VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Colonoscopy (koh-luh- NAH-skuh-pee) lets the physician look inside your entire large intestine, from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way up through the colon to the lower end of the small intestine. The procedure is used as a tool for routine colon cancer screening and prevention in people over age 50. Small growths can be removed during the colonscopy before they have the chance to grow into a colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, bleeding, and muscle spasms in the colon. For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. You will be given pain medication and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable and to help you relax during the exam. The physician will insert a long, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a colonoscope (koh- LON-oh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a television or computer monitor, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician see better. If anything unusual is in your colon, like a polyp or inflamed tissue, the physician can remove it or a piece of it using tiny instruments passed through the scope. That tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. If there is bleeding in the colon, the physician can use the scope to pass a laser, heater probe or electrical probe, or inject special medicines, to stop the bleeding. Bleeding and puncture of the colon are possible complications of colonoscopy. However, such complications are uncommon. Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the physician's office for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off. Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. To prepare for the procedure, you may have to follow a liquid diet for 1 to 3 days beforehand. A liquid diet means fat-free bouillon or broth, gelatin, strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. You may need to take laxatives or an enema before the procedure. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home afterward; you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions.
context: Smoking may cause infertility in both men and women. In experimental animals, nicotine has been shown to block the production of sperm and decrease the size of male testicles. In women, tobacco changes the cervical mucus, thus affecting the way sperm reach the egg. Marijuana may disrupt a woman's ovulation cycle, affecting the release of the egg. In men, marijuana use can decrease the sperm count as well as affect the quality of the sperm. Heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine use induces similar effects but places the user at increased risk for PID and HIV infection associated with risky sexual behavior. In women, the effects of alcohol are related to severe consequences for the fetus. And chronic alcoholism is related to disorders in ovulation, which interferes with fertility. Alcohol use by men interferes with the synthesis of testosterone and has an impact on sperm concentration. Alcoholism may delay a man's sexual response and cause impotence by interfering with a man's ability to have an erection.
context: From the copper and lead ore that the ancient Egyptians used to create the world's first cosmetics to the scientifically advanced products of today that can do everything from hide pores, smooth complexions, and turn the pale green of your eyes a vivid shade of emerald, makeup has been an integral part of humankind for thousands of years. Over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes, berries to stain their lips and young boys' urine to fade their freckles. They even swallowed ox blood in some misguided attempt to improve their complexions. Women throughout history put their health at risk with many of their homemade cosmetics. In some cultures, for example, women used arsenic, lead, mercury, and even leeches to give themselves the pale appearance deemed beautiful in the old days. Thankfully, we've come a long way from the days of using toxic and deadly mixtures to enhance our looks. Today's multibillion dollar cosmetic industry must meet strict government regulations about what it can and cannot include in products and must follow safe manufacturing guidelines. Today, the most serious injury you're likely to receive from your cosmetics is an irritation from a product that is too harsh for your skin, or an allergic rash from a fragrance or a preservative in the product. Yet, despite decades of safety testing and a safety record unparalleled in many industries, there are many myths circulating about the dangers of cosmetic ingredients.
context: Most people probably grind and clench their teeth during sleep from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, the teeth can be damaged and other complications can arise, such as jaw muscle discomfort or TMJ pain. Although the causes of bruxism are not really known, several factors may be involved. Stressful situations, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth appear to contribute. There is also some evidence that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can cause teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can be prevented with the use of a mouth guard. The mouth guard, supplied by a dentist, can fit over the teeth to prevent teeth from grinding against each other. Stress reduction and other lifestyle modifications, including the avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, may also be helpful. Your dentist may ask you questions about your sleep habits to see if a sleep study is needed.
context: If you're allergic to one kind of fish, your doctor may have told you to avoid others. Here's what to look out for. These foods may contain anchovies: Worcestershire sauce Barbecue sauces made with Worcestershire Caesar salad and Caesar dressing Caponata ( Sicilian eggplant relish) Other foods that have fish: Caviar and fish roe (fish eggs) Artificial fish like surimi, an imitation crabmeat sometimes used in sushi Fish sauce, oils, and gelatin Stay out of seafood restaurants. Even if you order the beef, bits of fish from a shared spatula, cooking oil, or grill can get in your food. That kind of cross-contact can happen in any place that uses a lot of fish or fish ingredients, including many ethnic restaurants. Don't shop for or cook fish. Let someone else do it. You may have a reaction just from touching it or being in an area where someone is cooking it. Ask your doctor if any fish or shellfish is safe to eat. Don't try out any kinds on your own, though. That could cause severe allergic reactions. Read labels. Other foods -- as well as lotions, cosmetics, and medicine -- may have fish in them.
context: Nearly half of the estimated 2.5 million eye injuries reported each year happen in and around the home. Almost half come from everyday activities like cooking. You can take simple steps to protect your eyes when you're in the kitchen: Keep safety glasses handy. They aren't just for folks who use power tools. There's a place for them in the kitchen, too. They can shield your eyes while you clean the oven with caustic chemicals or when you pour drain cleaners into the sink. They can also keep food irritants, like hot pepper oil, out of your eyes. Look for products approved by the American National Standards Institute ( ANSI). Wash your hands often. If you touch your eyes after you chop foods like onions or hot peppers, you'll put the hot stuff right into your eye. That'll cause pain, redness, and maybe even tears. If you forget to wash your hands before you remove contact lenses, it can be really bad. Be really careful with hot peppers, which contain a fiery oil called capsaicin. It's the same stuff used to make pepper spray. To keep it out of your eyes, wash your hands with soapy water. Don't forget to clean the chopping board, too. Know the basics of eye-related first aid . Accidents happen. You can lower the chances for injury if you know how to respond quickly to these eye emergences. Eye irritants: Wash your eye right away. Use cool tap water or saline solution, the same stuff you use to clean your contacts. Blink your eye again and again to helps your tears flow. Caustic chemicals: Wash your eye with cool tap water or saline solution. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room. Continue to wash your eye with drops while you wait. If you think a strong and harmful chemical such as drain or oven cleaner has splashed into your eye, it is helpful to position yourself under the shower with someone helping you to keep your eyelids open. You get hit in the eye: For a minor injury, gently hold a cold pack to the injured eye and call your eye doctor. If your eye is bleeding or you notice a change in your vision or pain when you move your eyes, call the doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room. You get something in your eye: Don't rub it. Pull the upper eyelid down over the lower eyelid. Blink several times. This lets your lower eyelashes sweep stuff out. If this doesn't help, rinse with water or saline solution. If you just can't get it out, call your doctor or go to the emergency room. With a few simple safety rules, you can avoid accidents and make cooking a trouble-free pleasure.
context: Most people get enough protein. But are you making the best protein choices, or are you in a rut? 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(); }); } You need protein for your muscles, bones, and the rest of your body. Exactly how much you need changes with age: Babies need about 10 grams a day. School-age kids need 19-34 grams a day. Teenage boys need up to 52 grams a day. Teenage girls need 46 grams a day. Adult men need about 56 grams a day. Adult women need about 46 grams a day (71 grams, if pregnant or breastfeeding) You should get at least 10% of your daily calories, but not more than 35%, from protein, according to the Institute of Medicine. Just about every type of food has protein. Some have more than others. Whether you eat meat or not, you can get enough protein from your diet. Apart from protein, you might also want to think about what else you're getting from protein-rich foods. For instance, to limit saturated fat, you'd want to choose lean cuts of meat over fattier cuts. And to cut back on sodium, skip the processed meats like hot dogs and sausage. If you're trying to get more omega-3s, you might choose salmon, tuna, or eggs fortified with omega-3s. If you need to get more fiber, look to beans, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. To help lower the chance of getting heart disease, it's a good idea to limit the amount of red meat, especially processed red meat, and eat more fish, poultry, and beans, according to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health. Most nutritionists agree the best approach is to choose from a variety of protein sources. If you're watching your weight, try including protein with every meal. It will help you feel full longer. Spreading protein evenly across your meals is also good for your muscles, which is especially important as you get older and start to lose muscle mass.
context: Hormone treatment means removing, blocking, or adding hormones to fight prostate cancer. Learn more about prostate cancer and hormones here. Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Brittle bones can be a side effect of hormone therapy treatment for prostate cancer. Find out how bone loss is detected and what you can do to slow it down. Osteoporosis and Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
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(); }); } Most Americans who drink grapefruit juice do so for breakfast -- a time of day when many people also take medications. Grapefruit juice, it turns out, can affect some medications. So you may need to rethink your morning drink. Don't drink grapefruit juice if you're taking any of these medications, unless advised to by your doctor: Some statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs): lovastatin ( Mevacor), atorvastatin ( Lipitor), simvastatin ( Zocor, Vytorin). ( Other statins such as fluvastatin ( Lescol), pravastatin ( Pravachol), and rosuvastatin ( Crestor) have little or no interaction with grapefruit juice.) Antihistamines: fexofenadine ( Allegra) Some type of calcium channel blockers (blood pressure drugs): felodipine ( Plendil), nifedipine ( Adalat, Procardia) Certain psychiatric drugs: buspirone ( Bu Spar), triazolam ( Halcion), carbamazepine ( Tegretol), diazepam ( Valium), midazolam ( Versed), sertraline ( Zoloft) Some immunosuppressants: cyclosporine ( Neoral), tacrolimus ( Prograf) Certain pain medications: methadone The impotence drug (erectile dysfunction): sildenafil ( Viagra) Some HIV medication: saquinavir ( Invirase) Some antiarrhythmics: amiodarone ( Cordarone, Pacerone) There are alternatives to many of these drugs. So, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using a different medication if avoiding grapefruit juice is not an option. When you're starting a new medication, it's always a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist about any potential interactions between the new medication and foods, supplements, or other drugs you're already taking.
context: If you are concerned about your child's bed-wetting, or if other symptoms accompany the problem, inform your child's pediatrician. He or she will ask about your child's symptoms and about other factors that may contribute to bed-wetting. There is no medical test that can pinpoint the cause of bed-wetting; however, a routine urine test (urinalysis) usually is performed to rule out urinary tract infection or kidney disease. An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder may be performed if a physical problem is suspected. Children whose bed-wetting is associated with other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may be referred to a specialist in urology (urologist) for further evaluation. Immaturity of a child's bladder is a common cause of bed-wetting. Bed-wetting can also be caused by sleep apnea. Since breathing during sleep can be difficult for those with sleep apnea, the brain works harder to take in oxygen than it does to control other bodily functions, like bladder control. Often, a child's snoring and apnea are due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids that are blocking the airway. If so, removing enlarged tonsils and adenoids to improve breathing often improves or eliminates bed-wetting. However, tonsils and adenoids should not be removed to resolve bed-wetting. It is only when bed-wetting is a symptom of sleep apnea that tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be helpful.
context: Transcendental Meditation ( TM) is a technique for avoiding distracting thoughts and promoting a state of relaxed awareness. The late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi derived TM from the ancient Vedic tradition of India. He brought the technique to the U. S. in the 1960s. While meditating, the person practicing TM sits in a comfortable position with eyes closed and silently repeats a mantra. A mantra is a word or sound from the Vedic tradition that is used to focus your concentration. According to supporters of TM, when meditating, the ordinary thinking process is âtranscended.â It's replaced by a state of pure consciousness. In this state, the meditator achieves perfect stillness, rest, stability, order, and a complete absence of mental boundaries. Some studies have found that regular meditation can reduce chronic pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and the use of health care services. Meditation, both TM and other forms, is generally safe and may improve a person's quality of life. But experts agree that meditation shouldn't be used as a single treatment for any particular health condition, or instead of conventional medical care. Unlike some forms of meditation, TM technique requires a seven-step course of instruction from a certified teacher. A TM teacher presents general information about the technique and its effects during a 60-minute introductory lecture. That's followed by a second 45-minute lecture in which more specific information is given. People interested in learning the technique then attend a 10- to 15-minute interview and 1 to 2 hours of personal instruction. Following a brief ceremony, they're each given a mantra, which they're supposed to keep confidential. Next come 3 days of checking for correctness with 1 or 2 more hours of instruction. In these sessions, the teacher does the following: Explains the practice in greater detail Gives corrections if needed Provides information about the benefits of regular practice Over the next several months, the teacher regularly meets with practitioners to ensure correct technique. People practice TM twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes. That usually means once in the morning before breakfast and once in the afternoon before dinner. TM does not require any strenuous effort. Nor does it require concentration, or contemplation. Instead, students are told to breathe normally and focus their attention on the mantra. A few reports suggest that meditation can cause or worsen symptoms in people with certain psychiatric conditions. If you have an existing mental health condition, consult your doctor before starting TM. Also let your meditation instructor know about your condition.
context: Fenugreek is a plant that's used as a seasoning in the Middle East, Egypt, and India. As a supplement, fenugreek seeds are used as a treatment for diabetes and high cholesterol. People have been using fenugreek seeds for diabetes for centuries. There's some evidence that it works. Some studies show it can lower blood sugar after eating. Early research also suggests that fenugreek may lower âbadâ LDL cholesterol. But proof of its effect on âgoodâ HDL cholesterol or unhealthy triglycerides is lacking. Research suggests that fenugreek can help with acid reflux. People use fenugreek for other conditions. They range from improving appetite to helping nursing women produce more breast milk. As a skin treatment, people use it for swelling, rashes, and wounds. There's no good evidence that these uses of fenugreek help. Because fenugreek is an unproven treatment, there's no established dose. Some people take 10 to 15 grams of the seeds daily for diabetes. Fenugreek is available in teas marketed to women who are breastfeeding, although it's not clear that they have any benefit, One study did find it increased milk production in breastfeeding women. Ask your doctor for advice. Many people eat fenugreek seeds and greens. The seed is also a common seasoning. 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. Fenugreek as a food is safe. High doses can cause upset stomach and gas. Risks. Women who are pregnant should not take fenugreek because in doses higher than that found in food, it can stimulate the uterus to contract. Also women who arer nursing, children, and people with liver or kidney disease should not use fenugreek supplements unless a doctor says it's safe. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using fenugreek supplements. They could interact with insulin or other diabetes drugs. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
context: Toxic shock syndrome ( TSS) is rare, but it can be life-threatening, so it's important to know its signs and symptoms so you can spot it and treat it quickly. Since TSS puts out toxins into your bloodstream, it can affect many different systems in your body at once. The symptoms are a lot like ones you might see from other kinds of infections: swelling, fever, redness, and a general feeling of being unwell. TSS symptoms usually come on quickly, about 2 days after the bacteria infects you. The way TSS affects your body depends on the type of bacteria causing your condition. Generally, TSS causes: Fever Rash Low blood pressure Kidney problems or failure Respiratory problems or failure Confusion In order to figure out what kind of TSS you have, and to rule out other causes of infection or disease, your doctor will check for symptoms that are specific to certain types of bacteria. The bacteria that most commonly cause TSS are: Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pyogenes Clostridium sordellii ( C. sordellii) Staphylococcal TSS happens most often in women. Sometimes, you can get it if you use superabsorbent tampons, and the bacteria gets trapped for too long in your vagina. You're also more at risk if you have an infection after surgery, childbirth, or have burns or pus buildup in your body. This type of TSS causes: Fever above 102 F Headache Fatigue Flat, red rash like a sunburn on most of your body Vomiting Diarrhea Muscle pain Redder than usual mouth, eyes, and vagina Bruising Low urine output You may also start to shed your skin in sheets, usually on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet, 1 to 2 weeks after your symptoms start. This kind of TSS usually happens after you have chickenpox, a skin infection, or if you have a weak immune system. The first symptom is most often severe pain that comes on suddenly. Other symptoms include: Very low blood pressure Shock (not enough blood flow to the systems in your body) Bleeding problems Bruising Flat, red rash like a sunburn on most of your body Trouble breathing You may also have sheets of skin shed off, like in staphylococcal TSS, but this doesn't always happen. Clostridium sordellii infection happens in the uterus. You can also get it from IV drug use. Its symptoms include: Nausea and vomiting Low energy and weakness Flu-like symptoms Pain when you touch your abdomen Swelling High red and white blood cell count Fast heart rate Unlike the other most common types of TSS, such as staphylococcal TSS, C. sordellii does not usually cause a fever.
context: The symptoms of MRSA infection depend on where you've been infected. MRSA most often appears as a skin infection, like a boil or abscess. It also might infect a surgical wound. In either case, the area would look: Swollen Red Painful Filled with pus Many people who have a staph skin infection often mistake it for a spider bite. If staph infects the lungs and causes pneumonia, you will have: Shortness of breath Fever Cough Chills MRSA can cause many other symptoms, because once it gets into your bloodstream, MRSA can settle anywhere. It can cause abscess in your spleen, kidney, and spine. It can cause endocarditis (heart valve infections), osteomyelitis (bone infections), joint infections, breast mastitis, and prosthetic device infections. Unlike most MRSA skin infections, which can be treated in the doctor's office, these other more serious infections will land you in the hospital for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Very rarely, staph can result in necrotizing fasciitis, or "flesh-eating" bacterial infections. These are serious skin infections that spread very quickly. While frightening, only a handful of necrotizing fasciitis cases has been reported. You have signs of active infection, most likely of the skin with a spreading, painful, red rash or abscess; in most cases, MRSA is easily treated. However, MRSA infection can be serious, so seek medical care. If you are already being treated for an infection, watch for signs that your medicine isn't working. If you are taking an antibiotic, call your health care provider if: The infection is no better after three or four days of antibiotic therapy. The rash spreads. You develop a fever, or your fever gets worse. People who are ill or have a compromised immune system have a higher risk of getting serious MRSA infections. If you have a condition that lowers your immunity, call your doctor right away if you think that you might have an infection.
context: Embedded in the person's eye or face Deeply embedded in the skin Do not try to remove the fishhook if: The fishhook is in or near an eye. See first aid measures. The fishhook is in a joint, in a bone, or deep in a muscle. You are concerned that removing the fishhook may damage nearby blood vessels or nerves. The person who is injured is not calm and cannot help. You are afraid to remove the fishhook. Do not try to remove fishhook or put pressure on eye. Call for emergency medical help. Place a paper cup over the eye and tape it in place. Be careful not to put pressure on the fishhook or eye. If possible, cover the uninjured eye, too. If the hook is not near the eye or has not penetrated into a joint, bone, or muscle: Cut any fishing line, fish, bait, or lure from the fishhook. Use ice or cold water for 2 to 3 minutes to numb the area. If the barb of the fishhook has not entered the skin, pull the tip of the hook back out. If the barb is embedded in the skin, first try the string-pull method. If medical help is not available and the fishhook is deeply embedded in the skin, try the advance-and-cut method. Push the hook the rest of the way through the skin, snip off the barb with wire cutters, and remove the rest of the fishhook from where it entered the skin. If medical help is available, have a deeply embedded fishhook removed by a doctor or nurse. See a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room. The person may need a tetanus shot and pain reliever.
context: Stress can make your RA worse, so you'll want to take action to keep that from happening. Researchers still don't fully understand the connection between stress and rheumatoid arthritis. The cause may involve substances related to the stress response and inflammation. Use these four proven methods to curb stress ASAP. When your joints ache, you might not feel like going for a brisk walk or swimming laps. Try your best to do something, anyway. Being active is especially good for people with RA. It eases pain, improves mood, lowers stress, and helps keep joints mobile. Go for cardio (aerobic exercise). Pick activities that are easy on your joints, like swimming and walking. Also do strength training. You can use light weights, machines at the gym, resistance bands, or your own body weight (think push-ups and lunges). Don't forget flexibility. Tai chi and gentle types of yoga are good for that. They can also be relaxing. If you're not active now, ask your doctor what's OK for you to do. Pace yourself, too. You may need to take it easier when you have a flare. If your symptoms get in the way of exercise, work with a physical therapist -- one who specializes in treating people with RA. You'll learn ways to build strength, feel better, and zap stress. Studies show that meditation can help improve mood, reduce distress, and ease pain. Meditation can be as simple as focusing your attention on your breathing. Your mind will wander to other topics. That's OK. Just turn your attention back to your breath, or whatever else you choose to focus on. You could also try guided imagery. To do this, you picture in your mind places or situations you find relaxing. Try to use all your senses, and imagine seeing it, smelling it, feeling it. Work around problems. When RA symptoms flare up, everyday tasks can be harder to do. Look for solutions. If typing hurts your hands, try voice recognition software for your computer. In the kitchen, you might find that new utensils with bigger grips make cooking easier. These little changes can take some of the stress off you. Keep up with your sleep. Get up and go to bed at the same time each day to set a regular sleep cycle. If you can, don't take work home from the office. Turn off the TV, computer, and phone at least an hour before bed. Do what you love. Think about activities you enjoy, such as having coffee with a friend, reading, or seeing a movie. Build those activities into your weekly schedule. Don't smoke. While some people with RA smoke to deal with the stress of their condition, that's not a good idea. Studies have found that smoking can make rheumatoid arthritis worse and make medication less effective. Partner with your doctor. Let him know how you're doing. Tell him about any problems you have. Bring up any questions or concerns you have. See a therapist. Talk to a psychologist, social worker, or counselor. Even a few appointments can help you find ways to handle your challenges. Join a support group. You can talk with other people who know what you're going through because they face similar challenges. Online support groups are another option.
context: If you feel a little foggy when you get chemotherapy, it's not your imagination. Lots of folks notice they're more forgetful, or have trouble concentrating, while they get treatment. Doctors call it chemo brain, and if it happens to you, there are steps you can take to keep it under control. Chemo brain can start during or after your treatment for cancer. The symptoms may disappear quickly after your chemotherapy ends, or they may linger for months. You may notice things like these happening to you: Forget things that you usually remember, like names, dates, and common words Feel "spaced out" or can't concentrate Find it hard to do more than one thing at a time Take longer than usual to do things, or feel like you're slow and disorganized Misplace objects Doctors don't fully understand why you get chemo brain. Some studies show that chemotherapy slows the growth of cells in areas of the brain that handle learning and memory. But researchers think other things may also contribute to your foggy thinking, including: Your cancer itself Drugs you took during surgery or to manage side effects Sleep problems and overall fatigue You don't get the right nutrition Stress, anxiety, worry, or depression You don't have to let chemo brain stop you from having a productive day. Learn some simple techniques that can sharpen your mind and put you back on top of your game. Make sure you get regular physical activity. Exercise improves your mood and makes you feel more alert and less tired. Also exercise your brain. It's easy to do. Take a class, do puzzles, or learn a new skill. To help you stay organized, use a daily planner or smartphone app. That way, you can keep track of appointments, schedules, to-do lists, dates, websites, phone numbers, and addresses. Another trick: If you think you might forget something, try a memory game. Think of a word that rhymes with a name you need to remember, or a silly visual image relating to a fact. If you work in an office, look for ways to cut down distractions, even if you have move to a different cubicle. And whether you have a job or stay at home, set up and follow daily and weekly routines. Give yourself extra time to get things done. To avoid misplacing things, place items like your car keys and cellphone in the same place every time you set them down. Some people find that taking stimulants like methylphenidate ( Quillivant ER, Quillichew ER, Ritalin), a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine ( Adderall, Adderall XR), or modafinil/armodafinil ( Provigil/ Nuvigil) can help their fatigue, attention, and concentration during cancer treatment. However, these medications often have appetite suppression or weight loss as a common side effect, which may be of concern for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor about whether one of these drugs might work for you. Whatever techniques you use, keep your family and friends in the loop. They can be a big source of help and support.
context: Even if you already have osteoporosis, many medicines can help prevent bone loss and rebuild bone. They also may lower your chances for dangerous breaks in bones, or "fractures." The drugs work by preventing or lessening a bone break. There are a few types: These medications may make osteoporosis-related breaks in bones less likely, but they don't all work the same. Some are better at preventing certain types of broken bones than others. You also take them in a variety of ways -- by pill, injection, or through an IV. Talk with your doctor about which of these might be best for you. Alendronate ( Binosto, Fosamax) Ibandronate ( Boniva) Risedronate ( Actonel, Atelvia) Zoledronic acid ( Reclast, Zometa) These drugs are generally safe. Still, it's important to talk about your treatment and any potential risks with your doctor. This type of osteoporosis treatment works well in decreasing bone loss and reducing hip and spine fractures, but it comes with a number of very serious drawbacks. While it replaces the estrogen levels that drop drastically during menopause, it may also raise your chances for blood clots, heart attack, breast cancer, and stroke. The FDA recommends that you try other osteoporosis drugs first. These medicines give you the benefits of estrogen therapy without many of the drawbacks. Raloxifene ( Evista) is the only SERM approved to treat osteoporosis. It may reduce the risk of spine fractures, but it doesn't seem to help prevent breaks in other bones. Bone-forming medications are designed to do just what they say. Instead of just slowing or stopping the process of bone breakdown, they work to build more of it. Abaloparatide ( Tymlos) and teriparatide ( Forteo) is the only medicines of this type approved by the FDA. In women, they help reduce fractures of the spine and in the hands and feet. They're also approved for men with low testosterone levels and men with osteoporosis caused by steroids. With either drug, you have to inject it daily, and the treatment is expensive. If bisphosphonates don't work for you, denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva) is another option. If you're at high risk for fractures, this may work for you. It strengthens bones throughout the body. It's a twice-yearly injection. Calcitonin drugs, like Miacalcin and Fortical, have been around since the 1980s. They help prevent bone loss and reduce spinal fractures, but don't seem to do much in other parts of the body. You can take it as a daily nasal spray or by injection. Most doctors don't consider these drugs a first option in treating the disease because they are not as effective as other treatments and they may increase risk of certain cancers. There are many different options for treatment and prevention, whether you already have the disease or are at high risk for it. If one drug doesn't work well for you, another may. Talk with your doctor about your choices.
context: For many Americans, driving is a big part of life. Most people with diabetes can do it safely, but there are some things to keep in mind before you get behind the wheel. First, if you take insulin or medications called sulfonylureas or meglitinides to manage your diabetes, your blood sugar might go to low, called hypoglycemia. That can make it hard for you to concentrate on the road and react to what's going on around you. You might not be able to see clearly, and you could pass out behind the wheel. If you're not sure whether your diabetes medication can cause low blood sugar, ask your doctor or pharmacist. ( Sometimes very high blood sugar can make it unsafe for you to drive, but it's not as common. Ask your doctor how high is too high to be on the road.) Second, over time diabetes can cause other health problems that can affect your driving. Nerve damage in your legs and feet can make it hard for you to feel the pedals. Diabetes can also hurt your vision by damaging blood vessels in your eyes or making you more likely to get cataracts. A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward keeping you safe on the road. Check your blood sugar. Before you drive, make sure your blood sugar is at least 80 mg/d L. If it's lower than that, have a snack with 15 grams of carbohydrate. Wait 15 minutes, then check again. Bring snacks. Stock your car with some snacks that have fast-acting carbohydrates in case your blood sugar starts to go too low. Try glucose tablets or gel, regular soda (not diet), and juice boxes or snack bars that won't go bad if you leave them in the car. Bring your meter. You might have to check your blood sugar along the way. Don't leave it in the car when you're not driving, though. Extreme heat or cold can damage it. Wear your medical ID. If there's an emergency, police and rescuers need to know that you have diabetes. Get your eyes checked. Keep up with your regular eye appointments to make sure diabetes isn't changing your vision. The important thing about being on the road is not to have your blood sugar dip too low. Pull over and check your levels if you start feel: A headache Shaky or jumpy Sweaty Hungry Like you can't see straight Sleepy Dizzy, lightheaded, or confused Clumsy Irritable or cranky Weak If your blood sugar is low, have a snack with fast-acting carbohydrates. Wait 15 minutes and check again. If it's still not high enough, eat another snack, wait another 15 minutes, and check again. Don't drive again until your blood sugar is in a normal range. Then when you get a chance, eat a bigger snack or a meal with some protein. Road trip? Check your blood sugar at regular intervals during long drives to make sure it's not heading toward a low. Most people with diabetes can drive safely. The exception is if you have a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness, which means low blood sugars hit you out of the blue, with no warning at all. It can be especially dangerous for you to be on the road. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor. You might be able to learn how to feel low blood sugar coming on.
context: Colds aren't fun for anyone, but if you have diabetes, all that sniffling and sneezing comes with an extra risk. When you're sick, there's a chance your blood sugar levels could go up. Some smart strategies can get you back on track. When you have a cold, your body sends out hormones to fight the infection. The downside: That makes it hard for you to use insulin properly, and your blood sugar levels may rise. If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar levels get hard to manage, it can lead to problems like ketoacidosis. That's a buildup of too much acid in your blood and it's potentially life-threatening. If you have type 2 diabetes, especially if you're older, very high blood sugar can bring on a serious condition called diabetic coma. Check it at least every 3 or 4 hours when you're sick with a cold. If your levels aren't near your target, you can tweak your diabetes management plan -- your doctor may tell you to use more insulin if your blood sugar levels are too high. You may not feel hungry when you first get sick, but it's important to try to eat something anyway. You can have foods from your regular meal plan. The American Diabetes Association recommends you try to eat something with about 15 grams of carbohydrates every hour or so. Some foods to try: 3-ounce fruit juice bar 1/2 cup frozen yogurt 1/2 cup cooked cereal If you don't eat, your blood sugar might fall too low. If you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink a cup of fluid each hour. You can sip the liquid if you want -- no need to gulp it down all at once. The important thing is to avoid getting dehydrated. If your blood sugar is too high, sip liquids like water or sugar-free ginger ale. If it's too low, sip half a cup of apple juice or 1/2 cup of ginger ale. Always check what you eat or drink against your regular diabetes diet to make sure these foods and drinks are allowed in your situation. You can take some over-the-counter cold drugs, but avoid products that are high in sugar. Some examples are cough drops or liquid medicines. Read the ingredients label carefully. Talk to your doctor if in doubt. If you have high blood pressure, avoid any cold medicine that contains decongestants, which can raise it even more. Make sure you and your family members wash your hands regularly. There's no vaccine against colds, but talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot every year.
context: Maybe you've heard the claim that raspberry ketone supplements can melt away fat and prevent weight gain -- even if your diet is high in fat. But what are they, and can they really do that? Raspberry ketones are natural chemicals that give raspberries their enticing aroma. When ketones are taken from raspberries, they can be used to add fragrance and flavor to things such as colas, ice cream, and cosmetics. Experts say that investing in a bottle of raspberry ketone supplements amounts to little more than wishful thinking. And it may or may not be harmful. In one small study, people who took 200 milligrams of raspberry ketones combined with 1,200 mg of vitamin C daily for 4 weeks lost weight and body fat. But the study did not follow good scientific methods. It doesn't show whether any benefit was from either the vitamin C or the raspberry ketones or from the combination. Until more is known, experts say you're better off holding onto your money. Instead, stick to a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise. Both of those have been shown to be effective ways to manage weight. Raspberry ketones in food and cosmetics are generally considered safe. But no one knows what short- or long-term effect raspberry ketone supplements could have on your overall health. No study has been done to document potential side effects. There are also no studies that look at potential drug or food interactions. The fact that raspberry ketones chemically resemble other stimulants suggests the potential for certain side effects. And there are anecdotal reports of jitteriness, increased blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat among people taking raspberry ketone supplements. Without scientific evidence, no one can say what dosage of raspberry ketone supplements, if any, might be safe to take. Talk to your doctor about any supplements you're thinking about taking, and any concerns you have about your weight or weight loss.
context: How Is MRSA Diagnosed? Your health care provider will examine the area and be able to run lab tests to see if you have MRSA. A common infection of the skin caused by MRSA is cellulitis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor also might test blood, urine, or sputum (mucus coughed up). What Are the Treatments for MRSA? MRSA is treatable. By definition, MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics. But other kinds of antibiotics still work. If you have a severe infection, or MRSA in the bloodstream, you will need intravenous antibiotics. Unfortunately, there is emerging antibiotic resistance being seen with some of these medications. Antibiotics, however, aren't always necessary. If you have a small skin boil caused by MRSA, your doctor may just make an incision and drain it. If you are prescribed antibiotics, follow your health care provider's instructions precisely. Never stop taking your medicine, even if you're feeling better. If you don't take all of your medicine, some of the staph bacteria may survive, requiring re-treatment. Inadequate treatment also increases the development of antibiotic resistance in the surviving staph population. If you still have staph you can infect someone else.
context: Do you feel under the weather and wonder if you're sick with the flu or a cold? It's often hard to tell the difference because the symptoms of both are similar. But there is one clue about flu that can help you know. When you have it, you feel the symptoms sooner than you would with a cold, and they come on with much greater intensity. You may feel very weak and tired for up to 2 or 3 weeks. You'll have muscle aches and periods of chills and sweats as fever comes and goes. You may also have a stuffy or runny nose, headache, and sore throat. This chart can help you see the differences and similarities. Then, if you get flu symptoms, call your doctor and ask about an antiviral drug. Symptoms Cold Flu Fever Rare Characteristic, high (100-102 degrees F); lasts 3 to 4 days Headache Rare Prominent General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe Fatigue, Weakness Quite mild Can last up to 2 to 3 weeks Extreme Exhaustion Rare Early and prominent Stuffy, Runny Nose Common Sometimes Sneezing Usual Sometimes Sore Throat Common Sometimes Chest Discomfort, Cough Mild to moderate; hacking cough Common; can become severe Complications Sinus congestion or earache Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening Prevention Good hygiene Good hygiene and an annual flu vaccine Treatment Only temporary relief of symptoms Antiviral drugs oseltamivir ( Tamiflu),zanamivir ( Relenza), or peramivir ( Rapivab) within 24-48 hours of onset