People in Instagram photos might all seem different, but they all have one thing in common: beautifully smooth skin. While filters on social media make it possible, human skin in reality is far from what the beauty industry calls “perfection”. According to a study published on PubMed, acne is estimated to affect 9.4% of the global population, making it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide.   The American Academy of Dermatology says acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. The disease usually begins in puberty when ..read more

Are COVID vaccines safe for people with heart disease? We’re answering some of your questions on the #WorldHeartDay2021.  Q: I have a history of heart disease, heart attack or cardiovascular risk factors. Should I get a vaccine? Absolutely. Remember, you are at increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19, so you should be the first in line. All types of tested COVID vaccines are safe for people with a history of heart disease.   Q: Will the side effects of the vaccine be any different for people with a heart condition? Not at all. Like anyone else you are likely to feel pai ..read more

Everyone has heard at least once that drinking water is important if you’re having a healthy lifestyle. But not many people know why exactly it’s so good for you.  Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly. According to The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report water carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells, flushes bacteria from your bladder, helps digestion and does many other things that make drinking enough fluids essential.  If you don’t drink enough water, you risk becoming dehydrated. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, d ..read more

Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has made it into headlines after suffering a cardiac arrest during his country’s Euro 2020 opener against Finland in Copenhagen.  Saved by CPR administered to him on the pitch, he now will live with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a small electronic device which can prevent fatal heart attacks by discharging a jolt to restore a regular heart rhythm.  We are answering the most common questions about an ICD.  What is an ICD?  An ICD is a battery-powered pulse-generator the size of a pocket watch placed under the skin, just ..read more

In the summer months many of us enjoy sunny days and happily expose our bodies to sunrays. While having enough sun is vital for the production of vitamin D and our immune systems, too much sun can cause sunburn. And turn what could be a wonderful vacation, into one of those really bad horror films.  According to the National Cancer Institute, about a third of adults in the US experience a sunburn each year. More than 33,000 of them require emergency room visits. People with pale skin or those who spend an extended time in the sun, are at a heightened risk of burning. There are no magical ..read more

As people all around the world are getting vaccinated from COVID-19, many are still sceptical or opposed to receiving a jab. Wherever you live and whatever vaccine you’re considering, there are many myths and untruths circulating around it. Here are the most common myths. 1. COVID vaccine can make you infertile – FALSE According to a survey, conducted in the UK by Nature Reviews Immunology, about a quarter of young women didn’t want to get the vaccine fearing for their fertility. This is not a new fear, false messages, videos and memes that the COVID-19 vaccines can impact fertility have been ..read more

Varicose veins affect millions of people around the world, but because of the stigma surrounding protruding veins, many people try to hide their condition with clothes. Having varicose veins can be a very alienating experience. But you are definitely not alone in this. While in most cases it is a cosmetic and not a health issue, many women and some men all around the world feel pressured to cover or remove their faulty veins. Although it may seem like celebrities have flawless skin and bodies, there are many who have dealt with varicose veins.   Whether they were forced into the spotlight ..read more

Physical activity is vital for a healthy heart. Exercise is an effective tool for strengthening the heart muscle. I can also help you keep your weight under control and protect you from the artery damage caused by high cholesterol, blood sugar and high blood pressure that could lead to heart attack or a stroke. If you have a sedentary lifestyle and you don’t feel particularly motivated it’s difficult to force yourself to exercise, but finding a physical activity that you actually enjoy, can be a game-changer. It could be as simple as walking, jogging or cycling.   Once you get a taste for ..read more

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple, and often look lumpy, bulging or twisted. While experiencing varicose veins you may feel aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs, swollen feet and ankles, burning or throbbing, muscle cramp, particularly at night.  The symptoms usually worsen in the summer or if you’ve been standing up for long periods of time.  In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. In the varicose vein, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swoll ..read more

Negative emotions are a healthy reaction to the challenges that every person faces in their life. The intensity of the reaction varies from person to person and there is no one “right way” to react to stress. Some people are born with, prone to or develop mental health issues. There are many factors that affect our state of mind and being aware of them may make it easier to understand when we, or someone we care about, are struggling. Here are some of the common reasons to develop mental health issues. Change. Both positive and negative, change is always stressful for a person. Some research ..read more