ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to give it its proper name, is a behavioral disorder which affects approximately ten percent of school age kids. What is interesting is that it actually affects about three times as many boys as it does girls, but as of yet nobody is quite sure why this happens to be the case.

Children that have ADHD are usually hyperactive, do not focus well and normally act without thinking it through first. Although as a rule they understand the things that are expected of them, they find it difficult to carry this out as they are unable to pay attention, sit still or focus on details.

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

As everyone is probably aware though, most children, especially the younger ones, act like this frequently, especially if they are excited, but ADHD affected kids are different as such because the symptoms last over a long period of times and can be triggered be a variety of reasons, not just excitement or anxiety. ADHD can hinder the ability of a child to function properly at school, at home or when they are out and about.

Although difficult to diagnose, ADHD can be managed with the proper treatment and the children affected can learn to manage their symptoms successfully.

Kidney stones are described as stone-like lumps which can form in either one, or both kidneys. They are quite common, but to understand what they are, we have to discuss the function of the kidneys.

First of all, the kidneys are approximately four inches long and are shaped like a bean. There are two of them in the body and they are located near the back of the abdomen area, one on each side of the spine. The job of a kidney is to remove waste products from our blood and then pass this waste into the bladder along with excess fluids to be disposed of in the urine.

Kidney stones can be categorized into four main types. Calcium stones which are made up of calcium and phosphate or oxalate; struvite stones which are made of ammonia and magnesium (these ones can often be quite large); uric acid stones (the smallest and softest type of kidney stone); and cystine stones which are normally yellowish in color and look like crystals as opposed to stones. All kidney stones can come in different shapes, colors and sizes – from the size of a grain of sand to (in some extreme cases) the size of a golf ball.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed when the waste products collected by the kidney do not dissolve properly in the fluid that will make up the urine, which then forms little crystal-like substances that can accumulate in the kidney. Over time these can form a hard lump that looks like a stone – the kidney stone.

When kidney stones are formed, they will very often try to leave the body via the urinary system, which can create problems, especially if they become blocked.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves located in the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to issues with muscle control, balance and vision. It can also affect memory as well as associated mood swings and emotions.

MS sufferers can find that their symptoms are different from other sufferers, while also varying from day to day. Sufferers often find that the symptoms can get worse with exercise or heat. In general though, the most common symptoms of MS are problems with the eyes (blurring and double vision); muscle weakness or stiffness; fatigue; loss of coordination; bowel and bladder issues; tingling or numbness of the skin; general pain; anxiety and depression; difficulty swallowing and talking; and sexual problems. Although these may appear to be many symptoms, a sufferer is highly unlikely to develop all of them and certainly not at the same time.

There are four kinds of MS: benign MS, relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS. The exact reasons that an individual contracts the condition are not fully understood at this present moment in time, although several different factors are thought to be implicated. Although it is not a hereditary condition, having specific genes may make a person more susceptible to it. There could also be some environmental factors involved – bacteria or viruses may trigger the immune system to attack its own body. Also, the place of residence may be an issue. It is known, for example, that MS is more common in countries further from the equatorial regions.

Although there are treatments available for the symptoms of MS, there isn’t actually a cure at present.

Multiple Sclerosis