VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, one of a group of plant pigments known to have antioxidant and other effects. This is a substance in plants that's quickly converted into vitamin A inside the body. Beta-carotene is often thought of as a form of vitamin A itself. Having normal levels of vitamin A is key for good vision, strong immunity, and general health. Beta-carotene has become popular in part because it's an antioxidant -- a substance that may protect cells from damage. A number of studies show that people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene and other vitamins and minerals have a lower risk of some cancers and heart disease. However, so far studies have not found that beta-carotene supplements have the same health benefits as foods. Beta-carotene supplements may help people with specific health problems. Supplements might be used in someone with a clear vitamin A deficiency. They also might help those with the genetic condition erythropoietic protoporphyria ( EPP). Both conditions are rare. While there is a recommended dietary allowance ( RDA) for vitamin A, there is no RDA for beta-carotene specifically. Studies have used dosages ranging between 15 and 180 milligrams a day. There is no set tolerable upper intake level ( UL) for beta-carotene. However, high doses or long-term use may be dangerous. The American Heart Association suggests that you get beta-carotene (and other antioxidants) from food rather than supplements. Good food sources of beta-carotene include: Carrots Sweet potatoes Winter squash Spinach and kale Fruits like cantaloupe and apricots Research suggests that beta-carotene levels might decrease in some fruits and vegetables such as peas and carrots when they are frozen. Side effects. Taken at the amounts found in foods, beta-carotene has few side effects. At high levels, such as what is found in carrot juice, it may turn the skin yellowish or orange. This is temporary and harmless. Risks. While their benefits are generally unclear, beta-carotene supplements do seem to have serious risks. People who smoke or who have been exposed to asbestos should not use beta-carotene supplements. Even low doses have been linked with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and death in these two groups of people. Excessive alcohol use combined with beta-carotene supplements may raise the risk of liver disease and cancer. In high doses, vitamin A, and presumably beta-carotene, can be toxic to the liver. Interactions. If you take any regular medications, ask your doctor if beta-carotene supplements are safe. They may interact with cholesterol drugs and other medicines. Given the lack of evidence about their safety, children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only take beta-carotene supplements if their doctors recommend it.
context: If someone you love has started to lose their hearing, you might not know exactly what they're going through or how it makes them feel. But you can take steps to help them adjust and get the help they need. Start with these five strategies. 1. Acknowledge their hearing loss. Hearing loss changes a lot of things, both for the person who lost it and those they love. If you act like nothing's different, it can make it harder for your loved one to get used to living with hearing loss. 2. Change the way you communicate. Hearing aids can help with hearing loss. But even if your loved one wears them, there will still be times when they can't hear or communicate as well as they would like. You can change your own style to try to make sure your loved one understands what you're saying. Whenever possible: Face your loved one directly. Make sure you have his attention. Try to talk in a place without a lot of background noise. Ask if there's anything that would help him communicate. ( For example, maybe he would like to move to a quieter room.) If he still has trouble hearing you, use visual cues. You can make facial expressions, for example, or point to what you're talking about. Try not to block your face with hand gestures, though -- this can make it harder for him to understand you. Speak clearly at a moderate pace. Don't over-emphasize words or shout. Make sure it's clear if you're changing the subject. You can even say ânew subject.â 3. Encourage him to seek support. He should be working with a hearing specialist, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Ask if you can take him to or join him at appointments. Or you can schedule those visits for him. It also may help him to meet other people with hearing loss. They can offer strategies to deal with common problems, share resources, and discuss technology (like hearing aids, phones, and cochlear implants) that have helped them. Your loved one's hearing specialist may be able to recommend a support group. The Hearing Loss Association of America also has statewide chapters where people can come together to share and learn. 4. Discuss aural rehabilitation. Also called audiologic rehabilitation, these services teach people to adjust to hearing loss, learn how to use hearing aids and other helpful devices, manage conversations, and improve their communication. Services can be one-on-one or in small groups or classes. You may want to think about enrolling in a class with your loved one. 5. Be patient. It takes time to adjust to hearing loss. If your loved one seems hesitant to make changes, know that it's normal. If you're concerned about the way he's behaving, talk to him directly about it instead of telling others you're worried. Try to stay positive and relaxed. The more supportive you are, the easier it will be for your loved one to adjust and get help.
context: If your doctor thinks you may have myelofibrosis, several things will help with a diagnosis. There isn't just one test to check for the disease. Because every case is different, a physical exam, blood tests, and other tests are all key to help figure out if you have the disease. Here's what your doctor will likely suggest. Even if you don't have symptoms, your doctor may notice signs of the illness during a physical exam. He'll start with your medical history, which means he'll ask you what health problems you have now or had in the past. You'll talk about any symptoms you may have. But keep in mind, not everyone who has myelofibrosis will notice any physical changes. He'll do things like check your blood pressure and pulse and feel your neck to see if your lymph nodes are swollen. He may even poke you in the belly -- if you feel fullness or pain there, it could mean your spleen is enlarged. He'll test a sample of your blood for signs of anemia. He may ask you questions about weight loss or fatigue. A complete blood count ( CBC) can show if your red blood cell levels are below normal. This is common in most people with myelofibrosis. Your white blood cell and platelet counts may be off, too. Usually, they are higher than average if you have myelofibrosis, but sometimes they can be lower. Your doctor may want to do other blood tests. These will check the levels of substances like uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and bilirubin. High levels may also be a sign of myelofibrosis. Your doctor will likely perform two bone marrow tests. He can do them at the same time in his office or in the hospital. They include: Bone marrow aspiration: The doctor uses a needle to remove a small sample of your bone marrow. Bone marrow biopsy: With a different needle, he removes a tiny piece of bone filled with marrow. He'll probably take it from your hip. The numbers and types of cells in the marrow will help him decide if you have myelofibrosis. The info these tests provide can also help rule out other bone marrow problems. Doctors in a lab will check samples of your blood or bone marrow to see if they can spot changes in the genes. They may call them mutations. They're often seen with myelofibrosis. Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound test, magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), or X-rays. An ultrasound can see if your spleen is enlarged. An MRI can look for changes in bone marrow that can be signs of myelofibrosis. X-rays can show changes in bone density that may be a sign of the disease.
context: If you've got dry eye and you're wondering why it's happening, you may not think that a problem with your skin could be among the reasons. But the truth is there are several skin conditions that can cause dry eye or make it worse. Rosacea, blepharitis, and pruritus on the eyelids or near the eye are some of the skin conditions that are linked to dry eye. They can make it hard for your eye to make tears. They also can keep you from creating the oily film that covers the surface of the eye, which helps keep it wet. Rosacea is a common skin disease that causes rosy patches on your skin and dry or oily spots, usually on the face. There's a related condition called ocular rosacea that can cause dry eye. Rosacea and ocular rosacea seem to be linked to autoimmune disorders, which happen when the immune system -- your body's defense against germs -- kicks into overdrive and attacks different parts of your body. Ocular rosacea may also be related to mites that live on your eyelashes or bacteria from the skin that end up on your eyelid. Ocular rosacea can affect the meibomian glands. They're located on the rim of your upper and lower eyelids -- the spot where they meet when your eyes close. These glands make the oily surface layer on the eyes, which keeps them moist and prevents tears from drying up. Ocular rosacea blocks the glands, which stops your body from making this protective film. People with ocular rosacea are also more likely to be dehydrated, which means the eyes may be short of moisture as well. Ocular rosacea may also damage the lacrimal gland, which makes tears. When you have blepharitis, your eyelids become inflamed or swollen. The condition can play a role in bringing on dry eye. Blepharitis that's on the inside of your eyelid (the part that touches the eyeball) is called posterior blepharitis. Blepharitis that affects the place where your lashes attach to the eyelid, called anterior blepharitis, can be caused by scalp or eyebrow dandruff. Dandruff and rosacea lead to swelling, which can block glands on the eyelids and interfere with the oily coating of the eye. Blepharitis can also be caused by a skin rash that's due to an allergic reaction to something like latex. Pruritus is the medical term for itching. Various skin problems can cause it. For instance, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis near the eye can be connected with itchy eyes. Ocular (eye) itching may be linked with dry eye. It's triggered by the same things that set off itching elsewhere on the body, such as allergic reactions to medications or cosmetic products. Besides feeling itchy, you may get swelling of the area around your eyelid or scales on your eyelids. As with ocular rosacea and blepharitis, pruritus may involve problems with the glands on the eyelids. The itchiness may stop at night, possibly because closed eyelids keep the oily film made by the glands in place, which prevents your tears from drying up.
context: Your baby is a year old now! Soon he'll be walking and talking. He may have already taken his first steps and added a few new words to "mama" or "dada." You're probably eager to talk to your baby's doctor about all these new changes! Here's what to expect at your baby's 12-month checkup. Check your baby's weight, length, and head circumference Perform a physical exam of your baby Possibly give your baby vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, or another (booster) shot of a vaccine your baby has already had Recommend a flu shot if it's fall or winter Is your baby pulling up? Standing? Walking? What and how many words can your baby say? Does your baby point at things and use both hands when playing? Is it OK if my baby won't eat sometimes? Can I introduce whole milk now? When do I need to wean my baby from a bottle? Your baby may be pickier and less interested in food. This is normal at this age. Give baby a variety of healthy foods. This is a good time to grow his taste buds. Remember, baby may not like a particular food on the first try. But keep trying! Giving fruit is ALWAYS better than juice. Limit juice to ½ cup a day. Water is even better. Unless your baby's doctor suggests 2%, your baby should start drinking whole milk now because he needs the fat for growth. 2 to 3 cups of whole milk a day is a good amount. If you are weaning your baby from the bottle, wean gradually, first at mealtimes and finally before bed. Putting just water in baby's bottle may help with weaning. What are good toys for babies at this age? What can I do to help my baby learn? Your baby learns a lot by interacting with people. Your baby may imitate what you do, like sweeping with a broom or talking on the phone. Make time to read, play, and talk to your baby each day. When you're with baby, say the names of things to help his language skills. Pull toys, blocks for stacking and building, and balls are good for this age. TV or media is not a good idea. Try putting on music instead. Make sure your home is baby-proofed for the safety of your mobile or nearly mobile baby. Your baby will need to be in a rear-facing car seat until age 2. Never leave baby alone in the car. Happy travels!
context: Circadian rhythm disorders are disruptions in a person's circadian rhythm -- a name given to the "internal body clock" that regulates the (approximately) 24-hour cycle of biological processes. The term circadian comes from Latin words that literally mean around the day. There are patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration, and other biological activities linked to this 24-hour cycle. The circadian rhythm is important in determining sleeping patterns such as when we sleep and when we wake, every 24 hours. The normal circadian clock is set by the light-dark cycle over 24 hours. Circadian rhythm disorders can be caused by many factors, including: Shift work Pregnancy Time zone changes Medications Changes in routine such as staying up late or sleeping in Medical problems including Alzheimer's or Parkinson disease Mental health problems Menopause Jet Lag or Rapid Time Zone Change Syndrome: This syndrome consists of symptoms that include excessive sleepiness and a lack of daytime alertness in people who travel across time zones. Shift Work Sleep Disorder: This sleep disorder affects people who frequently rotate shifts or work at night. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome ( DSPS): This is a disorder of sleep timing. People with DSPS tend to fall asleep very late at night and have difficulty waking up in time for work, school, or social engagements. Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome ( ASPD): This is a disorder in which a person goes to sleep earlier and wakes earlier than desired. ASPD results in symptoms of evening sleepiness, going to bed earlier (for example, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.), and waking up earlier than desired (for example, between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.) Non 24- Hour Sleep Wake Disorder: This disorder frequently affects those that are totally blind since the circadian clock is set by light-dark cycle over a 24 hour period. In non-24 hour sleep wake disorder the cycle is disturbed. The disorder result in drastically reduced sleep time and sleep quality at night and problems with sleepiness during daylight hours. Circadian rhythm disorders are treated based on the kind of disorder diagnosed. The goal of treatment is to fit a person's sleep pattern into a schedule that allows him or her to meet the demands of their lifestyle. Therapy usually combines proper sleep hygiene techniques and external stimulus therapy, such as bright light therapy or chronotherapy. Chronotherapy is a behavioral technique in which the bedtime is gradually and systematically adjusted until a desired bedtime is achieved. Bright light therapy is designed to reset a persons circadian rhythm to a desired pattern. When combined, these therapies may produce significant results in people with circadian rhythm disorders. Melatonin is sometimes used to help insomnia and to prevent jet lag. Ask your doctor about it if you are traveling between time zones.
context: To keep your eyes in good shape, it's important to see an eye doctor at least once every couple of years as an adult. Go right away if you have sudden vision loss, eye pain, or irritation. Your doctor can find most eye diseases during a routine exam. Many can be treated with success when you start early. If you have health problems, like diabetes, you may need to go to the eye doctor more often to keep tabs on any complications. It measures the sharpness of your sight at 20 feet from an object. Having 20/60 vision means that you must be at 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 60 feet. It doesn't mean you have perfect vision. Nor does it give details on other important aspects of sight like side or peripheral vision, how you see colors, or depth perception. This checks your central vision -- how you make out the fine details of objects. It's easy -- you'll read an eye chart. Simple tests, like the " Random E Test," can determine the visual acuity of infants or nonreaders. There are many safe and affordable choices: Eyeglasses are the most traditional form. They bend light to improve your sight. They're practical, affordable, and safe. Contact lenses are good if you have an active lifestyle or don't like wearing eyeglasses. They work the same way as glasses but stay in place when you're on the move. Plus you can wear sunglasses with them, which helps if you spend a lot of time outside. There are many different brands, colors, and materials, so get yours fitted by an eye health pro. Corrective surgery changes the way your eye bends light. You don't get it done for looks. You do it because it helps you depend less on glasses or contacts. You may not need to correct your vision at all after it. Most vision health insurance plans cover some or all costs of nonmedical-related vision care. Check with your provider to figure out what's covered. If you don't have vision health insurance, some doctors will set up a payment plan you can afford. If you have a medical eye problem, your regular health insurance will usually cover treatment.
context: Sleepwalking episodes can range from quiet walking about to agitated running or attempts to "escape." Other characteristics of sleepwalking include: A wide, glassy stare as the person quietly roams the house Slow responses to questions; if the sleepwalker is returned to bed without exchanging words, he or she usually won't remember the event upon awakening. Embarassment, especially among older children, who may awaken more easily at the end of an episode Sleepwalking is not associated with previous sleep problems, sleeping alone in a room or with others, fear of the dark, or anger outbursts. Some studies suggest that children who sleepwalk may have been more restless sleepers when they were ages 4 to 5, and more restless with more frequent awakenings during the first year of life.
context: Although many young children wet their beds, most stop by the time they are 4 or 5. Bed-wetting that persists can lead to embarrassment and teasing by peers. If your child is 6 or 7 and still can't stay dry through the night, you should consider speaking to a doctor about bed-wetting treatment. One treatment that helps many children is a bed-wetting alarm. Bed-wetting alarms are among the most effective and safest bed-wetting treatments. Studies show alarm therapy is often successful with children over age 7. With bed-wetting alarms, a special moisture sensor placed in the child's pajamas triggers a bell or buzzer to go off at the start of urination. The alarm is designed to awaken the child so he or she can get to the toilet and finish urinating. In the first few weeks of use, however, it is usually a parent who is awakened by the alarm and wakes the child to use the bathroom. If the alarm is used nightly and the wake-up routine is continued, your child will likely begin to wake up to the alarm within 4 to 6 weeks. Within 12 weeks, your child will likely be getting up on his own to go to the bathroom or holding his urine until morning. Once your child stays dry through the night for 3 weeks, you should continue using the alarm for another 2 weeks and then stop. If your child starts to wet the bed again, you can repeat the process. Usually, it takes about 12 weeks of continued trying for this process to work. It is not a quick fix. Several different brands and varieties of bed-wetting alarms are available in drug stores or online. They range in price from about $50 to more than $150. You don't need a prescription to get a bed-wetting alarm. Although the basics of the alarms are the same -- a sensor in the underwear or pajamas detects moisture and triggers an alarm -- there are some slight differences among models. In most models, a wire runs from the sensor to an audible alarm, which is attached with Velcro to the shoulder of the child's pajamas. The alarm is loud enough to awaken the child and a parent, who can lead to the child to the bathroom and make sure he changes his underwear before going back to sleep. Adolescents, however, may prefer a wireless bed-wetting alarm that vibrates when it senses moisture. Because it is wireless and silent, only the wearer is aware when the alarm goes off. Although bed-wetting alarms require time to work, they are a highly effective bed-wetting treatment when children and parents are willing to make the commitment to using them consistently. Be sure to check with your child's doctor to determine if a bed-wetting alarm is the appropriate intervention for your child.
context: Obesity is having a body mass index of at least 30. Losing weight brings your BMI down, and you start getting health benefits sooner than you might think. Research shows that even modest weight loss lowers the chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and other weight-related diseases. Changing your diet is most important. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you pick a plan that will work for you. You have a lot of options. One of the keys will be choosing a diet that helps you build healthy eating habits that will last. If you need to lose weight quickly to protect your health, you may consider going on a very low-calorie diet if your doctor decides it's safe for you. People aren't supposed to stay on this diet for a long time because it lacks some of the nutrients the body needs. Such diets should be done only with careful medical supervision. Exercise is also a natural part of a weight loss plan. It does more than burn calories -- it's also good for your heart, bones, mood, and energy level. And once you lose the weight, being active helps you keep the pounds off. There are weight-loss medications, prescription and nonprescription, but they should be used only along with a weight-loss diet and exercise program. Surgery is sometimes used to treat obesity. Many doctors will consider it only for people who have not been able to lose weight with other treatments and who are at high risk for getting other health problems because of their weight. If you do have weight loss surgery, you'll still need to change your diet and exercise for lasting results.
context: While 75% of women will get at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, up to 8% get more than four a year. They're called recurrent yeast infections when they happen over and over. If you're one of those women, you and your doctor might need to take a different approach. Most yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus (candida) called Candida albicans. Other kinds of fungus can cause yeast infections, too, but antifungal treatments usually only target the most common one. If your infection is caused by something different, antifungals used to treat yeast infections may not be effective for you. Or, while it may seem as though you're getting new infections, you may not have gotten rid of the first one. Be sure to follow your treatment instructions carefully and finish all of your medicine. Using antibiotics too often can lower the amount of good bacteria in your vagina. This can allow candida to grow and raise your chances of a yeast infection. The longer you use antibiotics, the more likely you are to get one. High blood sugar from uncontrolled diabetes makes it easier for yeast to feed and thrive. Hormonal birth control, including oral contraceptive pills and spermicidal creams and jellies, may alter the balance of bacteria in your vagina, allowing more candida to grow. Wearing wet or tight clothing, like sweaty gym clothes that you don't change out of right away, or a damp bathing suit after a swim, creates a warm, damp place that yeast likes. While some people believe certain foods or diets promote the growth of yeast and lead to recurrent infections, there's not enough research to support that theory. According to the studies that have been done, a strict diet doesn't seem to be helpful in terms of preventing them. Your doctor can help you figure out what's going on, especially if it's a different kind of infection or a medical condition that's causing your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is the best way to get the right treatment and find relief.
context: Blood has a seemingly impossible job: It must flow continuously and smoothly throughout your body for an entire lifetime, but quickly shut off to prevent spills when you get a cut or injury. Blood clots are healthy and lifesaving when they stop bleeding. But they can also form when they aren't needed and cause a heart attack, stroke, or other serious medical problems. The life cycle of a normal blood clot depends on a series of chemical interactions. 1. Platelets form a plug. Tiny bits in your blood called platelets get "turned on" by triggers released when a blood vessel is damaged. They stick to the walls in the area and each other, changing shape to form a plug that fills in the broken part to stop blood from leaking out. When activated, platelets also release chemicals to attract more platelets and other cells, and to set off the next step. 2. The clot grows. Proteins in your blood called clotting factors signal each other to cause a rapid chain reaction. It ends with a dissolved substance in your blood turning into long strands of fibrin. These get tangled up with the platelets in the plug to create a net that traps even more platelets and cells. The clot becomes much tougher and more durable. 3. Reactions stop its growth. Other proteins offset extra clotting factor proteins so the clot doesn't spread farther than it needs to. 4. Your body slowly breaks it down. As the damaged tissue heals, you don't need the clot any more. The tough fibrin strands dissolve, and your blood takes back the platelets and cells of the clot. The process begins whenever flowing blood comes into contact with specific substances in your skin or in blood vessel walls. When they touch, it usually means the skin or blood vessel wall is broken. Waxy cholesterol plaques that form in arteries have these things inside, too. If the plaque breaks open, they'll start the clotting process. Most heart attacks and strokes happen when a plaque in your heart or brain suddenly bursts. Blood clots can also form when your blood doesn't flow properly. If it pools in your blood vessels or heart, the platelets are more likely to stick together. Atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis ( DVT) are two conditions where slowly moving blood can cause clotting problems. Some drugs stop platelets from signaling each other so they won't stick together. Aspirin Clopidogrel ( Plavix) Dipyridamole ( Persantine) Prasugrel ( Effient) Ticagrelor ( Brilinta) Ticlopidine ( Ticlid) Medicines called blood thinnersmake it hard for your body to make clotting factors, or they prevent proteins in the clot-forming process from working. Apixaban ( Eliquis) Dabigatran ( Pradaxa) Edoxaban ( Savaysa) Heparin Rivaroxaban ( Xarelto) Warfarin ( Coumadin) Clot-dissolving drugs such as altplase, streptokinase, and tenecteplase activate the protein that breaks down the fibrin strands. Sometimes doctors prescribe it as a treatment for heart attack or stroke.
context: Allergies don't just cause children to sneeze and wheeze. They can also show up on your child's skin. A reaction may come in one of several forms. At least 10% of children around the world have eczema. It's especially common if your child has asthma, food allergies, or hay fever or if any of these conditions runs in the family. Doctors aren't totally sure what causes this skin condition. In infants, it shows up as a rash on the face or head. Later, it may spread to the arms and torso. The skin is often dry, itchy, and easily irritated. Symptoms can include: A red rash Scratching that damages the skin and leads to more itching Dry skin Thick, leathery patches that show up over time from scratching and rubbing; common areas include cheeks, creases of arms or legs, nape of neck, back, chest or abdomen. Repeat skin infections that may be caused by scratching The following things can set off more itching: Dry air Sweating Rough fabrics Certain soaps and detergents Foods like eggs, nuts, cow milk, wheat, soy, and seafood, but only sometimes When your child gets a rash after touching something he's sensitive to, it's called allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms can include: Severe itching Skin redness or rash Thick, scaly, leathery patches on the skin that develop over time Things that can set off these reactions include: Nickel, a metal in some earrings, snaps, and buttons Poison ivy, oak, and sumac Ingredients in mouthwash and toothpaste Chemicals and dyes in shoes Cosmetics Medicines used on the skin, such as neomycin (an antibiotic), antihistamines, and anesthetics (skin-numbing treatments) Hives are itchy red bumps or patches on the skin. They can last for a few minutes to a few hours and can come and go over a few days. Triggers include: Foods like eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, seafood, nuts, and strawberries Medicines, especially antibiotics Insect bites and stings Latex Pet saliva or dander Viral infections Sometimes, hives can appear without a known trigger. If your child has them, he may also get another kind of swelling called angioedema. It shows up on soft skin, like the kind around his mouth, eyes, and genitals. It usually doesn't appear on its own without hives. Hives are not dangerous, but if you child has difficulty breathing or his tongue or throat have swelled, seek emergency medical help immediately.
context: DEET is the most effective insect repellent. It can be found in a variety of lotions and sprays and purchased in most drug stores. There has been some concern about the negative effects of using this chemical, particularly for children, but none of the natural plant products are likely to be as reliable. The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP) recommends that DEET not be used on children younger than two months of age. Picaridin is a plant-derived compound and is also somewhat effective against mosquitoes and ticks. Essential oil of eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) is a natural insect repellent. Make a solution by adding five drops or eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of water and dab it on your skin. Essential oil of citronella also discourages insects when placed on exposed skin. A few dabs of calendula (calendula officinalis) ointment on the face, arms, and legs may keep insects away and is also available as a commercially available product.
context: If your parents had high triglycerides, you're more likely to have them, too. Some people have high triglycerides because they inherited a genetic predisposition from their parents. One common inherited condition is called familial hypertriglyceridemia. You can also have high triglycerides for other reasons, especially if you're overweight, have an unhealthy diet, and aren't physically active. Having high triglycerides can signal a higher risk for heart attack or stroke. The good news is that you can do a lot to manage that risk. Talk to your parents about your family's medical history. Ask them these three questions: Did anyone in your family have high triglycerides? Was anyone in the family diagnosed with heart disease before age 50? Did anyone in your family have a heart attack or stroke before age 50? Tell your doctor the answers to those questions. That information could hold clues about your chances of having high triglycerides caused by an inherited disorder. Knowing that will help your doctor determine whether you need treatment. Your doctor will ask you to take a blood test, after fasting, to check your blood's triglyceride level. People who inherit a tendency to have high triglycerides may have higher than normal triglyceride levels starting as early as puberty. You can work on lowering your triglyceride numbers through your daily habits and medication, if necessary. These simple steps may help: Lose extra weight. If you're overweight, work with your doctor to reach and keep a healthier weight. This doesn't mean you have to try to lose an unrealistic amount of weight. Losing a smaller amount than your ideal could still make a difference. Ask your doctor what your goal should be, and ask for tips on reaching that goal. Don't smoke. Smoking cigarettes can raise your triglyceride levels. Limit alcohol. If you drink too much alcohol, your triglyceride levels may rise. In some people, even small amounts of alcohol may raise triglyceride levels. Cut back on sugar in desserts, drinks, and other foods. Get moving. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are fats your body needs. They're found in certain fish, including salmon, herring, albacore tuna, and sardines. Plant sources include walnuts and flaxseed. Also, your doctor should check on whether you have any other conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid problems, that you need to treat, or whether any medications (such as some birth control pills) are affecting your triglyceride levels. If lifestyle changes don't lower your triglyceride levels enough, your doctor may consider prescribing fibrates, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, and statins to help lower your high triglycerides. However, you'll still need to keep up with diet and exercise to manage your triglyceride levels.
context: Don't lose sleep because you're sniffly and sneezy. Just a few changes to your bedroom, home, and nighttime routine can zap the allergens that trigger an attack. Change your bed often. Wash sheets at least once a week in hot water (about 130 F). Remove dust mite hangouts. If you can, choose wooden blinds instead of drapes. Consider hardwood floors instead of wall-to-wall carpeting or rugs, which can trap allergens. Don't clean the bedroom in the evening. It can take 2 hours or more for the dust to settle after a clean-up gets it moving. Do the housework earlier so you don't kick off an allergy attack just as you're trying to get to sleep. Keep pets out of the bedroom. You love them, but the dander in their fur can set off your symptoms. Plus, they can track in mold and pollen from outside. Get rid of fluff. Clear the bedroom of extra pillows, linens, stuffed animal collections, and dust-collecting knickknacks. If you have a fluffy favorite you can't get rid of, put it in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites. Check the humidity. If it creates the kind of spot that dust mites love, it's time to dry things up. You can check a room's humidity with a gadget called a hygrometer. You'll find them at home supply stores. Keep levels between 40% and 50% to hold off allergens. Clean the filter often, or you'll spread bacteria or fungal spores around the room. That can trigger allergies, too. Filter your air. Use high-efficiency air filters on your AC and heating units. They're rated on what's called the MERV scale. You want something that's around a MERV 11 or 12. Change the filter every 3 months. Vacuum at least once a week. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and pay special attention to the bedroom. Avoid secondhand smoke. Don't let friends light up in your home. It can trigger allergy and sinus symptoms. Sleep with your head up. Prop yourself up with some pillows. Lying flat can let mucus build up in your sinuses and clog your nose. Drink water in the evening. Stay hydrated. It keeps nasal mucus thin and helps it to drain, which means less nighttime stuffiness.
context: There's no question about it. If you're overweight and have type 2 diabetes, you will lower your blood sugar, improve your health, and feel better if you lose some of your extra pounds. You'll want to work closely with your doctor or diabetes educator, because your blood sugar, insulin, and medications will need special attention while you're losing weight. If you drop even 10 or 15 pounds, that has health perks, such as: Lower blood sugar Lower blood pressure Better cholesterol levels Less stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet More energy Brighter mood Keep tight control over your blood sugar levels while you lose weight. You don't want to get high or low levels while you change your eating habits. It's generally safe for someone with diabetes to cut 500 calories a day. Trim from protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The USDA says that calories for adults should come from: 45% to 55% carbs 25% to 35% fat 10% to 35% protein Carbs have the biggest effect on blood sugar. Those that have fiber (whole-grain bread and vegetables, for example) are much better than eating sugary or starchy carbs, because they're less likely to spike your blood sugar and quickly make it crash. One of the many benefits of working out is that it helps keep your blood sugar in balance. You're also more likely to keep the pounds off if you're active. If you're not active now, check in with your doctor first. She can let you know if there are any limits on what you can do. Aim to get at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, to improve your health. You can split up the time any way you choose. To help yourself lose weight you'll need to do more physical activity. You should also do strength training at least twice a week. You can use weight machines at a gym, hand weights, or even your own body weight (think push-ups, lunges, and squats). Physical activity burns both blood sugar and sugar stored in muscle and the liver. If you use insulin or other diabetes medicines, you should closely watch your blood sugar levels when you start exercising. Over time, as you exercise regularly and work with your doctor, you may be able to lower doses of medications and insulin. Each type of exercise affects blood sugar differently. Aerobic exercise -- running or a treadmill workout -- can lower your blood sugar immediately. Weightlifting or working out hard for a long time may affect your blood sugar level many hours later. This can be a problem, especially if you're driving a car after your workout. It's one of the many reasons you should check your blood sugar before you get behind the wheel. It's also a good idea to carry snacks like fruit, crackers, juice, and soda.
context: Getting regular checkups and colon cancer screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer. Finding and removing colon polyps helps prevent colon cancer. In addition, colon cancer screening helps find cancer early, making a cure more likely. People with the following risks should begin colon screening before age 45. History of inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) Close relatives who have had colorectal disease or polyps before age 60 Family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer Specific recommendations for high-risk people are as follows: Colonoscopy at the time of initial polyp diagnosis If 1-2 small adenonatous polyps with low grade abnormality, repeat in 5 years. If 3-10 adenomatous polyps or 1 adenomoatous polyp greater than 1 centimeter, repeat colonoscopy within three years after polyp removal With certain types of polyps or with high grade abnormality, repeat colonoscopy within three years If normal, repeat again in five years If more than 10 adenomatous polyps, repeat in less than 3 years If polyps are permanently attached and not on a stem and are removed in portions, repeat colonoscopy in 2-6 months to verify complete polyp removal Colonoscopy within one year after surgery; if normal, repeat in three years; if still normal, repeat in five years. Colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years before the age that the immediate family member was diagnosed with cancer, whichever is earlier; if normal, repeat every five years. At age 10 to 12, annual flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. If positive genetic test, colon removal should be considered because of very high risk of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy every one to two years, starting at age 20 to 25 or2 to 5 years before the age that an immediate family member had cancer, whichever is earlier Genetic testing offered to first-degree family members Colonoscopy every one to two years, starting eight years after the start of pancolitis (involvement or the entire colon) or 12-15 years after the start of left-sided colitis
context: Drinking alcohol can sometimes be a touchy issue between patients and doctors. But it's a topic you should talk about with yours when you have deep vein thrombosis. Alcohol itself, in low to moderate amounts, isn't likely to raise your DVT risk. It may even protect healthy adults. It can act as a blood thinner. And a researcher in Norway found studies that show the more you drink, the lower your blood clot risk. But moderation is key. Doctors don't recommend drinking alcohol to protect against DVT. The relationship between alcohol and deep vein thrombosis may depend on what, and how much, you pour in your glass. A 2013 study of almost 60,000 people found no difference in the risk of blood clots between wine or beer drinkers. An antioxidant found in the skin of grapes, resveratrol, helps fight blood clots. Another study found that, compared to non-drinkers, people who drank more than 3 ounces of liquor per week had a 53% higher risk of DVT. It might be a question of habits. People who said they drink a lot of liquor also tended to binge drink, which counteracts any helpful effects you might get from alcohol in moderation. Be careful about drinking if you're taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin ( Coumadin). Your liver breaks down alcohol and some medications. If it's busy working on the alcohol instead of your blood thinner, the level of the drug in your blood will go up and raise your bleeding risk. When you drink, you might get tipsy and lose your balance, too. You don't want to fall and hurt yourself. That could be very dangerous, especially if you hit your head. Having a drink or two every once in a while is probably fine when you're on blood thinners -- just be sure to talk to your doctor. If you're a regular drinker, you may need to get your medication levels checked more often.
context: Cordyceps has long been a traditional treatment in Chinese medicine. It comes from a bizarre source: a fungus that grows on caterpillars. Some people use it to try to boost energy and improve well-being. In Chinese medicine, people take cordyceps as a daily treatment for good health. However, we don't have much research about whether cordyceps has health benefits. Some lab studies have been promising. In test tubes, cordyceps seems to trigger immune cells. It may help the immune system fight some viruses and cancers. In at least one large-scale study, cordyceps lowered creatinine levels in people with chronic kidney disease, and in others, it had the effect of protecting the kidneys from toxic drugs, complications of diabetes, and transplant rejection. It may also lower blood sugar levels. Studies have also shown that cordyceps may boost athletic endurance and tolerance to high-intensity exercise. However, more research is needed to determine if cordyceps has real benefit on human health. The best dose of cordyceps hasn't been set for any condition. Quality and ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it hard to set a standard dose. Some studies use 3 grams per day. Ask your health care provider for advice. Cordyceps is not found in foods. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. Side effects. Cordyceps is generally safe, but it may cause upset stomach, nausea, and dry mouth in some people. Risks. Don't take cordyceps if you have cancer, diabetes, or a bleeding disorder. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should avoid cordyceps. We don't know if cordyceps is safe for them. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using cordyceps supplements. Cordyceps could interact with blood thinners, diabetes treatments, and drugs that suppress the immune system. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
context: Trigger point injection ( TPI) may be an option for treating pain in some patients. TPI is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. Many times, such knots can be felt under the skin. Trigger points may irritate the nerves around them and cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in another part of the body. var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } In the TPI procedure, a health care professional inserts a small needle into the patient's trigger point. The injection contains a local anesthetic or saline, and may include a corticosteroid. With the injection, the trigger point is made inactive and the pain is alleviated. Often, a brief course of treatment will result in sustained relief. Injections are given in a doctor's office and usually take just a few minutes. Several sites may be injected in one visit. If a patient has an allergy to a certain drug, a dry-needle technique (involving no medications) can be used. TPI is used to treat many muscle groups, especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck. In addition, TPI can be used to treat fibromyalgia and tension headaches. The technique is also used to alleviate myofascial pain syndrome (chronic pain involving tissue that surrounds muscle) that does not respond to other treatments. However, the effectiveness of TPI for treating myofascial pain is still under study.