MNT weekly newsletter - February 27, 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
When to see a doctor if a child has a nosebleed
Nosebleeds are common in young children. Most nosebleeds are not a cause for concern, and it is usually possible to treat them at home by applying gentle pressure to the child's nose. However, persistent, recurring, or very heavy bleeding may require medical attention. Learn more here.
What is an amylase blood test?
Doctors typically use amylase blood tests to diagnose and monitor people with acute or chronic pancreatitis. However, abnormally high or low levels of amylase in the blood can be a sign of several other conditions. Learn about what to expect from an amylase blood test here.


Bones / Orthopedics
What to know about DEXA scans
The DEXA scan assesses bone density and can determine whether a person has weaker bones that are at risk of fracture. No special preparation is necessary. Learn more about DEXA scans here.
Osteoporosis: Some yoga poses may cause bone injuries
New research warns that certain yoga poses can be risky for people with osteoporosis and advises caution when engaging in this practice.
What is a TFCC tear?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a network of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage in the wrist. Injuries to this structure are called TFCC tears, and they can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in the wrist. Treatment options include splints or casts, physical therapy, and surgery. Learn more here.


Breast Cancer
How chronic stress boosts cancer cell growth
New research in mice explains the mechanism through which chronic stress contributes to cancer cell growth and suggests a potential therapeutic strategy.


Depression
Masturbation and depression: Is there a link?
While masturbation is not likely to have any effect on whether a person develops depression, having depression can affect a person's libido and sexual function. Learn more here.
How to stop yourself or someone else from cutting
Cutting is a type of self-harm. Although it can be a challenging habit to break, there are many ways to prevent yourself or others from cutting. Learn about them here.
Through my eyes: Opiate addiction
I remember my doctor telling me, 'Now, don't get hooked on these sweetheart,' but it was too late. I already was. This is the story of my opiate addiction.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Can prune juice help relieve constipation?
Constipation is a common problem that people can often treat at home by making dietary and lifestyle modifications. A popular home remedy for constipation is drinking prune juice. Learn whether prune juice is effective for treating constipation here.
The best home remedies for baby constipation
Babies rarely experience constipation, but it can occur. The first treatment for baby constipation is to try home remedies, such as taking their rectal temperature or practicing light belly massage. Learn more here.
What is an amylase blood test?
Doctors typically use amylase blood tests to diagnose and monitor people with acute or chronic pancreatitis. However, abnormally high or low levels of amylase in the blood can be a sign of several other conditions. Learn about what to expect from an amylase blood test here.


Hypertension
Blueberries may lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20 percent
New research finds that eating 200 grams of blueberries every day can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health among healthy individuals.


Lymphoma
How to perform a lymphatic drainage massage
When health conditions cause a buildup of lymph fluid, people can use lymphatic drainage massage to get this fluid moving. In this article, we discuss the benefits of lymphatic massage and how to do it at home.


Neurology / Neuroscience
Obesity and the 'self-control' brain area: What is the link?
A new review suggests that the prefrontal cortex, a brain area involved in planning and decision making, has a 'reciprocal relationship' with obesity.
Could these brain changes explain phantom limb?
Changes in communication between sensory and motor areas of the brain after lower limb amputation could explain phantom sensation, even without pain.
Vitamin D and brain health: New mechanism may explain link
A new study in mice shows a previously unknown effect of vitamin D deficiency on the brain. The findings may explain why vitamin D is key for brain health.
Alzheimer's: 'Holy herb' extract shows promise as future treatment
A laboratory screen found that a compound in the Yerba santa medicinal plant protects against several age-related triggers of death in mouse nerve cells.
How language shapes our brains...and our lives
In this Spotlight, we look at the origins of spoken language, where language is present in the brain, and how the languages we speak shape our world.
What are the early signs of dementia?
There are 10 early signs and symptoms of dementia, including misplacing things, difficulty solving problems, and confusing times and places. Learn about the other signs in this article.


Nutrition / Diet
Can prune juice help relieve constipation?
Constipation is a common problem that people can often treat at home by making dietary and lifestyle modifications. A popular home remedy for constipation is drinking prune juice. Learn whether prune juice is effective for treating constipation here.
Uses of methylsulfonylmethane
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a compound that may help with arthritis, joints, and muscle recovery. It is available in certain foods and supplement form. Learn more here.
Vitamin D and brain health: New mechanism may explain link
A new study in mice shows a previously unknown effect of vitamin D deficiency on the brain. The findings may explain why vitamin D is key for brain health.
US adults do not consume enough protein, study warns
New research examines the protein intake, overall diet, and physical functioning of adults over the age of 51 living in the United States.
Diabetes: Nuts could reduce cardiovascular risk
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a new study, eating nuts regularly might reduce the danger.
Onions and garlic could protect against cancer
According to a recent study, eating more allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions, might reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
What diet is best for older adults?
Finding the best way for older adults to lose weight safely can be challenging. A new study may help guide nutritional decisions in this population.
Blueberries may lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20 percent
New research finds that eating 200 grams of blueberries every day can reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health among healthy individuals.
17 reasons for always feeling hungry
There are many reasons why a person may always feel hungry, including dietary and lifestyle factors. However, increased or constant hunger can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. Learn about 17 reasons for always feeling hungry here.
Are eggs good for people with diabetes?
Eggs are a good source of protein for people with diabetes. They contain little carbohydrate and may improve fasting blood glucose levels. Learn more about the link between eggs and diabetes here.


Pain / Anesthetics
Study ties arthritis pain reliever to heart valve disease
An analysis of 8,600 electronic medical records has found a specific link between the use of the NSAID celecoxib (Celebrex) and aortic stenosis.
What can cause back pain while breathing?
Back pain when breathing can indicate an underlying health condition, such as infection, inflammation, or spinal curvature. The symptom can also signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Learn more here.
What is a TFCC tear?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a network of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage in the wrist. Injuries to this structure are called TFCC tears, and they can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in the wrist. Treatment options include splints or casts, physical therapy, and surgery. Learn more here.
Could these brain changes explain phantom limb?
Changes in communication between sensory and motor areas of the brain after lower limb amputation could explain phantom sensation, even without pain.
Pulled muscle in chest: Symptoms and treatment
A pulled muscle in the chest can result in mild discomfort or cause severe symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of a pulled chest muscle, as well as other possible causes of similar chest pain.


Psoriasis
What to know about winter rash
A winter rash is when the skin becomes dry, cracked, and painful during the winter. It usually results from cold, dry conditions. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments of winter rash.


Respiratory
What to know about tachypnea
Tachypnea is a respiratory condition that results in fast and shallow breathing. Causes include a lack of oxygen or excess carbon dioxide. Learn more about tachypnea here.
What can cause back pain while breathing?
Back pain when breathing can indicate an underlying health condition, such as infection, inflammation, or spinal curvature. The symptom can also signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Learn more here.
What to know about respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the blood pH level is out of balance. Causes include breathing too fast, which may be a side effect of another condition. Learn more about respiratory alkalosis, including how doctors treat it, here.
What to know about whooping cough in adults
Whooping cough is an infection that is more common in children, but adults can also contract it. The symptoms are usually less severe in adults than in children. This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of whooping cough in adults.
What to know about acute respiratory failure
Symptoms of acute respiratory failure include shortness of breath and confusion. Causes include lung-related conditions and chest trauma. Learn more about acute respiratory failure here.
What to know about enlarged adenoids
Enlarged adenoids are common in children. This article provides an overview of enlarged adenoids, including how to recognize this condition, its causes and risk factors, and possible treatments.
How to reduce your risk of asthma
Asthma risk factors include smoking, dust mites, and environmental pollutants, as well as many others. Steering clear of these risk factors can help people avoid developing the condition. Learn more about how to prevent asthma here.


Sexual Health / STDs
How does sex drive change during pregnancy?
Among the many changes that women experience during pregnancy, they may notice that their sex drive increases or decreases in different trimesters. Learn more about sex drive changes and the safety of sex and masturbation during pregnancy here.
Masturbation and depression: Is there a link?
While masturbation is not likely to have any effect on whether a person develops depression, having depression can affect a person's libido and sexual function. Learn more here.


Women's Health / Gynecology
What are the signs of pregnancy in week 2?
Doctors measure pregnancy from the first day of a woman's last period, so week 2 is often when conception occurs. Learn more about the possible symptoms here.
How does sex drive change during pregnancy?
Among the many changes that women experience during pregnancy, they may notice that their sex drive increases or decreases in different trimesters. Learn more about sex drive changes and the safety of sex and masturbation during pregnancy here.
Anterior placenta: Everything you need to know
An anterior placenta occurs when the placenta attaches to and grows on the front of the uterus. It is not usually a cause for concern. Learn more in this article.
What to know about back pain in pregnancy
Back pain affects around two-thirds of women during pregnancy. In this article, we look at the causes of back pain in the first, second, and third trimester, and ways to relieve the pain.


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