VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: If you're allergic to mold, you've probably already noticed: It can be tough to avoid the stuff. It doesn't just hide in dark, damp basements. It can also grow on your bathroom tiles or around your windows. You can find it outside too, on leaves and rotting wood, and inside in damp basements. And you can bring it into your home on your shoes, where it settles in on the carpet. When you come in contact with mold, you may get symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. And if you don't get it treated, it can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. How It Causes Allergies Mold is a fungus with a big job in the natural world: It breaks down dead plant matter. It spreads through tiny spores that can cause an allergic reaction, but only a few types bring on allergies. How to Tell if You're Allergic The only way you can know for sure is to see an allergist. He'll ask about your symptoms and what seems to trigger them. If he thinks you have a mold allergy, he'll probably do tests to confirm it. When Mold Allergies Occur Although they happen any time of year, allergies to outdoor mold can be worse in summer and fall. They can be especially bad when wet leaves sit around in piles. How to Prevent Symptoms To avoid problems from mold that's outside: Stay inside when mold counts are high. Keep wet leaves away from your home. Clean gutters. Get rid of standing water in your yard. To keep mold allergies away when you're inside your home: Take off your shoes at the door. Clean your bathroom often with bleach and get rid of soap scum, which can harbor mold. When you shower, open a window or run an exhaust fan. Fix any leaks right away. Dry wet areas within 48 hours to prevent the fungus from growing. Run a dehumidifier in damp basements or other rooms. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. To Treat Symptoms Try over-the-counter antihistamines, eye drops, or nasal sprays. Talk to your doctor about prescription drugs. Ask your allergist if you should get allergy shots.
context: These medications work on your immune system to curb inflammation. There are different types. They target the causes of joint inflammation and damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Each biologic focuses on one of these things: T cells. These are a type of white blood cell and part of your immune system. The drug abatacept ( Orencia) affects them. TNF (tumor necrosis factor). Your doctor may call these âanti- TNFâ drugs. TNF is a chemical your body makes that causes inflammation. Drugs that help suppress it include adalimumab ( Humira), adalimumab-atto ( Amjevita), a biosimilar to Humira, certolizumab ( Cimzia), etanercept ( Enbrel), golimumab ( Simponi), and infliximab ( Remicade), or infliximab-abda ( Renflexis), infliximab-dyyb ( Inflectra), both biosimilars to Remicade. Most people take this type of biologic drug first. IL-1 or IL-6. These are inflammatory chemicals your body makes. Anakinra ( Kineret) blocks IL-1. Sarilumab ( Kevzara) and tocilizumab ( Actemra) blocks IL-6. B cells. These are a type of white blood cell. Rituximab ( Rituxan) targets them. The goal is to control inflammation to ease joint pain and other symptoms, and to slow down or stop joint damage. Doctors often prescribe biologics if another group of drugs, called DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), don't control RA well enough. You can take biologics with other types of RA drugs. Usually, people who take one also take a DMARD. But you can take a biologic by itself. All biologics have been shown to slow or even stop joint damage from getting worse. Though it may take some time to find the one that works best for you, most people eventually have some improvement in their RA symptoms. Studies show that these improvements usually last, and that they can help you move better and handle your daily activities. Because biologic drugs suppress the immune system, you're more likely to get an infection when you take them. Most cases are mild, like a cold or sinus infection. It's rare, but there have been life-threatening infections, including tuberculosis. Your doctor will closely watch for serious infections when you take a biologic. She can tell you about the benefits and risks of all your medicines.
context: var s_context; s_context= s_context || {}; s_context['wb.modimp'] = 'vidfloat'; if(webmd.useragent && webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop'){ webmd.ads2.disable Initial Load(); webmd.ads2.disable Ads Init = true; $(function() { webmd.p.pim.increment(); $('.responsive-video-container').insert After('.module-social-share-container'); require(['video2/1/responsive-player/video-loader'], function(video Loader) { video Loader.init({ autoplay: webmd.useragent.ua.type === 'desktop' && ! !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Think about how old you were when you got your first period. Now think about how old you may be when you enter menopause. Your body and life will change a lot from one to the other, right? So does your menstrual cycle. When it comes to periods, "normal" covers a lot of ground. Use the broad range of factors below as a guide. And remember: The only true normal is what's normal for you. Every month, your body prepares to get pregnant. Your ovaries release an egg. Hormones rise and fall. This is your menstrual cycle. It starts on the first day of your last period and ends on the first day of your next period. Though the average cycle is 28 days long, anything between 21 and 45 days is considered normal. That's a 24-day difference. For the first year or two after menstruation begins, women tend to have longer cycles that don't start at the same time every month. Older women often have shorter, more consistent cycles. If you're on birth control pills or have an IUD, it can change the timing of your period. Ask your doctor what's normal for your form of contraception. How long your period lasts also varies. The time from the first sign of blood to the last is usually in the 3 to 5 day range. Anything from 2 days to a week-long period is normal. If the egg your ovary releases every month isn't fertilized, the lining of your uterus sheds through your vagina. This is your period. The amount of blood that comes out of your body is called your menstrual flow. Whether your flow is light, moderate, or heavy, it's all considered normal. Some months your breasts may feel tender when you have your period. Other months you may notice bloating around your abdomen or mood swings. Other normal menstruation symptoms include: Acne Cramping in the lower abdomen and back More hunger Sleep issues
context: On most days, you probably don't give too much thought to your tonsils. They hang out in the back of your throat, do their thing, and don't draw much attention to themselves. Or that's how it's supposed to work. Your tonsils are part of your body's immune system. They're oval-shaped, pink lumps that sit at the back of your throat, one on either side. They don't look like much, but they're actually your first line of defense against viruses and bacteria that get in through your nose and mouth. The trouble with being so close to the front lines is that your tonsils can get infected, too. That's called tonsillitis. It's more common in children, but adults can get it as well. Surgery to take out your tonsils used to be much more common. But now, doctors are more likely to wait and see, using surgery only in certain cases. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus, though bacteria can cause it as well. If you or your child has tonsillitis because of a virus, it's a lot like having a cold. The best you can do is try to give yourself relief from symptoms, as you would do with a sore throat or fever. Plenty of rest is a good place to start. If bacteria are causing it, your doctor may give you antibiotics to kill them and clear up the infection. Typically, you'd get your tonsils taken out only if tonsillitis: Keeps coming back Causes other problems, such as sleep apnea, a common disorder in which you briefly stop breathing many times a night If the area around your tonsils gets infected and forms a pocket of pus, it's called an abscess. These, along with tumors, are another reason to have surgery, though neither is very common. Tonsillitis that keeps coming back: If you or your child seem to get it a lot, your doctor might talk about surgery. The number of infections that signal it's time to have your tonsils removed is different for everybody. But your doctor may suggest it if you have tonsillitis at least: 7 times in 1 year 5 times a year for 2 years in a row 3 times a year for 3 years in a row Your doctor might also suggest surgery if it's caused by bacteria and antibiotics haven't worked. Your doctor may ask you to think about how much the infections affect your, or your child's, life. For example, some parents choose to have the tonsils taken out because their child has missed so much school. Or an adult may want to consider the surgery because repeated infections are affecting their sleep. Tonsillitis that causes other problems: Your doctor may also talk to you about surgery if the infections lead to sleep apnea. In the short term, sleep apnea makes you tired during the day. For kids, it can even make them hyperactive. If it's not treated, it can be serious. It may lead to obesity, heart problems, and other issues. Surgery to remove your tonsils can help. Frequent tonsillitis makes it hard for some people to breathe or swallow. If these problems don't improve over time, they're another reason your doctor may bring up surgery.
context: Circadian rhythm disorder refers to a group of disorders characterized by sleep that is out of synch with one's natural rhythm or what is considered a healthy sleep cycle. Jet lag causes temporary disruptions to a person's circadian rhythm, while other types - routinely falling asleep at 4 a.m. and waking up too early, a phenomenon seen in many adolescents -- cause disrupted sleeping and waking patterns that can lead to chronic insomnia. If you suffer from a sleep problem associated with a disruption to your biological clock, there are a number of treatment options to consider, including behavioral modifications and medications. Behavioral treatments include: Chronotherapy. This behavioral treatment consists of gradually shifting the sleep time in accordance with your desired schedule. For example, if you have trouble getting to sleep at your desired bedtime, you would delay your bedtime by a few hours each night until you reach your desired bedtime hour. The reverse would be true if you are falling asleep earlier than your desired bedtime; you would then advance your bedtime by a few hours each night until the desired bedtime is achieved. Once your desired bedtime has been established, you must adhere to this schedule on a regular basis. Bright light therapy. People who have a circadian rhythm disorder respond well to light therapy, especially bright light therapy. A sleep specialist will advise you on the appropriate timing, strength and duration of the light therapy, as it will vary based on your individual needs. Enhancing environmental cues. Keep a dark and quiet room during sleep and a well-lit room upon awakening. Avoid bright light exposure in the evening and enforce regular hours for eating and other activities. As always, maintaining good "sleep hygiene," or sleep-promoting behavior, is important to treating any sleep problem, including circadian rhythm disorders. Here are some tips: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid napping. Use the bed only for sleeping and being intimate. Try to avoid stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation. Avoid vigorous exercise at least four hours prior to bedtime (but do exercise earlier in the day). Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine. Avoid large meals and excessive fluids before bedtime. Control your sleeping environment, keeping it dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. A controlled sleeping environment is especially important for shift workers and night workers.
context: The goal of breast cancer surgery is to remove the tumor itself and a portion of surrounding tissue, while conserving as much of the breast as possible. Various breast cancer surgery techniques differ in the amount of breast tissue that is removed with the tumor, and that depends on the tumor location, extent of spread, and the individual's personal feelings. The surgeon also removes some lymph nodes under the arm as part of the operation so they can be tested for the presence of cancer cells. This will help your doctor plan your treatment after surgery. The breast cancer surgeon should discuss the surgery options before the procedure. A specific surgical procedure may be recommended based on the size, location, or your genetic risk factors. Some of the procedures you may discuss with your doctor include: Breast conserving surgery (also known as lumpectomy, partial or segmental mastectomy, or quadrantectomy) - removes a portion of the breast Mastectomy - Removes the whole breast. Types include: Total mastectomy Skin-sparing mastectomy Modified radical mastectomy Radical mastectomy (rarely performed) You should thoroughly discuss these surgical options with your doctor to achieve the best outcome. Whichever type of surgery is your best option, you will be able to return home after a short stay in the hospital. The length of stay in the hospital varies depending on the type of breast cancer surgery performed. Generally, lumpectomies are done on an outpatient basis, with the patient recovering in a short-stay observation unit after the procedure. Mastectomies or lymph node removal surgery usually require a one- to two-night stay in the hospital. Learn about chemotherapy for breast cancer. Learn about radiation therapy for breast cancer. Learn about hormone therapy for breast cancer. Find out about breast reconstruction after surgery. View the full table of contents for the Breast Cancer Guide.
context: Acai berries are touted as a superfood with anti-aging and weight loss properties. But do they live up to the hype? 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(); }); } The acai berry is an inch-long, reddish-purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree, which is native to Central and South America. Some studies show that acai fruit pulp is even richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or blueberries. People eat acai berries to address various health conditions. But so far, acai berries have no known health benefit that's different from similar fruits. Some weight loss products tout acai, but few studies have tested whether acai promotes weight loss. There's no doubt that berries and other fruits are a key part of any healthy diet. The jury's still out on whether there is something special about acai's ability to help shed excess pounds. Some cosmetics and beauty products include acai oil because of its antioxidants. Acai oil may be a safe alternative to other tropical oils used in beauty products, such as facial and body creams, anti-aging skin therapies, shampoos, and conditioners. When acai oil is processed and stored long-term, the antioxidant levels remain high. If you have pollen allergies or are sensitive to acai or similar berries, you may want to avoid this fruit. When eaten in moderate amounts, though, acai is likely safe.
context: Use an over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice shampoo. Follow instructions on the label. The shampoo will kill the lice, but eggs - nits - may remain on hair shafts. After treatment, remove nits with fingernails, tweezers, or a fine-toothed comb. A mirror, magnifying glass, and a bright light may help. Check other family members for crabs. Anyone who sleeps in the same bed as the person should be treated, even if no pubic lice are found. Wash clothes, bedding, or towels used by the person in the two days before treatment. Use hot water. Dry-clean or store Items that can't be washed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks. Treatment may need to be repeated 9 to 10 days later. Avoid sexual contact until the person and sexual partners have been treated and re-evaluated. To be checked for other sexually transmitted diseases If a second round of over-the-counter treatment isn't effective If the person develops an infection from scratching the affected area If fingers or combs aren't enough to remove lice or nits in eyebrows and eyelashes. A health care provider can prescribe ophthalmic grade petroleum jelly.
context: Migraines can be scary for kids and stress-inducing for their parents. After all, when a child you love hurts, you hurt, too. You can help your youngster feel better. You may even be able to prevent a migraine from happening. They can have pain on the front or both sides of their head. It usually feels like it's throbbing. The pain can last less than an hour or as long as a day or so. In severe cases, it can last about a week. Sometimes, kids with a migraine feel dizzy or sick to their stomach. Their vision might be blurry. Sounds, smells, or bright lights may bother them. Young children with migraine might not have pain. Instead, they may have stomach problems and dizziness that keep coming back. Kids with migraine can have auras before the pain hits. This is kind of a warning that a migraine is about to start. They might see: Flashing or bright lights Moving lines Blurriness Sometimes their arms, legs, or face might tingle. Young people who have migraine often get motion sickness, too. It can help your doctor figure out what's happening if you keep a headache diary of your child's migraines. Keep track of: When your child has migraines, including what time of day How long they last Where the pain is How bad the pain is Other symptoms Triggers or warning signs that you or your child noticed before the migraine hit Anything that made the migraines better or worse Your child's doctor can use the diary to learn more about the migraines and their triggers. This may help him find the best treatment. You'll probably get questions about symptoms and any other health problems your kid has. Your child's doctor will probably also ask if anyone else in your family has migraines. For some kids, sleep is enough to make a migraine go away. Let your child rest in a dark, quiet room. Putting a cool compress on their forehead or across their eyes may help. Your doctor may suggest medicine. It might include: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen Special migraine drugs called triptans Medicines to help with vomiting and nausea Drugs to prevent migraines, if they happen a lot You may also want to talk to the doctor about teaching your child relaxation techniques. If he can learn how to breathe deeply or relax his muscles, it may help ease his pain. Luckily, a lot of kids outgrow migraines. Until then, help your child stay away from things that might cause them. They could include: Skipping meals Certain foods, like lunchmeat, aged cheese, MSG, chocolate, and yogurt Not enough sleep Stress Overscheduling Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and exercise with a well-rounded diet to help keep migraines at bay. You never know when your child might have a migraine. That's why it's a good idea to have a plan if they're not at home. Talk to teachers, coaches, or other caregivers. Have medicine at school. Wherever your child goes, try to find a dark, quiet place for him if the pain hits.
context: You can't wake up the child. The child has slurred speech, confusion, weakness in limbs, or trouble walking. The headache is the worst the child's ever had. If migraine headaches have already been diagnosed by your child's pediatrician, treat as follows. Any other headaches need to be evaluated by the doctor. Give acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) for pain. Apply cool compress to forehead. Have the child take deep, calming breaths. Have the child lie down in a cool, dark room. See a doctor if the headache comes back, gets worse, or lasts more than 12 hours. See a doctor immediately for severe headache with fever, vomiting, or stiff neck. If your child's head was injured prior to the headache, see a doctor. If you feel that your child is not looking well or are concerned, see your child's doctor. If you seek medical help: The doctor will do an exam and may recommend medications, stress reduction techniques, or lifestyle changes to help prevent future migraines. For severe headache with stiff neck and other symptoms, the doctor will examine the child for meningitis or other serious illnesses.
context: That early morning jump in your blood sugar? It's called the dawn phenomenon or the dawn effect. It usually happens between 2 and 8 a.m. But why? Generally, the normal hormonal changes your body makes in the morning will boost your blood sugar, whether you have diabetes or not. If you don't, your body just makes more insulin to balance everything out. You don't even notice that it's happening. But if you have diabetes, it's different. Since your body doesn't respond to insulin the same as most, your fasting blood sugar reading can go up, even if you follow a strict diet. The boost in sugar is your body's way of making sure you have enough energy to get up and start the day. If you have diabetes, your body may not have enough insulin to counteract these hormones. That disrupts the delicate balance that you work so hard to keep, and your sugar readings can be too high by morning. The effects of the dawn phenomenon can vary from person to person, even from day to day. Some researchers believe the natural overnight release of what are called counter-regulatory hormones -- like growth hormones, cortisol, glucagon and epinephrine -- makes your insulin resistance stronger. This will make your blood sugar go up. You may also have high blood sugar in the morning because: You didn't have enough insulin the night before. You took too much or too little medicine. You ate the wrong snack before bedtime. If the dawn phenomenon affects you, try to: Eat dinner earlier in the evening. Do something active after dinner, like going for a walk. Check with your health care provider about the medicine you're taking. Eat breakfast. It helps bring your blood sugar back to normal, which tells your body that it's time to rein in the anti-insulin hormones. Eat a snack with some carbohydrates and protein before bed. You'll also want to avoid all sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, fruit punch, fruit drinks, and sweet tea. Just a single serving can raise your blood sugar -- and, in some cases, give you hundreds of extra calories. If you have diabetes, chances are your blood sugar will be higher in the morning from time to time. That may not be something to be overly concerned about. If it happens for several mornings in a row, check it once during the night -- around 2 or 3 a.m. -- for a few nights. Then, take those numbers to your doctor. She can figure out if you really have the dawn phenomenon, or if something else is causing those higher morning numbers.
context: Knee bursitis pain, tenderness, and swelling can be hard to manage. How do you find the best treatment? It depends on what's causing your problems. Your knees each have a bursa sac that's filled with fluid. Sometimes they get inflamed or infected. Try these simple steps first: Rest: Take it easy for a few days. Don't do anything that seems to make your symptoms worse. You can still do low-impact or gentle exercises like a light walk or stationary bike ride. Ice: Put an ice pack on your knee about 3 to 4 times a day. You can also use a bag of frozen veggies like peas or corn. Leave it on for 20 minutes at a time. Medicate: Take a mild, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Elevate: Prop up the sore knee while you rest on the couch. This may ease the swelling. When you sleep, try not to lie on the side with the inflamed knee. This may ease pressure on the sore joint. You can also put a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. Your doctor might try: Aspiration: She uses a needle to drain the fluid out of your knee. She can do this in her office. You won't need to go to the hospital. It might hurt for a few days afterward. You'll also wear a knee wrap to keep swelling down. Steroid injection: The doctor can also give you a steroid shot in the swollen knee to ease inflammation. It's a stronger dose of the medicine than you could take as a pill. It should work quickly, but you your knee might be painful and swollen for a few days. Physical therapy: Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist. You'll learn stretches and exercises to make your knee muscles stronger and the joint more flexible. The therapist can also fit you with a knee brace or sleeve to give you more support and control swelling. If your doctor sees signs of infection, she'll prescribe antibiotics. If they don't do the trick, she can also use a needle to drain the fluid. When bursitis doesn't respond to treatment or flares up all the time, it could be time for surgery to remove the bursa. You and your doctor will decide if this is the right choice for you. It's usually the last resort. Follow these easy steps: Use kneepads or supports for any sports, work, or household tasks that strain your knees. Rest your knees from time to time. Stretch them so they stay limber. Don't overdo it. If one type of exercise leaves you hurting, try something else. Ice your sore joint after activity. Sit, don't squat. Use a stool when you weed the garden. You'll put less strain your knees. Stay at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put added pressure on your knees and could make your joint problems worse.
context: There's no cure for IBS, but along with a healthy diet, nutritional supplements may help ease your symptoms. But while most supplements aren't harmful, some may not be right for you if you have another health condition. You could also have side effects. Talk with your doctor before trying any of the ones below. It's the first line of defense against the symptoms of IBS, especially constipation. The best way to get it is naturally, like through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Over-the-counter supplements that dissolve in water (called soluble fiber) may help if you have a hard time getting it in your diet. Be sure to drink lots of water while you take them. Too much fiber can sometimes make cramping and gas worse. If your symptoms don't get better, talk to your doctor. She may recommend a dietitian who can give you a meal plan that can help you. Probiotics are âgoodâ bacteria that may ease the belly pain and gas you get with IBS. There aren't specific recommendations on how much you should take, which kinds, or how often. Studies have shown there is a potential for benefit, but more research is needed. You can take supplements as capsules or sprinkle them as a powder on food. You also can get probiotics naturally in foods like yogurt, aged cheeses, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh. Prebiotics: These sugars serve as food for âgoodâ bacteria and can help them grow. There's not a lot of research on these supplements and how they can help with IBS, but they're not harmful for most people. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of prebiotics, especially bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and artichokes, plus soybeans and whole wheat foods. Synbiotics: These are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics. Early studies show these might help people with IBS. But doctors need more research to learn if and how they should be recommended. This soluble fiber supplement may boost the number of good bacteria in your intestines. Research shows it may also ease constipation and diarrhea and help with belly pain. People in some studies said taking it gave them a better quality of life. This supplement traces its roots as far back as ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Though it's been used for tension headaches, it's most common use now is to help with IBS. It can ease pain caused by inflammation. There's no standard recommendation for how much to take or for how long, but some studies have shown that one or two capsules three times a day for 6 months can help with constipation, diarrhea, and other issues. You can take it in many forms, like capsules or a liquid. You can put it in drinks like tea. Many other supplements have a connection to IBS. For example, some people find that chamomile or blond psyllium helps with their symptoms. Certain combinations of Chinese herbs could ease IBS pain for others. But there's not enough research related to IBS on those, or on any of the following, for doctors to recommend them: Digestive enzymes Omega-3 (fish oil) Calcium Magnesium Ginger Turmeric Slippery elm Arrowroot Cinnamon bark Coriander Lemon balm
context: When you're out for a run, working out at the gym, or cutting the grass on a warm afternoon, you sweat. No big deal. But if you sweat when you walk across an air-conditioned office or lie down at night, it can be a real hassle. The medical term for sweating too much is hyperhidrosis, and it can cause social, emotional, and physical issues. But you can make a few changes to help control it. Don't get these mixed up with deodorants, which only mask odor and don't stop the sweat. Antiperspirants plug up your sweat ducts, telling your body to stop making sweat in those areas. We often think of them as something we put on under our arms before getting dressed in the morning. But that's short-changing this all-purpose sweat stopper. Antiperspirants aren't just for your underarms. You can use them on your hands and feet, too, as well as along your hairline to help with facial sweating. It can help to gently massage the antiperspirant into your skin. The spray kind works well for sweaty feet. And your antiperspirant isn't just for the morning, either. Studies show that it's best to put it on twice a day -- once in the morning and again just before bed. If you put it on only once, it's more helpful to do it before you go to bed. If over-the-counter antiperspirants don't work, your doctor can prescribe something stronger. It's a good idea to test any new antiperspirant on a small area first to see if it bothers your skin. You can do a few other things to keep your hyperhidrosis in check or mask the condition when it's at its worst: Watch what you eat: Stay away from things that are likely to trigger sweating, like hot sauce, spicy foods, or monosodium glutamate ( MSG). Be aware of what you wear: Undershirts can help absorb sweat, and underarm pads can help with that, too. Other pieces of clothing, like socks, that are breathable or that âwickâ away moisture can help keep you dry. And keep a handkerchief handy. Pack a bag: Sometimes you might need to change your socks or your shirt after a sweating bout. You also might want to put antiperspirant on again. It can be a good idea to keep an emergency kit with a change of clothes and toiletries nearby.
context: Fungal infections of the skin are common, especially among athletes and others -- kids or adults -- who work out regularly. Athlete's foot is just one example. Jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections of the skin, warts, molluscum contagiousm, and community acquired staph infections are others. If you exercise at a school gym or field, health club, private gym, or tennis club, you're bound to be exposed to sweaty clothes, germ-ridden exercise equipment, or both. It can add up to an increased risk of these annoying, but typically not serious, skin infections. To lower your risk of fungal infections, use these hygiene tips whenever you work out: Wash your hands. It sounds obvious, but do you wash every time? Before and after a workout, wash your hands properly. That means using soap, lathering up (either warm or cold water is OK), and rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds, according to CDC guidelines. Rinse well. Dry with a clean towel, or air dry. Sanitize if you can't wash. If you don't have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Pick one that has at least 60% alcohol. Apply sanitizer to the palm of one hand then rub your hands together. Rub it over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are totally dry. Germ-proof gym equipment. Before a workout, wipe down the equipment and mats with a disinfectant spray or wipe. Then do the next person a favor -- wipe down equipment after every workout. As an alternative, consider bringing your own exercise mat and equipment. Shower ASAP. After a workout, resist the urge to crash on the sofa or go out to eat in your sweaty clothes. Take a shower as soon as you are able after an exercise session. Bacteria love to breed in your sweaty clothes. Shower thoroughly and dry off with a clean towel. The put on dry, clean clothes. Protect your feet. When in the health club shower, wear water shoes or flip flops. Wash your feet and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. If you are prone to athlete's foot, use an antifungal powder on your feet. Wear it and wash it. Wash and dry your workout clothes each time you wear them. This includes swimsuits and socks. Be skin-conscious. If you have a break in your skin, cover it with a waterproof bandage. If you've got an open wound, skin break, or infection, avoid the whirlpool and other common areas until it heals completely. Don't share personal care items. Don't share towels, water bottles, soap, razor, combs, brushes, or make-up. Anything that comes into contact with someone else's skin could be contaminated. Choose your health club wisely. If you are checking out a new gym, consider more than the price and overall ambiance. Evaluate the cleanliness of the facility. Look to see if the equipment is clean and free of sweat. Are bathroom floors clean? What about sinks and toilets? Do you see cleaning personnel in the gym regularly?
context: It can feel like itching or maybe even burning. Or you may experience swelling so extreme, it leads to sores. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, a yeast infection can be uncomfortable. Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections are caused by a fungus. It generally causes your vagina and vulva (the tissues at the opening of the vagina) to itch. There can also be discharge. Yeast infections are common. Three of every four women get one in their lifetime. And many women get it more than once. Knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection can help you get the most effective treatment. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you'll most likely experience extreme itching in and around your vagina; this is the most common symptom. Aside from itching, you might also have: Intense burning, especially when you urinate or during sex Swelling and redness around your vulva Pain and soreness in your vagina You might also have vaginal discharge. The discharge could be: Watery or Thick, white, and odorless, resembling cottage cheese Sometimes the symptoms of your yeast infection can be more serious and require extra care. You might need a longer course of treatment or a plan to keep the infection from coming back. You can develop a more complicated infection if: You're pregnant You have uncontrolled diabetes Your immune system is weakened by medications you're taking or a health condition like HIV Your infection might also be more complicated if it's caused by a type of fungus that's not the kind that usually causes yeast infections. Signs of a complicated infection include: Severe symptoms (such as redness, swelling, and itching so severe that it causes tears or sores) A yeast infection that occurs four or more times in a year If your symptoms are severe or they don't get better after treatment with an over-the-counter cream or suppository, call your doctor. Here are some other reasons to make an appointment: You've developed other kinds of symptoms. This is your first yeast infection. You're not sure whether you have a yeast infection or something else. Men can get yeast infections too. They can happen when there's an overgrowth of fungus (candida) on the skin. This can happen if a man has sex with a female partner who has a vaginal yeast infection. It's more common in men who aren't circumcised. The symptoms include: Itching, burning, or redness on the penis A thick, white substance in the skin folds of the penis, and moistness Shiny, white areas on the penis
context: Make losing weight with diabetes easier by setting S. M. A. R. T. goals. S. M. A. R. T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When your goals are S. M. A. R. T., it will be simpler to stay on track with your diet. To help manage your diabetes, you need to spread carbs out more evenly throughout the day. So, for example, a S. M. A. R. T. goal could be â I will eat a breakfast containing 45 grams of carbohydrates every day for the next 2 weeks.â Here's the S. M. A. R. T. breakdown: Specific: targeted to breakfast Measurable: 45 grams, every day Attainable: Breakfasts with about 45 grams of carbs are very doable. A few options: 1 cup cooked oatmeal (32 grams), 1/2 medium banana (13 grams), a hard-boiled egg, black coffee 2 scrambled eggs, 1 small whole wheat pita (15 grams), 1 orange (18 grams), 1 cup 1% milk (14 grams) 3 rye crispbreads (24 grams), 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese (5 grams), 1 cup of blackberries (15 grams) Relevant: Spreading carbs out is relevant because it helps you curb hunger, so you don't overeat. To hit 45 grams, you have to plan to eat protein and fat in addition to carbs at a meal. A piece of toast with an egg, for instance, will keep you feeling full longer than two slices of toast with jam. When you're more satisfied, you're likely to eat less overall. Time-bound: This goal will be your focus for 2 weeks. At the end of that time, you can decide if you want to do it again or set a different goal. Setting S. M. A. R. T. goals helps keep big projects, like losing weight or managing blood sugar, from being overwhelming. Your steps for success are clearly spelled out so that you know when you've met the goal. The biggest payoff comes from turning short-term goals into long-lasting, healthy habits.
context: A glass of wine with dinner is good for your heart, right? Many studies suggest that light or moderate drinking can cut your risk of heart disease and stroke. But depending on how much you have, drinking alcohol every day can raise your chances of getting atrial fibrillation ( AFib), a condition that makes your heart beat really fast and out of rhythm. AFib can lead to blood clots, strokes, heart failure, and other heart conditions. How does alcohol increase your heart rate? Doctors believe booze disrupts your heart's natural pacemaker -- the electrical signals that are supposed to keep it beating at the right pace. So it's important to weigh the risks. Talk to your doctor about your health history and what makes the most sense for you. A recent study found a strong link between drinking one to three drinks a day (what doctors consider moderate) and getting AFib. Heavy drinking, or more than three drinks a day, bumps up your risk even more. And it seems to keep going up the more you have. Studies suggest that for every extra daily drink, your risk goes up by 8%. You don't have to drink regularly, either. Binge drinking, or having more than five drinks in a row, also makes getting AFib more likely. People in these studies drank wine or hard liquor. It's not clear if beer has the same effect. After you've been diagnosed, it's OK to have an adult beverage as long as you don't drink too much. Keep in mind that different drinks have different levels of alcohol. A single shot of hard liquor may have the same amount of alcohol as two glasses of wine. One to two drinks a day probably won't lead to health problems, even when you already have AFib. More than three drinks a day, though, can trigger an episode. If you're taking blood thinners, alcohol can raise your risk of bleeding. It can also be a problem if you take drugs that reduce blood clotting, like acenocoumarol or warfarin. Even if you drink moderately, experts suggest you take a few days off from drinking alcohol every week. Limit yourself to one to two drinks a day. Try to have 2 to 3 alcohol-free days every week. Talk to your doctor if you have an episode of AFib within an hour of drinking alcohol.
context: If you are an exercise enthusiast, or if you are overweight, you have probably experienced skin chafing, the annoying and often painful result of skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Chafing can occur anywhere on your body, but the thighs, groin, underarms, and nipples are particularly vulnerable. 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(); }); } There are a number of ways to prevent skin chafing, so don't let it slow you down. In order to prevent skin chafing, you must decrease the amount of friction to your skin. Here are some ways to do this: Stay dry. Wet skin can make chafing worse. Before you head out the door, apply talcum and alum powders to areas that get the most sweaty. Powders can help wick moisture away from the skin. Don't stay in wet or sweaty clothes. Lubricate. Apply petroleum jelly, or a similar product, to hot spots. Lubricants can help reduce friction to the skin. Petroleum jelly is inexpensive and widely available; several types of lubricants are available over the counter. You may have to try a few before you find the one that works best for you. To reduce nipple chafing, petroleum jelly, patches, or tape can be placed on your nipples to reduce friction. Dress right. When exercising, wear proper-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes, such as those made with synthetic fibers. Do not exercise in cotton. Compression shorts, such as those worn by cyclists, may help reduce thigh chafing. Also, less is more when it comes to dressing for exercise. If it is warm outside, consider running without a shirt if you are a man and in only a jogging bra if you are a woman. Lastly, choose exercise clothes and bras that have smooth seams to avoid rubbing. Skin chafing should be treated, so don't ignore it. Gently clean the chafed area with water and dry it thoroughly. After cleaning the area, apply a substance like petroleum jelly. If the area is very painful, swollen, bleeding, or crusted, your health care provider may recommend a medicated ointment. Give your skin some time to heal from chafing before being active again. Continued friction will only make it worse and could lead to infection. If your skin chafing does not improve after trying these self-care measures, make an appointment to see your doctor. You may need an antibiotic ointment if the area becomes infected.
context: Just about everybody at one time or another will get a bellyache. Most causes of abdominal pain aren't worrisome, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness. Learn which symptoms to watch out for and when you should get medical help. Whether you've got a mild ache, sharp pain, or cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus, or, if you're a woman, menstrual cramps. Other possible causes include: Irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) Crohn's disease Food poisoning Food allergies Gas You may also get abdominal pain if you're lactose intolerant or have ulcers or pelvic inflammatory disease. Some other causes include: Hernia Gallstones Kidney stones Endometriosis Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD) Appendicitis Diverticulitis If your abdominal pain is severe, doesn't go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain. You should also contact her as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as: Fever Can't keep food down for more than 2 days Signs you're getting dehydrated, including not urinating frequently, dark-colored urine, and being very thirsty Can't have a bowel movement, especially if you're also vomiting Pain when you pee, or you need to urinate often Also call your doctor if: Your belly is tender to the touch. Pain lasts more than a few hours. You may also get symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. For example, get medical care right away if you have abdominal pain and you also: Vomit blood Notice bloody or black, tarry bowel movements Have trouble breathing Vomit constantly Have swelling in your belly Have yellow skin Are pregnant Since there are so many possible causes, your doctor will do a thorough physical exam. She'll also ask you some questions about your symptoms. She'll want to know what type of pain you have. For instance, is it a severe stabbing pain or a dull ache? Some other questions your doctor may ask you: Does it hurt throughout your abdomen, or is it just in one particular area? When does it hurt? Always? More often in the morning or at night? If the pain comes and goes, about how long does it last each time? Does it hurt after you eat certain foods or drink alcohol? Are you in pain during menstruation? How long have you been hurting? Does the pain sometimes move into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks? Do you take any medications or herbal supplements? Are you pregnant? Does any activity ease the pain, such as eating or lying on one side? Does an activity or position make the pain worse? Were you injured recently? After your exam is over and your doctor is done asking you questions, she may recommend you get tests to help find the cause of your pain. These may include stool or urine tests, blood tests, barium swallows or enemas, an endoscopy, X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.