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, |
| Bones / Orthopedics |
| What can cause lower back pain? Lower back pain is very common and often the result of a minor injury or overuse. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, sciatica, and cauda equina syndrome. Learn more about lower back pain here. |
| Tips to improve posture People can improve their posture by practicing certain exercises and making some lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthful weight. Learn more about how to improve posture here. |
| What to know about collagen supplements Collagen supplements can help improve skin health. Collagen is a protein that promotes skin elasticity. Most people can take collagen supplements without experiencing negative effects. Learn more here. |
| How do you know if you have a sprained ankle? Signs of a sprained ankle include pain and swelling. Doctors grade sprains depending on severity. Causes include falling and overuse. Learn more about the signs of a sprained ankle here. |
| What to know about popping joints Joints may pop out of place for a variety of reasons, including injury. This popping is typically harmless in most cases. Certain conditions may make the feeling worse, however. Learn more about joint popping here. |
| Depression |
| How a diabetes drug may reduce anxiety symptoms New research in mice shows how metformin, a common drug used to treat diabetes and prediabetes, can also help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety. |
| Low-amp electroconvulsive therapy may relieve suicidal thoughts A new, small trial finds that low-amp electroconvulsive therapy is highly effective in reducing suicidal ideation while having no cognitive side effects. |
| What is learned helplessness? In this article, we discuss the psychology behind learned helplessness — a state in which a person feels unable to change a stressful situation, even when change becomes possible. We look at the background of the theory and ways to overcome this state. |
| Letter from the Editor: Self-love May is Mental Health Month. In this month's letter, Managing Editor Honor talks about the importance of self-love for mental health and well-being. |
| GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology |
| Could perking up gut bacteria promote healthy aging? A new study in animals has found that the gut immune system of aged mice was almost the same as that of younger mice after fecal transplants. |
| Common heartburn drug linked with fatal conditions New research finds a link between proton pump inhibitors and heightened risk of death from heart disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer. |
| What causes heartburn and nausea? Heartburn and nausea are both common digestive issues. They can occur together, especially if a person experiences indigestion. Learn more in this article. |
| Autism and the gut microbiome: Further evidence strengthens link New research in rodents finds additional evidence that the microbiome may influence the likelihood of developing autistic behaviors. |
| Men's Health |
| What can cause lower back and testicle pain? Lower back and testicle pain can indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Possible causes include kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and spinal problems. Learn more about the possible causes and when to see a doctor here. |
| What to know about precum and pregnancy It is possible to get pregnant from precum. Precum is a fluid that the penis releases before ejaculation. The fluid is a lubricant that may contain sperm. Learn more here. |
| Neurology / Neuroscience |
| Why 6 fingers per hand are better than 5 People with polydactyly — who have more than five fingers per hand — have better dexterity and rewired brains that can control these extra digits. |
| What can cause lower back pain? Lower back pain is very common and often the result of a minor injury or overuse. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, sciatica, and cauda equina syndrome. Learn more about lower back pain here. |
| What to know about deep sleep During deep sleep, the body restores various functions, including energy and memory. There are several stages of sleep, and they are all important. Learn more about deep sleep here. |
| Low-amp electroconvulsive therapy may relieve suicidal thoughts A new, small trial finds that low-amp electroconvulsive therapy is highly effective in reducing suicidal ideation while having no cognitive side effects. |
| Is virtual reality the next frontier of Alzheimer's diagnosis? New research suggests that using a virtual reality simulator could be more effective at detecting Alzheimer's disease than standard tests. |
| Why do people laugh in their sleep? A person may laugh in their sleep due to odd dreams or sleep disorders. Rarely, the cause is a neurological condition. Sleep laughing can also be normal, especially in babies. Learn more about laughing during sleep here. |
| What is learned helplessness? In this article, we discuss the psychology behind learned helplessness — a state in which a person feels unable to change a stressful situation, even when change becomes possible. We look at the background of the theory and ways to overcome this state. |
| What are the side effects and risks of Ritalin? Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Ritalin can cause side effects and has the potential for misuse and addiction. Researchers are investigating the long-term safety and effectiveness of this drug in children and adolescents. Learn more here. |
| What to know about neuralgia Neuralgia is a condition that causes shooting and burning pain in the nerves. There are many types of neuralgia. Treatment options include medications and surgery. Learn more about neuralgia here. |
| Early-onset Alzheimer's: Is 'bad cholesterol' a factor? A new study connects high blood levels of 'bad' cholesterol with the presence of early-onset Alzheimer's. The link, the authors suggest, could be causal. |
| Nutrition / Diet |
| Best ways to lose weight during menopause Leading up to and during menopause, people often notice weight gain. For those who wish to lose this weight, it can be more difficult than usual. Here, we look at the link between menopause and weight and describe ways to lose weight during menopause. |
| Cardiovascular disease: 7 simple steps that lower future risk New research examines how adhering to the American Heart Association's recommendations for a healthy heart predicts future risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| What to know about deep sleep During deep sleep, the body restores various functions, including energy and memory. There are several stages of sleep, and they are all important. Learn more about deep sleep here. |
| Is coffee bad for the heart or not? Reports about the effect of coffee on heart health can be contradictory, so a new study from Britain aims to shed more light on this problem. |
| Can blueberries protect heart health? A recent study that investigated the impact of blueberries on cardiovascular health concludes that we should all be eating 1 cup of blueberries each day. |
| What are the benefits of grass-fed butter? Grass-fed butter has recently increased in popularity over concerns about health and animal welfare. In this article, we look at the benefits of butter from grass-fed cows, compared with butter from grain-fed cows. |
| What to know about collagen supplements Collagen supplements can help improve skin health. Collagen is a protein that promotes skin elasticity. Most people can take collagen supplements without experiencing negative effects. Learn more here. |
| What are the most healthful types of bread? Some types of bread, including whole grain and sprouted bread, provide plenty of nutrients and health benefits. This article takes a look at some of the most healthful bread. |
| What are the best diets for ADHD? Certain foods may help with the symptoms of ADHD, while others could worsen the condition. In this article, we look at which foods to choose and the research behind specific ADHD diets. |
| More evidence that ultra-processed foods could harm health Two large new European studies have looked into the various health hazards associated with a high consumption of ultra-processed foods. |
| Gout: Why the stigma? There is a stigma attached to gout, and it tends to be linked to heavy drinking and a bad diet. Here, we explore that stigma and the truth about gout. |
| Tips for staying up all night Sometimes it is necessary for people to stay up all night for work, studying, or other reasons. Tips that may help a person feel more awake and alert at night can include consuming caffeine, exercising, napping, and taking cold showers. It is also important to allow a day for recovery. Learn more here. |
| How to get back on track after binge eating Many people overeat occasionally, but there are a number of different ways to get back on track. In this article, learn about what to do after binge eating to return to a healthful routine. |
| Clinical trial shows why energy drinks are bad for the heart In a clinical trial, researchers found significant changes in heart rhythm and blood pressure after volunteers consumed two different energy drinks. |
| Pain / Anesthetics |
| How do you know if you have a sprained ankle? Signs of a sprained ankle include pain and swelling. Doctors grade sprains depending on severity. Causes include falling and overuse. Learn more about the signs of a sprained ankle here. |
| What to know about neuralgia Neuralgia is a condition that causes shooting and burning pain in the nerves. There are many types of neuralgia. Treatment options include medications and surgery. Learn more about neuralgia here. |
| What to know about muscle atrophy Muscle atrophy can occur due to poor nutrition, age, and genetics. Symptoms vary, and treatment may include physical therapy, functional electric stimulation, or surgery. Learn more about muscle atrophy here. |
| Psoriasis |
| Can acupuncture help with psoriasis? Many researchers have looked at the effects of acupuncture on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In this article, we look at how acupuncture can help, what the research says, and how to get acupuncture for psoriasis. |
| Respiratory |
| Can homeopathy help with asthma? Homeopathy is a popular, traditional remedy for asthma. In this article, we look at the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for asthma. |
| What's the difference between expiratory and inspiratory wheezing? Expiratory and inspiratory wheezing are sounds that the lungs make when a person breathes out or in. In this article, learn about the possible causes of wheezing and which type is more common. |
| Sexual Health / STDs |
| What can cause lower back and testicle pain? Lower back and testicle pain can indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Possible causes include kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and spinal problems. Learn more about the possible causes and when to see a doctor here. |
| What to know about precum and pregnancy It is possible to get pregnant from precum. Precum is a fluid that the penis releases before ejaculation. The fluid is a lubricant that may contain sperm. Learn more here. |
| What STDs can you get from oral sex? There are many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that people can get as a result of having oral sex, including gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. Learn about how people can transmit STDs orally, the symptoms they cause, and the available treatments here. |
| Are feminine hygiene products really necessary? Are intimate hygiene products, such as 'feminine' washes and douches, safe to use? Why or why not? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate. |
| Urology / Nephrology |
| What can cause lower back pain? Lower back pain is very common and often the result of a minor injury or overuse. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, sciatica, and cauda equina syndrome. Learn more about lower back pain here. |
| What to know about urinary urgency Urinary urgency is the urgent need to urinate despite not having a full bladder. It may occur alongside frequent or painful urination. Learn about the possible causes and treatment options here. |
| Women's Health / Gynecology |
| Best ways to lose weight during menopause Leading up to and during menopause, people often notice weight gain. For those who wish to lose this weight, it can be more difficult than usual. Here, we look at the link between menopause and weight and describe ways to lose weight during menopause. |
| Menopause and heart health: Why timing hormone therapy is key Researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada are the first to study how perimenopause affects heart health in female mice. |
| Are feminine hygiene products really necessary? Are intimate hygiene products, such as 'feminine' washes and douches, safe to use? Why or why not? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate. |
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