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En caul birth, sometimes referred to as a veiled birth, occurs when a fetus is delivered still inside an intact amniotic sac. Abdominal or cesarean en caul births may be done intentionally using surgical techniques. A vaginal en caul delivery occurs spontaneously and is thought to be rarer. This article discusses the process, complications, and risk of an en caul birth. What Happens in an en Caul Birth? During an en caul birth, the fetus remains inside the amniotic sac during labor and delivery, either vaginally or via cesarean section....

While millions of Americans head to the polls today, many will be battling with more than just the stress of staying safe and socially distant from other voters among the coronavirus pandemic—they very well may be dealing with serious post-election fears and anxiety. In fact, 68% of U.S. adults said the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life, according to a survey released in October by the American Psychological Association....

You are noticing that your periods are becoming irregular and you seem a little more forgetful than you used to be. And was that a hot flash you had the other day during the budget meeting? Could it be? Could you actually be starting menopause? If you are having the first signs of menopause and are worried about what they might mean, it’s probably time to discuss it with your medical provider....

Thickened liquids are a medical dietary adjustment that thickens the consistency of fluids in order to prevent choking. Thickened liquids are recommended for individuals who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and keeping food or liquid from entering their airway. You may need to have thickened liquids for dysphagia if you have a neurological condition such as a stroke, a weakening of the muscles or nerves of the esophagus, or from an obstruction (blockage) in the throat....

Uveitis is the most common extra-articular (occurring outside of the joints) complication of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Characterized by inflammation of the inner eye, uveitis can cause serious optical complications. If untreated, a child’s vision could be affected. In extreme cases, uveitis may cause loss of vision or even blindness. A focus on joint health in children with JIA is critical, but it’s also important that you are aware of all of the ways arthritis can affect your child’s body—especially their eyes....

The varied and interesting role that macrophages take in tumor growth—or suppression—is a widely researched and debated topic. A macrophage is a type of white blood cell, which is part of your immune system. The human immune system is responsible for identifying, destroying, and removing all foreign substances from the body. However, macrophages are very malleable and take varied roles in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Overview Macrophages begin as monocytes and are produced in your bone marrow....

A group of 58 major medical organizations representing millions of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers called for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for all U.S. health personnel on Monday. Key Takeaways Nearly 60 health organizations signed a joint statement calling on employers in health care and long-term care to require COVID-19 vaccination.Vaccines are a critical tool for protecting health workers and patients, health leaders say.The statement comes as cases continue to skyrocket among unvaccinated Americans....

If you have trouble syncing up your sleep schedule with your partner, there might be a scientific explanation for it. A team of researchers found that a person’s sex substantially impacts whether they’re a morning or night person, and how well they can adapt to disruptions in their normal sleep rhythm, like shift work and long-distance travel. Key Takeaways A person’s sex plays a role in their circadian rhythm, which is your body’s internal clock....

Drug-induced lupus (DIL) is a rare autoimmune condition caused by a reaction to certain drugs. There are an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 cases of drug-induced lupus in the United States per year. It usually begins after you’ve taken the offending drug for three to six months. The symptoms of DIL mimic those of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are many, including muscle and joint pain, weight loss, and fever. Drug-induced lupus can be life-threatening, but it’s completely reversible once you stop taking the drug that’s to blame....

Nasacort Allergy 24HR (triamcinolone) is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing and congestion. It belongs to the corticosteroid class of medications, which prevent the immune system from producing cytokines—inflammation-triggering chemicals that contribute to nasal symptoms—in response to exposure to an allergen. Nasacort Allergy 24HR is also available in generic form. Many pharmacies and retailers have store-brand versions of triamcinolone, as well. Uses Once available only by prescription, the OTC version of Nasacort Allergy 24HR was introduced in October 2013....

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee joint is a condition that causes loosening of cartilage and its supporting bone. OCD most often occurs in the knee, although it can also occur in other joints, including the ankle and the elbow. As the blood flow to the bone is diminished, the attached cartilage can separate away from the bone. The cause of OCD is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to repetitive stress or traumatic injury to the bone....

You used your acne medicine for weeks (or months) without fail, and you were rewarded with clearer skin. You were glad to finally put those acne treatments on the shelf and forget about them. But as soon as you stopped using your acne medicine, the pimples came back. Did the medication not work properly? Is your acne medication just not effective? Why do the pimples come back when you stop using your acne treatment?...

Rug burn refers to an injury that describes scraping off layers of skin. A more correct term would be friction burn since there’s no real difference between the damage done through friction with a carpet or any other surface. Another name is road rash—commonly used when a combination of asphalt and high speeds is the cause. Even though a rug burn could be referred to as (and is essentially a form of) a skin abrasion, the depth, and severity of the injury require that it be treated very similarly to other types of burns (thermal or electrical, for example)....

Most men today are diagnosed before they begin to show any signs of prostate cancer. As a point of clarification, signs of prostate cancer are those things that others, such as your healthcare provider, can see or measure that might point to the disease. Symptoms, on the other hand, are those things only you can feel (such as pain, the need to use the bathroom, etc.) and must report to others....

A ruptured eardrum is also called a perforated eardrum by medical professionals. To truly understand what causes this condition you must understand the function of the eardrum (also called the tympanic membrane) and some of the physiology and anatomy of the inner ear. The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. The auditory tube (also called the Eustachian tube) is a small tube that runs from the middle ear to the nose....

A healing system that originated thousands of years ago in India, Ayurveda is based on the notion that good health depends on the balance between mind, body, and spirit. Considered a complementary health approach in the United States, Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance in the body through a personalized plan that can include massage, specialized diets, herbs, aromatherapy, and exercise. Popularity Using data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), 0....

Visual disturbances are not always caused by a problem with your eyes, but can also result from trouble with the brain. Balint’s syndrome is a relatively rare cause of an unusual pattern of vision problems. It is a type of vision disturbance that occurs due to brain damage, even when the eyes and the nerves that control the eyes are normal. If you are concerned about your own vision or that of a loved one, it’s important to get medical attention....

Plants can have both a positive and negative effect on asthma. While many plants are well-known to exacerbate cases affected by pollen, plants, in general, can reduce air pollution and improve asthma symptoms. Even how you take care of your plants, both those indoors and outdoors, can have an impact on your condition. As you plan out which plants to keep in or add to your home and your yard, consider their potential impact on your asthma—for better or for worse—just as you would other factors, such as light and watering requirements....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines stating that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 don’t need to quarantine after being exposed to the virus. This is a departure from previous guidance that recommended everyone who had been exposed to quarantine. Key Takeaways New CDC guidelines say people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to quarantine after exposure to the virus.However, there are certain criteria fully vaccinated people must meet, and exceptions to this rule....

You may be surprised to learn that your forefoot carries and balances nearly half of the body’s total weight, and is designed to handle significant force and wear-and-tear. Structure of the Forefoot The forefoot is one of the three primary regions of the foot, in addition to the midfoot and the rearfoot (or hindfoot). It is composed of tendons, ligaments, soft tissue, and 19 bones in five toes, also known as the phalanges....