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In late January, schizophrenia was found to be a leading risk factor for COVID-19—not only for catching it but for dying from it too. It was second only to old age, surpassing other known risk factors such as lung disease. Key Takeaways Experts are calling for people with schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses be prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals with schizophrenia are found to be at a higher risk for severe COVID-19....

Teen showering is a common concern for parents. A teen who refuses to take a shower can create a challenging problem. On one hand, you can’t force them to shower if they don’t want to. On the other, a teen who doesn’t shower regularly can face some serious social and physical consequences. Before you decide how to intervene, consider the reason behind your teen’s disinterest in bathing. This article probes some of the reasons teens may give for not showering and how to address the issue of poor hygiene with your teen....

When you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, dangerous spikes in blood glucose (severe hyperglycemia) may mean you need to reduce blood sugar levels immediately. If you don’t, you could be at risk for potentially life-threatening complications. This article looks at what blood sugar levels are considered dangerous, the symptoms to watch for, the four best ways to quickly lower your blood sugars, and when to contact your healthcare provider—or go to the emergency room....

Kyphosis is a term for the rounding of the upper spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of inflammatory disease that leads to spinal bone fusion. Because of the effects of this condition, a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis can be kyphosis. This article discusses the connection between ankylosing spondylitis and kyphosis and the treatment options associated with the symptom. What Is Kyphosis? Kyphosis is the medical term for a curved spine. The spine in kyphosis curves forward, causing the head to sit too far forward from the shoulders....

Any given adult will get a cold at least a couple of times a year—usually in the fall and winter. Kids can get many colds, maybe even half a dozen or more a year. When you get a cold, also known as an upper respiratory tract infection, should you visit your healthcare provider and get antibiotics? The truth is, antibiotics for respiratory infections aren’t going to make you feel better sooner, and they might even leave you with side effects that make you feel worse....

Chickenpox is a viral infection, which simply means that it’s caused by a specific virus that spreads easily from person to person. Thanks to a highly effective vaccine for preventing chickenpox, the illness has become increasingly less common in the United States and other developed countries. People young and old do still get sick with chickenpox, however, and for some of them, the infection can lead to serious complications. That’s why it’s important to understand what causes chickenpox, who’s most at risk of coming down with it, and how to protect yourself if you’re exposed....

Collarbone pain is usually caused by an injury, such as a fracture or joint separation. However, your collarbone (clavicle) can also hurt because of health conditions like arthritis or even certain sleeping positions. This article goes over the common and rare causes of collarbone pain. It also covers how it can be diagnosed and treated and when you should seek medical care for a painful collarbone. Common Causes of Collarbone Pain The most common causes of collarbone pain are injuries (trauma) and arthritis....

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 147,950 Americans were newly diagnosed with the disease while 53,200 died as a result of colon cancer-related complications. Most of those affected (87.7%) were 45 and over. In light of these statistics, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Forces (USPSTF) recently updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines, expanding its recommendations to include adults aged 45 to 75....

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved biopharmaceutical company Corium’s Adlarity (donepezil transdermal system) to treat mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer’s-related dementia. The drug is the first patch available for dementia and works to deliver a consistent dose of donepezil through the skin. Key Takeaways The FDA recently approved a skin patch version of the drug donepezil to treat mild to severe Alzheimer’s-related dementia. This is the first Alzheimer’s treatment that is delivered through the skin....

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, also known as vitamin B9. Dietary supplements containing 5-MTHF, the form that’s used by the body, are also available. Folate is a component of many foods, and supplementation is recommended as a treatment for health conditions that are linked to a folate deficiency. Its most common use is to promote the healthy development of the nervous system during pregnancy. Health Benefits Folate was first identified in 1931 by scientist Lucy Wills who discovered that brewer’s yeast, an extract high in folate, could reverse anemia during pregnancy....

Genital warts and genital herpes are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are caused by different viruses but may appear in similar parts of the body. Both STIs may go unnoticed, as they don’t always cause symptoms. Both are also highly contagious. This article will discuss genital warts and genital herpes, including the causes of these infections, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Causes Genital warts and genital herpes can be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact....

In the midst of year-end deadlines and obligatory holiday parties, some people find relief and comfort in being able to spend some time alone. You may find that getting regular and uninterrupted “me time” provides an escape from busy schedules and helps you recharge your mind and body. Key Takeaways A recent study found that people who spent more time alone than usual on a given day experienced increased anxiety when interacting with others on the same day....

Breast cancer is far less common in men than it is in women. However, the condition still causes over 2,000 cases and over 500 deaths in the United States. Breast cancer treatment in men is focused on removing the cancerous tissues and preventing recurrence. Treatments may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. This article will discuss conventional medical treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle changes to treat male breast cancer. It will also cover complementary therapies used as treatment....

Learning how to increase serotonin—the feel-good brain chemical—can have a host of benefits. Serotonin works to stabilize mood, as well as foster feelings of happiness and well-being. It also plays a role in how well the brain and nervous system cells communicate, enhances focus, and helps regulate digestion and sleep. You can increase your serotonin levels naturally by eating certain foods, getting exercise, managing your stress levels, and spending time in sunlight....

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be a problem, especially in people taking insulin and certain other medications for diabetes. Symptoms include feeling shaky, light-headed, and confused. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to coma and even death, so it’s important to know how to quickly raise blood sugar. This article will describe low blood sugar and quick ways to raise blood sugar. Understanding Low Blood Sugar Our bodies, particularly our brains and hearts, depend on sugar for energy....

In multiple sclerosis (MS), damage to nerve fibers in the central nervous system impairs the signaling that occurs between your nerves and muscles. As a result, muscle weakness, spasticity, and a loss of coordination may occur. You may experience some of these issues early in your disease course (and they may worsen with time), or they may arise as your MS advances. Here are the three most common types of muscle issues you may experience with MS and what can be done about them....

Sushi is a traditional Japanese food and a favorite for many in the United States. Sashimi, which is thinly sliced raw fish often served with sauces (like wasabi or soy sauce), is another popular delicacy. Unlike sashimi, sushi does not necessarily involve raw fish. In fact, sushi simply refers to the small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cooked rice. These rice rolls are then wrapped in seaweed and garnished with vegetables, egg, raw fish, cooked fish, or other foods....

If your health insurance coverage comes through your spouse’s job, you may lose that coverage when he or she retires and goes on Medicare. Not so long ago, this was a scary and expensive prospect, but things have changed. Now you have several options for health insurance if you’re losing your health insurance because your spouse is transitioning to Medicare. It’s important to understand that if your spouse is enrolling in Medicare but continuing to work past the age of 65, he or she can continue to have employer-sponsored coverage, and you can continue to be covered as a spouse on that plan....

Chest or lung pain is may be caused by an injured muscle or joint, though various conditions may also be to blame. Examples include asthma, a lung infection called pneumonia, lung cancer, embolism, or pleurisy, which is lung tissue inflammation. It’s helpful to know that the term lung pain is a misnomer. This is because there are no pain receptors in the lungs. Those in the thorax (the chest cavity) provide the brain with only vague information about the precise location of pain....

What Is Methocarbamol? Methocarbamol is an oral prescription medication used to treat certain kinds of muscle pain and stiffness. It belongs to a group of drugs commonly referred to as “skeletal muscle relaxants." Methocarbamol affects the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord) to relax your skeletal muscles (the muscles you can use voluntarily). It doesn’t affect the muscles that work involuntarily, such as the ones that move food through your gastrointestinal tract....