While we remain vigilant to protect our families and communities from COVID-19, some people might be tempted to buy or use questionable products that claim to help diagnose, treat, cure, and even prevent coronavirus disease. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect everyone 12 and older from COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug… Continue reading Beware of Bogus COVID-19 Tests, Vaccines and Treatments
Tag: tests
COVID-19 and Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. It is a major contributing factor to missed time from school and work, with severe attacks requiring emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Sometimes these asthma attacks can be fatal. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal… Continue reading COVID-19 and Asthma
“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
New Tests Cleared by the FDA Provide An Easier Diagnosis for Lyme Disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing four previously cleared tests with new indications to aid in the diagnosis of Lyme disease. The clearing by the FDA is the first time that a test has been indicated to follow a new testing paradigm in which two tests called enzyme immunoassays (EIA)… Continue reading New Tests Cleared by the FDA Provide An Easier Diagnosis for Lyme Disease
Number of New Cancer Cases Continues to Decline
Overall cancer incidence rates decreased in men between 2008 and 2015, while remaining stable in women from 1999 to 2015, according to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. The report also said that cancer incidence rates, meaning the rates of new cancers, continued to decline… Continue reading Number of New Cancer Cases Continues to Decline
A Closer Look at the Environmental Triggers of Autoimmune Disease
The world of autoimmune disease is broad and complex, with many mysteries still lurking. With over 100 types of autoimmune diseases identified, including lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, medical researchers are constantly seeking to gain a better understanding of how, when and why these conditions are triggered. While many diseases in general are associated… Continue reading A Closer Look at the Environmental Triggers of Autoimmune Disease
What You Need to Do about Your Health Decade by Decade
It is never too soon — or too late — to take steps to protect your health. However, many women are not aware of what they need to pay attention to for their health based on their age. Here’s what you need to know about their health per decade starting in their 50s. 50 Menopause… Continue reading What You Need to Do about Your Health Decade by Decade
American Cancer Society Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society has updated its age for initial screening of colorectal cancer to 45, based partly on statistics showing that rates of colorectal cancer are on the rise in young and middle-aged people. The recommendation is for people at average risk of the illness. The findings were published online in CA: A Cancer… Continue reading American Cancer Society Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
Diagnosing Dementia
Editor’s note: Although much is reported about dementia and its effects on patients and caregivers, there may be less to read about how dementia is diagnosed. Here, from the National Institute on Aging, is an explanation of how that works: To diagnose dementia, doctors first assess whether a person has an underlying treatable condition such… Continue reading Diagnosing Dementia
Early Stage Breast-Cancer Patients May Be Getting Too Many Tests
Asymptomatic women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer often undergo advanced imaging and other tests that provide little if any medical benefit, could have harmful effects and may increase their financial burden, according to a study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The research was presented at the annual meeting of the American… Continue reading Early Stage Breast-Cancer Patients May Be Getting Too Many Tests
Managing the ER Visit
Most visits to the emergency room are unexpected and frightening. In circumstances like these, it’s important to keep your focus on what will help you or your loved one most. Health care workers, often overwhelmed by the number of patients they need to treat, may not ask every question they should. Here, from the experts… Continue reading Managing the ER Visit
Multitasking Can Be a Good Thing
Who says you can’t do two things at once and do them both well? Multitasking isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, older adults who rode on a stationary bike while completing cognitive tasks found that their cycling speed increased without damaging their cognitive performance. Results of the study, which was supported by a grant… Continue reading Multitasking Can Be a Good Thing
Update on Mild Cognitive Impairment
A new comprehensive review of studies about mild cognitive impairment (MCI) says that physical and mental activity can help reduce the risk of the frightening condition. The doctors, from the University of Michigan Medical School, published their review in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “MCI is hard for both clinicians and for patients… Continue reading Update on Mild Cognitive Impairment