Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when someone experiences acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week over a long period of time. The condition is extremely common, affecting about 20 percent of Americans, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.  Most doctors suggest that GERD patients make lifestyle changes to help control their symptoms, such as maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping with their heads elevated, eating smaller portions, and eating more slowly.

Eating disorders can be difficult to talk about because there's so much shame surrounding these diseases. But they affect most people at some point in their life, whether directly or indirectly. It's likely you have a friend or family member affected by bulimia nervosa because between 1 and 3 women out of 100 will develop bulimia at some point in their lives. And it's not restricted to just women. Additionally, at some point, 10 million American males will also suffer from a form of an eating disorder.

Have you ever thought about being in a paid research study? For some, the compensation may outweigh the risks, but is it right for you? Every clinical research study is different and will carry different risks, benefits, and challenges. However, that does not mean that they are not worth participating in. Here are a few things that you should consider before signing up to be a part of a paid research study.

For some people, sexual intercourse is an uncomfortable and unenjoyable experience, which is often diagnosed as sexual dysfunction. While it's well known that there are a number of conditions that can lead to sexual dysfunction, what is less known is the fact that physical therapy can help. If you are in a battle with sexual dysfunction, learn how physical therapy can offer you some relief.  Endometriosis Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the lining of the uterus and vagina are thickened.

Orthopedic surgery allows you to recover from an injury that takes away your ability to fully participate in your life. After your recovery period, you will regain the ability to engage in regular activities. You may even find that you are stronger and more mobile than before your injury because your orthopedic surgeon will make sure that you understand the best way to care for your body. One of your biggest concerns following your surgery is likely your recovery period.

Tearing the meniscus in your knee can be pretty traumatic. You feel the knee buckle underneath you, and then as soon as you start trying to walk, the knee feels not only painful but unstable. Torn menisci do not usually heal on their own, so your doctor will probably refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for a surgical procedure to repair your meniscus. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after that procedure.

With so many different substances that are readily available to young kids these days it's no wonder that more and more kids and teenagers are suffering from addiction. If you have a teenager who is suffering from substance abuse addiction, you may feel like your world is crumbling all around you. Addiction is one of the hardest things to help people through even when they are your own child. Although you can't make your child become sober, there are a few different tools that you can offer them with to help them get on the track towards recovery.

Do you have a cold — or is it the flu? If you're not sure which virus you have, take a look at the reasons to schedule a doctor's office visit. You Have a Fever How high of a fever should send you to the medical provider? According to the Mayo Clinic, an adult's fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit is cause for concern. But this doesn't mean you should wait for your temperature to spike before you call your doctor with suspected flu symptoms.

To keep your cardiovascular system healthy, and reduce your chance of having a stroke, you should incorporate physical activity into your life. Studies show that exercise has a positive effect on chronic health problems. What type of exercise, how much, and how hard you should work out varies from person to person. Here is more information about the effects of exercise on strokes, and tips on becoming more physically active.

Car accidents are scary things, and they can put a parent on high alert when their child is in one. When the child seems to be fine for days and weeks after with no serious injuries, it may be very easy to relax and assume everything is okay. However, some delayed pain may occur when a nerve gets pinched due to the accident. Thankfully, at-home stretches and pain relief may help.