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Key TakeawaysStudies link air pollution from wildfire smoke to increased cases of COVID-19.Wildfire smoke can contain particulate matter and other compounds that can damage your lungs and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections.Researchers aren’t sure exactly what’s driving the increase in COVID-19 during periods of poor air quality. Key Takeaways Studies link air pollution from wildfire smoke to increased cases of COVID-19.Wildfire smoke can contain particulate matter and other compounds that can damage your lungs and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections....

There are some things you just can’t avoid, like getting the flu. It’s even possible to have the flu even if vaccinated.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that vaccine protection varies from season to season, and also based on the age and health of the person receiving it, as well as the match between the viruses in the vaccine and those in circulation.The good news is for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated who may get the flu, there are things you can do to make the seasonal sickness and symptoms less cumbersome....

Key Takeaways In the United States, breast cancer is considered the most common cancer in women. It’s estimated that 1 in 8 women will get the disease in their life. Most cases of breast cancer occur in middle-aged and older women, but people under the age of 45 can also get it. Not Just WomenMost research on breast cancer and other reproductive health conditions is done on people who are biologically female and identify as women....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow a CBC Is DoneAbnormal ValuesRed Blood Cell Count (RBCs)White Blood Cell Count (WBCs)HematocritHemoglobinPlatelet Count (Thrombocytes) Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents How a CBC Is Done Abnormal Values Red Blood Cell Count (RBCs) White Blood Cell Count (WBCs) Hematocrit Hemoglobin Platelet Count (Thrombocytes) A CBC, also known as a complete blood count, is ablood testcommonly performed before and after surgery. This test measures the types of blood cells in your blood and how many appear, allowing your provider to see if your blood is normal or if there are signs of a problem....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsHow eAG Is CalculatedA1C/eAG vs. Daily MonitoringBlood Glucose Meter Average Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What It Is How eAG Is Calculated A1C/eAG vs. Daily Monitoring Blood Glucose Meter Average Estimated average glucose (eAG) is an estimate of your averageblood sugar (glucose) levelsover two to three months. It indicates how well you are controlling your diabetes. The eAG number is useful in diabetes management because it gives you the big picture of where you’ve been for the past couple of months....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHeadaches All Over HeadHeadaches on One Side of HeadHeadaches at the Front of the HeadHeadaches on the Top of the HeadHeadaches on the Back of the HeadHeadache and Pain in NeckWhen to See a DoctorTreatmentFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Headache GuideWhat Are the Different Types of Headaches? Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Headaches All Over Head Headaches on One Side of Head...

Knowing about the role mucus plays in your body when it’s healthy can help you spot when your mucus is abnormal, which could indicate that you’re sick. What Is Mucus? Mucus is produced in order to protect the body and keep it functioning in a healthy way. The function of mucus depends on its location in your body: it can serve as a lubricant, a protective barrier, or a substance that helps trap foreign bodies or flush them out of your body....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDEXA ScanWhat Is a Z-Score?Z-Score vs. T-ScoreFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents DEXA Scan What Is a Z-Score? Z-Score vs. T-Score Frequently Asked Questions When testing is complete, the results allow you to compare the density of your bones with established norms and predict your risk of a future fracture. This article will explain bone density testing and detail what a Z-score means....

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Calculatation Monitoring Heart Rate Exercises Other Considerations Theheart rate levelto burn fat will depend on your age, diet, and fitness, typically falling between 64% to 76% of your maximum heart rate.For example, a 40-year-old swimmer should try to keep their heart rate between about 115 beats per minute (bpm) and 137 bpm throughout their session. When you exercise, your heart rate quickens as your heart pumps more oxygen-rich blood to your muscles....

Key TakeawaysA new COVID-19 subvariant, called BA.2 has been detected in parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States.Researchers are still learning more about BA.2’s transmissibility, impacts, and symptoms.Experts believe vaccination can provide some protection against the new subvariant, though more data is needed. Key Takeaways A new COVID-19 subvariant, called BA.2 has been detected in parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States.Researchers are still learning more about BA.2’s transmissibility, impacts, and symptoms....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAsthmaFood AllergiesMild Acid RefluxExcessive Phlegm ProductionGERDLaryngopharyngeal RefluxUpper Respiratory InfectionsAspirationDysphagiaPostnasal DripWhen to Seek Medical CareTips Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Asthma Food Allergies Mild Acid Reflux Excessive Phlegm Production GERD Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Upper Respiratory Infections Aspiration Dysphagia Postnasal Drip When to Seek Medical Care Tips Coughing after eating could be the result of food going down “the wrong pipe” (aspiration) or a medical condition, such as afood allergy,acid reflux, anupper respiratory infection, ordysphagia(difficulty swallowing)....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesWhen to See a ProviderTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Causes When to See a Provider Treatment Abdominal pain while peeing is a symptom of numerous health conditions. It could be from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or something more serious.Abdominal paincan radiate to other areas like the back and flank (sides of the torso between the ribs and hips) making it difficult to localize the pain....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Bluish or purple lips can occur when blood vessels temporarily shrink after exposure to cold air or water. But they can also be a sign of a medical problem that is causing a reduced amount of oxygen in your blood. This can happen with conditions like asthma orAddison’s disease, but also medical emergencies likecarbon monoxide poisoning....