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Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures and the vast majority of liposuction patients say they would do it again. However, the surgery is not without its risks and problems. If you or someone you love is considering liposuction, you may have a few questions. For example: Does liposuction have an effect on your metabolism? Does it increase the risk of gaining weight after the procedure? Where do you gain fat if you put weight back on after liposuction?...

Mammograms have been the gold standard for breast cancer detection since the mid-1970s, but they aren’t foolproof—especially for people with dense breast tissue. Key Takeaways A recent study showed that liquid biopsies can find early biomarkers for breast cancer.Using blood samples, liquid biopsies look for markers called oncosomes that are signs of cancerous tumors. The tests are already in use for guiding breast cancer treatment but the hope is that liquid biopsies could become tools for early detection in the years to come....

A blood patch is a medical procedure that is used to close cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leaks. A CSF leak can occur when there is a tear or puncture in the dura (the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) that causes the watery protective fluid (CSF) that circulates around these neurological structures to leak out. They may be referred to as cranial CSF leaks if they occur in the head (around the brain) or spinal CSF leaks if they occur in the back around the spine....

Every so often while reading, you might come across a long word that makes you pause. It takes a second, or a few, to sound out the word. For some, being unfamiliar with a long word isn’t a big deal, but it’s a phobia for others. If you have a phobia of long words, you might avoid them altogether. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of long words. Ironic, isn’t it? It’s also referred to as sesquipedalophobia (a Latin term that means “long word”)....

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic acid reflux is a common condition affecting around 20% of the U.S. population. Acid reflux is when you have stomach acid flow into your esophagus or throat. This causes a feeling of heartburn as well as other symptoms, including trouble swallowing and difficulty sleeping due to the discomfort. Acid reflux every now and then, especially after a particularly large meal, is normal. Chronic GERD is acid reflux that occurs twice a week or more for several weeks....

If your asthma is uncontrolled, especially if you are having nighttime symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be to blame. As many as 75% of patients with difficult to treat asthma also experience frequent heartburn. GERD is one of the most common conditions that contribute to uncontrolled asthma, and you may need to get evaluated. Symptoms of GERD include: Regurgitation or the sensation of the acid and your food backing up; the wet burp is another way patients sometimes describe this Frequent heartburn or pyrosis, the painful burning in your stomach and mid-chest caused by acid from your stomach going up into and irritating your esophagus Sour or bitter taste in your mouth....

A granuloma is a tiny lump of inflamed tissue in the body that gets its name from looking like a grain of sand or sugar. Sometimes granulomas harden and can be seen on an X-ray. To confirm the diagnosis, a tissue sample is taken through a biopsy and examined under a microscope. The body produces granulomas as a way to block out certain irritants that it is unable to ward off, and these lumps can form in tissues throughout the body, affecting how organs, like the lungs or eyes, work....

About three quarters of all women will experience uterine fibroids—growths in the muscular walls of the uterus. In many of these women, fibroids may not cause any problems at all. But others experience symptoms like painful cramps and heavy bleeding during periods that significantly interfere with daily life. This article is part of Uterine Fibroids and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series. In some cases, the cramps that occur with fibroids cause pain in the lower back rather than in the lower abdomen, and may feel like a strained muscle....

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) sometimes have surgery as a treatment for their disease. The two main forms of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are treated with different types of surgery. With Crohn’s disease, which can affect both the large and the small intestine, a resection to remove an inflamed section of intestine is the surgery most frequently done. In some cases of Crohn’s disease, ostomy surgery—either temporary or permanent—may also be done....

If you love dark chocolate, you’re probably well aware of research that suggests it has important health benefits, mostly through improving heart health. It’s a bonus to justify your chocolate addiction in the name of longevity. Learn what the experts say and what daily dose of chocolate is the most healthy. The Flavanol Factor The greatest benefit from chocolate comes with the highest concentration of cocoa, which contains flavanols, a form of flavonoid....

When you have an injury or injury that results in pain, loss of range of motion (ROM) or strength, you may need the skilled services of a physical therapist. Your healthcare provider may prescribe physical therapy, but many states allow direct access to a physical therapist with no referral. If you have a problem that requires a physical therapist, there are many ways of finding one. Finding the best physical therapist for your condition is an important first step in returning to your previous level of functional mobility....

With the kids getting out of school, many families are ready to embark on the long-awaited summer vacations. Most pandemic travel restrictions have been lifted despite increasing COVID-19 cases. Key Takeaways Experts say it’s safe to travel this summer as long as you plan ahead and take precautions to protect yourself against COVID-19.If you have young children who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, you’ll need to take extra steps for COVID-19 safety....

Hyperlipidemia is characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance made by the liver, and your body needs it to perform several essential functions. On the other hand, triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides....

The fear of Roe v. Wade being overturned sent many into a panic about what the future of reproductive health care may look like in the United States. And some have been stockpiling Plan B and even abortion pills as a result. Key Takeaways Some research suggests that the morning-after pill is less effective in people who weigh more than 155 pounds or have a BMI above 25.Alternative options are more effective for people of a higher weight, such as ella, which contains a drug called ulipristal acetate (UPA)....

Joint stiffness is a common characteristic associated with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Joint stiffness can be one of the earliest symptoms of arthritis, a sign that you should see a doctor for a thorough physical examination and accurate diagnosis. While joint stiffness is a common arthritis symptom, it still comes with several questions: What causes joint stiffness?Is joint stiffness always related to a type of arthritis?Does joint stiffness always accompany swelling and joint pain?...

Certain medications used to control seizures may cause an oral condition known as gingival enlargement (also known as gingival overgrowth or gingival hyperplasia), increasing the risk of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. Gingival Overgrowth and Enlargement Dilantin (phenytoin) is an antiepileptic drug used to control seizures in certain types of epilepsy. It is also used to prevent seizures during or after brain surgery. As with most medications, side effects are associated with the use of phenytoin....

How long did humans live in the past? You often hear statistics about the average life span of people who lived hundreds, even thousands, of years ago. Were our ancestors really dying at the age of 30 or 40 back then? Here’s a little primer on longevity throughout history to help you understand how life expectancy and life spans have changed over time. This article will explain the average life span of people throughout history....

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a short course of antiretroviral drugs that is commonly taken very soon after engaging in a high-risk event or after involuntary exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). PEP stops HIV seroconversion—the period during which the body starts producing detectable levels of HIV antibodies—by killing the infected cells. Simply put, if taken right away, these drugs can prevent HIV from taking hold of your immune system, which, if left untreated, could lead to the disease AIDS....

A variety of discolorations can appear on the skin for a wide range of reasons. There are two types of skin discolorations that may be seen that are associated with bleeding under the skin. These may appear in groups or be clustered together and may look like a rash. Petechiae are pinpoint spots on the skin, often red in color, and purpura are larger areas that may be more purple in color....

The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from your body and help maintain proper levels of various minerals. Without correct levels of nutrients, nerves, cells, muscles, and organs may not work properly. When your kidney function goes below 15% of normal, it’s classified as kidney failure. It might be preceded by kidney disease. The symptoms that occur are typically a result of waste buildup. There are treatments for kidney failure, and your healthcare provider can go over which treatment is best for you....