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Early Friday morning, President Trump announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. Later that afternoon, the President received an experimental COVID-19 drug still in clinical trials according to a White House statement. The drug, an “antibody cocktail,” is manufactured by biotechnology company Regeneron Key Takeaways Early Friday morning, President Trump announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19.President Trump received an experimental COVID-19 antibody cocktail still in clinical trials....

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease discussed different risk factors for dying from Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers looked at several conditions to see if they increased or decreased this risk. The Study More than 154,000 people who were runners and walkers were studied for over 11 years. They reported their dietary habits, including how much fruit they ate each day, as well as how much they ran or walked each week....

Subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis, is the innermost layer of skin. It’s made up of fat and connective tissues that house larger blood vessels and nerves. It acts as an insulator to help regulate body temperature. The thickness of this subcutaneous layer varies throughout the body and also from person to person. Subcutaneous Tissue Structure Several structures and specialized cells exist within the subcutaneous tissue. These include: Layers of the Skin...

Submucosal resection (SMR) of the nose is a surgical procedure used to treat a deviated septum. This procedure is also called a septoplasty. According to some sources, septoplasty differs from SMR in that during an SMR, large portions of tissue are removed while a septoplasty is a “tissue sparing” procedure. Most ENT surgeons use these 2 names interchangeably. however, as the surgery is used to correct a deviated septum. Issues Associated With a Deviated Septum The septum is the wall that divides the nose in half....

Sudafed PE is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant used to relieve congestion of the sinuses and upper respiratory tract. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels of the nose and decreasing swelling and inflammation of mucosal tissues. When the swelling is decreased, it opens the air passages and allows accumulated mucus to drain. This article discusses the types of Sudafed PE and how they are used. It also covers the ingredients, dosages, and possible side effects....

Reaching 10,000 steps a day has long been touted as the optimum goal to reach in order to stay healthy and active. But a new study suggests you can walk fewer steps a day and reap similar health benefits. Key Takeaways A study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that taking a minimum of 7,000 steps per day was associated with a 50 to 70% lower chance of early death among middle-aged adults....

Cholesterol-lowering statins such as Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) are among the most widely prescribed drugs on the market today. Their purpose is to lower blood cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver, but they have several other effects. With regular use, they can not only lower “bad cholesterol” (LDL) but also triglyceride levels. They can boost your “good cholesterol” levels (HDL), too. Research has shown that the salutary effect of statins on cholesterol may not be their only benefit....

Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart. Roughly 50% of people with lupus develop some type of heart problem. Heart problems commonly associated with lupus include coronary artery disease (CAD), valve abnormalities, pericardial disease, myocarditis, and rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Read on to learn more about how lupus affects heart health. Lupus and Coronary Artery Disease People with lupus often experience a premature increase in atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries that produces CAD....

The dawn phenomenon is a surge in hormones that causes blood sugar levels to be elevated in the morning—even before you’ve eaten anything. Anyone can experience this type of hormonally generated hyperglycemia, even people who don’t have diabetes, but no matter your health status, the dawn phenomenon can be prevented. Causes Again, the dawn phenomenon can affect anyone. However, according to research from the American Diabetes Association, it may be particularly problematic for people who have diabetes....

Toothpaste allergies are not common, but they can happen. An allergy to toothpaste is a form of contact dermatitis, causing sores, itching, and peeling inside the mouth and around the lips. Flavorings in toothpaste, such as mint, are the most likely to be responsible for an allergic reaction, though other ingredients may contribute as well. This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of toothpaste allergies, and how to find the right toothpaste for you....

A variety of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) topical steroids can effectively help treat eczema. Depending on the severity of symptoms and individual needs, your healthcare provider will help you determine what strength or concentration is needed and whether you require a cream, lotion, or ointment. This article reviews different types of topical steroid medications and what you can expect when using them. The Kinds of Topical Steroids Available There are a number of types of topical steroids available by prescription, as well as hydrocortisone acetate 1% cream, which is available over the counter without a prescription....

Viagra (sildenafil) has been life-changing for many people with erectile dysfunction (ED), making it possible to have a robust and satisfying sex life. However, this drug and others belonging to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), may not be safe for people with certain types of heart disease. There are two reasons for this: The way these drugs affect blood pressure Their potential for interacting with nitrates, a class of drugs sometimes prescribed to treat angina (chest pain) Heart Disease and ED Erectile dysfunction and heart disease are inextricably linked....

Confusional arousals are episodes in which a sleeping person wakes up—or seems to wake up—but behaves strangely as though they are disoriented or confused. These episoides are more common with children. In adults, episodes of confusional arousal can be caused by a number of habits and conditions, like drinking too much alcohol or taking certain medications. Fortunately, most causes can be treated or prevented. This article covers the causes and symptoms of confusional arousals along with how they are diagnosed and treated....

Cancer fatigue is one of the most common and annoying symptoms you may experience during lung cancer treatment. In one study, cancer survivors quoted fatigue as interfering with their quality of life more than nausea, depression, and pain combined. In addition to lowering quality of life, fatigue may be a risk factor in lowering survival. We all talk about being tired, but the fatigue associated with cancer treatment is much different....

Most athletes will experience some knee pain from time to time. Overuse, long training days, or bumps and bruises from contact sports often result in minor knee pain that resolves within a day or two with some rest and ice. However, some clues indicate more serious knee pain and injuries that may need to be seen by a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation and treatment plan. Get to know the warning signs so you don’t put off necessary treatment....

The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine offer a light at the end of the tunnel for one of the deadliest pandemics in U.S. history. But for long-haulers—people who experience lasting effects after months after contracting COVID-19—the end doesn’t feel as imminent. A December study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at the evolution and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms, showing that the long-hauler phenomenon may affect a third of people infected....

There may be times when people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) would need to receive blood from a donor, such as during a surgical procedure or if too much blood is lost through bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. There are risks involved with receiving a blood transfusion, but in general, it is a procedure that is well-tolerated and, as we all know, it can save lives. Blood Donation Typically, blood is donated by volunteers who are screened and “accepted” to give blood....

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure done to remove breast implants that were placed for breast augmentation or reconstruction after a mastectomy (surgical removal of a breast). It can be done for various reasons, which include cosmetic preference, implant leaking, and scar tissue development. The surgery has risks and benefits, which a healthcare provider should evaluate. This article will discuss the breast implant removal process, risks, and recovery. It will also cover the different surgical methods used....

Chronic bronchitis refers to a cough with sputum (phlegm) production for at least three months in two consecutive years. This definition seems simple enough, but there are several related terms that may cause confusion. Chronic bronchitis should be distinguished from acute bronchitis, which refers to a dry or productive cough of less than three weeks that is usually caused by a viral infection. Chronic bronchitis is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)....

Constipation is a very common problem and is estimated to be the cause for approximately 2 million doctor visits each year. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience diarrhea, but a small group has either constipation (IBS-C) or alternating constipation and diarrhea as their main concern (IBS-A). Fortunately, there are several ways that constipation can be treated effectively or avoided altogether. In most cases, making some changes to diet and activity will get things moving again....