For These 17 COVID Long Haulers, Reactivated Viruses May Be to Blame

Key TakeawaysCOVID-19 long-haulers experience an array of widespread and debilitating symptoms even after the virus clears from their system, and latent viruses may account for many symptoms.Because of the compromised state of long haulers' bodies, previously dormant viruses are reactivating and becoming chronic infections.Recent studies are highlighting the occurrence of these reactivations. Researchers are pushing for more testing and research on potential treatments. Key Takeaways COVID-19 long-haulers experience an array of widespread and debilitating symptoms even after the virus clears from their system, and latent viruses may account for many symptoms....

January 17, 2025 · 23 min · 4899 words · Michael Haley

Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) and Asthma

FEV1 values define the degree of obstruction: Science Photo Library Collection / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images FEV1 is one of the most common indices used to assess airway obstruction, which helps in defining the severity of asthma, as well as evaluating how well treatment is working. FEV1 is not the same as peak flow, which is determined with a device calledpeak flow meterthat measures the flow rate (speed) of the air blown out....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 666 words · Mitchell Dunn

Forearm Pain: Treatments and Causes

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses From ExercisesCauses From ConditionsSelf-CareForearm Pain ExercisesMedical OptionsSensationDiagnosisSeeking Medical care Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Causes From Exercises Causes From Conditions Self-Care Forearm Pain Exercises Medical Options Sensation Diagnosis Seeking Medical care Many things can cause forearm pain. The most common cause of wrist and forearm pain is arepetitive stress injuryfrom daily activities. Issues with your muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, bones, arteries, or nerves can trigger forearm pain....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1487 words · Donna Clark

Forehead Acne and What to Do About It

The forehead is part of what dermatologists refer to as the T-zone, which also includes the nose and chin.While acne can develop anywhere, it’s especially common on the face and shoulders. There are ways to get rid of forehead acne and prevent it in the future. MihailUlianikov / Getty Images Causes Forehead acne occurs because of the same underlying causes as elsewhere on the body. Common types of acne (also calledacne vulgaris) include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 796 words · Bob Love

Forehead Thermometers May Miss Fevers in Black Patients, Study Shows

Key TakeawaysRecent findings suggest that forehead thermometers may inaccurately measure temperature in Black and dark-skinned individuals.Infrared technology in forehead and ear thermometers is quick and convenient, but lacks the accuracy of oral thermometers.Until further research provides better evidence, families (primarily Black and dark-skinned) may want to rely on oral thermometers. Key Takeaways Recent findings suggest that forehead thermometers may inaccurately measure temperature in Black and dark-skinned individuals.Infrared technology in forehead and ear thermometers is quick and convenient, but lacks the accuracy of oral thermometers....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1564 words · Leah Brady

Forget About White Noise. Pink Noise Is Better for Sleep

Key Takeaways You may have heard that white noise, which sounds much like an untuned radio or television, canhelp you sleep. While this is true for some people,there are numerous “colors” of noise, including pink, brown, and green—each of which has different benefits and can potentially help you sleep better. “Sound has no color of course, although they follow a similar spectrum,” said Stefan Chmelik, MSc, an integrated healthcare expert who specializes in the use of sound technology....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1320 words · Jennifer Smith

Forget Sharks—Poop Pollution Is Making Beaches Dangerous This Summer

Key TakeawaysMany beaches may be contaminated with fecal bacteria, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues.Avoid swimming after it rains and wash your hands regularly to cut down on your chances of getting sick at the beach.Check with your local health department to determine if your beach is safe for swimming. Key Takeaways Many beaches may be contaminated with fecal bacteria, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues.Avoid swimming after it rains and wash your hands regularly to cut down on your chances of getting sick at the beach....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1282 words · Gary Pitts

Four Levels of Hospice Care Defined by Medicare

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRoutine Home CareContinuous Home CareGeneral Inpatient CareRespite CareExclusionsChoosing a Provider Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Routine Home Care Continuous Home Care General Inpatient Care Respite Care Exclusions Choosing a Provider The four levels ofhospice care, according to Medicare, are routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care. A person qualified for hospice may experience one level of care or move between various levels depending on their specific needs....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 849 words · Margaret Page

Four Stages of Grief and Tasks of Mourning

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFour Stages of GriefTypes of GriefFour Tasks of Mourning Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Four Stages of Grief Types of Grief Four Tasks of Mourning Knowing the four stages of grief can help you to understand your feelings of loss. Your reaction to the death of a loved one is deeply personal and everyone experiences their grief response differently. You might move through the phases quickly, for example, or relatively slowly; you might move through them in a different order, or you might skip a phase or task altogether, or experience one more than once....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1248 words · Ann Leon

Fracture Blisters: Causes and Treatment

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesInside A Fracture BlisterTreatmentComplications Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Causes Inside A Fracture Blister Treatment Complications When someone breaks a bone, particularly a bone near the surface of the skin, the soft tissue damage can cause what is known as a fracture blister. It is similar to blisters you might get from friction in that they can be filled with fluid or with blood....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 778 words · Joshua Marquez

Fracture: What to Know About This Injury

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Definition Types and Severity How to Tell Describing Pain Healing Timeline Complications Physical Therapy A fracture, commonly known as a broken bone, occurs when a bone is subjected to more force than it can withstand. There are numerous types of fractures, each classified based on the nature and extent of the break. Understanding the different fracture types, their causes, risk factors, and healing times can aid in better management and recovery....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1691 words · Eric Le

Fragrance-Free Products: What It Means

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Fragrance-Free?ProductsWhat To Look ForFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Why Fragrance-Free? Products What To Look For Frequently Asked Questions While it’s not the same for everyone, many people experienceallergy-like reactionsafter coming in contact with fragrance ingredients. This has led to an increase in companies that offer fragrance-free products. Although “fragrance-free” is sometimes used interchangeably with “unscented,” they are not the same....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1460 words · Sarah Davis

FRAX: A Fracture Risk Calculator

Simply put, it’s a fracture risk calculator. It can help a healthcare provider identify people who need intervention or treatment to lower that probability. Hero Images / Getty Images Development of the FRAX Calculator The models used to develop the FRAX calculator were derived from studying patient populations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. There are paper versions of FRAX available but a free online FRAX tool exists as well....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 875 words · Chase Madden