Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Altitude sickness occurs at high altitude. So what is high altitude? Altitude is defined on the following scale: High altitude: 8,000 – 12,000 feet (2,438 – 3,658 meters); Very high altitude: 12,000 – 18,000 feet (3,658 – 5,487 meters); and Extremely high altitude: 18,000+ feet (5,500+ meters). Most people can go up to 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)…

The process of adapting to the decrease in oxygen concentration at a specific altitude. A number of changes must take place for the body to operate with decreased oxygen. These changes include increasing the depth of respiration; increasing the pressure in the pulmonary arteries, forcing blood into portions of the lung that are normally not used…

Altitude sickness (or altitude illness) is a disorder caused by being at high altitude. It more commonly occurs above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). The cause of altitude illness is a matter of oxygen physiology. At sea level the concentration of oxygen is about 21% and the barometric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As altitude increases, the concentration remains…

Altitude illness (or altitude sickness) is a disorder caused by being at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). The cause of altitude illness is a matter of oxygen physiology. At sea level the concentration of oxygen is about 21% and the barometric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As altitude increases, the concentration remains the…

A mechanism by which different forms of mature mRNAs (messengers RNAs) are generated from the same gene. Alternative splicing is a regulatory mechanism by which variations in the incorporation of the exons, or coding regions, into mRNA leads to the production of more than one related protein, or isoform.

National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Abbreviated NCCAM. A part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this center “conducts and supports basic and applied research and training and disseminates information on complementary and alternative medicine to practitioners and the public.” NCCAM “identifies and evaluates unconventional health care practices; and supports, coordinates and conducts research and research…

Alternative medicine is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. An example is treating heart disease with chelation therapy (which…

An umbrella term for a number of practices beyond the scope of conventional medicine. These forms of alternative medicine are built upon a complete system of ideas and practice and may have evolved in Western or non-Western cultures. Examples include Ayurveda, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Naturopathic medicine, Osteopathy, and Traditional Chinese medicine.

A rare neurological disorder with frequent temporary episodes of paralysis of one side of the body (hemiplegia) usually beginning before the age of 18 months. The eye movements, face, or limbs can be paralysed on either side of the body, but on only one side at a time. The cause is unknown. Abbreviated AHC. Also known as…

A rare neurological disorder with frequent temporary episodes of paralysis of one side of the body (hemiplegia) usually beginning before the age of 18 months. The eye movements, face, or limbs can be paralysed on either side of the body, but on only one side at a time. The cause is unknown. Abbreviated AHC. Also known as…