Why Having Friends of All Ages Is Good for Your Health

Key TakeawaysLoneliness and social isolation are linked to mental and physical health challenges, especially for people over 50.Having friends of different ages can do more than stave off loneliness; it can help us learn new skills and make us more open-minded. Key Takeaways Loneliness and social isolation are linked to mental and physical health challenges, especially for people over 50.Having friends of different ages can do more than stave off loneliness; it can help us learn new skills and make us more open-minded....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1452 words · Colton Blair

Why Having More Disabled Doctors Matters for Patient Care

Key TakeawaysThe proportion of physicians identifying as disabled has increased in recent years.Despite the increase, researchers say stigma and biases persist, especially toward those with psychiatric disabilities.Medical residency applicants may face disparities in match rates across different specialties, with particularly low rates in general surgery and surgical subspecialties. Key Takeaways The proportion of physicians identifying as disabled has increased in recent years.Despite the increase, researchers say stigma and biases persist, especially toward those with psychiatric disabilities....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1333 words · Daniel Valentine

Why Hemorrhoids Itch and What to Do About It

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy They ItchHow to Stop ItchingOther Causes Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Why They Itch How to Stop Itching Other Causes Fortunately, there are things you can do to alleviate the itch of a hemorrhoid, including hydrocortisone creams, a sitz bath, topical anesthetics, and improved anal hygiene. This article discusses why hemorrhoids cause itching and what you can do about it. It also looks at other causes of anal itching....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1502 words · Heidi Black

Why Heparin Is Used After Surgery

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesDosageRisks Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Uses Dosage Risks Heparin is an anticoagulant commonly used after surgery. It is used to prevent the blood from clotting too easily while the patient is spending more time resting and off of their feet than usual—which is when blood clots are more likely to form. Heparin is also used to treat blood clots when they do form, helping prevent the clot from increasing in size and preventing additional clots from occurring....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1481 words · Andrew Cortez

Why High-Functioning Autism Is Hard to Define

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHFA vs. Asperger’s SyndromeHFA and Level 1 AutismDetermining Support NeedsNavigating a Neurotypical World Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents HFA vs. Asperger’s Syndrome HFA and Level 1 Autism Determining Support Needs Navigating a Neurotypical World High-functioning autism(HFA) is neither an official diagnosis nor is there an agreed-upon definition of what the term means. In the broadest sense of the term, high-functioning autism may mean any of the following:...

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1124 words · Kelsey Wilkinson

Why Hitting Your Funny Bone Hurts

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhere Is Your Funny Bone?Why Hitting It HurtsTreating the Pain Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Where Is Your Funny Bone? Why Hitting It Hurts Treating the Pain Usually, this is a sharp jolt to the elbow that quickly resolves, but sometimes an ulnar nerve injury can cause more persistent symptoms. This article discusses the funny bone, where it is located, and how funny bone pain can be managed....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 814 words · Ronald Lowe

Why Hot Flashes Happen and How to Get Relief

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMenopauseMedicationsHyperthyroidismHypogonadismAnxietyCancerInfectionNeurologic CausesDietRosaceaTreatment OptionsWhen to See a Provider Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Menopause Medications Hyperthyroidism Hypogonadism Anxiety Cancer Infection Neurologic Causes Diet Rosacea Treatment Options When to See a Provider Ahot flashis a feeling of sudden, intense heat on the upper body that lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes. Hot flashes are thought to occur when a drop inestrogen(or changes in other hormones) disrupts the body’s natural thermostat, known as thehypothalamus....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1807 words · Samuel Reyes

Why Howard University Prioritizes Consistency Amid Pandemic Uncertainties

Key TakeawaysDespite changing guidance from health authorities, Howard University in Washington D.C. has maintained its mask mandate throughout the pandemic.The university credits the mandate, along with other health safety protocols, for keeping case positivity rates low at the school.Keeping COVID-19 policies consistent is key to keeping the school community safe and healthy, according to the provost at Howard University.In a year of changing rules and recommendations surrounding COVID-19, Howard University has prioritized consistency....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1397 words · Richard Watkins

Why Hyaluronic Acid Is Injected Into Arthritic Hips

Intraarticularhyaluronic acidinjections are one of the treatment options forknee osteoarthritis. What do we know about the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid for the hip? Have hyaluronic acid injections been studied for other joints or is it primarily used to treat knee osteoarthritis? Fertnig / Getty Images Hyaluronic Acid Injections Are FDA-Approved for Knee Osteoarthritis but Not for Hips Hyaluronic acid injections have been FDA approved for many years as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 860 words · Richard Haynes

Why Is AFib More Common in Younger Adults Now?

Key TakeawaysNew research suggests that AFib is becoming more common among younger adults.Younger adults with AFib have an increased risk of hospitalization, heart attacks, and death compared to their peers without the heart condition.Experts say early AFib diagnosis and treatment could lead to better outcomes. Key Takeaways New research suggests that AFib is becoming more common among younger adults.Younger adults with AFib have an increased risk of hospitalization, heart attacks, and death compared to their peers without the heart condition....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1663 words · Johnathan Lloyd

Why Is Cabbage Healthy?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutrients in CabbageCabbage BenefitsPreparationDoes Color Matter?Cabbage Odor Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Nutrients in Cabbage Cabbage Benefits Preparation Does Color Matter? Cabbage Odor Cabbage is acruciferousvegetable in theBrassicaceaefamily, along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, arugula, bok choy, and radishes, among others. Higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables have been associated with a reduced risk of some health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease,musculoskeletalconditions, andcancer....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2256 words · Leslie Dougherty

Why Is Everyone Talking About Intuitive Eating Lately?

Key TakeawaysIntuitive eating focuses on self-care and listening to your body and cravings.This eating practice includes 10 guidelines that encourage you to reject diet culture and trust your own instincts.Intuitive eating was introduced in a 1995 book and continues to be a popular alternative to restrictive diet trends. Key Takeaways Intuitive eating focuses on self-care and listening to your body and cravings.This eating practice includes 10 guidelines that encourage you to reject diet culture and trust your own instincts....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1302 words · Carol Lewis

Why Is Flexibility Important?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy It’s ImportantBenefitsHow to StretchFlexibility Exercises With Chronic Pain Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Why It’s Important Benefits How to Stretch Flexibility Exercises With Chronic Pain Flexibility is vital for maintaining your ability to perform daily tasks and move with ease. In addition to improving your range of motion, being flexible can decrease your risk of injury and falls. Flexibility exercises (stretches) are essential for all age groups and can easily be incorporated into your day....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1621 words · Nicole Pena