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Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts. It’s found in small quantities in meat, whole grains, some fruits and vegetables, and spices. In 1959, chromium was first identified as an element that enables the hormone insulin to function properly. Since then, chromium has been studied for diabetes and has become a popular dietary supplement. It is widely available in health food stores, drug stores and online. There are two types of chromium that are commonly studied....

Being circumcised (“cut”) means that the foreskin of a penis has been surgically removed, while being uncircumcised (“uncut”) means that the foreskin is retained. Historically in the United States, around 64% of male babies have undergone circumcision for preventive health reasons and/or cultural or religious reasons. Even so, the rate of male circumcision has been on the decline in recent years as some people—including some health experts—question whether the procedure is medically necessary....

What Is Clobex? Clobex (clobetasol) is a prescription medication used to treat inflammation and itchiness related to skin or scalp conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. While it is not known exactly how clobetasol works, researchers suggest that it blocks the release of certain chemicals, such as arachidonic acid. These chemicals become prostaglandins or leukotrienes, which can trigger inflammation, causing pain, swelling, or itching. By blocking those chemicals from being released, clobetasol can help reduce skin inflammation, pain, and itching....

Colloidal oatmeal helps treat myriad skin problems, including dry skin, itchiness, rashes, and eczema (atopic dermatitis). It’s been used for centuries and has been studied for medical uses since the 1950s. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially lists colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant. This article explains what colloidal oatmeal is, how it works, its uses and types, its risks and benefits, and how it’s made. What Is Colloidal Oatmeal?...

Conduct disorder is a type of mental illness diagnosed in children where they demonstrate persistent or repeated violent, threatening, or intimidating behavior that goes outside of social norms. This behavior can be toward other people, animals, or property or could be in direct violation of rules, such as ignoring parental or school requirements. Conduct disorder can be diagnosed as early-onset if the behaviors emerge before the age of 10 or as adolescent-onset if the behaviors occur after....

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), a.k.a. CT lung screening, is an imaging technique that uses a rotating X-ray beam to generate several detailed pictures of the lungs. These are composited on a computer to create three-dimensional “slices” that can be viewed and checked for abnormalities. CT lung screening is a preventive measure that can help detect lung cancer in the early stages, when it is still highly treatable. It is recommended for people who are considered to be at high risk for the disease....

Dementia, also known as a major neurocognitive disorder or mild cognitive disorder, is a general term used to describe impaired memory, thinking, or reasoning that affects a person’s ability to function safely. There are different forms of dementia. However, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common among people over age 65. This article explains what dementia is and why early detection is essential. Also included is a checklist that may help you spot the early signs that are not always easy to notice....

What Is Emsam? Emsam (selegiline) is a prescription drug used to treat adults 18 and older with diagnosed depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD). It is available as a transdermal patch that is worn on the skin. Emsam is in a drug class called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. The way it works is not fully understood, but it is thought to work by acting on dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the central nervous system....

Hepatitis C is a dangerous infection of the liver; while it’s often asymptomatic in its early course, its symptoms include fatigue, nausea, yellowing of eyes and skin, and loss of appetite. If untreated, this condition can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer, and failure, all of which are potentially fatal. But this disease also has a cascade of other effects, and matters become even more complicated when medications to treat the condition are added into the mix....

Many people look forward to the day that they become eligible to get the much-coveted COVID-19 vaccine. However, once that day arrives not everyone is breathing a sigh of relief. Instead, some are overcome with what’s being called “vaccine guilt.” Key Takeaways Many individuals are feeling guilty after getting the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of others.Being interrogated for vaccine eligibility, feeling undeserving of the vaccine, and experiencing survivor’s guilt are some of the factors that can contribute to vaccine guilt....

Eczema on the hands is a very common problem. It can appear dry, red, or inflamed—and it is often itchy. Chemical irritant exposure may cause some cases of hand eczema. Often, eczema will occur without any known irritant or allergen trigger, particularly when the skin is dry. Symptoms Eczema can affect one or both of your hands and it can develop on the back of your hands, on your palms, on the front or back of your fingers, in the creases that bend, or at the tips of your fingers....

Almost no one sleeps better in a sleep laboratory for an overnight sleep study compared to at home. Clearly there are better ways to sleep than being tangled up in wires with someone watching you and feeling pressure to sleep. Many patients question the results of their testing when they have a bad night of sleep. What is the alternative? Fortunately, home sleep apnea testing may be an attractive consideration. What is home sleep apnea testing (HSAT)?...

In addition to the traditional medical treatments that your provider might recommend, you may have seen homeopathy products for children at your local pharmacy, online, or at a health store. You might wonder if homeopathic remedies are safe to give to your kids. This article will go over what you should know about homeopathy and whether you should use these products to treat childhood ailments. What Is Homeopathy? Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a medical system based on the idea that the body has the ability to make itself better....

What Is Horizant? Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) is an oral prescription medication used to treat restless leg syndrome and nerve pain that can occur after having shingles. Horizant belongs to a group of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works to relieve shingles-related discomfort by altering how your body senses pain. Researchers don’t know for sure how Horizant works to treat restless leg syndrome. What Is Horizant Used For? The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Horizant for the following uses:...

In an ongoing effort to make health care more personalized, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is turning its attention to 3D printing. Key Takeaways The Veterans Health Administration 3D printing initiative is expanding to include more on-site 3D printing capabilities.In times of emergency, 3D printers can quickly create life-saving products while larger-scale manufacturers catch up.To respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VHA, FDA, and NIH partnered to harness the community of 3D print manufacturers....

Colds and the flu are primarily diagnosed by your symptoms, but healthcare providers will sometimes also use a rapid test or other lab tests to confirm a flu diagnosis. Figuring out what, specifically, is behind your symptoms can better help you and your practitioner develop a treatment plan. Self-Checks For many, it’s unnecessary to go to the healthcare provider to confirm a cold diagnosis, especially if you are otherwise healthy and symptoms are mild....

Feeling itchy or having an itch is a sensation of irritation on the skin that prompts you to scratch. The itch can have many different causes, from dry skin to underlying health issues. This article explores the possible symptoms, causes, and treatment options for itchy skin. Symptoms of Itch The main symptom of an itch is an irritating sensation on the skin. However, itching can also present alongside other symptoms, such as:...

Having an itchy groin area can be frustrating, worrisome, and embarrassing. Still, more often than not, the discomfort is a normal occurrence and not a sign of a more serious condition like an STI. Sometimes the skin around the genital area is just itchy; other times, the itchiness is a result of an allergic reaction or irritation from shaving your pubic hair. However, if the itching is excessive, painful, or if you notice other symptoms such as discoloration, bumps, or a rash, it can be a sign of a medical issue that needs to be addressed....

Noroviruses are a very contagious group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis (stomach flu), an inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines, which leads to unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. In healthy younger adults, norovirus is generally mild, but it can be severe in young children, older adults, or people with underlying health conditions. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment of norovirus. Symptoms of Norovirus Norovirus symptoms can come on quickly and last for several days....

Ovulation bleeding is light vaginal bleeding that happens when you ovulate. Ovulation occurs when you release an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle. Ovulation bleeding may be caused by higher levels of hormones around the time you ovulate. While there are many potential reasons for bleeding between periods, spotting during ovulation isn’t all that common. In fact, one 2012 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that only about 2....