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Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a rare type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow, leading to abnormally high levels of white blood cells called monocytes. This often results in an enlarged spleen and/or liver and symptoms such as abdominal pain and feeling full faster than normal. In most cases the cause of CMML is unknown, although it sometimes develops after cancer treatment. The only cure for CMML is a stem cell transplant, but it also can be treated with certain medications or chemotherapy....

Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that impairs glucose metabolism due to insufficient insulin production, insulin impairment, or insulin deficiency. When a person has diabetes, many variables can result in high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Carbohydrate intake, medications, exercise, and illness are just some of the variables that may affect blood sugar. When a person’s blood sugars are too high or too low, they can experience headaches....

The early abortion machine vacuum aspiration procedure is one of three available options to end an early pregnancy (the abortion pill and manual aspiration are the other methods). This early abortion method can be used 5 to 12 weeks after your last menstrual period. This procedure is quick (5 to 15 minutes) and can be safely completed in a regular medical office or clinic. Machine Vacuum Aspiration Is Also Known As...

The pulse is the surge of blood that is pushed through the arteries when the heartbeats. The pulse rate is how many times one can feel a pulse every minute. The pulse rate is a vital sign that can tell a lot about a victim’s medical condition. The pulse rate changes with exercise, so healthcare providers like to compare resting pulse rates, which should always be between 60-100 beats per minute....

Many patients are leery or embarrassed to ask for a second opinion when they are considering surgery. They worry that they might offend their surgeon, that they will get a second expensive and unnecessary bill for a surgical consultation, and they worry that a second opinion is a waste of time. In reality, a surgeon who is upset or angry that a patient sought a second opinion isn’t behaving professionally, as a second opinion is considered a normal part of the process....

Intrinsic asthma, also called non-allergic asthma, causes spasms in your airways that make it difficult to breathe. This occurs during an “asthma attack” that is triggered by something you are exposed to. Learn more about intrinsic asthma symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and coping with this condition in this article. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Asthma Extrinsic asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to something in your environment that your immune system views as “foreign” to your body....

There’s no denying that scrolling on TikTok has become a consistent part of many people’s daily routine—especially children and teens. Today’s youth spend many of their waking moments consumed by the app’s short clips, personalized to fit each user’s specific interests. Key Takeaways TikTok has become one of the most popular social platforms in the world, and kids and teens are spending more time than ever scrolling on the app. Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggest this may be negatively impacting young people’s brain development and making it harder for them to focus on other activities....

Many products are marketed as being beneficial for arthritis and joint health. Some are dietary supplements, while others are classified as functional foods (a food product consumed as part of the daily diet that may offer benefit beyond nutrition), or nutraceuticals. Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements, functional foods, and nutraceuticals are not regulated by the FDA. What Is a Nutraceutical? A nutraceutical is a food or food component that claims to have health benefits, including treatment and prevention of disease....

Different risk factors can increase your chances of having an asthma attack. Bottom line, if you have ever been diagnosed with asthma, you are at risk of an asthma attack. You are at an increased risk of an attack if you: Had a severe asthma attack in the past year Required admission to a hospital for asthma in the past year Develop asthma symptoms suddenly without noticing Require frequent use of a rescue inhaler This article explores the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for asthma and what you can do to help reduce the risk of an attack....

Many of us want the option of purchasing our prescription drugs from online drugstores because the practice seems convenient and money-saving. But is it legal and safe to purchase drugs from a pharmacy website? Yes, it can be, if you understand the potential pitfalls and follow some guidelines. The key is to find an Internet drugstore that is legal, safe, and meets your needs, such as convenience and pricing. There are good, bona fide businesses out there, but there are also “rogue” sites; online pharmacies (really pretend pharmacies) that are out to scam you....

Oxygen therapy is sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), due to a condition called hypoxemia that can result from overnight interruptions in breathing. It’s important to learn what role oxygen can play in treating OSA and whether other options, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, may be a better choice for you. Oxygen in Sleep Apnea If a healthcare provider suspects you have sleep apnea, they’ll likely send you for a sleep study in a sleep laboratory to confirm the diagnosis, although it is sometimes possible to complete the study in your own home....

Skin tag patches are an over-the-counter product that claims to easily remove skin tags at home. Skin tags are small growths on the surface of your skin and can occur as you age. While they are usually harmless and don’t need to be removed, skin tags can be bothersome and get caught on clothing or jewelry. For those looking to get rid of their skin tags on their own, skin tag patches offer a quick, at-home remedy....

It may seem like a rather inconsequential thing, but you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of your bedroom sleep environment. It may be the one thing that helps you quickly transition to rest—or the thing that keeps you tossing and turning all night in fits of insomnia. Consider 5 ways to optimize a bedroom for sleep, including factors such as noise, temperature, lighting, and your mattress selection. What Is a Sleep Environment?...

It is hard to understand the signs and symptoms of kidney disease unless we appreciate the kidneys’ role in our body. This article explains what the kidneys do and how they accomplish their function. Clarifying the Terms: Renal? Nephrology? Let’s get the grammar straightened out at the outset. You might have heard the terms “renal,” “nephrological,” or others when you hear physicians talking about kidneys. The term “renal” is used interchangeably to refer to anything to do with the kidneys....

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new way to use magnetism to affect the brain. It is non-invasive, meaning that the procedure does not require any type of surgery; rather, it is conducted by transmitting magnetic pulses through the brain by pressing a machine against the head. Is it possible that this science-fiction-like procedure can help people with Alzheimer’s disease? Most commonly, TMS has been studied as a way to treat depression that won’t respond to antidepressant medications or counseling therapy....

Your healthcare provider may have recommended weight-bearing exercise, or you may have read that such exercise is essential for healthy bones. But what exactly is weight-bearing exercise and how does it help improve your health? Regular Exercise for Arthritis It’s important to begin by saying that regular exercise helps people with arthritis. It can not only reduce joint pain and stiffness but may help you stay as strong and as healthy as possible....

Whiplash is a neck and spinal injury that is most commonly caused by a rear-end car collision, but that has other causes, as well. For example, the National Health Service of the U.K. says that a sudden blow to the head such as the type one might sustain while playing during contact sports (boxing or rugby) or a slip or fall that causes a forceful jolt backward of the head are also causes....

The Glogau classification system was developed to objectively measure the severity of wrinkles and photoaging (the premature aging of the skin, which is usually caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays). This classification system helps practitioners pick the most appropriate procedures for treatment. Find out where you rank on the system and learn how to help prevent wrinkles and photoaging with sunscreen.​​ Glogau Classification of Photoaging Exposure to ultraviolet light (either UVA or UVB rays) from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging, including wrinkles....

There are several considerations to keep in mind when choosing lubricated versus non-lubricated condoms. Lubricated condoms provide both protection and lubricant to minimize friction. However, they aren’t always the best choice. For example, they’re often less than ideal if you’re planning on oral sex. This article discusses the differences between lubricated and non-lubricated condoms. It also covers how to decide which one to use. Lubricated Condoms Lubricated condoms are the latex condoms you find most often in drugstores....

Especially during cold and flu season, it may be hard to determine when you should keep your sick home and when you should go see a healthcare provider or pediatrician. You should always seek professional care when concerned about your child’s health or if you have any unanswered health-related questions. Warning Signs A simple phone call to a nurse or an appointment with a healthcare provider can help ease your mind if something just doesn’t seem right....