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Fever

Fever

When should someone seek medical care for a fever? A fever over 104 F/40 C in children and adults is considered dangerous. Seek medical attention immediately. Any child below 3 months of age who has a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or greater should be seen by a physician. If a child or adult […]

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benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

What is benzonatate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benzonatate is a medication taken orally to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. Benzonatate begins to […]

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montelukast, Singulair

montelukast, Singulair

What is montelukast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Leukotrienes are a group of naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote inflammation in asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis and in other […]

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Scientists Find 5 New Genes That Sway Alzheimer’s Risk

Scientists Find 5 New Genes That Sway Alzheimer’s Risk

Latest Alzheimer’s News FRIDAY, March 1, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The largest study to date of the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s has uncovered five new gene mutations that make people more vulnerable to the memory-robbing disease. The international team of scientists analyzed the DNA of more than 94,000 people collected by the four groups that […]

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The key to weight loss: ‘Log often, lose more’

The key to weight loss: ‘Log often, lose more’

Many people consider logging everything that they eat to be a tedious task. However, this effective weight-loss technique takes much less time than most people think, according to a recent study. Tracking what you eat more regularly appears to increase weight loss. Obesity is now a common health issue. According to the Centers for Disease […]

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Munchies: Does cannabis really increase desire for junk food?

Munchies: Does cannabis really increase desire for junk food?

A recent study shows that one of the stereotypical behaviors that people associate with consuming marijuana may have a firm basis in truth — legalizing cannabis produces a spike in junk food sales. A recent study finds strong evidence for the ‘munchies’ phenomenon. In the United States, marijuana laws have changed immeasurably over recent years. […]

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Has fast food become worse for our health in the past 30 years?

Has fast food become worse for our health in the past 30 years?

Filled with empty calories and ultra-processed, fast food may increase the risk of obesity and cancer. While fast-food chains have ostensibly been trying to offer more healthful options, a new study finds that the health impact of their menus has not improved — to the contrary, in fact. Fast food may now be worse for […]

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Health benefits of BCAAs

Health benefits of BCAAs

Supplements containing BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, are popular with bodybuilders and athletes for boosting muscle growth and performance. Limited research suggests that BCAAs may also have some other health benefits. BCAAs are essential amino acids. The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The body uses amino acids to make proteins, which are the […]

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What are mania and hypomania?

What are mania and hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are periods where a person feels elated, very active, and full of energy. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. Mania and hypomania both involve periods when the individual feels excited or experiences an energized mood. They differ in how severe these mood changes are: Mania is a severe episode that may […]

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What counts as bipolar disorder?

What counts as bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes a person to experience episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. People who suspect that they have bipolar disorder should see a doctor, who will perform several tests and may refer them to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further assessment. Diagnosing bipolar disorder is difficult, as no single test can tell whether […]