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Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols or stanol esters, are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that are similar in structure to cholesterol found in humans. When consumed in the foods you eat, they compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestine. This can potentially lower the cholesterol levels in your blood, most especially the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that can clog your arteries. Phytosterols are found most predominately in fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, whole grains, soybeans, mushrooms, lentils, and nuts....

Oklahoma is the latest state to push forward anti-transgender legislation, this time by preventing transgender students from using bathrooms that match their gender identity. As of March 2022, at least 137 anti-transgender bills were moving through legislatures across the country, according to the Human Rights Campaign, More have been introduced since then. However, the science does not support what many of the legislators behind the anti-trans bills are claiming. In fact, research has shown that transgender youth benefit from receiving gender-affirming care in both medical and social applications....

If you or a loved one suffer an injury that leads to either short-term or long-term difficulty in performing daily tasks, the use of assistive equipment and technology may help you return to independence. The world of technology to help with everyday tasks is vast and varied. There are many options and industry lingo to sift through; so much so that consultation with a professional, such as a rehabilitation therapist, is often merited....

There are many different types of headaches, each with its own sensations such as a sharp, pulsing, or throbbing pain. Two of the most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines. The pain of a tension headache is dull and happens on both sides of the head. You may feel tightness or pressure in your head. Migraines, on the other hand, occur on only one side or are worse on one side....

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness that is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is usually characterized as causing inflammation in the lining of the colon, but it is an immune-mediated condition. This means that it involves the body’s immune system, which can lead to effects in organs and body systems other than the digestive tract. A diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is difficult to receive for many reasons....

Helminths are parasitic worms that can infect humans and other animals. There are three types of helminths: flukes (trematodes), tapeworms (cestodes), and roundworms (nematodes). When these worms get into the human body, they can cause parasitic infection, which appears as intestinal worms. This infection is known as helminthiasis, although it’s sometimes called helminthosis or simply a worm infection. Helminths are most common in areas that have moist, warm climates and poor sanitation....

Cellulite is pockets off fat deposits that collect just below the surface of the skin. This can cause the skin to have a dimpled or lumpy appearance. The most common areas are around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. About 90% of those assigned female at birth will have cellulite at some point in their lives, but it is rare for those assigned male at birth. Cellulite is a cosmetic or aesthetic concern for some, but it is not harmful to your health....

Your ophthalmologist may use the word pseudophakia to explain what happens during cataract surgery. Don’t let the strange-sounding word worry you. Pseudophakia refers to an artificial or fake lens, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL), being implanted in your eye in place of the clouded lens removed during cataract surgery. The new false lens can significantly improve your vision and improve your quality of life. What Is a Pseudophakic IOL?...

What Is Altace? Altace (ramipril) is a pill taken by mouth used to treat heart conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure, and kidney diseases of different causes, such as diabetes (diabetic nephropathy). Altace belongs to a drug class called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The angiotensin-converting enzyme is part of a complex system in the body that raises and lowers blood pressure. Altace works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently....

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that causes an inflamed, scaly, itchy rash. This can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands and face. Anxiety is a group of mental disorders with symptoms such as nausea, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of nervousness and panic. In the United States, about 10.1% of the population will have eczema, and around 31.1% will have an anxiety disorder in their lifetime....

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the safety of vaccines. Some are relatively common, like claims that the flu shot causes flu. Others—like the COVID-19 vaccines “change your DNA”—are absurd, yet they get shared repeatedly on social media. Contrary to what you hear, vaccines (including those that contain the word “toxoid,” like the tetanus toxoid vaccine) are not toxic. Both the active and inactive ingredients are rigorously tested and regulated to ensure that the benefits of vaccinations far outweigh any potential risks....

As with all drugs, asthma medications are known to have side effects. The range of possibilities is wide, from oral thrush to nervousness to glaucoma. Side effects can vary depending on the drug class, the dose, and how it’s delivered (by inhalation or by mouth). Most asthma medications are well tolerated, though, and the benefits of treatment outweigh the consequences. There may be times, however, when a side effect is severe enough that a dose adjustment or different drug entirely is called for....

Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found naturally in cereal grains, yeast, and certain mushrooms. It is also sold as a supplement. As a soluble fiber, beta-glucan is not digested but can slow food transit in the intestines. As a result, carbohydrates are absorbed slower, resulting in more steady blood sugar. In addition, it may remove cholesterol with it as it goes. Uses of Beta-Glucan Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider....

Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing tumors that can arise in several places throughout the body. Carcinoid tumors are a subset of tumors called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that usually begin in the digestive tract (stomach, appendix, small intestine, duodenum, colon, or rectum) or in the lungs. In some cases, carcinoid tumors can begin in other parts of the body, such as the testicles or ovaries. While carcinoid tumors are cancerous, they are unique in that they are considered to be “cancer in slow motion....

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (a herpes virus). It causes symptoms like blisters, rashes, fever, and more. It is transmitted easily through contact with other people who have an active chickenpox infection. The infection lasts between five and 10 days and is normally mild. However, some people with chickenpox experience serious health issues. A chickenpox vaccine became available in the United States in 1995, preventing millions of infections and many hospitalizations and deaths....

Cutis Laxa is a rare disorder that causes a defect or an insufficiency of the body’s connective tissue, affecting the normal structural framework of the skin, muscles, joints, and sometimes, internal organs. Generally, cutis laxa is characterized by saggy, loose, wrinkly, and inelastic skin, especially around the face, neck, arms, legs, and torso. These skin symptoms alone are sometimes referred to as “cutis laxa” as well. There are many different types of cutis laxa, and this determines the other body parts and organs it affects in addition to the skin....

When health insurance deductibles are often measured in thousands of dollars, copayments—the fixed amount (usually in the range of $25 to $75) you owe each time you go to the doctor or fill a prescription—may seem like chump change. But copays really add up when you have ongoing health conditions. And for more expensive services, like urgent care and emergency room visits, copays can be $100 or more. And you may be wondering: Do copays count toward your health insurance deductible?...

Does caffeine help headaches? It depends. After drinking coffee, some people get a headache, while others use caffeine to treat migraines. Scientists don’t quite know why caffeine helps headaches in some people but makes them worse in others. Keeping track of your own experience can help you understand whether caffeine triggers a headache or enables you to find relief. Keep reading to learn more about caffeine and headaches, including caffeine’s effect on the brain, how to get rid of a caffeine headache, and how to reduce your caffeine intake without feeling any pain....

What Is Hemabate? Hemabate is an injectable medication used to treat postpartum hemorrhage—a condition that involves excessive vaginal bleeding after giving birth. Hemabate may also induce an abortion during weeks 13 through 20 of pregnancy. Hemabate belongs to a group of drugs called prostaglandins. It works by contracting the uterus. This helps slow bleeding after delivery. It also can induce an abortion by causing the uterus to contract in a way similar to labor....

A colonoscopy is a procedure that helps detect and prevent colon cancer. Experts recommend colon cancer screening for all adults starting at age 45, with repeat screenings at least every 10 years. People who have a higher risk of developing colon cancer should get a colonoscopy earlier and more often. This includes people with a family or personal history of colon cancer and those with certain forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)....