|
|
For about 100 years, scientists thought that peptic ulcers were caused by stress, spicy food, and alcohol. Later, researchers added stomach acid to the list of causes and began treating ulcers with antacids. Now it is known that peptic ulcers are predominantly caused by Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that normally exist in the stomach.
Every 10 seconds, a person in the United States goes to the emergency room complaining of head pain. About 1.2 million visits are for acute migraine attacks.
Most childhood vaccines are 90–99% effective in preventing disease. Side effects are rarely serious.
Medication errors are more common among seriously ill patients than with those with minor conditions.
The heart is located in the center of the chest, with part of it tipped slightly so that it taps against the left side of the chest.