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There are several reasons people opt to have a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)—an elective surgery involving the transfer of fat from one part of the body to the buttocks to contour its shape and enhance its size. Some may undergo the procedure to fit better in their clothes, for example. Others may want more balanced proportions. Whatever one’s personal reasons for having BBL surgery, the procedure offers two key benefits that are universal to all: The end result is more natural-looking than with butt implant surgery, and BBL is associated with far less risk of infection....

Refractory heart failure, also known as end stage or advanced heart failure, is a condition in which heart failure symptoms persist despite taking prescribed medications. This includes symptoms while at rest or frequent hospitalization for heart failure symptoms. Many medications help with heart failure and its symptoms, but not everyone responds adequately. This article discusses refractory heart failure and its symptoms, causes, and treatment. What Is Heart Failure? The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrients throughout the body....

Testing for infectious illnesses became a new holiday tradition thanks to COVID-19. This year, other respiratory viruses are making a comeback, and many people are wondering if they can (and should) test for them before gathering with loved ones. Key Takeaways There are many options available to test for the flu, including rapid tests that can give you results in minutes. Flu tests are only recommended for people who are showing flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, or sneezing....

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some can even be passed through skin-to-skin contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 26 million new STI cases are reported each year, though many others go undiagnosed. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, STIs can cause severe health problems and infect more people unknowingly. Learning the common STI symptoms can help you get the care you need early with the best results....

There are a variety of new medications that have been developed for the treatment and management of diabetes, conditions where too much sugar ends up in the blood. With type 1 diabetes, the body makes very little or no insulin, a hormone that helps process blood sugar so it can be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin properly. These medications aim to help control blood sugar, or glucose, levels in the body....

Spondylitis, also known as spondyloarthritis (or SpA), is a term that describes a group of several types of arthritis. While they may share similar symptoms, the different types can affect different parts of the body. Spondylitis most commonly affects the spine. This article reviews the six types of spondylitis according to its traditional classification system. Classification Systems Spondylitis is classified by two different systems: Traditional SpA: Recognizes six related, but separate forms of arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, enteropathic arthritis, juvenile spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis....

Gene therapy is a type of treatment being developed to fight diseases that are caused by genetic defects. This is a relatively new medical intervention that is mainly in the experimental phase, including human trials and animal trials, for the treatment of some conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. Gene therapy aims to change the unhealthy proteins that are produced as a result of disease-causing genes. What Is Gene Therapy? Some diseases are caused by a known genetic defect or a gene mutation....

Lower incomes, depleted savings, social isolation. Key Takeaways Depression and anxiety are increasing across all demographics during quarantine.Coping skills are important for mental health.Planning “normal” activities, exercise, social connection, and grieving are all effective tools for coping. These are the factors that have contributed to a threefold increase in depression since the start of COVID-19 lockdowns, according to an original report from the Journal of the American Medical Association in September....

Makeda Robinson, MD, Ph.D., is an infectious disease specialist currently studying virus-host interactions in emerging viruses at Stanford University. Each week, Dr. Robinson breaks down complicated COVID-19 topics and addresses pressing public health concerns. As researchers around the world race to create a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—there are growing concerns over the potential side effects, distribution, and accessibility of a vaccine. There are several ongoing global trials that have enlisted thousands of volunteers to test potential vaccines....

Bird flu, or avian flu, is a type of influenza A that occurs naturally in wild birds and can be spread to domesticated birds. In extremely rare cases it can affect humans. There are many strains of bird flu, but when most people talk about bird flu they’re referring to viruses that originate in Asia, specifically H7N9 or H5N1, the classic bird flu. In the past, both of these have caused small outbreaks globally, but neither has ever been detected in the United States....

Birth control patches are used to prevent pregnancy. They are small adhesive stickers that deliver hormonal contraception through the skin. Patches are an alternative to birth control pills. There are currently two types of birth control patches approved in the United States. Each delivers both an estrogen and a progestin, similar to a combination pill. However, the type of progestin is different in each patch: Xulane contains norelgestromin (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen)....

Brain aneurysm surgery is considered a lifesaving procedure that is done to prevent or minimize the potential consequences of a brain aneurysm bleed. The operation can be done to repair an unruptured brain aneurysm so that it won’t bleed. It can also be done to remove blood and to prevent bleeding after a brain aneurysm has already ruptured. Brain aneurysm surgery is a highly specialized neurosurgical procedure that involves extensive and careful planning, even when it is done as an emergency....

A colon polyp is a growth on the lining of the wall of your colon (large intestine) or rectum. Polyps are common in people over 50 and tend to grow slowly. Over time, some polyps can develop into colon cancer, which is why they are typically removed during a routine colonoscopy. This article looks at the different types of colon polyps, including their relationship to cancers of the colon or rectum....

Several health conditions can affect the uterus or womb. Some are serious, while others need minimal treatment. Many involve similar symptoms such as pelvic pain or irregular bleeding. It’s important to see a healthcare provider so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. This article explores some of the most common uterine health conditions. It also takes a look at how they are diagnosed and treated. Uterus Structure The uterus is a pear-shaped structure in the pelvis....

Septic osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are infections of a bone and a synovial joint. They are sometimes discussed together because they have many similarities and can occur at the same time. There are also several differences between the two conditions. Keep reading to learn about septic osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, their symptoms, causes, how they are diagnosed and treated, and more. Symptoms Both osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are rare, and they can be life-threatening....

A critical illness insurance plan is a supplemental health insurance policy that pays you a fixed, lump sum if you are diagnosed with a severe illness. Critical illness plans cover a wide variety of diseases, including lung cancer. The lump-sum benefit payment can be used for what you need, whether that’s medical bills, groceries, childcare, or mortgage payments. Many people assume their primary health insurance plan will be enough to cover medical bills as they arise....

Depression is more than just a mental health concern. It can impact every area of life, including career, relationships, and overall well-being. However, there are ways to cope that can help manage symptoms and other negative effects of depression on your health and life in general. Coping strategies work for emotional health beyond depression alone, including physical health, social well-being, and the practical challenges that occur with depression. Emotional As a mental health disorder, depression has a significant emotional component to it....

Diverticulosis is a common condition of the large intestine (colon) that occurs as people age. In diverticulosis, the wall of the large intestine develops weak spots which bulge outward to form little pockets, which are called diverticula. When these diverticulum (the singular of diverticula) become inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are together known as diverticular disease. Overview Diverticulosis tends to occur in people over the age of 40, with as many as 50% of people over the age of 60 showing signs of the disease....

The appendix is a small tubelike pouch attached to the large intestine in your lower-right abdomen. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Without medical care, the appendix can burst, leading to complications like sepsis (body-wide infection) and even death, so it’s vital to catch the early signs. Symptoms of early appendicitis vary and are often confused with other conditions. Most commonly, people experience pain low in their abdomen. This pain typically starts near the belly button, then moves to the lower-right area....

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge. They play a vital role in the human body, affecting everything from heartbeat to muscle contraction. Electrolyte levels that are too high or too low can cause health problems. This article discusses the role of electrolytes in health, electrolyte imbalance, and supplementation. What Are Electrolytes? On a molecular level, electrolytes are chemical substances that have a positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water....