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As vaccine supply and governmental support of public health measures increase, public sentiment about the COVID-19 vaccine seems to be improving. Key Themes From Our Survey The percentage of people who say they aren’t sure they’d get a COVID-19 vaccine is shrinking. These people are becoming acceptors or getting vaccinated.The number of people who personally know a vaccinated person has nearly doubled in four weeks.Many people are still confused about who is eligible to get vaccinated and how to get an appointment if you qualify....

The COVID-19 pandemic will likely leave a mental health crisis in its wake. Based on emerging studies, researchers are predicting a rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and more in the post-pandemic world. Key Takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic will likely leave a mental health crisis in its wake, experts say.Meanwhile experts say we’re also in the throes of a “psychedelic renaissance,” where compounds like psilocybin may be able to help....

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that is based on the idea that a blockage or disturbance in the flow of the body’s life energy, or qi, can cause health issues. Acupuncturists insert thin needles into specific points throughout the body to balance the body’s energy, stimulate healing, and promote relaxation. This article explains how acupuncture works, its benefits, and the potential side effects. It will also cover what conditions acupuncture may be used for....

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a procedure in which stem cells are transplanted from a donor to a recipient. This procedure is a curative treatment for certain blood cell cancers, blood disorders, and immune diseases. Stem cells are cells that are considered immature, or still developing into specific cell types. They are present in the bone marrow and blood of people of all ages and the umbilical cord of a newborn baby....

If you experience low back pain that lasts three or more months, you may have a type of axial spondylitis (axial SpA) called ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS is an aggressive autoimmune condition, so getting an early diagnosis and starting treatment immediately is crucial. The tests used to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis include a physical examination, a medical history, blood tests, genetic testing, and imaging. Symptoms of AS typically start in the late teens to mid-30s, but anyone can develop it, including children....

Depression is common among breast cancer patients. The shock of a diagnosis, the side effects of treatment, and the stress of an unknown outcome can lead to depression or anxiety. Research has shown that almost half of the 2.4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States take antidepressants to manage their mental health. Though these drugs can help people manage the mental health aspects of having breast cancer, they can also pose a threat....

An anxiety attack is an episode of extreme and excessive worry, discomfort, or fear accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms. Symptoms of an anxiety attack include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, uncontrollable thoughts, feelings of panic, and more. If you’ve ever experienced an anxiety attack, you know how scary they can be. It’s frightening to feel unable to control your own body and mind. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment for anxiety attacks, especially if they’re interfering with your daily life....

Arthritis and osteoporosis are chronic conditions affecting your joints and bones. Arthritis is a broad term that describes over 100 conditions associated with joint pain and inflammation. Osteoporosis is characterized by a loss of bone mass and mineral density, causing bones to become brittle, weak, and prone to fractures. Researchers have linked some forms of arthritis with an increased risk of osteoporosis. This article explores the connection between arthritis and osteoporosis, including how to treat and manage the conditions together....

Toe blisters are fluid-filled sacs that develop between the layers of skin on the toes. They are typically caused by friction, which can occur when your toe rubs against a sock or shoe for an extended period of time. However, toe blisters can also be caused by other irritants like sun exposure, excessive moisture, or bug bites, to name a few. Toe blisters tend to heal on their own within one to two weeks, but some blisters may require more extensive treatment....

Physical changes in your body due to breast cancer treatment paired with feelings of loss and fear can reduce libido (sex drive) and ultimately lead to depression. It’s important to have open communication with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing sexual problems after a breast cancer diagnosis. This article will discuss how breast cancer affects sexual health and ways to prevent or treat sexual problems associated with breast cancer. Connection Between Sexual Problems and Breast Cancer Although chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, and radiation are needed to treat, cure, or prevent breast cancer, they can also cause sexual dysfunction....

What Is Bystolic? Bystolic (nebivolol) is a prescription medication that is used as a treatment option for hypertension (high blood pressure). This medication is a beta-blocker that is thought to lower blood pressure by: Slowing down the heart rate Relaxing the blood vessels Lessening how hard the heart contracts (squeezes) Blocking renin—a type of protein in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that raises blood pressure Affecting the vasomotor center—a part of the brain that influences blood pressure Bystolic is available as an oral tablet....

A capsulectomy is the surgical removal of abnormally thick, hardened tissue that forms around breast implants—a condition known as capsular contracture. During this procedure, your breast implant is removed and usually replaced. This article will review the surgical procedure of a capsulectomy. From why it is performed, the potential risks, and how to prepare, this article can help you better understand this procedure. What Is a Capsulectomy? A capsule is the protective, fibrous tissue that your body forms around any object introduced to and left in the body....

Not all soaps are created equal. Did you know, for example, that so-called “cleansing” soaps can actually be the most damaging to your skin? Or that certain “old-fashioned” soaps have properties far superior to that of higher-priced brands? Soaps can vary significantly, both in terms of their chemical makeup and the clinical effects they have on your skin. By knowing what to look for you can find the bar soap best suited to your individual skincare needs....

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. It can develop slowly and worsen over time. If you have COPD and your symptoms have progressed, could be fatal, or will cause you to miss work for more than 12 months, you may qualify for disability benefits. This article discusses the stages of COPD, when it may become disabling, and the testing and documentation required to apply for COPD disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA)....

A delusion is a strongly-held or fixed false belief that conflicts with reality. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines delusions as fixed beliefs that are not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidence. Delusions are a common symptom of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. They can also be present in other psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder with psychotic features and mania in bipolar disorder....

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes that occurs in the extremities—the feet, legs, hands, and arms. This is the most common type of neuropathy in people with diabetes and affects about one-third to one-half of people with diabetes. The risk of developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy increases with the duration of diabetes. Other factors that may increase a person’s risk include glycemic control (as measured by hemoglobin A1C), age, smoking, diabetic retinopathy, high triglycerides, height, and waist circumference....

If you have arthritis, you might find that your joint pain is worse in the winter months. Healthcare providers and people with arthritis agree that cold weather could make arthritis pain worse. But the research connecting arthritis and colder temperatures isn’t clear. While researchers believe a connection exists, they do not offer conclusive reasons how or why cold weather makes arthritis worse. Further, no research or evidence has found that cold weather can cause arthritis....

Esophagitis is an irritation or swelling of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. There are several types of esophagitis, all of which usually come with symptoms like pain while swallowing and heartburn. Treatment varies based on the specific cause, but options typically include medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery. This article provides an overview on esophagitis and outlines symptoms, causes, and treatment options....

Flavonoids are phytonutrients found in plants, fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea, and wine. Some of the beneficial properties of flavonoids (Limbrel) include being antioxidants, reducing inflammation, preventing mutation, interfering with the development of cancer, and regulating key cellular enzyme functions. This article will discuss the different subtypes of flavonoids, in which foods they appear, and their possible health benefits. Flavonoids in Foods There are several subtypes of flavonoids, and their food sources vary....

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. It plays many roles within the body, including regulating sex drive, bone mass, muscle mass, fat distribution, and red blood cell production. Around age 40, testosterone levels start to naturally decline by 1%-2% each year. Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism or low T, affects nearly 30% of men between the ages of 40 and 79. If you have low testosterone levels, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options....