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Dietary patterns are more important for heart health than any one specific food item or nutrient, according to new guidance from the American Heart Association (AHA). Key Takeaways The American Heart Association released major updates to its dietary recommendations for the first time since 2006.The 2021 guidelines emphasized heart-healthy dietary patterns over individual nutrients.The American Heart Association acknowledged barriers to following these guidelines, which include structural racism and neighborhood segregation. Heart-healthy diets include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, according to the AHA....

From surgical removal of the prostate to watchful waiting, there are a variety of options when it comes to prostate cancer treatments. These treatments cover a wide range of approaches and impact life expectancy differently. Here is what you should know about the available treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer— and what research says about their ability to prolong life expectancy. What Is Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer? If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and your healthcare provider has indicated that your cancer appears to not have spread beyond the prostate gland, you have what is known as clinically localized prostate cancer....

Hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery are performed for the treatment of severe arthritis. During these procedures, the arthritic joint is removed and replaced with an artificial implant. Prior to joint replacement surgery, you should have a very thoughtful discussion with your healthcare provider and have your questions answered. You should understand the potential risks of joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is a safe procedure. However, there are potential complications associated with this surgery....

Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) can be lonely conditions. You might find it hard to remain part of social activities, and the people around you may not understand what you’re going through. Many of us have to leave our jobs, which further isolates us and can add financial strain to our lives. Many people with FMS or ME/CFS also are clinically depressed, but even if you’re not, it’s common to go through rocky emotional times....

Seroconversion is the time in which a person develops antibodies to any disease-causing microorganisms (called pathogens). Antibodies are the defensive proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize a pathogen and is specific to that pathogen and that pathogen alone. When blood tests are able to detect these antibodies, a person is said to have seroconverted. Understanding HIV Seroconversion In the case of HIV, seroconversion means that a person has gone from being HIV-negative (having no HIV antibodies) to being HIV-positive (having HIV antibodies)....

I’ve heard tales of women with light periods—you know, the ones where you can play tennis or have brunch, like in a tampon commercial. But since I was 14, my menstrual cycles have been something to survive, not celebrate. And it was years until I found out the reason why: Just like my mother, I have uterine fibroids. This article is part of Uterine Fibroids and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series....

Anti-itch creams help reduce itchiness (also known as pruritus) in different ways. While moisturizers can relieve itching caused by skin dryness, the best anti-itch creams have active ingredients that specifically target the mechanisms that trigger itchiness. Each type has a different mechanism of action: Topical steroids work by reducing skin inflammation (including redness, swelling, and itch). Topical antihistamines work by blocking a chemical called histamine that triggers allergy symptoms, including itch....

For many years, researchers have known that suppression of the immune system has been associated with cancer. Patients who receive drugs to lower their immune system following organ transplant, for example, may have a risk of developing cancer that is hundreds of times higher than the rest of the population. Therefore, it is no surprise that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)—which also causes a major impairment in the immune system—is associated with an increased risk of cancer as well....

As many as 30% to 40% of women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also have insulin resistance — a condition that leads to high glucose levels and the potential for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In fact, insulin resistance may actually be at the root of PCOS, playing a role in causing the condition in the first place as well as exacerbating its symptoms. Insulin resistance requires management with lifestyle modifications or treatment with medication to prevent complications....

Some health insurance policies require the insured person to pay coinsurance. Coinsurance means that you will share some percentage of the payment for your healthcare bills with your health insurer. When you are selecting your health insurance policy, you might have several choices, including a few plans with the option of coinsurance. Before you purchase a new policy, it’s important to understand exactly what coinsurance is. With coinsurance, even when you have health insurance, you will still be responsible for paying for a portion of the cost every time you receive healthcare services, whether it’s a healthcare provider’s appointment, test, hospitalization, or individual drug prescription....

Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy is a rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy that causes extreme muscle weakness. Congenital muscular dystrophies are inherited diseases that affect the body’s musculature and are typically present at birth or shortly thereafter. There are several types of muscular dystrophy that cause various symptoms, but they all share a common symptom of muscular weakness or muscle degeneration. This article discusses the symptoms of this particular type of muscular dystrophy, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis....

If you live in a small community or rural area, you are probably familiar with water softeners. Water softeners are devices attached to home plumbing systems that are designed to eliminate certain problems that come from having “hard” water - problems like discoloration of tubs and sinks, unpleasant odors/tastes, or stiff, scratchy clothes (after laundering). Water Softener and a Raise in Blood Pressure Hard water comes from certain types of wells, and the term “hard” refers to the fact that well water tends to have a rather large amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium....

What is the best type of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) mask a lay rescuer should use when doing mouth-to-mouth? Are you concerned that a barrier device, supplied with an AED (automated external defibrillator), will be difficult to use at home? Find out if one of the many other products available would be better for you in the event that you should need to perform CPR. First, it’s important to realize that a CPR mask, officially known as a barrier device, is for keeping you—the rescuer—safe....

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic condition that runs in families and is passed from both parents to their child. Those with XP must keep away from ultraviolet light (UV) like that from the sun. Starting when they are very young, if they get even a little sun for a short amount of time, their skin burns and blisters. Those with this condition are particularly prone to skin cancer, as well as often to developing eye and neurological problems....

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, which can be purchased as a supplement. Folic acid can also be found in some processed foods such as bread, cereal, and some brands of orange juice. When naturally occurring, vitamin B9 is known as folate. Folate is found in many different types of fruits and dark green leafy vegetables. If you’re deficient in folate, you may experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, unexplained fatigue, and anemia....

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin condition that is often a manifestation of another medical condition, although it can also occur by itself. Some medications can cause AN, as can genetics. AN is a darkening and thickening of areas of the skin that is more common in people with dark skin pigmentation. There is treatment available, but treatment isn’t always necessary. This article will discuss the types of acanthosis nigricans, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment....

Boric acid suppositories are a cost-effective alternative treatment method that may be used to treat vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. They may be prescribed by your healthcare provider as an alternative or adjunct treatment option if other methods, such as antibiotics, aren’t helping or if infections are recurring. They are also available over-the-counter. This article discusses what boric acid suppositories may be used to treat. It will also cover benefits and risks associated with using them....

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a group of blood vessels that are abnormally interconnected with one another. AVMs can occur throughout the body, and brain AVMs may be particularly harmful. Because of their structure, another term commonly used to describe AVM is “arteriovenous fistula.” Overview AVMs are made up of arteries and veins which are connected to each other in an abnormal manner. Artery-to-Vein Connections There are two main types of blood vessels: the arteries and the veins....

Hypnosis (also known as “hypnotherapy”) is often touted as a natural treatment for chronic sleep disorders, a problem estimated to affect millions of Americans each year. Although hypnosis has yet to be extensively studied in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep-related conditions, the existing research hints that hypnosis may be of some use in achieving sounder sleep. The Effects of Hypnosis on Sleep Hypnosis is a trance-like state of mind during which the hypnotized individual experiences deep relaxation, focused attention, and greater openness to suggestion....

It may be a useful skill to have if you want to get some rest when you are supposed to appear attentive, but is it really possible to sleep with your eyes open? Learn why sleeping with eyes open occurs, the most common causes including Bell’s palsy, and some of the possible dangers associated with incompletely closing the eyes during sleep. Causes of Keeping the Eyes Open During Sleep First, it is important to agree on what sleep is....