Each of us can help stop the spread of COVID-19 disease by washing our hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds – especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)… Continue reading COVID-19: How to Safely Use Hand Sanitizer
Author: Jane Farrell
COVID-19: Update on Search for New Tests
One of the top concerns in the COVID-19 pandemic has been getting enough tests for people who may have the illness. The federal Food and Drug Administration said it has worked with 270 test developers who are going to submit emergency use authorizations (EUA) requests to the FDA. In a news release the FDA said… Continue reading COVID-19: Update on Search for New Tests
COVID-19: What People with High Blood Pressure Need to Know
Most people have concerns about staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure — a reading above 130/80 — may face an increased risk for severe complications if they get the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With nearly half of Americans… Continue reading COVID-19: What People with High Blood Pressure Need to Know
COVID-19: Beware of Fake Tests, Vaccines and Treatments
While many Americans are sheltering at home to help “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), they might be tempted to buy or use questionable products that claim to help diagnose, treat, cure, and even prevent COVID-19. Because COVID-19 has never been seen in humans before, there are currently no vaccines… Continue reading COVID-19: Beware of Fake Tests, Vaccines and Treatments
Dry Skin Relief from COVID-19 Handwashing
Has frequent handwashing left you with dry, cracked skin? With these tips from dermatologists you can continue to wash your hands to fend off COVID-19 (coronavirus) and heal dry skin. Here’s what dermatologists recommend: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in lukewarm water. Use soap, and wash every part of your hands, including… Continue reading Dry Skin Relief from COVID-19 Handwashing
A Doctor’s Belief May Influence A Patient’s Response
How your health care provider interacts with you is important. Their style can shape how you feel about your treatment. A new study found that people experienced less pain when the treatment provider expected a pain reliever to work. This may have been due, in part, to the provider’s facial expressions. The findings were published… Continue reading A Doctor’s Belief May Influence A Patient’s Response
Immunotherapy Better than Chemotherapy for Some Kids with Leukemia
Researchers have found that treatment with an immunotherapy drug is superior to standard chemotherapy for children with leukemia that has relapsed. The findings, based on a clinical trial, focused on the immunotherapy drug blinatumomab. Subjects in the trial were children and young adults with high- or intermediate-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) that has relapsed.… Continue reading Immunotherapy Better than Chemotherapy for Some Kids with Leukemia
The Warning Signs that Diabetes Leaves on Your Skin
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin. When diabetes affects the skin, it’s often a sign that your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. This could mean that you have undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes; or your diabetes treatment needs to be adjusted. If… Continue reading The Warning Signs that Diabetes Leaves on Your Skin
What You Need to Know about Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common problem caused by noise, aging, disease, and heredity. People with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms. According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately one in… Continue reading What You Need to Know about Hearing Loss
The Coronavirus Pandemic: An Update
Officials of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that spread of the novel (new) coronavirus 19 could have a “significant effect” on “daily life” in the United States. The virus, also known as COV-19, originated in Wuhan, China and has since spread to 37 international locations, the CDC said on its website.… Continue reading The Coronavirus Pandemic: An Update
Tobacco Smoke from A Hookah Ups the Danger of Blood Clots
For the first time, in a study conducted in mice, researchers found that tobacco smoke from a hookah caused blood to function abnormally and be more likely to clot and quickly form blood clots, which can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The research was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Arteriosclerosis,… Continue reading Tobacco Smoke from A Hookah Ups the Danger of Blood Clots
Talking with Your Doctor about Pain
Although pain is common, many people have a hard time describing it exactly to their doctor or nurse. But according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), considering these questions and issues about pain can help you and your health care practitioner have the best possible treatment: These include: Where does it hurt? When did… Continue reading Talking with Your Doctor about Pain
Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Depression is a real illness. Treatment can help you live to the fullest extent possible, even when you have another sickness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s common to feel sad or discouraged after a heart attack, a cancer diagnosis, or if you are trying to manage a chronic condition like pain.… Continue reading Chronic Illness and Mental Health