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Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease” because it often has no symptoms. In many cases, osteoporosis has been progressing for years, but a person is only diagnosed when they break a bone. However, there are some early warning signs of osteoporosis. Awareness of these subtle signs could help lead to an earlier diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent further bone loss or fractures. This article teaches about the early warning signs of osteoporosis, osteoporosis stages, diagnosis, and whether you can reverse it....

Albumin is the most common protein found in blood plasma. It helps to ensure blood stays in arteries and veins, and helps carry hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout the body. Albumin is made in the liver and quickly carried to the bloodstream. Low albumin levels in the blood may indicate serious liver and kidney problems. High levels, known as hyperalbuminemia, can be a sign of dehydration, diarrhea, or other conditions. Healthcare providers will often measure albumin levels in diagnosing or treating conditions....

A bone marrow transplant is an often lifesaving procedure in which stem cells are removed from bone marrow, filtered, and given back either to the same person or a donation recipient. Bone marrow transplants can be used to treat or even cure certain diseases related to underproduction of stem cells or unhealthy stem cells in the body, such as aplastic anemia and leukemia. Reasons for Bone Marrow Transplant Bone marrow is found in larger bones in the body, such as the pelvic bones....

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place in October every year. It began in 1985 as a week-long event and was championed by the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries. Betty Ford, who was diagnosed with breast cancer while her husband Gerald was president, helped launch the event. Organizers set up national and local events all over the country every October. This article discusses how to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness month in your community....

Countless times, you’ve probably had your doctor place a stethoscope on your chest and ask you to inhale. What exactly are doctors listening for? The answer is many things. The practice of using a stethoscope to examine a patient is known as auscultation. When used to check a person’s breathing, it can reveal important aspects of lung health and overall wellness. A thorough lung exam, which also includes a physical exam, remains a cornerstone in diagnosing conditions ranging from asthma to heart failure....

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is the unintentional loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks. Many people think that abortion or miscarriage causes endometriosis (endo), but that is not the case. This myth is most likely due to confusion regarding endometriosis and endometritis. This article reviews these misconceptions, the difference between endometriosis and endometritis, other endo myths, abortion options for those with endometriosis, treatment access, and endo pain management....

Cerebellar degeneration is a type of damage to the cerebellum, which is the area of the brain that controls balance and coordination. Cerebellar degeneration is not common. It can occur due to progressive neurological diseases or brain damage, such as a stroke. Degeneration of the cerebellum causes a type of movement problem called ataxia, which is characterized by poor coordination (waviness) of movement, loss of balance, and difficulty with purposeful movements....

Having painful, cracked fingertips can make everyday activities like typing or getting dressed difficult or painful. Though dry skin around the fingertips can be stubborn and persistent, there are treatments to help heal it. Painful, cracked fingertips can be caused by everyday activities or environmental triggers. Still, they may also signify that you have a more serious condition, like eczema, psoriasis, or other skin diseases. Whether you are dealing with cracked fingertips alone or dry and cracked hands, it’s important to seek treatment and investigate any underlying medical issues....

Pneumonia affects millions of people every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400,000 people require evaluation and treatment in an emergency department and more than 50,000 people die from the disease. But complications can be prevented! Finding out you have pneumonia is the first step, then learning what type of pneumonia you have—bacterial, viral, or fungal—is essential for proper treatment. Physical Examination Fever, cough, and shortness of breath could be symptoms of pneumonia....

Summer in California means fruit crisp season. It looks like heaping bags of vibrant apricots, nectarines, and plums crowding the kitchen countertops. It requires tubs of crumbly, nutty crisp topping ready to go in the freezer for whenever someone craves dessert. One of the greatest privileges of my California childhood was the access to an abundance of sweet fresh fruit. Farmers market berries became a Saturday staple and we purchased oranges in 10-pound bags....

What Is Ertaczo? Ertaczo (sertaconazole nitrate) is a topical prescription cream used to treat a fungal infection called tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) in people 12 years of age and older. Specifically, Ertaczo treats athlete’s foot infections that are caused by the following fungi: Trichophyton rubrumTrichophyton mentagrophytesEpidermophyton floccosum Ertaczo blocks a fungal protein called cytochrome P-450-mediated 14 alpha-lanosterol demethylase enzyme as an azole antifungal. This fungal protein is responsible for turning lanosterol—a type of steroid—into ergosterol....

Food poisoning is common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year approximately one in six individuals in the United States will have a foodborne illness. Although the precise symptoms vary depending on the specific germ (e.g., bacteria, virus, or parasite) contaminating the food or drink, most people with food poisoning experience nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea that can be managed with at-home care measures. In some cases, antibiotics or hospitalization for intravenous (through the vein) fluids may be required....

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV) is a rare disorder that results in the formation of damaged glycogen. Glycogen is the form of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles. This condition, also known as Andersen disease, is caused by a defect in the glycogen-branching enzyme (GBE1). This enzyme promotes the process by which glycogen changes to glucose. Without the change into glucose, the impaired glycogen stays in the liver and other organs....

Cancer in the bones is frequently due to spread, or metastasis, from another non-bone cancer—bone metastases from lung cancer or breast cancer, for instance. Taking a sample, or biopsy, of the affected area of bone not only serves to differentiate between primary bone cancer (which starts in the bone) and metastasis from other cancers (secondary bone cancer) but also helps to identify the specific type of bone cancer. In the diagnosis of bone cancer, the particular bone that is affected—and the location of the tumor within a particular bone—may both be important clues....

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose at certain times of the year, you’ve probably spent lots of time trying to figure out how to get rid of seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are closely associated with the spring when pollen counts are high. But you might find yourself searching for allergy relief during the summer and fall, too, when different allergens blow through the air....

Eczema can cause bouts of extremely itchy skin, making it difficult to concentrate on anything else. It may feel good to scratch the itch, but giving in to the urge can cause a vicious cycle of scratching and even lead to infection. If you’re dealing with regular eczema flare-ups, you might be wondering how to stop eczema itching. A cold compress, moisturizers, and hydrocortisone cream are among the tactics for getting some immediate relief....

A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine outlines four major subtypes of long COVID, each defined by a different range of symptoms. Key Takeaways Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College have identified four distinct subtypes of long COVID using a machine learning algorithm.The subtypes are marked by different ranges of symptoms: cardiac and renal issues; respiratory problems, sleep problems, and anxiety; musculoskeletal and nervous system issues; digestive and respiratory system issues....

Malignant narcissism is a psychological disorder in which a person has an inflated sense of self-worth, a need for admiration, and a disregard for others. They experience paranoia, feeling threatened or persecuted without proof, and are aggressive, manipulative, and abusive without remorse. The combination of narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, malignant narcissism is considered the most severe type of narcissism. This article will explain more about malignant narcissism, how it impacts relationships, and what those with the condition or in a relationship with someone with the condition can do to get help....

About 40% of adults—mostly people age 65 and older—experience a degree of memory loss, but only 5% to 8% go on to develop some level of dementia. This article will explore some possible causes of memory loss, what symptoms you might expect, and how your healthcare provider may diagnose and treat your condition. Symptoms of Memory Loss Memory loss can appear in many forms. The first symptom most people think of is forgetfulness, but memory loss can also appear as:...

What Is Mobic? Mobic (meloxicam) is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve the symptoms of pain and swelling (inflammation) that occur with inflammatory conditions. It is used in osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Mobic is available as a tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension. What Is Mobic Used For? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Mobic to treat symptoms associated with:...