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Is insomnia genetic?

Is insomnia genetic?

Studies into the heritability of insomnia go back over half a century. Recent research points the finger at hundreds of genes, yet they can only explain part of the risk. How much do our genes contribute to our risk of developing insomnia? If insomnia affects you, there is a good chance that members of your […]

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How does your brain make sense of ‘the bigger picture?’

How does your brain make sense of ‘the bigger picture?’

Our brains recognize patterns and can “distance” themselves from the details in order to see “the bigger picture.” Researchers are now striving to find out how, exactly, the brain is able to gain perspective. We are yet to learn exactly how our brains establish complex connections. The human brain is a complex piece of machinery, […]

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loratadine, Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children’s Claritin

What is loratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs and symptoms of an allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have […]

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Do Long Doctor Shifts Hurt Patients? Study Says No

Do Long Doctor Shifts Hurt Patients? Study Says No

By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Sleep News WEDNESDAY, March 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Despite years of worry over young doctors’ grueling work hours, a new study finds that longer shifts do not jeopardize patients’ safety. The trial is one of two recent efforts to test an assumption about doctors’ work hours — that shorter […]

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Health Tip: Prevent ACL Tears

Health Tip: Prevent ACL Tears

(HealthDay News) — Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are nightmares for athletes. Depending on the severity of the tear, patients can expect surgery followed by more than a year of physical therapy. Latest Prevention & Wellness News Most commonly, ACL tears are the result of sudden twisting motions, MedlinePlus says. Though the injury is hard […]

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Which Misused Prescription Meds Send Americans to the ER?

Which Misused Prescription Meds Send Americans to the ER?

By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Prevention & Wellness News WEDNESDAY, March 6, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Most folks treated in a U.S. emergency room for misuse of prescription medications get into trouble because they mix different substances, a new study reports. Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are most commonly implicated in health crises […]

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phenytoin (Dilantin)

phenytoin (Dilantin)

What is Dilantin? Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Why is Dilantin prescribed to patients? Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used for preventing or treating generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures), and seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. It may be used alone or […]

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methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin, Daytrana)

methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin, Daytrana)

What is methylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental […]

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Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

What tests do doctors use to diagnose pancreatic cancer? Most people do not need to be screened for pancreatic cancer, and the tests available for screening frequently are complex, risky, expensive, or insensitive in the early phases of the cancer. Those who may qualify usually have a set of factors that increase the risk for […]