VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: An MRI -- magnetic resonance imaging -- scan is a test that produces very clear pictures, or images, of the human body without the use of X-rays. For someone with epilepsy, a scan may help determine the cause. Yes. The MRI exam poses no risk to the person if appropriate safety guidelines are followed. Most heart surgery patients and patients with the following medical devices can be safely examined with MRI: Surgical clips or sutures Artificial joints Staples Most heart valve replacements Disconnected medication pumps Vena cava filters (after six weeks for certain types) Brain shunt tubes for hydrocephalus Some conditions may make an MRI exam inadvisable. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: Heart pacemaker. Cerebral aneurysm clip (metal clip on a blood vessel in the brain). Most modern clips are made of titanium and can be safely studied. Pregnancy. Implanted insulin pump (for treatment of diabetes), narcotics pump (for pain medication), or implanted nerve stimulators (" TENS") for back pain. Metal in the eye or eye socket. Cochlear (ear) implant for hearing impairment. Older implanted spine stabilization rods. New ones are titanium and safe. Severe lung disease (such as tracheomalacia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Not able to lie on back for 30 to 60 minutes. Claustrophobia (fear of closed or narrow spaces). If this condition applies to you, you can receive sedation during the exam if prior arrangements have been made. If you weigh more than 300 pounds you may require a special machine that has a larger opening. In most cases, an MRI exam takes 30 minutes but can take longer if special studies are needed. During the test, several dozen images may be obtained. Personal items such as your watch, wallet, including any credit cards with magnetic strips (they will be erased by the magnet), and jewelry should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Secured lockers are usually available to store personal possessions. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the MRI scan. As the MRI scan begins, you will hear the equipment making a muffled thumping sound which will last for several minutes. Other than the sound, you should experience no unusual sensations during the scanning. Certain MRI exams require an injection of a contrast material called gadolinium. This helps identify certain structures on the scan images. Please feel free to ask questions. Tell the technologist or your doctor if you have any concerns. Generally, you can resume your usual activities and normal diet immediately after an MRI scan. The results of your MRI should be available to your doctor within 24 hours after your test, Monday through Friday. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you. Many facilities will give you a CD that contains the study that you can carry to your doctor.
context: Many kids have allergies. As a parent, you'll want to know what to expect. For instance, if your child has a mild allergy, such as hay fever, you can expect symptoms such as: Watery, runny eyes Runny nose Sneezing Nasal congestion These symptoms can make your child feel bad, but it's not life-threatening. But sometimes a child can have what's known as anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that needs immediate medical treatment. Many cases are caused by food allergies, medications, or insect stings. Do you know what to watch for? Most anaphylactic reactions have symptoms in two or more areas of the body. Lungs: Trouble breathing or noisy breathing Coughing, wheezing Sneezing Congestion Tightness in the lungs Hoarseness Heart and Blood Vessels Chest pain Low blood pressure Weak, rapid pulse Dizziness, fainting Skin Pale or flushed skin Hives or welts Itchy skin Sweating Mouth Swelling of the throat, face, lips, or tongue Stomach and Digestion Abdominal pain Nausea, vomiting Diarrhea The person's airways narrow and their throat swells, which can make it hard to breathe. Their blood vessels widen, making their blood pressure fall, sometimes to dangerous levels. Anaphylactic reactions usually happen fast. Symptoms often become the most serious within 3 to 30 minutes of exposure to the allergy trigger. Quicker reactions are usually more severe. A child who has had a severe allergic reaction should carry an emergency kit that includes an epinephrine auto-injector. You should know how to use the injector. So should your child's teacher. Your child may also be old enough to use it on herself. Ask her doctor if she's ready for that. As soon as possible after the allergic reaction starts, give the child at one shot of the drug and dial 911. Even if you are not sure the symptoms are allergy related, don't hesitate to give her the injection. Waiting can be much more harmful than the medication. She may need more than one dose, so be prepared to follow up with another within 10 to 20 minutes. The injection isn't a cure. It won't stop a severe allergic reaction. Even if your child seems OK, emergency medical care is a must. Always call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Restock any items you use from the emergency kit so it's ready at all times. Like all drugs, epinephrine has an expiration date, so check the dates on each injector.
context: Some standard and simple exams can give your doctor the first clues on whether you have heart disease. During your visit, your doctor will: Listen to your heart Take your heart rate Check your blood pressure Your doctor will use a stethoscope to hear your heartbeat. The opening and closing of your heart's valves make a "lub dub" noise. The doctor can check your heart and valve health and hear your heart's rate and rhythm by listening to those sounds. He'll feel your pulse to check your heart's rate and rhythm. Each pulse matches with a heartbeat that pumps blood into your arteries. The force of the pulse also helps the doctor know the strength of blood flow to different areas of your body. You can tell how fast your heart is beating by feeling your pulse. Your heart rate is the number of beats in 1 minute. To measure your pulse, all you need is a watch with a second hand. Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. You should feel a tapping or pulsing against your fingers. Count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds. Multiply that number by 6 to find out your heart rate for 1 minute. This can also tell you if your heart rhythm is regular. That's the force or pressure your heart needs to pump blood around your body. It's recorded as two measurements: Systolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart squeezes (the higher number) Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes between squeezes (the lower number) Normal blood pressure for an adult, at rest, is less than 120 over less than 80. Blood pressure may go up or down depending on your: Age Heart condition Emotions Activity Medicines One high reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure. It must be checked at different times while resting to find out your true result. Your doctor can also learn about your heart's health by looking at other parts of your body, such as your eyes, arms, legs, and skin. He'll check each for good color. This will let him know if your body is getting enough blood. He'll also check for swelling. If there is any, it could mean that your heart isn't pumping well. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your cholesterol and other things that may signal heart disease.
context: You can keep your memory sharp with some easy tips and tricks -- from old-fashioned sticky notes to high-tech gadgets. Digital recorder. Carry one with you. When you need to remember a name, phone number, or date, record a note to yourself. Write down the info or type it into your computer when you get home. Cell phone camera. Use it to snap a photo of new people, places, and things. Email the pictures to yourself with a note so you'll remember them later. Calendar. Use the one on your computer or cell phone to keep track of your schedule. Set it to send you reminders a few days or hours before a birthday, meeting, or other event. If you're not a big fan of technology, write important dates on an old-fashioned paper calendar. GPS system. Get one for your car and put an app on your cell phone so you don't get lost. Type in the address you're going to and you'll get step-by-step directions by car or on foot. Buy a pillbox. Use it to organize your daily medicine. Some have built-in alarms that alert you when it's time to take your medicine. White board. Put one on your fridge or other area where you spend a lot of time. Write notes and to-do lists on it. Post-it notes. They're a good way to jog your memory. Stick them around your house, office, and in your car. Box or bin for everyday items. Place it in a central area, like the kitchen. Put in your car keys, glasses, and other things you often use. You can also set aside a folder for important papers. " Picture" a word. When you meet someone for the first time, connect the person's name to an image in your mind. With a man named Bob, you might imagine someone bobbing for apples. The name April could bring to mind a spring tree in bloom. Repeat new names and facts. Saying the words out loud will help them stick in your mind. Take your time. It's harder to remember when you're rushed or under stress. When you learn something new, take a deep breath, pause, and concentrate on it for a few seconds. Work on one task at a time. Turn off distractions like the TV, radio, and cell phone so you can concentrate. " Exercise" your brain. Read challenging books, do crossword puzzles, or play word games. Research suggests that people with MS who keep up that kind of mental activity have less trouble learning and remembering. Play games. Over the last few years, many "train-your-brain" computer programs have popped up on the Internet. Although the research on brain training is new, it's encouraging. Studies show it might improve short-term memory. One study even showed that playing a racing video game helped improve focus and memory. But more research is needed to see if it really helps.
context: Red yeast rice has been used as a food additive and medicine in parts of Asia for centuries. It's a substance extracted from rice that has been fermented with special yeast. Several studies have shown good evidence that red yeast rice can significantly lower total and LDL -- "bad" -- cholesterol. One component of red yeast rice, monacolin K, is similar to the active ingredient of some of the cholesterol lowering drugs called statins. Red yeast rice does not seem to be as effective as most conventional statin drugs, however. But these supplements may be a good choice for people who could benefit from only a slight lowering of cholesterol. There are other traditional medicinal uses of red yeast rice: to reduce swelling and digestion problems, and to treat cuts and wounds, cancer, and other conditions. These uses of red yeast rice, however, have not been tested scientifically. Doctors haven't established a set dosage for red yeast rice. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. If you are interested in adding red yeast rice to your diet, talk to your health care provider first. No. Red yeast rice does not occur naturally in other foods. Side effects. Red yeast rice side effects are usually mild. It might cause headaches and upset stomach. Not much is known about the long-term safety of red yeast rice. Since red yeast rice contains naturally occurring components which are very similar to statin medications, the same side effects may occur, including but not limited to muscle pain and liver injury. Interactions. Do not take red yeast rice if you are using statins, drugs that suppress the immune system, antifungal drugs, certain antibiotics, or protease inhibitors (for HIV). People taking red yeast rice should avoid grapefruits. Also, alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage from red yeast rice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are taking any other prescription medicines or over the counter medicines or supplements. Risks. People with liver disease, kidney disease, and allergies to fungus or yeast should not use red yeast rice. People with very high cholesterol, diabetes, or a high risk of heart attack or stroke may need a more powerful prescription drug like a statin instead of red yeast rice. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, red yeast rice is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
context: If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, you probably know some of the things that cause your glucose (another name for blood sugar) to go up. Like a meal with too many carbohydrates, or not enough exercise. But other medicines you might take to keep yourself healthy can cause a spike, too. Medicines you get with a prescription and some that you buy over the counter ( OTC) can be a problem for people who need to control their blood sugar. Prescription medicines that can raise your glucose include: Steroids (also called corticosteroids). They treat diseases caused by inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and allergies. Common steroids include hydrocortisone and prednisone. But steroid creams (for a rash) or inhalers (for asthma) aren't a problem. Drugs that treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health problems. These can include clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine. Birth control pills Drugs that treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics Statins to lower cholesterol Adrenaline for severe allergic reactions High doses of asthma medicines, or drugs that you inject for asthma treatment Isotretinoin for acne Tacrolimus, which you get after an organ transplant Some medicines that treat HIV and hepatitis C OTC medicines that can raise your blood sugar include: Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant in some cold and flu medicines Cough syrup. Ask your doctor if you should take regular or sugar-free. Niacin, a B vitamin Even though these medicines can raise your blood sugar, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't take them if you need them. The most important thing is to work with your doctor on the right way to use them. If you have diabetes or you're watching your blood sugar, ask your doctor before you take new medicines or change any medicines, even if it's just something for a cough or cold. ( Remember, just being sick can raise your blood sugar.) Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take -- for diabetes or any other reason. If one of them may affect your blood sugar, she may prescribe a lower dose or tell you to take the medicine for a shorter time. You may need to check your blood sugar more often while you're taking the medicine, too. Also, remember to do the things you know will help keep your levels under control. Exercise, eat right, and take any diabetes medicines that you need.
context: The child is unconscious. Symptoms of iron poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and lethargy. But at the outset, there might not be any symptoms. If you suspect your child might have swallowed iron tablets, treat it as an emergency. 1. Remove the Iron Supplements Check the child's hands and mouth, as well as the surrounding area, for any remaining iron tablets. Do not try to make the child vomit with ipecac or salt water or gagging. 2. Get Help Call the National Poison Control Hotline and follow their recommendations: 1-800-222-1222. Go to the emergency room. Bring the bottle of iron supplements with you for the doctor to see. Follow- Up Once your child is at the hospital, the next steps depend on the particular case. The doctor will test iron levels in the body. Pumping the stomach might help, but only within an hour of swallowing the pills. Chelation is treatment with intravenous chemicals that draw iron out of the body. Laxatives can help clear out the iron from the intestines.
context: 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(); }); } Got a cold and need something for a nagging cough? Some over-the-counter treatments may give you relief. Three types of medicines can ease a cough caused by a cold or bronchitis: suppressants, expectorants, and ointments you apply to your skin called topicals. Suppressants do their job by blocking your cough reflex. Dextromethorphan is the most common ingredient for this. You'll see it listed as DM on the bottle or package. This type of medication isn't used to treat a cough with mucus. And it can't relieve pain like the medicine codeine -- you'll need a doctor's prescription for cough meds with that in it. A cough with phlegm can be a good thing -- it clears all the gunk from your airways. But talk to your doctor if it keeps you from sleeping. Some doctors say drinking water is the best way to get rid of mucus, but you can also use medications like guaifenesin. This drug thins the drainage so it's easier to move out. The most frequent side effect of this med is nausea and vomiting. Camphor and menthol are natural treatments. They usually come in an ointment you rub on your throat and chest. Their strong-smelling vapors may ease your cough and open up your stuffy head. You can also get them in liquid form to use with a vaporizer, a gadget that makes steam you can breathe in. You'll find menthol in lozenges and compressed tablets. Many over-the-counter treatments mix a suppressant and expectorant with medicines for other symptoms. That could include an antihistamine, a decongestant, and a pain reliever. The mash-up can be a good thing if you have a range of cold symptoms, like body aches, coughs, and congestion. The downside is that you may get medicine you don't need. The doctor may tell you not to treat a cough from a cold unless it keeps you up at night or gets in the way of your daily life. Coughing up mucus helps keep your lungs clear. This is especially true if you smoke or have asthma or emphysema. Dextromethorphan can affect drugs that treat depression. Also, some combination cold and cough medicines contain decongestants, which can raise your blood pressure. So skip them if your BP is high or if you have heart disease. Bottom line? If you're on any medication, get your doctor's OK before you try an over-the-counter cough treatment.
context: Is not responding to touch or sounds Has skin that doesn't bounce back when pinched Is breathing fast Is confused Diarrhea -- frequent, watery stools most often caused by a virus -- in babies and toddlers usually goes away within 10 days. It's important to watch your child for signs of dehydration and make sure he or she gets enough fluids. Your baby has diarrhea and is less than 3 months old You are worried that your child may be dehydrated or your child has had diarrhea for more than a few days. The diarrhea contains blood, mucous, or pus. If your child is breastfeeding, continue nursing as usual. Your doctor may want you to give your baby small amounts of oral electrolyte solution. Check the amount with your doctor. Give toddlers oral electrolyte solution, ice chips, or clear broth. If your child is vomiting, encourage him to take small, frequent sips instead of drinking too much at once. Offer your toddler popsicles made with oral electrolyte solution. Don't give your child any anti-diarrhea medication unless your pediatrician advises it. Feed toddlers mild foods in their regular diet. Avoid spicy or fried foods. Once the diarrhea stops, gradually return to a normal diet. Start with the BRAT diet -- Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast Call your pediatrician if your child's symptoms don't seem to be getting better or your child has signs of dehydration, such as crying without tears, fewer wet diapers than usual, urine that is darker than usual, or a sunken soft spot on the top of the head.
context: You may think of mucus as the slimy stuff you cough up when you're sick. But it can also show up at the other end: in your poop. Many parts of your body make mucus, including your intestines. It lines your digestive tract, creating a protective layer against bacteria. It also helps waste pass smoothly through your colon. Some of it can stick to poop as it leaves your body. It can be. If you feel fine and there's only a little mucus, you probably don't need to worry. But it may signal a problem when: There's a lot of mucus. You notice it often. You also see blood. You have diarrhea. You have belly pain. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor. Many types of digestive problems can make more mucus show up in your poop. Some are serious and long-lasting. Others, like food poisoning, can clear up quickly. A few examples: Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS). The main symptoms may be constipation ( IBS- C), diarrhea ( IBS- D), or alternating diarrhea and constipation ( IBS- M). It's typical to see mucus in your poop if you have this condition. Ulcerative colitis. This type of inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) causes sores in the intestines. They can bleed and make pus and mucus, which you might see when you go to the bathroom. It also often causes diarrhea, belly pain, and cramping. Proctitis. This is inflammation of the lower part of your large intestine, called the rectum. Sexually transmitted infections, foodborne illnesses, and IBD can cause it. C. difficile (c. diff ). Infection with this type of bacteria can cause severe, even life-threatening diarrhea. It smells very bad and often has mucus. Food poisoning. If you get flu-like symptoms and your poop has blood or mucus in it, you may have food poisoning. Other infections. An infection with other bacteria or parasites can also cause the problem. Dysentery is one example. Rectal cancer. One of the main signs of rectal cancer is bleeding, but you may also have mucus. If your doctor thinks the mucus is related to a health problem, you may get a stool test. It's also called a stool culture or stool sample, and it can show whether you have an infection. You don't need any special prep for this test. You simply put a small sample of your poop in a container that your doctor gives you. Your doctor may also order a few other tests, too. The ones you get will depend on the other symptoms you're having. Some examples of additional testing include: Blood tests and stool tests Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your colon. X-rays to look at internal organs The treatment you get for mucus in your poop depends on the problem that's causing it. Some conditions will need medicine and others won't. For example, with mild food poisoning, you may only need to drink more fluids. On the other hand, you need antibiotics to treat infection with C. diff. Once you have a diagnosis, you and your doctor should talk about the best treatment for that condition.
context: Hypertensive crisis is an umbrella term for hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency. These two conditions occur when blood pressure becomes very high, possibly causing organ damage. Hypertensive urgency occurs when blood pressure spikes -- blood pressure readings are 180/110 or higher -- but there is no damage to the body's organs. Blood pressure can be brought down safely within a few hours with blood pressure medication. Hypertensive emergency means blood pressure is so high that organ damage can occur. Blood pressure must be reduced immediately to prevent imminent organ damage. This is done in an intensive care unit of a hospital. Organ damage associated with hypertensive emergency may include: Changes in mental status, such as confusion Bleeding into the brain (stroke) Heart failure Chest pain (unstable angina) Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) Heart attack Aneurysm (aortic dissection) Eclampsia (occurs during pregnancy) Hypertensive emergency is rare. When it does occur, it is often when hypertension goes untreated, if the patient does not take his or her blood pressure medication, or he or she has taken an over-the-counter medication that exacerbates high blood pressure. Symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include: Headache or blurred vision Increasing confusion Seizure Increasing chest pain Increasing shortness of breath Swelling or edema (fluid buildup in the tissues) To diagnose a hypertensive emergency, your health care providers will ask you several questions to get a better understanding of your medical history. They will also need to know all medications you are taking, including nonprescription and recreational drugs. Also, be sure to tell them if you are taking any herbal or dietary supplements. Certain tests will be performed to monitor blood pressure and assess organ damage, including: Regular monitoring of blood pressure Eye exam to look for swelling and bleeding Blood and urine testing In a hypertensive emergency, the first goal is to bring down the blood pressure as quickly as possible with intravenous ( IV) blood pressure medications to prevent further organ damage. Whatever organ damage has occurred is treated with therapies specific to the organ that is damaged.
context: Each breast has 15 to 20 sections, or lobes, that surround the nipple like spokes on a wheel. Inside these lobes are smaller lobes, called lobules. At the end of each lobule are tiny "bulbs" that produce milk. These structures are linked together by small tubes called ducts, which carry milk to the nipples. The nipple is in the center of a darker area of skin called the areola. The areola contains small glands, called Montgomery glands, which lubricate the nipple during breast-feeding. Fat fills the spaces between the lobes and ducts. There are no muscles in the breasts, but the pectoral or chest muscles lie under each breast and cover the ribs. Each breast also contains blood vessels, as well as vessels that carry a fluid called lymph. Lymph travels throughout the body through a network called the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system carries cells that help the body fight infections. The lymph vessels lead to the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped glands). One group of lymph nodes is located in the armpits, above the collarbone and in the chest. If breast cancer has reached these nodes, it may mean that cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes are also found in many other parts of the body. Breast development and function depend on the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are produced in the ovaries. Estrogen elongates the ducts and causes them to create side branches. Progesterone increases the number and size of the lobules in order to prepare the breast for nourishing a baby. After ovulation, progesterone makes the breast cells grow and blood vessels enlarge and fill with blood. At this time, the breasts often become engorged with fluid and may be tender and swollen.
context: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) and depression can go hand-in-hand. Doctors sometimes call them comorbid or coexisting conditions, meaning you can have both at the same time. ADHD is a brain disorder that makes it hard to focus. Children and adults who have it might have trouble finishing tasks, sitting still, or keeping track of things, appointments, or details. Depression is more than just an occasional case of the blues. It's deep sadness and despair you feel every day for at least 2 weeks at a time. It can make it hard to work, go to school, or sleep. Up to 30% of children who have ADHD also have a serious mood disorder like depression. And some experts say that more than half of people who have the condition will get treatment for depression at some point in their lives. Some symptoms of ADHD and depression are a lot alike, and that can make it tough to diagnose and treat those conditions. For example, trouble with focus is one of the signs of both depression and ADHD. And if you take medicines to help with your ADHD symptoms, they may affect your sleep or eating habits -- both of those can be signs of depression, too. In children, hyperactivity and irritability can be symptoms of depression as well as ADHD. Also, ADHD can lead to depression when people have a hard time with their symptoms. Children may have trouble getting along in school or with playmates, or adults may have issues at work. That can lead to deep feelings of hopelessness and other signs of depression. Doctors don't know what causes either condition, but they both seem to be linked to your family history. People with depression or ADHD often have a parent or other family member who has it as well. Treatment for both conditions usually involves a combination of medication and talks with a therapist. How you start may depend on what condition is causing you more trouble. For example, if ADHD is causing stress, treating that first may make take away one of the causes of depression. ADHD is often treated with stimulants that boost brain chemicals linked to focus and thinking. They can help with symptoms while you're at school or work, but they can also make you less hungry or cause headaches or sleep problems. Some ADHD drugs don't involve stimulants and don't have the same side effects. But they may not work as quickly. Your doctor might give you a combination of stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat depression. These can take several weeks to work and may have side effects, including thoughts of suicide. Children or teenagers in particular should be watched closely while taking them. Antidepressants may also help with the symptoms of ADHD, either in place of stimulants or as part of a combination of drugs to treat both conditions. Psychotherapy can offer ways to manage your symptoms and live a healthy life. A therapist can give you strategies to deal with everyday challenges, such as issues with friends, family, work, or school.
context: Planning to eat right for healthier bones? Calcium is probably the nutrient you think of first. But vitamin D is just as important for keeping bones strong and preventing the bone disease osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps your intestines absorb calcium from the food you eat. Getting enough of both nutrients is an important part of making sure your bones are dense and strong. Unlike calcium, which you only get through food, your body makes vitamin D when sunlight hits your skin. Active people who live in sunny regions can get at least some of what they need from spending time outdoors every day. But in less temperate areas such as Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, the skin makes less vitamin D in the winter months, especially for older adults. The amount your skin makes depends on where you live, how light or dark your skin is, and the time of day you're outside. It could be about 15 minutes for a very fair-skinned person and an hour or two for someone with darker skin. But you have to be careful -- too much time in the sun raises your chance of having skin cancer. Even though sunlight is a key part of your body's vitamin D production, it's best to protect your skin with clothing and sunscreen if you'll be outside for more than a few minutes. How else can you get vitamin D? A few foods have it, such as: Fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks Foods with added vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, and cereal But it's hard to get the amount you need from food alone. Experts recommend 600 international units ( IU) of vitamin D per day for adults up to age 70, and 800 IU for people 71 and older. If you're not getting enough from sunlight and food, you may need to take a supplement. You can get vitamin D in multivitamins and also in combination with a calcium supplement, as well as on its own. Keep in mind, though, that many diet supplements have vitamin D, so before you take another one, check the labels and let your doctor know what you're taking. Getting too much vitamin D, especially above 4,000 IU per day, can be dangerous. If you already have osteoporosis, keep in mind that vitamin D and calcium alone are not enough to treat the disease. You'll need to take them along with other medications your doctor prescribes.
context: If you have thyroid cancer, you may be facing surgery. It's the most common treatment, and it's usually very successful. Your surgery will depend on the kind of thyroid cancer you have. A thyroidectomy is when all or part of the thyroid gland is removed. A lobectomy is when one of the two lobes of your thyroid is removed. If the cancer has spread, lymph nodes in the neck area may be taken out, as well. Tissue around the thyroid gland may also be removed, depending on the size and location of the tumor. Before surgery, you'll have lab and imaging tests. They help the doctor know as much as possible about the cancer. You may have other exams or tests to check your overall health. You'll be given instructions about what to eat and drink, and what medicines to take the day before your operation. You'll probably have general anesthesia during your surgery. This means you will sleep through the whole thing. The doctor may make one or more incisions (cuts) in your neck, but that will depend on which type of surgery you have. Thyroid surgery usually takes place without problems. You will have pain in the neck area, but medicine will help. You may also have a hoarse voice or sore throat for a few days. There may be a drain from the site of the incision. It helps with healing and will later be removed. You'll either stay overnight at the hospital, or go home the day of the surgery. Again, it depends on what type of operation you have and well you do. You'll get instructions about how to take care of yourself after the operation, and when to see your doctor for follow-up. Other cancer treatments may begin soon after the operation. If all of the thyroid gland is removed, your doctor will probably prescribe thyroid hormone replacement medicine to replace the thyroid hormones. You may need this medication the rest of your life, and the doctor will probably have to make a few changes along the way to make sure you get the right amount. If only part of your thyroid was removed, you might not need the thyroid hormone replacement medicine.
context: No diet can cure depression, and research hasn't shown that a particular eating plan can erase the symptoms. But the food you put on your plate could have an indirect effect on your mood. To stay healthy and feel good, you need to get the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and fiber. Here's how to get started: Choose a sensible plan. Watch your calories and fat. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And yes, it's OK to treat yourself from time to time. Stay away from extreme fad diets. Avoid meal plans that radically restrict what you can eat. It's a bad idea to cut out entire food groups, whether they're carbs, fats, or sugars. While extreme diets may help you lose weight at first, they're very hard to stick to in the long run, and usually they're not so healthy. Get on a schedule. Eat at the same times each day to keep things predictable. It's best to have three meals a day with two snacks in between. Don't skip breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Follow your doctor's advice. If you have a health condition that changes what you can eat, you should stick to the rules your doctor or dietitian laid out for you. It's key to know what you can and can't put on your plate. Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. They can cause depression and affect how well antidepressants or other medicines for mood work. Also, many people who are depressed battle substance abuse, too. If you think you have a problem, you need to get help. Addiction can keep you from recovering from your depression. Cut back on caffeine. It's a stimulant, which means it can make you anxious and keep you up at night. So limit how much soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate you have. Ask your doctor about omega-3 fatty acids. Some research has shown that these fats can help with mood, but experts need to do more studies to know for sure. Some fish, walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed, and other foods have omega-3s, as do some supplements. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much of them you should get every day. Tell your doc about changes in your appetite. Depression or its treatment can sometimes affect how hungry you feel. That can mean weight gain or loss. If you've noticed a change in your appetite, your doctor can help you get back on track.
context: Iron is a mineral in your body that comes from foods like red meat and fortified cereals or from supplements you take. You need iron to make red blood cells. Iron is also an important part of hemoglobin, a protein in your blood that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. An iron test can show if you have too much or too little of this mineral in your system. It can check for conditions like anemia, or iron overload (excess iron). Your doctor might order a test if you have symptoms of either condition. Symptoms of low iron include: Tiredness Dizziness Weakness Headaches Pale skin Fast heartbeat Symptoms of high iron include: Joint pain Tiredness Weakness or a lack of energy Stomach pain There are several different tests to check the level of iron in your body. These tests show how much of the mineral is moving through your blood, how well your blood carries it, and how much iron is stored in your tissues. Serum iron. This test measures the amount of iron in your blood. Serum ferritin. This test measures how much iron is stored in your body. When your iron level is low, your body will pull iron out of âstorageâ to use. Total iron-binding capacity ( TIBC). This test tells how much transferrin (a protein) is free to carry iron through your blood. If your TIBC level is high, it means more transferrin is free because you have low iron. Unsaturated iron-binding capacity ( UIBC). This test measures how much transferrin isn't attached to iron. Transferrin saturation. This test measures the percentage of transferrin that is attached to iron. Some tests require you to stop eating about 12 hours before you give blood. Your health care provider will take a sample from a vein in your arm and send it to a lab. The lab results will show whether iron levels in your blood are too high or too low. A low iron level can be caused by: A lack of iron in your diet Trouble absorbing iron from foods you eat Blood loss Pregnancy A lack of iron can affect your body's ability to make red blood cells. If your iron level is too low, you could have anemia. This means you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to your organs and tissues. A high iron level can be caused by: Taking too many iron supplements Hemochromatosis -- a condition that makes it harder for your body to remove excess iron Blood transfusions Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results. Find out what steps to take to treat your condition.
context: A lipoma is a lump of fat that grows in your body's soft tissues. Though it's classified as a tumor, it's usually harmless. It's the most common tumor to form beneath your skin. About 1 person out of every 1,000 will get one at some point. You most often find them in your upper body, arms, or thighs. They usually appear as small, soft lumps. They're typically less than 2 inches wide. You could have more than one. When you press on the lipoma, it may feel doughy. It will move easily with finger pressure. They don't normally hurt, but they can cause pain if they bump against nearby nerves or have blood vessels running through them. It isn't clear what causes them. Middle-aged men and women tend to get them more. They also run in families. Lipomas often show up after an injury, though doctors don't know whether that's what makes them form. Inherited conditions can bring them on. Some people who have a rare condition known as Madelung's disease can get them. This most often affects men of Mediterranean ancestry who have alcohol use disorder. If you notice a lump or swelling on your body, have a doctor check it out. They can let you know whether it's a harmless lipoma or something that needs more tests. Lipomas can form inside muscles or internal organs, but this doesn't happen often. If one is causing pain or affecting your muscles, you might have to get it removed. It's rare, but a lump may be a type of cancer called a liposarcoma, which grows rapidly and can be painful. If your doctor suspects this condition, they'll suggest more tests. Lipomas can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam. But you may need a biopsy, in which a small piece of the tissue is removed and looked at under a microscope, to confirm the diagnosis. Tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can also give a clearer picture. Since lipomas aren't harmful, doctors often leave them alone. You may need to keep an eye on it between visits. If one hurts or you don't like the way it looks, you might want to have it removed. Your doctor can take it out surgically with a small cut. You'll get a shot of medication to numb the area so it won't hurt. You should be able to go home after it's done. You may have to go back within a couple of weeks to get a few stitches taken out. Other possible treatments include: Steroids: This type of drug can help shrink a tumor. Liposuction : The doctor uses a needle and syringe to draw out the fatty tissue. Lipomas bigger than 2 inches are sometimes called giant lipomas. They can cause nerve pain, make you feel self-conscious about your looks, or change the way your clothes fit. It's a little harder to take out one of these. The doctor will probably give you medication that will help you sleep through the procedure. You'll need someone to drive you home afterward. Lipomas rarely come back once removed. Having one doesn't make it more likely that you'll get other diseases.
context: To find relief for your eczema may take trial and error. What works well for one person may not ease your symptoms. It's a good idea to keep an open mind -- and find lots of options. Moisturizers: Creams and ointments ease inflammation and put water back in your skin to help it heal. Put it on several times a day, including right after you bathe or shower. Petroleum jelly and mineral oil work well since they form a thick barrier over your skin. Products with glycerin lactic acid and urea may also help since they also help pull water into your skin. Coal tar: Your doctor may suggest a product that contains coal tar. Extract of crude tar has treated eczema and other skin problems for more than 2,000 years. Although it's messy and many people don't like the strong smell, it may help soothe your skin. Wet wraps: When your eczema's flaring, soak some gauze, bandages, or pieces of soft clothing in cool water, then put them on your skin. The coolness will relieve itching, and the moisture will help creams or lotions work even better. Talk to your doctor to find out how often you can use wet wrap therapy. If you do it too much, your skin may get infected. Hydrocortisone creams: Hydrocortisone is a steroid that helps keep redness, itching, and swelling at bay. You can buy low-strength creams and lotions at the store. If those don't help, your doctor may prescribe you something that's stronger-acting. It's safe to put hydrocortisone on most body parts as many as four times a day for up to 7 days, as long as you're not pregnant or breastfeeding. If you do use it, keep it away from your eyes, rectum, and genitals. It's also important to note that some people have a severe reaction to hydrocortisone. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or notice a skin rash after you use it, call 911 or your doctor. Your doctor might also prescribe other topical medicines to treat eczema flares, such as crisaborole ( Eucrisa), dupilumab ( Dupixent), pimecrolimus ( Elidel), or tacrolimus ( Protopic). âââââââ Acupuncture: This ancient Eastern practice is based on the belief that paths of energy flow through the body. When they become blocked, your health takes a hit. By gently inserting thin needles just under the surface of your skin, energy is âunstuckâ and your health may improve. Studies show that people with eczema who try acupuncture or acupressure (which doesn't use needles) get relief from itching after only a few treatments. Relaxation techniques: There's a strong link between stress and your skin. Plus, you're prone to scratch more when your emotions are running high. Self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback therapy have all been shown to ease eczema symptoms. You may also want to see a therapist. Doing so can ease stress. It can also help you change habits or negative thought patterns that may be adding to your skin problems. Antihistamines: Over-the-counter allergy meds don't work well for itchy skin caused by eczema. But antihistamines that are known to cause drowsiness can help you sleep if you take them before bed.
context: If you're looking for another way to manage your fibromyalgia pain, you may be able to get some relief from acupuncture. But doctors say you shouldn't try it before you give traditional methods, like medicine, a chance first. And keep in mind that acupuncture probably works best when you combine it with other treatments. When you get acupuncture, a practitioner puts thin needles into the skin on different parts of your body. No one is sure exactly how it works, but experts think it leads you to release endorphins, your body's natural "feel good" chemicals, which relieve pain. Not all studies show that acupuncture helps fibromyalgia, but there is some research that suggests it may be able to ease pain, stiffness, and anxiety and also help you sleep better. You can get private acupuncture treatments in a medical office or group treatment with other people in a clinic. Clinic sessions are often cheaper. Sessions usually last at least 20 minutes. The number of treatments you need to feel any results can vary. The first session will last longer than the others because your practitioner will ask you a lot of questions. He'll typically want to know how long you've had your symptoms, how severe they are, and what your general health is like. Your acupuncturist will also do a quick medical exam, take your pulse, and check for any sore or tender spots. Most acupuncture treatments use between five and 15 needles. They're hollow and so slender that you may not even feel them when the practitioner puts them into your skin. The most common type of acupuncture is called manual acupuncture, when the needles pierce your skin. Another kind is electroacupuncture, which is when an electric current passes through the needle. Studies show that this type may work better for fibromyalgia than the manual version. Acupuncture has fewer side effects than most medications you might take for fibromyalgia, including steroids and pain relievers. The side effects that do happen are minor. Needles can hurt when they go in your skin, but if this does happen, it won't last long. You may also bleed a little bit. Rarely, people have nausea and vomiting as well as headaches, but the problems usually don't last more than a day. Acupuncture is safe. The FDA regulates the equipment and requires that practitioners use each needle only once. You should be able to see your acupuncturist take each individual needle out of a sterile packet. Clean needles make sure that more serious side effects like infection with HIV or hepatitis B won't happen. Look for a practitioner who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Most states also require that acupuncturists get certified. Check with your state medical board for local requirements. Some doctors are qualified to do acupuncture. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has a list of acupuncturists who are also medical doctors.