VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: When you're trying to beat depression, make time to reach out to family, friends, and other folks around you for support. They can help you in a big way while you're on the road to recovery. Try these steps to get the backing you need. Create a support team. At first, you might want to seek out a few people you know you can really rely on. Don't choose only one person, since that can be overwhelming for them. Talk to all of them about your depression and what you've been feeling. Let them know it's fine to check in on you once in a while to make sure you're doing OK. Or they can help with your treatment by reminding you to take your medicine or by driving you to doctor appointments. Once you've recovered, your team can help you watch for any signs that your depression might be coming back. They should also have a clear idea of what to do if you have an emergency. Join a support group. Although they mean well, sometimes your family and friends may not understand what you've been through. Some may have their own beliefs about depression that can keep them from giving you the support you need. If that's the case, think about joining a support group. That way you can meet and talk to people who've had depression and know what it's like. These connections can help you see that you aren't alone. Ask your doctor or therapist for the names of groups in your area or for some that meet online. Or get in touch with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Think about talking to your co-workers. The decision to open up to them or to your boss about your depression is a complicated one. It's your choice. Legally you don't have to tell them anything you don't want to. But some people find that telling certain people at work can be a relief. Your colleagues or employer may have been confused or concerned about your behavior when you were depressed. You might put them at ease if you feel comfortable explaining the situation to them. And you might feel a lot better knowing that you have support at the office. Get involved. Now is a great time to meet some new people and get more active. Volunteer for a charity or a political campaign. Join an exercise class. Sign up for a book club. Just don't take on anything too demanding at first. You don't need to tell any new friends about what you've been through. You'll just find that meeting people and being a part of some fun activities can help your recovery.
context: When you're in your 20s and 30s, the right lifestyle and screening tests can go a long way to keeping you healthy. Skip the fried and fatty foods, and try to get at least half an hour of exercise every day. Eating right and keeping active are the gifts that keep on giving. If you set up these habits now, the benefits will last a lifetime. And if you plan on having children someday, it's a good idea to take a multivitamin that gives you plenty of folic acid -- between 400 and 800 micrograms a day. Start taking folic acid at least 1 month before you plan to get pregnant, and keep it up during your first trimester. Find one you trust. Before your appointment, make up a list questions, such as: What contraceptive method is right for me? What's the best way to prevent STDs? What vaccines do I need? Did your sister, mother, or grandmother have breast cancer or heart disease before they turned 50? Does diabetes run in the family? These are important questions to ask your family to help your doctor figure out your own health risks. Make sure you get a Pap test to check for cervical cancer every 3 years starting at age 21. If you're 30 to 65, you can keep getting a Pap test every 3 years, or you can get it along with an HPV test every 5 years. That other test is useful because most cervical cancers are caused by an infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). If you're sexually active and have a higher risk for STDs, get tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year. Take an HIV test at least once, more often if you're at risk. Also consider tests for other STDs like trichomoniasis, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Check your blood pressure every 2 years if it's normal (lower than 120/80). If it's high, or you're at risk for high blood pressure, you'll need more frequent checks and diabetes screening tests. Also, get your cholesterol tested, and ask your doctor how often that needs to be done.
context: If you have severe pain, your doctor may prescribe opioids to treat it. These drugs can cause stomach problems like nausea, vomiting or constipation, which can make you feel worse instead of better. Some of these problems go away quickly. Others can be managed easily. Nausea and vomiting often go away after a few days, but constipation caused by opioids tends to last longer because the medicine causes food to move slower through your system. This gives your body more time to absorb the water from your stool, which makes it harder to pass. Depending on the type of trouble you're having, your plan for relief may be different. If you feel sick to your stomach after you start taking opioids: Ask your doctor for help. It's common for people to have nausea or vomiting when they start taking opioids. Some stop taking their medicine rather than have the nausea. Talk to your doctor before making that decision. He or she may recommend an over-the-counter product or prescribe a drug along with the opioids that helps to fight nausea. Take it easy. If you're very active after taking opioids, it may make your nausea worse. Some people find that lying down for an hour or so after taking the medicine can help them feel better. Not everyone gets constipated from opioids, and if it happens, it's different for everyone. Regardless, there are steps you can take. Track your habits. If you begin to have trouble, your doctor will want to know: How many bowel movements you're having each week How much water you're drinking How bloated you're feeling How well you're eating Don't wait more than 2 days without a bowel movement before getting in touch with your doctor. Drink more water. This alone helps some people with mild constipation. But others may have to do more. Having a hot drink in the morning can get things moving through your GI tract. Avoid drinks with caffeine, like coffee and tea, and instead try hot water with lemon or herbal tea. Eat more fiber, maybe. If you have mild constipation, this may help. But for if it's severe, a high-fiber diet or even taking a supplement could make things worse. Ask for a laxative. Your doctor may tell you to take an over-the-counter or prescription laxative that works by speeding up your slowed-down GI tract. Don't take a laxative without his go-ahead, because depending on your situation, a laxative may not be the right solution for you. Try a stool softener. Ask your doctor if these could help. They are available over-the-counter and by prescription. Talk with your doctor about other options. If none of the above help, he may be able to prescribe other drugs that can stimulate the bowel. He may also suggest you change your diet, exercise more, or make other lifestyle changes.
context: Imaging tests are also used to screen for and detect colorectal cancer. These tests use technologies that visualize your body organs and present them like a picture. Imaging tests are also used to determine how far the cancer has spread or how well it is responding, or has responded, to treatment. While some tests still use X-rays, newer technologies use radioactivity (in very tiny doses), ultrasound, or magnetic fields to obtain the pictures. One imaging test for the initial detection of colorectal cancer is called CT colonography (formerly known as virtual colonoscopy). New technology has made it possible for a computer to take CT images of the colon and reconstruct a three-dimensional model of your colon. The inside of this model can be inspected, without causing any pain to you, to search for abnormalities. The test involves enlargement or distension of the colon with air. CT colonography is sometimes used for screening the colon and detecting small polyps or asymptomatic colorectal cancers. The main disadvantage of virtual colonoscopy is that any abnormalities have to be evaluated and treated by colonoscopy.
context: Do you feel guilty eating three yummy meals a day plus snacks while your dog just gets one or two scoops of dry kibble? It doesn’t have to be that way. There are several healthy ways to feed your dog, depending on its individual needs. Here are the top three: For dogs who are a healthy weight and aren’t having accidents in the house, you may be able to use the free-choice feeding method. This means you leave food out all day and let your dog graze. This can be a good method for highly active dogs that are burning more calories than their couch-potato friends. If you are leaving food out all day for your dog to nibble on, use dry food, which won’t spoil. If you have a nursing dog, she will probably be fed by the free-choice method. Dogs who are nursing need many calories to produce a constant flow of milk for their pups. Downsides: Leaving dog food out all day could attract insects, rodents, or raccoons. That’s especially the case if you feed your dog outside, so be on the lookout. And if you have more than one pet, they may bicker over the food. Also, this method is not for dogs that are diabetic. For the dog who would never stop eating, use the portion control method. First, ask your vet what your dog’s ideal weight is. If you are using a commercial dog food, feed your dog the amount printed on the bag that fits with its ideal weight. Sometimes, however, the suggested amount is more than your dog needs. Your veterinarian can calculate the exact amount to feed. You can feed your dog one or two times a day. It’s best to do it twice daily at 8-12 hour intervals. If you’re doing it this way, split the suggested amount found on the bag or you’ll feed it double what it needs. If you’re not worried about your dog overeating but don’t want to leave the food out all day, use the timed feeding method. This means you give the dog a certain amount of time, like 30 minutes, to eat. When time’s up, throw out whatever he hasn’t eaten. When you offer food again 8-12 hours later, your dog will be hungry and ready to eat. Dog treats should make up 5% to 10% or less of your dog’s daily diet. Ask your vet about the number of treats this means for your dog. It’ll vary based on his weight and activity level. If you need to use treats frequently for training, use very small pieces. You can also set aside some of your dog's daily portion of kibbles to use as “treats” when you train. Using the guidelines on a commercial pet food label should be a starting point for deciding how much to feed your dog. If he seems hungry all the time, you may need to feed him more. Beware that some dogs will always seem hungry and are already overweight. You may need to use a diet food that is more filling to him. The amount of food your dog needs may change if: Your dog becomes more active or is pregnant or nursing. The weather is very hot or cold. Your dog is recovering from surgery or an infection. Before giving him more food, make sure he’s not just looking for attention and love. And if he is, serve that up instead.
context: For centuries, the flowering plant St. John's wort was used as a health remedy in Europe. Today, St. John's wort is best known as a treatment for depression. Multiple studies have found St. John's wort helpful for depression. In fact, a few showed that St. John's wort was as effective as some prescription antidepressants. But the evidence is conflicting. Two recent major studies showed that St. John's wort worked no better than a placebo for moderate depression. However, neither did the medication that was used. St. John's wort might prove more effective for milder forms of depression. For now, however, the evidence is uncertain. St. John's wort has also been studied in the treatment of other mood disorders, such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD), and seasonal affective disorder ( SAD.) It's also been used for insomnia, PMS, menopausal symptoms, and eczema. However, studies on St. John's wort for these uses have not shown solid evidence of benefit. For depression, some clinical trials in adults have used 300 milligrams of St. John's wort (of 0.3% hypericin extract) taken three times a day for up to 6 months. After the initial treatment, some people choose to go onto a lower maintenance dose of 300 milligrams to 600 milligrams of St. John's wort per day. There are no natural food sources of St. John's wort. Side effects. At recommended doses, St. John's wort generally does not cause side effects. Uncommon side effects of St. John's wort include anxiety, dry mouth, sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, stomach upset, headache, sexual problems, and fatigue. Risks. Depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Never try to treat it on your own without the help of an expert. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, St. John's wort is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. St. John's wort contains substances that can significantly alter the effectiveness of many drugs. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on any medication and decide to use St. John's wort. You should not take St. John's wort if you're using antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, medicines for HIV, cancer drugs, cyclosporine, or digoxin. St. John's wort may interfere with how these drugs work.
context: If it's your first time caring for a baby boy, you might feel a bit unsure about the right way to care for his genitals. But don't worry -- it's pretty straightforward. Here's everything you need to know to keep the area clean and healthy. If your son was circumcised, that means the loose skin covering the head of his penis was removed and the tip exposed. After the procedure, his care team covered his penis with petroleum jelly and wrapped it in gauze. Keep a covering on the area for the 48 hours following the procedure. For the first couple of days after the surgery, your doctor may recommend keeping the area covered with a glob of petroleum jelly on a square gauze pad. Change the pad after poopy diapers to prevent an infection. After a couple of days, once the area starts to heal, you can stop using a bandage and just put some petroleum jelly on the tip. This will keep his healing penis from sticking to his diaper. Change his diaper often, and use a mild soap and water to clean off any poop that gets on his penis. It's normal for the tip of the penis to look red and appear to have a crusty white or yellow coating. That helps the area heal -- don't wipe it off. Once the penis is healed, usually after 7-10 days, you can wash it with soap and water. Problems are rare, but let your doctor know if: Your baby doesn't pee within 6-8 hours after the circumcision The bleeding doesn't stop Redness gets worse after a few days You notice swelling, crusted yellow sores or discharge from the penis. Usually once the circumcision is healed, you don't need to do anything special. Just keep the area clean and dry so your son stays healthy and comfortable. If your baby wasn't circumcised, meaning you chose not to remove the skin at the head of his penis, you don't have to do any special cleaning. Just wipe the area during diaper changes and rinse with warm, soapy water at bath time. Don't ever try to pull down the foreskin to clean under it. At this age, it's fused to the head of the penis, and forcing it back can cause pain or bleeding. Your doctor will let you know when the skin has separated, which won't happen until he's 3-5 years old. At that point, the foreskin will easily move back and forth, and you can teach your son to regularly wash the area underneath.
context: Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease ( CJD) is a very rare disorder that causes the brain to break down. Also called "classic" CJD, it worsens quickly. Most people die within a year of getting it. The disease destroys brain cells. Seen through a microscope, it makes the brain look like a sponge. Classic Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease is not the same as âmad cow disease," which only happens in cattle. It's also not linked to "variant" CJD, which comes from products made from cattle that had mad cow disease. There are three types of classic CJD. Each has a different cause: Sporadic: This is the most common type. It's caused by harmful proteins in the body called prions. Prion proteins are a normal part of your body. But sometimes they can fold the wrong way as they form. This âmisfoldedâ prion infects the brain and destroys brain cells. Scientists don't know why this happens. Familial: This happens in people who inherit a bad gene from a parent. Only 10% to 15% of CJD cases each year are familial. Acquired: The rarest form, It happens when someone comes into contact with a medical instrument (like a scalpel), organ (by transplantation), or growth hormone that's infected with CJD. It makes up less than 1% of classic CJD cases. The symptoms start and worsen very quickly. People with CJD often have signs of dementia, including: Confusion Trouble walking Jerky muscle movements or twitching Personality changes Trouble with memory and judgment Vision problems Sometimes people with it have trouble sleeping or become depressed. In later stages of the disease, they often lose the ability to speak or move. They may also get pneumonia or other infections, or slip into a coma. There is no single test for CJD. Doctors diagnose it from your symptoms. One sign of the disease is how fast it gets worse. A few tests doctors can use include: Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). This brain scan puts together detailed images. Doctors use these images to see changes in the brain over time. Electroencephalogram ( EEG). This is another type of scan that measures the electrical activity in the brain. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Doctors use a long, very thin needle to draw some of the fluid out of the spinal column to test for certain proteins. The only way to know for sure someone has CJD is by taking a sample (called a biopsy) of their brain tissue, or by autopsy. Doctors don't usually biopsy brain tissue, because it's risky, both for the patient and the doctor. It's hard to target which tissue in the brain is infected, so doing a biopsy may not give helpful information. And it puts the doctor at risk of getting the disease. Since a positive diagnosis doesn't help someone with CJD, doctors often confirm cases only after someone dies of it. There are no treatments for CJD. Researchers have tested several drugs, but none have been able to slow or stop the disease. Doctors can prescribe pain medicine for the symptoms. Muscle relaxers or anti-seizure drugs can help with stiffness. People with CJD need full-time care once the disease is in its late stage.
context: The entire breast is removed, and some lymph nodes may be taken from the armpit area. Simple mastectomy is most frequently used for further cancer prevention or when the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
context: Constipation often affects those with Parkinson's disease. It occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements (also known as "stools") ranges widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others only one to two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement causes the stool to harden and become more difficult to pass. In some people with Parkinson's disease, constipation may occur due to the improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity. If this system is not working properly, the intestinal tract may operate slowly, causing constipation. Also, medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (such as Artane and Cogentin) can cause constipation. Other causes of constipation include: Not drinking enough water A diet low in fiber Lack of exercise Travel or another change in routine Eating large amounts of dairy products Stress Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum Other medicines (especially strong pain medicines such as opioids, antidepressants, and iron pills) Medical problems such as irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS), diabetes, and colorectal cancer (rarely) Pregnancy Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grain bread and cereal. Most of the fiber in fruits is found in the skins. Fruits with edible seeds, such as strawberries, have the most fiber. Eat bran cereal or add bran cereal to other foods, such as soup. Drink 1 ½ to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. ( Note: Milk can cause constipation in some people.) Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal. Exercise regularly. Move your bowels when you feel the urge. Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Try warm liquids, especially in the morning. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Eat prunes and/or bran cereal. If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative (such as Pericolace or Milk of Magnesia). Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor since laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms. Call your doctor if: Constipation is a new problem for you You have blood in your stool You are losing weight even though you are not trying to lose weight You have severe pain with bowel movements Your constipation has lasted more than 3 weeks
context: If you have a urinary tract infection ( UTI), you may have: Pain or burning when you pee Pain in your lower belly, over the bladder (above your pubic bone) An urge to pee right away and often Only being able to pee out small amounts of urine at a time Low back pain Your urine may be: Cloudy Bloody Bad smelling Men can get UTIs, too. They may have: Pain behind the scrotum Painful ejaculation or, rarely, bloody semen If you have symptoms such as a fever, chills, or nausea, it might be a more serious infection, such as a kidney infection, so call your doctor right away. A UTI during pregnancy is concerning. If you have symptoms, see your doctor ASAP. During your prenatal checkups, you'll regularly get a urine test to check for a UTI. You have any pain, burning, or other problems when you pee. You notice blood in your urine. You start to pee often and in small amounts. You have to urinate very urgently. You have back pain or pain in the area over your bladder. You notice that your urine appears cloudy or dark, or that it smells bad. You get a fever or chills.
context: You've probably noticed that certain foods, temperatures, activities, emotions -- or something else entirely -- will trigger your rosacea to flare up. Here are some common rosacea triggers. Foods and drinks that cause rosacea: Alcohol Spicy foods Hot drinks Hot foods (in temperature) Activities that cause rosacea: Exercise or heavy exertion Hot baths or saunas Weather conditions that cause rosacea: Hot weather Cold weather Humid weather Wind Sunlight Emotions that cause rosacea: Stress or anxiety Sudden change in emotion, like feeling embarrassed or bursting out laughing Medical conditions that cause rosacea: Menopause Chronic cough Caffeine withdrawal syndrome Other rosacea triggers: Skin products Medications, such as topical steroids, some blood pressure drugs, and some opiate painkillers Keep in mind that not all of these things will trigger your rosacea. Everybody is different. The important thing is to learn what causes your own rosacea symptoms. You can use a diary to keep track. Doctors still aren't sure what causes rosacea, but in a lot of people, things that make your face flush also make rosacea worse. When you flush, blood rushes to your face, making it red and warmer. So avoiding activities, products, or emotions that cause flushing can reduce your rosacea symptoms. Once you've figured out what your rosacea triggers are, find ways to avoid them. Food and drinks. Don't eat foods that cause rosacea symptoms. You could also try some simple substitutions. For instance, in the morning, replace that steaming mug of coffee with iced coffee. Exercise. Unfortunately, working out can worsen your rosacea. But you still need to be physically active. So change your routine. Instead of one long workout, try splitting it into several shorter segments. Try longer, low-intensity workouts instead of more demanding ones. And stay cool. Don't exercise outside when it's too hot. If you're inside, use a fan or air conditioner. During your workout, drink plenty of water. Afterward, cover your face with a cool cloth. Weather. You should always wear a hat and use sunscreen to protect your skin while outside. Also, do the obvious: dress warmly on cold days and lightly on hot ones. Emotional stress. Learn ways to calm yourself before stress results in a rosacea flare-up. You might try deep breathing exercises or yoga. Medication. If you think a medicine may be a trigger, talk to your doctor. See if you could take a different drug.
context: Depending on which of the two forms of type 0 breast cancer you have, you may not need treatment. If you do, it's usually very successful. Ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS) is when abnormal cells appear in the breast ducts. The words in situ mean âin the original place.â It's possible for the cells to turn into invasive cancer, meaning they spread into healthy tissue. That's why you should get treatment right away. Lobular carcinoma in situ ( LCIS) is when abnormal cells appear in the lobes of the breast, but nowhere else. You may not feel a tumor, and there may not be any changes in your mammogram. It's often found during a breast biopsy for something else. Women with LCIS need to see a doctor often for checkups and to discuss if any treatment is needed. LCIS increases the risk of developing a cancer in either breast that can spread. Typical DCIS treatments are: Surgery. For smaller DCIS tumors, you might get a lumpectomy, in which the abnormal cells and some breast tissue are removed. Some women decide to have a mastectomy, in which the breast is removed. After a mastectomy, you might choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. Radiation therapy usually follows a lumpectomy. The radiation attacks any abnormal cells that might have been missed and lowers the risk of getting another breast cancer. Hormone therapy after surgery may also help prevent more cancer from developing in either breast. Treatments for LCIS are: Hormone therapy to lower the risk of developing invasive cancer. Double mastectomy. Surgery is sometimes performed to remove tissue in the area of the LCIS. Some women at high risk for breast cancer choose to have a double mastectomy, the removal of both breasts, because they're worried about getting an invasive cancer. They might have a strong family history of breast cancer, or they might have genetic mutations called BRCA1 or BRCA2. After surgery, some women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. Talk with your doctor about what's right for you.
context: Dehydration happens when your body loses or uses more fluids than it takes in. When it happens, your body isn't able to do all the things it's supposed to. It's especially dangerous in older people and young children. The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you're in a hot climate or you're playing or working in the sun. Be aware of how much fluid you're losing through sweat and when you pee. Drink enough to keep up with what you're getting rid of. You can also lose necessary fluids more quickly than normal when you have a high fever, diarrhea or are throwing up. As your body loses fluids, it also loses electrolytes. These are minerals in your blood and body fluids that affect how your muscles and nerves work. When you lose electrolytes, you need to replace them. There are many over-the-counter products for doing this. Most people get these through their regular meals by eating meats, vegetables and fruits. But there are also sports drinks, gels, candies and gummies you can take. There's even a tablet that you can dissolve in water and drink. If you're planning outdoor activities, try to schedule them for the cooler parts of the day. Make sure that you're dressed in light, cool clothing when the weather is warm. Children lose fluids and electrolytes just like adults do, so make sure your child has access to plenty of water and other fluids, especially if she's very physically active or if it's a warm day. And make sure your child eats plenty of fruits and veggies -- they contain lots of water. If your infant or young child is dehydrated, you can try the âbabyâ version of a sports drink, like Pedialyte or Equalyte. If an over-the-counter solution isn't available, give her small sips of water. Don't try to make up your own homemade version. Be sure to check with you pediatrician if your child doesn't get better quickly. Dehydration is especially dangerous for older adults because their bodies store less water. Some points to remember: Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Make sure you're drinking fluids all day whether you're thirsty or not. Make sure water is within easy reach day and night. Have between 6 and 8 cups of fluids a day. If temperatures are high or you have a fever, drink more. Don't skip meals. You typically get much of your fluids from regular meals. Drink fruit juices, sports drinks, milk, and broth, but avoid high-protein drinks and alcoholic beverages. They can dehydrate you. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. They contain large amounts of water, salt, and vitamins and can help prevent dehydration. Anyone who exercises, no matter what age or skill level, needs to make sure they get enough fluids: Drink a cup of water about 4 hours before you exercise. Have another half-cup of water every 10 to 15 minutes while you're exercising. Drink water after you're done. If your body is producing plenty of light-colored urine, that's a good sign. Following these general rules for exercise will not only help you stay hydrated, it'll also keep your heart rate and body temperature from getting too high, and your performance will improve.
context: When you have diabetes, sick days often mean more than a runny nose and sneezing. An illness like a cold, the flu, or any condition that makes you throw up or gives you diarrhea can also boost your blood sugar. So can an infection. That means you have to stay on top of your blood sugar levels. Here are some guidelines: Check your blood sugar every 4 hours. Test for ketones if you have type 1 diabetes and your sugar level is above 240mg/d L -- or if your doctor tells you to. Ketones are a form of waste that people with type 1 make when they're under stress (like an illness). Call the doctor if you find ketones in your urine. Depending on how sick you are, he may suggest you go to the emergency room. Check your temperature regularly. Drink liquids if you can't keep solid food down. Have one cup of liquid every hour while you're awake to prevent dehydration. If you can't hold down liquids, you may need to go to the emergency room or hospital. Don't stop taking insulin, even if you can't eat solid food. You may need to eat or drink something with sugar so that your blood sugar doesn't drop too low. You may need to stop taking medicines by mouth for type 2 diabetes while you're sick. Check with your doctor if you're not sure what to do. If you need an over-the-counter drug to control symptoms like cough and nasal congestion, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of sugar-free products. Eat or drink 30 to 50 grams of carbohydrates every 3 to 4 hours. That will keep your body nourished, stop if from making ketones, and prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. If you're having trouble eating, try bland foods like the ones listed below. Each equals one carbohydrate choice. 1/2 cup regular gelatin 1/2 cup regular soft drink, like 7-up or Sprite 1/2 Popsicle 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/3 cup apple juice 1/2 cup sports drink, like Gatorade For additional liquids to stay hydrated, choose calorie-free liquids like water, diet soda, or clear broth or bouillon. Contact the doctor's office if: Your blood sugar stays higher than 180 mg/d L or lower than 70 mg/d L. You can't keep liquids or solids down. You have a temperature over 101 F. You have diarrhea or are vomiting.
context: For many men, career, financial, and family pressures can make the 40s and 50s a very stressful time. And stress is a known risk factor for heart disease. Keep in mind, too, that heart disease hits men at a younger age than it does women. In addition, heart disease is the No.1 killer of men age 45 to 54. Now's the time to find ways to get that stress off your back, whether it's regular exercise, yoga, meditation, or stress management classes. Your wife or girlfriend has probably been to the doctor at least once a year since she was in her 20s, even if just for a Pap smear. It's easy for guys to get out of the habit of routine care. But as you reach midlife, this is one habit you should start, not stop. Many men tend to gain weight around the middle as they hit midlife. Watch it closely. Studies have found that spare tires trump even general obesity as a predictor of heart disease and diabetes. All men 20 and older should get their cholesterol checked every five years. Talk to your doctor about diabetes screening starting at age 40 -- or younger, if you're overweight and physically inactive, or have a family member with diabetes. And don't forget about high blood pressure. Ask your doctor how often you should be screened for it to protect yourself against stroke and heart disease. A colonoscopy is recommended at age 50 (earlier if you're at high risk).
context: If you think that a friend or loved one might be suicidal, you need to take action. Always take suicidal threats seriously. Signs that a person is at risk of committing suicide include: Extreme hopelessness Withdrawal from friends and family Talking a lot about death or suicide Trying to get access to pills, firearms, or other possible means of suicide Reckless behavior Giving away belongings or saying goodbye If you think your friend is at risk, here's what you can do. Ask your friend if he or she is thinking about suicide. Be direct. Contrary to what you might assume, you can't make someone suicidal by asking about it. Try to stay supportive and not judgmental. Ask your friend if he or she has a specific plan in mind. When people have settled on a specific means of committing suicide, they're at higher risk. If you think your friend is in danger, stay with him or her if you can. Don'tleave a suicidal person alone. Call 911, take the person to an emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline like 1-800- SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273- TALK (1-800-273-8255). Get support from other friends and family members, even if your friend asks you not to. It's too serious to keep secret -- and you can't keep your friend safe all on your own. If your friend has been seeing a mental health professional (therapist, counselor, psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist), call them and make them aware of the situation.
context: When you feel sluggish from your rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), it's time to get savvy about fatigue-busting techniques. The right approach can vary, depending on your situation. Sometimes, you just need to take a break, but in other instances, it helps to move more, not less. When you're exhausted, it's natural not to be in the mood for exercise. But if you work out anyway, you might feel more energetic. Studies show that aerobic activity -- the kind that makes your heart beat faster -- cuts fatigue in people who have an immune system disorder like RA. Exercise also strengthens the muscles around your joints, keeps your bones strong, and boosts your mood. Start with a few minutes of brisk walking. Gradually work up to 30 minutes at least 5 times a week. Swimming or pool exercises are also good options, because the water is easy on your joints. Don't stay in bed. It might make you feel more tired. Instead, take regular rest breaks during day. Find times that fit in with your life. Do you get more done in the morning? Then schedule some rest at noon. Do you need to regain energy before the kids get home from school? Then take a nap shortly before they get home. Two or three short periods of downtime may give you the boost you need. Little changes can make a big difference. Eat small, healthy meals throughout the day, so you don't feel sluggish. Go for foods and snacks that include lean protein, whole grains, veggies, or fruit. Try an apple with peanut butter, or some tuna on whole-grain bread. Is your idea of breakfast a cup of coffee? Add a hard-boiled egg, a cup of yogurt, or a banana to your morning. If you've tried everything and still feel wiped out, let your doctor know. He can see what the problem is. It could be that you have anemia, which happens when you don't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Anemia can start up because of long-term inflammation from RA or as a side effect of your medicines. Your doctor can check to see if you have it and get you started on treatment. Some other things may be causing your fatigue, such as: Pain Depression Medication side effects Inflammation Weakness when you lose too much muscle Other medical issues, like an infection
context: Has a very high, weak pulse rate and rapid shallow breathing, especially when combined with high or low blood pressure Is unconscious, disoriented, or has a high body temperature Has warm, dry skin, elevated or lowered blood pressure, and is hyperventilating Get the person out of the heat and into a cool environment. If air-conditioning is not available, fan the person. Spray the person with a garden hose, get him or her into a cool shower or bath, apply cool compresses, or give the person a cool sponge bath. Give cool, nonalcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages as long as the person is alert. Have the person avoid physical activity for the rest of the day. Give over-the-counter acetaminophen ( Tylenol) if the person has a mild headache. Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. See a doctor that day if: Symptoms get worse or last more than an hour The person is nauseated or vomiting
context: There are lots of alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome â also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis ( ME/ CFS) or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease ( SEID). These range from acupuncture to nutritional supplements, and people get different degrees of relief from them. There's much less research about the risks and benefits from alternative treatments. That doesn't necessarily mean that these approaches don't work. It just means that there isn't a lot of evidence one way or the other. But they help some people and are generally safe to try. Just like with any other type of treatment, it's best to talk with your doctor first, so he knows all the strategies you're trying. He can help you research what could work and watch out for any side effects. Your doctor or health care provider might recommend that you try acupuncture, gentle massage, deep breathing, relaxation therapy, yoga or tai chi. The goal is to boost your energy, curb pain, or ease some of your other symptoms. Some studies show that acupuncture could reduce both mental and physical fatigue and depression in people who have ME/ CFS. Researchers have done some experiments where researchers compare one treatment to another or to no treatment at all. They found that certain types of massage, including tui na (a type of Chinese massage) might help with some symptoms like depression, fatigue, pain, and insomnia. " Mindfulness-based" stress reduction, which combines deep breathing and meditation, could help reduce anxiety and other symptoms and improve quality of life in general, according to a few studies. Several studies have found that a particular kind of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT) might reduce your symptoms. It can also help with the depression, stress, and anxiety that often go along with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, the largest studyâone that appeared to show a benefitâhas recently come under serious criticism. So the jury is still out: CBT may help some people with chronic fatigue syndrome, but that has been proven. Some research has shown that graded exercise therapy can help reduce symptoms of ME/ CFE and improve stamina. This is a form of physical therapy that starts out with very little exercise and slowly adds more over time. The goal is to stop before you get tired, then go a little longer each time. Again, however, the largest study finding a benefit from graded exercise therapy has come under serious criticism. And some people with chronic fatigue syndrome feel much worse following exercise (the âpost-exertional malaiseâ that is a part of the illness. So the role of exercise in this illness is uncertain. If you want to try a supplement, always talk about it with your doctor first. He can check to see if it has side effects. Some studies have found that supplements of NADH, magnesium or of omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil) may benefit patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
context: Once you learn you have multiple sclerosis ( MS), it may take you some time to adjust to your symptoms and to know what to expect from your disease. The same goes for your children. They might be even less sure of what to expect than you are. They might also feel scared, sad, angry, or helpless about your diagnosis. The most important thing to do is to talk to your children about how MS affects you and see what they're thinking. Open communication can help you ease their fears, answer their questions, and let them know how you feel. Before you sit down with your child, think about her age, maturity level, and how much you think she can understand about your disease. If you have more than one child, it may be helpful to talk to them individually so you can make the discussion right for each of them. Don't be surprised if your kids already know that something is up before you talk about it with them. Children of all ages are good at knowing when things are different. But you may want to ask them how they would like to learn more about MS. They can start by reading a book alone or with you, watching a video, or going with you to a doctor's visit. Sometimes normal emotions like fear, sadness, or guilt may lead to changes in a child's behavior. Here are some signs to watch for in your child: More focus on her own body and wellness Not wanting to spend time with close friends Higher anxiety and stress Trying to act older or younger than she is Behaving badly in public Lying to friends about your illness Temper tantrums Waiting until you're tired at the end of day to ask for things (such as help with homework) Doing poorly in school Nightmares, bed-wetting, and trouble falling asleep. You may want to get professional help for your child if she: Is depressed Has severe behavior problems or ones that don't go away Can't sleep or has nightmares for over a month Isn't hungry or eats too much Loses interest in schoolwork or hobbies Has mood swings or changes in her personality Find someone else your child can talk to about MS. You don't have to be the only person she can lean on. A trusting relationship with a friend or family member can be helpful. Share how you are feeling, both physically and emotionally. Don't be afraid to start the conversation. Children appreciate it when you open the door. Have open and honest discussions. Kids aren't always ready to talk. Let her know that you'll be ready whenever she is. Remind her that there's nothing wrong with how she's feeling. Include your child in family decisions. Whether you're divvying up the household chores or going to the hospital for treatment, it's important to involve your child in some decisions. It will give her a sense of control and belonging. Seek professional help if you need it. There are many counselors and support groups that can help your family adjust to the changes you're facing.
context: No one wants type 2 diabetes. It's a condition that affects your whole body and gets progressively worse, possibly leading to loss of vision and feeling (especially in your feet and fingertips), as well as kidney disease and heart disease. Having high triglycerides -- a type of fat in the blood -- may be a sign you may have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Luckily, with some effort, you can lower your triglycerides -- which can help you lower your chance of developing diabetes. High triglycerides don't cause diabetes. Instead, their levels indicate that your system for turning food into energy isn't working properly. Normally, your body makes insulin, which âescortsâ glucose -- the type of sugar in your blood --inside your cells. There, your body turns glucose into energy. Insulin also allows your body to use triglycerides for energy. A common cause of high triglycerides is excess carbohydrates in your diet. High TG's signals insulin resistance; that's when you have excess insulin and blood sugar isn't responding in normal ways to insulin. This results in higher than normal blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, you're one step closer to type 2 diabetes. If you also are overweight, eat a lot of sugary and starchy foods, or don't exercise, your insulin resistance can be worse. You can reverse your tracks by following the exercise and meal plan your doctor recommends to lower your triglycerides and by taking prescribed medicine. Your doctor can check your blood sugar (also called glucose) levels, by taking a sample of your blood after you've fasted, which means you haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. The doctor may also test the level of glucose in your blood with a special blood test called A1c. The result shows the average level of sugar over the previous 3 months. If your glucose levels are high, but not enough to equal diabetes, you could have prediabetes. If you do, you've taken another giant step closer to type 2 diabetes. When you have prediabetes (or diabetes), you are also likely to have high triglycerides. But, it's not too late to reverse your tracks and reduce your blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol. When you follow your doctor's guidance about eating, exercising, and taking prescribed medicines, your blood sugars will return to a healthy level. If you don't choose this path and don't treat your prediabetes, it can turn into diabetes. If your blood sugar levels climb to a high enough level, you have diabetes. If you don't treat it, then over time, high blood sugar levels injure nerves and harm blood vessels, which impairs circulation. The damage can affect your vision, your kidneys, and even your brain cells. Beyond this cascade of problems, diabetes dramatically increases your risk of heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan to bring your triglyceride levels and your blood sugar levels down. Your plan is likely to include both medication and lifestyle changes. It's worth it because your efforts can help reduce complications from diabetes, which can include blindness, bladder problems, and sexual issues.