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If you have small, hard poop that’s shaped like pellets, it’s usually a sign of constipation, or infrequent bowel movements. Most often, constipation happens if your diet is low in fiber. Hydration and physical activity can also play a role. Constipation can also occur with certain medications or medical conditions that interfere with the functioning of your bowels. This article details five possible reasons why your poop looks like pellets and when it’s time to see a doctor....

Genetic tests can determine whether you are at risk of developing cancer by identifying mutations in a person’s genes. The risk of developing cancer increases if you have a genetic predisposition or susceptibility to cancer. Approximately 5% to 10% of all cancers are related to an inherited gene mutation. Finding a mutation may help provide an early diagnosis and peace of mind. However, genetic testing can’t detect all gene mutations, may provide false negative results, and can result in increased anxiety and high medical costs....

Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are at increased risk of thyroid disease, but there is no clear evidence that former causes the latter. Still, menopause and thyroid disease are intertwined. Not only do their effects overlap, but thyroid hormones and estrogen can influence each other and exacerbate symptoms. Whether you already have an established diagnosis of thyroid disease when you reach menopause or you develop it during this new period of your life, it can be tricky to pinpoint which of the two issues is causing symptoms such as trouble sleeping and weight changes....

At the beginning of the pandemic, nursing homes were some of the places hardest hit by COVID-19. Infection tore through facilities, and residents were forced into isolation to control outbreaks. Now, over a year later, many families are factoring this into their long-term care decisions. The Wall Street Journal reports, “Occupancy in U.S. nursing homes is down by 15%, or more than 195,000 residents, since the end of 2019.” Key Takeaways...

What Is Xtampza? Xtampza ER (oxycodone), or Xtampza extended release, is an oral prescription medication used to manage severe pain. It is used in people with long-term, around-the-clock pain that can’t be adequately treated with other options. Xtampza ER is an extended-release, or long-acting, version. This means it releases its contents gradually over several hours instead of immediate-release versions, which often need to be taken more frequently. Xtampza ER is one of several available formulations of the generic drug oxycodone....

Childhood cancer is one of the scariest diagnoses a parent can receive. Luckily, cancer in kids is quite rare—fewer than 11,000 kids in the U.S. get a cancer diagnosis every year. Most childhood cancers are very treatable and have a high survival rate. Let’s review the eight most common childhood cancers, their survival rates, and some common signs and symptoms of each. Childhood Cancer Basics The idea that your child will need to undergo harsh treatments or surgery can be a devastating prospect for parents....

Research shows that being overweight more than doubles your chances of having a stroke. Much of this has to do with how excess weight places stress on your heart and affects blood flow. By losing weight and choosing healthy lifestyle habits, you may significantly reduce your risk of stroke. This article discusses the connection between stroke and being overweight, along with heart-healthy tips that can help you lower your risk....

The standardized system of reporting breast cancer risk is called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). It was developed by the American College of Radiology and is a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 6 that is used in mammogram, breast ultrasound, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. These screening and diagnostic tests help determine your BI-RADS score. A BI-RADS number reveals to your healthcare providers anything that may look potentially abnormal....

Breast fibroadenomas are the most common type of noncancerous (benign) breast tumor. They are often described as round, moveable, painless breast lumps that feel smooth and rubbery. They can be felt during your monthly breast self-exam and will show up on mammograms and ultrasounds. Fibroadenomas usually occur in premenopausal women. They may grow during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or estrogen therapy. Although fibroadenomas have a typical feel on physical examination and appearance on breast ultrasound, the only way to ensure a breast lump is a fibroadenoma is through a biopsy....

Most often, a neck lump is due to a swollen lymph node—a tiny cluster of cells that help the immune system fight off invaders, such as viruses. When this happens, the lymph nodes can swell. A neck lump or nodule can also be caused by a cyst, lipoma, boil, or goiter. Finding a lump in or on your neck may immediately have you wondering if it’s a cancerous tumor. While that’s one possibility, it’s important to know that there are many causes of neck lumps—some of which are concerning, some of which are not....

Your diet helps support your health, especially when you’re living with an illness. There isn’t one specific diet recommended for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Still, the foods you eat may help to support your treatment and overall well-being. This article will discuss the benefits of a nutritious diet for CLL, including what foods are recommended, which to limit, the importance of food safety, and coping with the effects of treatment....

Skull shape isn’t always perfectly regular, symmetrical, and smooth. Many people naturally have minor irregularities in the shape of their skull, and this can include a small indentation. However, a new dent or a bump on your skull could indicate a serious medical issue. After a traumatic head injury, such as a blow to the head, it’s important to carefully check whether you or your child develops a dent in the skull....

People who are born with Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, have certain noticeable traits and health problems. The effects of Down syndrome include: Short height, sometimes with subtle anatomical differences in the hands and feet A characteristic appearance of the eyes and face Skeletal malformations Impaired hearing Heart defects Lung defectsWeak immune systemGastrointestinal malformations Overweight or obesityLearning delays or impaired motor skills in some peopleEarly dementia All children who are born with Down syndrome develop one or more of these effects....

HD has a wide range of symptoms that may develop, some of which can be successfully managed with medications and non-drug approaches. Before delving into treatments, understanding symptoms as part of the disease can also help cope with them and take a more active role in your own or a family member’s care. Types of Symptoms As a neurological condition, Huntington’s causes symptoms that typically fall into one of three categories: physical/movement changes, cognitive changes, and emotional/behavioral changes....

Has your health insurance company assigned you a case manager? Are you being seen by a case manager in a hospital or home health company? Are you a nurse who wants to become a case manager? If you are not sure what a case manager does, why you need one, or whether you’d like to become one, this article will explain some basic information that you need to know. Responsibilities First, you should know that what a case manager does depends on the setting in which they work....

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, but it can also implant on the ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervix. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous conditions that can lead to permanent damage and death if left untreated. It is vital to know the symptoms and seek emergency care if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected. Types In a normal pregnancy, a fertilized egg travels through a fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants into the lining....

The four COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved for use in the United States are safe for people with epilepsy. As with all vaccines, there is a risk of side effects, but they tend to be mild. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. While people with epilepsy are at no greater risk of getting COVID-19 than people without the condition, some studies suggest that roughly 1 in 20 may experience severe complications if they contract the infection....

The evolving list of what makes someone “high risk” for severe COVID-19—darker skin, older age, and obesity, for example—aligns closely with risk factors of vitamin D deficiency, research shows. As a result, some scientists are proposing that vitamin D deficiency may be directly connected to increased risk of severe COVID-19. Key Takeaways A vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of developing a severe COVID-19 infection.Because some studies about vitamin D and COVID-19 are not peer-reviewed, some health experts say its too early to make claims about a link....

For those of us with allergies, eye allergies can be especially troublesome. Not only can eye allergies drive us crazy, but they can also be debilitating to some. In some people, ocular allergies can be a real threat to vision. Allergies tend to involve the eye frequently because just like the nose, the eye contains mucous membranes that can be exposed to the atmosphere and to potential allergy triggers. Types of Eye Allergies When we think of eye allergies we tend to think of itchy, irritated eyes....

Fidgeting is a common habit that most of us have experienced at some point or another. It refers to the small movements we make with our hands and feet without thinking about it. This could include tapping your foot, drumming your fingers, tapping a pencil, and so on. Fidgeting is believed to be a physical reaction to stress or concentration. In fact, fidgeting may allow your brain to concentrate on a difficult task longer....