Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the glands, the cells that secrete substances within or out of the body. Outlook, treatment, and survival rates for adenocarcinoma depend on the tumor’s location, size, stage, and individual factors, including a person’s overall health. Types The glands secrete various substances in the body. Adenocarcinoma is […]
Daily Archives: August 2, 2017
Latest News Regarding Your Health
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19August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
19August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
19August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
19August
2019
Scientists have found that increasing the levels of a molecule in a particular part of the brain can reduce anxious temperament in young monkeys. New research identifies brain molecules that play a key role in anxiety. The finding sheds light on the origins of anxiety disorders and how it might be possible to devise early treatments for those at risk. Although there are some effective treatments for anxiety disorders, they do not work for everybody. Also, in some cases, they do not treat all of the symptoms. Researchers from the University of California (UC), Davis, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the State University of New York in Brooklyn worked on the new study. The team describes the findings in a recent Biological Psychiatry paper. An anxious temperament is a risk factor for anxiety disorders and depression. Children who are extremely shy and nervous are more likely both to develop these conditions later in life and to abuse alcohol and drugs. In earlier work with young rhesus macaques, the researchers had identified that the amygdala forms a central part of the brain circuitry of anxious temperament. The amygdala is a brain region that has a key role in a person’s emotions. […]
19August
2019
Researchers are growing increasingly interested in the relationship between blood pressure and dementia. The most recent study investigates how patterns of change in blood pressure over the decades might influence risk. What can blood pressure fluctuations tell us about dementia risk? As the United States population ages, dementia incidence rises in tandem. Today, around 5 million people in the U.S. have a dementia diagnosis. Studies published over the last few years have produced evidence that hypertension (high blood pressure) during midlife appears to increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Hypertension affects an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the U.S., so it is vital to understandi the exact relationship between blood pressure and the aging brain. Researchers have done less work to investigate the links between blood pressure during later life and cognitive outcomes. However, as the authors of a recent study explain, the findings hint that “optimal blood pressure ranges for older adults may depend on earlier blood pressure characteristics.” In other words, the impact of hypertension on the aging brain may depend on the pattern of blood pressure from midlife onward. Blood pressure changes through life The authors of the current study, published in JAMA Network, […]
19August
2019
For reasons as yet unknown, Alzheimer’s disease is more likely to affect women. However, new research sheds light on the potential impact of stress on their cognitive functioning. Stress during midlife can put older women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Affecting millions of people in the United States, this progressive condition has no proven cause, treatment, or cure. What researchers do know, however, is that women bear the brunt of the condition. Almost two-thirds of U.S. individuals with Alzheimer’s are women, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. However, only theories exist to explain this difference; there is no concrete evidence. One understudied area — say researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD — is the role of stress on cognitive function. Previous research has shown that age can have a significant impact on women’s stress response, and that a stressful life experience can cause memory and cognitive issues. However, these problems tend to be short term. Researchers have now decided to look at the relationship between stress and the long term cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. “A normal stress response causes a temporary increase in stress hormones […]
19August
2019
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Sleep News MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you spend a lot of nights watching the clock instead of sleeping, new research suggests you may need to be as concerned about your heart health as you are about lost shut-eye. People with genetic variants linked to insomnia have an increased risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke, according to the study. “Good sleep is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” said study author Susanna Larsson. She’s from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. “A potential explanation for our observed associations between insomnia and heart disease and stroke is that insomnia problems potentially lead to the metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, increased body weight and type 2 diabetes, which increase the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke,” she said. Insomnia affects up to 30% of the general population, the study authors said. More than 200 genetic variants are associated with insomnia complaints. For the new study, the researchers looked at health information on more than 1.3 million people in Europe. The investigators compared whether or not genetic variants linked to insomnia were also associated with the risk of heart […]
19August
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Senior Health News MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Sometimes it’s obvious when older parents need outside help — like when they’re having difficulty managing numerous chronic illnesses or losing mobility and unable to maneuver well even at home. But mental problems may not be as easy to spot. For instance, is Dad’s forgetfulness — his misplacing house keys or missing appointments — normal aging or a sign of something more serious, such as dementia? It can be hard to judge the severity of problems if you live far away and speak infrequently. But even if you live close by, you might not realize the cumulative effects of gradual changes. Maybe it’s time to visit your parents and look for clues. Be aware of these specific warning signs and what they could signal: Food that’s rotting in the refrigerator or an empty fridge are signs of not eating properly. Dirty clothes and linens can signal they’re neglecting their personal hygiene. Piles of unopened mail including “past due” bills could indicate that they’re no longer able to handle finances. Conversation difficulties, from repeating the same story or asking the same question over and over, can […]
19August
2019
By Alan MozesHealthDay Reporter Latest Prevention & Wellness News MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A middle-aged woman had persistent symptoms that doctors couldn’t explain. Frustrated, she took an increasingly common route: a search through the internet. “Dr. Google” led the woman to specialists at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. There, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). This gradually causes the kidneys to stop working. “My two brothers, mother, cousin, second cousin, uncle, and two great uncles suffered from kidney disease, but no doctor had made a diagnosis,” recalled the woman, who prefers to remain anonymous. “Two nephrologists I saw did not know about this condition,” she said. Another doctor made an incorrect diagnosis and treatment, while advising her to “just let me do the worrying.” The patient didn’t take that advice. “We were prompted to search the internet when several family members had worsening kidney disease, and no one could diagnose it,” she said. So her brother searched “gout” and “kidney disease” online, and found Wake Forest’s specialists. As her situation indicates, figuring out what’s going on when a rare disease strikes can be tricky. Most […]
19August
2019
Latest Prevention & Wellness News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Having a cheeseburger with that CBD-infused product? A new study suggests that fatty foods might boost the body’s absorption of cannabidiol (CBD). In 2018, CBD capsules received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for use in patients with seizures, but how food affects absorption of the drug has been unclear. In this study, University of Minnesota researchers examined the effects of fatty foods and fasting on CBD absorption. The investigators compared CBD concentrations in epilepsy patients who were taking 99% pure CBD capsules after they fasted and after they had a high-fat breakfast (such as a breakfast burrito). Compared with fasting, the amount of CBD in the body was four times higher after the high-fat meal and the maximum amount in the blood was 14 times higher, the findings showed. There were no differences in mental functioning when the patients took CBD after eating or fasting, according to the study in the August issue of the journal Epilepsia. “The type of food can make a large difference in the amount of CBD that gets absorbed into the body. Although fatty foods can increase the absorption of CBD, it […]
19August
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Mental Health News MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’re satisfied with your life, you probably have emotional well-being. Emotional well-being can be mastered just like any other skill, according to Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. How? By developing four key traits, said Davidson, a neuroscientist. The first is resilience. Research at the Center for Healthy Minds found that, over time, regular mindfulness meditation can help you learn how to bounce back from adversity. Mindfulness meditation teaches you to become aware of your thoughts and emotions, center yourself and decide how you would like to proceed with the rest of your day. (Find out more at mindful.org.) Having a positive outlook is the second key trait — both finding the positive in others and being positive in the way you approach life. Another type of meditation called compassion meditation is said to bring measurable changes after two weeks of 30-minute-a-day sessions. The goal is to switch from being judgmental to being caring. Next is improving your attention level. A Harvard study found most people spend nearly half of their waking hours not paying attention […]
19August
2019
What is Vayarin? What is Vayarin used for? Vayarin is approved for managing lipid imbalance associated with ADHD in children. Vayarin is an orally administered prescription medical food for the clinical dietary management of complex lipid imbalances associated with ADHD. Vayarin is a specially formulated and processed composition designed to address the distinct, medically determined lipid nutritional requirements of children with ADHD, the dietary management of which cannot be achieved by modification of the normal diet or use of dietary supplements. Each Vayarin capsule provides: Lipirinen: 75 mg Lipirinen is a proprietary composition containing phosphatidylserine (PS) conjugated to omega-3 fatty acids enriched with Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). What brand names are available for Vayarin? Vayarin Is Vayarin available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for Vayarin? Yes What are the side effects of Vayarin? WARNING Vayarin should not be used by people who are allergic to any of its components. It should be used cautiously by people allergic to shell fish because it contains shellfish (Krill). What is the dosage for Vayarin? The recommended dose is 2 capsules day or as directed by a physician. Which drugs or supplements interact with Vayarin? Vayarin may interact with some […]
19August
2019
What is paroxetine (Brisdelle)? What is paroxetine used for? Brisdelle (paroxetine) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause. Brisdelle is a non-hormonal treatment for this condition. Paroxetine, the medicine in Brisdelle, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Brisdelle contains a low dose of paroxetine that is especially formulated to treat hot flashes associated with menopause. Higher doses of paroxetine have been used as an antidepressant for many years. How low doses of paroxetine help to treat hot flashes associated with menopause is not known. Brisdelle should not be used to treat depression or any other mood disorders. The FDA approved Brisdelle in June 2013. What brand names are available for paroxetine (Brisdelle)? Brisdelle Is paroxetine (Brisdelle) available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for paroxetine (Brisdelle)? Yes What are the uses for paroxetine (Brisdelle)? Brisdelle is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause. Brisdelle should not be used to treat depression or other mood disorders. The drug is not indicated for pediatric use. What is the dosage for paroxetine (Brisdelle)? The recommended dosage of Brisdelle is 7.5 mg […]
19August
2019
What is amikacin injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amikacin is a man-made aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is similar to tobramycin and gentamicin. Amikacin binds to components of bacteria that produce important bacterial proteins, blocking protein synthesis which eventually leads to stopping further bacterial growth. Amikacin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin. Amikacin treats infections caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli, Providencia species, Indole-positive and indole-negative Proteus species, Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia species, and Acinetobacter. Amikacin is also used in certain staphylococcal infections as well. Is amikacin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for amikacin? Yes What is the dosage for amikacin? The recommended dose for adults, children, and older infants with normal kidney function is 15 mg/kg/day divided into 2 or 3 doses; for example, 7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours or 5 mg/kg every 8 hours. The duration of treatment is usually 7 to 10 days. Which drugs or supplements interact with amikacin? Amikacin should not be used with amphotericin due to significant risk of loss of hearing and severe kidney dysfunction. Amikacin should be used with great caution with medications like […]
19August
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Forty percent of U.S. parents say they would likely find a new doctor if their child’s primary care provider sees families who refuse childhood vaccines, a nationwide poll finds. And three in 10 say their child’s primary care provider should not treat youngsters whose parents refuse all vaccines. Those are key findings of the latest C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health from the University of Michigan. The findings, published Aug. 19, are based on responses from 2,032 parents of at least one child aged 18 or younger. “When a family refuses all childhood vaccines, it puts providers in a challenging position,” poll co-director Sarah Clark said in a university news release announcing the findings. Not only is an unvaccinated child unprotected against harmful and contagious diseases (such as measles, whooping cough and chickenpox), those who skip vaccines also pose a risk of transmitting diseases to other patients, she pointed out. “This can be especially risky exposure for vulnerable populations, including infants too young to receive vaccines, elderly patients, patients with weakened immune systems or pregnant women,” Clark added. But many parents were unaware of their health […]
19August
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News SUNDAY, Aug. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Planning for your children’s return to school this fall should include thinking about how to pack healthy lunches that they’ll enjoy. Try to include children in the process of creating their lunches, including buying food and packing (or helping pack) their lunches. This lets them make their own choices and helps them learn about nutrition, according to Manisha Vaidya, a clinical dietitian at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Many grocery stores offer a variety of ready-to-pack cut fruits and veggies, as well as dried fruits and unsalted nuts, pre-portioned cheese and single-serve yogurts, hummus and cracker cups, and tuna and chicken pouches. Direct your children to these fruit, veggie, grain and protein products for their lunch shopping and menu planning. A good-quality lunch box, water bottle, thermal beverage container, some cool packs and some reusable containers will help lunches stay cool and fresh, increasing the chances that children will eat more of their lunches, according to a university news release. Ensure food safety. Put an ice pack in your child’s lunch box if they’re having yogurt/deli sandwich/fresh vegetables, or fruits. Teach children about hand sanitation and safe food […]
19August
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News SATURDAY, Aug. 17, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Healthy kids do better in school — something parents need to think about as they prepare for a new academic year. “As a parent and grandparent, I know that back-to-school time is a busy time. Yet, I encourage parents and students to be mindful of some health essentials to add to your to-do lists,” said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Getting a flu shot this fall, frequent hand-washing, and staying active all contribute to a healthier and more productive academic year,” he said in a CDC news release. Hand-washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid illness and prevent the spread of colds, flu and other diseases to others. At school, students should wash before eating; after using the toilet; and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing. Healthy eating and physical activity are also important. Most children consume nearly half their calories at school, making it an important place to learn and practice healthy eating habits. Physical activity can ease anxiety and help kids focus in school. Experts say children should get at […]
19August
2019
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Healthy Kids News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Pot-related poisoning calls involving kids and teens more than doubled in Massachusetts after the state legalized medical marijuana, a new study reports. Calls related to cannabis exposure increased 140% in the years after Massachusetts voted to legalize medical pot in 2012, according to data from the state’s regional poison control center. This happened even though Massachusetts learned from the example of other states and placed tough packaging requirements to make pot products less enticing and harder to open for kids, said lead researcher Jennifer Whitehill. She’s an assistant professor with the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences. “It was not the same as it was in Colorado, circa 2013, when there were products labeled to look like candy wrappers,” Whitehill said. “Nonetheless, even despite opaque and tamper-proof and child-proof packaging requirements, we still saw little kids getting into the products and having some bad experiences.” The new report echoes previous studies showing an increase in marijuana-related medical problems following legalization in Colorado and Washington, the researchers noted. For example, a March 2019 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found […]
19August
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — One of the toughest challenges for those fighting the problem of vaping in schools may be getting people to realize how big the problem is in the first place. Many teachers and parents don’t know that the number of teens using e-cigarette devices has grown rapidly in just the past several years. Adults might not even recognize the most popular vape products, which look more like something out of Silicon Valley than Marlboro Country. Students, meanwhile, often are unaware they’re inhaling addictive, potentially dangerous chemicals. “They think it’s harmless,” said Jordan Roberts, who manages a youth smoking prevention program for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Their peers are doing it, and it’s part of what it takes to be cool.” Vaping’s growth has been stunning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 21% of high school students used e-cigarettes in 2018. That was an increase of nearly 78% in just one year. Among middle school students, the growth rate was 48.5%, from 3.3% to 4.9%. The best-known vape product is Juul – a sleek device often compared to a portable USB drive […]
19August
2019
MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Some areas of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver remain closed due to plague-infected prairie dogs. Latest Infectious Disease News Other wildlife and nature areas near Denver has also been closed as officials try to halt the spread of the disease, which can be transferred by fleas to humans and pets, the Washington Post reported. It was discovered in late July that plague-infected fleas were biting black-tailed prairie dogs in the refuge, so affected areas started being closed “as a precautionary measure to prioritize visitor health and safety, while also allowing staff to protect wildlife health,” according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service statement. Certain areas of the 15,000-acre refuge remain closed due to the risk to hikers and pets, the Post reported. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See Slideshow
19August
2019
Latest Heart News MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Heart experts are advising that prescription-strength fish oil pills might help lower excess levels of blood fats known as triglycerides. The pills contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. When prescribed by a doctor, these meds can lower high triglyceride levels by 20%-30%, according to a new American Heart Association science advisory. “From our review of the evidence from 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials on high triglyceride levels, we concluded that treatment with 4 grams daily of any of the available prescription [omega-3 medications] is effective and can be used safely in conjunction with statin medicines that lower cholesterol,” Ann Skulas-Ray said in an AHA news release. She is one of the authors of the advisory published in the journal Circulation. Triglycerides are fats that circulate in the blood. Elevated levels of triglycerides (above 200 mg/dL) can lead to narrowing of the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. About 25% of U.S. adults have triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL, which is borderline high. Rates of elevated triglycerides are on the rise in the United States due to growing rates of obesity and diabetes, both of which boost triglyceride […]
19August
2019
Latest Heart News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can ease depression in people with heart disease, according to a groundbreaking new study. “Patients who have had a stroke or heart attack are prone to suffer from low mood and are two to three times more likely to develop clinical depression, which then further elevates their risk of future heart attacks and strokes,” said senior author Doug McEvoy, a sleep researcher at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. His team analyzed data from nearly 2,700 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and moderate-to-severe heart disease who were enrolled in the Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Endpoints (SAVE) trial. “After following them for an average of 3.7 years, we found that CPAP provided significant reductions in depression symptoms compared with those who were not treated for OSA. The improvement for depression was apparent within six months and was sustained,” study first author Danni Zheng said in a Flinders news release. She is a postdoctoral research fellow at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, Australia. Patients who had lower mood scores to begin with appeared to get the greatest mood-related benefit from […]
19August
2019
What is valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medications that is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which also includes: Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues but primarily on smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels. Angiotensin’s attachment to the receptors causes the muscles to contract and the blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict) which leads to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan blocks the angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, valsartan dilates (widens) blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Valsartan belongs to the class of drugs called ARBs or angiotensin II receptor blockers Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) used for treating high blood pressure and accumulation of fluid. It works by blocking salt and water reabsorption in the kidneys, thus causing increased output of urine containing increased amounts of water and salt (diuresis). The mechanism of its action in lowering high blood pressure is not well understood. The combination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide […]
19August
2019
Lipodystrophy definition and facts Picture of HIV Lipodystrophy Lipodystrophy refers to medical problem where there is an abnormal distribution of fat in the body. This can refer both to fat loss (lipoatrophy) and abnormal accumulation of fat tissue. The disease may be inherited genetically, (for example, familial partial lipodystrophy or FPLD), or acquired. If inherited it may be present at birth (congenital). You can get the acquired form after an infection, autoimmune illness, trauma, or repeated pressure or injury on a specific area of the body. (For example, if you have diabetes and you give yourself insulin shots in the same spot every day, you may get lipodystrophy at the injection site.) Generalized lipodystrophy happens throughout the body, while the partial form only affects one area of the body. If you are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency syndrome) you have a risk of developing lipodystrophy associated with antiretroviral treatment (for example, protease inhibitors or PIs) for HIV infection. Antiretroviral HIV treatment is directed precisely against the virus that causes HIV. Many individuals with lipodystrophy have low blood levels of leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells that’s involved in how body fat is regulated. A range of biochemical processes (metabolic) […]
19August
2019
(HealthDay News) — Painful urination (dysuria) is the pain or discomfort associated with going to the bathroom, says Cleveland Clinic. Latest Digestion News It doesn’t refer to how often you urinate, although dysuria can be accompanied by frequent urination. Often, dysuria is associated with urinary tract infection. Other causes of painful urination include vaginal infection, inflammation of the urethra, prostate disease, and in rare cases, cancer. Inflammation is often triggered by sexual intercourse, douches, soaps, scented toilet paper, contraceptive sponges or spermicides. Because dysuria can be a sign of an underlying condition, both men and women who have painful urination should seek prompt medical attention. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. CONTINUE SCROLLING FOR NEXT NEWS ARTICLE SLIDESHOW Urinary Incontinence in Women: Types, Causes, and Treatments for Bladder Control See Slideshow
19August
2019
What is lubiprostone? What is lubiprostone? Lubiprostone is an oral medication used for the treatment of idiopathic (due to an unknown cause) chronic constipation. Chronic constipation most commonly occurs because of slow transit of stool through the colon that allows too much fluid to be removed from the stool, leading to hard or lumpy stools, abdominal pain or discomfort, and straining during bowel movements, as well as difficulty passing stools. Signs and symptoms of chronic constipation can be reduced by increasing fluid in the stool. Lubiprostone causes an increase in the secretion of fluid into the intestines. The added fluid softens the stool and also may speed up transit of stool in the colon. Lubiprostone was approved by the FDA in January 2006. What brand names are available for lubiprostone? Amitiza Is lubiprostone available as a generic drug? No. Do I need a prescription for lubiprostone? Yes. What are the side effects of lubiprostone? The most common side effects of lubiprostone are: Nausea was reduced when lubiprostone was administered with food. Some patients may experience shortness of breath. What is the dosage for lubiprostone? The recommended dose of lubiprostone is 24 mcg taken orally twice daily with food and water […]
19August
2019
(HealthDay News) — To maintain a healthy weight, how much you eat is just as important as what you eat, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Latest Diet & Weight Management News Your optimal portion size may or may not match the serving size listed on a product. It’s dependent on your age, weight and metabolism, among other factors. To manage food portions at home, the agency recommends: Do not eat out of the box or bag. Take out a serving and eat it off a plate. Avoid eating in front of the TV or while busy with other activities. Focus on what you are eating, chew well and enjoy your food. Eat fewer high-fat, high-calorie foods. Freeze food you won’t serve or eat right away. Eat meals at regular times. Buy low-calorie snacks. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. CONTINUE SCROLLING FOR NEXT NEWS ARTICLE QUESTION Weight loss occurs in the belly before anywhere else. See Answer
19August
2019
What is Saxenda? What are the uses for Saxenda? Saxenda is prescribed to help some obese or overweight adults with weight-related medical problems to lose weight and keep the weight off. It is approved for use in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise for the long term weight management of adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight), plus at least one weight related medical condition (for example, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high blood cholesterol levels). Saxenda is not approved for treatment of diabetes. What brand names are available for liraglutide injection (Saxenda)? Saxenda Is liraglutide injection (Saxenda) available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for liraglutide injection (Saxenda)? Yes What are the side effects of liraglutide injection (Saxenda)? The most common side effects of Saxenda include: Saxenda may cause some rare but serious side effects including: What is the dosage for liraglutide injection (Saxenda)? The recommended daily dose of Saxenda for weight management is 3 mg daily. Patients should be started at 0.6 mg per day for 1 week, followed by 0.6 mg dose increments at weekly intervals […]
19August
2019
What is glipizide/metformin? What is glipizide/metformin used for? Glipizide/metformin is a combination antidiabetic medication that contains two commonly used glucose (sugar) lowering agents, glipizide (Glucotrol) and metformin (Glucophage). These agents work in different, yet complementary ways to improve blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Glipizide is a second generation oral sulfonylurea that lowers blood glucose by stimulating the production of insulin from the pancreas. It is the major hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Metformin is an oral biguanide antidiabetic medication that decreases the production of glucose in the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose by the intestines, and increases response to insulin. In clinical studies, glipizide/metformin therapy was superior in improving fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose (blood glucose levels after a meal), and HbA1c versus treatment with either agent alone. Combination glipizide and metformin was approved by the FDA in October 2002. What brand names are available for glipizide/metformin? There are no brand names available for glipizide/metformin in the US. Metaglip is a discontinued brand name for glipizide/metformin. Do I need a prescription for glipizide/metformin? Yes What are the uses for glipizide/metformin? What are the side effects of glipizide/metformin? The most common side effects associated […]
19August
2019
Latest Depression News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Exercise is good medicine for depression, researchers report. “The evidence of the use of physical activity and exercise for the management of depression is substantial and growing fast,” said study authors Felipe Barretto Schuch, from Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, and Brendon Stubbs, from King’s College London. “Despite this substantial evidence, the incorporation of exercise as a key component in treatment is often inconstant and often given a low priority,” they added. In the review, the researchers analyzed 49 studies that included a total of nearly 267,000 people and concluded that physical activity reduces the risk of depression by 17%, after adjustment for other factors. They also examined another 25 studies that included a total of nearly 1,500 people with depression and found that physical activity had a “very large and significant antidepressant effect,” according to the report. But the researchers noted that exercise may not provide equally effective treatment for all people with depression, because a large number of biological, clinical, psychological and social factors affect their response to exercise therapy. Knowing this might help match “the right patient for the right treatment,” Schuch and Stubbs wrote. […]
19August
2019
What is methadone liquid-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methadone is a strong, synthetic (man-made) narcotic that acts on the central nervous system (brain) in a manner similar to other narcotics. It is used in the management of narcotic addiction and for pain control. Methadone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August 13, 1947. What brand names are available for methadone liquid-oral? Dolophine; Methadone HCl Intensol; Methadose; Methadose Sugar-Free Is methadone liquid-oral available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for methadone liquid-oral? Yes What are the uses for methadone liquid-oral? Methadone is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain when non-narcotic pain medications have failed. The extended release methadone tablets should be reserved for severe and continuous pain that requires long-term pain treatment after a failed trial of non-narcotic medications and should be avoided in individuals requiring as-needed pain control. What are the side effects of methadone liquid-oral? Methadone is very addicting and causes significant sedation and respiratory depression. Methadone side effects include: constipation, tomach upset, nausea, shallow breathing, hallucinations, confusion, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, […]
19August
2019
Latest Cancer News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Inrebic (fedratinib) capsules have been approved to treat adults with intermediate-2 or high-risk primary or secondary myelofibrosis, making it the second drug approved to treat patients with this disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today. Approval of Inrebic for patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk primary or secondary (post-polycythemia vera or post-essential thrombocythemia) myelofibrosis was based on clinical trial data from 289 patients randomly assigned to 400 or 500 mg of oral Inrebic daily or placebo. Thirty-six percent of patients (35 of 96) treated with the label-recommended dose of 400 mg of Inrebic had experienced at least a 35 percent reduction in spleen volume from baseline to week 24 as measured by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan. Thirty-six patients treated with Inrebic had at least a 50 percent reduction in myelofibrosis-related symptoms, including night sweats, itching, abdominal discomfort, feeling full sooner than normal, rib pain on the left side, and bone or muscle pain. The prescribing information for Inrebic includes a boxed warning about the risk for serious and fatal encephalopathy, including Wernicke’s, and health care professionals are advised to assess patients’ thiamine levels before and during […]
19August
2019
Treatment options for Crohn’s disease tend to focus on symptom control, but new research highlights a potential treatment option that targets a pathway in the immune system itself. Scientists zoom in on an immune pathway that may help treat Crohn’s. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, have published the results of their 3 year study in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Current treatment options help alleviate symptoms and manage remission, but scientists are still researching targeted treatment. The new study focused on just that. It investigated the chronic inflammation that people genetically prone to Crohn’s disease often experience. Dr. Fabio Cominelli, chief of gastroenterology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, led the study. A type of protein called tumor necrosis factor — or tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) — interacts with receptors called Fn14 on the surface of the intestine. This study used mouse models to look at the interaction between the two. The researchers were interested to see if this interplay has a role in protecting the intestine, and […]
18August
2019
A novel use of intense light therapy may help decrease the tissue damage experienced during heart attacks, reveals new research in mice. New research introduces a potential novel therapy for heart attacks. The study, out of the University of Colorado and appearing in the journal Cell Reports, shows that exposing lab mice to intense light for a week improved their outcomes after heart attacks. The research also suggests that this procedure could benefit humans, and the researchers outline the reason why. “We already knew that intense light can protect against heart attacks, but now we have found the mechanism behind it,” says the study’s senior author Dr. Tobias Eckle, professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora. Boosting specific gene protects heart In the study, the researchers discovered that intense light influences the functions of the PER2 gene, which is expressed by a part of the brain that controls circadian rhythms. By boosting this gene through intense light therapy, the researchers discovered that the mice’s heart tissue received extra protection when it experienced issues with oxygen, such as during a heart attack. Additionally, this intense light also heightened cardiac adenosine, which is a specialized chemical […]
18August
2019
Extreme daytime sleepiness is often a top symptom of Alzheimer’s disease but what, exactly, causes it? New research finally brings us an answer. A specific type of protein may cause daytime sleepiness in people with Alzheimer’s, according to a recent study. Many people with Alzheimer’s disease have a tendency to sleep a lot during the day, even when they have had a full night’s sleep. Based on links between excessive sleepiness and neurodegenerative conditions, researchers are speculating that looking at daytime napping patterns could help predict the development of Alzheimer’s. But what remains unclear is why, exactly, people with this condition experience the need to sleep so often. A new study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and other institutions, shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease experience major brain cell loss in regions of the brain tasked with keeping us awake. The findings, which appear in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, also suggest that an overaccumulation of tau protein triggers these brain changes. In Alzheimer’s disease, tau proteins form tangles that disrupt communication between neurons (brain cells) and impact cell health. “Our work shows definitive evidence that the brain areas promoting wakefulness degenerate due to […]
17August
2019
Cancer’s ability to spread throughout the body can turn a curable case into an aggressive and sometimes fatal one. A team of engineers and cancer biologists may have found a way to slow down, and even stop, the migration of breast cancer cells. Electromagnetic fields may stop breast cancer cells from dividing and spreading. Cancer, by nature, is a destructive force. Sometimes, it spreads, or metastasizes, to a distant body part. While some cancer cells die during this process, others might go on to create additional tumors. The majority of treatments are ineffective at curing metastatic cancer, so it is vital to find ways to stop the cancer cells from spreading. Researchers believe electromagnetic fields can help. While this has been a point of interest for years, it is only recently that experts have begun to unravel the mechanism. Tracking cancer spread A new study, published in Communications Biology, has found that these electromagnetic fields are effective in halting the spread of some breast cancer cells. The speed at which breast cancer migrates varies between individuals, and it is almost impossible for experts to calculate how and when cell mutations occur. However, a team from Ohio State University have built […]
17August
2019
People with diabetes, particularly those with type 1 diabetes, may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they receive too much glucose lowering therapy. New research now warns that many people with diabetes face that risk. Many people receive too intensive a treatment for diabetes. In 2018, Medical News Today reported on a study warning that many people with type 2 diabetes may be overmonitoring their glucose levels, which may lead to the misuse of tests and supply waste. Now, new research from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, warns that the United States faces a much more dangerous problem: the overtreatment of diabetes. According to the study paper — which now appears in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings — many people receive too much glucose lowering therapy. This increases a person’s risk of hypoglycemia, or abnormally low blood sugar levels. “Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, is one of the most common serious adverse effects of diabetes therapy, causing both immediate and long term harm to [people] who experience it,” explains lead researcher Dr. Rozalina McCoy. “Severe hypoglycemia, defined by the need for another person to help the patient treat and terminate their hypoglycemic event, is associated […]
16August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
16August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
16August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
16August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
16August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
16August
2019
There is growing evidence that exercise can help to treat symptoms of depression and lift mood, although the reasons have been unclear. Now, a new study finds that the body’s endocannabinoid system may play a role. New research helps explain why exercise improves mood. The researchers propose that a better appreciation of the relationship between exercise, mood, and the endocannabinoid system could result in better treatments for depression. The study investigated changes in mood and endocannabinoid levels in people with major depression who exercised at different intensities on a stationary bike. The investigators found a significant increase in endocannabinoid levels and improvement in mood after a session of prescribed exercise of moderate intensity. The endocannabinoid system is a cell signaling system comprising the body’s own cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids, and receptors. It extends throughout the body and influences the function of the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. When a particular endocannabinoid binds to a matching cell receptor, it sends a signal into the cell that alters its behavior and functioning. Need to find new treatments for depression In a recent paper about the research, which features in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal, the authors conclude that the […]
16August
2019
The Food & Drug Administration have issued a fresh warning to consumers about the significant dangers of a bleach based product that is on sale as a cure-all. The FDA warn anyone with Miracle Mineral Solution to discard it. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) news briefing concerns a product called Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), which is widely available on the internet. The product appears under a number of names, including Master Mineral Solution, Miracle Mineral Supplement, Chlorine Dioxide Protocol, and Water Purification Solution. Although the FDA have not approved the product, sellers promote it variously as antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial. Promoters advertise MMS as an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including cancer, HIV, autism, acne, malaria, flu, Lyme disease, and hepatitis, despite no evidence from medical research. The product arrives as a liquid that is 28% sodium chlorite that makers have diluted in mineral water. Customers are directed to mix the solution with citric acid, which is present in lemon or lime juice, for instance. Chlorine dioxide — an industrial bleach Mixing the concoction with citric acid converts it into chlorine dioxide, which the FDA describe as a “powerful bleaching agent.” In fact, paper mills often use […]
16August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
16August
2019
New research investigates the effect of following a Wahls paleo diet on fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). A diet rich in vegetables, fruit, meat, and fish may improve fatigue in MS. According to some estimates, at least two-thirds of people with MS experience debilitating fatigue as part of their condition. There are many possible explanations for fatigue in MS. For example, exhaustion can result from the pathobiological processes associated with this condition, such as inflammation of the nervous system or demyelination. It may also result from psychological conditions that often accompany MS, such as depression and stress. Alternatively, it could be due to the poor diet and insufficient sleep that people with MS often report. Regardless of its precise causes, treatment options for fatigue in MS are scarce, and anti-fatigue drugs such as modafinil and amantadine often have side effects. Some research has suggested that making dietary changes could improve fatigue in MS. For instance, a previous study has shown that a very low fat, plant based diet can improve exhaustion in people with relapsing remitting MS. New research aimed to investigate whether such positive effects were down to a change in lipid profile and cholesterol. Murali Ramanathan, Ph.D. — […]
16August
2019
A new study that involved more than 50,000 participants over a period of 2 decades concludes that eating flavonoid rich foods could stave off disease and extend life. A study probes the link between polyphenol consumption and mortality. A considerable amount of research has focused on the role of nutrition in disease risk and mortality. Despite growing interest, it is a notoriously difficult topic to study for a range of reasons, and drawing reliable conclusions about how food impacts specific health outcomes is challenging. Although it is obvious that food is vital to our survival, delving deeper into the details of how single compounds impact disease and mortality in humans is difficult. With that said, researchers have now firmly and scientifically established that eating more fruit and vegetables is associated with reduced cardiovascular and overall mortality risk. However, exactly how fruits and vegetables protect health is less well known; although a wide array of nutrients are likely involved, many researchers believe that flavonoids play a significant part. The flavonoid family Flavonoids are a class of chemicals called polyphenols. They are present in a range of natural foods, including fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate, red wine, and tea. These compounds have six […]
16August
2019
Latest Sleep News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Early to bed and early to rise? In its extreme form, this tendency is more common than previously believed, according to a new study. Going to sleep at 8 p.m. and waking up as early as 4 a.m. is called advanced sleep phase. It was believed to be rare, but this study concluded that it may affect at least one in 300 adults. In advanced sleep phase, your body clock (circadian rhythm) is on a schedule hours earlier than most other people’s. You have premature release of the sleep hormone melatonin and shift in body temperature. Advanced sleepers also wake more easily than others and are satisfied with an average of five-to-10 minutes extra sleep on nonwork days, compared with the 30-to-38 minutes more sleep that other people would take advantage of, according to study senior author Dr. Louis Ptacek. He’s a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco. Advanced sleep is not the same as early rising that develops with normal aging, or the waking in the early hours linked to depression. “While most people struggle with getting out of bed at 4 or 5 a.m., […]
16August
2019
What is Intermezzo? What is zolpidem used for? Intermezzo contains a low dose of zolpidem, the same active ingredient in Ambien. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of sedatives called benzodiazepines which includes diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anticonvulsants (antiseizure medications), and reduce anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant and antiseizure effects and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is used primarily as a medication for sleep. The FDA approved Intermezzo in November 2011. The first formulation of zolpidem (Ambien) was approved in 1992. What brand names are available for Intermezzo? Intermezzo Is Intermezzo available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for Intermezzo? Yes What are the side effects of Intermezzo? The most common side effects of zolpidem are: Other important side effects include: When the drug is abruptly discontinued. Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion, paradoxical insomnia or “complex sleep-related behaviors,” which may include sleep-driving (driving with no memory of having done so). If these side effects occur, zolpidem should be discontinued. Zolpidem is a controlled substance because it is […]
16August
2019
Latest Skin News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Is the sunscreen you slather on your body marketed as safe for coral reefs? New research suggests those claims may not be entirely true. Trace metals and other compounds in many sunscreens have unknown effects on marine ecology, say researchers studying Mediterranean waters. Previous studies have shown that ultraviolet-screening ingredients in sunscreens can harm coral and other marine life when the sunscreens wash off bathers’ bodies. That’s led to the development of “coral-safe” sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two sunscreen ingredients most widely linked to coral reef damage. However, the impact other trace compounds in sunscreens might have on marine ecosystems remains unclear, explains study author Araceli Rodriguez-Romero, a chemist at the University of Cantabria in Spain. In this study, the researchers wanted to find out how quickly sunscreen releases trace metals and nutrients into seawater, and how this could affect overall levels of the compounds in coastal waters. They added sunscreen containing titanium dioxide to samples of Mediterranean seawater. (Titanium dioxide, a mineral sunscreen, is often used in place of oxybenzone and octinoxate.) The researchers found that some compounds were released into the water more quickly […]
16August
2019
What should you know about spider bites? What type of spider bites are poisonous? Most spiders in the US are harmless. However, black widow and brown recluse spider bites are dangerous, and sometimes life threatening. Black widow and brown recluse spider bites need immediate medical treatment. What are signs symptoms of spiders that aren’t poisonous? Spider bites are actually rare occurrences, and most presumed people that have been bitten by spider are likely due to another condition that mimics the symptoms or signs of a spider bite. Bites from most (non-poisonous) spiders cause local redness, irritation, and pain that usually can be treated at home. What are the symptoms and signs of black widow spider bites? Black widow spider bite symptoms are immediate pain, burning, redness, and swelling. Other signs and symptoms of a black widow spider bite are a feeling of a pinprick, and sometimes double fang marks on the person where the spider bit. Often, a person does not know that a black widow spider has bitten them. What are signs and symptoms of black recluse spider bites? Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite are a mild sting followed by severe pain and local redness that usually […]
16August
2019
What is methoxsalen? What is methoxsalen used for? Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring photoactive chemical found in the seeds of the Ammi majus (Umbelliferae) plant and in the roots of Heraclem candicans. It belongs to a group of compounds known as psoralens, or furocoumarins. Methoxsalen lotion is used for treating vitiligo (leucoderma). The exact mechanism of action of methoxsalen is not known. Methoxsalen has several biological actions that may be responsible for its medical effects. Methoxsalen is a photosensitizer that increases the reaction of skin cells to UVA. Some experts suggest that methoxsalen improves vitiligo by stimulating melanocytes (melanin forming skin cells) to move up the hair follicle and to repopulate the epidermis. Methoxsalen also combines with DNA in skin cells, leading to inhibition of DNA synthesis, cell division, and reduced formation of new skin cells. Administration of methoxsalen combined with UVA exposure causes cellular damage, leading to skin inflammation and erythema. The damaged skin heals after several days to weeks. The FDA approved methoxsalen lotion in December 1954. What brand names are available for methoxsalen? Oxsoralen Is methoxsalen available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for methoxsalen? Yes What are the uses for methoxsalen? Methoxsalen […]
16August
2019
(HealthDay News) — Warts surface when skin cells grow faster than normal due to infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV), says Harvard Medical School. Latest Sexual Health News About 10 strains of HPV cause skin warts, which can spread by direct contact through breaks in the skin. To get rid of a wart, Harvard suggests trying a salicylic acid treatment: Soak the wart for 10 to 15 minutes. File away the dead skin with an emery board or pumice stone. Apply salicylic acid to the wart area. Repeat once or twice a day for 12 weeks. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW 12 Preventable STDs: Pictures, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment See Slideshow
16August
2019
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Sexual Health News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Young adults up through the age of 26 should now get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, U.S. health officials recommended Thursday. Until now, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had said this age group could get the vaccine, which prevents several cancers caused by HPV, but it is now saying this group should get the vaccine as a catch-up. The vaccine had already been recommended for boys and girls aged 11 to 12. For people aged 27 through 45, only those at risk for HPV should consider getting vaccinated, the agency noted. The American Cancer Society (ACS) said that vaccinating young adults will have a small effect on the HPV epidemic and in reducing cancer rates, which is why they will keep pushing for kids to get vaccinated. “Even with today’s recommendation, the primary focus of efforts by the ACS and others will continue to be increasing vaccination in early adolescence,” Debbie Saslow, managing director of HPV/GYN cancers at the American Cancer Society, said in a statement. Evidence has shown that on-time vaccination will prevent about 90% of HPV cancers, Saslow said. Evidence […]
16August
2019
Latest Prevention & Wellness News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of U.S. patients don’t tell their physicians about potentially life-threatening risks such as domestic violence, sexual assault, depression or thoughts of suicide, a new study finds. “For physicians to achieve your best health, they need to know what you are struggling with,” said study senior author Angela Fagerlin. Understanding how to make patients feel more comfortable with health care providers is crucial to dealing with such life-threatening risks, said Fagerlin, chair of population health sciences at University of Utah Health. She and her colleagues analyzed the responses of more than 4,500 people who took part in two national online surveys. One included more than 2,000 people, average age 36, and the other included nearly 2,500 people with a median age of 61. Participants were asked if they’d withheld certain medical information from a health care provider, and why. The results showed that 40%-47.5% of the respondents did not tell their health care provider about one of the four health threats. More than 70% said the reason for withholding the information was embarrassment or fear of being judged or lectured. The rate of keeping such information to […]
16August
2019
Gestational diabetes definition and facts Learn about tests and treatments for, and signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include There are typically no noticeable signs or symptoms associated with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can cause the fetus to be larger than normal. Delivery of the baby may be more complicated as a result. The baby is also at risk for developing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) immediately after birth. Following a nutrition plan is the typical treatment for gestational diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy eating plan may be able to help prevent or minimize the risks of gestational diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after the pregnancy. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is diabetes, or high blood sugar levels, that develops during pregnancy. It occurs in about 4% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes usually is diagnosed in the later stages of pregnancy, and often occurs in women who have no prior history of diabetes. What causes gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is thought to arise because the many changes, hormonal and otherwise, that occur in […]
16August
2019
How is stuttering treated? Although there is currently no cure for stuttering, there are a variety of treatments available. The nature of the treatment will differ, based upon a person’s age, communication goals, and other factors. If you or your child stutters, it is important to work with a speech-language pathologist to determine the best treatment options. Therapy for children For very young children, early treatment may prevent developmental stuttering from becoming a lifelong problem. Certain strategies can help children learn to improve their speech fluency while developing positive attitudes toward communication. Health professionals generally recommend that a child be evaluated if he or she has stuttered for 3 to 6 months, exhibits struggle behaviors associated with stuttering, or has a family history of stuttering or related communication disorders. Some researchers recommend that a child be evaluated every 3 months to determine if the stuttering is increasing or decreasing. Treatment often involves teaching parents about ways to support their child’s production of fluent speech. Parents may be encouraged to: Provide a relaxed home environment that allows many opportunities for the child to speak. This includes setting aside time to talk to one another, especially when the child is excited and […]
16August
2019
(HealthDay News) — A staph infection is caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose. Though usually minor, staph infections can become deadly if the germs invade the bloodstream or bones, says Mayo Clinic. Latest Infectious Disease News Q Fever? A Bigger Threat to Humans Than Thought Salmonella Outbreaks Linked to Backyard Poultry Lyme Disease Now a Threat in City Parks Anthrax Is a Risk on Every Continent Parents Protect Your Child During Measles Outbreak Want More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters! Serious staph infections have a range of possible symptoms, including fever, nausea or joint swelling. As a rule of thumb, if there’s an area of red, irritated skin, pus-filled blisters or a fever, see a doctor without delay. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION MRSA describes a specific type of bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics. See Answer
16August
2019
Latest Infectious Disease News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A new drug has been approved as part of a powerful, three-pronged treatment regimen for the most deadly strain of tuberculosis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday. Pretomanid tablets were approved to be used with bedaquiline and linezolid in adults with extensive multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) of the lungs. Caused by a bacterium that attacks the lungs, TB can also wreak havoc on any part of the body including the kidney, spine and brain. The FDA approval sprang from a groundbreaking trial of 107 patients in South Africa who had been diagnosed with XDR-TB. Six months after treatment, 89% of the patients were cured, which is far higher than typical success rates for treatment of this often lethal strain of TB, according to the FDA. Tsholofelo Msimango was one of the patients in the South African trial. Sent off to a hospital in Johannesburg to participate in the trial, she weighed only 57 pounds at the time and was terrified. “I cried the whole way in the ambulance,” Msimango told The New York Times recently. “They told my parents to fix the insurance because I would die.” Instead, […]
16August
2019
Latest Heart News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you live in a neighborhood where fast-food restaurants abound, you might be more likely to have a heart attack, new research suggests. It turns out that heart attack rates are higher in neighborhoods with more fast-food joints, the Australian study found. For every additional fast-food outlet in a neighborhood, there were four additional heart attacks per 100,000 people each year, according to the report. To come to that conclusion, researchers examined data on nearly 3,100 patients hospitalized with a heart attack in a region of Australia between 2011 and 2013. “The findings were consistent across rural and metropolitan areas of New South Wales and after adjusting for age, obesity, high blood lipids, high blood pressure, smoking status and diabetes. The results emphasize the importance of the food environment as a potential contributor towards health,” said study author Tarunpreet Saluja, from the University of Newcastle in Callaghan. “Ischemic heart disease, including heart attack, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide,” Saluja noted. “It is known that eating fast-foods is linked with a higher likelihood of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks. Despite this, there is rapid growth in the […]
16August
2019
Latest Heart News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — After a stroke, women are known to have a worse health-related quality of life than men, both in the short term and long term. Now a study gives some insight into why, and what can be done to alter the aftermath. The findings, published Thursday in the journal Stroke, suggest women have a lower post-stroke quality of life because they are older at the time of a stroke, have more severe strokes, are in worse health beforehand, and are more likely to develop depression afterward. Quality of life measures included mobility, self-care, independent living, psychological well-being and social relationships. The differences had nothing to do with the stroke care they received, as both men and women received similar medical treatment. “Women’s age is really what’s driving this difference in terms of the outcome,” said the study’s lead author Seana Gall, a senior research fellow at the University of Tasmania in Australia. For reasons that are unclear, women are on average about four years older than men when they have a stroke, according to American Heart Association statistics. “It’s possible that women are protected by reproductive hormones, and we […]
16August
2019
What are the uses for sacubitril and valsartan? Entresto is used for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV). Entresto is combined with other heart failure medications and in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARBs. What brand names are available for sacubitril and valsartan? Entresto Is sacubitril and valsartan available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for sacubitril and valsartan? Yes What are the side effects of sacubitril and valsartan? The most common side effects of Entresto are: Possible serious side effects include: What is the dosage for sacubitril and valsartan? The initial dose is 49/51 mg twice daily. The dose should be doubled after 2 to 4 weeks to the recommended maintenance dose of 97/103 mg twice daily. Which drugs or supplements interact with sacubitril and valsartan? : Combining Entresto with ACE inhibitors increases the risk of angioedema and other side effects. Combining aliskiren (Tekturna) with Entresto increases the risk of kidney failure, high blood potassium, and low blood pressure. Aliskiren should not be combined with Entresto. Combining Entresto with potassium-sparing diuretics (for example, spironolactone [Aldactone], triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, […]
16August
2019
What is ritonavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ritonavir is an oral medication that is used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which also includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), emtricitabine (Emtriva) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body’s cells. Viruses are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, HIV infection is perpetuated among new cells that the body produces continually. During the production of the viruses, new proteins are made. Some of the proteins are structural proteins, that, is, proteins that form the body of the virus. Other proteins are enzymes which manufacture DNA and other components for the new viruses. Protease is the enzyme that forms the new structural proteins and enzymes. Ritonavir blocks the activity of protease and results in the formation of defective viruses that are unable to infect the body’s cells. As a result, the number of viruses in the body (the viral load) decreases. Nevertheless, ritonavir does not prevent the transmission of HIV among individuals, and it does not cure HIV infections or […]
16August
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Exercise & Fitness News FRIDAY, Aug. 16, 2019 (HealthDay News) — You might know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, but do you know your cardiorespiratory fitness level? Experts at the American Heart Association think this number may be an even better gauge of heart health. Cardiorespiratory fitness shows how aerobically fit you are and how effectively your circulatory system sends oxygen throughout your body. Research indicates that poor aerobic fitness is associated with a high risk of heart disease as well as death from various causes. It’s as dangerous as chronic illnesses and smoking. Yet cardiorespiratory fitness is the one risk factor not routinely checked at doctor visits — unless you request it. Your doctor can measure cardiorespiratory fitness through what’s called your maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) or from readings taken while you do an aerobic workout. This reveals your body’s capacity for transporting and using oxygen during exercise. In between doctor visits, for a quick snapshot of your cardiorespiratory fitness profile, you can use an online calculator to test yourself. It’s not the same as having an actual test, but you’ll get a good idea of where you are for your age. […]
16August
2019
What is the treatment for a torn ACL? Is surgery needed to repair an ACL tear? The major decision in treating a torn ACL is whether the patient would benefit from surgery to repair the injury. The surgeon and the patient need to discuss the level of activity that was present before the injury, what the patient expects to do after the injury has healed, the general health of the patient, and whether the patient is willing to undertake the significant physical therapy and rehabilitation required after an operation. Nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate for patients who are less active, do not participate in activities that require running, jumping, or pivoting, and who would be interested in physical therapy to return range of motion and strength to match the uninjured leg. The International Knee Documentation Committee, a collaboration of American and European orthopedic surgeons, developed a questionnaire to standardize the activity level assessment of patients before and after surgery to help guide surgeons and patients to decide whether surgery would be helpful. The activity levels were as follows: Level I: jumping, pivoting, and hard cutting Level II: heavy manual work or side-to-side sports Level III: light manual work and noncutting […]
16August
2019
What are the uses for hydrocortisone enema? Hydrocortisone enema is used rectally for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis, inflamed hemorrhoids, and anal itching, burning, and inflammation caused by several conditions that affect the anal area. What brand names are available for hydrocortisone enema? Cortenema Is hydrocortisone enema available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for hydrocortisone enema? Yes What are the side effects of hydrocortisone enema? Side effects of hydrocortisone enema include: Other side effects include: Possible serious side effects include: What is the dosage for hydrocortisone enema? For proctitis the usual dosage is one enema applied at bedtime for 21 days or until symptoms resolve. Which drugs or supplements interact with hydrocortisone enema? The risk of drug interactions from hydrocortisone enema is low because it is administered rectally. Is hydrocortisone enema safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? Hydrocortisone enema has not been adequately evaluated during pregnancy. Hydrocortisone enema taken orally can appear in breast milk, and can have adverse effects on the baby. It is not known whether hydrocortisone administered rectally is absorbed in sufficient amounts to appear in breast milk. What else should I know about hydrocortisone enema? What preparations of hydrocortisone […]
16August
2019
In today’s world, it seems pretty much everyone uses smartphones and tablets on a daily basis. But our brains may not thank us for it, according to new research showing that overuse of electronic devices correlates with a poorer understanding of complex, scientific texts. People who constantly use their electronic devices may find it harder to process complex, scientific texts, new research shows. Electronic devices have become an integral part of people’s lives in the 21st century. We now reach for our smartphones to check our emails, read the latest news, and post updates about our lives on social media. While this means that we can have all the information we want at our fingertips, constantly “training” our brains to process information in the ways that electronic devices dictate may have unintended consequences for our ability to follow and process complex ideas. This, at least, is what scientists affiliated with Pennsylvania State University suggest in a study they recently published in Scientific Reports. In their paper, the scientists explain that expository texts, such as scientific articles, have a particularly complex knowledge structure. This means that they use cross related information that readers find in different parts of the text. To […]
15August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
15August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
15August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
15August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
15August
2019
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
15August
2019
Scientists have found a way to make older brain stem cells in rats more youthful. The discovery could lead to improved treatments for aging-related diseases that degrade the brain and nervous system. Researchers managed to rejuvenate stem cells, inching closer to more effective treatments for MS. The research concerns oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which are a type of stem cell, or immature cell. OPCs are essential for the healthy functioning of the brain and the rest of the central nervous system. OPCs mature, or differentiate, into oligodendrocytes, which are the cells that produce the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers and preserves the electrical signals that they carry. Destruction of myelin is a distinguishing feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), and aging-related changes to OPCs contribute to the process. Aging can also reduce OPC function in healthy individuals. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom found that increasing stiffness in the aging brain impairs the function of OPCs. When they transplanted OPCs from older rats into the brains of younger rats, the aged OPCs began to function like youthful OPCs. Stiffening of stem cell niche The team eventually established that the loss of function in the OPCs was […]
15August
2019
New research over a 28-year follow-up period finds significant evidence that frequent social contact at the age of 60 can lower the risk of developing dementia later on. Spending time with friends could stave off dementia for those 60 and older. The link between having a rich social life and brain health has received much attention in the scientific community. Some studies have suggested that levels of social interaction can predict cognitive decline and even dementia, while others have shown that group socializing can prevent the harmful effects of aging on memory. New research examines the link between social contact and dementia in more depth. Andrew Sommerlad, Ph.D., from the Division of Psychiatry at University College London (UCL), in the United Kingdom, is the first and corresponding author of the new study. Sommerlad and colleagues started from a critical observation of existing studies. They say that numerous findings have suggested that frequent social contact can protect the brain, either by helping to build a “cognitive reserve,” or by reducing stress and promoting more healthful behaviors. Many longitudinal studies have found an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline in people with a smaller social network or less frequent social contact. […]
15August
2019
New research has revealed that gender makes no difference in a person’s ability to multitask. Women are no better at multitasking than men, new research shows. Whether it is the result of anecdotal evidence or gender stereotyping, the belief that women are better at multitasking than men is very prevalent. In fact, in a 2015 survey, 80% of the respondents were convinced that women had better multitasking abilities than men. But what does the science say? New research busts this myth. Patricia Hirsch, from the Institute of Psychology at Aachen University in Germany, and her colleagues set out to “put this stereotype to the test.” The researchers asked 96 participants (48 men and 48 women) to take part in two types of test: a task switching one and a dual tasking one. Hirsch and colleagues have published their findings in the journal PLOS One. ‘No substantial gender differences’ The term multitasking describes the performance of a set of different tasks in a limited time period. Engaging in multitasking requires a greater cognitive demand, as it involves a “temporal overlap of the cognitive processes involved in performing these tasks.” In other words, doing several things at the same time requires more […]
15August
2019
What is nisoldipine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nisoldipine is an oral calcium channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class that is used to treat high blood pressure. Other calcium channel blockers in the DHP class include nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), and isradipine (Dynacirc). Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering certain types of muscle cells. Since the muscle cells need calcium to contract, CCBs prevent the cells from contracting, that is, they cause the muscle cells to relax. Nisoldipine selectively relaxes the muscles of small arteries causing the arteries to dilate but has little or no effect on muscles of veins or the heart. Dilation of arteries reduces blood pressure. Nisoldipine was approved by the FDA in February of 1995. What brand names are available for nisoldipine? Sular Is nisoldipine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nisoldipine? Yes What are the side effects of nisoldipine? The most common side effects of nisoldipine are: What is the dosage for nisoldipine? The recommended dose is 17 to 34 mg or 20 to 40 mg daily depending on the formulation that is used. Doses may […]
15August
2019
What is Zytiga? Zytiga is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used to treat two types of prostate cancer: metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Both of these cancers are considered advanced. The word “castration” refers to the lowering of testosterone levels. Testosterone usually plays a role in stimulating prostate cancer growth. Prostate cancer is considered castration-resistant if the cancer continues to grow or spread even with therapy or surgery to lower testosterone levels. High-risk castration-sensitive cancer still responds to lowered testosterone levels but requires more aggressive treatment. Zytiga contains the drug abiraterone acetate. It’s a type of medication used in hormone therapy, which is a treatment that lowers the level of male hormones in the body. Reduced levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, help slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. Zytiga comes as an oral tablet that you take once a day. You’ll take Zytiga with a corticosteroid (prednisone) to reduce the risk of certain side effects. In some cases, you’ll take Zytiga and prednisone with a different type of hormone therapy to further lower testosterone levels. Effectiveness In […]
15August
2019
What is Nuedexta? Nuedexta is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in adults. This condition makes you have episodes of crying or laughing that are involuntary and out of your control. Nuedexta contains a combination of two drugs: dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs called morphinans. Quinidine is part of a class of drugs called antiarrhythmics. These drugs work together in your body to help reduce the number of PBA episodes that you have. Nuedexta comes as capsules that are taken by mouth. Each capsule contains 20 mg of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 mg of quinidine sulfate. In a clinical study, people with PBA had fewer episodes when treated with Nuedexta. Those taking Nuedexta had 82% fewer PBA episodes after 12 weeks of treatment. People taking a placebo (treatment with no active drug) had 45% fewer PBA episodes. Nuedexta generic Nuedexta contains a combination of two active drugs: dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate. It’s only available as a brand-name medication. There aren’t any generic forms of this combination medication available. Each of the active drug ingredients in Nuedexta are available separately as generic drugs. However, these individual drugs haven’t […]
15August
2019
What is topical desoximetasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desoximetasone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid that is used on the skin (topically). The naturally occurring corticosteroid is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response. The FDA approved desoximetasone in March 1982. What brand names are available for topical desoximetasone? Topicort Is topical desoximetasone available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for topical desoximetasone? Yes What are the uses for topical desoximetasone? Topicort is used for treating adults (>18 yr) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It also is used for treating other skin conditions that are responsive to corticosteroids. What are the side effects of topical desoximetasone? Common side effects of Topicort include: Other side effects include: Other less common side effects include: Possible serious side effects include: Maceration of the skin Secondary infection Skin atrophy Prolonged use (greater than two weeks) of high doses of Topicort can depress the ability of the body’s adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping Topicort in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, along with: What is the dosage for topical […]
15August
2019
(HealthDay News) — Ferris wheels and roller coasters are summer staples for many. Unfortunately, more than 30,000 emergency room visits in 2016 were linked to amusement parks and carnivals, says the University of Michigan. Latest Prevention & Wellness News The school encourages parents to: Speak up if park employees are exhibiting unsafe behaviors. Only let your child ride if the child meets height and age requirements. Have an action plan ready if kids become separated. Revisit “stranger danger” tips before a park visit. Stay hydrated and eat something substantial. Don’t wear baggy clothing. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION Emotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience. See Answer
15August
2019
(HealthDay News) — Breastfeeding is a unique experience for every mother. As you begin, your baby’s actions will cue your body to make milk, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are concerned about this process, talk to a doctor or lactation consultant. Latest Pregnancy News Over time, your breasts may leak. Some mothers find it helpful to put disposable or cloth pads in their bras to alleviate this issue. Sore nipples and breast discomfort are common. Feeding your baby often relieves this discomfort. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION Newborn babies don’t sleep very much. See Answer
15August
2019
Pregnancy Test Facts Home pregnancy tests are a cheap and effective way of learning when you should see the doctor about your pregnancy. *Pregnancy test facts medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone in a woman’s blood or urine: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is produced when an egg implanted in the uterus. There are two types of pregnancy tests, one uses blood and the other uses urine (home tests); a quantitative blood test detects hCG earlier than a qualitative blood or urine test. Most home pregnancy tests detect hCG in a urine stream when, after a few minutes, a line or symbol appears if the test is positive (indicating pregnancy); most urine pregnancy test instructions urge a second test in a few days no matter what were the first results; follow package instructions – if a control indicator does not appear, the test result should not be trusted. Home tests are accurate, some better (more sensitive in showing early pregnancy) than others. Home pregnancy tests may test positive on the first day of a missed period, but almost all detect pregnancy 1 week after a missed period. Call your doctor for an […]
15August
2019
Latest Mental Health News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Multitasking is equally taxing for women and men, according to a study that challenges the popular notion that women are better at it. For the study, 48 women and 48 men were asked to do letter or number identification tasks. In some tests, they had to pay attention to two tasks at once (concurrent multitasking). In others, they had to switch attention from one task to another (sequential multitasking). Researchers measured participants’ reaction times and accuracy on both types of multitasking and while doing single tasks. The results showed that compared with their performance on single tasks, women and men had similar, significant declines in speed and accuracy when multitasking. The study was published Aug. 14 in the journal PLoS One. The findings support growing evidence contradicting the common belief that women are better at multitasking than men, according to the authors. “The present findings strongly suggest that there are no substantial gender differences in multitasking performance,” study author Patricia Hirsch said in a journal news release. Hirsch is a scientist at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. She and her team noted that different findings on gender and […]
15August
2019
Capnocytophaga facts A lick or bite from a dog can transmit Capnocytophaga bacteria to a person. Capnocytophaga is a genus of bacteria that live in the mouths of humans and animals and can cause severe infections in certain people. Capnocytophaga canimorsus the best-known species. It is a bacterium commonly found in the saliva and gums of healthy dogs and cats. Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a particular threat to people with poor liver function (alcoholism or cirrhosis), poor spleen function or absent spleen, and poor immunity Capnocytophaga canimorsus may cause severe infection, including sepsis (blood poisoning), bacteria in the blood (bacteremia), and gangrene (dead tissue) of digits or limbs. It may also cause infection of the membranes covering the brain (meningitis), heart valve infection (endocarditis), or eye infection (endophthalmitis). Other species of Capnocytophaga may cause infections acquired from oneself, usually because of poor immunity. What is Capnocytophaga? Capnocytophaga is a genus of nine species of bacteria found in human and animal mouths and gums, all of which cause human infection. Capnocytophaga ochracea, gingivalis, and sputigena exist in humans and can cause pharyngeal and respiratory infections from the person’s own flora. Typically, these bacteria do not cause disease except as an opportunistic infection […]
15August
2019
Latest Infectious Disease News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Pretomanid tablets in combination with bedaquiline and linezolid have been approved for the treatment of a highly treatment-resistant type of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today. The treatment combination was approved to treat adult patients with extensively drug-resistant, treatment-intolerant, or nonresponsive multidrug-resistant pulmonary TB. Dosing involves 200 mg of Pretomanid tablets orally once daily for 26 weeks, 400 mg of bedaquiline orally once daily for two weeks followed by 200 mg three times per week for 24 weeks, and 1,200 mg of oral linezolid daily for up to 26 weeks. Researchers evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Pretomanid taken in combination with bedaquiline and linezolid in a study of 107 patients with extensively drug-resistant, treatment-intolerant, or nonresponsive multidrug-resistant pulmonary TB. At six months posttherapy, 89 percent of patients were successfully treated, which according to the FDA, exceeds the historical success rates for extensively drug-resistant TB. The most commonly reported adverse reactions included peripheral neuropathy, acne, anemia, nausea, vomiting, headache, elevated transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase, dyspepsia, rash, hyperamylasemia, visual impairment, hypoglycemia, and diarrhea. The drug combination of Pretomanid and bedaquiline and linezolid should not be used […]
15August
2019
Latest High Blood Pressure News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — High blood pressure can be a killer. But a new study finds that more than half of younger patients — those under 65 — who are prescribed high blood pressure meds either stop taking them within a few months or don’t take them as prescribed. But stopping treatment can prove dangerous, even for the relatively young, the study’s lead author warned. “Blood flow is a physical action. Your vessels are being slammed by waves of blood every time your heart pumps,” explained Gabriel Tajeu. He’s assistant professor of health services administration and policy at Temple University in Philadelphia. “That’s why the younger population is important,” he said in a Temple news release. “Somebody may have blood pressure that is a bit high, but they have been exposed to it for 10, 20 years, causing a lot of damage to their vascular system.” About 100 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and the number is rising. In the new study, Tajeu’s group tracked the rate of prescription refills for blood pressure medications issued to more than 370,000 patients younger than 65. All of the patients had private insurance. […]
15August
2019
Which drugs or supplements interact with benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide? Combining benazepril with potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, and potassium conserving diuretics such as amiloride (Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide, Maxzide), can lead to dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Combining benazepril or other ACE inhibitors with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. These effects usually are reversible. There have been reports that aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, and many others), indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the effects of ACE inhibitors. When taken with lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), benazepril can increase lithium to toxic levels in the blood. Nitritoid reactions (symptoms include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension) may occur when injectable gold (sodium aurothiomalate), used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is combined with ACE inhibitors, including benazepril. Hydrochlorothiazide reduces the elimination of lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith) by the kidneys and can lead to lithium toxicity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, ibuprofen, may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide. […]
15August
2019
Latest Heart News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Fatigue is universal, a feeling that becomes increasingly familiar as people get older. But when you fatigue too easily, it may not just be related to age but a reflection of your chance of having a stroke or heart attack in the near future. A new study used a pair of formulas to calculate the 10-year risk of heart disease or stroke in 625 people whose average age was 68. Then, 4.5 years later, those participants had their so-called fatigability assessed with a simple test: an extremely slow walk. They walked for five minutes on a treadmill set at 1.5 mph. Researchers found people with higher cardiovascular risk scores were more likely to report they tired faster. The association was stronger among people who were obese and who had high blood pressure, suggesting “prevention and promotion of cardiovascular health may also lower perceived fatigability,” according to the study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The treadmill test made it easier to measure fatigue, which is normally subjective, researchers said. Fatigue is usually reported on a scale from 1 to 10 as “tiredness” or “low […]
15August
2019
What is ticlopidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ticlopidine is an oral drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump and form blood clots. It prevents blood clots by binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class of drugs called P2Y12 inhibitors. Other drugs in this class include clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta) and prasugrel (Effient). Clopidogrel is similar to ticlopidine (Ticlid) in chemical structure and in the way it works. Blood clots that form within the arteries of the brain or pieces of blood clots that break off from clots in other parts of the body and lodge in blood vessels in the brain cause strokes. Similarly, heart attacks occur when blood clots block an artery in the heart. In both cases the blood supply to part of the brain or heart is blocked, and that part of the brain or heart is damaged or dies. Ticlopidine works by making the blood less likely to clot, therefore, reducing the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack. The FDA approved ticlopidine in October 1991. What brand names are available for ticlopidine? Ticlid (Discontinued brand in the […]
15August
2019
Latest HIV News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — As they get older, U.S. children born with HIV are less likely to take the medicine they need to fight the AIDS-causing virus, a new study finds. About 12,000 children, teens and young adults in the United States have had HIV since birth. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is key to managing the infection and reducing the risk of transmission. In this study, researchers followed 381 of these 8- to 22-year-olds with HIV for an average of 3.3 years. Rates of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy rose from 31% in childhood to 50% in young adulthood, and the rates of detectable viral load among the same age groups increased from 16% to 40%. A detectable viral load indicates that HIV is not being managed by medications. Sticking to a daily drug regimen can be especially challenging for adolescents and young adults, who are going through physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes, according to researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “As they approach adulthood, many youth face challenges, such as entering new relationships, managing disclosure of their HIV status, and changing to an adult HIV care provider. Ensuring successful HIV […]
15August
2019
Latest Digestion News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The number of genes in bacteria that live in and on people could top 1 billion trillion — and at least half appear to be unique to their host. That mindboggling math comes from scientists at Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston who have set out to map all genes of the human microbiome. The research could reveal links between microbiome genes and human disease, and lead to development of precision treatments, they said. So far, researchers have analyzed the genes of bacteria in the human mouth and gut. Those findings were published Aug. 14 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. “Ours is a gateway study, the first step on what will likely be a long journey toward understanding how differences in gene content drive microbial behavior and modify disease risk,” said study first author Braden Tierney, a graduate student at Harvard Medical School. The diversity of genes is far greater than researchers expected. They said the functions of microbial genes unique to each person are different from those of shared genes. The team analyzed more than 2,100 bacteria samples from people’s guts and more than […]
15August
2019
What is glyburide/metformin tablets, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) is a combination antidiabetic medication containing glyburide and metformin. Glucovance is used to improve blood glucose (sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glyburide is a second generation oral sulfonylurea. It helps to lower blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose. Metformin is an oral biguanide antidiabetic agent. It decreases the production of glucose in the liver, decreases the absorption of glucose by the intestines, and increases the uptake and use of blood glucose by cells throughout the body. In clinical studies, glyburide/metformin therapy was observed to be superior in improving fasting plasma glucose, post-meal blood glucose, and HbA1c levels versus treatment with glyburide or metformin alone. Glucovance was approved by the FDA in July, 2000. What brand names are available for glyburide/metformin tablets? Glucovance Is glyburide/metformin tablets available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for glyburide/metformin tablets? Yes What are the uses for glyburide/metformin tablets? Glucovance is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. What are the side effects […]
15August
2019
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Chronic Pain News THURSDAY, Aug. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Folks taking opioids for chronic pain may run into trouble if they need to find a new doctor. A new “secret shopper” survey of 194 Michigan primary care clinics found that as many as four out of 10 primary care doctors would turn away patients who have been taking the pain-killing medications (such as Percocet) long term. And that’s true even if those physician practices said they are open to taking new patients. “This is a prevalent problem — more so than we expected,” said study author Dr. Pooja Lagisetty, from the University of Michigan Medical School and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. For the study, researchers called physician practices, posing as a potential new patient. The “patients” explained that they were taking opioids for chronic pain and said they had either Medicaid or private health insurance. Lagisetty said she hopes the study gets health care systems thinking about this problem. “I hope it gets physicians thinking, ‘What can we do better?’ By closing doors on patients, we’re not helping anybody,” she said. “We need to dig into this problem to find out what’s […]
15August
2019
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Chronic Pain News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Surgery patients can routinely be prescribed fewer opioid pills — even just a handful — without sacrificing their pain relief. That’s what doctors at hospitals in Michigan are reporting after analyzing a statewide effort to curb post-surgery opioid use. In the months after new guidelines went into place, the number of opioid pills being prescribed to surgery patients fell by one-third overall, yet there was no change in patients’ satisfaction with their pain control. That’s important, researchers said, because the goal is to put the brakes on excessive prescribing without leaving patients with untreated pain. “This isn’t just about reducing opioid use,” said lead researcher Dr. Joceline Vu, a surgical resident at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “It’s also about giving patients the best care for their pain.” After years of skyrocketing, prescriptions for opioids have been declining in the United States since 2012, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That has been in response to the opioid abuse epidemic — which, government figures show, is currently killing more than 130 Americans every day. Illegal opioids, such as heroin […]
15August
2019
What are the side effects of evolocumab? The most common side effects associated with Repatha treatment include Other side effects include diarrhea, muscle pain, muscle spasm, fatigue, urinary tract infections (UTIs), cough, allergic reactions, hypertension, headache, dizziness, joint pain, nausea, confusion, and pancreatitis A more serious side effect is: Hypersensitivity reactions: Repatha should not be used in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to the product. Hypersensitivity reactions include itching, rash, and hives, have occurred. Repatha should be discontinued if signs or symptoms of serious allergic reactions occur. SLIDESHOW Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack See Slideshow What is the dosage for evolocumab? The recommended subcutaneous dose for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or adults with heart problems related to excess cholesterol in the body is either 140 mg every 2 weeks or 420 mg once monthly. The recommended subcutaneous dosage in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is 420 mg once monthly. LDL cholesterol levels should be measured 4 to 8 weeks after starting Repatha since response to therapy will depend on the degree of LDL-receptor function. LDL cholesterol levels should be measured within 4 to 8 weeks of starting therapy to assess response to treatment, and […]
15August
2019
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Cancer News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — New therapies are showing real promise in fighting the type of brain cancer that claimed the lives of Sens. John McCain and Ted Kennedy, a pair of new clinical trials shows. One experimental treatment injects powerful genes directly into a brain tumor, and then uses pills to turn the genes on and off. That way, the genes can attack the cancer without going berserk and damaging other parts of the body. “It’s the first time where we show you can do drug-induced gene therapy,” said lead researcher Dr. Antonio Chiocca, neurosurgeon-in-chief and chair of neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “You don’t want these genes to express all the time. Here we show for the first time in humans, you can turn a gene on and off based on a drug the patient takes by mouth.” Meanwhile, the other new therapy uses mild electrical current to reduce blood flow to brain tumors, starving the cancer of the nutrients it needs to grow. Glioblastoma, the form of brain cancer under study, is tough to fight. Traditional therapy involves surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Chiocca said. Even […]
15August
2019
By Alan MozesHealthDay Reporter Latest Cancer News WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Since the turn of the century, American obesity rates have skyrocketed. And now a new study indicates that as the nation’s waistlines expand, cancers long linked to obesity are striking the middle-aged more than ever before. The finding follows a review of data on more than 6 million white, black and Hispanic cancer patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016. The upshot: Across all races, men and women between the ages of 50 and 64 now face a greater risk of developing obesity-associated cancers than in the past, compared with their younger and older peers. Why? “Cancer is not a light switch,” said study author Dr. Nathan Berger, a professor of experimental medicine with Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland. “The development of cancer from mutation to diagnosis is a 10- to 20-year process,” roughly the time it takes for a young obese person to reach middle age. “And for many types of cancer, that process is definitely accelerated by obesity,” Berger added. “Basically, what we think is happening is that people who in the past would have developed […]
15August
2019
What is imatinib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Imatinib is an oral medication used for treating chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is classified as a kinase inhibitor. Kinase inhibitors include dasatinib (Sprycel), erlotinib (Tarceva), gefitinib (Iressa), nilotinib (Tasigna), pazopanib (Votrient), sunitinib (Sutent), and vandetanib (Caprelsa). Kinase inhibitors prevent tumors from growing by reducing the action of proteins that control cell division, growth and survival. These proteins are usually present in larger quantities or are more active in cancer cells. By reducing the activity of these proteins, growth and survival of cancer cells are reduced. The FDA approved imatinib in April 2003. What brand names are available for imatinib? Gleevec Is imatinib available as a generic drug? No Do I need a prescription for imatinib? Yes What are the side effects of imatinib? Common side effects include: fluid retention, headache, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, swelling of arms and legs, rash, itching, fever, dizziness, and muscle pain. Serious side effects include: SLIDESHOW Signs of Cancer in Men: Could it Be Cancer? See Slideshow What is the dosage for imatinib? The recommended dose range is 300-800 mg orally daily depending on […]
15August
2019
New research — using mouse models and fecal samples collected from humans — looks into the mechanisms that promote insulin resistance via the gut environment. The type of diet a person eats may be key, the researchers suggest. New research looks in more detail at the mechanisms linking diet to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body stops responding normally to insulin, a hormone that helps the body process sugar. Developing insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Obesity is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes. But how and why does obesity drive this metabolic change? Researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada believe the answer may lie in the mechanisms that consuming a high fat diet sets in motion. “During high fat diet feeding and obesity, a significant shift occurs in the microbial populations within the gut, known as dysbiosis, which interacts with the intestinal immune system,” the researchers explain in their new study paper, published in Nature Communications. The team decided to try and find out exactly how a high fat diet might alter gut immunity and, thus, bacterial balance, leading […]
