Key TakeawaysCertain blood cancer treatments may cause patients to have a dulled reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine.A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine may help blood cancer patients who had no response, or an inadequate response, to their initial dose of the vaccine.Blood cancer patients should not stop their treatment before getting a COVID-19 vaccine unless their doctor tells them to. Key Takeaways Certain blood cancer treatments may cause patients to have a dulled reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine....

Key TakeawaysAccording to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 variants of concern are not causing a disproportionate number of infections in vaccinated people in the United States.Breakthrough cases are rare, mostly mild, and occurring at an anticipated rate.Public health experts are worried that unvaccinated people will generate additional and potentially more concerning variants that will threaten global health. Key Takeaways According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 variants of concern are not causing a disproportionate number of infections in vaccinated people in the United States....

Key TakeawaysSevere allergic reactions to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (including Pfizer and Moderna) are rare, but research has shown that they are different from other classic food and drug allergies.Most people with multiple existing allergies can safely receive the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, but to be on the safe side, they should discuss their options with an allergy specialist beforehand.The majority of people who have an allergic reaction to the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine can safely receive their second dose, but experts say that they should also consult an allergy specialist....

Key TakeawaysMelatonin use has drastically increased in the U.S. in recent years, and many are taking high doses of the supplement and using it as a sleeping pill.While short-term use of the hormone is considered safe, the risks associated with taking high doses for a prolonged period are unclear.Experts recommend checking with your healthcare provider before taking melatonin, only using it in the short term, and focusing on developing healthy sleep habits....

Key Takeaways Research has shown that if you have cancer, getting enough dietary protein can help prevent theloss of muscle massthat is common during treatment. In an expert group opinion published in the journalClinical Nutrition,a panel of nutritional experts recommended that patients undergoingtreatment for cancer get at least 65% of their protein from animal-based sources. Katherine L. Ford, RD, a doctoral candidate in nutrition and metabolism at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and the lead author of the opinion piece, told Verywell that animal-based proteins contain more of the building blocks of proteins (amino acids) thanplant-basedproteins do....

Key TakeawaysHormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat the symptoms of menopause.Some healthcare providers will also prescribe HRT to help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes in people who have gone through menopause.However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends against using HRT to prevent chronic conditions after menopause. Key Takeaways Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat the symptoms of menopause.Some healthcare providers will also prescribe HRT to help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes in people who have gone through menopause....

Key TakeawaysPlant-based beverages are often used as a cow’s milk substitute when people are avoiding dairy.Research shows that plant-based beverages and cow’s milk do not have comparable nutrients.Currently, there are no standards to ensure that plant-based beverages, like almond milk and rice milk, provide similar nutrition as cow’s milk. Proposed standards have been created to guide the manufacturers of plant-based beverages and make sure that certain nutrients in cow’s milk are included in the products....

Key TakeawaysHeart disease is the leading cause of death for women, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.Knowing your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and discussing them with your healthcare provider are two proactive steps you can take to protect your heart. Key Takeaways Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined.Knowing your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and discussing them with your healthcare provider are two proactive steps you can take to protect your heart....

Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) is an emerging treatment forsleep apnea. Unlike continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), EPAP does not require any bulky or noisy machinery. It also doesn’t require batteries or electricity. Some healthcare professionals consider it preferable to CPAP because patients are more likely to use it consistently. EPAP is a disposable one-way resister valve that is worn over the nostrils. It works similarly to CPAP but only provides minimal resistance on inhaling and positive pressure on exhaling....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIn POTSHow it FeelsManaging Pain at HomeSpecialist TreatmentMedicationSeeking Medical Care Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents In POTS How it Feels Managing Pain at Home Specialist Treatment Medication Seeking Medical Care Coat hanger pain is tension, stiffness, and/or aching pain in the back of the neck, shoulders, and upper back that may also radiate up to the back of the head. This type of pain is often associated withorthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension....

While vitiligo is not life-threatening or harmful, it can cause problems with social stigma,depression, and anxiety because it affects a person’s physical appearance. As such, if you experience this disorder, talking about it with loved ones, friends, and family is essential for coping. This means learning about vitiligo, being open about its impact, and actively communicating about it. This article discusses tips on how to explain vitiligo to others, as well as coping strategies....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeHow to PrepareWhat to ExpectRecoveryLong-Term Care Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Purpose How to Prepare What to Expect Recovery Long-Term Care An exploratorylaparotomy, also known as a celiotomy or “ex lap,” is a type of major surgery that involves opening the abdomen with a large incision in order to visualize the entire abdominal cavity. Your abdominal cavity contains a variety of organs and tissues, including the intestines, appendix, stomach, ovaries, and kidneys, to name a few....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Xylitol Gum?BenefitsRisks and ConsiderationsComparing Xylitol With Other SweetenersUsing Xylitol GumPractical Tips Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Xylitol Gum? Benefits Risks and Considerations Comparing Xylitol With Other Sweeteners Using Xylitol Gum Practical Tips Xylitolis a sugar alcohol used to sweeten food products. It exists naturally in plants, microorganisms, and animal tissues.Berries andfruitare common natural sources of xylitol. Xylitol can also be made artificially from xylan, a component (part) of beechwood and birch wood....