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Exercise can cause eczema to flare, resulting in itchy skin. However, exercise is also associated with improved immune function and reduced stress and anxiety, critical factors in managing eczema. Learn more about how exercise affects eczema and how to mitigate symptoms. Eczema and Exercise Heat and sweat from exercise are some of the most commonly reported reasons people with eczema avoid physical activity. Exercise-induced sweating increases skin temperature and can aggravate the symptoms of eczema....

An adrenal crisis occurs when there is not enough cortisol in the body, and in the case of primary adrenal insufficiency, also not enough aldosterone. It is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. The adrenal glands are located right on top of the kidneys and are responsible for the production of the hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps to control blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels and is released as part of the body’s stress response....

Therapy is a form of health care that helps people overcome mental disorders and problematic behaviors. The therapy process is done through open communication and skill building with a qualified mental health professional who aids in working through the symptoms and sources of mental disorders or distress. According to reports, the mental health care budget in the United States reached roughly $225.1 billion in 2019, which accounts for over 5% of all health care spending in the country....

In a Love Letter to the Black Community, a team of Black doctors and nurses is urging all Black people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Key Takeaways The Black Coalition Against COVID is a grassroots organization of healthcare providers and community leaders.The organization is educating, informing, and encouraging Black individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.Healthcare providers can encourage COVID-19 vaccination by listening, acknowledging concerns, building trust, and providing accurate information. The Black Coalition Against COVID (BCAC) released the letter as one part of their plan to encourage the Black community to get vaccinated....

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by extreme instability in moods, self-image, and relationships. People with this mental disorder often engage in impulsive and risky behaviors. Those with BPD can experience anxiety, depression, and anger that lasts from a few hours to a few days. They may also have fear of abandonment, feelings of emptiness, and self-harm behaviors. Symptoms typically present during the teenage years or early adulthood, although earlier signs may be detected in childhood....

Many people are familiar with the symptoms of yeast infections, but they may not know that it can cause a little bleeding. If those who have a yeast infection notice blood after wiping, it might be alarming and make them wonder if they have a yeast infection or something more serious. Yeast infections (also called candidiasis) commonly occur in women when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. When it affects the vagina and the tissues at the opening of the vagina (vulva), it’s called a vaginal yeast infection....

Each year, more than 50 million Americans experience allergic reactions to all kinds of substances, including plants like cannabis (marijuana). Not only can you be allergic to weed, but a reaction can occur even after you have used pot for some time. It is unclear how many people are allergic to weed. As a growing number of states legalize the use of medical and recreational marijuana, it is likely there will be a better understanding of how widespread the allergy is....

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is so important that the last thing you want is to miss an appointment. There are good reasons to postpone your shot, such as testing positive for COVID-19, but being on your period isn’t one of them. This article looks at some of the reasons why it is OK to get the shot during your period. Key Takeaways People say they’ve seen changes in their periods during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is most likely because of stress....

Siblings of children with disabilities have unique challenges—and siblings of children with autism are no exception. But as with virtually everything related to autism, each situation is unique. For some siblings, life with an autistic sibling can be overwhelmingly difficult. For others, it has its ups and downs. There are even some children who see their sibling’s autism as a plus rather than a minus. Despite these differences, however, there are some shared experiences and challenges....

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are T-shaped devices that can be inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are five brands of IUDs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and available for use in the United States: KyleenaLilettaMirenaParagardSkyla While IUDs are considered among the most effective birth control options, there are differences between the brands that you should consider. Knowing more about them can help you decide whether an IUD is right for you and, if so, which one....

Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort felt when two pieces of information contradict each other or when your behavior goes against the truth of a situation. Examples of cognitive dissonance include a smoker who knows cigarettes are dangerous, a company that doesn’t follow its code of ethics, or a person who avoids speaking about a past trauma while still dealing with it in the present. As a result of wanting to resolve the mental conflict of cognitive dissonance, people might either change their behavior or ignore information that goes against their desires and goals....

The coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure is a longstanding and effective surgical approach to improve blood circulation in the heart. This surgery is necessary when the coronary arteries become blocked or narrowed (a condition called atherosclerosis), leading to coronary artery disease (CAD). It is also be indicated to take on heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI)—and heart failure. In this procedure, surgeons essentially reroute blood supply around these blockages, using an artery harvested from another part of the body....

A man living with severe type 1 diabetes who is part of a clinical trial by Vertex Pharmaceuticals appears to be have been functionally cured of the disease thanks to a new treatment involving stem cells. Key Takeaways Researchers have developed a new type 1 diabetes treatment that has functionally cured a patient.For the treatment, individuals receive an infusion of cells that teach the pancreas to produce insulin.Experts say these results are revolutionary and promising....

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by the chronically high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood associated with diabetes. There are several different types of neuropathy, with peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy being the most common. Depending on the type, symptoms can include pain or numbness in the hands, feet, or legs; problems with blood pressure; bladder and digestive disorders; and other issues. It’s estimated that up to 50% of adults with diabetes eventually develop peripheral neuropathy, which can lead to serious complications including the need for digit or limb amputation....

Overcoming an eating disorder is not an easy journey. It’s a difficult process with many ups and downs, but it is worth the time and effort. Taking steps toward recovery can improve your quality of life and can even be lifesaving. With treatment and continued support, eating disorder recovery is possible. How Do You Know If You Need Help? If you are constantly preoccupied with thoughts about food, dieting, and your body weight and shape, and have engaged in extreme behavior to lose weight or prevent weight gain, you may be at risk of or have an eating disorder....

Eczema is a catch-all term that describes several skin conditions causing similar symptoms, including itching, dryness, and blisters. There are several types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes eczema symptoms and can become chronic. Poison ivy is a plant that causes a skin reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis when you touch it. Though the two cause very similar symptoms, they are distinct....

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an imaging test that uses endoscopy and X-rays to see the inside of the bile and pancreatic ducts. During this test, a flexible tube with a light on the end called an endoscope is passed through the mouth, the esophagus, and the stomach, and into the first part of the small intestine. An ERCP may be used to look for diseases and conditions in the bile and pancreatic ducts and may also be used to deliver treatment....

A new drug is showing promise when it comes to reducing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Key Takeaways A new drug aimed at slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is showing promising results for people with mild cognitive decline.While the drugmakers have yet to release further information, early clinical trial data shows that Leqembi (lecanemab) reduced cognitive decline by 27% in patients after 18 months compared to those in a placebo group....

When you’re on painkillers, you may wonder how often you should take them. These drugs are intended to help people recovering from temporary pain like that from surgery or an injury as well as those with chronic pain from cancer or other sources. They can include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription anti-inflammatories, narcotic (opioid) painkillers, or some combination of these. So if you’re not in pain, can you skip a dose? If you’re in constant pain, can you take more or take it more often?...

Should the federal government put limits on Medicaid spending? As it stands, two-thirds of all federal grants go to Medicaid. Before we get into a debate about how to reform Medicaid, we need to understand how the federal government currently funds the program. There are differences in funding based on whether or not a state participates in Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. The federal government provided additional funds to states undergoing Medicaid expansion, paying 100 percent of Medicaid expansion costs through 2016 and 90 percent of those costs through 2020....