Covid-19 and Epilepsy

People who have a COVID-19 infection are more likely to develop seizures or epilepsy within the six months following infection than are people who have an influenza infection, according to a study published in the online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The increased risk was more noticeable… Continue reading Covid-19 and Epilepsy

Germ Warfare: How to Win It

With the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hear a lot about disinfecting and sanitizing. Here, from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are the basics we need to know to keep healthy., Where are germs found? Germs are a part of everyday life. Some of them… Continue reading Germ Warfare: How to Win It

Vaccines, Infections and Alzheimer’s

Flu (influenza) and pneumonia vaccinations are associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research reported this month at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2020. According to a news release from the Alzheimer’s Association, three research studies reported at AAIC 2020 suggest: At least one flu vaccination was associated with a 17%… Continue reading Vaccines, Infections and Alzheimer’s

Coronavirus: Is Handwashing Drying Your Skin?

Washing your hands is critical to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). However, frequent handwashing can cause dry skin that can flake, itch, crack, and even bleed without proper precautions. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology  (AAD), this can cause open wounds in your skin that can allow in bacteria and other… Continue reading Coronavirus: Is Handwashing Drying Your Skin?

The Truth about Gut Trouble

Everyone has pain or discomfort in their gut occasionally. Maybe you ate something that didn’t agree with you. Or you had an infection that made you sick to your stomach for a few days. But if pain and other gut symptoms go on for weeks or longer, something more serious might be wrong. Digestive system… Continue reading The Truth about Gut Trouble

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

Less Pain, Quicker Recovery: ERAS Is All About Improving the Patient Experience

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based, patient-focused protocol that reduces hospital stays, minimizes postoperative pain, and speeds overall patient recovery after surgery. “Frankly, ERAS has transformed the mentality of many health providers who used to just accept the status quo. For breast surgery patients, my multidisciplinary team and I have implemented ERAS to… Continue reading Less Pain, Quicker Recovery: ERAS Is All About Improving the Patient Experience

What You Need to Know About Nail Trimming

Keeping fingernails and toenails in good shape does more than enhance your appearance: this simple yet important self-care routine eliminates the risk of dirt and bacteria, which can lead to infection. In addition, the right nail-clipping technique can help prevent common issues like hangnails and ingrown toenails. “Short nails stay cleaner and break less often,”… Continue reading What You Need to Know About Nail Trimming

Tattoo Complications May Warrant A Trip to The Doctor

Research indicates that 10 percent of people with tattoos experience some sort of complication, such as pain or infection. While their first inclination may be to seek help from the artist who gave them their tattoo, it may be necessary to see a board-certified dermatologist for the proper diagnosis and treatment of skin problems, according… Continue reading Tattoo Complications May Warrant A Trip to The Doctor

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Dirty makeup brushes are more than just yucky. They accumulate product residue, dirt and oil and are a breeding ground for bacteria, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And grime can lead to acne breakouts and rashes, and can even affect your health. “Dirty makeup brushes can irritate your skin and cause an infection,… Continue reading How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Earlier Detection for Lyme Disease

Researchers have developed techniques to detect Lyme disease bacteria weeks sooner than current tests, allowing patients to start treatment earlier. The findings appear in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. The authors include scientists from Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Harvard University, Yale University, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, FDA, Centers for Disease… Continue reading Earlier Detection for Lyme Disease

News Alert: HPV Vaccine Approved for People 27 to 45

The anti-cancer HPV vaccine Gardasil 9, previously approved only for people aged 9 through 26, has now been given the go-ahead by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women and men aged 27 through 45. FDA officials said that the expanded application of the vaccine would prevent thousands of cases of cancer caused by… Continue reading News Alert: HPV Vaccine Approved for People 27 to 45

Get Ahead of Sepsis

Infections can put you and your family at risk for a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It’s what happens when an infection you already have – in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else – triggers a chain reaction through your body. It’s life-threatening, and without… Continue reading Get Ahead of Sepsis

How to Treat a Minor Cut

Cuts from a sharp knife or a piece of glass are very common. They often occur while people are preparing food, washing dishes or even crafting. All it takes is a slip of the knife or a dish breaking, and suddenly there’s blood. However, while these types of cuts are startling, most can be safety… Continue reading How to Treat a Minor Cut

Early Detection Essential for Nail Melanoma

Karolina Jasko’s nails were usually painted, so she didn’t notice the black vertical line on her right thumbnail until a nail technician pointed it out — and at the time, she didn’t think much of it. When that same nail started to show signs of infection, however, she decided to seek medical attention, and she… Continue reading Early Detection Essential for Nail Melanoma

Endurance Sports Don’t Weaken Immune System

New research overturns a myth that competing in endurance sports such as marathons suppresses the body’s immune system and makes competitors more susceptible to infections. . Research from the 1980s, which focused on events such as the Los Angeles Marathon, asked competitors if they had symptoms of infections in the days and weeks after their… Continue reading Endurance Sports Don’t Weaken Immune System

Microneedling: Experienced Hands Can Improve the Face

When it comes to microneedling, not all treatments are created equal, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. At-home devices won’t provide the same effects as an in-office treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. “Microneedling that delivers significant, long-lasting results is a medical treatment,” says board-certified dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, FAAD, a professor of dermatology at… Continue reading Microneedling: Experienced Hands Can Improve the Face