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What are low-dose birth control pills?
You probably know that the pill has hormones in it to keep you from getting pregnant. The catch is that the more estrogen you take, the more likely you are to have side effects such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and rare but potentially fatal blood clots. Nowadays, the highest dose available is 50 micrograms of estrogen, but even that is rarely prescribed anymore. Today, most pills have 35 micrograms or less of estrogen, an amount that's generally called "low dose." These pills are both safe and effective for most women.
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What should I do to treat a mucocele?
If you or your child develops a soft swelling in the mouth, it may just be a mucocele -- a harmless cyst. It's still a good idea to get it checked out, though, especially if it's bothersome. But sometimes they enlarge. Don't try to open them or treat them yourself. See your doctor, your child's pediatrician, or your dentist for expert advice.
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What are the symptoms of mucoceles?
If you or your child develops a soft swelling in the mouth, it may just be a mucocele -- a harmless cyst. Mucoceles often show up on the inside of your lower lips, your gums, the roof of your mouth, or under your tongue. Those on the floor of the mouth are called ranulas. These are rare, but because they are larger, they can cause more problems with speech, chewing, and swallowing.
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What are the characteristics of a mucocele?
If you or your child develops a soft swelling in the mouth, it may just be a mucocele -- a harmless cyst. Mucoceles may have these characteristics: Moveable and painless Soft, round, dome-shaped Pearly or semi-clear surface or bluish in color 2 to 10 millimeters in diameter Mucoceles often go away without treatment.
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What is the goal of sleep apnea treatment?
!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(); }); } The goal of sleep apnea treatment is to open your airway so you can breathe better at night. Many devices can help that happen. Among the most common options are CPAP machines, mouth appliances, and specially designed pillows.
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What is the "tennis ball technique" and how does it help sleep apnea?
Sleeping on your side may improve your symptoms. To keep you off your back, some doctors suggest you pin a tube sock filled with a couple of tennis balls to the back of your PJs. One study of the tennis ball technique showed it did help some people. Of the 50 people who used the method and reported back, 38% said they were still doing it after 6 months. They said they had better sleep quality, more daytime alertness, and quieter snoring.
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What does a CPAP machine do?
These machines use a mask that fits over your nose, or nose and mouth. It blows air at a pressure that keeps your airway open during sleep. Your doctor can tell you the right pressure to use and how to set it on the machine. Over the years, these devices have become smaller, lighter, and much quieter. Some common side effects include nasal congestion, dry mouth, and skin irritation -- but treatments can help relieve all of them.
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How do mouth devices treat sleep apnea?
You can get these custom-made or buy them over the counter. This looks like a mouth guard that athletes wear. Hinges let your lower jaw ease forward, which keeps your tongue and soft palate stable so your airway stays open while you're asleep. Tongue retaining device. This is sort of like a splint that holds your tongue in place to keep your airway open. Doctors don't prescribe it as often as the MAD. You heat it in hot water, then bite into it to make it fit your mouth. You can choose from a few different models, so you should be able to find a mask that works for you.
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What is a hypoglossal nerve stimulator?
Your doctor can tell you the right pressure to use and how to set it on the machine. It monitors your breathing patterns and sends signals to the nerves that control your tongue and other muscles. They move forward, and keep your airway open. The device is an option for people who've tried CPAP without any success or don't use it properly. And a few studies suggest it works about as well as the mask-machine combo. But ask your doctor if it's a good choice for you.
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What treatment will I get if I'm hospitalized for depression?
While in the hospital you will usually be seen by one or more psychiatrists or a physician's assistant daily, although such one-on-one visits in the hospital tend to be brief. Formal individual psychotherapy generally doesn't occur while in the hospital, although various forms of group therapy are common, focusing on strategies such as stress management, coping with depression, and discussions about medications and their side effects.
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What is the goal of hospitalization for depression?
Keep in mind that most hospital stays for depression are brief and voluntary. The goal of hospitalization is to get you on the right track by starting treatments that can be continued on an outpatient basis. When you leave the hospital you should be safe and stable and on the path to recovery.
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How long are people hospitalized for depression?
The length of your stay is determined by the staff based on your clinical condition, although insurance companies can independently decide if they no longer believe continued hospitalization is "medically necessary." In this situation, they may refuse to pay for ongoing treatment in the hospital.
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How long will insurance cover my hospitalization for depression?
Some health insurance policies will cover hospitalization for a limited amount of time. Others won't cover it at all. However, under the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ( MHPAEA), part of Obamacare, insurance companies cannot impose less favorable benefits on mental health coverage than on medical/surgical benefits, including necessary hospitalization. Before a person can be hospitalized, some insurers require that he or she be evaluated by an evaluator under contract with their company. Very few insurers will cover a hospital stay for depression that isn't an emergency.
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What are the rules when you're hospitalized for depression?
Even if you are admitted to the hospital on a voluntary basis, you usually cannot leave whenever you want. The hospital may strictly control visits from family and friends and limit the items you can take in with you, like cell phones or laptop computers. Sharp objects like razors that you may bring with you will usually be kept by staff in a safe place, and you may be asked to not wear shoe laces or belts. You may be on a locked ward for at least some of your stay. You may also be expected to follow a certain schedule.
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Why would I need to go to the hospital for my depression?
Usually, a stay in the hospital is just a way for you to recover in a safe and stable environment. This allows you to take a break from some of the daily stresses that contributed to your depression.
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Could I be hospitalized for depression against my will?
Once there, a hospital doctor will talk to you and decide whether you actually need to be hospitalized. While the doctor has the final say whether you get admitted, friends or family members can be involved by providing input about your symptoms and functioning to the health care professionals who are evaluating you. If a doctor believes that involuntary hospitalization is necessary, the hospital has the right to evaluate your condition, usually for several days, before asking a judge whether ongoing involuntary hospitalization and medications or other treatments are medically warranted and can therefore be administered against your will. Before a person can be hospitalized, some insurers require that he or she be evaluated by an evaluator under contract with their company.
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How often is depression treated on an outpatient basis?
But, in cases of severe depression or treatment-resistant depression, some people need to stay in the hospital for a short time. The goal of hospitalization is to get you on the right track by starting treatments that can be continued on an outpatient basis.
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Are proteins important when eating healthy for weight loss?
Proteins help repair and maintain your body, including muscle. You can get protein in all types of food. Good sources include fish, meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, nuts, beans, and other legumes.
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What minerals are important when eating healthy for weight loss?
Minerals, like vitamins, must come from the diet. Your body needs them, but it can't make them. You need more of some minerals (such as calcium, potassium, and iron) than others. For instance, you need only small amounts of the minerals zinc, selenium, and copper.
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How many calories should I eat per day when eating healthy for weight loss?
A dietitian can help you figure that out. Don't cut your calories too much, or your diet is going to be hard to stick with and may not give you the nutrients your body needs.
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How are calories an important measurement when eating healthy for weight loss?
A good general rule is to use My Plate, which makes it easy to envision just how much of each food type to include in your meal. When you eat more calories than you need, your body stores the extra calories as fat. Even low-carb and fat-free foods can have a lot of calories that can be stored as fat.
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What does a healthy diet include?
But exactly what is a healthy diet? It should include: Protein (found in fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts, and beans) Fat (found in animal and dairy products, nuts, and oils) Carbohydrates (found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and other legumes) Vitamins (such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K) Minerals (such as calcium, potassium, and iron) Water (both in what you drink, and what's naturally in foods) Dieting or not, everyone needs a mix of those nutrients, ideally from foods. Stick to your calorie “budget,” because when you're working on losing weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat or drink.
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What are some general tips when eating healthy for weight loss?
More tips: Choose nonfat or 1% milk instead of 2% or whole milk. Pick lean meat instead of fatty meat. Select breads and cereals that are made with whole grains and are not prepared with a lot of fat. If you eat a high-calorie food or meal, balance your intake by choosing low-calorie foods the rest of the day or the next day. Check the food labels on packaged foods to help you budget fat, cholesterol, and sodium over several days. That's just the start of what you might want to know about nutrition for weight loss. Keep learning as much as you can, including the following terms.
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How important is water when eating healthy for weight loss?
It should include: Protein (found in fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts, and beans) Fat (found in animal and dairy products, nuts, and oils) Carbohydrates (found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and other legumes) Vitamins (such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K) Minerals (such as calcium, potassium, and iron) Water (both in what you drink, and what's naturally in foods) Dieting or not, everyone needs a mix of those nutrients, ideally from foods. But most Americans get too much of it, which makes high cholesterol and heart disease more likely. You can drink water or get it from foods that naturally have water in them, like fruits and vegetables.
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Why are biologics for Crohn's disease so expensive?
You may be able to get help to pay for it. Biologics are hard to make, and that drives up the price. One year of treatment can add up to about $20,000. Even if you have health insurance, you may have to pay 25% to 35% of the cost of the drug. You can find out which help pay for each type of biologic used to treat Crohn's disease.
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How can you screen for colorectal cancer?
The current American Cancer Society screening guidelines for colorectal cancer n an average risk patient begin at the age of 45 and include the following options: Stool based tests: Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT) yearly Guaiac fecal occult blood test yearly Stool DNA test every 3 years Structural examinations: Colonoscopy every 10 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years. If you have a positive result on a screening test that is not a colonoscopy, further evaluation should be performed on a timely basis with a colonoscopy test to take a look at your entire colon.
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What happens after a biopsy confirms colorectal cancer?
Should a biopsy confirm cancer, imaging tests using chest X-rays and CT scans of the abdomen, pelvis, and possibly chest are performed to find out whether the cancer has spread to other sites. Blood tests will also be ordered to find out how well the liver and kidneys are functioning, to determine if you are anemic, and to measure the blood level of a substance called carcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA), often found in higher-than-normal concentration in the presence of colorectal cancer, especially if it has spread.
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How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
The current American Cancer Society screening guidelines for colorectal cancer n an average risk patient begin at the age of 45 and include the following options: Stool based tests: Fecal immunochemical test ( FIT) yearly Guaiac fecal occult blood test yearly Stool DNA test every 3 years Structural examinations: Colonoscopy every 10 years Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years. If you have a positive result on a screening test that is not a colonoscopy, further evaluation should be performed on a timely basis with a colonoscopy test to take a look at your entire colon.
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How is radiation therapy used to treat colorectal cancer?
For rectal cancer, radiation is usually given after surgery, along with chemotherapy (known as adjuvant therapy), in order to destroy any cancer cells left behind. In addition, it can be used along with chemotherapy before surgery (known as neoadjuvant therapy) in order to shrink a large tumor, making the surgery easier. In advanced rectal cancer, radiation can be used to shrink tumors that cause symptoms of bowel obstruction, bleeding, or pain.
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What are the treatments for colorectal cancer?
The need for permanent colostomy is more common with rectal cancer, since retaining the rectum may be difficult. Radiation therapy is treatment with high-energy rays that destroy the cancer cells.
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How is surgery used to treat colorectal cancer?
The main types of treatment for colorectal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Usually, the surgeon can reconnect the healthy sections of the colon and rectum. When this is not possible, the surgeon forms an opening -- known as a stoma -- in the abdomen and reroutes the severed colon to it. Waste is collected in a bag worn over the stoma. This procedure, known as a colostomy, often is only temporary. Once the bowel has had time to heal, a second operation reconnects the colon and rectum. The need for permanent colostomy is more common with rectal cancer, since retaining the rectum may be difficult. Radiation therapy can be used in people with colon cancer when the tumor has attached to another organ in the abdomen, or if a tumor is found near the margins of the cancer that was removed. These drugs work by blocking the cancer's blood supply or blocking a protein or genetic change made by the cancer to enhance it growth.
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What are signs of convulsion in children that need immediate medical attention?
Appears to have a seizure with uncontrolled, rapid shaking Has trouble breathing Turns blue Hits his head before or during a convulsion Is unconscious for several minutes Might have ingested something poisonous Convulsions, also known as seizures, in babies and young children can be terrifying for parents, and to be safe you should seek emergency help.
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What are symptoms of akathisia?
They include: Drugs used to prevent vomiting and nausea Antidepressants like tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) Calcium-channel blockers So can health conditions like: Parkinson's disease Traumatic brain injury Encephalitis, a type of brain inflammation The main sign of akathisia is a sense of restlessness and intense need to move. To relieve this feeling, you need to stay in motion. It usually affects your legs, usually while you're sitting. People with akathisia are likely to: Rock back and forth Pace or march in place Shift their weight from foot to foot Cross and uncross their legs Squirm or fidget Grunt or moan Other symptoms include feeling irritable, stressed, impatient, or panicked. You may feel like jumping out of your skin.
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What is tardive akathisia?
Tardive akathisia may not show up until months or years after you take a medicine.
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How is tardive dyskinesia similar to akathisia?
Usually, akathisia is a side effect of antipsychotic drugs. It causes movements you do over and over, like blinking and grimacing. But you don't have control over them. With akathisia, you make the choice to move to relieve an urge.
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What can't you have on you when you get an MRI?
Personal items such as your watch, wallet, including any credit cards with magnetic strips (they will be erased by the magnet), and jewelry should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Secured lockers are usually available to store personal possessions.
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Is an MRI safe?
If this condition applies to you, you can receive sedation during the exam if prior arrangements have been made.
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What is gadolinium for an MRI?
Certain MRI exams require an injection of a contrast material called gadolinium. This helps identify certain structures on the scan images.
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What happens after a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam for epilepsy?
The results of your MRI should be available to your doctor within 24 hours after your test, Monday through Friday. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you. Many facilities will give you a CD that contains the study that you can carry to your doctor.
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How long is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam?
The MRI exam poses no risk to the person if appropriate safety guidelines are followed. During the test, several dozen images may be obtained.
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Are MRIs noisy?
Other than the sound, you should experience no unusual sensations during the scanning. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you.
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Do the benefits of birth control pills outweigh the risk of breast cancer?
Since the early 1960s, birth control pills have become the most popular and one of the most effective forms of birth control used in the U. S. But an association between estrogen and an increased risk of breast cancer has led to a continuing debate about the role birth control pills may play in developing breast cancer. For most women, especially young women, experts say the benefits of birth control pills far outweigh the risk.
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Does the risk of breast cancer associated with birth control pills vary by age?
A study of more than 100,000 women suggests that the increased breast cancer risk associated with birth control pills is highest among older women. The study found that the risk of breast cancer was greatest among women aged 45 and over who were still using the pill. This group of women was nearly one-and-a-half times as likely to get breast cancer as women who had never used the pill. But experts caution that many of the women were using older birth control pills that contained higher doses of hormones. Today's lower-dose birth control pills are thought to reduce this risk.
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My family has a history of breast cancer. Should I take birth control pills?
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women with a strong family history of breast cancer may have up to an 11 times higher risk of breast cancer if they have ever taken the pill. But experts caution that the study involved mainly women who took birth control pills prior to 1975, when it contained much higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progestin than today's lower-dose pill. Those with a family history of breast cancer related to mutations in the BRCA genes should use caution before taking birth control pills. Women should discuss their family history of cancer with their doctor when evaluating the risks and benefits of using birth control pills.
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What are some symptoms of enthesitis?
Common spots for enthesitis to happen are around your heel, knee, hip, toe, elbow, backbone, and the bottom of your foot. The inflammation can lead to pain and stiffness, especially when you're moving. You also might notice swelling around those areas. Soreness at the back of your heel caused by enthesitis is sometimes called Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis pain at the bottom of your foot. This pain can make it hard for you to run or climb stairs.
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What are the treatments that can help with enthesitis?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), like naproxen and ibuprofen, can help with inflammation and pain. If the enthesitis is caused by an autoimmune arthritis, your doctor also may prescribe a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug ( DMARD) or biologics. He may recommend steroids for areas that are especially stiff or painful.
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What is the connection between enthesitis and arthritis?
Tendons are the tissues that attach your muscles to your bones. Enthesitis is common in some forms of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Over time, enthesitis can lead to: Calcification or ossification: Inflammation of the entheses can cause new bone tissue to form. It's a common symptom of two kinds of autoimmune arthritis -- psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Psoriatic arthritis, which is common in people with the skin condition psoriasis, can affect your entire body. Ankylosing spondylitis mainly affects your spine.
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What is enthesitis?
Tendons are the tissues that attach your muscles to your bones. Ligaments are what attach your bones to one another. Enthesitis is when they get inflamed and become painful because of injury, overuse, or disease. It also can happen in some children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).
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How can inflammation of the entheses affect new bone tissue?
It also can happen in some children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). It isn't usually linked to osteoarthritis or adult rheumatoid arthritis ( RA), but people with those conditions can have it. Over time, enthesitis can lead to: Calcification or ossification: Inflammation of the entheses can cause new bone tissue to form. That new bone tissue gets in the way of normal movement and function -- like a bone spur on your heel. It's a common symptom of two kinds of autoimmune arthritis -- psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
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What are common symptoms of allergies in children?
For instance, if your child has a mild allergy, such as hay fever, you can expect symptoms such as: Watery, runny eyes Runny nose Sneezing Nasal congestion These symptoms can make your child feel bad, but it's not life-threatening. But sometimes a child can have what's known as anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that needs immediate medical treatment. Many cases are caused by food allergies, medications, or insect stings. Do you know what to watch for?
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What happens during anaphylaxis?
Lungs: Trouble breathing or noisy breathing Coughing, wheezing Sneezing Congestion Tightness in the lungs Hoarseness Heart and Blood Vessels Chest pain Low blood pressure Weak, rapid pulse Dizziness, fainting Skin Pale or flushed skin Hives or welts Itchy skin Sweating Mouth Swelling of the throat, face, lips, or tongue Stomach and Digestion Abdominal pain Nausea, vomiting Diarrhea The person's airways narrow and their throat swells, which can make it hard to breathe. Their blood vessels widen, making their blood pressure fall, sometimes to dangerous levels. Anaphylactic reactions usually happen fast. Symptoms often become the most serious within 3 to 30 minutes of exposure to the allergy trigger. Quicker reactions are usually more severe.
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What are the two measurements of blood pressure to determine if you have heart disease?
That's the force or pressure your heart needs to pump blood around your body. It's recorded as two measurements: Systolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart squeezes (the higher number) Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes between squeezes (the lower number) Normal blood pressure for an adult, at rest, is less than 120 over less than 80.
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How does your doctor check your heart rate during exam?
He'll feel your pulse to check your heart's rate and rhythm. Each pulse matches with a heartbeat that pumps blood into your arteries. The force of the pulse also helps the doctor know the strength of blood flow to different areas of your body. You can tell how fast your heart is beating by feeling your pulse. Your heart rate is the number of beats in 1 minute.
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How can blood tests help determine if you have heart disease?
Your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your cholesterol and other things that may signal heart disease.
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What factors can affect your blood pressure related to heart disease?
It's recorded as two measurements: Systolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart squeezes (the higher number) Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes between squeezes (the lower number) Normal blood pressure for an adult, at rest, is less than 120 over less than 80. Blood pressure may go up or down depending on your: Age Heart condition Emotions Activity Medicines One high reading doesn't mean you have high blood pressure. It must be checked at different times while resting to find out your true result.
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How do you measure your pulse to check your heart rate?
You can tell how fast your heart is beating by feeling your pulse. Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. You should feel a tapping or pulsing against your fingers. Count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds. Multiply that number by 6 to find out your heart rate for 1 minute.
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What can you expect during a doctor's exam for heart disease?
During your visit, your doctor will: Listen to your heart Take your heart rate Check your blood pressure Your doctor will use a stethoscope to hear your heartbeat. Your doctor can also learn about your heart's health by looking at other parts of your body, such as your eyes, arms, legs, and skin. This will let him know if your body is getting enough blood. He'll also check for swelling. If there is any, it could mean that your heart isn't pumping well.
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What are some simple ways to update an aging loved one's home so it's safer for them?
Falls are a big risk. Look for things that someone could trip on, and remove them. Make sure that rugs have non-slip backing. Check on the lighting in your loved one's home. Do you need more lights, or brighter bulbs? In the bathroom, install grab bars in and outside the tub or shower, and next to the toilet. Stairs should have railings on both sides. You may also want to paint the top edge of steps a contrasting color (for instance, a white strip at the edge of a black step) and put non-slip tape on the steps.
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How can you support an older loved one after the death of a spouse or a partner?
The grief can last for a long time. Her feelings might go back and forth from very sad one day, to cheerful the next, to angry after that. These swings happen less often and ease up over time, but they can last for years. You'll want to respect what she's going through, and also encourage her to take care of herself. You can: Listen to her talk about the person who died. Make sure she eats well, gets enough sleep and exercise, and takes any medications. Be patient. Grief can make a person forgetful and disorganized, unable to focus, and less interested in things that used to be favorite pastimes. Encourage counseling -- whether with a therapist, clergy (if the person is religious), or a social worker.
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What are some practical tips for helping in older person prepare for changes ahead?
When you help a loved one through some of the big life changes that come with aging, you'll share of the good times and some of the tougher ones. She might need a little help and feel ready to move in with you or other relatives. If she eventually needs more medical or personal care than your family can give her, you might discuss an assisted living space or a skilled nursing home. Falls are a big risk. Look for things that someone could trip on, and remove them. Make sure that rugs have non-slip backing. Check on the lighting in your loved one's home. Do you need more lights, or brighter bulbs? In the bathroom, install grab bars in and outside the tub or shower, and next to the toilet. Stairs should have railings on both sides. You may also want to paint the top edge of steps a contrasting color (for instance, a white strip at the edge of a black step) and put non-slip tape on the steps. You can: Listen to her talk about the person who died.
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Will someone need to move when they get older?
The home they've lived in and loved for years might not work so well for them now. For example, your mom may need a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor so she doesn't have to climb stairs. She might need a little help and feel ready to move in with you or other relatives. If she eventually needs more medical or personal care than your family can give her, you might discuss an assisted living space or a skilled nursing home. Suggest ways she can get around instead, so she can stay as independent as possible.
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How can you help an older loved one manage grief?
You know that someone going through grief will need a lot of support. You may notice changes in her emotions. These swings happen less often and ease up over time, but they can last for years. You'll want to respect what she's going through, and also encourage her to take care of herself. Make sure she eats well, gets enough sleep and exercise, and takes any medications. Be patient. Encourage counseling -- whether with a therapist, clergy (if the person is religious), or a social worker.
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How can you make sure if you're older loved one is safe to drive?
Make sure that rugs have non-slip backing. If you're not sure, you can ask your loved one's doctor to do a driving safety evaluation and vision, thinking, or memory tests. If the doctor thinks it's OK for your loved one to drive but you're still worried, you can suggest some things that may ease your stress. Ask her doctor to review her medications -- over-the-counter drugs and prescription meds -- to cut side effects. Plan routes ahead of time. Look into a driving safety class for older adults, and encourage your loved one to take one. Keep the radio low or off, and insist on no cell phones or eating while driving.
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Can exercising my brain help me sharpen my memory?
Play games.
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How can a white board help me stay organized?
Put one on your fridge or other area where you spend a lot of time. Write notes and to-do lists on it.
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How can a GPS system help treat multiple sclerosis's effect on the brain?
Get one for your car and put an app on your cell phone so you don't get lost. Type in the address you're going to and you'll get step-by-step directions by car or on foot.
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How can a pillbox help treat multiple sclerosis's effect on the brain?
Use it to organize your daily medicine. Some have built-in alarms that alert you when it's time to take your medicine.
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How can picturing a word help me improve my recall?
Carry one with you. The name April could bring to mind a spring tree in bloom.
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How can playing games help me sharpen my memory?
Use the one on your computer or cell phone to keep track of your schedule. Although the research on brain training is new, it's encouraging. Studies show it might improve short-term memory. One study even showed that playing a racing video game helped improve focus and memory. But more research is needed to see if it really helps.
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What are some ways to make exercise easier with rheumatoid arthritis?
If it's a hassle to get to a gym, work out at home or in your neighborhood. But if you like the energy of a fitness center, try to find one that isn't off your beaten path. You're more likely to stop in if you pass it every day.
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Should I exercise if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
It might sound crazy at first, but a workout can boost your energy and make you more flexible. Once you take the first steps, you'll be on your way to reaping the benefits. You, and your joints, will be glad you did.
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How does strength training help rheumatoid arthritis?
Lift light weights (1-2 pounds) or use a resistance band to build or maintain muscle mass and strength to keep your joints stable.
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How can someone tailor their exercise plan to fit their rheumatoid arthritis?
The best thing you can do is listen to your body. If you don't feel well enough to bump up your walking pace or distance one week, stick with the pace from the week before. If you don't feel your best, change the activity. If your joints are swollen or painful, take a day off. Or choose a move that you can manage. The important thing is to keep moving.
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How can I keep it real with my doctor if I want to exercise with rheumatoid arthritis?
If you don't know where to begin or feel you don't have much time to exercise, start with 5 minutes. The next day, try to do a minute more, and so on. But if you're raring to go, be careful not to overdo it at first. It's less important where you start than where you end up.
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Is there a good strategy to start exercising if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Get off to a good start with this strategy: Talk to your doctor.
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How does aerobic exercise help rheumatoid arthritis?
Aerobic exercise, the kind that makes your heart pump faster, can help you control your weight. It also helps protect against heart disease, another condition you're more likely to get if you have RA. Moving around also leads to a better night's sleep. That helps you manage the stress and depression that can come with rheumatoid arthritis.
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How often should I do flexibility movements if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Follow them with strengthening exercises every other day. It's OK to rest if you have joint pain or get tired. Avoid moves that call for fast or repeated movements that hurt your joints.
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How will talking to the doctor help rheumatoid arthritis?
He'll let you know if there are activities you should skip. For instance, if you have inflammation in your shoulder, you may want to bike or walk instead of swim.
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Should I talk to my doctor if I want to exercise with rheumatoid arthritis?
Ask what kind of exercise is best for you. He'll let you know if there are activities you should skip. For instance, if you have inflammation in your shoulder, you may want to bike or walk instead of swim.
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How does aerobics help rheumatoid arthritis?
An ideal program has three types of exercise: Aerobics with low to medium impact on your joints. Swimming, biking, walking, dance, and warm-water exercise are all good choices. An elliptical machine can build stamina and energy.
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How much exercise time should someone start with to help with their rheumatoid arthritis?
If you don't know where to begin or feel you don't have much time to exercise, start with 5 minutes. The next day, try to do a minute more, and so on. But if you're raring to go, be careful not to overdo it at first. It's less important where you start than where you end up.
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How does physical activity help rheumatoid arthritis?
Activity helps to cut the swelling and pain in your joints, and it strengthens your muscles. Exercise, especially the weight-bearing kind, like walking, makes your bones stronger and helps prevent osteoporosis. Many women get weaker bones after menopause, but it's more common for those who have RA and take steroids to treat inflammation.
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Who can give someone with rheumatoid arthritis motivation to exercise?
If you can, get advice from a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or a trainer who has experience with arthritis. They can teach you how to gauge your body's response so you don't overdo it, end up in pain, and get discouraged.
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How easy is walking for rheumatoid arthritis?
Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do -- all you need is a pair of supportive shoes. If you're wondering how to get started, check out the Arthritis Foundation's Walking Workout.
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How does working out with a friend help with rheumatoid arthritis?
A workout in a group or with friends can help you stay motivated when your get-up-and-go wants to go on strike. A class can help you make some new friends who understand what you're going through.
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How does someone with rheumatoid arthritis get motivated to exercise?
These tips can lead to success: Start slowly. Set a goal: Maybe you want to lose a few pounds, get in better shape for a trip, or walk a 5 K. Set small targets that will get you to your larger goal. Chart your progress. Reward yourself when you meet each milestone.
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Should I be consistent with my exercise if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
It's important to be consistent. Build up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, five times a week. You can break it down into three 10-minute sessions a day if that's easier.
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How do flexibility exercises help with rheumatoid arthritis?
Whatever activity you do, warm up first and stretch afterward. Avoid moves that call for fast or repeated movements that hurt your joints.
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How often should someone with rheumatoid arthritis walk?
Build up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, five times a week. Get details on the Arthritis Foundation website.
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How can I get motivated to exercise if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Set a goal: Maybe you want to lose a few pounds, get in better shape for a trip, or walk a 5 K. Set small targets that will get you to your larger goal. Reward yourself when you meet each milestone. Get help to get going.
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Should I do warm-water aerobics if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
The water can soothe sore joints. A class can help you make some new friends who understand what you're going through.
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What can someone do to help their rheumatoid arthritis?
It might sound crazy at first, but a workout can boost your energy and make you more flexible. The next day, try to do a minute more, and so on.
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Can I do flexibility exercises if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Whatever activity you do, warm up first and stretch afterward. Avoid moves that call for fast or repeated movements that hurt your joints.
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Can I get red yeast rice from my diet?
Since red yeast rice contains naturally occurring components which are very similar to statin medications, the same side effects may occur, including but not limited to muscle pain and liver injury.
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How much red yeast rice should I take?
Doctors haven't established a set dosage for red yeast rice. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. If you are interested in adding red yeast rice to your diet, talk to your health care provider first.
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Why do people take red yeast rice?
One component of red yeast rice, monacolin K, is similar to the active ingredient of some of the cholesterol lowering drugs called statins. Red yeast rice does not seem to be as effective as most conventional statin drugs, however. But these supplements may be a good choice for people who could benefit from only a slight lowering of cholesterol.
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Who shouldn't take red yeast rice?
People with liver disease, kidney disease, and allergies to fungus or yeast should not use red yeast rice. People with very high cholesterol, diabetes, or a high risk of heart attack or stroke may need a more powerful prescription drug like a statin instead of red yeast rice. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, red yeast rice is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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What precautions do I need to know before taking red yeast rice?
Do not take red yeast rice if you are using statins, drugs that suppress the immune system, antifungal drugs, certain antibiotics, or protease inhibitors (for HIV). People taking red yeast rice should avoid grapefruits. Also, alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage from red yeast rice. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you are taking any other prescription medicines or over the counter medicines or supplements. People with very high cholesterol, diabetes, or a high risk of heart attack or stroke may need a more powerful prescription drug like a statin instead of red yeast rice.
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What are prescription medicines that can raise your glucose?
Drugs that treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other mental health problems. These can include clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine. Birth control pills Drugs that treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics Statins to lower cholesterol Adrenaline for severe allergic reactions High doses of asthma medicines, or drugs that you inject for asthma treatment Isotretinoin for acne Tacrolimus, which you get after an organ transplant Some medicines that treat HIV and hepatitis C OTC medicines that can raise your blood sugar include: Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant in some cold and flu medicines Cough syrup.
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If I have diabetes, can medicines raise my blood sugar?
If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, you probably know some of the things that cause your glucose (another name for blood sugar) to go up. Like a meal with too many carbohydrates, or not enough exercise. But other medicines you might take to keep yourself healthy can cause a spike, too.