|
|
Blastomycosis is often misdiagnosed, resulting in tragic outcomes. It is caused by a fungus living in moist soil, in wooded areas of the United States and Canada. If inhaled, the fungus can cause mild breathing problems that may worsen and cause serious illness and even death.
In ancient Rome, many of the richer people in the population had lead-induced gout. The reason for this is unclear. Lead poisoning has also been linked to madness.
More than one-third of adult Americans are obese. Diseases that kill the largest number of people annually, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and hypertension, can be attributed to diet.
Despite claims by manufacturers, the supplement known as Ginkgo biloba was shown in a study of more than 3,000 participants to be ineffective in reducing development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in older people.
Sildenafil (Viagra®) has two actions that may be of consequence in patients with heart disease. It can lower the blood pressure, and it can interact with nitrates. It should never be used in patients who are taking nitrates.
![Urinometer. In this procedure, a urine sample and urinometer are placed within a tube, and the liqui](https://biology-forums.com/gallery/47/medium_14755_05_10_12_4_17_11_92921634.jpeg)
![Edward Bellamy, author of the utopian novel Looking Backward (1888) Bellamy’s socialism worried many](https://biology-forums.com/gallery/47/medium_27_24_08_15_1_27_04_223942387.jpeg)