Question: What are food sources of molybdenum?

Answer: Molybdenum Food sources include: Legumes, grain products, and nuts What it does: Helps process proteins and other substances.


Question: What does folate (folic acid) do?

Answer: Folate ( Folic Acid) Food sources include: Fortified cereals and grain products; lima, lentil, kidney, and garbanzo beans; and dark leafy vegetables What it does: Promotes cell development, prevents birth defects, promotes heart health, and helps red blood cells form.


Question: What does vitamin D do?

Answer: Vitamin D Food sources include: Fortified milk, cheese, and cereals; egg yolks; salmon, cod liver oil What it does: Maintains bone health and helps the body process calcium; important for immune system function; may protect from cancer.


Question: What are food sources of potassium?

Answer: Potassium Food sources include: Broccoli, potatoes with the skin, prune juice, orange juice, leafy green vegetables, bananas, raisins, and tomatoes What it does: Helps the nervous system and muscles; helps maintain a healthy balance of water.


Question: What are food sources of calcium?

Answer: Calcium Food sources include: Dairy products, broccoli, dark leafy greens like spinach and rhubarb, and fortified products, such as orange juice, soy milk, and tofu What it does: Helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth.


Question: What are food sources of copper?

Answer: Copper Food sources include: Organ meats (like liver), seafood, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole-grain products, avocados, and cocoa products What it does: Helps break down iron, helps make red blood cells, and helps produce energy for cells.


Question: What does vitamin B3 (niacin) do?

Answer: It also helps your body make red blood cells. Vitamin B3 ( Niacin) Food sources include: Poultry, fish, meat, whole grains, and fortified cereals What it does: Helps with digestion and changing food into energy; helps make cholesterol.


Question: What does calcium do?

Answer: Supports cell communication.


Question: What does vitamin A do?

Answer: Vitamin A Food sources include: Cod-liver oil, milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals What it does: Promotes good eyesight and normal functioning of the immune system.


Question: What does vitamin E do?

Answer: Vitamin E Food sources include: Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean What it does: As an antioxidant, it helps protect cells from damage.


Question: What are food sources of vitamin D?

Answer: Vitamin D Food sources include: Fortified milk, cheese, and cereals; egg yolks; salmon, cod liver oil What it does: Maintains bone health and helps the body process calcium; important for immune system function; may protect from cancer.


Question: What are food sources of vitamin A?

Answer: Vitamin A Food sources include: Cod-liver oil, milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals What it does: Promotes good eyesight and normal functioning of the immune system.


Question: What are food sources of magnesium?

Answer: Magnesium Food sources include: Whole grains, leafy green vegetables, almonds, Brazil nuts, soybeans, halibut, peanuts, hazelnuts, lima beans, black-eyed peas, avocados, bananas, What it does: Helps muscles and nerves work, steadies heart rhythm, maintains bone strength, and helps the body create energy.


Question: What does vitamin K do?

Answer: kiwi, and grapes What it does: Helps blood clot and maintains bone health.


Question: What does vitamin B1 (thiamine) do?

Answer: Vitamin B1 ( Thiamine) Food sources include: Beans and enriched, fortified, or whole-grain products such as bread, pasta, and cereals What it does: Helps the body process carbohydrates and some protein.


Question: What are food sources of vitamin B3 (niacin)?

Answer: Vitamin B3 ( Niacin) Food sources include: Poultry, fish, meat, whole grains, and fortified cereals What it does: Helps with digestion and changing food into energy; helps make cholesterol.


Question: What does manganese do?

Answer: Manganese Food sources include: Milk, eggs, cereal, date palm, corn flour, carob flour, scallops, mussels, and leafy and non-leafy vegetables, pecans, almonds, green and black tea, whole grains, and pineapple juice What it does: Supports bone formation and wound healing, and also helps break down proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. It's also an antioxidant.


Question: What does iron do?

Answer: Iron Food sources include: Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, eggs, poultry, soy foods, and some fortified foods What it does: Carries oxygen to all parts of the body through red blood cells.


Question: What does chromium do?

Answer: Chromium Food sources include: Some cereals, beef, turkey, fish, broccoli, and grape juice What it does: Helps maintain normal blood sugar (glucose) levels.


Question: What are food sources of manganese?

Answer: Manganese Food sources include: Milk, eggs, cereal, date palm, corn flour, carob flour, scallops, mussels, and leafy and non-leafy vegetables, pecans, almonds, green and black tea, whole grains, and pineapple juice What it does: Supports bone formation and wound healing, and also helps break down proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.


Question: What are food sources of phosphorus?

Answer: Phosphorus Food sources include: Dairy products, beef, chicken, halibut, salmon, eggs, and whole wheat breads What it does: Helps cells work, helps the body make energy, helps red blood cells deliver oxygen, and helps make bone.


Question: What does vitamin B12 do?

Answer: Vitamin B12 Food sources include: Beef, clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, poultry, soybeans, and fortified foods What it does: Helps with cell division and helps make red blood cells.


Question: What are food sources of vitamin B12?

Answer: Vitamin B12 Food sources include: Beef, clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, poultry, soybeans, and fortified foods What it does: Helps with cell division and helps make red blood cells.


Question: What does potassium do?

Answer: Potassium Food sources include: Broccoli, potatoes with the skin, prune juice, orange juice, leafy green vegetables, bananas, raisins, and tomatoes What it does: Helps the nervous system and muscles; helps maintain a healthy balance of water.


Question: How can triglycerides lead to insulin resistance relative to diabetes?

Answer: Normally, your body makes insulin, which âescortsâ glucose -- the type of sugar in your blood --inside your cells. There, your body turns glucose into energy. Insulin also allows your body to use triglycerides for energy. A common cause of high triglycerides is excess carbohydrates in your diet. High TG's signals insulin resistance; that's when you have excess insulin and blood sugar isn't responding in normal ways to insulin. This results in higher than normal blood sugar levels. If you have insulin resistance, you're one step closer to type 2 diabetes. If you also are overweight, eat a lot of sugary and starchy foods, or don't exercise, your insulin resistance can be worse. You can reverse your tracks by following the exercise and meal plan your doctor recommends to lower your triglycerides and by taking prescribed medicine.


Question: How are blood sugar levels checked relative to diabetes?

Answer: Your doctor can check your blood sugar (also called glucose) levels, by taking a sample of your blood after you've fasted, which means you haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. The doctor may also test the level of glucose in your blood with a special blood test called A1c. The result shows the average level of sugar over the previous 3 months.


Question: How can diabetes affect your body?

Answer: If your blood sugar levels climb to a high enough level, you have diabetes. If you don't treat it, then over time, high blood sugar levels injure nerves and harm blood vessels, which impairs circulation. The damage can affect your vision, your kidneys, and even your brain cells. Beyond this cascade of problems, diabetes dramatically increases your risk of heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.


Question: Why is it dangerous to ignore high blood sugar levels?

Answer: If your blood sugar levels climb to a high enough level, you have diabetes. If you don't treat it, then over time, high blood sugar levels injure nerves and harm blood vessels, which impairs circulation. The damage can affect your vision, your kidneys, and even your brain cells. Beyond this cascade of problems, diabetes dramatically increases your risk of heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan to bring your triglyceride levels and your blood sugar levels down. Your plan is likely to include both medication and lifestyle changes. It's worth it because your efforts can help reduce complications from diabetes, which can include blindness, bladder problems, and sexual issues.


Question: How can your doctor test for high blood sugar?

Answer: Your doctor can check your blood sugar (also called glucose) levels, by taking a sample of your blood after you've fasted, which means you haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. The doctor may also test the level of glucose in your blood with a special blood test called A1c. The result shows the average level of sugar over the previous 3 months.


Question: How should I approach conversations with a teacher about my child's ADHD?

Answer: Set up meetings early in the school year to talk about how ADHD affects your child. It's different for everyone, and your kid's situation is unique. Stay positive. Instead of talking about his problems, focus on what helps him. So avoid saying, â He never listens.â Replace that with something like, â I find that Johnny pays more attention when we're in a quiet space and he looks me in the eye.â If you have any educational reports or plans, like an individualized education program ( IEP), share copies with the teachers.


Question: How should I prepare for a parent-teacher conference if my child has ADHD?

Answer: Be organized at meetings. Parent-teacher conferences are usually short, so come with a list of questions so you don't forget to ask something important. Organize report cards, test results, and teacher notes in a binder so they're at your fingertips.


Question: What are the symptoms of arrhythmias?

Answer: When symptoms of arrhythmias, or an abnormal heart rhythm, are present, they may include: Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats, fluttering or "flip-flops" in your chest) Pounding in your chest Dizziness or feeling light-headed Fainting Shortness of breath Chest discomfort Weakness or fatigue (feeling very tired) Atrial fibrillation ( AF) is a type of arrhythmia.


Question: What are the symptoms of valve disease that causes heart failure?

Answer: If valve disease causes heart failure, symptoms may include: Swelling of your ankles or feet; swelling may also occur in your abdomen, which may cause you to feel bloated. Quick weight gain (a weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible.) Symptoms of heart valve disease do not always relate to the seriousness of your condition. You may have no symptoms at all and have severe valve disease, requiring prompt treatment. Or, as with mitral valve prolapse, you may have severe symptoms, yet tests may show minor valve disease.


Question: What are the symptoms of congenital heart defects in infants and children?

Answer: In adults, if symptoms of congenital heart disease are present, they may include: Shortness of breath Limited ability to exercise Symptoms of heart failure (see above) or valve disease (see above) Symptoms of congenital heart defects in infants and children may include: Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails, and lips) Fast breathing and poor feeding Poor weight gain Recurrent lung infections Inability to exercise Many people with heart muscle disease, or cardiomyopathy, have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life.


Question: What are the symptoms of heart muscle disease?

Answer: In adults, if symptoms of congenital heart disease are present, they may include: Shortness of breath Limited ability to exercise Symptoms of heart failure (see above) or valve disease (see above) Symptoms of congenital heart defects in infants and children may include: Cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails, and lips) Fast breathing and poor feeding Poor weight gain Recurrent lung infections Inability to exercise Many people with heart muscle disease, or cardiomyopathy, have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which progress and worsen as heart function worsens. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy may occur at any age and may include: Chest pain or pressure (occurs usually with exercise or physical activity, but can also occur with rest or after meals) Heart failure symptoms (see above) Swelling of the lower extremities Fatigue Fainting Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms) Some people also have arrhythmias. These can lead to sudden death in a small number of people with cardiomyopathy.


Question: What is a facet joint block?

Answer: Facet joint block: Also known as a zygapophysial joint block, the facet joint block is performed to determine whether a facet joint is a source of pain. Facet joints are located on the back of the spine, where one vertebra slightly overlaps another. These joints guide and restrict the spines movement.


Question: What are risks and side effects of nerve blocks?

Answer: Nerve blocks do have risks and side effects. They include: Elevated blood sugars Rash Itching Weight gain Extra energy Soreness at the site of injection Bleeding Death (in rare cases) Although many kinds of nerve blocks exist, this treatment cannot always be used.


Question: When might your doctor want you to have an (AFP) tumor marker test?

Answer: Your doctor may want you to have an AFP tumor marker blood test to: Narrow down the cause of a lump in your liver, testicles, or ovaries Help decide the best treatment for cancer See how well a cancer treatment is working Make sure cancer hasn't come back after treatment AFP tests can also check for birth defects in an unborn baby. Doctors may test spinal fluid for AFP, too, depending on what they're looking for.


Question: Can removing enlarged tonsils help eliminate bed-wetting?

Answer: Often, a child's snoring and apnea are due to enlarged tonsils and adenoids that are blocking the airway. If so, removing enlarged tonsils and adenoids to improve breathing often improves or eliminates bed-wetting. However, tonsils and adenoids should not be removed to resolve bed-wetting. It is only when bed-wetting is a symptom of sleep apnea that tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may be helpful.


Question: What tests can be used to determine if a physical problem is causing bed-wetting?

Answer: An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder may be performed if a physical problem is suspected. Children whose bed-wetting is associated with other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, may be referred to a specialist in urology (urologist) for further evaluation. Immaturity of a child's bladder is a common cause of bed-wetting.


Question: What are skin changes that come with age?

Answer: As we grow older, changes like these naturally occur: Skin becomes rougher. Skin develops lesions such as benign tumors. Skin becomes slack. The loss of the elastic tissue (elastin) in the skin with age causes the skin to hang loosely. Skin becomes more transparent. This is caused by thinning of the epidermis (surface layer of the skin). Skin becomes more fragile. This is caused by a flattening of the area where the epidermis and dermis (layer of skin under the epidermis) come together. Skin becomes more easily bruised. This is due to thinner blood vessel walls.


Question: How does sun affect your skin?

Answer: Over time, the sun's ultraviolet ( UV) light damages certain fibers in the skin called elastin. The breakdown of elastin fibers causes the skin to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to snap back after stretching. The skin also bruises and tears more easily and takes longer to heal. So while sun damage may not show when you're young, it will later in life.


Question: How does exercise help osteoarthritis?

Answer: Exercise is important to improve joint movement and to strengthen the muscles that surround the joints. Gentle exercises, such as swimming or walking on flat surfaces, are recommended, because they are less stressful on your joints. Avoid activities that increase joint pain, such as jogging or high impact aerobics.


Question: Do you need surgery for osteoarthritis?

Answer: When osteoarthritis pain is not controlled with other treatments, or when the pain prevents you from participating in your normal activities, you may want to consider surgery.


Question: How can devices help with osteoarthritis?

Answer: Supportive or assistive devices can help to decrease pressure on the joints with osteoarthritis. Knee supports may be helpful for some people to stabilize the ligaments and tendons and decrease pain. Canes or crutches may be helpful to take pressure off certain joints. In addition to pain relief, assistive devices improve function and prevent falls. A licensed physical therapist or other health care professional is needed to recommend what devices are best for you. There are also many available devices to help you perform routine daily activities that may be difficult, such as housework or cooking. Ask your doctor about talking to an occupational therapist to give you ideas about which devices may help.


Question: What are symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Answer: Symptoms of osteoarthritis most often develop gradually and include: Joint aching and soreness, especially with movement Pain after overuse or after long periods of inactivity Stiffness after periods of rest Bony enlargements in the middle and end joints of the fingers (which may or may not be painful) Joint swelling There are several factors that increase a person's chances of developing osteoarthritis.


Question: Can supplements help osteoarthritis?

Answer: While recent research has questioned their usefulness, some medical research has shown that the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin may relieve pain in some people with osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. There is no evidence that glucosamine can help rebuild cartilage. SAMe is another supplement with potential benefits for osteoarthritis. In fact, some research has shown it may be as effective an anti-inflammatory drugs. Remember to always let your doctor know about any supplements you're taking, because they can have side effects and interact with medications.


Question: Can you get pregnant after fallopian tube cancer?

Answer: Yet it is possible to get pregnant after you're treated for fallopian tube cancer. Your doctor may be able to remove just one ovary and fallopian tube. Even if both ovaries are removed, you may be able to freeze your eggs or embryos before the surgery and get pregnant in the future. If you plan to have children, talk to your doctor about your options before you have surgery. The doctor may be able to take steps to preserve your fertility.


Question: Who is more likely to have fallopian tube cancer?

Answer: You may have a higher chance of having it if you've: Never given birth Never breastfed a child Never used birth control pills Having a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) with ovarian or breast cancer also raises your risk. You're more likely to get fallopian tube cancer if you inherited a change (mutation) to the BRCA gene, which makes ovarian and breast cancers more likely.


Question: What are symptoms of fallopian tube cancer?

Answer: Some women don't have any signs of this kind of cancer. But if you do, they can include: Bleeding from the vagina when you don't have your period -- for example, if you've already gone through menopause White, clear, or pink discharge from the vagina Pain or pressure in your lower belly Lump or swelling in your lower belly Many different conditions cause these symptoms. If you have them, it doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. But you should check with your doctor, just to be sure.


Question: What is palliative care for fallopian tube cancer?

Answer: Palliative care is another important part of treating your cancer. It is not always the same as hospice care. You can still get treatment, but you also get care for pain, emotional stress, and other issues related to your cancer that can affect your quality of life.


Question: How can I find out if my new workplace is safe?

Answer: A counselor can watch to see if it's safe for you to do certain tasks. He might recommend a change in your duties or your work site to improve safety. Your rights are protected by a law called the Americans with Disabilities Act. In general, it means employers need to make "reasonable accommodations" for any disabilities you have because of your MS. " Accommodations" means that your employer makes changes to the way a job is done or to the equipment you need to do it.


Question: What are erythrodermic psoriasis?

Answer: A serious type that affects most of the body. Symptoms include red skin, lots of shedding, itching, pain, and body temperature that goes up and down. An outbreak usually requires you go to the hospital. It is the least common type but also the most severe.


Question: What is plaque?

Answer: Patches of scaling skin that cover sores. They usually appear on elbows, knees, and trunk.


Question: What is autoimmune disease?

Answer: A breakdown of the body's immune system, which defends you against infections. The immune system mistakenly attacks your own cells. This can cause an autoimmune disease like psoriasis.


Question: What are topical medications?

Answer: Ointments, creams, and solutions that are applied to your skin. Topical medications used for psoriasis include corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D3, and vitamin A derivatives.


Question: When should you call a doctor about vomiting during pregnancy?

Answer: When to Call a Doctor Seek medical help if vomiting is so severe or constant that the person can't keep down fluids or food.


Question: Who is most likely to get ringworm on the scalp?

Answer: Ringworm is most common in children between the ages of 3 and 7, but it can affect adults, too.


Question: How are head lice treated?

Answer: To treat, parents can use an over-the-counter product with permethrin ( Nix), pyrethrin ( Rid), or spinosad ( Natroba). Lice kits usually contain a special shampoo that is left on the hair for 10 minutes and then washed out, and a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining eggs. Another treatment is a lotion called Sklice, which doesn't use a comb. One treatment may be all that's needed. The key ingredient is ivermectin, a powerful parasite killer. You can use it on kids as young as 6 months.


Question: What is the treatment for lice?

Answer: To treat, parents can use an over-the-counter product with permethrin ( Nix), pyrethrin ( Rid), or spinosad ( Natroba). Lice kits usually contain a special shampoo that is left on the hair for 10 minutes and then washed out, and a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining eggs. Another treatment is a lotion called Sklice, which doesn't use a comb. One treatment may be all that's needed. The key ingredient is ivermectin, a powerful parasite killer. You can use it on kids as young as 6 months.


Question: How is folliculitis treated?

Answer: Look for small, pus-filled pimples. Some mild cases will go away without treatment, but an antibiotic can help clear up the bacteria quickly. If shaving, waxing, or plucking is the cause, you may need to hold off on these for a few weeks to allow healthy hair to grow. Be sure to keep the affected area clean, cool, and dry.


Question: What is dandruff?

Answer: Dandruff is simply a buildup of shedding dead skin. We don't know the cause, but it may be due to a fungus on the skin.


Question: What is ringworm?

Answer: Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It's an infection that leaves round, scaly, red rashes and patches of hair loss on the scalp. Ringworm is most common in children between the ages of 3 and 7, but it can affect adults, too. It's spread through close contact or by sharing hats, clothing, towels, and combs. In rare cases, it's possible to catch ringworm from a dog or cat.


Question: What is lichen planus on the scalp?

Answer: No one knows what causes it, but there are a number of theories, ranging from stress to genetics. It may also be linked to the hepatitis B or C virus, dental materials, or thyroid disease. Doctors believe lichen planus is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your own body by mistake. Anti-malaria medications and those used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis can sometimes cause a lichen planus-like irritation. People who have lichen planus develop flat-topped, purple, or reddish bumps on their skin.


Question: Should I clean the house if I have lice?

Answer: Clearing up lice also requires that you thoroughly clean house. Vacuum the rugs and furniture, and then wash all of the child's clothes, hats, bedding, and towels in hot water. Dry-clean items you can't wash, like stuffed animals, or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. Experts recommend that you continue to check the hair for two to three weeks to make sure that all of the lice and nits (eggs) are gone. Use another lice kit after 10 days.


Question: Is there a cure for dandruff?

Answer: There's no cure, but it's fairly easy to control by washing your hair more often with a medicated shampoo. Leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing to give it a chance to work. Pick one with one or more of these ingredients: Coal tar ( Neutrogena T/ Gel, Tegrin) Zinc pyrithione ( Suave Dandruff Control, Pert Plus Dandruff Control, Head & Shoulders) Salicylic acid ( T- Sal, Sebulex) Selenium sulfide ( Selsun Blue) Ketoconazole ( Nizoral A- D) available as a 1% over-the-counter shampoo or a 2% prescription-strength one You may need to try two or three products to clear up your dandruff.


Question: What is psoriasis?

Answer: This skin condition can show up anywhere, but often happens on the scalp. It causes the body to make too many new skin cells. This buildup can form thick, crusted scales that can feel itchy or sore.


Question: Can you get dandruff from other people?

Answer: You can't catch dandruff from someone else, and it isn't dangerous, but it can be itchy and a bother. Luckily, there's no redness or scabbing of the scalp.


Question: What is the treatment for cradle cap?

Answer: For treatment, try rubbing your baby's scalp softly with baby or mineral oil to loosen the scales. After a few minutes, wash your baby's hair with a gentle baby shampoo. Then brush the scalp very gently with a soft brush to loosen the flakes. If a regular shampoo isn't working, ask your pediatrician about a medicated one.


Question: Can you get dandruff from someone else?

Answer: You can't catch dandruff from someone else, and it isn't dangerous, but it can be itchy and a bother.


Question: What is cradle cap?

Answer: This form of seborrheic dermatitis affects infants, typically in the first 6 months. It causes greasy, yellowish scales or crusts on the scalp. Although it may frighten parents, cradle cap is not a sign of a more serious infection, and it will usually clear up by the baby's first birthday.


Question: What can I do if I get congested while I'm asleep?

Answer: Do this at night when you sleep to help relieve congested nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, place the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope.


Question: Is blowing your nose good for a cold?

Answer: It's better than sniffling mucus back into your head. But make sure you do it the right way. If you blow hard, you'll send germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, which can lead to an earache. The best technique? Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.


Question: What are the best things to drink when you have a cold?

Answer: It helps break up your congestion, makes your throat moist, and keeps you from getting dehydrated.


Question: How can I use mentholated salve for a cold?

Answer: Try a small dab under your nose. It opens up breathing passages. Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw.


Question: How can I treat a sore or scratchy throat at home?

Answer: It moistens your sore or scratchy throat and brings temporary relief. Try a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water four times a day. To calm the tickle in your throat, try a gargle made from tea. Or use one that's got honey in it.


Question: Does steam help with colds?

Answer: You can loosen up your stuffy nose if you breathe in some steam. Hold your head over a pot of boiling water and breathe slowly through your nose. But be careful. Don't let the heat burn your nose. You can also get some relief with a humidifier in your bedroom. Also try to take in some moisture from a hot shower with the door closed.


Question: Does a migraine headache have various stages?

Answer: A migraine can be complicated, with symptoms that change over hours or even days. They tend to move through several stages: Prodromal phase (before the migraine) Aura phase Attack phase Postdromal phase (after the migraine) Hours before the migraine begins -- and sometimes even the day before -- many people may feel: Either unusually energetic and excitable or depressed Irritable Thirsty Cravings for specific foods Sleepy, with a lot of yawning The need to pee more often In some cases, these symptoms before the headache can help doctors diagnose the problem as a migraine.


Question: What characterizes the pain of a migraine?

Answer: Tends to feel throbbing May throb worse during physical activity or when you lean forward May get worse if you move around Other symptoms that might happen during this phase: Unusual sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells Lightheadedness and fainting Nausea and vomiting Following the most severe phase of the migraine, you may not feel well for up to a day.


Question: What is the postdromal phase of a migraine?

Answer: Tends to feel throbbing May throb worse during physical activity or when you lean forward May get worse if you move around Other symptoms that might happen during this phase: Unusual sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells Lightheadedness and fainting Nausea and vomiting Following the most severe phase of the migraine, you may not feel well for up to a day. Symptoms of this post-migraine phase may include: Extreme tiredness Sluggishness Confusion Head pain that flares up when you lean over, move quickly, or get a rush of blood to the head Your migraines may change over time, including how often they happen and how severe they are. Attacks may not always include all of these stages. Also, you may eventually get the migraine aura without having a headache.


Question: What language problems occur during the aura phase of a migraine?

Answer: You may have a hard time communicating with others. Symptoms may include: Trouble expressing thoughts when you speak or write Trouble understanding spoken or written words Confusion Trouble concentrating The attack portion of a migraine can last from a few hours to several days.


Question: What skin sensations accompany an aura?

Answer: You might feel tingling or "pins and needles" in your body during an aura. It may also cause numbness. These feelings often affect the face and hands, but they can spread out across the body. They may continue to expand over the next several minutes.


Question: What are signs of the prodromal phase in migraines?

Answer: They tend to move through several stages: Prodromal phase (before the migraine) Aura phase Attack phase Postdromal phase (after the migraine) Hours before the migraine begins -- and sometimes even the day before -- many people may feel: Either unusually energetic and excitable or depressed Irritable Thirsty Cravings for specific foods Sleepy, with a lot of yawning The need to pee more often In some cases, these symptoms before the headache can help doctors diagnose the problem as a migraine.


Question: How can the aura phase in migraines change your vision?

Answer: An aura can include: Changes in vision, such as: A flickering, jagged arc of light. It may have a complicated shape. It usually appears on the left or right side of your vision. Over a few minutes, it may get bigger. A blind spot in your field of vision. This problem -- combined with the flickering lights -- can make it hard to drive or focus your eyes on small objects. You might "see" images from the past or have hallucinations. These symptoms may continue to get worse over the next several minutes.


Question: How many people get auras with their migraines?

Answer: About 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 people with migraines get an "aura" that begins before the headache or starts along with it. It may not happen with every headache, though.


Question: What are the symptoms of the attack phase in migraines?

Answer: The pain of a migraine: Usually begins above the eyes Typically affects one side of the head, but it may happen to the entire head or move from one side to the other. It may also affect the lower face and the neck. Tends to feel throbbing May throb worse during physical activity or when you lean forward May get worse if you move around Other symptoms that might happen during this phase: Unusual sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells Lightheadedness and fainting Nausea and vomiting Following the most severe phase of the migraine, you may not feel well for up to a day.


Question: What skin sensations occur during the aura phase in migraines?

Answer: You might feel tingling or "pins and needles" in your body during an aura. It may also cause numbness. These feelings often affect the face and hands, but they can spread out across the body. They may continue to expand over the next several minutes.


Question: How may the symptoms of your migraines change over time?

Answer: Symptoms of this post-migraine phase may include: Extreme tiredness Sluggishness Confusion Head pain that flares up when you lean over, move quickly, or get a rush of blood to the head Your migraines may change over time, including how often they happen and how severe they are. Attacks may not always include all of these stages. Also, you may eventually get the migraine aura without having a headache.


Question: What are the symptoms of the postdromal phase in migraines?

Answer: Tends to feel throbbing May throb worse during physical activity or when you lean forward May get worse if you move around Other symptoms that might happen during this phase: Unusual sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells Lightheadedness and fainting Nausea and vomiting Following the most severe phase of the migraine, you may not feel well for up to a day. Symptoms of this post-migraine phase may include: Extreme tiredness Sluggishness Confusion Head pain that flares up when you lean over, move quickly, or get a rush of blood to the head Your migraines may change over time, including how often they happen and how severe they are.


Question: What are the symptoms of the prodromal stage of a migraine headache?

Answer: They tend to move through several stages: Prodromal phase (before the migraine) Aura phase Attack phase Postdromal phase (after the migraine) Hours before the migraine begins -- and sometimes even the day before -- many people may feel: Either unusually energetic and excitable or depressed Irritable Thirsty Cravings for specific foods Sleepy, with a lot of yawning The need to pee more often In some cases, these symptoms before the headache can help doctors diagnose the problem as a migraine.


Question: How long the does the attack phase of migraines last?

Answer: Symptoms may include: Trouble expressing thoughts when you speak or write Trouble understanding spoken or written words Confusion Trouble concentrating The attack portion of a migraine can last from a few hours to several days. During this phase, you'll probably want to rest quietly and find it hard to do your normal activities.


Question: How do I know if I have keratitis?

Answer: Symptoms to look out for: Severe pain Blurred vision Tearing Redness Extreme sensitivity to light Discharge Treatment usually includes antibiotic or antifungal eyedrops. Some people need antiviral drugs and steroid eyedrops.


Question: How is the cornea structured?

Answer: To understand potential problems, it helps to know the parts of the cornea. Is has three main layers: Epithelium. The outermost layer. It stops outside matter from getting into your eye. It also absorbs oxygen and nutrients from tears. Stroma. The middle and thickest layer lies behind the epithelium. It's made up mostly of water and proteins that give it an elastic but solid form. Endothelium. This is a single layer of cells on the very back of the stroma. The aqueous humor, a clear fluid in the front chamber of your eye, is in constant contact with this layer. It works like a pump. The stroma absorbs excess liquid and the endothelium pulls it out. Without this function, the stroma would become waterlogged. Your cornea would get opaque and hazy, and so would your vision.


Question: What conditions can cause damage to the cornea?

Answer: Keratitis: This inflammation sometimes occurs after viruses, bacteria, or fungi get into the cornea. They can get in after an injury and cause infection, inflammation, and ulcers. If your contact lenses cause an eye injury, that, too, can lead to keratitis.


Question: What are symptoms of corneal problems?

Answer: Your cornea usually heals itself after most minor injuries or infections. But during the healing process, you might notice symptoms like: Pain Blurred vision Tearing Redness Extreme sensitivity to light These symptoms also come with other eye problems, so they may signal a more serious issue that requires special treatment. If you have them, go to your eye doctor.


Question: How do you get keratoconus?

Answer: Causes include: Genetics (you can inherit a tendency for the condition from a parent) Eye trauma (from rubbing your eyes a lot) Eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, along with Down syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, Addison's disease, Leber's congenital amaurosis, and Ehlers- Danlos syndrome are associated with keratoconus.


Question: Can you prevent genetic corneal diseases?

Answer: But you can hang onto your vision if you find and treat them early.


Question: How are cornea problems caused by Fuch's dystrophy treated?

Answer: Treatment includes: Eyedrops/ointments Drying your swollen cornea with a hair dryer (at arm's length) two or three times a day Corneal transplant (full or partial) Lattice dystrophy: This is abnormal protein fibers in the stroma.


Question: What can happen if your cornea is damaged?

Answer: If your cornea is damaged by disease, infection, or an injury, the resulting scars can affect your vision. They might block or distort light as it enters your eye.


Question: How is corneal damage caused by keratitis treated?

Answer: Symptoms to look out for: Severe pain Blurred vision Tearing Redness Extreme sensitivity to light Discharge Treatment usually includes antibiotic or antifungal eyedrops. Some people need antiviral drugs and steroid eyedrops.


Question: How does ocular herpes (herpes of the eye) damage your cornea?

Answer: Ocular Herpes ( Herpes of the Eye): Like fever blisters, this viral infection can come back again and again. The main cause is the herpes simplex virus I ( HSV I), the same one that leads to cold sores. It can also result from the sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus II ( HSV II) that causes genital herpes. This condition creates sores on the cornea. Over time, the inflammation can spread deeper into your cornea and eye.


Question: How can herpes zoster (shingles) affect my cornea?

Answer: Herpes Zoster ( Shingles): You can only get it if you had chickenpox. The itchy illness goes away, but the virus that causes it doesn't leave your body. It stays in your nerves, but it isn't active. Later in life, it can travel down those nerves and infect specific body parts like your eye. A shingles rash on the face can cause sores on your cornea. They usually heal by themselves, but antiviral medication and topical steroid eyedrops can ease inflammation.


Question: What causes cornea problems related to keratoconus?

Answer: Causes include: Genetics (you can inherit a tendency for the condition from a parent) Eye trauma (from rubbing your eyes a lot) Eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, along with Down syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, Addison's disease, Leber's congenital amaurosis, and Ehlers- Danlos syndrome are associated with keratoconus.


Question: What does corneal disease mean?

Answer: The term corneal disease refers to many conditions that affect this part of your eye. These include infections, tissue breakdown, and other disorders you get from your parents. Your cornea usually heals itself after most minor injuries or infections.


Question: How are cornea problems diagnosed?

Answer: If you have them, go to your eye doctor.


Question: How are cornea problems caused by map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy treated?

Answer: You may also notice: Moderate to severe pain Increased sensitivity to light Excessive tearing A feeling that something is in your eye Treatments include an eye patch, a soft contact lens "bandage," eyedrops, ointments, "tacking it down," or removing the loose layer. This is a minor procedure your doctor can do in her office.


Question: Who can get Fuchs' dystrophy?

Answer: Signs of the disease may appear in your 30s or 40s, but it takes about 20 years for it to affect your vision. Women get it more often than men.


Question: What are symptoms of corneal damage caused by keratitis?

Answer: Symptoms to look out for: Severe pain Blurred vision Tearing Redness Extreme sensitivity to light Discharge Treatment usually includes antibiotic or antifungal eyedrops.


Question: Is lattice dystrophy treatable?

Answer: Treatments include: Prescription eyedrops Ointments Eye patches Corneal transplant Symptoms may go away with treatment, but over time you may need a corneal transplant. Results of this surgery are usually good, but the condition can come back.


Question: How are cornea problems caused by lattice dystrophy treated?

Answer: Treatments include: Prescription eyedrops Ointments Eye patches Corneal transplant Symptoms may go away with treatment, but over time you may need a corneal transplant. Results of this surgery are usually good, but the condition can come back.


Question: How does keratitis damage your cornea?

Answer: Keratitis: This inflammation sometimes occurs after viruses, bacteria, or fungi get into the cornea. They can get in after an injury and cause infection, inflammation, and ulcers. If your contact lenses cause an eye injury, that, too, can lead to keratitis.


Question: How does map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy affect your cornea?

Answer: It usually affects adults over 40. It's usually painless, doesn't affect your vision, and gets better without treatment. But sometimes the epithelial layer can get worn down and expose the nerves that line your cornea. That causes severe pain, especially when you wake up in the morning. It can also change your cornea's normal curve and cause astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness.


Question: How does Fuch's dystrophy cause cornea problems?

Answer: Fuchs' dystrophy: This inherited condition causes a slow breakdown of endothelial cells and the swelling of the cornea. This makes it harder to remove water from your stroma. Your eye swells and your vision gets worse. Haze and small blisters may appear on the surface.


Question: What are corneal dystrophies?

Answer: Corneal Dystrophies: There are more than 20 of these diseases. They cause structural problems within your cornea.


Question: What is map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy?

Answer: This affects the back layer of your epithelium, which separates it from the stroma. It grows irregularly (thick in some places, thin in others).


Question: What could happen if your cornea gets damaged?

Answer: If your cornea is damaged by disease, infection, or an injury, the resulting scars can affect your vision. They might block or distort light as it enters your eye.


Question: How does lattice dystrophy cause cornea problems?

Answer: Treatment includes: Eyedrops/ointments Drying your swollen cornea with a hair dryer (at arm's length) two or three times a day Corneal transplant (full or partial) Lattice dystrophy: This is abnormal protein fibers in the stroma. It can happen at any age, but early changes can be seen in childhood. It gets its name from the clear overlapping lines of proteins. They can make your cornea cloudy and reduce your vision. They could wear down your epithelial layer.


Question: What causes erection problems?

Answer: Common physical causes of sexual problems include the following: Diabetes, especially if you have type 2 diabetes Hypogonadism, in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone Thyroid disorders (both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) Adrenal lesions ( Cushing's syndrome) Noncancerous pituitary growths that increase levels of a hormone called prolactin Diseases that affect the nervous system, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, long-standing diabetes, and Parkinson's disease Damage to arteries or veins following pelvic surgery (such as prostate, colon, or bladder surgery) or after radiation treatment Conditions that affect the penis directly, such as Peyronie's disease (penile curvature) or injury to the penis itself or to the arteries, veins, or nerves that supply the penis Cardiovascular (heart) disease Blockages in the blood flow to the penis Leaky veins Conditions or behaviors that increase the risk of vascular disease, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, or the medications to treat these and other disorders Premature ejaculation ( PE) is usually not due to physical causes, although the problem is sometimes linked to a neurological disorder, prostate infections, or urethritis.


Question: Can medications  cause sexual problems?

Answer: Many medications have been implicated in sexual dysfunction, causing inhibited sexual desire and/or erectile dysfunction, such as: Drugs to treat high blood pressure Diuretics (including thiazides and spironolactone) Histamine blockers Antidepressant medications Common over-the-counter preparations (particularly antihistamines and decongestants) Antipsychotic medications Sedatives Medications used to treat anxiety Use of drugs, including alcohol, methadone and heroin, anabolic steroids, and tobacco Psychological Factors in Sexual Problems Psychological factors play an important role.


Question: What causes low sexual desire?

Answer: Possible psychological causes of sexual dysfunction include: Anxiety Guilty feelings about sex Sexual aversion disorder Learned behavior pattern of rapid ejaculation seen with frequent masturbation or infrequent sexual activity Painful intercourse usually has physical causes such as these: An infection of the prostate, urethra, or testes, which can be initiated by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and genital herpes An allergic reaction to spermicide or condoms Peyronie's disease, fibrous plaques on the upper side of the penis that often produce a painful bend during erection Arthritis of the lower back Lack of sexual desire may be due to any of these factors: Physical illness Hormonal abnormality (usually low testosterone levels) Medications that affect libido Alcohol or recreational drug abuse Psychological causes, including depression or relationship problems, which a therapist may help identify Retrograde ejaculation may occur in men from these causes: Prostate or urethral surgery Medication that keeps the bladder neck open Diabetes (which can injure the nerves that normally close the bladder during ejaculation) Priapism may be caused by: Penile trauma Medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, leukemia, gout, diabetes Certain medications, including those used to treat erectile dysfunction Can Medication Cause Sexual Problems?


Question: How can environmental factors contribute to sexual problems in men?

Answer: You may find it difficult to enjoy a sexual relationship if: You are under a lot of stress Your relationship is troubled You have a history of traumatic sexual encounters (rape or incest) You were raised in a family with strict sexual taboos You're afraid of getting your partner pregnant or of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease You have negative feelings (including guilt, anger, fear, low self-esteem, and anxiety) You are depressed You are severely fatigued Environmental Factors in Sexual Problems You may find it difficult to enjoy sex if there is no safe, private place to relax and allow yourself to become sexual, or if fatigue due to an overly busy work and personal life robs you of the energy to participate sexually. Parents may find it difficult to find the time to be sexually intimate, given the demands/presence of their children. Fear of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, which can lead to AIDS), the difficulties of striving for "safer sex," and the psychological effects of discrimination are just a few of the factors that can cause anxieties for men.


Question: What causes retrograde ejaculation?

Answer: Possible psychological causes of sexual dysfunction include: Anxiety Guilty feelings about sex Sexual aversion disorder Learned behavior pattern of rapid ejaculation seen with frequent masturbation or infrequent sexual activity Painful intercourse usually has physical causes such as these: An infection of the prostate, urethra, or testes, which can be initiated by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and genital herpes An allergic reaction to spermicide or condoms Peyronie's disease, fibrous plaques on the upper side of the penis that often produce a painful bend during erection Arthritis of the lower back Lack of sexual desire may be due to any of these factors: Physical illness Hormonal abnormality (usually low testosterone levels) Medications that affect libido Alcohol or recreational drug abuse Psychological causes, including depression or relationship problems, which a therapist may help identify Retrograde ejaculation may occur in men from these causes: Prostate or urethral surgery Medication that keeps the bladder neck open Diabetes (which can injure the nerves that normally close the bladder during ejaculation) Priapism may be caused by: Penile trauma Medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, leukemia, gout, diabetes Certain medications, including those used to treat erectile dysfunction Can Medication Cause Sexual Problems?


Question: What causes osteoporosis?

Answer: Until about age 30, a person normally builds more bone than he or she loses. During the aging process, bone breakdown begins to outpace bone buildup, resulting in a gradual loss of bone mass. Once this loss of bone reaches a certain point, a person has osteoporosis.


Question: How can I get calcium if I am lactose intolerant?

Answer: Although most dairy products may be intolerable, some yogurt and hard cheeses might be digestible. You can also eat lactose-containing food by first treating it with commercial preparations of lactase (which can be added as drops or taken as pills). There are also lactose-free dairy products you can buy. You can also eat lactose-free foods high in calcium, such as leafy green vegetables, salmon (with bones), and broccoli. There are many foods that are fortified with calcium too, such a some orange juices and breads Weight-bearing exercises are activities that make your muscles work against gravity.


Question: How is osteoporosis treated?

Answer: Menopausal women who have had fractures Treatments for established osteoporosis (meaning, you already have osteoporosis) include: Medications such as alendronate ( Binosto, Fosamax), ibandronate ( Boniva), raloxifene ( Evista), risedronate ( Actonel, Atevia), and zoledronic acid ( Reclast, Zometa) Calcium and vitamin D supplements.


Question: How do I protect myself from fractures if I have osteoporosis?

Answer: If you have osteoporosis, it is important to protect yourself against accidental falls, which may result in fractures. Take the following precautions to make your home safe: Remove loose household items, keeping your home free of clutter. Install grab bars on tub and shower walls and beside toilets. Install proper lighting. Apply treads to floors and remove throw rugs.


Question: Are there tests for osteoporosis?

Answer: Bone mineral density ( BMD) tests, or bone measurements, are X-rays that use very small amounts of radiation to determine bone strength.


Question: How is osteoporosis related to menopause?

Answer: There is a direct relationship between the lack of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause and the development of osteoporosis. Early menopause (before age 45) and any prolonged periods in which hormone levels are low and menstrual periods are absent or infrequent can cause loss of bone mass.


Question: Can I take hormone therapy to treat osteoporosis?

Answer: Weight-bearing exercises (which make your muscles work against gravity) Injectable abaloparatide ( Tymlos), teriparatide ( Forteo) or PTH to rebuild bone Injectable denosumab ( Prolia, Xgeva) for women at high risk of fracture when other drugs don't work Hormone therapy Hormone therapy [estrogen] isbelieved to be useful in preventing or alleviating the increased rate of bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. However, using hormone replacement therapy for prevention of osteoporosis alone -- not to treat menopausal symptoms -- is not recommended by the FDA. If you are using hormone therapy only for osteoporosis prevention, be sure to talk to your doctor so you can weigh the benefits of hormone therapy against your personal risk and consider other medications for your bones. If needed, your doctor can prescribe different treatments to help prevent osteoporosis.


Question: Who is more likely to get osteoporosis?

Answer: Petite and thin women have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis in part because they have less bone to lose than women with more body weight and larger frames.


Question: Can weight-bearing exercises help with treating osteoporosis?

Answer: There are many foods that are fortified with calcium too, such a some orange juices and breads Weight-bearing exercises are activities that make your muscles work against gravity. Walking, hiking, stair-climbing, or jogging are all weight-bearing exercises that help build strong bones. Thirty minutes of regular exercise (at least 3 to 4 days a week or every other day) along with a healthy diet may increase peak bone mass in younger people. Older women and men who engage in regular exercise may experience decreased bone loss or even increased bone mass.


Question: What are the symptoms of pinworm infection?

Answer: Most people who are infected don't have any. If you do, they might include any of the following: Anal itching, especially at night Restless sleep Itching of the vaginal area -- if adult worms move to the vagina Feeling irritable Abdominal pain that comes and goes Talk to your doctor if you have severe anal itching -- especially at night.


Question: Which over-the-counter medications may your doctor recommend for a pinworm infection?

Answer: Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter treatment like pyrantel pamoate ( Reese's Pinworm Medication, Pin- X). He might also prescribe medication to everyone in your household to prevent infection and re-infection.


Question: What are the complications of pinworm infection?

Answer: Most of the time, pinworm infections don't cause serious problems. In rare cases, and especially if you have a lot of them, the pinworms can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and around the pelvic organs. This can cause inflammation of the vagina -- what doctors call vulvovaginitis.


Question: How do you get pinworm infection?

Answer: The eggs can also live on surfaces like clothing, bedding, or other objects. If you touch one of these items and then put your fingers in your mouth, you'll ingest the eggs. About a month later, the eggs hatch in your intestines and mature into adult worms. Female pinworms move to your anus area to lay their eggs. This causes anal itching. If you scratch the area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your nails. If you touch other surfaces or objects, you could spread the worms.


Question: How is a pinworm infection diagnosed?

Answer: If you, your child, or someone in your household has symptoms of pinworm infection, call your doctor and ask about the tape test. Simply take a clear piece of tape and press the sticky side to the skin around the anus. Do this as soon as you or your child wake up -- before you use the bathroom, shower, or get dressed. The pinworm eggs will stick to the tape. You'll need to repeat this test three days in a row, then take all the pieces of tape to your doctor. He'll view them under a microscope.


Question: How often will someone need to get checkups in between eye exams?

Answer: You'll need to get checkups more often if you have health conditions or a family history of vision problems likes glaucoma, macular degeneration, or corneal diseases. When else should you see the eye doctor? If you have a sudden vision change, eye pain, or severe irritation.


Question: Why are vision tests important during an eye exam?

Answer: The doctor will check your close and distance vision. You'll read from charts of random letters. She may also test other aspects of your vision -- like your ability to see in 3- D, your side vision (called peripheral vision), and color perception.


Question: What other conditions could an eye exam discover?

Answer: Eye exams can help spot early signs of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis. If the doctor finds anything odd, you may need a follow-up with your regular doctor or a specialist.


Question: What is an eye exam?

Answer: She'll check all the parts of your eye. You may need drops to dilate -- or widen -- your pupils. This gives the doctor a clear view of the inside of your eye. These drops makes your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours. You'll need to wear sunglasses until they wear off. You may need someone to drive you home. The doctor will as also check your peripheral vision and how well your eye muscles work together.


Question: How should I choose an eye doctor?

Answer: Should you choose an optometrist ( OD) or an ophthalmologist ( MD) for your initial eye exam? If this is a routine checkup, you can go with either one. If you have or think you might have an eye problem like cataracts or glaucoma, or a health condition like diabetes, choose an ophthalmologist.


Question: What should I bring to an eye doctor appointment?

Answer: Your glasses or contacts (if you wear them). Ask if you should stop wearing your contacts for a few days before the visit. A list of any health conditions or allergies A list of all medications and supplements you take A list of any specific questions you have about your eye health Your medical insurance information. Most policies don't cover routine eye care, but if there is a diagnosis, such as dry eyes or glaucoma, you might get coverage. Vision insurance will cover some routine eye care, but most ophthalmologists ( MDs) don't take part in these plans.


Question: What should someone do before leaving their eye exam?

Answer: Make sure you have a copy of your eyeglasses prescription, if you need one. Understand where you should go to get your glasses or contacts prescription filled. Make sure you have instructions about how to use any medication if you need it. Make sure you have a copy of your glasses prescription, if you need one. Ask where to get the prescription filled. Get instructions on how to use medication if you need it. Schedule your next appointment or checkup.


Question: How often should I get an eye exam?

Answer: Everyone needs eye exams. Different medical organizations have different recommendations for how often you need to go. A good rule of thumb: Young adults: Once in your 20s and twice in your 30s. Adults: At age 40 with regular follow-ups, depending on your health. Adults 65 and older: Every 1-2 years. Children: At birth, 6 months, 3 years, and before entering grade school. This is often happens along with regular doctor visits or pre-school checkups.


Question: Why is patient history important in an eye exam?

Answer: Your doctor will ask about your general health and any family history of eye diseases.


Question: How many people get Crohn's disease?

Answer: As many as 700,000 Americans have the disease. Although there's no cure, there are treatments to manage it.


Question: What can I do to protect my brain from the effects of type 1 diabetes?

Answer: The best defense is to control your blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, and follow all of your doctor's instructions. The longer your levels stay really high or low, or swing to extremes, the more likely your brain will be affected. Continuous glucose monitors are a great tool, since they measure blood sugar every 5 minutes.


Question: How does type 1 diabetes affect a child's brain?

Answer: Brain scans show differences between a child with diabetes and one without. Still researchers found no major differences in their IQs, mood, behavior, and learning and memory skills. It's still unknown if the disease can affect things like their muscle movements and how fast they process information.


Question: How does type 1 diabetes affect my brain?

Answer: High blood sugar levels and the stress of managing a long-term disease are to blame. The best defense is to control your blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, and follow all of your doctor's instructions. The longer your levels stay really high or low, or swing to extremes, the more likely your brain will be affected.


Question: How does type 1 diabetes affect an adult's brain?

Answer: Adults who've had type 1 for a long time have slower physical and mental reactions. The condition doesn't seem to impact a person's learning and thinking skills, researchers say. But memory and attention span can be affected. Type 1, like type 2, is linked with a high rate of depression.


Question: Why would someone need radiation after a modified radical mastectomy (MRM)?

Answer: Depending on the size of your tumor and whether the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, your doctor might recommend that you have radiation after your surgery. This helps kill any remaining cancer cells.


Question: What are the risks associated with having a modified radical mastectomy (MRM)?

Answer: Although research has found MRM to be generally safe and effective, like all surgical procedures it can have risks. They include: Bleeding Infection Swelling of the arm Pockets of fluid forming underneath the incision (called seromas) Risks from general anesthesia Some people have numbness in the upper arm after surgery. It's caused by damage to small nerves in the area where the lymph nodes are taken out. There is a good chance that you'll regain most of the feeling in your arm over time. Lymph nodes that are removed will be sent to a lab to see whether the cancer has spread to them.


Question: How effective is a modified radical mastectomy (MRM)?

Answer: It's especially helpful for treating early-stage breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. Studies show MRM is as effective as a traditional radical mastectomy, but takes much less of a toll on a woman's appearance. Because of the success with MRMs, traditional radical mastectomies are rarely done today.


Question: What is the goal of modified radical mastectomy (MRM)?

Answer: The goal of the surgery is to remove the cancer but preserve as much of the skin and tissue as possible so that you can have breast reconstruction, if you chose.


Question: What happens during a modified radical mastectomy (MRM)?

Answer: MRM doesn't remove chest muscles like a traditional radical mastectomy does. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the breast, including the skin, breast tissue, areola, and nipple, and most of the lymph nodes under the arm. The lining over the large muscle in the chest is also removed, but the muscle itself is left in place. Following a traditional radical mastectomy, women often have a hollow in the chest. Because the chest muscle is kept in place with an MRM, this doesn't happen.


Question: What happens after a modified radical mastectomy (MRM)?

Answer: After your surgery, you'll stay in the hospital for one or two nights. Thin plastic tubes will be placed in your breast area and attached to small suction devices to drain any fluid. You'll need to keep these drains in for up to 3 weeks. The hospital staff will show you how to care for them until your follow-up visit with the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe medication for any pain you feel after surgery. After a week or two, you can usually treat your discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. There's a good chance that you'll feel tired after your surgery. Try to take a break and rest during the 2 weeks following your surgery.


Question: What if medicines don't work to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: If different combinations of medicine aren't doing the job, your doctor may ask you to try a treatment called apheresis. It removes cholesterol from your blood. It's a little bit like dialysis, the treatment that's used for kidney disease. You go to a clinic or hospital where some of your blood is removed through a tube called a catheter. LDL cholesterol is taken out of your blood before it's returned to your body. The procedure takes several hours, and you'll need to do it regularly.


Question: What happens if no treatments are working for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: Sometimes, none of the treatments work. In that case, you might need a liver transplant. The new liver will have normal LDL receptors that will remove the bad cholesterol from your blood. Your doctor will put you on a waiting list for a liver from a donor. A liver transplant is major surgery, and it could take you 6 months to a year before you can return to your regular lifestyle. After your transplant, you'll need to take drugs that prevent your body from rejecting the new liver.


Question: Is having support important if you have homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: Make sure you have a support network in place that you can give you an emotional lift when you need it. You can also join a support group to get ideas and help from other people who know what you're going through.


Question: Where can you find more information about medicines and specialists for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: To learn more about homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, visit the web site of the FH Foundation. It's got information about how to join a clinical trial and where to find specialists.


Question: What are common physical symptoms of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: You may have yellow, waxy patches on your skin over the elbows, knees, and buttocks. These are called xanthomas. Yellowish fat deposits called xanthelasmas can develop in your eyelids. Also, you can get gray or white circles around your cornea, the clear front part of the eye.


Question: What do you need to know if you are considering a liver transplant for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: If you're considering a liver transplant, you'll probably need to get some emotional support from family and friends. Support groups can also help by putting you in touch with people who are also getting transplants. Ask your doctor about educational workshops that can help explain what to expect before and after a transplant.


Question: What are questions for your doctor about homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: Are there drugs that can help lower my cholesterol? How do you check if my treatment is working? If diet and drugs don't lower my cholesterol, are there other treatments that can help? Will my children inherit my condition?


Question: What are some foods you should avoid if you have homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: Try to avoid or limit sources of saturated fat and cholesterol, such as: Red meat Butter Whole milk Coconut and palm oils Egg yolks Try to exercise every day, which also will help control your cholesterol levels.


Question: What do high levels of LDL cholesterol cause?

Answer: When you have high levels of LDL, cholesterol builds up in your arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen to your heart. The cholesterol can eventually block them and shut off the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart, causing a heart attack.


Question: What is the main sign of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: The main sign that you have this condition is very high levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. For instance, you may have a total cholesterol level of 600 points or higher. By comparison, the American Heart Association recommends the ideal total cholesterol number be less than 200.


Question: What causes homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: When you have homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, you inherit two copies of a gene that isn't working right, one from each of your parents. Normally, the liver removes extra LDL cholesterol from the blood using particles called LDL receptors. These receptors attach to LDL cholesterol and play a key role in keeping your cholesterol levels under control. When you have this disease, the faulty gene keeps the LDL receptors from working right. Your cholesterol levels get high.


Question: What are questions your doctor might ask you to help diagnose homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: Some symptoms of heart disease you may have include: Chest pain (angina) Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Your doctor will do a physical exam and also take some blood tests. To help make a diagnosis, he may ask you: Have you noticed any yellowish patches on your skin? Do you have any chest pain? Have you ever noticed that you're short of breath? Does your heartbeat ever seem rapid? Do your parents have high cholesterol?


Question: What is the main goal of treating homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

Answer: The goal is to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, and your risk for heart disease. Your doctor will probably recommend that you stick to a diet that's low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar. He may need to try different combinations of drugs and treatments until he finds one that works best for you.


Question: What is erectile dysfunction?

Answer: Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED or impotence, is the inability to attain or maintain an erection of the penis adequate for the sexual satisfaction of both partners. It can be devastating to the self-esteem of a man and of his partner. As many as 30 million American men are afflicted on a continuing basis, and transient episodes affect nearly all adult males. But nearly all men who seek treatment find some measure of relief.


Question: What causes erectile dysfunction in older men?

Answer: Because erections primarily involve the blood vessels, it is not surprising that the most common causes in older men are conditions that block blood flow to the penis, such as atherosclerosis or diabetes. Another vascular cause may be a faulty vein, which lets blood drain too quickly from the penis. Other physical disorders, as well as hormonal imbalances and certain operations, may also result in erectile dysfunction. The vascular processes that produce an erection are controlled by the nervous system and certain prescription medications may have the side effect of interfering with necessary nerve signals. Among the possible culprits are a variety of stimulants, sedatives, diuretics, antihistamines, and drugs to treat high blood pressure, cancer, or depression.


Question: Could your eyes be red because of dry eyes?

Answer: And sometimes the eye can't make tears at all. This condition is called dry eye. It can cause pain, ulcers on your cornea or even, in rare instances, some vision loss. Besides eye redness, you may have some other symptoms of dry eye: A gritty feeling A burning sensation in the eye Occasional blurred vision Heavy eyelids Inability to cry Eye fatigue When your eyes aren't dry, you get a lot of tears A stringy discharge Discomfort with contact lenses Also known as conjunctivitis, pinkeye is when the lining inside your eyelid and the white of your eye become inflamed.


Question: Could your eyes be red because of a broken vessel?

Answer: Other symptoms include: More tears than usual Your eyes burn, itch, or feel gritty White, yellow, or green discharge from your eyes Your eyes are more sensitive to light You get a crust on your eyelid or eyelashes This happens when tiny blood vessels break beneath the surface of your eye. The blood is trapped and makes the white of your eye look bright red. It can be caused by an intense sneeze, heavy lifting, hard vomiting, or even rubbing your eye a little too hard. Usually, the eye does not hurt. Broken blood vessels cause other symptoms like: A bright red area on your eye along with the general redness A scratchy sensation Sometimes fluid builds up in the front part of the eye.


Question: Could your eyes be red because of glaucoma?

Answer: Broken blood vessels cause other symptoms like: A bright red area on your eye along with the general redness A scratchy sensation Sometimes fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This causes pressure on the eye and can damage the optic nerve. This is called glaucoma, and is the leading cause of blindness for people 60 and over. The usual form of glaucoma is generally painless. An unusual form of acute glaucoma can cause symptoms such as: Severe pain in the eye Headache Decreased or blurred vision Rainbows or halos in your vision Nausea and vomiting It's usually nothing to worry about, as long as it only happens every now and then and doesn't last long.


Question: When should you call a doctor about red eyes?

Answer: You should call a doctor if, along with red eyes, you also have: A sudden change in vision Sensitivity to light Sudden halos around lights Severe headache, pain in the eye, or fever Nausea or vomiting A foreign object or substance in your eye Swelling in the eye Inability to keep the eye open


Question: What should I do about my red eyes?

Answer: An unusual form of acute glaucoma can cause symptoms such as: Severe pain in the eye Headache Decreased or blurred vision Rainbows or halos in your vision Nausea and vomiting It's usually nothing to worry about, as long as it only happens every now and then and doesn't last long. You might find temporary relief in over-the-counter eye drops, such as tear substitutes that wash and moisten the eye. But remember, routine and repeated use of these âget the red outâ drops will make the problem worse with your eyes becoming dependent on the drops and becoming even more red when the drops wear off. In that case, you could try a different brand or stop using them completely. Decongestants can help the itchiness along with the redness of allergies.


Question: Will pinkeye make my eyes red?

Answer: Besides eye redness, you may have some other symptoms of dry eye: A gritty feeling A burning sensation in the eye Occasional blurred vision Heavy eyelids Inability to cry Eye fatigue When your eyes aren't dry, you get a lot of tears A stringy discharge Discomfort with contact lenses Also known as conjunctivitis, pinkeye is when the lining inside your eyelid and the white of your eye become inflamed. Causes can include a virus, bacteria, an allergy, or irritants like swimming pool chlorine. It's very common, especially among children, and is very contagious. Other symptoms include: More tears than usual Your eyes burn, itch, or feel gritty White, yellow, or green discharge from your eyes Your eyes are more sensitive to light You get a crust on your eyelid or eyelashes This happens when tiny blood vessels break beneath the surface of your eye.


Question: Could glaucoma make my eyes red?

Answer: Broken blood vessels cause other symptoms like: A bright red area on your eye along with the general redness A scratchy sensation Sometimes fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This causes pressure on the eye and can damage the optic nerve. This is called glaucoma, and is the leading cause of blindness for people 60 and over. The usual form of glaucoma is generally painless. An unusual form of acute glaucoma can cause symptoms such as: Severe pain in the eye Headache Decreased or blurred vision Rainbows or halos in your vision Nausea and vomiting It's usually nothing to worry about, as long as it only happens every now and then and doesn't last long.


Question: Could your eyes be red because of allergies?

Answer: Allergy triggers may make your eyes red. Outdoor causes include pollen from grasses and trees. Indoor triggers include pet dander, dust or mold, or irritants like perfume and smoke. In these cases, your eyes may also have: Itching Burning Tearing You may also have nasal allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and a stuffy nose.


Question: Do glucagon and insulin work similarly?

Answer: Glucagon and insulin, another kind of hormone, should work as a team to keep your blood sugar in balance. The cells in your pancreas that make glucagon are similar to cells that make insulin. Your body needs it to turn blood sugar into fuel.


Question: How can you treat low blood sugar?

Answer: You can treat mild hypoglycemia with a sugary snack, drink, or glucose tablet. This can quickly get your blood sugar levels back to normal.


Question: What does glucagon do?

Answer: To help you keep the level steady and healthy, your body makes a hormone called glucagon while you sleep and after you eat. It's made in your pancreas, a small organ above your liver, and it can raise levels of glucose, or sugar, in your blood. That's the fuel your muscles and organs use to work and stay healthy. Glucagon helps your liver break down the food you eat to make glucose.


Question: How does glucagon and insulin affect your blood sugar levels?

Answer: Glucagon and insulin, another kind of hormone, should work as a team to keep your blood sugar in balance. The cells in your pancreas that make glucagon are similar to cells that make insulin. Your body needs it to turn blood sugar into fuel. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make insulin or doesn't make enough. This can change how your body makes glucagon. Usually, food gives your body the sugar and energy it needs. Glucagon levels then go down because your liver doesn't need to make more sugar to fuel your muscles. With diabetes, your pancreas doesn't stop making glucagon when you eat. This can raise your blood sugar levels too much after your meals. You also may make too much glucagon if you've had a sudden weight loss for any reason. It's rare for someone to make too little glucagon, though this sometimes happens in babies.


Question: How can you inform others about how to manage low blood sugar?

Answer: If you've fainted, someone can give you a shot of the hormone to boost your blood sugar levels. Your doctor can prescribe an emergency glucagon kit.


Question: Can you have hypoglycemia in your sleep?

Answer: You might have it if you feel you are: Confused Dizzy Having difficulty with speech Headachy Hungry Lightheaded Nauseous Nervous Shaky or unsteady Sweaty You can have hypoglycemia in your sleep, too. That can cause nightmares or night sweats. You may cry out in your sleep or wake up feeling tired or confused.


Question: Can you make too much glucagon?

Answer: You also may make too much glucagon if you've had a sudden weight loss for any reason. It's rare for someone to make too little glucagon, though this sometimes happens in babies.


Question: What happens if your blood sugar gets too low?

Answer: If your blood sugar gets too low, you may pass out or even go into a coma. People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk for this severe type of hypoglycemia. But you also can get it if you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin. It's important for all people with diabetes to watch their blood sugar levels.


Question: How do you know if you have low blood sugar?

Answer: If your blood sugar drops too low, you can get hypoglycemia. This can make you feel dizzy or sluggish or even pass out.


Question: What can happen if you have low blood sugar?

Answer: If your blood sugar gets too low, you may pass out or even go into a coma. People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk for this severe type of hypoglycemia. But you also can get it if you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin. It's important for all people with diabetes to watch their blood sugar levels.


Question: What does hypoglycemia mean and what are its symptoms?

Answer: If your blood sugar drops too low, you can get hypoglycemia. This can make you feel dizzy or sluggish or even pass out.


Question: How can you treat hypoglycemia?

Answer: You can treat mild hypoglycemia with a sugary snack, drink, or glucose tablet. This can quickly get your blood sugar levels back to normal.


Question: What are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

Answer: Symptoms: Gradual pain in the lower back and buttocks Lower back pain that worsens and works its way up the spine Pain felt between the shoulder blades and in the neck Pain and stiffness in the back, especially at rest and when getting up Pain and stiffness that get better after activity Pain in the middle back and then upper back and neck (after 5-10 years) If the condition worsens, your spine may become stiffer. It may become hard to bend for everyday activities.


Question: What doctors treat rheumatic diseases?

Answer: If your regular doctor thinks you have a rheumatic disease, he'll probably send you to a rheumatologist -- a doctor who's specially trained to treat them.


Question: What are the symptoms of lupus?

Answer: Symptoms: Joint pain Fatigue Joint stiffness Rashes, including a "butterfly" rash across the cheeks Sun sensitivity Hair loss Blue or white fingers or toes when exposed to cold (called Raynaud's phenomenon) Problems in other organs such as the kidneys Blood disorders, such as anemia and low levels of white blood cells or platelets Chest pain from inflammation of the lining of the heart or lungs Seizures or strokes Diagnosis: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, do a physical exam, and order lab tests of blood and urine samples.


Question: Are there distinct rheumatic diseases?

Answer: Years ago, conditions like this fell under the broad heading of rheumatism. Now there are more than 200 distinct rheumatic diseases. Among the most common ones are: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) Lupus Spondyloarthropathies -- ankylosing spondylitis ( AS) and psoriatic arthritis ( Ps A) Sjogren's syndrome Gout Scleroderma Infectious arthritis Juvenile idiopathic arthritis Polymyalgia rheumatica Most of these conditions happen when your immune system goes awry and attacks your own tissues.


Question: What are the symptoms of Sjorgen's syndrome?

Answer: Symptoms: Dry eyes (the glands in your eyes don't make enough tears) Eye irritation and burning Dry mouth (the glands in your mouth don't make enough saliva) Tooth decay, gum disease, or thrush Swollen glands on the sides of your face Joint pain and stiffness (rarely) Internal organ diseases (rarely) Diagnosis: Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history.


Question: What are symptoms of lupus?

Answer: Symptoms: Joint pain Fatigue Joint stiffness Rashes, including a "butterfly" rash across the cheeks Sun sensitivity Hair loss Blue or white fingers or toes when exposed to cold (called Raynaud's phenomenon) Problems in other organs such as the kidneys Blood disorders, such as anemia and low levels of white blood cells or platelets Chest pain from inflammation of the lining of the heart or lungs Seizures or strokes Diagnosis: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, do a physical exam, and order lab tests of blood and urine samples.


Question: What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

Answer: It results from damage to cartilage, the cushiony material on the end of your bones. As it wears down, your joints hurt and become harder to move. It usually affects the knees, hips, lower back, neck, fingers, and feet.


Question: What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Answer: Anti-double stranded DNA antibody ( Anti-ds DNA) Anti- Smith antibody ( Anti- Sm) â¢ Ankylosing Spondylitis What it is: Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts gradually as lower back pain. It usually involves the joints where the spine attaches to the pelvis, known as the sacroiliac joints. Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in young men, especially from the teenage years to age 30.


Question: What is the diagnosis for ankylosing spondylitis?

Answer: Diagnosis: Your doctor will give you a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. You may get X-rays of your back, looking at the sacroiliac joints. A blood test for a protein called HLA- B27 may help confirm a diagnosis.


Question: What is SjÃ¶gren's syndrome?

Answer: â¢ Sjogren's Syndrome What it is: Sjogren's syndrome causes parts of your body to dry out, like the eyes or mouth. Some people also have RA and lupus. Others just have Sjogren's. The cause is unknown, but it happens when your immune system attacks those body parts. It's more common in women than men.


Question: What is the treatment plan for rheumatic diseases?

Answer: Your rheumatologist will examine you to diagnose your condition, then oversee a treatment plan for you that will likely include medications, regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and rest.


Question: How is osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosed?

Answer: Diagnosis: Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. You'll also get a physical exam. You may also need to get blood tests or let your doctor take a sample of fluid from an affected joint. Usually by the time someone with OA seeks treatment, there are changes visible on an X-ray of the joint. The X-ray may show narrowing of the joint space or the presence of bone spurs. In some cases, your doctor might request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to provide a picture of the inside of your joint.


Question: What is the diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer: Symptoms: Pain and swelling in multiple joints (usually the same joints on both sides of your body, like both wrists or both ankles) Problems in other organs such as the eyes and lungs Joint stiffness, especially in the morning Fatigue Lumps called rheumatoid nodules Diagnosis: You'll get a checkup and tell your doctor about your health history. The doctor may take X-rays and samples of your joint fluid.


Question: How is acute insomnia treated?

Answer: Acute insomnia may not require treatment. Mild insomnia often can be prevented or cured by practicing good sleep habits (see below). If your insomnia makes it hard for you to function during the day because you are sleepy and tired, your health care provider may prescribe sleeping pills for a limited time. Rapid onset, short-acting drugs can help you avoid effects such as drowsiness the following day. Avoid using over-the-counter sleeping pills for insomnia, because they may have undesired side effects and tend to lose their effectiveness over time.


Question: What are some helpful tips for people with insomnia?

Answer: Good sleep habits, also called sleep hygiene, can help you get a good night's sleep and beat insomnia. Here are some tips: Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Try not to take naps during the day, because naps may make you less sleepy at night. Avoid prolonged use of phones or reading devices ("e-books") that give off light before bed. This can make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can keep you from falling asleep. Alcohol can cause waking in the night and interferes with sleep quality. Get regular exercise. Try not to exercise close to bedtime, because it may stimulate you and make it hard to fall asleep. Experts suggest not exercising for at least three to four hours before the time you go to sleep. Don't eat a heavy meal late in the day. A light snack before bedtime, however, may help you sleep. Make your bedroom comfortable. Be sure that it is dark, quiet, and not too warm or too cold. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a "white noise" machine to cover up the sounds. Follow a routine to help you relax before sleep. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath. Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep or sex. If you can't fall asleep and don't feel drowsy, get up and read or do something that is not overly stimulating until you feel sleepy. If you find yourself lying awake worrying about things, try making a to-do list before you go to bed. This may help you to not focus on those worries overnight.


Question: What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Answer: Causes of acute insomnia can include: Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving) Illness Emotional or physical discomfort Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example) Causes of chronic insomnia include: Depression and/or anxiety Chronic stress Pain or discomfort at night Symptoms of insomnia can include: Sleepiness during the day General tiredness Irritability Problems with concentration or memory If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider.


Question: What causes acute insomnia?

Answer: Causes of acute insomnia can include: Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving) Illness Emotional or physical discomfort Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example) Causes of chronic insomnia include: Depression and/or anxiety Chronic stress Pain or discomfort at night Symptoms of insomnia can include: Sleepiness during the day General tiredness Irritability Problems with concentration or memory If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider.


Question: Do probiotics and antibiotics help reduce gassiness in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: Among the foods the diet suggests you stop eating: Apples and apple juice, pears and pear juice, watermelon, mangos, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and blackberries Asparagus, artichokes, legumes like beans and lentils, sugar snap peas, snow peas, onions, garlic, leeks, cauliflower, mushrooms, celery, and corn Milk, yogurt, soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, custard, and ice cream Honey, high-fructose corn syrup, and certain sugar-free gums and candy Wheat and rye Cashews and pistachios One theory about IBS is that the normal blend of helpful bacteria that live in the intestines has been disrupted. Some of them make more gas than others as they help break down your food. People with IBS may have too much of those types of bacteria. Probiotics are supplements that add bacteria to the digestive system to bring back the right balance. Studies on taking probiotics for IBS show some promise. Some people with IBS have reported less gassiness after taking antibiotics. That could be because the drug is killing gas-producing bacteria in your gut.


Question: What other tips beyond dietary changes and medicine are useful in treating gassiness in people expressing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: One of the main causes of gas is swallowing air. That can happen when you chew gum, eat or drink too fast, or drink through a straw. What you don't get rid of by burping ends up in your intestines. Anything that keeps your IBS under control may also help with gas. Eating smaller, regular meals may reduce bloating. So may regular exercise. Get enough sleep and take care of your mental health.


Question: What medications are used to lower gassiness in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: The enzyme lactase helps you digest milk and dairy products. It can be bought as a supplement, and it is added to some milk products for people with lactose intolerance. Alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme found in some gas-relieving over-the counter medications, helps your body break down the sugar in beans and other vegetables.


Question: What are common gas-producing foods?

Answer: Because IBS different for everyone, it may help to keep a food diary to see what triggers your symptoms. Once you know the problem foods, you can avoid them. Foods on most people's lists include: Beans and other legumes like peas, peanuts, and lentils Cabbage Raw broccoli and cauliflower Onions Brussels sprouts Raisins " Get more fiber" is standard advice for people with IBS, especially if you have constipation.


Question: Does insoluble fiber make more gas in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: Insoluble fiber, found in whole wheat, tends to make more gas. Two types of fiber appear to reduce gas: methylcellulose and polycarbophil. They can be found in some fiber supplements.


Question: What should you know about irritable bowel syndrome and gas?

Answer: Dealing with IBS and gas is hard. Symptoms vary widely from one person to the next, and no single treatment works for everyone. What gives someone else gas may not bother you at all. What brings you relief may have no effect on someone else. There are many different strategies you can try. Most have to do with what you eat.


Question: How can probiotics affect irritable bowel syndrome and gas?

Answer: Among the foods the diet suggests you stop eating: Apples and apple juice, pears and pear juice, watermelon, mangos, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and blackberries Asparagus, artichokes, legumes like beans and lentils, sugar snap peas, snow peas, onions, garlic, leeks, cauliflower, mushrooms, celery, and corn Milk, yogurt, soft cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, custard, and ice cream Honey, high-fructose corn syrup, and certain sugar-free gums and candy Wheat and rye Cashews and pistachios One theory about IBS is that the normal blend of helpful bacteria that live in the intestines has been disrupted. Some of them make more gas than others as they help break down your food. People with IBS may have too much of those types of bacteria. Probiotics are supplements that add bacteria to the digestive system to bring back the right balance. Studies on taking probiotics for IBS show some promise.


Question: How can antibiotics affect irritable bowel syndrome and gas?

Answer: Some people with IBS have reported less gassiness after taking antibiotics. That could be because the drug is killing gas-producing bacteria in your gut.


Question: Are certain carbohydrates bad for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: Certain carbs called FODMAPs are a problem for people with IBS. These carbs aren't absorbed by the small intestine. When they hit the large intestine, they quickly break down and make gas. It happens to everyone, but it can be a problem for people with IBS.


Question: How fast should I increase my fiber intake if I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Answer: Increase your fiber gradually. It may give you more gas at first, but that should get better as your body gets used to it.


Question: How does tea tree oil help psoriasis?

Answer: Tea tree oil: It's sometimes added to shampoos and may help scalp psoriasis.


Question: How do salts treat psoriasis?

Answer: Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts: These can remove scales and relieve itching. Add them to a warm bath and soak for about 15 minutes. Use a lotion or cream to return moisture to your skin afterward.


Question: How does tea tree oil treat psoriasis?

Answer: Tea tree oil: It's sometimes added to shampoos and may help scalp psoriasis.


Question: How does aloe vera treat psoriasis?

Answer: There are many things you can put on your skin to relieve itching, burning, and redness: Aloe vera: It soothes skin and may improve psoriasis, although scientists haven't studied it enough to know for sure. Look for creams or gels that have 0.5% aloe. Steer clear of the tablet form. It can be dangerous.


Question: How do Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts treat psoriasis?

Answer: Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts: These can remove scales and relieve itching. Add them to a warm bath and soak for about 15 minutes. Use a lotion or cream to return moisture to your skin afterward.


Question: Can yoga help with psoriasis?

Answer: Yoga: People have used yoga to improve their health and relieve stress for thousands of years. If it helps you relax, it's worth a shot.


Question: How can I tell if a certain food is triggering my psoriasis?

Answer: Then keep track of what happens. The best approach is to eat a wide range of healthy foods that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.


Question: Have certain supplements improved psoriasis?

Answer: Some people have found that supplements, including fish oil, vitamin D, and oregano oil, can help. There's not much evidence, however, that these work. And, the FDA doesn't regulate supplements as closely as they do medications. So check with your doctor before you give them a try. She can let you know if they're safe and explain how they might affect the other drugs you take.