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Doxylamine is a sleep aid in products like Unisom and Nyquil that you can buy over the counter. It’s also an antihistamine that’s used to treat nasal congestion. Some people take doxylamine to treat insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder where you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You don’t need a prescription for doxylamine as it is widely available over-the-counter (OTC). But that doesn’t mean the medicine doesn’t come with potential side effects....

More than one in five Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the numbers are steadily increasing as more people become eligible for the shot. But the vaccine remains a hot commodity and people seeking appointments continue to flood sign-up sites. Yet, due to no-shows or appointment cancellations, some vaccine providers are still left with extra doses at the end of the day. Key Takeaways...

While children are at the greatest risk of middle ear infections (also called otitis media), adults can also experience them. Blockage of the eustachian tube is the usual cause, as it allows a bacterial or viral infection to develop in the middle ear. The blockage can be triggered by colds, allergies, and other respiratory infections, and children’s eustachian tubes are more prone to blockage from fluid or inflammation. Common Causes The most common cause of otitis media is eustachian tube blockage....

The early signs of cancer are often nonspecific, and most people don’t present with obvious symptoms until it has progressed to later stages, making early diagnosis difficult. The earliest stage of cancer is referred to as stage 1, and presents with a smaller tumor that has not yet grown deeply into nearby tissues or the lymph nodes. Stage 2 refers to tumors that have become larger and the cancer has grown more deeply into nearby tissues....

Eczema can flare up when someone is exposed to triggers, which vary from person to person. However, if you know what your triggers are, you can help get control over them. Here’s what to know about eczema flare-ups and how to track down your triggers to help prevent and manage them. What Is an Eczema Flare-Up? Eczema is the medical term for certain skin conditions in people with dry, sensitive skin that tends to get very itchy and develop rashes....

Esophageal cancer is uncommon, making up about 1% of diagnosed cancers in the United States. In the past, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus—associated with smoking plus excessive alcohol use—was the most common type. But in recent years, it has been surpassed by adenocarcinoma, often associated with long-term acid reflux and obesity. Difficulty with swallowing is often the first symptom of esophageal cancer, and tests such as endoscopy help confirm a diagnosis....

On October 27, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had approved the single-use lotion head lice treatment, Sklice (ivermectin lotion 0.5%), to be sold over-the-counter. Key Takeaways Sklice, a lice treatment that was only available with a prescription, will now be sold over-the-counter. Only one dose is needed to kill live lice and application time is 10 minutes. Combing is not needed afterward. Dermatologists confirm that Sklice is effective in treating head lice....

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers found that males are more likely to experience severe outcomes and death from COVID than people who are female. Key Takeaways Studies have shown that females are more likely to experience long COVID than people who males.Males and females also tend to have different long COVID symptoms, but the cause of these sex differences is unknown.Analyzing male and female data separately is crucial for researchers who are trying to fill in information gaps about how biological sex influences long COVID symptoms and affects treatment response....

You may believe that dry, rough, scaly patches of skin on your eyelids are simply a result of aging or climate. There are, however, a number of common and uncommon causes of flaky eyelids to also consider. A skin condition like eczema could be to blame, but so could a reaction to something you apply to the area. If over-the-counter ointments and moisturizers fail to improve your condition, you may have a problem that needs specific medical treatment....

With the rise of natural disasters and increasing concerns related to climate change, many young people are feeling the effects of eco-anxiety—a persistent worrying related to the future of the planet and its inhabitants. Key Takeaways A March 2021 survey found that 83% of Gen Z youth are concerned about the health of the planet.Concerns about climate change can bring about eco-anxiety, or manifestations of clinical anxiety related to fears about the future of the environment....

Hypoparathyroidism happens when your body doesn’t make enough parathyroid hormone because the parathyroid glands have been surgically removed, are damaged, or the body resists the hormone. Parathyroid hormone is important for controlling essential vitamins and minerals in the body, including calcium. A major symptom of hypoparathyroidism is hypocalcemia, low calcium levels. Your body needs calcium to keep your muscles, nerves, and heart working correctly. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe and include muscle spasms, paresthesia (pins and needles), heart and breathing problems, and seizures....

Even though paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is rare, there are effective treatments—some of which can potentially cure the condition. However, the treatments have risks that people with the condition need to know about. This article will review the current treatments for PNH, as well as possible options for future therapies. Home Remedies and Lifestyle There are no home remedies or lifestyle changes that are recommended to treat PNH. That said, there are some steps that you can take to manage the condition and the symptoms you have, such as:...

It’s not exactly clear how many grams of sugar a person living with diabetes should have in a day since each person is different. Some general guidelines about sugar consumption can give you a sense of how much is too much for anyone. But having diabetes means you’ll likely need to consume even less than that. Only your healthcare provider can give you the ideal maximum number of grams of sugar you should consume in a day....

Dermatologists and beauty influencers are taking to social media to proclaim sunscreen as the most important step in a daily skincare routine. The number of people who reports using sunscreen daily has also steadily increased in recent years. Key Takeaways Some studies suggest long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in some sunscreens can be toxic and more research is ongoing.Experts say sunscreen sold in the U.S. is safe and effective at preventing skin cancers....

Grease fires happen when oil, grease, or fat on a stovetop, oven, or deep-fat fryer gets hot enough to ignite. These fires burn very hot and can spread if not handled properly. The instructions for how to put out a grease fire must be followed in this exact order: Turn off the stove.Cover the pot, pan, or fryer with a lid.Douse the fire with baking soda, salt, or a fire extinguisher—never water....

If a child in your care has just been diagnosed with autism, you may be feeling a bit shell-shocked. You’re not alone. For 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in 54 children had autism—with the rate being 4.3 times higher in children assigned male at birth than in children assigned female at birth. And the prevalence has increased since then, meaning the number of children diagnosed with autism just keeps going up....

Whether you’re concerned that your dad is overweight or you’re frustrated that he’s been limping around on a sore knee for a year, convincing him to see a doctor can be tough. No matter how old you are, it’s difficult for parents to take medical advice from their kids. But, if you’re worried about your dad’s health, starting a conversation could encourage him to change his habits, see a doctor, or practice better self-care....

The primary function of teeth is to help you eat by cutting, grinding, and mixing food as you chew so it’s easy to swallow. But that’s not their only function. Your teeth also help you breathe and talk, as well as serve as the foundation for shaping the lower portion of your face. They even help exchange minerals throughout your body. Your teeth and oral hygiene also serve as a window into your body and provide a glimpse into your overall health....

What Is Inderal LA? Inderal LA (propranolol) is an orally administered prescription medication categorized as a beta-blocker that is used to treat heart disease, help with anxiety, and prevent migraines in people 18 and older. “LA” refers to long-acting, corresponding to its route of administration as an extended-release (ER) capsule. This means the drug is designed to last longer in the body and require less intensive dosing than a standard-release drug....

Attachment styles are used to identify how a person relates to others in their life. Attachment styles, otherwise known as attachment patterns, develop in childhood and carry on throughout adulthood. Broadly speaking, the two main types of attachment are secure and insecure. This article discusses the different types of insecure attachment, what causes them, and how to cope with them as an adult. What Is Insecure Attachment? Insecure attachment is a relational pattern that causes a person to feel insecure about their relationships with others....