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Purtscher retinopathy is an uncommon type of retinopathy, which are diseases of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. With this condition, central vision can be suddenly decreased or blurred. There usually is a precipitating factor that sets off the condition. Typically, Purtscher usually is preceded by trauma, such as long-bone fractures of the leg, a crushing injury, or even a blow to the head, which can then lead to unexplained vision loss....

Pandemic policing disproportionately affected Black residents in New York City, according to a recent study conducted by Columbia University’s School of Public Health. Key Takeaways A study found that zip codes with a higher percentage of Black New Yorkers had higher rates of COVID-19-specific criminal court summons from March 12 to May 24, 2020. The over-policing of Black and low-income communities have health consequences, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Researchers call for more funding in care-based public health interventions rather than policing....

Each week, Verywell explains a term from health, medicine, science, or technology. Signs vs. Symptoms What it means: Signs are objective things that can be seen, like a red spot on your skin or reading on a thermometer that shows you have a fever. Symptoms are subjective and describe how you feel, which includes sensations like pain and nausea. Where it comes from: The word “sign” comes from the Latin signum, which means “marker....

Almost 10 years ago, the Cinnamon Challenge took over the Internet. YouTubers filmed themselves attempting to swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a minute without drinking any liquids, and some ended up having to call Poison Control with lung injuries. Key Takeaways There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia.Cassia cinnamon contains a higher level of coumarin, a compound that may lead to liver damage when consumed in excessive amount....

In addition to poor diet and lack of exercise, other culprits can contribute to obesity, and medication is one of them. Some of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States — for common conditions like diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, depression, and bipolar disorder — have been found to cause weight gain. Medications That Can Contribute to Weight Gain Medication can add pounds in several ways: Metabolism changes: Some drugs change the body’s metabolism, and calories are burned more slowly....

Baby eczema is a fairly common type of skin rash, and most babies outgrow it. The rash can be irritating or uncomfortable. Your child’s pediatrician might recommend using a skin moisturizer or making specific changes in your baby’s bath routine to help alleviate the problem. Dry skin can lead to baby eczema, and some babies are predisposed to the condition. Eczema, including baby eczema, tends to run in families and there is also an association with familial allergies or asthma....

Cinnamon is a plant that has a variety of uses among many different cultures, from spicing up foods to deterring germs from growing. There are two forms of cinnamon that are commonly found in foods: Cinnamomum verum: also known as “true” cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or Ceylon cinnamon. This type of cinnamon is commonly used in sweet pastries.Cinnamomum cassia: also known as cassia, Chinese cinnamon, or “bastard” cinnamon. This type of cinnamon is a stronger spice that is used in a variety of foods....

Is it true that lowering your blood pressure can improve your heart condition, and if so, what kind of blood pressure medication should you be on? Diastolic Dysfunction and Hypertension Diastolic dysfunction is a form of cardiac disease in which the heart muscle becomes relatively “stiff,” which reduces the heart’s ability to fill with blood in between heartbeats. Diastolic dysfunction is associated with several conditions including hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle....

The major consequences of a stroke are neurological changes, but cardiac (heart) problems may also complicate stroke recovery. A study published in the journal Stroke looked at a group of 93,627 patients for one year after they experienced a stroke. The risk of having a major heart incident within 30 days after a stroke was 25 times higher in women and 23 times higher in men. One year after a stroke, men and women were still twice as likely to experience a major heart event than peers who had not had a stroke....

Until the mid-1990s, few people thought celiac disease could develop in older people. Instead, healthcare providers assumed celiac disease only occurred in children. Babies had celiac disease (or celiac sprue, as it was called), and they usually outgrew it—or so people thought. Now, we know better. Celiac disease is a life-long condition. It affects people of all ages and all body shapes. The symptoms can be obvious, or subtle, or even non-existent....

Bystanders and lay rescuers at accidents are greatly concerned with keeping patients with a head injury awake after an accident. They’re worried the patient may have a concussion. The belief is that if allowed to fall asleep, the patient will die. Is it necessary to keep patients with a head injury from slipping into unconsciousness? No. Waking head injury patients every hour or so was the standard assessment tool many years ago, but treatment has changed with technology like computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners....

Asparagus is the subject of conflicting studies regarding cancer. Some studies show that asparagus may aid in the survival of certain cancer cells and increase cancer growth. Other studies show that asparagus may protect against certain cancers such as breast, larynx, lung, and stomach. Some agents within asparagus create the conflict as to whether or not the vegetable can cause or help cure cancer. What’s in Asparagus? Asparagus is considered a healthy vegetable, with its stalks offering folate, iron, fiber, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, C, A, K, antioxidants, and more....

A group of international experts created the world’s first standardized guidance to help people with type 1 diabetes exercise safely. Key Takeaways Researchers created a guide to help people with type 1 diabetes exercise safely.People with type 1 diabetes may experience a large drop in blood sugar during exercise, and can even pass out.The guidance aims to give type 1 diabetes patients the tools to stay healthy while exercising. The guide details the importance of exercise in people with type 1 diabetes, but acknowledges the risk of hypoglycemia—low blood sugar....

Pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive hear it all the time: Make sure you take folic acid. Yes, folic acid is important because it can reduce the incidence of birth defects like spina bifida and cleft palate. But for the millions of women (and men) who have a genetic condition that prevents them from being able to use folic acid properly, this advice is harmful and could result in miscarriages and significant health implications for mother and child....

Cerebral palsy, or CP for short, is a brain disorder that causes impaired movement. Cognitive and sensory problems, as well as epilepsy, also may be present.​ Cerebral palsy can occur when part of the brain fails to develop properly in an unborn baby. An injury to the brain before, during, or after birth can also cause CP. Cerebral palsy is permanent—treatment may help someone with cerebral palsy to move better, but the underlying injury to the brain can’t be repaired....

An ingrown toenail is when the side of the toenail grows into the skin next to it. It is a common condition affecting 20% of people who see their healthcare provider for foot problems. An ingrown toenail often happens on the big toe. It can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Treatment depends on the severity of the ingrown toenail. Mild cases generally involve at-home remedies, such as foot soaks, but more severe cases may require antibiotics or surgery....

A new study is shedding light on how the rare and serious COVID-19 complication multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) develops. According to the research, viral particles that stay in the gut after a COVID-19 infection can travel to the bloodstream, causing the condition. Key Takeaways Researchers identified that viral particles that stay in the gut after a COVID-19 infection may cause multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).A drug previously used to treat celiac disease may prove to be a viable treatment option....

Muscle atrophy is a condition in which muscles shrink. It is usually visibly noticeable, causing weakness and decreased muscle tone. There are many causes of muscle atrophy, It often occurs with serious medical conditions, especially with cachexia in cancer and HIV/AIDS. The treatments include different strategies, such as nutrition, exercise, or medication. So, what is muscle atrophy, and what can be done to reverse it? Muscle Atrophy or Muscle Wasting Muscle atrophy is the loss or decrease of muscle mass....

A sleepy or inattentive child is cause for concern. The critical period of development that stretches from early childhood through adolescence sets the stage for a lifetime of success. This relies on a rested and receptive mind. Problems with attention such as occur in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be familiar, but there are other sleep problems that might similarly compromise your child’s ability to learn. How does narcolepsy affect children?...

If you have chronic migraines, natural self care approaches can help you manage your symptoms when a migraine strikes. What works for someone else may not work for you, so you may need to experiment to find the self care strategy that helps you most. Diet Use for: Migraine prevention Certain foods and drinks may trigger your migraines. Dietary triggers tend to differ from person to person, so it isn’t practical to eliminate all of the foods and drinks that are known to provoke migraines....