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The push to remove mouth to mouth from CPR was controversial in the world of CPR training. The idea finally found its feet after many years; the American Heart Association now recommends hands-only CPR—skipping rescue breathing—for untrained rescuers who see a victim collapse in front of them. Those who had been trained for years in traditional CPR often resisted the change. Emergency care providers, from the CPR certified to the EMT to the ER doctor, have for decades been indoctrinated in the ABCs of emergency care:...

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women with heart disease are more likely to receive intense treatment when their physician is also a woman compared to when they are seen by a male physician. Key Takeaways A review found that women with heart disease are more likely to receive intense treatment when their physician is also a woman compared to when they are seen by a male doctor....

Diphenhydramine is a common ingredient in sleeping aids; it is also used to treat allergies. While effective, the risk of serious diphenhydramine side effects—including confusion, dizziness, urinary retention, and liver or kidney issues—is increased in people age 65 and older. This article explores how diphenhydramine works, potential side effects, and why it’s generally recommended that older adults avoid using diphenhydramine except to manage allergic reactions. What Is Diphenhydramine? Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine....

In 1878 Paul Broca, the French neurologist famous for so-called Broca’s aphasia, coined the term “le grand lobe lymbique.” The term “limbus” refers to a margin or rim. Dr. Broca was referring to the structures that surround the innermost part of the brain, at the margin of the brain’s center. Meaning of the Limbic System The meaning of the term “limbic system” has changed since Broca’s time. It is still meant to include structures between the cortex and the hypothalamus and brainstem, but different specialists have included different structures as part of the limbic system....

Hemosiderin is a protein compound that helps the body store iron. Too much built up beneath the skin can lead to staining or skin discoloration, known as hemosiderin staining or deposition, or hemosiderin hyperpigmentation. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for hemosiderin staining. What are the Symptoms of Hemosiderin? Hemosiderin helps the body retain iron so that there is enough of the nutrient to help red blood cells transfer oxygen to tissues....

Going to bed with high blood sugar can be uncomfortable. The best way to counter high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, at night is a routine that keeps your blood sugar balanced throughout the day. High blood sugar occurs when blood glucose levels are too high. Though it is a well-known symptom of diabetes, you can still have high blood sugar even if you don’t have diabetes. Diabetes occurs when your body can’t produce enough—or sometimes any—insulin....

The prescription drug gabapentin (sold under the trade name Neurontin or Horizant) is a commonly used medication that can help treat the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Uses Gabapentin can be used to treat the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). It may be especially helpful if the symptoms are perceived as less intense yet painful. In individuals with a history of peripheral neuropathy or chronic pain, it may be of added benefit....

Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short amount of time. Performed under the supervision of a dentist, this method of whitening has gained popularity among those who either are dissatisfied with over-the-counter (OTC) products or don’t want all of the fuss and bother of a professional at-home kit. Price is the main differentiator when comparing teeth whitening options. Most OTC kits run between $40 to $100 on average, while a professional at-home model can cost anywhere from $100 to $400....

If you will be having chemotherapy, you may have heard it’s a good idea to shop for a wig ahead of time. Yet, even if you are already losing your hair, it’s not too late. Finding a wig is something few people think of before they are faced with the task. Certainly, you probably have some ideas on the colors or styles you would prefer, but there are several other things you should know to make your wig shopping go as well as possible....

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in December issued new isolation guidance for those infected with COVID-19, reducing the quarantine period from 10 days to five days. The agency said that research has shown transmission occurs early in the course of infection. Key Takeaways Evidence from over 100 studies shows that COVID-19 contagiousness in those with the virus peaks around symptom onset and rapidly declines within a week. Rapid antigen tests will likely only return a positive result during the period of infectiousness, meaning a negative result following recovery from symptoms may indicate you’re no longer contagious....

When it comes to options for fertility treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most commonly known and effective methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART). On the surface, IVF sounds like it should be a quick and easy procedure. The healthcare provider takes an egg, a sperm, combines them, and implants the combination into the uterus. However, there is more to IVF than simply joining an egg and sperm....

Lipomas are soft, rubbery, and moveable bumps located under the skin. They are non-cancerous. The exact cause of lipomas is uncertain, but genetics play some role. Lipomas can be inherited or passed down from one generation to the next. They can also be symptoms of rare conditions or associated with certain lifestyle factors. This article will explore the causes of lipomas and also explain other risk factors that influence whether or not someone develops a lipoma....

When undergoing chemotherapy, cooking will likely be the last thing you want to do in the days following an infusion. Lack of energy, nausea, and other treatment side effects can make even make the thought of food unbearable for some. Even if you have zero appetite, proper nutrition is crucial during cancer treatment. Eating snacks and smaller meals throughout the day is often more a realistic goal than having your typical “3 squares a day....

Neck pain can be tough to treat. Your physical therapist may use a technique called manual cervical traction to help decrease your neck pain and improve your mobility. If you have neck pain, your healthcare provider may refer you to a physical therapist to help decrease the pain and improve your neck range of motion and overall function. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment program specific to your condition....

Meckel’s diverticulum is a bulge or outpouching in the last part of the small intestine, which is called the ileum. It is a condition that is present at birth (also called a congenital condition) and is the result of an incomplete process in the development of the fetus. Most people who are born with Meckel’s diverticulum don’t have any symptoms and may not know that they have one. It’s estimated that between 2% and 4% of people are born with a Meckel’s diverticulum, making it the most common congenital condition affecting the digestive system....

While it only accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers, melanoma causes the most skin cancer deaths. Researchers estimate that 99,780 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma in 2022. About 7,650 are expected to die from it. If melanoma is found and treated early, the prognosis is favorable. Newer treatments are helping people with advanced forms of the disease live longer. This article will highlight important facts and statistics you should know about melanoma....

By reducing chronic inflammation—also known as low-grade or systemic inflammation—you may be able to boost your defense against several major diseases. In addition to fine-tuning your diet and overall self-care, you can reduce chronic inflammation with the help of certain natural substances and alternative therapies. Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation Unlike acute inflammation in which the immune system responds to infection or injury by activating inflammatory chemicals that combat foreign substances, chronic inflammation isn’t beneficial for the body....

Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, pain, and other abnormal nerve sensations in the peripheral nerves (i.e., those of the arms and legs). It can occur for several reasons. Uremic neuropathy is a type that affects patients with advanced kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease patients who are on dialysis. Unfortunately, neuropathy is very common in those with kidney disease. It may be related to nutrient imbalances, aspects of dialysis, or common overlapping conditions....

Aortic aneurysm rupture is a medical crisis. About 80 percent of those who experience a ruptured aortic aneurysm do not survive. Prevention of aortic aneurysms is based on lifestyle modification. And prevention of aortic aneurysm rupture requires screening and, possibly, surgical intervention to repair the aneurysm. Lifestyle Modification While some risk factors for aortic aneurysms, such as gender and genetic factors, cannot be changed, most risk factors can be modified in ways that reduce your chances of developing an aneurysm of the aorta or experiencing a rupture of the aneurysm if you already have one....

The reticular activating system (RAS) is a complex bundle of nerves in the brain that’s responsible for regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions. It functions as a filter out unnecessary noise that can interfere with the processing of messages or slow the processing of messages during sleep. The RAS does this by altering the brain’s electrical activity, including the electrical voltage of brain waves and the speed by which neurons (nerve cells) fire....