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Do You Need Dietary Supplements?
… to zinc. You can also find products like probiotics, herbs, and fish oil. But are they needed for good health? And what about their risks? “For most people, eating a nutritious variety of … getting from both food and different supplements,” Haggans says. “More is not necessarily better, and natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe.” Many nutrients can be dangerous in large …
Understanding COVID-19
… Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, and now COVID-19. Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. (Corona means crown.) The viruses use the spikes to … asthma. About 40% of Americans have at least one of these risk factors. … Getting Treatment … Better COVID-19 treatments mean that fewer people now get severely sick if they catch the virus. …
The Inflamed Brain
… the brain, or meninges, becomes inflamed, it’s called meningitis. The symptoms can be similar for both. At first, you might get a fever, feel tired, and sometimes have a rash. “Those things … have to know which virus is causing the problem before starting treatment. Until we have better treatments, prevention is still the best medicine. Children, older adults, and those with …
Cancer Care Gets Personal
… Cancer can be difficult to treat because each tumor is unique. Scientists are now gaining a better understanding of the changes that lead to cancer—and figuring out how to target them for personalized treatments. “Cancer treatment is changing at a very fast pace,” says Dr. …
Appendix Pain
… by the body’s protective response to injury or infection.] … of the appendix. This can happen for different reasons. Sometimes the tiny opening that leads from the appendix to the large … you have these symptoms, get medical care right away. The sooner appendicitis is caught, the better. You’re less likely to have complications like a perforated, or “burst,” appendix. This is …
Tired, Achy Eyes?
… add to eye dryness. Avoiding other factors that increase eye dryness may help your eyes feel better, too. Air blowing directly in your face from a fan or from air vents in the car can … eye,” Cousineau-Krieger explains. “And just like any other muscle, if you hold the contraction for a long time, the muscle can become fatigued. Eventually, in your 40s, you end up not being …
Preventing Food Poisoning
… to wash your hands and any surfaces food touches when you’re preparing it. Leaving food out for too long or not storing it at proper temperatures can help germs grow and multiply. Be sure … and other microscopic threats.] … , and those over 65 years old. If you aren’t getting better after a couple of days, have a fever higher than 100 degrees, bloody stool, or are …
Feeling Fatigued?
… depression or anxiety, and more. Because it has so many possible causes, it can be hard for doctors to diagnose the origins of someone’s fatigue. This can make it difficult to develop … community has been exploring for years,” Whittemore says. “I think this research will help us better understand fatigue and get at the underlying mechanisms.” …
Childhood Arthritis
… also affect children. This is called juvenile arthritis. “Arthritis is particularly a problem for children because their bones and joints are developing and growing,” says Dr. Michael … but can cause serious side effects when used long term. Researchers are working to develop better drugs with fewer side effects. Physical therapy can also be an important part of …
Preventing Falls
… the University of California, Los Angeles, who co-leads one of the largest prevention studies for falling. Some people are never able to return to their way of life before an injury. Several … a prevention plan and refer you to other types of providers if needed. The biggest risk factor for being injured from a fall is being age 65 or older. People younger than that may be at … falls. They may encourage you to work with a physical therapist to increase your strength and improve your balance. They can also prescribe devices like special footwear or a walking cane. …
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