The Trouble with Hypothyroidism We all have cells and organs in our bodies that work to keep us alive and healthy. The thyroid, for example, is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the neck is responsible for the quality of our voice. Most importantly, it is the powerhouse that secreted two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).  Both have a role in muscular activity, growth and brain development during childhood, metabolism (BMR), heart and digestive function, bone maintenance, and heart rate, but are most noted for their role in metabolism, namely basal metabolic rate. When someone is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it...

The Road to Adoption After years of fertility treatments, doctors’ appointments and failed attempts, heartbreak, prayers and an endless stack of paperwork, you’re finally bringing home your own little miracle – an adopted baby. You’ve tried to prepare yourself in every way possible by reading parenting books, painting the nursery, and stocking up on diapers and bottles, but there’s one thing that worries you the most; that special bond between mother and child, that moment when the little one looks at you and instantly recognizes you as her mother.  You might not have been there for nine months feeling her...

Every Parent's Nightmare Picture this: you’re driving up to the daycare, ready to drop off your toddler for the day so you can head to work and you feel the dread begin to creep in.  You send up a silent prayer, “Please let it be a  good day”, and keep your fingers crossed.  Your toddler, who up till now has been happily munching on Cheerios, realizes where he is and begins his daily resistance.  You carry him to his room, all the while giving hugs and kisses and trying to calm his fears, but as soon as he sees the...

  Will I Always Live with Psoriatic Arthritis or is There Treatment? Psoriatic Arthritis commonly affects 30% of those who are diagnosed with psoriasis; nonetheless,  it can be found in those who do not have the skin disorder (though chances are significantly higher when psoriasis is found in the family).Like psoriasis, it is characteristically described as red patches along the skin and silvery scales, but feelings of joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the chief symptoms that often  appear  apart from psoriasis rather than being seen together (it is rare if they do). Although feelings of pain may occur anywhere inflammation...

What makes Autoimmune Inflammation Different from Inflammation?   Inflammation is a necessary and vital response of the immune system whenever the body is being attacked. It is the body's way of healing itself in the aftermath, and we need it to protect ourselves from viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria by repairing the damaged areas. It would be disastrous if we never had a inflammatory response as it would invite infections that could become deadly. The four characteristics often found in inflamed areas  are swelling, redness, heat, and pain that occur because of the activity of proteins, like cytokines, that signal...

Sadness and Depression is Real in Toddlers Although the world is growing and changing every day, there are certain things that will never change such as the gift of human emotions. We all feel happy, scared, anxious, sad, upset, or worried all the time depending on the situation, and children feel the same way too. There isn't a soul in the world that couldn't disagree kids do not feel happiness and bliss, but a lot of people believe it to be preposterous that kids could feel true sadness or depression. In fact, the two were never even considered or accepted...