anand-s/m_qalm huggingface dataset:
Question: How can I safely get on a liquid diet?
Answer: Pregnant or nursing women, and people who take insulin for diabetes, or anyone with a chronic illness shouldn't go on a liquid diet. If your doctor gives you the OK to go on a liquid diet, you should also see a registered dietitian, who can go over the diet with you and make sure you're getting enough calories and nutrition. Your dietitian might recommend that you take a vitamin or nutritional supplement while you're on the liquid diet. Before you choose a liquid diet plan, know what you're drinking. If you're considering one of the commercial diets, look at the daily values on the nutrition facts label. Be sure you're getting 100% of all the recommended vitamins and minerals. You may also want to pick a diet that is not too low in calories and contains plenty of protein and fiber to keep you feeling full while you lose the weight gradually. Liquid diets that include a solid meal or two per day, or that teach you healthier eating habits, will be more likely to help you keep the weight off in the long run.
Question: How safe are liquid diets?
Answer: Also, if you don't get enough fiber, because you're not eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables, you can get constipated. You also can lose muscle if you don't get enough protein calories in your diet. If your doctor gives you the OK to go on a liquid diet, you should also see a registered dietitian, who can go over the diet with you and make sure you're getting enough calories and nutrition. Be sure you're getting 100% of all the recommended vitamins and minerals.
Question: What is the role of physical therapy in treating tennis elbow?
Answer: One of the best ways to treat stubborn tennis elbow is with physical therapy. It can improve blood flow to the tendons, which will speed healing, too. A therapist may also teach you ways to change your tennis stroke or other activities that caused your elbow troubles. Keep the momentum going even if your therapy program is finished. Once your elbow is pain-free and your backhand is better than ever, you should keep your muscles strong and flexible. That's because everyday activities don't keep your muscles as strong and flexible as they should be to avoid sports injuries. Ask about how to do some of the exercises yourself at home.
Question: What is cervical disc disease and how does it cause neck pain?
Answer: Sometimes simple home interventions are enough to treat cervical disc disease, in which an abnormality in one or more discs that lie between the vertebrae cause neck pain.
Question: What is cervical traction?
Answer: Traction gently extends the neck, opening the spaces between the cervical vertebrae and temporarily alleviating pressure on the affected discs.
Question: How can physical therapy help neck pain?
Answer: In the majority of people, certain exercises and manipulations used by these health care providers can help relieve discomfort and restore movement. Treatments such as cold or heat application, deep tissue massage, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound may be used prior to exercise.
Question: Why is thickened blood from polycythemia vera bad?
Answer: When your blood slows down, none of your body parts -- from your eyes to your toes -- get enough oxygen. This brings about the early symptoms of PV, including dizziness, itchiness, and headaches. Thicker blood is also more likely to form a clot -- a clump of blood that stops up a vein or artery. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
Question: What is polycythemia vera?
Answer: Polycythemia vera ( PV) is a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells. Extra cells may not sound like a problem, but they are. They thicken your blood, which means it doesn't flow as quickly, so it's more like maple syrup than water.
Question: Is there a cure for polycythemia vera?
Answer: There's no cure for PV, but there are treatments. Most people with PV live a normal life when they get the care they need.
Question: What problems can you get from polycythemia vera?
Answer: When your blood slows down, none of your body parts -- from your eyes to your toes -- get enough oxygen. This brings about the early symptoms of PV, including dizziness, itchiness, and headaches. Thicker blood is also more likely to form a clot -- a clump of blood that stops up a vein or artery. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
Question: What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?
Answer: Because PV grows slowly, you might have it for years without knowing it. When you do see symptoms, they may not seem all that unusual. In fact, they're the same as with many other illnesses: Dizziness Headache Itchiness, often after a warm bath or shower More sweating than normal, sometimes at night Shortness of breath or trouble breathing when you lie down Tiredness Weakness Brief vision problems, like seeing flashes You may also have: Bloating or a feeling of fullness on the upper left side of your belly Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or more menstrual bleeding than normal Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands and feet Problems with your vision, like seeing double or things seeming blurry Reddened face Swelling and pain in one joint, usually your big toe PV can lead to other issues.
Question: What is the outlook for polycythemia vera?
Answer: PV is a slow-growing cancer. You can go years without seeing symptoms. Your doctor can check for PV with a basic blood test, but most people with PV find out because they had the test for some other reason. There's no cure for PV, but there are treatments. Most people with PV live a normal life when they get the care they need.
Question: What are other symptoms of polycythemia vera?
Answer: In fact, they're the same as with many other illnesses: Dizziness Headache Itchiness, often after a warm bath or shower More sweating than normal, sometimes at night Shortness of breath or trouble breathing when you lie down Tiredness Weakness Brief vision problems, like seeing flashes You may also have: Bloating or a feeling of fullness on the upper left side of your belly Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or more menstrual bleeding than normal Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands and feet Problems with your vision, like seeing double or things seeming blurry Reddened face Swelling and pain in one joint, usually your big toe PV can lead to other issues.
Question: Is there a genetic cause of polycythemia vera?
Answer: While the cause isn't clear, most people with PV have a problem in a gene called JAK2. Your bone marrow -- the spongy center part of your bone -- creates your blood cells. Normally, it makes just the right amount. But if your JAK2 gene doesn't work right, your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Even though the problem is in a gene, you don't get PV from your parents. The gene changes at some point after you're born, but doctors don't know why.
Question: Can polycythemia vera cause other health problems?
Answer: But your doctor will work to avoid those problems. Blood clots are the most serious concern because they can cause a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening problems, such as a DVT (a blood clot in your legs) or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to your lungs). Clots can also make your spleen and liver larger than normal, giving you sharp pains in your belly. It's rare, but some people with PV get leukemia or another bone marrow illness called myelofibrosis.
Question: Does polycythemia vera lead to other health problems?
Answer: Blood clots can lead to life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke. But your doctor will work to avoid those problems. Blood clots are the most serious concern because they can cause a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening problems, such as a DVT (a blood clot in your legs) or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that travels to your lungs). Clots can also make your spleen and liver larger than normal, giving you sharp pains in your belly. It's rare, but some people with PV get leukemia or another bone marrow illness called myelofibrosis.
Question: What causes polycythemia vera?
Answer: It's not linked to anything you do, the way smoking makes you more likely to get lung cancer. Anyone can get PV, but it's usually seen in people over 60. Men are a little more likely than women to get it. The gene changes at some point after you're born, but doctors don't know why.
Question: What should I do if I have diabetes and go over my carbohydrate budget for the day?
Answer: Account for any food swaps in your carbohydrate budget for the day. Adjust your medications if you add sugars to your meals. If you take insulin, tweak your dose to account for the added carbs so you can keep your blood sugar under control as much as possible. Check your glucose after eating sugary foods. Read food labels so you know how much sugar or carbs are in the things you eat and drink. Also, check how many calories and how much fat are in each serving.
Question: How much can you eat to maintain a healthy diabetes diet?
Answer: Check the serving sizes on nutrition labels. Servings may be smaller than you think. Eat only the amount of food in your diabetes meal plan. Extra calories lead to extra fat and pounds. Don't skip meals, though. Eat them, and snacks, at regular times every day.
Question: Can I have artificial sweeteners if I have diabetes?
Answer: Other Sweeteners You can add artificial ones to your food and drinks. Many have carbs, though, so check the label carefully. If necessary, adjust the other foods in your meal or your medication to keep your blood sugar under control.
Question: Which sweeteners can raise glucose levels in people with diabetes and which won't?
Answer: Certain sweeteners called sugar alcohols have some calories and can slightly raise your glucose levels. If you eat too much of them, you can get gas and diarrhea. Examples include: Xylitol Mannitol Sorbitol You can also use stevia to make things sweet. It's a natural product with no calories.
Question: What does the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet for diabetes consist of?
Answer: On the TLC diet, you will: Limit fat to 25%-35% of your total daily calories. Get no more than 7% of your daily calories from saturated fat, 10% or less from polyunsaturated fats, and up to 20% from monounsaturated fats (like plant oils or nuts). Keep carbs to 50%-60% of your daily calories. Aim for 20-30 grams of fiber each day. Allow 15%-20% of your daily calories for protein. Cap cholesterol at 200 milligrams per day. You'll also need to get more exercise and keep up with your medical treatment.
Question: How much should I eat if I have diabetes?
Answer: Check the serving sizes on nutrition labels. Servings may be smaller than you think. Eat only the amount of food in your diabetes meal plan. Extra calories lead to extra fat and pounds. Don't skip meals, though. Eat them, and snacks, at regular times every day.
Question: How can other sweeteners help to maintain a healthy diabetes diet?
Answer: Other Sweeteners You can add artificial ones to your food and drinks. Many have carbs, though, so check the label carefully. If necessary, adjust the other foods in your meal or your medication to keep your blood sugar under control. Certain sweeteners called sugar alcohols have some calories and can slightly raise your glucose levels. If you eat too much of them, you can get gas and diarrhea. Examples include: Xylitol Mannitol Sorbitol You can also use stevia to make things sweet. It's a natural product with no calories.
Question: Can certain foods help with managing blood sugar?
Answer: The Basics of a Healthy Diabetes Diet If you have diabetes, the right foods can be an ally in your fight to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Talk to your doctor, a registered dietitian, or a diabetes educator about how to keep track of how many carbs you eat. That can affect your blood sugar. They may recommend that you use the glycemic index. It ranks how different foods raise your blood sugar. The higher the index, the more it raises your levels.
Question: What is the goal of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes plan for diabetes?
Answer: The goal is to lower your cholesterol level, drop extra weight, and get more active. That helps prevent heart disease, which is more common when you have diabetes.
Question: Can you have sugar to maintain a healthy diabetes diet?
Answer: Most now say small amounts of the sweet stuff are fine, as long as they're part of an overall healthy meal plan. Table sugar doesn't raise your blood sugar any more than starches. Remember, though, that sugar is a carb. So when you eat sweet foods like cookies, cake, or candy, don't eat another carb or starch (for example, potatoes) that you would've eaten that day. In other words, substitute, don't add. Ultimately, the total grams matter more than the source of the sugar.
Question: What are some tips for a healthy diabetes diet?
Answer: That's an easy way to be sure you eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean protein. Watch your calories. Your age, gender, and activity level affect how many you need to eat to gain, lose, or maintain your weight. Go for fiber. You can get it from foods like whole grains, fruits, veggies, beans, and nuts. If you have type 2 diabetes, a high-fiber diet can improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It's always best to get fiber from food, but supplements can also help you get the daily fiber you need. Examples include psyllium and methylcellulose. Increase your fiber slowly. Otherwise, you may have gas and cramping. It's also important to drink more liquids. The Basics of a Healthy Diabetes Diet Can You Have Sugar?
Question: What are other possible causes of strokes relative to carotid artery disease?
Answer: A stroke can occur if: The artery becomes extremely narrowed There's a rupture in an artery to the brain that has atherosclerosis A piece of plaque breaks off and travels to the smaller arteries of the brain A blood clot forms and obstructs a blood vessel Strokes can occur as a result of other conditions besides carotid artery disease. For example, sudden bleeding in the brain, called intracerebral hemorrhage, can cause a stroke. Other possible causes include: Sudden bleeding in the spinal fluid space -- subarachnoid hemorrhage Atrial fibrillation Cardiomyopathy High blood pressure Blockage of tiny arteries inside the brain The risk factors for carotid artery disease are similar to those for other types of heart disease.
Question: How is computerized tomography angiography (CTA) used to diagnose carotid artery disease?
Answer: More detailed than an X-ray, a CT uses X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the carotid arteries. Images of the brain can be collected as well. With this imaging test, the scan may reveal areas of damage on the brain. The CT scan uses a low level of radiation.
Question: How is a carotid ultrasound used to diagnose carotid artery disease?
Answer: This noninvasive, painless screening test uses high-frequency sound waves to view the carotid arteries. It looks for plaques and blood clots and determines whether the arteries are narrowed or blocked. A Doppler ultrasound shows the movement of blood through the blood vessels. Ultrasound imaging does not use X-rays.
Question: Whatâs the treatment for carotid artery disease?
Answer: To effectively treat carotid artery disease, doctors recommend the following: Following recommended lifestyle habits. Taking medications as prescribed. Considering a procedure to improve blood flow, if your doctor believes it could help reduce your risk of future stroke.
Question: How is carotid artery stenting (CAS) used to treat carotid artery disease?
Answer: Carotid artery stenting ( CAS) is a newer treatment option. It's less invasive than carotid endarterectomy and is performed in a catheterization laboratory. With CAS, a small puncture is made in the groin. A specially designed catheter is threaded to the area of narrowing in the carotid artery. Once in place, a small balloon tip is inflated for a few seconds to open the artery. Then, a stent is placed in the artery and expanded to hold the artery open. A stent is a small tube that acts as a scaffold to provide support inside your artery. The stent is usually made of metal and is permanent. It can also be made of a material that the body absorbs over time. Some stents have medicine that helps keep the artery from getting blocked again. CAS is a newer procedure, and there is still some controversy as to how well it prevents strokes caused by carotid artery disease. Research suggests that the standard CEA may be safer than CAS, which may raise the risk of stroke or death post procedure.
Question: What are some recommended lifestyle changes for people with carotid artery disease?
Answer: To keep carotid artery disease from progressing, the following lifestyle changes are recommended: Quit smoking. Control high blood pressure. Control diabetes. Have regular checkups with your doctor. Have your doctor check your cholesterol and get treatment, if necessary. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men.
Question: What are the risk factors for carotid artery disease?
Answer: Other possible causes include: Sudden bleeding in the spinal fluid space -- subarachnoid hemorrhage Atrial fibrillation Cardiomyopathy High blood pressure Blockage of tiny arteries inside the brain The risk factors for carotid artery disease are similar to those for other types of heart disease. They include: Age Smoking Hypertension (high blood pressure) -- the most important treatable risk factor for stroke Abnormal lipids or high cholesterol Insulin resistance Diabetes Obesity Sedentary lifestyle Family history of atherosclerosis, either coronary artery disease or carotid artery disease Men younger than age 75 have a greater risk than women in the same age group. Women have a greater risk than men older than age 75. People who have coronary artery disease have an increased risk of developing carotid artery disease. Typically, the carotid arteries become diseased a few years later than the coronary arteries.
Question: How is a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) used to treat carotid artery disease?
Answer: This has been the commonly performed procedure for patients who have carotid atherosclerosis and TIAs or mild strokes. While you're under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the neck at the location of the blockage. The surgeon isolates the artery and surgically removes the plaque and diseased portions of the artery. Then, the artery is sewn back together to allow improved blood flow to the brain. The risks and benefits of CEA depend on your age, the degree of blockage, and whether you've had a stroke or TIA.
Question: What is carotid artery disease?
Answer: The term refers to the narrowing of the carotid arteries. This narrowing is usually caused by the buildup of fatty substances and cholesterol deposits, called plaque. Carotid artery occlusion refers to complete blockage of the artery. When the carotid arteries are obstructed, you are at an increased risk for a stroke, the 5th leading cause of death in the U. S. The carotid arteries are two large blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the large, front part of the brain. Your doctor may also use a test to diagnose carotid artery disease.
Question: What are the symptoms of carotid artery disease?
Answer: Signs of a stroke may include: Sudden loss of vision, blurred vision, or difficulty in seeing out of one or both eyes Weakness, tingling, or numbness on one side of the face, one side of the body, or in one arm or leg Sudden difficulty in walking, loss of balance, lack of coordination Sudden dizziness and/or confusion Difficulty speaking (called aphasia) Confusion Sudden severe headache Problems with memory Difficulty swallowing (called dysphagia) A TIA occurs when there is low blood flow or a clot briefly blocks an artery that supplies blood to the brain. With a TIA, you may have the same symptoms as you would have for a stroke. There are often no symptoms of carotid artery disease until you have a TIA or stroke.
Question: Which drugs can reduce the risk of stroke?
Answer: Your doctor may also use a test to diagnose carotid artery disease. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In some cases, warfarin ( Coumadin), a blood thinner, may be prescribed.
Question: Which supplements might someone with Crohn's disease need to take?
Answer: You may need to boost your diet with vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. Talk to your doctor before you try any. Most likely, they'll suggest a daily multivitamin and other supplements to help replace: B vitamins: Crohn's can make you low in B12. And some Crohn's drugs make it hard for your body to take in folate, a type of B vitamin. Vitamin D: You may not get enough of this vitamin, which helps you absorb calcium and keep your bones strong. Sunlight is one way you get it. So if you don't go outside often, live in the far northern parts of the U. S., or if you take corticosteroids for a long time, you probably don't get enough. Iron: Inflamed tissue in your intestines can cause bleeding, which can lower your levels. Potassium: Diarrhea and some corticosteroid drugs can zap your stores of this mineral. Magnesium: Chronic diarrhea, Crohn's in your small intestine, or having much of your intestine removed, can make it hard to get enough magnesium. Calcium: If you can't eat dairy, or if your body doesn't absorb it well, you may not have enough. If you take corticosteroids for a long time, that can also cause bone loss. In some cases, your doctor may suggest you get nutrients through a feeding tube (âenteralâ nutrition) or injected into a vein (âparenteralâ nutrition). This gives your bowel a rest and can help you get all of the nutrients you need.
Question: How do probiotics help treat Crohn's disease?
Answer: When the balance between helpful and harmful bacteria in your gut is off -- say, when you take an antibiotic -- it can cause diarrhea and other problems. Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that help keep harmful bacteria in check. Researchers are looking at whether they can help ease Crohn's symptoms and help people avoid flares.
Question: What will calm symptoms of Crohn's disease?
Answer: There are ways to help yourself feel better if you have a flare: Eat soft, bland foods. Don't eat anything spicy or high in fiber. Eat smaller meals, and eat more often. Eat five small meals instead of three large ones. Drink plenty of fluids. Chronic diarrhea can dehydrate you, which can make you feel weak and tired. It can also cause kidney stones. You'll definitely need to avoid sodas and caffeinated drinks. They can bother your stomach.
Question: Can probiotics help with Crohn's disease?
Answer: Probiotics are "friendly" bacteria that help keep harmful bacteria in check. Researchers are looking at whether they can help ease Crohn's symptoms and help people avoid flares. Ask your doctor if probiotics are right for you.
Question: What foods are bad for Crohn's disease?
Answer: The choices that sometimes cause trouble for people with Crohn's include some whole foods and vegetables, as well as: High-fat, greasy, and fried foods, like: Cream sauces Butter Margarine Anything deep-fried High-fiber foods like: Corn Popcorn Seeds Nuts Milk and dairy-based foods like ice cream can cause problems, too.
Question: What should I eat during a Crohn's flare?
Answer: There are ways to help yourself feel better if you have a flare: Eat soft, bland foods. Don't eat anything spicy or high in fiber. Eat smaller meals, and eat more often. Eat five small meals instead of three large ones. Drink plenty of fluids. Chronic diarrhea can dehydrate you, which can make you feel weak and tired. It can also cause kidney stones. You'll definitely need to avoid sodas and caffeinated drinks. They can bother your stomach. If you need other options besides water, talk to your doctor.