When you take medicine, your expectation about how well it will work can affect how much relief you get from your symptoms. This is called the placebo effect. It can even make a treatment that has no biological effect feel like it works because you think it will. And a health care provider’s style interacting… Continue reading Doctors’ Attitude toward A Treatment May Influence Patients’ Reaction to It
Author: Jane Farrell
“Hair Vitamin” Has Health Risks
Many dietary supplements promoted for hair, skin, and nail benefits contain levels of biotin (also known as vitamin B7) up to 650 times the recommended daily intake. Physicians may also recommend high levels of biotin for patients with certain conditions such as multiple sclerosis. But biotin levels higher than the recommended daily allowance may cause… Continue reading “Hair Vitamin” Has Health Risks
7 Tips to Begin Your Downsizing Journey
Some parents spend years imagining what life will be like when their last child leaves home. But when it happens, they often need some help figuring out how to make that new existence come to life when the family home suddenly seems emptier and bigger but they aren’t ready to let go of the memories,… Continue reading 7 Tips to Begin Your Downsizing Journey
Bacteria in Saliva May Be Linked to Heart Disease
Bacteria in the saliva of people with clogged arteries appears to be different from that of healthy people, according to a small study. The finding could open the door for new strategies to fight heart disease. The preliminary research, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, comes in the wake of past research showing… Continue reading Bacteria in Saliva May Be Linked to Heart Disease
17 Percent of Food-Allergic Children also Have Sesame Allergy
Investigators at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)have found that sesame allergy is common among children with other food allergies, occurring in an estimated 17% of this population. In addition, the scientists have found that sesame antibody testing—whose utility has been controversial—accurately predicts whether a child with food allergy is allergic to sesame. The research… Continue reading 17 Percent of Food-Allergic Children also Have Sesame Allergy
Expert Advice on Keeping Skin Healthy
Board-certified dermatologists are experts when it comes to the skin, hair and nails, diagnosing and treating more than 3,000 diseases and conditions, including skin cancer, acne, psoriasis and eczema. They also help patients address their cosmetic concerns, such as tattoo removal, scarring, and aging skin. But do you ever wonder what skin care tips dermatologists… Continue reading Expert Advice on Keeping Skin Healthy
Some Medicines and Driving Don’t Mix
If you’re taking a medication, is it safe to drive? Most likely, yes. Still, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises you to make sure before operating any type of vehicle, whether a car, bus, train, plane, or boat. Although most medications won’t affect your ability to drive, some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs… Continue reading Some Medicines and Driving Don’t Mix
Men with Breast Cancer Need More Treatment Options
Although breast cancer is a disease usually associated with women, men can get it too. Because male breast cancer is rare, there is very limited information on how to treat men diagnosed with the disease. “In the absence of better information to guide us, we tend to treat men with breast cancer the same way… Continue reading Men with Breast Cancer Need More Treatment Options
Researchers See Stroke and Heart Disease Risk in Young Marijuana Users
Although marijuana use, whether for medical or recreational use, is legal in an increasing number of states, it is not without its drawbacks, according to two new studies. Researchers found that frequent marijuana use among young people was linked to an increased risk of stroke and people diagnosed with cannabis use disorder were more likely… Continue reading Researchers See Stroke and Heart Disease Risk in Young Marijuana Users
Are You at High Risk for Flu and Its Complications?
Most people who get sick with flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of… Continue reading Are You at High Risk for Flu and Its Complications?
Racial Inequities Uncovered in Hospital Admissions for Heart Failure
Skin color too often determines the quality of cardiovascular health care a patient receives, researchers say. People who are black or of Latin American descent with the condition of heart failure are less likely to be admitted to specialized cardiology units, a disparity that may help explain long-known racial differences in heart failure outcomes, according… Continue reading Racial Inequities Uncovered in Hospital Admissions for Heart Failure
Pregnant? Better Skip the Pain Reliever Acetaminophen
A study funded by the National Institute of Health suggests that exposure to acetaminophen in the womb may increase a child’s risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, suggests a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, according to an NIH news release.… Continue reading Pregnant? Better Skip the Pain Reliever Acetaminophen
Expert Advice on Assisted Living
Here, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, are some helpful resources if you or a loved one are trying to find out more about assisted living. Assisted living is for adults who need help with everyday tasks. They may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, or using the bathroom, but they don’t need full-time… Continue reading Expert Advice on Assisted Living
How to Safely Use Glucose Meters and Test Strips for Diabetes
Using a glucose meter to check and monitor blood sugar is a daily part of life for millions of Americans with diabetes. Glucose meters and test strips are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency has some advice for consumers: Test strips are part of many tests for home… Continue reading How to Safely Use Glucose Meters and Test Strips for Diabetes
Don’t Sweat It: Help for Hyperhidrosis
At least 15 million people in the U.S. experience diminished quality of life due to excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis. Many treatments are available, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and yet half of people with the condition delay treatment for 10 years or more. “We all sweat to some degree,” says board-certified… Continue reading Don’t Sweat It: Help for Hyperhidrosis
Rejected and Unfilled Prescriptions for New, Pricier Cholesterol Drugs Tied to Higher Heart, Stroke Risk
Patients appear to be at higher risk of heart problems or stroke when prescriptions for the newest cholesterol-lowering drugs are rejected by insurance companies or unfilled by patients, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal. The drugs, PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), can substantially lower levels of low-density lipoprotein… Continue reading Rejected and Unfilled Prescriptions for New, Pricier Cholesterol Drugs Tied to Higher Heart, Stroke Risk
5 Tips for Dealing with Adult Braces
It is becoming common amongst adults to wear braces to fix misaligned and crooked teeth. However, it may not be an easy change, especially in the beginning. You need to follow the right practices like dental hygiene care while you have braces, eat the right foods and visit your orthodontist regularly. Even after your orthodontic… Continue reading 5 Tips for Dealing with Adult Braces
How to Keep Your Food Safe – And Avoid Wasting It
Between the food industry and consumers, Americans are throwing out about a third of our food — about $161 billion worth each year. “Imagine this: You go to your favorite supermarket and come out with three bags full of groceries. Before you get in your car, you toss one of those bags in the garbage.… Continue reading How to Keep Your Food Safe – And Avoid Wasting It