Pediatric growth hormone deficiency is a condition that causes slowed growth in a child as a result of malformation of or damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is involved in the production of growth hormone, while the hypothalamus helps regulate the pituitary gland. Injury to or issues with either organ may reduce the production of growth hormone, which helps stimulate the growth of bones and other tissues....
There are so many over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments, it can take a lot to get excited about yet another one. However, since X Out is made by the producers of Proactiv, it was worth a look. All in all, this has been one of the better OTC acne products for a while. And definitely the most interesting. Teens Like the Simplicity Instead of the 3-step treatment program we’re used to, X Out is just one step....
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and cartilage loss within the joint. There are several types of arthritis. The most common type—osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis—occurs commonly in the joint at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint, called the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint or the basilar joint, is important when trying to grip or pinch. Thumb arthritis is more common in women than men and increases in frequency over the age of 50 years....
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you may be dealing with a number of strong emotions, from surprise, confusion, and anxiety to anger or depression. These feelings are a normal part of receiving a new diagnosis, so try to be patient with yourself during this time of adjustment. Learning about the disease can help set you up for dealing with it successfully. What Is Type 1 Diabetes?...
You may have seen letters like hs, q.i.d., or b.i.d. on your prescriptions. These are abbreviations for Latin phrases. Centuries ago, all prescriptions were written in Latin. Today these abbreviations are only used in the drug’s directions. Your pharmacy will translate your healthcare provider’s instructions on the medicine’s label. Sometimes, though, a mistake can happen. Many drugs, like arthritis medication or pain medication, can be dangerous if you take the wrong dose....
Vertigo—an acute sensation of spinning, unsteadiness or disequilibrium—is not an uncommon complaint of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Brain damage resulting from the disease is one reason this can occur, though there are many others not related to MS. Fortunately, it’s not a permanent symptom for most people and doesn’t necessarily indicate a new lesion. Symptoms Classic vertigo, whether caused by MS or something else, produces a sensation of spinning. You may feel like:...
The Calypso Knee System is an innovative shock-absorbing implant created by Moximed for individuals with osteoarthritis. By replacing the cushioning that’s been lost in a deteriorated knee joint, the Calypso Knee System intends to reduce pain and improve functionality of the knee joint. Ultimately, this shock-absorbing implant aims to delay or avoid the need for a more invasive knee replacement surgery altogether. As an outpatient procedure, the Calypso Knee System leaves the knee joint intact, potentially reducing surgical risks, costs, and recovery time....
Wheezing is one of the common childhood asthma symptoms and is often the reason many parents seek care for their kids. You will hear a high-pitched whistle sound as your child breathes through their mouth or nose. While most commonly heard while breathing out, wheezing may also occur when inhaling. Wheezing occurs because of the lungs narrowing as a result of inflammation, making it more difficult for air to flow through the lungs....
It was only in 2009 that the United States finally lifted its 22-year ban on travelers with HIV, a law that prohibited all infected persons from obtaining tourist visas or permanent residence status. The order, initiated by George H.W. Bush in 2008, was officially signed into law by Barack Obama on October 30, 2009. While efforts are being made to end similar laws throughout the world, the Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions (a joint European initiative published by the International AIDS Society) reports that s of 2019, 49 countries are known to have some entry regulations for people living with HIV....
This spring, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that healthcare workers, people who are infected with COVID-19, and those who are caring for people with COVID-19 wear medical face masks to protect against the virus. On June 5, WHO shared updated guidance on wearing masks, recommending them for a wider group of people and sharing specifics on the best kind of non-medical fabric masks. Key Takeaways The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wearing fabric face masks in public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible....
Two drugs prevoiusly studied for use against mild or moderate COVID-19 infections don’t work well enough to be recommended, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Key Takeaways The WHO no longer recommends a drug called colchicine to treat COVID-19.It also no longer recommends the use of fluvoxamine for COVID-19, except in clinical trials.There’s insufficient evidence that the drugs are of any benefit when it comes to reducing the risk of severe infection or hospitalization from COVID....
Most children, at some point in their lives, misbehave. They may hit another child, grab a toy not meant for them, or demand when they should ask nicely. Most parents, guardians, and teachers respond to such behavior with consequences, such as “time outs” or loss of TV privileges. From these consequences, children learn that their behaviors are unacceptable; they also learn that controlling their impulses can have positive outcomes. All to often, however, when a child with autism does something for which any other child would receive a timeout, instead of a consequence, the child with autism gets a “pass,” along with a comment such as “that’s OK, I understand,” or “Well, they did their best....
Herbal remedies have been making a huge comeback over the last several years. There’s something very satisfying about creating something from natural ingredients, with your own two hands, and using that remedy to fix a problem. The trick is knowing which remedies are safe and effective, which are not, and if the problem you’re trying to fix should be treated by a doctor instead. When it comes to acne treatments, the cinnamon mask is problematic on a number of levels....
You might have searched for an explanation or meaning after waking up from a strange but realistic dream. A new study found that while the contents of your dream might mean nothing, they may help organize your brain. Key Takeaways Both REM and non-REM sleep are important for learning and storing long-term memories.New research suggests that having strange or unusual dreams might be one way for your brain to organize your lived experiences and better learn the structure of the world....
As of November 1, many Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces have opened enrollment for 2023 health insurance coverage. Key Takeaways If you don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying health coverage, the ACA Marketplace can help you get coverage.What you pay for insurance depends on your income. You may qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers your monthly insurance bill, and for extra savings on out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments....
Meghan Fitzgerald, RN, MPH, DrPH, is an adjunct associate professor with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and a private equity investor. She has decades of experience working in the healthcare field, ranging from frontline patient care to advising prominent healthcare firms. Here, she shares her take on why COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is finally starting to shrink. The number of unvaccinated Americans is shrinking. On July 17, there were 100 million people eligible for vaccination who still hadn’t received a shot....
If you have asthma, you may experience a feeling of chest tightness from time to time. When asthma acts up, your bronchi constrict (narrow), and your lungs become inflamed and produce excess mucus. This makes it hard for air to pass through, even as you put all your effort into breathing. This article will explore whether chest tightness could be a symptom of asthma, other potential causes of chest tightness, treatment options, and how to know when chest tightness is an emergency....
Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease in which plaques build up in the walls of arteries. These plaques are formed by deposits of cholesterol and other lipids, calcium, and large inflammatory cells called macrophages. Once a plaque is present in an artery, it can cause several kinds of problems. First, plaques can protrude into the artery, eventually causing a partial or complete obstruction to blood flow. Stable angina is an example of a medical condition produced by a gradually worsening plaque....
Band keratopathy is a disorder that affects the cornea, the clear dome-like structure on the front part of the eye. Band keratopathy is characterized by a linear band of calcium that becomes deposited across the cornea. The deposition appears grainy and whitish-gray in color and looks a little like swiss-cheese. The calcium becomes deposited in the cornea between the area that is open and exposed between the eyelids when the eye is in an open position....
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) affects each person differently—family members, siblings, and even twins who live in similar environments may find that their disease course presents very differently from one another. The first five years after being diagnosed can be particularly uncertain as patients and their healthcare providers figure out the best individualized treatment plan. But as the medical treatment of lupus evolves, many wonder if their lupus can go into prolonged remission....
