Welcome Kuk, here's this week's Medical News Today newsletter, containing the headlines from the past week, across your chosen news categories. |
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| Dear Kuk, |
| Blood / Hematology |
| Too much iron may raise the risk of certain strokes New research finds that people with higher levels of iron are at a higher risk of stroke that arises from clots and blockages that travel from the heart. |
| Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis: What to know Doctors can use a variety of blood tests to look for markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and help diagnose the condition. Learn about the different types of blood test and other diagnostic methods for RA here. |
| Rheumatoid arthritis and CRP levels: What do they mean? Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis have increased levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. Here, learn more about this protein and what levels show. |
| Should you fast before a cholesterol test? Fasting before taking a cholesterol test used to be standard practice. Now, some doctors recommend that people do not fast before taking the test. Here, learn more about when people should fast before a cholesterol test, how long to fast for, and what the test results mean. |
| Breast Cancer |
| What are the side effects of chemotherapy? Side effects of chemotherapy include illness and infection, bleeding easily, hair loss, and nausea or vomiting. Learn more about 10 of the most common side effects, and how to combat them here. |
| Depression |
| Mental health conditions on the rise among US students New research examines the trends in mental health diagnoses among U.S. college students and finds significant increases in anxiety and depression. |
| GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology |
| Anticholinergic drugs: What to know Anticholinergic drugs can help treat a variety of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bladder conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In this article, learn about the different types of anticholinergic drugs and their possible side effects. |
| How and why our bodies starve gut bacteria Our gut microbiota can make or break our health. Researchers have found that our bodies keep bacteria under control by 'rationing' the resources they need. |
| Probiotics: When good bacteria turn bad Using advanced techniques, researchers have investigated how gut inflammation develops. They come to a worrying conclusion about probiotics. |
| What can cause a change in bowel habits? Changes in bowel habits are often temporary and harmless. However, severe or long-lasting changes can indicate more serious health issues. Learn more here. |
| Are gut bacteria the key to healthy aging? Research presented at the London Microbiome Meeting in the United Kingdom sheds light on this important question. Medical News Today report. |
| Treatment for opioid-induced constipation Many people use opioids to relieve pain, but they can lead to further problems, including constipation. Find out how to reduce the symptoms of constipation resulting from the use of opioids. |
| What causes opioid-induced constipation (OIC)? Opioids are important for controlling pain, but they can lead to opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Why does this happen and what other effects do opioids have on digestion? |
| Is there a link between heartburn and gas? Heartburn and gas often occur together, but one does not cause the other. Certain dietary behaviors, such as eating too much too quickly, can cause them to appear at the same time. Treating the underlying problem with lifestyle changes or home remedies will often resolve both symptoms. Learn more here. |
| Which foods cause gas and bloating? Some foods and beverages, including beans, whole grains, and fizzy beverages, can lead to gas and bloating. In this article, we look at a range of these foods and explain why they increase gas. We also cover ways to reduce gas and beneficial foods to eat. |
| Hypertension |
| Common drug may increase lung cancer risk According to a recent study, a common drug used to treat blood pressure might increase the risk of lung cancer when it is taken over a long period of time. |
| How much should I weigh? Ways of measuring What is a person's ideal weight, and how do height, age, and other factors affect it? Find out more and use our tools to get a better idea of how much you should weigh. |
| This unlikely culprit may cause drug-resistant high blood pressure A study of 475 male veterans with hypertension links higher lead buildup in shin bone to increased risk of drug-resistant high blood pressure. |
| Men's Health |
| What is the link between varicocele and infertility? A varicocele is a swollen bulge of veins inside the scrotum. While varicoceles do not always cause symptoms, they may contribute to infertility. Learn more with this article. |
| Prostate cancer: Scientists reveal new way to target stubborn cells Prostate cancer is common, so findings new ways to destroy it is very important. Now, researchers believe that they may have found a new drug target. |
| Neurology / Neuroscience |
| Does brain size predict brain cancer risk? New research suggests that having a larger brain may increase the risk of developing aggressive brain cancer. The higher number of brain cells may be why. |
| Eye scan may detect Alzheimer's disease in seconds It may soon be possible to diagnose Alzheimer's in a matter of seconds using a noninvasive eye scanner that simply examines a person's retina. |
| Surgeons carry out spine surgery in the womb Scientists can repair a potentially disabling spine defect, spina bifida, in the womb. This procedure is becoming more widely available little by little. |
| Parkinson's disease and its causes Parkinson's disease is a long-term, degenerative, neurological disease that causes a person to lose control over some body functions. An early sign may be a tremor in the hands. usually affects older people, but it can happen at any age. Find out more about what Parkinson's is and what causes it. |
| 11 complications of Parkinson's disease The best-known symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremor, stiffness, and slow movement, but there are other symptoms and a number of complications. Find out more. |
| The signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects a person in many different ways. Tremor is a well-known symptom but not the only one. Find out more. |
| Diagnosing Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition. It can be hard to diagnose as it has similar symptoms to other conditions. Find out how doctors diagnose Parkinson's. |
| What are the risk factors for Parkinson's disease? Scientists do not know exactly what causes Parkinson's disease, but a number of genetic and environmental factors appear to play a role. Find out more about the risk factors for this condition. |
| Treatment options for Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that causes a wide range of symptoms. Treatment is available to relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery can all help. Find out more about the treatment options here. |
| How does stress affect the brain? Stress can affect every aspect of our mental and physical health. A new study now shows just how exposure to stress can impact memory and brain volume. |
| Nutrition / Diet |
| How to control diabetes: Reduce meat intake A new meta-analysis concludes that switching to a plant-based diet could significantly improve the psychological and physical symptoms of diabetes. |
| How and why our bodies starve gut bacteria Our gut microbiota can make or break our health. Researchers have found that our bodies keep bacteria under control by 'rationing' the resources they need. |
| 11 healthful alternatives to wheat bread Many people need to or wish to avoid or reduce the bread they eat that contains wheat. Fortunately, there are many healthful and tasty alternatives without wheat that they can choose. Learn more here. |
| What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Prebiotics and probiotics work together to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that can improve digestion and support the immune system. Both prebiotics and probiotics occur naturally in many foods. Here, learn more about the differences between them, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into the diet. |
| Probiotics: When good bacteria turn bad Using advanced techniques, researchers have investigated how gut inflammation develops. They come to a worrying conclusion about probiotics. |
| Low-carb foods for vegetarians and vegans Low-carb diet plans often involve a lot of meat. However, there are plenty of low-carb options for vegetarian and vegan people. Learn more here. |
| Stroke: Can lifestyle changes trump genetic risk? Stroke risk depends on many factors, some of which are genetic and some lifestyle-related. So, can lifestyle changes outweigh the genetic risk? |
| Is there a link between heartburn and gas? Heartburn and gas often occur together, but one does not cause the other. Certain dietary behaviors, such as eating too much too quickly, can cause them to appear at the same time. Treating the underlying problem with lifestyle changes or home remedies will often resolve both symptoms. Learn more here. |
| Which foods cause gas and bloating? Some foods and beverages, including beans, whole grains, and fizzy beverages, can lead to gas and bloating. In this article, we look at a range of these foods and explain why they increase gas. We also cover ways to reduce gas and beneficial foods to eat. |
| Why you probably have microplastics in your poop Two new studies find tiny pieces of plastic, or microplastics, in stool and table salt samples from across the globe. What does this mean for our health? |
| Can people with diabetes eat potatoes? Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that can raise blood sugar levels. However, people with diabetes can still enjoy potatoes as part of a healthful diet. Learn more here. |
| Should you fast before a cholesterol test? Fasting before taking a cholesterol test used to be standard practice. Now, some doctors recommend that people do not fast before taking the test. Here, learn more about when people should fast before a cholesterol test, how long to fast for, and what the test results mean. |
| Pain / Anesthetics |
| What to know about synovial (joint) fluid analysis Doctors often use synovial fluid analysis to help determine the cause of joint pain and inflammation. This procedure involves extracting and analyzing a small sample of synovial fluid. Learn more here. |
| What are the best remedies for neuropathy from chemo? Neuropathy from chemo can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. It is a side effect of the chemotherapy drug that a person uses in their cancer treatment. Learn more about the best remedies for neuropathy from chemo, including natural and alternative remedies, such as vitamins, massage, and acupuncture. |
| What causes opioid-induced constipation (OIC)? Opioids are important for controlling pain, but they can lead to opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Why does this happen and what other effects do opioids have on digestion? |
| What is opioid-induced constipation? Opioids are often crucial pain relievers, but they can have adverse effects, including constipation. Find out more about opioid-induced constipation here. |
| Treatment for opioid-induced constipation Many people use opioids to relieve pain, but they can lead to further problems, including constipation. Find out how to reduce the symptoms of constipation resulting from the use of opioids. |
| What does a Lyme disease rash look like? Lyme disease rashes can change throughout the stages of the illness. Untreated Lyme disease can have serious consequences, so people should be familiar with the symptoms and types of rash. Learn to identify Lyme disease rashes here. |
| Prostate / Prostate Cancer |
| Prostate cancer: Scientists reveal new way to target stubborn cells Prostate cancer is common, so findings new ways to destroy it is very important. Now, researchers believe that they may have found a new drug target. |
| Psoriasis |
| What can cause red skin? Skin redness is often harmless, but can sometimes be a symptom of another condition. Possible causes of red skin include burns, infections, and allergic reactions. Learn more here. |
| How to relieve itching Itching can be bothersome and cause a person to lose sleep or damage their skin. In this article, learn about a variety of simple remedies to get relief from itching. |
| Respiratory |
| Everything you need to know about stridor Stridor is an abnormal breathing sound that resembles wheezing or creaking. It is more common in children but can happen in anyone. Learn about the causes, and how stridor sounds here. |
| Treatment options for COPD exacerbations During a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, a person experiences a sudden worsening of their symptoms. Treatment options for a COPD exacerbation include medications, oxygen therapy, and ventilation. Learn more here. |
| What is dry drowning and what are the symptoms? Dry drowning is an outdated term. It refers to breathing problems that result when liquid causes the voice box to spasm. The condition can be dangerous, and without treatment, it can cause severe lung damage or even death. Learn more about dry drowning and its treatments here. |
| Is chest pain during exercise serious? A range of health issues can cause chest pain during exercise. Some, such as muscle strains, are not serious. Others, such as heart attacks and angina, can be life-threatening. In many cases, people should quickly seek treatment. Learn more about the potential causes here. |
| Sexual Health / STDs |
| What is the link between varicocele and infertility? A varicocele is a swollen bulge of veins inside the scrotum. While varicoceles do not always cause symptoms, they may contribute to infertility. Learn more with this article. |
| What to know about HPV and fertility The human papillomavirus (HPV) can negatively affect fertility in both men and women. In this article, learn about the possible risks and how to improve the outcome. |
| Stroke |
| Too much iron may raise the risk of certain strokes New research finds that people with higher levels of iron are at a higher risk of stroke that arises from clots and blockages that travel from the heart. |
| Stroke: Can lifestyle changes trump genetic risk? Stroke risk depends on many factors, some of which are genetic and some lifestyle-related. So, can lifestyle changes outweigh the genetic risk? |
| Surgery |
| What to know about laparoscopy for infertility Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure doctors use to diagnose a variety of conditions, including some that can cause infertility. Learn more here. |
| Surgeons carry out spine surgery in the womb Scientists can repair a potentially disabling spine defect, spina bifida, in the womb. This procedure is becoming more widely available little by little. |
| Urology / Nephrology |
| Anticholinergic drugs: What to know Anticholinergic drugs can help treat a variety of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bladder conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In this article, learn about the different types of anticholinergic drugs and their possible side effects. |
| 'Anti-aging molecule' could improve liver and kidney treatments Blocking an enzyme that limits the activity of the 'anti-aging molecule' NAD+ could be a way to protect the liver and kidneys from damage, study suggests. |
| Women's Health / Gynecology |
| What to know about HPV and fertility The human papillomavirus (HPV) can negatively affect fertility in both men and women. In this article, learn about the possible risks and how to improve the outcome. |
| What to know about laparoscopy for infertility Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure doctors use to diagnose a variety of conditions, including some that can cause infertility. Learn more here. |
| What to know about endometriosis and infertility Endometriosis causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow elsewhere in the body. People with endometriosis may be more likely to experience infertility. In this article, learn about the link between endometriosis and fertility issues, as well as what treatments are available. |
| What to know about cervical mucus and fertile discharge Recognizing changes in cervical mucus can help a person identify when in their cycle they are most fertile. Learn about fertile discharge, and what it looks like, in this article. |
| What helps with insomnia during early pregnancy? Changes in the body during pregnancy may result in difficulty sleeping. Insomnia during early pregnancy can occur because of hormonal changes and existing difficulty sleeping. Treatment includes improving sleep hygiene and increasing physical activity. Learn more about insomnia during early pregnancy here. |
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Intro by Theresa Phillips:
Bill Johnson says:
James Goll:
Kim Clement:
Nichole Marbach:
