It can be hard to know what to say when someone is diagnosed with cancer. In addition to not fully understanding how they feel and what they might find helpful (or not), you may be dealing with your own shock, worry, or sadness about the news. Centering your approach around acknowledging their diagnosis, expressing empathy, and offering support can help guide you. This article explains what to say to someone who has cancer....
For the estimated 70 million adults who experience chronic sleep issues, bedtime yoga may be an effective addition to your nightly routine. Yoga is a mindfulness practice that connects the mind and body through intentional breathing, physical postures, and meditation. In addition to a wide range of other health benefits, research shows that yoga can help improve sleep. Yoga’s relaxing and restorative components can be a great way to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and wind down for a good night’s rest....
Studies have shown a link between alcohol and hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension occurs when the pressure of blood against the artery walls becomes higher than normal. There is evidence that reducing alcohol intake can help lower blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension and even prevent its development. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to discuss any risk factors with your healthcare provider, including alcohol consumption. This article explains the connection between alcohol and hypertension, explores the effects of different types of alcohol, and discusses safe alcohol consumption....
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) differ in how the condition develops and worsens, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. In AML, the disease comes on quickly and rapidly deteriorates without treatment. With CML, the condition comes on slowly and worsens over time. Learn what sets AML apart from CML and help ensure that you get the proper care from a physician specializing in this area. Symptoms It’s not always easy to distinguish between acute and chronic myeloid leukemia based on symptoms alone....
Blood conservation is a group of techniques used to minimize the need for blood used during treatment for a health condition. For individuals who desire bloodless surgery, which is any surgical procedure where no blood products foreign to the patient are used, blood conservation is essential. Many blood conservation techniques are appropriate for anyone who wants to minimize the possibility of needing a blood transfusion during or after their surgery....
BRAF testing is done to look for genetic changes in tumors (genomic alterations) that are present in some cancers, including metastatic melanoma, lung cancer, colon cancer, and others. If positive, the presence of a BRAF mutation may help guide treatment (such as medications that target BRAF mutations), estimate prognosis, and more. The test can be done by different techniques, such as immunohistochemistry or comprehensive genetic profiling, and may be done on a tumor sample or via a blood test (liquid biopsy)....
Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, also known as Ricinus communis. The main active component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Long used in traditional medicine, castor oil can be used orally or topically. It’s often used as a laxative but has also been studied for potential uses in labor induction, arthritis, and skincare....
Tightness in the chest can be alarming, especially when it comes on suddenly. It does not necessarily point to a medical problem, but it can. For example, chest tightness can be caused by muscle strain, acid reflux, or heart disease. It can also be caused by COVID-19. You’ll need to find out what is causing tightness in your chest, as the treatment will depend on the cause. In some cases, you might need immediate medical attention....
CLOVES syndrome is an extremely rare congenital disease, which means that a person is born with the condition. It causes an overgrowth of fatty tissue lumps found under the skin and unusually formed blood vessels throughout the body. People with CLOVES syndrome can also have spinal or skeletal issues. To date, fewer than 200 CLOVES cases have been officially reported worldwide. CLOVES syndrome is named for the various issues that it causes:...
When it comes to reproductive health, it can sometimes be uncomfortable to ask the questions that need to be asked. For example, it may be difficult for someone to have an open conversation with a professional when having a procedure called an orchiectomy (also called orchidectomy). This is the removal of one or both of the testicles. While it is still very important to consult with your healthcare provider for specific details if you’re having a procedure, it can help to learn the answers to common questions about the procedure as well....
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. At times, it can be passed on via nonsexual contact. The initial sign of a syphilis infection, which can take two to three weeks to appear, is a painless bump on the genitals, mouth, rectum, or skin. Swollen lymph nodes around the bump might also be a symptom. During the secondary phase of syphilis, which occurs four to eight weeks after the first phase, a person might experience a rash....
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed unnecessarily for colds, the flu, coughs and bronchitis, and viral sore throats, etc. Overuse Is a Big Problem This overuse of antibiotics can lead to unwanted side effects, including diarrhea and allergic reactions. Perhaps even more importantly, the overuse of antibiotics is leading to more bacteria gaining the ability to resist antibiotics. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat, often require stronger antibiotics, and can cause life-threatening infections....
Hair transplant procedures are performed to replace hair loss in areas that are either thinning or balding. They involve removing the hair on one part of the head (such as the back or side) and filling in an area that is thinning or has no hair. The hair transplant process has been performed in the United States since the 1950s, but the technique has evolved quite extensively. Types of Hair Transplant Procedures There are two basic methods of transplantation: follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) and follicular unit extraction (FUE)....
When c-reactive protein (CRP) is high, it’s a sign of inflammation in the body. What constitutes a “high” level varies from person to person, but a reading of 2 milligrams per liter or above is often considered a dangerous CRP level and puts you at risk for a heart attack. In addition to being associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), CRP is also related to complications from COVID-19, arthritis, and other conditions....
Many healthcare providers will routinely recommend screening kids for lead poisoning as early as 6 months, depending on how much lead the child is likely exposed to at home or in a childcare setting. For older children and adults, testing is typically only done if there’s a reason to believe they’ve been exposed to high doses of lead. In these cases, your practitioner will likely start with a series of questions about your environment, do a physical exam, and run a blood test to check for high lead levels in the body....
Peptic ulcer disease (also referred to as stomach ulcers) are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach or small intestine. There are several ways to diagnose peptic ulcer disease, ranging from blood tests, stool testing, an endoscopy, and an upper gastrointestinal series. Self-Checks and At-Home Testing You may suspect you have peptic ulcer disease if you experience stomach burning, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Stomach burning is considered to be the most prevalent symptom of peptic ulcer disease, and you’ll notice it’s worse on an empty stomach, between meals, or at night....
Potassium is one of the most common chemical elements in our bodies, mostly existing inside our cells. Hyperkalemia is the term for high potassium levels in your blood. A normal potassium level for adults is considered 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L. If your level gets above 5.5 mEq/L, you will need treatment right away because elevated levels can become dangerous if they get too high. Hyperkalemia is often caused by kidney disease, but it can be caused by other illnesses and factors, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and certain medications....
Diarrhea can be caused by many conditions. Some types of diarrhea are contagious and can be spread between people and even from animals to people. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of a disease that is not infectious. For healthy people, occasional diarrhea usually doesn’t last long and gets better on its own without causing major problems. However, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children in the developing world....
A KOH prep test is a simple, non-invasive procedure for diagnosing fungal infections of the skin or nails. Cells are obtained from the affected area, placed on a slide with a solution consisting of potassium hydroxide, and examined under a microscope to look for signs of a fungus. Also called a potassium hydroxide skin lesion exam, fungal smear, or skin scraping, the KOH prep test is quick, accurate, and virtually painless....
If you have meibomian gland dysfunction, you may not know the name, but you do know that your eyes are dry and sensitive and something is amiss. With meibomian gland dysfunction, either the numerous tiny glands on the edges of the eyelids are not making enough oil or this is not of good quality. The oil produced by these glands, together with water, makes up the tear film, which keeps the surface of the eyes moist and healthy....
