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Neurofibromatosis type 2 is one of three types of genetic nervous system disorders that causes tumors to grow around nerves. The three types of neurofibromatosis are type 1 (NF1), type 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis. An estimated 100,000 Americans have a form of neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis occurs in both males and females of all ethnic backgrounds. Neurofibromatosis may either be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern or it may be due to a new gene mutation in an individual....

Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, impaired memory, high blood pressure, and more. A new study suggested that a lack of sleep can also make us more selfish and less willing to help others. Key Takeaways A third of U.S. adults report that they don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis.A new study found that even losing one hour of sleep might make people less charitable.Sleep deprivation can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health problems, and researchers say it can also affect others around us....

If you have plantar fasciitis, then you know how painful this condition can be. It can cause you to walk with a limp, and it may limit your ability to run and walk up and down the stairs properly. Symptoms The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include, but are not limited, to: Pain on the bottom of your foot near the heel Pain located in the middle of the arch of your foot Cramping of your foot and toes Pain to touch and a palpable lump on the bottom of your foot near the heel Sharp foot pain when walking, especially when first rising from bed in the morning If you are feeling any of these symptoms, you may benefit from a simple—yet effective—stretch for the arch of your foot and plantar fascia....

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and glass. Glare distorts the true color of objects and makes them harder to see. Polarized sunglasses can be helpful in any situation where you need to see clearly and avoid hazards. Glare can be dangerous, especially when you’re driving. Sun glare has been linked to pedestrian deaths and other traffic accidents. This article explains how polarized lenses work. It also outlines some of the benefits and drawbacks of this kind of eyewear....

If you’ve ever thought about going to an indoor tanning booth you may be wondering: Are tanning beds safe? The short answer is no. Artificial ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) emitted from tanning beds and sun lamps causes cancer, according to both the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The sun’s rays are carcinogenic too, but the UVA rays emitted from the ultraviolet A light sources in tanning booths are two to three times more powerful....

It’s no secret that human beings are social animals. The success of Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of social media have recently emphasized our human need for interaction. Despite social interaction being so essential to the human experience, it isn’t always easy. In fact, it takes almost every part of the human brain, arguably the most complex thing ever created, to work and play well with others. Recognizing Social Signals The first step in social interaction is perceiving important social cues....

Some long-term care facilities (nursing homes) have a separate part of the building that is designated for residents who have Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia and need special care. These may be referred to as special care units, dementia wings, secure areas, memory loss units, or locked facilities. These special care units should have a clear mission and programming that is structured to meet the needs of residents with dementia....

A stroke involving the frontal lobe of the brain can cause noticeable effects, such as leg weakness, arm weakness on one side of the body, or behavioral changes. The brain’s left and right frontal lobes are relatively large and control many important functions in everyday life. The symptoms depend on which area of the frontal lobe was affected, the size of the stroke, and whether a person has had a previous stroke or other conditions that affect the brain....

Two people have died in the United States after contracting mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), raising the question of whether the disease can be severe, or even fatal. Key Takeways The U.S. reported two deaths in patients who were infected with mpox.Certain health factors might put someone at a higher risk of having serious complications or dying from mpox, but experts say the overall risk of fatality is extremely low.Vaccination is one of the most important tools in preventing more mpox infections and unnecessary deaths....

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. But are they different from other types of headaches? Key Takeaways A headache associated with COVID-19 can feel like a tension headache or a migraine.Some patients can also experience persistent daily headaches after recovering from an acute COVID-19 infection.Lifestyle changes and certain medications may treat a COVID headache to an extent. COVID headaches could manifest differently among individuals, according to Igor Koralnik, MD, chief of neuroinfectious diseases and global neurology at Northwestern Medicine....

The COVID-19 pandemic put travel plans on hold. Many destinations have had restrictions in place for quarantining and vaccination, making it difficult for travelers (and even residents) to explore. Key Takeaways As COVID-19 restrictions ease, the term “revenge travel” has come up to describe the way people feel about finally planning trips again after missing out on so many during the pandemic.If you’re feeling more comfortable about traveling now than you did a year or two ago, know that taking a trip is not completely without COVID risk....

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody—a protein produced by the immune system in response to a possible invader. It is primarily involved in the allergic response but also fights infections from parasites. Increased blood levels of IgE are associated with allergies (including atopic dermatitis), parasitic and certain viral infections, some types of immunodeficiency, inflammation, asthma, and some cancers, including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Blood tests for IgE can be used to diagnose allergies....

The iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light that enters into the eye. It is the most visible part of the eye. The iris lies in front of the crystalline lens and separates the anterior chamber form the posterior chamber. The iris in part of the uveal tract which includes the ciliary body that also lies behind the iris. The iris tissue makes up the pupil....

If an HIV infection has been confirmed, tests are routinely performed to determine the status of a person’s immune system and the level of viral activity in the body. These are expressed in what is known as your CD4 count and viral load. What Is a CD4 Count? The CD4 test is one of the more familiar testing assays known to people with HIV. The test measures the level of CD4 helper T-cells in the blood—cells that are not only vital to immune function but are the primary target of HIV infection....

You can still enjoy pasta if you have diabetes. But because it is high in carbohydrates, you’ll need to adjust your portion size and/or choose healthier varieties, such as whole wheat or fortified pasta. Pasta substitutes like ancient grains or spiraled vegetables are also great options. Eating too many carbs can cause inflammation, weight gain, and higher blood sugars, especially in people with diabetes. Choosing a healthy alternative to traditional pasta can help you satisfy your craving while managing your condition....

Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, prostate exams, and other tests that look for early signs of cancer fell by the wayside during the pandemic. Now, experts are able to quantify just how steep screenings actually declined. Key Takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic caused a large drop-off in cancer screenings: up to 80%.A large survey of cancer centers found that the drop-off varied by type of cancer, with the greatest reduction seen in screenings for colorectal and cervical cancer....

Muscle cramps and spasms happen when a muscle spontaneously contracts. The reason for this isn’t well understood, but some researchers believe cramps and spasms may be related to muscle fatigue, muscle strain, or other factors like dehydration. A muscle spasm or muscle cramp can cause minor discomfort to severe pain. You may even end up with a bruise in the location of the cramp. This article discusses muscle cramps and muscle spasms, their possible causes, and what you can do to prevent them....

Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine for adults comes in three main types: Expectorants Suppressants Combination medicines They work differently from each other. So, which is the best cough medicine for you? That depends on many factors. This article goes over how OTC cough medicines for adults work, things to consider when choosing one, what side effects to watch for, and other ways to treat a cough. Expectorants Expectorants help thin mucus so it’s easier to cough it out of your lungs....

Emetophobia is an extreme and irrational fear of vomiting. This is a rare condition that may affect only about 0.1% of the population. While this condition may be an unlikely one to have, it may be important to recognize the signs and symptoms of emetophobia and the way it may affect your day-to-day life. Definition Emetophobia is an intense and irrational fear of vomiting. People with emetophobia may fear vomiting themselves or they may also fear feeling nauseous or witnessing someone else vomiting....

Using nothing more than their powers of smell, dogs can find explosives and illegal drugs and even diagnose cancer. For some months now, they have been in the process of adding another skill to their repertoire: COVID-19 detection. Key Takeaways Scientists have had considerable success at training dogs to identify people with COVID-19.The dogs can distinguish between bodily fluid samples taken from people with and without COVID-19.People with COVID-19 smell different than people without COVID-19 due to changes in body odor caused by the activity of virus molecules....