Posts

Canker sores are small sores that can occur anywhere in the mouth, usually on the softer parts—even the tonsils. They can be uncomfortable and painful, but they’re common, with more than half the population experiencing them. They are not contagious and usually will go away on their own. Treatments are available over the counter, and there are measures you can take at home to help reduce pain and encourage healing. This article will discuss canker sores on the tonsils and how to manage them....

With the rise of the highly transmissible Delta variant, many are concerned that the current COVID-19 vaccines may not hold up. But, if you’ve got the Johnson & Johnson shot—new research suggests not to worry. You’re likely protected from severe disease. Key Takeaways New data suggests that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine provides significant protection against hospitalization and death from the Delta variant.Booster shots are likely needed for Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients, but more data is needed before health officials make a formal recommendation....

Alzheimer’s disease does not just affect the brain—it has an effect on the body as well. Historically, the emphasis and study of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease were focused almost solely on cognitive issues, looking at what type of impairments develop such as memory, language, and behavior and what interventions and treatments were most helpful. More recently, however, there is an increasing awareness of the physical effects of Alzheimer’s disease, especially on one’s gait in walking....

Late on Thursday evening, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, specifically for people who are immunocompromised. Key Takeaways Booster doses are now authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee for people with compromised immune systems.Only Pfizer and Moderna boosters received authorization. The recommendation does not currently apply to anyone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine....

Letting go of grief is no easy task. Grief is something you might be holding tight to—a reminder of your loved one or a connection to their memory. Loosening your grip and ultimately surrendering your grief can seem like a scary and daunting task but it’s a necessary process you must go through to once again be whole. Before you can let go of grief, you must spend ample time with it....

An estimated 10% of adults between the ages of 20 and 30 have excessive gingival display, also known as a “gummy smile.” This is when too much gum tissue above your top teeth shows when you smile. One way to treat a gummy smile is with a cosmetic dentistry procedure known as gum contouring. Continue reading to learn more about gum contouring, including what the procedure and recovery are like and how much it costs....

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) refers to the practice of asking patients to measure their own blood pressures at home, either to detect whether hypertension is present or to assist in managing hypertension after it is diagnosed. HBPM has become feasible during the past few years, now that relatively inexpensive ($40 - $50), easy-to-use, electronic blood pressure devices are readily available, and their accuracy is generally quite good. Read all about hypertension....

With chronic conditions such as COPD, many people spend a significant amount of time in the hospital, whether for COPD exacerbations, or complications of other illnesses.While nobody enjoys this home away from home, there are things you can do and items can you bring, which may help your stay feel just a bit cozier. Certainly, everyone is different, but here is a list of 10 important things to bring with you when you are admitted to the hospital....

Internal shoulder impingement is a condition that primarily affects throwing athletes. This condition affects the following structures: The posterior labrum: The labrum in the posterior-superior region of the shoulder is often frayed or partially torn. In more severe cases, a SLAP tear can develop, which is a tear that extends up towards the attachment of the biceps tendon. The rotator cuff: A partial-thickness rotator cuff tear affects the undersurface of the rotator cuff....

If you’ve been avoiding the doctor’s office because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Kaiser Family Foundation poll shows you’re not alone. Key Takeaways 48% of Americans have skipped medical care in the last three monthsPrimary care visits and elective procedures are largely safe to delaySome non-emergencies, like prenatal appointments, are still essentialSome non-urgent medical facilities have begun soft openings with new safety protocols and office setups The poll, published on May 27, found that 48% of American adults have skipped or postponed some type of medical care over the last three months....

In malignant hypertension (MHT), symptoms are caused by a very high spike in blood pressure that damages one or more organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Its symptoms range from headache to low urine output to chest pain to vision changes. Malignant hypertension can result in heart attack, aortic dissection, stroke, or seizure. Black people, smokers, pregnant people, and people who use drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines are among those at the highest risk of developing MHT....

A painful arc is a pain that occurs in your shoulder as you raise your arm out to the side. The pain usually happens when you raise your arm and it is parallel to the floor. The symptoms last until you move your arm fully overhead or lower it down. The painful arc in your shoulder can happen while you are raising your arm and lowering your arm. It is a signal that something is getting pinched in your shoulder while you are moving it....

A Colles’ fracture is a break in the radius bone, one of the bones of the forearm near the wrist. The fracture usually occurs if you fall onto your outstretched hand. Upon landing on your hand, the end of your radius bone breaks off and gets pushed toward your inner wrist. If you fall on your hand and the wrist is in a flexed position, the radius may break and move toward the front of your wrist....

The posterior tibial artery (PTA) is a major artery that delivers blood to certain areas of the lower leg. It can be affected by conditions such as atherosclerosis and far less frequently, chronic compartment syndrome, in which swelling and inflammation of muscles in the calf press on the artery and block blood flow. This article describes the anatomy of the PTA, explains how it functions in the body, and discusses the health conditions that can affect it....

Premature atrial complexes (PACs) are extra heartbeats in the atria. The atria are two chambers in the heart that receive blood from the veins. PACs are the most common variety of cardiac arrhythmias. This is when the heart beats irregularly, too slow, or too fast. An estimated 50% of all people with or without heart disease have PACs. While PACs themselves are usually harmless, some research suggests they may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk....

Procrastination is characterized by delaying work on a task that requires completion. While it’s not a mental health disorder, procrastination can cause psychological distress. Frequent procrastination may negatively affect your personal, school, or work lives. This article will discuss the types of procrastination, what causes them, the negative impacts, and how to overcome procrastination. What Is Procrastination? Procrastination is when a person delays a task or puts something off until the last minute or even past the deadline....

Sleep paralysis is a relatively common experience—about 8% of people will experience it at one point or another, with higher rates for students, people of color, and people with psychiatric conditions. It occurs when the features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep intrude into wakefulness, leading to muscles that are unable to move, impaired breathing, and features of vivid dreams like fear and hallucinations. This disconnect between the brain and the body’s muscles can cause terrifying symptoms....

Painful, burning sensations during urination could be a urinary tract infection (UTI) or one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that feel like a UTI. STIs (sometimes referred to as STDs or sexually transmitted diseases), including chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause burning during urination and pelvic pain similar to UTI symptoms. Identifying whether symptoms indicate an STI vs. UTI can be tricky. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and differences between an STI and a UTI, as well as when you should see a healthcare provider....

If you’re like me, you feel like throwing protocol—sit in a chair, endure pain—out the window when your back hurts. You just want to lie down on your back and let the muscle tension drain away. Well, now you can—by using the “hook lying” position. (Just don’t let your boss see you.) Hook lying is often recommended as a great way to relax back muscles. And it’s a simple position to assume: Simply lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor....

In a recent video, TikToker @jacemyfears shares that their psychiatrist told them that the retinol they’ve been using to treat their acne since adolescence might be worsening their depression. Key Takeaways A TikTok went viral, claiming that retinoid-based products, like face creams for acne treatment, worsen depression.Retinoids are essential for life, consumed in the diet, but can be harmful in excess or when lacking.The data isn’t clear on the link between retinoids and depression, but it is known that people with acne are at a higher risk for depression....