Biotin: The Underrated Vitamin

Hamsa Al-Aqqad, M.S. FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHAT ARE VITAMINS? Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in small amounts by the body as the human system is not able to make them. They are coenzymes – components of enzymes – which speed up reactions in the body to allow for…

Healthy Kidneys and Chronic Kidney Disease - Part 1

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  By Joanne P. Shelby-Klein BSN RN The kidneys are one of the bodies vital organs needed for survival, but do people really know what they do and what happens when they don’t function properly? A recent study was conducted by the National Kidney…

BRCA Gene and Cancer Risk

Joanne P. Shelby-Klein BSN RN Genetic research involving cancer has been ongoing since the 1980’s when scientists around the world sought to find a genetic link to breast cancer. In the early 1990’s, researchers at University of California Berkley found the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene or BRCA…

Calculating Required Calorie Intake and Managing a Balanced Diet

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Margaret Ward, MS There is no doubt that a proper diet is crucial to maintain overall health and well-being. Along with the term “diet,” one frequently also hears the dreaded word “calorie” but what exactly is a calorie and what correlation does it have…

Adverse Events: Their Classification

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Meenakshi Bhamdi, B. Pharm In pharmacovigilance/drug safety, one of the most important criteria is the presence of an adverse event in a case study. For example, if a person takes an XYZ drug and experiences any unfavourable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory…

Non-Cosmetic Uses of Botox

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] By Joanne P. Shelby-Klein BSN RN Botox, almost everyone is familiar with its cosmetic uses to help people look younger and have fewer wrinkles. Most people are not aware of the important non-cosmetic uses of this medication. Before looking at what it is…

Food, Nutrition and Weight Loss

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Dr. Swapnali Halder WHAT’S THERE IN YOUR FOOD Food that we eat gives us nutrients and calories1, the vital components to keep us alive. Nutrients are the substances in the food that nourish the body for growth and maintenance. Nutrient enriched food is important…

CRISPR - Cas9 technology to eliminate HIV

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Isharpal Singh, MS AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is one the major public health concerns affecting more than 35 million people worldwide [4]. The conventional approach for treating HIV viz, HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) uses a mixture of compounds to suppress HIV-1 infection and…

What's Next for Dialysis Patients, Wearable Artificial Kidneys?

[icon name=”user” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  By Joanne P. Shelby-Klein BSN RN Dialysis cannot fully replace the fluid and waste removal function of the kidneys. Patients find themselves having to follow dietary and fluid restrictions on a daily basis. Patients also find that they are tired and don’t feel…