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Once thought to have neurofibromatosis, Joseph Merrick (also known as "the elephant man") is now, in retrospect, thought by clinical experts to have had Proteus syndrome. This endocrine disease causes continued and abnormal growth of the bones, muscles, skin, and so on and can become completely debilitating with severe deformities occurring anywhere on the body.
Parkinson's disease is both chronic and progressive. This means that it persists over a long period of time and that its symptoms grow worse over time.
The immune system needs 9.5 hours of sleep in total darkness to recharge completely.
People with high total cholesterol have about two times the risk for heart disease as people with ideal levels.
Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.