Question: What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?

Answer: Migraines headaches are some of the hardest types of headaches to live with. They usually begin with an intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, which may spread. They also often cause nausea and vomiting. A migraine can last from a few hours to many days and can make people sensitive to light, smells, and sound. For some people, a warning sign, called an aura, comes just before a migraine attack. It can be a set of visual symptoms, like seeing flickering lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines, or other signs like numbness in a limb or a strange smell.


Question: What causes migraine headaches?

Answer: Doctors aren't sure what causes migraine headaches. Most researchers believe the headaches begin in the nervous system. Because migraines often run in families, it seems likely that genes play a role, too.


Question: What causes tension-type headaches?

Answer: They're often caused by stress, but other things like noise, eyestrain, poor posture, too much caffeine, lack of sleep, or grinding your teeth at night can also cause them.


Question: When should I talk to my doctor about my headaches?

Answer: Migraines headaches are some of the hardest types of headaches to live with.


Question: What is the basic treatment for most headaches?

Answer: They're annoying, even painful, but most headaches aren't dangerous and are easy to treat with a basic pain reliever.


Question: What is the cause of pain during tension headaches?

Answer: Your neck muscles may seem knotted, and parts of your head and neck may be sensitive to touch. Tension-type headaches can be short-lived and happen rarely, or they can last for a while and come back often.


Question: How can antipsychotic drugs help your bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: Doctors used to prescribe these medicines as a short-term treatment to control agitation or psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions that can happen during mania or severe depression. Today, they are increasingly being used for other symptoms (such as agitation or insomnia) along with mood stabilizers to bring about faster improvements, and to help prevent relapses. Doctors also use some antipsychotic drugs as antidepressants for bipolar depression. Some of the newer antipsychotics seem to help stabilize moods on their own. As a result, doctors may use them as long-term treatment for people who can't take or don't respond to lithium and anticonvulsants.


Question: What is lithium and how does it help people with bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: What It Is: Lithium is a drug that acts on the brain and spinal cord. It helps people with bipolar disorder have more control over their emotions, sleep, energy, and extremes in behavior.


Question: How do antiseizure drugs help bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: What It Is: These medicines calm hyperactivity in the brain in various ways. For this reason, some of these drugs are used to treat epilepsy, prevent migraines, and treat other problems. Doctors sometimes favor them over lithium or use them with lithium or antipsychotic drugs for people who have ârapid cycling,â which is four or more episodes of mania and depression in a year.


Question: What do I do if I miss a dose of lithium?

Answer: If you miss a dose, doctors and pharmacists usually recommend taking it as soon as you remember it -- unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours (or 6 hours for slow-release forms). If so, they usually recommend skipping the missed dose and resuming the usual dosing schedule. Don't "double-up" the dose to catch up.


Question: What are benzodiazepines and how can it help treat your bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: What They Are: These medicines are sedatives. They slow the brain and nerves. In doing so, they can help treat mania, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, and seizures. They may also help restore normal sleep patterns and calm agitation in people with bipolar disorder.


Question: What should I expect if I take lithium for my bipolar disorder?

Answer: What to Expect: It usually takes several weeks for lithium to work. Your doctor will give you blood tests during your treatment because lithium can affect how well your kidney s or thyroid work.


Question: What are antipsychotic drugs?

Answer: What It Is: Antipsychotic drugs affect chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. It is not clear exactly how these drugs work, but they usually improve manic episodes quickly.


Question: What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and how can it help ibipolar disorder mania?

Answer: What It Is: Doctors use electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT), also known as electroshock therapy, to treat hospitalized people who are severely depressed or manic, suicidal, psychotic, or persistently agitated and unable to take basic care of themselves. It works for nearly 75% of people. ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in people who have mania or severe depression. It's not a "last resort" only when the illness does not respond to medicine or psychotherapy. Instead, doctors should consider it sooner rather than later when medicines aren't effective or when there it's urgent to ease severe symptoms, such as when depression causes severe suicidal thoughts or psychosis that needs care very quickly.


Question: What does lithium do to help treat bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: And it may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression in some people. Studies show that lithium can lower the risk of suicide among people with bipolar disorder. It also helps prevent future manic episodes. Doctors may prescribe it for long periods of time as maintenance therapy. What It Is: Lithium is a drug that acts on the brain and spinal cord. It helps people with bipolar disorder have more control over their emotions, sleep, energy, and extremes in behavior.


Question: What can I expect if I take benzodiazepines for bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: Benzodiazepines prescribed for bipolar disorder include (among others): Alprazolam ( Xanax) Clonazepam ( Klonopin) Diazepam ( Valium) Lorazepam ( Ativan) What to Expect: You'll probably take these for a brief time, up to 2 weeks or so, with other mood-stabilizing drugs. These medicines act quickly and bring on a sense of calmness. They can sometimes cause lightheadedness, slurred speech, or unsteadiness.


Question: Which medicines treat the mania associated with bipolar disorder?

Answer: Your doctor will also likely prescribe a mood stabilizer, also called an âantimanicâ medication. These help control mood swings and prevent them, and may help to make someone less likely to attempt suicide. You may need to take medicine for a long time, sometimes indefinitely. Your doctor may prescribe lithium and certain anti-seizure drugs like carbamazepine ( Tegretol), lamotrigine ( Lamictal), or valproate ( Depakote). You may need very close medical supervision and blood tests while you take these.


Question: What side effects are there from using antipsychotic drugs for bipolar disorder mania?

Answer: Antipsychotics used to treat bipolar disorder include: Aripiprazole ( Abilify) Asenapine ( Saphris) Cariprazine ( Vraylar) Clozapine ( Clozaril) Lurasidone ( Latuda) (for bipolar depression) Quetiapine ( Seroquel) (for mania or bipolar depression) Olanzapine ( Zyprexa) Risperidone ( Risperdal) Ziprasidone ( Geodon) Risks and Side Effects: Certain antipsychotics cause rapid weight gain and high cholesterol levels. They may also raise the chance of high blood sugar levels or eventual diabetes. Your doctor should first check on your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Common side effects of antipsychotic drugs include: Blurry vision Dry mouth Drowsiness Muscle spasms or tremor Involuntary facial tics Weight gain Also, ziprasidone ( Geodon) has been linked to a rare but potentially fatal skin reaction called "drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms" ( DRESS syndrome).


Question: How is acupuncture used to treat headaches?

Answer: Studies have shown that this practice of placing thin needles at specific points on the body may help relieve tension and migraine headaches.


Question: What is the treatment for sinus headaches?

Answer: Sinus headaches: Decongestants and antibiotics usually help if you have a bacterial infection.


Question: What is the treatment for cluster headaches?

Answer: Cluster headaches : Simple pain relievers do little for these, because they don't work fast enough. But doctors have found that inhaling high doses of pure oxygen can bring relief. Pain medicine such as lidocaine that goes inside the nose helps some people. Triptans such as ergotamine or sumatriptan ( Imitrex), given as shots, also might help if you take them at the first sign of a cluster headache. Preventive medicines often work when you take them at the first sign of a new cluster of headaches. Choices include the blood pressure medicine verapamil or a short course of a steroid like prednisone.


Question: What can help treat my headache?

Answer: When it comes to headache remedies, medications can ease your pain, but they aren't the only option. Changing your lifestyle to control stress or avoid triggers may work well, too. These tactics may even prevent you from getting headaches. What works for one person may not work for another, so talk to your doctor to figure out the best remedy for you.


Question: What medicines will my doctor suggest for a prolonged migraine?

Answer: These could include: Blood pressure drugs like propranolol ( Inderal), verapamil ( Calan SR, Isoptin SR), and others Antidepressants Anti-seizure drugs like topiramate ( Topamax) Calcitonin gene-related peptide ( CGRP) inhibitors like erenumab ( Aimovig), galcanezumab-gnlm ( Emgality),and fremanezumab ( Ajovy) Muscle relaxants Relaxation and biofeedback techniques Avoiding foods that trigger your migraines Devices to prevent migraines include: Cefaly: This small headband device sends electrical pulses through your forehead to stimulate a nerve linked with migraines Spring TMS or e Neura s TMS: This device gives off a magnetic pulse that stimulates part of your brain. You hold it against the back of your head at the first sign of a headache.


Question: What preventive medicines can I take for my cluster headache?

Answer: Preventive medicines often work when you take them at the first sign of a new cluster of headaches. Choices include the blood pressure medicine verapamil or a short course of a steroid like prednisone.


Question: Can therapy help treat my headaches?

Answer: CBT mixes meditation and relaxation with education in motivation, behavior, and how to handle emotions. With the help of a psychotherapist, you can learn to change negative thoughts and attitudes and the way you respond to stress. Those skills may help you avoid tension-type and migraine headaches.


Question: How is biofeedback and relaxation used to treat headaches?

Answer: Biofeedback helps you control how muscle groups react to stress. This may help prevent or relieve tension headaches.


Question: How is mind-body medicine used to treat headaches?

Answer: It may be especially helpful for tension headaches. Hypnosis also may lower your perception of pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT mixes meditation and relaxation with education in motivation, behavior, and how to handle emotions. With the help of a psychotherapist, you can learn to change negative thoughts and attitudes and the way you respond to stress. Those skills may help you avoid tension-type and migraine headaches.


Question: What medicine can help relieve a sinus headache?

Answer: Sinus headaches: Decongestants and antibiotics usually help if you have a bacterial infection.


Question: What medicine should I take to relieve a migraine headache?

Answer: Migraine headaches : One class of drug, called triptans, is the mainstay of migraine treatment. They include eletriptan ( Relpax), naratriptan ( Amerge), rizatriptan ( Maxalt), sumatriptan ( Imitrex), zolmitriptan ( Zomig), and others. You can take them as pills, shots, or nasal spray. A form of ergotamine, called dihydroergotamine ( DHE), also treats migraine headaches. You can get it as a shot or as a nasal spray.


Question: How can biofeedback and relaxation treat my headaches?

Answer: Biofeedback helps you control how muscle groups react to stress. This may help prevent or relieve tension headaches.


Question: What is the treatment for migraine headaches?

Answer: Migraine headaches : One class of drug, called triptans, is the mainstay of migraine treatment. They include eletriptan ( Relpax), naratriptan ( Amerge), rizatriptan ( Maxalt), sumatriptan ( Imitrex), zolmitriptan ( Zomig), and others. You can take them as pills, shots, or nasal spray. A form of ergotamine, called dihydroergotamine ( DHE), also treats migraine headaches. You can get it as a shot or as a nasal spray. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) also can help if you take them at the first sign of a migraine attack. NSAIDs also include ibuprofen and naproxen.


Question: What questions should I include in my headache diary?

Answer: To learn more about what brings on your attacks, keep a headache diary that includes answers to these questions: When did your headaches first start? How often do you have them? Do you have any symptoms before the headache starts? Where is the pain? How long does it last? At what time of day do the headaches happen? Do you seem to get them after you eat certain types of food? For women, at what time in your monthly cycle do they happen? Are the headaches triggered by something in your environment, such as smells, noise, or some kinds of weather? How would you describe the pain: throbbing, stabbing, blinding, or piercing, for example?


Question: Can Botox help treat my headaches?

Answer: Best known as Botox, a treatment for wrinkles, the FDA has approved it to prevent chronic migraine headaches in adults. If you have a migraine 15 or more days per month, you can get Botox shots in your head and neck about every 3 months.


Question: What medicine should I take to relieve a tension-type headache?

Answer: Tension headaches: Pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen usually help. But be careful. Taking too many of these pills can cause hard-to-treat rebound headaches. If you need to take these drugs often, see your doctor. Don't give aspirin to anyone under age 19 -- it raises their chance of having a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.


Question: Are there certain therapies that can bring relief or prevent headache attacks?

Answer: Other treatments can bring you relief or even prevent attacks.


Question: How is Botox used to treat headaches?

Answer: Best known as Botox, a treatment for wrinkles, the FDA has approved it to prevent chronic migraine headaches in adults. If you have a migraine 15 or more days per month, you can get Botox shots in your head and neck about every 3 months.


Question: What is a normal session of critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) like?

Answer: The CISD program has three goals: Lessen the impact of a trauma Help those involved recover Find people who might need extra help A normal session involves a small group talking about their shared experience with help from a trained leader. It sounds like -- but should not take the place of -- therapy. The group leaders are often counselors or experts in disaster response who are certified by the National Organization for Victim Assistance ( NOVA). Groups that lead CISD are typically members of either NOVA or National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.


Question: What is critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)?

Answer: You may feel anxious, angry, scared, or guilty. And you might have trouble with sleep, focus, or even become physically ill. A critical incident stress debriefing ( CISD) can help you get better. These sessions, often offered by a workplace or city, provide a chance to talk about the trauma with others who were involved. A CISD usually takes place within the first 3 days after the event and is open to people who were hurt, saw others hurt or killed, or served as first responders.


Question: How long do sessions for critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) last?

Answer: You may take a break and meet again later that day. The group typically meets several times over a few days. The group usually sits together so you can share your experiences, but if someone needs to talk one-on-one, a leader can take him aside.


Question: What role do group leaders play in critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) meetings?

Answer: Group leaders will offer ways to manage the stress and help people understand their feelings and emotional reactions to the event. Participants are encouraged to describe details of the event from their own point of view and discuss their reactions. Leaders will also make sure that participants know what symptoms to watch for (such as nightmares or re-experiencing and reliving the event), and they'll ensure that group members have access to resources for ongoing support and help.


Question: What are the goals of critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)?

Answer: The CISD program has three goals: Lessen the impact of a trauma Help those involved recover Find people who might need extra help A normal session involves a small group talking about their shared experience with help from a trained leader.


Question: How do you use vaginal suppositories?

Answer: You might take them to treat: Allergies Anxiety Asthma Constipation Fever Hemorrhoids Motion sickness Nausea Pain and itching Mental health problems, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder Vaginal suppositories are oval-shaped. You can use them for: Bacterial or fungal infections Vaginal dryness Birth control Urethral suppositories are rare.


Question: What are suppositories?

Answer: You can swallow a pill, drink a liquid, or get a shot. A suppository is another way to deliver a drug. It's a small, round or cone-shaped object that you put in your body, often into your bottom. Once it's inside, it melts or dissolves and releases its medication. Suppositories may not be the most pleasant product you'll ever use.


Question: What are the different types of suppositories?

Answer: Suppositories have a base made from substances like gelatin or cocoa butter that surrounds the drug. As the warmth of your body melts the outside, the drug slowly releases. Different types of suppositories go into the rectum, vagina, or the duct that empties your bladder, called the urethra. Sometimes they treat the area where you put them in. Or the medicine absorbs into your blood and travels to other parts of your body.


Question: What are urethral suppositories used for?

Answer: You can use them for: Bacterial or fungal infections Vaginal dryness Birth control Urethral suppositories are rare. There's only one kind, MUSE, which men with erection problems can use to take the drug alprostadil. The suppository is about the size of a grain of rice.


Question: What are rectal suppositories used for?

Answer: Rectal suppositories go in your bottom. They are about an inch long and have a rounded or bullet-shaped tip. You might take them to treat: Allergies Anxiety Asthma Constipation Fever Hemorrhoids Motion sickness Nausea Pain and itching Mental health problems, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder Vaginal suppositories are oval-shaped.


Question: How do you use urethral suppositories?

Answer: You can use them for: Bacterial or fungal infections Vaginal dryness Birth control Urethral suppositories are rare. There's only one kind, MUSE, which men with erection problems can use to take the drug alprostadil. The suppository is about the size of a grain of rice.


Question: What are home remedies to get rid of hiccups?

Answer: There are a few home remedies you can try, although there's not very much proof that any of them really work. Hold your breath and swallow three times Breathe into a paper bag Drink a glass of water quickly Swallow a teaspoon of sugar Pull on your tongue Gargle with water If your hiccups last more than 2 days or are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing, or sleeping, contact your doctor.


Question: How long do hiccups last?

Answer: Most hiccups will go away on their own. But in some cases they can last for a while. And if you test one of those old wives' tales about stopping hiccups â say, getting someone to scare you â you're probably going to be disappointed.


Question: When should you see your doctor about hiccups?

Answer: Hold your breath and swallow three times Breathe into a paper bag Drink a glass of water quickly Swallow a teaspoon of sugar Pull on your tongue Gargle with water If your hiccups last more than 2 days or are severe enough to interfere with eating, breathing, or sleeping, contact your doctor. She might be able to treat chronic hiccups with medication or run some tests to see why your hiccups aren't going away. Talk to your doctor immediately if, along with hiccups, you have any kind of stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, or vomiting, or if you cough up blood.


Question: Where does crystal meth come from?

Answer: Methamphetamine is a man-made stimulant that's been around for a long time. During World War II, soldiers were given meth to keep them awake. People have also taken the drug to lose weight and ease depression. Today, the only legal meth product is a tablet for treating obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). It's rarely used and is available only by prescription. Crystal meth is made with the ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is found in many cold medicines. It helps ease congestion. Because it's used to make meth, the federal government closely regulates products with this ingredient. Most of the crystal meth used in this country comes from Mexican âsuperlabs.â But there are many small labs in the U. S. Some are right in people's homes.


Question: How does crystal meth make you feel?

Answer: The powerful rush people get from using meth causes many to get hooked right from the start. When it's used, a chemical called dopamine floods the parts of the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure. Users also feel confident and energetic.


Question: What are corticosteroid injections for osteoarthritis (OA)?

Answer: Even in a small joint, osteoarthritis ( OA) can have a big impact on your life. For instance, OA in your fingers can keep you from holding a pen or opening a jar. A stiff or sore knee can make it hard to walk. Getting a shot of corticosteroids (sometimes called a steroid shot) directly into a sore joint can ease pain quickly. Corticosteroids help fight inflammation -- the heat, redness, pain, and swelling in an injured or inflamed part of the body. Corticosteroid shots ease pain faster than anti-inflammatory pills.


Question: Do birth control pills protect you from cancer?

Answer: One of the best âside effectsâ of the pill is that long-time use lowers your risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer. And if you took it for long enough, the payoff continues after you stop.


Question: Will acne and unwanted hair come back after I stop taking birth control pills?

Answer: The pill can correct the hormone imbalance that makes your skin break out and grow hair in unwanted places. But the fix is temporary: Once you stop the birth control, your hormones can get off-kilter again, bringing back those issues.


Question: What will happen to my menstrual cycle after I stop taking birth control pills?

Answer: Your cycle may get wacky. Even if your periods were like clockwork before you started birth control, it might take a few months for them to straighten out after you stop. And if you had irregular periods, you'll probably be off-kilter again -- the reliable schedule you enjoyed (or the long breaks between periods) came from the hormones in the pill. If your periods stopped altogether, it may take a few months for them to start up again.


Question: What will happen to my sex drive after I stop taking birth control pills?

Answer: You might feel friskier. A small number of women find that the pill drives their libido down, especially if they take some very low-dose pills.


Question: Will I lose weight after I stop taking birth control?

Answer: Women who used a progestin-only type (like injections, hormonal IUDs, or pills) may have gained a few pounds, so the scale might go down when they stop using them. It's unclear whether combo pills, patches, or rings lead to weight gain. If you want to lose weight, though, you'll probably get more results from a better diet and more exercise than from going off your birth control.


Question: Can PMS come back if I stop taking birth control pills?

Answer: The pill, especially some formulas, helps your body level out the hormonal chaos that can make you feel depressed, anxious, and irritable. Without that balancing, you may start feeling moody again.


Question: What happens to my periods after I stop taking birth control pills?

Answer: Your periods could be heavier and crampier. If you had lots of bleeding and pain before you started, it's likely your problems will return. But if you started as a teenager and now you're in your late 30s or 40s, you may not go back to that kind of heavy flow.


Question: Will my headaches go away when I stop taking birth control pills?

Answer: If the pill tended to give you headaches, you're likely to get relief when you stop taking it.


Question: How long do spinal headaches resolve without treatment?

Answer: The pain from a spinal headache can: Be dull and throbbing Vary from mild to incapacitating Get worse when you sit up and better when you lie down You may also notice: Dizziness Ringing in your ears (tinnitus) Hearing loss Blurry or double vision Nausea Stiff neck Without treatment, spinal headaches may go away on their own within 2 days to a couple of weeks.


Question: How can you get spinal headaches?

Answer: A spinal headache is the name for a type of headache that follows a procedure like a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or epidural block (such as that performed during labor and delivery). During a spinal tap, a needle is placed within the fluid-filled space that surrounds your spinal cord. This creates a passage for the spinal fluid to leak out, which changes the fluid pressure around your brain and spinal cord. If enough of the fluid leaks out, you may get a spinal headache.


Question: What causes a spinal headache?

Answer: A spinal headache is the name for a type of headache that follows a procedure like a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or epidural block (such as that performed during labor and delivery). During a spinal tap, a needle is placed within the fluid-filled space that surrounds your spinal cord. This creates a passage for the spinal fluid to leak out, which changes the fluid pressure around your brain and spinal cord. If enough of the fluid leaks out, you may get a spinal headache.


Question: How are spinal headaches treated?

Answer: If the headache requires treatment, it could involve: Hydration: This can help raise cerebral spinal fluid ( CSF) pressure. You might need to get fluids through your veins (the doctor will call this intravenous fluids, or IV for short). Caffeine: The doctor might tell you to drink a beverage high in caffeine. Bed rest: You may have to take it easy for 24-48 hours. Medication: If other methods don't work, your doctor could try drugs like gabapentin, hydrocortisone, or theophylline. Blood patch: If you get a spinal headache after a procedure, the anesthesiologist can create a patch with your blood to seal the leak. To put the blood patch in place, the anesthesiologist will put a needle into the same space as, or right next to, the area where the anesthetic was injected. Next, he'll take a small amount of your blood and inject it into the epidural space. The blood clots and seals the hole that caused the leak.


Question: Do spinal headaches go away without treatment?

Answer: The pain from a spinal headache can: Be dull and throbbing Vary from mild to incapacitating Get worse when you sit up and better when you lie down You may also notice: Dizziness Ringing in your ears (tinnitus) Hearing loss Blurry or double vision Nausea Stiff neck Without treatment, spinal headaches may go away on their own within 2 days to a couple of weeks.


Question: After a spinal tap, when does a spinal headache occur?

Answer: A spinal headache is the name for a type of headache that follows a procedure like a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or epidural block (such as that performed during labor and delivery).


Question: What medications may be prescribed to treat spinal headaches?

Answer: Medication: If other methods don't work, your doctor could try drugs like gabapentin, hydrocortisone, or theophylline.


Question: What happens if a patient develops a spinal headache following a procedure?

Answer: Blood patch: If you get a spinal headache after a procedure, the anesthesiologist can create a patch with your blood to seal the leak. To put the blood patch in place, the anesthesiologist will put a needle into the same space as, or right next to, the area where the anesthetic was injected. Next, he'll take a small amount of your blood and inject it into the epidural space. The blood clots and seals the hole that caused the leak.


Question: How can you help your child cool off when he or she is dehydrated?

Answer: If your child has been in the sun or heat, get into a cool place. Dress your child in cool, lightweight clothing. This will also help if he has a fever.


Question: When should you call 911 about dehydration in your child?

Answer: Is less than 1 month old Has extreme lethargy Has skin that doesn't bounce back when pinched Is breathing fast Is confused Dehydration is a risk in babies and toddlers, especially if they have vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.


Question: How can you give your child fluids when he or she is dehydrated?

Answer: If your infant is breastfeeding, continue to nurse your baby. Let him nurse more often. Your pediatrician may want you to give your baby small amounts of oral electrolyte solution. Check the amount with your doctor. Give toddlers about 1 tablespoon of oral electrolyte solution, ice chips, water, ice pops, or clear broth every 15 minutes.


Question: How can cognitive tests help in the diagnosis of dementia?

Answer: There's no single test that will tell your doctor if you have dementia. It's a process. You may have several of the following, then your doctor will put all the information together to make a diagnosis. Cognitive tests: These measure your ability to think. They focus on things like memory, counting, reasoning, and language skills. For example, your doctor might ask you to draw a clock and mark the hands at a specific time, or give you a short list of words and ask you to remember and repeat them. She also might ask you to make easy calculations, such as counting backward from 100 by seven.


Question: What questions will your doctor ask to help them diagnose dementia?

Answer: Your primary care doctor might work with you to figure out what's behind your symptoms, or she might refer you to one or more of these doctors for certain tests: A neurologist, who specializes in the brain and nervous system A psychiatrist or another mental health specialist A psychologist or neuropsychologist, who specializes in memory and mental functions A geriatrician, who specializes in the care of older adults Your primary care doctor probably will start with a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and other things like: Does dementia run in your family? When did the symptoms start? Have you noticed changes in behavior or personality? Are you taking any medications? She'll ask someone close to you, like a friend or family member, those same questions, too, because people with dementia aren't always aware of their condition.


Question: Does antiretroviral therapy (ART) put HIV in remission?

Answer: It protects your immune system and stops the progression to full-blown AIDS. But it can't get rid of all the HIV.


Question: Can I cut my chances of getting cirrhosis?

Answer: The best thing you can do is to stop drinking alcohol. If you have hep C and you drink, it speeds up liver damage. You could get cirrhosis quicker.


Question: Why does cirrhosis sometimes lead to liver cancer?

Answer: While these scars grow, your liver tries to heal itself by creating new cells. But this process has a downside. It can raise your odds of getting liver cancer. The more cells your liver creates, the higher the chances that a change, or mutation, will take place. And that's what causes cancerous tumors.


Question: Why do some people with hepatitis C get liver cancer?

Answer: You're at a higher risk if you also have scarring in your liver called cirrhosis. This happens to about 20% of people with long-term hepatitis C. Why does cirrhosis sometimes lead to liver cancer?


Question: Should you avoid medications to prevent liver cancer from hepatitis C?

Answer: Some over-the-counter painkillers, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, can damage your liver. So can some sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Ask your doctor about whether you should avoid these drugs.


Question: Do most people with hepatitis C get liver cancer?

Answer: Over 3 million Americans have hepatitis C, but less than 5% of them will get liver cancer.


Question: What triggers shy bladder?

Answer: Many people say a few key things keep them from being able to go in public: Lack of privacy: Public restrooms rarely offer it.


Question: Is body odor normal?

Answer: These hormones are not active until puberty, which is why body odor wasn't a problem when you were a kid. While sweat itself is virtually odorless, bacteria use it as a breeding ground and multiply rapidly. What you smell is the products related to bacteria breakdown of keratin protein on the surface of your skin.


Question: Why do my feet smell?

Answer: While body odor is usually associated with the armpits, bacteria can also produce odor in the groin, anus area, upper thighs, and feet, among other places. Thoroughly washing your skin with a wet washcloth and soap -- especially those areas prone to sweating -- can help prevent body odor. Remember that smelly feet can also cause smelly shoes. Treating your shoes with an over-the-counter deodorizer can help. Also, wear thick, absorbent socks if you can.


Question: How is tuberculosis (TB) spread?

Answer: Through the air, just like a cold or the flu. When someone who's sick coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings, tiny droplets that contain the germs are released. If you breathe in these nasty germs, you get infected. TB is contagious, but it's not easy to catch. You usually have to spend a lot of time around a person who has a high load of bactilli in their lungs. That's why it's often spread among co-workers, friends, and family members. Tuberculosis germs don't thrive on surfaces. You can't get the disease from shaking hands with someone who has it, or by sharing their food or drink.


Question: How does tuberculosis (TB) affect your body?

Answer: A TB infection doesn't mean you'll get sick. There are two forms of the disease: Latent TB: You have the germs in your body, but your immune system stops them from spreading. That means you don't have any symptoms and you're not contagious. But the infection is still alive in your body and can one day become active. If you are at high risk for re-activation â for instance, you have HIV, your primary infection was in the last 2 years, your chest X-ray is abnormal, or you are immunocompromised --- your doctor will treat you with antibiotics to lower the risk for developing active TB. Active TB disease: This means the germs multiply and can make you sick. You can spread the disease to others. Ninety percent of adult cases of active TB are from the reactivation of a latent TB infection.


Question: What are the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB)?

Answer: There aren't any for latent TB. You'll need to get a skin or blood test to find out if you're infected. But there are usually signs if you have active TB disease. They include: A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks Chest pain Coughing up blood Feeling tired all the time Night sweats Chills Fever Loss of appetite Weight loss If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor to get tested. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain.


Question: How can your immune system affect your risk for tuberculosis (TB)?

Answer: But if you have any of the following, you might not be able to fend off active TB disease: HIV or AIDS Diabetes Severe kidney disease Head and neck cancers Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy Low body weight and malnutrition Medications for organ transplants Certain drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis Babies and young children also are at greater risk, because their immune systems aren't fully formed.


Question: Whoâs at risk for tuberculosis (TB)?

Answer: You can only get TB if you come into contact with others who have it. Here are some situations that could increase your risk: A friend, co-worker, or family member has active TB disease. You live or have traveled to an area where TB is common, like Russia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. You're part of a group where TB is more likely to spread, or you work or live with someone who is. This includes homeless people, people with HIV, and IV drug users. You work or live in a hospital or nursing home.


Question: How is sarcopenia with aging diagnosed?

Answer: Any loss of muscle matters because it lessens strength and mobility. Sarcopenia typically happens faster around age 75. But it may also speed up as early as 65 or as late as 80. It's a factor in frailty and the likelihood of falls and fractures in older adults.


Question: How is sarcopenia with aging treated?

Answer: Researchers believe these include: Reduction in nerve cells responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles to start movement Lower concentrations of some hormones, including growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor A decrease in the ability to turn protein into energy Not getting enough calories or protein each day to sustain muscle mass The primary treatment for sarcopenia is exercise, specifically resistance training or strength training. These activities increase muscle strength and endurance using weights or resistance bands.


Question: What is sarcopenia with aging?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } From the time you are born to around the time you turn 30, your muscles grow larger and stronger. But at some point in your 30s, you start to lose muscle mass and function. The cause is age-related sarcopenia or sarcopenia with aging. Physically inactive people can lose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. Even if you are active, you'll still have some muscle loss.


Question: What are the symptoms of sarcopenia with aging?

Answer: Reduced activity further shrinks muscle mass.


Question: What can help diagnose lung cancer and improve its symptoms?

Answer: If fluid is present in the area between the tissue layers lining the chest wall and lungs, removal of the fluid with a needle (called a thoracentesis) may help diagnose cancer as well as improve breathing symptoms. If the fluid tests negative for cancer cells -- which occurs about 60% of the time -- then a procedure known as a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (or VATS) may be performed to examine the lining of the lung for tumors and to perform a biopsy.


Question: Where can lung cancer spread to?

Answer: Lung cancer, which originates in the lungs, can also spread to other parts of the body, such as distant bones, the liver, adrenal glands, or the brain. It may be first discovered in a distant location, but is still called lung cancer if there is evidence it started there.


Question: Who should undergo a low-dose helical CT screening for lung cancer?

Answer: However, groups such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say low-dose helical CTscreening should be offered to those at high risk of lung cancer. That includes smokers and former smokers ages 55 to 74 who have smoked for 30 pack-years or more and either continue to smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of cigarette packs smoked each day multiplied by the number of years a person has smoked. Their guidelines are based on research that showed CT screening decreases the chance of death overall but increases the chance of having a false alarm that requires more testing.


Question: Can lung cancers spread to other parts of the body?

Answer: Lung cancer, which originates in the lungs, can also spread to other parts of the body, such as distant bones, the liver, adrenal glands, or the brain. It may be first discovered in a distant location, but is still called lung cancer if there is evidence it started there.


Question: Does removal of fluid lining the lung help diagnose lung cancer or improve breathing symptoms?

Answer: If fluid is present in the area between the tissue layers lining the chest wall and lungs, removal of the fluid with a needle (called a thoracentesis) may help diagnose cancer as well as improve breathing symptoms. If the fluid tests negative for cancer cells -- which occurs about 60% of the time -- then a procedure known as a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (or VATS) may be performed to examine the lining of the lung for tumors and to perform a biopsy.


Question: Should low-dose helical CT screening be offered to those at high risk of lung cancer?

Answer: However, groups such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute say low-dose helical CTscreening should be offered to those at high risk of lung cancer. That includes smokers and former smokers ages 55 to 74 who have smoked for 30 pack-years or more and either continue to smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year is the number of cigarette packs smoked each day multiplied by the number of years a person has smoked. Their guidelines are based on research that showed CT screening decreases the chance of death overall but increases the chance of having a false alarm that requires more testing.


Question: Are chest X-rays effective for diagnosing lung cancer?

Answer: Because saliva, mucus, and chest X-rays have not proved particularly effective in detecting small tumors characteristic of early lung cancer, annual chest X-rays for lung cancer screening are not recommended.


Question: Do lung cancers affect blood levels?

Answer: Your doctor may suspect lung cancer if a routine physical exam reveals: Swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone Weak breathing Abnormal sounds in the lungs Dullness when the chest is tapped Unequal pupils Droopy eyelids Weakness in one arm Expanded veins in the arms, chest, or neck Swelling of the face Some lung cancers produce abnormally high blood levels of certain hormones or substances such as calcium. If a person shows such evidence and no other cause is apparent, a doctor should consider lung cancer.


Question: How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Answer: Your doctor may suspect lung cancer if a routine physical exam reveals: Swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone Weak breathing Abnormal sounds in the lungs Dullness when the chest is tapped Unequal pupils Droopy eyelids Weakness in one arm Expanded veins in the arms, chest, or neck Swelling of the face Some lung cancers produce abnormally high blood levels of certain hormones or substances such as calcium.


Question: How is diagnosis of lung cancer confirmed?

Answer: Though exams of mucus or lung fluid may reveal fully developed cancer cells, diagnosis of lung cancer is usually confirmed through a lung biopsy. With the patient lightly anesthetized, the doctor guides a thin, lighted tube through the nose or mouth and down the air passages to the site of the tumor, where a tiny tissue sample can be removed. This is called a bronchoscopy and the scope is called a bronchoscope. This is useful for tumors near the center of the lung.


Question: How does nail psoriasis affect thickening of nails?

Answer: About a third of people with nail psoriasis can also get a fungal infection that can cause your nails to get thick. They may also get brittle and break.


Question: How often would I get corticosteroid shots to treat nail psoriasis?

Answer: These are put under your nail surface every 2-9 months. Your doctor will numb the area or use a nerve block to reduce pain.


Question: How does nail psoriasis affect seperation of nails?

Answer: Your nail may loosen or separate from the nail bed. Some of these nail changes can make it hard to move your fingers and toes. You may also get tenderness and pain in your nails. This can make it hard to do things with your hands.


Question: How will the color of your nails change if you have nail psoriasis?

Answer: Your nails may turn green, yellow, or brown. They may also have small red or white spots underneath.


Question: What medicines that work throughout your body are used to treat nail psoriasis?

Answer: Medicines that work throughout your body. Your doctor may call these "systemic medications." Some examples are: Acitretin ( Soriatane) Apremilast ( Otezla) Cyclosporine ( Sandimmune) Methotrexate Drugs that target specific parts of your immune system.


Question: How is phototherapy used to treat nail psoriasis?

Answer: Ultraviolet light is used to treat skin psoriasis and may also be useful in nail psoriasis. The treatments usually take place in a doctor's office or a clinic.


Question: How will your nails thicken if you have nail psoriasis?

Answer: About a third of people with nail psoriasis can also get a fungal infection that can cause your nails to get thick. They may also get brittle and break.


Question: How does nail psoriasis affect the color of nails?

Answer: Your nails may turn green, yellow, or brown. They may also have small red or white spots underneath.


Question: How are corticosteroid injections used to treat nail psoriasis?

Answer: These are put under your nail surface every 2-9 months. Your doctor will numb the area or use a nerve block to reduce pain.


Question: What medicines can I take to treat nail psoriasis?

Answer: Medicines that work throughout your body.


Question: How do you know if you're getting nail psoriasis?

Answer: You'll know you're getting nail psoriasis when you see these changes in your fingernails or toenails: Color.


Question: Are there treatments for nail psoriasis?

Answer: The same treatments you get for skin psoriasis can also treat your nail psoriasis.


Question: How will the surface of your nails change if you have nail psoriasis?

Answer: They may get thick, develop pinprick holes and change color or shape.


Question: How does nail psoriasis affect the surface appearance of nails?

Answer: You may get ridges or grooves in your nails, or pitting (small pinprick holes) on the nail surface.


Question: How is zanamivir used to treat the flu?

Answer: Oseltamivir is approved for treatment in those over 2 weeks of age and for prevention in people ages 3 months and older.


Question: What does antibiotic resistance mean?

Answer: According to the CDC, antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria changes in some way to reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of the antibiotic. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics repeatedly, such as when you take the medication needlessly or too frequently, the germs in your body start to evolve. These changes can make the germs stronger than before so they completely resist the antibiotic. Yourillness may linger with no signs of improvement. Or your illness may suddenly take a turn for the worse, requiring you to seek emergency medical care. You may have to be admitted to the hospital and get several different antibiotics intravenously.


Question: How can I prevent antibiotic resistance?

Answer: There is a way to protect yourself and others from resistant bacteria, and that is to respect antibiotics and take them only when necessary for a bacterial infection. Here are some useful tips: When you see a doctor, don't demand antibiotics. Understand that antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, not symptoms of a cold or flu virus. If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, use them as prescribed. Take all of the antibiotics as directed and don't save some for future use. Don't share antibiotics with others.


Question: Do antiviral drugs have side effects?

Answer: Side effects of antiviral drugs may include nervousness, poor concentration, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Zanamivir is not recommended for people with a history of breathing problems, such as asthma, because it may worsen breathing. Discuss side effects with your doctor.


Question: How is oseltamivir used to treat the flu?

Answer: Oseltamivir is approved for treatment in those over 2 weeks of age and for prevention in people ages 3 months and older.


Question: Do most people know that antibiotics are not effective for colds or flu?

Answer: A study by the CDC showed that many adults believe that if they are sick enough to see a doctor for a cold, they should get an antibiotic treatment. The study also showed that patients are not aware of the consequences of taking the drugs if they are not needed. And when antibiotics are misused, bacteria can become resistant.


Question: How is Morton's neuroma in your toes treated?

Answer: Arch supports that you put in your shoe can bring relief. You can buy them over-the-counter, or your doctor may prescribe one that's custom-made. If the pain keeps up, you may need steroid shots or surgery.


Question: What is stiff big toe?

Answer: It's a type of arthritis that leads to pain and stiffness in the joint at the base of your big toe. You're more likely to get it if you're between 30 and 60.


Question: What is gout and how does it affect your toes?

Answer: It's a common cause of pain in the toe. Your big toe is often a place where gout flares up. Besides pain, you may also get redness, swelling, and warmth in the joint.


Question: How is a bone bruise in your toes treated?

Answer: You'll recover on your own after about 1 or 2 months. Your doctor will recommend resting and icing your toe. You can also reduce the swelling if you prop up your foot and take anti-inflammatory drugs. You may need to wear a brace. Eating foods with plenty of calcium, vitamin D, and protein can also help you heal.


Question: What happens if one or more of your toes are crooked or curled under?

Answer: If one or more of your toes are crooked or curled under, you may have hammer, mallet, or claw toe. Your foot has a strange shape because the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that surround your toe aren't balanced. This causes the toes to bend in an odd position. Your toe may hurt. It's also common to develop a corn or callus because the joint rubs the inside of your shoe. Each condition has its own distinctive look: Hammertoe.


Question: How is a broken toe treated?

Answer: Most of the time, you won't need surgery. To help your bone heal, the ends will have to be set in place. You may have to wear a cast, brace, or a stiff-bottomed shoe. If you broke one of your smaller toes, your doctor may tape the broken toe to the one next to it. The healthy toe acts like a splint to injured one. It usually takes 1 or 2 months to heal.


Question: What is a hammertoe?

Answer: The middle joint of your toe bends downwards. This causes your toe to rise up instead of lying flat. It usually occurs in your second, third, and fourth toes.


Question: What is mallet toe?

Answer: Your toe bends down at the joint closest to the nail. Like hammertoe, it often happens in your second, third, and fourth toes.


Question: What is a claw toe?

Answer: Like the name suggests, your toes make a claw shape. The joint at the base of the toe bends up, while the two other joints bend down. This causes your toe to curl and dig into the soles of your shoes.


Question: How is turf toe treated?

Answer: Your doctor may suggest a home remedy called RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You'll need to stay off the foot, ice the toe for 20 minutes every 4 hours, wrap it with a medical bandage, and prop up your foot to ease swelling. You may also have to wear a walking boot or stiff-soled shoe to keep from moving the toe.


Question: How do you get hepatitis C?

Answer: Just like hepatitis B, you can get this type by sharing needles and having contact with infected blood. You can also catch it by having sex with somebody who's infected, but that's less common. If you had a blood transfusion before new screening protocols were put in place in 1992, you are at risk for hepatitis C. If not, the blood used in transfusions today is safe.


Question: Can hepatitis B be treated?

Answer: There are several drugs that treat long-term hepatitis B, such as: Adefovir ( Hepsera) Entecavir ( Baraclude) Interferon Lamivudine () Telbivudine ( Tyzeka) Tenofovir ( Viread) For hepatitis C, some people improve if they get a combo of the drugs peginterferon alpha and ribavirin.


Question: Can hepatitis A be treated?

Answer: If you have hepatitis A, your doctor will carefully see how well your liver is working, but there aren't any treatments to cure it.


Question: What are the symptoms of hepatitis?

Answer: It gets checked beforehand to make sure it's free of the virus that causes hepatitis B or C. The most common symptoms for all three types are: Dark urine Stomach pain Yellowing of skin or eyes Pale or clay-colored stool Low-grade fever Loss of appetite Fatigue Feeling sick to the stomach Lack of nutrition If you have hepatitis B, you may also have achy joints. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms.


Question: How does your doctor know what's causing your diarrhea?

Answer: Do you have a fever? Do you feel dizzy or confused? Have you traveled anywhere recently? Are you taking antibiotics, or have you recently finished some? Do certain foods make it better or worse? He also might want to get a sample of your stool to send for lab testing. He may order blood tests as well. If your doctor thinks a specific food is causing your problem, he may ask you to stay away from that item for a while to see if it helps.


Question: How does menopause affect your sex drive?

Answer: That can lead to less interest in sex. Also, lower levels of estrogen can cause a drop in blood supply to the vagina. That can affect vaginal lubrication, causing the vagina to be too dry for comfortable sex -- but there's help for that. Other factors may influence a woman's level of interest in sex during menopause and after. These include: Bladder control problems Sleep disturbances Depression or anxiety Stress Medications Health concerns No. Some postmenopausal women say they've got an improved sex drive.


Question: What is Osphena?

Answer: An oral drug taken once a day, ospemifeme ( Osphena), makes vaginal tissue thicker and less fragile, resulting in less pain for women during sex. The FDA warns that Osphena can thicken the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and raise the risk of stroke and blood clots.


Question: When is radiation therapy used to treat a prolactinoma?

Answer: In rare cases, radiation therapy is used if medicine and surgery don't bring down prolactin levels. This works for about 1 in 3 people.


Question: When is surgery needed to treat a prolactinoma?

Answer: If medication doesn't shrink the tumor, or you can't take it because of side effects (like nausea or dizziness), your doctor may recommend surgery to take the tumor out through your nasal cavity. This returns prolactin levels to normal for about 80% of people with small tumors. But it's successful for only 30% to 40% of people with larger tumors.


Question: Which women are more likely to get a prolactinoma?

Answer: For women, typical symptoms of a small tumor include: Irregular menstrual periods Lack of menstrual periods Low sex drive Painful intercourse (caused by vaginal dryness) Problems with fertility Unusual production of breast milk Because changes in a woman's period are obvious, prolactinomas are more likely to be found early in premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women, who no longer get their periods, may not notice symptoms when the tumor is small. When a prolactinoma becomes large, it may press up against other nearby tissues. Symptoms then can include vision loss, vision changes, and headaches.


Question: What are the signs of a prolactinoma in women?

Answer: The signs of a prolactinoma are different in men and women. For women, typical symptoms of a small tumor include: Irregular menstrual periods Lack of menstrual periods Low sex drive Painful intercourse (caused by vaginal dryness) Problems with fertility Unusual production of breast milk Because changes in a woman's period are obvious, prolactinomas are more likely to be found early in premenopausal women.


Question: What causes prolactinoma?

Answer: Doctors don't know what causes it, but it's fairly common. It happens more often in women than men, and it's rare in kids.


Question: How is prolactinoma found in postmenopausal women?

Answer: Postmenopausal women, who no longer get their periods, may not notice symptoms when the tumor is small. When a prolactinoma becomes large, it may press up against other nearby tissues. Symptoms then can include vision loss, vision changes, and headaches.


Question: What can I expect if prolactinoma is found in initial testing?

Answer: If a prolactinoma is found, you may need more blood tests to see if your pituitary gland is making other hormones like it should. You may also need more MRIs to see if the tumor grows and if it responds to treatment.


Question: How can I be tested for prolactinoma?

Answer: You can expect a physical exam, a medical history questionnaire, and a blood test. If the test shows a high prolactin level, your blood also may be tested to find out how well your thyroid is working. If your doctor thinks you might have a pituitary tumor, he may order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to get a clear picture of your pituitary gland.


Question: What is prolactinoma?

Answer: Sometimes, a tumor grows on the pituitary gland and makes too much prolactin. This kind of tumor is called a prolactinoma. It's the most common type of pituitary tumor and is most often benign, which means it's not cancer.


Question: What are the signs of a prolactinoma?

Answer: A new mom's prolactin levels go up every time her baby nurses. But for men or women who aren't nursing, high prolactin in the blood can be a sign of a prolactinoma.


Question: What is prolactin?

Answer: The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain.


Question: Can premenopausal women regain fertility after being treated for prolactinoma?

Answer: When medical treatment works, most premenopausal women get their periods again and regain their fertility.


Question: How is prolactinoma treated if medication doesn't work or can't be taken?

Answer: If medication doesn't shrink the tumor, or you can't take it because of side effects (like nausea or dizziness), your doctor may recommend surgery to take the tumor out through your nasal cavity. This returns prolactin levels to normal for about 80% of people with small tumors. But it's successful for only 30% to 40% of people with larger tumors. In rare cases, radiation therapy is used if medicine and surgery don't bring down prolactin levels. This works for about 1 in 3 people.


Question: What's a healthy way to eat if you have diabetes?

Answer: Stick to whole-grain foods. If you eat cereals, check the ingredients and make sure whole grain is first on the list. Examples of whole grains include: Brown rice Bulgur (cracked wheat) Millet Popcorn Quinoa Sorghum Whole oats oatmeal Whole wheat Eat three meals a day, and try to space them out evenly. You should also aim to have the same amount of carbs at each meal. In general, less-processed food is better.


Question: How does smoking affect diabetes?

Answer: It'll give you better control of your blood sugar levels. If you smoke, you're also more likely to have serious health problems as well as a higher chance for complications from diabetes. Those can include: Heart and kidney disease Poor blood flow to the legs and feet, which could lead to infections, ulcers, and amputation of your toes or feet Retinopathy, an eye disease that causes blindness Peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage in the arms and legs that causes weakness, numbness, pain, and poor coordination If you're on insulin or oral diabetes meds like sulfonylureas or meglitinides, drinking alcohol can drop blood sugar to dangerous levels.


Question: What are some good whole grains to eat if you have diabetes?

Answer: Stick to whole-grain foods. If you eat cereals, check the ingredients and make sure whole grain is first on the list. Examples of whole grains include: Brown rice Bulgur (cracked wheat) Millet Popcorn Quinoa Sorghum Whole oats oatmeal Whole wheat Eat three meals a day, and try to space them out evenly.


Question: How does stress affect my diabetes?

Answer: If you're stressed, you may exercise less, drink more, and not watch your diabetes as closely. Stress can raise your blood sugar and make you less sensitive to insulin.


Question: What is large-plaque parapsoriasis?

Answer: Large-plaque: Rashes are bigger and sometimes irregularly shaped. Some people with this form develop a kind of lymphoma called mycosis fungoides. It's a cancer of the white blood cells that starts in the skin. Some doctors consider large-plaque parapsoriasis a separate disease. Others think it's just an early stage of mycosis fungoides.


Question: What is small-plaque parapsoriasis?

Answer: There are two kinds: Small-plaque: Rash spots are less than 5 cm across. It's usually considered harmless.


Question: What is the difference between psoriasis and parapsoriasis?

Answer: These skin problems can look similar at the skin surface, but they are different under a microscope. The rash pattern of guttate psoriasis looks like parapsoriasis and also shows up on your chest. But it tends to come on after an infection. The plaque form of psoriasis may look like parapsoriasis when you first notice it, but it eventually becomes thick patches of flaky skin, usually on your knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back.


Question: What is the treatment for parapsoriasis?

Answer: Your doctors may recommend light therapy to help with your symptoms. It's usually done in a doctor's office or with an at-home unit that delivers a controlled dose of UVB light. Sunlight may help, too. Moisturizers can make your skin look better. The skin problem can last for months or years.


Question: How often should I see my doctor if I have large-plaque parapsoriasis?

Answer: It should be checked twice a year because of its potential to become cancerous. You may need a biopsy every so often to see if it's progressed to lymphoma.


Question: How can H-2 receptor blockers help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Answer: H-2 receptor blockers: These work slower than antacids, but they ease symptoms for a longer time, up to 12 hours. They include cimetidine ( Tagamet HB), famotidine ( Pepcid AC), nizatidine ( Axid AR), and ranitidine ( Zantac).


Question: What happens during an endoscopy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Answer: Endoscopy: Your doctor will put a long, thin tube and tiny camera into your digestive tract to look for damage. It will thread through your nose and down your esophagus. The tube can also be used for a biopsy if your doctor wants to take out a small sample of tissue to test.


Question: What surgeries can help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Answer: Nissen fundoplication: Your surgeon wraps the top part of your stomach around the lower part of your esophagus.


Question: What complementary treatments can help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms?

Answer: Relax: Stress and anxiety can trigger GERD symptoms. You might keep your stomach calm with guided imagery to focus on peaceful memories or thoughts, or progressive muscle relaxation that teaches you how to release tension.


Question: Should I tell my children about my migraines?

Answer: It may make them feel sad, scared, or even that they caused it. You can put that fear to rest by talking to your children about your migraines -- when you're not in the middle of one. What you tell them can depend on their age and how much information you think they can handle. For younger kids, you can try a statement like this: " Sometimes, my head really hurts, so when that happens I may need quiet time so I can feel better."


Question: How can migraines affect relationships?

Answer: Migraines are so common, there's a special name for people who get them: migraineur. Yet, loved ones don't always understand the condition, and even if they do, serious headaches can put a strain on time with spouses, family, and at work. You may not be able to cut migraines out of your life, but you can help others understand how they affect you. That way, everyone will know what to expect and how they can help you.


Question: Is communication important in dealing with migraines?

Answer: Understand and anticipate the impact migraine pain can have on others in your life. Talk to them about how you feel. This goes a long way to prevent or repair any problems. Clear communication is key.


Question: How can I treat aches and fever from the flu?

Answer: Treat it and the aches that come with it with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Ask your doctor which is right for you. Never give aspirin to anyone younger than 19. It's linked to a condition known as Reye's syndrome, a serious illness that can damage the brain and liver.


Question: How can I treat a cough because of the flu?

Answer: Over-the-counter treatments can calm your hack. Try an expectorant, which turns mucus into liquid so you can cough it up. Don't give over-the-counter cough or cold medicine to children under 4.


Question: What flu symptoms should cause me to call my doctor?

Answer: Oseltamivir ( Tamiflu) or zanamivir ( Relenza) can also help prevent the flu in someone who has been exposed.. Also, call the doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Earache or drainage from your ear Pain in your face or forehead along with thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week A temperature 100.4 F or higher in an infant less than 3 months of age Temperature higher than 102 F in older children or adults Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that won't go away Wheezing Shortness of breath Vomiting Symptoms that get worse or won't go away Call 911 for trouble breathing or increased shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, seizure, fainting, extreme fussiness in a baby, or trouble waking.


Question: Are saline nose drops or sprays effective?

Answer: Saline nose drops or sprays are available over-the-counter at any drug or grocery store. They work, they're safe -- even for kids. Put several drops into one nostril, and gently blow the mucus and saline out. Repeat the process on the other side until both are unblocked.


Question: Is there a cure for the flu?

Answer: There's no cure, but there are some natural ways to ease your symptoms.


Question: How are throat lozenges used for the flu?

Answer: That's good -- if it builds up in your lungs it could lead to an infection.


Question: Do antivirals work for the flu?

Answer: You take these drugsas soon as symptoms start. They can lessen and shorten the flu. Call your doctor if you have signs of the flu and are at a higher risk for complications. That includes people who are 65 and older or those younger than 2 years of age. It also includes those with certain chronic conditions including problems with lungs, heart, kidney, liver or a weak immune system. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are also at higher risk for complications. The CDC recommends baloxavir marboxil ( Xofluza), oseltamivir ( Tamiflu), peramivir ( Rapivab), or zanamivir ( Relenza). The drugs work best when you get them within 48 hours of your first symptoms. They may shorten the time you are sick and make your symptoms milder if you take the medicine early on. Some you take for 5 days and the newer one, baloxavir marboxil ( Xofluza), is just a single dose. Oseltamivir ( Tamiflu) or zanamivir ( Relenza) can also help prevent the flu in someone who has been exposed.. Also, call the doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Earache or drainage from your ear Pain in your face or forehead along with thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week A temperature 100.4 F or higher in an infant less than 3 months of age Temperature higher than 102 F in older children or adults Hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that won't go away Wheezing Shortness of breath Vomiting Symptoms that get worse or won't go away Call 911 for trouble breathing or increased shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, seizure, fainting, extreme fussiness in a baby, or trouble waking.


Question: What are physical therapists?

Answer: Physical therapists have a lot of training. Still, it's a good idea to ask them about their experience in working with people who've had conditions like yours. You can also ask them how many sessions you'll need.


Question: What is physical therapy?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } Physical therapy is often one of the best choices you can make when you have long-term pain (also called chronic pain) or an injury. It can make you stronger and help you move and feel better. Ask your doctor to recommend a physical therapist. You'll probably need a series of visits, and you should practice some of the exercises at home for the best results.


Question: What is low-impact aerobic training?

Answer: These workouts will rev up your heart rate and still take it easy on your joints. For instance, you might walk fast or use a stationary bike to warm up, instead of running, before you do your strengthening exercises.


Question: How can you tell the difference between an ankle sprain or fracture?

Answer: A sprain may occur silently, or in severe cases there may be a popping sound. With a fracture, you might hear a crack. Is your ankle misshapen? While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly âoff,â it's most likely because a bone is broken. Does your ankle feel numb? With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken. Where is the pain? If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture. If the pain is in the soft part of your ankle, it's more likely a sprain. If you're still not sure, see your doctor. He can examine your ankle and give you a number of tests to figure out which injury you have. It's usually less involved when you are healing from a sprain.


Question: How is an ankle sprain treated?

Answer: Most sprains will clear up on their own. You may take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) or naproxen ( Aleve). And your doctor may advise you to try the â RICEâ method to ease your inflammation: Rest Ice Compression (with an elastic bandage) Elevation (ankle above the heart) You may need physical therapy for a moderate sprain. You should start range of motion exercises once the pain and swelling subside. Surgery is usually for severe cases when other treatments have failed.


Question: What is an ankle fracture?

Answer: This happens when at least one of three bones in your ankle breaks. If just one bone is broken, you may not realize how bad the injury is. But if multiple bones break at once, you will lose stability in your ankle and may not be able to walk. An ankle fracture can also lead to ligament damage.


Question: What are the symptoms of iritis?

Answer: Iritis usually develops quickly and generally affects only one eye. Signs and symptoms may include any or all of the following: Pain in the eye or brow region Worsened eye pain when exposed to bright light Reddened eye, especially adjacent to the iris Small or funny shaped pupil Blurred vision Headache Notify your eye doctor if any of the following signs or symptoms of iritis are present: Eye pain, including pain associated with bright light Blurred vision Redness in the eye, especially near the iris If you cannot reach your eye doctor, then seek medical attention at a hospital's emergency department.


Question: When should you seek medical care for iritis?

Answer: Signs and symptoms may include any or all of the following: Pain in the eye or brow region Worsened eye pain when exposed to bright light Reddened eye, especially adjacent to the iris Small or funny shaped pupil Blurred vision Headache Notify your eye doctor if any of the following signs or symptoms of iritis are present: Eye pain, including pain associated with bright light Blurred vision Redness in the eye, especially near the iris If you cannot reach your eye doctor, then seek medical attention at a hospital's emergency department.


Question: Should you see a doctor for an inflamed iris?

Answer: Signs and symptoms may include any or all of the following: Pain in the eye or brow region Worsened eye pain when exposed to bright light Reddened eye, especially adjacent to the iris Small or funny shaped pupil Blurred vision Headache Notify your eye doctor if any of the following signs or symptoms of iritis are present: Eye pain, including pain associated with bright light Blurred vision Redness in the eye, especially near the iris If you cannot reach your eye doctor, then seek medical attention at a hospital's emergency department.


Question: What is the medical treatment of iritis?

Answer: Treatment of iritis includes the use of medication in the form of eye drops or pills to allow for healing and to help decrease eye pain.


Question: Do all flu tests work the same?

Answer: Some tests can help your doctor figure out which flu virus you have, influenza A or B. No. The quality of the test depends on the maker, how the test works, and how big a sample of the virus your doctor can collect.


Question: How does relaxing help eczema?

Answer: From deep breathing to yoga and guided imagery, there are many ways to wind down. What works for you may be different than what helps other people relax. So explore your options. You can try progressive relaxation or listening to a relaxation CD. Or take a few minutes each day to write about what you're feeling. You can rip up the paper or delete the file when you're done.


Question: How does doing something you enjoy help eczema?

Answer: Whether you like walking, swimming, or playing tennis, exercise can make you feel better overall.


Question: How does talking help eczema?

Answer: If your stress comes from deeper problems with your marriage, family, or job, you may want to meet with a counselor or therapist. Sometimes just talking about your problems with someone can help. In some cases, a mental health professional can also prescribe medication that can help with stress and anxiety.


Question: How does finding support help eczema?

Answer: Your skin condition can add to your daily stress. You might feel like you just can't get comfortable. It helps to talk with other people who have the same problem and know what you're going through. They might even have advice on new things you can try to feel better. Look for support groups for eczema online or find one that meets in your community.


Question: How does getting good sleep help eczema?

Answer: A good night's rest can lower your stress. But it's not always easy to sleep when your skin is itchy. If eczema is keeping you up at night, talk with your doctor about how to get a better handle on your symptoms. You can try taking an antihistamine before bed. This type of medicine can ease itching, and it can make you sleepy.


Question: How does exercise help eczema?

Answer: It's one of the best stress-busters around. Whether you like walking, swimming, or playing tennis, exercise can make you feel better overall. But if sweat is a trigger for your eczema, take a cool or lukewarm shower soon after your workout to wash it off.


Question: Is wheatgrass safe to take?

Answer: There isn't really any harm in trying a small amount of wheatgrass from a reputable company. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and anyone who has compromised immunity should avoid it because of the potential for bacteria.


Question: When should you talk to your doctor about hiccups?

Answer: Also, talk to your doctor immediately if you have any kind of stomach pain, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, or cough up blood with your hiccups.


Question: What causes hiccups?

Answer: Hiccups can happen for a lot of reasons -- some of them are physical, and some emotional. That's because the actual irritation happens in the nerve connecting the brain to the diaphragm. Some common causes include: Eating too much or too quickly Feeling nervous or excited Drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol Stress A sudden change in temperature Swallowing air while sucking on candy or chewing gum Hiccups are usually temporary, but in rare cases, they can stick around -- for a while.


Question: What kind of food should I feed my 11-month-old baby as they start to learn eating skills?

Answer: Your baby should be feeding himself by now with fingers and starting to explore use of a spoon. Fill your 11-month-old's diet with a variety of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy products -- cheese and yogurt -- and protein -- beef, chicken, fish, tofu. Offer a snack in the morning and afternoon to give your baby enough energy to make it through the day. Crackers, fruit, and dry cereal are all good snack options. You will still give 16-20 ounces of milk per day, increasing the use of the sippy cup during the day.


Question: What do I need to do if my baby's sense of taste is expanding?

Answer: Your baby's sense of taste is developing, so keep adding different flavors to the mealtime repertoire. If you have a particularly picky eater who constantly pushes away the spoon, don't give up. Keep trying new foods. Sometimes, babies have to be exposed to a food eight to 12 times before they'll eat it. At the same time, never force your baby to eat. It's better to let young children decide for themselves when they are full. Research has shown that kids who are made to clean their plates often turn into overeaters later in life.


Question: What should I expect in my 11 month old in term of sense of self?

Answer: Eleven-month-olds realize that they're unique people. They have a strong sense of their likes and dislikes, and they've learned to use their emotions to get what they want -- like throwing a temper tantrum when you try to take away a favorite toy. Your baby may already have discovered the word âno.â If so, you'll probably be hearing it a lot.


Question: What is basal cell carcinoma and does it spread?

Answer: This is the most common form of all cancers. It occurs in cells lining the deepest part of the skin's outer layer. You should get quick treatment for basal cell carcinoma to avoid scars. But only in very rare cases does this type of carcinoma spread to other parts of the body.


Question: What is invasive ductal carcinoma?

Answer: This type of breast cancer starts in a milk duct but spreads into the fatty tissue of the breast. It can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system and bloodstream.


Question: What causes squamous cell carcinoma and does it spread?

Answer: But squamous cell carcinoma can also be found in other parts of the body, such as cells lining: Certain organs Digestive tract Respiratory tract When squamous cell carcinoma develops in the skin, you often find it on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the: Face Ears Neck Lips Backs of the hands Squamous cell carcinoma that develops on the skin is usually caused by spending too much time in the sun over the course of your life. This type of skin cancer tends to grow and spread more than basal cell cancers. In rare cases, it may spread to the lymph nodes.


Question: What is adenocarcinoma and where does it occur?

Answer: These cells make mucus and other fluids. The glandular cells are found in different organs in your body. Adenocarcinomas can occur in different parts of the body. Some examples of cancers that can be adenocarcinomas include lung, pancreatic, and colorectal types.


Question: What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Answer: Basal cell carcinomas often look like: Open sores Red patches Pink growths Shiny bumps or scars If you have basal cell carcinoma it's likely that you got it because of too much time in the sun.


Question: What are the types of carcinoma?

Answer: Those cancers begin in other types of tissue, such as: Bone Blood vessels Immune system cells Brain Spinal cord Although carcinomas can occur in many parts of the body, you may often hear people talk about these common types of carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Renal cell carcinoma Ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS) Invasive ductal carcinoma Adenocarcinoma Basal cell carcinoma.


Question: How does basal cell carcinoma occur?

Answer: This is the most common form of all cancers. It occurs in cells lining the deepest part of the skin's outer layer. You should get quick treatment for basal cell carcinoma to avoid scars. But only in very rare cases does this type of carcinoma spread to other parts of the body.


Question: What is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)?

Answer: This is a condition where cancer cells are found inside the ducts of the breast. But in DCIS, the cancer has not fully developed or spread into nearby areas. Nearly all women diagnosed with this can be cured.


Question: Which parts of the skin are most likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma?

Answer: But squamous cell carcinoma can also be found in other parts of the body, such as cells lining: Certain organs Digestive tract Respiratory tract When squamous cell carcinoma develops in the skin, you often find it on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the: Face Ears Neck Lips Backs of the hands Squamous cell carcinoma that develops on the skin is usually caused by spending too much time in the sun over the course of your life.


Question: Is squamous cell carcinoma a type of skin cancer?

Answer: Most people think of skin cancer when they hear the words "squamous cell carcinoma." And it is true that this type of carcinoma often shows up on the skin.


Question: What are the different types of carcinoma?

Answer: Those cancers begin in other types of tissue, such as: Bone Blood vessels Immune system cells Brain Spinal cord Although carcinomas can occur in many parts of the body, you may often hear people talk about these common types of carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Renal cell carcinoma Ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS) Invasive ductal carcinoma Adenocarcinoma Basal cell carcinoma.


Question: How does adenocarcinoma occur?

Answer: This is a type of carcinoma that starts in cells called "glandular cells." These cells make mucus and other fluids. The glandular cells are found in different organs in your body. Adenocarcinomas can occur in different parts of the body. Some examples of cancers that can be adenocarcinomas include lung, pancreatic, and colorectal types.


Question: What causes basal cell carcinoma?

Answer: Basal cell carcinomas often look like: Open sores Red patches Pink growths Shiny bumps or scars If you have basal cell carcinoma it's likely that you got it because of too much time in the sun. You may have had a few bad sunburns or else spent a lot of time in the sun during your life.


Question: What are the symptoms of invasive ductal carcinoma?

Answer: Other symptoms may include: Thickening of the breast skin Rash or redness of the breast Swelling in one breast New pain in one breast Dimpling around the nipple or on breast skin Nipple pain, nipple turning inward, or nipple discharge Lumps in underarm area Adenocarcinoma.


Question: What do squamous cell carcinomas look like?

Answer: Squamous cell carcinomas may crust or bleed and can include: Scaly red patches Open sores Growth with a depression in the middle Warts Renal cell carcinoma.


Question: How does  non-carcinoma cancer develop?

Answer: Not all cancers are carcinoma. Other types of cancer that aren't carcinomas invade the body in different ways. Those cancers begin in other types of tissue, such as: Bone Blood vessels Immune system cells Brain Spinal cord Although carcinomas can occur in many parts of the body, you may often hear people talk about these common types of carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Renal cell carcinoma Ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS) Invasive ductal carcinoma Adenocarcinoma Basal cell carcinoma.


Question: How is invasive ductal carcinoma discovered?

Answer: It may be discovered as a suspicious mass through a mammogram by your health provider or during a breast self-exam.


Question: How are DHEA supplements used for anti-aging?

Answer: Those claims range from benefits such as: Building up the adrenal gland Strengthening the immune system Slowing natural changes in the body that come with age Providing more energy Improving mood and memory Building up bone and muscle strength Since DHEA levels decline with age, some researchers speculate that supplementing your body's falling levels of the hormone might help fight aging. And some small studies have reported positive anti-aging effects from the use of DHEA supplements. But a similar number of studies have reported no effect. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Data Base, DHEA supplements do not seem to affect the aging process.


Question: What are DHEA supplements used for?

Answer: !s_sensitive, chron ID: $('article embeded_module[type=video][align=top]:eq(0)').attr('chronic_id'), continuous Play: true, cp Options: { flyout: true }, display Ads: true, mode: 'in-article', sticky: true }) }); }); } else { $(function(){ $('.responsive-video-container').remove(); }); } DHEA supplements are used by some people who believe they can improve sex drive, build muscle, fight the effects of aging, and improve some health conditions. But there isn't much evidence for many of these claims. And the supplements have some risks.


Question: How can DHEA supplements help with weight loss?

Answer: The idea is that leaner body tissue and higher metabolism will burn calories more efficiently, making it easier to not only lose weight but also keep it off. Unfortunately, most of the studies that have been done have shown little effect from DHEA in losing weight or increasing metabolism. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor or a nutritionist before investing in a DHEA supplement for weight loss.


Question: What are the risks associated with using DHEA supplements for athletic performance?

Answer: There are risks associated with using any pre-steroid enhancer. And the higher the dose, the greater the risk. Possible side effects include: Permanent stunting of growth Aggressive behavior, known as "roid rage" Mood swings and other psychological symptoms Higher blood pressure Liver problems Changes in cholesterol level Since DHEA can increase the level of both testosterone and estrogen, women who use DHEA can sometimes experience such side effects as: Voice changes Hair loss Growth of facial hair Men can sometimes experience such symptoms as: Breast enlargement Shrunken testicles Reduced sperm production If you are thinking of using DHEA supplements, there are several reasons you should discuss doing so with your doctor first: Many of the claims for DHEA involve serious medical conditions.


Question: How are DHEA supplements used for health conditions?

Answer: But more research is needed. In a small, six-week study, researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health found that treatment with DHEA supplements helped relieve mild to moderate depression that occurs in some middle-aged people. DHEA may also be effective for improving aging skin in the elderly.


Question: What should you discuss with your doctor regarding DHEA supplements?

Answer: Possible side effects include: Permanent stunting of growth Aggressive behavior, known as "roid rage" Mood swings and other psychological symptoms Higher blood pressure Liver problems Changes in cholesterol level Since DHEA can increase the level of both testosterone and estrogen, women who use DHEA can sometimes experience such side effects as: Voice changes Hair loss Growth of facial hair Men can sometimes experience such symptoms as: Breast enlargement Shrunken testicles Reduced sperm production If you are thinking of using DHEA supplements, there are several reasons you should discuss doing so with your doctor first: Many of the claims for DHEA involve serious medical conditions. These conditions need to be evaluated and treated by a health care professional. DHEA can interact with some medications and could alter their effectiveness. Because DHEA can raise the level of both male and female hormones, the supplements can have a negative effect on hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer. Use of DHEA carries some risk and can cause a range of side effects, though this usually just occurs at the higher end of the dose range.


Question: How can DHEA supplements help with athletic performance?

Answer: That's because DHEA is a "prohormone" -- a substance that can increase the level of steroid hormones such as testosterone. There is little evidence to show that DHEA has any effect on enhancing muscle strength. Its use is banned by sports organizations such as the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.


Question: What are DHEA supplements?

Answer: These are glands just above your kidneys. DHEA supplements can be made from wild yam or soy. Scientists don't know everything DHEA does. But they do know that it functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Precursors are substances that are converted by the body into a hormone. DHEA production peaks in your mid-20s. In most people, production gradually declines with age. Testosterone and estrogen production also generally declines with age. DHEA supplements can increase the level of these hormones. That's why a number of claims have been made about their potential health benefits.


Question: What are the benefits of using DHEA supplements?

Answer: Those claims range from benefits such as: Building up the adrenal gland Strengthening the immune system Slowing natural changes in the body that come with age Providing more energy Improving mood and memory Building up bone and muscle strength Since DHEA levels decline with age, some researchers speculate that supplementing your body's falling levels of the hormone might help fight aging.


Question: What symptoms can men experience from using DHEA supplements for athletic performance?

Answer: Possible side effects include: Permanent stunting of growth Aggressive behavior, known as "roid rage" Mood swings and other psychological symptoms Higher blood pressure Liver problems Changes in cholesterol level Since DHEA can increase the level of both testosterone and estrogen, women who use DHEA can sometimes experience such side effects as: Voice changes Hair loss Growth of facial hair Men can sometimes experience such symptoms as: Breast enlargement Shrunken testicles Reduced sperm production If you are thinking of using DHEA supplements, there are several reasons you should discuss doing so with your doctor first: Many of the claims for DHEA involve serious medical conditions.


Question: What is dystonia?

Answer: Dystonia is a movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably. The contraction causes the affected body part to twist involuntarily, resulting in repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Dystonia can affect one muscle, a muscle group, or the entire body. Dystonia affects about 1% of the population, and women are more prone to it than men.


Question: What types of therapies treat dystonia?

Answer: Speech therapy, physical therapy, and stress management may also be used to treat the symptoms of dystonia.


Question: How is dystonia treated?

Answer: The doctor will determine the course of treatment based on the type of dystonia and its severity. A recently introduced treatment is botulinum toxin, also called Botox or Xeomin. The toxin is injected into the affected muscle. There it blocks the effect of the chemical acetylcholine that produces muscle contractions. The injection needs to be repeated about every three months. When dystonia causes someone to become disabled, deep brain stimulation is an option. With deep brain stimulation, an electrode is implanted into a particular area in the brain. It is then connected to a battery powered stimulator implanted in the chest. The electrode transmits electrical pulses created by the stimulator to the brain region to reduce the muscular contractions. The person's doctor regulates the frequency and intensity of the electrical pulses.


Question: How are dystonias classified?

Answer: Dystonias are classified by the body part they affect: Generalized dystonia affects most of or all of the body. Focal dystonia affects just a specific body part. Multifocal dystonia affects more than one unrelated body part. Segmental dystonia involves adjacent body parts. Hemidystonia affects the arm and leg on the same side of the body.


Question: How safe is transcendental meditation (TM)?

Answer: Meditation, both TM and other forms, is generally safe and may improve a person's quality of life. But experts agree that meditation shouldn't be used as a single treatment for any particular health condition, or instead of conventional medical care.


Question: What do supporters of transcendental meditation (TM) say?

Answer: According to supporters of TM, when meditating, the ordinary thinking process is âtranscended.â It's replaced by a state of pure consciousness. In this state, the meditator achieves perfect stillness, rest, stability, order, and a complete absence of mental boundaries. Some studies have found that regular meditation can reduce chronic pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and the use of health care services.


Question: What does the doctor need to know when diagnosing tinnitus?

Answer: What Your Doctor Needs to Know About Tinnitus How tinnitus affects your life is important for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may ask: What are your symptoms? Do the symptoms make it hard to concentrate, sleep, or work? Has tinnitus caused relationship problems or made it hard to do daily tasks? Loud noises and aging are common causes of tinnitus. A health problem, such as thyroid imbalance or high blood pressure, can also cause it. So can earwax, if it blocks the ear canal. Some medications may also trigger tinnitus. Sometimes, there is no clear cause.


Question: What can trigger tinnitus?

Answer: Certain things can trigger bouts of tinnitus, or worsen it. Your doctor may ask: Do you drink alcohol or caffeine? Do you smoke cigarettes? Are you under a lot of stress?


Question: What is the goal of palliative care for advanced prostate cancer?

Answer: One of the most important goals of palliative care is easing the physical symptoms of the cancer itself and any side effects from treatment. Some of the prostate cancer symptoms you can get help with are: Trouble peeing or needing to pee often Problems with erections or ejaculation Loss of sex drive Pain in your lower back, hips, and upper thighs Different pain relief drugs can help, and palliative care specialists are trained to spend time to pick the right medicine for your needs.


Question: What emotional help can palliative care bring for prostate cancer?

Answer: Experts can recommend support groups and counselors to help you manage depression, fear, and anxiety. They can also help you open the doors of communication with your partner to talk about sensitive issues like sex.


Question: How can palliative care help me with my advanced prostate cancer?

Answer: When you have advanced prostate cancer, you can turn to palliative care to manage your symptoms and get the emotional support you need. It can be a big help at a time when you may be looking for relief from pain or new ways to deal with a swirl of intense feelings.


Question: Can pain relief drugs help with prostate cancer?

Answer: Some of the prostate cancer symptoms you can get help with are: Trouble peeing or needing to pee often Problems with erections or ejaculation Loss of sex drive Pain in your lower back, hips, and upper thighs Different pain relief drugs can help, and palliative care specialists are trained to spend time to pick the right medicine for your needs.


Question: When can you get palliative care for prostate cancer?

Answer: Unlike hospice care, which is only given at the end of life, you can get palliative care at any stage of a serious illness, starting at your diagnosis. It can continue for weeks or months, including while you get treatment.


Question: Is chemotherapy considered palliative care for prostate cancer?

Answer: One of the most important goals of palliative care is easing the physical symptoms of the cancer itself and any side effects from treatment.