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Primary (essential) hypertension, by definition, has no known cause. Medical conditions and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of secondary hypertension, however, with high blood pressure being a consequence of a separate health concern typically related to the heart, arteries, kidneys, or endocrine system. Common Causes Hypertension generally develops without a known cause and gradually worsens over the years. A number of known risk factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing essential hypertension, and there several health conditions that cause secondary hypertension....

When you think about activities for people who have Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, what comes to mind? Maybe you conjure up an image of a group of people doing exercises in their chairs, playing Bingo, or watching Lawrence Welk shows together. While these are indeed ways to provide activities, there are more possibilities out there, and there are several important reasons to provide meaningful activities. Too often, people with dementia, whether at home, an assisted living or a nursing home, are under-stimulated and unengaged in life....

In early June, the National Football League (NFL) pledged to repeal its practice of “race-norming.” Going forward, brain injury claims from Black players will be reviewed using the same standards as those from white players. Key Takeaways The NFL has pledged to phase out “race-norming.” The practice falsely assumes that Black players start out with lower cognitive function than white players and has affected how the NFL makes decisions in brain injury claims....

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) has no known genetic, hereditary, or environmental risk factors. However, the most common cause of PMP is appendix cancer. Additionally, mucinous tumors from other areas of the body can also cause PMP, often found in the stomach, pancreas, or bladder. PMP does not run in families and is not specifically associated with one sex or ethnicity. Despite this, PMP is still more likely to affect younger people....

Red-green color blindness is the most common type of color blindness, a condition in which a person has limited ability to differentiate between certain colors. In red-green color blindness, this means difficulty distinguishing between shades of red, green, and yellow. Sharpness of vision typically is not affect. Color blindness is almost always inherited, in which case it cannot be treated, although there are ways for coping with it. How the Eyes Perceive Color The eye perceives color with a specific type of photoreceptor cell in the retina called a cone....

The sacroiliac joint, often referred to as the “SI joint” is the space located between the sacrum bone and the back of the hip bone. You might think of the SI joint as the place where the spine connects to the pelvis at and around the level of your hips. You have two SI joints—one on either side of the sacrum. Bones of the SI Joint Like most joints of the body, the sacroiliac is comprised of two bones, namely, the sacrum and the ilium....

A new study from the U.K. suggests that people detained in police custody may have higher rates of untreated mental illnesses than the general population, calling attention to the need for increased mental health help instead of additional policing. Key Takeways A study published in April found that people in police custody have higher rates of mental illness than the general population.Research suggests that there may be a relationship between mental illness and unmet needs, like a lack of housing....

If you have received a diagnosis of thyroid eye disease, this means you are also dealing with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused by Graves’ disease. Managing several medical conditions at the same time can be a challenge. However, there are coping and self-care strategies that can help you. Emotional It is normal to feel a variety of emotions after receiving a diagnosis of thyroid eye disease. Since this condition can affect the appearance of your eyes and physical health, you may also experience changes in emotional well-being....

Tocotrienols are chemicals in the vitamin E family. Unlike other forms of vitamin E, tocotrienols are less commonly found in nature. Most of the food we eat contains tocopherols instead of tocotrienols, but several types of vegetable oils, like palm oil, contain high amounts of tocotrienols. Most vitamin E supplements contain tocopherols and not tocotrienols. Studies also suggest that tocotrienol is a more potent form of vitamin E than tocopherol. Research also tells us that tocotrienol has many health benefits....

A goniometer is a device used in physical therapy to measure a joint’s range of motion (ROM). There are two “arms”—one that is stationary and one that is movable—that are hinged together. Each is positioned at specific points on the body with the center of the goniometer aligned at the joint of interest. Hash marks on the hinge allow the therapist to precisely measure ROM in degrees. Though you can easily purchase one yourself, a goniometer is meant for properly trained health professionals who know how to use it for best results....

Vitiligo affects people of all ethnicities and skin types. While the exact cause is unknown, research has suggested that various factors are at play. Some possible reasons include genetic mutations, environmental triggers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Researchers also believe lifestyle factors, such as stress, skin damage, and chemical exposure, may contribute to a person’s risk of vitiligo. This article discusses common causes and risk factors of vitiligo. Common Causes Vitiligo is generally considered an autoimmune disease, though it’s not entirely clear what triggers the immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy skin pigment cells....

High cholesterol levels could place you at risk of developing heart disease if left untreated. Although having too much cholesterol in your body is not healthy, you still need it to carry out certain essential functions in the body. So, you cannot go completely without it. Yet few people know about its benefits, and even medical experts are still discovering the many roles that it plays in the body. What Is Cholesterol?...

When you’re dealing with a headache, you may wonder what you should and should not drink to help get rid of it. Maybe you crave a quick solution and hope a cup of coffee or a tall glass of water will ease your pain. Below, you can see whether what you’re reaching for is a yes, no, or maybe. Water While a dehydration headache is not classified on its own by the International Headache Society, water deprivation is reported as a headache trigger....

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its interim guidance on the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine. While there is minimal data available, the WHO stated that it has found no reason to withhold the vaccine from people who are pregnant. Key Takeaways The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both recommend that people who are pregnant get vaccinated with either of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines....

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been rising periodically for the last several years, and experts say the importance of screening is rising with it. Key Takeaways A preventive task force recommends chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active women under 24 and those aged 25 and above who are at “increased risk for infection.”Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening are yet to be recommended for men.In 2019, reported STDs reached an all-time high for the 6th consecutive year....

A growing body of research suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could be the future of mental health prevention and treatment, especially when it comes to early detection of psychological disorders. Key Takeaways Researchers have developed an AI-powered product that can detect anxious behavior with more than 90% accuracy.This is a part of a large, growing body of research suggesting that AI could revolutionize mental health diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.Scientists say more research is needed on bigger slices of the population....

Active relaxation is an umbrella term that encompasses complementary health practices to promote overall well-being. Active relaxation involves mind-body techniques that focus on movement and intentionally using your mind and thoughts to relax and reduce stress. This technique is unlike passive relaxation, which includes activities like watching TV, surfing the internet, and scrolling on your phone to give your mind a break. This article will discuss the benefits of active relaxation and different techniques....

One of the key factors in helping people to age in place is making sure the social aspects of care are provided in the community. Adult day care or adult day services (ADS) are a major piece of the care puzzle for those older adults with physical or mental challenges who wish to remain at home and still have a high quality of life. With increased importance comes increased scrutiny, including an increasing number of requirements for both staff and facilities....

Fibromyalgia Facts Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder. It got its name and official definition by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990. Before that, it had several names, including fibrositis. Fibromyalgia has a long, interesting history that goes back far longer than most people realize. Fibromyalgia’s defining characteristic is widespread pain that can be in any part of the body and can move around. Researchers have come to believe that fibromyalgia is largely neurologically based, and that much of the pain is the result of the brain amplifying signals from the nerves....

It is a long-held misconception that osteoarthritis is solely a consequence of aging and only affects older people. However, osteoarthritis is not exclusive to the elderly population. Younger people also can develop osteoarthritis, but does that include children? Is Osteoarthritis Age-Related? While certain types of arthritis do affect children, primary osteoarthritis is not one of them. “Primary” osteoarthritis is so-named because there is no underlying or predisposing cause of the disease....