laomobai/llama3-1 huggingface dataset:
system: What kinds of back problems can be treated with spinal fusion?
output: Spinal fusion might help you feel better if your back pain is caused by: Degenerative disk disease (the space between disks narrows; sometimes they rub together spaces) Fracture (broken spinal bone) Scoliosis -- your spine curves abnormally to one side Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) Spondylolisthesis (forward shifting of a spinal disk) Tumors or spine infection The week before your surgery, you may have some blood tests and spinal X-rays if you haven't had any recently.
system: How long does it take to fully recover from spinal fusion?
output: It could take 6 months to a year for your back to fully heal. You need to stick with physical therapy after you leave the hospital. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to go. To protect your back as you get better, follow these tips for the first 6 months: Avoid twisting, bending, and heavy lifting -- nothing more than a gallon of milk!
system: Can you get DHEA from foods?
output: There is no standard dosage of DHEA. Wild yams contain a substance similar to DHEA that is used to make DHEA in the laboratory. The body manufactures DHEA naturally in the adrenal glands.
system: What are controllable risk factors for stroke?
output: Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke: High blood pressure Atrial fibrillation Uncontrolled diabetes High cholesterol Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Being overweight Existing carotid and/or coronary artery disease Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Stroke: Age (65 and over) Gender ( Men have more strokes, women have deadlier strokes) Race ( African- Americans are at increased risk) Family history of stroke Your doctor can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you control risk factors.
system: Can you prevent strokes?
output: Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke: High blood pressure Atrial fibrillation Uncontrolled diabetes High cholesterol Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Being overweight Existing carotid and/or coronary artery disease Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Stroke: Age (65 and over) Gender ( Men have more strokes, women have deadlier strokes) Race ( African- Americans are at increased risk) Family history of stroke Your doctor can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you control risk factors.
system: What should you do if you have stroke symptoms?
output: Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can save your life or increase the chances of a full recovery. If you think you are having a stroke, the most important step is to call 9-1-1.
system: What are common symptoms of stroke?
output: A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. The most common symptoms of a stroke are: Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body. Loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes. Loss of speech, difficulty talking or understanding what others are saying. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. Loss of balance or unstable walking, usually combined with another symptom. Immediately call 911 if you or someone you know shows the symptoms of a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can save your life or increase the chances of a full recovery.
system: What is hemorrhagic stroke?
output: There are two types of stroke. Hemorrhagic (heh-more-raj-ik) strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue, causing damage to brain cells. The most common causes of hemorrhagic stroke are high blood pressure and brain aneurysms. Up to 50% of all strokes are preventable.
system: What is ischemic stroke?
output: The brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. There are two types of stroke. Ischemic strokeis similar to a heart attack, except it occurs in the blood vessels of the brain. Ischemic stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels. However, some people have no symptoms warning them prior to a stroke or symptoms are so mild they are not noticeable.
system: What is transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
output: Ischemic stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels. Immediately call 911 if you or someone you know shows the symptoms of a stroke. These are called transient ischemic attacks (also called TIA or "mini-stroke") and are short, brief episodes of the stroke symptoms listed above. These can also been warning signs of an impending major stroke. Anyone with a TIA needs to be taken to the emergency room. However, some people have no symptoms warning them prior to a stroke or symptoms are so mild they are not noticeable. Regular check-ups are important in catching problems before they become serious.
system: What are the possible side effects of manuka honey?
output: Special antibiotics are needed to treat them. But most of the studies on manuka honey have been with small numbers of people, and so far, research hasn't shown that manuka honey helps with high cholesterol or balancing the bacteria in the gut. And no major studies have looked at the effect of manuka honey on cancer, diabetes, or fungal infections. These can include: Allergic reaction, especially in people who are allergic to bees Risk of a rise in blood sugar Effects on certain chemotherapy drugs
system: Where does manuka honey come from?
output: !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(); }); } Manuka honey is made in Australia and New Zealand by bees that pollinate the native manuka bush. Advocates say it can treat wound infections and other conditions.
system: How effective is manuka honey?
output: Several recent studies show manuka honey can be helpful when it's used on top of wounds and leg ulcers. Studies also show it might fight infection and boost healing. But not all studies show that it helps heal ulcers. And there is concern that manuka honey may delay healing in people who have ulcers related to diabetes. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists honey as being "possibly effective" to treat burns and wounds. The Cochrane Review notes that honey may shorten healing times in mild burns and surgical wounds compared with traditional dressings.
system: What is the healing power of honey?
output: Some also boost production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. But not all honey is the same. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the type of honey as well as when and how it's harvested. Some kinds may be 100 times more potent than others. But some types, including manuka honey, also have other ingredients with antibacterial qualities. The honey used to treat wounds is a medical-grade honey.
system: How is manuka honey used?
output: The main medical use for manuka honey is on top of a wound. It is generally used for treating minor wounds and burns. Manuka honey is also marketed for use in many other conditions, including: Preventing and treating cancer Reducing high cholesterol Reducing inflammation inside the body Treating diabetes Treating eye, ear, and sinus infections Treating gastrointestinal problems But the evidence is limited on whether it works for these conditions. Wounds and infections should be seen and treated by a health care professional.
system: What are the components of manuka honey?
output: But not all honey is the same. Hydrogen peroxide gives most honey its antibiotic quality. But some types, including manuka honey, also have other ingredients with antibacterial qualities. The major antibacterial component in manuka honey is methylglyoxal ( MG). MG is a compound found in most types of honey, but usually only in small quantities. In manuka honey, MG comes from the conversion of another compound, dihydroxyacetone, that is found in high concentration in the nectar of manuka flowers. The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. Honey producers have a scale for rating the potency of manuka honey. The rating is called UMF, which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. The UMF rating reflects the concentration of MG. To be considered potent enough to be therapeutic, manuka honey needs a minimum rating of 10 UMF. Honey at or above that level is marketed as " UMF Manuka Honey" or " Active Manuka Honey." The main medical use for manuka honey is on top of a wound. And there is concern that manuka honey may delay healing in people who have ulcers related to diabetes.
system: What do scientific studies say about the effectiveness of manuka honey?
output: The higher the concentration of MG, the stronger the antibiotic effect. Another recent study suggests that manuka honey may help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal disease by reducing the buildup of plaque. Another possible benefit of honey is that, unlike antibiotics, it doesn't appear to lead to resistant bacteria. These so-called "superbugs" develop after repeated exposure to common antibiotics. Special antibiotics are needed to treat them. But most of the studies on manuka honey have been with small numbers of people, and so far, research hasn't shown that manuka honey helps with high cholesterol or balancing the bacteria in the gut. And no major studies have looked at the effect of manuka honey on cancer, diabetes, or fungal infections.
system: What causes of infertility can in vitro fertilization treat?
output: When it comes to infertility, IVF may be an option if you or your partner have been diagnosed with: Endometriosis Low sperm counts Problems with the uterus or fallopian tubes Problems with ovulation Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs The inability of sperm to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus Poor egg quality Genetic disease of mother or father An unexplained fertility problem IVF is never the first step in the treatment of infertility except in cases of complete tubal blockage. Instead, it's reserved for cases in which other methods such as fertility drugs, surgery, and artificial insemination haven't worked.
system: What are the success rates for in vitro fertilization?
output: Success rates for IVF depend on a number of factors, including the reason for infertility, where you're having the procedure done, and your age. The CDC compiles national statistics for all assisted reproductive technology ( ART) procedures performed in the U. S., including IVF, GIFT, and ZIFT, although IVF is by far the most common; it accounts for 99% of the procedures. The most recent report from 2016 found: Pregnancy was achieved in an average of 27.3% of all cycles (higher or lower depending on the age of the woman).
system: What can be combined with in vitro fertilization to help with infertility in a man?
output: In cases where the man's sperm count is extremely low or there is poor motility (movement of the sperm), doctors may combine IVF with a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In this procedure, a sperm is taken from semen -- or in some cases right from the testicles -- and inserted directly into the egg. Once a viable embryo is produced, it is transferred to the uterus using the usual IVF procedure.
system: What are some questions to ask at the in vitro fertilization clinic?
output: If you think that IVF might make sense for you, carefully assess any treatment center before undergoing the procedure. Here are some questions to ask the staff at the fertility clinic: What is your pregnancy ratio per embryo transfer? What is your pregnancy rate for couples in our age group and with our fertility problem? What is the live birth rate for all couples who undergo this procedure each year at your facility? How many of those deliveries are twins or other multiple births? How much will the procedure cost, including the cost of the hormone treatments? How much does it cost to store embryos and how long can we store them? Do you participate in an egg donation program?
system: What is uric acid and what does it mean if you have high levels of it?
output: Typically, one of those waste products is uric acid. It's formed when your body breaks down purines, which are found in some foods, but also show up when cells die and get taken apart. Most of the uric acid leaves your body when you pee, and some when you poop. So if you have high levels of uric acid, it can be a sign of disease such as gout. That's when you might need a uric acid blood test, which measures how much uric acid you have in your blood. You may also hear this test called a serum uric acid test, serum urate, or UA.
system: Why would I need a uric acid blood test?
output: Your doctor can use this test to help find out if you have: Gout: This is a form of arthritis where crystals from uric acid form in your joints and cause intense pain. You often feel it in your big toe, but can get it in your ankles, feet, hands, knees, and wrists, as well. It can also cause swelling, redness, and discomfort in those joints, and may limit your range of motion. Kidney stones: These are little, hard masses -- like small stones -- that form in your kidneys when you have too much uric acid. They may cause severe pain in your lower back that comes and goes, blood in your urine, throwing up, upset stomach, and an urgent need to pee. High uric acid level during chemo or radiation: These treatments kill a lot of cells in your body, which can raise the level of uric acid. The test is used to check that your level doesn't get too high.
system: What other tests might I need in addition to a uric acid blood test?
output: Based on your symptoms and what your doctor's looking for, you may get: More tests for gout, including one where they take fluid from the joint with symptoms Urinalysis, a urine test that looks for more signs of kidney stones, including blood, white blood cells, and crystals in your pee If you don't seem to have gout or kidney stones, your doctor may order more blood or urine tests to look into what else might be triggering high uric acid levels.
system: What do the results of a uric acid blood test mean?
output: That's when you might need a uric acid blood test, which measures how much uric acid you have in your blood. It measures the uric acid in milligrams (mg) and the blood in deciliters (d L), so you'll see a number with units of mg/d L. What's a normal range varies with different labs, so check with your doctor to help you understand your result. You usually get results in 1 to 2 days, but it depends on your lab. Generally, your uric acid level is high when: For females, it's over 6 mg/d L For males, it's over 7 mg/d L High levels could be a sign of many conditions, including gout, kidney disease, and cancer. But it could be higher than normal because you eat foods with a lot of purines. That includes dried beans or certain fish such as anchovies, mackerel, and sardines. Usually, your doctor will order other tests at the same time to track down what's causing your symptoms. Your doctor will then help you understand what all your results mean and what your next steps are.
system: Can vitamins help treat epilepsy?
output: Vitamins Although vitamins are necessary for good health, large doses of vitamins do not improve the symptoms of epilepsy and may even be harmful. You should get most of your vitamins from food by eating a balanced diet. If necessary, vitamin supplements such as folic acid can help deal with vitamin loss caused by medication. People with epilepsy taking seizure medications do appear to have an increased need for calcium and vitamin D to help keep their bones healthy. However, you should first check with your doctor before taking vitamins or supplements. Pregnant women also need sufficient folic acid to help prevent birth defects.
system: Can biofeedback help treat epilepsy?
output: There have been some studies of alternative treatments for epilepsy -- including biofeedback, melatonin, or large doses of vitamins: Biofeedback Biofeedback is a method of using relaxation or imagery to change body functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. A biofeedback practitioner measures these functions with electrodes and a monitor. Researchers have investigated whether biofeedback can help control seizures, but the results have not been encouraging. However, patients who have problems with anxiety or dealing with stressful situations may benefit from this therapy, in addition to their seizure medications.
system: What happens when you get astigmatic keratotomy to treat astigmatism?
output: The surgeon makes tiny cuts on the steepest curves of your cornea. This lets light focus more precisely on your retina. If you have more severe astigmatism, you may have laser surgery instead.
system: How can you prevent astigmatism?
output: There's no known way to prevent astigmatism.
system: What's the treatment for astigmatism?
output: Your eye doctor can correct it with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. But some doctors believe very small amounts of astigmatism are best left untreated.
system: What causes astigmatism?
output: Most with astigmatism are born with it, and no one knows what causes it. If it comes on later, it could result from eye injury or disease.
system: What is corneal topography and how does it help diagnose astigmatism?
output: This advanced technology provides the most detailed information about your cornea's shape. The doctor will tell you to look at something specific. Meanwhile, the device collects thousands of tiny measurements. A computer then builds a color map of your cornea from the data. Your doctor will refer to it if he plans surgery for astigmatism or cataracts. Contact lenses can also help, but you'll need a special pair.
system: What problems can happen after LASIK?
output: Your eye doctor can correct it with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Once he covers your eyes with transparent shields, you're ready to go home. Most people who have LASIK are happy with the results. But there are some potential downsides to LASIK: The procedure could over- or under-correct your vision, which will require follow-up surgery. You may see a glare around lights at night. You might think this would be confusing, but most people adjust easily. You can wear contact lenses or handheld lenses to see what it'll be like before you get the surgery. If you have more severe astigmatism, you may have laser surgery instead.
system: How can eyeglass lenses help with treating astigmatism?
output: The measurements tell your doctor about the shape of your cornea and how well it can focus. They work well when you look straight ahead. But depending on how much correction you need, they might make the floor or walls look tilted. This should go away as you get used to them. If you have severe astigmatism it might take a week or so. If your sight doesn't get better, ask your doctor to recheck your prescription.
system: What is a phoropter?
output: The doctor will swing that big lens machine (it's called a phoropter) in front of your face. You'll look through it and tell him which lens choice helps you see the best. Sometimes, the doctor looks at your eye through a handheld device called a retinoscope. Then he'll offer you different choices in lenses through the phoropter to refine the fix until you can see the vision chart clearly. After he measures both eyes, he'll give you a prescription for glasses or contacts.
system: How is astigmatism diagnosed?
output: A diagnosis starts with a visit to the eye doctor. Keratometry. This machine measures the bend in the center of your cornea. It determines the steepest and the flattest curves. The measurements tell your doctor about the shape of your cornea and how well it can focus. The doctor also uses the keratometer to fit contact lenses and to check your cornea after eye surgery.
system: How effective is chromium for the treatment of diabetes?
output: But chromium is found in many healthy foods, such as green vegetables, nuts, and grains. Studies have suggested that biotin, also called vitamin H, when used with chromium, may improve glucose metabolism in people with diabetes. But no studies have shown that biotin by itself is helpful.
system: How can you track your own sugar levels to help with treatment for diabetes?
output: By checking your own blood sugar levels, you can track your body's changing needs for insulin and work with your doctor to figure out the best insulin dosage. People with diabetes check their blood sugar up to several times a day with an instrument called a glucometer. The glucometer measures glucose levels in a sample of your blood dabbed on a strip of treated paper. Also, there are now devices, called continuous glucose monitoring systems ( CGMS), that can be attached to your body to measure your blood sugars every few minutes for up to a week at a time. But these machines check glucose levels from skin rather than blood, and they are less accurate than a traditional glucometer.
system: Do vitamins B6 and B12 help diabetes?
output: Vitamins B6 and B12 may help treat diabetic nerve pain if you have low levels of these vitamins and that is contributing to the nerve pain. But otherwise, there is no proof that taking these vitamins will help.
system: Why should you wear a MedicAlert bracelet or tag if you have diabetes?
output: This will make others aware of your condition in case you have a severe hypoglycemic attack and are not able to make yourself understood, or if you are in an accident and need emergency medical care. Identifying yourself as having diabetes is important because hypoglycemic attacks can be mistaken for drunkenness, and victims often aren't able to care for themselves. Without prompt treatment, hypoglycemia can result in a coma or seizures. And, because your body is under increased stress when you are ill or injured, your blood sugar levels will need to be checked by the medical personnel who give you emergency care.
system: What is degludec (Tresiba)?
output: Insulin degludec ( Tresiba) is a once-daily, long-acting insulin, providing a basal dose of insulin lasting beyond 42 hours. ( It the only basal insulin approved for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in patients as young as 1 year old.) It is also available in combination with rapid-acting insulin ( Ryzodeg 70/30).
system: Why do you have to check your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes?
output: By checking your own blood sugar levels, you can track your body's changing needs for insulin and work with your doctor to figure out the best insulin dosage. People with diabetes check their blood sugar up to several times a day with an instrument called a glucometer. The glucometer measures glucose levels in a sample of your blood dabbed on a strip of treated paper. Also, there are now devices, called continuous glucose monitoring systems ( CGMS), that can be attached to your body to measure your blood sugars every few minutes for up to a week at a time. But these machines check glucose levels from skin rather than blood, and they are less accurate than a traditional glucometer.
system: What professionals may help me with diabetes other than my doctor?
output: Your doctor will help you make a diabetes treatment plan that is right for you -- and that you can understand. You may also need other health care professionals on your diabetes treatment team, including a foot doctor, nutritionist, eye doctor, and a diabetes specialist (called an endocrinologist).