Hemolytic anemia describes a large group of conditions characterized by accelerated destruction of red blood cells. The average lifespan of a red blood cell is 120 days. At the end of 120 days, the red blood cell is broken down and the parts of it are recycled to make new ones. When your red blood cells are broken down faster than this, it is called hemolysis. Hemolysis can be caused by many different things....
A laparoscopic tubal ligation, also known as laparoscopic sterilization, is one of the two most common methods of tubal ligation (the other common permanent birth control procedure is a mini-laparotomy). During the Procedure Typically, you will be given general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make a small incision, about half an inch long, in or below the belly button. A harmless carbon dioxide gas is injected into your abdomen. This raises the abdominal wall off of your pelvic organs, so your surgeon can get an unobstructed view—as well as room to operate....
An unloader knee brace is a type of knee brace that can be used to provide stability, support, and pain relief caused by knee osteoarthritis that primarily affects only one side of the knee joint. This kind of knee brace is designed to transfer or “unload” pressure from one side of the joint to the other. In other words, an unloader knee brace does exactly what its name suggests—it shifts stress, from the affected side of the joint to the healthier side of the joint....
An organ transplant is a major surgery that can have amazing, life-sustaining results: a diseased organ is replaced by a healthy organ from a donor. The donor of the organ may be a living donor, possibly a friend or family member, or the organ may be from a donor who suffered a life-ending accident or illness. In many cases, patients with severe organ failure reach the point where they need to consider organ transplant surgery....
For many people dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been a challenge to navigate socially distanced meet-ups and potentially uncomfortable conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, major dating apps are trying to ease some of your worries by allowing users to share their vaccine status on their profiles. Key Takeaways Dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid will let users display their vaccination status.The White House announced the initiative as part of its plan to have 70% of U....
Gait refers to the manner in which you walk, including the speed, cadence, and stride. Gait abnormalities are typically associated with a physical disease, condition, or deformity. Arthritis is among the conditions that can cause an abnormal gait. Joint pain, limited range-of-motion of a joint, or joint deformity associated with arthritis may be factors associated with an abnormal gait. With arthritis, people begin to take smaller steps, limp, or alter their gait to compensate for painful or damaged joints – especially when weight-bearing joints are involved....
“Food is medicine” is now at the forefront of the federal strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases. This concept of medical care, also known as “food as medicine,” involves tailoring meals to a patient’s medical needs. Key Takeaways Food is medicine is an emerging concept that combines nutrition and medical care to treat diet-related diseases.Produce prescription programs have allowed providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables for patients.Evidence shows that these programs can effectively increase fruit and vegetable intake and help manage diabetes....
When you first decided to watch your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, one of the first things you probably started doing when beginning your diet was to shop for healthier foods. One way you likely did this—besides loading up on produce—was to look for foods labeled “fat-free”. After all, if it says “fat-free” on a package, this should mean that the food contains no fat and should, therefore, be a healthy food to include in your lipid-lowering diet, right?...
Some people experience bleeding after a tonsillectomy. Small amounts of dark red blood in saliva or vomit is usually not a concern. Bright red bleeding, however, often requires immediate medical attention. Major arteries are very close to the tonsils, so blood loss can be substantial. You may see or taste blood, or you may only notice that you feel the need to swallow more often than usual. It’s important to be aware of these signs of bleeding after tonsillectomy and know when treatment is needed....
Breast implants are the option for reconstruction that requires the least surgery. Unlike a tissue flap no tissue is transplanted, and unlike a TRAM or Lat Flap, no muscle is relocated. When your implant reconstruction is complete, your new breast won’t have the same look and sensitivity as your natural breast, and you will need more surgery to create a new nipple and areola. You may also require additional expansion treatments, until the implant reaches the desired size....
Central serous retinopathy, also called central serous chorioretinopathy or CSR, is the name for a buildup of fluid under the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye. It’s not always known what causes central serous retinopathy, but stress and the use of corticosteroid medications are two risk factors for it. This article will review common causes and risk factors for central serous retinopathy. Common Causes Health experts are not entirely sure what causes central serous retinopathy....
Colorectal surgeries are major operations with a significant recovery period. Depending on the exact procedure you have done, you will spend time recovering in the hospital, maybe even a rehabilitation center. There will be a number of follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Keep reading to learn what you can expect during your recovery period. Surgery Follow-Up You will typically be discharged from the hospital two days or so after your colorectal surgery if it was done laparoscopically....
The common iliac arteries originate near the fourth lumbar vertebra in the lower back, where the abdominal aorta divides (bifurcation). From there, it runs down the pelvis where it ends at the level of the pelvic brim. Here, it splits into two major branches: the internal and external iliac arteries. The internal iliac arteries supply to the blood to the pelvis and the buttocks, while the external iliac arteries supply the blood to the legs....
Chest pain from costochondritis is a symptom that may be experienced after a COVID-19 infection. It is a long COVID symptom, meaning it persists for an extended period of time after a person recovers from COVID-19. Costochondritis after a COVID-19 illness is seen most often in children. The exact connection between costochondritis and coronavirus (COVID-19) is unknown. It may be due to inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone (sternum)....
Dermoscopy is a test that is used for the examination of skin lesions using a handheld device, called a dermatoscope. Dermoscopy is most often used to aid in diagnosing skin cancer. It is non-invasive and painless. This test is also known as dermatoscopy, skin surface microscopy, and epiluminescence microscopy. Purpose of the Test Dermoscopy is a simple skin exam. If you have a pigmented skin lesion or mole that is concerning, your physician may perform a dermatoscopy....
Blue light glasses are designed to filter or block the blue light from digital device screens and prevent eye strain and even improve sleep. With the use of smartphones and computers on the rise, these glasses are becoming more popular each day and many eyewear companies have launched their own versions of blue light glasses. There is currently no evidence showing that the kind or amount of blue light coming from computer screens is damaging to the eyes....
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today authorized reformulated versions of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters in a bid to broaden Americans’ protection against a potential winter surge. Key Takeaways Federal regulators authorized Pfizer’s and Moderna’s reformulated booster vaccines.The updated booster shots can protect against the original COVID-19 strain as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants.The shots could be doled out shortly after Labor Day if the CDC director signs off on the recommendation....
Intolerance to food can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. The symptoms of food intolerance may be similar to symptoms of other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Learn more about the symptoms of food intolerance, potential complications, and when to see a healthcare provider. Frequent symptoms Intolerance to food can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms vary between individuals and may also depend on the amount of food eaten or the type of food eaten....
The sandwich is a staple dish when it comes to lunch or dinnertime dining. They are quick to make and can be constructed with a variety of ingredients to satisfy almost any craving. Although having high cholesterol doesn’t eliminate this delicious food from your diet, you still need to be careful about which foods you add to your sandwich. Adding the wrong ingredients could increase your calorie intake — and your waistline....
When you are pregnant, it certainly seems as if every body part is affected one way or the other. Given that, it makes sense to wonder what your IBS might mean for your pregnancy. Unfortunately, research on the subject is quite limited, due to concerns about performing procedures that would put the developing fetus at risk. Much more is known about the effects of pregnancy on the digestive system in general....
