Ask the Expert: Does Breast Cancer Care Vary Based on Race?

This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series. Two people experiencing the same stage of breast cancer may have very different treatment opportunities that largely depend on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis and a person’s access to care. According toDoru Paul, MD, PhD, an oncologist who focuses on individualizing care and improving the prognosis of cancer treatments, there should be no difference in breast cancer care tied to a patient’s race....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 772 words · Richard Townsend

Ask the Expert: Heart Disease Risk Factors

These experts participated in ourHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.Gladys Velarde, MDJulie Bang / VerywellDr. Velarde is a member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Prevention’s Disparities Working Group and on the editorial board of ACC’sCardioSmartwebsite. Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and special populations, as well as preventive care.Dr. Velarde answered the following questions in this Health Divide on heart disease risk factors:What lifestyle actions should people take to improve their heart health?...

January 17, 2025 · 2 min · 401 words · Robert Noble

Ask the Expert: How Can People Reduce Their Risk of Breast Cancer?

This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer worldwide, first is lung cancer, and third is colon cancer.With such a high prevalence, can individuals lower their odds of developing it? Verywell Health: What can people do to reduce their risk of getting breast cancer? Dr. Paul: The four general principles are: exercise, good nutrition, decreasing stress, and good sleep....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 710 words · Karen Jones

Ask the Expert: Why Is Breast Cancer Screening So Important?

This article is part ofBreast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series. When it comes to screening for breast cancer, the first point of detection is often the patient themselves. By learning how your breasts feel “normally,” you’re better equipped to notice lumps or bulges that require medical attention. Below,Doru Paul, M.D., Ph.D., an oncologist who focuses on individualizing care and improving the prognosis of cancer treatments, describes the importance of checking yourself for breast cancer, and how early detection can lead to a better prognosis....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1125 words · Elizabeth Stevens

Asking Your Healthcare Provider for Stronger Painkillers

Can you ask your healthcare provider for stronger painkillers if you need them? Absolutely, as it is crucial that you are an active participant in your pain management.Acute pain is pain that comes on suddenly and is of limited duration. Chronic pain, most simply defined, is pain that continues for weeks or months. Key components of managing chronic pain are determining the kind of pain it is and finding the rightpain medicationand non-pharmacologic pain relief methods....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1588 words · Donna Smith

Aspirin Didn’t Improve Survival for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients, Study Finds

Key TakeawaysAntiplatelet agents such as aspirin failed to benefit critically ill adults with COVID-19, a recent study found.Experts say people with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of blood clots due to inflammation.Staying active and minimizing the risk of contracting COVID-19 can help decrease the risk of blood clots. Key Takeaways Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin failed to benefit critically ill adults with COVID-19, a recent study found.Experts say people with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of blood clots due to inflammation....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1589 words · Mark Thompson

Assessing the Dangers of Black Mold

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Toxic Is It?SymptomsWhat It Looks LikeTreatmentRemoval MethodsFavorable House ConditionsWhen to Seek Medical Care Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents How Toxic Is It? Symptoms What It Looks Like Treatment Removal Methods Favorable House Conditions When to Seek Medical Care You may be exposed toblack mold(Stachybotrys chartarum) at home or work. The risk may be higher when renting because you generally have less awareness and control over pipe and roof leaks (common sources for black mold growth)....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1368 words · Kenneth Carrillo

Assisted Living Options for Young Adults With Disabilities

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome CareAccessory DwellingFacilitiesContinuing CareSubsidized HousingGroup HomesFarm-BasedMore Options Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Home Care Accessory Dwelling Facilities Continuing Care Subsidized Housing Group Homes Farm-Based More Options This article goes over some of the assisted living options for young adults with disabilities. funky-data / Getty Images Care at Home Some people with disabilities can live in their own homes or apartments but need help with certain activities like cooking, cleaning, and shopping....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 985 words · Elizabeth Martinez

Assistive Technology for Autism

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCommunicationLearningSocial SkillsSensory ChallengesSafety Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Types Communication Learning Social Skills Sensory Challenges Safety Assistive technology (AT) for autism includes a wide range of tools that can help someone learn, communicate, and carry out daily functions.These tools can range from simple picture boards and worry beads to sophisticated software, apps, and robots. AT tools can help people with many different areas of life including:...

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2510 words · Meghan Burns

AST and ALT Liver Enzymes: Measures of Liver Function

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen They’re MeasuredWhat They ShowNormal and High LevelsWhat Can Affect Results? Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents When They’re Measured What They Show Normal and High Levels What Can Affect Results? Aspartate aminotransferase(AST) andalanine aminotransferase(ALT)are two liver enzymes measured in a blood test to check the health of your liver. High AST and ALT levels are a general sign of a liver problem....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 957 words · Joshua Perez

Astaxanthin: Everything You Need To Know

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Uses Side Effects Precautions Dosage Toxicity Interactions How to Store Similar Supplements Frequently Asked Questions Sources & What to Look For Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that people often take in supplements for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.Though research is ongoing, astaxanthin’s potent antioxidant properties may support the immune system and improve eye, skin, and brain health....

January 17, 2025 · 17 min · 3522 words · Adrian Pruitt

Astepro vs. Flonase for Allergies

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Flonase?What Is Astepro?Flonase vs. AsteproCombination MedicationDymista Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Flonase? What Is Astepro? Flonase vs. Astepro Combination Medication Dymista Astepro and Flonase are two different nasal spray medications used to treat symptoms like runny nose, itchy nose, and congestion. Astepro contains an antihistamine, while Flonase is a steroid medication. The effects of the two medications are similar, but they work differently....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1358 words · Gina Norris

Asthma Attack: Steps to Take in the Moment

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhat to Do Without InhalerWhat to Do With InhalerWhen Symptoms StopWhen to Go to the ERNext in Asthma GuideManaging Asthma Flare-Ups Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms What to Do Without Inhaler What to Do With Inhaler When Symptoms Stop When to Go to the ER Next in Asthma Guide Asthmaattacks can cause distress, especially if you don’t feel prepared or confident to handle one....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2266 words · Virginia Davis