Kidney and Liver Functions

The kidneys and liver are essential organs that play crucial roles in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. The kidneys filter waste, regulate fluid balance, and support other vital functions, while the liver plays a central role in metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient storage. Both organs can be affected by various diseases that can disrupt their normal […]

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viral infections affecting both children and the elderly worldwide.¹ Adults with certain chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease and hospitalization. RSV season in the United States typically begins in the fall and peaks during the winter months.² The virus […]

American Diabetes Month

In honor of American Diabetes month, which took place in November, this article discusses the different types of diabetes, treatment, and management techniques. Diabetes occurs when a person’s blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. With diabetes, the body does not make enough or […]

A Health Hazard Hidden in Plain Sight: Why Stoves Are Still a Hot Topic in Public Health

By Sarabeth Lowe, MPH Ms. Lowe is a Communication Specialist at the University of Delaware Disaster Research Center. For more than 40 million households with gas stoves, the familiar tick tick tick of a flame igniting might eventually become a thing of the past.1 Many people consider this fuel-powered appliance a reliable and efficient choice […]

Nutrients for DNA Damage and Repair: Spotlight on Gene Expression

By Aliza Becker, BA, MPS DNA damage in the body is responsible for both normal aging and the emergence of certain health conditions.1 The first part of this series examined effects of the diet on telomeres, which caps the ends of individual chromosomes to prevent them from fraying or becoming entangled with one another.2 Shorter […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The phenomenon known as the “winter blues” is common for many individuals during the fall and winter months, particularly in regions with shorter daylight hours, such as the Northern United States. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans each year. This type of depression typically improves during the spring and summer months when longer […]

Get Down and Get Up: Strength Training for a Simple Yet Vital Skill

By Emily Socolinsky Coach Emily is the Owner and Head Coach of Fivex3 Training in Baltimore, Maryland. “When you’re down on the floor, don’t let anyone else pick you up, pick yourself up.”—Marco Pierre White, British chef, restaurateur and television personality Do you struggle to get down to the floor? Do you struggle to get […]

Dog Therapy

Human-dog interactions have many positive physical health effects, including decreased heart and blood pressure rates, lower cortisol levels, and increased oxytocin levels. Mental health effects include lower levels of stress, anxiety, and improved mood. Dogs are naturally sensitive to emotions and can recognize the emotional expressions and vocalizations of humans. A longer relationship creates an […]

Recognizing Seborrheic Dermatitis

    Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is an inflammatory skin disorder that largely affects infants and adults.1,2 SD often presents with yellow and/or white greasy scaling and erythema on highly sebaceous areas (e.g., scalp, face, chest, back, groin).1,3–5 Erythema can be difficult to determine in individuals with skin of color. Additionally, patients with skin of color […]

What is ASMR?

  By Sarabeth Lowe, MPH Ms. Lowe is a Communication Specialist at the University of Delaware Disaster Research Center. A woman leans in toward a microphone, looking directly into the camera, and whispers softly. A makeup brush gently taps against its container; tiny particles of glitter puff into the air. The sizzle of oil hits […]

Great Gluten-free Grains

  Adopting a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean that grains are off the menu. There are a variety of naturally gluten-free pseudocereals and cereals. This article provides a brief overview of the nutritional properties of the pseudocereal grains amaranth and buckwheat and the cereal grain sorghum. Amaranth One cup of cooked amaranth grain has 9.35g of […]

Sounds in the Silence: The Science Behind Tinnitus

  By Sarabeth Lowe, MPH Ms. Lowe is a Communication Specialist at the University of Delaware Disaster Research Center. Most of us crave peace and quiet after a long day, and, fortunately, most are able to find it. However, some people hear a dull ringing or buzzing even when there is no external noise source. […]