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Eating chocolate in the morning could help burn body fat and reduce blood sugar levels in postmenopausal women, according to a new study. Key Takeaways A new study suggests that eating 100 grams of milk chocolate in the morning could reduce cravings and energy intake.Although these results sound exciting for chocolate lovers, they should be taken with a grain of salt as the sample size was very small.Nutritionists recommend eating chocolate in moderation without compromising other nutritious foods....

Ectopic refers to an object or human tissue that forms or is located where it does not belong. Ectopic bone formation is the laying down of new bone material (via a process called ossification) in areas, again, where this material does not belong. This ossification process is performed by cells called osteoblasts. The word ectopic comes from Ancient Greek, in which it means “away from a place.” Its antonym, which is “orthotopic”—also derived from Greek—refers to bone that is formed in its correct anatomical location, according to an article by Scott et al....

If your skin stays chapped and dry for long, it becomes red, irritated, itchy, and vulnerable to scrapes and cuts that can be a portal for infection. The same thing can happen to your eyes. If they are chapped and dry because they aren’t continuously bathed in a layer of protective tears, they become irritated, itchy, and red, and their surface becomes prone to cuts. Dry eye syndrome may be the culprit....

Since public health officials began recommending the use of face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, there’s been a large discussion on which face coverings are the best at blocking airborne particles that spread the virus. There’s a wide variety of options, ranging from surgical masks to hand-sewn cloth face masks. But according to a new study, a mask made from two-layers of T-shirt cloth is able to effectively block most large and small aerosolized particles....

If you are new to using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat your sleep apnea, you may want to learn more about your goals of use in order to obtain insurance payment for your machine. How does initial compliance determine whether insurance pays for CPAP therapy? Learn how the first few months of use are critical to ensuring long-term access to the treatment and what to do if you struggle to adjust....

No data exist that show menopause directly causes breast cancer. However, late-onset menopause may increase the risk of breast cancer due to prolonged hormone exposure throughout life. Certain types of breast cancer treatment called hormone therapy can induce (bring about) menopause, as well. This article discusses the connection, risks, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer at the time of menopause. Connection Between Menopause and Breast Cancer Hormone-positive breast cancers are primarily caused by estrogen and progesterone....

Many health professionals encourage people to eat more fish to improve overall health. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week. The reason why is that fish contains nutrients called fatty acids that our bodies need but can’t produce on their own. Some good food sources of these fatty acids are included in the table at the end of the article, below. Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their potential as a treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)....

Percocet is a pain medication commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain after surgery. It is a narcotic and only available by prescription. It is also known as an opioid or analgesic and contains two medications, Tylenol (acetaminophen), a non-opioid pain reliever, and the opioid oxycodone. Percocet is an opioid, which means that it is a morphine-based medication and should be taken with caution. It is known by several brand names, including Primlev, Roxicet, Endocet, and Xartemis XR....

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a technique used to prevent infection after someone has been exposed to a pathogen. It is used after known or suspected exposures to infectious agents. For example, a nurse who has been stuck by a needle thought to be contaminated with HIV might be given antiretroviral drugs to keep her from becoming infected. Similarly, a person who had a suspected exposure to anthrax would be given appropriate antibiotics....

Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when the pressure within the skull, or intracranial pressure, increases for no apparent reason. This increased pressure causes symptoms of a tumor in the brain. Because there is actually no tumor present, the condition is referred to as a pseudotumor or false tumor. Pseudotumor cerebri is a serious condition that may cause loss of vision. Doctors may also use the term benign intracranial hypertension. However, the medical profession is trying to get away from using both of the terms benign intracranial hypertension and pseudotumor cerebri because it decreases the actual seriousness of the condition....

Common symptoms of renal cell carcinoma may include lower back pain, fatigue, blood in the urine, and iron deficiency. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, but patients usually don’t experience any symptoms until the tumors have grown bigger. Some of these symptoms are also similar to those caused by other conditions. Learning about the symptoms and complications of renal cell carcinoma can help you decide when to see a healthcare provider for a screening....

Radiographic imaging, like X-rays, are seldom beneficial in the evaluation of acute low back pain. Low back pain is incredibly common, and just about everyone can expect to have an episode (if not multiple episodes) of back pain at some point in their lifetime. In the United States, low back pain is the second most common reason (after upper respiratory infections) for people to go to the healthcare provider. Your low back pain can feel like a deep aching sensation that is hard to relieve, and you could worry that something is seriously wrong with your spine....

One of the early signs that may suggest a problem with the brain, such as dementia, may be a disruption in sleep patterns. Why don’t people with dementia sleep well? Learn how changes in the brain may affect the sleep-wake patterns due to damage to critical structures and how conditions present in assisted living environments may worsen these effects. How Changes in the Brain Affect Sleep in Dementia The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus of the brain is responsible for controlling our sleep-wake patterns....

Sleep is important at every stage of life, but it is especially crucial during the teenage years. During sleep, the body releases hormones that fuel physical growth and development, brain circuitry, and sexual maturation. Between 14 and 17, teens should get between eight and 10 hours of sleep each night. However, research shows only 15% of teens get at least 8.5 hours of sleep most school nights, and most average just 7....

Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis (also known as the glans). When the foreskin is also inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Balanitis and balanoposthitis mainly occur in uncircumcised men. Balanitis is a condition affecting about 11% of adults with penises and 4% of children with penises. It is most common in those over 40, although it can occur at any age. This article describes the symptoms, causes, complications of balanitis and balanoposthitis....

You may have heard about a possible link between gynecologic surgery (such as a hysterectomy) and the development of fibromyalgia, and doctors have long suspected that fibromyalgia has strong hormonal ties and triggers. This does not seem surprising as we’ve long suspected a link between endocrine disorders, gynecological conditions, and autoimmune conditions. What are we learning about this link and what might that mean for you? Fibromyalgia and Gynecologic Disease People have noted the onset or changes in their fibromyalgia symptoms in relation to gynecological conditions for many years....

The semicircular canals are located in the inner ear. These three tiny tubes (the horizontal, superior, and posterior semicircular canals), are arranged at right angles to one another. They contain a fluid called endolymph and tiny hair cells, called cilia, which sense our movements. The semicircular canals are part of the vestibular system and function to give us a sense of balance. Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD), also called Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS), is a condition caused by a hole or opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal....

Managing weight and maintaining a healthy diet is a primary part of managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a metabolic syndrome. Many studies have found associations between hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, obesity, and PCOS. Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of any healthy eating plan and are often the most overlooked. This article discusses the role vitamins and minerals play in PCOS management. How Vitamins Deficiency Affects PCOS Vitamins have important functions within the body....

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used in procedures such as tubal ligation, gallbladder removal, hiatal hernia repair, endometriosis excision, and uterine fibroid removal. These procedures are normally performed in the outpatient surgery unit of a hospital. In most cases, patients can return home a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure. What Happens During Laparoscopy? Laparoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. A typical pelvic laparoscopy involves a small (1/2" to 3/4") incision in the belly button or lower abdomen....

With several confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant now confirmed in the U.S., the White House has announced new strategies to help prevent more illnesses and deaths from the virus. The strategies, for now, are generally aimed at getting more people tested and vaccinated during the winter, when COVID cases can increase because people are indoors and more exposed to each other. Here’s a look at what the actions President Biden announced on December 2 include....