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Hemoglobin and hematocrit are both red blood cell measurements that are used to help diagnose nutritional deficiencies, acute illnesses, and chronic medical conditions. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells (RBCs), and hematocrit reflects the percentage of blood volume that is composed of red blood cells. The values for hemoglobin and hematocrit are reported as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. Read on to learn what these levels mean and why they are important....

In many cases, home remedies for sore throat can be helpful. You can soothe sore throat pain with hot or cold treatments. There are various ways to do each. A sore throat can make it hard to talk, swallow, drink, or eat. Sore throats are a common reason for people to see their primary care provider. They make up about 10% of primary care visits. In the United States, the common cold, a frequent cause of sore throats, is believed to account for 110 million healthcare provider visits every year....

If you have late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the things an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) will look for each visit are signs of geographic atrophy. They commonly recommend undergoing imaging testing, ranging from retinal fundus photography (a color image of the retina) to autofluorescence imaging (which shows where geographic atrophy is occurring). These can light up problem areas and show everything from protein deposits to fluid under the retina....

A new study from the University of Georgia has investigated the reasons why stroke patients treated in rural hospitals have more negative outcomes and a higher risk of death. Key Takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for telehealth services, especially in rural areas. Experts say that up to 80% of strokes are preventable.Telestroke gives rural hospitals access to stroke center experts 24 hours a day. Using data from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample, the study specifically looked at stroke patients who sought treatment in rural hospitals....

The United States is entering its second winter holiday season during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 109 million people expected to travel more than 50 miles from home. Key Takeaways Traveling and gathering with individuals from different households increases the risk of infection from COVID-19.With the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts are urging diligence in taking COVID-19 prevention efforts, like mask-wearing and getting tested.Rapid and PCR tests can help users identify infections before gatherings and keep exposures to a minimum....

Toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease caused by a single-cell protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii, is typically diagnosed by testing blood and other body fluids for immunoglobulins (also known as antibodies) that are produced by the body in response to the infection. Molecular techniques can be also used to detect that parasite’s DNA in tissues and body fluids. While the parasite can be directly observed under the microscope in tissue or spinal fluid samples, this form of testing is used less frequently because of the difficulty in obtaining specimens....

Vaccine hesitancy has been prominent in the United States in response to COVID-19, but resistance to vaccination has been presenting public health challenges long before the start of the pandemic. Key Takeaways Vaccine hesitancy has presented public health challenges since long before the COVID-19 pandemic.New research shows that hesitancy about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains high, particularly in Hispanic communities.Culturally sensitive education, transparency, and increased access are needed to address vaccine hesitancy in minority communities....

This story is part of a series where Verywell Health editors try different health trends and report what they find. You either love social media or you hate it. Or you’re like me and constantly vacillate between those two sides of the spectrum. Key Takeaways Research shows that social media can negatively impact your health by increasing feelings of depression, anxiety, and even insomnia. If you find that your relationship with social media is hurting you, you can try going on a “digital detox,” or quitting social media for some time....

The iliotibial (IT) band is a strong band of tissue that starts at the hip and runs along the outer thigh. It attaches on the outside of the shin bone, or tibia, just below the knee joint. The band works with your thigh muscles to provide stability to the outside of the knee during movement. IT band syndrome occurs from irritation or an injury, often in athletes (like long-distance runners) or from certain exercises and workout practices....

What Is Invega? Invega (paliperidone) is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 12–17, schizoaffective disorder in adults, and sometimes other medical conditions. The prescription tablets are taken by mouth. Invega belongs to a larger group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. These drugs were developed later than the “typical" antipsychotics first used to treat schizophrenia. Such atypical antipsychotics may have lower rates of side effects in nerves concerned with motor activity (extrapyramidal side effects)....

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when the body lacks enough iron to produce all of the hemoglobin necessary for healthy red blood cells (RBCs). Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body. You may have fatigue weakness, exercise intolerance, or headaches for up to six to eight weeks after you have begun iron replacement therapy. These symptoms are likely to affect your day-to-day function and your quality of life. If you have not seen any substantial improvement in your symptoms after eight weeks or so, or if your symptoms seem particularly severe, let your doctor know....

In the United States, influenza typically peaks mid-winter. Millions (if not tens of millions) of people get sick with “the flu” each year. If their symptoms are severe, they will seek medical treatment, which could include getting a test to determine that they truly have the flu (as opposed to a bacterial infection or another virus) or asking their healthcare provider about treatment. Key Takeaways Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s flu season is likely to be more complicated for patients, healthcare providers, and facilities....

Juvenile macular degeneration (JMD) is a group of rare inherited eye disorders that cause central vision loss in children and young adults. Central vision is what we see in the middle of our field of vision, rather than what is off to the sides (peripheral vision). The most common JMDs include Stargardt’s disease, Best disease, and juvenile retinoschisis. This article provides an overview of JMD, including the symptoms and causes of Stargardt’s disease, Best disease, and juvenile retinoschisis....

Ketones are chemical structures produced from the breakdown of fatty acids in the liver when the body cannot use glucose (or sugar) for energy. Instead of getting energy from carbohydrates or glucose, the body relies on energy from fat. The production of ketones can occur during fasting, when following a low-carbohydrate diet (keto diet), or in people with diabetes when blood sugars are high and there is not enough insulin to utilize glucose....

Most women reach menopause, on average, by age 51 or 52. However, this is an average and ages vary. Some women experience delayed menopause in their late 50s or early 60s. Timing varies due to genetics, lifestyle, menstrual cycle patterns, and medications. This article reviews what menopause is, its symptoms, the factors that affect timing, and when to notify your healthcare provider. What Is Menopause? Menopause occurs when women have not had a menstrual cycle (period) for 12 months in a row....

The current landscape of reproductive healthcare access in the United States is under threat. On Monday, October 26, 2020, Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court, making her the sixth conservative justice currently on the court. Key Takeaways Overturning Roe v. Wade would further exacerbate reproductive health access.Restricted health laws have disproportionately impacted low-income individuals and people of color.Reproductive health care includes not only abortion, but access to affordable birth control, in vitro fertilization, and preventative screenings such as pap smears....

A low-potassium diet entails avoiding foods high in potassium like fish, red meat, and potatoes, and favoring low-potassium foods like poultry and berries. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend this way of eating if you have hyperkalemia, or too much potassium in your blood. While potassium is a major dietary mineral essential for keeping your nervous and cardiovascular systems functioning, too-high levels—left unmanaged—can damage the muscular and nervous systems and be fatal....

Magnesium malate is a combination of magnesium and malic acid. Its many health benefits include being anti-inflammatory, alleviating depression, and increasing your ability to tolerate exercise. It can be helpful for treating or preventing many health conditions, including: Alzheimer’s diseaseType 2 diabetesOsteoporosisHeadache and migraineAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)Fibromyalgia and related conditions Magnesium and malic acid both have health benefits and can be taken separately. However, studies suggest your body doesn’t absorb magnesium well when it’s by itself....

Magnetic resonance enterography, or MR enterography, is a painless imaging test used to diagnose problems specifically in your small intestine. This test is a specialized type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a form of imaging that provides detailed views of your organs through the use of a strong magnetic field. This article discusses what MR enterography is and what it is used for. It also explains the procedure, the potential risks, as well as the process of getting your results....

The male reproductive system consists of internal and external organs that play a role in sexual function, human reproduction, and urination. The sex organs typically referred to as male produce sperm and semen that, during sexual intercourse, can fertilize an ovum (egg) in a female to conceive a baby. Outside of reproduction, the male reproductive system produces hormones that play a central role in the development of sexual function and characteristics often classified as male....