Posts

If you’ve received two doses of the Moderna vaccine, scientists are getting closer to pinpointing exactly how long you’ll be protected. New research suggests your vaccine-induced antibodies will protect you from COVID-19 for at least six months. Key Takeaways A research study, published by the New England Journal of Medicine, found that the Moderna vaccine offered at least six months of protection against COVID-19. As people age, their bodies become less responsive to vaccines so COVID-19 boosters may be needed in the future....

European health officials just released new guidelines on endometriosis to improve diagnosing and treating the condition—including new recommendations around the use of laparoscopy. Key Takeaways European health officials recently released new endometriosis guidelines that change the way the condition is diagnosed and treated.The changes will hopefully lead to a quicker diagnosis and better treatment options.Increased awareness and education on endometriosis is also critical, experts say. In February, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) published more than 100 recommendations and best practices on treating people with endometriosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus and causes pain, irregular bleeding, and cramps....

Nongonococcal urethritis, or NGU, is defined as any form of urethritis not caused by gonorrhea. Approximately 15 to 40 percent of NGU cases are caused by chlamydia. Another 15 to 25 percent of cases are caused by mycoplasma. However, NGU can be caused by other sexually transmitted infections such as Trichomonas vaginalis. The herpes simplex virus can also cause NGU. In most cases, if you are diagnosed with NGU, further testing will be performed to try and identify the cause of the infection....

Olive oil is a pantry staple that is known for its health benefits in our diets, and it turns out it may be just as beneficial for our skin as well. Olive oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and has been linked to improved skin moisturization, anti-aging effects, and relief from sun damage. Olive oil can be used on the skin on its own or as part of skincare products such as facial cleansers or lotions....

Rotting teeth can cause sensitivity and pain in the teeth and gums. If left untreated, rotting teeth can lead to infections, and gum disease, which has been linked to systemic infections (those that impact the whole body). Dental decay caught early can be treated, but prevention is the best tool to avoid rotting teeth. This article will explore the causes of tooth decay, the appearance of rotting teeth, and how to prevent and treat dental disease....

There are many causes of split earlobes and widened ear piercing holes. Split earlobes are often caused by acute trauma, which may occur if earrings are pulled through the piercing hole, for example if grabbed by a small child or by an enthusiastic dog greeting their owner. Even the repeated pulling of clothing on and off over the head while wearing earrings could inadvertently cause trauma to the ear lobe....

A tsunami is a seismic sea wave (a series of waves caused by an earthquake or landslide) that can cause devastation to coastal areas. They used to be inaccurately referred to as tidal waves, which are shallow water waves caused by the earth’s gravitational pull. They don’t always come with a warning. Depending on how close you are to the event that triggers the tsunami, you might not have any official orders to evacuate or even any warning....

The carotid arteries are two blood vessels that run up along the sides of your neck into your brain. Together with the two vertebral arteries at the back of the neck, the carotids allow a way for the brain to receive the blood it needs for oxygen. Overview Like any other arteries, the carotids can be damaged. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are a few ways to increase to risk of plaque buildup in the carotids and other blood vessels....

Vyepti (eptinezumab) is the first intravenous (IV) medication approved for preventing migraines. Vyepti is a monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks the binding site of a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This protein is believed to be the cause behind the pain of most migraine attacks. While Vyepti is administered as an IV infusion every three months, other approved CGRP monoclonal antibodies for migraine prevention—Aimovig (erenumab), Ajovy (fremanezumab), and Emgality (galcanezumab)—are administered as a shot, either monthly or once every three months (depending on the drug)....

At the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games, Kamila Valieva, a 15-year old Russian gold medal figure skater, tested positive for a banned drug called trimetazidine. Key Takeaways An Olympic figure skater tested positive for the banned drug trimetazidine.Trimetazidine is a drug used to prevent or treat chest pain and other heart-related conditions. The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned the drug for use in sports since 2014. According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), she failed a drug test during a urine sample collection by Russian authorities back on Dec....

In October 2021, researchers found a new variant of the COVID-19 virus in France. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not think that the variant is cause for concern. Key Takeaways In October 2021, a new COVID-19 virus variant was detected in France. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not feel it is currently a serious threat.The variant, called B.1.640.2 or IHU, was first found in a vaccinated person who had returned to France after traveling to Cameroon....

Adhesives provide the stickiness that allows a variety of products to stay on the skin. Examples of these products include adhesive bandages, artificial nails, and transdermal patches, which give medicine through the skin. While adhesives serve an important purpose, some people may develop an adhesive allergy after using them. Glues used for the adhesives may cause contact dermatitis, a skin condition that may include a rash, blisters, and skin flaking....

The color of your mucus can say a lot about your health, especially if you aren’t feeling well. Light yellow or clear mucus is usually normal, while green and brown mucus can indicate an infection. Black mucus is not as common and can be concerning in its appearance and what it means for your health. If you have developed black mucus from your nose or with a cough, there are a few possible explanations....

Most people have dropped something on their foot at some point and wondered if they had a broken toe—or if the pain will just go away on its own. A broken toe may not be obvious, but the most common signs that you fractured it includes severe pain and an audible cracking or popping sound that is heard when the small bone in the toe fractures. Here’s what you should know about broken toes, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and possible complications....

Cells, such as the ones in the human body, need a way to interact with and receive signals from substances such as hormones, drugs, antigens, or even sunlight. That’s where cellular receptors come in. A receptor is a protein molecule in a cell or on the surface of a cell to which a substance can bind, causing a change in the activity of that particular cell.​ This article explains how cell receptors work, their role in the human body, and their significance....

Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. As with any significant loss, entering the world of disability requires mental adjustment. When the magnitude of the adjustment surpasses the social, emotional, and cognitive resources of the individual, depression can set in, further complicating disability. Read on to learn the warning signs of clinical depression and discover resources for getting help. Recently Disabled For the recently disabled, depression is very common....

Perhaps you’ve noticed how some people have a gray, white, or bluish circle around all or part of the colored part of their eye (the iris). Sometimes referred to as “ring around the pupil,” this condition is known as corneal arcus. More specifically, it is called arcus senilis in people in their 60s and up and arcus juvenilis in younger people. Corneal arcus may appear as an arc above or beneath the cornea....

All sorts of unbelievable things are passed around every day on social media, but I have noticed an increase in the number of “medical miracles” that people seem to accept without question just because a friend or acquaintance shares them. One such claim I have seen has to do with the “healing powers” of cinnamon and honey. Among other incredible claims (cinnamon and honey will cure cancer, really?!), the post states:...

Call them toners, astringents, or clarifiers, every skincare line has them. They’re especially popular for those with oily and acne-prone skin. But will using a toner clear up your acne? What Is a Toner? First, let’s clarify what a toner is and why it’s used. Toners are liquid solutions that are applied to the skin with a cotton ball or pad. You use them just after cleansing and before treatment and moisturizing....

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated two Lysol disinfectant sprays as safe and effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The sprays—Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist—are the first disinfectant sprays that have been tested directly against SARS-CoV-2. Key Takeaways The EPA has approved two Lysol disinfectant sprays for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.These are the only products that have specifically been tested for this use....