VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Autism spectrum disorders include social, communication, and behavioral challenges. These problems can be mild, severe, or somewhere in between. 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(); }); } Early diagnosis is important, because early treatment can make a big difference. Until recently, experts talked about different types of autism, such as autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified ( PDD- NOS). But now they are all called âautism spectrum disorders.â If you still hear people use some of the older terms, you'll want to know what they mean: Asperger's syndrome. This is on the milder end of the autism spectrum. A person with Asperger's may be very intelligent and able to handle her daily life. She may be really focused on topics that interest her and discuss them nonstop. But she has a much harder time socially. Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified ( PDD- NOS). This mouthful of a diagnosis included most children whose autism was more severe than Asperger's syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder. Autistic disorder. This older term is further along the autism spectrum than Asperger's and PDD- NOS. It includes the same types of symptoms, but at a more intense level. Childhood disintegrative disorder. This was the rarest and most severe part of the spectrum. It described children who develop normally and then quickly lose many social, language, and mental skills, usually between ages 2 and 4. Often, these children also developed a seizure disorder. Children with Rett syndrome often have behaviors similar to autism, and experts used to group it among spectrum disorders. But now that it's known to be caused by a genetic mutation, it's no longer considered an ASD.
context: Looking for organizations that provide information that can help you manage your diabetes? You may want to start with these groups. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60606-6995 800-877-1600www.eatright.org American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists ( AACE) 245 Riverside Avenue, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 353-7878www.aace.com American Diabetes Association ( ADA) 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22202 800-342-2383www.diabetes.org American Association of Diabetes Educators ( AADE) 200 West Madison Street, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60606 800-338-3633www.diabeteseducator.org Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International ( JDRF) 26 Broadway New York, NY 10004 800-533-2873www.jdrf.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ( NIDDK) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-3583http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ Type One Nation Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International typeonenation.org Diabetes Forecast: The Healthy Living Magazine from the American Diabetes Associationhttp://www.diabetesforecast.org/ My Food Advisor: Recipes for Healthy Living from the American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/myfoodadvisor.html
context: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U. S., not including skin cancers. It affects about one in every 20 people. There are about 132,000 new cases each year. It's also called colon cancer because it affects the colon or rectum. These are both part of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system. It absorbs water and nutrients from food after it's moved through the stomach and small intestine. The body's waste matter (stool) is stored in the colon before moving to the rectum. This connects the colon to the anus where waste leaves the body. Polyps are abnormal growths that can form in the colon or rectum. Over time, they can turn into cancer. Sometimes, they're found during screening tests and removed before they turn cancerous. People at risk include those over age 50 who have a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colorectal polyps. You're also more likely to develop it if you smoke or eat a high-fat diet. You may not have any symptoms. That's why regular screening tests are so important. If you do have symptoms, they may include: Constipation or diarrhea Bright red or dark blood in your stool Feeling full or bloated Frequent, painful gas or cramps Unexplained weight loss A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely Your doctor may give you a full physical and feel your abdomen for any enlarged organs or masses. He may also perform a digital rectal exam to check for anything that's not normal. Lastly, he may order a stool or blood test. If you're at risk for colorectal cancer, or if the results suggest you might have it, your doctor will likely order a colonoscopy. This is a procedure for examining the whole colon and rectum with a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope. The tube has a small video camera on one end that lets your doctor see the inside of your colon on a display monitor. He may also biopsy parts of your large intestine or remove polyps during the procedure. There are many ways to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. Here are a few: Get the proper screening tests. Talk to your doctor about when you should start. Eat a fiber-rich diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid red and processed meats. Exercise every day. Maintain a healthy weight. Limit your alcohol consumption. If you smoke, quit. The most common way to remove colon cancer is through surgery. Other treatments include: Radiofrequency ablation -- Kills cancer cells using a probe with electrodes Cryosurgery -- Freezes and destroys abnormal tissue Chemotherapy -- Stops the growth of cancer cells with drugs Radiation -- Kills the cells with high-energy X-rays Targeted therapy -- Uses drugs or other substances to attack cancer cells without damaging healthy ones Doctors are also trying new types of treatments in clinical trials. Your doctor will help you determine if one is right for you.
context: Although stiff joints are a classic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), you can also get them for other reasons. If it's RA, joint stiffness and other symptoms such as pain or fatigue tend to develop and worsen over several weeks or months. It's usually most noticeable in the morning. It often eases up after an hour or two, but it can last all day. You may feel it in these areas: Fingers and hands Wrists Elbows Knees Ankles Feet Shoulders Hips Jaw Make a list of your symptoms and when they happen. Do you notice them after a particular activity or first thing in the morning? Note when your joint stiffness first began, and also ask yourself: Did it start suddenly? Does it come and go? Is it painful? Has it changed in intensity over time or moved to new joints? See a doctor if your joint stiffness, pain, or swelling lasts more than 2 weeks. She may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of joints, muscles, and bones. At your appointment, share your list of symptoms and also mention anything that's not related to your joints, such as fatigue or weight loss. Your doctor may ask you to move the joint so he can see its range of motion. He will also check your joint for swelling, enlargement, and tenderness. You might also take some blood tests to help find out what the problem is. If you have RA, early treatment can greatly limit joint damage. Your treatment plan will likely include these key parts: Medications. There are different kinds of drugs that treat rheumatoid arthritis. You may need to take more than one. Some stop the disease from getting worse. Others ease symptoms of joint stiffness and pain. Physical therapy and exercise. These will help you move better and with less pain. You can also use moist heat (like a warm shower) to loosen up stiff joints, and ice packs (or even a bag of frozen peas) to curb inflamed joints. Relaxation techniques also ease muscle tension. An occupational therapist can show you how to do everyday activities. It's also important to get to, and stay at, a healthy weight, so you don't stress your joints. If you're not sure what your weight goal should be, ask your doctor. Pace yourself. Switch between periods of rest and activity. At least once a day, gently move your joints through their range of motion. If needed, use assistive devices to make your daily tasks easier.
context: With treatment and time, the symptoms of Lyme disease, which is caused by a tick bite, usually get better. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease, you're usually given antibiotics for 2-4 weeks. When symptoms linger well beyond the typical treatment time, you may have what's called "post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome" ( PTLDS). It's also called "chronic Lyme disease." About 1 in 10 people who get Lyme disease have lingering symptoms. A wide range of effects from PTLDS can go on for months. Some call Lyme disease "the great imitator" because its symptoms tend to mimic many other problems. Fatigue The hallmark problem of PTLDS is feeling tired. This often goes along with widespread muscle aches and severe headaches. The fatigue can linger for years. The symptoms are similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome or the pain condition called fibromyalgia. Arthritis and Joint Pain At least half of people with Lyme disease get a form of arthritis. Often the pain and joint stiffness can be felt all over, but sometimes it's just in certain joints, like the knees. It usually goes away, but in some people, the arthritis may continue. Head Problems Many people with PTLDS have bad headaches and complain of trouble with short-term memory and other thinking skills. Numbness Tingling, shooting pain, or loss of feeling may strike in the arms, face, hands, or legs. Bell's Palsy When chronic Lyme disease affects the nerves in the face, you may get what's called Bell's palsy. The face muscles and eyelid droop on one side. Your face may feel numb. Hearing or vision can also be affected. Heart Problems Rarely, PTLDS can cause organ damage. The heart may beat irregularly or too slowly. Depression and Stress Lyme disease itself doesn't make people depressed. But coping with symptoms that persist long after treatment ends can be hard. That can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. Talking to a counselor may give needed extra support through this stressful time. When Lyme disease symptoms don't go away after treatment ends, sometimes another round of antibiotics is given. Studies show little difference between those who got extra drugs compared to those who didn't. Talk to your doctor about all of your symptoms. Together, you can come up with a plan to treat them.
context: A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening that connects your vagina to another organ. For example, a vaginal fistula can link your vagina to your: Bladder Ureters, the tubes that carry your pee from your kidneys to your bladder Urethra, the tube that carries your pee down from your bladder and outside your body Rectum, the lower part of your large intestine Large intestine Small intestine Vaginal fistulas can be upsetting and embarrassing because they leak and cause bad smells. But they can also cause complications, like: Vaginal or urinary tract infections that keep coming back Hygiene problems Stool or gas that leaks through the vagina Irritated or inflamed skin around your vagina or anus An abscess -- a swollen clump of infected tissue with pus that could be life-threatening if it's not treated Fistulas that come back Women who have Crohn's disease and develop a fistula have a high risk of getting complications, such as fistulas forming again later or fistulas that don't properly heal. Most often, the culprit is tissue damage that can result from any of the following: Abdominal surgery (hysterectomy or C-section) Pelvic, cervical, or colon cancer Radiation treatment Bowel disease like Crohn's or diverticulitis Infection (including after an episiotomy or a tear you had when you gave birth) Traumatic injury, such as from a car accident Some fistulas may heal on their own. If it's a small bladder fistula, your doctor might want to try putting a small tube called a catheter into your bladder to drain the pee and give the fistula time to heal by itself. He might also want to try a special glue or plug made of natural proteins to seal or fill the fistula. Still, many people need surgery. What kind of surgery you get depends on the type of fistula and where it is. It could be laparoscopic, where your doctor makes small cuts (incisions) and uses cameras and tools. Or it could be abdominal surgery, where you get a regular incision with a tool called a scalpel. For a vaginal fistula that connects to your rectum, your doctor might: Sew a special patch over the fistula Take tissue from your body to close the fistula Fold a flap of healthy tissue over the fistula Fix the muscles of your anus if they are damaged Your doctor will likely also prescribe an antibiotic to treat infection caused by the fistula.
context: In most cases, heat rash will clear up on its own in a few days if the affected area is kept cool and dry. So cool your body in an air-conditioned room or with a fan, or take a cool shower or bath and let your skin air dry. Once the skin is cool and dry again, don't use any type of oil-based product, which might block your sweat glands. If your prickly heat does not go away within a few days, or if you develop an infection where the bumps have burst, you may need medication, so call your doctor. Also call the doctor if you have a fever or any other signs of illness. If you have been taking an antibiotic or other new medicine and develop a rash, you also need to call your doctor. To help prevent heat rash, avoid situations that can lead to excessive sweating, such as hot, humid environments. Avoid strenuous exercise when it is very warm. In hot weather, use air conditioning, fans, and cool showers and baths to stay cool; dry your skin thoroughly; and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics. Drink plenty of fluids to cool the body and to keep hydrated.
context: Cervical radiculopathy is the damage or disturbance of nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Damage to nerve roots in the cervical area can cause pain and the loss of sensation along the nerve's pathway into the arm and hand, depending on where the damaged roots are located. 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(); }); } Damage can occur as a result of pressure from material from a ruptured disc, degenerative changes in bones, arthritis or other injuries that put pressure on the nerve roots. In middle-aged people, normal degenerative changes in the discs can cause pressure on nerve roots. In younger people, cervical radiculopathy tends to be the result of a ruptured disc, perhaps as a result of trauma. This disc material then compresses or inflames the nerve root, causing pain. The main symptom of cervical radiculopathy is pain that spreads into the arm, neck, chest, upper back and/or shoulders. A person with radiculopathy may experience muscle weakness and/or numbness or tingling in fingers or hands. Other symptoms may include lack of coordination, especially in the hands. Cervical radiculopathy may be treated with a combination of pain medications such as corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory drugs) or non-steroidal pain medication like ibuprofen or naproxen and physical therapy. Steroids may be prescribed either orally or injected epidurally (into the space surrounding the dura, which is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord). Physical therapy might include gentle cervical traction and mobilization, exercises, and other modalities to reduce pain. If significant compression on the nerve exists to the extent that motor weakness results, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure. Find out which doctors treat pain. Learn how to better cope with your chronic pain.
context: A food allergy occurs when your immune system responds defensively to a specific food protein that, in reality, is not harmful to the body. The first time you eat the offending food, the immune system responds by creating specific disease-fighting antibodies (called immunoglobulin E or Ig E). When you eat the food again, the Ig E antibodies spring into action, releasing large amounts of histamine in an effort to expel the "foreign invader" from the body. Histamine is a powerful chemical that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system. Symptoms of a food allergy may appear almost immediately, or up to two hours after you've eaten the food. Symptoms can include a tingling sensation of the mouth, swelling of the tongue and throat, hives, skin rashes, vomiting, abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, or even a loss of consciousness. Severe reactions -- called anaphylaxis -- can result in death. There are eight foods that cause over 90% of food allergies in children -- cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds). In adults, 90% of food allergies are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Your doctor may do a radioallergosorbent blood test ( RAST) to check the number of antibodies produced by your immune system. Elevated levels of certain types of antibodies can help your doctor identify specific food allergies. The doctor may also perform an allergy skin test, also called a scratch test, to identify the substances that are causing your allergy symptoms. By keeping a food diary, your doctor will have a much better starting point to determine the foods that could trigger your allergies. You may be asked to eliminate all potentially allergenic foods and then add them back to your diet one at a time to see if they prompt any reaction. This is called an elimination and challenge diet. The best way to cope with a food allergy is to strictly avoid the foods that cause a reaction. Mild reactions often will subside without treatment. For rashes, antihistamines may help reduce itching and may also relieve congestion and other symptoms. For more serious reactions, corticosteroids, such as prednisone, will help to reduce swelling. In life-threatening situations, an epinephrine injection can immediately begin to reverse symptoms and is the only effective treatment option. If a doctor has prescribed an auto-injector for you, carry two at all times. Once you and your doctor have determined which foods you should avoid, stay away from them. However, it is important to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. Ask your doctor to recommend foods that will provide the necessary nutrients. You should also be aware of the ingredients in processed foods. Be sure to read labels. A registered dietitian can help you learn how to read food labels to discover hidden sources of food allergens. If you are prone to allergic reactions, ask your doctor to prescribe an epinephrine injection kit and carry two with you at all times.
context: When it comes to ADHD, no one diagnosis or treatment fits all. Everyone is different. The American Psychiatric Association has identified three types. Each has different symptoms, and treatments are based on those symptoms. A person with this type must have at least six of these nine symptoms, and very few of the symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive type: Not paying attention to detail Making careless mistakes Failing to pay attention and keep on task Not listening Being unable to follow or understand instructions Avoiding tasks that involve effort Being distracted Being forgetful Losing things that are needed to complete tasks To have this type, a person has to have at least six of these nine symptoms, and very few of the symptoms of inattentive type: Fidgeting Squirming Getting up often when seated Running or climbing at inappropriate times Having trouble playing quietly Talking too much Talking out of turn or blurting out Interrupting Often âon the goâ as if âdriven by a motorâ This is the most common type of ADHD. People with it have symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
context: Mold is all over the place -- outdoors and indoors - though you might not notice. It spreads by releasing tiny, lightweight spores that travel through the air. It grows quickly in moist dark spaces, such as basements, garbage cans, and piles of rotting leaves. When it's on food, you can usually see signs, such as the fuzzy green spots that appear on bread. As it grows, the mold's roots can sink deep inside the food, where you can't see it. All of us are exposed to some mold every day, and usually, there are no problems. We may breathe in spores from the air or eat foods in which mold has started to grow. But if you have allergies to it, you can have a reaction if you're around too much of it. Like many other allergies, the warning signs can include: Wheezing Stuffy or runny nose Itchy, watery eyes Rash or hives You might not be able to totally avoid mold when you're allergic to it. But you can lower your risk of a reaction to food-borne mold by carefully choosing what you eat. Check everything you eat for signs of mold before you chow down. Don't smell foods to see if they're spoiled, because inhaling mold spores can set off an allergic reaction. Also, avoid foods that are more likely to contain mold or other fungi, such as mushrooms and yeast. Common culprits include: Cheese Mushrooms Vinegar and foods containing vinegar, such as salad dressing, catsup, and pickles Sour cream, sour milk, and buttermilk Meat or fish Breads and other food made with yeast Jarred jams and jellies Sauerkraut Pickled and smoked meats and fish Dried fruits such as dates, prunes, figs, and raisins Soy sauce Hot dogs, sausages Canned juices Leftovers that are more than 3 or 4 days old
context: Most styes go away on their own in about a week. Apply a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day. Use a clean washcloth or towel soaked in warm water. Keep eyes closed. Keep the area clean and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes. Don't squeeze the sty. Don't use eye make-up or wear contact lenses. In most cases, styes don't require medical care. Call your health care provider if: The stye doesn't heal in a week or 10 days. The stye becomes more painful or swollen after several days of home treatment. The person also has fever or chills. The person develops vision problems. The person has recurring styes. The entire eyelid or eye itself is red or swollen. Redness spreads to around the eye or the cheek. The person has an abnormal immune system (for example, people with diabetes or HIV, patients receiving treatment for cancer, organ transplant recipients).
context: Lice are tiny parasites that live on human beings and feed on blood. They seldom cause serious medical problems, but they are both annoying and contagious. There are three types of lice that can live on people. Head lice ( Pediculus humanus capitis) are about the size of a sesame seed or 2.1 to 3.3 millimeters long when adults. Their eggs, called nits, are barely visible whitish or yellow ovals that attach to hair shafts. Having head lice isn't related to the degree of personal hygiene. Head lice are contagious, especially among schoolchildren. They afflict an estimated 6 million to 12 million children in the United States each year. More girls get head lice -- likely because girls have more physical contact with one another and share more personal articles (such as hats, clothing, combs) that can transmit head lice. Head lice are rare among African- Americans, possibly because the shafts of their hair have a shape that lice cannot grasp easily. Pubic lice ( Pthirus pubis) are yellow-gray parasites found in the pubic region and transmitted by sexual contact. They are only 1.1 to 1.8 mm long and are also called crab lice, or crabs, because of their shape and the crab-like claw-like front legs with which they cling to hair. Eggs can barely be seen; these tiny white particles attach so firmly to hair shafts that they are not removed by normal washing. Sometimes pubic lice may be found in other areas of the body containing coarse hair, such as armpits or the chest. Body lice ( Pediculus humanus corporis) are nearly identical in appearance to head lice but may be more difficult to find. Adults grow to 2.3 to 3.6 mm long. When not feeding, they tend to hide in the seams of clothing and folds of bedding. If the lice are not treated, the person can develop complications such as skin sores or bacterial infection of the affected area. Body lice can also spread blood infections. Lice are found all over the world, wherever people gather in close proximity, such as in schools. Scabies is another contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The primary symptom -- an incredibly itchy rash -- results when the female mite burrows into the skin and deposits eggs. Female mites grow to 0.3 to 0.45 mm long and are larger than males. Closed environments such as nursing homes and child-care centers provide ideal breeding grounds for this parasite, which needs a human host to survive.
context: When you exercise, or exert yourself physically, the muscles of the head, neck, and scalp need more blood to circulate. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a condition called exertional headaches. Headaches that most frequently occur due to exercise or over-exertion include jogger's headache and orgasmic headache (sex headache). While these may occur in isolation, they are most common in people who have an inherited susceptibility to migraine (one or both parents have migraines). It has been found that most exertional headaches are benign and respond to usual headache treatments. It's very important, though, not to assume that your headaches, especially new exertional headaches, are caused by exercise. In order to rule out other medical causes -- some of which can be life-threatening -- a doctor needs to evaluate your headaches. Some exertional headaches are particularly responsive to Indocin (indomethacin), an anti-inflammatory drug available with a doctor's prescription, taken 30 to 60 minutes before exercise.
context: As a parent, you've probably spent a lot of time thinking about your child's future. Even more so if he or she has an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD diagnosis. Apart from the medical care and therapies that you may line up to help your son or daughter, there are simple, everyday things that make a difference. 1. Focus on the positive. Just like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for the behaviors they're doing well, it will make them (and you) feel good. Be specific, so that they know exactly what you liked about their behavior. Find ways to reward them, either with extra playtime or a small prize like a sticker. Also, as you would with anyone -- on the spectrum or not -- prize your child for who he or she is. As a parent, loving your child for who they are is key. 2. Stay consistent and on schedule. People on the spectrum like routines. Make sure they get consistent guidance and interaction, so they can practice what they learn from therapy. This can make learning new skills and behaviors easier, and help them apply their knowledge in different situations. Talk to their teachers and therapists and try to align on a consistent set of techniques and methods of interaction so you can bring what they're learning home. 3. Put play on the schedule. Finding activities that seem like pure fun, and not more education or therapy, may help your child open up and connect with you. 4. Give it time. You'll likely try a lot of different techniques, treatments, and approaches as you figure out what's best for your child. Stay positive and try not to get discouraged if they don't respond well to a particular method. 5. Take your child along for everyday activities. If your child's behavior is unpredictable, you may feel like it's easier not to expose them to certain situations. But when you take them on everyday errands like grocery shopping or a post office run, it may help them get them used to the world around them. 6. Get support. Whether online or face-to-face, support from other families, professionals, and friends can be a big help. Support groups can be a good way to share advice and information and to meet other parents dealing with similar challenges. Individual, marital, or family counseling can be helpful, too. Think about what might make your life a little easier, and ask for help. 7. Look into respite care. This is when another caregiver looks after your child for a period of time to give you a short break. You'll need it, especially if your child has intense needs due to ASD. This can give you a chance to do things that restore your own health and that you enjoy, so that you come back home ready to help.
context: Depression can have a huge effect on your relationships. When you were depressed, you may have avoided or pushed away the people you love. Now that you're feeling better, you may not know how to get things back to normal. Here are some things to consider when you are recovering from depression. Stay connected. During your depression, you may have isolated yourself. Sometimes when people are depressed they just stay at home alone and stop picking up the phone. But now that you're feeling better, it's important to reconnect to your friends and family. Don't let your relationships fade away -- the support of your loved ones is crucial to staying well. If you're nervous, start slowly. Just call a friend and ask to meet for a quick visit, maybe for a cup of coffee. Or get together for a walk. You may find that talking about what you've been through will help you feel better while you are recovering. Ask for help. Readjusting to your life can be tricky. So ask your loved ones for help. While you may worry about being a burden, the fact is that your friends and family may actually want to help -- but they may just not know what to do. Help doesn't just mean only emotional support. You might need a hand with practical chores like shopping or watching the kids. Reassure your children. If you have children, they may have been frightened and confused when you were depressed. Now is the time to explain what happened. Discuss it in terms that they can understand. Explain that you were sick but that you're getting help and feeling better. Set boundaries. After you've been depressed, the people around you are likely to be worried that you'll become depressed again. Their concern is understandable. But it's important to set limits -- so they aren't monitoring your every move. For instance, if your family becomes alarmed every single time you get angry or upset, you're going to get frustrated. Explain that while you appreciate their concern, you need them to give you some space. In return, they might want assurance that you will reach out if you really do need their help. Be open about sexual issues. Depression -- and sometimes the related treatment -- can have a big impact on your sex drive or performance. This is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. You and your partner should talk openly about it. If you ignore the problem, you may just make things worse. Also, don't be afraid to talk with your doctor. If your medication is affecting your sex drive, your doctor may be able to change your prescription or recommend other medicines that may counteract sexual side effects.
context: Medicare provides coverage for depth-inlay shoes, custom-molded shoes, and shoe inserts for people with diabetes who qualify under Medicare Part B. Designed to prevent lower-limb ulcers and amputations in people who have diabetes, this Medicare benefit can prevent suffering and save money. The M. D. or D. O. treating the patient for diabetes must certify that the individual: 1. Has diabetes. 2. Has one or more of the following conditions in one or both feet: history of partial or complete foot amputation history of previous foot ulceration history of preulcerative callus nerve damage because of diabetes with signs of problems with calluses poor circulation foot deformity 3. Is being treated under a comprehensive diabetes care plan and needs therapeutic shoes and/or inserts because of diabetes. If an individual qualifies, he/she is limited to one of the following footwear categories within one calendar year: 1. One pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts 2. One pair of custom-molded shoes (including inserts) and two additional pairs of inserts. Separate inserts may be covered under certain criteria. Shoe modification is covered as a substitute for an insert, and a custom-molded shoe is covered when the individual has a foot deformity that cannot be accommodated by a depth shoe. In order to receive payment for therapeutic shoes and inserts, Medicare also requires: A podiatrist or other qualified doctor to prescribe the shoes A doctor or other qualified professional, such as a pedorthist, orthotist, or prosthetist fits and provides the shoes Note that in most cases the certifying physician and the prescribing physician will be two different individuals. Medicare will pay for 80% of the Medicare-approved amount either directly to the patient or by reimbursement after the Part B deductible is met. The patient is responsible for a minimum of 20% of the total payment amount and possibly more if the dispenser does not accept Medicare assignment and if the dispenser's usual fee is higher than the payment amount.
context: If your child has a bright, bumpy rash, her doctor might suspect scarlet fever, or scarlatina, as it's also known. It's an infection that can easily be spread from person to person. It's caused by the same bacteria that causes strep throat and, although anyone can get it, it's most common in kids ages 5 to 15. Call your doctor if your child has a sore throat, especially if she also has a rash or a fever. Your doctor will run the following tests to check for scarlet fever: Physical exam. The doctor will look at your child's throat, tongue, and tonsils. She'll check for things like swollen glands and white or yellow specks in the mouth and throat. She'll also look for other symptoms like chills, fever, and body ache. She'll ask whether your child has nausea, vomiting, or no appetite. Rapid strep test. This may immediately test positive for the bacteria that causes scarlet fever and strep. If it's negative, the swab can be sent out for a throat culture â a more in-depth test to see if the bacteria is actually present. Throat swab. If your doctor thinks strep throat is to blame, she might swab your child's throat and tonsils. The swab collects material that might contain bacteria. It's important to test for strep because other illnesses can cause the same symptoms. They may have different treatments. Typically, the treatment for scarlet fever is the same as that for strep throat. Your doctor will give your child an antibiotic. It's important that she finish it all. She shouldn't go back to school or day care until she's taken the medicine for at least 24 hours and no longer has a fever. Be sure to let day care providers and classmates know that they may have been exposed. Your doctor may suggest other treatments that might help: Gargle with warm, salty water to help with mouth and throat pain. Take acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain or fever. But this is for adults -- never give aspirin to children or teens. Drink more fluids. It'll help keep your throat or your child's throat moist and stop dehydration. Add moisture to the air in your home. A cool mist humidifier may help ease a sore throat. If your child is 4 years or older, soothing drops can help with throat pain. Soups and ice pops may also help. If the rash itches, talk to your doctor about an anti-itch medicine. Trim your child's nails so she won't hurt her skin by scratching.
context: See a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room if: An accident caused neck strain. Neck pain radiates down arms and/or legs. Headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness occur with the pain. Apply dry or moist heat to the area. Give pain medication, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin). When the person is lying down, place a small pillow under the nape of the neck to align the head and neck. See a doctor if pain doesn't get better or worsens.
context: The hepatitis C virus usually spreads through blood. The most common way that people get it is from injecting drugs -- especially when they share needles or syringes. The risk of getting hepatitis C through sex is low, but it is possible. Without using condoms, the following situations increase your risk of getting hepatitis C from sex: If you or your partner have HIV or another sexually transmitted disease Have multiple sexual partners Have rough sex that could cause tears or fissures Receiving anal intercourse Sex while menstruating To lower your chances of getting infected by someone who has or may have hepatitis C or infecting your partner, avoid sex acts that could cause bleeding. These include using toys, receiving anal sex, and using drugs while having sex. Don't have sex when you or your partner has your period or has genital sores. Always use a condom when you have sex with a new partner. If you use a sex toy that might break the skin, cover it with a condom. Put a new one on before someone else uses the toy. Not a problem. You can't get the hepatitis C virus through kissing, hugging, or holding hands. It's not easy to catch hepatitis C in everyday life. People with HIV are more likely to have hepatitis C. About one in 4 people in the U. S. who have HIV also have hepatitis C, according to the CDC. Having both makes serious, life-threatening complications -- including liver failure -- more likely. Hepatitis C can also complicate HIV treatment and management. The CDC recommends hepatitis C testing if you: Were born between 1945 and 1965 Have used injected drugs Have HIV Were born to a mother who had hepatitis C Were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987 Got a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992 Have been a long-term hemodialysis patient Work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needle stick or other sharp object injury If you get tested and find out you have hepatitis C, tell your sex partner(s) and anyone else who may have been exposed to your blood, including through drug use.
context: Over the past three decades, mistaken ideas about HIV and AIDS have sometimes brought on the behaviors that cause people to get the virus. Although we still have questions about HIV, researchers have learned a lot -- enough to know that people who are HIV-positive aren't dangerous or doomed. HIV isn't spread through touch, tears, sweat, saliva, or pee. You can't catch it by: Breathing the same air Touching a toilet seat or door knob or handle Drinking from a water fountain Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands Sharing eating utensils Using exercise equipment at a gym You can get it from infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. Because the virus is passed through blood, people have worried that they could get it from biting or bloodsucking insects. Several studies show that doesn't happen -- even in areas with lots of mosquitoes and cases of HIV. When bugs bite, they don't inject the blood of the person or animal they bit before you. Also, HIV lives for only a short time inside them. It's true that oral sex is less risky than some other types of sex. The rate of transmission is 0 to 4 cases in 10,000 acts. But you can get HIV by having oral sex with either a man or a woman who is HIV-positive. Always use a latex barrier during oral sex. Most men become HIV-positive through sexual contact with other men. But you can get the virus from heterosexual contact, too: About 1 in 6 men and 3 in 4 women do. You can be HIV-positive and not have any symptoms for years. The only way for you or your partner to know if you're positive is to get tested. Antiretroviral drugs, also called ART, do improve the lives of many people who are HIV-positive and help them live longer. But many of these drugs are expensive and have serious side effects. Nothing yet cures HIV. And drug-resistant strains of HIV can make treatment harder. Prevention is cheaper and easier than managing a life-long condition and the problems it brings. In the early years when the disease was epidemic, the death rate from AIDS was extremely high. But today's drugs allow HIV-positive people -- and even those with AIDS -- to live much longer, normal, and productive lives. When HIV treatments work well, they can lower the amount of virus in your blood to a level that doesn't show up in blood tests. This is called an undetectable viral load. However, this doesn't mean zero viral load, and there can be intermittent increases in the virus level. So while you are less contagious with an undetectable viral load, the risk of spreading HIV is not zero. You should practice safe sex so you won't make someone else HIV-positive. Wearing condoms or using dental dams can protect you both from other, possibly drug-resistant, strains of HIV. HIV isn't a government conspiracy to kill minorities. Rates of infection are higher in African- Americans and Latinos, but that may be due, in part, to less access to health care and other social and economic factors.
context: Diabetes and Exercise: What's Stopping You? Exercise does so many good things for you when you have diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels, can ease stress, and helps you lose extra weight. So what's stopping you? Here's a look at six common hurdles and how to get over them and on track. Recommended Related to Diabetes Diabetes Care: Managing Your Time When You Have Diabetes Sometimes, living with diabetes can seem like a full-time job -- trying to keep up with everything you need to do for proper diabetes care. " Diabetes is a very time-consuming disease to manage well," says Karmeen Kulkarni, MS, RD, CDE, and former president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association. " The medication, the food, the physical activity -- you add life in general to that whole picture and it ends up being quite challenging." Read the Diabetes Care: Managing Your Time When You Have Diabetes article > > 1. I don't have time to exercise. Ideally, you should move at a pace that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat for 30 minutes most days of the week. But if you're tied up with work, school, or family activities, find little pockets of time whenever you can. Park farther away in the parking lot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk around the field while the kids are at soccer practice. Be creative to fit in exercise. Little moments of movement add up to a more active lifestyle. 2. I don't know what exercises to do. You don't need to join a gym or find a personal trainer. Start out by simply going for a walk. Begin with a 5-minute walk and slowly build from there. You can also find free exercise videos online. Or, join an exercise class at a church or community center. 3. It's too cold/hot/rainy/whatever. Who says you have to go outside? Walk laps in your house, or walk up and down the stairs. Play an active video game like Wii Fit. Put on some music and dance around. Go to the mall, or find a high school or YMCA with an indoor track, and walk in comfort. 4. It hurts to exercise. See your doctor to find the source of your pain. Make sure you don't have a problem that needs treatment. If you get the OK to start exercising, try non-impact exercises like swimming, biking, and using elliptical machines. Look for exercise videos made for people who have pain. 5. I can't stick with it. Get an exercise buddy to walk with you, or take fitness classes together. When someone else is counting on you to go for a hike, work out, or ride bikes, you'll be less likely to make an excuse. The two of you will keep each other on track, and you won't want to let each other down. Diabetes and Exercise: What's Stopping You? continued... 6. I just don't feel like it. Sometimes just knowing that exercise helps you fight diabetes isn't enough to get you off the couch. So find some other reason to get moving. Do you want to look great in a swimsuit on vacation? Do you want to feel good enough to dance at a wedding? Also, think of a non-food reward, like a massage or a movie, and treat yourself when you've exercised every day for a week.