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Anxiolytics are a type of medication primarily used to treat anxiety. They’re commonly referred to as anti-anxiety drugs. Benzodiazepines, colloquially known as benzos, are the most common type of anti-anxiety medication. They are usually prescribed in pill form. Because they carry a high risk of addiction compared to other anxiety treatments, healthcare providers usually prescribe other treatments first. Other drugs used to treat anxiety include antidepressants, beta-blockers, buspirone, and some anticonvulsants....

Depression in dementia, while fairly prevalent, is also usually quite treatable. As the symptoms of depression in dementia are treated and decrease, a person’s quality of life generally increases. Depression in Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders can be treated using several approaches that fall into one of two categories: non-drug approaches and medications. Certain interventions may be more effective for one person than another, but non-drug approaches should generally be tried before proceeding to the use of a medication....

Top officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) are warning that an ending to the pandemic is not as near as it may appear. Key Takeaways In February, Texas became one of five states to announce rollbacks of mask mandates.The last week of February saw an uptick in COVID-19 cases following six weeks of decline.Experts from the CDC and WHO warn against dropping COVID-19 precaution measures prematurely. At a media briefing Monday, March 1, Dr....

Bendopnea is shortness of breath (dyspnea) experienced within 30 seconds of bending over at the waist. It occurs in response to shifts in fluid and pressure on the abdomen. It can be a sign of worsening heart failure, so if you have this symptom you should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.. Bendopnea Symptoms Shortness of breath—dyspnea—is the singular symptom of bendopnea. Sometimes dyspnea is accompanied by pressure or tightness in the chest or a feeling of suffocation that can in turn bring on feelings of panic....

Opioids (narcotics) are powerful analgesics (painkillers) that can be effective and safe when taken under close medical supervision. But they have side effects and can lead to addiction, so their use in the long-term treatment of chronic pain is somewhat controversial. What Are Opioids? Some opioids are derived from plants, some are manufactured in a lab, and others, such as endorphins, occur naturally in the body. Opioids are very effective in the treatment of severe pain....

Lactobacillus plantarum is a strain of probiotic bacteria naturally found in the mouth and gut. It helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and control “bad” microorganisms in the digestive tract that might otherwise cause disease. It is also found in fermented food like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir as well as over-the-counter probiotic supplements. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you. Consuming probiotics like Lactobacillus plantarum can help you maintain or restore a healthy balance of these “good” microorganisms in the gut, potentially improving diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive problems....

Cancer ribbons are used to raise awareness about specific cancers (or even all cancers) and show support for those facing them. There are more than 50 cancer ribbons that represent individual cancers and other related issues, like cancer caregivers and bone marrow transplants. Some well-known cancer ribbons include the pink ribbon for breast cancer and the purple ribbon for pancreatic cancer. This article lists cancer ribbon colors, the cancers they are meant to represent, and associated awareness months....

To inform travelers about the pressing COVID-19 treat around the world, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established a Travel Health Notice system for international destinations. Now, the system has been reconfigured to help travelers understand when the level of concern is most urgent. Key Takeaways The CDC recently updated their Travel Health Notice system to reserve level four for special circumstances.Individuals can check the COVID-19 risk level of their destination to know the precautions they need to take before, during, and after their planned overseas travel....

If you have celiac disease, your condition also affects your risk of cancer. Specifically, you may have a higher risk for certain cancers and a lower risk for other forms of cancer. The part about higher risks probably sounds scary, but there’s good news: your heightened risk of those specific types of cancers seems to taper off the longer you’ve been following the gluten-free diet. Meanwhile, your reduced risk of certain other cancers may stay lower than normal....

Cherry angiomas are non-cancerous skin growths that are made up of blood vessels that have clumped together. They can be red or purple, round- or oval-shaped, and may be smooth and flat or raised. While cherry angiomas are often pinhead-size, they can grow to be several millimeters in diameter. Cherry angiomas are extremely common in adults over 30. They are usually found on the torso, though they can appear anywhere, including the arms, legs, chest, and even the scalp....

One of your favorite and most decadent snacks has been strongly associated with a reduced risk of stroke. A research study from the UK and the Netherlands titled the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) Norfolk analysis, examined 20,951 men and women. Careful analysis of food diaries completed by participants determined that those who reported the highest levels of chocolate consumption experienced lower rates of stroke throughout an almost 20 year follow up period, while those who reported very low or no chocolate consumption had the highest rates of stroke....

There are many reasons why you should apply coconut oil to a tattoo, whether it’s a new or old one. Recent research indicates that coconut has antibacterial properties that may protect your inked skin from infections. It has also been found to effectively moisturize skin. Research has further shown that it can improve skin barrier function and promote wound healing. Coconut oil is also an affordable remedy that you can find and purchase easily....

My health journey began 33 years ago when I was pregnant with my second child. I went into preterm labor at 26 weeks pregnant and was rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, my son was fine, but this event started me on a health journey I didn’t expect. This article is part of Health Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series. Meet the Author Debora Grandison is a heart-health advocate who speaks on heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and Graves’ disease....

There is considerable evidence that sleep apnea does much more than just disrupt your sleep. Sleep apnea — which commonly occurs in those who snore loudly — is defined by recurrent pauses in breathing. This may be caused either by obstruction of the airway or by the brain forgetting to prompt a breath. When this happens, oxygen levels fall, ​carbon dioxide levels rise, and there is a spike in blood pressure, heart rate, and hormones like cortisol as the body reawakens to breathe....

When you see your healthcare provider for a headache evaluation, it can be extremely helpful if you are able to relay your symptoms in an orderly and logical format. Here are some questions you can expect your healthcare provider to ask you. Writing down or simply thinking about your answers ahead of time can ensure your healthcare provider has all the information they need to make a proper diagnosis. What Does Your Pain Feel Like?...

Symptoms of gluten ataxia, a neurological condition that results from a reaction to the gluten protein, can range from progressive balance difficulties and unsteadiness on your feet to problems swallowing. You might have double vision, or even issues controlling your bladder. Your symptoms might come on slowly or might appear suddenly, but they probably won’t include digestive symptoms that could indicate celiac disease. Gluten ataxia can be defined as an autoimmune disorder where gluten ingestion damages the cerebellum, which controls gait and muscle coordination, and comprimises fine control of voluntary movements....

The hepatitis B surface antibody test (HBsAb) detects proteins called antibodies that are produced by the immune system in response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The test is used to determine if you are immune to the virus after natural exposure or vaccination. The HBsAb test requires a blood sample, which is analyzed in a lab. A positive or “reactive” result means you’re immune to the hepatitis B virus. A negative or “non-reactive” result means you’re not immune to the virus....

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin that typically happens after a break in the integrity of the skin. A break in the skin can be something as small as a paper cut or a similar wound or could be a crack in dry skin. Essentially, any break in the skin can become a doorway for bacteria to enter and create an infection in the skin. However, it is not contagious....

As we enter the third holiday season of the pandemic, COVID-19 almost seems like a thing of the past. Booster shots have bolstered COVID protection for over 114 million Americans, holiday parties are back on, and testing requirements are few and far between. But as safety precautions fall away, people living with chronic diseases and compromised immune systems are forced to be more COVID-conscious than most. Key Takeaways There are simple steps people can take to make holiday get-togethers safer for immunocompromised and chronically ill loved ones....

Acne can be successfully treated and controlled with the right treatment routine. Medications that may be recommended don’t cure acne, though, so even after your skin is clear and breakouts are a thing of the past you must continue to use your medications regularly to keep acne from returning. There is no cure for acne, and products that promise a cure can’t live up to this claim. Acne Can’t Be ‘Cured’ But It Can Be Treated Successfully....