MNT daily newsletter - December 23, 2020

Welcome, here are Medical News Today's headlines for December 23, 2020.

We will be pausing our newsletters after this week, but we will be back in 2021. We hope you have a safe and restful holiday.   Alzheimer's / Dementia Better heart health in midlife may lower dementia risk New research finds a correlation between higher cardiovascular health scores in midlife and a reduced risk of developing dementia later in life. Read on   Anxiety / Stress How to recognize an anxiety attack Learn about the symptoms of anxiety, including when they might occur, what causes them, and what you can be do about them. Find out also how an anxiety attack differs from a panic attack and how to recognize panic disorder. Get some lifestyle tips on how to deal with anxiety, and find out when to see a doctor. Read on What can cause anxiety before a period? Experiencing anxiety before a period is a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Read on to learn about why it happens and how to treat it. Read on   Asthma Diet tips for asthma Although there is no specific diet recommended for people with asthma, several foods may reduce asthma symptoms, while others could worsen them. Learn more. Read on   Blood / Hematology What is a complete blood count? A complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Learn more about a CBC and what the results mean here. Read on   Bones / Orthopedics What to know about creams for arthritis Arthritis affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation. We look at how arthritis creams can provide pain relief, safety, and potential side effects. Read on What to know about a bulging disk in the back Bulging disk occur when the soft cushioning between the bones in the spine bulge out. We look at the causes and treatments for bulging disk. Read on What to know about a sprained wrist A sprained wrist occurs when a person partially injures a ligament in their wrist. Ligaments are the connective tissues that connect bones. Learn more here. Read on 11 exercises for neck pain Neck exercises may help relieve muscle tension and neck pain. In this article, we discuss exercises that may reduce discomfort and increase neck mobility. Read on   Cancer / Oncology Cancer: How does it kill? Cancer kills by growing into key organs, nerves, or blood vessels and interfering with and impairing their function. Learn more about it here. Read on What is the outlook for stage 4 cancer? Stage 4 cancer is the severest form of cancer. It has the highest risk of mortality. However, stage 4 cancer is not always terminal. Read on   Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine What to know about mugwort Mugwort is a plant that may have several benefits for health, such as the reduction of arthritis, digestive complaints, and menstrual symptoms. Learn more here. Read on The 10 best pressure points for ears When activated properly, these 10 ear pressure points may help relieve pain and tension around the body, including symptoms of tinnitus, headache, and earache. Read on   Constipation What is anal fissure and what causes it? An anal fissure is a tear or cut that extends into the anal canal. While many fissures measure less than 1 centimeter, the area is sensitive, and any tear can be painful. About 10 percent of people are affected, often without knowing the cause. Learn more about anal fissures, including prevention and treatment, here. Read on   Dentistry What to know about gum infections A gum infection is an oral infection that causes damage and inflammation in the gums and jaw. Learn about the causes, treatments, and more here. Read on What to do about a painless hole in a tooth If a person discovers a hole in a tooth, it is crucial to see a dentist right away — before the cavity grows and becomes painful. Learn more here. Read on   Depression Male bosses regard employee depression more negatively A recent study has found that male managers are more likely than their female counterparts to have negative views of employees with depression. Read on   Dermatology What are the treatments and home remedies for stretch marks? When a person's body expands rapidly, such as when they are pregnant or bodybuilding, they can develop stretch marks on their skin. Stretch marks can affect men and women at nearly all ages and can cause distress. There is no cure for stretch marks, but treatments can help and may be improving. Read about them here. Read on Do eyelashes grow back? What you need to know Losing a few eyelashes from time to time is normal. However, sometimes a person loses many or all of their eyelashes, perhaps as a result of a burn, a medical therapy, or a health condition. In this article, learn how quickly the eyelashes grow back, as well as treatments and home remedies to help the process. Read on Should you wash your hair everyday? People who want to take good care of their hair often think that washing it every day is the way to keep it clean and vibrant. However, for some people, frequent washing can damage hair and cause a dry, itchy scalp. How often should you wash your hair with shampoo? This article looks at the options and alternatives. Read on What to know about split nails A split nail can occur for many reasons, including trauma or injury to the area. Home remedies involve holding the nail in place until the split grows out. Learn more here. Read on What can cause a person's lip to become swollen on one side? A swollen lip on one side can occur due to a variety of reasons. Learn more about when to see a doctor, the causes, and their treatment options here. Read on What causes lichen nitidus? Lichen nitidus is a rare skin condition that causes small, shiny bumps to appear on the skin. We examine the causes of lichen nitidus and possible treatments. Read on Ingrown hair on scrotum: Causes, treatments, similar conditions, and when to seek help Ingrown hairs often occur due to friction and shaving, and can be itchy, painful, and uncomfortable. People can often treat ingrown hairs by themselves at home. Read on What to know about skin abscesses A skin abscess or boil is a bump on or below the skin's surface and usually contains pus or clear fluid. This article discusses causes, treatments, and more. Read on What to know about red stretch marks Red stretch marks are common. They can occur when the skin stretches due to the rapid increase in size of underlying structures. Learn more here. Read on How to get rid of cherry angiomas Cherry angiomas are red spots on the skin. They are very common and not at all harmful. This article lists some ways to remove a cherry angioma. Read on What to know about beard burn Beard burn is a specific type of irritant contact dermatitis. It mostly appears as an inflamed, dry, itchy patch of skin. Learn more about it here. Read on What does vaginal itching with no discharge mean? Vaginal itching with no unusual discharge is not normally a cause for concern. However, persistent itching may indicate something more serious. Learn more here. Read on What causes redness around the eyes? Redness around the eyes may result from aging or a health issue such as an infection or allergen. Here, learn about these issues and when to contact a doctor. Read on   Diabetes Which are the best bedtime snacks for diabetes? Having a snack before bed can help some people manage their blood sugar levels overnight, offsetting the dawn phenomenon and the Somogyi effect. In this article, we look at how blood glucose changes overnight and the best snacks to balance blood sugar before bed. Read on Diabetes: The differences between types 1 and 2 Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both relate to the body's use of insulin, but they have different causes and treatment. Find out here about the differences and similarities, including the symptoms, treatment options, blood tests, and how to manage them. Read on   Dry Eye What causes dry eyelids? Dry skin on the eyelids can occur for many reasons, including aging or dermatitis. We look at the potential causes and treatments for dry eyelids. Read on   Endocrinology What is adrenal insufficiency? Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of certain hormones, including cortisol. This article looks at its types, causes, symptoms, and treatments. Read on   Ear, Nose, and Throat What to know about gargling with salt water Salt water gargles are a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes. Gargling with salt water can help clean the mouth and ease symptoms of sore throats, mouth sores, allergies, and dental procedures. Learn more about salt water gargles here. Read on What you should know about throat ulcers A look at throat ulcers, a condition that makes it hard to swallow and causes other problems. Included is detail on diagnosis and home remedies. Read on What causes tonsil stones and how to prevent them Tonsil stones are hard stones that form in the tonsils. They do not always produce symptoms, but some people may experience bad breath, a sore throat, and other issues. Read on What to know about honey for a sore throat Does honey work for a sore throat? Read on to learn more about the benefits of honey, whether or not it works for a sore throat, and some other remedies to try. Read on   Eye Health / Blindness What to know about eye floaters Eye floaters are specks in a person's vision. They are normal and not necessarily harmful. It is not always possible to prevent them, and they may not require treatment. Learn more about eye floaters here. Read on What causes tunnel vision, and what are the treatments? Tunnel vision, or peripheral vision loss, can occur for a variety of reasons. Learn more about the causes and treatment options here. Read on   Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness Is ginger effective for weight loss? Some evidence suggests ginger may help with weight loss. Ginger is generally safe to use, and people can include it in drinks and recipes or take it as a supplement. Read on How many calories does biking burn? Regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do for their health. This may include a variety of different exercises, and biking is one great option. Read on   GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology What's to know about chronic pancreatitis? The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen. It produces enzymes and hormones that aid digestion, and it makes insulin to moderate levels of blood sugar. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease that leads to a breakdown of the organ's structure and function. Here, learn about warning signs, complications, and more. Read on What are the best foods to eat with a stomach ulcer? There is growing evidence to suggest that eating certain foods can help get rid of stomach ulcers or, at least, reduce their symptoms. Learn more here. Read on   Acid Reflux / GERD What to eat and avoid if you have GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive condition in which the stomach's contents often come back up into the food pipe. Dietary changes can help to ease symptoms. For example, high-fat and salty foods can make GERD worse, while eggs and some fruits can improve it. Learn which foods are beneficial here. Read on   Headache / Migraine Can allergies cause headaches? A headache is not a typical allergy symptom, and what seems to be a sinus headache may instead stem from migraine. Learn more here. Read on Can daith piercings help with a migraine? No single migraine treatment works for everyone, but many people find relief from alternative methods, such as acupuncture. Some people report that a piercing in the innermost fold of the ear, called a daith piercing, can simulate the effects of acupuncture. Learn about risks, results, and effective remedies here. Read on Can tragus piercings help with migraine? Tragus and daith piercings are emerging as possible alternative remedies for migraine pain. We describe the research and why these piercings could help. Read on Migraine headaches and diarrhea: What is the link? Some people experience migraine headaches with accompanying diarrhea. Read on to discover the potential link between these two symptoms, and how to treat them. Read on Everything you need to know about migraine Migraine involves a moderate-to-severe headache and other symptoms. Here, find out how to recognize migraine and what to do about it. Read on   Health Insurance / Medical Insurance MVP Medicare Advantage plans: What to know mvp medicare advantage Read on   Heart Disease What is unstable angina, and what are its symptoms? Unstable angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when a person is resting. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options here. Read on   Immune System / Vaccines How often should you get a pneumonia shot? Pneumonia vaccines do not reduce pneumonia, but they help prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. A person's age and health will determine how often they get the vaccine. Read on What causes swollen lymph nodes in the armpit? Swollen lymph nodes can occur during an infection. See what swollen lymph nodes in the armpit look like and learn about the possible causes of this symptom. Read on   Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Can adults get hand, foot, and mouth disease? Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness most common in infants and young children. However, adults can also develop the illness. Read on What can cause a rash and swollen lymph nodes? Rashes and swollen lymph nodes can occur for a variety of reasons. Learn more about the potential causes and their treatment options here. Read on   Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP What to know about the Indian Health Service and Medicare The Indian Health Service offer a healthcare program for American Indian and Alaska Native people. The program works well with Medicare. Learn more here. Read on Original Medicare: Parts, coverage, and exclusions Original Medicare is a federally funded Medicare program in the United States. It includes hospital, medical, and drug prescription coverage. Read on Does Medicare cover penile implants? Medicare sometimes covers penile implants. It may also cover other treatments, although there are some exclusions. Learn more here. Read on What to know about SilverSneakers Silver Sneakers is a fitness program for older adults. Many Medicare plans include the program as a benefit, although it still has some associated costs. Learn more here. Read on What is Medicare Part A? Medicare Part A provides hospitalization insurance covering inpatient services. Costs includerndeductibles and coinsurance and may include a monthly premium.rn Read on Enbrel and Medicare: Coverage, eligibility, and more Enbrel is a specialty medication for certain autoimmune diseases. People may get coverage through Medicare plans, including Part C and Part D. Read on What to know about Aetna and Medicare hearing coverage Aetna Medicare Advantage plans generally include annual hearing exams and hearing aid fitting. They may also help with hearing aid purchases. Learn more here. Read on What to know about Humana Medicare Advantage vision coverage Humana plans are Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Most Humana plans include basic vision care, with optional additional coverage. Learn more here. Read on What to know about Aetna Medicare vision coverage Aetna Medicare Advantage plans offer the same basic coverage as original Medicare (Part A and Part B), plus some added benefits, including vision care. Read on What to know about Medicare enrollment Medicare offers various enrollment periods during which a person can apply for original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D policies. Learn more. Read on Does Medicare cover Opdivo? Medicare Part B covers 80% of the costs when a doctor administers Opdivo as an outpatient treatment. rnMedicare Part D does not offer coverage. Learn more here. Read on   Mental Health What are psychologists, and what do they do? Psychologists study the mind and behavior to support people with mental health conditions. This article provides an overview of what they do and how they can help. Read on   Neurology / Neuroscience What does loneliness look like in the brain? The brain scans of people experiencing loneliness suggest that conjuring up images of social interactions and human connection may help.rn Read on What to know about Rett syndrome (RTT) Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetic condition that results in mental and physical disabilities. It almost entirely affects females. Learn more about RTT here. Read on 10 causes of hand weakness Hand weakness can occur due to many different health conditions. Learn more about possible causes and their treatment options here. Read on What to know about cysts in the brain There are six main types of brain cysts: arachnoid, pineal, colloid, dermoid, epidermoid, and neoplastic. Learn more about them here. Read on   Nutrition / Diet Vegetarian and vegan sources of B-12 Vegetarians and vegans must take particular care to consume enough vitamin B-12, as it is mainly found in meat, eggs, and dairy. Learn what foods to eat. Read on What can you eat on a low-carb diet? Lots of people try to lose weight by reducing their intake of carbohydrates. To ensure the diet is a success, it is essential to understand what carbs you can and cannot eat. Find out what to eat, what to avoid, and how to incorporate exercise. This article outlines some of the essential low-carb diet tips here. Read on What to know about BistroMD BistroMD provide fully cooked meals through a meal delivery service. They provide doctor- and dietitian-created meals for weight loss and some conditions. Read on What to know about Naturally Slim Naturally Slim is an online program that aims to retrain a person's thoughts about food in order to make healthy choices about how and when to eat. Read on What to know about Mom's Meals Mom's Meals prepare nutritious meals that are tailored to address the specific dietary needs of people with several health conditions. Learn more here. Read on What to know about Silver Cuisine Silver Cuisine, a meal delivery subscription company, offer premade and planned meals specifically designed for people over the age of 50 years. Learn more here. Read on Foods to cleanse the arteries A person's arteries can become clogged when plaques build up inside them, reducing blood flow. Eating specific foods cannot cleanse plaques out of the arteries, but diet can help manage and prevent heart disease. Read on Choosing the best protein powder for women Protein powders are a popular dietary supplement available to buy online and over the counter. People often associate them with men, but women also use them. Read on What is the best diet for women? The best diet for women contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains. Learn about the best diets for women here. Read on Which fruits to eat while on a keto diet The keto diet is a low-carb eating plan designed to put a person into a state of ketosis. Though fruits contain natural sugars, some can fit into a keto meal plan. Read on Everything to know about The Warrior Diet The Warrior Diet is based on intermittent fasting principles. It may have health and weight loss benefits for some people, but may not be suitable or safe for others. Read on What to know about the SirtFood diet The Sirtfood diet is a dietary plan that restricts calories and food intake. Its creators claim the diet can promote weight loss and help prevent disease and aging. Read on   Overactive Bladder (OAB) How to treat an overactive bladder at night This MNT Knowledge Center article looks at the causes of nocturia, which causes frequent urination at night. It is often confused with overactive bladder but there are important differences. Learn about how to prevent nocturia and get a good night's sleep, as well as how to spot the difference between nocturia and OAB. Read on   Osteoarthritis 5 foods to avoid for arthritis Some foods may increase inflammation or trigger pain for people with arthritis. Here are five foods to avoid and what to eat instead. Read on   Pain / Anesthetics 13 ways to manage chronic pain Chronic pain is complex, and it can take some time to work out the best methods for pain relief. Read about various pain relief techniques here. Read on   Pediatrics / Children's Health Causes and treatments of rosy cheeks on a baby There are many potential causes of rosy cheeks on a baby. Learn all about the different causes, treatments, and when to speak to a doctor here. Read on When do babies start talking? Babies typically say their first words between 7–12 months of age. However, all babies develop language at different rates. Learn more here. Read on   Pharmacy / Pharmacist How much ibuprofen is too much? Taking too much ibuprofen can cause mild to severe side effects. In rare cases, it can be fatal. Learn more about dosage and safety here. Read on   Pregnancy / Obstetrics What does early pregnancy discharge look like? The amount of vaginal discharge typically increases in early pregnancy, but its appearance does not change significantly. Learn about other factors that affect vaginal discharge here. Read on   Respiratory What could cause a sharp pain when breathing in? A sharp pain when breathing in has several possible causes. Some will resolve without medical care, while others will require treatment. Learn more here. Read on What to know about quitting smoking cold turkey People may find it difficult to quit smoking, but the health benefits outweigh going through withdrawal. Read on   Rheumatology What to know about a ganglion cyst on the foot A ganglion cyst can appear on the foot. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment options here. Read on   Sexual Health / STDs What to know about oral sex and barrier methods Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread through oral sex. People can use barrier methods to prevent this from happening. Learn more here. Read on   Shingles What side effects can the shingles vaccine cause? The shingles vaccine is effective, but it can cause side effects. Learn about the possible mild, serious, and long term side effects here. Also, learn who may benefit the most from the vaccine and who should avoid it. Read on   Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia What happens if you sleep with your eyes open? People sometimes sleep with their eyes open, which is known medically as nocturnal lagophthalmos. Symptoms caused by this condition include redness and blurry vision. Treatment options include eye drops, moisture goggles, or even surgery. It does not usually have serious complications. Learn more about it here. Read on Choosing the best headphones for sleep For some people, wearing headphones may aid sleep. Learn about some of the benefits and risks, as well as how to choose the best headphones for sleep, here. Read on How to choose the best cotton sheets Cotton sheets are breathable, soft, and available in different styles. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of using cotton sheets here. Read on   Sports Medicine / Fitness What to know about foam rollers Some of the reported benefits of foam rolling include aiding recovery, improving range of motion, and preventing injury. Learn about some top foam rollers here. Read on What causes a side stitch and how to treat and prevent it A side stitch is pain felt on the side of the abdomen that occurs during physical activity. A side stitch is not harmful and does not require medical attention  Read on 9 meniscus tear exercises Here, find nine gentle exercises that may help strengthen and heal a torn meniscus. We also explore recovery and when to contact a doctor. Read on What are the best exercises for overall health and fitness? A combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training can help a person build muscle strength and improve their heart, lung, and circulatory health. Read on   Vascular What can cause poor circulation in the hands? Poor circulation in the hands may occur due to several conditions or lifestyle choices. We look at the possible causes of poor circulation and treatments. Read on   Environment / Water / Pollution What are the health effects of noise pollution? Noise pollution's health effects can include short-term symptoms, such as stress, as well as conditions such as hearing impairment. Read on   Women's Health / Gynecology What to know about rashes in the vaginal area A vaginal rash is actually usually on the vulva. It may cause discomfort, especially while a person is sitting or having sex. This article reviews causes, treatments, and when to call a doctor. Read on Sticky discharge: What causes it and what to do about it Most females experience sticky vaginal discharge at some point. It is usually a good thing, but in some cases, sticky discharge can signal an underlying problem. Read on

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