When a person suddenly develops weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, it’s natural to fear the worst – but two relatively common conditions, Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease, are often behind these alarming symptoms. Bell’s palsy and Lyme disease can both cause facial paralysis, making it difficult to smile, close one eye, or control facial muscles. However, they have very different causes and treatments, so telling them apart is crucial for proper care. Bell’s palsy is a temporary facial paralysis of unclear origin (often linked to a viral inflammation of the facial nerve), whereas Lyme disease is an infection from a tick bite that can affect the nervous system. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of each condition, how to recognize the differences, and why getting the diagnosis right leads to the best recovery. Understanding Bell’s Palsy Bell’s palsy is a form of sudden, temporary paralysis of the facial muscles, ...

  The gallbladder may be a small, pear-shaped organ tucked under your liver, but it can have a big impact on your digestive health. Many people don’t give their gallbladder much thought – until it starts causing trouble (hello, gallstones!). Whether you’re curious about what this organ does or want to avoid gallbladder problems, here are 10 surprising facts about the gallbladder you need to know. 1. The Gallbladder Is Your Fat-Digesting Sidekick Your gallbladder’s main job is to store and concentrate bile , a digestive fluid made by the liver. Think of bile as a soapy liquid that helps break down fats from the foods you eat. Whenever you enjoy a cheeseburger or a bowl of ice cream, your gallbladder jumps into action: it squeezes bile into your small intestine to emulsify (blend) fats so they can be absorbed. In a sense, the gallbladder is a little reservoir that makes fat digestion more efficient. Without it, you can still digest fats, but bile drips continuously from the live...

  Your feet carry you everywhere – no wonder they take a beating. From minor infections to structural aches, most of us will run into foot troubles at some point. The good news is that many common foot problems can be relieved with simple remedies or preventive care. Below, we’ll explore 17 of the most common foot issues – what causes them, and how you can treat them to get back on your feet comfortably.   1. Athlete’s Foot What it is: Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itchy, burning, stinging feelings on the feet. You might see redness, peeling, or cracked skin, especially between the toes. Often your feet may also smell unpleasant. It’s called athlete’s foot because it commonly spreads in warm, damp places like locker room floors, public showers, and pool areas – the fungus thrives there and can stick to your feet. Sharing shoes or not drying your feet well can invite this infection. Treatment: Athlete’s foot can be stubborn, but it usually respond...