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Daily Archives: July 3, 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Could a cure for HIV be in sight? New research has revealed how a sequence of two treatments could completely remove the virus in mice. Scientists have edited mice’s genomes and removed HIV completely. The first treatment is a long-acting slow-effective release (LASER) form of antiretroviral therapy. The second treatment involves the removal of viral […]
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A recent study concludes that people who smoke electronic cigarettes are twice as likely to report clinical depression as those who have never vaped. The correlation was particularly strong among younger people. Share on PinterestA new study identifies a link between vaping and depression. Known as vaping, battery-powered e-cigarettes use heat to deliver an aerosol cocktail of nicotine and flavors to the user. An e-cigarette produces a small cloud of vapor, whereas a cigarette releases smoke. Many people believe that the vapor contains water. In fact, it contains varying amounts of toxic chemicals that have links to heart and respiratory diseases, as well as cancer. The use of e-cigarettes in the United States has snowballed since their introduction a decade ago. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, in 2016, an estimated 10.8 million people in the U.S. used e-cigarettes. Of this number, 2.8 million (9.2%) were 18–24 years old. Today, some experts consider vaping to be an epidemic among teenagers — the number of high school students who turned to vaping doubled in 2018. Now, a study published in JAMA Network Open finds a significant link between vaping and depression. Although links between traditional cigarettes and depression primarily prompted […]
A sustainable diet is one that is generally healthful and has a low impact on the environment and food supply. Adopting a sustainable diet can help maintain an individual’s health while also making sure the planet has enough resources to feed future generations of humans. This is a complex idea, but in the simplest terms, a sustainable diet looks to have a positive impact on the individual and environment, both now and in the future. There are no set rules on what makes a diet sustainable. However, some diets and food items might be more sustainable than others, and choosing them can help a person reduce their environmental impact. In this article, learn more about food and sustainability, as well as the health effects of sustainable diets. Share on PinterestA sustainable diet consists mainly of plant-based foods. The EAT-Lancet Commission, a group of scientists from 16 different countries, addressed the existing evidence surrounding the planet’s food demands, waste, and overall diet. According to the Commission, food production is the world’s largest cause of environmental change. They note that vegan and vegetarian diets have the greatest reduction in land use and greenhouse gas emissions, and that vegetarian diets use the least […]
When following a keto diet, some people may find it difficult to work out the right foods to eat and when to eat them. Meal plans can help people get used to the diet or stick with it. The keto diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet. Potential benefits of the keto diet plan include weight loss and fat loss. Though various sources report different percentages, a keto diet comprises approximately: 55–60% fats 30–35% protein 5–10% carbohydrates A study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism reports that those following a “well-formulated” keto diet typically consume under 50 grams (g) of carbs and approximately 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. In order to stick to these macronutrient ratios, most experts agree that meal planning for a keto diet is essential. Read on to learn more about the keto diet and discover what a 7-day keto meal plan might look like. Share on PinterestWeight loss and fat loss are possible benefits of a keto diet. A keto meal is one that contains under 50 g of total carbs or contributes about 30 g of net carbs per day. Net carbs are total carbs minus the […]
Marijuana contains many compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds remain in the system after use, but many factors can affect how long they stay there. This can influence the length and side effects of the marijuana detox process. THC and CBD attach to the same cannabinoid receptors as endocannabinoids, which are chemicals that the body produces naturally. Typically, the body releases these compounds through urine and stool. If a person wants to detox from marijuana, they will need to flush out or wait until the final traces of marijuana have left the body. Until this happens, they may also test positive in drug screening. Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of marijuana detox, how long the drug stays in the body, how drug tests work, and some remedies that may help in the detox process. Share on PinterestDepression and loss of concentration are common side effects of marijuana withdrawal. Marijuana can create dependencies in people who use it heavily for long periods. When a person’s body becomes used to receiving THC and CBD, stopping using it may lead to a period of uncomfortable marijuana withdrawal symptoms as the body readjusts. However, people respond to […]
New research in mice reveals the mechanisms through which two experimental drugs that may treat Alzheimer’s disease have broader, anti-aging properties and can reverse age-related cognitive decline. Share on PinterestNew research explains how two experimental dementia drugs may reverse normal aging. Family history, genes, and some lifestyle choices all influence a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but age is the greatest risk factor that researchers are aware of. Most people who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s are at least 65 years old. In fact, after that age, the risk of developing the condition doubles every 5 years. However, scientists do not yet fully understand, on a molecular level, how aging is involved in driving Alzheimer’s. Previous research has shown that faulty glucose metabolism in the brain occurs before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Cerebral glucose metabolism declines with age anyway, but in Alzheimer’s, the decline is much more severe. Furthermore, other studies have shown that dysfunctional mitochondria in the brain’s cells are a hallmark of both normal aging and Alzheimer’s. Armed with this knowledge, researchers from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Scripps Research Institute — both in La Jolla, CA — set out to test several drugs […]
Insomnia can have a serious impact on a person’s health and well-being. Now, a study of females aged 50 and over has found that some parts of the diet most likely contribute to this sleep disorder. Share on PinterestThe findings of a new study suggest that refined carbohydrates contribute to insomnia among older females. Insomnia affects many people all over the world. According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 40% of people in the United States experience some insomnia symptoms each year. Researchers have taken due note of this, as numerous studies have suggested that insomnia is not just a mild annoyance: It may actually be linked with many other negative health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), short sleep duration and sleep disruptions are associated with cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and depression, to name a few. For this reason, specialists have been looking for ways of preventing or treating insomnia and other sleep disorders — starting by looking for all the possible causes. Existing research has already called attention to the fact that diet may influence a person’s sleep quality. Now, a study from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New […]
Latest Sleep News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Nurses get less sleep before their scheduled shifts compared to nonwork days, which could affect patient care, according to a new study. How much less sleep? Almost an hour and a half. “Nurses are sleeping, on average, less than recommended amounts prior to work, which may have an impact on their health and performance on the job,” said study lead author Amy Witkoski Stimpfel, an assistant professor at New York University College of Nursing, in New York City. Nursing, especially in hospitals, is dominated by shift work, the study authors noted in a university news release. For the study, the researchers assessed nurses’ sleep habits by analyzing data from two surveys of nearly 1,600 U.S. nurses from 2015 and 2016. The nurses were also asked about the quality of patient care in their workplace. In addition, the investigators assessed patient safety using data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. On average, nurses reported getting just under 7 hours (414 minutes) of sleep prior to a work day and more than 8 hours (497 minutes) prior to a nonwork day. Less sleep by […]
Latest Senior Health News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Seniors in cardiac intensive care units may suffer delirium and other problems if doctors only focus on their heart, a new American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement says. Older adults in the cardiac ICU require different care from younger patients, according to the statement. They’re likely to be frail, have other medical conditions and use multiple medications. “Treating the whole patient — considering their entire health profile, rather than focusing only on their acute cardiovascular event — is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes among geriatric patients with acute cardiovascular disease,” statement writing group chair Dr. Abdulla Damluji said in an AHA news release. Damluji, a cardiologist, is an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. Seniors in a cardiac ICU often struggle emotionally and physically due to bright lights, noise, new medications, urinary catheters, dietary changes and sleep disruptions. “For vulnerable older adults who may already be experiencing cognitive decline, the environment in the cardiac intensive care unit may deplete already limited coping skills and could lead to delirium,” Damluji said. Delirium is common in critically ill patients and increases the […]
What is Moyamoya disease? What does it mean? Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disease that causes stenosis or a blockage to one or both of the primary blood vessels (internal carotid arteries) that supply the brain as they enter the skull. Moyamoya disease was first noted in Japan in 1957 and it is seen mainly in Japan and other countries in Asia. The disease is diagnosed less frequently in Europe and North America. “Moyamoya” is a Japanese word that means “puff of smoke,” which describes the hazy and tangled appearance of the vascular collateral network (small blood vessels) that forms to compensate for the blockage. Is Moyamoya disease inherited (genetic)? The cause of Moyamoya disease is unknown. It is believed there may be a genetic factor, as up to 15 percent of Japanese people with Moyamoya have family members with the condition. What are the signs and symptoms of Moyamoya disease? Moyamoya disease can occur in children and adults. There are two times the disease incidence peaks: most commonly, at about 10 years of age in children and between ages 30 to 50 in adults. Moyamoya disease may present differently in adults and children. In adults, the most […]
What is a lumbar puncture (LP)? A lumbar puncture or spinal tap procedure provides lifesaving information in disease diagnosis. A lumbar puncture (LP) is the insertion of a needle into the spinal canal to collect and examine the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebral spinal fluid). It is termed a “lumbar puncture” because the needle is placed in the lumbar portion of the back and used to puncture through tissues to enter the spinal canal. Other names for a lumbar puncture (an LP) include spinal tap, spinal puncture, thecal puncture, and rachiocentesis. Why is a lumbar puncture done? An LP is most commonly performed to obtain a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Examination of the fluid can be crucial in diagnosing diseases such as meningitis, neurologic diseases, or effects of systemic disease on the brain and spinal fluid. An LP can also be done to treat diseases, and as a way of administering antibiotics, cancer drugs, or anesthetic agents into the spinal canal. Spinal fluid is sometimes removed by LP for the purpose of decreasing spinal fluid pressure in patients with uncommon conditions (such as, normal-pressure hydrocephalus and benign intracranial hypertension, […]
Latest Mental Health News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An individualized approach is needed to treat people at high risk of impaired (drunk) driving, a new report says. Drunk driving accounted for 29% of U.S. motor vehicle deaths in 2018, the lowest percentage since 1982. But there was still an average of one alcohol-impaired driving death every 50 minutes, or 29 deaths a day, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report. The GHSA calls for a different approach from the past system to catch and punish drunk drivers. Instead, the agency wants to focus on addressing the offender’s underlying problem to curtail repeat offenses. A high-risk impaired driver is one who lacks the restraint or self-control to resist driving drunk. These drivers account for a disproportionately high number of road deaths. High-risk drunk drivers meet one or more of three criteria: They drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 g/dL or higher (almost twice the legal limit); have consumed both drugs and alcohol; and have more than one arrest for driving while intoxicated. Repeat offenders cause about a third of drunk driving deaths each year, while high BAC offenders are involved in more than […]
Latest Mental Health News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Chyler Leigh has taken on some challenging roles in her career, including helping keep the world safe from alien threats on the TV show “Supergirl” and learning to be a surgeon as Lexie Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy.” But her most demanding task has been learning to manage bipolar disorder. “I wasn’t diagnosed until my late 20s, but I knew at a pretty early age that something wasn’t quite right. I had trouble just navigating life in general. At a very young age, I learned to swallow what I was feeling, and started to really spiral into feelings of worthlessness,” Leigh explained. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a chronic psychiatric condition. It can cause dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels, according to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). People with the disorder typically alternate between episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include having a lot of energy, feeling very “up,” participating in risky behaviors, talking really fast about doing lots of things, having trouble sleeping and feeling wired. Depressive symptoms include feeling sad, empty or hopeless, feeling […]
Latest Menopause News By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The ongoing debate about postmenopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk may have turned even more muddy: A large, new study suggests that two different types of hormone therapy have opposite effects on women’s long-term risk of the disease. The researchers found that combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — with estrogen and progestin — increases the risk of breast cancer, with effects that last for years after women discontinue the therapy. On the other hand, women who take estrogen alone appear to have an equally long-lasting decrease in their breast cancer risk. The findings come from a long-term follow-up of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) — a major U.S. government-funded project begun in the 1990s that tested the health effects of hormone replacement therapy. One trial randomly assigned over 16,000 women aged 50 to 79 to take either combined HRT or placebo pills. The other involved close to 11,000 women the same age who were given either estrogen therapy alone or placebos. Before the WHI, doctors had thought that menopausal hormone therapy — which helps control hot flashes — had other health benefits, including a lower […]
Latest Healthy Kids News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The brains of kids who have a high risk of depression because they have parents with depression are structurally different from other kids’ brains, a new study finds. Depression often first appears during adolescence. Having a parent with depression is one of the biggest known risk factors. Teens whose parents have depression are two to three times more likely to develop depression than other teens, research shows. But the brain mechanisms behind this family risk are unclear. To learn more, Columbia University researchers analyzed brain images from more 7,000 children. They described it as the largest study of its kind done in the United States. About one-third of the kids were at high risk because they had a parent with depression. In those kids, a brain structure called the right putamen — which is linked to reward, motivation and the experience of pleasure — was smaller than in children of parents without a history of depression. The study was published online recently in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. “These findings highlight a potential risk factor that may lead to the development of depressive […]
Latest Healthy Kids News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Secondhand smoke can harm children’s arteries, a new study warns. Researchers used ultrasound to examine the carotid artery in the neck, brachial artery in the upper arm, and abdominal aorta right above the belly button in 298 kids aged 8 to 18 who were not smokers. Some had been exposed to secondhand smoke and others had not, the study authors said. The investigators found that participants’ carotid and brachial arteries were unaffected by smoke exposure. But there was increased stiffness in the abdominal aortas of kids exposed to secondhand smoke. The University of Minnesota study was recently published in the journal Pediatric Research. The findings suggest that the harmful effects of secondhand smoke can be seen in early damage to arteries, but avoiding further exposure can prevent more harm, the researchers said. “Our study also suggests children are — at least early in life — protected from smoke exposure because we know, from previous research, that secondhand smoke exposure in young adulthood is a significant cardiovascular risk factor,” study senior author Justin Ryder said in a university news release. He’s an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of […]
Latest Infectious Disease News By Peter Schelden on 12/13/2019 3:11 PM Source: MedicineNet Health News When Americans need antibiotics, some are ordering them online—supposedly for their pet fish. Although marketed for guppies and goldfish, such antibiotics are being used for self-medicating, according to a recent study. Brandon Bookstaver, PharmD, presented these findings Wednesday at a meeting of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP) in Las Vegas. “While human consumption of fish antibiotics is likely low, any consumption by humans of antibiotics intended for animals is alarming,” Bookstaver said in a press release. “Self-medication and the availability of antibiotics without healthcare oversight might contribute to increasing antimicrobial resistance and delayed appropriate treatment. We were particularly concerned that the high volume of positive feedback on the comments about human use might encourage others to attempt to use these drugs.” Unlike antibiotics for cats, dogs, or human beings, anyone with a credit card can order fish antibiotics online without a prescription. Study authors obtained five samples of these drugs, and found that they have the same markings, colors and shapes of the same drugs used for humans. Further study is intended to discover how similar these drugs are to human antibiotics. A […]
Latest Infectious Disease News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Last October, 15-year-old Alec Woodruff developed a strange-sounding cough. Less than a week later, he was fighting for his life in the hospital, partially paralyzed and with a tube in his throat attached to a ventilator because just breathing was a task he could no longer do on his own. Alec’s mom, Terri Woodruff, described the first signs of trouble: “I knew something was wrong. Alec was a preemie, and he has asthma, but the cough sounded so off that I called his pediatrician, and we went in, just for a listen. He also had a low fever and it wasn’t subsiding.” But the doctor didn’t think it was anything concerning. Before Terri went to bed that night, Alec mentioned that his neck hurt a little. He’d been lying on the couch playing video games all day, so she just assumed that was what was bothering his neck. Something woke her at 4:30 a.m. the next morning, and when she saw Alec, he was sitting with his hands wrapped around his neck. He told his mother that he felt that if he moved his hand, […]
Latest Heart News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Plentiful in foods like fish and flaxseed, omega-3 fatty acids have long been linked with cardiovascular health, and new research is looking at the biology behind how it might work. A study published Thursday in the American Heart Association journal Circulation Research found fish oil supplements containing a specific formula of omega-3 fatty acids reduced inflammation by increasing the concentration of special molecule “mediators” that regulate the work of certain components in the blood. “We used the molecules as our biomarkers to show how omega-3 fatty acids are used by our body and to determine if the production of these molecules has a beneficial effect on white blood cells,” said Dr. Jesmond Dalli, who conducted the study with colleagues at William Harvey Research Institute at Queen Mary University of London. The researchers gave 22 healthy volunteers between the ages of 19 and 37 three different doses of an enriched fish oil supplement containing a mix of omega-3 fatty acids. They then tested participants’ blood at varying time intervals for levels of specific anti-inflammatory molecules that those fatty acids have been found to produce. Researchers found the fish oil […]
Latest HIV News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Facebook should remove “factually inaccurate” ads that “suggest negative health effects” of the HIV–prevention medication Truvada, more than 50 LGBTQ, HIV and public health groups say in an open letter to the company. The ads are from law firms seeking to recruit gay and bisexual men for a class-action lawsuit against Truvada maker Gilead Sciences, NBC News reported Wednesday. Truvada — a type of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — is a once-a-day pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. “The advertisements are targeting LGBTQ Facebook and Instagram users, and are causing significant harm to public health,” the letter states. “The law firms’ advertisements are scaring away at-risk HIV-negative people from the leading drug that blocks HIV infections,” the letter states. The groups say the ads are misleading because they warn against side effects that mainly occur with long-term treatment for people who already have HIV, NBC News reported. Facebook values its “work with LGBTQ groups” and both welcomes and seeks out their input, a company spokesperson said in a statement sent to NBC News. “While these ads do not violate […]
Latest Digestion News (HealthDay News) — More than half of older adults regularly deal with constipation, says Harvard Medical School. From lack of fiber and fluids to ignoring the urge to “go,” constipation can have many causes. While laxatives are a quick way to get going again, there are other remedies for constipation. The school suggests managing constipation through diet and lifestyle: Stay hydrated with four-to-six glasses of water per day. Limit coffee and soda. Bulk up on fiber. Get at least 25 grams of fiber daily. Get on a daily toilet schedule. After meals is the optimal time. Don’t strain. Use a stool softener to make bowel movements easier. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION You are constipated if you don’t have a bowel movement every day. See Answer
Latest Diabetes News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — When you eat and how often you eat can make a big impact on your weight and insulin needs if you have type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. The study found that people who ate three meals a day instead of six smaller meals, and moved the timing of those meals to earlier in the day, needed less insulin, improved their blood sugar and lost more than 10 pounds to boot. “Shifting calories and carbs to the early hours of the day and less eating occasions is an effective strategy for the achievement of better diabetes control and outcomes with less total daily insulin dose,” said study author Dr. Daniela Jakubowicz. She is a professor of medicine from Tel Aviv University, in Israel. Jakubowicz said a traditional diet recommended for type 2 diabetes has been to eat six small meals distributed evenly throughout the day. But this type of eating plan hasn’t been effective for blood sugar control and leads to the need for more insulin, and weight gain, she said. Jakubowicz said this becomes “a vicious cycle, with continuous weight gain, increased blood sugar and […]
Latest Depression News FRIDAY, Dec. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The active ingredient in magic mushrooms may offer a new treatment for depression, according to researchers. Results from the phase I study in the U.K. indicate that the ingredient, called psilocybin, could be effective in treating depression in patients who’ve failed to respond to other medications, CNN reported. The study, conducted by King’s College London and mental healthcare company Compass Pathways, included 89 healthy adults who received 10mg and 25mg doses of psilocybin. They had “changes in sensory perception and positive mood alteration,” according to a Compass Pathways news release, CNN reported. The results from U.K. researchers were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. “The results of the study are clinically reassuring and support further development of psilocybin as a treatment for patients with mental health problems that haven’t improved with conventional therapy, such as treatment resistant depression,” co-lead researcher James Rucker, King’s College London, said in the news release. A phase II trial will include more than 200 patients with depression across Europe and North America, CNN reported. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION Depression is a(n) __________ . See Answer
Latest Cancer News THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Nearly six years after stopping a five-year regimen of the breast cancer drug anastrozole, women at high risk for breast cancer were 50% less likely to have been struck by the disease, new research shows. The trial included more than 3,800 postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer. They were deemed to be at high risk for a variety of reasons, including having two or more blood relatives with breast cancer, having a mother or sister who developed breast cancer before age 50, and having a mother or sister who had breast cancer in both breasts. About half of the participants were randomly selected to take the aromatase inhibitor drug anastrozole (Arimidex) for five years and about half took a placebo. As one breast cancer expert unconnected to the study explained, drugs like anastrozole are taken to prevent breast cancer’s return. “One of the most important parts of my job as a breast program director is running our ‘high risk’ clinic, and the most common question that I get from our patients is ‘What else can I do to prevent breast cancer?’” said Dr. Alice Police, who directs breast […]
Latest Cancer News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A long-term study comparing two types of radiation treatment for early breast cancer found that accelerated partial breast radiation (APBI) appeared to do as well as standard whole breast radiation for keeping cancer at bay. The study looked at 10-year recurrence rates. The findings mean the partial breast procedure may offer women another choice for treating early-stage breast cancer. “APBI is a safe and less invasive treatment as compared to whole breast irradiation,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Icro Meattini, an associate professor at the University of Florence in Italy. “It is cost-effective and the overall treatment time is diminished.” He said a full course of APBI treatment requires 10 days. In comparison, whole breast radiation requires at least three to four weeks, but typically takes about six weeks. In early breast cancer, radiation therapy may be used after surgery (commonly called lumpectomy) that removes only the tumor and some surrounding tissue. When a tumor is removed, however, there’s always a concern that cancer cells might be left behind. Radiation therapy can destroy any remaining cancer cells, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Just […]
What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis? Picture of Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis While both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can lead to significant joint destruction and functional disability, there are many basic differences between these two forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a destructive autoimmune joint disease that features inflammation in the joint lining tissue (synovium) that normally produces lubrication and nutrient fluid for joints. When this tissue remains inflamed, it leads to deformity (by loosening joint ligaments) and to joint destruction (by eroding away cartilage and bone). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by an overactive, misdirected immune system. In rheumatoid arthritis, the misdirected immune system attacks the joint lining tissue leading to destructive inflammation of the joints. Ligaments, cartilage, and bone can all be damaged from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a systemic disease, meaning that it can additionally involve tissues throughout the body, including the lungs, skin, and eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect many joints symmetrically on both sides of the body. The inflammation of active rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness in the morning lasting over 30 minutes. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a disease of the cartilage of joints. […]
The kidneys filter the blood and remove extra water and waste from the body. When something causes the kidneys to work less efficiently, it can lead to kidney failure. Various conditions can cause the kidneys to work less efficiently. This prevents the removal of waste, and when this happens, it can give rise to kidney failure. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), kidney failure occurs when a person has less than 15% kidney function. In this article, learn about the different types of kidney failure, as well as the stages, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention methods. There are two types of kidney failure: acute and chronic. The sections below will discuss these in more detail. Acute Acute kidney failure (AKF), otherwise known as acute kidney injury or acute renal failure, comes on suddenly, typically within a few hours or days. It may occur due to trauma to the kidney or decreased blood flow in the area. It can also occur due to a blockage, such as a kidney stone, or very high blood pressure. According to the Urology Care Foundation, kidney function often returns with AKF treatment. Chronic According to the NIDDK, […]
Everyone goes through puberty slightly differently, but there are puberty stages that usually happen at certain ages in a young person’s development. In this article, we look at the stages of puberty for males and females, and the ways that parents and caregivers can help to support kids through this time. Share on PinterestPeople’s experience of puberty varies. Females start puberty sooner than males. Puberty in females most often begins between the ages of 8 and 13 years. The process may continue until they are 14 years old, although this can be later. The first stage of puberty includes prepuberty changes. These are changes that start to happen in the body but are not yet visible. One of the first physical changes females will notice during puberty is their breasts starting to grow. The initial stage of growth is breast buds. Slight swelling appears under the nipple, and the area of skin around the nipple, known as the areola, will start to get bigger. The breasts will then slowly start to grow during puberty. Females may experience some tenderness or itchiness as the breasts begin to change. It is usual for each breast to grow at slightly different rates, which […]
Depression is more than just sadness and can be a serious and potentially life threatening illness. Even very young children can develop depression, so parents and caregivers must take the condition seriously. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3.2% of children aged between 3 and 17 in the United States have a depression diagnosis. This figure likely underestimates how common depression is among young people. A 2018 analysis emphasizes that depression is underdiagnosed in children and that just 50% of depressed teens receive a diagnosis before adulthood. The suicide rate has risen over the past 2 decades, including among children. It is vital to note that the symptoms of depression are also highly treatable, especially when a child has adequate support from loving caregivers. In this article, learn more about depression in children, including the signs, symptoms, and how to find help. Share on PinterestWithdrawal and low motivation are common symptoms of childhood depression. Children with depression may feel sad or hopeless. Depression, however, is much more than just sadness. It can affect many aspects of a child’s behavior or mood. Young children may complain of physical symptoms, such as frequent stomachaches, instead of emotional pain. […]
Using a new type of genetic engineering tool called epigenome editing in mice, scientists have restored irregularities in the developing brain that arise from a gene mutation. Share on PinterestNew research in mice suggests that gene editing could prevent brain developmental disorders. Epigenome editing is a way of altering the expression, or reading, of genes without altering their underlying DNA code. A team from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, led the Nature Communications study that focuses on the protein C11orf46. One of the study’s corresponding authors is Dr. Atsushi Kamiya, who is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In humans, mutations in the section of DNA that contains the C11orf46 gene can lead to WAGR syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause intellectual disability and impair many systems of the body. The researchers found that C11orf46 directs the development of the corpus callosum, which is the complex bundle of nerve fibers that connects the right and left sides of the brain. If the corpus callosum does not form correctly, it can give rise to brain development disorders, such as autism, and the type of intellectual disability that can occur in […]
Using mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have been looking into a new approach to slow down the progression of this neurodegenerative disease — a ketone ester-rich diet. Share on PinterestCould a new therapeutic approach help slow down Alzheimer’s disease? Researchers from the NIH investigate. To get the energy it needs to function correctly, the body usually relies on glucose (a simple sugar), which results from the digestion of carbohydrates. When there is not enough glucose to rely on, the body will burn fat instead. This is a process called ketosis, and it is the principle that ketogenic — or keto — diets rely on. Keto diets are typically low in carbohydrates and high in fats, and this imbalance in resources produces ketosis. But there is also another way of inducing ketosis that does not involve making this dietary shift. It involves taking supplements containing ketone ester, which have the same effect. Researchers have also been interested in ketone ester because of the possibility that it may help fight neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, a team of investigators from the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Baltimore, MD — in collaboration with […]
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide and in the United States, specifically. New research finds that excessive sleep considerably raises the risk of this cardiovascular problem. Share on PinterestNew research suggests that people who take long naps in the day may be at a higher risk of stroke. Globally, 15 million people experience a stroke each year. Almost 6 million of these people die as a result, and 5 million go on to live with a disability. In the U.S., over 795,000 people have a stroke each year. The list of traditional risk factors for stroke is long, ranging from elements of lifestyle, including smoking, to preexisting conditions, such as diabetes. More recently, researchers have started exploring sleep duration as another potential risk factor. Some studies have found that either too much or too little sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke. According to these findings, regular sleep deprivation and sleep for more than 7 hours per night are each associated with a higher risk of stroke. Now, a study appearing in the journal Neurology finds an association between daytime naps, excessive sleep, and stroke risk. Dr. Xiaomin Zhang, from Huazhong […]
Trichinosis worm infection definition and facts Trichnosis worm parasite. Trichinosis is caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game infected with the larvae of a parasitic worm. The contaminated meat is infected with the larvae of a worm called Trichinella spiralis. The initial symptoms of trichinosis are: Abdominal discomfort The severity of symptoms depends on the number of infectious worms consumed in the meat. Never eat raw or undercooked pork or wild game. If you think you may have trichinosis, seek medical attention. What is trichinosis worm infection? Is it a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? Trichinosis is a disease caused by parasitic roundworms (nematodes) that can infect and damage body tissues. Nematodes are a major division of the helminth family of parasitic worms (for example, Trichinella spiralis). When ingested, these parasitic worms can pass through the intestinal tract to invade other tissues, such as muscle, where they persist. Trichinosis is also termed trichinellosis, trichiniasis, or trichinelliasis. Trichinosis is not to be confused with trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. Roundworms in Human What Are Roundworms? Roundworms, also known as nematodes, are a common term for parasites that comprise the phylum Nematoda that contain […]
Latest Infectious Disease News By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — When your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, there’s a 43% chance it may not be needed, a new study finds. “While there has been a lot of research looking at inappropriate prescribing, our findings suggest that we still may be underestimating the proportion of prescriptions that are inappropriate,” said lead study author Michael Ray, a researcher at Oregon State University College of Pharmacy. The problem of overprescribing antibiotics is twofold. First, they can cause serious side effects. Second, and more important, is that flooding the world with antibiotics has resulted in an ever-growing number of drug-resistant bacteria — germs that today’s antibiotics can’t kill. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing may be even more rampant than these data show, said Ray. “Because antibiotic resistance is such a pervasive health issue, it is important to limit inappropriate prescribing to the best of our ability,” he said. Using information from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, Ray and his colleagues collected data on more than 990 million doctor visits across the United States in 2015. Of these, about 130 million (13%) involved an antibiotic prescription. Using diagnostic codes, Ray’s team members […]
Latest Heart News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — When Arctic weather is on the way, forecasters often alert you to protect your pets or watch out on the roads. Perhaps they also should warn you about your heart. Winter cold and other seasonal factors raise the risk of heart attacks and more. It’s an issue whether you’re in frigid Alaska or sunny California. Dr. Robert A. Kloner has worked on studies showing cardiac deaths begin to climb around Thanksgiving, peak early in the year, then decrease as warmer weather returns. He is chief science officer of the Huntington Medical Research Institute and a professor of medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. A 2015 study he worked on showed death rates from circulatory problems, coronary heart disease and heart attacks all rose as temperatures fell. Every 1-degree Celsius drop in temperature (that’s 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) came with a 0.49% increase in deaths from all causes. Other studies have shown that when temperatures go down, strokes increase. Many factors are at work, Kloner said. Cold makes arteries constrict. That can decrease blood flow and delivery of oxygen. Cold also tends to increase the formation […]
Latest Exercise & Fitness News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Would you change your grocery list if a food label said “Walk an hour to burn off the calories in this product”? That’s the idea behind a new push to include food labeling that describes the amount of exercise needed to burn off calories consumed, the researchers behind a new study said. This labeling approach “is a simple strategy that could be easily included on food/beverage packaging by manufacturers, on shelving price labels in supermarkets, and/or in menus in restaurants/fast-food outlets,” the study authors said in a journal news release. For example, such labeling would show that a person would need to walk 42 minutes or run 22 minutes to burn off the 229 calories in a small bar of milk chocolate, said British researchers. Analyzing data from 14 studies, the researchers found that people made healthier choices and ate less when confronted with exercise equivalents. For example, people chose an average of 65 fewer calories per meal when physical activity calorie equivalent or expenditure (PACE) labeling was displayed on food, beverages and menus. The labeling was also associated with consumption of 80 to 100 fewer calories compared […]
Hamstring injury facts Picture of the hamstring muscles Hamstrings are tendons of the muscles of the back of the thigh. Hamstring muscles bend the knee and straighten the hip. Hamstring muscle injury is a common athletic injury. Most hamstring muscle and tendon injuries heal without surgery. The risk of hamstring injury can be reduced with a regular stretching program and exercises. What are the hamstrings? The hamstrings are the tendons that attach the large muscles at the back of the thigh to bone. The hamstring muscles are the large muscles that pull on these tendons. It has become common in layman’s terminology (and by some medical personnel) to refer to the long muscles at the back of the thigh as the “hamstrings” or “hamstring muscles.” Academic anatomists refer to them as the posterior thigh muscles, and more specifically as the semimembranosus, the semitendinosus, and the biceps femoris muscles. These muscles span the thigh, crossing both the hip and the knee. They originate or begin at just below the buttocks, arising from the bone on which we sit (the ischium). They connect by means of their tendons onto the upper parts of the lower leg bones (the tibia and the fibula). […]
Where did cupping come from? Cupping is an ancient practice in traditional Chinese medicine that has been shown by Western research to have some real benefits. Cupping is a therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to remove stagnation and stimulate the flow of qi (chi). Qi is the free flow of vital energy circulating through the body and the world around us, if the qi is disrupted or disturbed, it can create stagnation (blockages) or imbalances in the body. What is cupping in a massage? A therapeutic cupping treatment involves warming and placing cups, usually made of glass, on the skin. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created, and when it is applied to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup. This increases the blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue, and is thought to stimulate healing. It is similar to the way deep tissue massage can be used to break up scar tissue and reduce pain. The cups are often placed on the back, neck, and shoulders or the site of pain. Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending upon the degree of suction created by the vacuum and […]
What are diseases and conditions that can cause elbow pain? Arthritis of the elbow Inflammation of the elbow joint (arthritis) can occur as a result of many systemic forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter’s disease). Generally, they are associated with signs of inflammation of the elbow joint, including heat, warmth, swelling, pain, tenderness, and decreased range of motion. Range of motion of the elbow is decreased with arthritis of the elbow because the swollen joint impedes the range of motion. Cellulitis Inflammation of the skin related to infection (cellulitis) commonly occurs as a result of abrasions of the skin. When abrasions or puncture wounds occur, bacteria on the surface of the skin can invade the deeper layers of the skin. This causes inflamed skin characterized by redness, warmth, and swelling. The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Patients can have an associated low-grade fever. Cellulitis generally requires antibiotic treatment, either orally or intravenously. Heat application can help in the healing process. Cellulitis can lead to infection of the olecranon bursa, causing olecranon bursitis, as described above. Infected elbow joint (septic arthritis) Infection of […]
Latest Cancer News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Two experimental drugs show real promise against an aggressive, treatment-resistant form of breast cancer that’s spread to other parts of the body, researchers say. The tumors in question are called metastatic HER2-positive breast cancers — named because the tumor cells’ surface is populated with a protein called HER2, which is tied to cancer growth. HER2-positive breast cancers account for 15% to 20% of all breast cancers. In one trial, a pill known as tucatinib was tested in 615 patients with these tumors, treated at 155 different centers around the world. All of the patients had already failed other therapies, including drugs such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and T-DM1. As the research team explained, tucatinib binds to a different portion of the HER2 protein than those other drugs. In the trial, 410 patients were randomly selected to receive tucatinib combined with two often-used medicines, trastuzumab and the chemotherapy drug capecitabine. A “control” group of 202 patients received trastuzumab, capecitabine, and a placebo. A year after the start of treatment, 33% of patients in the tucatinib group were alive with no worsening of their disease, compared to just 12% in the […]
Latest Cancer News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Policies that reduce drinking may lower rates of alcohol-related cancers, researchers say. “When thinking about cancer risk and cancer prevention, the focus tends to be on individual-level risk factors rather than environmental determinants of cancer, like public policies that affect the consumption of alcohol or tobacco,” said study co-author Dr. Timothy Naimi. Naimi is a physician and researcher at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Public Health. “Implementing effective policies to reduce alcohol consumption is a promising means of cancer prevention that merits further investigation,” Naimi added in a medical center news release. Alcohol use is linked to at least seven types of cancer. Research suggests that about 20,000 U.S. cancer deaths a year are due to alcohol, the authors said in background notes. For the new study, the researchers analyzed data on cancer deaths per state from 2006 to 2010. They gave each state an alcohol policy score based on 29 regulations, such as alcohol taxes and restrictions on the number of locations allowed to sell booze. Those policy scores were then related to rates of alcohol-attributable cancers, such as those of the esophagus, mouth and throat, […]
Source: WebMD What is shoulder bursitis? A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. The plural of bursa is bursae. There are 160 bursae in the body. The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Injury or inflammation of a bursa around the shoulder joint causes shoulder bursitis. What causes shoulder bursitis? A bursa can become inflamed from injury, infection (rare in the shoulder), or an underlying rheumatic condition. Examples include infection of the bursa in front of the knee from a knee scraping on asphalt (septic prepatellar bursitis), inflammation of the elbow bursa from gout crystals (gouty olecranon bursitis), or injury as subtle as lifting a bag of groceries into the car, which could inflame the shoulder bursa and lead to shoulder bursitis. What are risk factors for shoulder bursitis? Injury or strain to the shoulder joint causes shoulder bursitis. Activities that are common risk factors for shoulder bursitis include throwing a ball, lifting objects overhead, and trauma from a fall onto the shoulder. Shoulder Bursitis Treatment […]
Latest Sleep News By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’re the kind of person who sleeps nine or more hours a night or takes long afternoon naps, you may want to worry about your stroke risk, a new Chinese study suggests. According to the research, people who sleep and nap too long may increase their risk for stroke by 85%. Regular 90-minute midday naps can raise the risk 25%, compared with not napping or napping for only 30 minutes. “People, especially middle-aged and older adults, should pay more attention to their time spent in bed attempting to sleep and midday napping, and sleep quality, because appropriate duration of sleep and nap, and maintaining good sleep quality may complement other behavioral interventions for preventing stroke,” said researcher Dr. Xiaomin Zhang. He is a professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. Zhang cautioned that these findings don’t prove long napping and sleeping cause stroke, only that there is an association. It’s not clear how sleep and the risk for stroke are connected. Other studies, however, have found that excess sleep and poor sleep quality […]
Latest Senior Health News By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Most folks would prefer a peaceful death at home, in familiar surroundings with the company of their loved ones. Now, for the first time in a century, there’s a rise in the likelihood of those dying wishes to be honored. Home has now surpassed the hospital as the most common place of death in the United States, for the first time since the early 20th century, according to a new report. “For the first time in modern history, more people died in the United States at home than in any other single location,” said senior researcher Dr. Haider Warraich, an end-of-life care expert and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. About 31% of people died at home in 2017, compared with about 30% who died in a hospital, according to national data the researchers analyzed. Another 21% died in a nursing home and about 8% in a hospice facility. Comparatively, in 2003 about 40% of people died in the hospital while only 24% died at home. This shift actually reflects the desires of people facing the end of their lives, Warraich said. “The vast majority […]
Latest Senior Health News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — American seniors living in rural areas face a higher risk of hospitalization and death, and a lack of medical specialists may be the reason why, researchers report. “People on Medicare with chronic conditions such as heart failure or diabetes who live in rural areas have higher death and hospitalization rates than their urban peers,” said study leader Kenton Johnston. He’s an assistant professor of health management and policy at Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice. “The biggest reason for this appears to be that people in rural areas have less access to specialist physicians like cardiologists and endocrinologists,” Johnston said in a university news release. He and his team examined 2006-2013 Medicare claims data on patients in rural and urban areas with heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions, and compared that with hospital data. Of the patients in the study, 10% lived in a rural area, defined as a town with less than 10,000 people. Compared to urban patients, rural patients had a 40% higher rate of preventable hospitalizations and a 23% higher death rate. Patients who saw a specialist at least once in […]
Latest Prevention & Wellness News (HealthDay News) — Many minor injuries can be treated at home by following a few guidelines, says the University of California. But for animal bites, deep cuts or wounds that bleed excessively, you should always see a doctor. The school mentions these do’s and don’ts of home care for minor wounds: Do irrigate the wound with water, gently wash and pat dry. Do apply petroleum jelly to exposed wounds, then cover with a bandage. Do cleanse the wound daily with soap and water. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen after the wound has healed to control scarring. Don’t apply a topical antibiotic. Don’t douse minor wounds with antiseptics. 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
8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More in Pictures See which first aid items to pack in your purse or car. WebMD shows you the basics to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and stings when you’re on the go. Read more: 8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More in Pictures
Latest Pregnancy News By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Women with multiple sclerosis often find that their symptoms ease during pregnancy. And evidence is growing that breastfeeding might have a similar benefit. A new review of 16 studies found that overall, women with MS who breastfed were 37% less likely to have a relapse within a year of giving birth, versus those who bottle-fed. The findings do not prove breastfeeding is protective, experts said. But the evidence of that possibility is getting stronger, said Dr. Kristen Krysko, lead researcher on the review and a neurology fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. Recent studies on the question, she said, have been better designed than some earlier ones — accounting for several alternative explanations for the link between breastfeeding and lower relapse risk. And overall, they point to a protective effect, Krysko said. In the United States alone, nearly 1 million people are living with MS, according to the National MS Society. It’s two to three times more common among women than men, and usually arises during the childbearing years. MS is a neurological disorder caused by a misguided immune system attack on the body’s […]
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Although they are very similar, there are some key differences between folic acid and folate. Both relate to vitamin B-9, which plays a key role in preventing birth irregularities and aiding the production of healthy red blood cells. Folate refers to the many forms of vitamin B-9. These include folic acid, dihydrofolate (DHF), tetrahydrofolate (THF), and more. The body uses B vitamins to create new cells. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate. Food manufacturers add it to many products because it does not occur naturally. Bread, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals tend to contain added folic acid. Share on PinterestFolate and folic acid are available in a range of foods.Folate and folic acid have very similar effects. Both help the body create new cells, such as red blood cells. Folate goes through the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through the gut. From there, folate passes into the liver for processing. Any excess passes to the kidneys, and from the kidneys, it leaves the body in urine. Taking too much of a fat-soluble vitamin can cause health problems. The […]
Epilepsy is relatively common in children. Many children with epilepsy will outgrow the condition before their teens, and, if not, treatments usually ensure a full and healthy life. In this article, we look at the signs and symptoms of epilepsy in childhood, plus the different types of seizures and syndromes. We also discuss the treatment options for children with the condition. Share on PinterestA child may experience an aura before a focal seizure. Epilepsy causes seizures that begin in the brain. It is a neurological condition that almost 3 million people experience in the United States, 470,000 of whom are under 17 years of age. Often, adults with epilepsy have their first seizure in childhood or adolescence. The Epilepsy Foundation estimate that two-thirds of children with epilepsy outgrow seizures by the time they reach their teens. Most children can eliminate seizures and prevent side effects with an organized system of care. A doctor may diagnose epilepsy in a child if an individual has had one or more seizures that another condition did not cause. Seizures are more likely to occur during the first year of life. Epilepsy affects each child differently, depending on their age, the type of seizure they […]
A woman considering an abortion may wonder about any effects on future pregnancies. In most cases, an abortion does not affect fertility and has no impact on other pregnancies. There are two methods: medical abortion and surgical abortion. The type that a woman chooses may depend on several factors, including how far along the pregnancy is and personal preference. Research suggests that abortions do not affect fertility, and the risks associated with both types are relatively low. Most of the time, women who have had abortions can go on to have healthy pregnancies. It is important to note that a woman can get pregnant soon after having an abortion. Anyone who does not wish to become pregnant within weeks of an abortion should use contraception. This article discusses fertility and pregnancy after an abortion. Find more specific information about fertility and pregnancy after a spontaneous abortion, or a miscarriage, here. Below, learn more about the safety and risks associated with pregnancy after an induced abortion. Share on PinterestAn abortion usually not does increase the risk of future pregnancy complications. Typically, the answer is no. The risks from a medical abortion appears to be lower than that of a surgical abortion, […]
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Reusable diapers are those that people can wash or send to a diaper service for a clean replacement. Parents and caregivers may choose reusable diapers for many reasons, including concerns about waste, a desire to avoid exposing the infant to the chemicals in some disposable diapers, and beliefs that reusable diapers are better for infants’ sensitive skin. In this article, learn more about reusable diapers, including the health benefits, potential risks, and some other sustainable options. Share on PinterestCloth diapers are common forms of reusable diaper.Reusable diapers come in many forms. The simplest option is a cloth diaper with safety pins that keep the moveable parts of the diaper together. The older cloth options tend to require complex folding and a considerable amount of time to assemble, so many people choose premade cloth diapers with inserts and snaps. Some diaper services launder cloth diapers, then return a weekly or monthly supply of clean, recycled diapers. Parents and caregivers may also choose to wash cloth diapers at home. Some people use a combination of reusable and disposable diapers for convenience, while others […]
Constipation is the medical term for infrequent or hard-to-pass bowel movements. A person may have constipation if they have not had a bowel movement in 3 or more days, or if they need to strain very hard when they do have one. Sometimes, a person may experience a headache in addition to constipation. In some cases, these two symptoms could share the same underlying cause. Common underlying causes of both symptoms include not drinking enough water or eating enough of certain nutrients. In these instances, drinking more water and eating more fiber may help resolve the symptoms. If constipation and headaches frequently occur together, it may be due to a long-term condition that requires medical treatment or lifestyle changes. This article outlines some health conditions that could cause headaches and constipation, along with their associated treatment options. Share on PinterestA person may develop constipation and a headache from not drinking enough water. Many people who experience headaches also complain of constipation. A 2015 study sought to investigate this link. The researchers assessed the medical records of 96 children who went to the hospital complaining of headache. Of these, 24 had constipation and received appropriate treatment. At a follow-up consultation, all […]
An HCG pregnancy test checks human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the blood or urine. This measurement means that an HCG test can test whether a woman is pregnant, as well as whether their body is producing the right level of pregnancy hormones. Typically, HCG levels increase steadily during the first trimester, peak, then decline as the pregnancy progresses in the second and third trimesters. Doctors may order several HCG blood tests over a number of days in order to monitor how the HCG levels change. This HCG trend can help doctors determine how a pregnancy is developing. In this article, we take a look at human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels and how they relate to pregnancy. We also examine the potential results and accuracy of an HCG pregnancy test. Share on PinterestAn HCG test can help indicate whether someone is pregnant or not. Cells that become the placenta produce the hormone HCG. The HCG levels in the body quickly rise during the first few weeks of pregnancy. HCG levels not only signal pregnancy but are also a way to measure whether a pregnancy is developing correctly. Very low HCG levels may point to a problem with the pregnancy, an ectopic […]
If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Peanuts are a nutrient dense food that contains vegetable proteins and healthful fats. Overeating peanut butter may increase the number of calories and fat in someone’s diet. If a person is eating more calories than they need, they may gain weight. Peanut butter can be a nutritious food when people eat the right amount. In such instances, peanut butter may help a person with weight loss. In this article, we discuss the effect of peanut butter on weight. Share on PinterestPeanut butter contains fats that are healthful for the body. If a person consumes more calories than they burn off, they may gain weight. A 32 gram (g) portion (2 tbsp) of peanut butter contains 190 calories and 16 g of fat, which is 21% of a person’s recommended daily value of fat. Although peanut butter contains high levels of calories and fat, it may not encourage long-term weight gain when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Although peanut butter contains high levels of fat, it contains low levels of saturated fats and significant amounts of good fats that are […]
After studying the process in mice and flies, scientists suggest that failure to transport the molecular machines that break down proteins in cells could lie at the heart of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Share on PinterestFaulty transportation mechanisms within nerve cells may lead to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. The ability to take apart proteins that are damaged, the wrong shape, or surplus to requirements is a crucial function in living cells. This process occurs at specific locations within the cell. Some of these locations can be more than 1 meter from the cell body in neurons, or nerve cells because they lie along their axons, which are long thin fibers that link them to other neurons. Cells use complex molecular machines called proteasomes to break down proteins at their specific sites of activity. One of the hallmarks of neurodegenerative disease is the buildup of proteins that have failed to break down. Examples include the accumulation of beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s and alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease. As undegraded proteins accumulate, they stick to each other and other substances, clogging up brain cells and disrupting their function. The cells eventually stop working and die. Transport failure The new […]
In a new study, researchers have found the mechanisms through which high levels of blood lipids could lead to inflammation and, over time, more serious consequences, such as organ damage. Share on PinterestNew research shows how high blood fat levels can induce inflammation. Inflammation is both caused by and a risk factor for many conditions. These include obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. One of the greatest reasons for inflammation is infection. When the body senses that dangerous foreign microorganisms, such as bacteria, have entered it, it unleashes an immune response. Inflammation is a key part of that response. This turn of events is natural and usually helps maintain a state of health. Sometimes, however, inflammation occurs for reasons other than infection, and it may persist abnormally, leading to different types of damage. In a new study, the results of which feature in the journal Nature Immunology, Dr. Timo Speer and colleagues — from Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany — closed in on a factor that they say causes unhealthful inflammation: high triglyceride levels, which are a measure of blood fat. The study uncovered the mechanisms through which high blood fat can lead to inflammation — which, in turn, can affect […]
New research from the United Kingdom suggests that people who play in a brass band experience a wide array of mental and physical health benefits — partly from playing an instrument, and, in part, thanks to the feeling of inclusion in a group. Share on PinterestBeing in a brass band could bring you many physical and mental health benefits, recent research suggests. A large number of recent studies have shown that listening to music can help improve a person’s cognitive and physical health, as well as increase their resilience to stress. According to research Medical News Today has covered of late, this passive endeavor may protect cardiovascular health from daily stressors and reduce anxiety before a surgical procedure. It may also boost the effectiveness of pain medication and even help people with Alzheimer’s manage their symptoms. But what about making music? Does this have any effect on a person’s health and well-being, and if so, then what is it? According to a new study from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, individuals who play in a brass band, at least, can reap a lot of benefits from their musical activity. The research — whose findings appear in Frontiers […]
New research in mice finds that taking the antibiotic vancomycin before underoing radiation therapy alters gram-positive bacteria in the gut, thus boosting the immune system and enhancing the antitumor effect of the treatment. Share on PinterestA common antibiotic could make radiation therapy more effective. Globally, cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death, with around 9.6 million deaths registered in 2018. Lung cancer and breast cancer are the most common forms of cancer, and lung cancer and colon cancer cause the highest number of deaths. Radiation therapy is one of the most common forms of therapy in the fight against cancer. In fact, around 50% of people undergo radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. Usually, health professionals adminster radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy. Some researchers have discovered that while treating brain tumors, administering radiation therapy in higher doses but less frequently can be a more effective way of boosting the immune system in the fight against cancer. Furthermore, this way of administering radiation therapy — called hypofractionated therapy — triggers an immunological chain reaction that culminates in the destruction of distant, nonirradiated tumors as well as localized ones. This distant action is called “the abscopal […]
IBS vs. IBD: Differences and Similarities IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are both problems with the digestive tract (gastrointestinal or GI tract), but they are not the same disease. IBS is a functional disorder (a problem with the way the GI tract functions), and IBD is a disease that causes chronic prolonged inflammation of the GI tract, that can lead to ulcers and other problems that may require surgery. The most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, or UC. Researchers do not know the exact cause of either disease, but they believe that IBS may be caused and triggered by a variety of factors (foods, stress, and the nervous system of the GI tract), while IBD may be genetic or due a problem with the immune system.Common symptoms of both diseases are an urgent need to have a bowel movement, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and cramping. There are differences between the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, for example, symptoms unique to IBD are: Fever Joint pain or soreness Skin changes Rectal bleeding Anemia Eye redness or pain Unintentional weight loss Feeling tired Symptoms unique […]
Articles on Breast Cancer How common is breast cancer? Picture of breast cancer Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer of American women, but it can also occur in men. Every year in the U.S., there are over 266,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer. A woman has a risk of one in eight for developing breast cancer at some point during her lifetime. Are there early signs of breast cancer? How do I know if I have breast cancer? There usually are no symptoms or signs of early breast cancer, but sometimes a mass or lump in the breast will be present. Screening mammography first identifies many early breast cancers. Breast cancer screening is important because it can usually identify the cancers at an early stage when treatments are likely to be effective and outcomes are better. What causes breast cancer? Doctors do not fully understand the exact cause of breast cancer, but we know that the risk of breast cancer increases as we age. Other risk factors for breast cancer include a personal or family history of breast cancer and the presence of certain benign conditions in the breast. People who have inherited certain genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2) […]
Vaginitis definition and facts Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal pain or discomfort, itching, discharge, and odor. Pain with urination or during sexual intercourse is also common. Vaginitis may be due to infections or non-infectious causes. Infectious vaginitis may be due to bacteria, fungus, or the parasitic organism known as Trichomonas. Infectious vaginitis should be treated with antibiotics. Vaginitis can also be related to physical or chemical irritation of the vagina. Some infectious causes of vaginitis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but not all vaginal infections are sexually-transmitted. What is vaginitis? Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina that often occurs in combination with inflammation of the vulva, a condition known as vulvovaginitis. Vaginitis is often the result of an infection with yeast, bacteria, or Trichomonas, but it may also arise due to physical or chemical irritation of the area. Not all infections that cause vaginitis are considered sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but some STDs cause vaginitis. Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms Bacterial vaginosis may not cause symptoms or signs for many women, but when they experience them they may include: An abnormal amount of vaginal discharge A discharge that is thin and grayish white, A foul […]
What other medical treatments are available for uterine fibroids? It is important to remember that fibroids only require treatment if they cause bleeding or pain. There are several medical treatments available for fibroids. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) can provide many benefits for women with fibroids. They decrease the amount of uterine bleeding by about 50% and decrease cramping pain during menstruation. They also may also decrease the risk of fibroids. Other medical treatments include the use of drugs that turn off the production of estrogen from the ovaries (GnRH analogs). These medications are given for three to six months. When successful, they can shrink the fibroids by as much as 50%. Mifepristone (RU-486) is an antiprogestin drug that can shrink fibroids to an extent comparable to treatment with the GnRH analogs. This drug, sometimes known as the “morning-after pill,” is also used to terminate early pregnancy. Treatment with mifepristone also reduces the bleeding associated with fibroids, but this treatment can be associated with adverse side effects such as overgrowth (hyperplasia) of the endometrium (uterine lining). Danazol (Danocrine) is an androgenic steroid hormone that has been used to reduce bleeding in women with fibroids, since this drug causes menstruation to […]
Latest Skin News (HealthDay News) — Makeup can be a great way to freshen your look. But if you’re not careful, makeup can irritate your skin and eyes, says Aurora Health Care. It offers these skin-safe makeup guidelines: Toss your mascara after three months and liquid products after six months. Never use makeup that smells or changes in color or texture. Look for face products that include zinc oxide and have a 30 SPF rating or higher. Check the Breast Cancer Fund’s list of chemicals to avoid ingredients with cancer risks. Always take makeup off before you go to bed. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Cosmetic Surgery: Before and After Photos of Cosmetic Surgeries See Slideshow
Latest Senior Health News By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Do you feel like you know why you’re here? The answer to that question could determine how you feel day-to-day. If you’ve found meaning in your life, you’re more likely to be both physically and mentally healthy, a new study reports. On the other hand, people restlessly searching for meaning in their life are more likely to have worse mental well-being, with their struggle to find purpose negatively affecting their mood, social relationships, psychological health, and ability to think and reason. “We found presence of meaning was associated with better physical functioning and better mental functioning,” said senior study author Dr. Dilip Jeste. He is senior associate dean for the Center for Healthy Aging at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. “Many think about the meaning and purpose in life from a philosophical perspective, but meaning in life is associated with better health, wellness and perhaps longevity,” Jeste continued. “Those with meaning in life are happier and healthier than those without it.” This conclusion comes from a three-year study of more than 1,000 people aged 21 and older living in San Diego […]
Latest Senior Health News By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Despite media stories about a “loneliness epidemic” plaguing the elderly, two new studies find that they feel no more lonely than their peers from past generations. The studies — one in the United States, one in the Netherlands — reached the same basic conclusion: Yes, people tend to feel more lonely after age 75 or so. But today’s older adults are no more likely to feel isolated or lacking in companionship than previous generations. In fact, the Dutch study found, older people may now be somewhat less lonely because they tend to have more self-confidence and feelings of control over their lives. Both studies were published in the Dec. 10 issue of the journal Psychology and Aging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28% of older Americans now live alone. Some researchers, and media stories, have suggested that older adults are facing a loneliness “epidemic” due to societal changes like shrinking family sizes, divorce, and less involvement in religious and civic groups. But those societal shifts do not necessarily mean that people actually feel more lonely, said Louise Hawkley, a senior scientist with the University […]
Latest Pregnancy News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Children born through the use of frozen embryo transfer have a slightly increased risk of childhood cancer, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed data from more than 1 million children born in Denmark between 1996 and 2012. They found that the rate of childhood cancer was 44.4 per 100,000 for children born using frozen embryo transfer, compared with 17.5 per 100,000 for children born to fertile women, CNN reported. There wasn’t an increased cancer risk among children born to parents who used other types of assisted reproductive technology such as fertility drugs, IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The study was published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The findings are “interesting and of potential concern, but you have to look at this study in perspective,” Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, a reproductive endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic who was not involved with the study, told CNN. “Fortunately, child cancers are pretty rare,” and parents shouldn’t worry about these findings, he said. “A 2.4 fold increase is clinically significant, but these are very small numbers, and this is based on older data going back to ’96 and some of the things […]
Latest Mental Health News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Know any folks who are just too full of themselves? Rest assured: They’ll probably get over it eventually. That’s because narcissism tends to decline with age, according to what researchers described as the longest study ever of the personality disorder. For the study, a Michigan State University team looked at nearly 750 people to assess how narcissism changed between ages 13 and 70. Their conclusion: Narcissistic qualities — such as an exaggerated sense of self-importance, sensitivity to criticism and forcing your opinions on others — decrease as people get older. Other character traits, such as having high aspirations, increased with age. The study was published Dec. 10 in the journal Psychology and Aging. “There’s a narrative in our culture that generations are getting more and more narcissistic, but no one has ever looked at it throughout generations or how it varies with age at the same time,” said lead author William Chopik, an associate professor of psychology. “There are things that happen in life that can shake people a little bit and force them to adapt their narcissistic qualities,” Chopik said in a university news release. “As you age, […]
Latest Healthy Kids News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Bullied teens are more likely to develop mental health problems, and people with mental health problems are also more likely to become bullies, researchers report. Even though many studies have shown that being bullied can leave mental scars, “no studies to date” have tested the notion that mental health issues might also help drive bullying, explained study author Marine Azevedo Da Silva. She’s a postdoctoral researcher in Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, in New York City. For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 13,200 U.S. youth, aged 12 to 17, and found that: 79% said they’d never bullied others, 11% said they’d bullied others over a year ago, 10% said they’d bullied others in the past year, 16% said they’d bullied others over a month ago, 5% said they’d bullied others in the past month. Youth who said they’d been bullies were more likely to have a moderate to high rate of mental health problems than those who said they hadn’t bullied others. The study also found that teens with moderate to high rates of mental health problems were more likely to bully others, compared to […]
Latest Infectious Disease News By Adam Townsend on 12/11/2019 4:11 PM Source: MedicineNet Health News The deadly Nipah virus may be on the verge of ravaging parts of South and Southeast Asia as doctors, researchers, and epidemiologists met this week in Singapore to figure out what to do about it. Nipah virus, first identified in 1999 among Malaysian pig farmers, has no approved vaccine or cure, and is often deadly to humans. That’s why the international disease prevention organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), met to develop solutions. These health pros are working on a vaccine and other ways to stave off a potential epidemic that could spread person-to-person across the tropics and beyond. “Twenty years have passed since its discovery, but the world is still not adequately equipped to tackle the global health threat posed by Nipah virus,” said CEPI Chief Richard Hatchett in a press release. “This needs to change. Strengthening collaboration and knowledge sharing between Nipah virus experts, industry and key public-health stakeholders is crucial to the development of novel interventions against Nipah.” Fruit bats indigenous throughout equatorial regions and domesticated hogs are the main carriers of the disease, some outbreaks of which have killed […]
Latest Infectious Disease News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The likely source of an E. coli outbreak that has sickened eight people in three states is Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Monday. As of Dec. 9, there have been four cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Minnesota, three in Wisconsin and one in North Dakota. Three people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The illnesses developed between Nov. 5 and Nov. 15, 2019. Consumers should not eat, and restaurants and retailers should not serve Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits with UPC 0 71279 30906 4, beginning with lot code Z, and a best before date up to and including 07DEC19, the FDA said. This notice has also been issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada. This E. coli strain affecting patients in this outbreak is different from the strain of the larger E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from Salinas, Calif., according to the FDA. The agency noted that the romaine lettuce in the affected Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits may have come from the Salinas area, but the romaine […]
Latest Heart News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Heavy pot users are nearly two times more likely to have a heart attack after common types of surgeries as those who don’t use the drug, a new study shows. “While cannabis is often purported as being safe or benign, we don’t fully understand the health implications of this drug, particularly in heavy users,” said study author Dr. Karim Ladha, a clinician-scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “The results of this study make it clear that we need to pay more attention to cannabis users undergoing surgery,” he added in a hospital news release. The findings were culled from an analysis of the medical records of more 4 million U.S. adults who had one of 11 common elective surgeries including knee or hip replacement, gallbladder removal, cesarean section, hysterectomy and hernia repair between 2006 and 2015. There was no difference in overall outcomes between patients who had a marijuana use disorder and those who did not, but in addition to heart risks there was evidence that patients with marijuana use disorders may also be at increased risk for stroke, according to the […]
Latest Heart News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Gary Lucas delights in making intricate wooden decorative pieces in his tidy workshop. He’s particularly talented with his electric scroll saw, using its precision cuts to create crosses, puzzles, plaques and ornaments. To teach others his woodworking skills, Lucas makes videos he posts on YouTube. But his health and ability to maintain his joyful hobbies appeared in jeopardy in November 2017. Lucas felt a little strange after arriving at work one day. Then he had trouble forming words when speaking with a colleague. Half of his face was drooping. His co-worker acted quickly. “Fortunately, she realized what happened. She called 911 right away,” said Lucas, who was rushed to a nearby hospital in Indianapolis. He was having a stroke. Lucas spent two days in intensive care, then about another week at St. Vincent Hospital. Afterward, a stay in a nursing home helped him with further rehabilitation to start walking and talking again. Soon, he had another way of reclaiming his life. Lucas developed a passion for woodworking as a teenager. Over the decades, he became quite a craftsman. “I decided to use my passion to help me recover,” […]
Latest Digestion News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There have been 18 illnesses in six states in a hepatitis A outbreak possibly caused by fresh blackberries from the grocery stores Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Woodman’s Market, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. The illnesses have occurred in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The ill patients reported buying fresh, non-organic blackberries from either Fresh Thyme Farmers Market or Woodman’s Market. The berries came from a distribution center that shipped fresh blackberries to stores in 11 states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Consumers should not eat any fresh, non-organic blackberries, including those frozen for later use, bought between Sept. 9-30, 2019, from Fresh Thyme Farmers Market stores in those 11 states or from Woodman’s Market stores in Wisconsin and Illinois, the FDA said. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Digestive Disorders: Common Misconceptions See Slideshow
Latest Diabetes News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Living with diabetes — especially if you need insulin to survive — is a never-ending job that can be life-threatening if done wrong. That constant daily stress can lead to “diabetes burnout,” a new study says. Diabetics experiencing burnout are mentally and physically exhausted, feeling detached from their condition and apathetic about their need for self-care. Diabetes burnout can last hours or days, and sometimes weeks, months or even years, the researchers said. “Diabetes is unique as a disease because the self-management requires constant activity, mental energy and physical energy,” explained Felicia Hill-Briggs, immediate past president for health care and education for the American Diabetes Association. “You have to take medication, check your blood sugar, cook healthy, eat healthy, make sure you’re getting enough physical activity, and be sure to balance all those things,” said Hill-Briggs, who was not involved with the study. She likened living with diabetes to running in a marathon: Even the best-trained and most elite athletes sometimes collapse at the end of a long race, with nothing left to give. “You reach a point where you can’t do any more until you […]
Latest Chronic Pain News Could CBD Treat Opioid Addiction? Less Pain, More Car Crashes: Legalized Marijuana Hypnotherapy, Alternative to Opioids for Pain? Scientists Spot Unexpected Player in Fibromyalgia 1 in 4 American Workers Struggles With Back Pain Want More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters! (HealthDay News) — Muscle spasms occur when your muscle contracts involuntarily and cannot relax, says Cleveland Clinic. Most commonly, people have muscle spasms in the thighs, calves, foot arches, hands, arms and abdomen. Muscle spasms can range from mild twitches to very painful aches. They can also last from seconds to minutes. Poor stretching, muscle fatigue, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are typical contributors to muscle spasms. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Pictures of the 7 Riskiest Workout Moves, and How to Improve Them See Slideshow
Latest Cancer News WEDNESDAY, Dec. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Some patients in remission from the blood cancer called follicular lymphoma can be considered cured, a new small study suggests. Using DNA sequencing, researchers were able to test the patients’ blood to see if mutations that caused the cancer were still present two years after treatment. If these mutations aren’t found, the patient can be given a clean bill of health, the study authors said. “While follicular lymphoma is not one of the more aggressive types of cancer we treat, the majority of patients continue to experience disease recurrence over many years and have to receive different types of therapy,” explained researcher Dr. Maryam Sarraf Yazdy. She is a hematologist/oncologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, in Washington, D.C. “This disease has been considered incurable, but for some patients who have been disease-free for at least two years after remission, our pilot study gives hope that calling the disease incurable may no longer be accurate,” she said in an American Society of Hematology news release. Follicular lymphoma makes up about one-third of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. About 20,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the United States each year. The 68 […]
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a name for a group of cancers that start in certain types of white blood cell. According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is among the most common forms of cancer in the United States, making up around 4% of all cancer cases in the country. It can develop at any age and is common in children and young adults. The risk, however, increases as a person ages, and more than half of those with the disease are 65 or older when they receive the diagnosis. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in males — about 1 in 42 develop it, while the disease occurs in about 1 in 54 females. This article explains what non-Hodgkin lymphoma is and outlines the types, symptoms, and treatment options. It also looks at the latest statistics regarding prognosis and outlook. Share on PinterestNon-Hodgkin lymphoma makes up around 4% of all cancer cases in the U.S. Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin are the two main types of lymphoma. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are a part of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. As well as contributing to the fight against […]
Some people who use hormonal birth control, such as the pill, the patch, or hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), report experiencing depression as a side effect. Research on the topic has mixed results, so the precise link between depressive symptoms and birth control remains unclear. A 2016 analysis suggested a link between the use of hormonal birth control and later antidepressants use. However, other studies contradict or undermine these findings. In this article, learn more about the link between depression and birth control, as well as what to do about some possible side effects that can be dangerous. Share on PinterestA person using birth control may experience mood changes. Birth control that uses synthetic hormones could influence a person’s mood, potentially triggering depression or other mental health symptoms. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They affect many processes in the body, including mood, health, and how a person thinks. Message boards, blogs, and popular articles commonly feature stories of people who developed depression after taking birth control. However, depression is common, affecting 7.1% of all adults in the United States, including 8.7% of females. A person who develops depression during or after using birth control may experience symptoms for reasons other […]
Acupressure is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that may help ease some symptoms of health issues, including insomnia. Acupressure is a relatively new subject of scientific research. However, a handful of studies suggest that it may be a safe way to get more or better sleep. To use a pressure point, apply gentle but firm pressure with the hand, fingers, fist, or a massager. Some people incorporate acupressure into a soothing massage. Try using other sleep strategies, too, such as darkening the room, playing soothing music, using relaxing lotions, or meditating before bed. The following acupressure points may help with sleep. A person could try each individually or together as part of a routine. Share on Pinterest In acupressure and acupuncture, An Mian are traditional points for treating insomnia. Some practitioners also use these points to reduce anxiety, vertigo, and headaches. The An Mian points are on either side of the neck. To find them, place a finger behind each earlobe, and move the fingers just behind the bony protrusion. Light pressure is sufficient. While some research has found that using these points in combination with others may help treat insomnia caused by depression, further investigation is necessary. Share […]
For years, people have associated marijuana with recreational use and “getting high.” Though many people may talk about the effects of marijuana, it is important to understand that different people may have very varied reactions to marijuana use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the “most commonly used illicit drug” in the United States. In fact, a 2015 drug abuse and use survey stated that over 22 million people used marijuana in a single month. Keep reading for more information on what it feels like to be high on marijuana, what causes it, and the factors that can affect how a person may respond to marijuana in its various forms. Share on PinterestMarijuana use can produce sensations of relaxation and euphoria. Marijuana contains hundreds of compounds. Scientists and researchers are particularly interested in two of these chemical compounds: cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC produces the high when a person smokes, ingests, or vapes it. It enters the bloodstream and makes its way to the brain. It then attaches to receptors in the brain, which causes the high to occur in most people. THC also slows down communication between the brain and rest of the body, […]
Depression is a widespread mental health condition. Pregnant women have a higher risk of depression due to increased stress, physical health changes, chemical changes in the body, and other factors. While estimates vary, a 2016 analysis suggests that between 7% and upwards of 20% of pregnant women around the world have depression. The actual rate could be higher, since some women may be reluctant to seek help. Depression during pregnancy can have emotional, health, relationship, and financial effects. Some people know this condition as prenatal depression. However, the American Psychiatric Association no longer use this term. Instead, they use the term major depressive disorder with peripartum onset. Depression during pregnancy is treatable. In this article, learn more about the symptoms of depression during pregnancy, as well as the treatment options and when to see a doctor. Share on PinterestA person with depression may have feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. It is normal to feel a mix of emotions during pregnancy and about being pregnant. While a person with depression may feel sad, sadness is just one of many depression symptoms. Some other signs include: new or worsening feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness not enjoying activities that were once fun […]
Asexuality describes a lack of sexual attraction. Asexual people may experience romantic attraction, but they do not feel the urge to act on these feelings sexually. Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like being gay or straight. It is different from celibacy or abstinence. Asexuality exists on a spectrum, with much diversity in people’s experiences and desires for relationships, attraction, and arousal. An estimated 1% of the population is asexual, though experts believe the numbers could be higher. This article looks at what asexuality is, what it is not, and some of the spectrums that people may identify with. Share on PinterestThe experience of being asexual varies among people. Asexuality is a sexual orientation, just like homosexuality, bisexuality, and heterosexuality. Asexual people are sometimes known as ace or aces for short. According to The Trevor Project, asexual is an umbrella term that exists on a spectrum. It describes a variety of ways in which a person might identify. While most asexual people have little interest in having sex, they may experience romantic attraction. Others may not. Asexual people have the same emotional needs as everyone else. Most will desire and form emotionally intimate relationships with other people. Asexual people may be […]
People can contract and transmit sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through several types of sexual contact. Doctors more commonly use the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although vaginal-penile sex is one of the most common means of STI transmission, people can contract them through anal sex, oral sex, and, in rare cases, heavy petting. STIs are very common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that in 2018, there were more than 2 million cases of STIs. Some people may not experience more than mild symptoms. They may not even know that they have an STI. Sexually active adults should undergo regular testing for STIs to prevent spreading them. The more a person knows about STIs, the better prepared they are for prevention. In this article, learn more about some common STIs, including transmission, testing procedures, and treatment options. Share on PinterestSeveral types of sexual contact can transmit an STI. Unlike some other conditions, a person’s sex, ethnicity, or age do not affect the likelihood that they will contract an STI. Since STIs occur due to sexual contact with others, anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting an STI. Some common STIs include: Different STIs have […]
People who play sports appear to have an enhanced ability to process sounds from their environment, according to new research. Share on PinterestAthletes’ brains may be better at processing the sensory environment, new research suggests. Scientists at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, measured brain activity relating to sound processing in athletes and nonathletes. They found that due to a stronger ability to lessen the background electrical noise in their brains, the athletes were better at processing signals from external sounds. The team reports the findings in a recent paper in the journal Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. “No one would argue against the fact that sports lead to better physical fitness, but we don’t always think of brain fitness and sports,” says senior study author Nina Kraus, a professor of communication sciences and neurobiology at Northwestern University and director of its Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory. “We’re saying,” she continues, “that playing sports can tune the brain to better understand one’s sensory environment.” For the study, Prof. Kraus and colleagues measured brain activity related to sound processing. They used a measure called the frequency-following response (FFR). Differences in sound processing To measure a person’s FFRs, the researcher places electrodes on their scalp […]
Companies in the United States that had been selling products derived from umbilical cord blood — usually involving stem cells — without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have now received urgent warnings from the agency. Share on PinterestThe FDA have sent urgent warnings to several companies. The FDA have issued warnings to several companies that had been selling medical products derived from umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood is a great source of stem cells. These are unspecialized cells that have the ability to transform into virtually any type of cell. For this reason, stem cell therapy is becoming increasingly sought after for the treatment of all sorts of conditions and physical injuries. This is despite the fact that research into this form of therapy is still in its early stages in many ways. This is also why the FDA have issued detailed and strict regulations regarding which products derived from umbilical cord blood can receive approval to be sold to medical professionals and their patients, as well as under what conditions. Recently, however, the FDA identified several companies that were selling umbilical cord-derived products without their approval. What is more, many of these companies appeared not […]
Latest Neurology News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The man who inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge that raised awareness about the neurodegenerative disease ALS has died. Peter Frates was 34. His death was confirmed by his family on Monday, NBC News reported. Frates was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. He helped create the Ice Bucket Challenge, a social media sensation in which people shared videos of themselves being drenched by buckets of ice water and asking for donations to the ALS Association. The association says the challenge raised more than $200 million worldwide, NBC News reported. Frates, a former Boston College basketball player, never complained about his ALS and instead viewed it as an opportunity, according to his family. “A natural born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete was a role model for all, especially young athletes, who looked up to him for his bravery and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity,” his family said in a statement. “He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others.” More than 17 million people participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, resulting in 2.5 million donors to ALS […]
Latest Skin News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Makeup is a daily staple for most women, but new research finds that 9 of 10 beauty products may harbor superbugs after they’re opened. Beauty blenders (sponges used to apply foundation or other products to the face), mascara and lip gloss get contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as E. coli and staph because most aren’t cleaned and are used long past their expiration dates, according to British researchers. “Consumers’ poor hygiene practices when it comes to using makeup, especially beauty blenders, is very worrying when you consider that we found bacteria such as E. coli — which is linked with fecal contamination — breeding on the products we tested,” said study co-leader Amreen Bashir, from the School of Life and Health Sciences at Aston University in Birmingham, England. “More needs to be done to help educate consumers and the makeup industry as a whole about the need to wash beauty blenders regularly and dry them thoroughly, as well as the risks of using makeup beyond its expiry date,” she added in a university news release. Bashir’s team found that 90% of the makeup products it analyzed contained bacteria that can […]
Latest Prevention & Wellness News You eat right and exercise to extend your lifespan, but the time you spend in green spaces may also help you live longer. Having increased greenness in your surroundings is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, according to a recent study published in the journal, The Lancet Planetary Health. Researchers from Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and Colorado State University conducted a meta-analysis of studies using a metric called the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). NDVI quantifies the amount of vegetation in an area by measuring the difference between how plant life reflects near-infrared wavelengths and absorbs red light wavelengths, according to NASA. The research team found that for every 0.1 increment increase in NDVI within 500 meters of an individual’s home, premature mortality was reduced by 4%. The researchers noted that green spaces are correlated with improvements in mental health, immune function, and metabolism. Green spaces are also associated with better pregnancy outcomes and reductions in cardiovascular disease. How do green spaces work their magic? Green surroundings help us reduce stress and connect with others, according to the study. They offer a haven from traffic noise, better air quality, cooler temps, […]
Latest Pregnancy News MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Smoking pot regularly during pregnancy won’t do your baby any favors, researchers warn. They studied sonograms from nearly 450 pregnant women who said they used marijuana daily. The researchers concluded that daily use of the drug is associated with delayed fetal growth, which may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy, delivery and afterbirth. Those problems can include low birth weight, low resistance to infection, decreased oxygen levels, low blood sugar, and even stillbirth, according to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) researchers. “Recent data from JAMA [Journal of the American Medical Association] indicates that marijuana use in pregnancy has doubled over the last 15 years, and what’s more alarming is that 70% of women believe there is minimal or no harm from using marijuana in pregnancy,” said study lead author Dr. Bobby Brar, a resident physician at UNLV. “Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that fetal marijuana exposure may not be as safe as people think,” Brar added in a university news release. The study was published recently in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. Chemical compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — which are […]
What are the forms sources of mercury? Forms of mercury. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in three chemical forms. They each have specific effects on human health. Methylmercury Elemental mercury Other mercury compounds (inorganic and organic) Sources of mercury. Mercury is an element in the earth’s crust. Humans cannot create or destroy mercury. Pure mercury is a liquid metal, sometimes referred to as quicksilver that volatizes readily. It has traditionally been used to make products like thermometers, switches, and some light bulbs. Mercury is found in many rocks including coal. When coal is burned, mercury is released into the environment. Coal-burning power plants are the largest human-caused source of mercury emissions to the air in the United States, accounting for over 40 percent of all domestic human-caused mercury emissions. EPA has estimated that about one quarter of U.S. emissions from coal-burning power plants are deposited within the contiguous U.S. and the remainder enters the global cycle. Burning hazardous wastes, producing chlorine, breaking mercury products, and spilling mercury, as well as the improper treatment and disposal of products or wastes containing mercury, can also release it into the environment. Current […]
Latest Migraine News TUESDAY, Dec. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A cheap, century-old drug in most Americans’ medicine cabinets — aspirin — may come to the rescue for people suffering from migraines, a new study finds. While there are effective prescription medications, many migraine patients in the United States don’t have access to them due to limited access to doctors or good insurance, or high insurance co-pays, said researchers at Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton. Aspirin might often be a viable option for these patients, said the research team, who reviewed 13 studies of migraine treatment involving more than 4,200 patients. The investigators also looked at data on the prevention of recurrent migraine in tens of thousands of patients. The results suggest that giving a high dose of aspirin — 900 to 1,300 milligrams (mg) — when migraine symptoms set in is an effective and safe treatment for acute migraine. There’s also evidence that daily aspirin doses of 81 to 325 mg may be an effective and safe treatment for prevention of recurrent migraine, the team said. The standard “low-dose” aspirin pill, taken by millions of Americans to help lower heart risks, contains 81 mg. The bottom line: “Our […]
Latest Healthy Kids News (HealthDay News) — Pediatricians are specially trained to treat children from birth through adolescence and into the patient’s young adult years, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. To find a qualified pediatrician for your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthChildren.org can supply names of board-certified physicians in your area. Local medical societies and hospitals can also provide the names of doctors nearby. After creating a list of doctors, call the office of each. Ask about the doctor’s background and general office procedures. The AAFP also encourages you to create a list of key questions to ask the doctor before your child’s first appointment. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Childhood Diseases: Measles, Mumps, & More See Slideshow
Latest Healthy Kids News By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Childhood obesity may be linked to changes in brain structure that might result in impulsive kids who struggle with problem-solving, a new study reports. Overweight and obese children tend to have a thinner prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain associated with decision-making and problem-solving. These same kids performed more poorly on games designed to evaluate those skills, said lead researcher Jennifer Laurent. She is an associate professor with the University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences, in Burlington. “With escalating levels of BMI [body mass index], there was reduction in all of the cortical areas but specifically in the prefrontal cortex,” Laurent said. “In that situation, these kids had a poorer working memory. Working memory is what you use to make decisions.” There are 13.7 million children and teens in the United States who are obese, and another 12 million are overweight, the researchers said in background notes. Previous studies have associated childhood obesity with early risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, Laurent added. She and her colleagues wondered if obesity then might have some effect on the developing brain, […]
Latest Healthy Kids News By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many American kids aren’t vaccinated against measles before they travel overseas to areas where the disease is endemic, a new study finds. Nearly 60% of these children hadn’t received the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccination before going abroad. This year, the more than 1,200 cases of measles reported in the United States were largely the result of people returning from trips abroad and bringing the virus back with them. “Providers should consider MMR vaccination for eligible children who will be traveling internationally, which includes destinations such as Europe,” said lead researcher Dr. Emily Hyle. She is a clinician and investigator in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “Parents and guardians should ask their pediatrician about MMR vaccination before international travel,” Hyle added. Although children traveling overseas make up only 10% of all international travelers, they account for almost 50% of all measles cases brought to the United States over the past 10 years, Hyle said. Measles is on the rise again globally, with more measles cases reported in 2019 than in 2018, according to the World Health Organization, she said. Also, WHO […]
Latest Infectious Disease News MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The risk of new superbugs that pose a threat to human health and food crops is much higher than previously thought, new genetic research shows. There’s been an uptick in the number of laboratory studies showing how just one mutation could create highly infectious or “hypervirulent” strains of disease-causing bacteria, fungi and water molds. These include microbes that cause human diseases such as tuberculosis and salmonellosis, as well as diseases of fruit, vegetables and cereals, according to the team that manages the world’s only specialist database on the disease-causing genes of microbes. The number of hypervirulence genes catalogued rose from 112 in 2015 to a current total of 475, according to scientists from Rothamsted Research in the U.K. Hypervirulence now accounts for almost 5% of database entries and is especially common in bacteria, according to the report published recently in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. “The increasing number of hypervirulent interactions indicates that scientists have identified many new factors occurring during infection. These genes need close monitoring if we are to halt the emergence and spread of severe disease outbreaks,” geneticist Kim Hammond-Kosack, who oversees the database, said in […]
Latest Heart News MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Don’t take Keith Shocklee’s word for it when he says he didn’t look like someone about to have a heart attack. Check his photos from last year and you’ll find a producer who looks lean, strong and maybe a decade younger than his actual age. Or watch the Facebook video selfie of him joyfully skating at a roller disco party in mid-December. And of course, in 2013 you could see him looking like the definition of power itself, raising a fist onstage while the groundbreaking rap group he helped found, Public Enemy, blasts the celebrity-packed room welcoming them to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But a video on Facebook from Dec. 22, 2018, tells a different story. Shocklee, just shy of turning 57, is lying in a hospital bed and explaining that when he felt an odd pain in his chest, “I was actually having a heart attack.” And fittingly for a founding member of one of the most action-oriented acts in music history, he wants to turn it into a teachable moment. His message: This could happen to you. Hours before he made the video, […]
Latest Diabetes News By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Skyrocketing prices and insurance limits are driving many people with diabetes to seek medications and supplies from an underground supply chain, a new study found. “The cost of insulin, which is required in type 1 diabetes and a subset of type 2 diabetes, has increased substantially over the last decade. As the price of insulin rises and insurance premiums and deductibles go up, too, the situation has become untenable,” said the study’s lead author, Michelle Litchman. She is a nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing, in Salt Lake City. Litchman explained that if people who need insulin ration it or stop using it, they can end up in the hospital and even risk dying. “People with diabetes want to stay healthy and because of that, they’re going to this extreme of seeking out insulin and diabetes supplies through nontraditional sources,” she added. Litchman noted that people seem to be aware that there are risks involved in getting medication and supplies from family, friends or online sources. But there’s also a risk in not taking medications like insulin, which are […]
Latest Depression News MONDAY, Dec. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Depression is common among lung cancer patients and can damage their quality of life and treatment outcomes, a new study indicates. The findings suggest that doctors should screen lung cancer patients for depression and refer them for mental health care if necessary, said lead author Barbara Andersen, a professor of psychology at Ohio State University in Columbus. “Depression is just part of what these patients are dealing with. It comes with this whole package of worse functioning, more physical symptoms, stress, anxiety and more,” Andersen said. “All of these can have negative effects on treatment, overall health, quality of life and disease progression.” The study included 186 patients recently diagnosed with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases. About one-third had either severe depression (8%) or moderate depression (28%). Those with severe depression had high levels of hopelessness: 93% said they found it hard to work, take care of things at home and get along with other people, and one-third had considered suicide. The patients with severe depression also had extreme levels of cancer-related stress and were the least confident that treatment would […]
Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean What do cholesterol numbers mean? LDL, HDL, good, bad, and triglycerides – Get the facts on cholesterol, blood testing, medications, and how to keep your cholesterol in check. Read more: Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean