Health A to Z

A sudden loss of kidney function (acute renal failure) can be immediately life-threatening, while chronic kidney failure is a more gradual and progressive deterioration. Chronic kidney failure is the progressive loss of kidney cells and is a feature of long-term disorders including kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and inherited kidney disorders such as polycystic kidneys.

A fracture is a broken bone or skeletal injury. Other types of skeletal injuries include dislocation and subluxation. While mild strains and sprains can often be treated at home, an injury that causes a bone fracture, dislocation or subluxation needs professional medical care.

Lab tests, along with a health history and physical exam, are used to diagnose and manage health conditions. When your body is healthy it functions normally in a state of homeostasis or equilibrium. When your body is in homeostasis, the values for fluids, chemicals and secretions (hormones) are within an acceptable or “normal” range.

Your first exam includes a physical exam and a gynecological exam which will find out if you are at risk for problems during your pregnancy so these risks can be treated or monitored (watched) to help prevent or lessen complications for you and your baby. High risk conditions include high blood pressure, obesity, severe varicose veins, uterine size, pelvic size and diabetes.

An ankle sprain is a very common ankle injury and usually happens when the ankle is twisted or inverted (toes are turned in). The term “sprain” means injury to soft tissues—the muscles, ligaments and tendons.