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Horseradish is not just a spicy condiment. The herbal supplement, horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, is an annual herb in the Brassicaceae family. Horseradish has been used traditionally, for its medicinal properties, for many years. The horseradish plant is native to Eastern Europe. Known for its pungent odor it is less known for its traditional uses. The component in horseradish known to cause this familiar odor is also suggested to be the reason behind many of the traditional benefits attributed to the plant....

A new Florida law will ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity for students from kindergarten to third grade. Critics have labeled the legislation as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, saying it limits freedom of expression and harms LGBTQ+ students and teachers. Key Takeaways Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, which will go into effect on July 1, prohibits education on sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade....

Though type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, the condition most often occurs in middle-aged and older people. People with a family history of diabetes, who are overweight, or have obesity are more at risk of developing the disease. Health problems such as high blood pressure and prediabetes can also increase the risk. If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to stop the onset of the disease....

The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) gene directs your body to make proteins that promote cell division and growth. Alterations in the KRAS gene are the most frequent mutations seen in non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. KRAS mutations are not inherited but are acquired as a result of carcinogenic exposures. KRAS-positive cancer is more difficult to treat than cancers that don’t involve this mutation, but identifying it can help your healthcare provider hone in on treatments that might work best for you....

While high blood pressure (hypertension) and the drugs used to treat it can cause erectile dysfunction (ED), studies suggest a beneficial relationship between a the blood pressure drug losartan and ED. Losartan, sold under the brand name Cozaar and others, works by blocking a chemical in the body from narrowing the blood vessels. This leads to an increase in blood flow, which may help some individuals improve erectile function. This article looks at what the current research says about losartan and ED....

Meningitis causes symptoms that often seem similar to those of the flu. Symptoms that are highly suggestive of meningitis include a fever accompanied by stiff neck and headaches with sensitivity to sounds and light. When meningitis is severe, or if it becomes advanced, it is more likely to cause symptoms of confusion or seizures. Frequent Symptoms Fever, a stiff neck, and a change in mental status make up the classic triad of meningitis symptoms, though there are others that often occur....

Exercising can help relieve arthritis pain by strengthening muscles that support joints and increasing blood flow to improve mobility and decrease joint stiffness. While exercise is one of the best options to manage pain and other symptoms of arthritis, certain exercises can cause increased inflammation and irritation when the joints are strained. The neck, or cervical spine, is made up of seven different bones called vertebrae. Cervical spondylosis, or neck arthritis, can occur over time from aging or injury, causing cartilage breakdown between the vertebrae....

A paraesophageal hernia is when part or all of an abdominal organ pushes into your chest through an opening in the diaphragm so that it is now positioned next to your esophagus. Though the rarer of the two types of hiatal hernia, it is potentially more serious. Some cases have no symptoms and may not need to be treated, but those that do require surgery to manage complications such as a loss of the herniated organ’s blood supply....

It’s common for women to feel tired, experience mood swings, and have a variety of other symptoms in the months after childbirth. For some women, symptoms may be caused by a thyroid problem known as postpartum thyroiditis (PPT)—an inflammation of the thyroid that initially occurs during the first year after childbirth, miscarriage, or induced abortion. It’s considered a variation of autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Types of PPT There are several types of postpartum thyroiditis, including:...

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause salmonellosis (non-typhoidal Salmonella enteritis), a common foodborne infection that causes watery diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The symptoms usually last about four to seven days and don’t typically require a trip to the healthcare provider, unless it affects an infant or if complications develop. Dehydration is the most common complication, and less frequent complications include blood infection and invasive salmonella infection. Frequent Symptoms Symptoms of a gastrointestinal Salmonella infection can begin within six hours and up to four days after you are exposed....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. The most common type of RA is seropositive RA, where someone with RA has detectable anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies in their blood that can identify the disease. High levels of one or both are associated with inflammation and increased disease severity. By definition, people with seronegative RA do not have detectable anti-CCP or RF levels....

Swollen testicles, also known as testicular swelling, can be a sign of many things, both minor and major. It may be due to an injury, infection, or, in rare cases, cancer. It is often difficult to tell what the underlying cause is until you are examined by a healthcare provider. The testicles, also called the testes, are an important part of the male reproductive system. Swollen testicles can affect anyone with testicles or testicular implants....

Autism is a condition that affects brain development in children. This condition causes problems with social interaction and communication skills and as well as limitations in behavior patterns. Autism is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Do Food Allergies Cause or Worsen Autism? In recent years, various studies—mostly in the alternative medicine literature—have suggested that food allergies play a role in causing or worsening autism. Specifically, gluten (a wheat protein) and casein (a milk protein) have been blamed for worsening symptoms in children with autism....

Waking up with marks on your body can be disturbing. You may recall nighttime itchiness and scratching, but it is possible to notice marks and not remember how they got there. Nighttime scratches, rashes, hives, or other marks on your body aren’t always due to something sinister; there is usually a reasonable explanation, even if you don’t remember. This article will explore potential reasons you are waking up with scratches....

It’s probably the most common question I get as a dentist: “which mouthwash should I be using?” Or, “is this mouthwash good?” The answer often depends on what your needs are. People look to mouthwash as a breath freshener or to stop bad breath, but mouthwash is also used to stop bleeding gums, tooth decay, and some are used for teeth whitening. One big misconception is that mouthwash can remove plaque from your teeth and gums....

Under the Affordable Care Act, each state must have a health insurance exchange. The exchange, also known as the marketplace, is a platform that residents can use to shop for health insurance. The exchange is used by people who need to purchase their own coverage and can also be used by some people who are eligible for Medicaid. This article will describe who uses an exchange, how a state-run exchange differs from a federally run exchange, which states run their own exchanges, and how to access the exchange for your state....

What Is Zestoretic? Zestoretic (lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription combination tablet that contains two different medications: lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Both of these medications can be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (blocker). Blocking the ACE protein results in lower angiotensin II hormone levels in your body. This relaxes your blood vessels which in turn lowers your blood pressure. HCTZ, on the other hand, is a thiazide diuretic (water pill)....

What Is Zofran ODT? Zofran ODT (ondansetron) is an antiemetic drug that helps prevent nausea and vomiting. This prescription medication dissolves on the top of your tongue and works by preventing a chemical called serotonin from reaching certain cells in the brain. Zofran ODT is available as an orally disintegrating tablet. Ondansetron hydrochloride is available in non-disintegrating tablets and an oral solution. What Is Zofran ODT Used For? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zofran ODT to prevent:...

Two of the most common pain medications and fever reducers are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Typically available over the counter, acetaminophen is sold in the United States as Tylenol, and is an ingredient in the products Excedrin and Nyquil. Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin, among others. These medications temporarily relieve pain due to headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and the common cold, among other conditions. Still, there are some significant differences between acetaminophen and ibuprofen....

Adenoviruses commonly cause mild cold or flu-like symptoms in humans. The virus can be transmitted from person to person year-round, in people of all ages. An adenovirus may cause various types of illness; for example, cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye), bronchitis, or even pneumonia. People most at risk of getting sick from exposure to an adenovirus are those with a weakened immune system (such as seniors or young children) people with respiratory disorders such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and those with heart disease....