Category: Medicine
Considering a Clinical Trial When You Have COPD
By Jean Rommes, as told to Kendall Morgan I knew in 1985 that I probably had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I first came across the condition in an article,
Read MoreWhere Will the Legit Health Info Go If TikTok Goes Dark?
April 23, 2024 – It’s becoming more of a “when” then an “if” TikTok will be banned in the United States, which would leave the 170 million Americans who use
Read MoreMisconceptions About Genomic Tests
Scientists can scan your entire DNA library. That’s more than 20,000 genes. This kind of testing, called genomic testing, has transformed the diagnosis and management of cancer and rare genetic
Read MoreWhat to Wear and What to Avoid
If you have chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), also called chronic hives, the clothes you wear may affect the condition. Wearing the right clothes can make your skin feel better and
Read MoreAre ‘Man Vans’ Coming to a Parking Lot Near Your Soon?
April 22, 2024 – In Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a fleet of four RVs regularly pop up in parking lots at churches, libraries and other locations. Sometimes known as “man
Read MoreChronic Spontaneous Urticaria: What to Know
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable. It causes hives that come and go unexpectedly. You probably wonder why you get them and what to do
Read MoreLiving With Advanced-Stage CLL
Most people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) get diagnosed before this cancer reaches its advanced stages. In fact, it might take several months or even years to get there. When
Read MoreHeart-Liver Surgery May Help Patients Excluded from Transplant List
Ernest House needed a liver transplant. But a heart condition was keeping him off the transplant list. “I would have died,” he says. “There’s no doubt about that. My body
Read MoreHate Taking Pills? For Some Drugs, You Won’t Need To
A buccal patch stuck to the inside of the mouth might deliver drugs more quickly and with fewer side effects. One of the most common ways of taking a drug
Read MoreMenorrhagia, Skipped Periods, and More
As you probably learned back in middle school, menstruation is the monthly shedding of your uterine lining. Though it can be uncomfortable and sometimes inconvenient, your period is your body’s
Read MoreWhat to Do When Your Pain Is Dismissed
Migraine is a common neurological disorder, especially among women. But only about half of people who have it seek medical care for these intense headaches, and most wait before seeking
Read MoreWhen Body Image Becomes a Problem for Female Athletes
There’s no denying that there are many benefits to sports besides physical health. For girls and women, sports can be empowering. They can build confidence, social connections, and leadership skills.
Read MoreDon’t Worry, Gen Z, Your Face Isn’t Aging Faster Than Others
April 18, 2024 – The explosive rise in skin care “influencers” hawking product after product on social media has led many young people to seek anti-aging products and procedures even
Read MoreYour Quit-Smoking Fears Debunked
You’d love to stop smoking. The health reasons are a mile long and your body is (between coughs) telling you that it’s time. But you have fears about quitting smoking.
Read MoreIdentify Your Triggers to Quit Smoking for Good
After 15 years of smoking, Adrian Diaz Bulibasa decided it was time to quit. “I wanted to have a baby and I didn’t want the health of my future baby
Read MoreWhen to Call a Pediatrician
It’s 2 a.m. Your baby is crying and you can’t soothe them. They have a fever and a stuffed nose. Do you call the pediatrician, or do you wait until morning?
Read MoreThe Truth About Whole-Body Scans
Take a drive around certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles and you may spot as many signs advertising body scans as burger joints. Or maybe you’ve seen the ads on TV
Read MoreCoughing at Night: How to Stop
What can feel more frustrating than having a cough? Having a cough that happens more often or gets worse at night. It affects how much you can relax, fall and
Read MoreLiving With Crohn’s: My Daily Routine
By Michelle Pickens, as told to Danny Bonvissuto As early as I can remember, I’ve had issues with my health. When I was little, I had severe constipation, nausea, vomiting,
Read MoreHow to Get Your Child Involved
Who knows better than parents that cleaning the house regularly helps keeps germs at bay and goes a long way toward preventing kids from catching colds, flu, and allergy symptoms?
Read MoreHelping Your Child Come to Terms With Their ADHD
It’s not unusual to have mixed feelings about your child’s diagnosis with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). The behaviors that led to it may create stress in your family and
Read MoreTylenol During Pregnancy Not Linked to Higher Risk of ADHD, Autism
April 12, 2024 – Scientists and researchers have long raised concerns about the potential increased risks of autism and ADHD from taking acetaminophen during pregnancy, even though the FDA and
Read MoreEmulsifiers Make Food Appetizing yet Bring Health Dangers
April 12, 2024 — Creamy, thick, and velvety: Without emulsifiers, your favorite ice cream or muffin might not taste the same. Yet research warns that there is a darker side to these
Read MoreEven Women Doctors Find Their Symptoms Aren’t Taken Seriously
In early 2014, Ilene Ruhoy, MD, PhD, was not feeling well. She tired more easily than usual, had frequent headaches, and was sometimes dizzy and nauseous. A hospital-based neurologist, Ruhoy
Read MoreCould U.S. Measles Cases Break a Record This Year? What to Know
April 12, 2024 – When a mother in Atlanta, GA, noticed measles symptoms in her son earlier this year after returning from an international trip, she knew just bringing him
Read MoreTips for Raising a Child With ADHD
When you think of treatment for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children, medication probably comes to mind. That, or maybe therapy to work on school and social skills. In
Read MoreHow to Manage Life With Children With ADHD
Penny Williams of Asheville, N.C., still remembers the day she got a call from her son’s kindergarten teacher. It was the second day of school, and the teacher requested a
Read MoreExpert Q&A With John Whyte, MD
As WebMD’s chief medical officer, John Whyte, MD, is in a unique position to see both the current state of medical care for America’s older adults and the way things
Read MoreHave Health Questions? Ask S.A.R.A.H., an AI Health Assistant
April 10, 2024 – Got health questions about eating right, dealing with stress, or ways to stop smoking? You can ask S.A.R.A.H., and she’ll answer back. S.A.R.A.H. is a new
Read MoreHow to Find an OB/GYN Supportive of Transgender Pregnancies
A visit to the OB/GYN can leave you feeling vulnerable. Everyone should have a doctor who puts them at ease. But if you’re a transgender man or nonbinary person who’s
Read MoreStrategies to Conquer Treatment-Related Side Effects
Bob Dickey was determined not to let the side effects of cancer treatment — namely, nausea — get in the way of his routine. Dickey, a freight broker who lives
Read MoreCollagen Supplements for Skin, Hair, and Nails: What to Know
April 8, 2024 — When Mary Claire Haver, MD, became interested in the potential of collagen supplementation about a decade ago, she struggled to find many gold-standard studies that showed
Read MoreWhy Saying ‘Hello, Stranger’ Could Be Key to Better Health
April 8, 2024 — Some people love to chat. I learned this 15 years ago when I moved to a small village in France. They chatted with the boulangerie owner,
Read MoreHow Finding Her Voice Inspired a Community of Self-Healers
By Alexa Federico, as told to Skylar Harrison Before I became an advocate for those with Crohn’s and IBD, my mom was mine. “Her nails are blue. She’s lost weight.
Read MoreHow to Pick the Right Supplements for You
SOURCES: Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, chief of nutrition; professor, department of preventive medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Donald Boyd, MD, RDN, assistant professor of medicine, Yale School
Read MoreYoga for Stress Management
Somewhere along the line you may have decided you are simply not the yoga type. Sure, you’ve heard the raves about yoga for stress management, but you can barely touch
Read MoreTips to Feel Better All Day
What are the most important steps to follow if you want to feel good from morning to night? David Rakel, MD, spends his days helping people figure that out. He’s
Read MoreFitness from the Inside Out
Many people who want to get into shape are unaware that there is more to fitness than well-toned muscles and a tight abdomen. There is no shortage of exercise regimes
Read MoreHow My New Golf Hobby Made Me Healthier in Unexpected Ways
April 5, 2024 – For decades, I resisted invitations to try, learn, and play golf. Too frustrating, I said. Too expensive. Too much to learn. Too time-consuming. I too-too-too’d myself
Read MoreHow the Kitchen Can Heal and Help You Love Food Again
By Douglass Williams, as told to Champ Clark I was diagnosed with Crohn’s when I was 16. We knew something was wrong. At first, they thought it was appendicitis, but
Read MoreHow the Body Reacts to Grief, and What It Can Mean
April 4, 2024 – Fatigue, headaches, stomach pain and a higher risk of heart disease. Although these things may not make you think of grief at first, many people who experience
Read MoreHow Searching for ‘Weird’ Holistic Remedies Can Make You Stronger
By Krista Johnson, as told to Kate Sullivan My husband calls them my “foo-foo remedies.” He says, “You’re always trying that weird stuff.” To which I reply, “But it can’t
Read MoreWhat Medications Treat Nasal Polyps?
Tired of living with a stuffy nose, postnasal drip, sinus infections, facial pain, poor sense of smell, and the other symptoms that come with nasal polyps? It’s time to seek
Read MoreShould I Get a Second Opinion?
Lynne DeMarsh woke one morning in 2017 with pain and discharge from one nipple. A decade earlier, the Rockledge, FL, resident had had a lumpectomy and radiation therapy for triple-negative
Read MoreWhat You Should Know Today
In 1996, Doug Olson learned he had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer that starts in white blood cells. This cancer often grows slowly, so his doctor decided
Read MoreTreating Rheumatoid Arthritis With a Biologic: Risks and Benefits
There was a time, not very long ago, when a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis guaranteed a life of pain and disability. While there still isn’t a cure, the outlook
Read MoreHow to Keep a Bladder Diary
Overactive bladder (OAB) is an umbrella term for several urinary symptoms. The most common symptom is a sudden urge to urinate that you can’t control. Other symptoms include leaking urine,
Read MoreHow and Why Teens Manipulate Their Parents
Teenagers know how to push their parents’ buttons. Instinctively, they come with an arsenal of tools to get what they want, avoid getting into trouble, or cause their parents to
Read MoreHow to Transition Your Baby from a Bottle to a Cup
Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed, or do a combo of the two, at some point you’ll wonder: Is it time to move on to a cup? If you just breastfeed,
Read MoreHow Your Sleep Affects Your Heart
When you think about improving your heart health, food and exercise may come to mind. Sleep is just as crucial – even though many people treat it like a luxury,
Read MoreGet Morning Light, Sleep Better at Night
Ask clinical psychologist Michael Breus, PhD, a.k.a. The Sleep Doctor, for his No. 1 tip for having more energy and sleeping better, and he doesn’t hesitate to share his own
Read MoreWho Should Be Allowed to Donate Blood?
At the height of the pre-Delta variant COVID-19 pandemic, Stephen Rawlings, MD, PhD, was doing HIV and SARS-CoV-2 research when a pair of men, a couple, came to him. Both
Read MoreHow to Talk With Loved Ones About It
Vincent Macaluso, MD, found out he had multiple sclerosis (MS) when he was in medical school. Today, he treats people who have MS at his clinic in New Hyde Park,
Read MoreIs Your Partner Over His or Her Ex? Past Relationships and Jealousy Advice
Holding on to previous romantic attachments creates feelings of distrust and can stymie an otherwise promising relationship. So are you wondering if your honey’s heart still rests in the hands
Read MoreFinding Time for “Me” Time
Women today have been told we have it all — careers, families, kids, community involvement, and relationships. But all too often, having it all leaves us with no time or
Read MoreHearing Loss: Can Mine Be Reversed?
Losing your hearing can be an inconvenience — sometimes a major one that makes you worry. While some forms of hearing loss aren’t reversible, many are. But how does it
Read MoreHow Keeping In Touch With Relatives Is Good for You
Families, almost from their start, face forces that could pull them apart. When a family begins to mature, that potential loss of connection, that feeling of something changing, is difficult
Read MoreFeeding Chart, Meal Ideas, and Serving Sizes
Your child is walking, climbing, running, and “talking” nonstop now. Such developmental milestones mean their nutritional needs have changed, too. Welcome to toddler territory. Armed with some basic know-how, you’ll
Read MoreDoes Magnesium Glycinate Really Help You Sleep Better?
LaShawn Wiltz LaShawn Wiltz hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in decades. She’s had chronic sleep-maintenance insomnia since high school, meaning she has trouble staying asleep through the night. So
Read MoreFasting Study Under Fire After Heart Conference
Does intermittent fasting raise your risk of death from heart disease? That’s what you might think from headlines about early research presented at a recent American Heart Association conference – drawing
Read MoreHow to Tell Your Kids About Your Cancer
Kate, Princess of Wales, recently revealed a cancer diagnosis and a course of chemotherapy. In a recent video, Kate said that it has taken time “to explain everything to George,
Read MoreAfter Years of Sleepless Nights, an Insomnia Diagnosis
George Galioto blamed his sleepless nights on his schedule. He often worked two jobs, putting in long hours at bars and restaurants where his shifts ended long past midnight. He
Read MoreMajor Depressive Disorder: How I Manage
By Deborah Serani, PsyD, as told to Hallie Levine When it comes to talking about how depression affects relationships, I’m the expert. And it’s not just because I’m a psychologist.
Read MoreThe Future of Major Depressive Disorder Treatments
By James Giordano, PhD, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen major strides in the treatment options for major depressive disorder. We now understand
Read MoreHow I Manage Depressive Episodes
By Dan Collins, as told to Hallie Levine I’ve been living with major depressive disorder since I was 16. My moment of critical mass was in the spring of 1991.
Read MoreSci-Fi Tech Could Solve World’s Water Crisis
UC Berkeley’s harvesting box can extract water from air in the middle of the desert. Imagine a small box that can harvest drinking water from the air, even in the
Read MoreThe Emotional Effects of OAB
The physical effects of overactive bladder are obvious. But the emotional impact isn’t talked about as much. You might avoid going on road trips with friends, playing sports, or visiting your
Read MoreA Valuable Resource or Children’s Health Risk?
March 21, 2024 – For Courtney Stinson, ensuring her daughter’s comfort is a constant battle against the challenges of congenital myopathy. At 9 years old, she relies on a ventilator
Read MoreBest and Worst Supplements and Herbs
People in some parts of the world have used herbal remedies to treat diseases for centuries. But in the United States, we tend to rely heavily on traditional Western medicine.
Read MoreHigh on Marijuana Anonymous
When the COVID-19 pandemic propelled the world into lockdown 2 years ago, a recent college graduate in New England – let’s call her Julia* – suddenly realized that her daily
Read MorePandemic and Costs Limited Use of Shingles Vaccine
March 20, 2024 — Since its rollout, the Shingrix vaccine has been hailed as a breakthrough in preventing shingles. But its path to widespread adoption has been strewn with obstacles,
Read MoreBest and Worst Snacks
We all snack. But some snacks are better than others, especially if you’re managing type 2 diabetes or obesity. An ideal snack gives you protein or fiber — or both
Read MoreWhen ‘Good Vibes Only’ Goes Too Far
When Hanna Olivas was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017, at age 42, she was angry at first, and then she was terrified. Her doctors agreed on one thing: This
Read MoreNike Mannequins Come in All Sizes
The sportswear brand Nike introduced new, inclusive mannequins to their Niketown stores in London earlier this month that include representations of physically disabled and plus-sized athletes. Other brands have come
Read MoreThis Mutation Likely Saved a Colon Cancer Patient’s Life
March 18, 2024 – When Ken Aaron, 51, woke up from his first-ever colonoscopy last February to his doctor mouthing the words “we found a tumor,” there was no one
Read MoreTips to Prevent Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
It’s difficult to imagine a more contagious disease than whooping cough. For adolescents and adults, whooping cough, or pertussis, is a huge bother: cold symptoms, followed by a cough that
Read MoreHow to Stretch, When to Stretch
Do any of these lines sound familiar? You have to hold a stretch to get the benefit. Don’t bounce in the stretch — you’ll tear your muscle. If you don’t
Read MoreA Parent’s Guide to Vaccines
The tears and screaming, as upsetting as they are, are well worth the effort. A simple prick of the skin provides children with lifetime protection against diseases like chickenpox, meningitis,
Read MoreMake Shots Less Painful for Your Baby
By the time your baby is a year old, they’ll need at least 16 vaccinations. The pain of each needle stick is fleeting for them, but the stress of seeing
Read MoreWhy Aren’t More Teenagers Fully Vaccinated?
Too many U.S. children and teens are not getting their full roster of vaccinations, says H. Cody Meissner, MD, director of pediatric infectious disease at Tufts Medical Center and a
Read MoreDoctors Wary of Young Adults Using Ozempic for Bikini Season
March 15, 2024 – Summer is fast approaching, and the pressures of “bikini season” have some young adults looking to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to shed weight. And while data shows
Read MoreThe Scientist: A Physician Who Heals Himself and Others
The breakthrough studies of a world-renowned Crohn’s researcher have helped millions – including himself
Read MoreA Wake-Up Call for Women
March 14, 2024—Actress Olivia Munn’s candid disclosures on Instagram about her aggressive breast cancer — a surprise discovery after a “clean” mammogram and negative genetic tests — were a poignant mix
Read MoreI Will Always Be a Runner Even on Days When I Can’t Run
By Alison Feller, as told to Candy Schulman When I was 7, I was on a family vacation, living my best life. Or so I thought. I wasn’t sick –
Read MoreWhy Immersion in Very Cold or Hot Water Can Be So Healthy
March 13, 2024 – There’s a good chance you’ve come across this popular 10-second social media narrative: Hard-bodied individual looks into the camera. Zooms out to show they’re wearing only
Read MoreWhy Some Groups Vaccinate Less
“I heard there’s a microchip in the vaccine.” That’s what a surprising number of people tell Rupali Limaye, PhD, about why they don’t want to vaccinate their child. They might
Read MoreHow Exercise Can Help Ease Osteoarthritis Joint Pain
March 12, 2024 — It hurt to walk. So Dianne Rosenbluth saw a surgeon that friends recommended at the Duke University School of Medicine, had an X-ray, and found out
Read MoreStrategies for Managing Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
By Gonzalo Laje, MD, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson I’m a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. After my own personal experience with depression during my
Read MoreAre They Right for You?
March 11, 2024 – At-home medical diagnostic testing has exploded in recent years. NASDAQ reports that the market for at-home testing has reached a staggering $45.6 billion and will continue to
Read MoreManaging Treatment-Resistant Depression: One Person’s Story
When Imadé Borha graduated from Columbia University in 2015 with a master’s degree in nonfiction creative writing, she thought the last thing she’d have to worry about was finding a
Read MoreHow Diabetes Affects The Heart
Heart disease is common in people with diabetes. In general, the risk of heart disease death and stroke is more than twice as high in people with diabetes. While all
Read More5 Love Languages, 7 Days, 1 Couple
What makes for a good, lasting marriage? I can’t speak for everyone, and I don’t believe there’s just one magical thing. But my husband and I recently celebrated our 25th
Read MoreWhat to Expect as a Parent
As your child reaches the 8- to 12-year-old age range, you may begin to notice subtle and obvious signs that they’re no longer a youngster but not quite a teen.
Read MoreMedication Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Depression
If you have treatment-resistant depression, you’ve already tried taking antidepressants without much success. But you shouldn’t give up. It can take time to find the medication, dose, or mix of
Read MoreMindfulness Can Beat Tech Stress at Work
Editor’s note: Doctors get burned out, too. Read the Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2024: ‘We Have Much Work to Do’ March 8, 2024—Texts. Emails. Video meetings. Texts to
Read MoreWhat Are Vaginal Gummies? Debunking the Latest Health Craze
March 7, 2024 – Let’s start with this: Your vagina “is naturally self-cleaning, meaning that it does not need to be washed or rinsed in order to be ‘fresh,’” That’s the
Read MoreWhat to Know About Treatment-Resistant Depression
Standard treatments ease depression for a lot of people, but they don’t work for everyone. At least 30% of those who try two or more antidepressants continue to have serious
Read MoreCan You Really Lose Weight With Two Workouts a Week?
March 6, 2024 – It turns out there may be something to the “weekend warrior” mentality after all. A recent study suggested that concentrating all your exercise into just 1 or
Read MoreIs the Faith in Aspirin to Prevent Cardiac Events Warranted?
March 5, 2024 — There’s a widespread – and long-held — belief that swallowing a low-dose aspirin pill every day can help protect you from heart attacks and strokes. Almost
Read MoreLiving With HIV: Stress and Side Effects
Masonia Traylor was 23 when she was diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2010. “The first couple of weeks, I just cried every day,” Traylor says. “I was
Read MoreThunderstorm Asthma Could Strike More Often With Climate Change
March 5, 2024 — Thunderstorm asthma can strike with little warning, leaving people with the symptoms of an asthma attack during or after the dark clouds pass. If you’re unfamiliar,
Read MoreWays to Change Negative Thinking
We all have thoughts that invade our brains from time to time and mess with our moods. We all get down. Whether it’s your job, your social life, your family,
Read MoreXolair a New Weapon Against Food Allergies, but Questions Remain
March 4, 2024 – Kathy N. has had food allergies since childhood. It started with eggs, an allergy that she shared with her mother, and gradually evolved to include walnuts,
Read MoreHow Is Pompe Disease Diagnosed?
Getting a diagnosis of Pompe disease can be tricky. That’s partly because the disorder is so rare. It affects only about 1 in every 40,000 people in the United States.
Read MoreMultiple Myeloma in Black and Hispanic Communities
Doctors and scientists have made big breakthroughs in treating multiple myeloma. They’ve helped people with the disease to keep it in check and live longer, healthier lives. Despite this, the
Read MoreThe Need for Better Minority Enrollment in Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
Multiple myeloma can be a deadly disease. But if you’re Black or African American, you’re particularly vulnerable. Research shows you’re more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with this blood
Read MoreAs Fires Rage, Survivors Struggle to Find Care
By Sarah Amandolare With vast forestland, suburban developments, and urban high-rises alike burning in recent months and years, it can feel as if few places in the U.S. are safe
Read MoreThe Science Behind the Increased Risk for Black People
A look at possible reasons why multiple myeloma affects Black people more than white people, including genes, health care disparities, and the role of MGUS.
Read MoreMindful Eating Aims to Change Your Relationship With Food
March 1, 2024 – You may be familiar with the basic steps: Slow down, notice what you’re eating, and enjoy your food. But mindful eating can be more nuanced, and
Read MoreExercise Tips for Overweight Kids
Maybe your child hates sports, or gets more excited about video games than the kickball field. Or maybe they feel too out of shape to keep up with other kids
Read MoreWhen Sibling Rivalry Lasts Beyond Childhood
We all know sibling rivalry is common among kids. But it can last decades after childhood has ended. Scroll through online message boards and forums, and you’ll find a slew
Read MoreWhat Is a Lactation Massager?
While shopping for breastfeeding gear, you may have noticed lactation massagers in addition to breast pumps, nipple cream, and nursing pillows. What are they? And do you need one? A
Read MoreAre There Exercises That Benefit Women More Than Men?
Feb. 28, 2024 – We know that we have to exercise. It boosts our cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and ultimately contributes to our longevity and quality of life. But according
Read MoreShopping for Groceries With Diabetes
Whether you’re a meal planner and grocery list maker or figure-it-out-as-you-go shopper, you’ll see the grocery store through different eyes when you have type 2 diabetes. “It was a difficult
Read MoreDo Patients Know When AI Is Assisting in Health Care?
Feb. 27, 2024 – When you message your health care provider about an appointment, a prescription refill, or to answer a question, is artificial intelligence or a person actually answering?
Read MoreFactors That May Affect Care
Many women get breast cancer. But the disease is deadliest for non-Hispanic Black women. And when it comes to metastatic breast cancer, women of color are less likely to get
Read MoreWhat Are the Long-Term Effects of B-Cell Therapy for MS?
When you have multiple sclerosis (MS), your immune system works against you. Left unchecked, immune cells attack the protective layer that surrounds your nerve fibers. Doctors used to think your
Read MoreThe Mystery Behind Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a rare neurological disorder. Treatment can help, but there’s no cure. You may snooze upwards of 9 hours a night without feeling refreshed. You may fight
Read MoreAdjusting to Life With It
Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a sleep disorder without a cure. It’s not well-understood. Even experts don’t know what causes it. Your sleepiness might get in the way of your daily
Read MoreHospitals Turn to Farm-Fresh Food for Better Health
Hospital food isn’t known for tasting good or even being all that good for you. But some U.S. hospitals are teaming up with farms to change that. You probably think
Read MoreHow to Build a Support Network for Schizophrenia Care
If you’ve become a caregiver for a family member or friend with schizophrenia, it’s tough to go it alone. The demands on your psychological and physical well-being, and on your
Read MoreCDC Could Cut COVID Isolation Time: What It Could Mean
Feb. 23, 2024 – Is shorter better? Or just more practical? The CDC is reportedly going to cut its COVID-19 isolation recommendations down from 5 days to 24 hours starting
Read MoreStroke Risk in Black Americans: Expert Q&A
Black people in the U.S. are more likely to have a stroke than people who are White, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian – and with worse outcomes. The odds of dying
Read MoreWegovy for Obesity in Kids?
To understand whether Wegovy should be used as part of the solution for childhood obesity, you first have to understand the problem. Megan Kelsey, MD That’s not always easy, even
Read MoreFocusing on Gut Health Can Aid Weight Loss
Feb. 22, 2024 — Injectable weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound have been getting all the glory lately, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re looking to drop
Read MoreLessons From My Journey With Relapsing-Remitting MS
By Darbi Haynes-Lawrence, PhD, as told to Evan Starkman It’s been 13 years since my neurologist diagnosed me with relapsing-remitting MS, and I still forget that I’m disabled a lot.
Read MoreFor Many, Stigma of Hearing Loss Brings Trouble; Here’s What May Help
Feb. 21, 2024 – Eyeglasses are ubiquitous. More people wear them than don’t, with some 62% of Americans wearing corrective eyewear in any number of shapes and styles. And that
Read MoreWhat Are Death Doulas?
When people say someone had “a good death,” they usually mean that someone was comfortable and not in pain. But what if you could help their final days include the
Read MoreExcess Vitamin B3 Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Feb. 20, 2024 – Taking a B vitamin supplement that contains niacin could put people at an increased risk of heart disease. Led by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, the study,
Read MoreLearn How to Manage Stress
Life is stressful and sometimes the stress can overwhelm you, but there are steps you can take to learn how to relax. Normal everyday activities like grocery shopping or traffic
Read MoreLung Detox: Does It Really Work?
If you’ve had years of breathing in cigarette smoke, pollution, viruses, and other toxins, the idea of cleaning out your lungs and getting a fresh start can sound very appealing.
Read More8 Mistakes After Surgery That Slow Your Recovery
It was just after surgery for diverticular disease, and Greg Saggio, 48, was feeling good. That night he was already walking around. By the next morning, he started to eat.
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know
Keeping a healthy weight is a worthwhile goal at any age. As you get older, it can get trickier. You might not be burning calories like you did when you
Read MoreBloating 101: Why You Feel Bloated
Bloating 101: Why You Feel Bloated WebMD Feature Archive Bloating, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort aren’t limited to the occasional holiday feast. It can happen even if you haven’t eaten
Read MoreHeart Risks After Pregnancy-Related High Blood Pressure in Latinas
Monica Cantu and her husband were overjoyed to learn they were expecting twins, a boy and a girl. The couple couldn’t wait to meet their babies. At a doctor’s appointment,
Read MoreA New Guide to Healthy Eating
Feb. 16, 2024 – When it comes to your diet, your plate is important. Experts say it should include a healthy protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. But rather than
Read MoreAge-Friendly Health Care: A New Approach
America’s senior population has grown by 34.2% in the last 10 years, and today about 54 million Americans are 65-plus. If you’re in this group, you may take four or
Read MoreExercising When Sick: A Good Move?
You have been so great about your new exercise routine, rarely missing a day since you started up again. Then all of a sudden you are waylaid by a cold
Read MoreLiving With Major Depressive Disorder
By Elena Sledge, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson I’ve been living with depression for almost 12 years. I’m 31 now and I found out I had major depressive disorder
Read MoreHow to Deal With Side Effects of Medicine
Prescription drugs heal us when we’re sick, ease our pain when we ache, and prevent or control long-term conditions. But sometimes, even when they do the job they’re supposed to,
Read MoreSperm Donors May Not Be as Anonymous as They Think
In 2018, Michael B. Greene, PhD, received a letter that took his breath away. A woman who might be his biological daughter was looking to connect. He knew it was
Read MoreWeight Loss Health Benefits Start Sooner Than You May Think
If you are overweight or have obesity, you might think you need to lose a lot of weight to improve your health. It can feel daunting. But actually, you can
Read MoreDo You Need Advanced Treatment?
The redness, discoloration, dryness, and itch of atopic dermatitis (AD) could send you to your dermatologist in search of solutions. Your doctor will start by taking stock of your symptoms.
Read More‘Clean’ Beauty: What to Know
Feb. 12, 2024 – Clean. Natural. If the labels on your cosmetics and skin care products don’t include these descriptors, you’re not looking as great as you could and perhaps
Read MoreNew Developments in Cholesterol Treatment
By Joyce Oen-Hsiao, as told to Keri Wiginton Joyce Oen-Hsiao, MD, FACC, director of clinical cardiology, Yale Medicine, New Haven, CT Right now, cholesterol treatment is more about finding ways to
Read MoreAtopic Dermatitis: Help for Broken Skin
Atopic dermatitis (AD) can be a long-lasting condition that causes severe, itchy rashes. At times, you may feel like you can’t stop scratching, which can lead to other problems. “With
Read MoreHow to Get Enough Sleep
Claire Park, a pediatric nurse and mom to a 2-year-old in Atlanta, has been battling atopic dermatitis (AD) on her hands for years. But in the last 5, it’s gotten
Read MoreAtopic Dermatitis and Food Triggers
Is your red, itchy skin flare linked to your diet? Maybe, but foods or drinks aren’t always the trigger for a skin condition called atopic dermatitis (AD). So before you
Read MoreIs It Dry Skin or Atopic Dermatitis?
For years, George Kramb, who’s 29 and lives in San Diego, CA, thought he had a severe case of dry skin. “I had dry skin basically my whole life. It
Read MoreLower Your Cholesterol in 11 Easy Steps
If you have high cholesterol, you’re also at higher risk for heart disease. But the good news is, it’s a risk you can control. You can lower your “bad” LDL
Read MoreThe Emotional Side of Treatment I Wasn’t Prepared For
By Natalie Brown, as told to Kendall Morgan When I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at age 33, I had to make a lot of tough decisions quickly,
Read MoreNew Treatments for Your Chronic Pain
Pain that lasts more than a few months is chronic pain. Some types can’t be cured. But treatment can help you find relief. The right choice for you depends on:
Read MoreAlzheimer’s: Maintaining Your Relationship
Alzheimer’s disease is a difficult diagnosis for the person with the disease as well as for all those who love them. As the brain becomes weaker, it becomes harder to
Read MoreWhat Counts as a ‘Low Carb’ Diet and Is It Right for You?
Feb. 7, 2024 — Atkins, keto, the Zone, the paleo diet – it seems like low-carb diets have been around forever, and they’ve only grown in popularity over the years.
Read MoreYoga May Be Even Healthier Than You Thought. Here’s Why
Feb. 6, 2024 — What if there was an easy way to enhance your brain function, reduce stress, boost your mood, and protect yourself against a host of health conditions
Read MoreLowering Your Risk for Disease
Feb. 6, 2024 — Nutritionists are sounding the alarm on just how much your dietary consumption can affect your risk — or lack thereof — for cancer. A whopping 25%
Read MoreI Am More Than My Medication
By Susan Rahn, as told to Lauren Evoy Davis I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in August 2013. It was exactly 9 months after a clear mammogram. I didn’t
Read MoreToo Exhausted or Busy to Hit the Gym? Check Out These Tips
Feb. 5, 2024 – “Beep — Beep – Beep”: Your alarm clock signals that it’s time to slip on your workout clothes and head to the gym. You’re trying to
Read MoreInnovations in Treating Vitiligo
By Bassel H. Mahmoud, MD, PhD, as told to Susan Bernstein Vitiligo is mainly an autoimmune disease of the skin that targets pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. This results in patches
Read MoreMy Life With This Skin Condition
By Mark Braxton, as told to Kendall Morgan In 1996, I discovered a small white spot on my thumb. It itched. I thought it was a scab or something. I
Read MoreFind Others Who Share Your Journey
By Erika Page, as told to Hallie Levine I’ve been living with vitiligo since I was 7 years old. It started as small spots on the back of my spine
Read MoreCan Smart Technology Really Improve Your Sleep?
Feb. 2, 2024 – Andisheh Nouraee was having trouble sleeping. “I was waking up a lot at night, so I tried to optimize things in my life to improve sleep,”
Read MoreNew COVID Vaccine 54% Effective at Preventing Symptoms
Feb. 2, 2024 – If you’re in the minority of Americans who received the most recent COVID-19 vaccination, chances are you’re in the majority not experiencing any COVID symptoms now
Read MoreCan ‘Soda Taxes’ Improve Our Health?
A new study shows taxes on sugary beverages like soda reduce demand and are likely to improve public health. Soda is the No. 1 source of added sugar in the
Read MoreHow I Plan for Specific Tasks With Geographic Atrophy
By Joan Kathryn, as told to Keri Wiginton I’m 79 now, and my doctor diagnosed me with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2008. Over the past 15 years, I’ve developed
Read MoreTreating Geographic Atrophy: What to Consider
By Diane Marshall, as told to Keri Wiginton The choice to get treatment for the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a no-brainer. You have to get shots
Read MoreHeart Failure and Life Expectancy
If you learn that you have heart failure, don’t let the name mislead you. Your heart hasn’t failed. Rather, you have a condition in which your heart has trouble pumping
Read MoreHappy Weight vs. Healthy Weight
April Williams remembers when her doctor told her she should weigh 140 to 150 pounds. At the time, she was 326 pounds, her highest weight to date. “I didn’t even
Read MoreWhat I’ve Learned From Chronic Migraines
Three people who’ve lived with chronic migraine discuss what their journey has taught them, from the benefits of exercise to the importance of speaking up for yourself. Exercise Your Body
Read MoreCan Medicine Integrate Spiritual and Religious Practice?
Traditional Western medicine hasn’t typically concerned itself with spiritual well-being. But that might be changing as a growing body of evidence shows spiritual and religious practice can have profound health
Read MoreQuick-Acting Migraine Medication: What to Know
Fast-acting migraine medication can wipe out a headache. But according to Christopher Gottschalk, MD, director of the Yale Headache & Facial Pain Center, this pain-free possibility often comes as a
Read MoreHow I Got Control Over Chronic Migraine
By Ian Trabuco, as told to Hallie Levine I’ve been living with chronic migraines for 3 years. They began my junior year of high school. The symptoms go well beyond just
Read MoreChronic Migraine: The Future of Treatment
By Merle L. Diamond, MD, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson As a physician and lecturer specializing in headache medicine, I’m always looking for ways to help patients better manage chronic
Read MoreA Day in the Life
By Katie M. Golden, as told to Kara Mayer Robinson As someone living with chronic migraine, every day is different. There’s no cure for this genetic neurologic disease, but there are
Read MoreThe Stigma of Chronic Migraine
By Dawn Buse, PhD, as told to Keri Wiginton Headache disorders, including migraine, consistently rank among the leading causes of disability worldwide, especially for those ages 15-49. That’s a big deal.
Read MorePost-Breast Cancer Pregnancy Rate Boosted by Egg Freezing: Study
Jan. 23, 2024 – Kasey Vaillancourt and her husband were trying to get pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36. Her oncologist told her she may
Read MoreTransient Global Amnesia Is an Experience You’ll Never Forget
Illustration by Iris Johnson John Birmingham, a magazine editor, was startled to find his wife, Lola — dressed for work and for a birthday gathering afterward, in a jacket with
Read MoreNew Study Reveals Why Fats and Sugars Are Irresistible
Jan. 26, 2024 – The cravings feel inevitable and unavoidable – you stand up, walk to the kitchen, open the fridge or pantry, and ponder. Although you remind yourself to
Read MoreMultiple Sclerosis in the Workplace: Tips for Women
Multiple sclerosis (MS) often strikes between the ages of 20 and 40 — during your prime working years. And more often than not, the disease affects women. Over 70 percent
Read MoreMS: Life Tips for Women
At 27 years old, Julie Stamm was a young woman in the world of finance. All of the exciting young adult milestones lay ahead of her. But with a new
Read MoreWhy Do DMARDs Take Time to Work for RA?
How long do you need to take a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis before it’s fully effective? It depends on which one you use. But they all take
Read MoreStop Using the Medicine Cabinet. Oh, and Now Clean It Out
Jan. 24, 2024 – If old bottles of prescription medicines and over-the-counter pain relievers are gathering dust behind your bathroom mirror, you’re not alone. But it’s important to take stock
Read MoreHome Tests Detect the New COVID Variant, But May Take Longer
Jan. 23, 2024 – You’ve got the symptoms, but your test for COVID-19 isn’t positive. You’re not alone. JN.1, the now-dominant variant that accounts for nearly 86% of all circulating SARS-CoV-2
Read MoreStudy Shows Loneliness Raises Mortality Rate for Obese People
Jan. 23, 2024 — Loneliness has been known to be a serious health problem, and a new report makes the case that the suffering is worse for people who are
Read MoreMenstrual Migraine Tips
If you think migraines timed to your menstrual cycle are just something you have to suffer through month after month, think again. “Menstrual migraine is a common phenomenon and there
Read MoreNeuroticism Isn’t Funny and May Impact Your Health
Jan. 22, 2024 – In the 1979 comedy Manhattan, Mary (played by Diane Keaton) tells Isaac (Woody Allen) to vent his frustrations so they can finally get their feelings out in
Read MoreDiabetes-Friendly Meal Delivery Plans
The question “What’s for dinner?” becomes more complicated when you have diabetes. Along with budget and time, you need to think about how many grams of carbs, fat, and sugar
Read MoreWhat I Wish I’d Known
By Kim Lewis, as told to Stephanie Watson As a single mom, I did a lot of juggling. I had an active son and a job at a health and
Read MoreThe Good Bugs
When Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet eating her curds and whey, she may have been doing more than filling her tummy. “Curds” is an old word for yogurt,
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Birth Control if You’re Transgender or Nonbinary
No matter where you are on the gender spectrum, you might choose to use birth control if there’s a chance you could get pregnant and you don’t want to. Not
Read MoreSelf-Care With Endometriosis
SOURCES: Cara King, DO, director, benign gynecologic surgery; associate program director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS), Cleveland Clinic. Ken Sinervo, MD, medical director, Center for Endometriosis Care, Atlanta. Patrick
Read MoreMany Respiratory Viruses Peaking in Early 2024
Jan. 19, 2024 – The familiar symptoms are back again – a runny nose, coughing, aches, congestion, and maybe a fever. When the at-home COVID-19 test comes back negative, you
Read MoreIs Havana Syndrome Real? Here’s What History Can Tell Us
Illustration by Iris Johnson By Paul Rogers In 2016, CIA officers in Havana, Cuba, started having unexplained health issues. They reported a persistent piercing sound followed by symptoms including headaches,
Read MoreHow Multiple Sclerosis Affects My Relationships
By Carolyn Deming Glaviano, as told to Alexandra Benisek I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on my birthday. I had some eye pain and went to my optometrist, who then
Read MoreFitting MS Into Your Schedule
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable neurological disease. No two people will have the same exact symptoms. When you have this chronic condition, symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Read MoreTop 10 Ways to Boost Your Energy
Everyone is familiar with all-out energy drain — that exhausted day (or night) when no matter how enticing that new movie, fabulous shoe sale, or friendly barbecue, we just can’t
Read MoreEight Examples of Why Tik Tok Is Not Great for Health Tips
Jan. 16, 2024 – There is no shortage of reasons why getting health and lifeadvice from TikTok is a bad idea. We’ve scoured the site to present you with a
Read MoreTalking to Your Child About It
Some kids seem to grow up faster than others. That’s even truer if your child has central precocious puberty (CPP). That’s sexual maturity that starts before age 8 in girls
Read MoreSelf-Care Tips for Parents of a Child With Central Precocious Puberty
Parenting a child with any health condition is no small task. While your first priority may be to support them, it’s also important to know your needs throughout the process,
Read MoreHow It Affects Their Emotions and Social Life
Puberty can be a tough time for any kid. But it might be harder on those with central precocious puberty (CPP). That’s when kids show signs of sexual maturity early.
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