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Thyroid Blood Tests

Thyroid Blood Tests

What are thyroid hormones? What does the thyroid look like? The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for normal body metabolism. Blood testing is now commonly available to determine the adequacy of the levels of thyroid hormones. These blood tests can define whether the thyroid gland’s hormone production is normal, overactive, or underactive. The […]

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Can people with diabetes eat potatoes?

Can people with diabetes eat potatoes?

People with diabetes need to be aware of their carbohydrate intake. Although potatoes are a starchy vegetable, it is still possible for a person with diabetes to enjoy them as part of a healthful diet. When a person eats, the body converts the carbohydrates and sugars into a simple sugar called glucose, which enters the […]

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What to know about steroids for COPD

What to know about steroids for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of conditions that affect how well a person breathes. Doctors usually treat the condition with bronchodilators but may also prescribe steroids. Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include cigarette smoking or exposure to irritants, such as chemicals or pollution. These factors can damage the air sacs […]

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Rheumatoid arthritis and CRP levels: What do they mean?

Rheumatoid arthritis and CRP levels: What do they mean?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joints. Measuring the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood can help determine the extent of this inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack healthy tissues in joints. This triggers inflammation, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Blood tests can help […]

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Should you fast before a cholesterol test?

Should you fast before a cholesterol test?

A doctor may instruct a person to fast before taking a cholesterol test. This was once standard practice, but new studies are changing this recommendation. A cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in a person’s blood. Cholesterol is a fat-like material that is present in all of the body’s cells. The body […]

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How does stress affect the brain?

How does stress affect the brain?

Regular exposure to stress can impact our physical and mental health, but how does it actually affect our brains? One new Harvard Medical School study answers that question. According to new research, high levels of stress hormones can impact how well the brain functions. Stress — especially when we experience it on a regular basis […]

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Lung Cancer Risk Tied to Common Blood Pressure Drug

Lung Cancer Risk Tied to Common Blood Pressure Drug

By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest High Blood Pressure News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Millions of Americans take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to lower their blood pressure, but a new study suggests they might also increase their odds of developing lung cancer. Among people taking these drugs for more than five years, the […]

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Price of Cholesterol Drug Repatha Cut by 60 Percent

Price of Cholesterol Drug Repatha Cut by 60 Percent

The price of the cholesterol drug Repatha has been cut by 60 percent, from about $14,000 to $5,850 per year, maker Amgen Inc. said Wednesday. Latest Cholesterol News The price reduction will be especially helpful for Medicare beneficiaries, according to Amgen CEO Robert Bradway. Many now have out-of-pocket costs of $370 per month, but that […]

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Don’t Blame Just Air Pollution for Asthma in Kids

Don’t Blame Just Air Pollution for Asthma in Kids

Latest Asthma News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Children with asthma who live in areas with dirty air require emergency medical care more often than those with less exposure to air pollution, a new study finds. The Columbia University study included nearly 200 children with asthma in New York City, ages 7 to […]