Shingles is a viral infection that results from the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. It typically affects a single sensory nerve ganglion and the skin surface that the nerve supplies. Anyone who has had chickenpox can later develop shingles. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), […]
Abortion, sometimes known as a ‘termination of pregnancy,’ is the medical process of ending a pregnancy to ensure that it does not end in the birth of a baby. Women have abortions for many reasons, including personal circumstances, a risk to the mother or a high chance that the baby will have a serious genetic […]
Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. Advances in screening and treatment for breast cancer have improved survival rates dramatically since 1989. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in […]
Many people do not get enough quality sleep, and this can affect their health, well-being, and ability to do everyday activities. The right amount of sleep can vary from person to person, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults get at least 7 hours each night. They also estimate that […]
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but people with anxiety disorders experience frequent and severe worry that disrupts their normal life. What is anxiety? Feeling anxiety before a specific event, such as a test, is normal. Usually, anxiety is temporary. But someone with an anxiety disorder experiences regular, severe worry. The anxiety may be […]
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that, as well as the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, the disease can also cause, among others, neurological effects.” A recent report from a neurological hospital in the United Kingdom identifies cases of delirium, brain inflammation, nerve damage, and stroke in COVID-19 patients. Reports of stroke in […]
Alzheimer’s disease progressively degrades a person’s memory and cognitive abilities, often resulting in dementia. Amid efforts to find novel treatments for this disease, a recent breakthrough study by scientists from Japan shows that oxytocin―the hormone that we commonly know to induce feelings of love and well-being―can also effectively reverse some of the damage caused by […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the healthcare landscape for many patient populations — including pregnant women. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re bringing you research-backed information to help support the mental well-being of you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Altered hospital policies, concerns about contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and […]
COVID-19 patients on the antiviral remdesivir recovered about 30 percent faster than those on a placebo, the results of a major clinical trial showed Wednesday, as a top US scientist hailed the drug’s “clear-cut” benefit. The patients taking part in a clinical trial of the drug have all had severe respiratory symptoms and fever, but […]
WEarly information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes: Older adults People who have serious chronic medical conditions like: Heart disease Diabetes Lung disease Get ready for COVID-19 now Take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick […]