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Soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol levels, primarily your low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. It also may offer benefits in controlling blood glucose (sugar) levels for those living with diabetes, managing digestive disorders, and limiting risk of some cancer types. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and changes to a gel consistency in the intestines. Although there are widely available supplements that contain soluble fiber, many food sources offer pectin, psyllium, and other types of soluble fiber to lower cholesterol....

Somatostatin is a hormone peptide that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. The most notable are brain function and gastrointestinal processes. The hormone stops the release of other hormones, specifically human growth hormone (HGH). By doing so, it essentially regulates bodily functions and processes by controlling how much other hormones are released at certain times. This article discusses the function and uses of somatostatin and the conditions associated with the hormone....

Survivor guilt is something many of us have to cope with as cancer survivors. At the same time we hit the milestones of being cancer-free—or at least being alive with cancer—invariably someone we know and love has a downturn or succumbs to the disease. Instead of the “why me” questions we may ask ourselves when diagnosed, the question becomes: “Why not me?” What do we know about these feelings and what are some ways to cope?...

On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed H.R.1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, into law. This sweeping piece of legislation was designed to provide widespread relief to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It includes a vast range of provisions. Among the most widely known are the third round of stimulus checks, enhanced child tax credits, and the extension of additional federal unemployment compensation. But the legislation also includes several important provisions that make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans....

The integumentary system is the body’s outermost layer. Composed of skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerves, its main job is to protect your insides from elements in your environment, like pollution and bacteria. It also helps retain bodily fluids, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature. This article digs into the specifics about each part of the integumentary system, exactly what it does, and how it interacts with other body systems....

Did you know that 20 million women worldwide are living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)? According to the World Health Organization (WHO) fully half of those living with HIV/AIDS are these 20 million women. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 159,271 adolescent and adult women had AIDS at the end of 2002. The extent of U.S. AIDS cases in adolescent and adult women almost quadrupled from seven percent in 1985 to 26 percent in 2002....

A thoracotomy is a major surgery in which a cut is made between the ribs to view and access organs in the chest cavity. A thoracotomy may be done to help diagnose various concerns and as part of the surgical treatment of certain lung and heart, especially lung cancer. There are different types of thoracotomy, including minimally invasive procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). These surgeries are done in an operating room under general anesthesia....

Toxoplasmosis is not a disease we hear all that much about, but one that will affect nearly one of every 10 Americans at some point in their lives. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis tend to be mild and may include muscle pain, fever, fatigue, headache, and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes lasting for weeks. However, in the vast majority of cases, there will be few, if any, obvious signs of infection. Whether toxoplasmosis is passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy or occurs in people with advanced HIV, Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes the disease, can reap severe damage to the brain, eyes, lungs, and other major organs....

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common cardiac diagnosis. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood. So, if you have been told you have MVP, it is important for you to understand what it is, what problems it may cause (and not cause), and what you should do about it. What Is MVP? MVP is a congenital abnormality that produces an excess of tissue on the mitral valve (the valve that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle)....

Pain is one of the most common complaints people go to the healthcare provider with. In the U.S. alone, more than 100 million people are estimated to live with chronic pain. Chronic pain is very different from acute pain. Acute pain is what you experience when you get hurt—say, when you break a bone or burn your hand—or when something goes wrong in your body, such as indigestion, appendicitis, or a passing kidney stone....

Couples counseling, also known as marriage counseling, is a type of counseling for intimate partners. It involves exploration of any conflicts between the partners, is often short term, and focuses on specific problems. Other goals of couples counseling are to improve communication and interactions and to strengthen relationships. Couples counseling is sometimes referred to as couples therapy or marriage therapy, but the terms “therapy” and “counseling,” actually, are different. Couples Counseling vs....

Popping and cracking in your wrist (also known as crepitus) can be an uncomfortable sensation that arises during many of your daily activities. Unfortunately, the origins of this joint noise are not always clear-cut. Paying attention to your symptoms can help you identify the potential cause, however. The information below highlights the most common reasons why your wrist is making noise. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in your wrist begins to thin and wear away....

Zithromax (azithromycin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in adults and children. It is commonly prescribed for ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and strep throat. It is approved for children 6 months or older and is a good option for kids with penicillin allergies. Commonly referred to as a Z-Pak (as a five-day course) or a Tri-Pak (as a three-day course), azithromycin also comes as a liquid for kids who are unable to swallow pills....

You’ve refilled your prescriptions, gotten a new pair of glasses, and squeezed in one more doctor’s appointment before the end of the year to use up your FSA funds. But if you still have money left in your FSA account, now’s the time to use it. The FSA deadline—December 31—is quickly approaching. What Is an FSA? An FSA, or flexible spending account, is a tax-advantaged spending account your employer may offer as part of your healthcare benefits....

Allergies (allergic rhinitis) are a common childhood problem, and it’s estimated that about 40% of children experience allergic rhinitis each day. An allergy is the body’s response to a substance (allergen) that causes a hypersensitivity reaction. Allergies can be caused by various factors, such as plant pollen, insect bites, animal fur, dust mites, mold, environmental irritants, and food. While severe allergies need to be treated by a healthcare provider, mild symptoms may benefit from natural remedies....

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood, but frequently persists into adulthood. People with ADHD exhibit behaviors associated with impulsiveness and hyperactivity, inattentiveness, or a combination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2016, approximately 6.1 million children (9.4%) in the United States had an ADHD diagnosis. The rate of diagnosis is higher for boys at 12.9% than for girls at 5....

Adrucil (fluorouracil) is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1962 and included on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, Adrucil is widely used off-label to treat a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer and esophageal cancer. Adrucil is delivered intravenously (into a vein), typically in combination with other chemotherapy drugs....

For many, drinking alcohol is a celebratory or social activity. Many people are able to drink small or moderate quantities of alcohol without problems. Yet, many more struggle with alcohol-related behavior. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substance-related condition defined by drinking behavior that consumes a person and impacts their life. This brain disease can cause someone to lose control over drinking and affect them on a personal, interpersonal, and professional level....

Ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient hospitals offer surgical, diagnostic, and preventive procedures without the need for a large, traditional hospital. Both offer similar services and provide safe and effective care. However, they differ in ownership, management, and cost. This article will describe the procedures available at these facilities and list the benefits of each location. It will also explain how the facilities differ in management and cost so that you can decide which option is best for you....

Anti-seizure medications, which are also called anticonvulsants or anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), are medications used to prevent seizures for people who have epilepsy. All AEDs are available only by prescription. Epilepsy is a medical condition characterized by a predisposition to recurrent seizures. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder, you might need to take one or more AEDs on a regular schedule to reduce your chances of having a seizure....