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Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNaCl in the BodyMedical UsesTypes of Sodium ChlorideWhen You Need MoreWhen You Need Less Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents NaCl in the Body Medical Uses Types of Sodium Chloride When You Need More When You Need Less Sodium chloride (NaCl)is a key compound also known as salt. It consists of sodium and chloride atoms. When dissolved in body fluids or water, these minerals have an electric charge, becoming sodium ions and chloride ions....

Key TakeawaysPatients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 may have changes in the level of sodium in their blood.According to a new study, hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high sodium levels have a three-fold increase of dying. Low sodium levels were associated with an increased need for a respiratory ventilator.The authors of the study suggest that healthcare professionals use sodium levels to assess a patient’s mortality risk. Key Takeaways Patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 may have changes in the level of sodium in their blood....

If you’ve been diagnosed withobstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may be interested in learning aboutsurgical optionsto treat the condition. A number of surgeries can change the anatomy of the soft palate and improve sleep apnea and snoring, the most common beinguvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). But what other treatment options are available? Learn about the various procedures—collectively known as pharyngoplasty—and the risks related to these palate procedures. nicolesy / Getty Images Soft Palate Procedures Palate surgery includes a group of procedures that are typically performed under general anesthesia in the operating room....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLung Nodules DefinedCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Lung Nodules Defined Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Benign SPNs can develop due to many causes, including infections, cysts, and autoimmune diseases. If an SPN is malignant (cancerous), it may be cancer that began in your lungs, or cancer that originated in another area and metastasized to your lung. A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a round or oval area in the lung that’s smaller than 3 cm (1....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Solu-Medrol?How It’s GivenBefore an InfusionDuring an InfusionAfter TreatmentSide EffectsInteractions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Solu-Medrol? How It’s Given Before an Infusion During an Infusion After Treatment Side Effects Interactions Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a powerfulcorticosteroiddrug given intravenously (into a vein) to treat severe flare-ups ofmultiple sclerosis (MS). Solu-Medrol can quickly reduceinflammationin thecentral nervous systemand the porousness of theblood-brain barrierin people with MS....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Soluble Fiber Lowers CholesterolFruitsVegetables and MushroomsNuts and SeedsWhole GrainsLegumesFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents How Soluble Fiber Lowers Cholesterol Fruits Vegetables and Mushrooms Nuts and Seeds Whole Grains Legumes Frequently Asked Questions Soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol levels, primarily yourlow density lipoprotein(LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. It also may offer benefits in controlling blood glucose (sugar) levels for those living withdiabetes, managing digestive disorders, and limiting risk of some cancer types....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDifferencesBenefitsSourcesThe Better FiberRecommended IntakeFAQ Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Differences Benefits Sources The Better Fiber Recommended Intake FAQ Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber are the two types of fiber. Both are important for health benefits, but each performs a different role within your body. Soluble fiber helps you slow downdigestionand control cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and helps you keep your bowel movements regular....

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)is a treatment that keeps the air pressure in your airways steady. It prevents your upper airway from collapsing and makes it easier to breathe while you sleep. CPAP is a common treatment forobstructive sleep apneaandacute heart failure.CPAP devices are reliable and effective. Even so, some users have problems with the device that can complicate treatment. This article takes a look at 10 solutions that can help overcome these challenges and improve your CPAP experience....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrinciples and UsesSomatic StretchesRemindersFinding a Practitioner Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Principles and Uses Somatic Stretches Reminders Finding a Practitioner Somatic Stretching Principles and Uses Somatic stretching emerged in the 1970s from U.S. philosopher Thomas Hann.Principles include the following: Interoception or Internal Body Awareness Interoception brings awareness to internal body cues and what they’re signaling. It’s a first step to noticing the ongoing effects of pain and associated emotional states like stress, as well providing an opportunity to calm the nervous system or release emotional pain....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Types Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Frequently Asked Questions Somatoform disorders—now known as somatic symptom and related disorders—aremental health conditionsthat involve extreme health-related anxiety and a preoccupation with persistent somatic (physical) symptoms.These symptoms cause a person a disproportionate amount of distress and impair their daily functioning. Mental and physical health are interdependent and interconnected. The mind-body connection likely plays a role in the development of certain somatoform disorders, which can be related to stress,depression, and/or trauma in addition to debilitating physical symptoms....

Key TakeawaysMany big cities are lifting their vaccine requirements for indoor places, like Boston and New York City.Mandates are a patchwork of different policies across states and cities.Everyone is encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to increase their protection against the disease. Key Takeaways Many big cities are lifting their vaccine requirements for indoor places, like Boston and New York City.Mandates are a patchwork of different policies across states and cities....

Key TakeawaysA growing number of colleges across the country now require COVID-19 boosters for students and staff.The booster requirement coincides with the rise of the highly infectious Omicron variant.Some schools are having difficulty enforcing vaccination mandates due to legal issues. Key Takeaways A growing number of colleges across the country now require COVID-19 boosters for students and staff.The booster requirement coincides with the rise of the highly infectious Omicron variant.Some schools are having difficulty enforcing vaccination mandates due to legal issues....

Key TakeawaysReports show that long COVID may be linked with an autonomic disorder called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).Experts speculate that COVID-19 antibodies may be targeting the autonomic nervous system, which can cause POTS after an infection.Studies examining long COVID may hopefully help researchers further understand POTS. Key Takeaways Reports show that long COVID may be linked with an autonomic disorder called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).Experts speculate that COVID-19 antibodies may be targeting the autonomic nervous system, which can cause POTS after an infection....