VivekNaga/Medicaldata huggingface dataset:
context: Carnitine helps make energy in your body. Most carnitine comes from the liver and kidneys, but you also get some from food. Most supplements contain one type of carnitine called L-carnitine. It's the same type that's in food. While carnitine is needed for good health, you probably have all that you need. People with genetic problems and some diseases -- as well as pre-term babies -- may have low levels. L-carnitine supplements may help them. L-carnitine is a popular supplement for athletes. However, studies have not found that it helps improve sports performance, muscle adaptions, or endurance. L-carnitine may help certain patients survive heart attacks, have less heart rhythm disturbances, and less chest pain. When added to regular medication therapy, carnitine may improve health in people with peripheral artery disease, but further research is needed. It is thought that patients with cancer may become carnitine deficient, and so carnitine supplementation can be helpful to reduce chemotherapy side effects. We need more research to know for sure, though. Researchers are still studying to find out if carnitine can improve memory and thinking problems in older people. There's no standard dose of L-carnitine. Ask your healthcare provider for advice. Carnitine is in many animal products. Red meat has the highest levels. A 4-ounce beef steak has an estimated 56 mg to 162 mg of carnitine. Carnitine is also found in smaller amounts in chicken, milk and dairy products, fish, beans, and avocado. Vegans tend to get less carnitine from foods, but their bodies usually produce enough anyway. 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. L-carnitine supplements can sometimes cause nausea, diarrhea, cramps, or vomiting. High doses can make you smell "fishy." Risks. If you have Alzheimer's disease, a seizure disorder, or kidney disease, talk to a doctor before using L-carnitine supplements. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, doctors don't recommend L-carnitine for pregnant women. Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, you must talk to your doctor before you start using L-carnitine supplements. They could interact with many drugs such as antibiotics for infections. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
context: Before your chemo begins, you should have a clear plan in place. Still, you or your doctor might decide to change the drugs you're taking or how you take them once your chemo is under way. It's important you understand why you're making the change. Here are some reasons you might switch treatments and how these changes can affect your health. Your first treatment isn't working. The goal of chemotherapy is to either cure your cancer or stop it from spreading. If a physical exam or imaging tests show that your tumor is still growing after your first few sessions, your doctor might recommend a different treatment. You have a bad reaction. Chemo can cause side effects -- vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and more -- that can be hard to handle. If the treatment is your best chance at a cure, your doctor will probably strongly recommend you stick with it, even if it's hard on you. Sometimes, though, side effects can become too dangerous to keep up the treatment. Some chemo can cause very low levels of blood cells and raise your chance of having an infection. You could also have an allergic reaction to a specific drug. In these cases, your doctor might suggest spacing out your sessions or trying a different medication. Your cancer spreads or gets a lot worse. If you take certain chemotherapy, but your cancer still gets to a more advanced stage, your doctor may switch to another treatment. This can keep your cancer from spreading further. You're worried about cost. Some insurance companies require you to pay a co-percentage (rather than a flat-rate co-pay) of certain brand-name drugs, especially ones you take by mouth. If you get bills that you can't afford, you might be able to switch to a less expensive treatment. Your doctor planned the switch ahead of time. Sometimes your plan includes two different chemo drugs, one after the other. Your doctor will tell you about this early on so you'll know when to expect it. You asked for a change. Depending on the cancer you have and how severe it is, you might be able to plan sessions around things in your life, like holidays or special occasions. It's important to remember, though, that the treatment may not work as well if you alter the schedule, even by a little bit. Always make sure your doctor knows about and supports any changes you'd like to make. Different treatments can have different side effects, so a new treatment plan can often help you feel better. Of course, it may also have side effects of its own, which you should discuss with your doctor. For example, nausea and vomiting are more common with some drugs than others. If you're switching to a drug that's known for this, you might get more medications to keep you from feeling sick. After a change, you may notice a difference in your energy levels, appetite, pain, or overall health. Talk to your doctor about how you feel -- he can help you manage your symptoms in the safest way possible.
context: Corns and calluses can be annoying, but your body actually forms them to protect sensitive skin. Corns and calluses are often confused with one another. Corns generally occur at pressure points, typically the bottom of the feet and the sides of toes. They can be painful. A hard corn is a small patch of thickened, dead skin with a central core. A soft corn has a much thinner surface and usually occurs between the 4th and 5th toes. A seed corn is a tiny, discrete callous that can be very tender if it's on a weight-bearing part of the foot. Seed corns tend to occur on the bottom of the feet, and some doctors believe this condition is caused by plugged sweat ducts. Calluses are thickenings of the outermost layer of the skin and are painless. They can develop on hands, feet, or anywhere there is repeated friction -- even on a violinist's chin. Like corns, calluses have several variants. The common callus usually occurs when there's been a lot of rubbing against the hands or feet. A plantar callus is found on the bottom of the foot. 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(); }); } Some corns and calluses on the feet develop from an improper walking motion, but most are caused by ill-fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes are the worst offenders. They put pressure on the toes and make women four times as likely as men to have foot problems. Other risk factors for developing a corn or callus include foot deformities and wearing shoes or sandals without socks, which leads to friction on the feet. Rubbing or pressure can cause either soft corns or plantar calluses. If you or your child develops a callus that has no clear source of pressure, have it looked at by a doctor since it could be a wart or caused by a foreign body, like a splinter, trapped under the skin. Feet spend most of their time in a closed, moist environment -- ideal for breeding bacteria. Staph infections can start when bacteria enter corns through breaks in the skin and cause the infected corn to release fluid or pus.
context: When you think about strong bones, calcium usually comes to mind first. But another mineral, phosphorous, is just as important. Your muscles and nerves need it, too. And it helps your body turn food into energy. In your body, it's found in the form of phosphates. They're made when phosphorous combines with something else, like oxygen. Your kidneys filter extra phosphates from your blood, and they go out of your body in your urine. If something's wrong with your kidneys, your pee might have too many phosphates in it. A urine phosphate test measures how much phosphate is in your pee over a 24-hour period. Your doctor might also call it a phosphorous test. Your doctor might recommend a urine phosphate test if she thinks you might have an issue with your kidneys or you get kidney stones often. In some cases, the test can offer some clues about why they keep coming back. Calcium and phosphate levels are closely tied, so you may also have this test if other tests show your calcium levels aren't quite right. You don't need to do anything special ahead of time. Just be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines, herbs, vitamins, or supplements you take. They could affect your results. For example, laxatives with sodium phosphate or lots of vitamin D can skew your numbers. Your doctor gives you a container to collect your urine over a 24-hour period. It may have a substance in it that helps keep the urine stable until it's tested. Your doctor may ask you to keep the container in the refrigerator when you're not using it. Here's what you'll do: When you first get up in the morning, pee into the toilet, not the container. Then write down what time it is. After that, pee into the container each time you go for the rest of the day and night. The next morning, get up at the same time as the day before and pee into the container one last time. It may help to set an alarm the morning of the second day to make sure you stick to the 24-hour window. Results are typically ready within a day, but it could take longer, depending on the lab your doctor uses. In general, higher levels than normal could mean a number of things, including: Not enough potassium in your diet Too much phosphorous in your diet An issue with your parathyroid gland Kidney disease And several things can cause lower-than-normal phosphate levels, like: Not enough phosphorous or vitamin D in your diet Taking insulin Too much potassium in your diet Using antacids for a long time But your age, diet, and gender can affect your phosphate levels, as can pregnancy, exercise, and even the time of year. And different labs have different ways of doing the test. It's best to talk to your doctor about exactly what your results mean.
context: They can include: Chest pain. You may feel uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center or left side of your chest. It can range from mild to severe, and the feeling may come and go. Discomfort in other parts of your body, such as the neck, arms, jaw, or back or a burning sensation in the stomach. Shortness of breath. Lightheadedness. Nausea, vomitting. Breaking out in a cold sweat. Women are more likely to have these heart attack symptoms: Unusual fatigue Shortness of breath Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or lightheadedness Discomfort in your gut. It may feel like indigestion. Discomfort in the neck, shoulder, or upper back Call 911 right away. Don't wait to see if you feel better. It's important to start treatment immediately. If you can't call 911, have someone else drive you to the emergency room. Don't drive yourself. Until the ambulance comes: Stop all activity and try to remain calm. If your doctor has told you before to take an aspirin if you think you're having a heart attack, do so. If not, ask the 911 operator. If you're with someone who might be having a heart attack and becomes unconscious, start CPR. If you don't know how, the 911 dispatcher can talk you through the steps until help arrives. They can include these sudden problems: Severe headache with no known cause Confusion -- trouble speaking or understanding Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; double vision Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination Call 911 right away and get to an emergency room. Every second counts. The sooner treatment starts, the better. Angina isn't a condition or disease. It's a symptom, and sometimes it can signal a heart attack. The sensations may occur with normal activities but then go away with rest or when you take nitroglycerin. You may feel: Pressure, pain, squeezing, or a sense of fullness in the center of the chest Pain or discomfort in the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw Call 911 if it gets worse, lasts for more than 5 minutes, or doesn't improve after you've taken nitroglycerin. Doctors call that âunstableâ angina,â and it's an emergency that could be related to a heart attack. If you instead have âstableâ angina, which is the most common kind, your symptoms usually happen with predictable triggers (such as a strong emotion, physical activity, extreme hot and cold temperatures, or even a heavy meal). The symptoms go away if you rest or take nitroglycerin that your doctor has prescribed. If not, call 911.
context: Brain tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the brain. Although such growths are popularly called brain tumors, not all brain tumors are cancer. Cancer is a term reserved for malignant tumors. Malignant tumors can grow and spread aggressively, overpowering healthy cells by taking their space, blood, and nutrients. They can also spread to distant parts of the body. Like all cells of the body, tumor cells need blood and nutrients to survive. Tumors that do not invade nearby tissue or spread to distant areas are called benign. In general, a benign tumor is less serious than a malignant tumor. But a benign tumor can still cause many problems in the brain by pressing on nearby tissue. In the U. S., brain or nervous system tumors affect about 6 of every 1,000 people. The brain is made up of many different types of cells. Some brain cancers occur when one type of cell transforms from its normal characteristics. Once transformed, the cells grow and multiply in abnormal ways. As these abnormal cells grow, they become a mass, or tumor. The brain tumors that result are called primary brain tumors because they originate in the brain. The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas). The term glioma includes glioblastomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas. Most of these are named after the part of the brain or the type of brain cell from which they arise. Metastatic brain tumors are made of cancerous cells from a tumor elsewhere in the body. The cells spread to the brain from another tumor in a process called metastasis. This is the most common type of brain tumor. As with tumors elsewhere in the body, the exact cause of most brain cancer is unknown. Genetic factors, various environmental toxins, radiation to the head, HIV infection, and cigarette smoking have all been linked to cancers of the brain. In most cases, no clear cause can be shown. MRI Brain Cancer Picture: Side view section through the brain of a young girl. The white arrow shows a brain tumor that involves the brainstem. MRI Brain Cancer Picture: Cross-section (image taken from the top of the head down) of a brain tumor in a young girl. The white arrow shows the tumor.
context: Prostate cancer affects mainly older men. Six out of ten cases are diagnosed in men over 65, but less than 1% in men under 50. Though uncommon, prostate cancer can be seen in men even in their 30's and 40's. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop prostate cancer than the general population. On a case-by-case basis, doctors cannot say with certainty what causes prostate cancer, but experts generally agree that diet contributes to the risk. Men who consume large amounts of fat -- particularly from red meat and other sources of animal fat cooked at high heat -- may be more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer. The disease is much more common in countries where meat and dairy products are dietary staples than in countries where the basic diet consists of rice, soybean products, and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cole slaw, or sauerkraut. The underlying factor linking diet and prostate cancer is probably hormonal. Fats stimulate increased production of testosterone and other hormones, and testosterone acts to speed the growth of prostate cancer. High testosterone levels may stimulate dormant prostate cancer cells into activity. Some findings suggest that high testosterone levels also influence the initial onset of prostate cancer. Welders, battery manufacturers, rubber workers, and workers frequently exposed to the metal cadmium seem to be abnormally vulnerable to prostate cancer. The following are also associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer: Height, high body mass index, low physical activity, smoking, low tomato sauce consumption, high calcium intake, high linoleic acid intake, African- American race, and a positive family history. No proven link exists between prostate cancer and an active sex life, vasectomy, masturbation, use of alcohol or tobacco, circumcision, infertility, infection of the prostate, or a common noncancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH). Most, if not all, men will experience an enlarged prostate as they age.
context: Some women with endometrial cancer have no symptoms until the disease has spread to other organs. But endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed by the appearance of symptoms -- like vaginal bleeding -- as the cancer begins to grow. The most likely symptoms are: Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, which occurs in nine out of 10 women with endometrial cancer. Before menopause, this means unusually heavy irregular menstrual periods or bleeding between periods. After a woman enters menopause, this means any vaginal bleeding, unless she is on hormone replacement therapy ( HRT). Even though HRT may cause vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women, the first episodes of any such bleeding should be checked by a doctor to make sure that it is not due to endometrial cancer. However, only 15% of women with postmenopausal bleeding will have endometrial cancer. Vaginal discharge that may range from pink and watery to thick, brown, and foul smelling. Difficult or painful urination. An enlarged uterus, detectable during a pelvic exam. Pain during intercourse. Unexpected weight loss. Weakness and pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs. This happens when the cancer has spread to other organs. You experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. Abnormal bleeding, though sometimes a symptom of perimenopause (pre-menopause), should be brought to your doctor's attention immediately. Endometrial cancer usually doesn't occur before menopause, but it can appear around the time menopause begins and during the menopausal transition.
context: Daytime fatigue is a common symptom of hep C, but you may also have trouble when it's time to fall asleep. A little more than half of the people who have the disease find it hard to get the rest they need at night. Trouble sleeping can affect you at any stage of the disease. If it happens just after diagnosis, the drugs you're taking could be to blame. It can also happen if your disease has progressed to cirrhosis or another late-stage liver disease. You need a strong immune system to help your body work with the powerful drugs you're taking to fight the virus. Sleep recharges your defense system. Depression is also a problem for people with hep C. It's scary to have a serious disease. And some of the drugs you take can bring it on. Lack of sleep only makes these problems more likely. Treating depression can improve your sleep quality. Good sleep at night may also help with daytime fatigue. If you have mild hep C and trouble falling asleep, you aren't alone. About half the people with it have the same problem. If you haven't yet received any treatment, your issues may be linked to depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Your doctor should be able to figure out the cause. Interferon, the powerful drug that doctors often use to treat hepatitis C, can make it hard to fall asleep. It also boosts depression and daytime fatigue. Tell your doctor about any problems. He should be able to help you overcome them during your treatment. If you don't follow your doctor's advice, hepatitis C can progress to cirrhosis. This means your liver tissue is scarred and the organ can't work the way it should. This type of liver damage can cause sleep problems like: Daytime fatigue Need for frequent naps Waking up at night Depression Restless legs syndrome Sleep apnea Lifestyle changes might help: Only use your bed for sleep and sex. Get out of bed if you can't sleep after 20 minutes. Stay in dim light and do something to make yourself sleepy, then try again. Skip caffeine and alcohol for 6 hours before you go to sleep. Take a hot bath or shower before you get into bed. Keep your room cool. Go to bed and wake up at the same time on weekdays and weekends. If you have sleep apnea, try to lose some weight. Ask your doctor about a special mouth guard or a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to improve your sleep. If these don't work, your doctor may give you medicine: Sleep aids can help if you take interferon or if you simply can't rest no matter how you try. If you're thinking about taking over-the-counter sleeping pills, check with your doctor before you start. Antidepressants may improve your depression and your sleep problems at the same time.
context: Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use has been to boost the body's immune system. But it also has been used to treat other conditions, including heart disease. That raises the question of exactly what heart benefits astragalus might offer. And if it does offer heart benefits, are there side effects you should know about? Who should and who shouldn't use astragalus? Astragalus is also called huang qi or milk vetch. It comes from a type of bean or legume. While there are multiple species of astragalus, most astragalus supplements contain Astragalus membranaceus. The herb is said to offer multiple health benefits for multiple conditions, including heart benefits. Astragalus is thought to stimulate the immune system. It has antioxidant effects that inhibit free radical production. In the body, free radicals damage cells and are linked to many health problems associated with aging. There is, though, no known way to stop free radicals completely. Astragalus is a natural dietary supplement that's used for various health conditions. For instance, it's used to treat the common cold, upper respiratory infections, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. Some proponents of astragalus use it for its possible heart benefits. They claim it may protect against heart disease. It's also used to help improve overall weakness. Proponents also say astragalus stimulates the spleen, liver, lungs, circulatory, and urinary system. It's also used to treat osteoarthritis, asthma, and nervous conditions as well as to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. However, there is limited evidence to prove that it is effective. Astragalus is often promoted for its effects on the immune system, liver, and cardiovascular system. There is, though, little research to suggest that astragalus can help protect the heart in humans. More research is needed before experts can make any firm recommendations about using astragalus for its heart benefits. Astragalus has also been tested for breast cancer, the common cold, hepatitis, and lung cancer. Some preliminary studies suggest a possible benefit. But as with heart benefits, more medical research is needed to understand if astragalus can help with these other health problems. Astragalus is usually taken in combination with other herbal supplements. When used appropriately, astragalus appears to be very safe and to have few side effects. Very high doses may suppress the immune system. So you should avoid using astragalus if you are taking immune-suppressing drugs. Pregnant or nursing women should not use astragalus root. If you have an immune system disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or another condition known as an "autoimmune disease," you should not use astragalus root. As with any herbal supplement, always check with your health care provider before taking astragalus root.
context: The symptoms of heart failure are related to the changes that occur to your heart and body, and may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how weak your heart is. The symptoms can include: Congested lungs. Fluid backup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath with exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying flat in bed. Lung congestion also causes a dry, hacking cough or wheezing. Fluid and water retention. Less blood to your kidneys causes fluid and water retention, resulting in swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen (called edema) and weight gain. Symptoms may cause an increased need to urinate during the night. Bloating in your stomach may cause a loss of appetite or nausea. Dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. Less blood to your major organs and muscles makes you feel tired and weak. Less blood to the brain can cause dizziness or confusion. Rapid or irregular heartbeats. The heart beats faster to pump enough blood to the body. This causes a fast or irregular heartbeat. If you have heart failure, you may have one or all of these symptoms or you may have none of them. In addition, your symptoms may not be related to how weak your heart is; you may have many symptoms, but your heart function may be only mildly weakened. Or you may have a more severely damaged heart but have no symptoms. If you have any of the above listed symptoms, be sure to see a doctor. Also, because heart failure can occur without symptoms, be sure to get a yearly doctor check-up so that any problems can be detected and treated.
context: One of the keys to handling your ulcerative colitis ( UC) is a strong partnership with your medical team. It's a long-lasting, complicated disease. Your symptoms will flare up, then wane. You'll want to keep your doctor in the loop to help you manage it. Good communication helps a lot. So be open about your symptoms and concerns. Don't say you're âfineâ or â OKâ if you're not. And if you have flares, bring that up. When you keep your doctor informed, you're more likely to enjoy longer periods without flare-ups. Most people with UC need to take meds that fight inflammation in their digestive tract, turn down their immune systems, or both. When flares start, it could be that your doctor needs to change your treatment doses. Your symptoms can get worse if you don't take your meds on schedule or if you stop taking them. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including over-the-counter medicines, in case they are triggers. A problem like an infection could spell trouble, too. Let your doctor know about anything that's going on with your health, even if it doesn't seem to be related to your UC. Keep a journal of all your health-related information so you can bring it to your next visit with your doctor. She'll want to know what foods you've been eating and any flare triggers you've noticed. Not only can it help you create an "eat this, not that" list, it can also help your doctor tell if you're getting the nutrition you need. It also helps to track how often you go to the bathroom, how much comes out, and the amount of blood you might be losing. Take notes you can understand like, " Is it 100 tiny squirts a day or 10 squirts with large volume?" Observe what the blood looks like. Is it watery or is it in clots? Note what you see. You can also ask your doctor if you need to bring stool samples to your checkup. Your doctor will also want to know your weight. If you're having a flare or a bout of diarrhea, you may want to weigh yourself more than once a day. If you notice a drop in your weight during those times, that could mean you're dehydrated, which is risky for your health. Even when your symptoms are under control, it's a good idea to keep tabs on your weight in general, because UC makes it harder to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Also, pay close attention to your urine. Is it darker than it used to be? Or do you not pee as much as you normally would? Those are other symptoms of dehydration. Make sure to keep track of your health on good days and bad. If you want to get personally involved in UC research, you can ask your doctor if there are clinical trials you could consider. These studies test new drugs to see if they're safe and if they work. They're often a way for people to try new medicine that isn't available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you what's involved and if one of these trials might be a good fit for you.
context: It's tough to go through the mood swings of bipolar disorder. Depression can make it hard to do the things you want and need to do. During manic periods, you may be reckless and volatile. The best way to avoid mood swings is to get treatment. You may not be able to totally prevent bouts of mania or depression. Even people who always take their medication and take care of their health can still have mood swings from time to time. That's why it's important to catch changes in your mood, energy levels, and sleeping patterns before they turn into something serious. At first, mood swings may take you by surprise. But over time, you might start to see patterns or signs that you're entering a period of mania or depression. Aside from a shift in your mood, look for changes in your: Sleep patterns Energy level Alcohol or drug use Sex drive Self-esteem Concentration Mood episodes in bipolar disorder often happen suddenly, for no particular reason. Sometimes, you may notice that there are specific things that can trigger mania or depression, such as getting too little sleep, changes to your daily routine, or jet lag when you travel. Many people find they're more likely to become depressed or manic during stressful times at work or during holidays. Some people see seasonal patterns to their mood changes. One good way to spot your triggers is to keep a journal. Make note of big events, stresses, your medication dose, and the amount of sleep you're getting. Over time, you might see some patterns. Of course, there may be triggers that you just can't avoid, like a serious illness or the death of a loved one. But if you can recognize the things that are likely to bring on mania or depression, you can prepare for times when you might be most vulnerable. Work with a mental health professional to plan what to do when you think a mood swing might happen. Ask for more help from family and friends. Have them check in more often so you get extra support. If you see the signs of potential trouble, get help. Don't wait for the mood episode to pass on its own. You might be able to stop a minor change from becoming a serious problem. When people with bipolar disorder are depressed, they almost always know that something is wrong. Nobody likes feeling that way. But it's different for people who are manic. Often, they don't think anything is wrong. Or if they notice a difference in their mood and personality, they think it's an improvement. Mania can be seductive. You might feel more energized, creative, and interesting. You might be able to get tons of work done. So what's the problem? Manic phases often turn destructive. You might wipe out your savings account on a shopping spree. You might have affairs that ruin your marriage. Most dangerous of all, mania can make you do things that risk your life or the lives of others. And it's often followed by depression. Although mania can feel good at the moment, in the long run, you'll be happier, healthier, more productive, and more successful if you can keep a stable mood.
context: The person is seriously injured. Bone is sticking out of skin. Bleeding doesn't stop after several minutes of firm pressure. Blood spurts from the wound. Apply pressure to wound area with a clean cloth until bleeding stops. If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place. Apply ice. Elevate the foot and have the person stay off it as much as possible. See a health care provider. Foot injuries can develop into long-lasting problems if they go untreated. The health care provider will X-ray the foot and may order a CT scan or MRI. The health care provider may recommend special shoes or apply a cast or cast boot to stabilize and protect the foot. Surgery may be needed for more complicated fractures.
context: There are a wide variety of resources available to help you and your family meet the challenges of multiple sclerosis. This list is by no means complete -- it is designed as a starting point to help you identify sources of help. The Multiple Sclerosis Learning Center at the Mellen Center The Cleveland Clinic Foundation 9500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44199www.clevelandclinic.org (866) 588-2264 or (800) CCF- CARE (1-800-223-2273) Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 3 University Plaza Drive, Ste. 116 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 487-1050www.mscare.org Multiple Sclerosis Foundation 6520 North Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-2132 (954) 776-6805 https://msfocus.org National Multiple Sclerosis Society 733 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 (800) FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867)www.nationalmssociety.org Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 375 Kings Highway North Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (800) LEARN- MS (1-800-532-7667)www.msaa.com Multiple Sclerosis International Federation 3rd Floor Skyline House 200 Union Street London SE1 0 LX +44 (0)20 7620 1911 E-mail: [email protected]www.msif.org Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 250 Bloor St. East, Suite 820 Toronto, Ontario M4 W 3 P9, Canada (800) 268-7582 E-mail: [email protected]http://www.mssociety.ca/ American Academy of Neurology 201 Chicago Ave. South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 (800) 879-1960 E-mail: [email protected]www.aan.com National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke NIH Neurological Institute Attn: NINDS P. O. Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 (800) 352-9424http://www.ninds.nih.gov Berlex - Betaseron MS Pathways (800) 788-1467www.betaseron.com/ Biogen - Avonex MS Active Source (800) 456-2255www.abovems.comwww. Avonex.com Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Copaxone MS Watch: www.mswatch.com Shared Solutions (800) 887-8100www.copaxone.com Serono - Rebif (877) 447-3243http://www.rebif.com/ American Association of People with Disabilities 2013 H Street, NW, 5th floor Washington, DC 20006 (800) 840-8844 TTY: (202) 457-0046 www.aapd.com/ American Disability Association Member Services 815 First Avenue Suite 280 Seattle, WA 98104 www.adanet.org E-mail: [email protected] dis ABILITY Information and Resources www.makoa.org/ Disabled Peoples' International www.dpi.org/ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM Clearinghouse P. O. Box 7923 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20898 1-888-644-6226 or (301) 519-3153 Fax: 1-866-464-3616 ( Toll- Free) E-mail: [email protected]http://nccam.nih.gov/
context: Lots of people drink coffee every day to help rev them up in the morning or lift them out of an afternoon slump. But java may do more than perk you up. Researchers have found that it might be good for you in other ways, especially for your liver. Researchers have found that coffee drinkers may be less likely to have: Liver cancer Cancer in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium Fibrosis, a disease that makes scar tissue form inside your liver. It's a reaction to conditions like hepatitis or alcohol use disorder. Cirrhosis, a late stage of fibrosis. As this disease gets worse, your liver has a harder time doing its job. Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease, which develops when the liver cells store too much fat. This also keeps your liver from working like it should. If you're a big-time coffee lover, the news gets better. The more you drink, the more your chances of liver disease go down. In one study, researchers found that putting away 2 cups a day cut the odds of cirrhosis by 44%, and 4 cups a day lowered them by 65%. If you already have a problem with your liver, coffee may help with that. Research shows that moderate amounts, typically between 1 and 3 cups a day, may slow down the following conditions: Fibrosis Cirrhosis Hepatitis B and C Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease In addition to caffeine, coffee has more than 1,000 chemicals. Doctors are still trying to figure out what the body does with them that makes coffee helpful. Here are a few pieces of the puzzle: When your body digests caffeine, it makes a chemical called paraxanthine that slows the growth of the scar tissue involved in fibrosis. That may help fight liver cancer, alcohol-related cirrhosis, non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease, and hepatitis C. Two chemicals in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, may help fight cancer. Doctors aren't sure how powerful the effect is, but some think moderate amounts of unsweetened coffee could work alongside the main treatments for the most common kind of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma. Acids in coffee may work against the virus that causes hepatitis B. One study found that decaf coffee could have the same benefit. Studies have found that coffee helps men and women equally. And the benefits show up no matter how the coffee is made -- filtered, instant, or espresso. Doctors think coffee might become an important weapon in the fight against liver disease. After all, it's easy to get and doesn't have to cost much. But at this point, doctors don't know enough to recommend any specific amount. And coffee may not be for everyone. Even though it might help your liver, it may raise your chances of other conditions. For example, some chemicals in it may raise your cholesterol level or blood pressure. That could be a caution sign for: People with high blood pressure Children and teens Older adults No matter how good coffee might be for you, the key to taking care of your liver is still your lifestyle. Eat healthy food, go easy on the alcohol, watch your weight, and get regular exercise.
context: If you take corticosteroids for your RA, it's a good idea to step up your exercise to help keep your bones strong. You will also strengthen the muscles that support your joints, so you'll move better. You will also improve your heart health, energy level, mood, balance, and coordination. The best exercises for building bone are weight-bearing exercises, such as these: It's simple, free, and you can do it anywhere. A regular walking program strengthens your hip bones, ankles, and knees. To get the most benefits, walk for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. You can break that up into three 10-minute strolls, if you like. You can use exercises with free weights, weight machines, or elastic exercise bands. Do it at a gym or at home with handheld weights, resistance bands, or even soup cans from your cupboard. Aim to do your exercises 2 to 3 days per week. A physical therapist or certified fitness trainer who has experience working with people with RA can get you started. It eases stiffness and tension, and some poses also help your bones. Talk to your physical therapist or find an instructor who has taught people with arthritis. Once you know the postures, you can practice at home. Does RA affect your back and hips? You may want to try a recumbent bike, in which you sit down with your legs stretched in front of you. It may feel better than an upright bike. Elliptical trainers give you a good workout and are easy on your knees.
context: If you're expecting, you expect to have morning sickness or lower back pain. But you might be surprised when your vision changes. The hormonal and physical changes that come with pregnancy can also affect your eyesight. Most issues are usually minor and temporary. Your sight should return to normal after your baby is born. But some problems linked to pregnancy may require medical attention. Here are four problems to look out for: You may notice that your eyes are drier than usual. This can make your contact lenses irritating. What to do: Use artificial tears to wet your eyes and ease dryness. If you wear contacts, check the label to make sure the drops can be used with contacts. Some have preservatives that can harm soft contact lenses. Also, talk to your doctor first to make sure the ingredients are safe for pregnant women. Many pregnant women retain fluids. This common side effect can change the thickness and shape of your cornea. That can lead to distorted vision. These changes usually go away after delivery or after you stop breastfeeding. What to do: You may not need to do anything if the changes don't bother you. If they do, talk to your doctor. You may need to change your prescription if you wear glasses. Most eye experts advise against getting LASIK surgery or being fitted for new contacts during pregnancy. Your eyes will go back to normal when your pregnancy is over. Vision changes can be a sign of this potentially serious problem that occurs in a small number of pregnant women. It's marked by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ. Symptoms include: Temporary loss of vision Light sensitivity Blurry vision Seeing auras, flashing lights, or spots What to do: If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor ASAP or go to the ER. Preeclampsia can progress rapidly and cause bleeding and other serious problems. High blood sugar levels linked to diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply your retina. The chances go up as your pregnancy progresses. A temporary form of diabetes that sometimes affects moms-to-be, called gestational diabetes, can also cause blurred vision. What to do: If you have diabetes, keep close tabs on it while you're pregnant. If you get gestational diabetes, make sure your blood sugar levels don't get too high. Your doctor will help.
context: The sudden symptoms of a panic attack -- shortness of breath, a pounding heart, chest pain, and an intense feeling of fear -- may feel so alarming that you're sure you need medical help right away. But do you? It depends. A panic attack isn't dangerous. But the symptoms are a lot like those of a heart attack or other health problems that do need emergency treatment. How do you know if you should go to the ER? Ask yourself a few questions first. If you've never had a panic attack and you're having chest pain, go to the hospital. A doctor should check to make sure you're not having a serious medical problem, like a heart attack, a blood clot in your lungs, or a collapsed lung. Risk factors for a heart attack include high blood pressure, being overweight, having a close family member who has had a heart attack, and smoking. If so, you probably had a series of tests, such as an electrocardiogram ( EKG) and bloodwork. The results are a sure way to find out if your symptoms came from a heart problem or a panic attack. If doctors didn't find a health issue then and you have the same symptoms now, it's likely that you're having another panic attack. But if you're not sure, you should go to the hospital. Most panic attacks pass within 30 minutes, but you can take a few steps to calm them on your own. If you're short of breath, you can try breathing exercises. Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable. Take slow, deep breaths gently, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Even if you know panic attacks can cause your symptoms, it's a good idea to ask your doctor if there's a chance you have heart disease. You and your doctor should talk about the signs that mean you should go to the hospital, or how long you should wait before you get help. If you're afraid of having a heart attack, you may want to talk to a cardiologist about how to lower your chances. Maybe you have a pounding heart this time, but you had trouble breathing in the past. Maybe you have chest pain now that's more intense and doesn't let up. If your symptoms are totally different from those you've had before, go to the ER. If you go the emergency room, you may have an EKG, blood tests, and a chest X-ray to make sure you're not having a heart attack or other serious problem. The doctor may also give you medicine to help you relax. Talk to your doctor or a therapist if you have panic attacks often. That could be a sign that you have panic disorder. If you do, your doctor can help you find the right treatment.
context: Some medications used to treat pain can be addictive. Addiction is different from physical dependence or tolerance, however. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance suddenly is stopped. Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time. Addiction is a psychological and behavioral response that develops in some people with the use of narcotic pain medicines. People who take a class of drugs called opioids for a long period of time may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This does not mean, however, that a person is addicted. In general, addiction occurs in only a small percentage of people when narcotics are used under proper medical supervision. Opioids, a family of drugs that have effects similar to those of opium or morphine, can be addictive. They include: Codeine Fentanyl (including brand name Duragesic) Oxycodone (including brand name Oxy Contin, Percocet, Percodan, Tylox, and Roxicet)) Morphine (including brand name MS Contin) Meperidine (including brand name Demerol) Hydrocodone (including brand name Vicodin and Lortab) Hydromorphone (including brand name Dilaudid) Most people who take their pain medicine as directed by their doctor do not become addicted, even if they take the medicine for a long time. However, some people may be at a higher risk of becoming addicted than others. People who have been addicted to substances in the past or those with a family member who is or has been addicted to drugs or alcohol may be at increased risk of becoming addicted to narcotics. The key to avoiding addiction is to take your medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Share with your doctor any personal and/or family history of substance abuse or addiction. Your doctor needs this information to prescribe the medicines that will work best for you. Fears about addiction should not prevent you from using narcotics to effectively relieve your pain. Remember, it is common for people to develop a tolerance to their pain medication and to need higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. Such a situation is normal and is not a sign of addiction. However, you should talk to your doctor if this effect becomes troubling.