VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: There are so many things to think about when you have a child. One of them is the blood from your baby's umbilical cord (which connects the baby to the mother while in the womb). It used to be thrown away at birth, but now, many parents store the blood for the future health of their child. Should you do it? The umbilical cord fluid is loaded with stem cells. They can treat cancer, blood diseases like anemia, and some immune system disorders, which disrupt your body's ability to defend itself. The fluid is easy to collect and has 10 times more stem cells than those collected from bone marrow. Stem cells from cord blood rarely carry any infectious diseases and are half as likely to be rejected as adult stem cells. If you want the blood stored, after the birth, the doctor clamps the umbilical cord in two places, about 10 inches apart, and cuts the cord, separating mother from baby. Then she inserts a needle and collects at least 40 milliliters of blood from the cord. The blood is sealed in a bag and sent to a lab or cord blood bank for testing and storage. The process only takes a few minutes and is painless for mother and baby. The cord blood bank may also send tubes so that the mother's blood can be taken, too. If so, the banking kit will have instructions along with blood collection tubes. There are three options: Public cord banks don't charge anything for storage. Any donation made is available for anyone who needs it. The bank may also use the donated cord blood for research. Private (commercial) cord banks will store the donated blood for use by the donor and family members only. They can be expensive. These banks charge a fee for processing and an annual fee for storage. Direct-donation banks are a combination of public and private banks. They store cord blood for public use. But they also accept donations reserved for families. No fee is charged. It depends on who you ask. Although commercial cord blood banks often bill their services as "biological insurance" against future diseases, the blood doesn't often get used. One study says the chance that a child will use their cord blood over their lifetime is between 1 in 400 and 1 in 200,000. The stored blood can't always be used, even if the person develops a disease later on, because if the disease was caused by a genetic mutation, it would also be in the stem cells. Current research says the stored blood may only be useful for 15 years. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics don't recommend routine cord blood storage. The groups say private banks should only be used when there's a sibling with a medical condition who could benefit from the stem cells. Families are encouraged to donate stem cells to a public bank to help others. If you do decide to bank your baby's cord blood, there's one more thing to keep in mind: It's best not to make it a last-minute decision. You should coordinate with the bank before your baby is born so nothing is left to chance.
context: A high level of cholesterol in the blood doesn't have obvious symptoms, but it can increase your risk for conditions that do have symptoms, including angina (chest pain caused by heart disease), high blood pressure, stroke, and other circulatory ailments. Also: Soft, yellowish growths or lesions on the skin called xanthomas may indicate a genetic predisposition to cholesterol problems. Many people who are obese or have diabetes also have high cholesterol. In men, impotence may be caused by arteries affected by excessive blood cholesterol. You detect soft, yellowish skin growths on yourself or on your children. Ask about being tested for high cholesterol. You develop symptoms of heart disease, stroke, or atherosclerosis in other blood vessels, such as left-sided chest pain, pressure, or fullness; dizziness; unsteady gait; slurred speech; or pain in the lower legs. Any of these conditions may be associated with high cholesterol, and each requires immediate medical intervention.
context: If you have hemorrhoids and at-home treatments to shrink them or ease the pain haven't worked, your doctor may be able to help. Several procedures can be done in a doctor's office, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Your doctor will take a tiny rubber band (only a few millimeters wide) and put it over the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off the flow of blood. The hemorrhoid usually shrinks and falls off (along with the band) in about a week. If you have several hemorrhoids, you may need to have this done every few weeks. This treatment can be painful and cause bleeding. More rarely, it also may cause blood clots or infections. Hemorrhoids treated this way are less likely to come back than with other treatments. Your doctor will give you a shot that puts chemicals into the hemorrhoid tissue. These chemicals also cut off blood flow to the hemorrhoids and shrink them. You may need to have this done every few weeks until they go away completely. You may feel mild pain or pressure after, but infections are rare. With this treatment, the hemorrhoids often come back in a few years. With this treatment, your doctor focuses an infrared light on a hemorrhoid, and the heat causes scar tissue to form and blood flow to the hemorrhoid to be cut off. Generally, coagulation treatments have few side effects and cause very little pain. However, hemorrhoids are more likely to come back with these treatments than with banding. This is similar to infrared coagulation, except instead of an infrared light, your doctor uses heat from an electric current to create scar tissue and cut off the hemorrhoid's blood supply. Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation and Recto Anal Repair ( HAL- RAR) is a new procedure in which a miniature Doppler sensor is inserted in the anus to detect the arteries supplying blood to hemorrhoids. The surgeon can pinpoint the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids and can tie them off to cut the blood supply. The hemorrhoids are reduced almost immediately and within weeks, are no longer noticeable. The procedure is effective and virtually painless.
context: Do you see a rheumatologist for your rheumatoid arthritis? It can make a difference in how your RA goes. These doctors treat arthritis and other problems of the joints, bones, and muscles. If you don't have one, ask your regular doctor for a referral. You can also look on your insurance plan's list of providers. Or check the website of the American College of Rheumatology (click on â Find a Rheumatologist"). Your rheumatologist will: Do joint exams to look for swelling and changes in strength or how well the joint moves Give you X-rays and blood tests Give you a questionnaire at least twice a year about what you can do At least once a year, you should talk with your doctor about the "big picture" of your treatment plan. You may want to ask: How severe is my RA? How much has it changed each year? ( For instance, you should mention any activities that are hard for you to do.) Do I have any new joint damage? Do I need any new professionals, such as physical or occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, or counselors? If your treatment is on the right track, chances are good that your rheumatoid arthritis is stable and progressing slowly, if at all. Be open about how you feel and any changes you notice, so your doctor knows what you need.
context: Some people think they have a clear sense of why they become depressed. Others don't. It might not be easy to figure out. In most cases, depression doesn't have a single cause. Instead, it results from a mix of things: your genes, events in your past, your current circumstances, and more. The most important thing to remember is that, unlike with normal sadness, there doesn't need to be a "reason" to have clinical depression. It's not anyone's fault. It's not a flaw in your character. It's a disease that can affect anyone -- and regardless of the cause, there are many good ways to treat it. We still don't know exactly what happens in the brain when people become depressed. But studies show that certain parts of the brain don't seem to be working normally. Depression might also be affected by changes in the functioning of certain chemicals in the brain. Researchers know that if depression runs in your family, you have a higher chance of becoming depressed. But genetics don't fully explain why clinical depression occurs. Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed. No one's sure why. The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may play a role. People who are elderly are at higher risk of depression. That can be compounded by other factors, such as living alone and having a lack of social support. Chronic and disabling medical conditions that may have no cure can raise your risk of becoming depressed. These include: Cancer Heart disease Stroke Thyroid problems Chronic pain Trauma such as violence or physical or emotional abuse -- whether it's early in life or more recent -- can trigger depression in people who are biologically vulnerable to it. Grief after the death of a friend or loved one is a normal emotion, but like all forms of loss, it can sometimes lead to clinical depression. It's not surprising that people might feel sad or down during stressful times -- such as during a divorce or while caring for a sick relative. Yet even positive changes -- like getting married or starting a new job -- can sometimes trigger a clinical depressive syndrome that is more than just normal sadness. Many prescription drugs can cause symptoms of depression. Alcohol or substance abuse is common in depressed people. It often makes their condition worse by causing or worsening mood symptoms or interfering with the effects of medications prescribed to treat depression.
context: After treatment, your doctor may tell you that your non- Hodgkin's lymphoma is in "remission," which means your cancer isn't active anymore. It's natural to feel a swirl of emotions, but you'll also have a bunch of questions about what comes next. You'll probably need regular checkups and tests to look for signs the disease may have returned. Your doctor will also suggest ways you can keep yourself in all-around good health. Your oncologist will tell you how often you'll need to see him for a checkup. At each visit, he'll probably do a thorough physical exam, ask you about any symptoms you have, and draw some blood for lab tests. He'll tailor your schedule based on your specific needs, but an average appointment routine might look like this: Every 2 to 6 months for the first year or two after remission Every 6 to 12 months in the third through fifth years after remission. Once a year if it's more than 5 years since remission At some point after the 5-year mark, your oncologist may suggest that you get routine care from your primary care doctor instead of appointments with a specialist. Your doctor may ask you to get CT scans at your early follow-up appointments. They let him see whether non- Hodgkin's lymphoma has returned. Recent research, though, shows that scans aren't any better at checking for signs that cancer has come back than blood tests and physical exams. So if you're not getting any scans as part of your follow-up care, it doesn't mean you're not getting the right care. Your doctor is simply using other ways to make sure you stay healthy. But if lab tests or your symptoms show signs that your non- Hodgkin's lymphoma is coming back, you'll probably get a scan. Besides regular checkups, it's important to keep on top of your health in other ways when you're in remission from non- Hodgkin's lymphoma. So think about taking these steps: Visit your primary care doctor once a year. Get routine tests to measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and thyroid function. Get a flu vaccine every year and a pneumonia vaccine every 5 years. If you're a woman, get a mammogram every year beginning at age 40. If you had radiation therapy and are younger than 40, your doctor may recommend starting mammograms ahead of schedule or getting regular MRI scans of your breasts. Your doctor may recommend other tests, depending on your chance of getting other cancers and where your non- Hodgkin's lymphoma was located. Some of these are: Pulmonary function tests to measure how well your lungs are working Colonoscopy Skin exams Low-dose chest CT scans if you've smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years Ultrasounds that look at the arteries in your neck
context: Does plant pollen trigger your allergies? You can make some changes in your yard and still enjoy gardening. Many flowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses make very little or even no pollen. And some species produce it only in certain plants. For those, all you need to do is to make sure you have female plants -- the ones that don't make the sneezy, yellow stuff. This list will help you know what garden plants and flowers to avoid and which are fine, despite your allergies. You can expect more plant pollen and seasonal allergies if you put any of these plants in your yard. Flowers/herbs Amaranth (pigweed), chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, ordinary sunflowers. Shrubs/vines Cypress, jasmine vine, juniper, wisteria. Trees Alder, ash (male), aspen (male), beech, birch, box elder (male), cedar (male), cottonwood (male), elm, hickory, red and silver maples (male), mulberry (male), oak, olive, palm (male), pecan, pine, poplar (male), sycamore, walnut, willow (male). Grasses Bermuda, fescue, Johnson, June, orchard, perennial rye, redtop, salt grass, sweet vernal, timothy. Weeds Cocklebur, ragweed, Russian thistle, sagebrush. You'll have fewer worries with these plants that make little to no airborne pollen. So you can enjoy working with them and watching them grow. Flowers Begonia, cactus, chenille, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, dusty miller, geranium, hosta, impatiens, iris, lily, pansy, periwinkle, petunia, phlox, rose, salvia, snapdragon, thrift, tulip, verbena, zinnia. Hypoallergenic sunflower seeds All these grow 5 to 6 feet tall, and the pollen is too heavy to be spread easily. Apricot Twist (apricot with gold center), Infrared Mix (dark crimson, ruby, golden-reds), The Joker (showy red-and-yellow double blooms), Pro- Cut Bicolor (stunning mahogany and yellow with black centers). Shrubs Azalea, boxwood (if clipped often), hibiscus, hydrangea, viburnum. Trees Apple, cherry, Chinese fan palm (female), fern pine (female), dogwood, English holly (female), Bradford pear, crepe myrtle, hardy rubber tree, magnolia, pear, plum, red maple (female). Grasses St. Augustine.
context: Elderberry supplements are made from the fruit or flowers of elderberry plants, and are often used for colds or flu. Elderberries contain natural substances called flavonoids. They seem to help reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system. Limited studies have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin. One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu symptoms by more than 50%. Lab studies have found that elderberry might be effective against H1 N1, or swine flu. A few studies have suggested that elderberry could help with bacterial sinus infections or bronchitis. More research needs to be done. Some people use elderberry for high cholesterol, HIV, and many other conditions. For now, we don't have good evidence to support these uses. There is no standard dose of elderberry. For flu, some studies have used 1 tablespoon of an elderberry syrup extract four times a day. Another common form of elderberry is a lozenge, often with zinc, that is taken numerous times daily after a cold begins. Ask your health care provider for advice. Cooked elderberries are used as a flavoring in foods and wine. Elderberries are also in foods like jams and pies. No research has found that these foods have any health benefits. Raw elderberries, as well as other parts of the elder tree, are poisonous. Side effects. Elderberry supplements seem to have few risks when used daily for up to five days. The safety of its long-term use is unknown. Risks. Never eat or drink any product made from raw elderberry fruit, flowers, or leaves. They contain a chemical that produces cyanide. They can cause nausea and vomiting and, at high doses, more serious effects. People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry. Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using elderberry supplements. They could interact with chemotherapy for cancer, immunosuppressant drugs, diuretics, and laxatives. Because of serious potential risks, elderberry is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
context: You've heard the buzz about normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin types. But which one do you have? It can change over time. For example, younger people are more likely than older folks to have a normal skin type. What's the difference? Your type depends on things such as: How much water is in your skin, which affects its comfort and elasticity How oily it is, which affects its softness How sensitive it is Not too dry and not too oily, normal skin has: No or few imperfections No severe sensitivity Barely visible pores A radiant complexion Your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Many people have this type. It may need slightly different care in different areas. Combination skin can have: Pores that look larger than normal, because they're more open Blackheads Shiny skin You may have: Almost invisible pores Dull, rough complexion Red patches Your skin is less elastic More visible lines Your skin can crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If it's very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs. Dry skin may be caused or made worse by: Your genes Aging or hormonal changes Weather such as wind, sun, or cold Ultraviolet ( UV) radiation from tanning beds Indoor heating Long, hot baths and showers Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleansers Medications Use these tips to help your dry skin: Take shorter showers and baths, no more than once daily. Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers. Avoid deodorant soaps. Don't scrub while bathing or drying. Smooth on a rich moisturizer right after bathing. Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin but are often messier. Reapply as needed throughout the day. Use a humidifier, and don't let indoor temperatures get too hot. Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents. You may have: Enlarged pores Dull or shiny, thick complexion Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes Oiliness can change depending upon the time of year or the weather. Things that can cause or worsen it include: Puberty or other hormonal imbalances Stress Heat or too much humidity To take care of oily skin: Wash it no more than twice a day and after you sweat a lot. Use a gentle cleanser and don't scrub. Don't pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. They'll take longer to heal. Look for the word "noncomedogenic" on skin care products and cosmetics. This means it won't clog pores. It can show up as: Redness Itching Burning Dryness If your skin is sensitive, try to find out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. There are many possible reasons, but often it's in response to particular skin care products. No matter what type of skin you have, these tips will keep it looking its best. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid direct sunlight, and wear a hat and sunglasses. Don't smoke. Stay hydrated. Wash your skin gently but thoroughly every day and never wear makeup to bed. Moisturize.
context: You've probably heard of Alzheimer's disease. It may be the most common kind of dementia. But there are other types that are less well-known. Frontotemporal dementia ( FTD) is one of them. It tends to affect people between the ages of 45 and 60. Dementia is a serious loss of thinking abilities. It causes problems with daily activities like working, driving, and cooking. Frontotemporal dementia affects the parts of the brain that control social skills, decision-making, and judgment. It's different from Alzheimer's. If you have it, you won't lose your memory at first. But you might act differently or do strange things. You may find it hard to focus or get motivated. Your personality might become different. Over time, you could find it hard to walk, talk, plan activities, work, and take care of yourself. But when you know what to expect, that can help you and your family prepare for the changes to come. Scientists don't know for sure. But it starts when nerve cells in two parts or âlobesâ of the brain -- the front and the side -- die. That causes the lobes to shrink. Doctors believe FTD may be genetic. About 4 out of 10 people who have it also have a relative who had it or some other form of dementia. It's hard to say which ones you'll have first. It depends on where the damage in your brain starts. If it strikes the part that controls decision-making, you might first have trouble managing your money. It could start in the part of your brain that connects your emotions to objects. If it does, you might not recognize that something is dangerous. Your family may notice you're acting strange before you do. Other possible symptoms of FTD include: Emotional problems Loss of interest in things Withdrawing from others These tend to get worse over time as more parts of the brain are affected. It can be hard to figure out if someone has FTD. That's because it often mirrors other disorders, like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, and schizophrenia. See a doctor about any strange behavior. He'll ask about medications and family history. He may also do blood tests to rule out other medical problems. He might refer you to a neurologist, who will check things like your balance, reflexes, memory, and thinking. And he may order one or more of these tests: EEG (electroencephalogram). This measures the electrical activity in your brain. CT scan. It shows a detailed image of your brain, made with X-rays. MRI . This uses magnets and radio waves to create images of your brain. PET scan . It shows how your brain is working. Spinal tap. This samples fluid around your brain and spinal cord. The condition is not life-threatening. But you should find a doctor who knows how to manage it as soon as possible. Speech experts, physical therapists, and nurses may be able to help, too. You should also think about doing these things: Ask your doctor whether medications can help. Find a support group. Share information with family and friends. Get a driving evaluation. Exercise and eat healthy foods. Doctors are learning more about this kind of dementia, which may lead to better diagnosis and care.
context: Your doctor may suggest you get an electrocardiogram -- also called an EKG or ECG -- to check for signs of heart disease. It's a test that records the electrical activity of your ticker through small electrode patches that a technician attaches to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. EKGs are quick, safe, and painless. With this test, your doctor will be able to: Check your heart rhythm See if you have poor blood flow to your heart muscle (this is called ischemia) Diagnose a heart attack Check on things that are abnormal, such as thickened heart muscle Detect if there are significant electrolyte abnormalities, such as high potassium or high or low calcium. Some things you can do to get yourself ready: Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions the day of the test because they can keep the electrodes from making contact with your skin. Avoid full-length hosiery, because electrodes need to be placed directly on your legs. Wear a shirt that you can remove easily to place the leads on your chest. A technician will attach 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. If you're a guy, you may need to have your chest hair shaved to allow a better connection. During the test you'll lie flat while a computer creates a picture, on graph paper, of the electrical impulses that move through your heart. This is called a "resting" EKG, although the same test may be used to check your heart while you exercise. It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds. Your doctor will keep your EKG patterns on file so that he can compare them to tests you get in the future. Besides the standard EKG, your doctor may recommend other kinds: Holter monitor. It's a portable EKG that checks the electrical activity of your heart for 1 to 2 days, 24-hours a day. Your doctor may suggest it if he suspects you have an abnormal heart rhythm, you have palpitations, or don't have enough blood flow to your heart muscle. Like the standard EKG, it's painless. The electrodes from the monitor are taped to your skin. Once they're in place, you can go home and do all of your normal activities except shower. Your doctor will ask you to keep a diary of what you did and any symptoms you notice. Event monitor. Your doctor may suggest this device if you only get symptoms now and then. When you push a button, it will record and store your heart's electrical activity for a few minutes. You may need to wear it for weeks or sometimes months. Each time you notice symptoms, you should try to get a reading on the monitor. The info is sent on the phone to your doctor, who will analyze it. Signal-averaged electrocardiogram. It checks to see if you're at high risk of getting a condition called heart arrhythmia, which can lead to cardiac arrest. The test is done in a similar way as a standard EKG, but it uses sophisticated technology to analyze your risk.
context: Nattokinase is a natural enzyme. It comes from natto, a Japanese soybean dish. There's some early evidence that nattokinase may have benefits for heart and artery health. One study shows that a nattokinase supplement lowers the risk of blood clots after long plane flights. It may help reduce narrowing of the arteries. Other studies show that nattokinase may help lower blood pressure. However, we need more research to see if it is effective. Optimal doses of nattokinase have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice. Researchers first found nattokinase in the Japanese food natto, made with fermented soybeans. It seems that the fermentation process makes nattokinase. You can't get nattokinase from other soy foods. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. Side effects. In food, nattokinase is safe. More studies are needed to see if nattokinase taken as a supplement is safe for repeated or long-term use. Risks. If you have any blood clotting disorders, don't take nattokinase supplements unless a doctor says it's safe. You may need to stop taking nattokinase if you're planning to have surgery. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don't recommend nattokinase for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using nattokinase supplements. The supplements could interact with blood thinners and other drugs that reduce clotting, like aspirin and ibuprofen. They could cause excess bleeding and bruising. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don't have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
context: Type 2 diabetes can seem overwhelming at times, but you can take control back. It helps to have people who encourage you and show you new ways to manage your diabetes day to day. Put them on your go-to list, and reach out any time you need their insight and motivation. You need a medical team that knows diabetes inside and out. They could include: An endocrinologist, who has a lot of experience working with people who have diabetes An ophthalmologist for your eyes A pharmacist, who's familiar with all your medicines A registered dietitian, who can give you pointers on what to eat A diabetes educator All of these professionals work with you to help you stay well. It helps to talk to someone who can relate to what you're going through, since they have diabetes, too. While support groups are not psychotherapy groups, they can provide you with a safe, accepting place to share your situation and get comfort and encouragement. Type 2 diabetes can affect the entire family. So get them, and your friends, involved. Share with them what you're going through and how you manage your diabetes. For instance, tell them why you have to check your blood sugar regularly, or what sorts of snacks and meals are OK for you. Want someone to help you get them up to speed? You might want to hold a family meeting, and invite your diabetes educator to answer their questions. You deserve to feel good emotionally. If you don't, you may want to talk to a therapist. In therapy, you'll plan positive ways to handle your diabetes. It's not just for people with conditions like depression or anxiety. Anyone can benefit. You can get a fresh point of view that helps you work through your challenges. That's important, because stress can affect your blood sugar levels. Look for a licensed mental health professional who works with people who have diabetes or other long-term conditions. Ask your doctor for referrals. Pick someone you find easy to talk to. You might meet with your counselor one on one, with family members, or in a support group.
context: Just because you have asthma doesn't mean you can't have a healthy pregnancy. But you have to keep your asthma under control. About a third of pregnant women with asthma will find their symptoms improve during pregnancy, a third will have worse asthma, and a third will have stable disease symptoms. If your asthma isn't controlled, oxygen levels in your blood could fall. That means your baby, who gets oxygen from your blood, won't get enough either. Good control of asthma also lowers your risk for pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy). If you don't control your asthma properly during pregnancy, you're much more likely to harm yourself and your baby than if you use the right drugs to control your asthma. It's OK to use an inhaler. Short-acting medications in your daily use inhaler, like albuterol, levalbuterol, pirbuterol, and ipratropium, are all safe for mother and baby. Also, treating asthma lowers your risk of attacks and helps make your lungs work better. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor, who will look at how severe your asthma is and what treatment is right for you while you're pregnant. Good asthma control is the key to a successful pregnancy. To lessen the impact of your condition on your unborn baby: Have an asthma plan. Work with your asthma doctor to find the right kind and amount of medication for you to take. Recognize your asthma triggers. Keep a diary of what makes your asthma worse, and find ways to avoid those triggers. Receive coordinated care. Make sure your asthma doctor and your pregnancy provider coordinate your care. Pregnancy could make your asthma worse. There's no clear answer to this question. Your asthma could also stay the same or improve. In general, if your asthma is severe, chances are it may become a little worse during your pregnancy. On the other hand, if you were pregnant before and your asthma did not get worse, chances are that it will not get worse during the next pregnancy. Asthma is almost never a reason to not get pregnant. But if you have severe asthma, it's worth talking to your doctor before you get pregnant. If your asthma is related to allergies, stay away from allergens. This may mean avoiding animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, and indoor mold. Tell your allergist if you're pregnant. You shouldn't start allergy shots if you're pregnant. But if you're already getting them, your doctor will probably continue them and monitor you for any problems. The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and people with asthma because they're among groups at high risk for severe flu complications, including death. Pregnant women should only get the flu shot (notthe nasal flu vaccine). In general, the same asthma treatment that's OK when you're pregnant is OK when you go into labor and when you breastfeed your baby. Talk to your doctor to make sure your asthma medicine is safe to keep taking in these circumstances.
context: Some people can split their pills in half to save money on prescription drugs. If your medicine is available in double your normal dose, and you can safely split the pills, you may be able to get a 2-month supply of medicine for the price of one. But many medications can't be split safely. The FDA has issued warnings about the risks. Professional societies representing pharmacists and doctors have as well. So when is it safe? It's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you consider cutting your pills. In general, however, look for these three signs that a pill is safe to split: FDA approval. If the FDA has approved a drug for splitting, it will be printed on the package insert. Thumbs up from your doctor or pharmacist. Before splitting any pill, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist. Scored down the middle. Scored pills are easier to split evenly. But a line down the middle doesn't always mean it's safe to split. Check with your doctor or pharmacist, or look for the FDA approval. If a pill has any of these features, don't try to cut it in half: A hard outer coat: Splitting a coated pill can make it harder to swallow and may change the way your body absorbs the medicine. They're extended release: Pills formulated to give you medication slowly throughout the day may lose this capability if split in half. They're capsules: Because they contain powder or gel, capsules have to be taken whole. A small or uneven shape: Some pills are just too difficult to split evenly. Even if your doctor or pharmacist says your pills are safe to split, there can be problems. Think about these before you decide to try pill splitting: The possibility of an uneven dose: For some drugs, the dose has to be so accurate even a small difference in two halves of a split pill could put your health at risk. Crushed pill issues: Some pills can easily turn to powder. A pile of crumbs will be very difficult to break into two equal doses. Miscommunication: Your doctor may write "1/2 pill" and your pharmacist may see "1 -- 2 pills." Confusion: If you forget to split pills before taking them, you'll take twice as much as your doctor intended. Physical limitations: If a medical condition has made your hands weak or unsteady, or if your vision is impaired, it will be tough to split pills cleanly by yourself. Use a pill splitter. They're cheap -- between $3 and $10 at most pharmacies. Some health insurance providers will send them to members for free. Keep it clean. Always wash your hands first. Wash the pill splitter thoroughly after you've done your splitting. Ask your pharmacist for instructions. Some pills may lose their potency when their insides are exposed to heat or humidity. Some groups say only registered pharmacists should split pills. Others say you should split one pill at a time.
context: Though some types of diarrhea, such as those due to other medical conditions, are unavoidable, infectious diarrhea can be prevented. The most important way to avoid diarrhea is to avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause it. This means that good hand washing and hygiene are very important. Also, if you travel to developing countries, you should take the following precautions: Drink only bottled water, even for tooth brushing. Avoid eating food from street vendors. Avoid ice made with tap water. Eat only those fruits or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled. Be sure that all foods you eat are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot. Never eat raw or undercooked meat or seafood. Obtain hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations prior to travel, if indicated for that region.
context: All babies cry. That's how your baby tells you she's hungry, wet, or tired. So how can you tell when her tears are normal or if they may be from colic? Here are some clues. Don't be surprised if your newborn cries a lot. During their first 3 months of life, babies can cry for up to 2 hours a day. If your baby has colic, though, she is more likely to: Cry for what seems like no reason -- even when she doesn't need to eat or have her diaper changed Start to cry in the evening, or at the same time every day Cry for 3 or more hours each day, more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks Make sounds that are more intense than normal -- more like a high-pitched scream than a cry Not be soothed, even when you feed or rock her Your colicky baby may also: Clench her fists Bend her arms and legs toward her belly Have a bloated tummy Have a red, flushed face when she cries Pass gas while she sheds tears, often because she's swallowed air Tighten her stomach muscles The doctor may be able to tell if your baby has colic from her symptoms. You can help. Over a few days, write down: When your baby cries and for how long What the cry sounds like. Is it high-pitched or louder than usual? What seems to make her fussy What, if anything, works to calm her down How often and what your baby eats When your baby poops, and what the stools look like (big or small, loose, or hard) The doctor will likely do an exam to check if your baby is fussy for other reasons, such as: Food allergies or sensitivities to something in your diet, if you breastfeed Discomfort, such as if she is too hot or too cold Hunger or weakness Pain from an illness or injury Reflux If your baby doesn't gain weight or loses weight, she may have another health problem, so it's best to call her doctor. Also call the doctor if she: Can't be soothed at all, even for a few minutes Doesn't suck strongly at the bottle or your breast Doesn't like to be held or touched Has an odd cry or sounds like she's in pain Has diarrhea or blood in her stool Has trouble breathing Is less alert or sleepier than usual Eats less than usual Runs a fever of 100.4 degrees or more Throws up Might be sick or injured Has fewer wet diapers Don't wait to call the doctor if you're at your wit's end, either. The doctor can help you manage the colic, and that will lower your stress.
context: Your kidneys work hard for you, day in and day out. To take good care of them, you'll want to focus on these things that make a big difference. Watch your blood pressure. If it's too high, that can put stress on your kidneys. If you're not sure what your blood pressure is, your doctor can check it. You could have high blood pressure and not know it, since it doesn't have any symptoms. High blood pressure is one of the top causes of kidney problems. Got diabetes? If you do, work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If they're not under control, that can cause problems for your kidneys over time. Along with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes is one of the biggest concerns for kidney health. Use your meds correctly. Take them as your doctor recommends, or follow the instructions on the package. Be wary of medicines that can cause kidney damage when you take them for a long time, including over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and prescriptions such as lithium and HIV medications. ( Street drugs like cocaine can cause kidney disease, too.) Yes to food and fitness. You already know that exercise and eating right help your heart and weight. They also help your blood pressure and your blood sugar levels. And that's good for your kidneys. Shake the salt habit. Keep sodium low: no more than 2,300 milligrams a day. Check food labels to see how much is in a serving. It might be more than you think! Be wise about water. It's good for your kidneys for you to stay hydrated. Drinking too much water, though, backfires. ( Most people don't overdo it, though.) How much to drink? One way to check is by noticing the color of your pee. If it's pale yellow or clear, it's fine. If it's dark yellow, you might need more water. Do you drink alcohol? If so, have no more than one drink a day for women or two a day for men. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey. No smoking. There are two ways that smoking is bad news for your kidneys. First, it's bad for the blood flow to your organs, including your kidneys. And if you take medicine to manage high blood pressure, smoking can affect those medications. Make it your top health priority to quit, even if it takes a couple of tries. Going smoke-free will help your whole body! Keep up with your doctor visits. Some of the tests that your doctor does at a checkup can show you clues about how well your kidneys are working. There's a blood test that checks how well your kidneys filter. Your doctor may call this a â GFRâ test (short for glomerular filtration rate). Generally speaking, a score of more than 90 is the goal for adults. It's higher for children and keeps going down as you get older. Your doctor can also do a urine test to see if a blood protein called albumin is in your pee. It's not supposed to be there. If it is, you may get more tests to see if there's a problem with your kidneys. There could be other reasons. But if you do have a kidney problem, it's best to find out early.
context: There's no simple blood test or X-ray to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome â also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis ( ME/ CFS). And many of the symptoms of the illness -- deep tiredness, unrelieved by rest or sleep, feeling worse after physical or mental exertion, trouble concentrating, feeling worse after standing and remaining on one's feet and other symptoms-- are also seen in other conditions, too, making the diagnosis of ME/ CFS more difficult. If you think you might you have chronic fatigue syndrome, make an appointment to see your doctor. Research shows that getting treatment sooner might bring better results. Your doctor will ask for a lot of information about your health. Unfortunately, there is not yet a diagnostic test that is sufficiently accurate to be useful. Your doctor will need to rule out other conditions or causes before he can diagnose ME/ CFS. He might order other tests like blood and urine tests and scans. He will need the names of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicine you take, in case one of them is causing your symptoms. Also, tell your doctor if you take any supplements. Even so-called ânaturalâ or âherbalâ remedies can have side effects, and they might cause problems if used with other medications you're taking. Your doctor will give you a complete physical exam and ask you questions about your emotions. This will give him a better idea of what your needs are. It's important to make sure you don't have another disorder, which could be serious and could get better with treatment. Many people who have ME/ CFS have other conditions, too. If you get treated for those, it might also improve your chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue syndrome ME/ CFS can look a lot like âmonoâ (mononucleosis), Lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, or depression. It affects about 12.5 million Americans, but experts believe that only about 20% are diagnosed. Your doctor will review your medical history and test results. He will check to see if you have several key symptoms, beginning with extreme tiredness, or fatigue, that doesn't improve with bed rest for 6 months or longer. Then, your doctor will check to see if you have three of these "core" symptoms of CFS: Reduced ability to do usual activities for six months or more because of fatigue Worsening of symptoms (difficulty thinking, problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe tiredness). after physical or mental exertion Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and awakening unrested Along with the three symptoms, you must have one of these for a diagnosis of ME/ CFS: Problems with thinking and memory Worsening of symptoms while standing or sitting upright; you might feel lightheaded, dizzy or weak, and you may have blurred vision or see spots. It could take a while to get your diagnosis. It's OK to ask how you can relieve your symptoms while you wait. Your doctor or health professional will schedule follow-up appointments to see how your treatment is working.
context: For someone with heart disease, diet is a big deal. Along with other healthy habits, it can slow or even partially reverse the narrowing of the heart's arteries and help prevent further complications. You can help a loved one who has heart disease by adopting a diet that curbs LDL (''bad'') cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, and helps with weight loss. The best strategy: Focus on what the person with heart disease can eat, not just what's off-limits. Research shows that adding heart-saving foods is just as important as cutting back on others. These nine strategies will help you plan meals for someone with heart disease: 1. Serve more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Just about everyone could stand to eat more plant-based foods. They're rich in fiber and other nutrients, and they can taste great in a salad, as a side dish, or as an entree. Watch that you don't use too much fat or cheese when you prepare them. 2. Choose fat calories wisely by: Limit saturated fat (found in animal products). Avoid artificial trans fats as much as possible. Check ingredient lists for "partially hydrogenated" oils. When using added fats for cooking or baking, choose oils that are high in monounsaturated fat (for example, olive and peanut oil) or polyunsaturated fat (such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oils). 3. Serve a variety of protein-rich foods. Balance meals with lean meat, fish, and vegetable sources of protein. 4. Limit cholesterol. Cholesterol in foods, found in red meat and high-fat dairy products, can raise blood cholesterol levels, especially in high-risk people. 5. Serve the right kind of carbs. Include foods like brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and sweet potatoes to add fiber and help control blood sugar levels. Avoid sugary foods. 6. Eat regularly. This helps someone with heart disease control blood sugar, burn fat more efficiently, and regulate cholesterol levels. 7. Cut back on salt. Too much salt is bad for blood pressure. Instead, use herbs, spices, or condiments to flavor foods. 8. Encourage hydration. Staying hydrated makes you feel energetic and eat less. Encourage your loved one to drink 32 to 64 ounces (about 1 to 2 liters) of water daily, unless their doctor has told them to limit fluids. 9. Keep serving sizes in check. It can help to use smaller plates and glasses, and to check food labels to see how much is in a serving, since it's easy to eat more than you think. Some guidelines: 1 ounce of cheese is the size of a pair of dice. A serving of meat or tofu is the size of a deck of cards. 2 servings of rice or pasta are the size of a tennis ball.