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Earlier this month, Detect, Inc., recalled more than 11,000 at-home COVID-19 tests due to the increased risk of false negative results. Key Takeaways Detect, Inc. recalled three test lots of at-home COVID-19 tests because of an increased risk of false negatives.A false negative test result may cause an infected individual to unknowingly spread COVID.People who tested negative with a test from the recalled lots are recommended to verify the result with another test....

Crohn’s disease is an idiopathic condition, which means that scientists aren’t yet sure exactly what causes the disease. However, the theories on what might cause Crohn’s disease and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are narrowing, and the current thinking is that it may be a complex interaction of several factors, including genes, immune system involvement, and environmental triggers. Genes It’s taking time to pin down the exact nature of how Crohn’s disease may be inherited because while it has been known for some time that it “runs in families,” it was not exactly clear how that occurred....

Psychosis is an experience in which a person has a break with reality, usually involving delusions, hallucinations, or disordered thinking, among other symptoms. These disruptive thoughts and sensory experiences lead to a disconnection from reality and a struggle in distinguishing what is real from what isn’t. Approximately 3 in 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis in their lifetime, but not everyone experiences psychosis the same way. There are many types of psychosis and several conditions and events that can lead to it....

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday scaled back the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns about the risk of rare but life-threatening blood clots. Key Takeaways The FDA now recommends Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson shot, following concerns about blood clots.The J&J vaccine is linked to a rare but serious blood clotting problem called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)....

As summer approaches, many are anxious to break out the sunscreen and pool floaties. With more than a quarter of Americans now vaccinated, will this summer resurface some of those beloved warm-weather activities, like going to the pool? Key Takeaways COVID-19 is effectively killed by chlorinated water, and there’s currently no evidence it can spread to people through recreational water. There is no federal guideline for pool protocols, so rules may vary by state and county....

Diprivan, or propofol, is a short-acting sedative that is used primarily for the induction of general anesthesia and sedation in intensive care units. It is also used for minor outpatient procedures that require monitored anesthesia care to keep the patient calm, pain-free, and still. Diprivan is a powerful medication, but it has a very short half-life, meaning the drug wears off very quickly. Many sedatives linger in the body for hours or days, making Diprivan the primary drug used for short periods of sedation....

Impaled objects are items that have punctured the body’s soft tissue and are still embedded. Depending on the location of the impalement and the size of the object, emergency medical response may be necessary. Small impaled objects—splinters, for example—can be removed without going to the emergency department. Larger impaled objects will require a physician or other healthcare provider to properly remove it. The course of treatment depends on several factors, but here are the basics steps to treat an impaled object....

Genetics very likely plays a role in all types of Parkinson’s disease. However, while having a specific combination of genetics may increase your risk of the disease, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll get it. Around 15 to 25 percent of people living with Parkinson’s have a family history of the condition, either an immediate or second-degree relation. Having one or more of these relatives will place you at slightly higher risk for Parkinson’s, but it’s still no guarantee you’ll develop the disorder....

In order to talk about MAKOplasty we first have to talk about unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA or ‘uni’ for short). That may be an intimidating medical term, it simply means single-compartment knee replacement (or knee re-shaping if you want to be technical). The knee has three compartments: medial (inside of knee), patellofemoral (between knee cap and femur), and lateral (outside section of knee joint). The most common form of osteoarthritis is a tri-compartmental arthritis that affects all 3 compartments of the knee....

It sounds frightening and it can be: A macular hole is an opening in the macula of your eye. The macula is a highly specialized area of the central retina that gives us the ability to see fine detail. We use our macula and central vision to view detailed objects when reading or driving. Usually occurring in people over the age of 60, macular holes can cause rapid loss of central vision....

The term malignant can be used in different ways, either to describe a cancerous tumor or a very serious medical condition. There are several similarities as well as differences between malignant and benign tumors. Learn about the characteristics and behavior of malignant tumors, the important ways in which they differ from benign tumors, and why it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Medical Definition of Malignant In medicine, the word malignant is a term referring to a condition that is dangerous to health....

The method of loci is a strategy for memorizing new information. It involves imagining yourself placing pieces of information around a room and then visualizing yourself walking back through to pick the information up. (The word loci is the plural form of locus, which means “location.”) Among its many uses, this method of memorization is beneficial for speech preparation because it helps you recall all of your points in order. The method of loci is one a several mnemonic devices, or memory strategies that use information you already know to help you retain new information....

If you are fortunate enough to be getting a vaccine against the COVID-19 soon, you may want to ensure it is as effective as possible by not taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before you get the injection, according to researchers at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. NSAIDs include well-known pain relievers and fever reducers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). They reduce inflammation—marked by swelling, redness, and warmth—that is controlled by the immune system....

Portal hypertension, a condition caused by liver disease, is an increase of pressure of the portal vein, which leads from the intestines to the liver. It’s a complication of hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, and it can cause swelling, bleeding, and more. Blood Flow Through the Liver: How It Works The liver receives blood from two sources. Fresh blood, coming from the heart, supplies the liver with oxygen and nutrients through the hepatic artery....

The bacteria that live in your intestines (called your gut microbiome) do more than digest your food; they also play a pivotal role in your immune system health. With regards to multiple sclerosis (MS)—a disease that results from a misguided immune system attack on the brain and spinal cord—experts have found that, compared to healthy individuals, those with MS have distinct gut microbiomes. Even more, researchers have found a link between the gut bacteria in patients with MS and an increased frequency of TH17 cells, which is a type of immune system cell that plays a key role in MS pathogenesis....

Navigating the world of health insurance in the United States is no easy task, especially when it comes to birth control. While the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) guarantees coverage for most women with health insurance, the details can vary from state to state and plan to plan. The Affordable Care Act Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies are required to cover all prescription birth control options for women. You can get this prescription birth control without having to pay a copay at the pharmacy–even if you haven’t yet reached your deductible....

Whether you need to stock up on lip balm or face wash, invest in a new toothbrush or nose hair trimmer, or grab a gift for that friend who’s into self-care, shopping for health, beauty, and wellness products can be a tedious exercise. That’s why we sorted through thousands of sale items to find you the best deals on everyday essentials, giftable goods, and some of the best items we’ve tried out in the Verywell Testing Lab....

Having PCOS can put you at risk for a number of related metabolic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. In addition, many women with PCOS have weight issues. Taking in sufficient fluids is an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Functions Water is a major component of every body cell, tissue, and organ. It plays an important role in almost every body function, including:...

A normal Pap smear result is clear and reassuring. But an abnormal Pap smear result can seem far less definitive—and even worrisome. Does an abnormal Pap mean cancer? Is it something to be concerned about in every case? The answer lies in the details of your lab report. In addition to listing an abnormal result, it will provide information about the nature of the abnormal cells that were found. Each means something different about your health and what the next best steps for you may be....

Despite the effectiveness of multiple treatments, including positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, there are some cases when more invasive therapy proves necessary. The use of tracheostomy surgery in sleep apnea remains a largely curative, if occasionally problematic, option for those with difficult to treat or life-threatening sleep-disordered breathing. It may not be the first choice, but for some, it can be the last, best option. Learn about the use of tracheostomy to treat sleep apnea....