Long-term grief disorder is now a recognised mental health issue.
We all experience grief differently and on our own timelines when a loved one goes away. However, physicians now have a formal diagnosis for it when a high level of grieving persists for more than a year. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)—the manual used by physicians to make mental health diagnoses—included "prolonged grief disorder" in March 2022.
"Not just missing your loved one after a year counts as prolonged mourning. It hinders function and is incapacitating. " "It goes beyond accepted societal, cultural, and religious standards.
Prevalence and signs
Only people who are grieving the loss of a loved one are considered to have prolonged grief disorder. According to estimates, 7% to 10% of adult bereaved people have the disorder.
The symptoms are extremely specific. A person with extended grief still feels a strong longing or yearning for the person who died or is so consumed by thoughts and memories of the person who died that it gets in the way of their daily life after a year.
Also, for a person to be diagnosed with chronic grief, they must show at least three of the following signs:
Acute anger, bitterness, or sorrow relating to the loss; difficulties re-engaging with life; emotional numbness, especially regarding connection with others; a feeling that life is now worthless; intense loneliness as a result of the death. A feeling that a part of oneself has died.
Other illnesses like depression, PTSD, or drug use can't explain the symptoms better.
Continually grieving
The veil of grief can wrap us for a variety of reasons, keeping us lost in another reality. The risk elements are divided into two groups:
circumstances surrounding the death, such as trauma, suddenness, or violence; lack of planning; death of a child or younger person; or death in a hospital intensive care unit; circumstances surrounding the bereaved person, such as a history of mental disorders, such as depression or drug use; other losses in life; or a lack of social support.
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Chronic inflammation can do more harm than good, despite its important role in the body's defence and repair mechanisms. That probably leaves you wondering, "What can I do about it?"
In reality, you have a lot of options. The truth is, you might already be doing it. This is because many of the best strategies for reducing inflammation are also things you should already be doing.
The three main strategies for battling chronic inflammation are prevention, detection, and treatment.
There are 6 ways to stop unhealthful inflammation.:
Choose to eat a healthy diet. 
In reality, you have a lot of options. The truth is, you might already be doing it. This is because many of the best strategies for reducing inflammation are also things you should already be doing.
The three main strategies for battling chronic inflammation are prevention, detection, and treatment.
There are 6 ways to stop unhealthful inflammation.:
Because of this, eating more kale is not likely to significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. However, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and legumes (sometimes referred to as an anti-inflammatory diet) may reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effects of the diets themselves, there are health benefits to cutting out inflammatory foods like soda and processed foods.
Regular exercise.
Keep a healthy weight.
Regular exercise.
Exercise may help reduce some types of inflammation through immune system control. For instance, exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect on white blood cells and cytokines, which are chemical messengers.
Keep a healthy weight.
Avoiding excess weight is a key factor in preventing fat-related inflammation because extra fat in cells causes systemic inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of developing type 2 Regular exercise Exercise may help reduce some types of inflammation through immune system control. For instance, exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect on white blood cells and cytokines, which are chemical messengers.
We all know that exercise is good for us, for both our physical and mental wellbeing, but it can come with a painful side-effect: muscle soreness.
Fortunately, we don't have to hobble around in agony for days after a workout, as there are things we can do to reduce soreness and we will list these below.
Of course, if pain persists after trying one or some of the following ideas, be sure to see your doctor.
#1: Stay hydrated
You should stay hydrated during a workout to prevent dehydration and to keep your energy levels up, and you should hydrate after your workout too. The fluids that pass through your system ease inflammation and deliver nutrients to your muscles to aid with recovery, so remember to top yourself up with water at regular intervals.
#2: Have something to eat after your workout
When you feed your muscles the nutrients they need to repair and become stronger, you will quicken the recovery process. You need a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and fat to aid your recovery, so consider this when preparing your post-workout snacks.
For protein, consider:
Protein shakes
Eggs
Cottage cheese
Protein bars
Chicken
For carbs, consider:
Chocolate milk
Oatmeal
Whole grain bread
Rice cakes
Berries
For fat, consider:
Avocado
Nuts
Trail mix (dried fruits and nuts)
Full fat yoghurt
#3: Keep moving
You shouldn't exert your body when you're feeling sore, of course. However, it's still acceptable to do some light exercises, providing you aren't in a great deal of pain after your workout.
A slow walk or some light stretching can get the blood pumping through your body and this will get the nutrients needed for your recovery through your body that bit faster.
This year, back-to-school initiatives promote a secure return to full-time, in-person education in order to improve kids' academic and psychological well-being. Even though it may be tempting to keep summertime sleep patterns, it's important for kids to have a regular schedule where they sleep when it's dark and are awake when it's light. This is how our bodies work best. This is valid for home schooling families as well; no child should spend the entire morning in bed, even if the trip to school only requires a short walk to the kitchen table, allowing for more sleep than those who must take an early bus.
All of us need to sleep, but children especially need to sleep. Children who don't get enough good sleep are more likely to experience learning difficulties, behavioural issues, and health problems.
All of us need to sleep, but children especially need to sleep. Children who don't get enough good sleep are more likely to experience learning difficulties, behavioural issues, and health problems.
Here are a few easy steps you can take to ensure that your child gets the rest they require.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Have a schedule for
Our bodies function best when we go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day.
Eight to ten hours of sleep is required for teens and children. Count back 10 hours from the time your child is supposed to wake up in the morning. They should be getting ready for bed around that time (for younger children, count back 11 hours).
For instance, if your teen must get up at 7, they should be dressed and in bed by 9 p.m. (since most of us don't fall asleep as soon as our head strikes the pillow). By around age 8, a younger child should begin getting ready (showering, etc.).
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, ideally, provide health advantages regardless of where in the body they are used. There are pills and powders that can be taken by mouth and suppository capsules that are injected into the vagina that contain these microorganisms.
We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
We are led to assume by advertisements that vaginal probiotics, like douches, will somehow improve our health or make us feel "cleaner." Some ads say that these products help prevent or treat things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
Women screened early are less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
A new study shows that women who start testing for colorectal cancer at 45 are much less likely to get the disease than those who don't test or who start testing at 50. The study's results, which were published online by JAMA Oncology on May 5, 2022, back up new national guidelines that say colorectal screening should start at age 45 instead of 50. This is because the number of young adults with colorectal cancer has gone up by 50% over the past 50 years.
The study, directed by Harvard researchers, analyzed 111,801 women (average age: 36) from the Nurses' Health Study II who were followed from 1991 to 2017. Every two years, participants reported whether or not they had undergone a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, examinations that use a flexible tube and a camera to examine the colon and rectum. The tests allow doctors to find cancers early on and remove polyps that could turn into cancer.
The transition through menopause is indeed a time of confusion, and it can be challenging to keep up with all the ways your body is transforming. When you listen to your body, you should not disregard anything truly unusual. Specifically, you should inform your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.
Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.
Vaginal odour, itching, or burning. Irritants, such as perfumed pantyliners or new soap, can temporarily trigger these symptoms. But if they recur frequently or worsen, your doctor may want to check for a sexually transmitted or vaginal infection.
Menstrual changes. Even though irregular periods are common during perimenopause, your physician will want to know if your menstrual cycles occur more frequently than every 21 days. She will also investigate if your menstrual cycles have become noticeably heavier or longer.
Pelvic discomfort or pain. Menstrual cramps and occasional pelvic twitches are normal. However, if pain or discomfort, including bloating, worsens over time, you should speak up. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and (rarely) cancer are potential causes.
New bleeding. If you haven't had a period for at least a year, unexpected bleeding could indicate uterine cancer or another potentially serious condition. An ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary.
How well is your cardiometabolic health?
The two most common causes of death in the US are heart attack and stroke, both types of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors include a family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Excess weight raises the probability that several of these risk factors will emerge.
Do you have optimal cardiovascular health? And have you minimised your risk factors for getting cardiovascular disease in the future? Sadly, research indicates that few Americans can affirmatively respond to these questions.
What is cardiometabolic health?
Your cardiovascular system includes your heart, blood, and blood vessels. Cardiometabolic health is a term that refers to a combination of many of these risk factors. To estimate how many people in the US have optimal cardiometabolic health, researchers published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reviewed survey results from more than 55,000 adults in the US. Optimal measurements were defined as all five of the following:
Normal blood sugar (without taking medicine to lower blood sugar).
Ideal cholestotal level (without taking cholesterol-lowering drugs).
normal blood pressure (without taking drugs to decrease blood pressure)
There was no evidence of cardiovascular illness, such as a prior heart attack or stroke.
When should you see a gynaecologist? In some ways, the answer is simple, while in others it is more complicated. Experts recommend that women and people with female reproductive organs visit a gynaecologist as soon as they become sexually active or at least once before the age of 21.
Good gynaecological care, as this type of medical care is known, is essential for a variety of reasons. Depending on your needs and insurance coverage, you may receive gynaecological care from a gynaecologist, a primary care provider (PCP), such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner. Consider this post "Gynecare 101. In it, I will describe the fundamental reasons for a gynaecological care visit and how to choose between a gynaecologist and a primary care physician. I will also talk about what happens during a visit to a gynecologist, what will be talked about, and how to make the visit as comfortable as possible.
A Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer (this screening test examines cells on the cervix for abnormalities or precancerous changes);
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as burning when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating more frequently than usual, or having an intense urge to urinate, consult your doctor.vulva (outer portion of the vagina) rashes, bumps, or irritationSymptoms of perimenopause or menopause, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.
Should you visit a general practitioner or a gynaecologist?
Numerous primary care teams, particularly family medicine practitioners, are equipped to provide fundamental gynaecology care. They can do Pap smears and test for STIs, give you medicine or advice for UTIs, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections, and help you choose the best way to prevent pregnancy.
Nevertheless, a gynaecologist is the best person to address certain issues. For instance, you should consult a gynaecologist if you have a vaginal discharge.
Periods that are painful or irregular
Severe pelvic pain or pain during sexual activity.
Consult a gynaecologist about birth control if you want to use long-acting methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a birth control implant, or if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or lupus, that make certain birth control methods unsafe for you.
What occurs during a visit for gynaecological care?
As with any physician, a gynaecologist will inquire about your medical history. They will also inquire about your sexual history, including when you first had sex and whether you are sexually active, as well as your desire to have children.
When I see a new patient for a gynaecological exam, I perform a comprehensive examination that includes a breast exam, an abdominal exam, and a pelvic exam. The vulva and labia (lips) that form the outer genitalia, inner thigh, and buttocks are examined during a pelvic exam. I then use a speculum to examine the vaginal tissues. This examination may be slightly uncomfortable due to a feeling of pressure, but it should not be painful. Always inform your provider if you are experiencing pain during the examination.
If you have symptoms, you may be tested for vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, or urinary tract infections. Any vulvar skin issues may necessitate a small skin biopsy or lesion sample.
Good gynaecological care, as this type of medical care is known, is essential for a variety of reasons. Depending on your needs and insurance coverage, you may receive gynaecological care from a gynaecologist, a primary care provider (PCP), such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner. Consider this post "Gynecare 101. In it, I will describe the fundamental reasons for a gynaecological care visit and how to choose between a gynaecologist and a primary care physician. I will also talk about what happens during a visit to a gynecologist, what will be talked about, and how to make the visit as comfortable as possible.
Common types of gynaecological care
Visiting your health care team or a gynaecologist for gynaecological care is advisable for the following reasons: A Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer (this screening test examines cells on the cervix for abnormalities or precancerous changes);
a discussion of birth control options;
remedies for painful, heavy, or irregular periods;
and changes in vaginal discharge, which may indicate a vaginal infection (for example, a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis).
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as burning when you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, urinating more frequently than usual, or having an intense urge to urinate, consult your doctor.vulva (outer portion of the vagina) rashes, bumps, or irritationSymptoms of perimenopause or menopause, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness.
Should you visit a general practitioner or a gynaecologist?
Numerous primary care teams, particularly family medicine practitioners, are equipped to provide fundamental gynaecology care. They can do Pap smears and test for STIs, give you medicine or advice for UTIs, vaginal infections, and urinary tract infections, and help you choose the best way to prevent pregnancy.
Nevertheless, a gynaecologist is the best person to address certain issues. For instance, you should consult a gynaecologist if you have a vaginal discharge.
Periods that are painful or irregular
Severe pelvic pain or pain during sexual activity.
Recurrent vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Urinary tract infections that reoccur.
Sexual assault.
Consult a gynaecologist about birth control if you want to use long-acting methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a birth control implant, or if you have certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or lupus, that make certain birth control methods unsafe for you.
What occurs during a visit for gynaecological care?
As with any physician, a gynaecologist will inquire about your medical history. They will also inquire about your sexual history, including when you first had sex and whether you are sexually active, as well as your desire to have children.
When I see a new patient for a gynaecological exam, I perform a comprehensive examination that includes a breast exam, an abdominal exam, and a pelvic exam. The vulva and labia (lips) that form the outer genitalia, inner thigh, and buttocks are examined during a pelvic exam. I then use a speculum to examine the vaginal tissues. This examination may be slightly uncomfortable due to a feeling of pressure, but it should not be painful. Always inform your provider if you are experiencing pain during the examination.
If you have symptoms, you may be tested for vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, or urinary tract infections. Any vulvar skin issues may necessitate a small skin biopsy or lesion sample.
However, it turns out that there are many myths regarding obtaining and treating poison ivy. Two Harvard dermatologists give the facts below to help you avoid — or manage — poison ivy.
How can you be exposed to poison ivy? "When I was a child, my parents informed me that poison ivy could only be contracted by touching red, shiny leaves," says Dr. Abigail Waldman, a dermatologist at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. She emphasises that this is not true. Urushiol, the allergen-causing substance, is present throughout the year in all parts plant components, including the leaves, stems, bark, fruit, and roots.
Brushing up against any of the plant's parts or touching anything that has come into contact with the plant – your clothes, shoes, gardening tools, or your pet — can result in an allergic reaction. I don't recall being near any poison ivy, but it's likely that my dog got the oil on my hands and arms when removing her harness when we arrived home from a walk.
To avoid poison ivy, wash your hands as soon as possible.
If you've been exposed to urushiol, wash the affected area with soap and water (preferably dish soap) as soon as possible, ideally within an hour. "You should also wash anything that has been contaminated - not only your clothes, but also things you don't ordinarily wash, like your jacket and shoes,"
A rash may not appear right away.
You can develop symptoms – a red, itchy rash with blisters — four hours to four days after being exposed to urushiol. Why is there such a significant delay? Poison ivy rash is a type of allergic contact dermatitis. T cells, the immune cells that recognise and attack foreign molecules — in this case, skin proteins that react with urushiol — mediate it.
According to Dr. Jeff Yu, assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, "T cells take 24 to 96 hours to ramp up in the body, which is why this is also known as a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction." After your first poison ivy encounter, symptoms take longer to appear. "However, once your body has been exposed and reacted numerous times," he continues, "it tends to show up faster since your body'remembers' the rashes and has T cells ready to go."
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Everybody is feeling the need to have a metaphorical hug right now. It's hardly a surprise that the Danish concept of hygge is becoming more popular. Danish people have been using hygge, which is about embracing the little pleasures of life and cosines, to improve their overall happiness. But what do we have to remember about the concept of comfort? It's a good idea to know some of the benefits but also how to start practicing comfort in ways that are practical and beneficial for you.
The Benefits of Cosiness
There are a wide variety of comfort benefits in the world. From a health perspective, we are going to recover better from anything. When we feel stressed, this increases our levels of cortisol. The stress hormone is going to prolong any sense of illness because the stress is going to affect our nervous system and immune system. This is why the simple notions of comfort in our lives can do a lot for us. Whether it's ensuring that your chest and back remain supported by having deep plunge bras or wrapping yourself up in a blanket and having extra thick socks, comfort is going to reduce our stress response, which means that we're not going to feel those spikes of anxiety and depression.
Additionally, it helps you be more content. When we feel more content in our lives, we become more present, and we increase our notion of self-care, but it also ensures that we don't use ineffective coping strategies. A lot of people focus on watching too much television, spending more time on social media, or quelling stress with alcohol or drugs. When we feel more content, we start to realize that the strategies we have been using were not so affected.
How Do We Practice Comfort?
Comfort is about understanding that, like anything in life that is beneficial, it requires practice.
Create the Right Environment
The best place to begin is in the home. You need to start surrounding yourself with things that will relax you. You might not have the money to completely alter the look and feel of your home, but you can reduce stress in your life by decluttering. When we remove unnecessary clutter, we start to feel less stress pulling on us because there are fewer things to deal with. The simple act of tidying regularly will give you the ability to deal with stress more effectively because you're not experiencing that decision fatigue.
Priorities Self-Care
If you want to feel comfortable, you've got to understand that you are worth the effort. Many people feel that they are constantly giving to others, whether it's through social media or a lack of faith in themselves. It's about realizing that you can, and should, dedicate time to yourself and it is a gift to offer yourself comfort. It's something that we tend to lose touch with as we get older. As children, our parents tucked us in at night and as we became adults, we started to believe that we've got to be strong and attentive grown-ups. Having those opportunities to wrap yourself in a blanket is going to make you feel more in touch with yourself, comfortable, and therefore, cozy.
Slow Down
One of the hardest things to come to terms with is that we need to take it easy. Adrenal fatigue is a very real problem in the modern world that stems from doing too much too quickly. When we start to slow down, we become more present and exhibit more traits of mindfulness. We need to learn how to slow down, even if we have a busy life. It's about ensuring that we can compartmentalize where we need to start calming down and realising that there are aspects of our lives that don't require us to go a mile a minute. When you begin to take the pressure off yourself to go fast, you soon begin to understand that when you let things be and operate at the speed they were originally intended, you begin to do away with all of your preconceptions and fakery around what you're giving out to the world. This means that you may be more relaxed in who you are and can have significant carryover into other aspects of your life. For example, you may feel more attractive in yourself which comes from a sense of calm, sense of care, and a sense of self.
For many people, we are enduring an incredibly tough time. Now has never been a better opportunity to practice comfort.
Can technology enhance the mental health of elderly adults?
Observing older individuals struggle with memory issues, low mood, anxiety, or a lack of ambition, especially during periods of physical separation, can be heartbreaking. You may be looking for alternatives to mental health consultations because you have to wait so long.
Reaching out to family members or religious leaders may be beneficial when discussing stressors. Alternatively, self-help books may empower older people who choose to keep their struggles private with new skills and perspectives. But with the rise of mental health mobile apps, telepsychiatry services, social media, and wearable technologies, what role does technology play in treatment?
Technology can improve the mental health and medication management of older adults.
Combating age-based stereotypes
Upon observing a loved one struggle with their computer, you may question whether technology-based therapy should be pursued in the first place. Despite the fact that older people may be reluctant to use new technology because of stereotype threat (the fear of confirming negative preconceptions), a little assistance from loved ones can alleviate technology discomfort. The usage of technology among older people has increased significantly over the past decade, bringing with it potential benefits for mental health, everyday functioning, and quality of life.
Moving to the virtual realm
A few years into the pandemic, a rising number of elderly people are seeing their doctors virtually. How effective is this for mental health? Several studies have thankfully demonstrated that virtual therapy is comparable to in-person treatment.
What about mobile applications that remove the human element? In this case, the findings indicate that mobile apps can be complementary but are insufficient as sole therapies for mental illnesses.
Privacy
When browsing online treatments, you should confirm that the platform is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant, which means that your information is legally secured. Zoom and BlueJeans comply with HIPAA, although FaceTime and Skype do not. When using mobile apps for mental health, read the privacy policies. Red flags include disclosing or selling your information to a third party and using it for advertising purposes.
Which apps might elderly people benefit from the most?
Due to the rapid evolution of the market, it can be difficult to navigate the explosion of mental health apps for online treatment. Starting points for teletherapy services are Teladoc, K Health, and Doctor on Demand.
Wellness apps developed by the federal government (including Mindfulness Coach, COVID Coach, and CBT-i Coach) can assist in teaching skills, regulating sleep, and tracking symptoms to augment treatment of common mental diseases. For a reason, Medisafe is the most popular app for medication reminders: it provides superior privacy protection (and with the premium subscription, you can receive medication reminders in celebrity voices).
The Internet is filled with cancer-causing substance warnings. Shady websites and sensational social media posts warn against antiperspirants, scented candles, and bras. Avoid disposable chopsticks, microwaves, radon gas, and other hazards. There are so many frightening or misleading claims that it is difficult to know which ones to take seriously. According to Timothy Rebbeck, a cancer researcher and the Vincent L. Gregory, Jr., Professor of Cancer Prevention at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, "many people have unnecessary fears about things that might cause cancer, or they're overly cautious about things that aren't supported by science."
Rebbeck and his coworkers have developed a free tool to cut through the confusion.
Experts from the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Center for Cancer Equity and Engagement at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center collaborated to develop the Cancer FactFinder. It provides reliable information regarding the veracity of certain cancer claims. "It's a place to go when you hear something and don't know how to interpret it," says Rebbeck.
for cancer claims. Enter a specific term (such as "scented candles") or simply scroll through the entire list of claims the team has investigated. "Currently, we have roughly 70. We will continue to add and update them over time, "Rebbeck says." Learn how claims are checked for accuracy. The Cancer FactFinder team relies on the expert opinion of eminent scientists and health organisations, in addition to scientific evidence from human studies. Animal experiments are not considered. "It is possible to induce cancer in laboratory animals by feeding them or rubbing them with a particular compound." That does not mean it causes human cancer, "Rebbeck asserts.
Discover the members of the Cancer FactFinder team. In addition to Rebbeck and his colleagues, there are a variety of scientific specialists and community advocates from groups such as the
BayState Health
The Boston Cancer Support
Boston University
Men of Color: Health Awareness
Silent Spring Institute
Yale University
Rebbeck and his coworkers have developed a free tool to cut through the confusion.
How does the Cancer FactFinder work?
Experts from the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Center for Cancer Equity and Engagement at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center collaborated to develop the Cancer FactFinder. It provides reliable information regarding the veracity of certain cancer claims. "It's a place to go when you hear something and don't know how to interpret it," says Rebbeck.
When you access Cancer FactFinder, you can search
for cancer claims. Enter a specific term (such as "scented candles") or simply scroll through the entire list of claims the team has investigated. "Currently, we have roughly 70. We will continue to add and update them over time, "Rebbeck says." Learn how claims are checked for accuracy. The Cancer FactFinder team relies on the expert opinion of eminent scientists and health organisations, in addition to scientific evidence from human studies. Animal experiments are not considered. "It is possible to induce cancer in laboratory animals by feeding them or rubbing them with a particular compound." That does not mean it causes human cancer, "Rebbeck asserts.
Discover the members of the Cancer FactFinder team. In addition to Rebbeck and his colleagues, there are a variety of scientific specialists and community advocates from groups such as the
BayState Health
The Boston Cancer Support
Boston University
Men of Color: Health Awareness
Silent Spring Institute
Yale University
When osteoarthritis affects the joint between the thumb and wrist, occupational therapy reduces pain and improves function.
Some joints appear to receive all the attention when it comes to arthritis. We talk a lot about our knees and hips. Walking depends on the health of our knees and hips, and a third or more of persons over 65 develop osteoarthritis in these joints, leading to more than a million joint replacements yearly in the US.
The first carpometacarpal joint, which joins your thumb to your wrist, is another matter. That's surprisingly significant, although the majority of individuals are unable to identify it and only become aware of it if it develops arthritis. Fortunately, a new study found that this type of arthritis can be successfully treated with a standard approach that doesn't call for any medication.
The amazing opposable thumb
It helps us to move our thumb through a variety of movements and is more commonly referred to as the first CMC joint. You can appreciate the first CMC joint for the variety of applications that opposable thumbs have! We can hold objects, open jars, turn doorknobs, write, clench our fists, turn a key, and carry out many other daily tasks thanks to our opposable thumbs.
Because of this, the first CMC joint may be the body's most underappreciated joint.
How would you recognize first-CMC arthritis?
Typical signs include
Pain at the point where your thumb and wrist meet
When using keys, writing, or opening jars, the pain becomes worse.
poor functional ability, including grip weakness
a bony outgrowth over the joint, frequently caused by additional bone development
if the arthritis is severe, pain while at rest or while sleeping.
An x-ray can confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the first CMC, which your doctor may assume based on your symptoms and physical examination.
What treatments are effective?
There are few alternatives for treating osteoarthritis of any joint, including the first CMC. They also don't always function well. Only the following measures are strongly advised in the most recent US guidelines for treating hand or thumb osteoarthritis:
using a splint or brace (called an orthosis)
exercises made specifically for this joint
educational programs to help people control annoying symptoms
medications that reduce inflammation, including ibuprofen.
Occupational therapy incorporates a type of physical therapy that focuses on hand and wrist functions necessary for everyday tasks like showering and getting dressed, It is frequently used to provide a brace, exercise, and instruction. However, a thorough evaluation of occupational therapy's effects has not yet been conducted.
A recent study supports the value of occupational therapy.
180 participants with first-CMC osteoarthritis were included in the study. They were 80% women and had an average age of 63.
Randomly, half of the people with osteoarthritis were given occupational therapy, which included education, exercises, braces, and other aids, while the other half only got information about the disease.
The findings demonstrate that a three-month course of occupational therapy significantly alleviated pain at rest and after activity, and enhanced grip strength and function.
This is one of the strongest studies evaluating occupational treatment for this disorder. Nonetheless, it had some restrictions. Participants knew whether they had occupational therapy or not, thus their anticipation, as well as the placebo effect, may have influenced the results. The duration of the trial was only three months, therefore the long-term effects were not evaluated.
The duration of the trial was only three months, therefore the long-term effects were not evaluated.
Despite the prevalence of this type of osteoarthritis and the difficulty it creates, numerous concerns remain. It would be advantageous to know:
Why does osteoarthritis occur initially in the joints of the hand, how can the progression of osteoarthritis be delayed, stopped, or reversed?
Duration of the benefits of occupational therapy for persons with osteoarthritis of the first CMC.
If symptoms resolve after an initial course of occupational therapy but return later, would further treatments be equally effective?
Is there a gender variation in the effectiveness of occupational therapy of this type?
Would it perform equally well for moderate and severe arthritis?
What are the most essential aspects of occupational therapy, and are they generally available? For instance, is bracing more necessary than exercising, and are there superior braces or exercises? Are skilled occupational therapists readily available for the majority of those affected by this condition?
The conclusion
There is a significant chance that, if you live long enough, you will develop osteoarthritis in the joints which enables the opposable thumb to function smoothly. Hopefully, improved therapies will be available before this occurs. Although occupational therapy is reassuring, the golden grail for anyone who may develop osteoarthritis is a treatment that may avoid it, halt it from worsening, or even reverse its damage. Researchers are fortunately working diligently to identify such medicines.
Many parents are alarmed by recent polio news reports. Here are some things to be aware of and take action on.
It's understandable if you know little to nothing about polio. Since 1979, there have been no wild cases of polio in the US. This is because people get vaccinated.
Sadly, this does not imply that polio is absent in the US. Either the "vaccine-derived" virus or the wild poliovirus can be brought into the country by travellers. Recently, there have been reports of instances of polio, primarily vaccine-derived cases, coming from neighbouring nations, although wastewater data indicates that the poliovirus is spreading in some regions. Parents should be aware of the following:
The polio vaccine aids in the body's production of the antibodies required to fight polio. Many nations utilise an inactivated form of the poliovirus in the oral polio vaccination. The sole vaccine used in the US since 2000 is an inactivated shot that is based on a virus that has been killed.
The oral polio vaccine is where the virus used in vaccines is obtained from. Although the oral vaccine is safe and effective in most cases, those with compromised immune systems may get sick from the weak virus. When there are many people who are unvaccinated, illness may spread.
Herd immunity to polio is built via widespread immunization. The infrequent traveller carrying wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus doesn't pose a threat if enough individuals are vaccinated. Herd immunity is a word used to describe how vaccination protects people: if enough people are protected by vaccination, it makes it difficult for the illness to spread, protecting others who aren't.
Sadly, this does not imply that polio is absent in the US. Either the "vaccine-derived" virus or the wild poliovirus can be brought into the country by travellers. Recently, there have been reports of instances of polio, primarily vaccine-derived cases, coming from neighbouring nations, although wastewater data indicates that the poliovirus is spreading in some regions. Parents should be aware of the following:
What is vaccine-derived poliovirus?
The polio vaccine aids in the body's production of the antibodies required to fight polio. Many nations utilise an inactivated form of the poliovirus in the oral polio vaccination. The sole vaccine used in the US since 2000 is an inactivated shot that is based on a virus that has been killed.
The oral polio vaccine is where the virus used in vaccines is obtained from. Although the oral vaccine is safe and effective in most cases, those with compromised immune systems may get sick from the weak virus. When there are many people who are unvaccinated, illness may spread.
Herd immunity to polio is built via widespread immunization. The infrequent traveller carrying wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus doesn't pose a threat if enough individuals are vaccinated. Herd immunity is a word used to describe how vaccination protects people: if enough people are protected by vaccination, it makes it difficult for the illness to spread, protecting others who aren't.
How safe are outpatient ketamine clinics? Ketamine is approved for the treatment of difficult-to-treat depression.
An uncommon class of psychedelic drug known as a dissociative, ketamine, is experiencing a resurgence in use. Ketamine, sometimes known as "special K," is a common anaesthetic used in hospitals and veterinary clinics that was originally developed from PCP, also known as "angel dust."
Both ketamine's medical and recreational uses are supported by its effects, which include pain control, amnesia, intoxication, dissociation, and euphoria. Due to its clearance for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which is severe depression that has not improved with other therapy and includes people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it has recently become more extensively used.
Evidence of ketamine's benefits
Esketamine (Spravato), a prescription form of ketamine that is administered through a nasal spray, was approved by the FDA in 2019 for TRD. However, the rules state that it can only be used "under the supervision of a health care professional in a qualified doctor's office or clinic." Therefore, medical personnel must watch you using it and then follow you after you've taken your dose to monitor your vital signs and your overall clinical progress.
In research when ketamine was compared to a placebo, depression scores decreased subjectively and statistically significantly, and the efficacy of ketamine for TRD was first shown for short-term treatment. (In both trial groups, patients continued taking their normal antidepressants out of anxiety that TRD wouldn't be treated in the placebo arm.) In a study where ketamine (together with the standard antidepressant) helped patients stay in stable remission 16 weeks into treatment, it was discovered that nasal ketamine has longer-term efficacy.
With ketamine, TRD relief happens quickly. People who are struggling with the crushing weight of depression can start to feel the effects of ketamine in about 40 minutes, whereas they may have to wait weeks for an SSRI to help.
Is ketamine the best course of treatment for you?
Your primary care physician, your mental health professional, and any other healthcare providers who are involved in your treatment should be involved in this conversation. Keep in mind that ketamine is not a first-line treatment for depression and is typically only used when other, more established treatments have failed. It is not regarded as curative; rather, it is thought to alleviate symptoms for a limited time. By looking at the bad effects, it is easier to figure out who shouldn't get ketamine treatment.
Should you seek therapy at a ketamine clinic?
Ketamine outpatient clinics run independently are springing up everywhere. These clinics are thought to number in the hundreds to thousands at present, practically all of which were started when ketamine was authorised for TRD in 2019. These clinics are typically for-profit businesses with a staff that includes a nurse, a social worker, a psychiatrist or anesthesiologist (who can administer the infusion), and (of course) the entrepreneurs who make it all run.
How safe are ketamine clinics?
These ketamine clinics present a number of concerns, such as what to look for in a reliable ketamine facility. We don't currently have any conclusive responses to that query. One wonders whether ketamine infusions, which can result in a deep dissociation from reality, would be better managed in a hospital setting where there are guidelines for safety in case something goes wrong. The level of communication, if any, between the ketamine clinic staff and your healthcare providers was unclear (in part because I didn't actually follow through with the therapy), and normally the treatments you receive wouldn't be recorded in your primary electronic medical record.
Common Causes of Hair Loss and How to Stop It.
Both men and women throughout the UK and across the world can develop hair loss. There are a number of factors that can cause hair loss, such as ageing and genetics. What is causing your hair loss can determine whether your hair falls out abruptly or gradually, or can regrow on its own. In some instances, treatment may be needed to regrow hair.
Here are some of the common causes of hair loss, as well as methods that can help in treating it.
Hereditary Hair Loss
Both men and women of all ages can develop this kind of hair loss. Hereditary hair loss is the most common type across the world. It’s known as male pattern hair loss for men and female pattern hair loss for women. Regardless of the type, the medical term is known as androgenic alopecia. This type of hair loss means you have inherited genes that cause hair follicles to shrink and stop growing hair eventually. Shrinking can start in your teens but normally begins later in life. Treatment can help to stop or slow down hair loss. There’s also the possibility that hair can regrow. However, this depends on when you start treatment.
Age
The aging process is inevitable and happens to us all. What comes with ageing is hair loss. Most people notice some hair loss. This is because hair growth slows down. There will come a point where hair follicles stop growing hair. This causes the hair on the scalp to start thinning. Hair will also begin to lose its colour. A woman’s hairline starts to recede naturally over the years. If caught early, treatment can help regrow hair in some individuals.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a disease that begins when the body’s immune system starts attacking hair follicles. This results in hair loss. One can lose hair anywhere on the body, including the nose, scalp, and ears. Some people lose their eyebrows and eyelashes too. If you opt for treatment, this may help in stimulating hair regrowth. You can find out more about alopecia areata, including what causes it, treatment options, and how common the disease is.
Childbirth
A couple of months after giving birth, you may start noticing a lot more hairs on your pillow or brush. Try not to panic. This is common and happens to many women. Postpartum hair loss isn’t anything to worry about. In most cases, postpartum hair loss is temporary. To deal with postpartum hair loss and speed up the process, there are certain things that can help. These include getting the right nutrients in your diet, going easy on your hair, and choosing the right accessories. If you have any concerns, make sure to speak to your GP.
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