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Spotting Borderline Personality Disorder
… We all have trouble from time to time managing strong feelings or relationships. But for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), these are a constant struggle. They cause … and stop at very specific times.” Treatments are available to help people diagnosed with BPD. One therapy, called dialectical behavior therapy, can help build emotional and social skills to …
The Biology of Breast Milk
… You may have heard that breast milk is best. But what makes it so good for babies? Breast milk fills your baby’s health needs. Researchers are now learning more about what’s in it and how it changes as babies grow. “Breastfeeding is the gold standard for feeding infants,” says Dr. Dan Raiten, an NIH expert on childhood nutrition. Human milk … biological system.” The lactating (milk-producing) parent and infant interact and affect one another. That means what’s in human milk can change, even over the course of the day. Take …
Chocolate Health Claims
… in the three-year study. But it’s too soon to tell whether cocoa supplements are beneficial for brain health. The study is still ongoing. “If it works, there are no side effects for cocoa … Baker notes. “So imagine, if this works for both heart health and cognition—or just one—this would be a very simple supplement that people could add to their diet.” But you won’t … bars,” Baker says. Eating chocolate just isn’t the same, she explains. And there’s more bitter news. Because of the added sugar and cocoa butter, chocolate contains a lot of calories and …
Disrupted Speech
… of communication disorders. Stuttering often involves speech sounds that are repeated or held for too long—often when starting words or sentences. It affects about 1 in 20 children. Most will … stuttering. Overall, about 1% of adults stutter, and it’s much more common in men than women. For those who stutter, communicating with others can be difficult. It can cause anxiety about … may help show why some children outgrow stuttering and hopefully lead to better treatments one day. For now, treatment for stuttering involves therapy with a speech-language pathologist. …
Block the Buzzing, Bites, and Bumps
… blood-sucking insects. Most mosquito bites are relatively harmless. The itchy bumps often last for just a day or 2 after a mosquito has punctured your skin. But if the mosquito is carrying … In 2015, more than 2,000 cases of West Nile disease arose nationwide, and the virus was blamed for nearly 120 deaths. Most people with West Nile infections have no symptoms. Roughly 1 in 5 … serious or even deadly for about 1 in 150 infected people. Another virus, called dengue, is one of the most common causes of mosquito-borne disease worldwide. A dengue outbreak in Hawaii …
When Food Consumes You
… or fasting. They’re often able to maintain a normal weight because they compensate for the extra calories. But bulimia nervosa can cause other health issues, like heart … of the three eating disorders, but is often the most deadly. An eating disorder can develop for anyone, at any body weight or shape, and at any time. But they often start in the teen or … and emotional health, and environment and culture can all influence whether someone develops one of these complex conditions. Some NIH-funded researchers are studying possible genetic causes …
Feeling the Burn?
… or problems swallowing. Anyone can experience reflux. But reflux two or more times a week for a few weeks may be gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). GERD affects around 20% of people … foods can trigger reflux in some people. See the Wise Choices box for tips to reduce reflux. One of the most effective treatments for GERD is weight loss. In Pandolfino’s clinic, people with …
Probing Aspirin’s Benefits
… You’ve probably taken aspirin for pain or a fever. But some people take a low dose of aspirin every day. It can reduce the risk … outweigh the risks. Studies have shown that a daily low-dose aspirin doesn’t benefit everyone. For example, one study looked at older adults who took aspirin regularly for five years. It found that older …
Delving Into Devices
… “Screen time” used to mean sitting around and watching TV. For kids, too much time in front of the TV is linked to obesity, as well as trouble in school. … tablets, and other handheld devices are now everywhere. These new screens pose new challenges for parents, says Dr. Jenny Radesky, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan. “There’s so … aspects of kids’ health, including mental health and physical activity. “And sleep is a major one,” adds Radesky. “A lot of studies have shown that the more kids use media, especially around …
Stamping Out Superbugs
… These are drugs that kill bacteria or stop them from growing. They can be critical for preventing or fighting a life-threatening disease. But over time, bacteria can become … with antibiotics. Drug-resistant infections pose many dangers. Bacteria that are resistant to one drug may still be treatable with stronger drugs. But these backup drugs can have more serious … a critically ill patient in front of you, and you are not going to know what you’re treating for several days, you have to make a decision,” Fowler explains. Not starting treatment …
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