It’s never too late to change careers and pursue your dreams. Carl Allamby was a car mechanic before he went back to college at 38 to become a doctor. He had originally planned to get his business degree but part of the curriculum included a biology course that “reminded me a lot of the childhood...
Salt may be the most routine ingredient in the world. It would be difficult to find a kitchen without it in some form. Table salt is the most common, and it comes from extracted salt from underground deposits. The raw salt is then refined to remove impurities, mixed with additives like iodine and agents to...
Bunions are a common foot disorder that affects approximately one-third of adults in the United States. They occur when the big toe joint is misaligned. It leans too much toward the second toe, so the joint protrudes on the side of the foot and stretches it uncomfortably. They worsen over time and can cause pain,...
“You’re too young to have bowel cancer.” Unfortunately, many patients heard this when they contacted medical help for their symptoms. That’s what Stephanie Bansemer-Brown was told in 2012 before being diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer. She was 42 at the time, and fits alongside new research finding over 28,000 Australians under the age of...
Magnesium is a mineral essential for many bodily functions. For example, it helps with muscle movement, nerve function, and maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Oral magnesium supplements are commonly used to aid sleep, anxiety, and constipation. It’s also found in foods like seeds, legumes, and vegetables. However, you may have seen magnesium...
Mental health disorders are, unfortunately, common among prostate cancer patients. Although it has high survival rates, prostate cancer involves years of grueling treatments and long-lasting side effects that can contribute to body image issues and lowered self-esteem. And above everything is the fear of death and cancer recurrence. One study involving over 18,000 cases of...
Case studies are detailed reports of a particular person or situation for further analysis. Although no scientific conclusions can be made from one anecdote, these reports can indicate areas in need of further research. They also record fascinating and sometimes terrifying incidences. One case study from 2018 presented a situation where a man woke up...
Cooking in bulk and eating leftovers is convenient, but it comes with a higher risk of food poisoning. Rice in particular has been getting buzz over social media, namely about the dangers of “fried rice syndrome” and “reheat syndrome”. However, the safety concerns don’t refer only to the reheating process. Rather, the main issue lies...
Some bugs make surprisingly good roommates. For example, many species of spiders can work as pest control while keeping to themselves. However, other insects are venomous or enjoy invading food supplies, beds, and house foundations. Phereoeca uterella is a type of moth that lives in tropical climates and eats a wide diet, including household items...
Hollywood’s historical use of chimp “actors” has distorted public perception of these creatures. Make no mistake, chimpanzees are wild animals that should not be underestimated. Over recent years, “domesticated” chimps have made headlines for attacking humans, or for being abused by their handlers. These cases are so horrifically memorable. It’s easy to forget all of...
Smartphones are way more than just phones. They are also calculators, maps, voice recorders, music players, photo albums, and calendars. With additional apps, they can become books, movie screens, bankers, and store shelves with every item. You no longer need a computer to check emails, look at social media, type a document, download PDF files,...
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that is neither fully understood nor easy to diagnose. People with this condition can go undiagnosed for years, seeking one doctor after another for their symptoms. Unfortunately, many finally hear the answer after surgery — one of the most invasive ways to receive a diagnosis. Fortunately, the Royal Australian...
