Conditions Addressed (Click to view description)

• ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD
  ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD
  

  ADD is a neurological behavioral disorder characterized by marked inattention and may be accompanied by hyperactivity-impulsivity (ADHD) that results in significant functional impairment. Some children with ADD also are diagnosed with an anxiety component.
  
  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often occurs with other disorders, referred to as comorbidities of ADD. The combination of Defiant Disorder ADHD and its comorbidities presents extra challenges to affected individuals, educators, and health care providers. Diagnosis and treatment are more difficult when ADHD and another condition are present in the same individual.
  
  About half of the children with ADHD referred to clinics have behavior disorders as well as ADHD. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is one of the most common disorders occurring with ADHD. Conduct Disorder is less common, can be significantly disruptive, and is difficult to treat. Increased injuries and strained peer relationships are also common in this population. Because significant challenges may result from having ADHD and another disorder, it is important to screen every child with ADHD for other disorders and problems. Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose ODD, which usually starts before age eight, but no later than early adolescence.
  
  Data from the 1997-98 National Health Interview Survey suggests roughly half of those youth 6-11 years old diagnosed with ADHD may also have a Learning Disorder (LD). The combination of attention problems caused by ADHD and LD can make it particularly hard for a child to succeed in school. Properly diagnosing each disorder is crucial. Appropriate and timely interventions to address ADHD and LD should follow diagnosis. The nature and course of treatment for ADHD and LD may be different, and different types of providers may be involved. Working with health care professionals to determine appropriate referrals and treatment is the best way to make informed decisions for an individual dealing with ADHD and a learning problem.
• Addison's Disease, Adrenal Insufficiency
  Addison's Disease, Adrenal Insufficiency
  

  Also Adrenocortical hypofunction and Hypocortisolism.
  
  Your adrenal glands are just above your kidneys. The outside layer of these glands makes hormones that help your body respond to stress and regulate your blood pressure and water and salt balance. Addison's disease occurs if the adrenal glands don't make enough of these hormones.
  
  A problem with your immune system usually causes Addison's disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues, damaging your adrenal glands.
  
  Symptoms can include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue that gets worse over time, low blood pressure, and/or patchy or dark skin.
  
  Lab tests can confirm that you have Addison's disease. If you don't treat it, it can be fatal. You will need to take hormone pills for the rest of your life. If you have Addison's disease, you should carry an emergency ID. It should say that you have the disease, list your medicines and say how much you need in an emergency.
• Aging
  Aging
  

  Given the increased number of Baby Boomers in the US society, more and more of the population is concerned with Aging. Based on a survey conducted in 1999, it was estimated that at least 40 percent of older Americans used some form of herbal or specialty supplement during that year. Reasons for their use include maintenance of overall health, increase of energy, improving memory, preventing or treating illness, and slowing the aging process.
  
  The average age of the world's population is increasing at an unprecedented rate. The number of people worldwide age 65 and older is estimated at 506 million as of midyear 2008; by 2040, that number will hit 1.3 billion. Thus, in just over 30 years, the proportion of older people will double from 7 percent to 14 percent of the total world population, according to a new report, "An Aging World: 2008."
  
  The report examines the demographic and socioeconomic trends accompanying this phenomenon. It was commissioned by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, and produced by the U.S. Census Bureau.
  
  "An Aging World: 2008" examines nine international population trends identified in 2007 by the NIA and the U.S. Department of State ("Why Population Aging Matters: A Global Perspective"). "An Aging World: 2008" contains detailed information on life expectancy, health, disability, gender balance, marital status, living arrangements, education and literacy, labor force participation and retirement, and pensions among older people around the world.
  
  "Aging is affecting every country in every part of the world," said Richard Suzman, Ph.D., director of NIA's Division of Behavioral and Social Research. "While there are important differences between developed and developing countries, global aging is changing the social and economic nature of the planet and presenting difficult challenges. The fact that, within 10 years, for the first time in human history there will be more people aged 65 and older than children under 5 in the world underlines the extent of this change."
  
  Highlights of the report include:
  
  * While developed nations have relatively high proportions of people aged 65 and older, the most rapid increases in the older population are in the developing world. The current rate of growth of the older population in developing countries is more than double that in developed countries, and is also double that of the total world population.
  
  * As of 2008, 62 percent (313 million) of the world's people aged 65 and older lived in developing countries. By 2040, today's developing countries are likely to be home to more than 1 billion people aged 65 and over, 76 percent of the projected world total.
  
  * The oldest old, people aged 80 and older, are the fastest growing portion of the total population in many countries. Globally, the oldest old population is projected to increase 233 percent between 2008 and 2040, compared with 160 percent for the population aged 65 and over and 33 percent for the total population of all ages.
  
  * The 65-and-older population in China and India alone numbered 166 million in 2008, nearly one-third of the world's total. Issues related to population aging in the world's two most populous nations will be accentuated in the coming decades as the absolute number climbs to 551 million in 2040 (329 million in China and 222 million in India).
  
  * Childlessness among European and U.S. women aged 65 in 2005 ranged from less than 8 percent in the Czech Republic to 15 percent in Austria and Italy. Twenty percent of women aged 40-44 in the United States in 2006 had no biologic children. These data raise questions about the provision of care when this cohort reaches advanced ages.
  
  * Older people provide support to as well as receive support from their children. In countries with well-established pension and social security programs, many older adults provide shelter and financial assistance to their adult children and grandchildren. Older people in developing countries, although less likely to provide financial help to children, make substantial contributions to family well-being through such activities as household maintenance and grandchild care.
• Allergies
  Allergies
  

  An allergy is a reaction of your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies are usually sensitive to multiple things. Scientists think both genes and the environment play a role in who has an allergy and who does not. Symptoms of allergies can vary but often include runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling or asthma. Although allergies can make you feel miserable, they usually are not life threatening. However, some people are severely allergic to some substances and experience a reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction is life-threatening and 911 should be called immediately.
  
  Millions of people suffer from allergies caused by every day exposures to agents such as dust mites, cat dander, and pollens. Agents encountered by workers can also cause allergic problems such as asthma, nasal and sinus allergies, hives, and even severe anaphylactic reactions. Examples of these work-related agents include animal proteins, enzymes, flour, natural rubber latex, and certain reactive chemicals.
  
  If you suspect that you have an allergy you should see your healthcare provider for an exam and to discuss options for decreasing your symptoms.
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  

  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects the joints, often those in a person's wrists, fingers, and feet. The common symptoms of RA are pain, stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and fever. There are treatments for RA in conventional medicine, and also treatments in complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (CAIM). Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults.
  
  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is what is called an autoimmune disease. In this type of disease, a person's immune system (the system in the body responsible for fighting disease) mistakenly attacks the person's own body. In RA, the parts attacked are the linings of the joints (places in the body where two bones connect). The reasons that this happens are complex and not fully understood. RA causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in a person's joints and problems with functioning. However, RA affects different people in different ways, in terms of the symptoms they have, how serious the symptoms are, and how long the symptoms last. RA is different from other types of arthritis (such as osteoarthritis).
  
  There are many proven treatments for RA that are used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, slow down or stop the damage to joints, help the person function better, and improve the person's sense of well-being. These treatments range from complementary and alternative options to pharmaceuticals to combinations of both.
  
  It is important for people with RA to have their condition followed by a health care professional. This helps prevent or minimize damage to the joints and disability, which can occur if RA is left untreated over time.
• Asthma
  Asthma
  

  Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. Asthma can be controlled by following medical and/or complementary and alternative health management plans and by avoiding contact with environmental triggers.
• Autism
  Autism
  

  Also referred to as Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS, including atypical autism) and Asperger Syndrome.
  
  Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary-from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life.
  
  ASDs include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS, including atypical autism), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions all have some of the same symptoms, but they differ in terms of when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms. The three conditions, along with Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder, make up the broad diagnosis category of pervasive developmental disorders.
  
  ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and are four times more likely to occur in boys than in girls. CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network released data in 2007 that found about 1 in 150 8-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States had an ASD.
  
  ASDs can often be detected as early as 18 months. While all children should be watched to make sure they are reaching developmental milestones on time, children in high-risk groups-such as children who have a parent or brother or sister with an ASD-should be watched extra closely. A child with any of the warning signs of ASDs should be checked by a health care professional.
  
  Research shows that early intervention can greatly improve a child's development.
  
  For most people with ASDs, the cause is not known. But ASDs tend to occur more often than expected among people who have certain other medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria (PKU). Some harmful drugs taken during pregnancy also have been linked with a higher risk of autism, specifically, the prescription drug thalidomide.
• Back Pain
  Back Pain
  

  Each year, up to one-quarter of U.S. adults experience low-back pain. Most people have significant back pain at least once in their lives; often, the cause is unknown. Back pain varies widely. For many people, it lasts only a few weeks, no matter what treatment is used. But for others, the pain can become chronic and even debilitating. Low-back pain is a challenging condition to diagnose, treat, and study.
  
  Overall, studies have shown that spinal manipulation can provide mild-to-moderate relief from low-back pain and appears to be as effective as conventional medical treatments. In 2007 guidelines, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society include spinal manipulation as one of several treatment options for practitioners to consider using when pain does not improve with self-care.
• Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health
  Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health
  

  In bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness), people have periods of depressive symptoms that alternate or may co-exist with periods of mania. Symptoms of mania include abnormally high levels of excitement and energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive and inappropriate behavior. The most common symptoms of depression include; persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings, feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism, feelings of quilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness, restlessness or irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that the person once enjoyed, fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and/or making decisions, insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping, overeating, or appetite loss, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment.
  
  Mental health is how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
  
  Everyone feels worried, anxious, sad or stressed sometimes. But with a mental illness, these feelings do not go away and are severe enough to interfere with your daily life. It can make it hard to meet and keep friends, hold a job or enjoy your life.
  
  Mental illnesses are common, they affect about one in five families in the U.S. It is not your fault if you have one. Disorders such as depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and many others are real diseases that you cannot will or wish away. Fortunately, they are often treatable. Medicines and therapy can improve the life of most people with mental illnesses.
• Candidiasis
  Candidiasis
  

  Candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of fungus called Candida. Candida is normally found on the skin or mucous membranes. Depending on which part of the body is involved, the overgrowth has different names and different symptoms.
  
  Most cases of Candida infection are caused by the person's own Candida organisms. Candida yeasts usually live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina without causing symptoms. Symptoms develop only when Candida becomes overgrown in these sites. Rarely, Candida can be passed from person to person, such as through sexual intercourse.
  
  Candidiasis of the mouth and throat is also known as a 'thrush' or oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). It can affect normal newborns, persons with dentures, and people who use inhaled corticosteroids. It occurs more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems, particularly in persons with AIDS and people undergoing treatment for cancer.
  
  People with OPC infection usually have painless, white patches in the mouth. Others may have redness and soreness of the inside of the mouth. Cracking at the corners of the mouth, known as angular cheilitis, may occur. Symptoms of Candida esophagitis may include pain and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms, which may be uncomfortable, may persist. In rare cases, invasive candidiasis may occur. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to see your health care practitioner.
  
  Overgrowth of Candidia in the vagina is also known as a 'yeast infection' or VVC. Candida can multiply when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes. When that happens, symptoms of candidiasis appear.
  
  Women with VVC usually experience genital itching or burning, with or without a 'cottage cheese-like' vaginal discharge. Males with genital candidiasis may experience an itchy rash on the penis.
  
  Nearly 75% of all adult women have had at least one genital 'yeast infection' in their lifetime. On rare occasions, men may also experience genital candidiasis. VVC occurs more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems. Some conditions that may put a woman at risk for genital candidiasis are: pregnancy, Diabetes Mellitus, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and use of corticosteroid medications.
  
  There are many different treatments for Candidiasis available whether from mainstream medicine, or complementary, alternative, and/or integrative practitioners. Make sure to look at all your options and chose the best one for you.
  
  Because VVC and urinary tract infections share similar symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, it is important to see a health care practitioner and obtain laboratory testing to determine the cause of the symptoms and to treat effectively.
  
  Invasive candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when Candida species enter the blood, causing bloodstream infection and then spreading throughout the body.
  
  One form of invasive candidiasis is called Candidemia, which is a bloodstream infection with Candida. Persons at high risk for Candidemia include very-low-birth-weight babies, surgical patients, hospitalized patients or patients with a central venous catheter, and those whose immune systems are weakened.
  
  The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are not specific. Fever and chills that do not improve after antibiotic therapy are the most common symptoms. If the infection spreads to deep organs such as kidneys, liver, bones, muscles, joints, spleen, or eyes, additional specific symptoms may develop, which vary depending on the site of infection. If the infection does not respond to treatment, the patient's organs may fail and cause death.
  
  Invasive candidiasis is extremely rare in persons without risk factors. In persons at risk, invasive candidiasis may result when a person's own Candida organisms, normally found in the digestive tract, enter the bloodstream. On rare occasions, it can also occur when medical equipment or devices become contaminated with Candida. In either case, the infection may spread throughout the body.
• Cholesterol
  Cholesterol
  

  Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia, HDL, LDL
  
  Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them.
  
  High levels of cholesterol in the blood, Hypercholesterolemia/Hyperlipidemia, can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
  

  Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Persons with CFS most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In some cases, CFS can persist for years.
  
  In addition to the primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequencies of occurrence of these symptoms vary from 20% to 50% among CFS patients. They include abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.
  
  The cause or causes of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic tests are available. Moreover, since many illnesses have incapacitating fatigue as a symptom, care must be taken to exclude other known and often treatable conditions before a diagnosis of CFS is made.
  
  A great deal of debate has surrounded the issue of how best to define CFS. In an effort to resolve these issues, an international panel of CFS research experts convened in 1994 to draft a definition of CFS that would be useful both to researchers studying the illness and to clinicians diagnosing it. In essence, in order to receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria, 1) Have severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer duration with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis; and 2) Concurrently have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; multi-joint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.
  
  The symptoms must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue.
  
  Risk Factors for CFS include being a woman. They are affected at four times the rate of men, and being a person in your 40s and 50s. Although CFS is much less common in children than in adults, children can develop the illness, particularly during the teen years. People of every age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic group can have CFS.
  
  Symptoms and their consequences can be severe. CFS can be as disabling as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure and similar chronic conditions. Symptom severity varies from patient to patient and may vary over time for an individual patient.
  
  People who suffer the symptoms of CFS must be carefully evaluated by a physician because many treatable medical and psychiatric conditions are hard to distinguish from CFS. Common conditions that should be ruled out through a careful medical history and appropriate testing include mononucleosis, Lyme disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, various cancers, depression and bipolar disorder.
  
  CFS affects each individual differently. Some people with CFS remain homebound and others improve to the point that they can resume work and other activities, even though they continue to experience symptoms.
• Chronic Pain
  Chronic Pain
  

  Chronic pain is pain that lasts beyond the expected time for healing (it can be weeks, months, or years) and interferes with normal life. The injury has healed, but the pain continues. Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system. The pain message may be triggered by muscle tension, stiffness, weakness, or spasms. The pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen or chest or you may feel pain all over, such as when your muscles ache from the flu.
  
  Whatever the cause of chronic pain, feelings of frustration, anger, and fear can make the pain more intense. Chronic pain can affect all areas of your life and should be taken seriously. Your response to pain is determined by many factors, including your emotional outlook. For example, depression seems to increase a person's perception of pain and decrease her or his ability to cope with it. Often, treating the depression treats the pain as well. Sometimes chronic pain is due to an ongoing cause, such as cancer or arthritis. Sometimes the cause is unknown. A healthcare professional can help you evaluate your pain and its cause. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat pain. Treatment varies depending on the cause of pain.
  
  Pain can be helpful. Without pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment. Once you take care of the problem, pain usually goes away; therefore, it is important to seek appropriate care when you are experiencing pain.
• Depression
  Depression
  

  Depression is a medical condition that affects many millions of American adults each year. Mood, thoughts, physical health, and behavior all may be affected.

  The most common symptoms of depression include; persistent sad, anxious, or 'empty' feelings, feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness, restlessness or irritability, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that the person once enjoyed, fatigue and decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and/or making decisions, insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping, overeating, or appetite loss, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment.

  There are many forms of Depression and the exact symptoms and degree of severity depends on the individual person. In major depression (also called major depressive disorder), people experience symptoms that interfere with their ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and take pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. Symptoms last for at least 2 weeks but frequently last for several months or longer. In dysthymia (also called dysthymic disorder), a less severe, but more chronic form of depression, people experience symptoms that are not as disabling but keep them from functioning well or feeling good. Symptoms last at least 2 years. Many people with dysthymia also have episodes of major depression.

  In bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness), people have periods of depressive symptoms that alternate or may co-exist with periods of mania. Symptoms of mania include abnormally high levels of excitement and energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive and inappropriate behavior. Other forms of depression exist that fall into the category of minor depression. With this type of depression, people experience the same symptoms as major depression, but they are fewer in number and are less disabling. Symptoms last at least 6 months but less than 2 years continuously. Mental health is how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

  Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Everyone feels worried, anxious, sad or stressed sometimes. But with a mental illness, these feelings do not go away and are severe enough to interfere with your daily life. It can make it hard to meet and keep friends, hold a job or enjoy your life. Mental illnesses are common, they affect about one in five families in the U.S. It is not your fault if you have one. Disorders such as depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and many others are real diseases that you cannot will or wish away. Fortunately, they are often treatable. Complementary, alternative, integrative and mainstream practitioners offer therapeutic options that may help improve the life of most people with mental illnesses.
• Diabetes
  Diabetes
  

  Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans. There are 3 main types of Diabetes, Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases and occurs more frequently in older people. Type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 5 to 10 percent of cases, usually strikes children and young adults. A third form, gestational diabetes, develops in some women during pregnancy.
  
  In all forms of diabetes, the body's ability to convert food into energy is impaired. After a meal, the body breaks down most food into glucose (a kind of sugar), the main source of fuel for cells. In people with diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin (a hormone that helps glucose enter cells) or the cells do not respond to insulin properly. Often, both insulin production and insulin action are impaired. Without treatment, glucose builds up in the blood instead of moving into the cells, where it can be converted into energy. Over time, the high blood glucose levels caused by diabetes can damage many parts of the body, including the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, and skin. Such complications can be prevented or delayed by controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
  
  Type 2 diabetes most often is associated with older age (although it is increasingly being diagnosed in children), obesity (about 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight), a family history of diabetes, and lack of physical activity. Certain minority population groups are at greater risk, as are women who have had gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which cells do not use insulin properly. Symptoms develop gradually and may include fatigue, frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds or sores. However, it is possible to have type 2 diabetes without experiencing any symptoms.
• Fibromyalgia
  Fibromyalgia
  

  Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well as 'tender points' on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs, which hurt when slight pressure (about 9 pounds) is applied.
  
  People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as; trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called 'fibro fog'), Irritable bowel syndrome, and depression. Women with fibromyalgia may also have painful menstrual periods.
  
  The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, but problems with the nervous system could be involved. It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects as many as 1 in 50 Americans. Most people with fibromyalgia are women, and most are diagnosed during middle age. However, men and children also can have the disorder.
• GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  

  Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when a muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly.

  Since the esophagus is like a hose that connects your mouth and your stomach, if the end connected to your stomach is left slightly open and leaking you will have symptoms of acid indigestion. These can include typical feelings of "heartburn" like burning in the chest or throat, or tasting stomach fluid in your mouth. GERD is considered a possible diagnosis if you have these symptoms greater than two times in a week. GERD can occur in people of all ages. Sometimes babies, toddlers, and children experience it too.

  If GERD is suspected, you should seek care because having this condition for extended periods of time can lead to other more serious conditions. There are many options for people with GERD that seek out a practitioner of complementary, alternative, integrative, or conventional medicine for assistance and care.
• Headache, Tension, Migraine, Cluster, Sinus
  Headache, Tension, Migraine, Cluster, Sinus
  

  Simply put, a headache is pain in your head. However, a headache can be a sign of a more serious condition and should not be ignored if it is extremely intense, lasts for many days or begins after a hit to the head.
  
  Many people suffer from what is referred to as a tension headache. This type of headache can occur due to tightness in muscles of your neck or shoulders and also those that move your jaw or your scalp. You may experience this if you are under stress, or feeling depressed or anxious. Lifestyle changes that can usually help tension headaches.
  
  Migraine headaches are very severe headaches that may be debilitating and keep people bedridden for days at a time. Most people with a migraine are very sensitive to light and need to be in a dark room. Some people experience what is called a "prodrome" with their migraines. A prodrome is something that happens consistently just prior to the onset of the headache. It could be a certain smell, a flashing of light, a particular feeling, or any other sensation by that particular person. These types of headaches are more common in women than men.
  
  Another type of headache is called a Cluster Headache. These headaches are very excruciating and begin quite suddenly usually in the front/side of the head, or near the eye. These headaches are more common in men than women. A person experiencing this type of headache is in severe pain and may thrash about not knowing what to do because the pain is so bad and nothing seems to help take it away.
  
  Sinus headaches are very common among both men and women and can occur more frequently with the change of seasons, with allergies, or colds. These headaches may feel like someone is squeezing your head tightly and there is a lot of pressure. Touching the face on either side of the nose can be painful because these are the most common sinuses to be involved.
  
  Complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) practitioners can offer multiple options for treating the many different kinds of headaches.
• Heart or Cardiovascular Disease
  Heart or Cardiovascular Disease
  

  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Almost 700,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. each year. That is about 29% of all U.S. deaths. Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.
  
  The risk of coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control those adverse factors that put people at greater risk for heart disease and heart attack. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack, calling 911 right away, and getting to a hospital are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have had a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of future events.
• Hypertension, High Blood Pressure
  Hypertension, High Blood Pressure
  

  High blood pressure is a measured blood pressure above 140/90. It is sometimes called the 'silent killer' because it usually has no noticeable warning signs or symptoms until other serious problems arise; therefore, many people do not know that they have it. All persons, including children, can develop high blood pressure. However, high blood pressure is easily detectable and usually can be controlled. Some pharmacies offer free blood pressure screenings and/or your health care practitioner can measure it for you. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is an important public health strategy. Therefore, it is important for you to know your blood pressure level and to check it regularly.
  
  It is estimated that 1 of 3 American adults has high blood pressure or hypertension. Having high blood pressure increases one's chance for developing heart disease, a stroke, and other serious conditions.
• Hypoglycemia, Low blood sugar
  Hypoglycemia, Low blood sugar
  

  When the amount of glucose in your blood is low and the body is not able to release more from the muscles and liver, a condition of Hypoglycemia, Low blood sugar, exists. You may feel hungry, light headed, confused and your hands may shake. Glucose is a very important form of sugar that your body uses to make energy. You get glucose from the foods you eat, as well as the body's' ability to release stored glucose from your muscles and liver.
  
  People of all different ages and backgrounds can have Hypoglycemia. It is common in insulin dependent diabetics because sometimes the dose of insulin given is too high and it takes too much of the glucose out of the blood. This is a serious problem and needs doctor attention immediately. Not all people with Hypoglycemia are Diabetic; you can have either one without the other.
• Insomnia
  Insomnia
  

  Insomnia is characterized by an inability to initiate or maintain sleep. It can also present as early morning awakening where a person awakens several hours early and is unable to go back to sleep. Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep may often present itself as excessive daytime sleepiness, which commonly results in functional impairment throughout the day. Before being diagnosed with primary insomnia, other potential causes need to be ruled out, such as other sleep disorders, side effects of medications, substance abuse, depression, or other previously undetected illness. Chronic psychophysiological insomnia (or "learned" or "conditioned" insomnia) may result from a stressor combined with fear of being unable to sleep. People affected with this condition may sleep better when not in their own beds.
• Menopause, Change of Life
  Menopause, Change of Life
  

  Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops and she can no longer become pregnant. It is a normal change in a woman's body. Menopause can occur naturally or be caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. A woman is said to have completed natural menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months (and there are no other causes, such as pregnancy or illness, for this change). This typically happens after age 45. Menopause occurs immediately if the uterus or both ovaries are surgically removed, or if the ovaries are damaged in cancer treatment with radiation therapy or certain drugs.
  
  Menopause is sometimes called,'the change of life.' In the years leading up to menopause, a woman's ovaries slowly make less and less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. You might not be aware of the changes happening in your body. Or, you might have symptoms as you near menopause. Many women wonder if these symptoms are normal, and many are confused about how to treat their symptoms.
  
  Menopause affects every woman differently. Your only symptom may be your period stopping. You may have other symptoms, too. Some symptoms that women experience are related to menopause and decreased activity of the ovaries. Others may be related to aging in general.
  
  Scientific evidence of a link to menopause is strongest for the following symptoms; hot flashes and night sweats, sleep difficulties, and vaginal dryness, which can lead to painful intercourse and other sexual problems.
  
  It is not certain whether the following symptoms are due to menopause, other factors that can come with aging or a combination of menopause and these factors; problems in thinking or in remembering things, urinary incontinence, physical complaints, such as tiredness and stiff or painful joints, and changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, and/or irritability.
  
  After menopause, bone loss speeds up for several years as estrogen levels rapidly decrease. Bone loss can cause bones to weaken. Weak bones can break more easily. When bones weaken a lot, the condition is called osteoporosis.
• Multiple Sclerosis, MS
  Multiple Sclerosis, MS
  

  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disease that affects the nervous system including the brain and spinal cord.

  It damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. This damage slows down or blocks messages between the brain and body. Symptoms of MS can include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, trouble with coordination and balance, sensations such as numbness, prickling, or 'pins and needles,' and thinking or memory problems.

  The cause of MS is unknown. It may be an autoimmune disease which happens when your body attacks itself. Multiple sclerosis affects woman more than men. It often begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Usually, the disease is mild, but some people lose the ability to write, speak or walk. There is no cure for MS but medicines may slow it down and help control symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy and some Complementary and Alternative therapies may also help.
• Obesity, Overweight
  Obesity, Overweight
  

  Overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.
  
  For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the body mass index' (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. It is important to remember that BMI does not directly measure body fat. As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat.
  
  Other methods of estimating body fat and body fat distribution include measurements of skinfold thickness and waist circumference, calculation of waist-to-hip circumference ratios, and techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  
  For children and teens, BMI ranges above a normal weight have different labels (at risk of overweight and overweight). Additionally, BMI ranges for children and teens are defined so that they take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages.
  
  BMI is just one indicator of potential health risks associated with being overweight or obese. For assessing someone's likelihood of developing overweight- or obesity-related diseases, take a look at two other predictors: 1) Waist circumference (because abdominal fat is a predictor of risk for obesity-related diseases) and 2) Other risk factors the individual has for diseases and conditions associated with obesity (for example, high blood pressure or physical inactivity).
  
  Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions. These include; Hypertension (high blood pressure), Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint), Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides), Type 2 diabetes, Coronary heart disease, Stroke, Gallbladder disease, Sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon).
• Osteoporosis, Osteopenia
  Osteoporosis, Osteopenia
  

  Osteoporosis or 'porous bone' is a disease of the skeletal system characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Osteopenia is the term used when the bone mass is less than the desired amount for strong healthy bones, but not down to the level of Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis leads to an increase risk of bone fractures typically in the wrist, hip, and spine. Often these can be very painful fractures, which can take many months to heal. In many cases, the pain starts to go away as the fracture heals. Bones play many roles in the body. They provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium. Adequate calcium consumption and weight bearing physical activity build strong bones, optimizes bone mass, and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
  
  It is important for young girls to reach their peak bone mass (the genetic potential for bone density), in order to maintain bone health throughout life. A person with high bone mass as a young adult will be more likely to have a higher bone mass later in life. By the age of 20, the average woman has acquired most of her skeletal mass. A large decline in bone mass occurs in older adults, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. For women this occurs around the time of menopause.
  
  Anyone at any age and any ethnicity can develop osteoporosis. These traits increase the likelihood of osteoporosis; being female, White/Caucasian, post menopausal women, an older adult, small in body size, eating a diet low in calcium, and being physically inactive.
  
  Calcium is a mineral needed by the body for healthy bones, teeth, and proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Vitamin D also plays an important role in healthy bone development. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium. The body cannot produce calcium; therefore, it must be absorbed through food. Good sources of calcium include; dairy products-low fat or nonfat milk, cheese, and yogurt, dark green leafy vegetables-bok choy and broccoli, calcium fortified foods-orange juice, cereal, bread, soy beverages, and tofu products, nuts-almonds.
  
  Regular physical activity has been associated with many positive health benefits including strong bones. Like proper calcium consumption, adequate weight-bearing physical activity early in life is important in reaching peak bone mass. Some examples of weight bearing physical activities include; walking, jogging, or running, tennis or racquetball, field hockey, stair climbing, jumping rope, basketball, dancing, hiking, soccer, and weight lifting.
• Stress
  Stress
  

  Stress is a condition that develops when the demands on an individual begin to outweigh the capabilities and resources available to that individual. In other words; what is expected of you is putting too much pressure on you because you don't feel you have the "tools" to perform the task. A few examples of these "tools" are emotions, energy, physical strength, and mental ability. Stress can be related to things both inside and outside the body. Some examples of things outside the body that cause stress can be related to a job, home life, and interactions with others. Things inside the body that affect a person's stress level can include the availability of proper nutrients, the proper functioning of the parts of the body, the emotional state of being, and the abundance or lack of sleep per night.
  
  The most common view of stress is a negative one; however, there are positive biological reasons for a "stress state" that help us handle stressful situations. A problem arises when there are too many of these situations occurring and the mind becomes emotionally over whelmed, the body becomes biologically overly stimulated and the person is in a general state of over reacting.
  
  If a person remains in this over reactive state medical conditions can develop. Every person is different from another and displays stress differently; however, there are some common symptoms of negative stress such as sleep disturbances, muscle tension, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fatigue. Emotional and behavioral symptoms that can accompany excess stress include nervousness, anxiety, changes in eating habits including overeating, loss of enthusiasm or energy, and mood changes.
  
  If a person in an over reactive, negative stress state does not get help when these symptoms appear, more severe problems and disease states can occur. These can be psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder), maladaptive behaviors (aggression, substance abuse), cognitive impairment, and physical disorders (cardiovascular, thyroid disease).
  
  Anyone in any age group can experience negative stress. Some common groups of people that experience increased negative stress due to life transitions are children, teens, working parents, and seniors. If you feel that you or someone you know is in an over reactive, negative stress state, please seek care. There are many different healthcare workers that are available to help you.

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