Premature atrial complexes (PACs) are extra heartbeats in the atria. The atria are two chambers in the heart that receive blood from the veins. PACs are the most common variety ofcardiacarrhythmias. Verywell / Cindy Chung This is when the heart beats irregularly, too slow, or too fast. An estimated 50% of all people with or without heart disease have PACs. While PACs themselves are usually harmless, some research suggests they may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk....

This article discusses premature birth, including the effects on the baby and the birthing parent. Jill Lehmann Photography/ Getty Images Weeks Considered Premature Birth: How Early Can a Baby Be Born? Healthcare providers measure pregnancy development in weeks. Jill Lehmann Photography/ Getty Images A full-termpregnancylasts 40 weeks. Birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. The risks usually increase the earlier a baby is born. They are also less likely to experience feelings of attachment and connectedness with their babies....

A transgender woman, man, or non-binary person may choose to undergo gender affirmation surgery. Gender dysphoria is the distress some trans people feel when their appearance does not reflect their gender. Dysphoria can be the cause of poor mental health or trigger mental illness in transgender people. Fuse / Getty Images These steps are one way the medical community and insurance companies limit access to gender-affirmative procedures. Steps may include:...

These may include: This list is not all-inclusive. Other health conditions may increase risks during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and any health conditions you may have. Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images Don’t stop taking your medication or change your treatment plan without first talking to your healthcare provider. Which Providers Oversee High-Risk Pregnancy? The University of Utah offersa search toolon its website to help locate perinatologists in your area....

In anticipation of a sleep study, the last thing that anyone wants to experience is a night ofinsomnia. Whether in a testing center or at home, how can you avoid insomnia during a sleep test? Most sleep disorders require a diagnostic test to elucidate the cause. Oktay Ortakcioglu/iStockPhoto The testing should be performed during your typical sleep timing. If you are a night owl or work a night shift, the test should reflect thesecircadianpreferences....

Presbyopiamakes it difficult to see well up close as you age. It is often necessary to hold reading materials at arm’s length. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are other forms of refractive errors. Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health Why Age-Farsightedness Happens With age comes changes to thelens of your eye. The lens is at the front of the eye, tucked behind that colored iris. It focuses light rays on theretinaat the back of the eye....

Healthcare providers useprescription abbreviationsbased on Latin words. These abbreviations tell your pharmacist two things: Knowing how to read medical shorthand will help youunderstand your prescriptions. When you know what medication you will be receiving, you will be able to ask informed questions. Strauss/Curtis / Getty Images Strauss/Curtis / Getty Images This article will help you learn to read your prescriptions. It will also discuss how understanding your prescriptions can help prevent medical errors....

opiate or narcotic) abuse. When you depend on your medications to function, having them stolen can throw your life into turmoil. It pays to know how to protect yourself and what to do if your meds are stolen. Tetra Images / Getty Images Who Steals Opioids? When you think of your drugs being stolen, you may automatically picture being mugged by a violent stranger. That certainly does happen, especially to people leaving the pharmacy....

Most people don’t need prescription medicine to treat the common cold or influenza. Severe upper respiratory tract symptoms, though, may benefit from prescription drugs. Antiviral medications can help to shorten the duration and reduce symptoms of the flu and COVID-19, for example. Hero Images / Getty Images Antibiotics may be needed to treat a bacterial infection. Other prescription cold medicines include antihistamines, cough medicines, and nasal sprays. This article discusses prescription cold medicine and other treatments for upper respiratory tract infections....

These medications include azelaic acid, retinoid, antibiotic, and combination creams and gels. Azelaic Acid Azelaic acid is a prescription cream or gel for mild tomoderate acne. It is also sold under the brand names Azelex and Finacea. Boyloso / Getty Images It also helps normalize the shedding of dead skin cells and decreases inflammation. Azelaic acid has the added benefit of improvingpost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the discoloration left after an acne lesion has healed....

Additional symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the head pressure. Tension headaches often cause tension in the neck and scalp muscles, leading to a feeling of head pressure. Sometimes, figuring out what is causing discomfort with a headache can be challenging. Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images Pain, pressure, irritability, and nausea are all symptoms that can occur with headaches. There are several potential causes, some more serious than others....

Research suggests that performing proprioception and balance training can possibly preventankle sprains. Ankle sprains occur when your ankle rolls over abnormally when running, jumping, and landing from a jump. Too much stress to those ankle ligaments and they may stretch and tear, leading to an ankle sprain. Dave and Les Jacobs / Getty Images One component of your ankle sprain prevention program should be working on balance and proprioception. What Is Proprioception Training?...

These stains cannot be washed out. Benzoyl peroxide is a popular and effective acne treatment for many. Or, you might conclude that it’s worth sacrificing some towels in the name of clear skin. Nikola Ilic / Getty Images Either way, hold on. Let It Dry Thoroughly Wash your hands well with soap and water after you apply benzoyl peroxide. (If you used a benzoyl peroxidecleanser, rinse your face and hands very well before toweling off....