65 and older. Vertigo in the elderly is also very common due to the natural breakdown of cells as you age. In This Article: Understanding Dizziness Identifying the Cause of Dizziness Diagnosing Dizziness in the Elderly Tips to Prevent Dizziness-Related Complications When to Call a Doctor Final Thoughts on Dizziness in Elderly Understanding Dizziness in the Elderly The prevalence of dizziness and vertigo in the elderly is rapidly increasing. It is so common that dizziness in the elderly is often referred to as a normal age-related phenomenon. Dizziness in the elderly can lead to falling, which is a major cause of accidental death in those older than 65. The causes of dizziness in the elderly may … [Read more...] about Identifying the Common Causes of Dizziness in the Elderly

presence of a foreign object. In This Article: Types of Sore Throat Based on Cause and Location Sore Throat Causes Sore Throat Linked with Ear Pain Sore Throat Symptoms Who Is at Risk? Sore Throat: Is It Contagious? How Long Is a Sore Throat Contagious? Final Thoughts on Sore Throat Causes Types of Sore Throat Based on Cause and Location There are different types of sore throat, based on the underlying cause and its location within the throat region. Pharyngitis is the most common form of sore throat, chiefly caused by a viral strain. This type often accompanies the influenza virus (flu) or the common cold. The pathogens target the pharynx, located behind the soft palate and mouth in the throat. This area is where the food and drink you ingest pass before entering the esophagus and stomach. Another type of sore throat is laryngitis, or an inflamed voice box. The larynx sits below the pharynx at the top of the trachea, where it prevents food from entering the windpipe. This organ … [Read more...] about What Causes Sore Throat? Symptoms and Risk Factors

iStock.com/Zinkevych While a lot of people take antibiotics to try and treat a sore throat, or pharyngitis, 90% of the time this class of drugs won’t be successful in killing off the infection that has caused the sore throat. This is because antibiotics are good at treating throat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria, as it turns out, are only responsible for causing about 10% of all sore throats in the morning. By far, the biggest culprit in triggering a throat infection is a virus. Not every sore throat—even if it really hurts—warrants a trip to the doctor. But the fact is that you still need a good night’s sleep and to get on with your day. Thankfully, there are a number of home remedies that can help you ease the pain. In This Article: Home Remedies to Manage Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) How Long Does Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) Last? Tips to Prevent Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) When to See a Doctor Home Remedies to Manage Pharyngitis (Sore Throat) 1. Raw … [Read more...] about Home Remedies to Manage Pharyngitis (Sore Throat)