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Telehealth has been shown to have an increasingly beneficial role in the medical assessment and ongoing management of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of neurodegenerative dementia, and one of the primary effects of the condition is a decline in independence. Because of this, people who have Alzheimer’s disease often need hands-on support from family members or professional caregivers. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are associated with an increased risk of becoming very sick when exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19....

Almost a year after the initial outbreak, COVID-19 stress continues to impact the lives of millions of individuals across the country, leading to poor sleep, increased alcohol use, and sometimes even mental disorders. Key Takeaways Researchers have found that older adults are coping with COVID-19 stress better than young adults, reporting less depression and anxiety.However, older age was associated with greater concern about COVID-19, and a greater perceived likelihood of dying from the disease if contracted....

Varicose veins are enlarged, dark-colored veins that have a twisting, cord-like appearance. They form when the valves inside the affected veins weaken, a process that often occurs with normal aging. Between 30% and 50% of adults develop varicose veins, typically in the lower legs. While they can produce an unwanted appearance, they rarely cause health issues. There are a number of options for treating varicose veins for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, and they have a range of success levels....

Weeping legs, a term used to describe fluid that leaks or oozes from the leg, can be a complex condition to manage. While your legs may weep fluid for various reasons, it could be a symptom, or complication, of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to process and control blood sugar. One common symptom of diabetes is slow healing cuts or sores, which could be a source of leaking fluid....

Diaphoresis is the medical term for cold sweats—sudden, whole-body sweating that doesn’t come from heat or exertion. It can have many causes, ranging from typical life events to life-threatening medical emergencies. This article looks at emergency symptoms related to diaphoresis, conditions that may lead to diaphoresis, why, and what to do about it. Emergency Symptoms Symptoms that accompany cold sweats and may indicate a medical emergency include: Chest pain or pressurePain that radiates to the neck or armCyanosis (blue lips or fingers)Sudden rapid heartbeat or other heart rhythm changesWeak pulseRapid breathing, labored breathing, or shortness of breathWheezing or coughingNo response to asthma medicationsPale skinWeaknessDizzinessHigh or very low temperature with chillsCool, pale limbsLack of urineConfusion or lethargySkin rashNew injurySevere pain of unknown causeShakingAnxiety or irritability Call 911 if you or someone else has any of these symptoms....

One of the most crucial aspects of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to be testing. The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) addressed one of the biggest worries people have about testing—how they will pay for it. Key Takeaways While a COVID-19 test should be covered under the CARES Act, there are other charges that some facilities or providers can tack on that will not be covered, meaning you’ll get stuck with a bill....

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) care has been substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients, families, and healthcare professionals have made major adjustments to continue adequate ALS care, given the safety precautions needed to prevent virus transmission, coupled with the high level of medical attention required to manage ALS. If you or your loved one is living with ALS, it is important that you maintain optimal management of your health, despite not seeing your healthcare team in person as often as you usually do....

Biguanides are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and other conditions. They work by reducing the production of glucose that occurs during digestion. Metformin is the only biguanide currently available in most countries for treating diabetes. Glucophage (metformin) and Glucophage XR (metformin extended-release) are well-known brand names for these drugs. Others include Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet. Metformin is also available in combination with several other types of diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas....

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels refer to the amount of simple sugar moving through your body at any given time. Glucose is the main form of energy your body uses, and everything you eat ends up breaking down to glucose for your body to use. Without a continuous supply of glucose in your blood, your body can’t carry out basic functions. Too much glucose (hyperglycemia) or too little glucose (hypoglycemia) can both cause problems....

Bumetanide (Bumex) and furosemide (Lasix) are both in a class of drugs called loop diuretics. A drug class includes medications with similar actions, chemical structure as well as those that have the same physiologic (the normal functions of a living being) effects. Loop diuretics are strong water pills that are prescribed for conditions such as congestive heart failure or other maladies that cause an excess build-up of fluid (edema) in the body....

Cataract surgery is a very common type of eye surgery. A cataract is when your eye’s lens, the thin covering at the front of your eyeball, is clouded over. Less light can get through, and it becomes harder and harder to see as the cataract gets worse. In cataract surgery, your damaged lens is removed. Then a man-made version, called an intraocular lens, is implanted. This procedure restores eyesight in 90% of cases....

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is common in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but it can also occur in people without these diseases as a result of a major illness, a chronic medical condition, a hormonal disorder, or certain medications. In that case, it is often called nondiabetic hyperglycemia. Depending on the severity of the case, symptoms of high blood sugar in people who don’t have diabetes include:...

Milk allergies, also described as dairy allergies, are the most common food allergy in children and adults. An allergy to cow’s milk is generally evident within the first year of life. Children who are allergic to milk can develop symptoms such as a rash, stomach upset, vomiting, and swelling. People with a milk allergy develop these symptoms because the immune system reacts to proteins in the milk called casein and whey....

Dark spots on the skin can happen at any time but most commonly appear in middle age. They are most often a result of cumulative exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light used in tanning beds. Dark spots can occur on the face or other areas that are often exposed to the sun. The spots are also associated with certain skin conditions and can be a side effect of some medications....

There may be a connection between caffeine consumption and breast cancer, but experimental results are not consistent, and factors such as brewing methods and other preparation techniques contribute to the mixed research outcomes. This article will discuss the relationship between caffeine and breast cancer. Caffeine and Breast Cancer Risk Caffeine consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in a few studies, though the results have been inconsistent....

Herpes is not curable, but it is treatable. Antiviral drugs, like Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir), not only heal herpes sores faster than other options, but they work to prevent recurrences. When herpes is treated properly, the risk of infecting others is greatly reduced. This article explores the treatment options for oral herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes, including home remedies, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and complementary and alternative therapies....

If you are scheduled for an upcoming surgical procedure, have chronic (long-term) pain, or are giving birth in the future, you may be interested in learning about options for pain management. An epidural, which is a common pain management modality that is often given during labor and delivery, can also be used to relieve pain during other circumstances. An epidural is also given sometimes to supplement general anesthesia during surgery; it is continued after the operation and used for postoperative pain management....

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic condition that raises your risk for high cholesterol and heart disease. This article will discuss how the disorder is inherited, how to test for it, how to read results, and what treatments are like. What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)? Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder where the cholesterol levels in your blood are dangerously high. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is made by your body, and it is also ingested from foods containing cholesterol....

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually diagnosed with blood tests. An antibody test can detect whether your body has had to fight off HCV infection. A blood test which measures the virus in your blood confirms the diagnosis, but results take longer. Sometimes, liver function tests, imaging studies, or a biopsy can support or confirm the diagnosis as well. Self-Checks/At-Home Testing If you think that you may have HCV, there are a few signs you can try to look for on your own....

Self-confidence is the level of belief in your ability or skills to perform a given role or function. Disappointments, abuse, neglect, or physical or mental illness can diminish self-esteem, which in turn can affect your confidence in certain situations. Social anxiety erodes your sense of capability as well. Fortunately, you can make simple choices to build your self-confidence. Just as there are many ways to strengthen your body, there are ways you can increase your resolve by setting small goals, making healthier choices, nurturing your spirit, and finding support....