Direct infection when the virus passes from poultry to humans results in very severe disease. Of the avian influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, H5N1 has caused the largest number of cases of severe disease and death in humans. Unlike normal seasonal influenza, where infection causes only mild respiratory symptoms in most people, the disease caused by H5N1 leads to rapid deterioration and high mortality.

Obesity results from the excess accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the American Obesity Association, obesity is a disease. Obesity is defined as being 20% or more over ideal weight (BMI >25). Ideal weight is the weight associated with the longest life. Ideal weight tables show the ideal weight as it relates to gender and height.

The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have health problems. Weight loss and regular exercise can help improve the harmful effects of being overweight. Studies show if you are overweight or obese, losing 5%-10% of your body weight can improve your health.

Weight reduction surgery has been reported to improve several comorbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, sleep apnoea and obesity associated hypoventilation, high blood pressure and serum lipid abnormalities. In a recent study, diabetic patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a risk of death three times less than those who had not.

Many health insurance, PPO and HMO cover obesity operations. However there are some health plans with exclusions for obesity operations.

Obesity results when there is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. In other words, you consume more calories than you expend in your daily activities. There can also be medical causes for obesity, such as glandular irregularities. Many glandular problems are now medically treatable.

This surgery is obviously a very serious step. Patients with psychiatric conditions such as depression, bipolar disease, and/or schizophrenia should be under the care of a psychiatrist before they consider surgery. These conditions can become exaggerated by the body changes that are associated with weight loss. There are some medical conditions which make the surgery too dangerous to perform. These occur rarely but must be taken into account.

Morbid obesity is a much more severe form of obesity. A person who is 100 or more pounds overweight or twice the ideal body weight and has a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with multiple co-morbidities is morbidly obese. Morbid obesity affects an estimated 9 million Americans. Morbid obesity is a common condition that can have profoundly negative health and social consequences. It is considered a serious disease and has been linked to shortened life expectancy.

Yes, just like pregnancy, any factor that increases pressure in the veins could result in formation of varicose veins and spider veins.

There is no evidence to suggest that there is a risk to public health if householders follow our simple guidelines. By following these you can ensure that any smells arising from your bin can be avoided. Double wrap food waste before putting into your bin if there are a few days to go before your collection day. Having your bin washed regularly also helps. Place 2-3 centimetres hot water into the bottom of your bin with bicarbonate of soda and agitate.

Obstructive sleep apnea has a profound impact on an individual's health. Excessive daytime sleepiness caused by disruption of normal sleep patterns leads to a significant increase in the rate of accidents for obstructive sleep apnea patients, including a sevenfold increase in automobile accidents.

The possible health implications relate to impaired brain function and behavioral disorders, symptoms like headaches and fatigue, and an increased risk of cancer, degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Dr. Lennart Hardell, a Swedish cancer specialist, has recently announced the results of a yet unpublished study showing that right-handed cell phone users have a two-and-a-half times increased risk of brain cancer in the right-hand side of the head where they hold their phones.

A9: Also referred to as "consumer-driven," or "consumer choice," this type of health plan gives members more choice and flexibility in making health benefits decisions and more control over their health benefits dollars. These plans often include a health fund or account for covered medical expenses. Depending on the type of fund or account, unused dollars may be rolled over annually to cover medical expenses in subsequent years for the duration of the members' enrollment in the plan.