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Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine in the class of drugs referred to as second-generation antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, chemical signals released by a type of cell in the immune system (mast cells) in order to alert other cells about a potential invader. With allergies or hives, this is a case of mistaken identity in which the immune system is asked to respond to a harmless invader, such as tree pollen or dust mites....

A new study shows that bariatric surgery can be a preventative treatment approach for obese adults with a history of myocardial infarction (MI)—also known as a heart attack. The study found that having surgery decreased a person’s risk of having a second MI. It also reduced the risk of having other cardiovascular health events that are associated with obesity. Key Takeaways Bariatric surgery can significantly reduce the weight of obese adults and lower their chance of having a heart attack, developing type 2 diabetes, and experiencing other negative health effects of obesity....

According to data from the U.K.’s Community Life Survey, the three groups most at-risk for loneliness are: Key Takeaways Loneliness and social isolation are linked to mental and physical health challenges, especially for people over 50.Having friends of different ages can do more than stave off loneliness; it can help us learn new skills and make us more open-minded. Older, widowed homeowners living alone with long-term health conditionsUnmarried middle-aged adults with long-term health conditionsYounger people who are renting and may not feel like part of the community...

When people are unable to afford prescription medications, they may delay or skip their medication, which can be consequential to their health. A recent survey by the Urban Institute found that from 2018 to 2019, almost 13 million Americans delayed or didn’t get their prescription drugs because of financial barriers. Key Takeaways 13 million Americans skipped their prescribed medicine in the year before the pandemic because of high costs, a new study found....

Hallux rigidus is the medical name for arthritis that occurs at the base of the big toe. The joint at the base of the big toe is called the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTP joint. This is the junction of the long bone of the forefoot (front of the foot) and the bone of the big toe. Because of the way the foot moves, this joint is especially prone to developing arthritis....

Some people find that undergoing massage during chemotherapy treatment helps them relax and feel good during an uneasy time. Let’s explore the benefits of massage and what precautions you should discuss with your healthcare provider before undergoing this soothing practice. Benefits Massage therapy can be a great way to relax and distract oneself from the stresses of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can certainly heighten anxiety, and this can be a great way to relieve it....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance for how long people need to wait between the first and second doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, extending the dosing interval to up to six weeks for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Key Takeaways The CDC says second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be administered as late as six weeks after the first dose. While the agency didn’t give a reason for this update, the fact that states are running out of vaccines may necessitate the extension until supply is more steady....

Of the many remedies for chronic back pain, chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, may be the best known, but least understood. When you hear people talking about going to their chiropractor for a “back adjustment,” they’re referring to a type of manual therapy (i.e., a treatment delivered through the physician’s hands) for spinal realignment, specifically to realign joint subluxations. The most common goal is a pain-free, well-performing spine, but people also seek chiropractic care for headaches, neck and shoulder issues, hip alignment, and drug-free pain maintenance....

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may have special concerns about how to handle the topic of your IBS when you are applying for work. Knowing what your rights are can help you to navigate your way through the job application process. Your Rights Under the ADA The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals from being discriminated against because of a disability during the hiring process. Under the ADA, a disabled individual is one who has a:...

Oh no! You are playing soccer and land wrong from a jump, twisting your ankle. It immediately hurts, becomes swollen and bruised, and walking is difficult. You decide to head over to the emergency department at your local hospital to determine if your ankle is broken or sprained, or if some other injury has occurred. After a series of x-rays determines there is no fracture, the healthcare provider informs you that you have suffered a bad ankle sprain, and a physical therapist will be in to see you....

Research shows the foods you eat may affect your chances of developing diverticulitis. Certain foods may worsen or improve symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, or gas. Specific diet recommendations depend on your symptoms or if you are trying to prevent a diverticulitis flare. A healthy diet high in fiber can help prevent or manage the condition. During an acute attack, you may need to give your bowel a break by going on a liquid diet....

If you want to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, research suggests that you may want to make more frequent date nights in bed, or simply engage in more self-pleasure. A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that more frequent ejaculation correlated with a lower incidence of a prostate cancer diagnosis. Specifically, the study spanned 18 years and looked at men between the ages of 20—29 years as well as 40—49 years....

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency in the world. Approximately 400 million people are affected worldwide. There is great variability in severity based on which mutation is inherited. G6PD is an enzyme found in the red blood cells that provides energy to the cell. Without this energy, the red blood cell is destroyed by the body (hemolysis), leading to anemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin)....

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects about 1 in 6 American adults. It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) or herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and can trigger the formation of painful lesions in the groin area. For many people, the first outbreak of genital herpes is the worst and longest-lasting. Continue reading to learn more about what a first outbreak of genital herpes is like, including symptoms and treatment....

Each year, more than 800,000 people in the United States have a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The majority of these heart attacks are for the first time. About 25% of diagnosed heart attacks happen to people who have already survived one. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. men and women. This article highlights important facts and statistics you should know about heart attacks. Heart Attack Overview Heart attacks are a type of cardiovascular disease (heart disease)....

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, including sprains or tears, are among the most common knee injuries athletes endure. While accidents are bound to happen, there are ways to help strengthen the supporting muscles of the knee and help prevent injury or unnecessary strain on the knee. This strengthening program focuses on increasing strength in the leg muscles. This will lead to increased leg strength and a more stable knee joint. Remember, the technique is everything; pay close attention to your form during the performance of these exercises to avoid injury....

Hormonal changes that occur during menopause often contribute to weight gain. Many studies have confirmed that menopausal and postmenopausal women are likely to gain weight and have larger midsections than women who have not gone through menopause. But the reason why this weight gain occurs is not clear. One research study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology questions how different factors such as age, menopause, and lifestyle changes account for the weight gain often experienced by midlife women....

Matt and Bethany Dean from Kansas City, Missouri, recently found themselves in the Children’s Mercy Hospital with their three-month-old daughter, Florence. When her fever spiked to 103.5 degrees, their worst fears were confirmed. Florence had COVID-19. Key Takeaways COVID-19 infection rates among babies are spiking around the nation likely due to the highly transmissible Delta variant.Young babies still largely experience mild COVID-19 cases.Parents and caregivers should get vaccinated in order to protect young children....

Muscle disease, or myopathy, may occur because you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Muscle problems related to these medical conditions are usually mild. Treatment of your thyroid disorder can help ease the symptoms. However, in some rare cases, myopathy related to thyroid disease can be severe and debilitating. By gaining a better understanding of the muscle symptoms of thyroid disease, you’ll be able to manage your discomfort or weakness....

Myofascial pain syndrome, a very common condition, is a collection of signs and symptoms in a particular area of the body that indicate muscle trauma. Myofascial pain syndrome is not the same as a back muscle spasm, although it does involve spasm, as described below. Myofascial Spasm Pain Cycle Left untreated, myofascial pain is often experienced as a recurring cycle of spasm, pain, and spasm again. The exact cause of the spasm is not known....