Health Matters

Acquired deformities

March 7, 2019

Not as common as they used to be

An acquired deformity is a change in the normal size or shape of a body part as a result of an injury, infection, arthritis, or tumor.

Common other causes of acquired deformities1 include:

misaligned broken bones
flattening of foot arches over time
osteoarthritis (a disease that causes the joints to degenerate)
conditions that cause tumors, goiters, or other masses to form, such as cancer or thyroid disease

Some acquired deformities may be visible, but many are not. Nonvisible symptoms depend on the cause of the

Easily misdiagnosed, MS occurs more often in women

An unpredictable disease attacks the central nervous system

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an often disabling and unpredictable autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that hinders the flow of information inside the brain and between the brain and the nerves of the body.

Most diagnoses of MS occur in people between the ages of 20 and 50, with women being diagnosed with the disease two to three times more often than men.1

MS is a common illness that affects many people in different ways, varying in its severity and course. It’s caused by white blood cells at

Alzheimer’s & dementia: Two conditions, equally challenging to diagnose

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are common and preventable, but there is a great deal that is not known about them, making them very challenging to diagnose and treat.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often considered the same thing, when in fact there is a significant distinction between the two that can lead to confusion on the part of patients, families, and caregivers.1

Dementia is a brain disorder that affects communication and performance of daily activities, while Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that specifically affects parts of the

Avoiding colds and flu

March 4, 2019

The best prevention tactics are the simplest

Many of the best tactics for avoiding colds and flu are very simple and easy to do, but also very easy to forget. But with a little diligence, you can coast through the cold and flu season without finding yourself ill or bedridden.

One of the most basic preventative methods is the flu shot. Medical professionals insist that it is the single best way to prevent the flu.1

Vigorous, frequent hand-washing with soap and water is another great way to avoid the viruses that cause colds and flu. The rule of thumb is to scrub hard for