Diseases & Conditions Archive

Metabolic syndrome is defined as having at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels. The condition significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. While each factor is problematic, the main driver is abdominal obesity, from visceral fat surrounding internal organs. The best way to reduce visceral fat is aerobic exercise, strength training, and a plant-based diet.

Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterized by frequent, irresistible impulses to pull hair from the scalp or anywhere else on the body. It often results in embarrassing bald patches that people with the condition try to conceal. About one in 50 people has trichotillomania, and women are diagnosed and treated for it more often than men are. People with the disorder may pull hair when faced with stressors such as tension, loneliness, or fatigue. Among people who eat pulled hair, complications such as hairballs can be life-threatening.

Wooziness is often just a passing episode of lightheadedness. But it might signal something very serious, such as a stroke or heart attack. When wooziness occurs, one should sit or lie down for a few minutes, rest, and have a drink of water or juice. If wooziness eases, it's best to report the episode to your doctor. If lightheadedness hasn't improved or if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble speaking, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body, call 911 immediately.