The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus and resulting COVID‐19 pandemic present important diagnostic evaluation challenges. These range from understanding the value of signs and symptoms in predicting possible infection, assessing whether existing biochemical and imaging tests can identify infection and people needing critical care, and evaluating whether new diagnos...
Vitamin D and Bone Health What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D, first identified as a vitamin early in the 20th century, is now recognized as a prohormone. It is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids that is naturally present in very few foods, responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological effects. Vitamin D plays an important ro...
Preface Influenza is a seasonal respiratory illness that occurs annually, usually peaking in winter. It affects 5-10% of adults and 20-30% of children each year.[1] This common, yet serious, infectious disease, represente a significant threat to public health. Globally, annual influenza epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, millions of hospita...
Thyroid Problems & Disease: Types and Causes Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disorder worldwide. The prevalence varies across different populations and regions. 2 billion people or 30% of the world’s population are still at risk of iodine deficiency 20 million Americans are estimated to have some form of thyroid disease according to the ...
Stress Hormone: Cortisol—— The Roles and Diseases it Takes Part in Over recent years, due to the changing social environment and increasing challenges, stress and stress-related feelings especially after COVID-19 pandemic are on the rise. These stressors containing global conflicts, personal health, economic downturn, rising up family responsibilities, etc[1]. What are Str...
All About Thyroid Dysfunction What Is the Thyroid? The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. Although relatively small, the thyroid gland plays a huge role in our body, influencing the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Ensuring that the thyroid glan...