Measles Outbreak in Texas Suggests a Growing Threat
Measles — a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening respiratory virus that is often characterized by a blotchy rash — is spreading fast in rural Texas, with some other states also seeing an uptick in cases.On Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported that 58 infections had been identified in five counties. Thirteen of those patients have been...
What Is Postpartum Depression? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Postpartum depression may result from a combination of different factors. Researchers believe that, in general, genetics, hormonal changes, and emotional issues are key contributors.Hormonal fluctuations that occur after giving birth can play a big role in a new mother’s mood changes. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels increase to fortify both the uterus and the placenta. But delivery alters...
The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Mental Health Disorders
The relationship between ulcerative colitis and mental health disorders is complex. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests that any chronic illness can increase a person’s risk of depression and that those with both chronic illness and depression often have more severe symptoms of both conditions.People who have anxiety and depression alongside UC may view and manage their symptoms...
Crohn’s and Iron-Deficiency Anemia: What’s the Link?
Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type of anemia, is a condition in which your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.This type of anemia occurs when you’re not getting enough iron or are losing too much iron. Your body needs adequate iron to produce hemoglobin, a substance in red blood...
Managing 5 Challenges of Immune Thrombocytopenia
Whether you’ve been living with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for months or years, there’s no denying that the condition can throw some curveballs your way. Part of that is because ITP can cause symptoms such as bleeding and fatigue, which can make it difficult to go about your daily life.About half of people with ITP say the condition affects their...
Diet Changes for People With Immune Thrombocytopenia
Living with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a blood disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising, can be frustrating in many ways. Aside from getting the proper treatment and medication from a doctor, many people with ITP may wonder if dietary changes can help get their platelet count up.“I think we all wish there was one food you...
What Is Titanium Dioxide in Food: A Complete Guide
Even if you’ve never heard of titanium dioxide, there’s a good chance that this additive is somewhere in your kitchen. It’s found in everything from canned soup to trail mix to shredded cheese. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved titanium dioxide as safe for human consumption in small amounts, it’s banned from foods in Europe...
How to Disinfect Your House After an Illness or to Avoid Getting Sick
You may want to clean your shoes if they are dirty or smelly, or if you’ve stepped in something nasty, but you aren’t going to catch a virus from your shoes, says Donelan.How Frequently Should You Wash Your Shoes?You really only need to wash your shoes when they’re soiled, says Donelan.When Should You Wash Your Shoes?You may want to...
Can Coffee Help You Lose Weight?
Coffee may aid your weight loss efforts in the following ways.It Revs Up Your MetabolismCoffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, enhancing wakefulness and alertness.Caffeine also affects your body’s physiology in ways that may support a healthy weight. “Coffee increases metabolism because its main component, caffeine, is a stimulant that enhances your metabolic thermogenesis,...
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
PsychotherapyPsychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can be used alone or in combination with medications for TRD to help you identify underlying issues that may be contributing to your depression. It can also teach you coping behaviors to help manage your symptoms and deal effectively with life stressors.Adding a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy to standard medication...
