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A nationwide survey of over 32,000 college students has found that rates of depression and anxiety continue to rise among students, with rates hitting their highest levels amidst the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism and inequality, and political unrest. Key Takeaways In the fall of 2020, almost half of college students screened in a survey were experiencing depression and/or anxiety.COVID-19, systemic racism and inequality, and political unrest are all added stressors on college students’ day to day....

A new study from the New York University School of Medicine is highlighting safety concerns associated with undiagnosed focal epilepsy. Key Takeaways Undiagnosed focal seizures are 10 times more likely to cause car accidents than motor seizures.Focal seizures can take up to six years to diagnose, but once identified, can be easily treated with antiseizure medication.Experts say that education is the best way to improve diagnosis time. Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by seizures....

A radioactive iodine uptake test, or RAIU, is typically performed with a thyroid scan to help determine thyroid health and functioning. The test helps your healthcare provider see how much radioactive iodine your thyroid has absorbed over a certain time period, usually 6 or 24 hours after taking radioactive iodine. Purpose of Test Iodine is essential for your thyroid in order to make thyroid hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)....

What Is Sprycel? Sprycel (dasatinib) is a medication in the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat certain types of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults and children 1 and older. Dasatinib blocks the action of specific kinases, which are abnormal proteins that signal cancer cells to multiply. Blocking the activity of these proteins stops the growth and spread of cancer cells. Sprycel is an oral cancer medication....

Although “sulfa” and “sulfite” sound similar, the two chemicals are not related. Therefore, so won’t necessarily be allergic to the other just because you’ve had a reaction to one. Sulfites are chemicals that are often used as preservatives and antioxidants in foods (preventing browning and spoilage). A sulfa allergy refers to an allergy to sulfonamide-containing drugs (also called sulfur drugs). These drugs have a sulfonamide group in their chemical structure....

The tibial nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of your leg and into the foot. It’s involved in a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome that’s sometimes found in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankle deformities due to injury. Anatomy The sciatic nerve, which is involved in the painful condition called sciatica, is the largest nerve in the human body. It emerges from the spinal column in your lower back, then extends down through the buttock and into the leg....

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar. It is often treated with Glucophage (metformin), a first-line diabetes drug that reduces the amount of sugar your body produces. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for type 2 diabetes, however. The key to managing this increasingly common condition is piecing together a treatment plan that fits the individual. Type 2 diabetes treatment may include:...

A heart rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm) or higher, also known as tachycardia, can be a normal body response to exercise, stress, or even too much coffee. But it could also be due to an abnormal heart rhythm or other serious condition. Deciding when to go to the hospital for a rapid heart depends on your health history and how you are feeling overall. If you are experiencing additional symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or trouble breathing, it’s time to seek immediate medical attention....

A headache is a painful sensation that can be felt anywhere on the face or head. Headaches can vary in intensity from mild to severe, and there are several different types of headaches that you may experience. Read on to learn more about the varying types of headaches, what causes them, and how you can find relief at home. Types According to the International Headache Society, there are more than 150 types of headaches....

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC or AdCC) is an uncommon form of cancer that occurs in both children and adults. ACC grows in glands (organs that create and release bodily substances). It is most often found in the glands that make saliva known as salivary glands. ACC can also be found in other areas in the head and neck and in other parts of the body, such as the breast, skin, cervix, and prostate gland....

What Is Advil? Ibuprofen, known under brand names such as Advil and Motrin, is one of several drugs in a family called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen is most commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and headaches. It is available over the counter (OTC) as a tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension. Some types of ibuprofen are available only by prescription. What Is Advil Used For? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ibuprofen for:...

Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa), which is native to Morocco. Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil is often used in skincare as an anti-aging product. Argan oil is also used for culinary purposes, the consumption of which is believed to have medical benefits, including the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes. Health Benefits Argan oil is marketed for several different purposes, hair care and skin treatment chief among them....

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the two types of polycystic kidney disease. ADPKD causes many cysts (fluid-filled sacs) to grow on the kidneys. These cysts affect the way the kidneys work. They also lead to other health problems, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and high blood pressure. Over time, ADPKD can begin to damage the kidneys. It is possible to have this condition for many years before symptoms become noticeable and you receive a diagnosis....

Proper nutrition is as important to the long-term health and well-being of a person living with HIV as it is to anyone else. But oftentimes, dietary needs require adjustments as the body responds to different medications or the disease itself. Vitamins and minerals can often be depleted during severe or prolonged bouts of diarrhea, the condition of which can be induced by certain infections or medications. Changes in body fats, also associated with treatment or HIV infection, can demand marked changes to one’s diet....

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) can run in families. That has led researchers to ask whether it is a hereditary disease, or one that can be passed down from one person to another. So far, research doesn’t support this. But your genes can make you more likely to develop ME/CFS under certain conditions—what’s called a genetic predisposition. This article explains what a genetic predisposition to ME/CFS means for you. You’ll also learn about familial patterns, what other factors contribute to the condition, and how genetic research is aiming to shape how chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed and treated....

Cordyceps is a type of fungus long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is said to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. When taken as a supplement, cordyceps benefits may include: Increased exercise performance Boosted immunity Reduced inflammation Improved heart health Lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes Some people even believe that cordyceps may have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. This article describes how cordyceps are used, including the possible benefits and risks....

Mila’s Middle Eastern family has always glorified round hips and snatched waists. Her own body didn’t fit these ideals, she says, and she was consumed by insecurities. Key Takeaways Spurred by social media, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures around the world.BBL uses fat transfer technology to remove fat cells from parts of the body and inject them into the buttock to create a fuller look....

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive neuromuscular disease that affects the muscles. Caused by a defective gene and first appearing in childhood, DMD results in weakness and muscle loss that gets worse over time. There is no cure for DMD. Many people with the condition do not live beyond their 30s. Treatment has come a long way, though, adding years to the lives of people with DMD. How Common Is DMD?...

Depression, also called major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly occurs in people with epilepsy and contributes to a lower quality of life, increased time in hospitals, and less control over seizures. Though the two illnesses often occur together, depression is frequently overlooked and undiagnosed. This article will discuss the connection between epilepsy and depression, the complications of having both disorders, and how to diagnose them. It will also provide treatment options for epilepsy and depression and ways to cope with them....

Hand pain can have many causes because the hand is made up of many different parts. The bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, skin, and other structures that help the hands do a wide range of tasks can also be sources of pain. This article will go over the causes of hand pain. You’ll also learn about how you can treat hand pain at home and when you should see a provider about hand pain....