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Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the stage of sleep when we dream. It was first described by Eugene Aserinsky and Nathaniel Kleitman in a 1953 Science article. Decades later, we still have a lot to learn about this phase of sleep. One concern researchers have is that REM sleep deprivation may harm human health. You may not be getting enough REM sleep if: You take antidepressant medications You have a sleep disorder This article looks at REM sleep deprivation and how it might affect memory and learning....

A feeding tube is a medical device used to feed a person who is unable to eat or drink. A person may need a feeding tube due to difficulty swallowing, an eating disorder, or other feeding issues. Feeding tubes can be temporary and placed in the nose (nasogastric or NG tube) or through the mouth (orogastric or OG tube). People who require long-term nutritional assistance may get a permanent tube placed in the stomach (gastric or G tube) or small intestine (jejunostomy or J tube)....

Choosing the right foods for healthy skin isn’t all that different from eating well for the rest of your body. Colorful produce high in antioxidants and skin-boosting vitamin A and vitamin C can give skin a radiant glow. To clear up acne-prone skin, drinking lots of water and avoiding inflammatory ingredients (like sugar) help prevent issues from the inside out. If you have any food sensitivities, your skin may be one of the first places you see an adverse reaction....

Psoriasis can be triggered by diet and other lifestyle factors. Fortunately, you may be able to reduce flare-ups and psoriasis symptoms by making changes to your diet and avoiding certain foods, particularly ones that cause inflammation. This article discusses the foods to avoid and the ones recommended for psoriasis. Foods to Avoid With Psoriasis Red Meat Red meat is high in saturated fat and a type of polyunsaturated fat called omega-6 fatty acid....

You can live just fine without a gallbladder. In fact, most people who have a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) don’t experience any long-term effects. You may need to change your diet and eating habits, though. This is because the bile fluids that are normally stored in the gallbladder now go directly into the small intestine. This article explains how gallbladder removal may alter the way your digestive system works. It will offer you ideas about how to modify your diet to avoid foods that may cause trouble while keeping those that are part of a healthy, balanced diet....

Gingivostomatitis is an inflammation of the gums and lips that manifests from an underlying cause. Since gingivostomatitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, it is considered highly contagious. Gingivostomatitis leads to painful sores and swelling of the gums. Although any person can develop gingivostomatitis, it is most commonly found in children under the age of 6. This article discusses gingivostomatitis symptoms, causes, and treatment. Gingivostomatitis Symptoms When a person develops gingivostomatitis, they can develop symptoms on the tongue, lips, inside of the mouth, and gums....

A full and proper recovery is essential for the success of hernia surgery. Generally speaking, it’s likely you won’t have to spend the night in the hospital. You should be able to start light activity after one to two weeks. You can expect full recovery from hernia surgery at four to six weeks. There will be many things for you to keep in mind during this time, but so long as you listen to your healthcare provider and get the support you need, you’re sure to see a successful recovery....

Homeopathy, also called homeopathic medicine, is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses very small amounts of natural substances that, at higher amounts, may cause a disease or symptom. This article explores the theory and history behind homeopathy, what scientific studies say about homeopathic remedies, how they compare with conventional medicine, and the possible side effects and risks. Homeopathy: Theories and Principles Homeopathy is based on two theories and three principles....

Cervical cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or a combination of these therapies. The treatment depends on the stage of cancer, and the goal at early stages is to completely eradicate the tumor. At late stages with extensive metastasis, the goal may only be to extend or improve quality of life. Cervical cancer is most common between the ages of 45 and 65. Around 15% of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women over 65....

On December 18, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 vaccine from the biotechnology company Moderna. The second COVID-19 vaccine authorized, it can be given to people ages 18 and over. Key Takeaways Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 94.5% effective; Pfizer says its vaccine candidate co-developed with BioNTech is 95% effective.Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use in people ages 16 and older; Modera’s vaccine is authorized for emergency use in those 18 and older....

Lung cancer spread (metastatic) to the liver is sadly too common. Nearly 40% of people with lung cancer have metastases to a distant region of the body at the time of diagnosis. What can you expect if your lung cancer has spread to your liver? The answer is changing rapidly as medicine advances, so it’s important to be aware of newer treatment options now available. Lung cancer that has spread to the liver is called “lung cancer metastatic to the liver” (in contrast to metastatic liver cancer, which would refer to cancer that began in the liver and spreads to another region of the body)....

Some people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia remain easy-going. Others develop intense feelings of anger and aggression. It’s normal to feel surprised, discouraged, hurt, or even angry when someone with dementia lashes out at you for no obvious reason. It’s important to understand what causes anger in dementia. This will help you learn how to respond and cope in these situations. This article looks at some of the reasons for anger and aggression in people with dementia....

While regularly testing dorm sewage, the University of Arizona detected SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the samples. The university responded with immediate measures to halt a potential outbreak, but the story brought up questions about why urine and stool samples have yet to be added to the COVID-19 testing options. Key Takeaways COVID-19 virus particles were detected during routine wastewater testing of the dorms at the University of Arizona....

Imposter syndrome is when an individual struggles with feeling insecure and like a fraud for gaining attention or accolades for their accomplishments. Those who experience imposter syndrome tend to believe they are undeserving, inadequate, and can feel overwhelmed by self-doubt. While imposter syndrome is unwarranted, it’s extremely common—even among the most famous, talented, and successful people. It is also known as imposter phenomenon, fraud syndrome, and the imposter experience Meaning Imposter syndrome is the psychological pattern in which an individual believes that their own accomplishments came about as a result of having been lucky or having manipulated other people’s impressions—not through hard work or genuine ability....

Iodine is an element that’s required for the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Since the body does not produce iodine on its own, it needs to come from dietary sources—and striking the right balance is key. Inadequate levels or overconsumption of iodine can lead to or worsen thyroid disease, as well as cause other significant health concerns. The Importance of Iodine When you consume iodine, it is quickly absorbed and entered into your bloodstream....

Muscle twitches, also called fasciculations, are fast, spontaneous contractions of muscle fibers that can be seen on the surface of the skin. Muscle twitches are different from muscle spasms, which are sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles, or muscle jerks (myoclonus), which are sudden spasms that involve an entire muscle group, such as leg jerks when falling asleep. Muscle twitches commonly occur in people with healthy neuromuscular systems—up to 70% of healthy people get them—but they can also be a sign of a more serious condition....

Headaches and neck pain are two very common symptoms. When they happen together, it may indicate certain medical issues. Causes of headaches with neck pain range from problems that are bothersome but not dangerous (like a hangover) to life-threatening issues (like fluid buildup in the brain). But it’s important for you to know that all the causes of headaches with neck pain are treatable. So if you’re having headaches with neck pain, see a healthcare provider immediately....

Neonatal hypoglycemia is when a newborn’s blood glucose (sugar) is too low. Glucose is the main fuel source for the body and brain. In a newborn, low blood sugar has many causes. It can also cause problems, including breathing and feeding issues. The condition is treatable, but if not detected, it could be fatal, especially if an underlying condition is to blame. Prevalence Neonatal hypoglycemia affects up to about 4 per 1,000 full-term births according to some studies....

Pectus excavatum is a condition in which your sternum (breastbone) has sunk into your chest cavity. The condition is often not painful, but it occasionally can be. Most often, people with pectus excavatum only suffer from slight disfigurement of their chest cavity. In severe cases, the caving in of the sternum may compress structures in your chest, causing heart problems or difficulties with lung function. In those cases, surgery may be recommended to correct the problem....

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is primarily used for children. Since children may not have the verbal language for their feelings and experiences yet, play is how they best learn and communicate. Play is their natural way of expressing themselves and making sense of the world, which is why play therapy is so effective. This article will discuss the benefits of play therapy, when and how it is used, and where to begin if you think play therapy would be a good fit for your child....