MNT weekly newsletter - July 24, 2019

Medical News Today

Dear Kuk,

Welcome to this week's Medical News Today newsletter, containing the headlines from the past week, across your chosen news categories.


Blood / Hematology
Vitamins and supplements for increased blood flow
Although there is little robust research to support the claims of their effectiveness, some vitamins may help increase blood flow. Learn about them here.
What does it mean when a scab turns yellow?
Scabs can turn yellow as a normal part of the skin's healing process. However, yellow scabs can sometimes indicate an infection, such as impetigo or herpes. Learn about the causes and treatment of yellow scabs and when to see a doctor here.
Higher iron levels may protect arteries but raise clot risk
A new study links naturally higher iron levels to a reduced risk of clogged arteries but a raised risk of clots related to the slowing of blood flow.


Bones / Orthopedics
Spinal stenosis: Everything you need to know
Spinal stenosis occurs when compression in the spine causes pain, numbness, and weakness, usually in the legs. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here.
How to strengthen your knee
People can do many exercises to strengthen their knees, which can relieve pain and reduce the risk of injury. These exercises include leg lifts, hamstring curls, and wall squats. Learn more about how to strengthen the knee here.
How to get rid of knee pain when sleeping
Methods of helping knee pain when sleeping include trying a new sleep position, using hot or cold packs, and losing weight. Learn more about treating knee pain when sleeping here.
Why orthopedic shoes may not really be good for our feet
New research into how calluses work for our feet and balance suggests that thick-soled shoes, such as orthopedic shoes, may do us more harm than good.


Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer rates rising in younger adults
In the United States, colorectal cancer rates are rising in the under 50s. Also, diagnoses in younger adults are more likely to be of advanced disease.
New anticancer strategy 'disguises drugs as fats'
Researchers have found a way to 'disguise' anticancer drugs in order to safely deliver higher doses to tumors. This approach was successful in mouse models.


Depression
What is the link between sleep apnea and depression?
Researchers study the prevalence of sleep apnea in people with depression and suggest that it may explain why some depression treatments fail.
Everything you need to know about Wellbutrin for ADHD
Doctors sometimes prescribe Wellbutrin to treat ADHD if a person cannot take stimulants. Learn more about the efficacy and risks here.
What to know about the side effects of Elavil
Elavil is a discontinued brand of the generic drug amitriptyline. Doctors may prescribe amitriptyline to treat depression and other conditions. Learn about the side effects here.
Do antidepressants work better than placebo?
A new paper asks whether there is sufficient evidence to prove that antidepressants work better than a placebo. They conclude that there is not.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
What to know about omeprazole
Omeprazole is a common drug that some people take to treat heartburn, or acid reflux. This article looks at its uses, dosage, and side effects, as well as what to know before taking the medication.
Paleo diet may be bad for heart health
Researchers have uncovered fresh evidence that following a Paleo diet may place heart health at risk, and they identify a possible source of the threat.
Ways to improve digestion
Some methods of improving digestion include avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and fried foods, eating more fiber, relaxing the body, and getting light exercise, such as walking. Learn more here.
What causes upper left abdominal pain under the ribs?
There are many possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs, including kidney infection, broken ribs, and pancreatitis. In this article, learn about the different causes of this pain, including how to recognize and treat them. We also explain when to see a doctor.
Colorectal cancer rates rising in younger adults
In the United States, colorectal cancer rates are rising in the under 50s. Also, diagnoses in younger adults are more likely to be of advanced disease.
What causes a pulse in the stomach?
Feeling a pulse in the stomach, or abdomen, is not a cause for concern in some people. However, in others, it may indicate an aortic aneurysm. Learn more about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms here.


Hypertension
What causes a pulse in the stomach?
Feeling a pulse in the stomach, or abdomen, is not a cause for concern in some people. However, in others, it may indicate an aortic aneurysm. Learn more about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms here.


Men's Health
What to know about masturbating before sex
Masturbating before sex can help some people achieve arousal and reduce stress. However, there is no clear scientific proof behind the anecdotal evidence that it can help males last longer before orgasm. Learn more here.
What causes red spots on the penis?
A variety of health conditions can cause red spots on the penis, including eczema, balanitis, and some sexually transmitted infections. Learn about these and other causes here.


Neurology / Neuroscience
Is spicy food linked to dementia risk?
According to a large new longitudinal study, people who eat a lot of hot chili in their daily diet may have a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Spinal stenosis: Everything you need to know
Spinal stenosis occurs when compression in the spine causes pain, numbness, and weakness, usually in the legs. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here.
Computer use in midlife may prevent cognitive decline
New research finds that using a computer and playing games, among other activities, can significantly reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Everything you need to know about Wellbutrin for ADHD
Doctors sometimes prescribe Wellbutrin to treat ADHD if a person cannot take stimulants. Learn more about the efficacy and risks here.
What can cause a tingling sensation on the scalp?
A tingling sensation on the scalp, called paresthesia, can arise for many reasons, including nerve issues, anxiety, infections, hair loss, and skin irritation. Not all types of paresthesia are unpleasant. Learn more here.
Why is my chest itchy?
Itchy skin, or pruritus, can affect the chest. In this article, learn about the possible causes of an itchy chest, which include skin conditions, kidney problems, and hormonal imbalances. Also, find out more about treatments and remedies for itchy skin.
How a gut infection might spark Parkinson's
Scientists are still unpicking the processes involved in Parkinson's. A new study ties together bacterial infection, mitochondria, and the immune system.
Why orthopedic shoes may not really be good for our feet
New research into how calluses work for our feet and balance suggests that thick-soled shoes, such as orthopedic shoes, may do us more harm than good.


Nutrition / Diet
Is spicy food linked to dementia risk?
According to a large new longitudinal study, people who eat a lot of hot chili in their daily diet may have a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Vitamins and supplements for increased blood flow
Although there is little robust research to support the claims of their effectiveness, some vitamins may help increase blood flow. Learn about them here.
Paleo diet may be bad for heart health
Researchers have uncovered fresh evidence that following a Paleo diet may place heart health at risk, and they identify a possible source of the threat.
Plant-based diets tied to 23% lower diabetes risk
A large review and meta-analysis concludes that consistently following a healthful, plant-based diet may significantly reduce a person's diabetes risk.
Top 10 evidence based supplements for anxiety
Previous research has shown that some natural supplements — including vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and herbal remedies such as valerian and chamomile — can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. We explore the evidence for these supplements here.
How an omega-6 fatty acid may keep heart disease at bay
New research in mouse cells sheds light on some mechanisms that help explain how dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6, prevents atherosclerosis.
Everything you need to know about berberine
Berberine is a naturally occurring compound in plants such as goldenseal, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. By making changes within the body's cells, it may help treat conditions such as high blood pressure, inflammation, and cancer. Learn more about berberine, including side effects and how to use it, here.


Pain / Anesthetics
What causes upper left abdominal pain under the ribs?
There are many possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs, including kidney infection, broken ribs, and pancreatitis. In this article, learn about the different causes of this pain, including how to recognize and treat them. We also explain when to see a doctor.
Spinal stenosis: Everything you need to know
Spinal stenosis occurs when compression in the spine causes pain, numbness, and weakness, usually in the legs. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here.
What are the differences between naproxen and ibuprofen?
Naproxen and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory, pain relieving drugs. This article looks at their similarities and differences, including their uses, side effects, and drug interactions.
How to get rid of knee pain when sleeping
Methods of helping knee pain when sleeping include trying a new sleep position, using hot or cold packs, and losing weight. Learn more about treating knee pain when sleeping here.


Psoriasis
Why is my chest itchy?
Itchy skin, or pruritus, can affect the chest. In this article, learn about the possible causes of an itchy chest, which include skin conditions, kidney problems, and hormonal imbalances. Also, find out more about treatments and remedies for itchy skin.


Respiratory
Peak flow meters: A user's guide
A peak flow meter is a small device that measures the amount of breath a person can exhale in one forced breath. This article looks at their uses, benefits, results, and how to use them.


Sexual Health / STDs
What to know about masturbating before sex
Masturbating before sex can help some people achieve arousal and reduce stress. However, there is no clear scientific proof behind the anecdotal evidence that it can help males last longer before orgasm. Learn more here.
What causes red spots on the penis?
A variety of health conditions can cause red spots on the penis, including eczema, balanitis, and some sexually transmitted infections. Learn about these and other causes here.
Menstrual cups vs. pads and tampons: How do they compare?
A new systematic review has assessed the safety and reliability of menstrual cups. Its findings are overwhelmingly positive, though some doubts remain.


Stroke
Higher iron levels may protect arteries but raise clot risk
A new study links naturally higher iron levels to a reduced risk of clogged arteries but a raised risk of clots related to the slowing of blood flow.


Urology / Nephrology
'Electronic tongues' may help diagnose early stage bladder cancer
New research proposes the use of electronic tongues for detecting bladder cancer in its early stages. The device is cheap, noninvasive, and easy to use.
What causes upper left abdominal pain under the ribs?
There are many possible causes of upper left abdominal pain under the ribs, including kidney infection, broken ribs, and pancreatitis. In this article, learn about the different causes of this pain, including how to recognize and treat them. We also explain when to see a doctor.


Women's Health / Gynecology
Study introduces 'the Big Bang Theory of migraine'
A new study finds a link between migraine and signs of early puberty. The scientists suspect that estrogen plays a key role in how migraine originates.
Can we blame procrastination on our genes?
New research has found a genetic difference in procrastinators, but there is a catch. The research also reveals important sex differences.
What to know about masturbating before sex
Masturbating before sex can help some people achieve arousal and reduce stress. However, there is no clear scientific proof behind the anecdotal evidence that it can help males last longer before orgasm. Learn more here.
Menstrual cups vs. pads and tampons: How do they compare?
A new systematic review has assessed the safety and reliability of menstrual cups. Its findings are overwhelmingly positive, though some doubts remain.


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